Human
Rights Advisory &
Awareness Commission Minutes
November 27, 2007
6:00 P.M.
In
Attendance: Absent:
Dave Freese
Paul Ward
Terry
Bryant
Patrick Burch
Art Manse
Ray Lester
John
Hoffmann
Walter Smith
Sue
Williams
Council Liaison: Mayor
Swoboda
Staff Liaison: Georgia
Ragland
Call to Order
Dave Freese called the meeting to order at
6:01.m.
Approval of Minutes
John Hoffman made a motion to approve the
minutes of July 17. Art Manse seconded the motion. All were in
favor.
Citizen Comments
Gerry Biedenstein introduced himself and
said he was running for city council.
Old Business
It was reported that the essay contest
awards drew a nice crowd at the council meeting. A picture and
article made it into the papers. It was suggested that next year
perhaps a more specific question might be how do we make our
community more inclusive? Staff reported that some essays were
given to the school board and city department heads where
appropriate.
New Business
Members discussed their experiences at
attending a neighborhood meeting in Meacham Park. There are a
lot of renters and a lot of elderly, commented Sue Williams,
that seem to feel disconnected from the larger community. Art
Manse noted that the neighborhood has changed from one where
everyone knew everyone else. A lot of the problems in Meacham
Park seem to be brought there by outsiders. Dave Freese asked
what can/should we do to address how people feel in Meacham
Park? A discussion concluded that there are no easy answers and
that the commission should keep eyes and ears open for
opportunities for interaction. The mayor suggested inviting
Police Chief Jack Plummer to a future meeting to continue the
discussion about Meacham Park.
Adjournment
Susan Williams moved to adjourn. Terry
Bryant seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05
p.m.
The next meeting date was set for
January 15, 2008.
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