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Council Agenda Item 9 b
MEETING DATE: April 17, 2008
AGENDA ITEM: Human Rights- Regional Office
SUBMITTED BY: Administration
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The Administrators of St. Joseph, Waite
Park and St. Cloud have been meeting over the past year discussion a regional human rights office and
how it could function effectively. Meetings included discussions with the Commissioner of Human
Rights. The structure has been identified as to how the office can function, and the membership
numbers can change.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: The City Council has previously agreed to move forward with discussion
anticipating a funding commitment of approximately $ 8,000. The Council at this meeting must decide if
St. Joseph will be a part of the St. Cloud Area Human Rights Office.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Cities of St. Cloud, Waite Park and St. Joseph met in joint session
with Velma Korbel, Commissioner of Human Rights in March. The purpose of that meeting was to
answer questions on the function of the office and the proposed structure. The City of St. Cloud
indicated that they are moving forward regardless of participation but they would like to start a joint
effort. Since that meeting the City of Waite Park on a 3-2 vote approved a four year commitment to the
Regional Human Rights Office.
I have included the same graphics that were prepared for the joint meeting. It was clear from the joint
meeting that the representation numbers will vary. St. Cloud has indicated that we can change their
vote to one for the Joint Powers Board. At this time the City needs to make a decision as to whether or
not to financially participate. The documents will be worked out over the next couple of months.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: $ 1.50 per capita for a period of four years.
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution committing to the Regional Human Rights Office.
Organizational Chart and function of the Human Rights Office
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: The Council must decide whether or not to participate in the regional
effort. A resolution has been included for a positive vote. A negative resolution would be drafted after
the meeting if that is the outcome.
RESOLUTION 2008-006
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ST.
CLOUD AND INTERESTED AREA CITIES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING A REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE
WHEREAS, the Regional Human Rights Task Force researched and analyzed the need for
localized human rights services in the St. Cloud area; and
WHEREAS, the Task Force recommendations have been considered and revised to include the
creation of a Regional Human Rights Office by a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the
interested cities, and
WHEREAS, the Regional Human Rights Services will be provided by executing a contract for
services between the JPA and the State Department of Human Rights, and
WHEREAS, those services have been identified to be predominately outreach and education
and the processing and resolution of human rights violations and complaints, and
WHEREAS, the JPA will make use of a Regional Human Rights Commission to assist in guiding
services and evaluating the services of the State, and
WHEREAS, there will be incorporated into the JPA a "sunset" clause after the fourth year
causing the need for a reenactment of the JPA to continue the agreement, and
WHEREAS, each participating entity will not provide more funding than $1.50 per capita
annually during the first four year period of the JPA, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of St. Cloud approves the general concept of a
Regional Human Rights Office as described in this resolution and expresses its desire to
appropriately fund its share of the office and execute the proper documents once negotiated
and prepared.
Adopted by the St. Joseph City Council on April , 2008.
Alan Rassier, Mayor
ATTEST
Judy Weyrens, Administrator
Overview of the Functions of the St. Cloud Area Human Rights Office
Staff time for the St. Cloud Area Human Rights Office can be categorized into the following three
categories:
Complaint Processing -Receive, investigate and make determinations on charges alleging unfair
discriminatory practices. The investigation will include intake,
assessment of the complaint, research and evaluation.
Based on the complaint, resolution can include: mediation, alternative
dispute resolution, facilitation of settlements, referral or dismissal.
Contract Compliance/
other responsibilities Ensure that contractors with the state and city governments are
compliant with applicable affirmative action provisions. Other
responsibilities can include items such as the Human Rights Commission
Activities.
Education/Outreach - Help foster a social environment that values diversity and equality by
educating residents about their rights and responsibilities. Goals of the
Education/Outreach include -
Expand the understanding of the MN Human Rights Act and local
human rights Ordinances.
- Respond to current human rights issues in our communities.
- Conduct Training and. Workshops, such.
/ New Resident Information
/ Fair Housing Training/Tenant Landlord Relations
/ Cultural Sensitivity Training
/ Regularly schedule events focusing on Human Rights
/ Public Safety Training
Service Area of the St. Cloud Area Human Rights Office
While the St. Cloud Area Human Rights Office is part of the MN Human Rights Office, the Cities of St.
Cloud, St. Joseph and Waite Park are responsible for bringing the infrastructure to the St. Cloud Area.
The service provided by the St. Cloud Area Human Rights Office can be divided into the following
categories:
Participating City - Residents living or working in the Cities of St. Cloud, St. Joseph
and Waite Park will receive the full services provided by the
Human Rights Office.
Non Participating City Residents not living or working in the Cities of St. Cloud, St.
Joseph or Waite Park. Once the staff at the Human Rights Office
determine that the party is not a member of a participating City,
the intake information is forwarded to the St. Paul Office for
services.
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