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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – NOVEMBER 16, 2020 6 City Administrator Perrault reported the City of Arden Hills had a Human Rights Committee in the mid-1990’s. He explained this group was disbanded at some point, but it was not clear as to why. Councilmember Holden commented she talked to the chair of the Shoreview Human Rights Committee, Ben Schank, and she learned this group hardly meets quarterly but works to educate the public. She questioned if the City’s existing Commissions could help the cause better than a Human Rights Committee. Councilmember McClung indicated he has been doing research and stated he was not necessarily opposed to a Human Rights Committee if there was a purpose. He commented on the general focus of these groups. He stated the organizations that tended to meet more frequently were in larger communities and had their own police departments. He explained he could support the City having a Human Rights Committee but was uncertain what this group would do. He discussed how difficult it was to find volunteers to serve on the City’s existing Commissions and Committees. He commented on how the discussions held by these groups may overlap with a Human Rights Committee. Councilmember Scott stated he would be in favor of forming a Human Rights Committee. He indicated he would want to be assured that the community was going to engage with this group. Mayor Grant reported a Human Rights Commission was tried years ago, and because this is a smaller community, it was disbanded. He commented on an event that occurred in Arden Hills in 2010 noting a Human Rights Commission was discussed again but there was not enough community support. He indicated he would rather make substantive achievement and progress on the issues, versus creating a committee. He supported the Council reading the book Councilmember Holden suggested. He wanted to see all of the City’s standing committees fully staffed. He stated he was proud of the diversity the City had on its standing committees. Councilmember Holmes understood it was hard to staff the City’s standing committees. She commented unless residents come to the Council requesting a Human Rights Committee, the Council was better off trying to make its existing Commissions more diverse and vibrant. She supported the Council and City staff attending more training and reading the book suggested by Councilmember Holden. Councilmember Holden stated she believed it was a little premature to discuss this issue. She recommended this idea be put on hold for six or twelve months. Mayor Grant asked what the Council thought about this suggestion. Councilmember McClung reported there was not enough appetite to move forward with the committee at this time. He agreed with Councilmember Holden. Councilmember Scott commented he would be supportive of a committee, but he would have to see an interest prior to the group moving forward.