11-16-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 16, 2020 4 Councilmember McClung stated he would be supportive of the creation of a Civilian Review Board, but he agreed that all contract cities would have to be on board with this initiative. Mayor Grant questioned how the Council wanted to address the power of the budget to create change. Councilmember Holden commented one thing she would like to see addressed is transit. Secondly, she would like the amount of affordable housing in Arden Hills to be better explained and communicated to the public. She explained 43% of the housing units in Arden Hills were affordable. Mayor Grant stated in the under 30% AMI, the most affordable units, the City has 292 units all in one location within Arden Manor. He commented after having numerous conversations with the public, it was his understanding residents supported the contract the City has with the Sheriff's Department and the public wanted these services in place 24 hours a day seven days a week. Councilmember Holmes discussed how there was a growing number of mental health calls in Ramsey County. She commented on how the State Legislator was addressing this concern and could possibly be proposing new training for police officers on how to respond to mental health crisis situations. She noted some police departments have social workers that respond to mental health calls. Mayor Grant reported domestic disputes and neighbor to neighbor disputes were dangerous calls for officers to respond to. He stated the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department was well trained to work through the neighbor to neighbor mental health concerns. Councilmember Scott reported after talking with the residents in his neighborhood they welcome a strong police presence in Arden Hills. He commented he did not support reducing the funding for the current level of police services. Councilmember McClung agreed stating he would like the current level of services to remain as is. However, he understood society was changing and there was a lot that needs to be done at the State and County level to address mental health concerns. Mayor Grant discussed how the City communicates budgeting information to Arden Hills residents. Councilmember McClung reported the City does a great job presenting budgeting information to the public. He suggested the City consider being more vocal about when budget worksession meetings are held in 2021 in order to further invite residents into the process. Councilmember Holden commented on how the City promoted the chicken survey and stated there was only so much advertising the City can do. She explained if people wanted to be proactive, they would read the City newsletter and become engaged. She questioned what more the City could do.