11-16-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 16, 2020 5 Councilmember McClung stated he did not have any concrete examples and he believed the City did a good job, but suggested the City pursue one or two more ideas to reach the public. Mayor Grant indicated if residents wanted a more proactive role in the City's budgeting process, they could consider serving on FPAC and could also attend all Council budget worksession meetings. Councilmember Scott stated during his time on the City Council, he has yet to see a single person attending the Truth In Taxation meeting. Mayor Grant commented historically,people do not show up for this meeting. Councilmember Holden reported the League of Minnesota Cities has an equity training program. She recommended a City staff member attend this training. She suggested the City Council hire an organization to conduct an audit of the City's job descriptions to ensure they are inclusive. In addition, the City's hiring practices should be reviewed. She recommended Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota be read by the City Council and City staff in order to learn how to be more inclusive. Mayor Grant recommended staff order five copies of this book. In addition, he supported the City hiring someone to take a look at the job descriptions and hiring practices as well. Councilmember Holden asked if staff was aware of the GARE program through the League of Minnesota Cities. City Administrator Perrault stated he had heard of this program. Councilmember Holden supported City staff members and City Councilmembers attending the GARE program. Councilmember McClung stated he supported the recommendations made by Councilmember Holden. Mayor Grant commented the last item was for the Council to consider creating a Human Rights Commission and to conduct an equity audit. He reported the City already conducted an audit based on gender. He noted the larger concept here was the Human Rights Commission. Councilmember Holden stated before she could support this going forward, she would need to understand what this Commission would be tasked with. Councilmember Holmes explained she spoke with Subbaya Subramanian who serves on the Arden Hills Planning Commission noting he was willing to help the Human Rights Commission get started. She explained Mr. Subramanian previously served on the Roseville Human Rights Commission. She believed the two functions of the Human Rights Commission were to get different cultural voices out in the public and to bring concerns to the City.