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NEW BUSINESS —10E , AZEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: April 10, 2023 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Dave Perrault, City Administrator SUBJECT: Resolution 2023-018 Condemning Discriminatory Covenants and Approving Participation in the Just Deeds Coalition Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source: N/A N/A N/A Council Should Consider Motions to approve, table, or deny the following: • Resolution 2023-018 Condemning the Use of Discriminatory Covenants, Discharging Discriminatory Covenants on City -Owned Property, and Approving Participation in the Just Deeds Coalition Background At its March worksession, the City Council discussed participation with Just Deeds to assist residents with discharging discriminatory covenants on their property. The memo from the March worksession is attached under Attachment B, this memo provides background on discriminatory covenants and the Just Deeds organization. In short, through the first half of the 201h century, discriminatory covenants were included in deeds to homes that precluded non -white ownership and rentals. Today, enforcement of those covenants is prohibited under Federal law; however, those covenants, while unenforceable, may still exist in the original deed language. This is true for many parts of Ramsey County, including Arden Hills. Tonight's action would be joining a number of cities and Ramsey County to support an organization called Just Deeds (https:Hjustdeeds.org�. Just Deeds works with residents at no -cost to discharge these covenants from their Deeds. The attached resolution has been provided by Just Deeds for consideration. If passed, the City will assist in marketing the program to residents via its website, newsletter, and social media platforms. The City will also work towards discharging any discriminatory covenants that may exist on its properties, too. Budget Imbact N/A Attachments Attachment A: Resolution 2023-018 Attachment B: March 20, 2023 Deed Restrictions Memo Page 1 of 1