03-20-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 20, 2023 12 E. Council Norms of Behavior Discussion Mayor Grant noted the norms of behavior from 2016 tended to be more staff oriented than Council oriented. Councilmember Rousseau thought they should consider acknowledging accomplishments of staff, committees and businesses. Councilmember Holden explained there had been issues between businesses when some were acknowledged and others not. Mayor Grant said the League of Minnesota Cities offers a service on collaboration where they would bring in a facilitator who's focus is to get councils to understand procedures and work together effectively. There would be no cost to have them come work with the Council. After a short discussion staff was directed to contact the League regarding Collaboration Services, potentially before the Council retreat. F. Removal of Deed Restrictions Mayor Grant stated we are a torrents state but some home deeds in Arden Hills have been found to have offensive language and racial covenants. Because there are a limited number of Arden Hills' neighborhoods that have them, he suggested sending a letter to those property owners affected to let them know and that changing it is optional. City Administrator Perrault said some cities that have opted in with Just Deeds have passed a resolution, but he could work with them to facilitate how they could help the residents. Mayor Grant noted the areas that were affected and didn't know if they wanted to alert the whole city as having been identified when there were so few. Councilmember Rousseau suggested putting it in the newsletter and following up with a letter. Councilmember Fabel agreed and thought they should pass a resolution. Councilmember Holden thought they should contact the people affected directly with a letter as we know the addresses. Mayor Grant suggested putting it on social media but not in the newsletter. Councilmember Fabel noted that since the fair housing act was passed this wording is of little legal consequence but some people will want to change it, and again suggested putting it in the newsletter. Mayor Grant said only about 5% of Arden Hills properties have been identified as having the language, and he would rather not alarm the rest of the city to think they need to look into it. Councilmember Fabel felt it was good for people to know about this as it relates to black history.