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<br /> ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 9, 1998 10 <br /> . Ms. Shah stated she attended a meeting with Shoreview's Human Rights Commission and found <br /> this City is doing a good job in educating children about human rights. She gave additional <br /> examples ofthe efforts being put forth by other surrounding communities and stated Arden Hills <br /> can also be active in a positive way for the future of the children in the community. <br /> Ms. Shah indicated that the queslions being put forth to the City Council are: <br /> . What is the future status of the Arden Hills Human Rights program? <br /> . Does the City Council recognize the importance of the program? <br /> . What are the key activities the City Council would like to see take place in the future? <br /> Ms. Shah suggested Arden Hills join with other cities, such as Shoreview and Roseville, in an <br /> effort to help promote education of human rights. <br /> Mayor Probst asked how the information is being distributed within Shoreview. Ms. Shah <br /> explained the information is being sent to parents and she has suggested it be taken directly to the <br /> School District. <br /> Councilmcmber Aplikowski asked Ms. Shah if she could suggest one activity which Arden Hills <br /> needs to do right now. Ms. Shah stated the City should work with the schools and hold an essay <br /> contest. Councilmember Aplikowski noted that it had been difficult in the past conducting <br /> centralized activities as the City does not have a central building to house them. <br /> . Councilmember Keirn noted that the previous Human Rights Commission had hoped to publish a <br /> brochure and asked if this is still in the plan. Ms. Shah stated, if the Commission is asked to <br /> provide a brochure they will, however, it will depend upon whether or not the budget will allow <br /> for it. She pointed out that, in the past, the Commission had been involved primarily in <br /> mediation training. The focus of the new Commission is toward more involvement in education. <br /> Councilmember Keirn pointed out that resources are often more limited with the smaller cities. <br /> Ms. Shah suggested Arden Hills can look at the concepts of other cities and come up with <br /> projects which are feasible within its resources. <br /> Councilmember Larson stated he is in favor of the idea of an essay contest for students and <br /> suggested the City offer a cash prize and publish the winner's name in the local paper. <br /> Mayor Probst stated when the focus of the Human Rights Commission shifted from mediation <br /> training 10 being activity driven, some members of the Commission lost interest. It has been <br /> difficult to recruit new members and over the next few months, the Commission should work to <br /> identify new volunteers. Ms. Shall indicated that support from the City Council may be needed <br /> in order to maintain interest in the Commission. <br /> Mayor Probst asked if the City has ever denied financial support to the Commission. Ms. Shah <br /> indicated that the only financial support requested has been to pay for her attendance at an annual <br /> . conference and this has never been denied. <br /> Mr. Fritsinger pointed out that schools in Arden Hills have students from two other cities and are <br /> part of one larger school district. He suggested Arden Hills work with these other cities, <br /> specifically Shoreview, and the school district, to ensure one message is being sent. <br /> ------ <br />