CCP 12-07-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

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