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Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday,July 18, 2011 <br /> Page 9 <br /> supporting the concept in theory, Member Brisbois expressed concern with the <br /> practicality given ongoing budget issues; and citizens giving up their state rights, <br /> in addition to lack of in-house legal counsel. <br /> Councilmember McGehee questioned if it was possible to identify various ethnic <br /> groups in the community to provide presentations to the community about their <br /> culture, rather than the annual forum hosted by the HRC. Councilmember McGe- <br /> hee noted one such successful event held by the City of Falcon Heights and the <br /> Somali Community. Councilmember McGehee opined that Roseville residents <br /> would like to understand the various cultures represented in Roseville. <br /> Member Thao opined that it was a great suggestion; and advised that the HRC <br /> was meeting later this month to discuss that very issue. <br /> Vice Chair Grefenberg noted declining attendance at the annual form; and the <br /> HRC's concern that the same invitation was being sent to the same people. Mr. <br /> Grefenberg advised that Roseville Visitors Association (RVA) Executive Director <br /> Julie Larson had suggested that the HRC take their forums to other locations, such <br /> as the Sienna Green Apartments that represented a diverse neighborhood, to in- <br /> volve them more directly in planning the event itself. Mr. Grefenberg advised <br /> that the HRC was open to all ideas. Mr. Grefenberg noted the differing cultures <br /> that did not see City Hall or government as a friendly place, based on their past <br /> experience with and abuses by government authority. <br /> Commissioner Thelma McKenzie arrived in the audience at this time <br /> Mayor Roe suggested resource potential of the International Institute and the St. <br /> Paul Civic Center's Festival of Nations. <br /> Vice Chair Grefenberg expanded further on the work of the HRC's twenty-one <br /> member"Roseville Neighborhood and Community Engagement Task Force." <br /> Councilmember Johnson questioned if the HRC was finding the Parks and <br /> Recreation constellation concept a natural for their group; or if they were heading <br /> in another direction. <br /> Vice Chair Grefenberg advised that the neighborhood constellation as used as a <br /> model; however, the Task Force had yet to decide; as their role was to improve <br /> and make civic engagement happen throughout the City. <br /> Councilmember Johnson thanked the HRC for their update; and expressed his in- <br /> terest in hearing their progress reports as they moved forward. <br /> • <br />