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Special City Council Meeting Thursday, March 29, 2007 Page 5 of 20 Steering Committee member Ann Berry provided a historical perspective on the community over the last 40 years, specifically in her neighborhood; and "aging in place" versus new families of diversity; expressed the advantages of mixed hous- ing in encouraging that diversity; and the uniqueness of the community with neighborhood homes built individually, rather than tract homes, creating well- cared for homes and increasing continuing upkeep when those homes recycled to new owners. Steering Committee member William Majerus noted the need to pro actively ad- dress the community's diversity and how to maximize its potential. Mr. Majerus, in his role on the Roseville School District No. 623 Board, noted that the City's Human Rights Commission (HRC) would be meeting with School Superintendent John Thein at their upcolning lneeting, on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall; and encouraged Councilmembers to plug into that discussion, and note the efforts being undertaken by the School District related to diversity. Commissioner Roe expressed interest in, and noted that this represented a perfect opportunity for the School District and City to work together. Ms. Berry noted that the League of Women Voters has also done a lot related to diversity and interaction. Mr. Majerus noted that Mr. Thein will demonstrate "putting rubber to the road," and specifically highlight where the School District is headed with diversity Councilmember Roe expressed his enthusiasm that this discussion was happening; and sought input on how this engagement of citizens in the visioning process could continue so they remained engaged in the small and large decision-making process and short-term and long-term decisions, in how to get the "biggest bang for the buck." Councilmember Roe was encouraged to hear that the sense of neighbor- hoods was evidenced; and specifically identified future Council discussions on what the City can do to foster that sense of community and keeping people en- gaged in the process. Councilmember Pust concurred with Mr. Keel's comment that diversity repre- sented a productive richness in the community, not a problem, and expressed inter- est in pursuing conversations emphasizing tolerance and appreciativeness for dif- ferences of opinion, and the City Council's responsibility to be a role model in providing a civil, informed and responsive government that reflected those City