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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 16,2013 Page 17 • With many tenants living paycheck to paycheck, it is often difficult to get the first month's rent and deposit money together, making it even more difficult to make the transition if evicted. While the proposal is intended to protect tenants, Ms. Mu Nana Loo wanted the City to be aware that there may be negative impacts on residents in the communi- ty, and invited the City to work with their organization for everyone's benefit. On behalf of the City Council, staff and community, Mayor Roe thanked Ms. Mu Nana Loo and Mr. Eh Tha Khu for their comments and their attendance. Mayor Roe noted that the solutions may involve organizations outside the community as well. Mayor Roe noted that there were protections against eviction in Minnesota State Law, but clarified that it was key for renters to understand their rights, espe- cially those new to the country and community. Mayor Roe noted that it was un- fortunate that apartments were affordable due to their lack of maintaining a safe and healthy presence; and if kept orderly, were then able to charge more rent. With numerous State and Federal programs available to assist with rent, Mayor Roe noted that the important thing was for the City to connect renters with those resources. Mayor Roe thanked the speaker for bringing the potential for unin- tended consequences to the City Council's attention early on in the discussions to avoid them. Mayor Roe thanked the City's Human Rights Commission for working with the Karen community, specifically on this issue. Councilmember Willmus concurred with comments that the City and its staff needed to connect with various immigrant groups. Mayor Roe suggested this may be a partnership opportunity with the School Dis- trict. Gary Grefenberg, Roseville Human Resource Commission Chair Mr. Grefenberg advised that, during a recently held meeting with the Karen com- munity, this was one of their major concerns. Mr. Grefenberg advised that, due to their significant concerns, their response to staff's licensing proposal had been guarded and fearful. Subsequent to that meeting, Mr. Grefenberg advised that he and leaders of the Karen community had met with Ms. Kelsey, with the result that a lot of good will and common ground found on both sides. With ongoing com- munication between staff and the Karen community, Mr. Grefenberg opined that their fears could be further resolved. Mr. Grefenberg noted that most of the Karen community did not speak English, and asked that when flyers were sent out in the future, the City allow for funding to have those translated and mailed accordingly.