CC_Minutes_2009_0209 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 9, 2009 Page 19 ponent of their appointments to Advisory Commissions, should consider geo- graphical locations of applicants to fully engage the entire community. Mr. Grefenberg, opined that there was merit in this approach, if it was sufficiently planned out with the HRC; and he expressed his excitement with such an ap- proach, and visualizing the assets in neighborhoods. Mr. Grefenberg provided some anecdotal perspectives from his recent political campaigning, and those residents from cultures having limited English skills who had no sense that they were part of the community, making them dependent on their specific ethnic neighborhoods. Mr. Grefenberg opined that they and the entire community could be enriched if they became engaged in their broader neighborhood. Councilmember Ihlan noted previous receipt of an e-mail from the current HRC Chair, David Singleton, his hope that the HRC would be a participant in this dis- cussion and the City Council consideration of such a role for them. Councilmem- ber Ihlan asked that this be included as part of the record for future discussions. Councilmember Ihlan supported Mr. Grefenberg's suggestion that the HRC be at the table before any further discussion was held. Councilmember Ihlan opined that is was important to recognize that historically, Roseville was the first metro- politan suburb to have an HRC; and that it was important that the role and title of the Commission not be lost. Councilmember Ihlan supported expanding the role of the HRC, while retaining their legacy. Councilmember Johnson spoke in support of the HRC broadening their capacity in the community, serving as an advocate in the healing process and, as stated in Imagine Roseville 2025, to abolish intolerance and creating neighborhood com- munities. Councilmember Johnson opined this was very meaningful and impor- tant, to further enhance the small town feel of Roseville, recognizing the diversity of the community. Councilmember Johnson opined that this proposal was very appropriate to achieving those goals. Acting Mayor Roe offered no objection to taking a look at this proposal further, opining that it seemed apparent that the City Council wanted the involvement of the HRC throughout the process, suggesting that their role be in drafting such an ordinance for recommendation to the City Council, with input from the commu- nity. Acting Mayor Roe noted the spontaneity coming out of the small group dis- cussions held at the United Way facilitated diversity forum related to diversity and neighborhoods, with the focus on being a good neighbor, and that the conclu- sions that neighborliness seemed to be a way to address conflicts and tensions. d. Discuss Campaign Literature City Attorney Anderson briefly reviewed their firm's written legal opinion dated January 12, 2009 related to a citizen inquiry on the City's regulation of campaign literature distribution by groups or individuals other than a political candidate, and included in the staff report dated February 9, 2009.