HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007/04/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF
T. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
APRIL 9, 2007
The meeting convened at 612 p m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Susan
Sanger, Loran Paprocki.
Councilmembers absent: J. Paul Carver
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Police Lieutenant (Lt. Dreier), Community
Liaison (Ms Olson), HRC Commission Co-Chair (Ms. Shelley Taylor), 2006 HRC Chair (Mr.
Ahmed Maaraba), HRC Commissioner (Mr. Mohamed Abdi), City Clerk (Ms. Stroth) and
Recording Secretary (Ms. Schmidt).
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Mr. Harmemng and Council discussed study session agenda planning.
2. Human Rights Commission Annual Report,Work Plan and Bylaws
Lt. Dreier introduced Commission members Shelly Taylor, Co-Chair of HRC; Marney Olson,
Community Liaison; Mr. Ahmed Maaraba, 2006 HRC Chair and Mr. Mohamed Abdi, HRC
Commissioner.
Mr. Maaraba presented the HRC report, which included the work plan, annual report, and bylaws
of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), with the amendments requested by Council at the
February 5, 2007 meeting.
Mayor Jacobs suggested incorporating interviews with students telling their stones and posting
them on the cable network
Ms. Olson stated that on Apnl 17th the Commission will be having a Joint meeting with the
Community Education Advisory Committee focusing on education and possibly planning some
diversity events in the schools Ms. Taylor suggested an International Film Senes at the Lennox
Community Theatre might draw multiple groups Mayor Jacobs suggested putting it in the
community paper and Councilmember Sanger suggested advertising it in Community Education
Bulletin. Mayor Jeff asked how the HRC would promote this so diversity group attendance could
be achieved. Ms. Taylor suggested advertising it as a free event.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated it is important that people listen and not just talk, so the
Community'understands that people are listening. Mayor Jacobs wished to include a Spanish
forum and Ms. Taylor stated it's on their list. Councilmember Paprocki suggested the HRC
reach out at the school level and connect with the parents. Mayor Jacobs wanted to make sure
that the parents feel connected and welcome in St. Louis Park
Study Session Minutes -2- Apnl 9, 2007
Councilmember Sanger suggested resurrecting the Mixed Blood {Theater} partnership Ms.
Taylor stated they would review what has been done in the past. Councilmember Omodt
complimented the Commission on their work and inquired if they were involved in the anti-
Semitism at the school. Ms. Dreier stated the school liaison dealt with it, a bias crime report was
filled out, and the school is working with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) on
the educational piece.
Councilmember Paprocki asked if there are Muslim Holidays that are not being recognized. Mr.
Maaraba stated the bylaws were written to the City's specifications. Mr. Abdi, HRC
Commissioner, stated there are only two holidays. Councilmember Finkelstein would like more
respect acknowledged with the different traditions.
Mr. Harmening asked if with the recently adopted Strategic Direction, did the HRC examine the
Diversity section of the Vision St. Louis Park in developing goals and recommendations to the
City Council, or if they would be able to incorporate them into the plan. Ms. Olson stated that
the HRC would need to review the recommendations the Diversity Task Force came up with.
Mr. Harmening advised the Commission to review them and provide Council with feedback.
Ms. Olson stated this would be addressed in the future.
Council thanked the HRC for their report.
The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
3. Utility Revenue Bonds
Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff J.cot, M,yor