2023.03.28 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

March 14, 2023 Page 4 of 6 the local watershed. Parks and Recreation Director reported the proposed plans have been reviewed and conditionally approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District. Councilmember Allen reported Hansen Park was the closest park to his home. He discussed the comments he has heard about the current condition of the trails and he hoped the renovation of the park would address these concerns. City Manager Massopust explained staff understands that current hydrology of the park and noted the new plans would address the flow of water through the park. Parks and Recreation Director Fink reported staff was working very closely with WSB on this project in order to have the right materials in the park to properly drain water away from the trails. Councilmember Abdulle questioned if there were any creative ways to reuse water in the park. Parks and Recreation Director Fink explained this could be addressed with the watershed district in Phase II. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked how staff would be communicating with residents regarding the project timeline for this park. Parks and Recreation Director Fink reported site signs would be posted in the park and noted further communication would be sent to residents after bids were approved. Motion by Councilmember Abdulle, seconded by Councilmember Axberg to adopt a Resolution making findings of fact and approving a site plan based authorizing renovation work at Hanse Park. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried 3. Consider a resolution condemning the use of discriminatory covenants, discharging discriminatory covenants on city-owned properties, and approving participation in the Just Deeds Coalition. City Manager Massopust indicated DEI Coordinator Schlieu would be presenting this item to the Council. DEI Coordinator Schlieu stated in 1968, the US Federal Government passed the Fair Housing Act, which protected people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, etc. The 1968 Act effectively made discriminatory covenants not enforceable, but did not remove the language from property deeds. Discriminatory covenants created long- lasting consequences and a legacy of inequity between White persons and Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC). Discriminatory covenants promoted and established residential racial segregation, which continues to prevent access to property ownership, accumulation of wealth, property transfers, mortgage eligibility, rental eligibility, propert y values, property tax base, education, transportation, medical care, home ownership, internet access, environmentally healthy spaces, and more. There are fifty residential properties and two City- owned properties identified to have discriminatory covenants in their deeds. The Resolution shows the City’s commitment to dismantling systemic racism and discrimination in housing, provides the education to help acknowledge the history of racism, and connects property owners in New Brighton to access free legal and title services to help find and discharge discriminatory covenants from their property titles. The Resolution also authorizes staff to take next steps toward discharging the racial covenants on the two City-owned properties located at Hidden Oaks Park. The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners voted to join Just Deeds June 14, 2022, and approved an action exempting residents from paying a filing fee to discharge a restrictive covenant, as stated in Minnesota Statute 507.18 subd. 5. Just Deeds is a coalition of community stakeholders committed to acknowledging and addressing systemic racism in housing in Minnesota. Twenty municipalities in Ramsey and Hennepin County have joined the Just Deeds Coalition since 2020. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval of a Resolution condemning the use of discriminatory covenants. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked staff for their efforts to address this matter and for engaging with the Equity Commission. In addition, she thanked the City Attorney for offering her 3. Consider a resolution condemning the use of discriminatory covenants, discharging discriminatory covenants on city- owned properties, and approving participation in the Just Deeds Coalition.