2023.03.28 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 14, 2023 Page 5 of 6 services to assist with addressing this matter. Councilmember Abdulle thanked staff for their great work. He explained this may seem simple, but he believed this was an important action for the City to take. He stated it was important for the City to consider what next steps should be taken in order to address Ordinances with lenses towards racial equity, to identify contemporary discriminatory systems, and to dismantle systemic racism practices and policies in New Brighton. He wanted to see the City exploring its housing corridors and what opportunities were available to provide more housing and more housing types for New Brighton residents. He appreciated the fact that this Council has shown the importance of equity and inclusion and he appreciated staff’s expertise in bringing this action forward. Councilmember Allen thanked staff for their efforts and for bringing this item before the Council. He believed it made a tremendous amount of sense for the City to work with Just Deeds on this issue in order to address the injustices of the past. Councilmember Axberg discussed the work she did during COVID to learn more about racial covenants and prejudices in the community. She thanked staff and the Equity Commission for their efforts and she appreciated the fact that there was a call to action. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked how the City would be communicating with residents regarding this matter. She supported the City posting a sign in Hidden Oaks park stating that the racial covenants on the property had been discharged. Councilmember Abdulle reported he believed there was value in people knowing the history of the Hidden Oaks property. He indicated there were people that had a hard time understanding discrimination was real. He discussed how transportation corridors went directly through low income communities and how families lost their homes. He explained while he appreciated the proposed signs, he believed it was more important for the City to take concrete policy actions. Councilmember Allen indicated he supported the City reaching out to the 50 identified properties via mail and recommended the City post information regarding this initiative on the website. He stated if a monument sign was created for Hidden Oaks park, the history of this park could be shared. Councilmember Abdulle commented on a recent trip he took to Washington DC noting he visited the Museum of African American History and Culture. He stated the exhibits were very triggering to him. He explained he was an African immigrant to the United States and he was not a descendent to slavery. He commented further on how the inhumane mistreatment of black individuals was written in vivid detail throughout this museum. He feared that by posting signs in Hidden Oaks park, this may be triggering to people of color that visit and use this space. He stated he did not want the City to create or do more harm. Assistant City Manager Lehmann reported the Equity Commission spoke about the trauma and triggering, even when notifying property owners. She indicated the education and awareness campaign would be further addressed by the Equity Commission at their next meeting on Thursday. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated she fully supported the City notifying people regarding the racial covenants that may be in place. She understood these property owners may not be aware of the covenants and she wanted to see the City having a very sensitive approach when communicating with property owners. She suggested the City offer office hours in order to have questions and concerns addressed. She encouraged staff to provide residents with a firm definition on what it means to discharge the covenants. She recommended the City hold some type of educational event, perhaps in cooperation with the Historical Society in order to reach a broader audience regarding racial covenants. DEI Coordinator Schlieu thanked the Council for their feedback. Motion by Councilmember Abdulle, seconded by Councilmember Allen to adopt a Resolution condemning the use of discriminatory covenants, discharging discriminatory covenants on city-owned property, and approving participation in the Just Deeds Coalition.