2015.03.10 Work Session Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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responsibilities of an advisory commission member to the community. Vivian Neumann-Walker believed the needs of the community should be considered along with a sense of fairness in decision making. Councilmember Jacobsen asked why she would be a good person to represent the opinions and concerns of the City. Ms. Neumann-Walker stated at her stage in life, she wanted to contribute, draw from her past experiences in the business community and provide her perspective to assist the City. Councilmember Strub requested Ms. Neumann-Walker describe the experience she has had with development and redevelopment in New Brighton. Ms. Neumann-Walker stated she has not participated in any developing, but she has taken part in business development. She noted she was on the Economic Council. Councilmember Bauman asked if there was a new development project in the City that she knew about and if she believed it was good for the City. Ms. Neumann-Walker commented that she did not know much about what was going on except for how the quadrant was developing. She was pleased with the new homes and townhomes that were being constructed. She would like to see a small strip mall adjacent to the homes with a restaurant and coffee shop to service these new homeowners. She believed that several other service industries may also fit well in this area. Mayor Jacobsen questioned what Ms. Neumann-Walker would do if a friend or neighbor was an applicant and spoke for a request before the Planning Commission. Ms. Neumann-Walker explained she would vote according to what was best for the City. Mayor Jacobsen noted the Planning Commission's role was to enforce the rules or Ordinances already adopted by the City Council. He asked what she would do if she disagreed with an Ordinance in place. Ms. Neumann-Walker stated she may discuss this matter with staff or the Commission to find the reason why it was put in place in order to further understand the situation. She commented that as time goes on, some ordinances may be outdated and may need revision. However, if the ordinance was suiting the needs of the City she would have to support it. Councilmember Jacobsen indicated the Planning Commission meets on Tuesday evenings and asked if this would work with Ms. Neumann-Walker's schedule. Ms. Neumann-Walker commented that she would be out of town in March and April for work travel, but would otherwise be in town. Councilmember Bauman thanked Vivian Neumann-Walker for attending and for her willingness to serve the City. Councilmember Burg asked Saeed Bihi the first question and wondered what were the three most important responsibilities of an advisory commission member to the community.