2017.02.14 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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and would not respond individually. She would want to respond based on the decision of the group, even if she had different views. She explained she would not treat a resident or family friend any differently. Councilmember Strub asked how Ms. Ghouse would respond if she disagreed with a City's policy or regulation that was already in place. Ms. Ghouse stated she would voice her opinion. She explained she would make sure she was being measured in order to weigh her decision. Councilmember Jacobsen stated based on how long Ms. Ghouse has lived in New Brighton, he questioned what the biggest challenges were for the City. Ms. Ghouse believed the biggest challenge facing the City was to create an image that New Brighton wasn't just for its long-time residents. That the City welcomed new residents, new thoughts and new processes. Mayor Johnson asked which of the following strikes Ms. Ghouse as the most interesting: land use and variances, economic programs, business retention and redevelopment, impacts of recreation in the community, or the impacts of public safety services. Ms. Ghouse stated she was most interested in the impacts of public safety services in the community. She reported Mr. Lotter asked her this same question and she believed public safety was the vein of the City, the heartbeat of a community. She wanted to be a part of this in order to help address the immediacy of public safety situations that impact the City. She thought that Public Safety reflected the integrity and fairness of the City, along with showing the importance of its people. Councilmember Bauman asked if Ms. Ghouse Wagner had any questions for the Council. Ms. Ghouse questioned how many vacancies the Public Safety Committee had at this time. Councilmember Jacobsen stated this group had four vacancies. Ms. Ghouse asked what the City was looking for in a Public Safety Committee member. Councilmember Strub believed there was no unified answer given the fact the Council was made up of five different individuals. However, he did believe that it was important to have Commission members that were proud of and interested in serving the community. Ms. Ghouse inquired how much work was required of a Commission member. Mayor Johnson stated the Commissions meet once a month and City staff provided Commission members with staff reports prior to each meeting. She explained Commission members were then responsible for reading through these materials. She understood there were many other volunteer opportunities that would go along with a Public Safety Commission member. Councilmember Bauman discussed the commitment level and did not believe it would be overwhelming. Mayor Johnson encouraged Ms. Ghouse to contact the City with any further questions she may have and thanked her for coming forward and being willing to serve the City.