2017.02.14 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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variances, economic programs, business retention and redevelopment, impacts of recreation in the community, or the impacts of public safety services. Ms. Dunsworth stated she was most interested in economic programs. She indicated she had new eyes regarding this topic but did not have any specific background in finance or economic programming. She explained she had a great deal of interest in the future of the City, long term. Councilmember Bauman asked if Ms. Dunsworth had any questions for the Council. Ms. Dunsworth questioned what the Council was looking for in a Commission 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. Mayor Johnson encouraged Ms. Dunsworth to contact the City with any further questions she may have and thanked her for coming forward and being willing to serve the City. Mayor Johnson and the rest of the Councilmembers welcomed Todd Biedenfeld. Councilmember Jacobsen asked Mr. Biedenfeld to provide the Council with a brief summary of her background and any involvement she has had in the community. Todd Biedenfeld stated he grew up in south Florida and came to Minnesota for college in Marshall, Minnesota. He moved to the cities and had a couple of banking jobs. He explained he moved to New Brighton two years ago and he was setting up roots here with his wife and two children. He reported he was trying to get more involved in the City and acted as a head judge in the recent election. Mayor Johnson asked why Mr. Biedenfeld applied to serve on a Commission. Mr. Biedenfeld explained he asked City Clerk Haarstad how he could get more involved in the community. This led him to serve as an election judge and was guided towards serving as a Commission member. Councilmember Bauman asked why Mr. Biedenfeld felt he would be a good person to represent the community and advise the Council. Mr. Biedenfeld stated he had a desire to get more involved and had good communication skills. Councilmember Strub asked what Mr. Biedenfeld believed were the three most important responsibilities a commission member has to the community. Mr. Biedenfeld stated integrity and honesty were of the utmost importance. In addition, he explained he had troubleshooting and communication experience that would assist him in working in a group situation. Councilmember Jacobsen asked how Mr. Biedenfeld would handle a situation where someone contacted him voicing opposition to an item being discussed at your commission. He questioned if this would change if this person was a family member or close friend. Mr. Biedenfeld indicated he would listen, hear the person out. He stated his actions would not change if it was a family member of close friend.