2017.02.28 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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population whose needs had to be addressed. He believed New Brighton would be a growing City for the foreseeable future. Mayor Johnson asked which of the following strikes him as the most interesting: land use and variance, economic programs, business retention and redevelopment, impacts of recreation in the community, or the impacts of public safety services. Mr. Jones stated his preference was to serve on the Planning Commission. He indicated he was also interested in economic development. Mayor Johnson asked if Mr. Jones had any questions for the Council. Mr. Jones questioned the time commitment for Planning Commission members. Mayor Johnson stated each commissioner receives an iPad and meeting materials (packets) are loaded onto the Wad. She explained that commissioners are asked to come prepared to the meetings having read through the packet and to visit the properties being discussed. In addition, he would be asked to listen to the public by getting to know his neighbors. Councilmember Jacobsen reported the packets are ready approximately one week prior to the meeting. He estimated the Planning Commission meets 11 or 12 times per year. He indicated staff or the Council Liaison would be available to take questions. Councilmember Burg believed staff provided very thorough reports to the Planning Commission and were able to answer questions prior to the meeting. Mayor Johnson encouraged Mr. Jones to contact the City with any further questions he may have. She thanked Mr. Jones for coming forward and being willing to serve the City. Mayor Johnson and the rest of the Councilmembers welcomed Rachel Nelson. She asked Ms. Nelson to provide the Council with a brief summary of her background and any involvement she has had in the community. Rachel Nelson thanked the Council for their time. She stated she has lived in the community for two years and noted her grandparents lived her. She thought New Brighton was an open community that was caring. She indicated she was an attorney and graduated from Hamline Law School. She stated she had practiced criminal defense law and has worked on housing and transportation issues. Currently she works with cities on behalf of 15 building trades and 1,300 contractors to ensure they are paying appropriate wages. Councilmember Jacobsen asked what made Ms. Nelson apply for a Commission position. Ms. Nelson stated she thought it was cool. She reported her dad was on the Fridley Charter Commission and has served for many years. This led her to want to get involved in her City. Councilmember Bauman asked why Ms. Nelson felt she would be a good person to represent the community and advise the Council. Ms. Nelson discussed her work experience and believed she had a good understanding of how to keep her eye on what was best for the whole.