2017.03.07 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

She indicated she would want to hear her neighbor out and would be proud that someone sought her out to share their perspective. Mayor Johnson asked how Ms. Malone would represent herself in the public if there was a policy or Ordinance she disagreed with. Ms. Malone appreciated the hierarchy of the City's structure and understood the position of the commission was to advise. She stated she would want to fully understand the policy in question and would seek out as much information as she could. She indicated she would really respect the process and would not come in with an agenda. Councilmember Burg stated based on how long Ms. Malone has lived in New Brighton, she questioned what the biggest challenges were for the City. Ms. Malone stated her family chose to live in New Brighton was because of the schools and the community's diversity. She wanted her children to grow up in a community that was not completely homogenous. She indicated she also wanted the community to reflect her family values. She understood that poverty and affordable housing provided challenges to the community and policing issues. She believed the population was aging and the City would need to address how this would impact New Brighton. She discussed the unique traffic issues that impacted the community and was of the opinion the City used its resources wisely. Councilmember Jacobsen asked which of the following strikes Ms. Malone 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. Ms. Malone stated she was most interested in public safety and her second area of interest was recreation in the community. Mayor Johnson asked if Ms. Malone had any questions for the Council. Ms. Malone questioned if she should be in contact with her references. Lotter stated these references would only be checked if staff was directed by the Council. Mayor Johnson provided further comment on the process the Council would be following in order to make a decision on the appointments. She invited Ms. Malone to participate in the Comp Plan process. She encouraged Ms. Malone to contact the City with any further questions he may have. She thanked Ms. Malone for coming forward and being willing to serve the City. Mayor Johnson asked if there was a way for the Council to discuss the commission candidates without being on camera. Lotter stated the choice to televise was a choice of the City Council. He explained that as long as the meeting was recorded with minutes the all open meeting law requirements were being met. He commented he could consult with the City Attorney to propose the Council holding a performance review of the commissioners in a closed meeting. Mayor Johnson requested staff look into this to ensure that the Council was acting in a respectful manner. Councilmember Burg believed there were a lot of opportunities for the Council to improve on the City's commissions.