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<br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Wagner stated she has background in public safety and that was where she felt most comfortable. <br />However, she wouldn’t oppose being pushed outside of her comfort zone. She explained she loved the <br />Community Center and was also interested in the City’s parks. She indicated she was not so interested in land <br />use and variance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman asked if Ms. Wagner had any questions for the Council. <br /> <br />Ms. Wagner questioned if the City had enough interest for the currently vacant positions. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson stated the City had enough applicants at this point and the challenge would be to find the right <br />place for them to serve the community. She encouraged Ms. Wagner to contact the City with any further <br />questions she may have. She thanked Ms. Wagner for coming forward and being willing to serve the City. <br /> <br />Lotter excused himself from the meeting. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson and the rest of the Councilmembers welcomed Amina Ghouse. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman asked Ms. Ghouse to provide the Council with a brief summary of her background <br />and any involvement she has had in the community. <br /> <br />Amina Ghouse stated she was a resident in New Brighton and has interactions with neighbors, friends and <br />local businesses. She reported she served as an election judge in the most recent election. She indicated that <br />experience brought her to the table this evening. She appreciated the passion this City has. She enjoyed <br />interacting with people at the election and appreciated the pride New Brighton residents had in this City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub asked why Ms. Ghouse chose to apply to serve on a City Commission. <br /> <br />Ms. Ghouse explained she was talking with City Manager Lotter and she stumbled upon the opportunity. She <br />indicated she grew up in Meadowwood Park. After her conversation with Mr. Lotter, she found that she <br />wanted to be a part of the process, to get involved and to help. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen asked why Ms. Ghouse felt she would be a good person to represent the community <br />and advise the City Council. <br /> <br />Ms. Ghouse stated she had a very diverse background and had worked for a number of different institutions. <br />She explained she has worked with a lot of different people and felt she would be a good resource for the City <br />of New Brighton. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson asked what Ms. Ghouse believed were the three most important responsibilities a commission <br />member has to the community. <br /> <br />Ms. Ghouse believed a commission member should serve with integrity, to uphold the principles that are <br />necessary in order to be compassionate and caring, and to put more worth into the City you are serving. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman asked how Ms. Ghouse would handle a situation where someone contacted her <br />voicing opposition to an item being discussed at your commission. She asked how Ms. Ghouse would respond <br />if this was a resident or long-time friend. <br /> <br />Ms. Ghouse stated she would speak to the different commission members and would research the issue at hand