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August 22, 2017 Page 5 of 7 <br />Dsewang Ngodup, 10532 Corral Avenue South in Bloomington, thanked the Council for their time. He <br />explained he heard about this meeting several hours ago and apologized for not being fully prepared. He <br />stated he was here to speak on behalf of the Tibetan Monks of Minnesota to make a case to allow this group <br />to purchase the Korean Church. He discussed his move to Minnesota and noted he has lived in the state for <br />the past 20 years. He appreciated how kind and accepting Minnesotans have been. He discussed the boards <br />he served on and described the guiding principles for Tibetan Monks, which were to think globally and <br />contribute locally. He commented on how the Tibetan community has grown over the past 20 years and <br />encouraged the Council to allow the Tibetan Minnesotans to purchase the Korean Church site. <br />Nasdy Dadak, 687 2nd Avenue NW, stated she has been a resident of New Brighton since 1995. She <br />explained she has been working with the Tibetan community for the past 25 years. She discussed the rich <br />history of the Tibetan culture and believed the renovation of the Korean church into a community center <br />would greatly enhance the vibrancy of the community. She indicated the Dalai Lama would visit this center. <br />She thanked the Council for their time and consideration. <br />Jigme Ugen, resident of Minneapolis, stated his country was invaded in 1959 and the Tibetan population was <br />now refugees. He explained that his culture, his language and everything that he holds dear has been <br />destroyed. He hoped to maintain and sustain what has been destroyed. He discussed how the Korean Church <br />could be a place for Tibetan Minnesotans to come together as a community. He described how this <br />community space would serve his people and encouraged the Council to support their purchase of the Korean <br />Church. <br />Jalue Dorjee, 2639 Fillmore Street in Columbia Heights, explained he was 10 years old and attended <br />Highland Elementary School. He was born on December 20, 2006 and when he was two years old the Dalai <br />Lama recognized him as the 8th dashi dokku. He reported that a month ago, the Tibetan monk community <br />found a building to serve as their community center in the Korean Church. This made him very happy. He <br />stated he felt sad when he learned the City may be taking this away. He asked the Mayor and City Council to <br />reconsider the purchase of the Korean Church and allow the Tibetan community to dwell within this City. <br />Mayor Johnson questioned why the Korean Church site appealed to the Tibetan community. Sonem Borgee, <br />resident of Edina, explained the Korean Church site would allow for the expansion of the Tibetan school <br />which would allow their culture and history to continue into the next generation of Tibetans. He reported this <br />property was well suited for classroom space and as a community center. <br />Councilmember Bauman thanked the Tibetan community for their presence. She appreciated all of their <br />comments. She clarified that the City was not aware of the bid that was submitted by the Tibetan community. <br />She explained New Brighton had acted in good faith when submitting their bid for the Korean Church <br />property. She indicated the Council has been interested in this property for quite some time and wanted to see <br />it redeveloped. She hoped the Tibetan community understands the Council was not acting in a way that <br />would cause harm or usurp the Tibetan community. She reported she received a phone call from Roger <br />Chamberlain who shared his support for the Tibetan community. She asked if the Korean Church site had to <br />be purchased or if the seminary space could be shared or rented. A woman introduced herself to the Council <br />and stated when she began working on this project she considered renting space. However, after much <br />consideration, the Tibetan community has determined they would like to purchase a property that can be used <br />in multi-purpose ways. <br />Mayor Johnson asked if the Tibetan community had a second property in mind. The woman stated they do <br />not have another property in mind and noted this was the most affordable property available that would meet <br />their needs. Mr. Borgee described how all of the Tibetan community members had been working together to <br />raise funds to purchase the Korean Church. A resident of New Brighton added that this site was supported by <br />all Tibetans based on its location, size and price. <br />Mayor Johnson closed the meeting for public comments. She explained the City Council has had their eye on <br />the Korean Church site for quite some time and was acting in good faith to purchase this property in order for <br />it to be redeveloped into housing. She commented this was a very big decision for the Council that came with <br />tax implications. She appreciated the Tibetan community for coming forward and considering New Brighton <br />for their community center. <br />Councilmember Burg stated she loved hearing about the Tibetan community in New Brighton. She <br />explained that the Council has been discussing this property for some time and would like to see the site <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />