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<br /> <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson explained the Council may not fully understand the needs of New Brighton citizens. She <br />commented on the connection the Public Safety Department had with the City’s residents. She stated she <br />would like to see the task force speak with the Public Safety Department regarding this matter. She wanted to <br />see the City being proactive and believed community relations would be improved after these tough <br />discussions were held. She commented on the great feedback the City has received regarding its parks, <br />employees and services provided. She believed that this was one more way to improve public relations. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen stated this was a tough topic to cover and feared that six months would not be <br />enough time for this group. He had concern that only specific communities would be focused on and not all. <br />He suggested that a representative from each neighborhood also be considered for the task force to ensure all <br />voices are being heard. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson believed the goal of this task force would be to engage people of color and an underserved <br />community. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen suggested the Public Safety Department be contacted to make recommendations for <br />task force members. He stated he wanted to be ensured that all populations that were underserved were <br />included. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman indicated she appreciated Councilmember Jacobsen’s comments. She agreed that the <br />task force should be inclusive and recommended the Council have some input as to the direction of the task <br />force. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson encouraged the Council to not make the scope of the task force too broad. She stated she <br />wanted to hear from this group to learn what the Council does not know. Lotter commented on the Resolution <br />that was being drafted by staff regarding the task force. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson stated she was also concerned with the voices at Sunnyside and of the retired population. <br />However, she was trying to find a way to reach the underserved. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub commented now was the time to address communities of color. He discussed the <br />tragedy at Rush Lake and in Falcon Heights. He supported the City pursuing this task force sooner rather than <br />later in order for a welcome mat to be rolled out at City Hall for all New Brighton residents. <br /> <br />A heated discussion about “white privilege” ensued. Lotter understood that there was energy and dynamic <br />around this topic. He asked if the Council could competently say every person in New Brighton feels included <br />and comfortable, that the City was available to them on the same level. He explained the answer may be yes, <br />but stated the Council probably was uncertain. He believed that as City leaders this group would sleep easier if <br />an inclusive nature was being created in New Brighton. He understood that perfection could not be created, <br />but he saw an opportunity to position the City for excellence while trying to pursue answers to a number of <br />questions. He stated even if just listening sessions were held, this would improve inclusivity and relations <br />between the public and City Hall. He explained he would rather approach this topic as an inclusive effort and <br />not that the City was trying to be all things to all people. He discussed how this initiative could lead to other <br />efforts, such as addressing shut-ins. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen thanked Lotter for clarifying the potential scope for this task force. Lotter explained <br />community engagement would never be done, but rather would constantly be changing and evolving based on <br />the needs of the community. <br />