2017.12.12 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 12, 2017 Page 2 of 10 not transmit a sense of safety or security for her. She recommended the Police Department have more training to better understand and respect the different nationalities in New Brighton. She reminded the Council that she was a part of this community and together New Brighton would be a much better community. Cindy stated she attended Irondale High School. She expressed concern with lack of response from the Police Department to her community. She believed her community was not being taken seriously or treated respectfully. Maria, 120 Morris Street, greeted the Council and explained she has lived in New Brighton for eight years. She stated she has five children who attend school in this county. She indicated she did not have a driver's license and requested help from the City. She believed the Police were abusing their authority. She hoped the community could become safer for her and her family. She believed it was the Council's responsibility to provide safety in New Brighton. She thanked the Council for listening to her. Maria, 125 Morris Street, stated she has four children that she loves very much. She explained she has been living in New Brighton for the past nine years. She expressed concern about the safety and security of the community and noted some families have been separated. She stated she loves New Brighton and was thankful she could have a conversation with the Council. She wanted the City to understand her contributions to the community, while also getting to know the Council. It was her hope the Council would be able to help her community so they were no longer abused by authorities. She commented that times have been very difficult for her. Mayor Johnson stated she has met with Maria before and she thanked her for showing great courage. Kathleen Ganley explained she has had the honor of working with several of the immigrants in the room, which has richly blessed her life. She discussed how immigrants were fueling and contributing to the economy. She encouraged the community to appreciate its immigrants. She asked the City Council to consider passing a municipal ID for those contributing to New Brighton but were unable to get a driver's license. A resident of Minneapolis, stated tonight was an historic night. She was proud that her community had come forward, raised their voice and made the City Council know that they were here. She explained that her community was willing to contribute of their time and talents. She hoped the City would work with her community. She indicated she was a community activist. She believed the Council was blessed to have courageous members of the community coming forward stating they were willing to help. She commented on how an officer in Chaska was racially profiling residents. She explained that discussions and meetings were held and this officer was let go. She appreciated that the fact that she lived in the north and that this community could be true champions for justice. She encouraged the Council to acknowledge their obligation to the community. Julio Martinez, resident of Minneapolis, greeted the Council and thanked them for hearing the comments of his community. He stated it was important for the Council to hear the problems his community was facing in this country. He thanked the Council for listening to the needs of the people and asked the Council to consider additional training for the Police Department. He encouraged the Council to create a municipal ID for his community. Eric Diaz, Bloomington resident, stated he was here to speak on behalf of the individuals who have been removed from the United States, removed from their families. He explained he was Native American. He encouraged the City Council to further educate the Police Officer's about who he was, along with other minority or indigenous groups. He thanked the Council for listening to his comments. Mayor Johnson stated the Council was �ery concerned about the comments made regarding thel Police Department and noted the Public Safety Director was in attendance at this meeting. She explained the Council would be discussing the concerns raised this evening with the Public Safety Department.