2018.01.23 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ways to make the community inclusive. She asked what would be one topic or issue that she would suggest that needed attention from the City. Ms. Nord commented those feeling threatened by the ICE situation had to be supported. In addition, she suggested the City consider if their services were meeting the needs of all people. Councilmember Burg asked what organization in the community that could be used to form a partnership for the purpose of creating a more inclusive community. Ms. Nord stated this was a great question. She supported reaching out to the Islamic people living in the community and their worship center in Fridley. She explained she wanted to better understand the various groups living in the City. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned what the focus of the task force should be. Ms. Nord believed the initial focus should be investigation to better understand the sub -groups in the community, along with their needs. Also, to understand if there are cross -needs between the groups. Councilmember Allen asked what the biggest challenges of the inclusive community group would be. Ms. Nord stated some members of the community would be threatened by the idea of this group. She stated education and PR would be important to show the positives. Mayor Johnson questioned what should be done sooner rather than later that could impact the way people see New Brighton. Ms. Nord stated positive PR and education on how New Brighton was working to become an inclusive community would bring about positive press for the City. Councilmember Dunsworth asked for a situation where Ms. Nord had to work with someone who had an opposite point of view and how this worked. Ms. Nord stated in her position she ran into people every day at her healthcare job that were not like her. She stated she was quote progressive and was Jewish. She explained she had a broad perspective. She stated it was her goal to provide light and be non judgmental or condemning. She commented on how people were building up walls to resist people that were not like them. Mayor Johnson asked if Ms. Nord had any questions for the Council. Ms. Nord requested further information on the plan for the inclusive community task force. Mayor Johnson stated interviews were being held at this time and the Council would be responding to candidates in the near future. She hoped to have this group begin meeting sooner rather than later. She anticipated the task force would hold their meetings in the evenings. IMayor Johnson welcomed Casandra Schlangen. Councilmember Allen asked Casandra to tell the Council a little bit about herself and her experiences pertinent to making New Brighton an inclusive community.