2018.01.23 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Burg asked Claudia to tell the Council a little bit about herself and her experiences pertinent to making New Brighton an inclusive community. Claudia Valdez stated she was 22 years old and went to Irondale High School. She explained she was not attending Hennepin Tech for law enforcement. She indicated she was a police explorer and reserve officer in New Brighton. Councilmember Jacobsen stated the Inclusive Community Task Force was being created to explore new ways to make the community inclusive. He asked what would be one topic or issue that she would suggest that needed attention from the City. Ms. Valdez stated she lives in the Oak Grove community and the majority of residents were Hispanic. She commented on how the prior manager had created fear in the community and she wanted to see this change. She also wanted to see the relationship between the residents of Oak Grove and police department improve. Councilmember Allen asked what organization in the community that could be used to form a partnership for the purpose of creating a more inclusive community. Ms. Valdez stated she volunteered at St. Paul's which had a group that worked with immigrants called CLUES. She stated this group worked mostly with Hmong and Hispanics. Mayor Johnson questioned what the focus of the task force should be. Ms. Valdez stated the community needed to build trust with the Hispanic community. She indicated she has lived in the Oak Grove community for 10 years and the residents there understood she was pursuing a degree in law enforcement. Mayor Johnson thanked Ms. Valdez for serving as a leader in her community. Mayor Johnson questioned what should be done sooner rather than later that could impact the way people see New Brighton. Ms. Valdez suggested having a party or gathering with the Oak Grove community in order to improve relationships in the community. Councilmember Burg asked if Ms. Valdez had any questions for the Council. Ms. Valdez requested further information on the proposed task force. Mayor Johnson stated this was still being determined. She explained a group was being formed of members connected to the community that could help the City to be welcoming and inclusive. She stated she was excited about this opportunity and how New Brighton could be improved. Mayor Johnson welcomed Nasreen Fynewever. 1 Councilmember Jacobsen asked Nasreen to tell the Council a little bit about herself and her experiences pertinent to making New Brighton an inclusive community. Nasreen Fynewever stated she has been in New Brighton for four years and has raised three boys with her