Laserfiche WebLink
Mr. Kuipers stated he was most interested in planning, density, traffic and how this impacts the vitality of the <br />City. He discussed how density impacted community vitality. <br />i Councilmember Jacobsen asked if he was available in the evening hours for meetings. <br />Mr. Kuipers stated he would be available in the evening for a meeting. <br />Mayor Johnson discussed the process the Council would be following for the committee member <br />appointments. She asked if Mr. Kuipers had any questions for the Council. <br />Mr. Kuipers questioned what planning issues the City had in the works. <br />Mayor Johnson reported the City was working on its Comprehensive Plan and was working to redevelop the <br />Korean Church property. <br />Councilmember Allen asked how he would balance his work as a real estate agent and serve as a Planning <br />Commissioner. <br />Mr. Kuipers stated he did not specialize on just New Brighton but noted he served the entire metro area. He did <br />not anticipate he would be gathering any special information about New Brighton that would serve his <br />business. <br />Mayor Johnson welcomed Matthew Palmeri. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen asked Matthew to tell the Council a little bit about himself and his experiences in the <br />community. <br />Matthew Palmeri stated he was new to New Brighton. He explained he worked for AN group for the last three <br />years but prior to that he was an avid volunteer firefighter. He stated he was excited to be a permanent resident <br />of the City and could make a commitment to this service. <br />Councilmember Allen asked why he had decided to apply to serve on a City Commission. <br />Mr. Palmeri stated he values volunteer opportunities. He indicated this was his hometown now and he has a <br />skill set that could be advantageous and beneficial to improving his community. <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked what the three most important responsibilities a commission member had to <br />the community. <br />Mr. Palmeri stated demonstrated leadership in the community, experience in the field in which you are leading <br />and a willing ability to be wrong. He stated it has been his experience that being open to being wrong was <br />valuable. <br />Councilmember Allen asked how he would respond if a member of the community were to contact him <br />expressing opposition to an item being addressed by your commission. <br />Mr. Palmeri stated he was not familiar with the procedural process. He explained as a safety manager he dealt <br />with irate individuals and he found the most respectful way to deal with these situations was to listen and <br />validate their concerns. He commented the active listening part was huge, while also being politely <br />professional. He indicated the follow through would also be important. <br />