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DCANNY O <br />VA' <br />RMTON <br />the city that works for you <br />Council Worksession <br />February 27, 2018 <br />5:00 pm <br />Present: Mayor Valerie Johnson <br />Councilmember Graeme Allen <br />Councilmember Emily Dunsworth <br />Councilmember Paul Jacobsen <br />Absent: Councilmember Mary Burg <br />Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Terri Spangrud <br />Guests in Attendance: Julia O'Rourke, Tim McQuillan, Todd Biedenfeld <br />Commission Member Interviews <br />Mayor Johnson welcomed Julia O'Rourke. She asked Julia to tell the Council a little bit about herself and her <br />experiences in the community and requested information regarding her internship in Uganda. <br />Julia O'Rourke commented on her internship in Uganda and noted it was a really great experience. She <br />explained she grew up in Fridley and moved to New Brighton last March. She stated she has a one year old <br />and frequents the Eagles Nest and local parks often. <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked why she had decided to apply to serve on a City Commission. <br />Ms. O'Rourke commented she was interested in community outreach and stated she wants to help out in her <br />own community. She reported she has a background in environmental studies. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen asked why she would be a good person to represent the community and advise the <br />City Council. <br />Ms. O'Rourke stated her background and skills would assist her with this as she had a degree in Environmental <br />Sustainability and a Master's in Public Policy. <br />Councilmember Allen asked what the three most important responsibilities a commission member had to the <br />community. <br />Ms. O'Rourke stated to work on behalf of the community with honesty and transparency, work for the <br />betterment of the community, and to engage the community as much as possible. <br />Mayor Johnson asked how she would respond if a member of the community were to contact her expressing <br />opposition to an item being addressed by your commission. <br />Ms. O'Rourke stated she would talk with them about their reasons and why there was an issue. She indicated <br />she would try and explain why the Commission was acting the way they were and would then bring this <br />concern to the rest of the Commissioners. <br />