2019.04.09 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Philadelphia where he managed major cycling events. He commented he then moved to Portland, Oregon where he worked as the Director of Marketing for a two-year junior college. He transitioned to being the assistant athletic director. He stated at this point, he and his wife started having kids and he stayed home and created a non-profit which promoted health and wellness for kids on bikes. He began this program from the ground up. He reported he gave all of this up to move to the Midwest, to Minnesota in December of 2016, noting he moved into his home in New Brighton in December of 20 17. He reported he works from home now doing event management and was as a freelance contractor, while also working to raise his three boys. He commented further on some local events that he has assisted in planning in the community. Mayor Johnson asked why he had decided to apply to serve on a City Commission. Mr. Warner commented moving to New Brighton has been a great experience for his family. He has enjoyed being a part of this community and his neighborhood. He believed there was an opportunity for the City to take advantage of the transition that was occurring in the City. He reported younger families we moving into the City and did not have a sense of community yet. He stated as a newer member of the community had had new perspectives to offer to the City. Councilmember Burg asked why he would be a good person to represent the community and advise the City Council. Mr. Warner stated as an event promoter he has worked with many different governmental jurisdictions. He explained he was used to being told “no” and was familiar working his way through the system. He reported he has presented his events to City Councils and was familiar with how City government worked. Councilmember Dunsworth asked what the most important responsibilities a commission member had to the community. Mr. Warner commented a Commissioner needs to be educated on the issues and be able to reach out to different segments of the population. He stated a Commissioner would have to be able to field phone calls and respond to emails. In addition, a Commissioner would have to be able to properly represent the community while also being out in the community. Mayor Johnson asked how he would respond if a member of the community were to contact him expressing opposition to an item being addressed by your commission and if this would change if it was a long-time friend. Mr. Warner stated he would talk to this individual, find out what the specific objections were and if this could be addressed at a future meeting. He commented he would be empathetic with their position and would try to explain where the Commission was at. He indicated he would encourage this individual to write a letter or attend a Commission meeting in order to voice their concerns. He anticipated a spirited conversation would be held if this was a long-time friend, but noted he would take the same action. Councilmember Burg reported each commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council. She asked how Mr. Warner would respond if he disagreed with a policy or Ordinance already in place. Mr. Warner explained he would become educated on why the Ordinance existed in the first place and he would see if anything needed to be addressed. Councilmember Dunsworth asked what the City’s biggest challenges were.