Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />She commented further on the Comprehensive Plan approval process. Further discussion ensued regarding the <br />role of the Planning Commission and the Council liaison that would be serving with this group. <br /> <br />Mr. Melquist questioned what the time commitment was for a Commission position. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson explained Commissioners were expected to attend meetings and to spend time preparing for <br />meetings. <br /> <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson welcomed Michelle Veillette. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked Michelle to tell the Council a little bit about herself and her experiences in <br />the community. <br /> <br />Michelle Veillette stated she has lived in New Brighton for the past 23 years. She noted she sponsored her <br />neighborhoods party for National Night Out each year. She makes sure her neighbors all know each other. She <br />stated she lives in a great neighborhood. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson asked why she had decided to apply to serve on a City Commission. <br /> <br />Ms. Veillette explained she has not seen these positions advertised before and when she saw the posting she <br />thought now was the right time for her to give back to the City in a different way, for her to step up and help <br />where needed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg asked why she would be a good person to represent the community and advise the City <br />Council. <br /> <br />Ms. Veillette reported she has lived in New Brighton for a long time and she loves this City. She loves to see <br />how the community works to make the community great. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked what the most important responsibilities a commission member had to the <br />community. <br /> <br />Ms. Veillette stated honesty was important and dedication. Also, she believed neutrally finding the truth and <br />sharing this information was important. <br /> <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 and questioned if this would change if this was a <br />life-long friend. <br /> <br />Ms. Veillette explained it was important to remain neutral and to hear both sides of the issue. She commented <br />the person may have a valid point and she would hear them out. She noted even if this was her best friend, she <br />would want to hear both sides and would remain neutral. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg reported each commission is tasked with making recommendations to the Ci ty Council. <br />She asked how Ms. Veillette would respond if she disagreed with a policy or Ordinance already in place. <br /> <br />Ms. Veillette stated this would not be her place to change but rather would have to comply with it. She <br />indicated she would speak with the Council to understand why this policy or Ordinance was in place to better <br />understand the rationale behind the decision.