2019.07.23 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Worksession July 9, 2019 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Valerie Johnson Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Mary Burg Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Absent: Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Devin Massopust Guests in Attendance: ICTF Update Massopust provided the Council with an update on the Inclusive Community Task Force (ICTF). He explained late in 2017 the Council created the ICTF and encouraged this group to identify barriers, cultivate connections, pursue partnerships, workforce housing, welcoming public faces and examining a long-standing body may look like that addresses inclusivity. He noted this group met most of 2018 and provided direction to the Council on these directives. He provided further comment on the directives that were received from the ICTF. Massopust reviewed a potential job position with the Council and noted he had discussed this position with Shoreview and Roseville. He stated at this time, neither City would be able to assist in funding this position. He commented New Brighton may have the opportunity to shuffle and realign job duties and functions internally to better meet the needs of the organization as well as meeting the recommendations of the ICTF. He stated further discussions will have to be held regarding this position through the budget and financial lens. Lotter discussed the benefits of the City having a diverse workforce and how this was creating better connections between the City and its residents. He commented on how the mural was a great way for the City to take on one of the recommendations from the ICTF. Mayor Johnson commended staff for reviewing and taking on the recommendations of the ICTF. She appreciated the work that was done by the ICTF. In addition, she was pleased the City was working to be proactive instead of reactive. She supported the City being creative in funding a shared or part-time position to address inclusivity issues for the community. She suggested staff consider contacting Ramsey County about a shared position or partnership. She indicated the Public Safety Department could also be contacted to collaborate on this position. Councilmember Dunsworth asked if any other communities could be contacted to discuss the shared pos ition. Lotter explained Shoreview and Roseville had shared interests in inclusivity and were similarly situated. Councilmember Dunsworth encouraged the City to pursue a grant for this position.