2020.05.12 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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on what the rules were. Councilmember Jacobsen stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted by the City Council. He asked Ms. Alfors what she would do if she disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. Ms. Alfors indicated she would try to better understand why the policy was in place and would work with people that have an inside understanding of the policy. She anticipated the Council did not put policies in place without a valid reason. She would work to understand that reason or bring about a discussion if the policy was no longer necessary. Councilmember Jacobsen asked Ms. Alfors based on how long she has lived in New Brighton and what she knew about the community, what she sees as the City’s biggest challenge. Ms. Alfors stated COVID-19 was the City’s biggest challenge at this time. She understood the City wanted to keep everyone safe and healthy. She discussed how parks were such a great opportunity for residents to get outside and exercise. Councilmember Jacobsen asked Ms. Alfors which Commission strikes her as the most interesting. Ms. Alfors explained she was most interested in Parks and Recreation. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked Ms. Alfors for her interest in serving and asked if she had any questions. Ms. Alfors questioned if other organizations were leveraged through the use of City parks and recreational spaces. Councilmember Jacobsen stated the City had a great partnership with the school district and other organizations in order to promote City activities. He explained the City had a Parks Comprehensive Plan that was being finalized at this time. Ms. Alfors inquired what the time commitment was for Commission members. Councilmember Jacobsen indicated PREC meetings were held on the first Wednesday of each month. He reported Commission members were encouraged to review packet information prior to their meetings in order to be prepared for meaningful discussion. Mayor Johnson explained Commission members are allowed to put in more time and noted some Commissioners have been assigned to a park in order to keep an eye on the facilities in case a maintenance concern were to arise. She then discussed the process the Council would be following for the Commission member appointments. There was a slight delay in the Zoom meeting waiting for Jacqui Sauter to join the meeting. Mayor Johnson welcomed Jacqui Sauter. Councilmember Allen asked Ms. Sauter to tell the Council a little bit about herself and her experiences in the community. Jacqui Sauter explained she has lived in New Brighton on two different occasions. She noted she lived in New