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<br /> <br /> A member thanked the police department for providing call data information to the public. She noted <br />she was afraid of the police. She had concerns with the demographics for the traffic stops. In addition, <br />there were concerns that 2/3 of the city’s police officers did not live in the community. The diversity <br />within the police department was discussed. <br /> A member of the public discussed his experience while on his way to church in New Brighton. This <br />individual felt it would be helpful to be able to safely hold reasonable conversations with officers <br />versus being told by officers. <br /> A member of the public commended the City Council and City staff for putting this listening session <br />together. This individual encouraged the City to consider reinstating its Human Rights Commission or <br />task force to investigate diversity issues for the entire community. <br /> Another member agreed the Human Rights Commission should be reinstated. She noted she was not <br />aware of the issues facing minority groups in the community. <br /> A member suggested the community divest from policing and reinvest in community services that will <br />keep people safe. He questioned how much of the City’s budget was being spent on policing versus <br />how much was being used on community services, mental health services and homelessness. He stated <br />he was afraid of the police. He encouraged the city to spend less on police and more on helping people. <br />He believed New Brighton had too many police officers and should have more trained mental health <br />professionals. <br /> A member of the community commended the local police department for their tremendous efforts. She <br />stated every experience she has had with the department has been positive. She understood the officers <br />and firefighters were active in the community. She indicated officers saved her neighbor’s life. She <br />explained when she sees local police officers she waves at them. <br /> A member posted a question on the chat stating she would like to see initiatives to ensure the City <br />continues to be a welcoming and affordable community for all people. She believed one of the <br />strengths of New Brighton was its diversity. She encouraged the City to continue to provide a wide <br />variety of housing to meet the needs of all socioeconomics. She indicated the community has great <br />schools and she wanted all to have the opportunity to live in this community. <br /> Mary Kunesh Podein stated she was the State Legislator for New Brighton and served as a member of <br />the POCI Caucus. She discussed how she has been workin g on police and public safety reform that <br />would apply statewide. She explained she has not had people complaining about any of the police <br />departments in the cities she represents. She appreciated the mental health training that was discussed. <br />She stated she would like to know more about if New Brighton officers were receiving warrior training <br />and if the City had a chokehold ban. She questioned if officers had a duty to intercede if one of their <br />team members was acting in an overly aggressive manner. <br /> Mayor Johnson discussed how the questions raised at this listening session would be addressed by the <br />City and responses would be placed on the Listening portion of the City’s website. <br /> A member of the public expressed concern with the lack of low income housing in the community. She <br />wanted to see the City having quality housing for all income levels. <br /> A member requested information on how New Brighton was working with the Mounds View High <br />School District. She encouraged the public safety department to have officers assigned to <br />neighborhoods because this allowed for better relationships to be established. <br /> A member asked what type of commitment the City Council was making to respond to the comments <br />and questions raised this evening. Ruben explained the City Council wanted to hear from the public in <br />order to assist with setting policy for the future. The hope was that this would not be a one time <br />conversation but rather that future conversations would be held. <br /> Mayor Johnson thanked the public for their comments and explained tonight was a continuation of the <br />City Council’s efforts of how to address the issues that have been brought up. She anticipated more <br />listening sessions would be held in the future. She reported the City Council was learning as it was <br />going and was committed to its citizens. She explained the City Council wanted New Brighton to be an