2021.03.23 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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commented he was originally from Iowa, went to high school and college in the State of Iowa and there was not a lot of diversity. He explained what he loves about this community was that his children are exposed to more diversity. He understood the metro area had some issues with inclusion and providing people with equal opportunities. He indicated he did not have any answers to these concerns at this time, but stated it would be important to call out unconscious biases, and perhaps further considering what programming is offered in the community. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Raver for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City Clerk Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. She explained the next person to be interviewed was Michael Spooner. Councilmember Abdulle asked Mr. Spooner to provide the Council with a brief history on his background and community involvement. Michael Spooner stated he and his wife moved to New Brighton in 2016. He noted he has a nine -month-old daughter, a golden retriever and they live near Innsbruck Park. He stated he was within walking distance of the park and visited the park once or twice a day. He explained he went to Cornell University and moved to Minnesota to work at Target. He indicated he loves the great park systems in New Brighton. He noted he has always wanted to be more involved in the community and he was at a point in his career where he had more flexibility. He reported he does not have specific experience per se, but has been very involved in his neighborhood as he has taken Innsbruck Park under his wing in order to organize a waste clean up and dog poo clean up in the spring after the snow melts. Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Mr. Spooner to serve on a City Commission. Mr. Spooner explained this was a timing matter for him and also, he was very passionate about the City's parks. He was a strong believer that exercise and organized sports play a real strong role in mental health. He indicated the City's parks play a strong role in this for the community. He stated he visits the City's parks often and was a big selling point for him when he moved into New Brighton. He commented he wanted to give back to something that has given to him, but he also wanted to preserve and improve the parks in New Brighton. Councilmember Axberg 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. She asked Mr. Spooner what he would do if he disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. Mr. Spooner stated whether in his career or personal life, he would lean on those who might know the system or processes that were in place. He would look to learn from those on the Commission that have more experience. He explained this would be a great starting point for him, along with whatever training he received from the City. He anticipated he could provide a good boots on the ground perspective given how much he frequents the City's parks. Councilmember Dunsworth requested Mr. Spooner to speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest challenge in addressing inclusion in New Brighton. Mr. Spooner commented at the University of St. Thomas he served as the marketing director and he was doing a lot of work with diversity, equity and inclusion. He stated this was something that was top of mind for him. He explained bringing this backs to parks, because this was something important to him, it would be important for the City to be out in the community making sure a broad perspective on what citizens want from the parks.