2021.03.23 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Dunsworth requested Mr. Biedenfeld to speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest challenge in addressing inclusion in New Brighton. Mr. Biedenfeld stated this was not easy. He anticipated a lot of this came down to housing and the availability of housing in the community. He explained bringing more housing to a high end school district was critical, and making this housing available to a diverse population. He stated he would also like to see more businesses coming to New Brighton to increase the tax base in the community. In terms of being more inclusive, the City needs to work to develop and progress its housing stock, which was difficult given this occurred in a free market. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Biedenfeld 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 Teresa Crowe. Councilmember Abdulle asked Ms. Crowe to provide the Council with a brief history on her background and community involvement. Teresa Crowe explained she has lived in New Brighton since 1998. She noted this was the first place she and her husband purchased a home. She indicated she previously lived in an apartment in another community. She likes that New Brighton is close to the interstates, but was not overcrowded with too much retail development. She stated she likes using the parks in New Brighton and St. Anthony. She noted she lived near Totem Park and appreciated the baseball field and ice skating rink. She indicated the environment was very important to her. She commented further on the numerous classes she has taken through the parks and recreation program. Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Ms. Crowe to serve on a City Commission. Ms. Crowe stated she has been looking to do something like this. She explained she has a friend that was involved in the Lions Club, which wasn't the right fit for her. However, the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission was the right fit for her. She discussed how she likes to be in the outdoors, getting exercise and works to protect the environment. She commented on the arts and nature classes that are offered at Silverwood Park in St. Anthony. 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 Ms. Crowe what she would do if she disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. Ms. Crowe explained she would do research about it and look at what other cities have done. She indicated she would observe what was happening in New Brighton and then would present facts and feedback from other residents of New Brighton. Councilmember Dunsworth requested Ms. Crowe to speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest challenge in addressing inclusion in New Brighton. Ms. Crowe commented a challenge she has seen in attending certain community events, she notices only draws certain groups of people. She stated it would be important for the City to make all groups feel included. She stated she would want to look into this more and encouraged the City to have more offerings. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Crowe 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 Ahmed Abdiwahed.