2021.03.23 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Hicks stated this was a question she had for the Council. She anticipated she would put the matter on an agenda, complete her research and have a discussion regarding her concern with the Commission. She indicated what was exciting about this opportunity was that it was a lot of listening, asking questions and helping to come to the best possible decision. She noted she was very inquisitive as a person. Councilmember Axberg noted she served on PREC for a number of years and she believed Director Fink looked to the Commission to get suggestions and different points of view. She commented further on how matters were presented to PREC over the years. Councilmember Dunsworth requested Ms. Hicks to speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest challenge in addressing inclusion in New Brighton. Ms. Hicks stated she read through the Comprehensive Plan and was inspired by the plans and vision the City has for the community. She appreciated the fact the City wanted to created a sense of space for everyone, community centers and activities that everyone feels welcome at. She believed this would create visibly open and welcome spaces. She understood there would be challenges and that money was involved. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Hicks 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 Dan Judd. Councilmember Abdulle asked Mr. Judd to provide the Council with a brief history on his background and community involvement. Dan Judd explained he was a native of southeastern Minnesota, Austin. He noted he has lived in New Brighton for the past 18 or 19 years. He indicated he married a local graduate from Irondale, Janine which brought him to this community. He commented he has work for decades in the human services field, most recently at Hennepin County. He stated he has been members of the United Church of Christ in New Brighton and this was his catalyst for applying for this position. He explained he served on the adult education committee and he has explored issues like public safety and racism, among other social justice issues. He noted he lives in the Pike Lake Manor condos and has served on the association. Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Mr. Judd to serve on a City Commission. Mr. Judd commented public safety related events from the last year motivated him to serve in the community. He explained he likes facts and he wanted to know more about how public safety operates in New Brighton. He stated he would like to serve as an ambassador to the community and would like to be a positive influence for what takes place in the City. He indicated he was into grass roots activities and he would want to recruit contacts for each apartment or condo complex in the area. He noted he has been a victim of the catalytic convertor theft. He stated he wanted to see neighborhoods coming together to look out for one another. 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. Judd what he would do if he disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. Mr. Judd indicated he would openly address that with the Commission or Council. He stated he likes research and checking facts. He explained if he had a different opinion, he would present information to back up this opinion. He understood that he couldn't always have his way, but rather that there was also compromise.