2019.03.12 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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She commented further on the Comprehensive Plan approval process. Further discussion ensued regarding the role of the Planning Commission and the Council liaison that would be serving with this group. 1 Mr. Melquist questioned what the time commitment was for a Commission position. , Mayor Johnson explained Commissioners were expected to attend meetings and to spend time preparing for meetings. Mayor Johnson welcomed Michelle Veillette. Councilmember Dunsworth asked Michelle to tell the Council a little bit about herself and her experiences in the community. Michelle Veillette stated she has lived in New Brighton for the past 23 years. She noted she sponsored her neighborhoods party for National Night Out each year. She makes sure her neighbors all know each other. She stated she lives in a great neighborhood. Mayor Johnson asked why she had decided to apply to serve on a City Commission. Ms. Veillette explained she has not seen these positions advertised before and when she saw the posting she thought now was the right time for her to give back to the City in a different way, for her to step up and help where needed. Councilmember Burg asked why she would be a good person to represent the community and advise the City Council. J Ms. Veillette reported she has lived in New Brighton for a long time and she loves this City. She loves to see how the community works to make the community great. Councilmember Dunsworth asked what the most important responsibilities a commission member had to the community. Ms. Veillette stated honesty was important and dedication. Also, she believed neutrally finding the truth and sharing this information was important. Mayor Johnson asked how she would respond if a member of the community were to contact her expressing opposition to an item being addressed by your commission and questioned if this would change if this was a life-long friend. Ms. Veillette explained it was important to remain neutral and to hear both sides of the issue. She commented the person may have a valid point and she would hear them out. She noted even if this was her best friend, she would want to hear both sides and would remain neutral. Councilmember Burg reported each commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council. She asked how Ms. Veillette would respond if she disagreed with a policy or Ordinance already in place. Ms. Veillette stated this would not be her place to change but rather would have to comply with it. She indicated she would speak with the Council to understand why this policy or Ordinance was in place to better understand the rationale behind the decision.