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programs and frequented the City's parks. <br /> Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Ms. O'Rourke to reapply to serve on a City Commission. <br /> Ms. O'Rourke stated she has really enjoyed participating during her first term. She explained she wanted to be <br /> involved in the community and this was a great opportunity. She indicated this was a great way to be involved, <br /> even during the pandemic and she wanted to help make New Brighton a better place. <br /> Councilmember Axberg stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council <br /> that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted by the City Council. She asked Ms. O'Rourke <br /> what she would do if she disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. <br /> Ms. O'Rourke explained in the past if she has had any concerns, she has emailed Jennifer Fink, the staff liaison <br /> and has asked her questions. She reported she also asks questions during meetings if she needs clarification on <br /> anything. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth requested Ms. O'Rourke to speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest <br /> challenge in addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br /> Ms. O'Rourke stated this was a good question. She indicated there was always an opportunity to get more <br /> people involved. She noted the PREC Commission recently discussed the Fund Plunge to help raise money for <br /> parks and recreation department in order to providing funding for those in need. She indicated the biggest <br /> challenge would be the lack of diversity on some of the City's commissions. She understood representation <br /> was important. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. O'Rourke for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City <br /> Clerk Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. She <br /> explained the next person to be interviewed was Laura Sokol-Kraft. <br /> Councilmember Abdulle asked Ms. Sokol-Kraft to provide the Council with a brief history on her background <br /> and community involvement. <br /> Laura Sokol-Kraft stated she has lived in New Brighton for the past 17 years and she has three children who <br /> have been part of New Brighton park and rec. She noted she frequents the parks and have been long time <br /> members of the NBCC. She explained she has worked for Cisco Systems for 15 years and took a break for a <br /> while. She indicated she was about to go back to work and then COVID happened. She stated she was <br /> planning to get back into the workforce this summer or fall. <br /> Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Ms. Sokol-Kraft to serve on a City Commission. <br /> Ms. Sokol-Kraft commented she wanted to volunteer in an area where she has varied experience. She noted she <br /> played soccer and has volunteered to coach her kids' teams over the years. She indicated she uses the parks and <br /> wants to get involved. She discussed the various gyms, facilities and parks that she has used in New Brighton <br /> over the years. <br /> Councilmember Axberg stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council <br /> that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted by the City Council. She asked Ms. Sokol-Kraft <br /> what she would do if she disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. <br /> Ms. Sokol-Kraft stated she was part of Michelle's request to turn the tennis courts into pickleball courts. She <br />