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