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