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