2021.03.23 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 23,2021 Page 2 of 10 committees,along with the public safety and judiciary committees. She stated a big priority to her was education. She commented she would be presenting a bill before the education finance committee on compensatory funding this week,along with a veteran's restorative act bill.She encouraged residents to reach out to her at any time with questions. Senator Mary Kunesh-Podein thanked the Council for their time.She noted she was the senator for this district that represented New Brighton,St.Anthony,Columbia Heights,Hilltop,Fridley,and Spring Lake Park She reported she was a 20+year New Brighton resident and previously served on PREC.She explained she served on the education K-12 policy and finance committee.She indicated she also serves on the redistricting committee and the forestry and mining committee. Councilmember Allen asked if the governors executive order regarding evictions would remain in place in 2021 and questioned if the legislature was discussing this matter.Representative Feist explained the judiciary committee has been discussing this matter,along with bills regarding tenant rights.She noted these debates have been pretty contentious. Representative Bemardy reported the House was focusing on housing and has a committee to end homelessness. She explained this committee has received top priority from the caucus.She stated she was very proud of the work being done to address this issue. Senator Kunesh-Podein commented housing was a topic that everyone was talking about and if the emergency powers were to go,Minnesota would be in a big hurt.She discussed how difficult it was to find truly affordable housing. She feared that if evictions were allowed at this time,the rate of homelessness would greatly increase. She understood the State and the County were working diligently to provide rental assistance.She was hopeful there would be an agreement by the time of the legislative session to address the housing needs. Councilmember Abdulle thanked the elected officials for their time this evening.He appreciated hearing about all of the different initiatives that these representatives were fighting for.He was pleased by the fact there was a focus on homelessness and housing.He commented on the value of keeping people in their housing or on a path to homeownership. Representative Feist noted she had a conversation recently with a landlord who applied for assistance from Ramsey County. She encouraged the City to keep in mind that rental assistance was available from the County. Councilmember Axberg thanked the representatives for their time.She asked how the City Council could be working better with local representatives to serve the community. Representative Bemardy explained there is really strong working relationship between the New Brighton City Council and local representatives.She discussed the recent projects and bills that had been completed due to the collaborative efforts between the City and local representatives. She noted her relationship with the County was also strong. Senator Kunesh-Podein encouraged residents to also reach out to local representatives with any ideas, concerns or comments they may have. She noted she,along with Representative Feist and Representative Bemardy would be holding town hall meetings once a month to keep constituents informed. She indicated the next town hall meeting would be held on Tuesday,March 30,2021 on Facebook live. Representative Feist thanked the Council for allowing her to speak this evening and encouraged the public to reach out to her. She explained she loved hearing from the diverse voices in the community. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked all three representatives for coordinating their schedules in order to attend this meeting. Consent Agenda Consent Agenda 1.Consider Approval of Payments of EFT 13007- 1. Consider Approval of Payments of Electronic Funds Transfer(EFT) 13007-13032,ACH 13032,ACH Payments Payments 12991-13027&Vouchers 159699-159714 for a total of$1,757,607.48. 159699-1597&vouohe� � 159699-159714. 2.2. Approve CityCouncil Minutes: Approve City pp Council Minutes: a.January 19,2021 19, 2021 CityCouncil Worksession Minutes. b.March 2 Minutes. a. January b.March 2,2021 Worksession Minutes. b. March 2, 2021 City Council Worksession Minutes. c.March 9,2021