2021.12.02 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Mr. Steffenhuagen hopes to accomplish by serving on New Brighton's Equity Commission. Mr. Steffenhuagen responded he would want to work with the City's partners to work towards the goals within the diversity statement. Also, he wanted to ask pointed questions about the experiences of people of color that weren't asked by the previous diversity commission. He noted he was new to the table and he would want to learn from others who were already doing this work and had a really good wheel turning. He stated Campaign Zero had a great Eight Can't Wait policing strategy that could be investigated by New Brighton. Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in addressing inclusion in New Brighton. Mr. Steffenhuagen discussed the stats on the City's webpage and commented on how the City was becoming more diverse. He explained people were feeling threatened both to their power and privilege. He anticipated this created challenges for communities, especially when the community was working to make room at the table or a more equitable table. He reported challenges were opportunities, but once people were in the room together and they could hear each other's story, people would be able to hear each other's truth. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas explained topics addressed by the Equity Commission will be sensitive, emotional, and important. If he had concerns about a specific policy or issue being discussed, how would he address this. Mr. Steffenhuagen commented this was an important question. He noted the church he works at was in Rosemount and it has had several fiery meetings. He reported when he was in college, he was very opinionated and close-minded. However, after moving to the south, doing a lot of reading, receiving a ' Master's Degree, he has learned to be less rigid, more curious and more relational. He always asks questions and wanted to know the deeper why in order to create empathy with people. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Steffenhuagen for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City Clerk Spangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. She explained the next person to be interviewed was Karla Olantanko. Councilmember Axberg asked Ms. Olantanko to explain how both your personal and professional experiences will help her be an effective member of the Equity Commission, if appointed. Ms. Olantanko stated she a child that has a life threatening food allergy. She explained this began her journey with inclusivity. She noted her professional experience has been in education. She noted in the classroom she developed her communication, collaboration and conflict resolution skills. She reported she was able to bring people together to work through heated interactions. She then discussed the training she received at the museum that centered on equity, access and inclusivity. She stated she was most proud of her work at the museum in her primer to privilege presentation that provided left-handed tools to individuals. She suggested that even if she is not appointed to the Commission, that she provide the City Council with this presentation. Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Ms. Olantanko hopes to accomplish by serving on New Brighton's Equity Commission. Ms. Olantanko stated she does not have a specific agenda. She noted she was prompted to send in this ' application because she would like to see problems heard by the City, especially if it was a problem she has not encountered. She would like there to be a plan to illicit feedback. She wanted to make sure all members of the community were being reached through the City's communication efforts. She wanted to see inclusive language and images on all City publications, signage and websites.