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Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Ms. Obradovic hopes to accomplish by serving on <br />New Brighton's Equity Commission. <br />Ms. Obradovic responded she would like the City to understand the community is evolving and to consider <br />how it can best meet the needs of those that live here. She stated there was a lot of research that inclusion <br />promotes economic growth. She discussed how important it was to provide access to all especially because <br />more immigrants were coming into the community. She commented it would be valuable to have more <br />translation services and signs in other languages. She believed it would be important for the City to develop <br />more cultural awareness so that residents can learn about their neighbors. She suggested a festival of nations be <br />considered in order to expose a variety of cultures to the public. She discussed how important it was for the <br />community to have a diverse workforce and housing. She wanted to see New Brighton having a more diverse <br />housing stock. <br />Councilmember Allen asked what opportunities and challenges are important for New Brighton to consider in <br />addressing inclusion in New Brighton. <br />Ms. Obradovic stated before the City works to address challenges and opportunities, the problems would have <br />to be identified. She encouraged the City to identify the challenges it wants to tackle, the City should be <br />prepared to invest in its minorities in order to promote equity. She suggested language support being offered <br />because this would make immigrants feel included. She recommended the City consider programs that <br />promote inclusion. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas explained topics addressed by the Equity Commission will be sensitive, emotional, <br />' and important. If she had concerns about a specific policy or issue being discussed, how would she address <br />this. <br />Ms. Obradovic commented she comes across this frequently in her work, where some employees don't agree <br />with policies that were already in place. She indicated she worked to step into the shoes of this employee in <br />order to better understand their viewpoint. She explained she then worked to identify a mutually agreeable <br />approach that all can be satisfied. <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Obradovic 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 Tim McQuillan. <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. McQuillan to explain how both your personal and professional experiences <br />will help him be an effective member of the Equity Commission, if appointed. <br />Mr. McQuillan thanked the Council for moving forward with an Equity Commission. He believed this would <br />be a great addition to the City. He noted he was a member of the previously formed Equity Task Force. He <br />saw this group as an opportunity to continue his work. He reported he worked in an HR Department for <br />several smaller companies and he had familiarity with hiring and firing. He discussed the scope of the Equity <br />Task Force and was excited to see the work the Equity Commission would complete on behalf of the <br />community. <br />' Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Mr. McQuillan hopes to accomplish by serving on <br />New Brighton's Equity Commission. <br />Mr. McQuillan responded public transportation was a concern in New Brighton and he would like to see this <br />