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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Council Worksession <br />March 1, 2022 <br />5:00 pm <br /> <br />Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas <br /> Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle <br />Councilmember Graeme Allen <br /> Councilmember Pam Axberg <br />Councilmember Emily Dunsworth <br />Absent: <br /> <br />Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Terri Spangrud <br /> <br />Guests in Attendance: <br /> <br />Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held virtually. <br /> <br />Commissions – Applicant Interviews <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas welcomed Faycal Belkhous to the meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked Mr. Belkhous to explain how both personal and professional experiences <br />will help you be an effective Commissioner if appointed. <br /> <br />Mr. Belkhous stated he had many years of experience and expertise in the areas of business development. He <br />noted he was a consultant/coach for businesses. He indicated he has been in Minnesota for 18 years and has <br />lived in New Brighton for the past 2½ years. He explained he was a people person that gets along with <br />everyone. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Mr. Belkhous to serve on a City Commission. <br /> <br />Mr. Belkhous commented his business was situated in New Brighton and he has been in Minnesota for quite <br />some time. He stated New Brighton was a small City that has a lot of potential. He discussed how business <br />helps the economy to flourish and creates new job. He believed his expertise would help the City and <br />businesses make sound decisions, develop strategies, and financial projections if needed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle 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. He asked Mr. Belkhous <br />what he would do if he disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. <br /> <br />Mr. Belkhous stated if there was something that, personally from experience, was missing or was not a win- <br />win for businesses then he will bring this up. He would try to understand how all things come together and <br />maybe the community would have to adapt to changes. He indicated there has to be room for an amendment. <br />He stated the goal would be to create a win-win situation, because if the community member wins, the City <br />wins. <br />