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<br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Pledger 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 Abe McEathron. She asked Mr. McEathron to explain how <br />both personal and professional experiences will help you be an effective Commissioner if appointed. <br /> <br />Mr. McEathron stated he was reapplying for PREC. He indicated he was an avid cyclist and member of <br />multiple clubs. He reported he was an advocate for many clubs. He explained he got to see a lot of parks in <br />New Brighton and other parts of the metro area. He reported professionally he helps with Boy Scouts and <br />teaches 12 merit badges at this time. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Mr. McEathron to serve on a City Commission. <br /> <br />Mr. McEathron commented previously he served two terms (6 years) on PREC and after that time he took a <br />year off. He stated after taking this time, he learned he liked being on PREC. <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. McEathron <br />what he would do if he disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. <br /> <br />Mr. McEathron stated he views the Commission as a team and if someone has a team this is discussed as a <br />team. He noted Director Fink could be brought in to assist with the Commission with this task. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg requested Mr. McEathron speak to the biggest opportunities and challenges facing <br />New Brighton and how do you hope to address these serving on a Commission. <br /> <br />Mr. McEathron indicated the City’s parks were in need of updates and noted these would provide quality of <br />life upgrades. He discussed how important it was for the City to have interconnectivity between its parks. He <br />stated he wanted to push for a path between Hansen Park and Long Lake Park. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. McEathron 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. <br /> <br />The meeting recessed from 6:17 to 6:25 p.m. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas explained the next person to be interviewed was Aisha Oromia Ali. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked Ms. Oromia Ali to explain how both personal and professional experiences <br />will help you be an effective Commissioner if appointed. <br /> <br />Ms. Oromia Ali thanked the Council for allowing her this opportunity. She reported she was a registered nurse <br />and has a public health background. She indicated she has management skills and has served on the Spring <br />Lake Park Planning and Zoning Commission. She believed the skills she has from her professional career as <br />well as personal life make her well equipped to serve on a Commission in the City of New Brighton. She <br />indicated she has worked in the community, and has also volunteered. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Ms. Oromia Ali to serve on a City Commission. <br /> <br />Ms. Oromia Ali reported she has always loved working in a community environment. She liked making a <br />difference in people’s lives. She stated when you are in a leadership position, you are able to make the right <br />decisions, especially with community involvement. She believed these Commission positions allows