2022.03.22 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioners to influence and advise the City Council on making the right decisions for the community. She stated one of her main motivations was just to make a difference in the community and the society she lives in. she believed representation was also important. She discussed how important it was for society to reflect the community that you live in. She indicated she has an Australian accent and was from Australia, and her background was from eastern Africa and she was of the Muslim faith. She believed all of these factors made her unique in the community she lives in and she would be able to bring a different perspective from others to the Commission, should she be appointed. Councilmember Abdulle stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted b y the City Council. He asked Ms. Oromia Ali what she would do if she disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. Ms. Oromia Ali explained she would research the matter, find facts and evidence and would consult with the Commissioners on the topic. She would hope to reach a mutual consensus among the Commission and would then present the information to the City Council. Councilmember Axberg requested Ms. Oromia Ali speak to the biggest opportunities and challenges facing New Brighton and how do you hope to address these serving on a Commission. Ms. Oromia Ali commented she was new to the area so she was still trying to figure out the main issues or concerns in the community. She understood crime has become a concern in the twin cities and this may always be an outstanding issue. She wanted to see safety maintained while also addressing how safety officers liaise with the public. She indicated the City needed to better understand what programs were needed to decrease crime while increasing public safety. She stated public health could also be further considered and what programs were needed for the elderly or children. She reported finding the concerns of the pu blic would be important. She believed the City had a lot of potential, it had attractions that brought revenue to the City like the ice castles. She stated for public safety, having public health programs and working with law enforcement, human rights advocacy, and having sessions with the public would assist in making the community aware of the benefits public safety. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Oromia Ali 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 Victoria Presek. Councilmember Dunsworth asked Ms. Presek to explain how both personal and professional experiences will help you be an effective Commissioner if appointed. Ms. Presek reported she studied business in school. She indicated she has had experience with companies going through transitional phases, one being with startup from October 2020 through March of 2021. She noted this was not a long time, and this business did not make it off the ground, but we tried. She stated she learned a lot about this experience, working with people and now she owns her own LLC to conduct freelance work. She indicated her interest is helping businesses in New Brighton, to work with the City to make this an environment for businesses. Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Ms. Presek to serve on a City Commission. Ms. Presek stated she wants to give back to the community. She explained she grew up in Mounds View but attended Irondale and she believed now was the time for her to do something for the community. She also wanted to make the community better for every citizen, to make this a great place for the next generation.