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<br /> <br /> <br />Foschi commented on the City’s informal commitment to compare the City’s costs of service per capita with <br />those of comparable cities. Staff recommended this analysis and commitment continue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle asked how the Council would move forward with a formal Resolution regarding the <br />City’s commitment to debt-free streets. Massopust discussed how a Resolution language could be drafted to <br />show the City’s commitment to debt-free streets. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle supported the Council formalizing its commitment to debt-free streets, so long as the <br />language was flexible and took into consideration the change in demand and needs for transportation, along <br />with the City’s response to climate change and environmental policies. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen thanked staff for the presentation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg stated she appreciated all of the City’s efforts towards debt-free streets. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth supported the City taking a more formal action towards debt-free streets. She <br />recommended a Resolution also be passed regarding the City’s AA bonding rating in order to set precedent for <br />the current and future Council. <br /> <br />6:15 pm Commission Interview with Roberto Valdizan <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas introduced herself and welcomed Roberto Valdizan to the Council worksession <br />meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Valdizan to please explain how both his personal and professional <br />experiences will help him be an effective commissioner, if appointed. <br /> <br />Roberto Valdizan stated he was an immigrant, noting he came from Peru to the United State 22 years ago. He <br />reported he had to start all over, work three jobs or four jobs in order to support himself while learning English <br />at the same time. He indicated he found a lot of great people along the way the help him get through this <br />system. He explained he began a career in banking in 2007. He noted he now works with immigrants and <br />those who are facing financial challenges. He believed in order to fix some problems in the community we <br />have to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. He explained he married his wife in 2009 and at the <br />time they lived in North Minneapolis. He stated after a great deal of crime in his neighborhood, he started an <br />initiative with the Minneapolis Police Department along with members of the community in an effort to solve <br />problems in the community. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked what motivated Mr. Valdizan to apply to serve on a City Commission. <br /> <br />Mr. Valdizan reported he moved away from North Minneapolis to get away from the crime. He commented he <br />was now going through a personal/family issue in his neighborhood. He explained he does not know why this <br />occurred, but there was a confrontation with his child and a neighbor. He reported he left this confrontation to <br />the authorities and God. He indicated he appreciates the school his child attends and he did not want to move <br />out of the community. After almost three years, he has had enough and he reached out to Councilmember <br />Abdulle. He thanked Councilmember Abdulle for sharing his time with him. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle stated it was his privilege to speak with Mr. Valdizan. He then explained each <br />commission is asked by the City Council to lead specific priorities and to make recommendations to the City <br />Council on policies and ordinances. If he were a commissioner and he had concerns about a specific policy or