2023.05.09 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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leadership on how this will impact others. Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Ms. Hicks to want to continue serving on a City Commission. Ms. Hicks stated the City didn’t have a DEI Commission when she applied for PREC. She noted she has really enjoyed serving on PREC and was impacted by the great work this departmen t was doing on behalf of the community on a daily basis. Councilmember Dunsworth stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted by the City Council. She asked Ms. Hicks what she would do if she disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. Ms. Hicks stated she has learned that it was important to keep an open mind. She explained she would begin by asking questions of the Commission members, along with her Council liaison. She understood it was important for residents to speak up when they have concerns, but also to keep an open mind and to do this in a respectful manner. Councilmember Abdulle requested Ms. Hicks speak to the City’s biggest opportunity and biggest challenges in New Brighton. Ms. Hicks stated the City has so many opportunities at this time. She appreciated how the 2040 park plan was moving forward. She saw how the City was working to make a positive impact on the community by improving parks. She wanted to see this being done in a fiscally responsible manner. She commented on how the community was becoming more diverse and she wanted to see the needs of all of these community members being met. She indicated she appreciated the fact that sustainability was a part of PREC. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Hicks 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 Carlos Hererra. Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Hererra to provide the Council with a brief history on how his personal and professional experiences will help him be an effective commissioner, if appointed. Mr. Hererra stated he was not a professional, but he knows a lot about life. He explained when it comes to experience, he has indicated he has learned a lot while serving ono the Equity Commission. He indicated he wanted to learn more about why people can’t get along. Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Mr. Hererra to want to continue serving on a City Commission. Mr. Hererra explained he wanted to continue learning. Councilmember Dunsworth stated each Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council that comply with policies, rules or ordinances already adopted by the City Council. She asked Mr. Hererra what he would do if he disagreed with a policy or ordinance already in place. Mr. Hererra indicated he would have to talk to others on how to address this problem. He stated he would consider the problem further and would think of ways on how to mak e it work. After the problem was discussed, he would work to solve the problem.