Laserfiche WebLink
getting it out in the community. <br /> Mayor NiedSfeldt-Tho thn Mooing in ha no o Clerk pangrud woumasld bae in ked toucs.h withHam im furthuneer if of mationcom on howd theapplyi Councilf r wasthis movposition.ing forwar She d. She noted <br /> City <br /> explained the next person to be interviewed was Karen Collins. <br /> Councilmember Axberg asked Ms. Collins to provide the Council with a brief history on how her personal and <br /> professional experiences will help her be an effective commissioner, if appointed. <br /> Ms. Collins explained she grew up in New Brighton and has been in the community for the past 32 years. She <br /> commented she was an Irondale graduate. She indicated she lives in the Main Street Village condos and serves <br /> on the association board there. She noted she sells real estate in this area. She reported she has a lot of <br /> experience with the real estate profession and also serves as an educator to the Minnesota Realty School for <br /> people seeking out their real estate license. She hoped her experience could be well served on the EDC or <br /> Planning Commission. <br /> Councilmember Abdulle asked what motivated Ms. Collins to serve on a City Commission. <br /> Ms. Collins stated she had a chance to pull up the housing study and read this entire report. She explained she <br /> also reviewed the comprehensive plan and both of these documents intrigued her. She wanted to better <br /> understand things at a City level because this would better help her serve her clients and students. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth asked what are some specific goals Ms. Collins hopes to accomplish by serving on <br /> a commission. <br /> Ms. Collins commented she wanted to learn. She wanted to absorb and have an opportunity to give back to the <br /> community that she feels so strongly about. She stated this was her home and she wanted to play a deeper role <br /> in being a part of something greater. <br /> Councilmember Allen requested Ms. Collins speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest challenges in <br /> New Brighton. <br /> Ms. Collins stated that was a tough question to answer because she only has a certain point of view as a <br /> resident and business owner. She was hoping to learn more about the City's needs and opportunities if <br /> appointed to a commission. She explained from a housing standpoint there was an incredibly low inventory <br /> when it comes to housing in New Brighton. She understood there was a lack of affordable and senior housing <br /> options in the community. She was interested in seeing a list of assistance programs that were available to New <br /> Brighton homeowners. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Ms. Collins 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 Mark Jansen. <br /> Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Jansen to provide the Council with a brief history on how his personal and <br /> professional experiences will help him be an effective commissioner, if appointed. <br /> Mr. Jansen stated he has lived in New Brighton most of his life. He noted he was raised near Lake Johanna and <br /> he moved his family from Columbia Heights to New Brighton about seven years ago. He explained his <br /> daughters attend Irondale and participate in the marching band. He believed he had a vested interest in the <br /> community and he wanted to give back. He stated professionally, he has been a teacher and administrator for <br />