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City's trails often. <br /> 1111 Councilmember Dunsworth asked what are some specific goals Mr. Fallas hopes to accomplish by serving on a <br /> commission. <br /> Mr. Fallas stated his goal would be to align with the goals of the commission and not be a rock in the middle, <br /> but rather serve as a helper. He hoped to see projects being done in an efficient way for residents and the City. <br /> Councilmember Allen requested Mr. Fallas speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest challenges in <br /> New Brighton. <br /> Mr. Fallas indicated he read the comprehensive plan for 2040. He noted he runs in the community and has seen <br /> most of the trails. He explained he has run on enough of the trails to understand where he feels safe and where <br /> he does not. In addition, he was familiar with where connections were lacking. He commented on how Long <br /> Lake Park was isolated in the community. He sees trail connections as an opportunity for the community. He <br /> stated housing was also a need in the City given the growing population. He reported he worked in Plymouth <br /> and he hoped to see more skilled jobs in the community. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Fallas 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 Merhawi Yigsaw. <br /> Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Yigsaw 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. Yigsaw stated he did not grow up in Minnesota. He moved here in 2016 from Atlanta, Georgia. He noted <br /> he lived and traveled around the country for work. He has lived in numerous cities which helps him understand <br /> what works and what doesn't work. He indicated he works in the healthcare space for the past 10 years on the <br /> business side noting he has a background in project management. He believed this experience would help him <br /> serve on a commissioner, specifically on the EDC. He stated he could use his experiences as a project manager <br /> and help move initiatives forward. <br /> Councilmember Abdulle asked what motivated Mr. Yigsaw to serve on a City Commission. <br /> Mr. Yigsaw explained he moved to Minnesota in 2016 and he bought a home in New Brighton in 2021. He <br /> stated he has fallen in love with New Brighton. He appreciated the parks, community and neighborhoods. He <br /> reported he has been a passive participant in all communities he has lived in but he was hoping to serve now to <br /> learn about what is going on in the community and to work to create solutions to move the City forward. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth asked what are some specific goals Mr. Yigsaw hopes to accomplish by serving on <br /> a commission. <br /> Mr. Yigsaw indicated this would be his first step into civic life. He indicated his first goal would be to be an <br /> active listener and really dig deep into the problems of the City and to learn from those who are already <br /> serving. Secondly, he wanted to find ways to improve New Brighton. He stated he works for a company based <br /> out of California. He wanted to see the community greater marketing itself. <br /> Councilmember Allen requested Mr. Yigsaw speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest challenges in <br /> New Brighton. <br />