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NEW <br /> 1 1`` BRIGHTON <br /> building tomorrow today <br /> Council Worksession <br /> February 28, 2024 <br /> 5:00 pm <br /> Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas <br /> Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle <br /> Councilmember Graeme Allen <br /> Councilmember Pam Axberg <br /> Councilmember Emily Dunsworth <br /> Absent: <br /> Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Terri Spangrud (attending remotely) <br /> Guests in Attendance: Mark Ryan, Taylor Hansen, Sophie Jung <br /> Commission Applicant Interviews <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mark Ryan for coming in and applying for this position. <br /> 11 Councilmember Axberg asked Mr. Ryan 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. Ryan stated he has lived in a lot of different cities and communities throughout the country. He explained <br /> he grew up in New Brighton, but has lived in Rochester, Denver, Las Vegas, norther California and he moved <br /> back to Minnesota 10 years ago. He indicated he has seen how different cities function and get different <br /> experiences. He believed this helps with having a broader perspective when it comes to diversity and economic <br /> development. He stated he works as a real estate appraiser for residential property. He reported he examines <br /> and analyzes property information on a daily basis and he can see how different city policies can impact <br /> property values. He indicated the type of works he does was analytical in nature and this may be beneficial <br /> when serving as a commissioner and giving guidance. He stated he owns a real estate appraising company <br /> with 21 employees. He explained he started this company when he moved back to New Brighton 10 years ago. <br /> This opportunity helped him to learn how to work and collaborate with people, as well as learning how to work <br /> with cities and city officials. <br /> Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Mr. Ryan to serve on a City Commission. <br /> Mr. Ryan stated he grew up in New Brighton. He explained his wife was born in Northeast Minneapolis and <br /> then her family moved to New Brighton. He indicated he wanted to serve in order to give back to a community <br /> that has given a lot to him. He stated with his career he had to move around a bit and he intended to now make <br /> New Brighton his home for the long haul. He wanted to be more involved in the community that he lived in <br /> and operated a business in. He reported he now has the capacity and desire to offer his time and talents to the <br /> City. He liked the idea of working with other people who were like minded and wanted to give back to the <br /> City. <br />