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Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Mr. Ryan hopes to accomplish by serving on a <br /> commission. <br /> fl <br /> Mr. Ryan indicated he was not coming to the table with an agenda for the City. He stated he was more focused <br /> on being a good listener and understanding the direction the City wants to move in. He wants to listen to <br /> neighbors and other people in the community to see what he can offer as an advisory member to the City. He <br /> stated as a goal, anything that he can provide to help the City would be great. He anticipated serving in such a <br /> capacity would give back to him. He hoped to learn more how the City functions as this would make him a <br /> better business owner and better citizen. If he were selected, as time goes on, he hoped to have more goals for <br /> the City. <br /> Councilmember Dunsworth requested Mr. Ryan speak to the City's biggest opportunity and biggest challenges <br /> in New Brighton. <br /> Mr. Ryan stated New Brighton was in a great geographic location at the intersection of two major highways <br /> and was in close proximity to both Minneapolis and St. Paul. He believed the diversity in the City was a good <br /> benefit and the community was almost fully developed, but there were still opportunities to develop large <br /> commercial parcels. He explained this created interesting opportunities for the City. He indicated New <br /> Brighton was close to Rice Creek Commons, which may create new opportunities for local business owners <br /> and residents. He did not like to think of New Brighton as a bedroom community, but having a strong <br /> residential core culture was a good thing for the community that has access to other amenities that were close <br /> by. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked Mr. Ryan for coming in and applying for this position. She noted City Clerk <br /> riSpangrud would be in touch with further information on how the Council was moving forward. She explained <br /> the next person to be interviewed was Taylor Hansen. <br /> Councilmember Axberg asked Ms. Hansen 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. Hansen stated she was a marketing intern last summer and she had the opportunity to work for a non-profit <br /> where she was able to sit in on meetings and observe. She believed this experience would help her from a <br /> business and personal perspective how to make decisions in the best interest of businesses. She indicated she <br /> was part of the New Brighton community, she played sports and was very involved in the community. She <br /> commented on how the girls basketball team partnered with the Bartz Brothers and sold chili and cocoa in <br /> January. She stated she enjoyed being an active part of the community. <br /> Councilmember Allen asked what motivated Ms. Hansen to serve on a City Commission. <br /> Ms. Hansen stated she was recommended by her teacher to apply for a City Commission. She explained she <br /> was interested in studying business and economics in the future. She believed this would be a good opportunity <br /> to learn more about businesses and government. She also had a passion for giving back to her community. <br /> Councilmember Abdulle asked what are some specific goals Ms. Hansen hopes to accomplish by serving on a <br /> commission. <br /> riMs. Hansen stated she wanted to be part of a team and give back to the community. She wanted to learn more <br /> about the economy from a governmental standpoint and she hoped to be a voice that would help improve the <br /> City. <br />