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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS <br /> <br />CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON <br /> <br />Pursuant to notice thereof, a special meeting of the New Brighton City Council was held Thursday, April 23, 1998, <br />at 7:00 p,m, in the municipal building, 803 Fifth Avenue NW. <br /> <br />Present: <br /> <br />Mayor Benke, Councilmembers Gunderman, Larson, and Samuelson. <br /> <br />Absent: <br /> <br />None <br /> <br />Also Present: <br /> <br />Matthew Fulton, City Manager <br /> <br />Mayor Benke gave a brief background of the process for appointment to the vacant Councilmember seat created by <br />the death of George Gregori. A public notice was placed in the New Brighton Bulletin the week of March 23 <br />advertising the appointment with an April 14 deadline to indicate desire, Eleven applications were received. A <br />Council worksession was held April 21 to screen the applications and develop a finalist list. Each Councilmember <br />independently evaluated the resumes and encouraged community feedback, At the worksession, Councilmembers <br />compared notes and selected two very strong candidates from a field of very capable individuals, Those candidates <br />are: Ann Hoffman, 1943 15th Avenue NW; and Dennis Flahave, 195 23rd Avenue NW, <br /> <br />The following criteria was used in considering qualifications: capable of continuing the philosophy and visionary <br />approach of George Gregori regarding community planning, redevelopment, and quality of life issues; able to work <br />with the current Council and be a member of the elected and overall municipal team; understanding of Council's <br />role in the organizational structure; demonstrate success in involvement with municipal advisory commissions <br />andlor other community activities; and carry out the voters' wishes in last year's election. A format similar to the <br />League of Women Voters Meet the Candidates Forum will be used and involves five minute candidate introductory <br />comments, Council questions, audience questions, and closing comments, <br /> <br />Introductory Comments <br /> <br />Dennis Flahave introduced himself, He graduated from high school in Sauk Rapids, and attended St. Cloud State <br />University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Distributive Education with emphasis in Accounting and <br />Finance. He attended Wharton School of Business and received a Master of Science Degree in Management from <br />Cardinal Stritch University, Flahave and his wife moved to New Brighton in 1973 and raised five children. He has <br />been active in Cub Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and coached many youth sport leagues. His professional career <br />consisted of positions in accounting, finance, security and exchange, BPA reporting, administration, budgeting, <br />staffing, and project evaluations. He is currently Director of the Adult Evening and Weekend Division at Dakato <br />County Technical College and is responsible for providing training opportunities and upgrading skills to individuals <br />employed or those preparing for employment. <br /> <br />Flahave believes that becoming pro-active in the affairs of New Brighton is important, and found being a Public <br />Safety Commissioner very rewarding. We are very proud of our safe streets, Police Liaison Officer, DARE <br />Program, and Neighborhood Crime Watch. The current redevelopment plan is of upmost importance, and it is <br />imperative to maintain and retain established businesses and attract new businesses to keep our tax base intact and <br />provide future increases, The Old Hwy 8 Corridor offers an excellent opportunity while not sacrificing our <br />environment. He feels it would be an honor to serve the people of New Brighton to ensure the future quality of life <br />for our children and generations to come, <br /> <br />Ann Hoffman is honored to be selected as a finalist, and feels George Gregori was an outstanding community <br />member and will be missed by all. She is committed to the City and its future, and would collaborate with Council <br />and staff in identifying new and exciting opportunities. She believes she can make a difference, She brings <br />extensive knowledge of the City through her activities on various municipal commissions, a strong record in serving <br />surrounding communities, and lengthy experience in business management. <br />