1 00:00:42,830 --> 00:00:49,810 does not support or oppose political parties or candidates. We sponsor forums to provide 2 00:00:49,810 --> 00:00:55,950 voters an opportunity to hear candidates' views about issues of interest in the upcoming election. 3 00:00:56,950 --> 00:01:04,510 This forum is being taped and information can be found online at ctvnorthsuburbs.org. 4 00:01:05,310 --> 00:01:11,510 Forum rules are printed in your handout. Questions are being collected from the 5 00:01:11,510 --> 00:01:12,810 audience and online. 6 00:01:15,230 --> 00:01:19,170 The order for speaking tonight will begin in alphabetical order by 7 00:01:19,170 --> 00:01:27,190 last name and will be rotated thereafter. Participants in tonight's forum include Mayoral 8 00:01:27,190 --> 00:01:34,430 Candidate Sandy Martin and the candidates for Shoreview City Council who are Douglas 9 00:01:34,430 --> 00:01:36,950 Blomberg, Jesse Ehrenreich, 10 00:01:39,180 --> 00:01:41,460 Corey Springhorn, and Terry Quigley. 11 00:01:44,960 --> 00:01:46,100 We will now begin with 12 00:01:46,100 --> 00:01:51,240 opening remarks, and we will start in alphabetical order with Douglas Blomberg. 13 00:02:03,820 --> 00:02:05,360 I live 14 00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:13,880 in Shoreview since 1990. I grew up in Shoreview. My parents had a lake cabin on 15 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:19,140 Fairlake, so I'm quite familiar with what's going on right now. Workplace, I've worked 16 00:02:19,140 --> 00:02:31,280 for 3M, CDC, Cargill by work experience, involved in politics. And I just want to give an opportunity 17 00:02:31,280 --> 00:02:35,960 that I know that other councilmen have done a great job. But what I want to do is just 18 00:02:35,960 --> 00:02:40,640 give you an opportunity to have a choice as to hope we're electing for council this 19 00:02:40,640 --> 00:02:40,840 year. 20 00:02:40,840 --> 00:02:46,400 Thank you. And next we'll hear from Jesse Aaron Reich. 21 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:56,340 Hi, my name is Jesse Aaron Reich. I'm a recent transplant at Shoreview. I've lived here for going on three years now. 22 00:02:57,500 --> 00:03:03,480 I went to the University of Minnesota and that's how I ended up in Minnesota to begin with. 23 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:10,160 I currently work at a accounting firm. I telecommute in. I've always been very 24 00:03:10,160 --> 00:03:15,980 interested in politics and saw this as an opportunity to get more into politics 25 00:03:15,980 --> 00:03:20,700 and really try and help my community and do what I can to keep Shoreview as 26 00:03:20,700 --> 00:03:26,080 such a wonderful place to live. I think the same that the council members 27 00:03:26,080 --> 00:03:31,160 currently have done a great job and I just wanted to I guess put my own hat 28 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:34,140 in the ring and see what everybody would think about that. 29 00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:38,500 And I wanted to thank the League of Women Voters for putting this on. 30 00:03:39,040 --> 00:03:43,800 I think it's a great opportunity for candidates to get to meet some of the people in the community 31 00:03:43,800 --> 00:03:46,940 and for the people in the community to get to meet some of the candidates. 32 00:03:47,900 --> 00:03:48,660 Thank you. 33 00:03:49,400 --> 00:03:50,820 And next is Sandy Martin. 34 00:03:51,940 --> 00:03:52,580 Thank you. 35 00:03:52,660 --> 00:03:56,560 I'll start by thanking the League of Women Voters for coordinating this forum. 36 00:03:56,560 --> 00:04:01,740 It's an important way for people to learn about their candidates. 37 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:07,060 I'm a lifelong resident of Shoreview, and I raised my four children here after returning 38 00:04:07,060 --> 00:04:08,100 back after college. 39 00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:15,560 I was first elected mayor in 1996, and I'm now seeking re-election for my 12th term. 40 00:04:16,340 --> 00:04:20,180 I'm extremely proud of the progress that's been made during those years. 41 00:04:20,720 --> 00:04:25,640 Through proactive and long-range planning in every single area, especially financial, 42 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:31,040 we've been able to establish Shoreview as one of the premier communities in the metropolitan area. 43 00:04:31,600 --> 00:04:38,480 Our parks, trails, open spaces, environmental initiatives, our community center, our low crime rate, 44 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:45,820 excellent customer service have established an enviable community that is now home to 26,000 residents. 45 00:04:46,320 --> 00:04:50,540 And we've done it all while still maintaining a very low tax rate. 46 00:04:51,320 --> 00:04:53,920 The key to our success has been teamwork. 47 00:04:53,920 --> 00:05:00,020 work. This is a city where dedicated council members work together. They support competent 48 00:05:00,020 --> 00:05:06,060 and professional staff. This is a city where hundreds of residents volunteer and provide 49 00:05:06,060 --> 00:05:12,180 important input at every level. We support our school districts. We work cooperatively 50 00:05:12,180 --> 00:05:17,960 with the county and other jurisdictions. My leadership style is to analyze objectively, 51 00:05:17,960 --> 00:05:23,340 to develop solutions and seek consensus. I look forward to the questions this 52 00:05:23,340 --> 00:05:26,980 evening. Next we'll hear from Terry Quigley. 53 00:05:33,700 --> 00:05:35,380 Again I'd like to thank the 54 00:05:35,380 --> 00:05:38,940 League for providing this forum for our group here. 55 00:05:41,020 --> 00:05:44,140 I moved back to Minnesota in 56 00:05:44,140 --> 00:05:49,320 1971 and I looked around the various communities and picture you mainly 57 00:05:49,320 --> 00:05:50,980 because of the school district. 58 00:05:51,900 --> 00:05:54,700 Since then, I've lived in the city, 59 00:05:54,900 --> 00:05:58,020 and my employer is a Shoreview organization. 60 00:05:59,040 --> 00:06:00,680 My church is a Shoreview church. 61 00:06:01,460 --> 00:06:05,560 All six children have graduated from Boundsville High School, 62 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:08,880 and so I'm very familiar with the community. 63 00:06:09,680 --> 00:06:12,480 I was appointed to the council in 2000, 64 00:06:12,620 --> 00:06:15,800 and this will be my fourth term of four years 65 00:06:16,320 --> 00:06:17,420 as a council member. 66 00:06:17,420 --> 00:06:23,200 When I came back to Minnesota I had served on a planning commission in Iowa and I thought 67 00:06:23,200 --> 00:06:28,080 it would be a good way to get involved with the community so I served on the Shoreview 68 00:06:28,080 --> 00:06:33,000 Planning Commission, the Shoreview Economic Development Commission before my appointment 69 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:33,740 to the council. 70 00:06:35,080 --> 00:06:43,740 I think the importance of serving is to provide a stable series of policies and direction 71 00:06:43,740 --> 00:06:49,120 for a very competent staff for the city and because of this we've been able to 72 00:06:49,120 --> 00:06:55,400 attain the successes that the city has had and our surveys have shown the place 73 00:06:55,400 --> 00:07:01,020 to be a top-notch community as far as the quality of life and I'm looking 74 00:07:01,020 --> 00:07:07,900 forward to another area of service to the residents. And lastly we'll hear 75 00:07:07,900 --> 00:07:12,080 from Corey Springhorn. Thanks to everyone for coming and thanks to my 76 00:07:12,080 --> 00:07:15,520 candidates for being here and a really huge thanks to the League of Women Voters 77 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:16,640 for providing this opportunity. 78 00:07:18,980 --> 00:07:21,020 We collect 12 million dollars of your money 79 00:07:21,020 --> 00:07:24,900 through the city levy each year so I think it's really important that you as 80 00:07:24,900 --> 00:07:27,580 voters get to know as much as you can about the candidates and that we as 81 00:07:27,580 --> 00:07:30,000 candidates know as much as we can about the city and the job we're 82 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:33,680 applying for. I was on the Human Rights Commission for a few years before 83 00:07:33,680 --> 00:07:36,120 I ever thought of running for office but when I started thinking about it 84 00:07:36,120 --> 00:07:39,700 I wanted to be extensively prepared so I had a private meeting with Mayor 85 00:07:39,700 --> 00:07:42,700 Martin and with a couple of the council members whose terms were expiring that year to get 86 00:07:42,700 --> 00:07:46,100 as much background as they would give me in the three or four months leading up to the 87 00:07:46,100 --> 00:07:50,440 election I came and sat out there in those seats to watch and listen and again just get 88 00:07:50,440 --> 00:07:55,660 some background. But I also wanted the voters to know about me. So before I even filed 89 00:07:55,660 --> 00:07:58,360 for office I set up a Facebook page for my campaign to interact with the public. 90 00:07:58,540 --> 00:08:02,560 I walked in the Slice of Shorby parade handing out flyers and then the weeks leading 91 00:08:02,560 --> 00:08:06,440 up to the election and every weekend and most week nights I spent many, many 92 00:08:06,440 --> 00:08:10,100 hours knocking on doors and talking to whoever would answer the door, whether it was a million dollar 93 00:08:10,100 --> 00:08:15,740 home in Snail Lake Landing or the Brookside mobile home community, apartments, town, homes, 94 00:08:16,160 --> 00:08:19,320 and throughout my first term in office I've continued to be accessible and really enjoy 95 00:08:19,320 --> 00:08:23,060 talking to whoever wants to talk to me, whether they catch me in person at my church or here 96 00:08:23,060 --> 00:08:28,660 at the community center working out, interacting through Facebook or next door or my own website 97 00:08:29,920 --> 00:08:33,140 and I look forward to some good interactions here tonight and continuing to serve the 98 00:08:33,140 --> 00:08:34,180 the City of Shoreview. 99 00:08:35,440 --> 00:08:36,280 Thank you. 100 00:08:37,320 --> 00:08:45,000 Before we jump into questions, I wanted to mention that the flyer for tonight's forum references a second candidate for mayor. 101 00:08:45,520 --> 00:08:50,540 There was a misunderstanding and he has dropped out of the race, so we have one mayoral candidate. 102 00:08:53,420 --> 00:08:55,400 So we're going to start our rounds of questions. 103 00:08:56,540 --> 00:09:01,380 And the first question will be answered starting with Douglas Blomberg. 104 00:09:01,380 --> 00:09:08,880 The question is, what is the one issue that you will address first after being elected? 105 00:09:12,810 --> 00:09:15,970 Probably the first one, my biggest concern is taxes. 106 00:09:16,910 --> 00:09:22,590 The amount of taxes that we pay are being paid not only in real estate taxes, 107 00:09:22,750 --> 00:09:24,330 but taxes for this, taxes for that. 108 00:09:24,910 --> 00:09:28,770 You know, it starts adding up and I, to me, this is a big issue. 109 00:09:28,770 --> 00:09:32,510 So that's probably one of the things I'll be addressing. 110 00:09:34,010 --> 00:09:34,750 Thank you. 111 00:09:35,570 --> 00:09:38,730 And our second respondent is Corey Springhorn. 112 00:09:41,380 --> 00:09:46,300 Well, the item on our docket right now is the renovation of the Shoreview Commons, 113 00:09:47,200 --> 00:09:50,000 adding some great features here, adding value to the community. 114 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:52,700 And so I look forward to continuing with that project. 115 00:09:52,860 --> 00:09:55,020 And we're working with the Parks and Recreation Commission 116 00:09:55,020 --> 00:09:59,240 and my fellow council members to create a commons park 117 00:09:59,240 --> 00:10:00,840 that we'll be even more proud of. 118 00:10:02,080 --> 00:10:02,660 Thank you. 119 00:10:02,840 --> 00:10:06,440 And our third respondent is Jesse Aaron Reich. 120 00:10:08,890 --> 00:10:11,450 The first thing that I would like to try and address, 121 00:10:11,690 --> 00:10:13,410 if I got into the council position, 122 00:10:13,470 --> 00:10:16,670 would actually be to look at recycling and some of the issues 123 00:10:16,670 --> 00:10:18,030 that are coming up with that recently, 124 00:10:18,530 --> 00:10:22,050 given the change in the economics of how recycling has been 125 00:10:22,050 --> 00:10:22,850 and how it's been done. 126 00:10:23,550 --> 00:10:26,470 The current system of which we've been doing it 127 00:10:26,470 --> 00:10:29,130 doesn't seem like it's going to be able to continue 128 00:10:29,130 --> 00:10:33,650 to be a profitable venture for the businesses, and so I want to try and find a way to make 129 00:10:33,650 --> 00:10:42,510 sure that we can keep recycling going on to help keep our city clean and be able to keep 130 00:10:42,510 --> 00:10:44,030 the people healthy and everything like that. 131 00:10:44,930 --> 00:10:45,690 Thank you. 132 00:10:46,390 --> 00:10:48,230 Next respondent is Sandy Martin. 133 00:10:49,730 --> 00:10:54,610 This probably isn't an issue for new candidates, but probably the first thing that we're 134 00:10:54,610 --> 00:11:00,690 dealing with right now is the budget for 2019. And that's taken considerable time on 135 00:11:00,690 --> 00:11:06,330 the staff's part. They've been preparing since April and preparing the budget. The council 136 00:11:06,330 --> 00:11:12,350 has reviewed it on several occasions. And we have moved to a biennial budget, but there 137 00:11:12,350 --> 00:11:18,650 are always changes and accommodations that have to be made in that budget so that the 138 00:11:18,650 --> 00:11:24,270 second year of it is flexible and so that's probably the number one thing 139 00:11:24,270 --> 00:11:28,690 but the recycling issue I just want to respond quickly because the goal of the 140 00:11:28,690 --> 00:11:35,990 city was to improve the cost and the efficiency of that system so there was 141 00:11:35,990 --> 00:11:40,190 some confusion but I think long run we're in pretty good shape but I am also 142 00:11:40,190 --> 00:11:45,650 concerned about the markets for our materials and the final respondent to 143 00:11:45,650 --> 00:11:47,150 this question is Terry quickly 144 00:11:50,600 --> 00:11:56,580 the the issue that I spend most time considering 145 00:11:56,580 --> 00:12:03,480 on the council is redevelopment the community is about 95 percent developed 146 00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:08,660 in order to sustain the quality of life that the residents have come to expect 147 00:12:08,660 --> 00:12:13,340 and are paying for we need to continue to renew those things which need 148 00:12:13,340 --> 00:12:21,560 renewal, to attract new business, and to provide the kind of living quarters that the residents 149 00:12:21,560 --> 00:12:27,920 and new people might want. So redevelopment is perhaps the most important thing at a council. 150 00:12:28,420 --> 00:12:32,820 A lot of councils get involved with things like where the next bike stand should go, but 151 00:12:32,820 --> 00:12:37,440 I think looking down the road for the long term is a more important task. 152 00:12:38,900 --> 00:12:43,740 Thank you. Now each candidate will have 30 seconds if they'd like to provide a 153 00:12:43,740 --> 00:12:50,620 rebuttal to any of the comments and we'll go in this the same order if you 154 00:12:50,620 --> 00:12:53,920 raise your hand if you would like to provide a rebuttal in any way. 155 00:12:56,420 --> 00:12:56,820 Yes 156 00:12:56,820 --> 00:13:01,120 Douglas Blomber. Yeah a couple of things come to mind and that's what's 157 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:04,140 going to happen in the rice creek area that's been sitting there for how 158 00:13:04,140 --> 00:13:06,700 many years I know there's planning and developing that and trying to do it 159 00:13:06,700 --> 00:13:08,920 And so I think this isn't a big issue. 160 00:13:09,020 --> 00:13:11,020 It hasn't been a big issue for Shorville. 161 00:13:11,880 --> 00:13:13,400 I think what's going on T-CAP, 162 00:13:13,600 --> 00:13:15,340 there was a meeting last night between Art and He owns 163 00:13:15,340 --> 00:13:18,140 in Ramsey County and what happens there is going to reflect 164 00:13:18,140 --> 00:13:23,000 what's going to happen to Shorville in that land in there. 165 00:13:23,120 --> 00:13:24,620 So I think this is an issue that we've got 166 00:13:24,620 --> 00:13:25,520 to keep an eye on. 167 00:13:27,260 --> 00:13:31,260 In my area, directly, there were a problem 168 00:13:31,260 --> 00:13:31,940 with street lighting. 169 00:13:32,120 --> 00:13:33,960 So that would be another issue that we're looking at. 170 00:13:33,960 --> 00:13:42,020 Thank you. Anyone else? Sandy? I just wanted to add that really a big project for the new 171 00:13:42,020 --> 00:13:50,140 year is providing new services and activities in the expanded community center and we are 172 00:13:50,140 --> 00:13:56,740 hiring a new park and recreation director and we have opportunities for a lot of new 173 00:13:56,740 --> 00:14:01,160 programs that you can look at in the shore views brochure right now a lot of different 174 00:14:01,160 --> 00:14:03,340 different kinds of programs than we've offered in the past. 175 00:14:05,340 --> 00:14:06,480 And Corey Springhorn. 176 00:14:07,440 --> 00:14:12,900 Just wanted to kind of respond to Mr. Blomberg and say that, you know, we all wish our taxes 177 00:14:12,900 --> 00:14:17,440 were lower, but we get great value and sure we compared to other cities, and we actually 178 00:14:17,440 --> 00:14:18,080 do pretty well. 179 00:14:18,660 --> 00:14:22,680 Our taxes are fairly high because of Ramsey County and the school district, but as far 180 00:14:22,680 --> 00:14:28,440 as the city, could we get a little lower hopefully some day, but right now we're 181 00:14:28,440 --> 00:14:29,160 getting a good value. 182 00:14:29,160 --> 00:14:37,600 you. And Jesse, Aaron Reich. I actually also wanted to reply to you about the the 183 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:40,920 street lights that's been something I've heard from a lot of people that I've 184 00:14:40,920 --> 00:14:44,120 talked about is that they'd like to see more street lights around in Shoreview. 185 00:14:45,200 --> 00:14:49,800 We have such nice parks and such nice trails for walking and running and at 186 00:14:49,800 --> 00:14:52,560 night it can be really hard for some people and I mean in the winter it gets 187 00:14:52,560 --> 00:14:55,640 dark so early that a lot of people by time they get home from work it's 188 00:14:55,640 --> 00:14:59,980 It's already too dark to do some of the things they'd like to do, so I'd also like to... 189 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:01,960 And get street lights put up in different places. 190 00:15:02,300 --> 00:15:06,040 Thank you. All right, we're going to move on to our second question. 191 00:15:06,860 --> 00:15:09,160 And Terry Quigley will be our first respondent. 192 00:15:09,640 --> 00:15:14,560 And the question is, what are your top three budget priorities for the next four years? 193 00:15:21,020 --> 00:15:21,700 Terry Quigley. 194 00:15:22,220 --> 00:15:30,540 The main things that I look to as we review the budgeting process and it's constantly reviewed 195 00:15:30,540 --> 00:15:40,180 is one to maintain a reasonable levy level. The things we're doing cost and we 196 00:15:40,180 --> 00:15:44,800 will have a certain level necessary but it has to be kept within reason and so I 197 00:15:44,800 --> 00:15:49,660 look at the level. The next thing is the amount of money that we're able to 198 00:15:49,660 --> 00:15:54,720 make available to attract industry through a tax increment financing and 199 00:15:54,720 --> 00:15:59,360 perhaps tax abatement would be the next thing and the third thing would 200 00:15:59,360 --> 00:16:06,260 be the maintenance of our infrastructure which can get out of hand and is tremendously costly. 201 00:16:06,840 --> 00:16:10,220 Those would be the three main budget issues that I focus on. 202 00:16:10,740 --> 00:16:11,600 Thank you. 203 00:16:12,240 --> 00:16:14,600 Our next respondent is Jesse Aaron Reich. 204 00:16:15,720 --> 00:16:16,520 Thank you. 205 00:16:17,160 --> 00:16:25,160 I would say that my top three ideas of what we should look at are one, same as my opponent 206 00:16:25,160 --> 00:16:30,120 here looking at the levies, making sure that they're appropriate, but also looking at other 207 00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:35,520 forms of income that the city can have to try and make sure that we keep a balanced budget 208 00:16:35,520 --> 00:16:40,780 going forward and we can provide the kind of amenities that the people in the city would 209 00:16:40,780 --> 00:16:46,860 like to see. I think the second would be to look at ways that we can try and incentivize 210 00:16:46,860 --> 00:16:53,560 people to move into the city and move into maybe some of the older houses that can get 211 00:16:53,560 --> 00:16:58,160 them to, you know, rebuild them and keep them a nice condition, which we have some great 212 00:16:58,160 --> 00:17:01,280 programs I think, I'm sure of you all ready for that, but make sure that we can maintain 213 00:17:01,280 --> 00:17:08,380 them and expand them if maybe. And then third, I think trying to do different, trying to 214 00:17:08,380 --> 00:17:14,320 find ways that we can attract businesses and other ventures into the city as well 215 00:17:14,320 --> 00:17:19,300 as finding ways that we can help, you know, other types of professionals in the city. 216 00:17:19,300 --> 00:17:22,200 Thank you. 217 00:17:22,380 --> 00:17:24,000 Our next respondent is Sandy Martin. 218 00:17:25,480 --> 00:17:27,680 Can you repeat the question again, please? 219 00:17:30,220 --> 00:17:34,280 What are your three top budget priorities for the next four years? 220 00:17:35,020 --> 00:17:40,620 So with budget priorities, I think public safety is always a really important issue 221 00:17:40,620 --> 00:17:42,300 for the city and for our residents. 222 00:17:42,760 --> 00:17:50,500 And we contract with Ramsey County Sheriff and that provides everyone with great competency 223 00:17:50,500 --> 00:17:56,080 and professionalism, but their costs continue to rise, and so we have to anticipate that. 224 00:17:56,580 --> 00:18:00,960 Our fire department has taken on all sorts of new responsibilities in the last couple 225 00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:01,420 of years. 226 00:18:01,860 --> 00:18:09,440 They are the first responders in most instances in the city, and they are trained adequately, 227 00:18:09,800 --> 00:18:14,920 really, but they're also starting to serve 24-hour shifts so that we don't have a real 228 00:18:14,920 --> 00:18:17,000 volunteer fire department anymore. 229 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:22,440 more. I think the other real quick the other thing is stormwater issues. We've had many 230 00:18:22,440 --> 00:18:30,320 many stormwater problems on Gramsie and Grass Lake and Snail Lake in that area due to high 231 00:18:30,320 --> 00:18:36,240 rainfall in the last couple of years, precipitation. We need to really address those in some way 232 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:42,280 working with the watershed. Thank you. Our next respondent is Corey Springhorn. 233 00:18:43,540 --> 00:18:48,640 Mayor Martin took my top answer, public safety, and certainly in addition to the duty crews 234 00:18:48,640 --> 00:18:53,440 of the Fire Department, they do need to modernize their equipment, so we're anticipating some 235 00:18:53,440 --> 00:18:54,620 costs associated with that. 236 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:58,700 So certainly we can't argue with the service we've gotten from the Ramsey County sheriffs 237 00:18:58,700 --> 00:19:00,720 and the Lake Johanna Fire Department, both are outstanding. 238 00:19:01,820 --> 00:19:05,120 Second, with our Human Resources Director in the room here, I have to say employee 239 00:19:05,120 --> 00:19:06,700 compensation is a consideration. 240 00:19:07,840 --> 00:19:11,800 Our salaries, we like to keep competitive with the market because we've got outstanding 241 00:19:11,800 --> 00:19:15,860 staff and we want to retain them. So I want to make sure our salaries continue to be at 242 00:19:15,860 --> 00:19:23,260 market level and benefits the same. And then Council Member Quigley took my other answer 243 00:19:23,260 --> 00:19:26,380 of economic development. So that continues to be a priority as well. 244 00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:32,060 Thank you. And lastly, Douglas Blomberg. Yeah, I think both of them. There are 245 00:19:32,060 --> 00:19:38,420 all the issues in the number of answers. Braunwater, police, fire department are 246 00:19:38,420 --> 00:19:40,660 are all issues that we need to make sure 247 00:19:40,660 --> 00:19:44,500 that they are up to date and being effective. 248 00:19:47,660 --> 00:19:50,160 So I'd like to go back a little bit to when you talk 249 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:51,780 about costs and stuff like this. 250 00:19:51,820 --> 00:19:52,760 And I think there are a lot of things 251 00:19:52,760 --> 00:19:54,960 where we could work with other cities 252 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:56,920 and equipment and whatever to bring 253 00:19:56,920 --> 00:19:58,420 some of our costs and equipment down. 254 00:19:58,800 --> 00:20:00,220 That's an initiative brought to me. 255 00:20:01,460 --> 00:20:04,720 And buying stuff like even salt and wintertime. 256 00:20:04,720 --> 00:20:12,520 If we could work together and buy as a unit, we could bring the cost down for that to be more effective. 257 00:20:12,860 --> 00:20:14,440 So, okay. 258 00:20:14,900 --> 00:20:15,580 Thank you. 259 00:20:16,440 --> 00:20:19,740 Now, if you'd like to make a 30-second rebuttal, please raise your hand. 260 00:20:25,870 --> 00:20:27,790 Okay, we'll move on to the next question. 261 00:20:29,090 --> 00:20:32,730 This is related to solar and wind energy development. 262 00:20:33,790 --> 00:20:36,810 And the first respondent will be Jesse Ehrenreich. 263 00:20:36,810 --> 00:20:46,030 The question is, what, if any, city regulations are important for solar and wind energy development? 264 00:20:51,190 --> 00:20:56,470 I guess I don't see a lot of wind energy being produced in Shoreview, 265 00:20:56,970 --> 00:21:02,650 and I don't necessarily see a lot of areas that that would be very economical to try and generate, 266 00:21:02,970 --> 00:21:04,550 at least not on a large scale. 267 00:21:05,130 --> 00:21:07,490 We don't have a lot of the big open areas that you see 268 00:21:07,490 --> 00:21:14,030 and farther outlying communities where you can really pick up some big winds and have large sustainable wind farms. 269 00:21:14,930 --> 00:21:22,310 As far as solar energy goes, I haven't honestly done enough research into it in the area to see how profitable that would be 270 00:21:22,310 --> 00:21:26,950 or how feasible that would be in Shoreview, and I'd like to look more into that. 271 00:21:27,250 --> 00:21:33,670 And if it is something that is a feasible endeavor, something that can generate a good amount of power in Shoreview, 272 00:21:33,670 --> 00:21:39,630 I'd like to maybe look at what kind of incentives we could put in place to give people to maybe 273 00:21:39,630 --> 00:21:42,150 install their own solar panels. 274 00:21:43,370 --> 00:21:47,990 And I think that would be something that I would have to talk with other people in the 275 00:21:47,990 --> 00:21:50,530 council and other committees that would be more knowledgeable on that. 276 00:21:51,050 --> 00:21:51,810 Thank you. 277 00:21:52,330 --> 00:21:54,610 Next respondent is Douglas Womberg. 278 00:21:56,830 --> 00:21:59,930 Yes, I do use solar power through Excel. 279 00:21:59,930 --> 00:22:03,670 So it's generated out in Forest Lake, and it's awesome for me, I like it. 280 00:22:04,710 --> 00:22:10,130 I know the regulations, what they had to go through when I first prescribed to it, between 281 00:22:10,130 --> 00:22:14,530 Ramsey County, they're already a lot of regulations of what they can and cannot do. 282 00:22:15,530 --> 00:22:21,610 And so I don't see anything where, in short of you, we have a place where we could have 283 00:22:21,610 --> 00:22:24,390 solar energy or renewable energy. 284 00:22:24,390 --> 00:22:24,530 energy. 285 00:22:26,790 --> 00:22:31,670 So I don't know if it will be an issue or not. It is not an issue. I think there are 286 00:22:31,670 --> 00:22:35,190 other ways. I think there are other ways that we can get it from other countries through 287 00:22:35,190 --> 00:22:35,450 Excel. 288 00:22:37,540 --> 00:22:42,080 Okay. Thank you. The next respondent is Corey Springhorn. 289 00:22:43,920 --> 00:22:49,140 Well, I will say I am not the expert on regulations for renewable energy. I would 290 00:22:49,140 --> 00:22:54,160 defer to City Staff Ellen Brenna and the Environmental Quality Committee who has 291 00:22:54,160 --> 00:22:59,140 a lot more expertise on that than I do, but certainly we have talked about creating a 292 00:22:59,140 --> 00:23:04,660 solar garden. I believe on the public works building, and that's something I think we'd 293 00:23:04,660 --> 00:23:08,200 like to continue to look at, and hopefully get going on. 294 00:23:11,090 --> 00:23:13,150 The next respondent is Terry Quickly. 295 00:23:16,280 --> 00:23:27,200 The solar and wind energy sources so far have had very limited application, and items 296 00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:33,820 that have come before this Council have been pretty scarce. We do have a good wind 297 00:23:33,820 --> 00:23:37,880 site because of our elevation here but there's so many problems with wind 298 00:23:37,880 --> 00:23:43,400 generation power and solar power in this climate and with the orientation 299 00:23:43,400 --> 00:23:49,020 that a solar farm requires. The trade-offs are not at all practical for 300 00:23:49,020 --> 00:23:54,660 the city. As Member Springhorn mentioned, we did review the process at the 301 00:23:54,660 --> 00:24:00,240 maintenance redevelopment we did on our building there, and it worked out not to be feasible 302 00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:05,900 based on the construction that was done. So we need to keep an eye on it, but there isn't 303 00:24:05,900 --> 00:24:09,880 any real solution for the city at this time, my view. 304 00:24:11,840 --> 00:24:15,160 Okay, thank you. And our last respondent is Sandy Martin. 305 00:24:17,060 --> 00:24:21,400 I certainly am not an expert either on these, but I think that as we look at our 306 00:24:21,400 --> 00:24:29,520 comprehensive plan we are looking at probable zoning changes that will allow residential solar 307 00:24:30,120 --> 00:24:37,140 applications. And sometimes the lots need to be larger for a solar panel if it's not 308 00:24:37,140 --> 00:24:40,520 on the roof. And we have to look at that, and I think that's part of our comprehensive 309 00:24:40,520 --> 00:24:47,800 plan. I want to update my fellow council members. The solar panels are going in 310 00:24:47,800 --> 00:24:50,220 and on the maintenance center across the street. 311 00:24:50,360 --> 00:24:53,780 There's an ideal roof over there, a flat roof. 312 00:24:54,180 --> 00:24:55,960 They are ready to move forward. 313 00:24:56,080 --> 00:24:57,140 They're working with Excel, 314 00:24:57,360 --> 00:25:00,820 and that is very, very exciting for our community. 315 00:25:01,220 --> 00:25:02,680 But you're right about the wind. 316 00:25:03,300 --> 00:25:05,220 That's not determined by regulations. 317 00:25:05,440 --> 00:25:09,460 That's determined by the wind, how it's located. 318 00:25:11,630 --> 00:25:12,410 Thank you. 319 00:25:13,270 --> 00:25:15,030 If any candidates have any re-puddles, 320 00:25:15,150 --> 00:25:15,910 please raise your hand. 321 00:25:16,250 --> 00:25:16,910 Jesse, Erin Reich. 322 00:25:17,910 --> 00:25:22,550 The only thing I guess I wanted to mention was that I want to make sure that there is 323 00:25:22,550 --> 00:25:27,710 an ease of access for our market to get access to wind and solar energy, even if it's not 324 00:25:27,710 --> 00:25:32,990 necessarily generated in our community. I know that there is some great wind power that's 325 00:25:32,990 --> 00:25:39,410 generated in other places in Minnesota. And as far as solar, a big part, I guess, of what 326 00:25:39,410 --> 00:25:43,810 I was talking about was residential solar. So being able to put panels on your roofs 327 00:25:43,810 --> 00:25:48,690 or you know on your property or you know as technology advances you know other 328 00:25:48,690 --> 00:25:49,950 places. We'll 329 00:25:56,190 --> 00:25:59,530 move on to the next question and the first respondent will be 330 00:25:59,530 --> 00:26:06,090 Corey Springhorn and the question is what specific steps or programs is the 331 00:26:06,090 --> 00:26:11,810 city taking to assist police officers in working with diverse populations and 332 00:26:11,810 --> 00:26:13,310 de-escalating situations. 333 00:26:15,920 --> 00:26:17,780 Thank you that that's actually something every 334 00:26:17,780 --> 00:26:21,760 Every time the sheriff annually comes and gives an update, and I press on that every 335 00:26:21,760 --> 00:26:29,880 year, that's like the first question I always ask is what's he doing and what's the department 336 00:26:29,880 --> 00:26:34,780 doing to make sure that communities of color and native people are felt respected and included 337 00:26:34,780 --> 00:26:38,860 in the community and that relationship with the sheriff's department is good. 338 00:26:39,700 --> 00:26:43,880 And I've been satisfied with the answers that both current Sheriff Severe and previous 339 00:26:43,880 --> 00:26:49,140 Sheriff Bostrom have given. I know that Sheriff Bostrom is himself a member of the Black Police 340 00:26:49,140 --> 00:26:54,360 Officers Association, the Hispanic Police Officers Association. So they're really working on the 341 00:26:54,360 --> 00:27:01,320 culture in the Department of Inclusiveness. And I think as a city, we just want to support 342 00:27:01,320 --> 00:27:04,680 that and encourage it and keep pricing them on it. And I think they've done a really 343 00:27:04,680 --> 00:27:05,060 nice job. 344 00:27:06,620 --> 00:27:09,120 Thank you. The next respondent is Terry Quickly. 345 00:27:09,120 --> 00:27:10,260 As 346 00:27:13,140 --> 00:27:22,920 has been mentioned, we deal with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department, and all of the 347 00:27:22,920 --> 00:27:28,720 incidents that were made aware of have been well handled by the deputies in my judgment. 348 00:27:29,660 --> 00:27:37,460 And the demographics of Shoreview mean that we have a relatively small number of the 349 00:27:37,460 --> 00:27:44,120 types of incidents where de-escalation or police abuses might come into play. 350 00:27:45,440 --> 00:27:51,680 And the training that's available for the deputies has been very sufficient in my view. 351 00:27:52,080 --> 00:28:00,000 So I feel comfortable that we're well suited to handle that consideration in our area. 352 00:28:02,120 --> 00:28:02,860 Thank you. 353 00:28:03,380 --> 00:28:05,520 Next respondent is Douglas Blomberg. 354 00:28:07,220 --> 00:28:11,420 Yeah. Once again, I'm not too familiar with what's going on in this area. I have talked 355 00:28:11,420 --> 00:28:17,460 to some of the police officers, and I'm just feeling that I'm talking to them. They're 356 00:28:17,460 --> 00:28:22,840 aware of the problems that are going on, and they are addressing them in a good effective 357 00:28:22,840 --> 00:28:23,360 manner. 358 00:28:25,240 --> 00:28:28,120 Thank you. Next respondent is Jesse Aaron Reich. 359 00:28:29,460 --> 00:28:37,000 I think it's very important that our police forces are proactive in learning how to de-escalate 360 00:28:37,000 --> 00:28:42,660 situations and how to appropriately handle situations with different minority and ethnic 361 00:28:42,660 --> 00:28:43,120 groups. 362 00:28:43,720 --> 00:28:47,260 And so I would like to, you know, continue working on that goal with the police. 363 00:28:47,560 --> 00:28:52,160 I haven't heard a lot of issues with the Shoreview Police Department and, you know, 364 00:28:52,300 --> 00:28:56,920 my limited interaction of seeing them, you know, when I'm driving around or talking 365 00:28:56,920 --> 00:29:01,420 to them at Shoreview days has always been nothing but pleasant. But I think going forward 366 00:29:01,420 --> 00:29:05,380 we have to, you know, look, I think Shoreview is going to change. I think we're going to 367 00:29:05,380 --> 00:29:09,440 have more people moving out here as the city expands, and so I think we have to make 368 00:29:09,440 --> 00:29:14,240 sure that our police force is ready to handle some of the challenges that can come up 369 00:29:14,240 --> 00:29:19,780 with having a diverse population. A big part of my studies when I was in university 370 00:29:19,780 --> 00:29:25,820 was in anthropology, and so I always tried to look into other cultures and other groups 371 00:29:25,820 --> 00:29:29,680 and try to really understand them, and I'd like to be able to bring that kind of knowledge 372 00:29:29,680 --> 00:29:30,960 onto the Council. 373 00:29:31,860 --> 00:29:32,580 Thank you. 374 00:29:33,180 --> 00:29:35,520 And our last respondent is Sandy Martin. 375 00:29:36,740 --> 00:29:43,120 I'm proud that the City has a Human Rights Commission that has been tremendously active 376 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:50,260 over the past 20-some years, and they are a source of great recommendations and advice 377 00:29:50,260 --> 00:29:50,760 for us. 378 00:29:50,760 --> 00:29:55,160 The other thing that the city has done in the past two years is we joined a 379 00:29:55,160 --> 00:29:57,420 League of Minnesota Cities program on race. 380 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:09,100 Racial equity. And staff has spent considerable time attending meetings and trying to appreciate 381 00:30:09,100 --> 00:30:15,740 and understand a little bit better the diversity in our communities and in our culture. So that 382 00:30:15,740 --> 00:30:22,980 program has been very, very positive. And we're also talking with the sheriff's department 383 00:30:22,980 --> 00:30:26,220 about what we're learning in this racial equity program. 384 00:30:26,220 --> 00:30:30,660 Thank you. Any rebuttals? 385 00:30:32,520 --> 00:30:33,460 Corey Springhorn. 386 00:30:34,340 --> 00:30:38,880 I should just mention also diversity, thinking of it as more than just racial and cultural. 387 00:30:39,620 --> 00:30:42,900 I work as a Human Resources Manager for a company that provides mental health services, 388 00:30:43,020 --> 00:30:45,880 so that's the other thing that I have addressed with the sheriff 389 00:30:45,880 --> 00:30:50,620 and want to know what they're doing with regard to interactions with people with mental illness 390 00:30:50,620 --> 00:30:55,220 and, again, been satisfied with their answers and they've made some positive changes 391 00:30:55,220 --> 00:31:02,040 of what services are available to people at the detention center and good training going 392 00:31:02,040 --> 00:31:04,660 on with the department for how they interact with people with mental illness in the community. 393 00:31:07,860 --> 00:31:09,100 And Jesse, Erin Reich. 394 00:31:10,240 --> 00:31:12,720 I wanted to build off what Corey just said there. 395 00:31:12,940 --> 00:31:13,680 I think that's true. 396 00:31:14,000 --> 00:31:18,780 I'm a little embarrassed myself that I didn't think to include talking about people with 397 00:31:18,780 --> 00:31:20,640 different mental health issues. 398 00:31:21,380 --> 00:31:25,620 I, going through university, had my own troubles, bouts of depression and anxiety, 399 00:31:25,620 --> 00:31:31,360 And I've seen other people that I've been close to have more serious troubles with that. 400 00:31:31,540 --> 00:31:35,980 And I'd like to be able to help the police learn how to deal with people who have different 401 00:31:35,980 --> 00:31:39,400 types of mental and emotional disabilities and issues. 402 00:31:42,560 --> 00:31:43,300 Thank you. 403 00:31:44,380 --> 00:31:48,240 Our next question, Sandy Martin will be the first respondent. 404 00:31:48,980 --> 00:31:54,400 And the question is, there's a huge need for affordable housing in the Twin Cities 405 00:31:54,400 --> 00:31:55,580 and surrounding suburbs. 406 00:31:55,580 --> 00:32:00,360 What will you do to increase affordable housing in Shoreview? 407 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:04,920 This is a question that is near and dear to my heart. 408 00:32:05,080 --> 00:32:12,480 I served on the Metropolitan Council Affordable Housing Task Force way back in 2002. 409 00:32:13,160 --> 00:32:17,180 Every time there's a proposal in Shoreview for development, 410 00:32:17,780 --> 00:32:22,380 we have asked for some inclusionary housing 411 00:32:22,380 --> 00:32:27,520 housing, and we have been able to secure that in this new development. 412 00:32:27,980 --> 00:32:30,300 We just approved at Rice Creek Commons. 413 00:32:30,560 --> 00:32:33,620 I think they're adding 20 affordable units. 414 00:32:33,740 --> 00:32:34,740 The city is assisting. 415 00:32:35,980 --> 00:32:42,060 The other development by the loading development is also including affordable housing. 416 00:32:42,460 --> 00:32:48,620 I think the main thing that we can do as a city is not to eliminate any. 417 00:32:48,620 --> 00:32:56,620 When there's redevelopment, we need to keep those affordable units whenever we possibly can. 418 00:32:56,760 --> 00:33:00,600 We don't have a lot of new land or vacant land to develop, 419 00:33:00,940 --> 00:33:05,240 but when there's a redevelopment, we don't want to exclude any affordable housing. 420 00:33:08,460 --> 00:33:10,500 And the next respondent is Terry Quigley. 421 00:33:14,410 --> 00:33:22,970 Affordable housing is one of the elements in our economic development authority as far as housing goes. 422 00:33:24,410 --> 00:33:33,470 One of the components that we face is the lack of public transit, the lack of a variety of 423 00:33:33,470 --> 00:33:40,210 entry level jobs, the housing necessary to house the people who would be available, and 424 00:33:40,210 --> 00:33:45,610 of course most of the development in affordable housing take some form of cost or subsidy 425 00:33:45,610 --> 00:33:46,730 from the city. 426 00:33:46,730 --> 00:33:53,110 So we're trying to make progress in all of those areas, but it's slow and difficult, 427 00:33:53,390 --> 00:33:56,930 but we continue to work on it and we have goals set in that area. 428 00:33:59,380 --> 00:34:02,260 Thank you. And the next respondent is Jesse Aaron Reich. 429 00:34:05,060 --> 00:34:10,100 I, being a young person, affordable housing is something that's very near and dear to my heart. 430 00:34:10,240 --> 00:34:14,380 I'd love to be in a position where I can move into a house and out of an apartment. 431 00:34:15,240 --> 00:34:21,460 And I have tried to look into the issues that are revolved around this, and it seems a big 432 00:34:21,460 --> 00:34:25,480 issue is just there was such a long period where there weren't a lot of new houses being 433 00:34:25,480 --> 00:34:28,980 built after the last economic bubble burst. 434 00:34:29,900 --> 00:34:33,680 And so I think part of what we have to do in the community is trying to incentivize 435 00:34:33,680 --> 00:34:36,120 just new developments and new houses being built. 436 00:34:36,700 --> 00:34:40,920 As newer places are built, even if they're not necessarily low income places, they 437 00:34:40,920 --> 00:34:43,360 will help bring more housing into the community 438 00:34:43,360 --> 00:34:45,500 and start lowering some of the other costs. 439 00:34:46,160 --> 00:34:47,680 But I think it's definitely important 440 00:34:47,680 --> 00:34:49,900 to look at development that can be 441 00:34:50,560 --> 00:34:52,040 more affordable development. 442 00:34:52,200 --> 00:34:54,900 So maybe looking at the redevelopment of some areas 443 00:34:55,480 --> 00:34:59,020 and putting in things like townhomes or duplexes, 444 00:34:59,240 --> 00:35:01,200 something that I see around where I live. 445 00:35:01,300 --> 00:35:03,280 And it seems like it does really well 446 00:35:03,280 --> 00:35:06,240 and it creates a very nice community where I live. 447 00:35:08,350 --> 00:35:08,870 Thank you. 448 00:35:08,870 --> 00:35:10,970 And the next respondent is Douglas Blomberg. 449 00:35:12,250 --> 00:35:14,190 A photo post housing. 450 00:35:14,470 --> 00:35:16,130 I think, first of all, we've got to define that term. 451 00:35:16,290 --> 00:35:16,810 And what is affordable? 452 00:35:17,050 --> 00:35:18,170 Just buying a home? 453 00:35:18,790 --> 00:35:22,090 Or is it our key taxes, anything else? 454 00:35:22,150 --> 00:35:23,890 And you've got to look at the whole picture and say, 455 00:35:23,950 --> 00:35:25,850 okay, how do we deal with this? 456 00:35:25,990 --> 00:35:27,330 And this whiteboard around was taxes. 457 00:35:27,690 --> 00:35:31,070 Is that taxes sometimes are just driving people out of their houses. 458 00:35:32,450 --> 00:35:33,810 And the fact of the matter is, 459 00:35:33,830 --> 00:35:37,270 is that I live in the northern part of Shoreview, 460 00:35:37,270 --> 00:35:44,870 of TCAP and this is an older houses that has built in the 50s and we're having 461 00:35:44,870 --> 00:35:49,490 houses that at that time if I went for 10, 20, 30 thousand dollars are now going 462 00:35:49,490 --> 00:35:58,850 for 250 thousand dollars and so it's with taxes this is a tough question to 463 00:35:58,850 --> 00:36:04,250 answer when you're talking about housing as opposed to apartments or some 464 00:36:04,250 --> 00:36:05,650 other lifestyle living. 465 00:36:08,260 --> 00:36:11,400 Thank you and next respond and last respond is Corey 466 00:36:11,400 --> 00:36:16,620 Springhorn. This is also a subject I care about a lot partially because of my 467 00:36:16,620 --> 00:36:20,560 professional life in mental health services. One of the biggest barriers 468 00:36:20,560 --> 00:36:23,920 that our case managers find in helping the people they serve is lack of 469 00:36:23,920 --> 00:36:28,960 affordable housing. So as Mayor Martin said we want to keep pushing 470 00:36:28,960 --> 00:36:33,280 developers when they want to do projects here to keep some of their 471 00:36:33,280 --> 00:36:40,800 units affordable, but also we do encounter opposition from neighbors in areas where affordable 472 00:36:40,800 --> 00:36:45,500 housing is proposed and there's misunderstandings and I think in some cases some prejudices 473 00:36:45,500 --> 00:36:51,580 and I think it's incumbent on us as council members to help educate the public on the 474 00:36:51,580 --> 00:36:55,340 value that a diversity of housing options and a diversity of population bring to the 475 00:36:55,340 --> 00:36:55,620 community. 476 00:36:58,650 --> 00:36:59,630 Any rebuttals? 477 00:37:00,690 --> 00:37:01,530 Please raise your hand. 478 00:37:01,730 --> 00:37:02,410 Jesse Ernreich. 479 00:37:03,410 --> 00:37:09,850 I guess what I wanted to rebuttal on was a little bit of what Douglas said here, how 480 00:37:09,850 --> 00:37:16,050 do we define what is affordable housing and as someone in their mid-20s and looking at 481 00:37:16,050 --> 00:37:20,690 my friends who are in their 30s and 20s, honestly some of the biggest barrier for us 482 00:37:20,690 --> 00:37:25,150 into moving into an area or moving into a house is just the straight cost of buying 483 00:37:25,150 --> 00:37:25,550 a house. 484 00:37:26,310 --> 00:37:31,450 Much like he said, buying the house in the 50s was 10, 15 grand and now we're 485 00:37:31,450 --> 00:37:35,930 looking at places that are 250, um, I'm sorry. 486 00:37:38,430 --> 00:37:39,630 Any other rebuttals? 487 00:37:39,950 --> 00:37:40,350 Sandy Martin. 488 00:37:40,830 --> 00:37:48,370 Well, everyone is right on target because the median price home in Shoreview now is $303,000. 489 00:37:48,650 --> 00:37:55,010 So that is really out of the reach for a lot of young people and a lot of young families. 490 00:37:55,350 --> 00:37:57,150 So it's about density. 491 00:37:57,150 --> 00:38:03,170 It's about allowing greater density in some areas so that, but the big problem is getting 492 00:38:03,170 --> 00:38:07,350 developers in a position where they can build affordable housing. 493 00:38:07,630 --> 00:38:12,830 It isn't profitable for a lot of developers. 494 00:38:15,920 --> 00:38:17,740 Any other rebuttals? 495 00:38:22,520 --> 00:38:24,860 It was just 30 seconds per candidate. 496 00:38:26,820 --> 00:38:27,640 Thanks, though. 497 00:38:32,560 --> 00:38:32,940 All right. 498 00:38:33,400 --> 00:38:37,740 Moving on to the next question, and the first respondent will be Sandy Martin. 499 00:38:37,740 --> 00:38:44,540 The question is, what is your view on the Rice Creek development, and how do you see 500 00:38:44,540 --> 00:38:45,720 it affecting Shoreview? 501 00:38:48,390 --> 00:38:51,910 I think I was the first respondent on the last question too, is that okay? 502 00:38:52,950 --> 00:39:00,690 The Rice Creek development has regional impact for all of us, and I really am supportive 503 00:39:00,690 --> 00:39:06,230 of the development that's been proposed, and there are developers and there is interest 504 00:39:06,230 --> 00:39:08,430 just ensure of you in specific places, 505 00:39:08,430 --> 00:39:10,910 but they're waiting to see what happens 506 00:39:10,910 --> 00:39:12,930 at TCAP or in that development. 507 00:39:13,430 --> 00:39:17,770 So, I hoping that this will move forward. 508 00:39:18,290 --> 00:39:21,070 The county has used our taxpayer dollars, 509 00:39:21,850 --> 00:39:26,130 91 million dollars of our taxpayers' money 510 00:39:26,130 --> 00:39:29,750 to buy that property and to help to develop it. 511 00:39:29,950 --> 00:39:32,610 And it's time now to move forward on that. 512 00:39:32,610 --> 00:39:39,190 Thank you and the next respondent is Douglas Blomberg for 513 00:39:43,920 --> 00:39:45,980 and it's a matter of 514 00:39:45,980 --> 00:39:51,220 I'm happy with the decisions that have been made so far and I think we got a 515 00:39:51,220 --> 00:39:53,380 flop on that make it happen the 516 00:39:56,940 --> 00:39:59,800 next respondent is Corey Springhorn the 517 00:40:01,140 --> 00:40:07,340 property neighbors shoreview so I think is our council and in the city we need 518 00:40:07,340 --> 00:40:12,500 to be aware of the added competition for businesses that that area will 519 00:40:12,500 --> 00:40:17,620 provide. So we need to make sure that we're supporting our businesses and in our business 520 00:40:17,620 --> 00:40:22,320 climate so that businesses continue to want to come here even when there's open land and 521 00:40:22,320 --> 00:40:26,960 urban hills set to be developed. And I think we need to kind of keep an eye on the impact 522 00:40:26,960 --> 00:40:32,700 that it'll have on traffic up in Mr. Blomberg's neighborhood and Mr. Lemke's neighborhood 523 00:40:32,700 --> 00:40:38,660 on the audience here and just kind of be aware of the public safety impact of that 524 00:40:38,660 --> 00:40:40,900 additional density of population in the area. 525 00:40:43,110 --> 00:40:45,830 Thank you and the next respondent is Terry quickly. 526 00:40:49,630 --> 00:40:57,210 Well there has been a lot of bumps in the road on a project of this scope and it appears 527 00:40:57,210 --> 00:41:03,570 now that they're as close as they've ever been to getting started and we have some development 528 00:41:03,570 --> 00:41:09,430 that's proposed just to the east of that that will be impacted by it so I think it 529 00:41:09,430 --> 00:41:14,730 has an effect on the City of Shoreview and the other elements, competition for building, 530 00:41:14,970 --> 00:41:22,550 competition for the school positions, traffic means that it's going to be a major enterprise 531 00:41:22,550 --> 00:41:27,670 and I think the entire community, Arden Hills as well as the rest of our neighbors are 532 00:41:27,670 --> 00:41:32,910 going to have to collaborate in making sure that it's as smooth as it can be for a project 533 00:41:32,910 --> 00:41:33,670 of this size. 534 00:41:35,350 --> 00:41:38,270 Thank you, and the last respondent is Jesse Aaron Reich. 535 00:41:39,530 --> 00:41:41,590 I agree with most of the other candidates here. 536 00:41:41,770 --> 00:41:44,490 I'm very supportive of the development in that area, 537 00:41:44,710 --> 00:41:47,670 and I like the ideas that have been proposed so far. 538 00:41:48,650 --> 00:41:50,770 And I think, you know, we have to look at things 539 00:41:50,770 --> 00:41:52,810 like how is this going to affect traffic, 540 00:41:53,050 --> 00:41:55,050 how is this going to affect, you know, 541 00:41:55,090 --> 00:41:57,150 lots of different things about our economy and stuff here. 542 00:41:57,690 --> 00:41:59,110 And, you know, one of the things that I think 543 00:41:59,650 --> 00:42:04,410 that could, we should look at, too, going back to the housing is, you know, there are 544 00:42:04,410 --> 00:42:08,270 going to be lots of new, you know, entry-level jobs and things, hopefully, that will kind 545 00:42:08,270 --> 00:42:12,930 of develop in that area, and what can we do to make sure of you an area that attracts, 546 00:42:13,330 --> 00:42:18,330 you know, these young professionals that attracts, you know, young families and things 547 00:42:18,330 --> 00:42:21,450 like that, that will want to work there and support those businesses. 548 00:42:23,990 --> 00:42:24,630 Thank you. 549 00:42:25,250 --> 00:42:25,890 Any rebuttals? 550 00:42:26,770 --> 00:42:27,450 Sandy Martin. 551 00:42:27,450 --> 00:42:32,370 Well, I would just like to draw us back to that affordable housing issue and one of the 552 00:42:33,610 --> 00:42:41,710 flaws in the current plan for TCAP is that there isn't any that I know of affordable housing 553 00:42:41,710 --> 00:42:43,070 included in that plan. 554 00:42:43,330 --> 00:42:49,010 And I know that at their hearing this week, there were a number of people there discussing 555 00:42:49,010 --> 00:42:50,110 that piece of it. 556 00:42:50,170 --> 00:42:57,290 So we would encourage some of that affordable housing to be built in that area to serve 557 00:42:57,290 --> 00:43:00,250 of all of our neighborhoods. 558 00:43:05,480 --> 00:43:06,760 Jesse, Erin Reich. 559 00:43:08,100 --> 00:43:10,720 To build off what Terry had said earlier, 560 00:43:11,740 --> 00:43:13,940 one of the issues that comes with affordable housing, 561 00:43:14,440 --> 00:43:17,260 making it more affordable is finding public transit 562 00:43:17,260 --> 00:43:17,960 and things like that. 563 00:43:18,080 --> 00:43:19,460 And I think when we're looking at these 564 00:43:19,460 --> 00:43:21,400 kind of economic developments and the, 565 00:43:22,020 --> 00:43:24,200 how taxing that can be on our roadways and things, 566 00:43:24,380 --> 00:43:25,360 I think one of the things that can really 567 00:43:25,360 --> 00:43:27,700 also help with that is looking to improve 568 00:43:27,700 --> 00:43:30,400 our public transit system to make it easier 569 00:43:30,400 --> 00:43:35,620 for people who are, you know, lower income earners and younger to be able to get there 570 00:43:35,620 --> 00:43:39,800 and get to work, but not only that, it will just be, it'll be better in the long term 571 00:43:39,800 --> 00:43:42,680 for environment, cheaper on our roads and all of that. 572 00:43:45,310 --> 00:43:45,930 Thank you. 573 00:43:49,550 --> 00:43:54,630 In our final question of the night, the first respondent will be Cori Springhorn, relates 574 00:43:54,630 --> 00:43:57,170 to the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network. 575 00:43:58,110 --> 00:44:03,270 So Shoreview is a member city of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network of suburban 576 00:44:03,270 --> 00:44:04,190 Ramsey County. 577 00:44:04,190 --> 00:44:08,570 How might you support and promote the Blue Ribbon Network? 578 00:44:09,170 --> 00:44:10,370 The Yellow Ribbon Network, sorry. 579 00:44:10,990 --> 00:44:12,630 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network. 580 00:44:14,090 --> 00:44:19,470 Yes, Steve Scott is out in the audience and I've had some conversation with him about that in the past. 581 00:44:19,750 --> 00:44:23,490 We had former Council Member Eddie Wickstrom very involved in that organization 582 00:44:23,490 --> 00:44:27,810 and have not been able to replace her involvement. 583 00:44:28,050 --> 00:44:31,250 So we've actually talked, I brought that to a council workshop last year. 584 00:44:32,670 --> 00:44:36,970 And we haven't gotten there yet, but I think we definitely want to support their efforts. 585 00:44:38,010 --> 00:44:42,090 Unfortunately, their Bilderberger nights are the same time as our council meetings on Monday nights, 586 00:44:42,210 --> 00:44:45,150 so we're not able to physically be there in person to support them. 587 00:44:45,390 --> 00:44:52,430 But I would like to work a little harder to find a volunteer to, on behalf of the city, stay involved in those efforts. 588 00:44:54,570 --> 00:44:57,930 Thank you. And the next respondent is Sandy Martin. 589 00:44:58,710 --> 00:44:59,910 Well I would agree with 590 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:06,700 Of course, Springhorn, 80 Wickstrom was a marvelous representative from the city. We've been looking 591 00:45:06,700 --> 00:45:13,140 for some community groups that might want to embrace that also. And we've asked the Lions 592 00:45:13,140 --> 00:45:19,880 Group and we're asking some other community groups to try to find people who will get 593 00:45:19,880 --> 00:45:26,440 more involved with that. Because as a council member mentioned, we meet on the same night, 594 00:45:26,440 --> 00:45:31,980 But we don't really have the time council members don't but we're very very supportive of their efforts 595 00:45:34,260 --> 00:45:37,060 Thank you. The next respondent is Terry quickly 596 00:45:40,000 --> 00:45:40,580 the 597 00:45:41,480 --> 00:45:46,540 challenge for our National Garden Reserves going forward is an ending 598 00:45:46,540 --> 00:45:47,520 We don't see any 599 00:45:47,520 --> 00:45:55,340 Opening at the end of the tunnel on that so the need for a support group for all the families and returning home members 600 00:45:55,340 --> 00:45:58,740 is still there we did have a 601 00:45:58,740 --> 00:46:06,080 a wonderful member and member Wickstrom who worked very hard on that. I'm a mediator 602 00:46:06,080 --> 00:46:11,900 for the Department of Defense and I'm very familiar with all the problems that are bringing 603 00:46:11,900 --> 00:46:19,220 home. So I look at names of people who are involved and keep trying to fill that need 604 00:46:19,220 --> 00:46:21,920 in our community and will continue to do so. 605 00:46:24,000 --> 00:46:27,120 Thank you. And the next respondent is Douglas Blomberg. 606 00:46:28,240 --> 00:46:33,980 Yeah, I could mention that we're fortunate that we had the Shorby YMCA in our area, and 607 00:46:33,980 --> 00:46:40,020 I know to some extent that they had involved in helping these people out, so, 608 00:46:42,120 --> 00:46:44,520 but I, you 609 00:46:44,520 --> 00:46:49,240 know, this is a tough answer. I've taught these people their need and whatever, and 610 00:46:49,240 --> 00:46:53,400 I think this is something that, just because we're part of the community, is just making 611 00:46:54,340 --> 00:46:59,260 aware that they're there. And as a person that we can help them out and be an asset 612 00:46:59,260 --> 00:47:01,260 to and find out what's going on over at D-CAP. 613 00:47:04,690 --> 00:47:07,430 Thank you. And the last respondent is Jesse Aaron Reich. 614 00:47:08,530 --> 00:47:13,830 I think organizations like this are very important in a community. I think it's really important 615 00:47:13,830 --> 00:47:21,050 that we do what we can to help support our current and previously serving armed forces, veterans 616 00:47:21,050 --> 00:47:26,130 and things like that, they, you know, there's a lot of issues that they face coming home 617 00:47:26,130 --> 00:47:32,730 and I think organizations like this can really help them, you know, find ways to cope with 618 00:47:32,730 --> 00:47:37,770 some of those issues and give them a community that will be there to be supportive of them 619 00:47:37,770 --> 00:47:45,050 and to help them. And I think as a community it only helps us be stronger and more, you 620 00:47:45,050 --> 00:47:48,630 know, unified to help everybody within our community. 621 00:47:48,630 --> 00:47:51,100 Thank you. 622 00:47:52,080 --> 00:47:53,920 Any rebuttals, please raise your hand. 623 00:47:54,800 --> 00:47:55,440 Sandy Martin. 624 00:47:55,680 --> 00:48:01,900 I just remembered that at our community center we have special rates for veterans and their 625 00:48:01,900 --> 00:48:08,220 families and try to be supportive in that way knowing that they can enjoy the benefits 626 00:48:08,220 --> 00:48:11,400 of the community center with their families at a reduced rate. 627 00:48:14,290 --> 00:48:14,790 Thank you. 628 00:48:18,140 --> 00:48:20,900 It's the time in the night for our closing remarks. 629 00:48:21,760 --> 00:48:28,380 We're going to allow each candidate one minute for their closing remarks, and we're going 630 00:48:28,380 --> 00:48:30,540 to start with Terry Quigley. 631 00:48:34,100 --> 00:48:34,840 Thank you. 632 00:48:36,950 --> 00:48:41,970 Very briefly, there's two documents that I'd like to call your attention to having to do 633 00:48:41,970 --> 00:48:46,210 with events in this community that you're all interested in. 634 00:48:46,630 --> 00:48:52,570 One is the Shoreview Resident Guide, which is a very thorough piece describing a number 635 00:48:52,570 --> 00:48:53,010 of issues. 636 00:48:53,010 --> 00:49:00,130 is the other one is community benchmarks. How does Shoreview compare? Now, we have a very 637 00:49:00,130 --> 00:49:05,910 robust website, so I recommend you look at the website and there's a publications guide 638 00:49:05,910 --> 00:49:11,750 and a phone number you can call and get copies of these documents to further your understanding 639 00:49:11,750 --> 00:49:16,090 about a variety of programs in this very wonderful community of ours. 640 00:49:20,580 --> 00:49:21,420 Thank you. Our next 641 00:49:21,420 --> 00:49:23,160 This respondent is Jesse Aaron Reich. 642 00:49:25,660 --> 00:49:29,380 I kind of want to build off what Terry just said there with the Shoreview Guide. 643 00:49:29,920 --> 00:49:33,700 It is an absolutely wonderful thing if you guys haven't looked through it. 644 00:49:34,180 --> 00:49:38,880 When I moved here I immediately was thumbing through it and I found lots of great communities 645 00:49:38,880 --> 00:49:39,680 to be a part of. 646 00:49:40,540 --> 00:49:45,040 I was involved with the Shoreview Lights Band program up here which was a great way 647 00:49:45,040 --> 00:49:47,820 to meet new people and get to be a part of the community. 648 00:49:47,820 --> 00:49:53,400 So I think it's really important that everybody does go out and use those resources that the 649 00:49:53,400 --> 00:49:54,220 city does provide. 650 00:49:55,500 --> 00:50:00,900 I think Shoreview is a wonderful community that has just – it's so great. 651 00:50:01,060 --> 00:50:04,860 I always feel like I'm at home, even though I've just – I've only been here for 652 00:50:04,860 --> 00:50:05,460 a few years. 653 00:50:06,240 --> 00:50:10,380 And I think that is in large part because of all of these programs and all of these 654 00:50:10,380 --> 00:50:14,220 things that we have in place that allow us to be together as a community, and I'd 655 00:50:14,220 --> 00:50:19,060 like to see that continue to grow and prosper as the city also continues to grow and prosper. 656 00:50:21,140 --> 00:50:23,820 Thank you. Our next respondent is Sandy Martin. 657 00:50:24,700 --> 00:50:29,980 I think those who know me well know that I've always cared deeply about our community. They 658 00:50:29,980 --> 00:50:34,360 know that it's never been about politics for me. It's always been about public service. 659 00:50:35,540 --> 00:50:39,800 I think they know that I believe that local government should always be nonpartisan. 660 00:50:39,800 --> 00:50:43,920 They know that I'm enthusiastic about the future of our community. 661 00:50:44,740 --> 00:50:50,380 So you make up your minds, and as you make up your minds about who to cast your vote 662 00:50:50,380 --> 00:50:56,560 for in this election, I'd urge you not to focus just on current issues, but to evaluate 663 00:50:56,560 --> 00:51:02,200 candidates based on their ability to be objective, to study the issues analytically, 664 00:51:02,780 --> 00:51:08,060 to listen to all sides, and then to make the best possible decision for the good 665 00:51:08,060 --> 00:51:14,440 of the entire community. Please know your opinion matters and your vote makes a difference. 666 00:51:15,000 --> 00:51:18,220 Thank you so much for being here tonight and for listening. Thank you. 667 00:51:19,480 --> 00:51:22,420 Thank you. Next respondent is Corey Springhorn. 668 00:51:24,100 --> 00:51:27,860 Well, it has truly been an honor and a privilege to be on the Shelby City Council for the 669 00:51:27,860 --> 00:51:30,660 last four years during a period of great activity in the city when we've seen the 670 00:51:30,660 --> 00:51:34,160 opening of the new Kowalski's, the Water Treatment Center at the Ramsey County Library 671 00:51:34,160 --> 00:51:40,200 next door. It's been a very exciting time and soon the expanded water park as well and 672 00:51:40,200 --> 00:51:44,520 indoor playground. But I really want to say also an honor it's been for me to serve the 673 00:51:44,520 --> 00:51:47,200 last four years with Mayor Martin and Council Member Quigley. I've learned so much from 674 00:51:47,200 --> 00:51:52,500 them and continue to do so. Doug, this is, I believe, your fourth time running. I appreciate 675 00:51:52,500 --> 00:51:58,360 your continued passion for the city and your commitment. And Jesse, whatever happens 676 00:51:58,360 --> 00:52:02,500 in November, I want to continue to hear your voice around here for a long time 677 00:52:02,500 --> 00:52:03,820 because you've got a lot of great things to say. 678 00:52:04,840 --> 00:52:06,720 And just thanks again to the League of Women Voters 679 00:52:06,720 --> 00:52:11,320 and I would appreciate votes of the people in the audience 680 00:52:11,320 --> 00:52:11,720 in November. 681 00:52:13,060 --> 00:52:13,620 Thank you. 682 00:52:13,840 --> 00:52:16,480 And our last closing remark is from Douglas Blomberg. 683 00:52:17,680 --> 00:52:19,540 Yeah, thank you once again for doing this. 684 00:52:19,580 --> 00:52:20,240 This is awesome. 685 00:52:20,840 --> 00:52:23,320 Growing up in Chorville, in the little church 686 00:52:23,320 --> 00:52:26,580 like you name it, this town, this city is just dear to me. 687 00:52:26,800 --> 00:52:29,700 And I want to be the best. 688 00:52:29,840 --> 00:52:31,480 And this is where my heart lies in. 689 00:52:31,480 --> 00:52:34,780 And, you know, I support our other councilmen, 690 00:52:34,900 --> 00:52:37,320 I support our mayor, I know them from way back 691 00:52:37,320 --> 00:52:39,380 and they had done a tremendous job. 692 00:52:40,100 --> 00:52:41,940 What I'm offering you is a choice of maybe 693 00:52:41,940 --> 00:52:45,940 a little bit new leadership with a different way 694 00:52:45,940 --> 00:52:47,640 or something or other that would be an asset 695 00:52:47,640 --> 00:52:50,200 to this show of you and make it grow. 696 00:52:50,460 --> 00:52:53,420 So I'm asking for your vote, I'm asking for your support, 697 00:52:53,580 --> 00:52:56,580 but then again, the choice is up to you 698 00:52:56,580 --> 00:52:58,700 when you go to polls and I think you got a great crew 699 00:52:58,700 --> 00:53:05,100 with people here that are all capable of taking charge of Shoreview and making it grow. Thank 700 00:53:05,100 --> 00:53:12,080 you. Thank you. On behalf of the League of Women Voters, I would like to thank the candidates 701 00:53:12,080 --> 00:53:18,120 for their participation, CTV North Suburbs for broadcasting this event, the City of 702 00:53:18,120 --> 00:53:23,240 Shoreview for the use of their facilities, our League volunteers and you, the audience 703 00:53:23,240 --> 00:53:25,300 for your attendance and interests. 704 00:53:25,880 --> 00:53:27,820 Election Day is November 6th. 705 00:53:27,820 --> 00:53:29,460 Let your voice be heard by voting. 706 00:53:29,960 --> 00:53:30,420 Thank you.