mincow 02-03-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to a question from Vice President Litten asking if she will run for election if appointed and what he believes Council's priorities should be, Mr. Baker stated his intention to run for the at-large seat whether appointed or not. Regarding Council's priorities, Mr. Baker mentioned the City's sewer issues, managing development, healing divides and providing a vision for the future. In closing, Mr. Baker stated that if appointed he will be ready to go on day one. He noted that he has reviewed the committee appointments and feels that he would fit in well to the committees where there are openings. He stated that he would complement Council well. Jen Pae Interview In an opening statement, Ms. Pae characterized herself as a Lakwoodite through and through. She discussed her education and early career which eventually landed her in the State Auditor's Office helping municipalities improve their financial performance. She was on staff as Assistant Finance Director with the City for one month when she moved into the Director role under Mayor Tom George. She expressed pride in being part of teams that turned the City's finances around to where they are today. President O'Malley asked Ms. Pae to discuss her thoughts on the role of a councilmember regarding the City's finances. Ms. Pae replied that the City will not function without Council passing a budget. She expressed that she can bring her experience to help guide Council in its financial decisions and discuss with them if financial statements need further questioning. In response to a question from Councilmember Rader about what cities should do to become more sustainable, Ms. Pae noted Council's leadership on alternate fuels and solar and that these efforts should be continued. She recommended looking to the past for what has already been done, such as a 2007 Energy Audit. She stated that the City needs to "walk the walk" and be sure it is doing all the things it advises residents to do. In response to a question from Vice President Litten asking if she will run for election if appointed and what she believes Council's priorities should be, Ms. Pae stated that she will run of appointed, or if not appointed. Regarding Council's priorities, she referenced the Council budget priorities process and ensuring that Council's priorities are in step with the administrations. Among other priorities, she discussed housing, structurally balanced budgets, park improvements, and messaging to reach the one-third of the population that is moving in and out. Councilmember Bullock complimented Ms. Pae on her work over the years on the City's Finances and LEAN initiative, among other things. Ms. Pae asked Council how it will prioritize its work and if it will hold a retreat. President O'Malley replied that he intends to hold a retreat after the vacant member is appointed. He stated that he has been meeting individually with members to hear their priorities and that he will not stand in the way of any member's priorities. 4