Let's call the meeting order. Please stand for pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Roll call, please. Tom present present. Present. Present. Present. Present. Looking for a motion adoption of the agenda. So moved. Second. All in favor? Opposed. That motion carries. We are on to number two. Third ward council
applicant presentations. First up is Mr. Ronald Kelly. Ronald, you I think you were uh given kind of some expectations where you have five minutes to present why you'd be the best candidate for the third ward and for the remaining of the term. So the floor is yours. Thank you
for applying, sir. Yep. Uh and I am Ronald Kelly. My address is 1403 4th Avenue Southeast. Um we live over near uh Ellis School and across the street from Bethlehem Church. Um I was born and
raised here in Austin and over the years have been back and forth because my parents continued to live here. We moved back permanently again about 15 years ago to help care for our elderly parents and the process of doing that. We've been involved within the community. Um,
I've done work, well, we've both done work in the public school system, whether whether it was through uh the cafeteria helping or doing some subbing. Um, we've also been been active in local political activities. We wanted to keep
um an update in terms of how things were going in Austin and uh a lot had changed in the time that we'd been away and then moved back again. And um but we've enjoyed getting to know um many of the new people that are in
Austin and uh we uh have uh I guess notedly been in uh involved in a couple of our candidates uh elections up in the cities. And so we've kept in close ties with them to
find out what's going on up there and what they're doing that could affect uh Austin. uh because my desire is to work along with everybody else on the council and with the mayor uh to see Austin's uh potential continue
to uh expand hopefully for um new business growth and to begin to see um a wider diversity in terms of the types of businesses and and work that people can do and be a part of in the
community. Um, of course we do volunteer. We do some work. Uh, well, I actually have a booth out at the fair every year and get a chance to meet a lot of the people out there, talk with them. Um, as you may be aware, I was actually I actually ran for the position
that Joyce uh, gave up and so I've had a chance to get around to all the people in the third ward. And if you walk it yourself, it's quite a distance. and uh but it gave us an opportunity to get to know um some of the other people now
living in the third ward and um to find out some of their concerns because I want their concerns to be my concerns if I'm on the council. Um I am a retired person living on a fixed income, but I
think that there's a lot of people in Austin now that share that same uh position. And so I've been a little bit concerned obviously about um how hard it is to be able to make ends meet these days uh both on a
national level and on a state level. And um but anyway, I want to do my best to represent them uh as people who a lot of us have had to get second jobs just to be able to try to make ends meet. And uh
I'm not sure just exactly um what all um the council is working on. And I know that that uh you're involved in in a number of different things like housing and and things like that that are try trying to be brought online so that
people can uh feel like they can move into Austin and live here rather than to have to live somewhere outside of town and then drive in in order to be able to work here. Um, and so I would hope that
I would be able to help lend a voice and communicate information back and forth to people living in the third ward about what the council is up to and how we are seeking and working to help improve their lives to keep them safe,
prosperous, uh, to live in a peaceful community, a pe a a place where people feel um, free to be able to go out and walk about. Um, uh, I've had a chance to visit with, um, people in law enforcement here. I've had a chance to
visit with, um, small business, uh, um, uh, community here. Um, to find out what's been happening with that. Um, I I've just tried to make myself aware of where things are at and then to say how could I help um with these different
things that people have concerns about and would like to see done and would like to do in their own lives so that they have every opportunity to be able to look forward to completing their own dreams. uh whether that might be creating a business uh or uh working
with one of the established companies here in town. Obviously, we have a couple major um contributors to the community in terms of jobs and livelihood and I'm sure that uh their concerns are the council's concerns and
I certainly want to help work with those corporate uh corporate interests to see that that a lot of people are are receiving uh good wages, good benefits, the opportunity to live once again in a
in a secure uh nice community of people that care about each other, that work together to overcome problems together. And uh where meaningful living is is a part of that rather than the
perpetuation of you know the the the drug and and liquor um lifestyle. Um, I don't know just how much of that is going on and and what our law enforcement is doing. I just know I feel
safe in Austin and I'm glad that that is the case. Uh, so anyway, that would be my I guess my five minute timer. So, if any of you have any questions, I'd be free to willing to answer. Yeah, we're we're we're just
going to keep it fair uh Ronald and just have the presentation without any questions. So, I appreciate your uh interest and your application and you did a nice job. So, if you wanted to wait around in the green room over there and come back for the deliberation or you're free to go home, we can let you know either way. Okay. Appreciate your
time, folks. Thanks. Thanks, Mr. Kelly. Next up, Leah Ericson. restyl. Hi Leah, welcome. Hi. Thanks for your application and your interest in becoming the finishing out the term of the third ward and uh what you we're doing is just a fivem minute presentation on why you think you'd be
the the best candidate of our of the choice. So okay, it's all you. So, you want me to start here then? Nah, you don't need to give her a name and address. Okay. Thank you. I didn't know that was for rest. All
righty. So, obviously I'm very nervous because I've never given a speech like this before. Um, this was also the first time that I have ever written a resume. Uhhuh. And a letter of interest. So, um, all in all, it's been a great
learning experience and actually kind of exciting. Um, I just like to say thanks for the opportunity to be here with everybody today. And my name is Aaliyah Ericson. I am a business owner and a
lifelong resident of Austin. My dad, Alan Jacobson, also known as Big Jake. He served in the More County Sheriff's Department and retired from the Austin Fire Department. He also owned several businesses in Austin.
It would be an honor to follow in my father's footsteps in public service. My experience in my profession as a hair stylist has given me a deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges our residents face. Um, obviously in my line of work, all we do
is talk. You know, everybody wants to know what you did this weekend. You know, what's going on? And then on the flip side, oh my gosh, did you hear about this? Did you read the news? Did you see this? You know, so we get to hear a lot and talk and and uh also hear a lot of
opinions. So um I am seeking a position on the CD council because I believe local government works best when it is represented by a diverse group with unique experiences and relationships with the residents. Listening to my clients is one of my
greatest strengths, a skill I intend to bring to public service. My priorities include supporting small businesses, um, smart economic growth, and making city services more accessible and efficient for everyone.
I am committed to listening, building consensus, and taking action that reflects the needs and hopes of the people who live and work here in the city of Austin, as well as making this community our residents are proud to call
home. I appreciate your consideration and the chance to serve. I know I would be a great asset to this council and to our community. Thank you. Excellent. Thank you, Leah. I didn't realize that you were Alan Jacobson's daughter. My dad worked with your dad
fire department. I know Tommy probably had plenty of occasion to I think so. I didn't realize the fair a couple years. Yes, we did. We did. It was an exciting conversation. Very good. Small world. Well, thank you, Leah. I appreciate your application and presentation. You can either wait in the
green room over there or you can you're free to leave and we'll let you know the results. But when when everybody's done, we'll call you back in. Thank you very much. It's good to see you. Thanks. Next up, Obala. Yeah. The fireman. I'll call him Fat Allen.
Known him all my life. He was badass. His parents were friends of my parents. Good dude. He was friends with my parents. Good dudes. Well, Boa, welcome and thanks for your interest on finishing out the third ward. Uh you got kind of a notice that says it's going to be a fiveminute presentation. And um after that, you can stick around if you
wanted to wait in the green room and then we'll call you in for the deliberation or you're free to leave and we'll call you with the results of who this council selects tonight. So, five minutes. Obama, you I have the floor. Thank you. Your honor, Mayor King, council members, thank you again for
giving me this opportunity to be here today. I would like to begin by sharing why I'm here. My strongest motivation of being joining you here on the council is the leadership and the value you bring, especially the commitment making the
council uh and making Austin a welcoming and inclusive. At a time when our city is embracing a new chapter, one marked by transparency, accountability, diversity, and renew focus on citizen engagement and employee engagement. I am
inspired by the opportunity to be part of that transformation. Austin play a crucial role in helping me achieve my American virgin uh dream. Each of you contributed in one way to that journey.
I am deeply committed to give back by helping other achieve their American dreams. As you can see through this, your leadership and guiding and making everyone feel welcome has fuel in so many candidate to this position. The
honorary city council that all of you create that I am a recipient of it is what make everyone interest of giving back to Austin community. I'm deeply committed to giving back in helping others with a strong background in management contri uh collaboration
and community engagement. I'm eager to contribute to Austin future particularly in helping shave the comprehensive plan that will guide our city in long-term vision. Transparency and accountability in government are value I hold dearly. I
believe that clear open communication between city department and resident is essential to ensuring our policies reflect the real need of our community. While the council has already accomplished a great deal, there is still more work to be done to ensure
that every part of Austin continue to thrive, especially third work. If I appointed, I would prioritize collaboration with department head on several key issues. Advancing the comprehensive plan to shave sustainable
and inclusive future for Austin. Partnering with park and wreck uh creation on the master plan to modernize the public space and meet our community involving needs. Strengthening the employment engagement to attract and retrain top talent across the city
department. enhancing our public safety through close collaboration with our police department. Council members, I've been in that position before and that's why uh I'm so excited and been motivated to be back and serve
again. While on the council a few years ago uh on the first word, I gained so much experience and deeper uh knowledge about how the city worked. Even though I have to make a difficult decision uh to step down uh when my family built our
American dream in third world, since then I've been so involved within the community because service doesn't mean you only have to sit on the city council. I've been involved serving as uh commissioner on the HR. I've been involved as a commissioner on Austin
area foundation. I've been involved in helping my uh mentoring the young leaders of Austin as I travel through across the state sharing the work all of you have done the leadership all of you guide me I am inspired and so many city
have copied the work we have done here and now they're doing it the same thing they are doing that Austin making a better place for everyone council members if I'm appointed there's no need for another training I will be jumping right away into work. As we approach uh
next month, the budget is coming and that is the most crucial work for the city council managing managing the budget of the city. Those are the experience I have learned in my previous experience. I will be honored to be back and serve the beautiful people of third
world. For the last three years, I've been walking, biking, uh learning, connecting with the people in my area to know and the issues that uh uh they desire or the changes they would like to see. Above all, I am been honored to uh
express and also share the work we have done. Uh with that, I will I will I will stop here if there is any question. Overall, this is another opportunity in serving and giving back to the community
and making Austin a better place. With all your help, we we will continue to moving Austin forward. Thank you again for your time and giving me the opportunity to speak before you today. Very good. Thank you, Obama. I appreciate your interest as uh as I said
before. And uh we you can stick around in the green room over there across the hall. Uh and then we'll call you when the council deliberates uh see who the selection will be or you're free to leave and we'll contact you by phone uh on the results. Thank you. Well, thank you sir. Appreciate appreciate it. Thank
you. Thanks Paul. Thank you. Next up, Bradley Johnson, then Cindy Stall, then Michael Huffman. Then Tom Steam to follow it up last. You'll be the seventh person. Tom, can
we make motions to appoint people or is that Yes, I'm putting my nomination. Bradley, welcome. Appreciate your interest in the finishing out the third ward term for uh council member Pasha and welcome uh and just we as you were
notified five minute presentation. There will be no other questions after your presentation and then you can you're free to stick around or leave and we'll let you know the results. If you stick around, you can watch the council deliberate who they choose tonight. So, okay, the floor is all yours. Thank you, sir. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Austin City Council third
W position. I've been interested in local politics for most of my adult life and finally decided to try and join the ranks last year with what I thought was a respectable showing in the election. Currently the treasurer and member of Grace Susan Church Austin,
which is in the third ward. Been married for 48 years. I have four children, 14 grandchildren. two of which are are deceased. Currently serve as the president of St. Mark's Living Austin and the vice president of the
Austin Enhancement Group, which is involved in several community activities. I've had the pleasure of being the announcer and scorekeeper for Austin High School hockey for over 30 years. Excuse me.
I've been an active volunteer for Ruby's Pantry since its inception and I tried to be active in the community. My previous business dealings and current employment offer me the opportunity to talk with several people each day. I have worked with every
department within the city of Austin and since the 1980s and I have developed a good relationship with them. If I'm successfully appointed, I will work diligently for the citizens of the city of Austin. While I can bring
forward issues affecting the third award ward, all decisions will affect the entire city. I do not have a personal agenda. I will listen to concerns and ideas from the constituents, city staff, and other
government entities. I have in the past facilitated the joint venture between the Austin public school system and Austin utilities to place fiber to all of the schools and power substations. This resulted in a
substantial savings for both groups involved. I'd like to consider myself a planter of seeds. I will offer several ideas. Some of which will grow and bear fruit, others were will wither
away. If the idea is not presented, neither is an option. With my business background and construction experience, I will be able to ask insightful questions at city council meetings, which will allow for informed decisions.
I've been active in utility industry management since the late 1970s. I coordinated the installation of irrigation at the Northwest soccer field and the east practice fields at WCOT
complex using all volunteer labor. I was the facilitator for the instit in installation of lighting at the Riverland baseball complex using all volunteer labor. My business philosophy has been to
investigate problems and arrive at an intelligent solution. Sometimes the solution is not immediate. My management approach has been to listen to all sides and decide of course an action that brings about
the fairest conclusion. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being the official scorekeeper for the district high school softball tournament. Through my years with Austin High School, I have offered to help where needed. I was asked yesterday
because nobody would volunteer to work as the scorekeeper for the high school tournaments. One of my passions will be to convince the public to get involved. The reality is that without volunteers,
many activities may not occur. Currently, I have the desire to help the city of Austin using my knowledge and common sense approach. I did manage 1,521 votes out of the
2,945 votes cast for the position in the third ward in the 2024 election. Very good. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Appreciate it. Appreciate you uh willingness to step up and apply. Thank you. Thanks, Brad.
Next up, uh Cindy Stall. I said thank you for the best. Hi Cindy. Hi. Welcome and thank you for your application. Uh as you notified there's a 5m minute presentation on why you believe you'd be the the best candidate. And uh after that there'll be
no questions and when you're finished you can go back to the green room and and wait and we'll call you back in for the deliberation or you're free to leave and then we'll call you and notify you the results. So the floor is all yours. Welcome. Well, if not everybody knows me, I am Cindy Stall. I am a native of
Austin. Um, I'd just like to say thank you and good afternoon. And I don't know if everybody had a chance to peruse my letter of interest or my resume. As you can see, if you've seen my resume, I do um a lot of volunteer work. So, I am committed to
making Austin better. I want to not only we had the housing going up, you know, main on mill 2 is going up, first and third is already currently going, the nature ridge with 30 units going up. Um, I want to start working on building businesses in here in town of Austin to
bring revenue in, try to get the tax levy down. And what I believe and what I want to push for a little bit sooner than later if you know that I would think would help with attract businesses and other families to stay besides the jobs is the um Austin Whitewater Park. I
think that would be huge. That will attract not only tourists that will bring revenue in. It'll attract businesses which will all also lead into jobs for everybody in this community. Um, I've also looked at too since my last meeting that I had as an honorary
city council member. I was looking at this right here. So, I didn't know if that would make any difference for the Austin Whitewater Park, but looking at this too, the flooding, they didn't mention the train bridge uh on Oakland, but I do think like this extended pond
area would be great, you know, and the low flow if they put that in under I90 to go under. And uh the only part I'm worried about, I think that's the greatest part feasible. I think it is, but that low area that go feeds into by
Dresnner where that flooding is and under there. So, I mean, I just want to rack brains with you guys on that to make it better. um and also work on other stuff, you know, and I see a lot of opportunities with Port Authority, what they're doing in the 25 acres north
of I90, uh that the egg part um in the indust industrial area and like what what they said on expanding that pond in the blue area for the soil there and helping where businesses can grow in
there as well. So, what I want to focus on is get getting the tax levy lowered because I want to keep families in their home and others to come here. You know, I that's a big thing for me is like the tax levy. I see it go up.
I want people available to stay in their homes, afford their homes, and not have to work jobs to make ends meet to stay in their home. But I also think like this Austin Whitewater Park, besides the businesses, I think it's an attraction, too. which f will fill those housing. We
can look at more housing um at the nature ridge that that's a great opportunity and everything else. Um I just want to keep on working on that and build Austin. So it's a great community for everybody to want generations after generations to stay here, build their
families. My family's here. My sister except for one has stayed and they got grandchildren. So I want to bring this community to the highest level that it can be like it used to be. I remember growing up crazy days where we blocked the streets. I'd like to see that again. Of course, we're not going to have
Wworth or Red Owl or anything like that, but I would like to see that again. And then I seen um it was mentioned at Port Authority for the a downtown hotel. I thought that was a great idea. You know, those that come to see the Spam Museum
or anything in that area, you know, to stay within walking range can see, you know, Austin Art Center. um if they come in town, they're right there, too, for the art festival. I And I think that's huge. So, I'd like to see more growth with businesses that will attract people
to come in and more businesses like I think like I reiterate the Austin Whitewater Park. I just really believe in that that will help build revenue for the city and then the community with jobs and everything else. So that's a little bit of my vision and
not just vision goals. So thank you. Excellent. Thank you Cindy. Appreciate it. Um again thanks for your application and your presentation and we have just one more candidate and then we can call people back in if they want to be uh actively
listening at the for the deliberation and see who the council chooses. Okay. And I just want to say I'm Cindy Stall, your next third city council member. Make a sign. Big city. Thank you. Last up, May Huffman. Yes, she came to
us. Hi guys. Michael Huffman. Welcome. And thank you for your application. Yeah. Thank you. So, you have uh five minutes. After that, there'll be no questions and uh we'll just you you're the final candidate for doing the fivem minute presentation and then you can stick
around and we'll deliberate. Uh council will make a decision and you can be you can be here for that if you choose. Awesome. Awesome. Well, thank you. Good afternoon. All yours. First of all, I'd like to say thank you to the city of Austin, the council, and the staff members for this opportunity. Thank you
for considering me. Um, sometimes I just said told myself I'm going to try it. I'm going to give it a shot. My name is Michael Huffman. My wife and I are proud to call Austin our home. I've lived in this third ward for over 30 years. We've raised our three children here.
Professionally, I've spent the last 35 years working in a small business which I call Pro Autoclean. You might have heard of it. And I'm also the vice president of the Riverats Car Club here in Austin. car club dedicated to its
proceeds going to the veterans of the military. This is our 10th year as a 501c which we run a big car show at the end of the year and some of you might have seen it. I like the opportunity to serve the city council foc focused on fiscal responsibility, the growth and
development of our business community of course and to build strong community partnerships. By focusing on these, I believe we could continue a bright future in Austin, Minnesota. Some of my qualifications I I think I have great character, a sound judgment,
integrity, and rep represent the people's public interest and not shy away from my own personal interest. I'm a relationship builder. I will put the time in and effort to get to know each and every one of you,
council man, cities, the staff, and if you're real lucky, you'll get on my list to be on my neighborhood block party, which I have every year. And this will be our third year which I am current president, organizer, chief
cook, and bottle washer for. I'm a team player, strong communicator. I'll be able to remain curious about open-minded about open-minded positions of others
and to be good and to be in good working constructively collaboratively with others to produce results. I'm still focusing my glasses here. We could be proud of results. We could be proud of. I'm a good team player. I'm accessible. I'm always around. Just a phone call
away. Um I don't work out of town. I'm usually always home. I'm do my homework. I'll be prepared. Research do the what's needed to be done. The city council meetings and other settings.
I understand city finances. I will be they have the ability to make good quick financial decisions to do what's necessary. Their skills of policy makers can evaluate budgets and financial statements. I believe I'm pretty good with time management being a business
owner, father, grandfather goes down the line. And I thank you for your time. Well done. Thank you, Michael. appreciate your interest and your application and uh do you want to just pull up a chair here if you want to
stick around. You don't have to, but if you want to stick around, everybody else will come in here. Thanks, Mike. We can't. I think they're picking up. I don't know where. Welcome back candidates. Welcome
back. All right. Uh before council deliberates and you'll hear you'll hear that discussion, I just want to uh again thank you uh for your application, your interest, uh whether or not you get selected, I really strongly hope and I think I I I see it in you that you will continue to
represent Austin in whatever way and capacity you have and continue to be a promoter of Austin. So I can certainly understand from the council standpoint, it's difficult decision and to have six folks step up and put their names in was more than I expected. So I appreciate everybody's interest and your
willingness to serve. So I will turn it over to council to bandandy about uh who they might think would be the best uh candidate for finishing out the third award. Well, I'll start us off. Uh hopefully this will be an easy transition. Um I I
first want to thank everyone uh for applying and um encourage you all to stay involved in the community. There's as uh Obala mentioned there's more than one way to serve the community. So even if it's not as a city council person, it might be on one of the commissions or
boards or any um other number of ways um to be involved. Personally, I wrote down some criteria of what I think uh I am looking for in a city council member. And so, I'm just going to share that to to try to be really transparent. Um and
a couple of things that are not a criteria that I think are necessary um for service on the city council. So, I don't think you need any particular education or expertise. Um, having a connection to to the community is really
um the the main education you need. Um, I don't uh evaluate my personal ties or whether or not I like you. Um, although of course I like all of you. Um, I'm not looking for someone who would vote the same way I would vote,
who would rubber stamp all my ideas. That's not a criteria that I'm personally looking for. Um, and uh, I don't necessarily need you to be a lifelong resident of Austin or have lived here a long time. I think there's sometimes some um, value to having experiences in other communities, too.
So, those are not my criteria. What I am looking for is um if there is any evidence that residents of Ward 3 um have a preference uh for you as a candidate, that's um something that that
I um uh am counting. Um uh if you'll work for the good of the entire community, um and that might be my number one criteria. I'm looking for someone that wants to serve the whole community. I think um Austin is small enough that I mean really when we vote
I'm not thinking just of my ward. I'm thinking of of the whole community. Um I'm looking for um folks that have some experience managing a larger organization. Um the city is a big organization. It's 150 employees. It's a
multi-million dollar annual budget. Um, and I find that the decisions that we're making for the city really need to be at that higher scale. Um, and it's not necessarily the same as managing a small business with five employees. Um, some
of the lessons translate, but some of them don't at that higher scale. Um, uh, experience lobbying at the state legislature is a plus. That is something that we, um, the city council do, uh, in support of our city administrator. Um,
I'm looking for someone who can maintain professional uh relationships even though we don't always agree. Uh, I like to call it uh the ability to disagree agreeably. Um, I think that's really important. We happen to have a a council
that I think um is uh while certainly not um all of one mind, um we're civil and cordial with each other. We're not combative. There are not um uh personality conflicts. um that are active distractions for this um council.
So I I'm mindful that we don't want to disturb that um ecosystem. And then finally um connected to the community. So um among those uh criteria, I I see strong reflections from all of the
candidates. It's really going to be um a difficult choice. Um, and again, thank you everybody for for putting your hat in the ring. And I um encourage you to um since have at least five people um
that we can't appoint, um I hope to continue to see you involved in the community. Thank you, Laura. Uh any other council members want to weigh in on criteria or any thoughts they might have? Yeah, I think, you know, to kind of
build on what Laura is saying, I mean, first of all, thank you for the applications, I think this is incredible. And, you know, as we went through the resumes, as you know, each of you presented, you know, the way I think about it is, okay, kind of with three things. Number one, you know, are they committed to the benefit of the
city of Austin and willing to and proven to have worked there? I mean, I think that's all in spades. I mean, I I leave this just so excited about the work that everybody is doing to improve our community um whether in an official capacity or unofficial capacity. So, thank you for applying and thank you for
all the incredible things that you do to help our community. So, that's kind of the first one. The second is obviously look for okay kind of proactive solutions. You know, anybody can identify issues like what are kind of the proactive solutions? do are there specific areas that they want to focus
on that you know understanding kind of where we're at in terms of big things that are coming down the pike and then finally you know kind of if all that and I think that we've got really good folks that are doing that as well um so then it kind of comes down to okay based on
where we're at in budget cycles where we're at in the year where we're at in the process kind of that experience to hit the ground running um you know I just speaking from my own personal experience I think there's a huge learning curve when you join the council. It's not obviously insurmountable, but I think about, you
know, the council member that I am today versus the council member that I was, you know, my first couple years on council and you kind of wish you could go back at times and go like, what were you thinking on that? Um, so I think experience and kind of having walked through some of that stuff um is really really important. And so, no, I think
we've got some great candidates um as we go through and you know, thank you for all applying. Thanks Jason. Others um yeah I really tried to you know as I sat here tried to think about what criteria and it's kind of unique right
um for us to choose our peer. Um that's generally not how this process goes. Um we we let the citizens select who represents them and then we all get to work together whether we want to or not and actually this group does a great job of that. Um I'm really impressed with
the presentations. I really am impressed that six people stepped forward. Um, so I and and I really want to and hopefully you'll hear it even more really echo you all are doing great things in the community through your volunteerism. Please keep that going because that is
honestly more important than some of the stuff we do. I promise you people care more about the Riverrats car club show or the foodie throwdown than they care about what we're doing at a wastewater treatment plant with a pipe or something sometimes. So, please keep that going because that's really what makes Austin
Austin. Um, when I started to think about what criteria I was looking for, um, I agree with most of what Laura and Jason said. Uh, for me, I was looking again for that that volunteerism and just the demonstration of things that they've done in the past. Um, I also did
kind of take note of those who have been attending some of the city council meetings. Um, you know, to kind of keep plugged in and I know they're available online, so I'm sure some of you may have been watching as well. Um, I also put some value on those who have raised their hand and run for office before because I know how challenging that can
be and so they've shown the commitment and their interest in it. So, um, those are just some of the criteria that I was looking for. Thank you. I just want to say thank you to all six of you for putting your name in for the third ward and joining me there and
you've all did a good job, but thank you for applying. Yeah, I guess uh I would have to say that uh prior to being elected to this office and serving the number of terms that I have, I also
applied twice to open positions. Um and I guess so I come at this from that perspective. Uh the perspective of you applicants as well as the those of us that were elected to this board. Um, and I I have to say, not to to slate
you, but I think it's a lot e harder to run for office and convince a majority of the citizens of your ward or of the city to elect you than it is to come before us and convince the majority of us to appoint you. Um, but I do applaud
you all for applying and being involved. And those that have run before, I congratulate you for stepping out, putting yourself out there. Um, I guess my criteria in addition to some of the things that the other members have mentioned is that I guess I look to somebody that's an independent thinker
that can make a decision based on the discussion that the council has and is not um weighed by others opinions necessarily or can act on their own without being told how to to to run and also can collaborate and work together with not only the council but all the
the employees of the city, the department heads in particular. Um, so I guess that's what I'm kind of looking for. Um, appreciate you guys all applying. I hope that you stay involved as everyone else said. And, uh, if you
are committed to serving on council, um, please take the chance and, uh, run for office in a year and a half, two years when when elections open again. Well, go ahead. I'm sorry. Um, I'd just like to say I commend all of you. Um,
I'm really proud of how you all got up here. You're stepping up to the game. Um, it is one of those things for me. I'm looking for someone who's willing to build relationships throughout the community with the council, with department heads, and everyone within the city, um, and the state. So, that's
one of my big things. Um, experience is a is strong for me. People who show up who are committed volunteering, whether it's the little things that you think no one really sees you doing or the big things. Um, and then really I'm looking for a problem solver, someone who can
dive in, have some experiences, and be able to work within the problem solving because on council there's not just we all vote the same way. We're going to have problems and issues we got to deal with whether it's within the community or within departments, budgeting. So,
I'm looking for someone who is really involved in all of those aspects. And I mean, I'm proud of the third ward for stepping up. We did this um back when I was on council the first time we had a vacancy in first ward and we did not get
six people. So seeing this many that care about Austin, it really says something about our community and it just continues to be the reason why even I am on council is because of everyone that's in this room. You guys are showing why Austin is so great. So very proud. Thank you so much for coming
today. Very good. Thank you all council. I certainly hope uh um you presenters appreciate the the position the council's in. Like council member postman mentioned, picking your
peer is not easy. Um but then I this might be the first opportunity that I appreciate not having a vote. It's all up to council as long as we get a majority. So you're all equally uh you have your assets. No doubt everybody has their strengths, but now
it's time to kind of weigh in with uh some name that might rise to the top that you guys would feel would be the best suited to finish out that term. Uh so I'm open to open that discussion. Yeah. So I guess I'll start off kind of talking through it. So again, kind of
going through the criteria committed to the benefit of all of Austin. Check. Everybody's got that. You I think proactive solutions, not just identifying issues. I thought, you know, everybody kind of did a really nice job there. So, to me, it really comes down to kind of that experience piece of it.
Um, and as I look at the candidates that have applied for it, you know, to me, the one that stands out probably the most is, uh, Mr. Obala. And, you know, as I think about it, I think, you know, we've got two people that have run for office. Um, good. You know, that I think
that gives a level of experience. I I do think the time having served on office um having been a member of the council kind of getting some of that learning curve taken away um definitely helps especially as we go into the budget system especially as we go into you know
trying to solve some of the challenges that we're doing. to me I mean it's incredibly tight trying to look at the different candidates but you know if the first two criteria are really you know connected I do think that experience of having been elected having won having
served and you know certainly the concept of it's not like he hadn't lost election as much as hey you live in one part of the town and you know you build your family dream home in another part of the town and I don't know doing what makes your wife happy is probably not a bad strategy for in terms of judgment so
That's at least kind of my initial preference, but open to kind of what other people are thinking. I guess for me, um, I agree with you on a lot of that. Um, I feel like running for office is a huge thing. It is a is it's a time commitment when you get out
there and you're putting your name out and you're doing everything you can do to get your ward to vote for you. So, I mean, for me, looking at candidates, I have a top three. Um, I can narrow it down to the top two. Um, I'm looking at,
um, two that have been showing up consistently to meetings, which is nice to see a face, someone who cares in the presence. Um, so I'm looking at Bradley and Obala for my choices as of right now, but I do have another one.
Thank you, Becky. Those were also my top two. Yeah, those are my top two as well. again kind of for the reasons I outlined that and there I know there are three folks who run for office. So I very much appreciate that and and those two have won or you know made a very solid
showing and I honestly really appreciate that uh they have been coming to meetings and kind of paying attention to the issues that we're dealing with. Um it's a really tough choice between the two, but uh I think right now ultimately I favor Oala just based on
the fact that he has a couple of years on council and to me that's kind of a tiebreaker. Thank you, Mike. Paul, Jeff, where you at? You've all made very good points and you're all very good candidates. I think
I look at, as you've all mentioned, experience being a a big factor. Um, knowing kind of how the city council works, the decisions we make, the different things we discuss, whether
it's budget or whatever. I think I think Obama would probably be one that I would pick just because of past experience on the council. Thank you, Paul. Jeff, I guess my my
candidate or applicant of choice would be uh Mr. Johnson, Bradley Johnson. Um even though um Obala has served before, um I think Brad having run for mayor last year and the campaign he ran and being involved um and
knowing the city employees and the city operation and his involvement in the community um puts him first in my my opinion. So now do we need a motion to select somebody and we vote on that person or
where do we go from here? Sure. Like a motion and a second and uh further discussion if you wish uh then we'll take it from there. So I would make a motion to um select Obala Obala as the third court council applicant. I'll second that. Okay. We got a motion in a
second for Obala. Any further discussion? No. I just to say I think I mean this is an incredibly incredibly tough choice and you know I would love to see all of you on the ballot in you know what 18 months um just cuz I think it's it's
great to get involved and you know whether it's on council or not on council I mean there's so many great ways to be involved and so thank you again for showing up and this is a tough choice. Agreed. Thank you. Okay, have a motion and a second. Uh Tom want to do roll. So
motion by council member Maskin, second by council member Helic to appoint Obama Obama to the third board council seat. So an I vote is in favor of such. Council member Waller I Baskin I
Ellie I Fisher I council member large Austin nay. Motion passes 51 your honor. Thank you Tom. I it it it's it's off-putting a little bit to have this when you're talking about
personalities and and uh gifts that you have to present to council to have it become a roll call vote. It seems so icy cold. I'm sorry that's kind of the process we have, but the process seems to work and we had to go through that. So again, you you heard it from council
and I'll I'll just echo it. Uh you all have uh your your great positive influences for Austin. and I hope that you continue that and as everybody said, it's amazing that we got six folks interested. Um it it's a lot to put yourself out there. So, I appreciate uh
your willingness to serve and I do uh do hope and know that you'll continue to promote Austin as you do. So, with that uh we have got uh Obama Obama will be finishing out third. Congratulations,
Obama. Congratulations. Welcome. Thank you folks. Appreciate all your time and effort. Thank you. God bless you for serving our community. Appreciate it, Mr. Kelly. Thank you. Do we need a motion to adjurnn? Oh, we do need a motion to adjurnn. Motion to
adjurnn. Second. All in favor? Opposed? We are adjourned. Okay.