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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.11.18 PRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION NOVEMBER 18, 2025 CALL TO ORDER Chair Jeffrey called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. ROLL CALL Chair Noah Jeffrey, Vice Chair Travis Bonovsky, Commissioners Gail Ebert, Jack MacMillan, and Jill Dalton were present. Also present were Mitch Vosejpka from Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth, Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Carissa Goebel and Community Center Supervisor Rachel Kenyon. Chair Khan of the Cultural and Public Arts Commission attended online. Commissioners Julie Bourque and Matthew Kraft were excused. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Jeffrey requested to add 2 items to the agenda. Chair Jeffrey moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner Ebert seconded the motion. The agenda was approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF MAY MINUTES Commissioner Dalton moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner MacMillan seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously. NEW BUSINESS YOUTH ON BOARD PRESENTATION Mitch Vosejpka introduced presented about the Youth on Board program and how adding youth voice to the Commission would be beneficial. He mentioned that in Brooklyn Park, they have already begun this process a Youth Liaison to their respective Parks and Recreation Commission. He explained that introducing participants from this program to the Commission could bring new perspectives, change practices, and create opportunities for youth participation. He further explained what that would look like if it were to be implemented into this Commission. Chair Jeffrey asked if this was the position for youth that had been previously talked about. That was confirmed by both Mr. Vosejpka and Deputy Director Goebel. He explained that the two possible positions: Youth Liaison (ages 14-17, non-voting, voice in the room) and Emerging Leader (ages 18-21, voting member). Commissioner Ebert asked about the process of appointing these positions and it was discussed that it would be in line with how the Commissioners are currently appointed. Chair Jeffrey asked about the timing of this process potentially. There isn’t a clear answer at this time, but it is a larger process that the City is working on. Chair Jeffrey asked about potentially involving the Youth On Board program for community engagement and education about recycling/anti-litter. Mr. Vosejpka agreed that they would be a great gateway to start the campaign. PARK SHELTER RENTAL PROCESS Deputy Director Goebel explained the park rental availability, process for renting, and a bit about the discussions that are had during the process. She went over the paperwork that the applicant fills out and what staff does with that information. Commissioner MacMillan asked what he should do if walking through the park and they see alcohol being served. Deputy Director informed him that he should call 911 and the police. Commissioner Dalton asked that a line about recycling being the responsibility of the permit holder. Chair Jeffrey asked how an individual would know if a park was available. It was explained that the person would have to call or come into the Community Center. Some day in the future it may be an online process, but at this time it isn’t feasible. ALL COMMISSION CELEBRATION FEEDBACK Deputy Director Goebel asked the commission for feedback on the celebration. It was mentioned that the food was cold, so it should go back to a cold option or be reworked. The table set-up was also not conducive to discussion. Chair Jeffrey also mentioned that it was presentation heavy and not much room for collaboration. Deputy Director Goebel asked what a better format would be. Chair Jeffrey said maybe a portion of time for mingling and then a shorter presentation after. Having time for Commissioners to mingle on their own or with other Commissions as well was brought up. AD-HOC ANTI-LITTER COMMITTEE Chair Jeffrey introduced Chair Khan from the Cultural and Public Arts Commission. She mentioned that Chair Jeffrey presented on potential collaboration at their June meeting. A concept was developed for a pilot program for an anti-litter campaign. Chair Jeffrey asked what next steps would be. Chair Khan asked that any interested Commissioners attend their next meeting on Thursday the 20th. MN STATEWIDE SOLAR ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS PROGRAM Chair Jeffrey presented what he knows about the program and how it could help bring solar panels to the Community Center. Commissioner Dalton mentioned the concern of the amount of power needed for the whole Community Center. She thought maybe lighting the park shelters would be a good start. Commissioner Ebert asked if something like this would need to be brought to another Commission. Deputy Director Goebel mentioned that the Finance Commission would potentially be an avenue, but the costs would have to be budgeted and approved by City Council. She also mentioned that this program/grant is already on the radar of the Public Works/Engineering team. It is being looked at for future years but not for this grant cycle due to staffing constraints. Commissioner Ebert expressed that staff should be made aware of the support of the pursuit of this grant. FUTURE MEETING The next meeting will be held January 20th at the Community Center at 6:30pm. Chair Jeffrey moved to adjourn the meeting. Vice Chair Bonovsky seconded. The decision was unanimous.