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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.06.03 SCCM 06/03/25 -1- DRAFT BROOKLYN CENTER SISTER CITIES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2025 BROOKLYN CENTER CITY HALL 1. OPEN MEETING Community Engagement Coordinator Oster called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Members: Nahid Khan and Tashawna Williams (present). Jacob Saffert (absent excused), Erasmus Williams, and Famatta Zeon (absent). City Staff: Community Engagement Coordinator Armando Oster, City Manager Dr. Reggie Edwards Council Liaison: None Guests: BBAY intern Mariah and Ja’sivah Quorum was not met. 3. LIVES AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT Community Engagement Coordinator Oster presented the acknowledgement. 4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Khan and Commissioner Williams had no problems with the agenda. However, Commissioner Khan did point out that the date was incorrect. 5. APPROVAL OF APRIL 23, 2025, MEETING MINUTES The Commission updated the names of Commissioner Khan and Commissioner Williams. They also changed Commissioner Erasmus Williams to an unexcused absence for the meeting. No quorum, so the Commission was unable to approve the meeting minutes. 6. BOARD ELECTIONS Community Engagement Coordinator Oster presented on the process for the Board Elections. Due to no quorum, he presented how they would handle things going forward in the next meeting. The nominations for Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer would happen and then be sent to staff who would approve and come back to the next meeting with the nominations. 06/03/25 -2- DRAFT RECESS AND RECONVENE Community Engagement Coordinator Oster asked if this was needed; the Commission declined needing a recess and continued to the next topic. 7. UPDATES / NEW TOPICS a. Goal Setting for 2025. Community Engagement Coordinator Oster provided a printout from the Sister Cities International Website about pursuing activities that are important to individual Commissions. No quorum, so the Commission was unable to take action. b. 2025 Liberian Independence Day Event and parade July 26, 20025. Community Engagement Coordinator Oster presented on a three-day event called Liberian Independence Day that would include a discussion panel, marketplaces, a parade/community day, and a farewell brunch. The city is working with Josh Port, who is one of the founders of the nonprofit organization We Are Liberian. This is still being approved by the City. Commissioner Khan asked about the role of the Commissioners. Liaison Oster shared that parade participation would be a good opportunity to do alongside staff. He also stated that the Commission could decide if there were other ways they would like to participate. City Manager Dr. Reggie Edwards suggested having a flyer at the event to share who the Sister Cities Commission is and how to get involved in the Commission. Commissioner Khan suggested reaching out to the city of Brooklyn Park because they also have a Sister Cities Commission. She felt it would be beneficial to have any information that could be had from their commission. City Manager Edwards suggested using General Coleman for a video at the event to help promote the Sister Cities Commission. No quorum, so the Commission was unable to take action. c. Inspector General Gregory Coleman February 7, 2025, Visit to City of Brooklyn Center Community Engagement Coordinator Oster shared a picture of the day that General Coleman visited the City. He also shared some key topics that were shared that day: areas of mental health challenges, training and resources about the police force, support for 06/03/25 -3- DRAFT economic and public safety growth. Commissioner Khan asked if the write-up about the visit could be clarified as to who exactly it is talking about. Liaison Oster clarified that this information was given to the City Staff after the visit, and that General Coleman was talking about the people of Liberia; however, the next steps are to see how this connects to Brooklyn Center, and that many of the same issues are present in both places. City Manager Edwards and Commissioner Williams discussed that the Commission needs to focus on setting goals and getting things done, because in the past this was a bit of an issue. Community Engagement Coordinator Oster suggested doing an International Day to make connections. No quorum, so the Commission was unable to take action. d. Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth- Youth on Board Community Engagement Coordinator Oster presented the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth, and some events that have taken place. He specifically talked about Youth on Board, which equips and educates commissioners on how to interact with youth. The Commission would be one of the first to pilot the program. He also provided a handout. No quorum, so the Commission was unable to take action. 8. CHECK-OUT Commissioner Khan asked about policies regarding in person attendance versus virtually. City Manager Edwards responded that he was unsure of the policy but would refer to Staff and come back with the answer at the following meeting. 9. ADJOURN Community Engagement Coordinator Oster declared the Commission meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.