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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.11.04 SCCM 11/04/25 -1- DRAFT BROOKLYN CENTER SISTER CITIES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025 BROOKLYN CENTER CITY HALL 1. OPEN MEETING Staff Liaison Oster called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Members: Nahid Khan, Tashawna Williams, Yolanda Mays, and Famatta Zeon City Staff: Staff Liaison Armando Oster and Community Engagement Specialist Christina Jones Council Liaison: None Guests: Mitch Vosejpka, Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth; and Crixell Shell, Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth 3. CHECK-IN a. What Does SCC Wish to Accomplish in 2026? Commissioners responded with their plans for the SCC in 2026, which included hosting more community engagement events, showcasing the SCC, and meeting with the SCC in Brooklyn Park. Staff Liaison Oster noted that Brooklyn Park does not have an active SCC at this time. Commissioner Khan stated that the Brooklyn Center SCC could offer to help in any way that Brooklyn Park may need. 4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Khan moved to adopt the agenda as presented, and Commissioner Mays seconded it. Motion unanimously adopted. 5. APPROVAL OF JULY 1, 2025, MEETING MINUTES Commissioner Khan asked about the lives and land acknowledgement statement. Staff Liaison stated that the wording is included in every packet. Commissioner Khan moved to approve the minutes of July 1, 2025, as presented, and Commissioner Zeon seconded the motion. Members unanimously adopted the motion. 6. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, MEETING MINUTES 11/04/25 -2- DRAFT Commissioner Khan moved to approve the minutes of September 2, 2025, as presented, and Chair Williams seconded the motion. Members unanimously adopted the motion. RECESS AND RECONVENE Chair Williams called for a five-minute recess; no one needed one, so the meeting moved on. 7. LIVES AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Staff Liaison Oster presented the acknowledgement. 8. 2026 SCC POSITION VOTING Chair Williams called for nominations for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Staff Liaison Oster explained that for the Chair position, he is fine with preparing the agenda, so the Chair would just have to review the agenda with him before the meeting and be the point person for the group. Commissioner Khan stated that Chair Williams would be a great person because of her long history with the Commission to continue to hold the Chair position. She asked about the Vice Chair and who was serving in the role. Staff Liaison Oster shared that Jacob Saffert was the Vice Chair, but had moved. He added that for the meeting today, the most important positions were the Chair and Vice Chair to help the Commission function. He noted that the Treasurer is not needed at this time because there is no funding. Commissioner Khan added that she would be willing to fill the role of Treasurer when needed. Chair Williams remarked that with her full-time job, she is unable to commit to being the Chair, but would be willing to be the Vice Chair. Commissioner Mays suggested that Commissioner Khan be the Chair. Commissioner Khan thanked Commissioner Mays for the nomination, but shared that she is the Chair for a different commission, which is a lot of work. Commissioner Zeon asked if this is a decision that needs to be made at this meeting or if nominations will be sent to Staff Liaison Oster and then talked about in the new year. Staff Liaison Oster stated that, in asking other Staff, it would be best to have at least a Chair and Vice Chair going forward from this meeting. Chair Williams asked if the roles were kept the same going into the beginning of the year, and with the recruitment process of new members hopefully happening before the next meeting, whether the nomination could take place then. She asked if she would have to be the Chair for all of 2026 if done that way. Staff Liaison Oster stated that it was recommended to go into the new year with the leadership in place; however, it would be up to the Commission what is wanted and how the Commission 11/04/25 -3- DRAFT wants to handle the situation going forward. He shared that, however, the Commission chooses to handle it is fine with him. Commissioner Khan suggested that Chair Williams stay on as Chair until the next meeting, and then another Commissioner be the Chair in training to see how it feels to take on some of the position roles of the Chair. Chair Williams asked for a vote to have a Commissioner fill the Vice Chair role to potentially fill the Chair role in the new year. Commissioner Khan asked if either of the two Commissioners would be willing to try that role out. Commissioner Mays declined, due to being too new on the Commission, and not feeling that the position would be right for her at the time. Commissioner Zeon shared that she would be the Vice Chair until January. Chair Williams summarized that the vote would be for Chair Williams to stay the Chair until 2026, and move Commissioner Zeon to the acting Vice Chair role. Commissioner Zeon moved to vote Chair Williams as the Chair into January 2026 and Commissioner Zeon as the acting Vice Chair in January 2026, and Chair Williams seconded the motion. Members unanimously adopted the motion. Commissioner Khan shared that as the Chair of the Cultural and Public Arts Commission, she involves the Vice Chair in every decision that is made. She suggested that the same be done for the SCC, so that Commissioner Zeon can see what is involved in the position of Chair. 9. UPDATES a. Vacancy on SCC Chair Williams gave an update on the vacancies available. She asked how many spots were available. Staff Liaison Oster noted that there is one vacancy available. Chair Williams suggested connecting with neighbors about interest, and there is information available to share if someone is interested. She noted that before COVID, the Commission was growing and had many events, and is starting to get back to that with more in the new year. She added that with busy lives, it is nice to have more Commissioners so that a quorum is easier to obtain. Commissioner Khan suggested that if there is more than one applicant, all applicants are encouraged to attend or be involved in the Commission in some way. Chair Williams asked if adding another seat to the Commission is possible. Staff Liaison Oster clarified whether the thought is to invite the applicants into the meeting to meet with the Commission. Commissioner Khan stated that thinking openly about whether there is more than one applicant, then somehow involve more people if possible. She noted she does not have specific suggestions at this time, just not turning anyone away at this time. Community Engagement Specialist Jones stated that, being part of the Brooklyn Park Lion Club, there is a distinction between members and board members, meaning there can be as many members as wanted, but the board members are those who vote. She added that it may be a good idea for the SCC. Mitch 11/04/25 -4- DRAFT Vosejpka, Youth OnBoard Coordinator with Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth, asked whether the members could take part in the discussion. Community Engagement Specialist Jones explained that she attends the meetings and is involved in the discussion, but just does not have a vote. Commissioner Mays noted that it may be confusing for people to do it in that way, and it is a commitment that needs to take place. She added that as a new member, it can be confusing, so commitment should be emphasized. Community Engagement Specialist Jones asked Commissioner Khan if she was suggesting that the new person be present at all meetings, or just come one time. Commissioner Khan explained that there are no specific suggestions at this time, only noting that if someone is interested, find a way to keep them interested, even if they are not officially on the Commission. Chair Williams asked if there is an age requirement, as there may be a youth interested. Staff Liaison Oster stated that there will be more discussion of this in the presentation, but it will depend on the stage of life of the youth and whether they would be a voting member or not. Mr. Vosejpka explained that in Brooklyn Park, there is a Youth Liaison and an Emerging Leader. He added that the Youth Liaison is ages 14 to 18, who are members of the Commission but are non-voting members. He stated that Emerging Leaders support the Youth Liaison, but are voting members of the commissions and are in the 18 to 24 age range. He noted that how it looks in Brooklyn Center is open for discussion at this time. b. BBAY Youth on Board presentation Mr. Vosejpka introduced himself as the Youth OnBoard Program Coordinator and Facilitator with Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth, BBAY. He stated that he works in four different schools to develop leadership and get young people involved in city opportunities. He described the program of Youth OnBoard. He shared that it is run through the Afterschool Community Learning Grant. He added that it is for youth in grades 9 through 12. He shared that it is done to help youth make an impact on themselves. He noted that the four schools are Champlin, Park Center, Robbinsdale Cooper, and BCHS. He explained that the program meets once a week for two hours after school, and the same topics are sort of talked about each week, but it is tailored to the individual schools and students as well. He added that there are no requirements other than regular attendance; students apply and are welcomed. He described that the group focuses on leadership skills and themes, and connects outlier students to engagement and development. He noted that the programs help young people build a voice and power to change, and connect them to real opportunities to advocate for young people and join decision-making bodies. He explained the reasons why Youth OnBoard would benefit the SCC, such as it gives the students a voice and space to engage, improves the way community is represented, provides a direct pipeline to involve young people and keep them involved, welcomes different perspectives, long lasting practice that will change how communities engage youth, and broadens understanding of young people and youth leadership. Staff Liaison Oster noted that there are other commissions in Brooklyn Center that 11/04/25 -5- DRAFT Mr. Vosejpka will be meeting with to give information about Youth OnBoard as well. Mr. Vosejpka thanked the Staff and others who have been helping to make the change of having more youth involvement in the City. Mr. Vosejpka described the process of getting youth involved in the commissions. He encouraged the SCC to come to and speak with the youth about their Commission. He stated that the process starts with a survey to help match individual commissions, then there is training that is provided on inclusion and multigenerational decision- making practices, providing touch base with the Commission on a quarterly basis, monthly correspondence with youth members in commissions to support, and including YOB Leader in commission trainings and orientation to maintain strong practices. Chair Williams asked about the particular youth who would be involved with the City’s commissions and if it would be only youth from BCHS. Mr. Vosejpka noted that the youth who would be involved in the City commissions would only need to be a resident of Brooklyn Center. Community Engagement Specialist Jones asked if there is limited space for how many can be involved in the commission. Mr. Vosejpka explained that it is up to the individual commissions, but the standard is about two youth liaisons and two youth emerging leaders. Commissioner Khan asked about the readiness inventory and if the students' prior courses or areas of interest are looked at during the process. Mr. Vosejpka explained that the readiness inventory is for the adults in the commission. He added that he works with the students weekly, so he is always engaged to see if the students are ready for commissions and which ones. He noted that the survey is to see if the commission is ready for the students to come in and be a part of the commission. Commissioner Khan suggested that it could be a lot to have the youth, which is a good thing, but that potentially a Commissioner could be the point person to help with the responsibility. Mr. Vosejpka stated that this sort of organized approach is encouraged, so the youth is not just tossed into the space rather thoughtfully being a part of the commission. He added that a point person is a great way to help the student and others in the commission as well, so discussing who that would be is a good idea as well. Mr. Vosejpka noted that he has a schedule if anyone is interested in going to one of the Brooklyn Center Youth OnBoard meetings to meet the students, and would send the information to Staff Liaison Oster. He added that there is a Youth OnBoard open house event coming up that is being put on for community leaders to learn about Youth OnBoard, led by the youth. Staff Liaison Oster asked if help is needed to find space. Mr. Vosejpka explained that they are looking for a centralized location. Staff Liaison Oster suggested the library. 11/04/25 -6- DRAFT Chair Williams thanked Mr. Vosejpka for his time. Mr. Vosejpka gave out some flyers and noted what the flyers were for. Crixell Shell, Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth, Youth and Community Engagement Initiatives Coordinator, introduced herself to the group. She noted that the Brookdale Library is being revamped, and they are looking for adult and youth feedback. c. 2026 Meeting Dates Chair Williams explained that the Commission had decided to meet every other month on the first Tuesday of that month, beginning in January. She asked the Commission to look at the calendar to see if any potential conflicts could be shared. Staff Liaison Oster shared that the first meeting in 2026 would be January 6. Commission Khan stated that she would be out of town but would attend via Zoom. Staff Liaison Oster shared that the next meeting would be on March 3. Commissioner Khan stated she may be gone, but available via Zoom. Staff Liaison Oster continued with the next meeting being on May 5. Chair Williams noted she may be out of town, but would keep the Commission posted. Staff Liaison Oster stated the next meeting would be on July 7. He noted that the next meeting would be on September 1. He added that the last meeting of 2026 would be on November 3, but it is election day and would need to be avoided. The Commission plan for November 10. Chair Williams noted that a community engagement on National Night Out would also be something to keep on the Commissioners' radar for the upcoming year, on August 4. Staff Liaison Oster suggested hosting an event, and then the community would come to the event, or the Commission could go to different parties. Chair Williams noted that in Brooklyn Park, there are different events on different days. She stated that if hosting was done, maybe it would be good to do with all other commissions in Brooklyn Center as well. Commissioner Khan noted that it is a great idea, and maybe not on the actual night out, to be in the commissioner's own neighborhoods. Commissioner Mays noted that at the event she attended last year, the Fire Department came, and the kids were very excited. She added that it would be a great idea to do it on a site and include other departments as well. 10. CHECK-OUT Chair Williams asked if there were questions on the agenda items or any thoughts or questions about other things. Commissioner Khan suggested that on the agenda, there be an item where the Commission reviews the history of the SCC and past activities that have taken place. She noted even reviewing the whole SCC program as a national or state-wide program. She hoped that would be a way to build up the Commission as well. Staff Liaison Oster suggested leaning on the Sister Cities at a national level and even doing something at the beginning of the year to really kick things off in 2026. He stated that he would get the information and videos together. 11/04/25 -7- DRAFT Commissioner Khan noted that in Paris, there is a huge African immigrant population. She wanted to share that it is a very interesting point to think about. She added that Brooklyn Center is not unusual in its diversity, but it is an around-the-world thing. Chair Williams noted having the Liberia Day celebration again in 2026. Staff Liaison Oster stated that the Staff just met with the organizers that day, and they are looking to collaborate with the City. 11. ADJOURN Chair Williams moved to adjourn the meeting, and Commissioner Mays seconded the motion. Members unanimously adopted the motion. Chair Williams declared the Commission meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.