2016.01.26 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 26, 2016 Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to approve the minutes from the January 12, 2016 meeting. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried Commission Minutes Mayor Johnson received the following minutes on behalf of the City: PREC minutes from November 4, 2015. Special Order of Business 1. Presentation of Local Government Innovation Award. Parks and Recreation Director Brueur stated the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota selected the City of New Brighton Parks and Recreation Department to receive a 2015 Local Government Innovation Award for its Read To Play program. Read To Play is among 24 diverse projects recognized for showing creativity and innovation in redesigning how they do business—from using a bike and trailer as a mobile library to establishing a community collaborative to tackle academic standards or urban growth. The awards are organized in partnership with the Bush Foundation and cosponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities, the Association of Minnesota Counties, MN Association of Townships, and the Minnesota School Board Association. This is the ninth year the Humphrey School of Public Affairs has honored local government with this award. She discussed the growing success of the program and commended Heidi Sedlacek for her efforts on behalf of the City. Staff appreciated the growing partnerships the City has established through this program and presented the Local Government Innovation Award to the City Council. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Heidi Sedlacek thanked staff and the City Council for their continued support. Councilmember Bauman asked if the program was open to students of all ages. Ms. Sedlacek stated this was the case. She reviewed the schools and grades that participated in the Read To Play program throughout the community. Councilmember Jacobsen congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department and appreciated the great leadership Director Brueur had on behalf of the City and thanked her for hiring Ms. Sedlacek. 2. Annual Report from the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission. Chair Mary Kunesh-Podein of the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission (PREC) presented the Council with the 2015 annual report. Chair Kunesh-Podein discussed the activities PREC has been addressing over the past year. She discussed the current members serving on PREC and thanked Councilmember Burg for serving as the Council liaison. She reviewed the roles and responsibilities of PREC. It was noted the group was beginning to plan for New Brighton Exchange parks. She encouraged the Council to visit the new locker rooms at the New Brighton Community Center and thanked the Council for their continued support She provided comment on the growing visitor county at the Community Center. She then discussed the awards and recognitions the City received in 2015. She recognized Michael Schute for receiving the Michael J. Walker Award. She briefly reviewed the projects that would be addressed by PREC in 2016. Councilmember Strub thanked Chair Kunesh-Podem for her service to the community. He encouraged her to thank each of the PREC Commissioners as well. Councilmember Burg thanked Chair Kunesh-Podein for her leadership on the Park Commission. She was proud that Michael Schute has been awarded the Michael J. Walker award and explained he began his career with the City working at the golf course. Page 2 of 6 Commission Minutes Special Order of Business 1. Presentationofl,ocal Govemment Innovation Award 2. Annual Report from the Parks, Recrealion and Fhvironmental Commission