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<br /> <br />or to the park systems as top priorities. She provided further comment on the trends in parks and <br />recreation. She reported staff needed to focus on future needs, system planning and a path for <br />going forward. <br /> <br />Director Fink reviewed the draft Comprehensive Plan Chapter regarding Parks, Recreation and <br />Open Spaces with the Commission. She reported this chapter will be incorporated into the City’s <br />first draft of the plan, which will open for the six-month public comment window in May. At the <br />completion of that period in November, final changes are made to the plan before the City <br />Council considers the plan for approval and submits it to the Metropolitan Council. She <br />requested the Commission review the draft file and report back to staff with comments or <br />questions. She noted the draft chapter would be discussed by the Commission in further detail at <br />the May PREC meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen explained this chapter of the Comprehensive Plan would assist the <br />City in planning for the future. It was his hope the Comprehensive Plan would help the City in <br />establishing its identity. He understood the public was interested in connecting and improving <br />its parks. <br /> <br />Discussion included: <br /> The Commission supported staff looking at the future of City amenities on a park by <br />park basis. Staff described how the public would be engaged to ensure the City was <br />filling the gaps in order to provide the proper recreational activities in the community. <br /> The Commission commended staff for the well thought out draft plan. <br /> <br />B. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Environmental <br />Commission – Jennifer Fink, Director of Parks and Recreation <br /> <br />Director Fink requested the Commission select a Chair and Vice Chair to serve for the <br />upcoming year. <br /> <br />Motion by Axberg, seconded by Quade to appoint Kevin Fields as Chair of the Parks, <br />Recreation and Environmental Commission. Motion carried 7-0. <br /> <br />Motion by Fields, seconded by Zach Johnson to appoint Pam Axberg as Vice Chair of the <br />Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission. Motion carried 7-0. <br /> <br />C. Overview of the Parks and Recreation Department – Jennifer Fink, Director of Parks <br />and Recreation <br /> <br />Director Fink provided the Commission with an overview from the Parks and Recreation <br />Department. She stated the New Brighton Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to <br />delivering parks and recreation services that improve the quality of life in New Brighton and <br />the surrounding community. The department delivers those services using a staff of 21 full- <br />time employees and the equivalent of an additional 20 staff, consisting of part-time and <br />temporary staff (working less than 20 hours per week on average). Staff are broken into three <br />service areas. Parks, Recreation and the Community Center. <br /> <br />Director Fink reported the City maintains 17 neighborhood parks, urban forest and open <br />spaces totaling 215 acres as well as a the New Brighton Community Center offers cultural, <br />educational and wellness programs to nearly a half million visitors of all ages each year. The