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<br /> The balance between advocating for perspective and speaking out in the public was <br />further addressed. <br /> Staff cautioned Commission members from speaking out at Public Hearings or to use <br />good judgement if doing so. He encouraged Commission members to not speak out <br />critically against the City. <br /> The value and expectations associated with public service was discussed. <br /> <br />B. Discussion regarding the draft of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Chapter of <br />the 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Jennifer Fink, Director of Parks and Recreation <br /> <br />Director Fink provided the Commission with an overview on the draft Parks, Recreation and <br />Open Spaces chapter within the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. She stated the City of New Brighton <br />is in the process of updating their City-wide Comprehensive plan. Comprehensive planning is a <br />process undertaken every ten years to ensure metropolitan cities and counties visions and goals <br />align with regional needs and policies adopted by the Metropolitan Council. This is required <br />under the Minnesota Metropolitan Land Plan Act under Minnesota Statue 473. <br /> <br />Director Fink commented as discussed at the previous PREC meeting, the Assistant Director of <br />Community Assets and Development, along with the consultant HKGi, presented a status update <br />to PREC at the June 22, 2017 meeting. Staff presented information regarding a department <br />overview, and a draft of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces chapter of the 2040 <br />Comprehensive Plan. <br /> <br />Director Fink reported this meeting will allow for an open conversation regarding the draft of the <br />Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces chapter. Feedback from the commission can be incorporated <br />in to the City’s first draft of the plan. Which will open for the six-month public comment <br />window in May. At the completion of that period in November, final changes are made to the <br />plan before the City Council considers the plan for approval and submits it to the Metropolitan <br />Council. <br /> <br />Discussion included: <br /> The Commission supported improved trail connections in the City across the <br />freeways and along waterways. The importance of pedestrian walking and biking <br />was discussed and it was suggested Silver Lake Road and County Road E have bike <br />lanes. The Commission encouraged staff to coordinate this initiative with the County. <br /> The Commission was interested in having all New Brighton residents within walking <br />distance of a City park. <br /> The Commission was in favor of creating a marque opportunity for New Brighton <br />residents and to use this amenity to draw individuals into the community. <br /> The Commission encouraged staff to ensure the Comprehensive Plan addressed <br />inclusivity. Staff reviewed the language within the Comprehensive Plan that <br />addressed this issue. She described how the Comprehensive Plan would be used to <br />draft a strategic plan for the future. <br /> The importance of addressing sustainable policies within the community. <br /> The Commission encouraged the City to pursue further intergovernmental <br />cooperation on future park projects. <br /> The Commission commended staff on their great work on the draft Comprehensive <br />Plan. <br /> <br />VI. Announcements <br />