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<br /> <br />B. Parks and Recreation Department Reorganization Update – Jennifer Fink, Director of <br />Parks and Recreation <br /> <br />Director Fink updated the Commission on the Parks and Recreation Department <br />reorganization that had occurred. She noted after long time staff member Patrice Holter <br />left the City and Jodelle Olson retired, the department was looking to reorganize in a way <br />that realigned services. She reviewed the new Organizational Chart with the Commission. <br />She stated it was her hope that by realigning personnel the City would be able to add depth <br />to the programming that could be provided. She explained the City hired Cleve McCoy as <br />the Sports and Athletic Supervisor and Zoe Kesselring would be promoted to a new position <br />internally. She stated there would be a Recreation Coordinator position that would be <br />posted within a week. <br /> <br />C. Sensory Event Update – Jennifer Fink, Director of Parks and Recreation <br /> <br />Director Fink reported the second in a series of three quarterly sensory events was held on <br />May 19 at the Eagles Nest. Commissioners may remember that this is a series where the <br />Department has partnered with the Autism Society of Minnesota (ASM) to offer a two hour <br />block (charging a twilight rate) of time where we limit the number of people who can <br />participate to 50 so that those in attendance aren’t overwhelmed by people. We had 19 <br />individuals pre-registered. An additional eight children came on the day of the event. This <br />was a huge success since the first event had three in attendance. (This seems to the usual <br />pattern based on anecdotal evidence from ASM.) Parents and children are allowed access to <br />the Eagles Nest and guidelines (such as the need for socks and age restrictions) are relaxed. <br />Additional staff and quiet time locations are provided. Parents expressed their appreciation <br />and asked if this could be a monthly event. Staff is willing, however it does utilize an <br />“exclusive birthday party rental” time slot, so staff is weighing the loss of revenue versus <br />the public service. She commented further on the positive feedback staff had received <br />regarding the event. <br /> <br />Discussion included: <br /> The Commission supported hosting more sensory events throughout the year and <br />encouraged staff to seek sponsorships to cover the expense of the lost revenue. <br /> The Commission suggested staff seek other days of the week and time periods for <br />sensory events. <br /> <br />VI. Announcements <br /> <br />A. City Council Report – Council Member Mary Burg <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg thanked staff for providing inclusive sensory events at the Eagle’s <br />Nest. She noted the Public Safety Department would be holding a Blood Drive on <br />Wednesday, June 12th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Community Center. <br />She explained the Council held a Public Hearing to consider a Tobacco 21 Ordinance and <br />noted the Council would be considering this Ordinance on Tuesday, June 11th. <br /> <br />B. PREC Chair Updates – Pam Axberg