2020.06.09 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

June 9, 2020 Page 3 of 4 Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates Devin Massopust City Manager Massopust reported work began on the Parks Comprehensive Plan in 2018. He explained work on this project was put on hold after COVID-19 began. He indicated staff was has been taking public comment on the plan and these comments would be gathered and taken to PREC for consideration at their next meeting. He anticipated the Parks Comprehensive Plan would be back before the City Council sometime in August. City Manager Massopust explained City staff and its leadership team takes the situation involving George Floyd and racial injustice very seriously. He indicated he was very discouraged two weeks ago and after having some time he has been encouraged by his leadership team and how they were working to address racial inequality. He stated Director Paetznick would remain in the public eye as the City continues to address this issue. Emily Dunsworth Councilmember Dunsworth reported she attended the PREC meeting on Wednesday, June 3rd where a presentation was provided by Director Schlichting on the projects that would be completed in the City in 2020. She thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for adapting to all of the changes that have had to occur due to COVID-19. She stated the world has changed in the past few weeks and the depths of racism has been brought to light. She indicated New Brighton was not immune to this issue. She explained this was an emotional and difficult topic. She stated she was proud to be serving on the City Council in order to dig in and address this concern. Nasreen Fynewever Councilmember Fynewever congratulated the Class of 2020 and commended all school staff for a job well done. She stated as a woman of color she did not have words to say other than to note she was willing to step forward and show the black community and communities of color have a place in New Brighton. She commented it was important for her voice and all minority voices to matter. She explained New Brighton was receptive to minorities showing up at the table. Graeme Allen Councilmember Allen reported the Public Safety Commission met on Monday, June 8th where the group discussed 21st Century policing, along with departmental policies and procedures. He applauded Public Safety Director Paetznick comments in light of George Floyd’s murder. He appreciated the fact that Director Paetznick was committed to listening. He encouraged residents to visit the listen page on the City’s website in order to offer feedback. He stated now was the time to do better, to listen more and be intentional about change that needs to occur. He explained the Public Safety Commission reappointed Jeff Hollimon as the Chair and Karen Wagner as the Vice Chair. He noted the calls for Allina and police was on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic began. He encouraged residents to be kind to one another. Councilmember Allen reported there would be a blood drive at the New Brighton Community Center on Wednesday, June 17th. He stated appointments can be made for the blood drive from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Jacobsen reported the Planning Commission would meet next on Tuesday, June 16th. He discussed how the world has changed since the last Council meeting. He stated he was pleased to see that local businesses were slowly being allowed to reopen. He Commission Liaison Reports, Announcements and Updates