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<br />orders. She discussed the Parks and Gnomes hunt that occurred at Hansen Park recently <br />and thanked staff for their creativity. She stated staff was working to come up with <br />additional creative family based ideas for the coming months. She encouraged the <br />Commission to pass any ideas they may have onto staff. <br /> <br />Discussion included: <br /> The Commission encouraged staff to continue to come up with outdoor activities for <br />families. <br /> The Commission suggested the City sponsor a nature photography event in New <br />Brighton. <br /> The Commission commented a pop-up story book walk may be another idea for park <br />staff to pursue this winter. <br /> The Commission encouraged staff to collaborate with neighboring communities for <br />snow shoeing and cross country skiing events. <br /> The Commission recommended a snow sculpture contest be considered by staff. <br /> It was noted an outdoor drive up farmers market was being planned for this winter. <br /> Virtual programming was being considered through the Community Center. <br /> The Commission suggested staff consider placing some geocaches throughout the <br />City’s parks. <br /> The Commission commended the Parks and Recreation Department for their <br />tremendous and innovative efforts to interact with the public in a safe manner. <br /> <br />VI. Announcements <br /> <br />A. City Council Report – Council Member Emily Dunsworth <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. <br />She explained the Council would be holding a Truth in Taxation Hearing on Tuesday, <br />December 8, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. She noted the proposed tax levy was below 2% for 2021. <br /> <br />B. PREC Chair Updates – Pam Axberg <br /> <br />Chair Axberg stated this was her last official meeting with the Parks and Recreation <br />Commission. She noted she would be transitioning to the City Council in 2021. She wished <br />everyone a healthy and safe holiday season. <br /> <br />C. Department Happenings and Upcoming Events – City Staff <br /> <br />Director Fink discussed the staffing changes that had occurred within the Parks and <br />Recreation Department. She stated Kelly Distad came to the City of New Brighton last <br />week. She reported the City of Mounds View was in the process of creating its own Parks <br />Department. She anticipated she would be working with Mounds View on additional <br />aquatics programming in 2021. She explained staff was in good spirits and was working to <br />encourage each other despite the ongoing pandemic. She indicated the Parks Department <br />made $300 in the recent fundraiser for future scholarships and noted she also received <br />$3,000 from the Lions for scholarships. <br />