Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/13/2017

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would seem to be many advantages to this new position, and with little or no costs. Among the benefits would be a broader representation of the community to this advisory board and thereby by extension, also to the Council. Mr. Riverblood the youth liaison would expand civic engagement and participation, as well as improve upon the diversity of opinions, ideas, issue identification, and perspectives as the City sets priorities for the development of the park and trail system for the future. Candidates for the position would submit an essay to the Commission to be considered, then interviewed and selected to move forward by the Commission Chair, Staff Liaison, and an HR representative or appointee. Council approval process will be determined. The Youth Liaison would have an assigned "term" but would time-out when they reached their 19th birthday, at which time they may be an ideal candidate to serve as an appointed Board or Commission member as part of the usual process. This would expand civic engagement and participation, as well as improve upon the diversity of opinions, ideas, issue identification, and perspectives as the City sets priorities for the development of the park and trail system for the future. Chair Bennett stated he is in favor of the idea and it would be a great opportunity from a leadership perspective for a young person to get involved in the community. Commissioner Sis suggested it be advertised to the local high schools and other youth groups within the City. Commissioner Bayer asked if any other City has such a liaison. Mr. Riverblood stated he is not aware of any "official" youth liaisons. Mr. Riverblood stated the communication coming from the youth would be beneficial and they would become aware of how government works. Motion by Commissioner Trappen, seconded by Commissioner Sis, to recommend to the City Council the establishment of a Youth Liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett, Commissioners Trappen, Sis, Bayer, Fyten, and Logan. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Troy. 5.5 Recommend the Pursuit of a MN DNR Grant from the Local Trail Connections Program Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided background on the Trott Brook Trail Connection — Proposed Boardwalk. The recommendation to satisfy Park Dedication for the Brookfield 4th Addition in 2013, was to accept approximately $46,000 in cash, with the intention to construct a boardwalk connection from the existing trail in Brookfield to Variolite Street — if additional funding could be secured by a grant. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Local Trail Connections Program is accepting proposals in March 2017, for projects like the Trott Brook trail connection. Mr. Riverblood gave a summary of the DNR's Local Trail Connection Program. This is a very competitive grant that many communities will be applying for. This will come before the Council at their March 28, 2017 meeting. Park and Recreation Commission/March 9, 2017 Page 5 of 7