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Commission agrees formal meetings should use park buildings; plans informal in‑park check‑ins with ADA supports
Summary
The commission supported holding formal monthly meetings in park buildings to ensure accurate city records and ADA accommodations, while allowing informal community check‑ins and events in parks with auxiliary aids and advance notice.
The North St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission agreed that formal commission meetings should occur inside park buildings when the commission meets at park locations, while encouraging informal, community-oriented check-ins in parks.
Commission staff and commissioners cited two priorities: maintain clear audio records and minutes of formal meetings, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Sarah Zratka, city staff, said she needs an indoor building location to make clear recordings and take accurate notes; commissioners and staff recommended that when the commission meets “in the parks” it should use an available park building (examples discussed included KC and Housie) for the formal portion of the meeting.
To increase community engagement while meeting ADA requirements, the commission endorsed a hybrid approach: (1) continue formal monthly meetings in an accessible building; (2) schedule informal, advertised community check-ins or pop-up sessions at parks (separately publicized and coordinated in advance); and (3) provide auxiliary aids upon request and make meeting materials available in alternate formats.
Staff said the city manager approved park meetings in general, and staff will check whether the city already has portable audio equipment (microphones/headphone amplification) to support in-park events. Commissioners agreed to pilot the approach in summer months (June and July proposed), with formal meetings at KC/Housie and informal check-ins at select parks and events.
The commission also asked staff to consider a web-based feedback channel routed to staff, with liaisons alerted to messages for their assigned parks so issues can be triaged and repairs scheduled.
