Dayton Parks Commission swears in Kya Chambers and elects new chair, vice chair

Kya Chambers was sworn in as a parks commissioner at the opening of the Aug. 19 Dayton Parks Commission meeting. Chambers repeated the oath: “That I will support the Constitution of The United States and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and that I will discharge faithfully the duties of the office for the City of Dayton as a parks commissioner.”

The commission approved the meeting agenda (an added item labeled “g” to address selection of duties) and the consent agenda, including the prior meeting minutes, by voice vote after motions to approve were made and seconded. Later in the meeting commissioners nominated and elected new leadership: Speaker 1 moved to nominate Dave Pico for chair; the motion was seconded and, after an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed. Speaker 1 then moved to nominate Brad Cole for vice chair; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: Leadership determines who runs commission meetings and represents the parks commission to the city council and staff. The new chair and vice chair will preside over upcoming work on the Elsie Stevens Park master plan, water-trail projects and other items on the commission’s agenda.

What’s next: The commission will proceed with the agenda items discussed at this meeting under the new chair’s oversight, including follow-up on design and budgeting for park improvements and the water-trail launch.