North Metro Mayors Minute for June 2021 Operating Committee Meeting

The North Metro Mayors Association Operating Committee met in Circle Pines this week. City Administrator Patrick Antonen welcomed the group, attending in person and via Zoom. Circle Pines is reviewing a contract for administrative services from the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View fire department. SBM will act as the fire chief for Circle Pines. They're hiring two full-time Circle Pines firefighters as well. Patrick thinks this approach may become a model for neighboring communities. 

Law enforcement and the larger justice system were hot topics. Cities, counties, state, and feds all have roles to play. Different communication avenues are being used to monitor an evolving situation. Safety of our residents, visitors and law enforcement personnel remains a top concern. 

The group made a recommendation for the full board to consider in September to adopt 2022 dues that are 1% lower than this year, continuing a downward trend on dues for cities. 

Mark your calendar for Sept. 15, 2021. Steve Hark, CEO with Entourage Events, is planning to bring a 53-foot mobile kitchen to the Brooklyn Park City Hall parking lot to provide a one-of-a-kid outdoor dining experience for us. Arrive by 5:30 to enjoy a variety of finger foods. Listen to stories of how Steve's company served 22,000 people in the Twin Cities Zombie Pup Crawl. And, get this, they set up, served and tore down in the same day! 

Steve will be our guest speaker at the board meeting. Bring your questions about what makes a successful private/public partnership. Steve's business does up to 500 events each year. He's got some creative ideas suburbs may want to explore for using our parks and open spaces to attract corporate events, or music festivals, or just more people to enjoy our North Metro amenities. 

Stay safe and hydrated this summer. Feel free to contact me anytime.