Brooklyn Park Council Approves New Animal Control Facility, Nigeria Trip
Brooklyn Park City Council unanimously approved plans Monday to build a new animal control facility at the police department and withdraw from a costly joint powers agreement with Maple Grove.
The council voted to exit the agreement that would have required Brooklyn Park to pay $3.2 million toward improvements at the existing facility in Maple Grove. Police Chief Mark Brewley said the city contributes 44% of all animals to the facility but would be investing in a building owned by another city.
This investment of funds would be investment into a building owned by the city of Maple Grove," Brewley told the council. "If we choose to get out or if quite honestly Maple Grove chooses not to have us no longer as a partner, we would have lost that investment.
The new facility will be attached to the North Precinct building with an estimated cost between $5.2 million and $6.3 million, according to a feasibility study. Brewley said Maple Grove has agreed to continue housing Brooklyn Park animals under the current agreement until the new facility is operational.
In a separate 4-2 vote, the council approved a scaled-back international trip for Mayor Hollies Winston to visit the city's sister city in Nigeria. The trip, limited to Nigeria only and estimated to cost $1,580, was reduced from an original proposal that included visits to both Nigeria and Liberia. Council members Lisa Jacobson and Wynfred Russell voted against the measure, citing concerns about the compressed timeline and communication process.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Brooklyn Park pivots from regional animal control consortium to local facility after finding current site overpopulated and inadequate.
- City faces increased financial burden for animal control after Champlain's exit from the Joint Powers Agreement.
- Controversy surrounding the Mayor's proposed sister city visit to Nigeria and Liberia persists despite budget allocation.
- City council expresses concern over divisive public rhetoric regarding international travel plans.
- Mayor and city manager seek to balance personal travel with official city business regarding economic development in West Africa.
Votes (1)
Adopt resolution 2025 to approve the expansion of the Brooklyn Park Police Department North Precinct and withdraw from the JPA with Maple Grove
Moved by Klenowski · Seconded by Zheng
Notable Quotes (2)
This is an investment of funds into a building owned by the city of Maple Grove... if they choose not to have us, we would have lost that investment.
Had we had proper planning and communication from the get-go could have alleviated a lot of this. It’s a lesson that’s painful.
People (6)
WinstonMayorPresiding over the council meeting and discussing travel plans.
Presiding over the council meeting and discussing travel plans.
Mark BrewleyPolice ChiefProposed animal control facility project and withdrawal from the JPA.
1 quote
Proposed animal control facility project and withdrawal from the JPA.
“Brooklyn Park contributes 44% of all the animals who were almost 50% of the usage of the facility.”
Explaining the financial rationale for building a local facility.
JtroCity ManagerDetailed sister city visit plans and associated costs.
Detailed sister city visit plans and associated costs.
KlenowskiCouncil MemberMoved motion for animal control facility; commented on community rhetoric.
1 quote
Moved motion for animal control facility; commented on community rhetoric.
“It’s been really troubling to see the accusations against neighbor against neighbor. Neighbors against our mayor.”
Addressing public discourse surrounding the sister city travel proposal.
EricksonCouncil MemberSuggested student exchange component for sister city relationships.
Suggested student exchange component for sister city relationships.
Basil AjoExecutive DirectorRepresenting Minnesota Africans United on trade and commerce initiatives.
Representing Minnesota Africans United on trade and commerce initiatives.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (3)
- July 25, 2025: JPA board meeting deadline
- August 17-25, 2025: Proposed mayoral sister city travel
- August 18, 2025: Proposed meetings with Delta State governor in Asaba
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Approval of the expansion of the Brooklyn Park Police Department North Precinct and withdrawal from the Joint Powers Agreement for animal control.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Brooklyn Park Animal Control facility final decision
Withdrawal from Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for animal control
Approval of North Precinct expansion for animal control facility
Proposed mayoral travel to sister cities in Liberia and Nigeria
Sister City program economic development and cultural exchange objectives
Budget allocations for sister city trade trips
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