The Brooklyn Park City Council postponed a decision on Mayor Hollis Winston's request to travel to sister cities in Africa during their July 14 meeting, citing concerns about planning time and transparency.

Winston had requested city funding to visit sister cities in Nigeria and Liberia from August 12-25, with estimated costs of approximately $4,400. The mayor explained the trip grew out of a personal vacation he had already planned to Nigeria, with the city portion added to conduct official business with Brooklyn Park's sister cities of Udu, Nigeria and Kakata, Liberia.

City Manager Jay Strubel presented details showing the mayor and his wife had already purchased airfare to Nigeria at personal expense. The city funding would cover intercontinental travel within Africa, lodging, per diem expenses, and potential gifts for sister city officials. Strubel noted he had also been invited to participate, which would increase costs.

Council members expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. Some supported the cultural and economic development opportunities, while others questioned the compressed timeline and lack of advance planning. Council Member Lisa Jacobson said the trip deserved support but should have been planned more thoughtfully with community input. Council Member Tony McGarvey asked about expected deliverables and suggested the trip needed clearer objectives.

The council voted 6-1 to postpone the decision until their July 21 meeting, allowing time to refine the itinerary, narrow costs, and develop specific deliverables. Winston said he would still take the personal portion of the trip regardless of the council's final decision.