Brooklyn Park swore in two new council members and welcomed back a returning member during Monday's City Council meeting, while also accepting a significant donation for a major recreation project.

Shelley Page took the oath of office as the new Central District council member, while Sheng Zhang was sworn in to represent the East District. Tony McGarvey returned to his West District seat after being re-elected. The ceremony took place at the start of the January 6 meeting.

The council accepted a $100,000 donation from the Thelin Foundation for the Zanewood Recreation Center renovation and expansion project. The donation, facilitated by the Minnesota Chill Foundation, will help purchase gym equipment for the new facility. Adam Thelin, a professional football player who spent 10 years with the Minnesota Vikings, started the foundation with his wife Caitlin in 2018 to support Minnesota youth through sports programs.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about Osseo School District services in Brooklyn Park and vehicle registration taxes imposed by Hennepin County. Colette Guy Hempel criticized the lack of after-school activities in schools south of 85th Avenue, while Jammer Melli questioned the county's wheelage tax on all vehicles.

The council also approved the city's public purpose expenditures policy for 2025 and authorized Mayor Winston's travel to attend a Mississippi Rivers and Towns Initiative reception in Washington, D.C., from January 17-18. Three agenda items were tabled until the January 13 meeting due to the mayor's absence due to illness.