The Brooklyn Park City Council introduced 12 new city employees across various departments during its February 10 meeting, while also taking action on immigration policies and federal funding allocations.

The new hires span multiple departments including police, finance, community development, and recreation. Notable additions include Assistant Finance Director Molly Lopez, who brings 15 years of public and private financial management experience, and seven new Brooklyn Park Police Department members ranging from cadets to detention officers and youth intervention specialists.

The council also directed City Manager Jay Strobel to review city services and develop an employee policy outlining staff limitations on soliciting immigration information during their duties. The policy would align with recent updates made by the police and fire departments. "Our residents are fearful of calling 911," Strobel said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in city services.

In other business, the council held a preliminary hearing on Community Development Block Grant funding allocation of $438,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026. The funds would support home rehabilitation loans, environmental health programs, and the Zanewood Teen Center expansion. Housing and Redevelopment Coordinator John Cannara noted uncertainty about federal funding due to recent policy changes but said Hennepin County advised cities to continue planning activities.

Mayor Hollis Winston received approval to attend the Mississippi River Towns Initiative meeting in Washington D.C. from March 5-7, representing Brooklyn Park in the coalition that addresses environmental and economic issues along the river corridor.