HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 Edition 96 Spring Brooklyn Center's
CITY WATCH
A community newsletter published by the City of Brooklyn Center
Spring 1995
Inside the City City prosecutes owners of
Remodeling fair 2 Timber Ridge Apartments
Home buying help 2 Owners plead guilty
Paint -a -Thou needs house 2 The City of Brooklyn Center "We hope this serves notice to the
Did you know 3 charged Nicholas Anthony Forrette residents of Brooklyn Center and,
and Andrew Charles Grossman specifically to property owners in
(fun city facts) with 15 different housing violations the city, that violations of the City's
Repair program 3 which occurred between July 13 codes will not be tolerated," said
for elderly &disabled
and Aug. 22, 1994. Forrette and Brad Hoffman, Brooklyn Center
City plans for 1995 3 Grossman are the former owners community development director.
of the 216 -unit "When it
Super Bowl for 4 Timber Ridge this _ notic comes to
_
youth programs apartment cracking
Campaign goal committees 4 complex, 6507 the owners, managers down on
Camden Ave. res o B roo kl yn housing
° seek volunteers N., Brooklyn that violations of code
Park watch program 4 Center. housing codes • " violations,
How City enforces 5 The City took tolerated! this is just
ordinances both Forrette Brad Hoffimin, the
and Grossman to CommimitY Development I beginning."
Noise and parking 5 court on January Cont. on
violations 4 and 10, page 6.
City employees receive 6 respectively. Forrette pleaded guilty
service awards to seven misdemeanor offenses in Inn on the Farm
failing to maintain the Timber Ridge recognized as best...
Commissioners needed 6 apartment complex according to
Nine new safety officers 7 Brooklyn Center's housing again
join city aintenance codes. Grossman The Inn on the Farm at the Earle
y plead guilty to all 15 counts. Brown Heritage Center was
Cop goes to school 7 The two will be paying selected for inclusion in the second
Brooklyn Band 7 approximately $8,000 in fines and edition of Best Places to Stay in
invites community to join prosecution costs to the City; and, the Midwest by John Monaghan.
` as a condition of not being sent to Representatives from Best Places
Unsung heroes recognized 8 jail, they must pay those fines, personally visit and research each
Recycling information 8 surcharges and costs, and have no facility, and only a fraction of the
Evaluate your garbage 8 same or similar violations in the places researched receive this
hauler City of Brooklyn Center in the next prestigious recognition. Cont. on
year. page 6.
City Watch
Fair gives residents Puzzled about
remodeling? uii' F
pieces needed to
complete
t
remodeling puzzle
On Saturday, March 25, the 3rd
annual Remodeling Fair will come
to the Crystal Community Center.
Featuring 50 exhibits and 10
seminars hosted by local
contractors and businesses
specializing in remodeling, the fair
will give you all the pieces you
need to complete your remodeling
puzzle. Seminars will be held
throughout the day. They include: Earle Brown Neighborhood Home buying help is here
Best Buys for Your Remodeling Committee seeks 1995 Low and moderate income people
Dollar; Designs for Kitchens of the Paint -a -Thou house who live in Brooklyn Center can get
90s; Designing Entertaining Yards; If your house needs to be painted help in buying a home through a
Fully Functional Decks and and you qualify for the Metro Paint- new home buyer counseling
Porches; Basic Home A -Thon program, the Earle Brown
program at Community Action for
Maintenance; Color Your World Neighborhood Housing Advisory Suburban Hennepin (CASH).
Committee would like to hear from The counseling program offers
with Painting Techniques; Artful i education, individual counseling,
Flower and Vegetable Gardens;
you! access to low- interest loans, and
New Bath and Bedroom Suites; qualify for the Paint -A -Thon down payment and closing cost
Interior Design with You in Mind; Program, persons must be 60 years assistance for low- and moderate -
and Financing your Remodeling
of age or older or must have a
permanent disability. s addition, income families.
Dream. home must be single-family and Prospective home buyers are
s
The fair is free to the public and must occupied by the ily an s). invited to attend a three -part
will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They must also be structurally workshop where they can learn
The Crystal Community Center is sound, not in need of major more about buying and maintaining
a home, how to located at 4800 Douglas Drive repairs and must be in need of paint. prepare for a
North. Prizes will be awarded The Paint -A -Thon program staff mortgage application, and how to
will determine which eligible houses identify and overcome barriers to
throughout the day and g home ownership. To register for a
refreshments will be sold. The fair are to be painted based on several workshop, call 933 -9685.
is sponsored b the cities of factors, including financial need and
p y condition of Workshop at:
the house.
Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Interested? Call Community Shingle Creek Regional Library
Crystal, New Hope, and Development Specialist Tom Bublitz 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
Robbinsdale, and Northwest at 569 -3433. May 11, 18, 25
Hennepin Human Services Council. 7 - 9 p.m.
For further information, call Kirk
McDonald at the City of New Paint -a -Thon Income Guidelines:
Hope, 531 -5119. Household size 1 2 3 4
Monthly income $1057 1310 1581 1844
City Watch Page 2
Home maintenance, repair program for What to expect in
seniors and disabled 1995
This is the fourth year the City of H.O.M.E. has a core staff with a This year will bring many new
changes for the City of Brooklyn
Brooklyn Center is offering a home network of skilled workers and Center. Many of these changes
maintenance and repair program for volunteers to do repairs. Home will be visible, many more subtle.
persons in Brooklyn Center who are repair services under this program Here's a list of what you can
60 years of age or older, or who are are limited to minor repair items. expect to see and happen in
permanently disabled. Examples of services available 1995.
This home repair service is through the H.O.M.E. program
funded with federal funds from the include: ♦ promotional campaign for the
Department of Housing and Urban ❑Carpentry (door, window and trim
Development (HUD) as part of the repair) city
City's overall federal Community ♦bond referendum to address
❑Installation of home space needs at the fire stations,
Development Block Grant (CDBG) improvements (railings, grab bars, P
funding police department and the civic
etc.)
The City has contracted with ❑Concrete repair center
Senior Community Services to ♦ addition of Comfort Inn,
❑Gutter and roof repair provide this service. Senior Country Harvest, Fuddruckers,
Community Services is a nonprofit ❑Painting (exterior and interior) Boston Chicken, and the
agency dedicated to providing Fees for the services in the targeting of a grocery store
services to senior citizens in the H.O.M.E. program are assessed on ♦ development of MCTO Park
suburban area. a sliding fee scale based on income. & Ride and storm water ponds
The specific program offered by The work is guaranteed. Anyone on the corner of 694 and
Senior Community Services in needing service may call H.O.M.E. Brooklyn Blvd.
Brooklyn Center is called at 888 -5530, Monday through ♦ street improvement projects at
Household and Outside Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 57th Ave; James, Knox and 54th
Maintenance for Elderly TDD number is 887 -9677. Aves.; Humboldt Ave; 73rd Ave;
(H.O.M.E.). The program assists H.O.M.E. services are made Northwest Area; Brooklyn Blvd,
senior citizens and disabled persons Possible by Senior Community 65th to 71 st Ave; and the
so that they may remain Services in cooperation with the Woodbine neighborhood area
independent in their homes by City of Brooklyn Center. ♦ addition of modular playground
providing services they are equipment at Lions, Orchard
physically or financially unable to Lane and Firehouse Parks; and
do the completion of Willow Lane
Park
Did you Know?
♦ development of Shingle Creek
regional pond south of the golf
?There are over 100 Neighborhood Watch groups in the city. course
♦ new utility billing system
?Each of the City's 32 firefighters volunteers over 860 hours per year. where water bills will no longer
be postcards, but will be sent in
?Approximately 35,500 rounds of golf were played at the City's an envelope and will include a
Centerbrook Golf Course last year. return envelope, for your
convenience.
?The swimming pool at the community center holds 375,000 gallons of
treated water.
?There are 522 acres of parks and nature centers in Brooklyn Center and
a 9.4 mile -trail system.
City Watch Page 3
and Earle Brown and Lynbrook To date, the city council has set
Citycouncil Bowls. To contribute to the summer aside $25,000 in the 1995 budget to
youth program, send donations to help implement the program. Plans
and staff the Brooklyn Center Crime call for the solicitation of businesses
Prevention Fund, c/o the Brooklyn to match the City's donation to the
compete in Center Police Department, 6301 plan.
Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Committees are currently being
Super Bowl Center, MN 55430. Checks should formed to help implement programs
be made payable to the Brooklyn to meet the campaign's goals. If you
Brooklyn Center city officials, Center Crime Prevention Fund. would like to join a committee, call
staff, businesses, and residents the City's Communications
spent last weekend bowling to help Coordinator Terri Swanson at
fund summer youth programs. 569 -3440.
Approximately 200 bowlers were Campaign Mission
treated to a free afternoon of
bowling at Lynbrook Bowl and The campaign is a community
Earle Brown Bowl in return for program to inform and educate
donations to the Brooklyn Center both residents and nonresidents
Crime Prevention Fund. Donations of the quality of life in Brooklyn
for the two -day Super Bowl totaled
Center.
$1142.00. Jim Madden, Earle Brown Bowl;
Goals
The money donated during the Police Chief Scott Kline; and Steve 1. To enhance the visual elements
Super Bowl will be used to provide Nelson, Lynbrook Bowl teamed up to
transportation at least twice a week host the Super Bowl. representing the city
from city neighborhoods to Earle 2. To actively generate positive
Brown Bowl, Lynbrook Bowl and Campaign goal press for Brooklyn Center
the Brooklyn Center Communit committees start 3. To empower individuals who live and work in the city of
Center. Youth will then be able to
bowl one free game each day or tackling projects Brooklyn Center to take
swim at the community center at a ownership in their community
volunteers encouraged 4. To nurture a progressive
reduced cost. 's communications task
"B offering youth fun and The City's business and residential
force, the Brooklyn Center marketplace
inexpensive activities, and by Chamber of Commerce, residents
providing transportation to these and interested parties have been
activities, we can help our youth Program designed to keep
have a fulfilled and safe summer, busy developing a community publicity and action program for parks and playgrounds safe
while reducing the overall mischief Brooklyn Center similar to the This year the park and recreation
that can occur due boredom Come Home to the Park commission plans to establish a
said BC Police Chief Scott Kline. promotional program in Brooklyn Park Watch program where
On behalf of the Crime Prevention park. At its Feb. 13 council residents keep an eye on their
Fund, I'd like to thank all those who meeting, the city council approved neighborhood park and report
participated in the Super Bowl, as a preliminary plan for the suspicious activity
well as Earle Brown Bowl and promotional campaign which to the police. If
Lynbrook Bowl for their contribution includes the hiring of a public interested in
to the summer youth program in relations consulting firm to help starting or helping
Brooklyn Center." address some of the publicity and a park watch
The summer youth program along design needs of the program. group, call Arnie
with the Super Bowl are sponsored The plan also calls for the Mavis, director of
Pr s the Brooklyn Center Crime development of a nonprofit steering recreation, at 569 -3400.
Prevention Fund, the City committee to oversee program
recreation and police departments, operations and spending.
City Watch Page 4
CITY ORDINANCES- HOW THEY ARE ENFORCED
by City Prosecutor William G. Clelland
They help keep neighborhoods Violations of the ordinances are on the condition that there be no
clean, safe and attractive. They misdemeanors punishable under further uncorrected violations in the
regulate the sale of liquor, the Minnesota law by a maximum fine next year.
control of animals, and provide for of $700 and 90 days in jail. The successful prosecution of
the cleanliness and habitability of Successful prosecution and, the former owners of the Timber
rental dwellings. They divide the ultimately, the achievement of Ridge apartment complex serves
city into residential, commercial, and compliance depends upon the well to illustrate how effective code
industrial areas; provide for traffic evidence obtained and preserved by enforcement can be based upon
law enforcement; and govern many the inspectors. A recitation of all of excellent investigative work by the
other aspects of city life ranging the facts constituting the violation, inspectors, together with vigorous
from the care and maintenance of together with supplementary criminal prosecution.
trees to the safe handling of food evidence such as photographs or City Ordinances
and food products. "They" are, of witnesses' statements, ensures that
course, the Brooklyn Center City there will be adequate evidence
ordinances; and their presence and such that the case can be proved Noise Regulations
subsequent enforcement help beyond a reasonable doubt. The Brooklyn Center ordinances
maintain and improve the quality of record keeping must also include deal with various forms of noise
life in the city. copies of all of the compliance disturbances and the hours that
Enforcement is undertaken by notices describing the violations, the regulate when the ordinance is
City staff members, including the remedial action necessary, and must in affect. In addition to the
fire chief, building code inspectors, show that the offending party has ordinances, city permits for
code enforcement officers and, been given a reasonable time within various types of construction or
ultimately, the city prosecutor, if which to comply. When in court , all roadway work may impose
necessary. Compliance efforts begin of this information permits us to limits on the hour of operations
when violations are observed and show the judge and jury that the and allowable noise levels.
voluntary compliance from the offender was given a number of Noise of a sufficient volume
offending party is always initially opportunities to comply voluntarily that would disturb the general
sought. It is important for the before it became necessary to public are enforceable
inspectors to make detailed prosecute criminally, and that the 24- hours -a -day. For more
observations as to the violation and violations do, in fact, exist and must information, call the BCPD at
to take photographs, write be corrected. 569 -3333.
memoranda, and otherwise preserve When in court, the object of the
the evidence for future use. If early prosecution is still to primarily Parking Regulations
conciliatory efforts to achieve achieve compliance, although by an vehicle may between the
parked on
compliance are not successful, that time we also look to the any city street bet
formal compliance orders are imposition of a fine to both help hours of 2 and 6 a.m. or for
served on a party identifying the reimburse the City for the expenses more than six (6) consecutive
violation and requiring compliance it has incurred and to remind the hours at any other time.
within a fixed period of time. If all offender that there are
of these efforts at achieving consequences for violating the Vehicles parked in violation
voluntary compliance fail, the matter ordinances. We also ask judges to of City ordinances or inhibiting
is referred to the city prosecutor for impose jail sentences which are snow removal may be towed at
the commencement of criminal stayed for one year, meaning the the direction of a police officer
proceedings. offender does not serve time in jail and held in storage until claimed
conditional upon payment of the by the owner. The owner is
fine, correction of the violation, and responsible for any cost of
towing and storage.
City Watch Page 5
Eight city
employees
3:
receive service I
awards �
Eight employees of the City of
Brooklyn Center will be celebrating
.P
their anniversaries this year. These
employees join the 13 other City
f# ,
employees who have achieved the
goal of 20 or more years of service
with the City.
1�0 OF
Timber Ridge Recipients include: (1 to r, front
Cont. from pg. 1 to back) Jean Dorweiler, 20
The 15 housing violations the City years; Albert Hartmann, 25
charged Forrette and Grossman years; Melvin Larson, 20 years;
Dave Peterson, 20 years; John
with include: Bentzen, 25 years; and Orlander
-Removal of placard designated Nelson, 20 years. Also,
unfit for human habitation receiving service awards were
-Failure to maintain common areas Arnie Mavis and Kathy Flesher
-Failure to maintain stairwell (photo left), both of whom have
-Failure to maintain toilet facilities been with the City for 25 years.
-Failure to maintain kitchen
cabinets and/or shelving
-Failure to maintain bathtub /shower Inn
facilities cont. from page 1. Commissioners
-Failure to provide adequate heat The Inn on the Farm was also needed
-Failure to provide pest selected one of the 10 outstanding The following City commissions
extermination new inns in America by Inn have vacancies. If you are
-Failure to maintain floors, walls Business Review in 1992. interested in serving on one of
and ceilings For rates and information about these commissions /committees,
-Failure to maintain windows, special dinner and room packages, please call Sharon at 569 -3300
doors and screens call 569 -6330. Packages include for an application.
-Failure to maintain equipment dinner at Earle's Restaurant
featuring an elegant country cuisine Charter Commission
-Failure to maintain door locks by D'Amico Catering.
-No running water in kitchen Communications Task Force
-No running water in lavatory
-Failure to maintain electrical Planning Commission
equipment (effective April 1)
* Minutes are available to the
public. Call city hall at 569 -3300
to request a copy.
City Watch Page 6
Public safety
divisions add A
new recruits
Six new recruits have recently:,
joined the BC Fire Department.
Pictured from left to right are Brad
Shogren, Paul Peters, Troy
Thompson, Thomas Henry, Dave_ �«
Dustin, and Kelly Johnson. These
recruits join the 32 other volunteers
who respond to the fire
Trout and Diane Carver began their
department's 700 calls each year.
Volunteer firefighters are still employment with the City on Jan. .
needed to respond to day calls. 30. The department is also in the `a
Contact Fire Chief Ron Boman at
process of hiring two additional
569 -3360 if interested. officers, for a total of five new
In addition, the police department
recruits. Pictured are Officer
has expanded their roster of patrol Carver, Officer Trout, and new
officers. Michael Reynolds, Joe Staff Services Superviser Kim
Heiser. Officer Reynolds was not
available for the photo.
Brooklyn Center Police Department
sends cop to school
foster better cooperation and
P ' communication between the school
and the police department. The
program is funded jointly by the
school district and the City of
Brooklyn Center.
Officer Koncar helps Matt Connors, a BCHS senior, with a class
assignment. "'
Officer Bill Koncar is assigned as after - school activities, and act as a Interested in joining
the new police liaison officer at law enforcement resource in cases the Brooklyn
Brooklyn Center High School. of child abuse or neglect. Community Band ??
Officer Koncar is a nine -year He will also educate the students Brooklyn Center residents and high
veteran of the BCPD. and staff on crime prevention and school students are invited to join
Officer Koncar will be stationed awareness issues.
the band. Call Paul Schierenveck,
at the school where he will work
The school liaison program was 560 -2941, for information.
with truancies, supervise some started in Brooklyn Center to help
City Watch Page 7
NWHHSC recognizes Banned from City Calendar
unsung heroes Garbage... March
Who are the unsung heroes in ...Fluorescent lamps/bulbs, oil filters. 11- Spring registration, CC
Northwest Hennepin County? Is For disposal sites, call MPCA at 11 - Tropical Beach party, CC,
there some person or organization 297 -8362. 6 -9 p.m.
you would like to thank for their Remember... 1 25 - Remodeling Fair, Crystal
investment in the community? Phone books `,�/ Community Center 10 1.m. -
Nominate them for the fourth can be \ / 3 .m.
annual "INVEST NORTHWEST" ` p
recycled with 27 -31 Water slide open at 1 p.m.
Award. your other April
Nominees can be individuals or recyclables. 2- Centerbrook summer hours
organizations who have made a Simply put old phone 3- Free crime prevention class,
significant contribution to meeting books in your green recycling
the human service needs in the 7 - 8:30 p.m., RACEC, 4139
container and place at the curb. Regent Ave., N., Robbinsdale,
Northwest area. For more Please do not put your phone books Rm 135/
information or for a nomination in with magazines and newspapers.
form, call Northwest Hennepin 136
Evaluate your Garbage Hauler 8 - Hop and Slide Easter
Human Services Council at ht licensed residential
493 -2802. There are eight Eggstravaganza, 6 -9 p.m., CC
garbage haulers in the City of 14 - Radio controlled planes open
New Brooklyn Center. If you haven't house, 7:30 p.m., CC
Recycling reviewed the service levels and 15 - Spring kick off of Adopt - - Park
Hotline charges of your garbage hauler, , program
531 -1180
you may want to do so. 23 - 29 - Minnesota Volunteer
Licensed garbage haulers are: Recognition Week
K & S Sanitation 785 -2125 29 - City Auction, municipal garage
Nash & Sons 493 -3921 May
Randy's Sanitation 479 - 3335 13 - Summer registration, CC
Brooklyn Center Smelly Sanitation 535 -8489 14 - Super Sundae, CC, 12 -6 p.m.
City Council T & L Sanitation 560 -3610 17 - $1 Swim special 5 -9 p.m., CC
Mayor Waste Mgmt - Blaine 784 -8349 20 & 21 Pool exercise room &
Myrna Kragness Woodlake BFI 941 -5174 sauna closed
councitmembers City of Brooklyn Center ) ulk Rate
Barbara Kalligher 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy a
Kristen Mann Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Debra Hilstrom o.
Kat hleen Carmody
City Manager
Gerald Splinter
Service Directory
24 -hour emergency number
Police, Fire, Medical 911
Non - emergency police 569 -3333
City Hall 569 -3300
TDD number 569 -3300
Community Center 569 -3400
Business Hours
Mon - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
City Watch