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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 Edition 99 Winter Brooklyn Center's Winter 1995 CITY WATCH A community newsletter published by the City of Brooklyn Center, No. 99 Inside the City Brooklyn Center hires New Faces & Places 2 city manager Smoke Busters invade 2 Brooklyn Center On Monday, Nov. 27, the city Rally Nights uncover 3 council unanimously approved a - contract to hire Michael McCauley issues as city manager. Recently, city Valuation notices 3 manager for Waseca, Minnesota, decrease in size McCauley will begin his service Photo contest winners 4 with the City on Dec. 28. Fuad invites substation 5 McCauley has also worked as to game Mankato city attorney, assistant The Fuad Challenge ounty attorney for Ramsey County g ' �"`Michael McCauley BC SuperBowl 5 and city attorney in Kenosha, Peacemaker program 6 Wisconsin. McCauley holds a diverts youth from bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Minnesota, a law court system degree from Marquette University Law School and a master's degree in NHMP helps diputes 6 public administration from Harvard University. Job assistance here 6 We welcome Mike to the City of Brooklyn Center and look forward to It's snow time 7 working with him. Recylcle News 7 Kalligher resigns from council seat Blood drive 8 g ARM sponsors holiday 8 Councilmember Barb Kalligher resigned her council seat at the decorating contest December 11 council meeting. Kalligher's resignation will be effective Poster contest winners 8 December 15 and her seat declared vacant December 18, 1995. Kalligher announced has been on the city council since 1992. City calendar 8 For information regarding filing for her council seat or to obtain a form, call city hall at 569 -3300. Residents rank city services high Decision Resources recently conducted a survey of 400 randomly selected residents of Brooklyn Center. The survey, which was designed to determine the level of support for items for possible inclusion in a bond A referendum, concluded that residents would support a carefully crafted r From the capital improvements bond proposal. However, a ten million dollar proposal staff at the would be difficult to pass. Other conclusions included: ❑In general, residential opinions about Brooklyn Center reflect a City Of pessimism similar to those in the core cities. Crime and fear of crime were Brooklyn Center dominant issues in the community; dilapidation and diversity were lesser concerns. Continued on page 6. New Faces Dave Grass and Cathy Hennessy Staff updates have been promoted to the positions Administration of community services and In September, Kelli Wick joined administrative sergeant, the City as human resources/ respectively. Hennessy and Grass, purchasing technician /deputy city will now be in charge of clerk. * administering and managing Police programs for the police department, Two new officers will now patrol both externally as well as internally. the city of Brooklyn Center. Chris Community Services Sergeant Rognstad and James Schultz Grass will work with programs such started work at the BCPD on as DARE, the Humboldt Substation, October 10. Rognstad was Community Policing, and Crime- previously a Community Services Free Multi- Housing. In addition, Officer with the Maple Grove Police Grass will be responsible for the Department and Schultz worked for activities of the crime prevention the Metropolitan Airports officer, will work as a liaison with Commission /Airport police community groups like the Association for Rental Management, and will department. handle special events. Administrative Services Sergeant Hennessy will oversee dispatch, code Want to serve on a enforcement, cadet program, training, department supplies, uniforms and equipment, squad servicing, subpoenas and complaints with the city commission? attorney. Openings are available on the Haupt named employee of the quarter following commissions: -Charter - meets the thrid The Employee of the Quarter Wednesday of the month at 7 committee received seven 9 , d "4t f N, m dt ri ,:.. �, � ti r p.m. nominations for Employee of the `` -Human Rights and Resources - Quarter, 3rd Quarter 1995. meets the second Wednesday of All nominations were excellent, the month at 7 p.m. -Housing - meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. N ew -Northwest Hennepin Human Places Services Advisory - meets third making the selection a difficult but Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. encouraging one. The committee Commissioners are appointed used a rating system to rate each by the mayor with majority Skyway Jewelers - Brookdale application, and based on the points consent approval b the city PP Y Magic Nails - Brookdale received, Wayne Haupt was council. If interested in applying Radio Shack - Brookdale approved by the city manager as for one of these commissions, employee of the quarter for the third call city hall at 569 -3300 for an quarter 1995. aDDlication or more information. City Watch Page 2 Fire department teams with Rally Nights Red Cross to save lives uncover five issues October was an enlightening month for Discover the Center, Rally Nights were held On November 4, the Brooklyn throughout the month with an average of Center firefighters were officially r 100 attendees at each. The rallies dubbed smokebusters as they addressed goals and dreams for Brooklyn worked with the American Red Center, obstacles to obtaining these goals, Cross to visit 58 homes in the city. and specific actions that could help realize Designed to educate persons about these goals and dreams, All of the dreams fire prevention and pre- disaster and actions centered around five themes, planning, smokebusters perform These themes, and some of the actions, are free voluntary fire inspections, Smokebusters include volunteer firefighters listed below. provided homes with smoke (I to r) Terry Collins, Buzz Steere, detectors if needed and distribute Carl Sigurdson and Brad Shogren. Also fire safe information. Of the 58 Pictured is Red Cross Volunteer supervisor Bridging generations and differences safety Phuong Chung (front left) and volunteer to build better understanding homes visited in Brooklyn Center, smokebusters. Get people of all ages, genders and races 13 homes received a fire inspection, to ethertoidenti wants and needsfor six smoke detectors were distributed Smokebusters also have the right to activities and services to bridge the gap and six batteries were replaced. not enter or to leave a residence "This is only the third time that this any time they feel uncomfortable. Investing in redevelopment and Smokebuster teams will not program has been offered in the growth United States," said Fire Chief Ron approach homes which have "No g Form citizen action committees with three Boman. "It has also been tried and soliciting" or "No trespassing" signs subcommittees: residential, apartments and proven successful in Milwaukee and Posted. business San Antonio." Smokebusters will be visiting other In working with the Red Cross, January 6, February 17, April 27 the homes in Brooklyn Center on Reducing and preventing crime fire department sends out 3 or 4 Save BC Peacemaker program (Juvenille firefighters and one fire engine. and June 1. If you would like a visit division) Smokebusters will only enter homes or need a smoke detector installed, Form citizen safety advisory committee which they have been invited in by call the Brooklyn Center Fire the homeowner or tenant. Department at 569 -3360. Building neighborhood connections Coordinate volunteers for welcoming new Valuation Notices neighbors Valuation notices will now be smaller than ever before. Neighborhood Watch in every neighborhood To save mailing costs call 569 -3310 should Promoting positive image through the size of the notices you encounter any education and communication is being reduced. difficulty when you Develop a BC ambassadors' group While we believe this receive your notices. Go after the All- American City Award should not cause any Notices will be problems with mailed in late readability, please January. City Watch Page 3 PHOTOS CENTER ON RECREATION AND BEAUTY City announces photo contest winners Scenes from the City Congratulations to photo contest winner Joe Blow and runner -up First Place shirely jones. For his first -place entry Joe will receive recognition in City Watch as well as local media and will be acknowledged at a council meeting. He will also receive a first -place certificate. The runner -up will also receive recognition and a certificate. Both Joe's and Shirley's photos will be pictured in upcoming city Ic a promotional and /or informational ' literature. Joe and Shirley participated in the City's first annual photo contest. The contest was promoted in the last Rainbow over Earle Brown Farm by Gary Carlson, 6014 Girard Avenue N. issue of City Watch. Entrants were asked to submit photos that Runner u p highlighted the theme, "A Center of Recreation and Beauty ". Photos were ranked in four categories: creativity /uniqueness, composition, fitting the theme and photo quality. Contest judges were Bill Jones, photographer for the Brooklyn Center SunPost; Dave.. Kiser producer of Cable 12 news and Mayor Myrna Kragness. The���� contest deadline was December 8. s . Congratulations and thanks to all who entered the contest. Contest" entries will be displayed in city hall for the month of January. Mallards over Palmer Lake by Gary Carlson, 6014 Girard Avenue N. City Watch Page 4 Substation visits the Fuad dome comp liments challenges of Fuad Reveiz You... Vikings place kicker Fuad Reveiz On challenges the businesses and residents of Brooklyn Center to Sunday, Dec. match his donation to the BC Crime 2, kids and Dave Grass. "Kids had to keep track prevention program. Reveiz has volunteers were treated to a Vikings of all the volunteer activities they promised to donate to $100 s to game courtesy of place kicker Fuad participated in and present the the Crime Prevention fund for every Reveiz. Reveiz gave the substation information to volunteers who chose field goal he kicks this season if his 20 free tickets to the game and those who would attend," Grass donations are matched by the treated attendees to a snack continued. community. Donations can be as small as ty. package while they were at the Reveiz has actively worked with game. Reveiz also spoke with the the substation and the City to match s $1. f you would like to I challenge send your group after the game. promote the crime prevention effort contribution to the Crime Prevention "Kids who received the tickets and to offer kids a positive role , k Pwy. Fund, 6301 Shingle Creek were selected for their citizenship," model. (See related article this Brooklyn Center, le reek Pkwy-, said Community Services Sergeant page), For information, call 569 -3389. C ome to What: Bowling fundraiser to help provide transportation for a summer Drooklilti ce"t" � s youth program in Brooklyn Center. Who: Parents, kids, teens, families, PTA's and teachers and anyone else who wants to bowl for a good cause. When: Sunday, Feb. 4 at Lynbrook Bowl Sunday, Feb. 18 at Earle Brown Bowl Lanes donated by Lynbrook Bowl and Earle Brown Bowl. Also sponsored by the Brooklyn Center Watch: for more information at area Crime Prevention Fund, Brooklyn Center Police schools, the community center and Department and Recreation Division. Earle Brown Bowl and Lynbrook _ B owl. - City Watch Page 5 Program designed to keep Job seekers now TI juveniles out of justice system have help Due to changes in society and family structure, it has Nothwest Hennepin Human Services Council offers a new A . Roy Of hope become increasingly apparent that programs designed resource for job seekers in to tackle problems at the onset are extremely effective. Northwest Hennepin County. The That's the theory behind the Brooklyn Peacemaker Center's Juvenile Northwest Community Job Bank Diversion Program. The program is designed to divert involvement of youth Project provides comprehensive in the Juvenile Justice System. Peacemaker works cooperatively with law employment and training services at enforcement and community agencies to provide services primarily to first- community -based locations. A hired time juvenile (misdemeanor) offenders and their families. For more vocational counselor will provide information, call Kris Hall at services for unemployed and 535 -0995. underemployed job seekers, Neighborhood dispute? including intake and assessment, job counseling, referrals to job Stop! Before you put your house up for sale to get away from an openings, and assistance with aggravating neighborhood problem, call North Hennepin Mediation Program resumes and interview preparation. (NHMP) at 561 -0033. NHMP offers mediation services at no cost for Northwest Hennepin Human neighbors, families or any other groups involved in a dispute. Mediation Services Council secured a two - allows people an opportunity to sit down together in a neutral and safe year, $100,000 grant from the setting to discuss their concerns and issues. Mediations can be scheduled McKnight Foundation to support this days, evenings or weekends to help you resolve your issues. Ninety project. percent of all NHMP cases result in an agreement. You do have options. The Northwest Job Bank Project is a collaborative effort of Northwest Bond survey cunt. from page 1 Hennepin Human Services Council, ❑City services were rated high in comparison with other suburban HIRED, CEAP and the Thorson communities. In particular, both fire and police protection were very highly- Family Resources Room. regarded. To schedule an appointment with a ❑Lastly, Decision Resources experts recommended that in constructing a vocational counselor, call MaryLou possible bond referendum, the following preference hierarchy be Morrissette at 536 -0777, ext. 112. considered. (See page 8.) Decision Resources experts warned that there will be difficulty in passing a capital improvements bond as categories from low on the hierarchy are added to the mix. Preference hiarchy -Fire stations additions - Police department addition /city hall remodeling - Senior citizen drop -in center -Park improvements - Jointly- operated ice arena - Expansions/improvements at the community center City Watch Page 6 It's Snow Time 1� RECYCLENEWS] Here are several reminders regarding snow removal in Brooklyn Center: Now you can *Streets are plowed when snowfall exceeds 2' /z ". Please remember that recycle junk parking on the street is prohibited from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. "Snowbirds" can mail. and will be towed away if necessary so that snowplows can do their job. Beginning Jan. 0 HRG *Garbage and recycling containers must be accessible for pick up and 1, Brooklyn placed off - street to allow snow removal. The containers may have to be Center residents placed in the driveway to meet both of these requirements. Residents are can recycle their junk mail. Simply required to make sure the containers are accessible to the garbage and place your envelopes, flyers, recycling trucks and are not in the way of the snowplows or sidewalk plows. advertisements, school papers and *Residents can provide assistance by keeping fire hydrants clear of letters into a separate paper bag snow and helping to keep catch basins clear of ice and debris buildup. and set out with with your weekly curbside recycling container. For *Wait until the street is fully plowed to clear the end of your driveway. more information, call Hennepin This will ensure that plows don't dump snow on your freshly - cleared Recycling Group at 493 -8006. driveway. Remember, snow is plowed from streets in four or more passes — two or more to clear the road and two or more to widen the cleared area. Christmas tree disposal These passes can be as long as one to two hours apart. Hours for collection v *Warn your children not to play in the snow piles made by the plows, at the Maple Grove, especially while plows are working in the area. Plow operators often cannot yard waste site: Jan. 2 - 7 see children in these banks, and kids could be seriously injured or even 3 -7:30 p.m. buried in snow. Jan. 13 -14 *Stay at least 100 feet behind snowplow drivers while driving so they can 3 -7:00 p.m. see you in their rearview mirrors, and don't pass them when they are Green trees only working on city streets. Feel free, however, to give them a friendly wave of without ornaments appreciation. or stands - no *Snowplow operators work long, cold hours, many of which are late at wreaths or wired garland. No charge with proof of night. Brooklyn Center operators are well- trained and experienced. You residency in Brooklyn Center, can help them do their job better by adhering to the suggestions listed Brooklyn Park, Crystal or New above. Hope. All garbage haulers provide For more information, call public services municipal garage at 569 -3380. Christmas tree collection for a fee. Check with your hauler for curbside Park Watch looks out for trouble service. Just as neighborhood watch groups strive to keep their neighborhoods CORRECTION In the fall issue of City safe, Park Watch's purpose is to report unsafe behavior in city parks, Watch under snow removal Developed by the parks and recreation commission, Park Watch's purpose reminders, it stated that no vehicle is to encourage residents to call the authorities if they see trouble and /or is allowed to stand on any city road maintenance issues in parks. For emergencies, residents should call 9 -1 -1. for more than 4 consecutive hours Non - emergencies, call 569 -3333. For maintenance issues, call 569 -3428. from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. It should have read: no vehicle is allowed to stand on a city road at any time between 2 and 6 a.m. City Watch Page 7 City sponsors blood drive Sign up now for the January 9 blood drive from 2 to 5 p.m. All types of r,44 blood are needed, however, there is a special need for 0 negative, A r + positive and A negative blood. Donating is simple and safe. Call city hall at 569 -3300 to sign up." Apartments compete in decorating contest January This holiday season will be a little brighter in Brooklyn Center. The 1 New Year's Day - City hall closed Association for Rental Management (ARM) is sponsoring the first annual g Council meeting holiday decorating contest. Rental complexes in Brooklyn Center can 15 Martin Luther King participate as long as they sponsor a holiday decorating contest for their Jr.'s birthday - tenants as well as decorate their complex themselves. City hall closed Judging will be in two categories, depending on size, with each winning 22 Council meeting complex receiving a plaque courtesy of Discover the Center. Judging will be on Dec. 19 with the winners announced that same February evening. So this year, take time to tour the city in which you live. There's no 7 Joint meeting better or brighter time to do so. between council and City announces poster contest winners commissions Thanks to all who participated in the Cities Week poster contest "What 12 Council meeting City Services Mean to Me." First place winners inlcude: Crista Linnabary, 19 President's Day - grades 6 -8; Amy Linnabary, grades 3 -5; and Amanda Parker Widga, grades City hall closed K -2. Runners up include: Kristine Widga, Bethany Anne Heck and Laura 26 Council meeting Pavlicek. Winners should call city hall at 569 -3300 to receive their prize. 30 Filing date Brooklyn Center March Mayor 11 Council meeting Myrna Kragness 125 Council meetin Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody Interested in viewing council meetings? Debra Hilstrom Meetings are held the second and fourth Monday Kristen Mann of every month at 7 p.m. in city hall. Can't attend? Watch the meeting live on Channel Acting City Manager 37 or at 6:30 p.m. the following Tuesday or Michael McCauley 6:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. the following Service Directory Wednesday. imp 24 -hour emergency number Please note: Police, Fire, Medical 911 Sometimes due to technical problems we are unable to broadcast Non - emergency police 569 -3333 City Hall 569 -3300 council meetings live. In the event that this happens, we will do our best TDD number 569 -3300 to inform you of the problems we are experiencing via an onscreen Community Cntr 569 -3400 message. In the event a meeting is not broadcast live, please tune in to one of the rebroadcast times listed above. We are sorry for any Business Hours inconvenience this may cause. Mon - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30