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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Edition 204 Summer■ City of Brooklyn Center :VIEWS 1 - Celebrating the news, events & cultures that connect us Community Dialogue Sessions Come sit down, eat a snack, and share your thoughts! The Brooklyn Center Community School District and the City of Brooklyn Center will be co -hosting two community dialogue sessions on: Community Art June 27th, 6 — 8 PM (Location TBD) Community Health June 28th, 6 — 8 PM (Location TBD) Visit cityofbrooklyncenter.org or brooklyncenterschools.org for more. IN THIS ISSUE Community Engagement Election 2018 BC Counts Save the Date Online Billing Multicultural Advisory Committee BC Buck$ 2017 City Reports Earl Brown Days Development Updates Improvements Police & Fire News Water Quality Update Wellhead Protection O O K ( Y CENTER AT THE CENTER 2 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 10 Greetings! Summer is upon us and the sun has finally emerged! Summer for the City means that residents are actively walking and recreating outside, construction projects are underway and the fairways of the City's Centerbrook golf course are clear for golfers. Summer also means increased activity for developers throughout the City. Development activities could range from sprucing up a building for a grand opening or putting the final plans together to construct a new building. There are several exciting development activities happening at several sites SUMMER 2018, Edition 204 throughout the City, which you can learn more about as you read this issue of our newsletter. One example of a recent development is the Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center, located at 6121 Brooklyn Boulevard. The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center is one of a few businesses that opened its doors this past spring. As you walk, run, bike, or drive through the City, lookout for the exciting City developments. We hope you enjoy the summer and sunshine! Curt Boganey, City Manager CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER WELCOMES THE SANCTUARY 11 AVIP Preview Party was held on March 8 forThe Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center, a new 12 $35 -million development. This event gave guests their first look at the affordable assisted living and memory care community for Minnesota seniors. 14 Ribbon -Cutting Ceremony participants included: Councilmember Dan Ryan (Brooklyn 15 Center), Rod Burkett, CEO (Gardant Management Solutions), Lisa Toms, Community Administrator (The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center), Curt Boganey, City Manager (Brooklyn Center), Peter Cooper, Attorneyand Bonny McIntyre Director ofOperations, (North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce). • 0o 10 MORE THAN 200 ATTEND BROOKLYN CENTER'S 40TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY PRAYER BREAKFAST Mayor Tim Willson, City Council Members and staff joined more than 200 community members of all faiths at the 40th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast. This year's breakfast was held on Saturday, May 5 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Brooklyn Center. Pictured left to right: Mayor Tim Willson (Brooklyn Center), Senator Chris Eaton, Pastor Richard Zeck (Brooklyn United Methodist Church), Council Member Marquita Butler (Brooklyn Center), Pastor McKinley Moore (BCCPBC Chairman) and Council Member Dan Ryan (Brooklyn Center). HIGHWAY 252/1-94 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS = Hennepin County, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis are developing solutions to lessen congestion and improve safety and reliability along Highway 252 between Highway 610 in Brooklyn Park and 1-694 in Brooklyn Center and on 1-94 from 1-694 in Brooklyn Center to downtown Minneapolis. These solutions will be evaluated in an environmental process and then will move forward into preliminary design. On Thursday, May 31, 2018 a Community Workshop was held in Brooklyn Center to discuss this project. We would like to thank everyone who was able to attend. The next engagement opportunity for our community will be held during the Earle Brown Heritage Days Celebration on Saturday, June 23 from 5-8pm. Community workshop materials and projects updates may be found at the website: www.dot.state.mmus/ metro/projects/hwy252study ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION WITH BROOKLYN CENTER ROTARY On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 the City of Brooklyn Center teamed up with the Brooklyn Center Rotary to plant four trees along a pond in Centennial Park. The event included a tree education presentation and the reading of the Council Proclamation followed by a short lunch provided by a donation from the Sons of the American Legion. This event marked the City's 26th year of Arbor Day Celebrations and being a 'Tree City USA'. Brooklyn Center is making strides to better the environment in many ways. C LINE GROUNDBREAKING On Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Mayor Tim Willson and Council Member Dan Ryan joined other project partners at the C Line Groundbreaking. Mayor Willson also spoke about the City's role in the Penn Avenue Improvements Project. NATIONAL SCHOOL WALKOUT READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY AT EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY Pictured above, Brooklyn Center students On Friday, March 2, 2018 several Brooklyn Center employees participated in have a moment of silence to protest gun the Read Across America program at Evergreen Elementary School. Read Across violence at City Hall during the National America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for School Walkout in March. every child in every community to celebrate reading on the birthday of Dr. Seuss. k Pictured left to right: Dr. Angel Smith, Communications Coordinator and Tony Gruenig, Police Commander reading o book to students. ANNouN�INg: youth Art ffir %0000or CoNteSt! Do you know a young person in the community that has artistic talent? f✓ The City of Brooklyn Center is updating its plan for the future. This is a document that lays out the vision, goals, and policies that will carry the City forward over the next 20 years. We want to know how young people living in the community today want to see their community in 2040. Imagine it is 2040, what is Brooklyn Center Like? What kind of community do you want it to be? What are its values? What do you love about it? What makes it better than today? What does it mean to be a member of this community in 2040? These are the questions we want you to answer through art. R4eS: • Create a piece of original art. It must be able to hang on a wall. It must be 2 Dimensional. • Participants must be exiting 6th through 12th grade and be a Brooklyn Center resident, or attend school in Brooklyn Center • Submit your piece, along with an artist statement and application form, by July 9th at noon. • Drop your work off at City Hall, Brooklyn Center High School, or email it to: mbeekman@ci.brooklyn-center. mn.us. If you are located in Brooklyn Center, we can also arrange to pick-up the artwork. -w For additioNa� rLAM, detai�S aNd app�icatioN vjSjt www.cit/of brooktyNoet4ter.org /IV r'0 ELECTION 2018 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW Election Judges Needed August 14 and November 6 The City of Brooklyn Center is still in need of election judges for the upcoming primary and general elections. Election judges play a vital role in the administration of election procedures and assist in guaranteeing the rights of voters are protected. Residents interested in becoming an election judge please contact the City Clerk at (763) 569-3306 or email cityclerk@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us to learn more about becoming involved. Primary Election, Tuesday, August 14 Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. Offices that are on the primary ballot: U. S. Senator Special election for U. S. Senator U. S. Representative District 5 Governor & Lt Governor Attorney General State Representative District 40B County Sheriff Ci•0 • Registering to Vote All residents of Brooklyn Center that are not registered to vote are encouraged to pre -register. Pre -registration must be completed at least 20 days prior to an election. You can register to vote online at https://mnvotes. sos.state.mn.us/VoterRegistration/ VoterRegistrationMain.aspx To register to vote, the resident must be: If you need to register on Election Day, be sure to bring proper identification to provide proof of residence. Absentee Voting Absentee votingforthe primary election begins Friday, June 29th and continues through Monday, August 6th. This will take place at the Brooklyn Center city offices Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. • 18 years of age or older; • U.S. Citizen; I Direct Balloting • A resident of Minnesota t Direct balloting is the process for 20 days immediately Ik_ € �' where voters can cast their preceding Election Day, VOTE 1o1 ballot directly into the ballot and maintain residence at the tabulator. Direct balloting begins address given on the registration on Tuesday, August 7th through form; Monday, August 13th. During this time • Discharged, expired or completed period there will be additional hours on from any felony conviction record; Saturday, August 11th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and on Monday, August 13th Not under court-ordered the office will be open until 5:00 pm. guardianship where a court has revoked voting rights; and • Not been ruled legally incompetent by a court of law. If you have questions regarding absentee voting or direct balloting, please contact the City Clerk at (763) 569-3306 or email cityclerk@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us The polling places for 2018 are as follows: Precinct 1 Earle Brown Elementary School 1500 59th Avenue North Precinct 2 Brooklyn Center High School 6500 Humboldt Avenue North Precinct 3 Evergreen Park Elementary School 7020 Dupont Avenue North Precinct 4 Spiritual Life Church 6865 Shingle Creek Parkway Precinct 5 Garden City Elementary School 3501 65th Avenue North Precinct 6 Northport Elementary School 5421 Brooklyn Boulevard Precinct 7 Brooklyn Center West Fire Station 6250 Brooklyn Boulevard As we get closer to the primary election, please refer to the City's website, www.cityofbrooklyncenter. org for information. BC COUNTS y� (CENSUS) !1 Brooklyn Center will �! soon kick-off its "BC ' Count" campaign for R� the 2020 Census. A community group called "Brooklyn Center Census Count Committee" is being formed to communicate with the residents on 2020 Census related information and updates. The BC Census Count Committee will also advise the US Census Office on strategies to engage residents in the Census count. Here are a few 2020 Census goals: 2018 • Establish a Brooklyn Center Census Count Committee • Create strategies to communicate with every resident and family in the City • Develop and Implement the BC Count Campaign 2019 • Post and market employment opportunities for the Census Bureau • Start Census Count (online, phone and door-to-door) 2020 • Conclude 2020 Census Count • Report results to the President by December 31, 2020 • Release results to the public by April 1, 2020 (Census Day) Stay tuned and look for more information on the 2020 Census in the coming months! t.cr. :% JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY In observance of Independence Day, City Hall is closed on Wednesday, July 4. TELL US WHY YOU LOVE BROOKLYN CENTER C What does Brooklyn Center offer that keeps you happy? Where's your favorite spot and why do you love it? Maybe there's something about Brooklyn Center that makes it stand out at certain times of the year? What are your top tips for others visiting Brooklyn Center to make the most of it? The hidden gems or traditions only locals may know about? Come visit the City of Brooklyn Center's "I Love BC" booth during the Earle Brown Heritage Days Celebration on Saturday, June 23. There you will have photo and or video opportunities to show your BC pride. We will also have limited merchandise available for purchase. Q SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS Z FOOD TRUCKS Z LIVE MUSIC )NLINE 31LLING AND PAYMENT Easy as1-2-3 %W • _ The City of Brooklyn • , • Center offers residents an easy and secure way to view, print and pay their utility bills online. We support electronic bill presentment (viewing) and payment because it is more convenient for residents and better for the environment. • Easy to use- No registration required • Access, view and pay your bills online, at your convenience • You have the option to pay immediately or schedule a payment • Enroll in Auto -Pay • Enroll in Pay by Text • Receive an immediate emailed confirmation of payment or print a receipt • Go Green — sign up for e -billing • Save a stamp — it's free to pay online! Payments Accepted Electronic checks using a checking or savings account or the following card types are accepted for payment. Service Fees There are no additional fees to pay online with e -check or credit/debit card. If you need help using online bill pay or you have a question about your account, please call 763-569-3390 or send an email to bcutilities@ ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us. INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MAC)? The Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) is a multi- and inter- agency effort of Hennepin County's Human Services and Public Health Department. Brooklyn Center is one of seven JCPP cities in Hennepin County. The mission of JCPP is to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement and multi -cultural communities. This is done by embedding community liaisons in the police departments, creation of multicultural -oriented cadet positions, and establishing a Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC). The community liaison (Miamon Queeglay) acts as the bridge between the police department and the community. This is done by facilitating community meetings, providing resources around health and human services (aligning with the Brooklyn Center Community Schools model), and organizing events and trainings for both the police department and the community on topics such as; community policing, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the impact of changing immigration policies, and (intersectional) racial equity. MAC members are also a vital part of JCPP. MAC members live, work, or worship in the community and provide a diverse professional and personal (racial, cultural) backgrounds. The MAC meets monthly, host's community meetings, assists officers with community engagement and developing cultural trainings, advises police on issues in the community, and ensure that community members are informed about their police department. The MAC also act as personal "ambassadors/eyes/ears" to and for community groups. BCPD is currently looking for community members to join our MAC if you're interested please contact our community liaison (Miamon Queeglay) or Commander Tony Gruenig. TO BUSINESS Is buying property the right move for your business? Open to Business can help! Our free, confidential advisors can assist you in evaluating a purchase price, comparing ownership vs. leasing costs, and connecting you to financing resources. Open to Business can also often provide gap financing to keep equity requirements manageable. Whether you are negotiating a purchase, refinancing a contract for deed, or just exploring your options, Open to Business can help. o*I.Y N Co ti..% 4%0 _6i j ! j W!-0 LIQUOR Celebrate Responsibly at the Center INTRODUCING BC BUCK$ Collect Points. Redeem Rewards! We are launching a rewards program at BC Liquors as a way to say thanks for shopping at our stores. Beginning in July, customers will be able to collect points on purchases. It could not be easier to participate, visit either of our store locations and ask one of our cashiers to enroll you in BC Buck$. Enrollment in the program is completely free. Participants will be provided an account and begin building points immediately. You will collect a point for every qualifying dollar spent at either of our stores or double the points by purchasing selected promotional items. Earn 200 Points and receive a $10 credit on your next transaction. Free money! The full details of the program are available on our website. We look forward to this new way of serving our fine customers. Come in today and start collecting your BC Buck$. 2017 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT The Brooklyn Center 2017 Consumer Confidence Report is now available. This report contains results of the monitoring performed of the drinking water for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2017. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers' understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources. In orderto ensure that tap water issafetodrink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which provide the same protection for public health. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. The full 2017 Consumer Confidence Report for Brooklyn Center is available at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org/DocumentCenter/ View/6236 or search Consumer Confidence Report on the City's website. If you do not have access to a computer or would like a paper copy, please call (763) 585-7100 or email publicworks@ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us. A computer kiosk is also available at City Hall. 2017 CITY FINANCIAL AUDIT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW The City of Brooklyn Center released for public review the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2017. The CAFR contains audited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, statistics, and other financial information. The CAFR's Letter of Transmittal section provides citizens with a summary of the City's economic and financial outlook, long financial planning, and relevant financial policies. It is used by financial organizations to assess the City's financial health. The City, once again, received a clean opinion from independent auditors. A clean opinion provides the public with the confidence that the City's financial reporting is accurate, reliable and transparent. The annual financial report shows how taxpayer money and other funds are received and spent. For the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2017, revenues for all funds totaled $52.1 million while expenditures totaled $47.8 million. The complete CAFR is available on the Fiscal & Support Services page on the City of Brooklyn Center's website. As 1 1� 1 T 1 GET TOGETHER with family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the Brooklyn Center community. With a grand parade, golf festival, wine and craft beer tasting, a 5k race, local food trucks, community market, entertainment, fireworks and more, there is something for everyone! 0 M M U N E LE BRAT 1 THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 6:30PM Dupont Ave, Free! Cheer for your local bands, entertainers, businesses, politicians and more as they march, drive and dance down Dupont Avenue! Parade route: Dupont & 59th Ave N to Dupont & 69th Ave N. 1 FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 10AM Centerbrook Golf Course, $25 Experience 9 unique holes of golf followed by lunch in the clubhouse. There is a shotgun start at 10am. Register by calling 763-549-3750. I T Y ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 6-9PM Centerbrook Golf Course, $20 Adults night out! One ticket includes dinner and dueling pianos while tasting a variety of wine and craft beer. Tickets available in advance at Centerbrook Golf, BC Liquor Stores & Brooklyn Center Community Center. SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 9AM West Palmer Lake Park, $30/12 Race your family around Palmer Lake, Kids 1k Fun Run begins at 8:30am. Information and registration at cityofbooklyncenter org/5k. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Minnesota and Earle If available, tickets will be sold at the Brown Days. gate. Limited to those ages 21+. SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 5-10PM Centennial Park, Free* Join your neighbors at Centennial Park for non-stop entertainment, food trucks, youth activities, market, fireworks and more! Food Trucks, 5-10pm Brooklyn Center Community Band, 5-6pm Community Market, 5-8pm Youth Activities, 5-8pm Kidsdance DJ, 6-8pm Belladiva Show Band, 8-10pm Fireworks, 10pm Under Construction • Tim Horton's Coffee Shop (5500 Brooklyn Blvd) – Opening Summer 2018 • TopGolf (6420 Camden Ave N) – Opening Summer 2018 • Bank of America (2545 County Rd 10) – Opening Winter 2018 • HOM Furniture (2501 County Rd 10) – Opening 2019 Approved Plans • Luther Mazda/Mitsubishi Dealership (4435 68th Ave N) –Anticipated Construction Start: Summer 2018 • Indoor Commercial Storage Facility (1950 57th Ave N) –Anticipated Construction Start: Summer 2018 • Event Center (6440 James Circle N) – Anticipated Construction Start: Summer 2018 • Medtronic–Addition (6800 Shingle Creek Pkwy)—Anticipated Construction Start: Summer 2018 • Fairfield Inn and Suites (6250 Earle Brown Drive)— Anticipated Construction Start: Summer 2018 DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT: TOPGOLF TopGolf (which stands for "Target Oriented Practice Golf") will be opening up its doors on the former Regal Theatre site (6420 Camden Avenue North) this summer. Construction has been underway for months now and although the originally anticipated opening date was set for early fall 2018, TopGolf now has plans for the public to begin tee-ing off and enjoying all of its amenities by the beginning of August! Rather than walking a golf course, players at TopGolf hit outfield targets from one of over 100 climate -controlled hitting bays by using golf clubs and micro -chipped golf balls. Not a golfer? You're in good company, as over half of visitors to TopGolf consider themselves to be "non -golfers" The three-story, approximately 65,000 -square foot entertainment facility will also feature a full-service restaurant and bar, private event spaces and meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace. Those interested in keeping up-to-date on TopGolf's anticipated opening date, or who may have an interest in working one of the anticipated 450 jobs can visit TopGolf's Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center page at: topgolf.com/us/minneapolis/ Now Open • The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center (6121 Brooklyn Blvd) – Opened April 2018 • CAPI—Headquarters (5930 Brooklyn Blvd) – Opened April 2018 • Jambo Africa Restaurant #2 (1601 Freeway Boulevard)-- Opened April 2018 • Sprint Store (5500 Brooklyn Blvd) – Opened May 2018 no. Fr, ..t NW METRO DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE INAUGURAL EVENT HELD IN MAY On May 15, the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce, coordinated the area first "Northwest Metro Development Showcase." Community and business leaders from four dynamic northwest Twin Cities metro cities (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Osseo and Maple Grove) attended. This event provided realtors, prospective developers and companies considering expansion or transfer an opportunity to see why companies are moving here. \ b\,. •." -- Pictured left to right: Meg Beekman, Community Development Director + (Brooklyn Center), Mayor Tim Willson (Brooklyn Center), Linda McGinty (Luther _ Auto) and Curt Boganey, City Manager (Brooklyn Center) TREE MAINTENANCE TI PS ' Hiring a tree maintenance service .. deserves careful consideration and caution. While City staff is not ' authorized to recommend a specific contractor, residents are urged to consider the following when selecting a service: • Most reputable companies have all the work they can handle without going door-to-door and generally, door - knockers are looking to earn quick money. Beware! • Verify the company is registered with the City. All tree maintenance service providers in Brooklyn Center must be registered. Registration requires specific insurance requirements including proof of liability for personal and property damage (such as your house and your neighbor's) and workers' compensation. • Don't be rushed to make a decision, never pay in advance. • Obtain multiple bids, compare estimates and always ask for references. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to check the company's reputation. • Make sure you receive a written contract that outlines expectations such as dates, work to be performed, clean- up details, total cost, etc. Visit the City's website at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org and Search tree for a list of registered tree contractors or call the Public Works Department at (763) 585-7100 for information. "USY AS A BEE? SHOW OFF YOUR HARD WORK Do you have a beautiful or +s +' unique garden or landscaping (front or side yard); or do you know of a neighbor deserving recognition? If so, please contact the Engineering Division at (763) 569-3340 or email us as we would like to recognize you or your neighbor! More information is available on the City's website at: www.cityofbrooklyncenter. org. If your garden/landscaping is identified, you will be contacted for permission prior to taking and publishing any photographs. REMOVE AND REBUILD PROGRAM The Remove and Rebuild program was started over 10 years ago with the goal of purchasing and removing blighted vacant properties. The city purchased and demolished a few homes on residential lots. With the strong housing market in Brooklyn Center some of those lots have been sold and new homes built. Recently homes at 5301 James Ave N, 5315 James Ave N and 5801 Ewing Ave N have been built. The homes on James Ave N sold for approximately $260,000 and were 3 bedroom 2 bathroom homes with over 1,900 finished square feet. The home on 5801 Ewing is near completion and is expected to be listed for sale shortly. WATER TOWER NO. 2 REHABILITATION PROJECT 6900 Dupont Avenue N Brooklyn Center has three water towers which provide water pressure throughout the City and also water for fire suppression. Watertowers are typically inspected everyfive years with full rehabilitations performed every 15-20 years. Water Tower No. 3 was partially completed in 2017 and recently received the final painting with the new City logo. The City has hired TMI Coatings to complete the remainder of Tower No. 3. TMI Coatings will also be rehabilitating Tower No. 2 which will be fully contained for painting and sand blasting. Residents in the immediate �y area of the towers will experience noise from machinery, compressors and other miscellaneous equipment. Hours of operation are Monday -Saturday, 7 a.m. i to 7 p.m. We are sorry if you experience inconvenience during this important project. If you have any questions please call Public Works at 763-585-7100. Firefighter Recruitment yI- The Brooklyn Center Fire \ Department (BCFD) will be actively recruiting for firefighter paid -on-call positions in 2018. Applicants must be over 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED and currently live within a six -minute response area to one of our two fire stations, as determined by BCFD. To learn more visit the Fire Department website at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org/fire. 2018 Recruitment Timeline • Applications open January, 2018 • Active recruiting: January through August, 2018 • Becoming a Firefighter Informational Meetings: Thursday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. • Application Deadline: Monday, August 13 at 11:29 p.m. • Written Exam: Thursday, August 23, 6:30 p.m. • Interviews: Wednesday, September 5, 6 p.m. to 9 P.M. • Interviews: Thursday, September 6, 6 p.m. to 9 P.M. • Physical Ability Testing: September • Background Checks: October • Conditional offer of employment made following successful passing of driving and criminal history checks • Medical Evaluation: Scheduled with conditional offer • Psychological Assessment: Scheduled following successful medical evaluation • Confirmation of Employment by October - November • Start in November NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM The Neighborhood Watch r,.;7;, SL��• Program was started in 1978 by - the National Sheriffs Association in response to an increase in business burglaries. The program originally focused on methods of getting business owners involved with helping c u r b the ongoing burglaries. The National Sheriffs Association invited businesses owners to assist the police in the crime fighting efforts by becoming the extra eyes and ears of their communities. From that point the program has grown to include residential neighborhoods. In 1983, the program was in full swing nationwide with citizen's participating in the Neighborhood Watch Program. In 1984, the City of Brooklyn Center was quick to jump on board to give the new program a try. With a one officer and a handful of neighbors, the program has grown to include over 43% of the neighborhoods within the confines of the city participating in the Neighborhood Watch Program. It is one of the most recognized programs. The program continues to grow, not only in Brooklyn Center, but nationally. The primary goal of the Neighborhood Watch Program is for neighbors to get to know each and other and become the "eyes and ears" of their community. The focus of this program and within each group is to encourage them to "know their surroundings" and report any suspicious activity. The police department stresses the importance of neighbors knowing who does and doesn't belong in the neighborhoods. There are many benefits of the Neighborhood Watch Program. Neighbors that participate feel more at ease when calling the police. It offers them a sense of ownership in their communities. Most importantly, it does work on reducing/deterring crimes within a community. ----------------------------------------------- 2018 POLICE DEPARTMENT NEIGHBORHOOD AREA MEETINGS July 19 1 Bellvue Park 1 6:00-7:30 PM ; September 11 1 West Palmer Lake Park 1 6:00-7:30 PM For more information contact 763-503-3272 HOME BURGLARY PREVENTION Tips from the BCPD How are homes targeted? • Simple selection process, crime of opportunity What can you do to prevent becoming a victim? • Make your home less inviting to a burglar; by installing good locks, trimming landscape and making good use of exterior lighting Doors and Locks • Use a heavy duty strike plate with a minimum of four 3 inch screws that go into the frame of the door Sliding Glass Doors • Security can be increased by inserting a thick wooden dowel or stick into the door track to prevent movement or by using a "charley bar" Windows (the most frequent point of entry during warm weather months) • Windows are left unlocked at a much higher rate than doors • For ventilation, leave no more than a 4 – 6 inch window opening • Make sure that opening is not large enough to allow someone to reach through to unlock the door or remove window lock Identification • Photograph your valuables, especially jewelry and electronics. Be a Good Neighbor • Get to know your neighbors • Agree to watch each other's home • While on vacation, pick up mail, newspapers, packages and flyers; put out their trash on day (and return empty barrels) • Start a Neighborhood Watch Group What if you see something or someone acting suspicious? • If your house is broken into, call police immediately. Don't touch anything that the criminal may have touched • Don't go in ... wait outside for police to arrive If you see anyone acting suspicious around your house or a neighbor's house, call 911 immediately! For a complete list of Home Burglary prevention tips please go to the city's website. SCAMS TARGETING THE ELDERLY Con artists and swindlers use many different ploys to separate you from your money. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself. • Always be careful about giving out personal information, especially financial information, to someone you don't know—whether you are approached at your front door, on the street, at the shopping center, or on the telephone. • If someone calls you on the phone and asks for your social security, credit card or bank account number, do not give it to them. When someone calls, you have no sure way of verifying who they say they are. • Be wary of anyone who calls or approaches you and asks that you produce cash for any reason. People posing as law enforcement officials, bank examiners and others bilk unsuspecting victims out of millions of dollars each year. No legitimate police officer, bank official, or government agency will ever ask you to provide cash to help them in an investigation. Legitimate sweepstakes and contest operators never require the "winner" to produce payment to collect their prize. Another sample of a scam may be faking an injury scenario. In this situation, a scammer claims to have a connection to law enforcement and tells an elder that a child or other close family member has been seriously injured or is in jail. The scammer then convinces the senior to give him or her money for medical treatment or bail. If you or a loved one suspects, or is a victim, of a scam please contact 911 immediately. If you would like more information please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Becky Boie at 763-503-3272. Informotion provided by the Notionol Crime Prevention Council and AARP. :M"61 MaTivre PLEDGE TO PLANT FOR CLEAN WATER Stormwater runoff is the leading water quality threat to our urban lakes and streams. Turf grass and impervious surfaces such as streets and parking lots prevent water from infiltrating into the ground, which results in increased polluted stormwater runoff reaching lakes and streams. By changing what we plant, we can make a difference in improving water quality. Native plants, or plants indigenous to the region, are well -adapted to local conditions.-: They also generally have longer root systems- sometimes up to 16 -feet- so they absorb and filter water running off the land and mimic pre -settlement landscapes. These long -rooted plants can even break up clay soils and improve drainage. And even better, these deeply rooted plants don't need as much water after they are established. Besides protecting and conserving water, native plants support pollinators. Native wildflowers provide higher quality nectar and pollen to insects than cultivated varieties ("cultivars") that are most popular at nurseries. Planting natives not only helps protect water quality, it helps to restore lost pollinator habitat. Visit the Blue Thumb website to make your pledge at www.blue-thumb.org/pledge. There you will find all the resources needed to plan, purchase and plant a water -friendly garden. The plant selector allows you to search by color, sun requirements, time of bloom, height and more. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, Blue Thumb has partners that are native plant nurseries, landscapers, designers, installers and hardscape producers committed to using native plants. There are also how-to videos, cost -calculators, workshops, available speakers, grants and more. WATER QUALITY UPDATE To improve water quality and consistency, the City of Brooklyn Center commissioned an independent consultant to review well water quality, operations and finished water quality. Analysis in this study included: • Identifying causes of consumer water quality complaints over the last two years • Providing insight on City's well water characteristics and disinfection strategy • Assessing operating procedures that can improve water quality - consistency • Testing to minimize objectionable odor and .recommend a chlorination strategy The new treatment plant was commissioned in 2016 to remove manganese in compliance with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommendations. It has been successful in removing manganese to consistently low levels. In changing from localized treatment, with chemical doses tailored to each well, to central treatment with multiple wells with different water characteristics, there has been a transition and adjustment period. Chlorine and other chemical application rates have been adjusted to produce consistent water quality, especially when new wells are placed in service. Staff collects well water and treated water samples and analyzes them manually to determine the appropriate chemical doses and adjust doses manually. Consumers notice changes in the taste of water and there have been occasional incidents of sediment appearing in tap water. These taste and sediment complaints occurred throughout the distribution system. Several actions have been taken to improve water quality and consistency. Adjustments to plant chlorine analyzers provided staff with more accurate chlorine dose measurement. Chlorine injection and mixing were made more efficient through a combination of design and operating changes. Changing which wells were in service less frequently reduced the need to realign the chemical dosing to the right levels. Additional instrumentation and controls have helped automate adjustments for more consistent water quality. Water leaving the treatment plant now has the optimum chemical doses and water in the system is generally taste and odor free. Most of the sediment issues have also been resolved and are most often a product of the homes plumbing a system. If you have questions regarding your water quality or if you have issues with the water in your home please contact Public Works at 763-585-7100. WELLHEAD PROTECTION - KEEPING THE GROUNDWATER CLEAN What is Wellhead Protection? Wellhead protection is a program to protect the public water supply by preventing contaminants from entering public supply wells. The area surrounding the public wells is called the wellhead, which contributes water to the well or well field over time. The wellhead protection area is determined by using technical criteria, such as the physical characteristics of the aquifer and the effects which pumping has on the rate and direction of groundwater movement. Why is Protecting Groundwater Important? Groundwater may be contaminated by surface contaminants such as microorganisms and chemicals. Although the City's wells are 300 -feet deep, contamination of groundwater could eventually affect the water quality. Because we use it for drinking water, if it is contaminated we would need to find alternative sources for drinking. Cleaning up the groundwater is very expensive and inefficient. Therefore, it is better to prevent the pollution in the first place! Why is Wellhead Protection Required and Who Administers It? The 1986 Amendments of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires states to implement drinking water protection programs for public water wells. The Minnesota Groundwater Protection Act of 1989 designated the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as the lead agency for wellhead protection. What is the City Doing to Protect Groundwater? The City's Wellhead Protection Plan was reviewed and approved by the MDH in 2015. The plan focuses on preventing contamination through the following actions: • Determining where the drinking water comes from, how vulnerable it is to potential contamination and establishing wellhead protection zones. The plan also focuses on the ongoing initiatives of protecting the wellhead area. • Complying with state and federal requirements. • Educating residents and businesses about our water supply and management of hazardous materials. • Monitoring drinking water and routinely testing for contaminants. • Watching for illegal activities that may pose a significant hazard to groundwater. • Monitoring environmental investigations, cleanups and construction activities to minimize impact to groundwater. Sealing Unused Wells Unused or "abandoned" wells must be sealed according to Minnesota State Law. Sealing is the process of filling the well with a special grout. Well sealing work must be completed by a well contractor licensed by the State of Minnesota. Unused wells can become a direct "pipeline" for contamination into the groundwater system. Although most wells in Brooklyn Center are four inches or smaller in diameter, larger -diameter wells can also pose a safety hazard for children and animals that may fall into them. By Minnesota State Law, a Well Must: • Be in use and operating properly; or • Have a Maintenance Permit from the MDH if it will be used in the future. The well must meet sanitary requirements and an annual fee is required; or • Be properly sealed. The complete "Drinking Water Quality Report- Consumer Confidence Report" can be viewed on the City's website (Search Consumer Confidence) or at the Public Works Engineering Division at City Hall. For more information, please call: Brooklyn Center Public Utilities at (763) 585-7100 MDH Drinking Water Protection at (651) 201-4700 or visit the MDH website at www.health.state.mn.us. • City's source water assessment • Well management and sealing • Wellhead protection O O K I Y CE R AT THE CENTER 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org e-mail: info@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us City Hall (763) 569-3300 Job Information Line (763) 569-3307 City CONTACTS Council Members Mayor Tim Willson Voicemail: (763) 569-3450 mayorwillson@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Councilmember Marquita Butler Voicemail: (763) 569-3446 councilmemberbutler@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Councilmember April Graves Voicemail: (763) 569-3448 councilmembergraves@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Councilmember Kris Lawrence -Anderson Voicemail: (763) 569-3444 councilmemberlawrence-anderson@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Councilmember Dan Ryan Voicemail: (763) 569-3445 councilmemberryan@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us City Manager Curt Boganey (763) 569-3300 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 2170 City PHONE NUMBERS Administration ..............................................(763) 569-3300 Community Development ............................(763) 569-3330 Inspections, Code Enforcement, Ownership Services Public Works/Engineering ............................(763) 569-3340 Parks, Streets, Utilities...............................(763) 569-7100 Finance.......................................................... (763) 569-3320 Utility Billing .............................................(763) 569-3390 Community Center .......................................(763) 569-3400 Activity Weather Line ...............................(763) 569-3442 Earle Brown Heritage Center .......................(763) 569-6300 Centerbrook Golf Course ..............................(763) 549-3750 Fire................................................................(763) 549-3600 Police (General Info) .....................................(763) 569-3333 Emergency & Non -Emergency Officer Assistance...... 911 Printed on recycled paper City COUNCIL MEETINGS City Council Regular Session meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7 pm. Informal Open Forum is held at 6:45 pm before Council meetings for persons who wish to address the City Council about issues not scheduled on the agenda. City Council Work Sessions are held immediately following the Regular Session City Council meetings. City Council Meetings are broadcast live on cable Channel 16. Replays shown Tuesdays at 6:30 pm and Wednesdays at 2:30 am and 10:30 am. You may also watch City Council meetings on-line, on demand at your convenience through a link on the City website. Call City Hall to verify meeting dates or visit the City's website at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org.