The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2018 Edition 208 WinterMAYOR WILLSON RECOGNIZED At the January 14, 2019 City Council meeting the City Council recognized Mayor Willson for his 12 years of dedicated service and presented him with a resolution acknowledging the accomplishments over his tenure. The accomplishments include: • Bass Lake Road Streetscape • Forty-five miles of neighborhood infrastructure improvements • Shingle Creek Crossing Development • FBI Regional Headquarters • 47% reduction in Part 1 Crime • Establishment of Sister City relationship with Voinjama City, Lofa County, Republic of Liberia • Nationally Recognized Performance Based Rental Housing Program • Renew And Rebuild Affordable Homeownership Program • The Sanctuary Affordable Senior Assisted Housing • Surly Brewery • Maranatha Redevelopment and Senior Housing Expansion • Five Improved and New Luther Auto Dealerships • The Embassy Suites Hotel • HOM Furniture • Bank Of America In addition to the sound process and development of Brooklyn Center, Mayor Willson’s public service and civic efforts merit recognition for the betterment of Brooklyn Center. The City Council is grateful for the leadership and service Mayor Willson provided during his tenure. MAYOR ELLIOTT AND COUNCIL MEMBERS GRAVES AND RYAN SWORN IN IN THIS ISSUE City Budget 2019 2 Community Engagement Collaboration 4 Heritage Film & Discussion 5 Census 2020 Coalition Meeting 5 Community Health Fair 5 Neighborhood Engagement Program 6 Public Art Task Force 6 Street Banner Project 6 Commission Openings 7 Community Safety 8 ADA Transition Plan 9 Special Materials Drop-off 10 Curbside Cleanup Dates 11 NEWSCi t y City of Brooklyn Center Celebrating the news, events & cultures that connect us FEBRUARY 2019, Edition 208 2 FEBRUARY 2019, Edition 208 NEWS Ci t y City Budget 2019 The City has adopted its 2019 City Budget. The adopted budget, in financial terms, sets forth the action plan of the City. The priorities for staff, infrastructure improvement and service response are reflected in the allocation of resources, which were developed over several months during City Council and Financial Commission Joint Work Sessions. The expenditure levels are focused on maintaining current services and on the achievement of the strategic priorities of Resident Economic Stability, Targeted Redevelopment, Enhanced Community Image, Inclusive Community Engagement, Safe Secure Stable Community and Key Transportation Investments and key outcomes adopted by the City Council. The overall General Fund budget increase is 5.02% and the overall tax levy increase is 7.72%. The property tax levy increase is, in large part, a result of a new debt service levy dedicated for the repayment of a 2018 bond issue used to finance neighborhood infrastructure reconstruction improvements. The Median Value Residential Property in the City is $184,000 compared to the prior year value of $167,000, which is an increase in market value of 10.2%. The Median Value Residential Property will pay approximately $1,113 in City and Housing and Redevelopment Authority property taxes in 2019 compared to $990 in 2018, which is an increase of $123. The 2019 Budget incorporates the following significant items: • Issuance of $11.13 million of debt to finance capital improvements including the street, water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer portions of the infrastructure improvement project for Interstate Area Reconstruction and Southeast Area Mill and Overlay. This debt issue provides the needed funding for the continuation of our street and utilities neighborhood reconstruction program. • Economic Development Authority funding to support the development of a Business Retention and Expansion program. The funding would allow for the purchase of tracking software, and/or professional services to grow the outreach of the program and provide follow-up services to response more efficiently to business needs. • A livable wage objective for City employees directed towards the lowest earners to bring them closer to the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development’s identified Hennepin County cost of living wage of $16.16 per hour. • Additional allocations in Community Activities and Recreation to provide additional low/no cost programs to increase equitable access to youth programming. • Master development planning for targeted redevelopment areas that include: Opportunity Site Redevelopment, 57th and Logan Redevelopment, Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor, Former Jerry’s Food Site and Former Sears Site. • The addition of a part-time Communication Engagement Specialist and four Neighborhood Engagement Liaisons to continue to engage residents. • Additional market efforts/campaigns and continued posting of city related information and stories on the City’s website, social media platforms and newsletters. • Updates to the City’s zoning, sign, platting and shore land ordinances in order to provide a regulatory structure which is clear and promotes high quality redevelopment and property improvements and forward the City’s vision and goals. • The addition of a Building Inspector position to address the high demand in construction plan review and inspection. • The addition of Engineering Technician position to assist with the in-house design and development of infrastructure projects, reducing the reliance on contracted services for projects. • Additional body worn cameras, necessary system upgrades and mandated auditing to enhance transparency and investigative efficiency. • The addition of a full-time Sales Manager to market and continue to grow client base of the Earle Brown Heritage Center. • Planned infrastructure improvements that include: Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor (49th Avenue to Bass Lake Road), Interstate Area Neighborhood Reconstruction Project, Bellvue Avenue mill and overlay, and Southeast Area mill and overlay. • The addition of a full-time Storm Sewer Maintenance position to maintain streetscape, rain gardens, trash pickup and mandated inspections and reporting requirements. 3 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org Taxable Market Value Class Payable 2018 Payable 2019 Change (%) Commercial $312,846,800 $318,811,800 1.9% Industrial 133,666,600 140,570,900 5.2% Residential 1,186,339,754 1,325,890,784 11.8% Apartment 235,949,040 275,022,304 16.6% Other 469,000 478,000 1.9% Totals $1,869,271,194 $2,060,773,788 10.2% The City’s taxable market value is estimated at $2,060,773,788, which is an increase of $191,502,594 (10.2%) from last year. For the 4th consecutive year the taxable market value increase is driven by increases in residential (11.8%) and apartment (16.6%) values. General Fund Revenue Summary General Fund Expense Summary The chart shown above provides a cost breakdown of the property taxes paid by the median value home (excludes Housing & Redevelopment Authority property taxes). This chart provides an approximate tax dollar cost of the services provided by the City, but it should be noted that it does not take into consideration any costs outside the General Fund or reduce the cost for non-property tax funded expenses such as permit fees and charges for services of the various departments. In 2019, the typical homeowner will pay approximately $440 for police, $197 for public works, $151 for general government, $88 for community recreation, $74 for fire and emergency preparedness and $78 for community development activities. 2019 Cost of General Fund – Median Value Home PARKING RESTRICTION REMINDER The City of Brooklyn Center has a new “Parking Restriction” ordinance. In the case a Snow Event of 2 ½ inches or more is declared, parking restrictions will take effect. This means there should be no on-street parking until the roads are plowed curb to curb. Vehicles not removed are subject to issuance of a citation as well as towing to allow for snow plowing. For more Snow and Ice Control information, please visit: cityofbrooklyncenter.org/index.aspx?NID=215 or stay connected by signing up for alerts at cityofbrooklyncenter. org/notifyme. Even after streets are plowed, no parking is allowed on any City street between 2:00 and 6:00am or for more than 6 consecutive hours at any other time. TOBACCO ORDINANCE AMENDMENT The new Tobacco Ordinance Amendment went into effect on January 1, 2019. This newly revised ordinance raises the age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21. CITY TO LAUNCH A COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Join us this spring as we launch our community volunteer program. We would like to welcome residents and community members that may work, live, play, and or/ worship in the city to spend time volunteering with us. For more information on how you can participate, please visit the city’s website. 4 FEBRUARY 2019, Edition 208 NEWS Ci t y Community Engagement BROOKLYN CENTER PARTNERS HIGHLIGHT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COLLABORATION at Third Annual School Board Members of Color Event The Minnesota African Heritage School Board Members & the Minnesota Latino Heritage School Board Members held their Third Annual School Board Members of Color Meeting this week, which promoted Leadership Development. The overall theme was “Bolstering Good Governance through Diversity.” The two-day event featured panel presentations and round table discussions from an array of dynamic public service professionals from across the state. On Wednesday, January 16, Ruthie Dallas, Vice-Chair, Brooklyn Center School Board and Dr. Angel R. Smith, Communications & Community Engagement Manager, Brooklyn Center kicked-off the event with a presentation on School and City Government Collaboration. Brooklyn Center is the first and only Full-Service Community School District in the State of Minnesota. The City of Brooklyn Center is the most ethnically diverse community in the state. During the presentation, attendees learned how Brooklyn Center Community Schools and the City of Brooklyn Center have collaborated and found creative ways to engage and support the needs of the community. The recent street banner project and upcoming First Annual Community Health and Wellness Week, slated for April 22-27, 2019, were two of many community engagement initiatives discussed. Presenters ended the discussion by identifying other collaborative efforts taking place between the city and other schools serving the Brooklyn Center community. Front row L to R: Ruthie Dallas, Vice Chair (Brooklyn Center School Board), Dr. Angel R. Smith, Communications & Community Engagement Manager (City of Brooklyn Center), Back row L to R: Miamon D Queeglay, Manager (Brooklyn Center Community Schools), Cindy Devonish, Neighborhood Engagement Liaison (City of Brooklyn Center) and John Solomon, Director (Brooklyn Center School Board). BROOKLYN CENTER’S HOME BUYING SEMINAR A SUCCESS The City of Brooklyn Center’s first Home Buying Seminar was Thursday, January 10 from 5:30 – 7:00pm at the Brookdale Library. Presenters included Portia Jackson from PRG, Inc. discussing the successful path to home ownership, Peggy Ryan from Alerus speaking about working with a lender and the mortgage process, and Henry Morimoto from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency speaking about home buyer programs offered through the state. The attendees were very engaged and asked many questions throughout the presentations. Survey results from the event had 100% positive results with all surveys listing they feel more prepared to purchase a home and would recommend this workshop to others planning to buy a home. PRG, Inc. offered everyone who attended the seminar a free code to attend a Home Stretch class, which is a value of $40. The next event is scheduled to take place in April. 5 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org The City of Brooklyn Center is collaborating with Hennepin County Public Library (Brookdale) to host a film and discussion series. Join us monthly as we celebrate and learn about the history of ethnic populations and how they have contributed to the culture and heritage of various communities. This new event will kick-off this month with a viewing of the 1989 American war film “Glory” on Saturday, February 23. Thanks to everyone who is planning to join us. Remember to mark your calendar for our next film and discussion to be held on Saturday, March 30, from 1-3:30pm at the Community Center (Constitution Hall). Visit cityofbrooklyncenter.org each month for upcoming films. BROOKLYN CENTER AND BROOKLYN PARK HOST JOINT CENSUS 2020 COALITION MEETING On Wednesday, December 5, 2018 the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park hosted a joint 2020 Census Coalition meeting at Northport Elementary (Brooklyn Center). Both communities have many residents who have been traditionally undercounted in previous census counts. The purpose of the meeting was to convene a coalition of community organizations, community leaders, cultural leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders who could help engage “hard to count” populations in our cities. Council Members from both communities encouraged community partners to join our outreach efforts and invite others to upcoming events. During the meeting, event attendees learned reasons why they should care about Census 2020, Why is it uniquely important to the Brooklyns and How Census data is used. During the next year, residents from both communities will notice shared outreach strategies and messaging to ensure a complete count of the Brooklyns in 2020. Next steps include bringing more partners together for action planning. In order to be successful, we need your help. Mark your calendar and attend our next Census 2020 Community Meeting in April. For more information on event date and time visit, cityofbrooklyncenter.org or brooklynpark.org. Pictured l to r: Dr. Reggie Edwards, Deputy City Manager (Brooklyn Center), Dr. Angel R. Smith, Communications and Community Engagement Manager (Brooklyn Center), Council Member Terry Parks (Brooklyn Park), Council Member Dan Ryan (Brooklyn Center), Council Member Susan Pha (Brooklyn Park), Xiongpao “Xp” Lee, Community Liaison (Brooklyn Park), and Josie Shardlow, Community Engagement Manager (Brooklyn Park). Upcoming Heritage Celebrations 2019 Take time to learn more about the history of ethnic populations and how they have contributed to the culture and heritage of our community. Here are upcoming Heritage Celebrations. FEBRUARY AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH MARCH IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH MARCH 25 GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY APRIL 14 PAN AMERICAN DAY SAVE THE DATE Brooklyn Center’s First Annual Community Health Fair Work Well. Live Well. Be Well. April 22 - April 27 Citywide health celebration: April 27 from 9am-4pm at Brooklyn Center Community Center. The goal of this initiative is to increase visibility of health and wellness resources within the Brooklyn Center community, increase personal health awareness, and provide a variety of health screenings and education. This is a joint initiative between the City of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Center Community Schools (BCCS). Visit our website for vendor and/ or sponsor packets or additional event information. 6 FEBRUARY 2019, Edition 208 NEWS Ci t y Community Engagement NEIGHBORHOOD ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM Calling all neighbors and business owners! As part of the city’s community engagement efforts the Communication and Community Engagement Division will host a series of Neighborhood Engagement meetings March through May 2019. During each meeting, attendees will meet the city’s Neighborhood Engagement Liaison team and hear about their work. Additionally, attendees will learn about upcoming engagement opportunities designed to improve the physical, social and economic structures in each neighborhood. Lastly, attendee will learn how our staff can provide support as neighbors collaborate with one another and the city to maintain and/or improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. Visit the city’s website for information such as meeting locations, time and/or to view a map. Neighborhood Day Event Date Time Shingle Creek Tuesday 3/19/2019 TBD Evergreen Saturday 3/23/2019 9:30 - 11:00am Garden City Saturday 3/23/2019 12:00 - 1:30pm Bellevue Wednesday 3/27/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm Lions Thursday 3/28/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm Kylawn Wednesday 4/10/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm Firehouse Thursday 4/11/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm East Palmer Tuesday 4/16/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm Grand View Friday 4/19/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm Willow Lane Saturday 4/20/2019 12:00 - 1:30pm West Palmer Saturday 4/20/2019 9:30 - 11:00am Riverwood Tuesday 4/30/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm Happy Hallow Wednesday 5/8/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm Orchard Thursday 5/9/2019 6:30 - 8:00pm Middle Twin Saturday 5/11/2019 9:30 - 11:00am Upper Twin Saturday 5/11/2019 12:00 - 1:30pm BEAUTIFICATION AND PUBLIC ART PLAN TASK FORCE Brooklyn Center wants you! Forecast Public Art, a nationally recognized arts consultancy located in the Twin Cities, is developing a beautification and public art plan for the City of Brooklyn Center and we need your help! The plan seeks to establish a new citywide program that helps attracts and retain artists and creative businesses, creates opportunities for all types of local artists, and builds the reputation of Brooklyn Center as a regional cultural destination. The City’s artful new street banners are one idea that has already gotten off the ground! Help us shape the plan! We’re looking for residents and individuals who work in BC to serve on a short-term Planning Task Force, as well as folks who’d like to join in a fun and engaging focus group to share your ideas about what kind of future you’d like to see in Brooklyn Center—as a place to live, work and visit. Visit the City’s website for ways to be considered for the Task Force or the Focus Groups. STREET BANNER PROJECT UPDATE Calling all Brooklyn Center residents and community groups interested in participating in phases 2-4 of our street banner project. Photoshoots will take place this Winter at various locations throughout the city. We will hang images selected for banners Spring/Summer 2019. Any photo not selected for the banner project may be used in other marketing material as it pertains to the City’s Beautification and Public Art initiative. RSVP is not required to participate, all that we ask is for you to choose a date/location, bring your photo i.d. and come ready to smile. Continue to connect with us through social media or visit our website for announcement of additional dates, times and photoshoot locations. A huge thank you to our partners and everyone who helped make Phase 1 of this project a success – our children look amazing! Upcoming Photoshoots Monday, March 4 (5-7pm) The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center, 6121 Brooklyn Blvd Wednesday, March 13 (1-3pm) CEAP, 7051 Brooklyn Blvd 7 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org Thank You Commissioners! The City of Brooklyn Center is very fortunate to have many dedicated residents willing to serve on commissions. These commissions provide an opportunity for residents to assist the City Council in reviewing many important issues facing the City of Brooklyn Center. There are five City advisory commissions, two multi-city commissions, as well as the court-appointed Charter Commission. The City Council would like to thank these commissioners for their dedicated service. Charter Commission Mark Goodell, Chair Mawuli Blabuh Charlene Johnson Abraham Rizvi Donald Bumgarner Stanley Leion Judy Thorbus Gail Ebert Robert Marvin Susan Warner Kathryn Ellgren Mary O’Connor Mark Yelich Michael Elliott Beverly Rieschl Financial Commission Teneshia Kragness, Chair Anna Burke Tia Hedenland Jeffrey Dobbs Abate Terefe David Dwapu Dean Van Der Werf Housing Commission Mark Goodell, Chair Kathie Amdahl David Johnson Joan Schonning Tamika Baskin Paul Oman Michael Stokes Park and Recreation Commission Bud Sorenson, Chair Travis Bonovsky Gail Ebert Judy Thorbus Jill Dalton Thomas Shinnick Jerome Witalka Planning Commission Randall Christensen, Chair Alexander Koenig Stephen Schonning John MacMillan Rochelle Sweeney Abraham Rizvi Susan Tad Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission Darryl Sannes Shingle Creek & West Mississippi Watershed Managment Commissions David Vlasin David Mulla Sister City Commission Issa Mansaray Jacob Saffert Tashawna Williams Anthony Ochoada Sheku Samba Commission Openings Financial Commission The Financial Commission is seeking three individuals to serve on the commission. The commission assists the City Council in evaluating and developing fiscal policies, fiscal procedures, Mayor and Council Member total compensation, budgetary and capital matters, and such other issues as may be assigned to the Commission by the City Council or referred to it by the City Manager. Commissioners serve a three-year term. The Commission is composed of a Chairperson and six members. To qualify, you must be a Brooklyn Center resident while serving on the Commission and have an interest in the financial operations of the City. The Financial Commission meets at City Hall the third Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, as well as in joint session with the City Council during the budget planning process. Planning Commission The Planning Commission is seeking three individuals to serve on the commission. The commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council on issues related to planning, zoning, sign, and subdivision matters. To qualify for membership, you must be a Brooklyn Center resident while serving on the Commission, shall have been a resident for at least one year prior to the appointment, and represent a broad range of interest in the planning function. The Planning Commission meets on Thursday following the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. Application Process Apply at Brooklyn Center City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, or visit the City’s web site at www. cityofbrooklyncenter.org, or contact City Clerk Barb Suciu at 763- 569-3306 or bsuciu@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us. Final appointment will be made by the Mayor and City Council. Charter Commission The Charter Commission is seeking four individuals to serve on the commission. The commission reviews the existing charter, considers proposed changes and makes recommendations to the City Council, and safeguards the concept of Home-Rule under the existing charter and Home Rule provisions in the State Statutes. The commission meets quarterly; commissioners serve a four-year term, and may serve unlimited successive terms. The applicant must be a qualified voter in Brooklyn Center. Interested persons may call City Clerk Barb Suciu at 763-569-3306 for information or visit the City’s web site at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org. Final appointment will be made by the Chief Judge of Fourth Judicial District Court. HEART SAFE 8 FEBRUARY 2019, Edition 208 NEWS Ci t y Community Safety FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT Have you ever considered becoming a firefighter? The Brooklyn Center Fire Department (BCFD) is actively recruiting firefighters. This is an exciting part- time and on-call position in emergency services that will challenge your mind and your body. The continuous training and learning experience is like no other. Whatever your goal happens to be, if you are motivated, physically fit and meet the basic requirements; this is an opportunity to serve your community while continuing to work in your chosen career. Being a Brooklyn Center firefighter is a unique paid part-time job with both scheduled and unscheduled response hours that are not predictable. Our firefighters work full-time in other careers, then attend training, work duty crew shifts and respond outside of their normal job hours. Over 80% of fire department in Minnesota and the Twin Cities operate this way. This job requires a strong commitment and motivation to progress through training and meet ongoing department requirements. Requirements (at time of application): 18 years old Process after application (by invitation): High school diploma or GED Written examination Live within a six-minute response to one of our two fire stations (as determined by BCFD) Personal Interview Criminal background check Driving record check Motivated, physically fit and able to commit the time and to department requirements Physical agility test Psychological exam Medical exam Training commitment (all training provided): General department orientation and training (ongoing) Emergency Medical Responder (40 Hours) Firefighter I & II (140 Hours)Fire Apparatus Operator (40 Hours) Hazardous Materials Operational Level (40 Hours) Emergency Vehicle Operator (8 hours) The Hands Only CPR program is still going strong. To date, we have taught close to 4,000 people. Due to taking our Hands Only CPR class, a community member helped save a life in another City. We want the number of people trained in CPR to continue to grow. We will continue offering free CPR and AED classes to any Brooklyn Center Business, Youth and/or Adult Group, Church or School. These classes can be held at your facility or at the Fire Station. Fact: Just by pushing on someone’s chest, keeping the blood circulating to vital organs, a person in Sudden Cardiac Arrest chance of survival can increase by 85%. Let’s make this and all communities a safer place to work, live and play by having more and more people trained in Hands Only CPR. For more information or to set up classes, please contact: Brandon Gautsch, Fire Inspector, Public Fire and Life Safety Educator, Heart Safe Coordinator at 763-549-3642. Benefits: Firefighters are paid an hourly wage for all activities. The training provided is extensive, challenging, and may be applicable to other careers. Firefighters also participate in the Brooklyn Center Firefighter Relief Association, eligible for a pension after 10+ years of service. In addition, you will join the fire service and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of the Brooklyn Center Firefighter family. 2019 Recruitment Timeline • Applications opened February 1, 2019 • Active recruiting: Year-round The process of the written exam, interviews, physical ability testing, background checks, driving history check, psychological examination and medical examination will be done by invitation and on a case by case throughout the year. LEARN MORE: Access the Fire Department web site: www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org/fire 2019 SAVE THE DATE April 16 Police and Citizen Awards 7:00-9:00pm (CC) 9 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org BCPD Hosts SHOP WITH A COP On December 6th the Brooklyn Center Police Department participated in one of two Shop with a Cop Programs. We hosted school social workers and several families from area Brooklyn Center schools. We asked the school’s social workers to complete an application on youth they believe were in need. We had 15 kids at Walmart and it went great. The kids were very excited to shop for their parents and siblings. The first and unfortunately last Shop With a Cop at Brooklyn Center’s Target was held on Thursday, December 13. We hosted 17 kids and Target gave each family member a bag of numerous essentials to take home. PREVENTING AUTO THEFTS With the cooler months upon us, we need to remember a few basic tips so that we do not become victims of auto theft or theft from autos. • Lock your vehicle. • Do NOT leave valuables visible in your car. Lock them in your trunk before you reach your destination. Even small items such as loose change or sunglasses can be attractive to a thief. • Do NOT leave your vehicle running unattended with the keys in the ignition to warm up. It takes only seconds for a thief drive away with your car. • Under Brooklyn Center City Ordinance 27-122, which applies to unattended motor vehicles, it is a misdemeanor to leave a vehicle unattended without stopping the engine and removing the keys; you can be ticketed for this! Vehicle remote start systems where the key is removed from the ignition are exempt from ordinance 27-122. • Know your vehicle – especially if it is a ‘push button’ or ‘proximity key’ enabled vehicle. Some vehicles can be driven without the key inside of the vehicle or in the ignition. Test your car before leaving it running unattended or ask your vehicle dealer or mechanic about how your vehicle operates. • If your vehicle can be driven without the keys in the ignition or a key fob inside of the vehicle, you can be ticketed for violation of ordinance 27-122. • The best option for warming up your vehicle is utilizing a remote engine start system! If you have questions, please contact Auto Theft Officer, Brandon Zabel at 763-503-3240 or bzabel@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us BROOKLYN CENTER’S ADA TRANSITION PLAN The City of Brooklyn Center will be looking for public comments in regards to the City’s draft ADA Transition Plan. The draft plan address facilities within the City’s Public Rights of Way like pedestrian ramps, sidewalks and signalized crossings at intersections as it relates to the American’s with Disabilities Act. For more information on engagement opportunities, connect with us through social media at cityofbrooklyncenter.org/socialmedia, visit our website at cityofbrooklyncenter.org or contact Public Works at publicworks@ ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us with questions. 10 FEBRUARY 2019, Edition 208 NEWS Ci t y Save the Dates! BINS AND BARRELS SALE Help yourself, help your wallet and help your earth at the same time. Purchase a rain barrel and/or a compost bin at a reduced price through the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM). Starting in March you can pre-order a bin, barrel or kitchen collector pail on the RAM website recycleminnesota.org/work/compost- bins-rain-barrels. New this year, Brooklyn Center residents get a $20 discount and you may also choose to pick up your order at the Brooklyn Park Operations & Maintenance Facility on Saturday, May 4. Use the discount code HRG when ordering. Food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels, stale bread, wilted lettuce, coffee grounds, egg shells, and tea bags as well as weeds, faded flowers, and vines are among the things you can put into your compost instead of your garbage. Compost can be used as mulch and plant food in your yard. Keeping organic waste out of your garbage reduces your trash volume so you could switch to a smaller garbage cart and save money. Capture rain in a rain barrel and have a free source of water for your garden. In addition to saving you money, rain barrels can keep moisture away from your foundation and prevent debris from washing into our storm sewers. SPECIAL MATERIALS DROP-OFF DAY Spring cleaning may leave you with a pile of stuff to get rid of. Here’s your chance to recycle those items that can be recycled, but can’t go in your recycling cart. Drop off your mattresses, carpet, electronics, appliances, tires, scrap metal, bikes, batteries and more at Brooklyn Park’s Operations & Maintenance facility, 8300 Noble Ave N. on Saturday, April 27 from 8:00am to 3:00 pm. Fees may be charged for some items. There will also be free paper shredding. The Special Materials Drop-Off Day is open to residents of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal and New Hope. For more information including a complete list of what is accepted visit www. hrg-recycling.com or call 763-493-8006. Yard Waste Site Opens April 1 Get rid of those leaves, brush and other yard waste for free at the Maple Grove Yard Waste Site starting April 1. The site is located at 10300 Maple Grove Parkway. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 8am to 7pm and Sunday noon to 7pm. For more information visit www.mgyardwaste.com or call HRG at 763-493-8006. 11 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org SHARE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS ONLINE The Community Bulletin Board is offered as a free public service. For more information visit www. cityofbrooklyncenter.org/BulletinBoard. CURBSIDE CLEANUP COMING IN APRIL Get ready to do to some heavy-duty spring cleaning. In April the city will hold a Bulky Waste Curbside Clean Up. The city is divided into six zones (see map) and on the day of collection in your zone trucks will be going down your street to pick up your unwanted items. You will be able to get rid of up to two appliances, unusable furniture, mattresses, carpet, material from your home improvement project and general junk. Place the material at the curb on your pick-up day and our crews will take it away. Items not accepted include: TVs and computers, tires, railroad ties, paint and hazardous material. If you’re not sure about an item, call 763-493-8006. Set your items out before 7 a.m. on collection day, but not more than two days before the pick-up day. There’s no need to make an appointment, however, trucks will only go down the street once – no return trips. Look for a postcard that will have instructions on how to prepare your material for collection. This program is available to all residents in single-family homes, townhomes and multi-unit buildings up to eight units that participate in the curbside recycling program. Residential waste only; no contractor or business-related materials. FROZEN WATER LINES When the weather is cold there is a potential for your water service to freeze in your yard or out in the street and prevent your home from getting water as was experienced by Brooklyn Center residents in the winter of 2015. Here are guidelines to follow if you suspect that your waterline may be frozen: 1. If you have had a frozen water service in the past, you may receive a letter from the Utility Department to get on the waterline freeze prevention program depending on frost depths. Make sure you follow through with the requirements of the program. 2. If you experience no or reduced water pressure, please call the City immediately. Staff will come out and determine if you have a frozen water service. 3. If the waterline is frozen, you can voluntarily receive a Frozen Water Service Line Repair Agreement and Waiver. Once this is signed, the City will make every effort to assist the homeowner with thawing of the water service. 4. Once the water service is thawed, you may voluntarily get on the freeze prevention program. If we are unsuccessful in thawing your water service, the City will provide guidance for other options. If your pipes are frozen or if you have questions, please contact the Utility Billing Division at (763) 569-3390, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, contact 911 (Hennepin County Dispatch) and City Public Works staff will be notified. City CONTACTS Council Members Mayor Mike Elliott Voicemail: (763) 569-3449 mayorelliott@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 Printed on recycled paper 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) 585-7100 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 City COUNCIL MEETINGS City Council Regular Session meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7pm. Informal Open Forum is held at 6:45pm 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 6:30pm and Wednesdays at 2:30am and 10:30am. 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. 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 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 2170