HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 EDITION 214 WINTERPick up your free
event light at the
Green Lights
Initiative event on
February 28 or at
any city office
after March 3.
Check the city website
for times and locations.
You will find more Census
Information on page 7.
CITY OF
BROOKLYN CENTER
“BC Counts Census Campaign”
The Green Lights Initiative
Minnesota’s Projected Census 2020 undercount
for Brooklyn Center is 7,156. As part of our effort
to prevent an undercount in our community we
are initiating an engagement program to bring
friends, neighbors, businesses and families
together from all walks of life in support of the
2020 Census. Anyone choosing to participate
(resident, property owner, building manager,
business, renter, etc.) will receive a Green
LED light bulb, while supplies last. The free
green light bulb will be available at various city
buildings, schools and partnering non-profits
for residents to pick up so that they may switch
out their porch lights starting Friday, February
28. Each evening beginning in February through
April, green lights will be lit around the Brooklyn
Center community.
Community Hot Beverages S'mores Prizes Entertainment
PRESENTS
The lights are a symbol that the
Brooklyn Center community:
Believes everyone matters and will
be counted starting April 1
Encourages an open dialogue
about Census 2020
The entire community is invited to
join the Mayor, City Council and staff
at “The Green Lights Initiative” kickoff
celebration on Friday, February 28,
2020 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm in front
of Brooklyn Center City Hall. During
that time we will be lighting various
city buildings green in recognition
of Census 2020. Please dress for the
weather and prepare to have fun.
IN THIS ISSUE
Beautification and Public Art 2
Interactive Neighborhood Map 2
Election Day – Tuesday, March 3 4
Polling Locations 5
Census 2020 Coalition Meeting 7
Citywide Neighborhood Garage Sale 8
Liquor Store Opening Ceremony 8
Home Buying Seminar 8
Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Project 8
Heritage Movie Showing 9
Community Cleanup 9
Phone Scams 10
Frozen Water Lines 11
Water Efficiency Rebate Program 11
Employment Opportunities 11
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City of Brooklyn Center
Celebrating the news, events & cultures that connect us FEBRUARY 2020, Edition 214
(NEW) Interactive
Neighborhood Map
Looking for information about your
neighborhood? We have a map for that!
We're excited to announce the launch of
our new, interactive neighborhood map.
The new map is packed with information
and allows you to find your neighborhood,
links to school districts, recycle & waste, election
and polling locations, public safety information and more. The
map can be accessed by visiting https://bit.ly/2RmBny3.
2 February 2020, Edition 214
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City News
Beautification and Public
Art Cultural Dialogue
On Monday, January 6, a Beautification
and Public Art Cultural dialogue was held
at CEAP (Brooklyn Center). This was the
first engagement event to take place for the
New Year. “Over the last year we have really stressed community
engagement in everything that we are doing. We think that this
will make us a better city, a more livable city, it is going to make
us a more community focused city,” said Mayor Mike Elliott.
During the dialogue session, attendees were able to share
their thoughts and opinions about honoring, celebrating and
supporting the diverse arts and culture throughout Brooklyn
Center, and ways to improve our shared public spaces. The
illustration shown below was inspired by some of the comments
and responses heard by project artist Witt Siasoco, Forecast
Public Art. Visit the city’s website to learn more about upcoming
Beautification and Public Art events.
Street Banner, Sign Exhibit
and Celebration: On
Monday, December 16 the
City of Brooklyn Center, in
partnership with Brooklyn
Center Community Schools,
hosted a Street Banner Sign
Exhibit and Celebration at the
Brookdale Library. Attendees
viewed a collage of all photos
taken, as well as, those selected
to appear on the city's new
street banners. See more event
highlights in April newsletter.
3 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
2019 City Highlights
The City of Brooklyn Center teamed up with North
Memorial for the collection of Toys for Tots toy
drive. We are very excited to announce that the
Toys for Tots donation drive for the 2019 holiday
season ended with a whopping toys
donated!
The collection was 235 more toys than 2018.
Incredible!
Thank you to everyone within Brooklyn Center who
participated in making the holiday season a little bit
brighter for those in need.
Brooklnk Interns
Hired In 2019
The Fire Department's purchase of a Lund Predator boat in
was a highlight of their equipment purchases.
Within the Police Department’s lobby is a drug take
back box. For 2019, we properly disposed of
pounds of unused and unneeded
medications. In 2018, the first year of
having the box we collected 181 lbs. There is another
take back box at the Brooklyn Center library.
Brooklyn Center received the 2018 Water Fluoridation
Quality Award from the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention for our consistent and professional
adjustment of fluoride content to the recommended
level for oral health for consecutive months
in the year 2018. 19
951
123
2019
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Election Day March 3
Presidential Nomination Primary Election
The Presidential Nomination Primary Election (PNP) is March
3, 2020 and the polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. Unlike
any other election, the outcome of the PNP does not directly
determine the names of any candidates that will appear on
the State General ballot. The purpose of the PNP Election is
for voters who identify with a major political party to vote
for a presidential candidate who they wish for their party to
nominate as the candidate on the November State General
ballot.
Voters will be required to indicate the name of the political
party they wish to vote for, and that choice will be marked in
the roster. The voter will be given the ballot that corresponds
to the indicated party. Sample ballots for the PNP are available
at City Hall.
Uncommitted option
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party has requested that an
“uncommitted” option be placed on the ballot. If a voter
chooses “uncommitted”, they are voting to have delegates
sent to their party’s national nominating convention without
being “bound” to support a specific candidate.
Candidates dropping out
The deadline for major political parties participating in the
Presidential Nomination Primary was December 31, 2019. If
a candidate has dropped out between December 31, 2019
and the Presidential Primary date, March 3, 2020, will remain
on the ballot. For questions about which candidates have
dropped out, contact your party directly.
Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
255 E. Plato Blvd
Saint Paul, MN 55107
(651) 293-1200
Republican Party of Minnesota
2200 E. Franklin Ave, Suite 201
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(651) 222-0022
Minnesota’s two other major political parties. The Grassroots
Legalize Cannabis Party and the Legal Marijuana Now Party
are not participating in the Presidential Nomination Primary.
Can you vote?
You are qualified to vote in Minnesota if:
• You are 18 years old on Election Day;
• You are a citizen of the United States;
• You have been a Minnesota resident for at least 20 days
before Election Day;
• You have any felony conviction record discharged,
expired, or completed;
• You are not under court-ordered guardianship where the
court has revoked your voting rights; and
• You have not have been ruled legally incompetent by a
court of law.
5 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Polling Locations
Precinct 1 Brooklyn Center Community Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Precinct 5 Garden City Elementary School
3501 65th Ave N
Precinct 2 Brooklyn Center Community Center,
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Precinct 6 Northport Elementary School
5421 Brooklyn Blvd
Precinct 3 Evergreen Elementary School
7020 Dupont Ave N
Precinct 7 Brooklyn Center West Fire Station
6250 Brooklyn Blvd
Precinct 4 Spiritual Life Church
6865 Shingle Creek Parkway
If you have any questions regarding elections, please
contact the City Clerk at 763-569-3306.
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Election Day Registration
Absentee and
Early Voting
Absentee voting continues
through Monday, February 24
at the City Hall during regular
business hours, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday.
You must re-register to vote if
you have moved, changed your
name or have not voted within
the past four years. You may
register in person at Brooklyn Center
City Hall 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday
through Friday.
Early Voting begins on Tuesday,
February 25 at the Brooklyn Center
Community Center Cohen Room with
regular business hours, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday. Additionally, we
will be open February 29 from 10 am to
3 pm and March 2 from 8 am to 5 pm.
You can request an absentee application
online at sos.state.mn.us/elections-
voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-
by-mail or by emailing elections@
ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us or call 763-
569-3300.
Voters may also register by showing a combination of one picture ID from Column 1 along with one authorized document,
rent statement or student fee statement from Column 2.
Column 1 Column 2
Approved Photo IDs must contain the voter's name and
photo. It may contain the voter's old address, have no
address or can be expired.
* Driver's license, state ID card or learner's permit issued
by any state
* U.S. Military ID
* Tribal ID
* U.S Passport
* Veteran's ID
* Minnesota university, college or technical college ID card
* Minnesota high school ID card
Authorized documents (paper or shown electronically) must
have voter's current name and address in the precinct.
1. Residential Lease or Rental Agreement if valid through
Election Day
2. Current student fee statement
3. Bill, account or start of service statement due or dated
within 30 days of the election for:
* Phone (landline, cell, VOIP, etc.) * Electric, gas or water
* TV (cable, satellite, etc.) * Internet services
* Solid waste or sewer services * Banking or credit card
* Rent or mortgage payments
Voters registering to vote on Election Day must provide proof
of residence from one of the following items (stand-alone
documents).
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or
Minnesota Identification Card (or receipt) – showing
current name and address in the precinct.
• Tribal ID – issued by the tribal government of the tribe
recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that contains
the name, address, signature and picture of the individual.
• Voucher – oath of a voter registered in the precinct
who can verify the registrant’s address in the precinct. A
voucher may vouch for no more than 8 persons in each election.
• Residential Facility Employee – of a facility located within the precinct
whose name appears on the certified list provided to the precinct from
Hennepin County, may vouch for an unlimited number of residents of
their facility.
• A voucher form, found on the back of the Registration Application, must
be signed by the person vouching for the voter and by an election judge.
• A voter who is vouched for cannot vouch for another voter at this election.
• Challengers cannot serve as vouchers.
• Voucher must leave the polling place as soon as the vouching process is
complete.
• Notice of Late Registration – sent from the Hennepin County Elections Office.
• Valid Registration Within Precinct – applies only if the voter has changed their
name or moved within the same precinct.
• Current Students – student ID plus a certified housing list from within the
jurisdiction where the student is registering and voting.
Upcoming Heritage
Celebrations 2020
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
7 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Census 2020 Coalition Meetings
On Thursday, January 9, the Brooklyns Census 2020 Coalition convened at
CAPI. The event was well attended, it was standing room only. During the
meeting, attendees were able to:
• Learn about Census jobs • Network
• Participate in videos of cultural
leaders
• Receive answers to questions
• Hear about how to form a
Complete Count Committee (CCC)
• Share support/resources
needed to do effective outreach
• Give input on April 1 Census Day event
Our next scheduled meeting is Thursday, February 20 from 6 - 8 pm at the
Brooklyn Center Fire Hall (6250 Brooklyn Boulevard).
We will also co-host a Brooklyns Census 2020 Coalition Pep Rally on
Saturday, March 28 at the Brooklyn Park, Community Activity Center.
City Offices Closed
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
PRESIDENTS' DAY
Citywide Neighborhood
Garage Sale
Saturday, July 25
Brooklyn Center will host our first citywide
Neighborhood Garage Sale on Saturday, July 25.
Why the citywide Neighborhood Garage Sale?
An opportunity to meet neighbors.
To show community pride by helping to promote trade.
Helps residents clear the clutter out of their homes and
encourages reuse, putting unwanted items back into circulation.
How to participate in the 2020 Neighborhood Garage Sale?
Plan to go shopping.
Register and plan to hold a garage sale by selling reusable items
and buying items from others . Registration information will be
available in March on the city website.
How do I find which neighborhood I reside in?
Visit https://bit.ly/2RmBny3 to view our new Interactive
Neighborhood Map.
Volunteers are needed! If interested in assisting with planning for your
neighborhood, please email info@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us. Remember
to provide your name and contact information.
Liquor Store Opening Ceremony
Monday, March 2
Home Buying Seminar
February 27
Brookdale Library
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
If you are considering buying a home in Brooklyn
Center, come to this free event to learn more
from industry professionals about the home
buying and mortgage process.
Brooklyn Boulevard
Corridor Project - Phase 2
Open House: April
Brooklyn Center, in coordination
with Hennepin County, is preparing
for reconstruction and streetscape
improvements in 2021 on a Brooklyn
Boulevard (County Road 152) between
Bass Lake Road (County Road 10) and
Interstate 94.
Watch for further details at
cityofbrooklyncenter.org/BBP2 or follow
facebook.com/BrooklynCenterMNBrooklyn Center’s 2nd Annual Community Health
Fair Citywide Celebration July 11 · 9 am - 1 pm
The goal of this initiative is to increase visibility of health and
wellness resources within the Brooklyn Center community, increase
personal health awareness, provide a variety of health screenings and
education, and motivate attendees to make a positive health behavior
change. 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 in March.
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Upcoming Events
9 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Save the Date
Heritage Movie Showing
Join us on the following dates as we celebrate and learn
about the history of ethnic populations and how they have
contributed to the culture and heritage of various communities.
Collaborators: Hennepin County Library, Brookdale and City of
Brooklyn Center. Saturdays from 1 - 3 pm in Room C
Saturday February 29 Glory (1989)
Saturday March 14 The Quiet Man (1952)
Saturday May 23 Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Saturday June 20 Moko Jumbie (2017)
Saturday September 19 West Side Story (1961)
Saturday October 17 Rocky (1976)
Saturday November 21 The Seventh Fire (2016)
Brookdale Library 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
612.543.5600 | hclib.org
MOVIES
AT THE
LIBRARY
Protect Yourself from Phone Scams
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR FAKE SOCIAL SECURITY CALLS
There are many telephone scams going on. Scammers are trying to trick you
into giving them your personal information and money. Don’t be fooled!
Scammers pretend they’re from the Social Security Administration. The number
you see on caller ID may even look like an official government number but it is
not. The caller may say there is a problem with your Social Security number or
account. They may ask you to give them personal information like your Social
Security Number or bank account. They may tell you to fix the problem or to
avoid arrest you must pay a fine or fee using retail gift cards, pre-paid debit
cards, wire transfers, or cash.
These calls are not from the Social Security Administration. Here are some
ways to help you protect yourself.
Social Security will not:
• Threaten you.
• Tell you that your Social Security Number has been or might be
suspended.
• Call you to demand an immediate payment.
• Ask you for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• Require a specific means of debt repayment, like a pre-paid debit card, a
retail gift card, or cash.
• Demand that you pay a Social Security debt without the ability to appeal
the amount you owe.
• Promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for
information or money.
• Request personal or financial information through email, text messages,
or social media.
Social Security will:
• Sometimes call you to confirm you filed
for a claim or to discuss other ongoing
business you have with them.
• Mail you a letter if there is a problem.
• Mail you a letter if you need to submit
payments that will have detailed
information about options to make
payments and the ability to appeal the
decision.
• Use emails, text messages, and social
media to provide general information
(not personal or financial information)
on its programs and services if you have
signed up to receive these messages.
If you receive a suspicious call from
someone alleging to be from Social Security,
please:
• Hang up right away.
• Never give your personal information,
money, or retail gift cards.
• Report the scam at oig.ssa.gov/ to
Social Security’s law enforcement team
at the Office of the Inspector General
(OIG).
• Please share this information with your
family and friends.
March 4
Phase 1 Crime Free Training
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cohen Room
April 21
Awards Ceremony
7 - 9 pm
Constitution Hall
(Community Center)
SAVE THE DATE
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Safe Communities
11 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Water Efficiency
Rebate Program
To encourage water conservation,
the City of Brooklyn Center
has received a grant from the
Metropolitan Council to establish
a rebate program to reduce municipal
water use in both residential and commercial
properties within the city. The rebate is 75% of the cost of the
item, up to a maximum of $50 for WaterSense toilets, $100
for Energy Star washing machines and $200 for WaterSense
irrigation controls, sprinkler heads, and/or rain sensors.
Payment will be made upon successful completion of work
and submission of payment rebate request form accompanied
by original receipts for expenses. Payment is only for
equipment cost. Labor charges are not applicable for rebates.
Reimbursements will be issued on a first come first served basis
until June 30, 2022 or until funds are exhausted, whichever
comes first. To learn more visit cityofbrooklyncenter.org or
contact Andrew Hogg at 763-569-3327.
We currently have the following
openings:
• EBHC Custodian/Set Crew –PT - ongoing
• Aquatic Group Fitness Instructor – PT - ongoing
• EBHC Set Crew/Custodian – PT – ongoing
• Fire Fighter – PT – ongoing
• Lifeguard – PT – ongoing
• Liquor Store Clerk – PT – ongoing
• Neighborhood Engagement Liaison – PT ongoing
Look for Cold Drafts - Check for unheated areas
and take measures to prevent the flow of cold
air.
Insulate Pipes - Installing specific products made
to insulate water pipes such as a pipe sleeve
or installing UL-listed heat tape, heat cable or
similar materials on exposed pipes.
Protect Garage Pipes - Keep garage door closed
when very cold.
Seal Home for Winter - Repair broken windows,
check doors and insulate areas that allow cold
exterior air to enter.
Be Prepared When Traveling - Keep your
thermostat set at 60 degrees or higher and have
someone check your house regularly.
Winterize Outside Faucets - Ensure they are
turned off and disconnected.
How to Prevent Frozen Services
Pipes, Water Meter and Plumbing
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
TWIN CITIES MN
PERMIT NO. 2170
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
Recreation & 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 cityofbrooklyncenter.org.
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199
cityofbrooklyncenter.org
e-mail: info@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
City Hall (763) 569-3300
Job Information Line (763) 569-3307