HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 EDITION 215 SPRING “BC Counts Census Campaign”Green Lights Initiative For the 2020 Census
Community members were invited to join the Mayor as well as
the City Council and staff at “The Green Lights Initiative” kick-
off celebration on Friday, February 28 in front of City Hall. That
evening, City Hall was the first of the city department buildings
to be illuminated green for the census. Later census messages in
various languages were projected on the Crest apartment building
across from City Hall and the water tower over-looking Highway
100. These messages are visible every evening through mid-April for
community members and visitors to see. In the weeks leading up to
April 1, community members will notice more city department buildings joining in
the Green Lights Initiative, as well as residents and participating business owners.
Any resident or business choosing to participate in this campaign can pick up their
Green LED light bulb at various city buildings; then switch out a home, porch or
room light. The lights are a symbol that the Brooklyn Center community believes
everyone matters and we will encourage everyone to be counted starting April 1.
Are you a BC resident? If so, pick up your light today! Available at the following
locations:
City Hall / Community Center*
6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
*Mon-Sat 8:30am-9pm
*Sun 1-5pm
Fire Station (West)
6250 Brooklyn Blvd
Everyday 10am-9pm
If staff is not present they may be
responding to a fire call, in that case
check back later
Police Station
6645 Humboldt Ave N
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Public Works
6844 Shingle Creek Pkwy
Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm
In This Issue
A Note About Coronavirus 2
Interactive Neighborhood Map 2
Community Health Fair 2020 3
Council Member Filings 4
New Liquor Store Officially Opens 4
Meeting in a Box 5
Summer Open Gym 6
DBE + MWSBE Showcase 7
Shingle Creek Clean Up 7
Special Materials Drop-Off Day 8
Yard Waste Site Opens April 1 8
World Refugee Day 8
Bins and Barrels Sale 9
New BCPD Uniform Patch 10
New Citizen’s Academy 10
Thank You Volunteers! 11
Construction Projects Coming Soon 12
Hydrant Flushing 13
Brooklyn Boulevard Open House 14
Watering Restrictions 15
NEWSCityCity of Brooklyn Center
Celebrating the news, events & cultures that connect us April 2020, Edition 215
2 April 2020, Edition 215
NEWS
CityCityCity News
A Note About Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
As we continue to learn more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
the City of Brooklyn Center is taking precautions by continuing
to monitor this situation daily. We are following the guidance of
the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) who is providing
regular updates along with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and Hennepin County. Brooklyn Center has a
Pandemic Plan in place and our emergency preparedness staff
are in close consultation with public health officials. To help
ensure a safe and healthy space for all, please remember the
following tips provided by the CDC for prevention:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the
tissue in the trash
• Get enough sleep to help stay healthy
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects, and surfaces
using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least
20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom; before
eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water is unavailable, use an alcohol based hand
sanitizer.
For updates on (COVID-19), please use the following resources:
• Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) –
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) –
www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
• Hennepin County –
www.hennepin.us/residents/emergencies/covid-19
• Brooklyn Center NotifyMe Alerts –
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org/notifyme
The state of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general
questions about coronavirus at 651-201-3920.
City Co-Hosts DED
Celebration
The Organization of Liberians in
Minnesota (OLM) in partnership
with the City of Brooklyn Center,
hosted a celebration event on Saturday
January 25, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., at the Brooklyn Center
Community Center, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn
Center, MN 55430.
The event was designed to celebrate and honor the roles,
contribution, and support of all leaders and groups, who
contributed to the success associated with the recent
signing into law of the NDAA Senate Bill S. 1790. The
Minnesota Immigration Coalition includes the OLM, the
Liberian Ministers Association (LMA), African Immigrant
Services (AIS), Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center,
DED holders, and other community leaders.
The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF), which
is section 711 of the National Defense Authorization
Act, accelerates a pathway to citizenship for Liberians on
temporarily legal reliefs. The Provision, contained in the
National Defense Authorization Act, covers Liberians on
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), Temporary Protected
Status (TPS), as well as those who have been living in the
US continuously since Nov. 20, 2014.
The event included a thank you ceremony, a cultural
celebration, testimonies and remarks by partners,
allies and other community leaders. Mayor Elliott,
Councilmember Ryan, and city staff were in attendance.
Former Mayors Kauth and Willson were also in attendance
and recognized at the event. Several dignitaries received
certificates or plaques for their support of this legislation.
3 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
City News
Community Health Fair 2020
On behalf of the City of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Center Community Schools
(BCCS) joint Health and Wellness team, we would like to extend an invitation to
residents, schools, churches, civic groups/organizations and businesses to join
us Saturday, July 11 for a day focused on improving Health and Wellness in our
community. Our citywide health fair celebration is from 9am-1pm.
How Can My Business/Organization Participate?
One way you can participate is by becoming a sponsor for our health fair
celebration. With previous community events, our sponsors made it possible to
include live entertainment, food, kid games and most importantly, our sponsors
helped make events FREE and open to the public. With over 32,000 residents
in Brooklyn Center, each sponsor has the unique opportunity to reach a wide
audience while helping make this community event possible. Accordingly, various
sponsorship levels provide the opportunity to:
• Share your information on the event web page
• Educate attendees about a particular product or service
• Market health-related products and services through event social networks
• Create event-sampling programs
• Build brand awareness
• Gain insight on the health interests of event attendees
What Is The BC Community Health Fair?
The BC Community Health Fair is the second joint health promotion initiative
hosted by the City of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Center Community Schools
(BCCS). It is an event exclusively for BC residents and those they care about most.
What Takes Place At The BC Community Health Fair?
The goal of the BC Community Health Fair is to attract and educate individuals
who make major health, wellness, food and fitness decisions for their families.
Through support of our community partners, we will offer speakers, workshops,
demonstrations and service-based vendor booths that provide health screenings,
services and fitness information. **Limited vendor booths available.
Ready To Become A Sponsor?
We appreciate your consideration to support this initiative and look forward
to seeing you at the event. Sponsorship/Event Participation Form and logos
(depending upon level selected) due to Dr. Angel R. Smith at asmith@ci.brooklyn-
center.mn.us no later than noon Friday, June 19, 2020. Call (763) 569-3395 for
more information or visit cityofbrooklyncenter.org for packet.
New Liquor Store Location Officially
Opens
On March 2, the new Brooklyn Center Municipal Liquor
Store held its ribbon-cutting ceremony and its doors are
now open for business. Located at 1350 Shingle Creek
Crossing, this new store is replacing the liquor store at
the Xerxes location near Cub Foods. The Xerxes location
had its last open day Sunday, March 1, and the very next
morning at 9am the new location officially took its place.
This new location offers a better customer experience in
more than one way. Not only is the beer cooler bigger
and more efficient, this new location is now the home
of the biggest beer cave in the state of Minnesota. Tom
Agnes, liquor store manager, credits Curt Boganey, the
City Manager, with naming the beer cave “Cold North.”
The design of the “Cold North” beer cave has more
benefits than just the title of being the biggest in the state.
The design itself cut the price of construction down by
$60k. The efficiency of the walk-in cooler design will also
keep energy costs lower and keep the beverages cooler
for the customers. Additional energy efficiency features
includes the lights. All lights are LED and controlled by
motion sensors or timers.
Another improvement is the increased parking The
number of parking spaces is significantly higher. Plus,
customers wait times are shorter at the registers. The
check-out area was designed to create one wait line. This
allows customers to simply move to the next available
register.
Having the biggest beer cave in the state, a bigger parking
lot, and a more efficient check-out system, among
other things, The City of Brooklyn Center is excited to
announce the completion, and grand opening of its new
municipal liquor store and our hope is that the residents
of Brooklyn Center can share that excitement with us.
Please celebrate responsibly.
4 April 2020, Edition 215
NEWS
CityCityCity News
Council Member Filings Open May 19
Affidavits of Candidacy for two CIty Council Members will be
accepted in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall beginning at 8am
Tuesday, May 19 through 5pm Tuesday, June 2. The Council
Members serve a four-year term beginning January 4, 2021.
Qualifications for Filing Affidavit of Candidacy
An Affidavit of Candidacy shall state the name of the office sought
and shall state that the candidate:
1. is an eligible voter;
2. has no other Affidavit on file as a candidate for any office
at the same primary or next ensuing general election; and
3. is, or will be on assuming office, 21 years of age or more,
and will have maintained a residence in Brooklyn Center
for 30 days before the general election (MS 204B.06,
subd. 1).
An individual who is eligible and desires to become a candidate
for Council Member to be voted for on November 3, Municipal
General Election must file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the
City Clerk. If more than twice the number of individuals to be
elected as Council Member (more than four (4) persons) file for
office, a Municipal Primary Election will be held on August 11,
to nominate candidates for the November 3, Municipal General
Election.
Upon receiving a completed Affidavit of Candidacy, along with
one of the following:
a. the payment of a filing fee of $25.00; or
b. the filing by the petition of 50 registered voters on behalf
of the candidate, the City Clerk shall certify the eligibility of
the candidate and place the name of the candidate upon
the election ballot without partisan designation.
Petition In Place Of Filing Fee
A Petition In Place of Filing Fee is obtained from and filed with
the City Clerk.
The City Clerk shall inspect the Petition In Place of Filing Fee
to determine whether the required number of signatories has
signed it and whether the signatories are registered voters in the
City of Brooklyn Center.
Direct any questions regarding filing for office to the City Clerk
at (763) 569-3306 or e-mail cityclerk@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us.
Before placing a campaign sign on a residential property, ask
permission first.
Minnesotans Gathered At Earle
Brown Heritage Center For Public
Finance Seminar
More than 250 people from across the state
attended a public finance seminar
hosted by Ehlers Inc. The seminar was
a day and a half and covered many
important topics, including Tax
Increment Financing, Affordable Housing,
Enterprise Zones, Municipal Bonding, Media
Communications, and much more. Once
again, it was a very informative event
for all who attended. The seminar was
held in February at the Earle Brown
Heritage Center.
Citywide Neighborhood Garage
Sale Update
Brooklyn Center will host our first Citywide
Neighborhood Garage Sale.
When: Saturday, July 25
Where: Throughout Brooklyn Center
Why the Citywide Neighborhood
Garage Sale?
• An opportunity to meet neighbors
• To show community pride by helping to
promote trade
• Helps encourages reuse
How do I find which neighborhood
I reside in?
Visiting 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.
To participate, residents must register your
garage sale to be included in our online and
printed marketing material.
Registration opens the week of May 18. Check
back for registration costs.
Visit cityofbrooklyncenter.org for more.
5 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
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.
March Irish-American Heritage Month
March 25 Greek Independence Day
April 14 Pan-American Day
May Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
May 17Norwegian Constitution Day
June Caribbean-American Heritage Month
June 6 Swedish National Day
6 April 2020, Edition 215
NEWS
CityCityUpcoming Events
City-Hosted Seminar
Educated Residents On
Owning Homes
The City hosted a free Home
Ownership Seminar on
Thursday, February 27,
at the Brookdale Library.
The attendees received
information about the home
buying process, financing
options and tips on buying a
home. Watch https://youtu.be/
bNxwN5wvlBc to learn about a new
incentive for Brooklyn Center renters to
become Brooklyn Center buyers. For information, call 612-335-
5884.
City Offices Closed
May 25, Memorial Day
Shingle Creek Clean Up
Join us for Brooklyn Center’s Earth Day tradition! The
Shingle Creek Clean-Up has been a staple in Brooklyn
Center for over 18 years. On Saturday, April 25, from 9am
to noon, stop by the Brooklyn Center Community Center at
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway for this family friendly event.
With everyone pitching in, Brooklyn Center can take part in
keeping our creeks, lakes, ponds and rivers clean; improving
the water quality in the metro area and the entire Mississippi
watershed all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Do your part by
helping to keep our community clean.
We will provide volunteers with grabbers, safety vests, bags
and gloves. However, feel free to bring your own pair of
gloves. Dress for the weather as the event continues rain or
shine. See you there!
7 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
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 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
Yard Waste Site Opens April 1
No fooling – you can 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, 8 am to 7 pm and Sunday noon to 7 pm.
For more information visit www.mgyardwaste.com or call HRG
at 763-493-8006.
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 25 from 8 am to 3 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 Center,
Brooklyn Park, 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.
Registration is now open for Twin Cities
World Refugee Day 2020!
CAPI USA, in partnership with the City of Brooklyn Center,
presents Twin Cities World Refugee Day on June 13, from 12
pm to 7 pm, at Centennial Park in Brooklyn Center.
This family-friendly event is set to attract a diverse
audience of 4,000+ people who have come to Minnesota
from around the world. More than 20 nationalities will be
represented and more than 70 organizations and vendors
will participate. We invite local organizations, food vendors,
artists, and business owners to become a part of Twin Cities
World Refugee Day 2020.
Spots are limited so sign up early at eventbrite.com/e/
twin-cities-world-refugee-day-2020-tickets-90789029431
– deadline May 1.
Resource Fair Participant
Local non-profit and other organizations that provide
support and resources to the community.
Global Market Vendor
Local artists and small business owners looking to promote
their merchandise (encouraged to do sales on-site).
Food Truck Vendor
Food Trucks featuring unique and diverse food options
Food Vendor
Local restaurants and food providers looking to sell/give away
samples at the event, lead food-based demonstrations, etc.
Interested in being a sponsor or volunteer? Visit
tcworldrefugeeday.org/sponsorourvoices.html
8 April 2020, Edition 215
NEWS
CityCityUpcoming Events
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 or barrel or on the
RAM website recycleminnesota.org/work/compost-bins-rain-
barrels
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 2. Use the discount
code HRG20OFF 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.
9 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Green Commuity
BCFD Host Educational Event For New Citizen’s
Academy
In January, the Brooklyn Center Fire Department provided information to
adults from the New Citizen’s Academy. Attendees learned about fire safety,
firefighters' gear, and cooking safety tips. They asked many good questions
and were well-received by all in attendance. Two classes were held, one at
the Hennepin County/CEAP building and another at Willow Lane School.
New Patch Design On BCPD
Uniforms
The police patch has been updated. While the
desire to update the patch was many years in
the making, only until recently when the City’s
logo was updated, was it prioritized. That
desire to change then became a necessity
to do away with the previous BC symbol.
The transition of patches is being done
systemically while maintaining all uniforms
still in good repair.Register Property with Free Secure
Software
In January 2020 the Brooklyn Center Police
Department began a partnership with a property
tracking software called Report It. This system
allows residents to securely register up to 100
items of personally owned property. When
registering an item residents can enter property
information such as make/models and serial numbers
as well as photos, warranties and receipts of the items. In
the event of loss or theft, residents will be able to print off a list and photos
of the stolen items so they may be entered into a nationwide database of
stolen items by the Brooklyn Center Police Department.
This software is FREE for residents and only requires that residents create
an account. Because this list is secure and can only be accessed through a
username and password Brooklyn Center Police will only be able to access
the information regarding the missing items if the resident provides a list of
the missing items. Finally, residents are able to upload any property they
choose onto their secure list of items.
For details and to create an account please go to the Brooklyn Center Police
website under Crime Prevention or go to reportit.leadsonline.com
April 21
Awards Ceremony
Constitution Hall (Community Center)
7-9 pm
May 20
Neighborhood Area Meeting
Lions Park, 6-7:30 pm
June 5
BCCPP Golf Tournament
Centerbrook Golf Course, 4:30 pm
June 23
Neighborhood Area Meeting
Evergreen Park, 6-7:30 pm
SAVE THE DATE
10 April 2020, Edition 215
NEWS
CityCitySafe Communities
Thank You Volunteers!
The City of Brooklyn Center extends our heartfelt appreciation to all participants of the Adopt-a-Park/Trail/Street or Flower
Garden (both current and past) for their effort and dedication toward making Brooklyn Center a nicer place to live, work, and
play. The City provides approximately 600-acres of green space, as well as about 20-miles of trails for residents and visitors to
enjoy. The program consists of voluntary agreements between the City and organizations, businesses, groups or individuals to
assist in the preservation and maintenance of clean, safe parks and trails.
For more information about the Adopt-a-Program please contact:
• Cynthia Majors (Public Works) at 763-585-7100 to adopt a park, trail, street, rain garden, or flower garden around Brooklyn
Center.
• Ai Vang at 763-569-3400 to adopt a flower garden in Centennial Park.
Responding to Sharp Increases in Mental Health Related
Calls, Brooklyn Center Police Launch Vitals™ App to
Serve Vulnerable Community Members
BCPD continues strong push to partner with Mental Health Professionals; Vitals™
provides officers with a real-time tool providing crucial information directly from
parents and caregivers
In four years, the number of "check the welfare" calls Brooklyn Center Police Officers
have responded to has nearly doubled. The community is asking for help, and they're
calling the police. The Brooklyn Center Police Department (BCPD) has partnered with
County and social service workers to train and respond to these difficult situations.
By joining the Vitals™ network, BCPD will give it's officers immediate information
provided by loved ones who care for vulnerable individuals. The goal is to increase
the officer's ability to de-escalate interactions.
"How can we serve our community members who may be in the middle of a crisis?
We've provided our officers with the best training available and now we're taking
advantage of technology and opening the lines of communication between our
department and the vulnerable communities we serve," Chief Tim Gannon explained.
Vitals™ enrollees, or their family members, voluntarily provide the individualized
information in this cutting-edge program revolving around technological innovation.
When emergency service workers respond to calls regarding Vitals™ enrollees,
they immediately receive important information on their smart phones that will
assist them in providing a response catered to the person's specific needs and
vulnerabilities. To learn more about Vitals™, go to www.thevitalsapp.com.
11 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Construction Projects Soon to Take Center Stage
In 2020, the City of Brooklyn Center will be making the most of spring and summer months to accomplish several projects.
Included in the Public Works Department’s “to-do list” this year are two neighborhood street and utility reconstruction projects
and a county road reconstruction project. The following is an overview of these major capital improvements planned for 2020.
Street Reconstruction Projects
For the past 25 years, the City’s Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) has included
projects to reconstruct aging streets
and maintain the public infrastructure
throughout the community. The CIP is
a planning document that presents a
fifteen-year overview of potential capital
improvement projects and is available
for review on the City’s Website at www.
cityofbrooklyncenter.org. The attached
map identifies the residential streets
that are scheduled for improvements in
2020 as follows:
Grandview North Area
Reconstruction Project (2020):
The proposed roadway and utility
improvements include full street
reconstruction of all streets consisting
of new concrete curb and gutter,
bituminous paving, complete
replacement of the sanitary sewer,
partial replacement of watermain,
storm sewer upgrades and street light
replacements. Work is expected to begin
in late April and should be completed by
fall 2020. Weekly progress reports will
be available on the City’s Website at
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org.
Interstate Area Reconstruction
Project (2019-2020):
The proposed roadway and utility
improvements include full street
reconstruction of all streets consisting
of new concrete curb and gutter,
bituminous paving, complete
replacement of the sanitary sewer,
partial replacement of watermain,
storm sewer upgrades and street light
replacements. The east portion of this
project was started in late summer
2019. Work on the west portion of
the project is expected to being in late
April and should be completed by fall
2020. Weekly progress reports will be
available on the City’s Website at www.
cityofbrooklyncenter.org.
Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor
Project Phase 1 (2018-2020):
The reconstruction and streetscape
improvements are expected to improve
roadway safety, enhance traffic
operations, reduce access points and
provide improved bicycle and pedestrian
facilities for a 1.4-mile segment of the
corridor in Brooklyn Center between
49th Avenue and just north of Bass Lake
Road (County Road 10). The project will
enhance bicycle and pedestrian travel
by adding a trail, improving sidewalks,
transit stops, adding streetscaping
and landscaping and improving the
functionality of intersections with
modified turn lanes. A portion of this
project on the west side of Brooklyn
Boulevard from 49th Avenue to Highway
100 was started in fall 2018. The majority
of the work on both sides of Brooklyn
Boulevard and in the center medians
from 49th Avenue to just north of Bass
Lake Road was completed in 2019. The
remaining work on Brooklyn Boulevard
from Highway 100 to Bass Lake Road is
expected to resume in April 2020 and
should be completed by June 2020.
Reporting Soil Erosion at Construction Sites
When storm water drains off a construction site, it carries sediment and other pollutants that harm our local water resources.
The State of Minnesota requires that contractors implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) on construction sites to prevent
polluted runoff and eroded soil from entering storm drains. Common BMPs used on construction sites include silt fence, storm
drain inlet protection, stabilized construction exits, stockpile placement and protection and temporary mulching and seeding.
Signs that BMPs are not working: Sediment tracking in the road Muddy water flowing off the construction site
Dirt piled up around storm drains
Citizen reporting can be a highly effective tool for finding and stopping pollutant discharge. If you have any construction site or
erosion control concerns, please contact the Engineering Division at 763-569-3340 or publicworks@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us.
12 April 2020, Edition 215
NEWS
CityCityConstruction
Hydrant Flushing
In order to limit the demand on the
water treatment plant, the Brooklyn
Center Utility Department will be
changing the schedule for hydrant
flushing from days to nights this
year. Utility crews will be flushing
water lines beginning Sunday, April
26, 2020 (weather dependent) and
running subsequent areas each night
ending the morning of Friday, May
1, 2020. The process is scheduled to
occur for five consecutive evenings
beginning at 9pm and continuing until
approximately 7 am.*
*Due to the nature of hydrant-flushing,
the number of hours per day or the
number of consecutive days needed
to complete the flush are subject to
change. However, City staff will do
their best to adhere to the schedule as
posted.
Please note that flushing may loosen
rust or manganese in pipes that could
stain laundry. Residents are encouraged
to check their water before doing
laundry and to delay doing laundry,
especially whites, until the process is
completed in their area (see map).
Please be aware when this work is in
progress and help keep our workers
safe. When you see City crews
operating hydrants throughout the
community, proceed with caution.
SCHEDULE
AREA 1 – APRIL 26AREA 2 – APRIL 27
AREA 3 – APRIL 28
AREA 4 – APRIL 29
AREA 5 – APRIL 30
Water Line Flushing (In Your Own Home or Business)
Because flushing out the City’s main lines in the street can stir up sediment in
homes, residents are encouraged to perform their own “annual maintenance" after
the crews have left the neighborhood. Here are some tips for your own household
or business flush:
• If you have a softener, put it on bypass for the duration of the flush.
• Remove aerators and mounted filters from faucets.
• Start by completely turning on both outside faucets (be sure to run hoses out
away from the house to avoid any problems near the foundation) and follow
with the laundry tub, kitchen sink and then bathtub.
• Run cold water only through each area on full for 15-20 minutes or until water
runs clear of rust or manganese (gray or blackish sediment).
• Replace aerators on faucets and take softener off bypass.
• Other recommended routine maintenance: Perform a hot water heater flush.
Check all water hoses leading to sinks, washing machines, or dishwashers for
leaks, rust and corrosion and repair/replace as necessary. Remove toilet tank
lids and check rubber flapper for leaks or damage.
13 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Public Works
14 April 2020, Edition 215
NEWS
CityCityPublic Works
Free wood chips
Free wood chips are available for
Brooklyn Center residents in the
south parking lot at City Hall from
May through September, while
supplies last. Please do not dump
debris or any other lawn or yard
waste at this location.
WATERING RESTRICTIONS: ODD-EVEN SPRINKLING BAN
(May 1 through September 30)
In spring/summer of 2020, Water Tower No. 1 (69th & France
Ave) will be out of service for painting of the exterior. This
should last for approximately 12 weeks starting sometime in
June dependent upon weather or other unforeseen delays.
Please follow the watering restriction ordinance and use the
helpful tips below to conserve water.
Permanent water restrictions are in effect from May 1 to
September 30 every year according to regulations adopted by
the City Council. This odd-even sprinkling ban does not apply
to private wells—only to properties on City water supply. This
ban is defined in Section 4-202 of the City Ordinances. If, after
proper warning, any utility user who uses City water and is
in violation of the odd-even sprinkling/watering ordinance,
a $25 per day fee will be charged. This ban will be enforced.
Lawn And Garden Water Conservation Tips
From the American Water Works Association
• Morning is the best time to water most lawn areas.
After about 10 am heat steals moisture from your lawn
by evaporation. Water EARLY and you can water LESS
because more of the water is absorbed into your lawn.
• Do not water out of habit. Water only when your lawn
needs it. To test if your lawn needs a soaking, step on the
grass. If it springs back up, you do not need to water. If it
stays flat, it is time to water.
• Let water sink in slowly. Lots of water applied quickly
mostly runs off. Let water sink in deep, to encourage deep
roots. Lawns with deeper roots will not need watering as
often.
Other Tips:
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow
evaporation of moisture and discourage weed growth.
• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings and
adjust misaligned sprinkler heads that spray mostly on
hard surfaces.
• Do not run the hose while washing your car. Use the hose
just to rinse off your car.
Thank you for cooperating!
If your street address is an EVEN number (for
example, 5916 or 4500), you may water your lawn
and garden on EVEN numbered days of the month
(For example: July 10)
If your street address is an ODD number (for
example, 5917 or 4501), you may water your lawn
and garden on ODD numbered days of the month
(For example: July 11)
15 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Public Works
We currently have the following openings:
• EBHC Custodian/ Set Crew- PT- Ongoing
• Aquatic Group Fitness Instructor- PT- Ongoing
• EBHC Set Crew/Custodian- PT- Ongoing
• Lifeguard- PT- Ongoing
• Housing & Code Enforcement Technician- FT- Seasonal
• Neighborhood Engagement Liaison- PT- Ongoing
• Seasonal Public Works Maintenance- Seasonal
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI)/Water Safety Instructor Aide-
PT- Ongoing
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