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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 09-01 CCM Work Session Joint Financial MINU1'I:S OF THE PROCEEDINGS 01� 'I'I]F, CI"I'Y COUNCIL/FINANCIAL COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HF,NNF,PIN AND STATE OF MINNESO"I'A .IO1NI� WORK SESSION SEP"I'EMBER 1, 2021 VIA IOOM 1. CALL TO ORDER � The Brooklyn Center City Council/Financial Commission Joint Work Session was called to order by Mayor Llliott at 6:32 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS I� Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmeinbers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence- Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were Financial Commission Chair "Teneshia Kragness, �;mmanuel Kpaleh, and Taofeek Ishola. Not present were Financial Commissioners I�avid Dwapu, and Dean Van Der Werl�. f11so present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Acting Finance Director Andy Splinter, Interim Police Chief Tony Gruenig, Fire Chief Todd Berg, Acting Recreation Director Joe Ericksen, Recreation Director Cordell Wiseman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist. 3. 2022 GENERAL FUND DEPARTMENT BUDGET REQUESTS Mayor Elliott reviewed the topics that will be covered at tonight's Joint Work Session with the Financial Commission. He noted this is the last budget presentation meeting and on September 13,2021, a recommendation on the preliminary levy cap will be made. After that,thc City Council will continue with budget review and approve the final budget in December. Mayor Elliott invited Dr. Edwards to make the staff presentation. City Manager Reggie Edwards stated tonight the budgets for Recreation, Fire and �;mergency Management, Office of Prevention Health and Safety, and Police Departments will be presented. Dr. Edwards introduced newly hired Recreation Director Cordell Wiseman, noting today was his first day on the job. Dr. Edwards explained he will present the budget for the Recreation Department, noting the lion's share of budget preparation was handled by the Interim Recreation Acting Recreation Director Ericksen so is also on the call for this meeting. Dr. Edwards invited Acting Finance Director Andy Splinter to start the introduction to this item followed by his presentation of that budget. Acting I�inance Director Andy Splinter explained this is part of the 2022 presentation ol�the general fund divisions and tonight we will f rst go into the Recreation Department budget, which used to be the CARS Department that was realigned to move general buildings and grounds to maintenance to Public Works in this year's budget. The Recreation Department budget is now solcly focused on recreation. Mr. Splinter stated presentations tonight will also include the Officer of Prevention Health and Safety, the new division mentioned by Dr. Edwards, the Fire Department, and the Police Uepartment. These will be high-level presentations and an overview of the base Department's description and budget information, personnel, supplies, other services and charges, a capital outlay type-level rather than individual detailed accounts. Staff will present individual highlighted budget items that are a change from the previous year plus other highlights. 3a. 12ECREATION DEPARTMENT Dr. Edwards explained there was a realignment in this department last year and this year; it has been predominantly having the new division within the Recreation Department take off and begin to do some work. Community Recreation Scrvices include public health,beautification,and public art, I3rooklyn Center food collective, cammunity large-scale events, and youth development. He noted youth development also occurs in another area under recreation programs. One is about programming, such as soccer and recreation activities that develop youth, and youth development is about leadership and empowerment. Last year when this was discussed, some of�the cfiorts in this area included Cities United, BrookLynk, and other areas we work with youth. Dr. Edwards explained that the department did not previously exist,it was created last year, so this year it is primarily getting back up and running after COVID and implementing strategies and work within that division. Dr. Edwards presented an organizational chart and described the Recreation Department divisions of Community Recreation Services, Special Enterprises, Community Center Services, Recreation Program Services, Recreation Administration, and Recreation Facility and Property Program Scrviccs. I�e noted that Facilities has moved to the Public Works Department. Dr. Edwards stated the mission of the Recreation Department is to foster a safe and healthy community and enrich the quality of life for all. This mission has a particular emphasis on the issue of� health and bringing it to all the work the City does in recreation and throughout the organiration. Dr. Edwards stated the values center around inclusion, equity, quality, innovativeness, and adaptability. Dr. Edwards commented on the Recreation Department divisions, noting the special enterprise division includes the Heritage Center and Golf Course which both are not funded through the general fund. Rather, they are funded with an enterprise special funds. He described what relates to the Community Center and noted there will be a study about the expansion of this facility or building a new one. 09/O 1/2021 Page 2 Dr. I;dwards described the types of�programming offered through Recreation Program Services. �le explained that each Division has a distinct funetion that it serves in the overall picture of the Recreation Department. Recreation Administration includes front desk and customer service, department evaluation and data analysis, shelter/room rentals, and permits and marketing/ outreach. The Recreation ��acility and Property Program Services Division include parks coordination with Public Works, trail coordination, tournament and leagues, and recreational facilities. Dr. Edwards provided an overvicw of Recreation Department functions, noting recreation programs include adult programs with 2,500 participants, youth/teen programs with more than ', 3,000 young people participating, and general recreation services that include concerts, Movics in the Park, and special events and celebrations. He noted that due to COVID, many programs were I delayed and they did not providc tournaments during the height of COVID but towards the end of I the year, did hold tournaments including a very successful Dudley Classic and exercise I programming. He stated residents have presented ideas for a new community celebration and staff� looks forward to incorporating some of the thoughts that BrookLynk youth offered. Dr. Edwards stated the Community Center Services Division is responsible for the operation of the Brooklyn Center Community Center including the 50-meter pool,one of three indoor Olympic- sized pools in the State. This year, with the Olympics, more people became interested in � swimming so the City may look to expand that capacity and introduce swimming to community members who may not have a cultural history with aquatics. Those offerings could include splash I pads for family fun that may lead to participating in swimming programs. Dr. Edwards stated the Health and Social Development Division is in its second year and includes health programs, community events, youth engagement and empowerment, beautification and public art programming, Brooklyn Center Community Food Collective, and multi-cultural programming. He noted that during the height of COVID, they were effective in getting out to the community to provide COVID inf'ormation on vaccinations and a myriad of things. Staff learned they need to have a mobile ability to be in the community and reach those who may not necessarily come to a facility. In the coming year, as they address mobility with health, they will use what they have learned to do a better job as staffing and grant funding become available. Dr. Edwards commented on the benefit of this type of programming for those in the community who feel disconnected from health care services and information. Dr. Edwards stated the Property and Environment Stewardship Division relates to trails and parks as the City wants to increase its stewardship around the environment as it relates to a quality life for residents. Where there is an opportunity to coordinate and collaborate between the Community Development and Recreation Departments to do something with pockets of green space to enhance the quality of life and provide environmental stewardship. This also involves what is done with gardens, plants, and food. Dr. Ldwards displayed a staf ling chart,noting the budget as it relates to staffing is flat with nothing significant being added. He stated last year there was a supplemental budget to bring forward the City Council's strategic initiatives. There was also funding at the onset of COVID through 09/O l/2021 Page 3 CARES Act and general fund dollars. llr. Edwards stated with this ncw Division,the dollars were allocated and accounted for, as well as staffing, in the supplemental budget. This year, it was moved to the regular staff�count and budget so it is accounted for within the general fund. Dr. Edwards noted staffing went from 20.5 in 2021 to 23 in 2022, which is not new staff for this year. Those staff inembers were added last year and approved by the City Council to get that new Division off the ground. There is not necessarily an increase in staffing, but it is being accounted i-or to show the true number of stafl� including the new members added last year through the supplemental budget. Dr. Edwards presented Recreation Department hi�hli�hts including an increase in resident utilization of the Community Center. "1'he City is now having a difficult time recruiting lifeguards so the hours of operation may be cut back by an hour or so. More time and operating hours will be offered to create greatcr access to the Community Center and services. I-�e noted the rates have been reviewed and lowered to make it accessible to more community members who may not have historically been able to afford to participate in programs. They will also improve cultural compctency in customer service, marketing, and in relationship to the Community Center. Dr. Edwards stated he has already presented the highlights for the Health and Social Development Division and Department Program Cvaluation Development. Dr. Ldwards presented the Recreation Department budget by program and object code, noting the increase from $1.8 million in 2021 to $2.3 million in 2022 due to a 100% increase relating to the Health and Social Environment Division. Those dollars were expended in 2021 but are being accounted for in the supplemental f und and moved in 2022 to the regular Recreation Department's budget. This is a reallocation and accounting for those 2021 costs. Dr. Edwards stated Staff increased 2% for the cost of living that will be applied to general wages as well as the implementation of� the City Council's direction for livable wages so all City employees, regardless of full-time, part-time, or intern, will be paid a livable wage of$16.16 per hour. He stated that policy was started and implemented last year with a first step to increase salaries for all staff paid below $16.16 per hour so those wages were in alignment with the City Council's directive. Dr. I�,dwards pointed out that under Recreation, there is an increase in 2021 from $1.3 million to $1.7 million in 2022 for COLA for regular staff but the lion's share would be bringing part-timers and scasonal worker salaries to $16.16 per hour. He pointed out that for the most part, there was no other significant movement, increase, or decrease to any extent in this budget. Mayor Elliott opened the floor for City Council and Financial Commissioner questions and comments. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson thanked Dr. Edwards for claritication of two areas she was curious about, the increases in the Health and Social Environmeni Division and Personal Services. She asked about Services and Other Charges at $543,000, up from $412,000, which is quite a bit. She noted the Community Center budget also increased, as Dr. Edwards explained, due to 09/O 1/2021 Page 4 highlighted programs. Mr. Splinter explained that $55,000 in Services and Other Charges was part of the I Iealth and Safety Division and the other$80,000 covered part of the cost for the study on the new Community Center. I�inancial Commissioner Kpaleh stated we have been talking about recreation but when secing the various playgrounds, most of the time he does not see them encouraging our children to participate in a soccer game. He asked if we can create a place where our children can have a real soccer game because it is becoming one of the major sports in America. He thought if we had one here, it would encourage our•children in Brooklyn Center to participate in those games and then at their schools. Dr. F,dwards agreed, noting the City just finished its suminer soccer camp, which I_,uther supports financially, so there are a significant number of kids that participate, upwards of 100 this year. I-Ie statcd during that recent celebration, he and Mayor Elliott handed out pizza. Dr. Edwards invited Acting Recreation Director Ericksen to speak about the City's soccer fields, camps, and programs. Acting Recreation Director Joe Ericksen explained that the summer program was down a bit due to COVID but they had a good season. There is also a soccer program through BPA Sports for older kids. He noted there are soccer fields at Evergreen, Willow Lane,Northport, and Grandview Parks. I�inancial Commissioner•Kpaleh stated the Evergreen soccer field is open wide. He thinks we need something where we are equipped for Brooklyn Center, so they don't have to go to I3rooklyn Park to participate in a soccer game. Mr. Ericksen stated we can create such a soccer field right now, noting right now the Evergreen Park field is marked for football because that program is starting. He explained they could mark other fields for soccer but the need has not been expressed for leagues,etc. They know open games are occurring, but not necessarily for the youth. Dr. Edwards stated as our new Recreation Director comes on board, he brings a focus, ideas, and perspectives on how to work with soccer so we look forward to bringing on new concepts and partnerships as it relates to soccer. Mayor Elliott thanked Commissioner Kpaleh for that question, noting it was one he has been concerned about as well, the availability of our soccer infrastructure as it is the fastest-growing sport in the country and a lot of our families participate in soccer. He hoped we can work towards a soccer infrastructure. Mayor Elliott stated that is a conversation he started having with some members of the community who expressed interest in having some kind of indoor soccer facility. That is not before the City Council just yet but if it is an interest of'the community,the City Council can start having conversations. "I'here being no additional questions or comments, Mayor Elliott moved to the next agenda item. 09/O 1/2021 Page 5 3b. OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PREVENTION, HF.ALTH, AND SAFFTY I�r. Edwards stated this item rclates to the creation of a new division, the Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety, which was borne out of ci�f�orts as it relates to the Public Safety Resolution adopted by the City Council that calls for the creation of three departments and the Implementation Committee, which is an advisory committee. t�r. Edwards explained that the ability to create three new departments, staff them, etc. would not be within the realm of reach for Brooklyn Center financially at this time. So, staff tried to create a structure to get at some of that. IIe noted this was discussed at the last City Council meeting and he wanted to speak to this particular effort. Dr. Edwards displayed an organizational chart depicting the creation of the Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety that will report directly to thc City Manager, coordinates through an advisory committee, and will influence all departments. It will be a coordinating body with one position, an Office Manager, proposed at this time that will coordinate on prevention, health, and safety among all departments. Dr. Edwards stated there will be a particular focus on public safety departments, police, and fire, to carry out the intent in the articulation of that which is in the resolution. They also have the Of(ice of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity that was created last year and has a similar focus from a functional perspective as it relates to being able to impact and influence all departments. While they report directly to the City Manager, those two oftices, in partnership with the City Manager, will assure the lens and intcnt under which they were created is carried out throughout all of our departments. The Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety are particularly focused on our Police and Fire Departments so when it is time to review the budget and talk about operational procedures and practices, we will assure we are carrying out the intent and spirit of that which was created in the Resolution and other policies the City Council may bring forth. Dr. Edwards stated the mission of the Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety is to provide leadership, programming, coordination, and evaluation of prevention, health, and safety across the enterprise and in the community. Coordination of efforts within the enterprise shall focus principally on all public safety-related departments with the belief that this work cannot be done simply within our Police and Fire Departments. It has to be done in the community, as it relates to being a community-centered City. It also speaks to the coordination efforts within the enterprise focusing principally on all public safety-related departments. Dr. Edwards explained the functions at this time, as we get started, would be to coordinate the Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety across departments with a specific focus on Police and Fire Departments. He noted we started working on health, Citywide and that landed in Recreation so there's a coordination and we will work together as an organization to elevate that work. He explained there is particular work in public safety related to health but there is also health-related to food, through COVID, and thinking about general public health. He stated health is something that transcends all Departments so we will look for that coordination and make sure we have that lens with all the work we do in multiple departments as it relates to those three characteristics related to prevention, health, and safety. 09/O 1/2021 Page 6 Dr. Edwards stated the Civilian'I'ra�ffic Enforcement Division is an element that was created within the Public Safety Resolution that pertains to unarmed civilian personnel responding to non-moving traffic violations. I�le explained they will try to look at piloting that this coming year and he will speak about funding to that in just a minute. Dr. Edwards stated the Community Response Division relates to community mental health and social calls that come out of 911 in addition to general community health responses. Those are the four core functions that would end this coming year based upon what has been proposed and the budget. 'i Dr. Edwards stated the Recreation Department budget highlights going forward are the initial start with coordination across the enterprise; pilot civilian traffic response grant-funded for two years; I pilot mental health 911 calls, community response grant-funded for two years, and, initiative data analysis and communication. Dr. Edwards stated the resolution calls for a committee that will be focused on implementation. � Staff will work with that committee that is chaired by the Mayor to shape those pilots. He stated � he can announce now that the City has secured funding for pilots for two years for each of those i areas. They will communicate with the Implementation Committee and Police Department, Hennepin County, and the work they are doing, particularly related to mental health. They have secured the agreement of funding for both of those for the coming next two years so that will give the City time to build some internal capacity but primarily, he envisions it will allow us to begin to build capacity to contract and provide services within the community, by community folks, as opposed to having and creating regular staf£ Hopefully, the pilots will allow us to be a little bit more nimble, invest in the community, have that work come out of the community, or we will support it financially in programs, which may be more powerful, sustainable, and financially feasible for the City. Dr. Edwards presented the Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety Department budget by program and object code. It includes one person at $75,000-$76,000 for wages with benefits or roughly $104,000 with $50,000 for programming. The $50,000 is the ability to do some programing whether coordinating, negotiating contracts with community folks, or other programs to provide contractual services and design some programming, maybe contract to help with office and design in coordination across our departments. It is a fairly minimum budget but it includes one person at a managerial level that can coordinate efforts amongst departments with a specific focus on Police and Fire Departments as it pertains to the resolution so we can implement what the City Council passed in the resolution. This gives us some ability to start that and carve out a path forward as to how we would do it as those pilots are refined and implemented, readjust, and find success so they can bring them to skill in whatever form that may be. He stated the $50,000 is simply to provide some programming whether or not simply equipment, a desk, ability to do marketing, have conversations, and event within the community. Dr. Edwards stated this is a minimal amount; however, from an office perspective, they anticipate the office budget being roughly $674,000 so, in this case, you can see where we've leveraged the $154,850 levy and see grant funding at the tune of$250,000 per year for at least two years. They 09/O 1/2021 Page 7 anticipate there may be more but at a minimum, they can build out those programs, have a good understanding through pilots, identify some pros and cons, if we are to sustain it, and want to move forward sustainably. Then we will be able to make those adjustments through the two years of pilots in those areas. Dr. Edwards noted that will get us pretty far along in the intent and spirit, fram our perspective, of the resolution that speaks to core areas and the three departnlents: Office of Community Prevention, Flcalth, and Safety; the Civilian and Mental Health/Community Response; and, the two Committees. Dr. Edwards noted that last week the City Council approved a Project Manager that would go along with the Implementation Comnlittee and help thc planning side happen. When it comes to an advisory conln�ittee, that will be attached and created by the Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety. Dr. Edwards stated with cite and summons, they are working on that policy and should have something we can execute. Those are the major elements oCthe resolution. Dr. Edwards explained that should this go forward,they will be well on their way as far as creating some capacity to address issues that were passed in the resolution by the City Council. In the budget of$654,000 of general funds, $154,000 coming from the City, for a person, supplies, and some programming. Mayor Elliott stated he and Dr. Edwards have had many conversations on this topic and he thinks it is very clear we are making progress on implementing the resolution and the Citations and Summons Policy. We are going through the process to get the resources on board and getting to implementation. He noted that the name of the department or person heading this particular department,to be in alignment with the resolution, will probably change. The resolution explicitly calls for a Director, not a Manager, with the other department heads, and oversees this the Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety. Mayor Elliott stated in terms of�how that department works and the civilian response team and mental health response teams, all of that has to be worked out with the Implementation Committee overseeing that process, which of course will have a combination of Brooklyn Center residents, experts, and particularly technical assistance folks that have done this work in other cities, will advise us. The Director level position is supposed to be someone with a public health background. How we structure the Civilian Traffic F,nforcement Division and Community Response Divisions will also depend heavily on where the Implementation Committee lands and whether a contracted service or embedded in the City's structure. The Implementation Cammittee will work through and weigh the pros, cons, and potential liability. Mayor Elliott stated there is more work to be done and assuring the funds are approved is an important step forward to getting it done. He noted, as Dr. Edwards mentioned, in the wake of the uprising and particularly in our response to it, Brooklyn Center took this bold step toward transforming public safety. We have attracted quite a several organizations that are interested in partnering with us and helping to implement this resolution and, in general, do the work of transforming our community so we can be a thriving place that is more equitable for all who live here and come here. 09/O 1/2021 Page 8 Mayor Elliott statcd he wanted to point out those key points in terms of this particular presentation and that we are moving in the right direction. He noted as we are going through the budgeting process, we will need to come back and look at the budget and what is our plan for fully funding and implementing the resolution. Councilmember Ryan stated in the earlier agenda, as posted, Item 5 shows September 13, 2021, as the date for recammending the preliminary levy and budget. He asked if that is the meeting when the levy will be set. Dr. Edwards answered in the aff-irmative. Councilmember Kyan referenced the slide on display depicting the Offce of Community Prevention, IIealth, and Safety Department budget by program, noting the pilot civilian traffic response grant-funded of$250,000. He asked if the City's Community Service Officers, who have not licensed Police Officers but are authorized to issue parking tickets. Dr. Ldwards stated that is correct and asked Acting Police Chief�Uruenig if he would like to also respond. Mayor Elliott stated these details will be worked out by the Implementation Committee so the comments on this matter are preliminary. The Implementation Committee will work with a combination of experts who will help work through these questions. Councilmember Ryan asked Mayor Elliott if he was interested in what the Implementation Committee would bring but was not interested in his question right now. Mayor Elliott stated he is very interested in Councilmember Ryan's question, as it is a very important question that he is asked all the time, but he wants to be clear that the resolution calls for us to go through a process with the Implementation Committee and experts who have done this type of transition work before. Also, we will be working with the City Attorney so we are in alignment. Mayor Elliott stated the answer to Councilmember Ryan's question is squarely in the realm of the work of the Implementation Committee and he does not want everyone here to go on the record and say it will be this way or that way and pre-empt the work of the Implementation Committce. Councilmember Ryan stated he is curious and cannot think of a lot of other examples other tl�an people who are illegally parked or have other equipinent violations that are visible or license plates are absent, things of that nature. �-Ie stated we already have employees who are authorized to write tickets and he does not understand why, if that is the case, couldn't we simply augment our current program. Councilmember Ryan stated if Mayor Elliott does not want to engage in a discussion on this now, he would like some answers in the future. Mayor Elliott stated certainly and he thinks it is more appropriate that Councilmember Ryan get answers in the future as we are not well situated to answer that question right now. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she has a couple of questions and would like to hear 09/O 1/2021 Page 9 what Acting Police Chief Gruenig was going to say. She stated the $250,000 civilian traffic response grant and $250,000 mental health 911 calls and community response grants are wonderful. She noted that money is allotted for the next two years and asked where is that grant money coming from. Mayor Elliott stated we can't speak on that right now but he can assure Councilmember Lawrence- flnderson that when the provider of�the funds releases the information and it can be made public, then it will be made public and the City Council will be the first to know. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked if it is privately funded or federal, State or County funded. Dr. I�dwards stated these are foundations that he has been in comrnunication with. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she is concerned about any quid quo pro with private foundations so she is skeptical and a little nervous about taking $500,000 to fund a program when we don't know where the funds are coming from. Dr. F,dwards stated for several months, he has been working with numerous f-airly large Minnesota f-oundations who have interest in working with Brooklyn Center. He stated investment in Brooklyn Center is much broader and larger than shown on the screen (Office of Community Prevention, I�ealth, and Saiety Department budget by program). The approach and the ask are for investment in �3rooklyn Center over the next four to five years. I le stated we may not get there with every foundation as some may choose to do a year or one aspect or another but it is an investment. We have asked them to partner with us over multiple years in the areas of health, public safety, economic development, and life-essential services, which relate to basic food and housing, things that are essential to living. That coines out of the work we have done in the community, with COVID, and civil unrest. So, bringing those foundations together and asking will they partner with us in a new and different way that we can address those pillars and areas of focus we believe need to be addressed to build a strong Brooklyn Center. 1'hese iunds come from that work and some foundations have a particular interest in public safety so they are willing to fund it. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked if the City Council will have this information about the grant funding before approving the levy. Dr. Edwards answered in the aftirmative. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked for a point of clarification on the Office of Community Prevention, �lealth, and Safety Department budget. She noted the budget has $104,850 for personal services and asked if that is for one position with salary plus benefits. Dr. Edwards answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated the City will have to correct the Sun Post that indicated the cost was $65,000 to $75,000. Dr. Edwards stated he has not seen that article but there are two positions and to be clear, last week the City Council did approve a temporary position related to project management to work with the Implementation Committee. That position will be funded with one-time resources because it has a beginning and an end. This is a position that will be part of the permanent structure of the City and be about $75,000 in wages. When you add benefits, it goes to $104,850. Dr. Edward stated the press may simply be reporting wages and not benefits that go along with that person's wages. 09/O 1/2021 Page 10 Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she understands the Yroject Manager Coordinator II position will be reporting to the Mayor. She asked who the second position Dr. F,dwards referred to will be reporting to directly. Dr. Edwards stated that is part of the operational structure of the organization and that person will report directly to the City Manager. Councilmember Ryan stated in looking at the organizational chart and the Oftice of Community Prevention, I�ealth, and Safety it shows the connectivity to the various City departments but does not indicate this new position. He noted that presently, the City Manager is the superior of the Police Chief but this new position would not be considered as someone that would be over the Police Chief, as was suggested in one draft of the Crime Prevention and Safety Reform Resolution. I)r. Edwards stated is correct, the resolution calls f-or the creation of a Department, and this is an of-fice that coordinates and reports directly to the City Manager. We work directly with all of our Departments, the Police Chief; the Fire Chief, and every other Department directly reports to the City Manager. But this would allow access and leadership in all Departments along with the City Manager for the Office of Community Yrevention, Health, and Safety. The person who works in that office will have access and work directly with all Directors of all Departments, particularly Police, Fire, and the City Manager. Dr.Edwards explained that when they sit down, as they do regularly,to talk about various practices or policies from an operational perspective when it comes to budgeting, finance, how they are expending resources, and problem solving, that person is at the table and we are doing that together. "I'hat is someone who is looking out for prevention, health, and safety. They may also bring resources to the table to be implemented within those Departments, but they also bring expertise and their specific lens based on their function. Dr. Edwards stated this position will not have direct supervision over any particular department but will have a key role in helping the City Manager ensure that the intent of the resolution and addressing of community prevention, health, and safety is carried out in every department and particularly those that identify with public safety. Councilmember Ryan stated he knows Dr. Edwards has a lot of experience in various units of government and is sure he appreciates that if positions are created where lines of authority are not drawn,that can create terrific problems. Councilmeinber Ryan stated he is pleased with the answer that this person,hired to this position as described,their function will be as a conduit of information to assist the City Manager in coordinating all policies, activities, and practices of the various departments in working towards those goals as described. Councilmember Ryan stated in looking at the chart, that concern came to mind. Dr. Edwards stated as he looks at the organizational chart and considers Councilmember Ryan's concern, he will correct the chart so the dotted line becomes a solid line as there is a direct link between these offices and the City Manager and also a chain of command and direct reporting to the City Manager. The line is dotted because it works between departments but the line between the City Manager and the Office of Cornmunity Prevention, I�ealth, and Safety should be a solid line as it reports directly to the City Manager. Councilmember Graves stated from her perspective she is appreciative of City Manager Edward's efforts and intention with the creation of this Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety 09/O 1/2021 Page 11 and position. She noted at the last meeting, she was so�l�cwhat reluctant to vote for the Policy Aide straight to the Mayor and part of the reason she could do so was the diligence put into the MOU by the City Attorney and City Manager. Councilmember Graves stated her concerns were thinking about this separation of operations versus policy. And, the person reporting directly to the Mayor is going to be focusing on policy, whether the policy is specified in the resolution, tweaking, or additions, in collaboratioil with the advisory committee that is being formed of community members. Councilmember Graves stated her concern was that if it was policy and that was the focus, then how is that going to translate into implementation/operations because implementation and operations cannot be separated. From her own experience working in the Off�ice of� Violence Prevention at the City of Minneapolis, there is a steering committee, a director of the oflice, and multiple other ways that the director moves and interacts with other departments. But she is not the boss ol�the police or fire or anythin� like that. She is just the director of that particular office and works in collaboration. Councilmember Graves stated she is happy about this because she was concerned things were going to be siloed, wondering how do we get from policy words on paper and discussions in an advisory committee to actual implementations within operations as a City. So, having this position, to her, is just as, if not more important f-or the implementation of these different changes than the position she voted in favor of at the last meeting that will report directly to the Mayor. Councilmcmber Graves stated she understands the important work of the advisory committee needs to be led by somebody with expertise, impartial and thinks we probably could have done that with an actual staff inember. But, considering the resolution we voted for does not allow that, it was the only alternative left. She hopes that this position will be filled with somebody good at working with both community and City staff and able to use the information gleaned from the advisory committee and Mayor's Policy Aide, working with the advisory committee to implement on the operational level, the things that we want to see happen. And, that person will also be able to work with the City Manager and other department leads to thinking about what is feasible and what that means as far as budgct. Councilmember Graves stated she is pleased with this position and happy to see that the City Manager has brought it before us. She noted that in a way, she would like to have known about it before the last meeting but is happy to see it now. Councilmember Butler stated she too appreciates the structure we have before us and noted this is now the second time it has come up about the grant dollars. She does not expect some who voted against the resolution to always be on board with all of the decisions, but it is a professional norm that the grantee cannot make it known before the grantor so she thinks we should be on the same page because until the grantor allows us to make it public, we cannot make it public. Councilmember Butler stated a lot of times when we discuss a resolution that was passed we are going round and round about things that don't, in the grand scheme of things, matter because we passed this resolution and it needs to move forward. She is just saying can we stop having 09/O1/2021 Page 12 comments and conversations about things that, in the grand scheme of things, really don't matter because it is preventing us from moving forward, and getting the work done that we set out to get done in May. Councilmember Butler stated she is very excited we are moving farward and appreciates all the work that Dr. Edwards and his team have put in to get grant dollars so it does not have to come from our general operating fund, which we don't have, to do this work. She looks forward to continuing to move forward and implementing the resolution. Council�nember Ryan stated he has a gencral question and comments. He asked when developing the Citation and Summons Policy with the Police Department was the existing policy thoroughly reviewed and did you take input from Police leaders. I Mayor I?lliott stated Councilmember Ryan's voice is cutting in and out but he understands the �, question and the answer is yes. They are currently doing that while taking input from Police �� Department leadership. Councilmember Ryan stated in the previous comment about asking the question when the matter 'i should be settled, he understands that but this is an object lesson for how we can conduct our I processes better so we don't have these issues and have things developed in good order where we begin from Work Sessions instead of making public announcements that votes will be taken at a meeting the next day. This was the case with the first meeting for passage of the Public Safety Reform Resolution. Councilmember Ryan stated this is an object lesson about how a good process provides better results and we don't have these divisive issues. He would like that considered, in that regard, in the future. Mayor Llliott stated any time Councilmember Ryan wants to share with him more object lessons, he is happy to always listen. He is also available to meet and if Councilmember Ryan wants to talk about things he can do differently, he is always happy to hear. Mayor Elliott asked for a legal opinion on setting up positions related to the resolution. He referenced the third RI;SOLVED paragraph that addresses setting up a new Public Saiety and Violence Prevention Office. Councilmember Graves requested that this discussion be continued to a Work Session and to move on to the rest of the budget. Mayor F,lliott stated before we do that, he wants to inake a final comment which is that what is before us this evening is a manager of the Office of Community Prevention, Health, and Safety and he wants to point out that what the resolution establishes is not a Mana�er level but a Director level position that is the Director of Community Safety and Violence Prevention responsible for overseeing all of the City agencies and City efforts regarding community safety. He stated those departments will report to this Directar, and this Director will report to the City Manager. 09/O 1/2021 Page 13 Mayor 1?lliott stated he wants us to be clear that we are discussing approving the funding for this position. I-Ie stated the City Attorney has some thoughts on the resolution and he would like to hear from the City Attorncy on his thoughts and undeistanding of how we go about setting up these departments. City Attorney Gilchrist stated he frankly agrees with the idea of having a more thorough discussion of this at a Work Session but his quick reaction, and his understanding, though he admits he has not been pouring over this resolution and tiguring out exactly how it is all going to be implemented, has been that the Implementation Committee would be working to help identify how best to roll this out. One thing he has discussed with Mayor Elliott in the past is needing to identify a work plan to talk about that so essentially evcryone is on the same page in understanding what comes tirst, then second. Then we will all know the mile markcrs we are working on to move this effort forward. At this point,that is his initial take. City Attorney Gilchrist noted we have been spending a lot of time trying to develop the Citation and Summons Policy and hopefully that will be in a position soon where it can be adopted. �3ut that was an initial and immediate sort of step. In his personal view, he thinks the Implementation Committee does need to gct going so wc can lay out that work plan and get that ball rolling. There being no additional questions or comments, Mayor Llliott moved to the next agenda item. 3c. FIRE & EMF,RGENCY MANAGEMENT Dr. F,dwards invited Fire Chief Berg to present the I�ire and Emergency Management Uepartment budget. Fire Chief"I�odd Berg stated the mission of the Fire Department is to protect lives and property from the adverse effects of fire and other dangerous conditions, whether manmade or acts of nature. 'I'his will be accomplished through public education and a commitment to excellence in training and superior customer service. Fire Chief Berg reviewed the Fire Department's funetions by division,noting it is divided into five sections. The Administrative Division is responsible for the management of the department including budgeting, impleinentation, and development of policies and procedures and ensuring that all records are maintained and updated according to the law. Fire Chief� Berg stated the Fire Prevention Division offers a variety of public education opportunities primarily focusing on fire prevention, skills to lead a safer life,and conducts building inspections within the community to make it a safer place. The Operations Division provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and mitigation of hazardous materials spills and leaks, and other rescue services. The Training Division is responsible for making sure all fircfighters are trained to the appropriate certification level by offering weekly, monthly, and yearly training opportunities. Fire Chief Berg stated the Emergency Management Division helps identify and mitigate risks within the community through individual and organizational preparedness, accomplished through planning, training, conducting emergency management drills, and coordination of the City's response to disasters. 09/O 1/2021 Page 14 I�ire Chief Berg stated not that any one of these Divisions is more important than the other but Emergency Management has come to the forefront and center of a lot of things that happened in 2021 and 2020 with the COV I D-19 pandemic. I�ire Chief Berg presented 2021 highlights including the promotion of four probationary lirefighters to regular firefighters with the potential to promote three additional f�irefighters yet this year. He explained that when a firefighter is hired, they don't need to know anything about firefighting or first responders. `I,he Fire Department takes them from zero to full-fledged firefighters in an 18-month process, based on the individual's availability and what they already have from training when hired. t-Ie stated they conducted interviews last week and are looking to bring on five additional probationary firefighters when the process is completed. Fire Chief Berg continued presentation of 2021 highlights including COVID PPE preparedness through Emergency Management, during which they offered masks, went into the community to apartment buildings and long-term care facilities, worked with three partners who donated money f��r CARES funding food money, and went to those food distribution locations to make sure they I were set up with masks during the high part of COVID last year. They also looked into food offerings at the West Fire Station so, throughout a good poriion of 2021, they offered free food through a partnership that also offered masks and sanitizers for those who took advantage of the I food program. Fire Chief Berg stated Emergency Management also facilitated, did the leg work, 'I and encouraged, to establish two large vaccine clinics in our community. � Fire Chief Berg stated the Fire Department responded to 1,062 calls for service so far in 2021 including 18 structtire fres, 3 arson fires during the civil unrest, backfilled, and lined up a task force response, if needed, to f urther protect community and buildings from unnecessary fire during that time. He pointed out that paid-on-call staff is the backbone and heart of our Fire Department, comprised of 29 members right now, and their staff time should not go unnoticed whether duty crews, training, anything you can imagine. These 29 people have put in 12,591 hours so far in 2021 for their community. Fire Chief Berg presented 2022 Fire Department goals include training all staff to the EMT level, noting that right now, they are at the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) level. F,MT is the next step up and will deliver better service for our community. They will continue active recruitment, noting over the last few years they have recruited a lot of firefighters. The Fire Department will continue to promote MNFIRE, which is a Statewide group, and will visit with the City Council at a future meeting about the training staff has completed to further protect themselves from cancer, cardiac, and wellness procedures. The Fire Department will prepare for the annual Fire Prevention Week in schools this year. He explained that last year they had to use a distance learning type model. Fire Chief Berg stated the Fire Department will continue to implement the new pre-planning software and migrate all fire reporting to a new software program called ESO. He stated the Fire Department will also keep pushing COVID information to community and City employees, noting we have a way out of this health crisis and it is vaccines. Thcy will push information to move in that direction. 09/O 1/2021 Page 15 1�'ire Chief Berg presentcd a slide depicting staffing levels and pointed out there is not a lot of change except for the paid-on-call firefighter numbers, which are sometimes hard to gauge due to retil•ement and applicants. I�le stated the paid-on-call firefighters who do duty crews are at a bare miilimum number to cover our daytime duty crew from l 0 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are watching this and doing some planning to enhance it in 2023 when they will bring on a new full-titne fire technician, which is a firefighter responsible to do some of the daytime duty shitts so we can continue to provide that service to the community. Fire Chief Berg explained that as far as spending and increasing the budget, they have an increase of$25,800 in clothing and personal equipment for seven sets of turnout gear that are expiring in 2021 and 22 body armor vests. "I'he turnout gear- costs over $3,000 a set and is protcctive gear worn during firefighting. According to manufacturers, OSI IA, and the National Pire Protection Agency, there is a ten-year li1�e span. The City has seven sets of gear that expire in 2021 and looking into 2022, they will outfit firefighters with body armor vests. Fire Chief Berg stated the Fire Department and Liquor Store have teamed up to get donations from customers as well as community members and businesses so he hopes to get that number lower by the time the actual levy is set. Fire Chief Berg stated there is a $25,000 increase in the training budget so the remainder of staff can finish EMT training. He explained the State budget for training grants, noting there were additional funds during their second biennium budget so he was able to secure EM"I'training funds for ten firefighters from the State. Next year is the State's second biennium so there is only $140 per firefighter budgeted from the State. Fire Chief Berg stated the biggest budget increase is $136,000 to bring their vehicle replacement fund up to where it should be through Central Garage. I�or years, Central Garage has had the formula to forecast how much vehicles will cost at the time of replacement but it is very hard to iorecast as fire trucks can go up 8% to 12% per year. It is typically budgeted to replace a staff car or pickup truck every ten years. "I'he fire engines are replaced every 20 years and the aerials are replaced every 25 years. f Ie explained it is hard to keep up with that and they have worked hard with Finance and the Central Garage over the last year to come up with a good formula to fund for this. The unfortunate outcome is an increase like this but if�it is not budgeted for, the City will not be able to replace the 20- and 25-year-old fire trucks and they will be 35- and 40-year-old fire trucks before they are replaced and may not be usable at that time. I�ire Chief Berg stated another increase is $8,200 for the emergency preparedness budget for the Armored Receive Notification System of Code Red, which is ARP eligible dollars. Fire Chief Berg presented the Fire Department budget by program and object code, noting Fire is up 13.13% and emergency preparedness is up 27.82%, which includes the $8,200. Since there is not much money in that budget, any increase looks like a high percentage. The personal services increase of 2.68%is for a cost-of-living increase for employees. Supplies are increased by 25.85% for the new turnout gear and vests, services, and other charges increase by 24.64% for the $40,000 in training, and Central Garage charges increase by 38.88% to address the vehicle replacement program. 09/O 1/2021 Page 16 Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson thanked Fire Chief Berg for the item-by-item explanation, clearly making certain about the Fire Department equipment, which is one of the top two or three items in the budget. She appreciates understanding more thoroughly that matter and the preparedness Fire Chief Berg has demonstrated throughout this past year during the pandemic and efforts of his stai-f�and crew. She again tlianked Fire Chief 13erg for this proposal and presentation and wished him well. Councilmember Ryan echoed the sentiments of Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson and appreciates the detail. He explained his concerns were staffing, equipment, and setting aside resources for future purchases of very expensive equipment that is iinperative the Department has. He also wanted to salute a long tradition of the Brooklyn Center I�ire Department in getting many more years out of some of the very expensive specialty equipment than is the norm because our personnel have taken such excellent care of the equipment and ensured the City can get more years of use out of it and be good stewards of the City's limited resources. Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates what Fire Chief I3erg has done, especially in the very difficult year of the pandemic, and his key role in emergency preparedness. He is sure Fire Chief I3erg knows more about COVID than just about anyone with the City. Councilmember Ryan again thanked Fire Chief Berg, asked him to keep up the great work, and to extend his appreciation to all the personnel in the Fire Department. Councilmember Graves asked if any of the recruits are women or people of color who have been hired on as full-time firefighters. Fire Chief Berg stated they do not have any full-time firefighters right now, they are paid-on-call firefighters. He explained they had the opportunity to interview six people, will push five through the process, and of those five, there is one female minority. Councilmember Graves stated she remembers approving a fire truck recently and wondered if that was in last year's budget. Fire Chief Berg stated that was the 2020 budget. Councilmember Graves asked, looking forward, how many more fire trucks will need to be replaced in the next five years. Fire Chief Berg answered he anticipates two if not three. He explained the fire truck approved this year was three years overdue already. Another vehicle is two years overdue for replacement, and one is supposed to be replaced this year. Councilmember Uraves stated beside the truck recently purchased, how many others do we have that are less than ten years old. Fire Chief Berg stated he is not positive but there may be one that is less than ten years old. Councilmember Graves stated she was curious about that and wants to think ahead. Fire Chief Berg noted the City's fleet is pretty old right now and hence the conversation and new formulated process because there is a need soon. Councilmember Graves stated she is also thinking about the long term, if there is a way to prevent the City from having to buy so many fire trucks in such close succession, such as buying five now and then in 25 years having to replace t►ve again. Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates Fire Chief Berg and the volunteer firefighters and is happy to hear he was able to do some good recruitment. She is also excited to hear he is training 09/O l/2021 Page 17 all to be EM"I,s, which is an important asset to add to our tirefighters professionally and our citizens. She thanked I�ire Chief Berg for his presentation and hard work during the pandemic and cvcry day. "1'here being no additional questions or comments, Mayor Elliott moved to the next agenda item. 3c. POLICE llEPARTMENT Dr. Edwards invited �lcting Police Chief Gruenig to present the Police Department budget. Acting Police Chief Tony Gruenig the mission Police Department is to protect and serve in a manner that preserves the public trust. I�e reviewed the Police Department functions by Divisions, noting there are five. The Administration Division provides overall leadership and management oversight to the Police Department and ensures that proper funds and resources are allocated as efficiently as possible to aid in the reduction of crime and life-safety issues. Acting Police Chief�Gruenig explained the investigative Division handles about 1,000 felony-level cases in need of an advanced level of police investigation beyond f eld-level information gathering. That work includes advanced-level evidence recovery and applying those results to aid in suspect identification, such as DNA and physical property evidence, and moves the investigation from probable cause to beyond a reasonable doubt. The Investigation Division works in direct partnership with Hennepin County Attorney's Office, Hennepin County Child Protection Services, IIennepin County Adult Protection, and CornerHouse Child Advocacy and Interview Services. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated the Yatrol Division, is the primary Division of the Police Department and primary responder to 91 l and emergency calls for service. Each year the Police Department handles nearly 37,000 public safety incidents, which amounts to about 100 calls in 24 hours. The Yatrol Division has three part-time units that work together with patrol officers to ensure the best quality of service is delivered for each call. "fhere is a Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART),the Emergency Operations Unit(EOU), and the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) or Crisis Negotiation Team. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated the Community Services Division has seven primary approaches to building partnerships within the community and promoting a Citywide collaborative approach to eliminate crime. Those approaches are the Crime Prevention Program, Multicultural Community Liaison, and Joint Community Police Partnership(JCPP), an embedded social worker trom Hennepin County since May 2021, commercial area street crimes unit, two cadets in the Police Cadet Program, and crime analysis. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated the Support Services Division prepares all police reports in a format that can be used for review and dissemination of crime information. They report accurate crime data to the State of Minnesota fram the records that are generated by our agency. Each year, the Police Department processes nearly 5,000 detailed reports. "I�his Division also fulfills all data requests made by the public, media, or other public safety partners. Acting Police Chief Gruenig reviewed a breakdown of the Police Department's staffing levels, 09/O 1/2021 Page 18 noting it has not changed over the last three years and no change is proposed for 2022. He noted �� the 2021 budget had a .5 position for an auto theft officer and the Police Department received a grant through 2023. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated the Community Service Officers at 4.64 I�TEs is part-time staff comprised of young men and women who want to go into law enforcement. j Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated the Yolice Department budget highlights are the setup of Benchmark Analytics software to streamline the process of reporting and sharing use of force, , pursuit, and complaint information. This will allow the Police Department to be more efticient '� and transparent in those areas. "l,he Police Department also ensures training mandates are met and ofiicers receive training as required by the Minnesota POST I3oard. He explained this is traditionally not a very difficult task but with COVID staffing levels, it is becoming a challenge and they are forced to be more creative in processes to accomplish those goals. '� Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated they are looking to train in Forensic Experiential Trauma �� Interview (FETI) for detectives. One detective is signed up for that training now and they hope for more in the future. Another highlight is the implementation of the officer wellness plan with � yearly check-ins and up to three free visits for officers for continued officer mental health wellness. �� This was implemented in early 2021 and has been very beneficial. 'I Acting Police Chief Gruenig noted, as mentioned before, there is an embedded social worker that �I started in May of 2021. He explained a meeting was held on this today and it is a bit of a longer- haul where they hope to see results in six to nine months. A new multicultural liaison was added in the third quarter of 2020 and they have proactively reached out to the Department of Justice I (DOJ) and Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-"I'AC) to work on �� community trust, data analysis, and recruitment and retention to include diversity. Acting Police Chief Gruenig presented Police Department goals for 2022 to stabilize department staffing levels and address diversity and equity in hiring. They currently have a lateral officer hiring process with a bonus for living in the City and want to develop a Department Recruitment Committee to review application and background process to ensure applicants meet desired qualities and expedite the hiring process due to surrounding agencies doing the same and lack of qualified candidates. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated the second goal is to increase staff training in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), which is the gold standard in de-escalation. About 45% of staff is currently trained in CIT and two additional pieces of training were scheduled in 2020 but were canceled and rescheduled to April of 2021 due to COVID. He noted the Police Department hopes to contract with a mental health professional to respond to critical incidents. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated the third goal is increased neighborhood engagement, develop crime prevention workshops, engage with local watch captains to address neighborhood issues and promote City resources,develop and implement neighborhood response plans with assistance from other departments, and work collaboratively with the community engagement team to host small neighborhood area meetings with the assistance of City funds. Acting Police Chief Gruenig reviewed the fourth goal to increase Police department transparency � 09/O 1/2021 Page 19 by expanding be�lchmark analytics for the electronic tracking of use of force, complaints, pursuit, and community engagement data. The target is to have five years of previous data uploaded iilto that. 'I�hey plan to implement a Police Department data dashboard on the City's website and reinitiate and possibly expand the Police Uepartment's social media accounts. Acting Police Chief Gruenig presented the overall Police Department budget by progi-am and object code. He noted the increases are in Administration of 10.31% for the licensed social worker plus an anticipated increase in hiring, with ihe rest of the Divisions being relatively flat exccpt for Central Garage that has an increase of 8.l 2% to address issues with extremely unreliable vehicles that had to be traded in early. Councilmembcr Graves stated she heard the Multi-Cultural Advisoly Conlmittec (MAC) is going through a restructuring and asked if there is more information about that from the perspective of the Yolice Department. Acting Police Chief Uruenig stated Community Liaison Ofticer Theresa Shim was looking at revamping the MAC to get more focus and initiatives. He explained there are soine long-standing members the City has had a relationship with over the years but Community Liaison Officer Shim was looking to reinvigorate MAC and ask what direction they wanted to go in. Councilmember Graves asked how much autonomy Community Liaison Officer Shim has in being able to make those decisions. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated she had complete autonomy for the most part as she ran with it along with Commander Gabler. Acting Police Chief Gruenig explained he tries to not mici-omanage staff. Councilmember Graves noted there have been some things the City Council has brought up over the years like, for instance, posting MAC meetings outside the Police Department, and changing the application process. Councilmember Graves stated she has met with Community I,iaison Ofticer Shim several times and she was planning to present to the City Council at one point but then decided to reschedule. Councilmeinber Uraves stated she is anxious to hear more about what is happening with the MAC, changes being made, and how it will be a more guiding body in the work we are doing around reform. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated he can get back in touch with Councilmember Graves with more details on it but we are trying to work with Dr. Edwards to help MAC and Supervisor pon Ryan is trying to connect the MAC with the JCPP. I le stated one of the first things Community Liaison Officer Shim wanted to do was move the meeting locations and he anticipates that future meetings, once they are not virtual, will probably have various locations. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated he will follow up with an e-mail to Councilmember Graves to provide more details than he has described on what the MAC is doing and future direction. Councilmember Graves asked what is the role of the social worker who started in May 2021 and what support is that person offering, primarily to the police officers or community members. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated there are many different ways in which the social worker can work. This one is not an embedded social worker which is kind of a reactive situation. So, its singular focus is on the community. The wellness person the Police Department has on staff but the embedded social worker is for the community. As an example, our law enforcement would go 09/O 1/2021 Page 20 to a homeless person who may have some mcntal health issues, and once they have contact and establish that, when they are done with the call for service, they fill out a form and givc it to the embedded social worker so that person can offer services to thc homeless person. Whether they need help with mental health issues or same services for a homeless shelter or food services, whatever the needs may be, the social worker can then work with that person and get them those resources. Acting Police Chief Gruenig cxplained they do not get a lot of feedback because a lot of the information given to the social worker is protected. They are still working out the details and finer points of how to get people in need hooked up with those services. Councilmember Graves referred to an article she recently read that the County is expanding this program to evcn more cities and St. Louis Park has one in their Yolice Department and their Fire Department as well, which is interesting. She stated she would be curious, not to get protected information, but after the first year to get an understanding of how many people the social worker has helped and connected to resources. She noted this is an additional expense and even though she is happy to have the social worker there, it is still important to have accountability for that additional allocation of funds. Councilmember Graves asked how the addition of the mental health worker will work together or differently than the social worker. Acting Police Chief Gruenig explained the mental health worker was for law enforcement internally and in 2022 they would add the same mental health worker to help law enforcement and go to scenes, such as someone barricaded in a residence and wanted for a crime. In that case, the HRT would go to the scene, negotiate with that person, and � the health care worker would respond with them and help with resources. He explained the mental health care worker can get protected information and help the Police Department be aware if there are mental health issues so they can talk to the person differently and help them de-escalate that ', situation. Councilmember Graves stated with the crime prevention focus,retired Crime Prevention Specialist ' Becky Boie led a lot of that effort and asked what is happening with it now that she has retired. She also asked if there are block captains or neighborhood groups engaged in leading the Crime ; Prevention Commission. Councilmember Graves stated she is not the liaison of that and was � curious how that is going. She stated from her perspective when she was the liaison to the Crime Prevention Commission, which was very early in her term of service on the City Council, one of the main focuses was a book drive. As much as she thinks that book drives are helpful,she wonders if there are more innovative ways to think about crime prevention. One thing that comes to her mind is some of the things the City Manager and Community Development Department have done around crime prevention through environmental design or activities around that type of thing that the Crime Prevention Commission or Police Department can get involved in as well. �, Councilmember Graves stated she is not trying to micromanage but to think outside of the box and ' get more of our community members engaged in crime prevention that is more exciting than books, although as much as she loves books. � Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated Dan Jerzak was hired for that position. He agreed that Officer , Boie did an excellent job, established that position, and now with Mr. Jerzak coming to that role, I 09/O 1/2021 I' Page 21 ', they are looki�lg to expand it into different areas with more outreach, engageinent with the community, a�id different areas to expand upon. Mr. Jerzak has taken his first days to contact all of the block captains personally,�net with the vast majority of them, and with the assistance of Dr. Edwards, they will expand that position to have more of an engagement role in the community. They will see where they can work with the City's engagement teams and expand upon and leverage their assistance together with the block watch captains. Also, instead of having four or five large neighborhood meetings,they will have a few more small meetings with the block watch captains. Acting Police Chief Gruenig explained it is still early in the process with Mr. Jerzak being in his first or second week. Also, Commander Gabler works with community engagement to expand � upon that a little bit. l�or now, and due to staffing shortages, they are focusing on patrol. Councilmember Graves stated that answers her question, notin� she is supportive of and willing to be helpful in any way as the Police Department builds that out and Mr. Jerzak gets established � in that position. Councilmember Graves asked for morc information on the FETI training as well as thc outreach made to the DOJ and CRI-TAC. Acting Police Chief Gruenig FETI but it stands for Forensic � Experiential Trauma Interview where you don't conncct the dots, you collect the dots. It is not about if things do not add up in chronological order. "I'hat is okay because that is not how people remember the experience. It is wrapping your head around that and just being a good listener about the situation and letting the person talk and communicate in their way. Councilmember Graves stated she will also do more research and is curious to learn more as the Police Department gets into implementing that training for the officers. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated this will be for the detective staff where they can sit down with someone and take time as a traumatic experience is compounded if you have to sit with law eniorcement and be ' interviewed by detectives. We will learn how to make people feel more comfortable while we are � gathering information, which is a trend to help people express the story better. Councilmember Graves stated it caught her attention because it was related to trauma. She thinks if moving and trying to be trau�na-informed, you will have more compassion and listening and not be thinking what is wrong with this person but instead what happened to this person. "I'hen it is coming from a place of trying to understand rather than judging them on first appearances. Councilmember Graves stated in general, it sounds interesting and helpful. Councilmember Graves stated she is happy to see Acting Police Chief Gruenig was proactive about reaching out to the DOJ and technical assistance center, especially regarding the three categories. She is excited to see what work plans the Police Chief comes up with and how they may be implemented moving torward. She is also excited to hear that Acting Police Chief Gruenig is working on a dashboard for the City's website, which will move us further along the path towards increased transparency and accountability. Councilmembet• Graves stated she appreciates �cting Police Chief Gruenig's presentation, all his work, leading the department, and continuing to serve the City. She stated she is here and Acting 09/O 1/2021 Page 22 Police Chief Grueni can call her an time. I� � Y Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates the closing comments of Councilmember Gravcs and echoes those sentiments. He has questions relating to staff, which is a big concern of his because we've seen a large number of officers leave the Police Department. He referenced a weekly update �� issued to the City Council and senior staff dated August 13, 2021, that noted the departure of , Sergeant"I,roy Peasley with 20 years experience, Sergeant Steve Lorentz with 17 years experience, and an investigator with 12 years of experience, totaling more than 49 years experience with the Brooklyn Center Police Department. He asked Acting Police Chief Gruenig how many Sergeants are in the Department now and how many Sergeant positions are vacant because as he understands it, they are using Line Supervisors for officers for patrol and other functions. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated they are supposed to have a total of seven Sergeants and they currently have four Sergeants or down 43%. They have one Sergeant on medical leave and two have left. Councilmember Ryan asked how many new officers are in the Police Department. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated they hired two new officers recently and they are in field training now, which ' lasts about four months. During that training, they are not allowed to take a call for service by themselves and are always with a fully-trained police officer. Councilmember Ryan stated in terms of actively licensed police off cers capable of going on their ��� own on patrol or serving other functions, there are only 32 or 33 available at this time and there is � the possibility of other officers leaving the Department. He stated he has heard rumors about this �I so it is a real concern of his. Regarding stafting, he asked Acting Police Chief Gruenig if he has ' looked at incentives for officer retention. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated they have and maybe Dr. Edwards wants to comment on that. � Dr. Edwards stated they have looked at a multitude of ways in ways to retain and recruit and, in ��� some cases, made a contract. They are offering some incentives to retain employees at this time, ', exercising that, seeing what takes hold, and whether ofticers would be amenable as far as making some commitment to stay `X amount of period given some incentives. Dr. Edwards stated they are doing that and deploying that as we speak currently and hoping it will be helpful. Councilmember Ryan stated he spoke to someone at a recent Rotary meeting and they were told I' the Police Department has 12 new officers. He asked Acting Police Chief Gruenig what he sees �, as the deficits in the key advisory positions. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated it is a bit of a , concern having 12 new staff if that is the correct number. He stated they just hired 4 during the civil unrest, one resigned, and then they hired two more who are in-field training. Acting Police Chief Gruenig agreed it is a bit of a problem having staff leaving regularly and some Supervisors '� who are also leaving. His concern is if we have new staff working nights without good supervision, ' they can make innocent mistakes if they don't have that leadership and experience to help guide them in a positive direction. With law enforcement, not every situation is the same and it is �, difficult to say in Situation A do this because Situation A does not come up and the situations vary � from incident to incident so you have to use logic, common sense, experience, and quick thinking , to make good solid decisions. So, there are some concerns with turnover rates and supervision II 09/O 1/2021 I Page 23 il with Supervisors leaving. Acting Police Chief�Gruenig stated his concern is making sure we have the gaps in supervision filled as quickly as possible. He stated we are having a Sergeant testin� process and trying to move quickly through those processes to try and retain staff that is currently here or possibly considering Ieaving but might stay if they wcre up for a promotional process. Councilmember Ryan asked if there are concerns about changes in the policies regarding the ' priorities set for prosecution of cases through the Hennepin County Attorney's office. He has li heard some rumblings about lesser crimes being dismissed and not pursued and is concerned but does not llave a background in law enforcement or experience as a County prosecutor but it seems to him that judicious and f�irnl law enforcement is an absolute necessity, especially in this time where we are seeing a real upswing in a wllole range of crimes. I�e asked Acting Police Chief� Gruenig to shed some light on those concerns and if there is any change with how the Cowlty , Attorney's office is prioritizing prosecutions. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated he is not aware of any direct changes in how they prosecute cases. He explained that being in law enforcement for a long time,police officers always complain that County Prosecutors don't charge cases and they don't get as much time, or Situation A or Situation F3 has been a problem. That is a long-standing internal issue that law enforcement has but he is not aware of any direct changes as to what County Yrosecutors are changing in priorities for prosecutions. Acting Police Chief Gruenig offered to look into it and get back to Councilmember Ryan. Councilmember Ryan asked whether the barriers around the Police Station will stay in place until the Kim Potter trial is concluded, which starts November 30. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated yes, he anticipates keeping the fences in place until after the trial as they are an excellent de- escalation technique and allows for law enforcement to stay way back from the situation and not be an insti 7ator of an one who wants to exercise their First Amendment ri 7ht to rotest. He wants � Y � P to keep the fence up for community safety and law enforcement safety as well. Councilmember Ryan thanked Acting Police Chief Gruenig and stated he appreciates this work and that of all of his staff. He stated he recently had the opportunity for a ride-along, which was very enlightening, and he supports the Police Uepartment and the legal pursuit of their duties. Mayor F,lliott noted one of the positions we will be bringing on is the FUSL' data position that will help us, along with other technical assistance partners, with aggregating data and putting together a data framework which Dr. Ldwards talked about to have a dashboard on the City's website that provides real-time access to information about how we are doing. That will be one of the more important pieces to building community trust and also providing ongoing transparency that is cruciaL Mayor Elliott thanked Acting Police Chief Gruenig for the presentation. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson thanked Acting Police Chief Gruenig for the presentation and his department for going through some difficult times that, hopefully, will improve as time goes on. Councilmember Graves stated in response to the comments of Councilmember Ryan, she has heard things but has no concrete example to point to. In her other work, she has heard people talking 09/O 1/2021 Page 24 about how people arrested for some violent crimes or shootings are being released quickly by the Court system. She is not sure if that is what Councilmember Ryan is alluding to but she has heard that from other police in other work she does. She stated it has been a struggle specifically with some of the shootings but she does not know whether, specitically, any changes have been made. Councilmember Uraves stated as much as she is concerned about making sure we have an adec�uate amount of patrol officers who are properly trained to work with the community, she also thinks with the contentious times we are in, that some people who left were ideologically misaligned with some of the work we are trying to do around racial equity and a reconning of accountability and transparency within policing, not just in I3rooklyn Center but obviously on a national and maybe � international level. She stated it is possible, as sad as it is to see some people leave after so many years of dedication to the force, and especially since they were training new officers, if they were uncomfortable with some of the conversations we are needing to have as a City and Yolice Department,they potentially could have been obstacles to that Councilmember Graves stated she is hopeful that those who remain will be incentivized to stay and have the right kind of attitude to do the work that needs to be done as a Department, community, and City. Councilmember Graves stated she hears you and empathizes with some of your concerns but also thinks there could be a positive outcome from the departure of some of the folks that have already been part of that because culture is a big pari of policing. She is not sure who those people are or what their reasons were for leaving, but she does know they were training new officers so thinking about that, it could potentially have been detrimental had they stayed depending on what their attitudes were. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated he can understand where Councilmember Graves is coming from and appreciates that. He will add up the numbers but thinks the good majority of our people who left were BIPOC and the majority reason they left was basically that they did not feel respected or appreciated so they were going to other agencies. He completely understands where Councilmember Graves is coming from where you have a different cultural change within the Department and that may help change things but a lot of the BIPOC officers left because they did not feel like they were respected. Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates that clarity and it is disappointing to hear. Mayor Elliott asked how many BIPOC officers are on the force now. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated he does not have that information right now as it is too fluid of a situation but he will follow up with an e-maiL He stated, as an example,they just had another resignation today from a BIPOC officer. Mayor Elliott asked Acting Police Chief Gruenig if he has an estimate. Acting Police Chief Gruenig stated he does not want to estimate without adding up the numbers and providing a solid answer tomorrow. Mayor Elliott also asked how many left, noting it would be interesting to follow up with those individuals to get a sense of why they left. He thinks Acting Police Chief Gruenig is probably better situated than anyone else to know why people are leaving. Mayor Elliott stated this is an important topic the City Council should discuss at another time. He stated officers of color have reached out to him after leaving the Department to share their thoughts and it is an important part 09/O 1/2021 Page 25 of�the work we do going forward so tllat infot•mation would be helpful. Mayor Elliott noted that earlier Acting I'olice Chief Gruenig mcntioned information about the number of officers on patrol and he would like ihose numbers e-mailed for this year and fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018. Acting Yolice Chief Gruenig stated he will provide that in�-ormation. "I'here being no additional questions or comments, the meeting moved to the next agenda item. 4. 2022 BUDGET OVF.RVIEW— FOLLOW-UP Dr. F,dwards stated stai�f will be back on September 13, 2021, to present the overall budget as well as a preliminary levy for the City Council to consider and for the adoption of the final budget in Deceinber. Staff will be prepared to provide information on the preliminary budget and a summary of�the information on items the City Council requested guidance and commented on. Mr. Splinter stated on Septeinber 13, 2021, staff will recommend the preliminary levy but it will not be adopted until September 27, 2021, so there is time for consideration before adopting the high point of the levy. Mayor Elliott asked the Council about thcir level of interest in providing some stipend to Commissioners. Recruiting for the Commissions and talking with the folks, particularly those in our community, one young Latino gentleman who is working multiple jobs, comes highly recommended, but the idea of taking additional time off work presents a real challenge to him. Mayor Elliott stated there are many people like that and recently, the Minnesota Department of "I�ransportation, in its work organizing a community-based committee to advise on transportation projects, put in place a $50 a meeting stipend for people participating as a way to address some of the barriers people have to commit to public life and be able to participate. Mayor Elliott asked Council Members if they are interested in considering what that would look like. Councilmember Graves stated she is not opposed to discussing it but would not want to rush into a decision to include that in this years' budget that will be voted on in a couple of weeks. Potentially, based on that discussion, it could be implemented in the next budget year. She does not want to feel rushed into making that decision before this budget is finished. Councilmember Ryan stated he would not be opposed to considering alternatives but at this point is not convinced we should offer stipends or compensation for volunteer positions with the City. He stated we are in a new environment, he does not want to shut people out, but at the same time, we are looking at a lot of things that could potentially increase the cost of government. Councilmember Ryan stated we have to look at everything carefully. Councilmember I3utler stated she would be interested in hearing more about it. Financial Commission Chair Kragness stated she would also be interested in hearing more about it and agrees it probably would not be the perfect timing with this budget season. She stated she has been on the Financial Commission for 12 years and understands it is a volunteer position, which comes with the role. She a�ain stated she would be willing to hear more but also 09/01/2021 Page 26 understanding what the roles are meant to be; it is a volunteei-position for the City and t11at should be taken into considcration. Councilinember Lawrence-flnderson stated of course we can always learn inore about it and to Chair Kragness' point about being a long-term volunteer on the Financial Commission, she had served on the Housing Commission for 12 years as a volunteer. Councilmember Lawrence- ,, Anderson stated it is something we can consider but clearly, she does not believe we have the time ' or resources for this budget. She is amiable to learning more about those opportunities but, as 'i Chair Kragness said, it is a volunteer position and if people have time to devote, that is good. �I Councilmember Graves commented that it is great to hear Chair Kragness is at the meeting and ��� she is happy Chair Kragness is back. '� I�inancial Commissioner Kpaleh provided comments on the work of serving as a volunteer �, Commissioner, and his recent reference that sometimes we need in-service so members know exactly what we are talking about at the meetings. He noted that coming to this voluntary meeting takes a lot of time to prepare and people need to have an interest in the City to do this. Financial Commissioner Kpaleh noted that when you come here, you need to put gas in your car or, since doing it on Zoom, it is something that you take your time to be on this meeting to talk and listen and bring ideas. All of these things are important. ��e asked about thc people who are taking their , time to do this. He stated it is important for you to look at that and make decisions or come up I with something. Mayor Elliott stated he will have more iniormation on this at an upcoming Work Session where it can be discussed and he will start a process to talk with Commissioners to get their perspective � and hear from prospective commissioners about how spending their time is potentially a barrier. 5. FUTURE BUllGET DISCUSSIONS Sa. SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 —RECOMMENllED PRELIMINARY LEVY & BUDGET Sb. SENTEMBF.R 27, 2021 —ADOPTION OF PRF.LIMINARY LEVY Noted. 6. ADJOURN I There was a motion by Mayor Elliott and seconded by Councilmember Graves to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center City Council/Financial Commission adjourned at 9:15 p.m. 09/O l/2021 Page 27 S"I'ATE OF MINNf?SOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OI� BROOKLYN CF,N"I'ER) "I�he undersigned,being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of�I�rooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: l. "That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of the City Council from the City of Brooklyn Center Joint Work Session with Tinancial Commission held on September l , 2021. 2. "I'hat said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at �rooklyn Center City I�all. 3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its September 13, 2021, Regular Scssion. ���.1,� ,l,(� � - Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Mike Ellio t, Mayor 09/O1/2021 Page 28