HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 06-27 CCM REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 27, 2022
CITY HALL—COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in the Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor Mike
Elliott at 6:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-
Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Clerk Barb
Suciu, and City Attorney Jason Hill.
Mayor Mike Elliott opened the meeting for the Informal Open Forum.
Melissa C. read a quote about justice. She explained she listened to a recording of the
Implementation Committee meeting that morning and was very upset about the abuse that occurred
in the meeting. Those who care about justice cannot witness such a thing and say nothing. She
noted she is a Latina immigrant and has personally experienced injustice. The silencing of women
of color is not okay.
Melissa C. stated people included in the Implementation Committee do not stay in their lane or
recognized their whiteness. She went to the Implementation Committee directly to encourage the
power to be shared.
Melissa C. noted she wants the Committee to succeed. The Committee is being micromanaged
and not all voices are being heard. The system is imperialistic and only follows the rules when it
is convenient. The system has been set up to heavily distill comments from the public. Even the
consultants are being disrespected. Other consultants can talk freely, but a black woman was
silenced.
Melissa C. stated the Implementation Committee needs to be reassessed. The power dynamics
need to be interrupted and the group needs to experience a healing circle. That would also be
beneficial for Council and between Council and Staff. There are many people in the City with the
knowledge to host a healing circle.
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Melissa C. read a quote written by Drew Hart. Racial biases impact every encounter. Society
stigmatizes women of color, but Jesus stands with oppressed women. She asked for the Council
to respect those doing the work.
Mayor Elliott thanked Melissa C. for her statement. He stated the members of the Implementation
Committee followed protocol in the meeting. However, the protocol can be revisited. The
Implementation Committee has done a tremendous amount of work and made significant progress.
Kerry explained she has been unable to reach members of the Council through phone calls and
emails. The site at 93rd and Katherine Avenue is a safety concern. The sidewalk has been blocked
for over one year. There has been a lack of transparency by the City Manager,Mayor,and Council.
Events in the area make it difficult for residents to access their homes.
Kerry noted it is an ongoing problem. No one in the City cares about the residents in the area.
There was a man with multiple firearms and wearing a mask illegally walking around during the
Anniversary celebration. He was parked on Kerry's lawn. After Kerry asked him to move his car
so she could mow her lawn, he whispered under his breath about her being murdered.
Kerry stated the residents have called the police, but they do not respond to the area. The people
who frequent the intersection are above the law. There was a recent night when music was blaring
from a car with its doors open at 10:30 pm. The car was facing the wrong way in the street as well.
She received many intimidation tactics. Kerry added she wants an actual answer to her concerns.
City Manager Reggie Edwards asked for Kerry's contact information to follow up with her. Kerry
stated she has sent Mr. Edwards several emails and her last call was not returned. She asked how
he would like to be contacted. Mr. Edwards stated either manner would work.
Julie B. thanked Melissa C. for her comments. Julie B. noted she did not speak up when she should
have at the meeting. There has been a lack of clarity about who can have the floor at
Implementation Committee meetings. The space has not been equitable. The way the woman was
treated in the meeting was unacceptable. Julie B. apologized for the way the woman was treated
and for not saying something about it at the meeting. The woman deserves an apology from
everyone in the meeting, especially the person who spoke to her in that way.
Matt B. agreed the issue needs to be addressed. If the defense is that the person was following
protocol, then the protocol needs to be readdressed.
Mayor Elliott stated the matter will be followed up on. There was clarification provided during
the meeting regarding who could speak. However, it had to be further clarified. The policies were
discussed with the City Manager, but there should be more communication about Staff's role in
the meetings. The policy has been rather lenient thus far. Committee members have expressed
concerns about the number of people speaking at meetings, and he had to pull back on who was
able to speak.
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Matt B. stated how the policy was followed through with was the issue. Mayor Elliott stated the
matter would be discussed within the Implementation Committee.
Councilmember Graves noted she didn't attend or listen to the latest Implementation Committee,
but she offered her help to aid in improving relationships amongst the Committee.
2. INVOCATION
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated when preparing for the Invocation, she reflected on
the importance of the swearing-in of the new Police Chief. It is an opportunity for change and
comes with a range of emotions including healing.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson read a quote from Caroline Adams Miller, "Your life is a
sacred journey. It is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously
expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply,
listening to your intuition, and taking courageous challenges at every step along the way. You are
on the path... exactly where you are meant to be right now... And from here, you can only go
forward, shaping your life story into a magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, of
beauty, of wisdom, of power, of dignity, and of love."
2a. SWEARING IN OF POLICE CHIEF
Police Chief Kellace McDaniel was sworn in as Police Chief of the City of Brooklyn Center.
A brief recess was taken.
3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in a Regular Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott
at 7:35 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-
Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Clerk Barb
Suciu, and City Attorney Jason Hill.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to approve the
Agenda and Consent Agenda, and the following consent items were approved:
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6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. June 6, 2022 —Joint City Council/Financial Commission
2. June 13, 2022 — Study Session
3. June 13, 2022 —Regular Session
6b. LICENSES
FIREWORKS TEMPORARY
TNT Fireworks Cub Foods
4003 Helton Dr Florence 3245 Co Rd No 10 Brooklyn Center MN
AL 55429
GARBAGE HAULER
Ace Solid Waste 6601 McKinley St NW
Ramsey, MN 55303
Aspen Waste Systems 2591 Weeks St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Curbside Waste 4025 85`1'Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Farmers Union Industries 220 Ponderosa Road
dba Midwest Grease Redwood Fall, MN 56283
MECHANICAL
1331 Granite Ln N
Dornan's Heating & Air Conditioning Oakdale Mn 55128
3124 290th Ave
East Central Mechanical Services LLC Mora MN 55051
875 Spiral Blvd
Majeski Plumbing & Heating Hastings MN 55033
3920 Foss Rd
Piperight Plumbing St Anthony MN 55421
6237 Penn Ave S #100
Quality Refrigeration Richfield MN 55423
RENTAL
INITIAL (TYPE IV—six-month license)
6506 Drew Avenue N Peter M Isabell
INITIAL (TYPE III—one-year license)
5301 Winchester Lane SFR Acquisitions 2, LLC
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INITIAL (TYPE I—three-year license)
201 Lakeside Avenue N, #109 Marie L Dworshak
4207 Lakeside Avenue N, #140 Kenosha-Pacific RE l LLC
RENEWAL (TYPE IV—six-month license)
5337 Queen Avenue N Edith Perlin
325 Kyle Avenue N Cuong Pham
RENEWAL (TYPE III— one-year license)
6511 Humboldt Avenue N The Pines North LLC
6737 Humboldt Avenue N Humboldt Square Ventures LLC
707 Eleanor Lane Cosco Property 4 LLC
5642 Logan Avenue N Mnsf T3 SPE LLC
RENEWAL (TYPE II—two-year license)
5356 71st Circle Xiaoyan Hu
5724 Logan Avenue N Konstantin Ginzburg
601 Unity Avenue N Cel Monton Llc I Doug Wahl
614 Bryant Avenue N Yi Lin & Xi Lin
001 Emerson Avenue N Moses Gibson & Mara K Jenson
RENEWAL (TYPE I— three-year license)
5304 Vincent Avenue N Lou Yang & Pao G Vang
5306 Russell Avenue N Jonathan & Donna Reinarz
256 Twin Lake Boulevard E Brian Somkhan
4207 Lakeside Avenue N, #320 H Pollinger & L Pollinger Tr
1300 72nd Avenue N Scott & Marinela Selseth
1706 Amy Lane 1706 Amy Ln N LLC
3018 Ohenry Road Godiva Properties Lie
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3125 66th Avenue N Christina Duong & Danny Vo
5611 Knox Avenue N Pro Operam Sub XI LLC
5907 Xerxes Avenue N Brett R Hildreth
6642 Camden Drive Joby John & Resmy Kurian
7018 Drew Avenue N Michael Bocko
6c. RESOLUTION NO. 2022-63; ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF
CONDITIONS CREATING A PUBLIC NUISANCE PROPERTY EXISTING
AT 1208—57T"AVENUE NORTH IN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
6d. RESOLUTION 2022-64; ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF
CONDITIONS CREATING A PUBLIC NUISANCE PROPERTY EXISTING
AT 5430 OLIVER AVE N IN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. RESOLUTION NO. 2022-65; REGARDING PLANNING COMMISSION
APPLICATION NO. 2022-002, REQUESTING APPROVAL OF THE
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT FOR BROOKLYN CENTER COMMUNITY
SCHOOLS (BCCS) SHINGLE CREEK ADDITION (590 SHINGLE CREEK
PARKWAY)
City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Associate Planner Olivia
Boerschinger to make the staff presentation.
Ms. Boerschinger explained the plat request was noticed for a public hearing at the Planning
Commission on May 12, 2022, and June 9, 2022. Both meetings failed to meet quorum, therefore
the public hearings were not held and no recommendation was provided by the Planning
Commission.A letter was sent to the applicant on June 1, 2022, requesting a 60-day extension, and
the public hearing notice was republished for consideration at City Council.
Ms. Boerschinger noted the Subject Property was developed with one building, which was
approved and built-in 1969. Currently, the building has two tenants and is used as office space for
mental health and educational services. The property was last sold in 2013 and Independent School
District No. 286 is a current tenant.
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Ms. Boerschinger stated in 2014, City Council approved a Special Use Permit to operate a group
daycare facility and construct an outdoor playground at the Subject Property. Group daycare
facilities are permitted by special use in the C2 District. The Applicant's present uses of
educational services, group daycare, and educational offices, are in alignment with permitted uses
for the C2 District and the Central Commerce Overlay District.
Ms. Boerschinger added the Subject Property is guided to be zoned Transit-Oriented Development
per the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and the Applicant's current and future intended uses for
the building as education administration offices, an Area Learning Center (ALC), and group
daycare facility, maintain consistency with permitted uses for the proposed future TOD zoning
district.
Ms. Boerschinger explained the applicant intends to subdivide the Subject Property as a part of the
purchase process. In this scenario, the City of Brooklyn Center would purchase the portion of the
property not required for the Applicant's needs and future uses. This would result in the Applicant
purchasing approximately 2.5 acres of the Subject Property, and the City of Brooklyn Center
purchasing the approximately 5.4-acre remainder, which is currently underutilized and used as
excess parking for the property. The 80 parking spaces to be maintained on-site for proposed Lot
1 would meet current zoning standards and there are no plans at this time to expand the building's
footprint.
Ms. Boerschinger noted City Engineer Mike Albers and Principal Engineer Jay Hill conducted a
review of the application submittal and documentation. The City compiled several
recommendations in its review. There are also a few approval conditions required in the approval
process.
Councilmember Graves noted she feels prepared to move forward with the Staff recommendations.
However, she asked why the item came before the Council. She noted Ms. Boerschinger
mentioned an issue of meeting quorum and asked if that was because there were not enough
members present or if the Commissioners couldn't agree with one another.
Ms. Boerschinger stated there is one vacant seat on the Planning Commission, and there has been
a lack of attendance by other Commissioners. Dr. Edwards stated the current Commissioners are
inconsistent and do not give notice about their absences.
Mayor Elliott stated he spoke to some of the Commissioners, and the Commissioners noted the
Commissioners would benefit from a calendar invite from Staff. Mayor Elliott pointed out the
most recent meeting was the first meeting to be held in person after some time. Ms. Boerschinger
confirmed the last Planning Commission meeting was the first in-person meeting for a long time.
Mayor Elliott stated the Commissioners informed him of some communication issues. Dr.
Edwards stated Staff regularly communicates with Commissioners. The staff has tried emails,
texts, and phone calls.
Mayor Elliott asked how many people were at the last meeting. Ms. Boerschinger stated there
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were four Commissioners present at the meeting and two were absent.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
2022-65 approving Planning Commission Application No. 2022-002 for preliminary and final plat
approval of Brooklyn Center Community Schools, 5910 Shingle Creek Addition (located at 5910
Shingle Creek Parkway), based on the findings of fact and submitted documentation, as amended
by the conditions of approval in the resolution.
Councilmember Graves rescinded her motion.
Councilmember Graves moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to open the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
No one appeared to address this item.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
2022-65 approving Planning Commission Application No. 2022-002 for preliminary and final plat
approval of Brooklyn Center Community Schools, 5910 Shingle Creek Addition (located at 5910
Shingle Creek Parkway), based on the findings of fact and submitted documentation, as amended
by the conditions of approval in the resolution.
Motion passed unanimously.
8b. AN ORDINANCE NO 2022-02;AMENDING CHAPTER 6,SECTION 6.05,OF THE
CITY CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER (SECOND
READING)
City Manager Reggie Edwards noted no one is present from the Charter Commission and
summarized the first reading of the proposed amendment.
Mayor Elliott read the current portion of the Charter in question as well as the proposed
amendment. The proposed amendment would remove the requirement for both the Mayor and
City Manager to sign contracts. Instead, only the City Manager would have to sign contracts.
Dr. Edwards noted the proposal would allow the City Manager to sign contracts under $175,000.
Otherwise, the procedure would remain the same and require approval from the Council. The
amendment is intended to align the Charter with the current purchasing policy. Mayor Elliott
reread the current Charter.
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Mayor Elliott stated it is important to have two signatures, particularly to include the signature of
an elected party to ensure checks and balances. Therefore, the requirement should be maintained
and he does not support the proposal.
Councilmember Ryan stated the amended proposal is an improvement as it does not remove the
requirement for the City Manager and the Mayor to sign all resolutions and ordinances. It simply
refers back to the purchasing policy set by the Council that allows the City Manager to have
administrative discretion, as is his role. He noted the state laws allow the City Manager to have
purchasing power up to $175,000 as well. The role of the City Manager is to act in direction of
the Council anyways. The proposal would allow for a more efficient government.
Councilmember Ryan noted the Charter requires an amendment by ordinance requires a
unanimous vote of the Council. The Charter Commission did not understand why it would be
brought before the Council knowing it would not receive a unanimous vote. However, it is
important to be brought before the Council in the interest of showing the public an opportunity to
streamline processes that aligns with the governmental model in place in Brooklyn Center.
Councilmember Butler asked what the State allows for the purchasing power of the City Manager.
Dr. Edwards stated the State allows for the City Manager to purchase up to $175,000.
Councilmember Butler asked if anything under$175,000 comes before the Council. Dr. Edwards
stated nothing below $175,000 comes before the Council.
Councilmember Butler stated the process is only more efficient if the signatures aren't currently
being returned promptly. Such large sums of money need to include checks and balances.
Additionally, the decision is not related to people in their current roles. In the future, it may be
important to have checks and balances in place.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated it would be more important to add language
specifically aligning the Charter with the purchasing policy rather than removing the required
signature of the Mayor. The Council needs to be fully aware of the purchasing policy. The City
Council can change the purchasing policy much more easily. In the future, the amendment to the
Charter would always align with the purchasing policy as the Council sees fit. It would also
encourage Councilmembers to be more aware of the purchasing policy.
Mayor Elliott stated the current language specifies a maximum dollar amount. The Mayor doesn't
currently sign off on $50 credit card bills. However, $175,000 is a different matter. The current
system works and includes accountability.
Dr. Edwards stated the Council has already authorized the City Manager to sign off on purchases
of up to $175,000. The City Manager role is a point of accountability within the structure of
government in Brooklyn Center. The government structure entrusts the City Manager to follow
through with directions directly from the Council.
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Mayor Elliott stated checks and balances require public oversight beyond the hired Staff.
Ultimately the voters hold the publicly elected officials to account. Therefore, the Council needs
to have oversight of the Staff. That is why the framers included this particular check-in the Charter.
Councilmember Ryan stated the Council serves as both an executive and legislative body. The
Mayor signs documents on behalf of the Council as an administerial duty. It does not require
discretion. The City is audited each year as another check and balance.
City Attorney Jason Hill noted the item requires a public hearing to proceed.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to open the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Kevin S., a resident of Brooklyn Center for many years, asked if a Mayor or City Manager has
been slow to sign something and, if so, how much time is lost. People want to see movement
within the City. Progress will increase the tax base.
Councilmember Graves agreed Kevin S. had some good questions and asked if Staff could provide
any answers.
Mayor Elliott admitted there have been some delayed signatures. There is also the opportunity to
do digital signatures.
Dr. Edwards stated the proposal is meant for administerial efficiency. There are challenges in
getting tasks done, and the Staff is seeking more efficiency.
Mayor Elliott stated he and Staff have suggested ways to increase efficiency. For example, the
Mayor could be more involved in the process of developing the contract. Therefore, the Mayor
would have a deeper understanding of contracts before he is asked to review and sign them within
a short timeframe.
Joy G. noted the public is hearing a lot of static and muffled microphones. She asked if there is a
way to fix the audio issues to allow for the hybrid model.
Mayor Elliott recessed the meeting at 8:15 pm. He called the meeting back to order at 8:25 pm.
Mayor Elliott summarized the proposed change and the following discussion.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated the Charter amendment is not concerning to her
because the City Council can change the purchasing policy at any time without changing the
Charter. The one-time change gives the Council far more authority and transparency for future
purchasing policy changes.
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Joy G. stated she can hear Dr. Edwards well, but it is difficult to hear Councilmember Lawrence-
Anderson. She asked if the Mayor signs off on the contracts after they have been approved.
Mayor Elliott read the current Charter and the proposed amendment. The amendment is regarding
purchases for under $175,000.
Joy G. asked how constituents are involved in the process. Mayor Elliott stated purchases for
under $175,000 are not brought before the Council or the public currently.
Dr. Edwards stated the Council receives reports on all of the purchases, so nothing would change.
The execution for purchasing items under$175,000 would be changed. All purchases are recorded
and available for review by the Council. Accountability will not change.
Joy G. asked if the public can perform data requests. Dr. Edwards stated nothing would change
about the information accessibility. There is still an annual audit and availability for review by the
Council.
Joy G. asked how a constituent could obtain details about finances. Dr. Edwards stated any
individual could make a data request at any time.
Joy G. stated it doesn't appear the amendment is clear about who would sign off on the purchases
because it refers to the purchasing policy. Dr. Edwards stated the purchasing policy includes
accountability. The only change is the execution of purchases for under $175,000. The City
Manager already has the authority to sign off on purchases for under $175,000. There is no
discernment between $50,000 and $5,000. The amendment would clear up the execution of
purchases. There are no changes in accountability.
Joy G. stated resolutions and ordinances go before the Council and Mayor. She asked if policies
can be changed at any time. Dr. Edwards stated only the Council can change policies. Joy G.
asked if internal policies can only be changed by the Council, such as the purchasing policy. Dr.
Edwards stated the purchasing policy would have to be changed by the Council.
A community member stated the City Manager serves at the pleasure of the Council. If the Council
sees an issue with the conduct of the City Manager, they can fire the City Manager as a form of
checks and balances.
Mr. Hill stated the person needs to identify himself because it is a public hearing.
Mayor Elliott asked the commenter for his name. The community member stated his name is
Arvid S.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
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Councilmember Graves noted her appreciation of the discussion, particularly the comments by
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson. Councilmember Graves explained she is looking forward
to reviewing the purchasing policy. It is important to give Staff the discretion to carry out their
responsibilities. Overall, Councilmember Graves was in support of the amendment.
Councilmember Butler agreed Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson made some good points about
the purchasing policy. She explained she is uncomfortable with no one reviewing purchases as
high as $175,000. For example, $60,000 was spent on an art presentation, and the Council did not
get much out of the presentation.
Councilmember Butler added the audit is helpful. However, the Council does not see purchases
until after they are completed and do not have a say in the matter at that point. Having a member
of the Council review a purchase makes her more comfortable. Councilmember Butler noted she
would be comfortable moving forward with the amendment if the limit was closer to $20,000.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson suggested a Work Session be planned for the Council to
review their purchasing policy. She asked what the likelihood is for the Council to pass an
alternative amendment that would include language in the amendment referring to the purchasing
policy. If there is no chance for a change, the Council doesn't need to belabor the topic further.
Councilmember Graves stated there seems to be enough interest in the Council to review the
purchasing policy together. Furthermore, there is a bit of a disconnect between the Mayor's
signature approval and providing the information to the Council. Perhaps there is a way to keep
the Council more informed of the happenings.
Mayor Elliott noted the Council is trying to balance out its legislative and executive roles. He
added there are several happenings in the City that the Council does not have a say in. Therefore,
it is important for an elected official to be available to keep an eye on the purchases.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to approve Second Reading
and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 2022-02, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 6, Section 6.05, of the
City Charter for the City of Brooklyn Center.
Councilmember Butler and Mayor Elliott voted against the same. Motion failed.
8c. AN ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03 AMENDING CHAPTER 3, SECTION 3.08 OF THE
CITY CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER (SECOND
READING)
City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and explained the amendment would
implement a 48-hour timeline for the Mayor to sign an ordinance or resolution after it was passed
by Council. The change would allow for Staff to move more expeditiously.
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Mayor Elliott stated the item is related to the Mayor carrying out his duties. The 48 hours can pose
an issue. Minneapolis has a timeline of seven days, which is common in other cities. He stated
he would be amenable to a timeline of seven days.
Councilmember Graves asked if there is currently a timeline in the Charter. Dr. Edwards
confirmed there is no timeline. Councilmember Graves asked if the timeline applies to items
passed by the Council. Dr. Edwards confirmed the timeline only applies to items passed by the
Council.
Councilmember Butler asked what the consequence is if the amendment were passed and the
timeline was not followed. Dr. Edwards stated if the Mayor couldn't sign within 48 hours, then
the item would be brought to the Mayor Pro Tem. If the Mayor Pro Tem was unable to sign, then
there would be an option for an electronic signature.
Mayor Elliott noted the amendment would violate the Charter by requiring the Mayor to sign
within 48 hours.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated since the Council would have already approved the
item, the amendment would allow for an electronic signature to be applied to the document and
would be purely administerial.
Mr. Hill stated he would have to review the Charter for specific fines and fees as those are
enforcement mechanisms.
Councilmember Ryan asked if the Mayor signs on behalf of the Council for items that have been
reviewed and approved by the Council. Mr. Hill confirmed the Mayor signs on behalf of the
Council for items that have been reviewed and approved by the Council. Councilmember Ryan
asked if the duty is, therefore, purely, administerial and requires no discretion. Mr. Hill confirmed
Councilmember Ryan was correct.
Councilmember Ryan stated the proposal is nothing more than a way to better facilitate the City's
business. The idea of having a timeline would allow for resolutions and ordinances to move
forward on time, especially for time-sensitive matters.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to open the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
No one appeared to address this item.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to close the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
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Dr. Edwards stated Mayor Pro Tern is authorized to stand in for the Mayor in the case he was
unavailable. If the Mayor Pro Tem's signature or an electronic signature were completed, then
there would be no fine or fee required. Mr. Hill agreed he was correct.
Mayor Elliott asked who brought the item to the Charter Commission. Councilmember Ryan
stated the matter was brought to them by Dr. Edwards in the interest of efficiency and effective
City operations.
Mayor Elliott asked if a similar provision is in other charters. Councilmember Ryan stated he does
not have other charters in front of him, so he cannot answer the question. The point of the
amendment is operative language.
Mayor Elliott asked if the Charter Commission looked at other charters for comparison.
Councilmember Ryan stated he doesn't see the point in doing that. The proposed amendment
makes sense and is in the interest of administrative efficiency.
Mayor Elliott noted the Charter Commission is a part-time role that oversees administrative actions
by the City Manager and part-time officials. They are trying to put in a tight timeline for the part-
time officials to sign a document. Minneapolis has a full-time Mayor and only has a 7-day
timeline. He has not seen another charter with such a tight timeline and for good reason.
Dr. Edwards stated the amendment applies to ordinances or resolutions that have already been
approved by the Council. The timeline is merely for an administerial stamp and does not require
any consideration or deliberation by the Mayor.
Mayor Elliott asked why a signature is needed. Dr. Edwards stated the signature is needed for the
Staff to execute the ordinance or resolution. Staff may have other deadlines for the matter and
they want to effectively execute charges of the Council.
Mayor Elliott agreed that he wants effective execution of direction of the Council, but the 48 hours
is unnecessary. The signature of the Mayor is meant to ensure what they are signing is in line with
the Council's decision. The timeline undermines the elected official's ability to execute their due
diligence.
Councilmember Graves stated if the full Council has voted on and approved an item,there doesn't
need to be additional review. The Mayor should only need to sign the resolution or ordinance
unless they don't trust the Staff
Mayor Elliott stated Staff can change what the Council votes on if it is immaterial. For example,
they could change a timeline in a passed item. Councilmember Graves stated if an extension was
very long, it would likely be brought before the Council again. Mayor Elliott stated what the
Council voted on can be changed by Staff.
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Councilmember Graves stated the amendment is related to ordinances and resolutions. Mayor
Elliott stated the Council does everything through resolutions. The Council is all part-time elected
officials.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve the second reading
and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 2022-03, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3, Section 3.8 of the City
Charter for the City of Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Elliott voted against the same. Motion failed.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None.
11. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmember Graves thanked Staff and the community for their efforts for the Juneteenth event.
She heard nothing but positive things. They need to raise the bar every year.
Councilmember Graves noted she attended a Rotary Club meeting, and they are looking for
additional, younger members to carry on the tradition.
Councilmember Graves added she attended the Minnesota League of Cities conference. She
attended a presentation about engaging in difficult conversations, which may be an opportunity for
Staff to look into for training. She also went to a workshop about increasing numbers of Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder among first responders. There were also resources about job creation
and she signed up for a climate caucus.
Councilmember Graves added the neighborhood meeting is at Bellevue Park on Thursday.
Councilmember Butler thanked Staff and community members who served on the Juneteenth
committee.
Council member Butler thanked Previous Interim Police Chief Gruenig for stepping up when they
needed him and for all he has done for the City. She added Commander Flesland stepped up as
well.
Mayor Elliott noted the Juneteenth event was very well planned.
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Mayor Elliott stated the Implementation Committee has been working very hard and making a lot
of progress alongside the Law Enforcement Action Partnership. They have sorted through a lot of
data. The work is not happening in many places throughout the country.
Mayor Elliott noted he spoke at the Allen Page scholarship program. He was helped with a
scholarship to attend college. Many current recipients are Brooklyn Center youth.
Mayor Elliott added a lot of community members have graduated in recent weeks and are
celebrating their accomplishments.
Mayor Elliott stated the community is evolving and will land in a more thriving, vibrant, and
inclusive place.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded the adjournment of the City
Council meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER)
The undersigned,being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center,
Minnesota, certifies:
1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Regular
Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on June 27, 2022.
2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at
Brooklyn Center City Hall.
3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its July 11, 2022, Regular Session.
19-09114-6-Alat
Barbara Suciu, City Clerk / Mi4el14ett, Mayor
6/27/22 -16-