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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 02-23 CCM Study SessionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA STUDY SESSION FEBRUARY 23, 2009 CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Fiscal & Support Services Dan Jordet, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Community Development Director Gary Eitel, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, and Carol Hamer, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Roche requested discussion on agenda item 8b, specifically in relation to typical public participation in the assessment hearing process. It was noted that public participation is dependent on the issue. The practice previously was to assess after the improvement project has been completed. The practice now is to approve the assessments and the project at the same meeting. The current practice is much more transparent with everything known on the front end prior to beginning the project. Mr. Boganey stated he was delivered a copy of a letter from Xcel Energy objecting to their assessment on the Aldrich Area improvements, and was told that the City Council members were all mailed a copy of the letter. Staff recommends that the Council certify the levy roll with the exception of the Xcel Energy property. The objection will be reviewed by the City Attorney with a report back to the City Council. Mr. Lillehaug provided the City Council with copies of the letter from Xcel Energy, as it was indicated that the letter was not received by the Council. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Yelich suggested in the future the quarterly financial reports provided to the City Council include a fund balance statement. He stated his position that this would provide a more complete picture of the City's finances. Mr. Boganey indicated that including a fund balance statement with the quarterly financial reports provided to the City Council should not require additional extensive work of staff. 02/23/09 The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to include a fund balance statement in future quarterly financial reports provided to the City Council. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS COMPREHENSIVE CRIME REDUCTION STRATEGY - COUNCILMEMBER YELICH Councilmember Yelich provided a presentation on a comprehensive crime reduction strategy for consideration by the City. The presentation included the following information: • Part 1 Crime Rate 1999 - 2008 • First and Second Ring Minneapolis Suburbs - 2006 Part 1 Crime Rate / 2006 % Population Probationers • Registered Sex Offenders Living in Brooklyn Center and Comparable Cities Councilmember Yelich reported on the 2008 PERF Report statistics regarding the number of juveniles currently on probation living in apartment complexes. He stated his position that a high number of affordable rental properties may contribute to an increase in crime in Brooklyn Center. He further stated his position that it is important to recognize that the crime problem in Brooklyn Center is as much a housing issue as a police issue. Councilmember Yelich provided an overview of the suggestion that a successful comprehensive crime reduction strategy should consist of the following three efforts: 1) progressive police tactics; 2) higher rental housing standards; and 3) cooperation across City departments. There was discussion on the information presented by Councilmember Yelich. Staff was requested to provide the Council with a hard copy of the presentation materials used by Councilmember Yelich for further review. Mr. Boganey noted Council and staff discussed the rental ordinance a few weeks ago. Staff believes that the changes being proposed will help move the City in a direction that will make it more effective when it comes to dealing with landlords and tenants that are not meeting the City's standards. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 1 02/23/09 -2- RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:46 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ON THE POTENTIAL PURCHASE OF THE BOULEVARD'S RESTAURANT SITE, 2545 BASS LAKE ROAD Mr. Eitel provided background information on the Boulevard's Restaurant site located at 2545 Bass Lake Road. He explained the discussion before the EDA/Council tonight is on the possible acquisition and demolition of the vacant site in order to promote redevelopment opportunities for the Brookdale Mall area. A recent meeting with the property owner and his realtor to discuss the possible acquisition of the property was positively received; however, it was acknowledged that there is currently a party interested in leasing the facility that includes an option to purchase. The property owner's preference is to sell the property and has agreed to delay other considerations until the EDA has had the opportunity to discuss the possible use of eligible TIF funds to acquire the site to facilitate the following planning activities: ■ Shingle Creek Daylighting Study ■ Bass Lake Road Streetscape Improvements ■ Regional Trail Way Improvements - Shingle Creek Trail ■ Bike Walk Grant Application Mr. Eitel stated the acquisition of this property would also position the City to proactively promote the redevelopment of the eastern entrance to the Brookdale Mall site. He provided an overview of the following three potential funding sources if the EDA chooses to proceed with the acquisition: 1. TIF #3 Bond Proceeds (estimated at $3.8 million) 2. A plan amendment to TIF 42 Budget (current balance $.97 million) 3. EDA Fund Balance (estimated at $1.5 million) Mr. Eitel noted the following policy issues for consideration by the City Council: ■ Does the acquisition and demolition of the vacant Boulevard's Restaurant site facilitate the City's interest in promoting the redevelopment opportunities for the Brookdale Mall? ■ Should staff continue pursuing the purchase of the Boulevard's Restaurant site with Tax Increment Funds? ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 02/23/09 _ 3. 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 Study Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on February 23, 2009. 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 March 9, 2009, Regular Session. 1 City Clerk Mayor 1 1 1 02/23/09 -4-