HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 05-10 CCPCouncil Study Session
V I RT UA L meeting being
conducted by electronic
means in accordance with
Minnesota S tatutes, section
13D.021 P ublic portion
available for connection via
telephone Dial: 1-312-626-
6799 Meeting I D:
97680230856# Passcode:
7635693300#
May 10, 2021
AGE NDA
1.City Council Discussion of Agenda Items and Questions - 6 p.m.
2.M iscellaneous
3.Discussion of Work S ession Agenda Item as T ime P ermits
4.Adjourn
C IT Y C O UNC IL
M E E T I NG
V I RT UA L meeting being
conducted by electronic
means in accordance with
Minnesota S tatutes, section
13D.021 P ublic portion
available for connection via
telephone Dial: 1-312-626-
6799 Meeting I D:
97680230856# P asscode:
7635693300#
May 10, 2021
AGE NDA
1.Informal Open F orum with City Council - 6:45 p.m.
Provides an opportunity for the public to address the Counc il on items which are not on the
agenda. Open Forum will be limited to 15 minutes, it is not televised, and it may not be used to
make personal attac ks, to air personality grievanc es, to make politic al endorsements, or for
political c ampaign purposes. C ounc il Members will not enter into a dialogue with presenter.
Questions from the Council will be for clarific ation only. Open Forum will not be used as a time
for problem solving or reacting to the c omments made but, rather, for hearing the presenter for
informational purposes only.
I will first call on those who notified the Clerk that they would like to speak during open forum,
and then I will ask if anyone else connec ted to this meeting would like to speak. W hen I do,
please indic ate your name and then proc eed when I call on you. P lease be sure to state your
name and address before speaking.
2.Invocation - L awrence-Anderson - 7 p.m.
3.C all to Order Regular Business M eeting
This meeting is being c onduc ted electronically under Minnesota Statutes, section 13D .021 due
to the pandemic. For those who are connec ted to this meeting, please keep your mic rophone
muted. I f there is an opportunity for public comment, y ou may unmute and speak when called
upon. P lease do not talk over others and anyone being disruptive may to ejec ted from the
meeting. The packet for this meeting is on the C ity's website, whic h is linked on the c alendar or
can be found on "C ity Council" page.
4.Roll Call
5.P ledge of Allegiance
6.Approval of Agenda and C onsent Agenda
The following items are c onsidered to be routine by the C ity Council and will be enac ted by one
motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a C ounc ilmember so
requests, in whic h event the item will be removed from the c onsent agenda and c onsidered at
the end of C ounc il Consideration I tems.
a.A pproval of Minutes
- Motion to approve the foll owi ng minutes:
April 12, 2021 Special Council
April 12, 2021 City Council
April 26, 2021 Study Session
April 26, 2021 Regular Session
April 26, 2021 Work Session
b.A pproval of L icenses
- Motion to approve the li censes as presented.
c.Resolution Approving A mendment to the P rofessional S ervices A greement
with S R F Consulting Group, I nc. for the B rooklyn B oulevard C orridor P roject
P hase 2 I mprovements, P roject No. 2021-05
- Motion to approve a resolution approving amendment to the Professional
Servi ces Agreement wi th SRF Consul ti ng Group, Inc. for the Brooklyn
Boulevard Corridor Project Phase 2 Improvements, Project No. 2021-05.
d.Resolution Accepting B id and Awarding C ontract, I mprovement P roject No.
2021-05, B rooklyn Boulevard C orridor P roject P hase 2 I mprovements
- Motion to approve a resoluti on accepting bid and awarding a contract to
Park Construction Company for Improvement Project No. 2021-05,
Brooklyn Boulevard Corri dor Project Phase 2 Improvements.
e.Resolution Accepting B id and Awarding C ontract, I mprovement P roject Nos.
2021-06, 07, 08, 09, 10 and 11, R yan L ake I ndustrial P ark Area Street, Storm
Drainage and Utility I mprovements and Northwest A rea and Lyndale Avenue
A rea Mill and Overlay
- Motion to approve a resoluti on accepting bid and awarding a contract to
New Look Contracting, Inc. for Improvement Project Nos. 2021-06, 07, 08,
09, 10 and 11, Ryan Lake Industri al Park Area Street, Storm Drainage and
Util ity Improvements and Northwest Area and Lyndale Avenue Area Mill
and Overlay.
7.P resentations/P roclamations/Recognitions/D onations
a.E ntrepreneur Market Feasibility Study and Market A nalysis Presentation
b.O pportunity Site P resentation Series: Environmental A ssessment Overview
c.Contracts Executed During C ivil Unrest C rises
- Staff asks that the Counci l hear a presentation of contracts executed duri ng the
current city emergency and ci vi l unrest.
8.P ublic Hearings
The public hearing on this matter is now open. I will first call on those who notified the C lerk that
they would like to speak to this matter, then I will ask if any one else on this meeting would like to
speak during this hearing. W hen I do, please indic ate your name and then proceed when I call
on you. Please be sure to state your name and address before speaking.
a.Resolution Authorizing an A mendment to the Grant C ontract Dated 7/10/2018
B etween Get Bizzy I nc. and the S tate of Minnesota A cting T hrough the
Department of Employment and E conomic D evelopment for the P roject
E ntitled C D A P-18-0013-HF Y19
- Motion to approve a Resol ution Authorizing an Amendment to the Grant
Contract Dated 7/10/2018 Between Get Bizzy Inc. and the State of
Mi nnesota Acting Through the Department of Empl oyment and Economic
Development for the Project Entitled CDAP-18-0013-HFY19
9.P lanning C ommission Items
10.C ouncil Consideration Items
a.Resolution E stablishing "No Mow May" f or the City
- Motion to approve a resol ution establishing "No Mow May" for the City
b.A cting C ity Manager P ay A djustment
11.C ouncil Report
12.Adjournment
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:Barb S uciu, City Clerk
S U B J E C T:A pprov al of M inutes
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Moon to appr ove the follow ing minutes:
A pril 12 , 2021 S pecial C ouncil
A pril 12 , 2021 C ity C ouncil
A pril 26 , 2021 S tudy S ession
A pril 26 , 2021 Regular S ession
A pril 26 , 2021 Work S ession
B ackground:
I n accordance w ith Minnes ota S tate S tatute 1 5 .17, the official records of all mee"ngs mus t be documented
and approved by the gov erning body.
B udget I ssues:
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
4-12-2021 S pecial C ouncil 5/5/2021 Backup M aterial
4-12-2021 Regular 5/5/2021 Backup M aterial
4-26-2021 S tudy S es s ion 5/5/2021 Backup M aterial
4-26-2021 C C 5/7/2021 Backup M aterial
4-26-2021 Wor k S es s ion 5/5/2021 Backup M aterial
04/12/21 -1- DRAFT
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
SPECIAL EMERGENCY MEETING
APRIL 12, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in a special emergency meeting called to order by Mayor
Mike Elliott at 2:15 p.m. The meeting was conducted in person at Earle Brown Heritage Center.
Mayor Mike Elliott welcomed everyone to a special emergency meeting.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves (arrived at 3:53 p.m.
during the closed session), Kris Lawrence-Anderson, and Dan Ryan (arrived at 3:35 p.m. during
the closed session). Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Reggie
Edwards, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
1. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-48 EXTENDING THE EMERGENCY DECLARATION
Mayor Elliott stated he signed an emergency order last night to put in place a curfew. The
emergency order must be ratified by a vote of the City Council for it to be extended past the initial
3-day period.
City Attorney Troy Gilchrist stated, for clarification, the Mayor has taken a couple of emergency
actions since yesterday, including the issuance of an emergency proclamation for a curfew which
has since expired; as well as a mayoral declaration declaring a local emergency due to civil unrest
from the officer-involved shooting. He noted the Mayor requested that he prepare a Resolution to
extend the Emergency Declaration if necessary. He read the Resolution in full.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-48 Extending the Emergency Declaration to Saturday, May 31, 2021.
Motion passed 3-0.
2. OPEN FORUM
Elijah Darris stated he is an organizer and activist of the people. He explained that last night we
learned of the killing of a young man, and we came out to be supportive of those who are grieving.
Many people made their way over to the Police Department to be heard, so we went there too. He
stated they were shocked to see long lines of police in riot gear and the area in darkness. Shortly
after they arrived, they heard the Police Chief give a notice that there would be a disbursement
order in 10 minutes, after which there would be arrests and escalation. He stated they were not
04/12/21 -2- DRAFT
seeing an aggressive response from the people. The police set off tear gas which sent people
running out into the community, instead of staying contained at the Police Department.
Mr. Darris stated they began to question how this could be happening. They learned that the Chief
proudly asserted that he decided to turn the lights off because he did not want the officers to be
backlit. He stated that is unconscionable as it was unsafe for the officers and the protestors.
Mr. Darris stated the disbursement order sent the protestors out in the community, which is when
the looting started. He stated decisions made by the police department created massive
consequences for the entire community. He stated the police department’s inability to listen to the
community voice is systemic within this department, and they saw it happen today when
community members had interactions with the Police Chief. He stated if this Police Chief is the
voice of the city, there are going to be more problems.
Mr. Darris stated he is asking the City Council to make the bold and brave decision that this Chief
is not the right Chief in this situation, in these times, to lead the force into the future. There needs
to be a change. He noted the Police Chief has stated it was a good traffic stop. Mr. Darris asked
the City Council to send a message to Brooklyn Center residents, to Minnesota, and the rest of the
nation.
Angela Rose Myers stated she is the President of the Minneapolis NAACP, and she stands with
community members today who are calling for the removal of the Brooklyn Center Police Chief.
She stated community members met with the Police Chief this morning, and he lied to community
members by saying there was no youth out there last night. She stated many youths were hit with
tear gas.
Ms. Myers stated we cannot have a Police Chief who tries to shut us down when we are telling the
truth and shuts down community conversations rather than listen and adjust for the future. Ms.
Myers stated the Police Chief said he would do the same thing if it were to happen again. She
stated she is calling on the community, this is not the Police Chief for this time.
The founder of Families Against Police Violence stated she works with families who have lost
loved ones at the hands of law enforcement. She was trying to de-escalate the situation last night.
She was attending an event in St. Paul and had to leave that event to come to be with a grieving
family and deescalate a situation with youth. She stated she saw much youth who were grieving
and upset. She stated enough is enough, and we are asking for the removal of the Police Chief.
We do not need him leading our police department.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Elliott stated the City Council would recess into a closed session to consider a personnel
matter under, as stated by the City Attorney, Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.05, subdivision 2(b).
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Mayor Elliott reconvened the special emergency meeting after the closed session.
04/12/21 -3- DRAFT
3. CONSIDER AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2021-48 DECLARING A CIVIL
EMERGENCY
City Attorney Troy Gilchrist stated this is an amendment to the Resolution related to the Mayor
and City Council’s consent to take command of the Police Department. This amended Resolution
is proposed to more closely track the language in the City Charter. The proposed new language
states, “Notwithstanding the typical command structure, the City Council consents to the Mayor
taking command of the police and taking such other actions as are needed to maintain order and
enforce the law in response to the civil unrest.”
Mayor Elliott stated many public agencies have been coordinating over the past few hours, and
what this Resolution does is clarify language around what the coordination will be now, and how
decisions will be made, to ensure that the mayor is in charge.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to amend RESOLUTION
NO. 2021-48 Declaring a Civil Emergency and to give the Mayor the Authority to take Command
of the Police Force.
Discussion during the motion:
Councilmember Ryan stated he arrived late at the meeting and was not present for the original
Resolution. He requested the city attorney read the entire resolution.
Mr. Gilchrist explained the Mayor issued an emergency declaration earlier today declaring a civil
emergency which can only remain in effect for three days under State statute. The City Council
acted to extend that Emergency Order. This amendment is to adopt that Resolution with the new
language.
Councilmember Ryan asked a question regarding the Resolution with the new language of
coordinating the Mayor and law enforcement officers.
Mr. Gilchrist stated the amendment brings the Resolution closer in line with the City Charter,
which states that in times of public danger or emergency the Mayor may, with the consent of the
City Council, take command of the police, maintain order, and enforce the law.
Mr. Gilchrist stated, in his experience, this type of authorization has not been activated by this City
or any other city. The Mayor’s point in suggesting this language is that it provides clear authority
for the Mayor.
Councilmember Ryan stated in times of crisis, it is not a good idea to make a change in authority
that will potentially affect public safety practices. He added he will not be in favor of the
amendment.
City Manager Curt Boganey asked the City Attorney to review the limitations of the Mayor’s
authority to command the Police Department under the proposed Resolution.
04/12/21 -4- DRAFT
Mr. Gilchrist stated it is difficult to highlight limitations because, as he stated earlier, this is
uncharted territory for him and even his colleagues. He added he does not know that a provision
like this has ever been enacted, and it is difficult to say what it would look like in practice.
Mr. Gilchrist stated there are employment contracts and other contracts that this Resolution will
not override, and all Police Department regulations and standard operating procedures remain in
place. But use of the word “command” in the Charter does indicate a level of control that could
override the City Manager.
Mayor Elliott stated there are several cities where the mayor is in command of the police
department in times of emergency. He added he acknowledges that this is new for Brooklyn
Center, but he is fully prepared and ready to move forward.
Mr. Gilchrist stated he was referring to charter cities.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked a question regarding the time frame of the proposed
Resolution.
Mr. Boganey asked how the proposed Resolution will affect the City Manager’s role and
responsibilities.
Mr. Gilchrist stated it is difficult to address that question directly as Brooklyn Center has a
Council-Manager form of government. He added the City Manager is considered the “employer”
and is responsible for hiring and firing department heads. He noted the proposed Resolution would
not exclude the City Manager from having a part in the process, but it grants the Mayor a certain
amount of authority in times of emergency.
Councilmembers Lawrence-Anderson and Ryan voted against the same. Motion passed.
2. OPEN FORUM – CONTINUED
Mayor Elliott invited community members to speak.
A meeting attendee spoke about the pain, loss, and grief that the community is dealing with. He
did not know Daunte Wright, but he has friends who knew him. He sat in on the meeting this
morning, and the Police Chief was disrespectful to the community, and it made him angry, but it
showed him something. He called for the Police Chief’s resignation and added he is glad the City
Council voted to let the Mayor take control of the police as the City Manager and Police Chief are
not capable of being in control.
Jonathan McClellan stated he is President of the Minnesota Justice Coalition, an organization in
the Twin Cities committed to advancing social justice legislation. Yesterday the community
experienced tragedy in the death of Daunte Wright, who was shot and killed by a police officer
during a police stop in Brooklyn Center, next to the District he represents in Congress. In a press
conference this morning, the Police Chief stated that the officer confused her gun for her taser and
fired the fatal shot by mistake, which appears to be corroborated by body camera footage. He is
04/12/21 -5- DRAFT
horrified and incredulous that such a mistake is even possible. The news that it was a mistake
comes as little comfort for a community that has lived in fear for far too long.
Jonathan McClellan stated former Minneapolis police officer Chauvin's murder trial is underway
just 10 miles south in Minneapolis, and while circumstances are distinct, the outcome is the same.
There have been far too many deaths for generations, and the question is what will be done to stop
this from happening. He joins his fellow elected officials and community leaders in calling for
protestors to do so peacefully, but real peace requires real justice: justice in policy, education,
housing, and opportunity. Until then, the absence of justice for some means insecurity for all.
Jonathan McClellan stated a coalition of organizations signed a letter on March 29, 2021, to the
Minnesota delegation and to the FBI to advocate for the reintroduction of federal law enforcement
in Minnesota. The federal government has historically been a critical partner in addressing the
harms of systemic injustice, particularly the FBI, and has been instrumental in bringing
accountability to state and municipal governments. These federal programs were suspended under
the previous administration, and there is an urgency to restart the practice here in Minnesota. The
lack of trust in local law enforcement and city officials is a result of the continuing assault on our
communities of color by law enforcement and warrants thorough and independent investigation
by the FBI.
Jonathan McClellan asked the Mayor to support the call for an investigation from the FBI. He
called for the resignation or dismissal of the City Manager.
A meeting attendee stated he is a community organizer and was one of the first people at the police
department before the situation rapidly escalated. Police officers in riot gear came out of the
building, making the situation extremely tense. Many of the leaders and community activists in
this room have all made attempts to reach out to the City Manager, but we were told he could not
talk to us because he was busy planning. When asked for details in this morning’s meeting, the
City Manager could not give any details and had to turn around and ask the Police Chief. The
Police Chief was hostile towards us, and that is unacceptable under the circumstances.
The man asked whether the Mayor will have the authority to fire the City Manager. He noted the
Police Chief had told everyone there were no children, but there were children. He added a true
leader would show courage at this moment. He called on the Mayor and City Council to fire both
the Police Chief and City Manager. He added a true leader would show courage at this moment.
A representative of Black Lives Matter Twin Cities stated First Amendment rights and protecting
citizens should be seen as the same thing. She added last night when she was out in the crowd,
trying to deescalate the situations, she and an elected official, were targeted by the police. They
were shining the light on her, and blasts were shot in his direction. There were many young people
at the protest, and there were small children in the apartment building, where they asked us to go,
and then they began to fire in that direction. A woman approached her who knew who she was,
and asked her to come to see her 4-year-old child who was hiding under the bed. She stated she
was willing to sacrifice her body in the front line. She asked the Mayor to step up and ensure that
peaceful protestors/citizens are protected. She urged the City Council to reach out to Demetrius,
who has photos of the impact of the rubber bullets. She stated there is a photo of one young man
who was hit in the ear while standing up for justice. That is extremely unconstitutional.
04/12/21 -6- DRAFT
The Black Lives Matter representative stated, to the two Councilmembers who voted not to give
authority to the Mayor, I want you to rethink your vote. The City Manager and the Police Chief
did not do their jobs yesterday and they put people in danger. When the tear gas bombs went off,
the community organizers had the entire community contained in one spot, protesting and
chanting. The tear gas bombs went off and the community dispersed, which is when we started to
see problems beyond that space. We as leaders can only be in so many places, and we are
volunteers. We need you to make better decisions and the best decision you can make is to
terminate the City Manager and the Chief of Police.
A male meeting attendee showed a video of the protest with tear gas and people getting shot by
rubber bullets. He stated it is entirely the responsibility of the City Manager and the Chief of
Police, and what they chose to do last night when we were outside peacefully protesting with anger
and frustration because another black man lost his life. It does not make any sense that he lost his
life for an air freshener, or expired tabs, during a pandemic. He asked who you are serving and
protecting because it is not our community. He stated he is angry because this man was a father,
and asked who will protect and serve his child? He told the councilmembers, especially those who
voted against, to use their heads.
A male meeting attendee stated a lot has been said, and we are not unreasonable. Last night
brought back memories, and we are grieving for the death of Daunte Wright. We came together
to have a peaceful protest, to grieve in brotherhood, and heal the pain. When we heard bombs
going off, he got on the phone with the Mayor and asked him to request that the police leave the
scene. The mood changed and people were chanting and requesting justice. He saw 25-30 kids
out there chanting for justice for Daunte Wright, but not one single person was on the sidewalk in
front of the police department. When 7-9 kids entered the Police Department, then we saw many
police in riot gear start to defend the building, and things started to escalate. If the officers had
never shown up, the energy would not have escalated. We as community leaders called the Mayor
to ask to get the situation under control.
The meeting attendee stated you lost all authority when you shot and killed Daunte Wright. It is
unacceptable by any standards to mistake a taser for a gun. The officer should have been fired as
soon as the body-worn camera footage was released. There was no regard for human life, and the
Police Chief has lost the trust of the people. We are asking for you to remove both of these men
and let the City and the State of Minnesota know that the most diverse city in Minnesota will not
accept brutality by anybody, because we care about our citizens more than anything. Do not allow
the militarization in Minneapolis to affect how your citizens are treated. We are asking you to do
what you are elected to do, and that is serve the people of Brooklyn Center, and not allow bad
decisions to threaten the lives of its citizens.
Michelle Gross stated she is the president of Communities United Against Police Brutality. She
added the First Amendment guarantees that people have a right to free speech and to redress
grievances. The First Amendment restricts the authority of the government to impinge on that
right. What she saw last night deeply impinged on people’s First Amendment rights, and she was
appalled by that.
04/12/21 -7- DRAFT
Michelle Gross stated at the press conference this morning, the Police Chief was asked about
discharging the employee who showed criminal negligence, and the Police Chief stated that due
process is required. In most circumstances, if someone engages in egregious conduct and criminal
negligence, they are terminated and then their rights come into play. Michelle Gross stated you
have the ability to terminate this employee at this time, and she encourages you to do so.
Michelle Gross stated her organization submitted a data practice request to the Police Chief and
Mayor at 2:00 a.m. Under statutory guidelines, certain types of data must be made public at all
times, related to arrests and seizures. Some of this information was provided at the press
conference, but what has not been provided is the name of the officer. The Police Chief stated the
BCA will have a procedure for releasing the name. Under State statute, access to data does not
depend upon BCA procedure or the will of the government.
Michelle Gross stated she wished the City Attorney and Mayor were in the room right now. She
added we are prepared to get an injunction to force you to release that information, to advocate for
the community, and defend the community’s rights of access to information. The City Manager
and Police Chief have made egregious attacks on our First Amendment rights and should be
released.
A female meeting attendee stated it is sad to come here under these circumstances. She added she
is a civil rights attorney and activist, and she lived in Brooklyn Park from 2003-2015. She spent
a lot of time in Brooklyn Center. She always thought the two cities were different from
Minneapolis, but they are not different in terms of the way residents of color are treated by the
police. She has been in many protests, and last night, being out there with other organizers, trying
to keep the peace, that was worse than what she experienced in Ferguson in 2014, in terms of a
munition being utilized, and the disbursal order. Last night was completely unnecessary. She
asked why were the lights out if the police were worried about people throwing things. People in
the apartment building were terrified of seeing munitions being thrown over their building. She
noted that living across from the Police Department makes residents feel that they are safe, but last
night they were less safe.
The female attendee asked what these events say about the future of Brooklyn Center. Many
jurisdictions are overhauling their policies and police practices to ensure more accountability, so
what happened in Minneapolis will not happen in their communities. In this case, a 20-year-old
man was racially profiled, driving a nice car, because of his expired tabs. She asked why would
that be the priority of several police officers? If that is the focus of the Police Department right
now, that is bad leadership, poor decision making, and poor prioritization. She stated these
priorities turned into the loss of life, adding to the trauma and impact on the community. This is
the result when people who make decisions have a callous disregard for those who are out there
trying to hold up the banner of justice. This is not acceptable, and it needs to change. She called
for the firing of the City Manager and the Police Chief. She asked that the elected officials do the
right thing and allow Brooklyn Center to be a refuge for the people of color who live here, and not
a nightmare as it feels right now.
A female meeting attendee addressed the City Council directly. She stated this morning when we
showed up after being out there all night, we wanted to hold you accountable. Everyone here on
this Council is black but you two, and you voted that you want to keep the police leadership. She
04/12/21 -8- DRAFT
asked what does that say about your decision-making. You are elected by the people, and that is
who you serve, not City employees. She asked if you have authority over law enforcement, what
were you doing last night. She stated you should show more understanding. You should know
that nothing will protect you. She asked where is your humanity and your leadership. Give the
leadership to the mayor. You should take back your votes and do the right thing.
An independent journalist and photographer stated he comes before you in pain and distress after
having witnessed last night, which he has documented, and he has over 1 million viewers. He
stated the Police Chief should be ashamed of himself, and there will be no covering up. Brooklyn
Center, Minnesota, is Ground Zero. He stated the City Council should render the power to the
Mayor and let him do his job because obviously, you are not doing your job. He asked with a
heavy heart that you respect the media, the marches, the medics, and the peaceful protestors. That
man should be alive today, and if you had an inkling of faith in your God of your understanding,
you would see where we are coming from. He stated I urge you to do the right thing because if
you don't, the blood will be on your hands. We are tired of the hypocrisy that you show, thinking
that we are going to run away and shooting at us like we are the problem.
Councilmember Butler made a motion to relieve City Manager Boganey of his duties with the City
of Brooklyn Center seconded by Councilmember Graves.
Councilmember Ryan stated he was saddened by these events recognized that this was a terrible
tragedy; however, that he is does not believe that removing the City Manager during this time of
crisis is the correct action to take and will be voting against it.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she was very sad about what was happening in the
community and was heartbroken over the recent events. She stated that she has always been
satisfied with the job City Manager Boganey has performed. She stated that however, she would
support the motion on the floor However, with fear of retaliation she will be voting for this issue.
Councilmember Graves stated that she was coming to the meeting directly from the airport. She
stated she was late to the closed session and the discussion. She stated that if the City Council had
the authority to fire the Chief of Police, that is the action she would take; however, because the
only authority the Council has is over the City Manager, that she would be supporting the action.
She stated she was the first person of color on the city council and Mr. Boganey was a very helpful
when she started. She supports the people here today and the people in the community last night
and will be voting in favor of this.
Motion passed 4-1 (Nay – Ryan)
Mayor Elliott made a motion to appoint Deputy City Manager Edwards to Acting City Manager
seconded by Councilmember Buter.
Motion passed 4-1 (Nay – Ryan)
4. ADJOURN
By general consensus, Mayor Elliott adjourned the meeting.
04/12/21 -1- DRAFT
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
APRIL 12, 2021
1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
This item was not addressed.
2. INVOCATION
This item was not addressed.
3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
Mayor Pro Tem Marquita Butler stated Councilmembers are present at 7:00 p.m. She asked
whether additional time should be given for the Mayor to attend.
Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards stated he just spoke with Mayor Elliott who was delayed.
He added Mayor Elliott asked that the Resolution for condemning anti-Asian sentiment should be
added to the Regular Agenda (Item 10b), as well as the Resolution to introduce the use of crowd
control mechanisms (Item 10d). He noted there are a few Consent Agenda items that are time-
sensitive and should be addressed, but the public hearing can be tabled, and all other Agenda items
rescheduled.
City Attorney Gilchrist stated Mayor Elliott instructed him to prepare a Resolution regarding
provision of security for the City Council, which should also be added to the Regular Agenda (Item
10c). He added the public hearing can be opened and then a motion made to continue.
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Pro Tem
Marquita Butler at 7:00 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott (joined at 7:06 p.m.) and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris
Lawrence-Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards,
City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
Mayor Elliott stated the City Council will forego regular agenda items except time-sensitive
Consent Agenda items and the public hearing.
Dr. Edwards stated Consent Agenda items that are time-sensitive and should be addressed are
Items 6d, 6i, 6j and jk. The City Council agreed.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Elliott stated an item on the Work Session agenda should be added to the Consent Agenda,
related to a Resolution condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment related to Covid-19.
Mr. Gilchrist read in full a Resolution authorizing security for the City Council.
Dr. Edwards read in full a Resolution limiting police crowd control tactics during protests.
Mayor Elliott stated these Resolutions should be added to the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent
Agenda, as modified.
Discussion during the motion: Councilmember Ryan requested that the Resolutions to be approved
under the Consent Agenda be read into the record.
Dr. Edwards stated the only Resolutions to be approved under the Consent Agenda are as follows:
6d. Resolution declaring April 30, 2021 to be Arbor Day and May 2021 to be Arbor Month in
the City of Brooklyn Center
6i. Resolution declaring April 22, 2021 as Earth Day in Brooklyn Center
6j. Resolution declaring April 18-25, 2021 to be Community Clean-up Week
6k. Resolution declaring May 16-22, 2021 as National Public Works Week in Brooklyn
Center.
Dr. Edwards noted the Consent Agenda will include two additional Resolutions as noted above,
related to condemnation of anti-Asian sentiment and security for the City Council.
Councilmember Ryan requested a separate vote on the Resolution related to police crowd control
measures, about which he has some reservations. He added he supports many of the elements
regarding regulation and limits to police crowd control, but he supports deferring this issue to be
discussed at a special meeting before the City Council sets police policy. He expressed concern
that some of the measures require additional information before decisions can be made, to ensure
that mistakes are not repeated. He stressed the importance of a solid City Council consensus on
these daunting issues.
Mayor Elliott stated the Resolution is an expression of City Council direction and policy, and a
guide for the Police Department.
Councilmember Butler stated this communication exchange is inappropriate and a motion is on
the table. She added there should be a vote on the Consent Agenda including the 3 time-sensitive
items, and the other three items can be moved to the Regular Agenda.
6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – This item was not considered.
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• March 15, 2021 – City Council Town Hall Meeting
• March 22, 2021 – Study Session
• March 22, 2021 – Regular Session
• March 22, 2021 – Work Session
6b. LICENSES – This item was not considered.
HOSPITALITY ACCOMMODATIONS LICENSE
Faraz Enterprises 6415 James Circle
Travelodge Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Seth Oliver, Brooklyn Hotel Partners 6300 Earle Brown Drive
Embassy Suites Brooklyn Center MN 55430
MECHANICAL LICENSES
Blue Rain Plumbing 8821 Woodland Road
Bloomington MN 55437
Bonfe’s Plumbing & Heating 455 Harman Avenue
& Air Service South St. Paul MN 55075
Dean’s Professional Plumbing Inc. 7400 Kirkwood Court N
Maple Grove MN 55369
Hearth & Home Technologies LLC 7571 215th Street W
Lakeville MN 55044
Homeworks Services Co. 1230 Eagan Industrial Road #117
Eagan MN 55121
J-Berd Mechanical Contractors, Inc. 1 Industrial Boulevard
Sauk Rapids MN 56379
Majestic Custom Heating & Air Cond 8800 Royal Ct. NW
Anoka MN 55303
Northland Mechanical Contr. 9001 Science Center D
New Hope MN 55428
Ridler Heating & Cooling Inc. 3110 Washington Ave N
Coon Rapids MN 55448
WJW Company 10600 University Ave NW
Coon Rapids MN 55448
RENTAL LICENSES - This item was not considered.
INITIAL (TYPE IV – one-year license)
3012 Thurber Rd Angelique Kapila/Risen Home Care
INITIAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
6800 Scott Ave N Emmanuel Williams
INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
7013 Knox Ave N HPA USA 1/Pathlight Management
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RENEWAL (TYPE IV – one-year license)
3601 47th Ave N 8411 Balboa LLC/Matthew Wallman
Ryan Creek Manor 4 - met requirements
5301 Dupont Avenue N CM Equity Group/Caue Campagnha
– met requirements
2606 64th Avenue N Abdirashid Arab – missing action plan,
CPTED follow up, CFH cert
RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
700 66th N Georgetown Park Wensch Construction/Scott Gann
Townhouses – met requirements
1217 54th Avenue N Jay Moua – missing CPTED follow up
2018 55th Ave N Chen Zhou/Lancelot Properties – met requirements
3912 61st Avenue N Nazeem Khatoon – met requirements
4101 70th Ave N Paul Pham – met requirements
6724 France Ave N Jessica Stoll Van Elson – met requirements
6051 Halifax Ave N Oyewale Ilesammi/Supreme Living Homes
– met requirements – missing CFH cert
5631 Hillsview Rd Kent LeFevre
7243 Riverdale Rd IH3 Property Illinois/Mai Thao - met requirements
4200 Winchester LA Obafemi Oladeji – missing CPTED and CFH
RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
5200 Drew Ave N Morris Matthews
5636 Fremont Ave N Alice Isatu Mansarah
7013 Fremont Avenue N IH3 Property Illinois/Mai Thao
6809 Fremont Pl Ali Sajjad/786 Homes LLC
5713 Humboldt Ave N Janice Bjorn
5500 Knox Ave N MNSF II W1/Marc Silverstein
6661 Xerxes Pl N Ashwin Goel
RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license)
5200 63rd Avenue N Roger Bonny
2900 67th La Dolores Fischer
1600 69th Ave N Hieu Vo
5350 71st Cir Ali Sajjad/786 Homes LLC
5943 Colfax Ave N Juliana Koe
6018 Kyle Ave N Danny Vo
7200 Morgan Ave N Dwayne Holmstrom
6c. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME
EMPLOYEES – STAFF ASKS THE COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ESTABLISH
PAID TIME OFF (PTO) BENEFITS FOR REGULAR PART-TIME
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EMPLOYEES AND AMENDING THE PERSONNEL POLICY TO
REFLECT SAID BENEFITS – This item was not considered.
6d. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-52 DECLARING APRIL 30, 2021 TO BE ARBOR
DAY AND MAY 2021 TO BE ARBOR MONTH IN BROOKLYN CENTER
– MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL 30, 2021,
ARBOR DAY IN MAY 2021 ARBOR MONTH IN BROOKLYN CENTER
6e. RESOLUTION NO. RECOGNIZING BROOKLYN CENTER AS A TREE
CITY USA FOR THE TWENTY-NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR –
MOTIOIN TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING BROOKLYN
CENTER AS TREE CITY USA– This item was not considered.
6f. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING 2021 PLANTING LIST OF ALLOWABLE
BOULEVARD TREE SPECIES – MOTION TO APPROVE A
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE 2021 PLANTING LIST OF
ALLOWABLE BOULEVARD TREE SPECIES. This item was not considered.
6g. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 7 AND 19 OF THE CITY CODE
OF ORDINANCES REGARDING WASTE AND ORGANICS RECYCLING
BY HAULERS – MOTION TO APPROVE THE FIRST READING OF AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7 AND 19 OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES REGARDING WASTE AND ORGANICS RECYCLING
This item was not considered.
6h. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 27 TO REMOVE THE SNOW
EMERGENCY TOWING PROVISIONS – MOTION TO APPROVE AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 27 TO REMOVE THE SNOW
EMERGENCY TOWING PROVISIONS This item was not considered.
6i. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-53 DECLARING APRIL 22, 2021 AS EARTH DAY
IN BROOKLYN CENTER – MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION
DECLARING APRIL 22, 2021 AS EARTH DAY IN BROOKLYN CENTER
6j. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-54 DECLARING APRIL 18-25, 2021, TO BE
COMMUNITY CLEANUP WEEK – MOTION TO APPROVE A
RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL 18-25, 2021 TO BE COMMUNITY
CLEAN UP WEEK
6k. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-55 DECLARING MAY 16-22, 2021 NATIONAL
PUBLIC WORKS WEEK IN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER –
MOTIOIN TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION DECLARING MAY 16
THROUGH MAY 22, 2021, AS NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK IN
BROOKLYN CENTER
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6l. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING A CONTRACT,
PROJECT NO. 2021-15, 2021 PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS
This item was not considered.
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
7a. RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR THE DONATION
OF A PALLET OF BOTTLED DRINKING WATER TO THE BROOKLYN
CENTER FIRE DEPARTMENT This item was not considered.
7b. ENTREPRENEUR MARKET FEASIBILITY STUDY AND MARKET
ANALYSIS PRESENTATION This item was not considered.
7c. OPPORTUNITY SITE PRESENTATION SERIES: ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW This item was not considered.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF ITS
CONDUIT REVENUE BONDS RELATING TO THE TESFA INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL PROJECT
Mayor Elliott stated this public hearing relates to the authorization of conduit revenue bonds
related to the school project.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to open the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to continue the Public Hearing
to the April 26, 2021 City Council meeting.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Elliott requested that Mayor Pro Tem Butler take over the meeting. Mayor Elliott excused
himself from the meeting at 7:35 p.m. to attend to a public safety issue.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
-None.
10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
10a. FRANCHISE FEES – AGREEMENTS AND PROGRAM
This item was not considered.
04/12/21 -7- DRAFT
10b. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-56 EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE BROOKLYN
CENTER CITY COUNCIL CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN
SENTIMENT RELATED TO COVID-19
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated she put this Resolution forward. She stressed the importance as a
City Council to stand against acts of aggression toward Asian people.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
2021-56 Expressing the Sense of the Brooklyn Center City Council Condemning All Forms of
Anti-Asian Sentiment Related to Covid-19.
Motion passed 4-0 (Mayor Elliott was absent).
Councilmember Graves thanked Mayor Pro Tem Butler for putting forward this resolution.
Councilmember Ryan also thanked Mayor Pro Tem Butler. He added this is a pertinent issue and
he appreciates that the City Council has an opportunity to condemn hateful expressions of anti-
Asian sentiment.
10c. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-57 AUTHORIZING SECURITY FOR THE CITY
COUNCIL
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved, and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-57 Authorizing Security for the City Council.
Discussion during the motion:
Councilmember Graves stated she feels nervous, and she has had family and friends reach out to
her to see if she needs security, so she has that alternative. She added, however, that option would
put people she cares about in harm’s way. She noted she feels unsure about it, but she is willing
to vote for it if the rest of the City Council agrees.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated it is something to explore and discuss, and up to each
individual Councilmember. She added she is not sure how she feels about it but likes that there
could be an option for security if there is a threat to Councilmembers’ families or property.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated she believes this is a measure that should be in place in case it is
needed, and it is important to have the discussion tonight. She added this would be “as-needed”
and Councilmembers would work with Dr. Edwards and the Mayor about how to move forward
with necessary security.
Motion passed 4-0 (Mayor Elliott was absent).
10d. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-58 LIMITING POLICE CROWD CONTROL TACTICS
DURING PROTESTS
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Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated, after last night’s events, it is clear that the use of force only escalates
violence. The City Council heard from community leaders who were present to de-escalate, but
were not allowed to do so, and were not heard by law enforcement. She stressed the importance
of keeping the City safe while engaging with peaceful protestors.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler read a Resolution in full limiting police crowd control tactics during
protests.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated she would like to make a motion to approve the Resolution.
Councilmember Graves requested clarification regarding the statement, “It should even be less of
a priority as curfew enforcement leads to an excuse for more arrest and violence.”
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated she believes it is a typo. She added curfews can lead to more arrests
and violence, because people will continue to stay out and protest regardless of whether there is a
curfew in place.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler asked Mr. Gilchrist whether any points in this Resolution override the
Governor’s Order. Mr. Gilchrist stated the Governor’s Order cannot be overridden.
Councilmember Ryan asked whether the Resolution is a statement of policy on the part of the City
in terms of police response to a non-violent demonstration. Mr. Gilchrist confirmed this.
Councilmember Ryan stated, if this Resolution addresses appropriate police response to non-
violent demonstration of people who want to exercise their First Amendment rights, then he is
absolutely in favor of it.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler asked whether a City curfew would need to be amended to be in line with
the Governor’s Order. Mr. Gilchrist stated this Resolution does not override the Governor’s Order.
Councilmember Graves requested clarification regarding the statement “Whereas in regulating
crowd control techniques, the City of Brooklyn Center bans violent tactics such as choke holds
and implementing harsher punishments for use of those maneuvers.”
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated that means that the City Council does not support the use of those
tactics, and anyone administering these types of elevated techniques would be held accountable.
She added that is her understanding.
Councilmember Graves stated she was upset to see the use of tear gas, as there have been
discussions about banning it. She added peaceful protestors should not be tear-gassed. She noted
she supports the Resolution.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she will support the Resolution, but Resolutions can
be amended as needed. She added the City Council should see what the coming days and weeks
look like, and adaptations may be required. She noted chokeholds should absolutely not be
allowed. She expressed concern about tying the hands of the police so they cannot do their job if
there is severe rioting, but she supports the Resolution as written.
04/12/21 -9- DRAFT
Councilmember Graves stated she shares some of Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson’s
concerns. She added if protestors are not hurting anyone, force should not be used against them.
Protest can be a space for healing, and for people to come together around their pain. There are
people who want to take advantage and cause chaos, but that is not the majority. Law enforcement
should let local leaders have more control.
Councilmember Graves stated we are all trying to do our best, and this is a step in the right
direction. She added innocent people should have their First Amendment rights respected. She
stressed the importance of finding more specific and better ways to address root problems.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson thanked Councilmember Graves for her consistent
mindfulness. She added she agrees that we need to do the best we can, and this is a good starting
point. She noted she supports this as a working document.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated it is imperative to hear from community organizers and work closely
with them as they have the ability and resources to provide a space for healing and dialogue. She
stressed the importance of being mindful in how we work with them to get through this, do the
best we can as leaders.
Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates the open dialogue with his colleagues, allowing a space
for open and non-judgmental debate to arrive at a better understanding of what the City is trying
to accomplish. He added we are all opposed to violence and committed to reconciliation and
healing.
Councilmember Butler moved, and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
2021-58 Limiting Police Crowd Control Tactics During Protests.
Motion passed 4-0 (Mayor Elliott was absent).
RECESS AND RECONVENE
Mayor Pro Tem Butler called for a motion to adjourn.
Mayor Elliott rejoined the meeting at 8:05 p.m. and asked to hold on (not adjourn).
Mr. Gilchrist stated Mayor Elliott is consulting with the Acting City Manager.
Dr. Edwards requested a 2-minute break at 8:06 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 8:10 p.m.
CONSIDER MAYOR ELLIOTT’S REQUEST TO RECOMMEND THE POLICE CHIEF
AND A POLICE OFFICER BE RELIEVED OF THEIR DUTIES
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated Mayor Elliott has requested that a recommendation be made on
behalf of the City Council that the Police Chief and the Police Officer involved in the shooting be
04/12/21 -10- DRAFT
relieved of their duties. Since the City Council cannot make that decision, this would be a
recommendation of the City Council.
Mr. Gilchrist stated, if a recommendation is made via motion and the motion passes, it would be
advisory to the Acting City Manager. He added it is the City Manager’s discretion under the
Charter to make such decisions. He noted the motion would provide direction but is not binding.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler moved, and Councilmember Graves seconded to recommend that Acting
City Manager Dr. Edwards immediately relieve the police chief and police officer involved in the
shooting from their duties.
Discussion during the motion:
Councilmember Ryan asked Dr. Edwards, as the Acting City Manager, for his recommendation.
Dr. Edwards stated he does not have a recommendation for the City Council. He added if it is the
City Council’s recommendation, he would have to deliberate and make a decision. He added he
has come into this within the last 3 hours, and he does not have a recommendation at this time.
Councilmember Ryan stated he would prefer to table this issue to give the Acting City Manager
time to consider a recommendation. He added he would be disposed toward accepting his
recommendation to dismiss the officer and chief of police or not. He added he would defer to his
recommendation, which he may or may not approve of.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she believes the City Council should give the new
Acting City Manager some time to evaluate the situation. She added she would not vote in favor
of immediately removing the police chief, and she respects the work of the BCA, and their
investigation into the officer. She noted she does not believe there is enough information to
remove the Police Chief, and she would support tabling this issue until more information is
available.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated Dr. Edwards has been Deputy City Manager for several years, so he
is aware of the situation. She added, at this time, the Mayor is not present, so we do not know why
he suggested it. She noted she made the motion because we all saw the video, and the officer
acknowledged she made a mistake. She noted the officer should be held accountable immediately
and should no longer represent the Police Department.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated, in her opinion, the Police Chief has not conducted himself as a
leader in a way that she can approve of. The City Council has tried to engage in dialogue with the
Police Chief, to collaborate on how the City can have transparency, accountability, and community
oversight. Throughout the whole time, the Police Chief has been defensive, and in her opinion,
anti-community, and that is why she made the motion, and she agrees with the Mayor.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated the City Council has no authority to remove the Police Chief or the
police officer of their duties, this is a recommendation only, and she stands by her motion.
Councilmember Graves stated she shares the sentiments of all her fellow Councilmembers. She
heard the City Attorney mention contracts earlier, and she does not have any information about
04/12/21 -11- DRAFT
contracts, as that is the City Manager’s purview. She acknowledged that Dr. Edwards needs some
time to process all the different factors about how and when to let an employee go. She stated the
climate right now is really hot, and the community is hurt. She noted Chief Gannon has been
difficult to work with at times, and when it counted, he did not show up for the community in the
right way.
Councilmember Graves stated she does not want Dr. Edwards to feel rushed. She added she has
no reservations about letting go of the Police Chief and the police officer who made the fatal
mistake, because the City needs to take action to ensure that something like this never happens
again.
Dr. Edwards stated he is familiar with all the issues and he will deliberate and make a decision by
tomorrow. He added the contract mentioned earlier is with former City Manager Curt Boganey,
but there are no contracts with any other employees.
Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates Dr. Edwards’ involvement in City administration. He
added Dr. Edwards is now assuming the role of chief administrative officer of the City, and as
such, has the power to make a determination for terminating an employee without a vote of the
Council. Dr. Edwards confirmed this.
Councilmember Ryan stated he would be fine tabling this issue and awaiting Dr. Edward’s
decision.
Dr. Edwards stated it is important for the City Council to share their direction because it provides
clarity as to the will and direction of the City Council. He added he will work to the will of the
City Council.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson voted against the same and Mayor Elliott did not answer the
roll call vote. Motion passed (3-1).
11. COUNCIL REPORT
This item was not considered.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded adjournment of
the City Council meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Motion passed 4-0 (Mayor Elliott did not respond).
04/26/21 -1- DRAFT
MINUTES 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
APRIL 26, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott at
6:00 p.m. The meeting was conducted via Webex.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, and Dan Ryan.
Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson was excused. Also present were Acting City Manager
Reggie Edwards, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards asked for consideration to add one item to the agenda under
Council Consideration, Item 10a, Resolution Related to Emergency Assistance to Residents
Affected by Civic Unrest. He explained this is the consideration of a funding pool to potentially
reimburse residents harmed by the civil unrest.
Mayor Elliott stated without objection, that item will be added to tonight’s agenda under Council
Consideration.
Councilmember Graves stated in the review of the minutes, she noted the discussion of two former
long-serving Parks Commissioners and asked if staff received that request. She explained it had
to do with a request to name a park bench after one or both of the gentlemen. Dr. Edwards stated
he recalls the conversation but during the last two weeks, staff has not had a chance to discuss that
item. He will follow up with the Public Works Director who is part of Parks Facilities for
consideration at the next Council meeting. Councilmember Graves suggested including Parks
Board Chair Sorensen who may be a good resource to connect to the families who are interested
and to get additional information about both gentlemen.
MISCELLANEOUS
Council Development
Mayor Elliott referenced the staff report and potential dates to meet with Common Sense. He
polled the City Council for the date that would work the best, April 28, 2021, 8-10 a.m.; May 3,
3:30-5:30 p.m.; or, May 11, 9-11 a.m.
04/26/21 -2- DRAFT
Councilmember Graves stated the dates were submitted by Common Sense and she had replied on
her availability and put the date of May 3 on her schedule.
Dr. Edwards explained that as discussed at a previous Work Session, those dates were meant for
the City Council Members individually. Action by the City Council as a body is not needed at this
point. Rather, it is a reminder for individual Council Members to communicate with Common
Sense to schedule a time.
City Council Listening Session
Mayor Elliott stated the Listening Session is scheduled for 5-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28,
and the venue is the Earle Brown Heritage Center. He stated there will be several opportunities to
engage with the community, to listen, and try to understand from the community what we have all
experienced over the last couple of weeks. This will be the first such opportunity.
Councilmember Butler asked whether the City Council will discuss how to set the stage for that
session. She noted as Mayor Elliott and Councilmember Graves, who work with youth, talked
about how to engage in those spaces. She wants to do a Listening Session but also does not want
to be yelled at the whole time. Councilmember Butler stated she does not know if this is an
appropriate time to establish some understandings of how the City Council will go into that
meeting so the community and Council Members are on the same page.
Mayor Elliott suggested talking now about how the City Council will show up for that meeting.
He stated he has had conversations about how the City Council should present at the meeting and
help to facilitate that discussion. He has received feedback that the City Council should be actively
listening, leaning forward instead of back, and actively take notes while listening to the
community.
Councilmember Ryan stated he thinks the previous suggestion was sound, that there should be
ground rules. He stated the City Council should be there to listen and he thinks all on the City
Council will actively listen and be interested in what they hear. But the emphasis should be on
civility and perhaps there should be a very reasonable but likely time limit for each speaker until
all have had a chance to speak. Then once everyone has had a chance to speak, if others have
questions or comments, they could do a second presentation or follow-up questions.
Councilmember Ryan stated when questions are raised that staff cannot immediately answer, it is
important to ensure the questions are recorded and staff will get back with the best available current
information.
Councilmember Graves asked if there is the possibility, moving forward, to schedule more
Listening Sessions. Mayor Elliott answered in the affirmative and indicated staff is talking with
the high school to schedule another where students will prepare and plan that session.
Councilmember Graves asked whether Wednesday’s Listening Session will be virtual. Mayor
Elliott stated it will be in person and staff is working on the ability for people to participate virtually
as well.
04/26/21 -3- DRAFT
Councilmember Graves asked if the listening session will be facilitated by City staff or other
outside facilitation. Mayor Elliott stated as of now, it will be facilitated by us but he is actively
working to see if someone like Dr. Britney Lewis can facilitate. Councilmember Graves agreed a
neutral third party might be helpful for the facilitation.
Councilmember Graves stated her agreement with the City Council Members and ultimately, she
will be there to listen and take notes and is counting on staff to also do that so there can be follow-
up items specifically to execute after the Listening Session. Councilmember Graves stated she
also hopes the community will come with ideas the City Council can think about how to
implement. She honestly thinks the solutions will be with the community so ultimately, although
there will be strong feelings, the community can stay respectful as can the City Council and
recognize that passions are high and if we don’t take things personally, then we are more likely to
listen to understand rather than to respond. Councilmember Graves stated the City Council also
needs to recognize when it is appropriate to step forward, step up, and speak up, and when it is
appropriate to step back and listen whether to a community member or a Council Member.
Councilmember Butler stated she agreed with a lot of what has been said and asked how late the
Listening Session will go. Mayor Elliott stated until 8 p.m. Councilmember Butler stated she has
no other feedback and thinks what has been said in terms of community is fine.
Mayor Elliott stated it is important for the City Council to hold this Listening Session and hold
other discussions as well, noting what we have experienced in the last couple of weeks is on a
scale none has ever imagined so it will take time to process and work through. He stated he, like
Councilmember Graves, believes the solutions lie within our community so the City Council has
to count on the community to share that space in a way that will inform the City of their experiences
but also their thoughts and ideas.
Mayor Elliott stated staff is working on other opportunities including for the law enforcement
community to engage with the community in some of the sessions. As part of this discussion, they
will also have counselors or clergy present to help people process this because a lot of what has
happened has been traumatic for people so having these discussions might have people relive the
trauma and bring up a lot of emotions.
Councilmember Graves asked if the City Council will receive input from the community now
considering the Listening Session is on Wednesday, such as more on-ground rules. She has not
received a link or calendar invite for the Wednesday Listening Session but would like to receive
that information so she can share it with people. Or, she can put out a specific post about the
Listening Session. Councilmember Graves noted since it is virtual, the sooner it is published to
the public, the better. She was hoping for more time but understands that timing is of the essence
and people want to speak to the City Council.
Mayor Elliott stated the City Clerk will send out the link shortly after this meeting. They are
working on a Facebook event on the City’s website to promote the Listening Session as well.
Dr. Edwards stated he heard the City Council Members speak to the issue of whether or not the
City Council Members are listening or the City Council Members are speaking and then hearing
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back. He noted that clarity of purpose for the Listening Session may be helpful to those who
participate that they may find it fulfilling based upon that purpose and expectation.
Mayor Elliott stated that will be included in the materials that go out but it is truly a Listening
Session and not a community dialogue per se. The City Council will have other sessions for
community dialogue that will be a different format and include more of a back and forth between
the City Council and people who are showing up. There will be other sessions as well that is more
of a healing process. He stated the purpose of Wednesday’s Listening Session is to hold a
community listening session and it will be a combination of people reflecting on the question of
where are we now, what are we experiencing, how did we get here, and then ideas around how we
move forward. The role of the City Council will be to listen during that Session.
Mayor Elliott stated in terms of how long each person speaks, that is being worked out because it
will be a very sensitive Listening Session. He wants to allow people time to share their traumatic
stories but there will be guidelines to remind people to be as succinct as possible and yield for
other people as well. He stated, as an example, if someone is sharing a story about the fact their
kids go under the bed now every time they hear motors outside, it is difficult to say, ‘okay, your
time is up.’ He stated the City Council will treat that with sensitivity and care to hear from as
many people as possible.
Mayor Elliott noted Councilmember Graves has asked to give the community time to talk about
this as well. He opened the floor for public comment.
Alfreda Daniels stated in listening to the comments, a few things are ringing a bell. One, she
knows Council Members were concerned about respect from the community during the Session
and respect also from Council Members. She suggested that be clearly defined because she does
not think this is a space to limit people as a lot of people are hurt, especially for black folks who
have already had so much trauma, which could come out in many ways. Ms. Daniels noted that
creating a comfortable space is also important. She stated the City Council should prepare
themselves for that time and space to accept and listen to people hurt because sometimes respect
can mean comfort. Ms. Daniels explained if you say something that she is not comfortable with,
then that becomes disrespectful to her so she would suggest the City Council clearly define that to
themselves, and allowing people that space to heal and speak their truth would be great.
Ms. Daniels stated our community is very diverse as far as language abilities and asked if there are
plans for interpreters to be present at the Listening Session. She also asked if there are plans to
make sure the place is safe and welcoming for people living with other disabilities or even hearing
impairment. She asked if people know they can show up and will be comfortable and know they
have what they need to be present. Ms. Daniels stated we can’t just open it up to the community
when the space is only comfortable for a certain community.
Ms. Daniels asked how the City is reaching out to community members to let them know this space
is available. She stated quite frankly, this is coming a bit later and a lot of people feel helpless
since communication hasn’t been great coming from City Hall to the community over the past
week or two. She asked if there are plans in place to let people know this is happening and they
are welcome beyond Facebook and online.
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Ms. Daniels stated she wanted to second what Councilmember Graves said about having an outside
person to help facilitate this space and also make sure that person is familiar with our diverse
community and is respectful of the trauma that the community is going through right now.
Mayor Elliott explained they are working to have a Hmong-speaking interpreter and a Spanish-
speaking interpreter and if someone has suggestions for other languages, he asked them to let staff
know. They are also actively working with folks who organize in those communities to invite
their communities. He agreed they have to assure it is a welcoming space. Mayor Elliott thanked
Ms. Daniels for her comments and stated he hopes they can address all of those concerns.
Mayor Elliott stated they are also working on another Listening Session for Saturday that will
allow more time and be more in the community around the Police Department. They are trying to
see if law enforcement leadership can be part of that conversation. He stated there will be more
on that as the details are worked out.
Ms. Daniels asked the City Council to be very careful about how law enforcement will be present
in that space because things are fresh right now and emotions are high. She asked if law
enforcement is coming, are they coming in plain clothes. She again asked the City Council to be
mindful of the emotional state of their community right now because it could escalate emotions if
law enforcement shows up in full gear uniform, especially at a time like this.
Mayor Elliott thanked her for the reminder and explained that law enforcement leadership would
be there in the capacity of listening.
DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS
A CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR 6221 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY
(THE CREST APARTMENTS)
Dr. Edwards introduced the item and noted this project is in the conceptual stage. He invited
Community Development Director Meg Beekman to make the presentation.
Ms. Beekman asked if this item could be skipped over as the developers had questions for the City
Council but are not yet present. Mayor Elliott asked Ms. Beekman to provide introductory
remarks.
Ms. Beekman stated this is a concept review regarding the Crest Apartments. The developer and
owner of the project are Aeon. The existing site is immediately adjacent to City Hall and currently
holds a single building and parking lot. Ms. Beekman stated this is a concept review, not a
preliminary development agreement, and provides an opportunity for the City Council to review
the project and provide comments before it comes before the City Council for formal review and
approval. The developer has not yet submitted a land-use development application as the project
is in predevelopment now. The developer is accepting feedback on the project as they work to
complete that application.
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Ms. Beekman stated this is also an opportunity for the City Council to also provide other types of
feedback for comment about particular aspects of the proposal and keep in mind this is a
nonbinding discussion both for the City Council and developer. No approval is being requested
as part of this conversation and any statements the City Council makes are not binding in terms of
how the City Council may ultimately vote on this project.
Ms. Beekman reviewed the location at 6221 Single Creek Parkway, a 4.3-acre site zoned R-7 to
accommodate the existing multi-family building and guided for Commercial Mixed-Use, which
allows for multi-family residential. The site was acquired by Aeon in 2012 and renovated in 2014.
Currently, there are 122 units of affordable multi-family housing units with 78 one-bedrooms; 44
two-bedrooms; and is 100% restricted to households at or below 50% Area Median Income (AMI).
Eleven units are set aside to assist persons with disabilities and are more affordable units as well.
Ms. Beekman explained the proposal is to refinance the existing property and provide $5 million
in renovations to the existing building as part of the upgrade. Aeon also proposes to construct a
second building of 48 units, a four-story building on top of one level of enclosed at-grade parking.
There would be 22 two bedrooms and 16 three-bedroom units. The developer is income averaging
to place it at roughly 60% AMI or below. Some on-site amenities would be included in the new
building.
Ms. Beekman stated they are proposing a fairly substantial stormwater management system, noting
it is adjacent to Shingle Creek and there is some floodplain that skirts the edges of the property.
The stormwater management component has been embedded into their site design and architecture
for the building and Aeon has worked with the Watershed Commission as well.
Ms. Beekman stated there are currently 117-surface stalls on this site and 14 proof of parking stalls
located in a grass area. The proposed parking offers two options. One would have 145 surface
stalls and 31 covered stalls that would be included on the main level of the new building. This
plan allows for some additional green space and creates a total of 176 parking stalls for a ratio of
1.04 per unit. She noted the current parking on the site is .69 per unit and they find it is not all
utilized so they have available parking at night and believe they would have adequate parking with
the additional covered stalls and expansion of the surface parking lot. However, because the
Zoning Code requires 2 stalls per unit regardless of housing type or density, this is under what is
required by zoning. The developer has provided an alternate parking option to increase the parking
to 208 stalls and include 14 proof of parking but that would result in less greenspace. Ms. Beekman
stated the developer would like input from the City Council on precedent in terms of the parking
plan.
Ms. Beekman stated with financing, the developer has provided their sources and uses. The
primary form of financing would follow income housing tax credits so this project would be
required to apply through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for tax credits and the project
is dependent on the award of those tax credits. Those federal funds would come into the project
and allow the development to occur.
Ms. Beekman explained that at present, the developer has given their current rents and proforma
and are not anticipating the need for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) or any sort of City subsidy as
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part of this project. The developer feels that with the assumed financing from Hennepin County
and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, the TIF would not be necessary.
Ms. Beekman stated the developer did, however, want to provide an alternate option to provide
more deeply affordable units. Assuming that 11 of the units will be for 30% AMI or less, 36 of
the units would be at 40% AMI, 75 units at 50% AMI, and 48 units at 60% AMI gets the income
averaging at around 49.41%. Aeon can provide additional affordability if having some additional
units at 50% AMI for a total average of 48% but that would create a gap in their financing of $1.4
million so TIF would be required to fill that gap. The developer would like some input from the
City about which financing option is the better option. The developer is open to either but it would
come down to the preference of the City and willingness to provide the subsidy.
Ms. Beekman reviewed the process, noting it will be based on discussion from this evening, the
developer would then decide how to proceed with a formal application that includes financing, and
a low-income housing tax credit application that is due in June. Aeon would then prepare a
planning case application for preliminary and final plat and depending on density, could include a
PUD or rezoning for the site. A site and building plan review would be needed and because of the
additional density, may require a Comprehensive Plan amendment. She noted the application
would go to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and then to the City Council for review
and public hearing should there be a request for a PUD or rezoning.
Ms. Beekman stated depending on the decision, there may be a public subsidy request in the form
of a TIF application that would follow the typical review process, review by public finance
consultants, and formal review by the City Council and EDA as well as a public hearing.
Ms. Beekman stated the developer is looking for City Council feedback on their approach to
parking, interest in the City providing financial assistance to the project, and if the City Council
has other comments, questions, or direction relating to the project on-site layout, architectural, etc.
Ms. Beekman stated the developer will be joining the Work Session to answer questions and
provide background on their organization.
Mayor Elliott stated the City Council will come back this item during tonight’s Work Session.
Discussion of this item continued and concluded at the April 26, 2021, Work Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Elliott adjourned the Study Session to Informal Open Forum at 6:48 p.m.
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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
APRIL 26, 2021
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 6:48 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, and Dan Ryan.
Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson was excused. Also present were Acting City Manager
Reggie Edwards, Finance Director Mark Ebensteiner, Community Development Director Meg
Beekman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Fire Chief Todd Berg, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
Councilmember Graves moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to open the Informal Open Forum at
6:48 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Mike Elliott opened the meeting for Informal Open Forum.
Diane Sannes reported on April 24, 2021, Earth Day Clean-Up that occurred along the Mississippi
River, 694, and Mn/DOT bridge, noting this trail is a major recreation and community path. She
stated earlier in April, Brooklyn Center children from Park Center High School who are part of
the National Honor Society volunteered to clean up a large area of Palmer Lake Park. Ms. Sannes
noted a lot of residents have been cleaning all around Brooklyn Center this week but there is always
more to do so pick up a bag and pitch in.
Mayor Elliott thanked Ms. Sannes and all involved in the Earth Day Clean-Up.
Lori Bordahl stated she wanted to go back to the Listening Session on Wednesday and recommend
that the Brooklyn Center Police Department not be present at the first session, just to make it
focused on the community. With tensions running so high now, she thinks that would be a good
idea. She stated if there are questions for them later on Saturday, that would be a better time to
open it to the police but also making a firm statement that tensions are high. She does not want to
see tear gas or rubber bullets because people are angry. She stated we have the right to be angry
and just because people are angry, it does not mean they are not being peaceful.
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Mayor Elliott stated there are no plans to have law enforcement at the meeting on Wednesday as
that will be community-focused to come together and talk about what they have experienced and
solutions to help us move forward.
Joy A., a resident of Brooklyn Center, stated she is glad to hear about the Listening Session and
hopes the City gets the word out so people can participate. She has one topic to bring up, which
is an issue she heard about two years ago during a City Council meeting and decided to involve
herself by following up on it. The issue is the status of Brooklyn Center rape kits and that it’s been
over two years since Councilmember Graves and Mayor Elliott had asked the former Police Chief
to report on the status of this critical evidence. She wondered if there can be a yes or no answer
as to whether this has been resolved. If not resolved, she has a few more things to say.
Councilmember Graves stated she was engaged in e-mails with Joy and the City Manager at the
time and they did get some data but it was very minimal and some had to do with other State
agencies and follow-up on the part of our Police Department to get more specific numbers. So,
there was some follow-up but certainly not the kind she would like to see in the case of rape.
Joy stated because she has been thinking about this and it has been going on for a long period, she
has six questions to pose. She asked has the evidence been withheld from the victims? Why over
two years and no response to the leadership inquiry? She thinks there should be an investigation
into this. She asked how many kits are there? How many have been processed? How many
resulted in prosecution? Were the victims referred to support services at the time of their assault?
Has anyone followed up with the victims on the status of their evidence? She stated she has taken
it upon herself to keep pursuing this as rape is a serious assault, she does not want to see it ignored,
and there needs to be accountability. She stated she will pursue this until she is satisfied on behalf
of all the people that this has happened to.
Mayor Elliott asked Joy to e-mail the six questions so staff can work with the Department to get
those answers. Joy noted this is the perfect time with Mayor Elliott being the oversight to the
Police Department right now.
Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards asked Ms. Joy to forward that information to him so he can
make sure it gets to appropriate staff and back to the City Council. Joy stated she will send a group
e-mail to Councilmember Graves and Mayor Elliott and Dr. Edwards.
Alfreda Daniels acknowledged that what Joy said is important. She stated with everything that
has been happening in the City over the last week and that will happen, she wanted to highlight
the work of residents of Brooklyn Center over the last two weeks to heal itself. She stated even
before the City stepped in or other non-profit organizations, community leaders and residents have
stepped up to the plate to do a lot of great work to heal the community, to have bonded, and people
canvassing and asking their neighbors about their needs. She stated we have been at the table,
working with police departments to ensure our community members are safe, and have been out
there boarding our businesses as well. She stated that is important work to highlight, to know that
at times like this, the community takes care of the community, and that is why it is so important to
have communities at the table moving forward. She referenced what Councilmember Graves said
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earlier, that the answers that we need to help move our community forward are within our
community.
Mr. Koenig stated the concept presented for Crest Apartments reminds him, and perhaps it already
is done but if not, the City Council looks at the empty seat on the Planning Commission. He
encouraged the City Council to do as it has been to fill it with diversity representing the entirety
of Brooklyn Center as it appears development projects will begin as the pandemic ends.
Mayor Elliott thanked Mr. Koenig for his comments, which he appreciated.
No one else wished to address the City Council.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to close the Informal Open
Forum at 7:01 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. INVOCATION
Councilmember Butler stated she appreciates Ms. Daniels pointing out all that was done to bring
the community together because it goes along with the quote she wants to share tonight. She stated
she too was extremely impressed but not surprised by how the community came together and was
there for those who needed assistance immediately with everything that transpired over the past
couple of weeks. She publicly thanked everyone whether they dropped off, financially gave, rolled
up their sleeves, and helped with cleaning up the community, or whatever they did.
Councilmember Butler shared a quote from Cornel West: “None of us alone can save the nation
or the world. But, each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so.”
Councilmember Butler again thanked all those who have done that over the past couple of weeks.
Mayor Elliott thanked Councilmember Butler and agreed that over the past couple of weeks we’ve
had perhaps the most difficult time in our history and are still dealing with the aftermath of that.
3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott
at 7:04 p.m.
WELCOME AND UPDATE
Mayor Elliott noted tonight’s agenda is very full and thanked the Council Members and staff for
the work done to prepare materials for the meeting today. He also welcomed residents who are
joining the meeting by Zoom. Mayor Elliott explained that to effectively complete the City’s
business, he is asking that all respect the rules of order and stated he will assure regularly scheduled
sessions have specific opportunities for discussions and public comments. He stated he will do his
best to assure all can participate fully. Mayor Elliott stated he and Acting City Manager Edwards
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think it is essential to briefly address the story in yesterday’s StarTribune about the potential
financial consequences to the City for legal claims related to the shooting death of Daunte Wright
and the civil unrest following that tragedy. He asked the Acting City Manager to provide a brief
update for the City Council on that matter. He assured the City Council that there will be a
thoughtful and thorough process involving the City Council as we navigate these challenging
issues.
Dr. Edwards stated he has two points to share at this time. The City was aware there could be
potential litigation related to this so staff has been in discussion with the City’s attorneys and the
League of Minnesota Cities about that since a week and a half ago. Staff is also in consultation
with financial staff to assess the capacity and issues related to the City’s financial standing. Staff
will be in a position, as we go forward, to provide a scenario on what potential implications could
be as it relates to that issue. He explained that staff believes the possibility of a civil lawsuit may
come about following the criminal case with Ms. Potter, which begins May 16, 2021. At this time,
the staff is not releasing any information or discussing this as it is premature this time but the staff
is assessing the City’s financial situation and multiple strategies that may be coming forth as it
relates to this case. Dr. Edwards stated the City Council will be kept posted as staff prepares for
the event of a settlement or something else coming forth so the City Council is apprised of all
issues.
Mayor Elliott stated future discussions on this matter will be held in Closed Session according to
Minnesota State Statutes.
Mayor Elliott announced that a public Listening Session will be held on Wednesday, April 28,
2021, at the Earle Brown Heritage Center from 5-8 p.m. Notice of that meeting will be posted
online and further questions can be directed to the City Clerk.
Mayor Elliott stated this meeting is being conducted electronically under Minnesota Statute
Section 13D.021 due to pandemic. He asked that those connected to this meeting keep their
microphone muted, noting there is an opportunity for public comment when called upon. He asked
those speaking not to talk over one another or be disruptive during the meeting. Mayor Elliott
stated information about this meeting and the packet of information is available on the City Council
section of the website and the home page.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, and Dan Ryan.
Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson was excused. Also present were Acting City Manager
Reggie Edwards, Finance Director Mark Ebensteiner, Community Development Director Meg
Beekman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Fire Chief Todd Berg, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
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Mayor Elliott stated there is one modification to the agenda to add Item 10a, Resolution Approving
Emergency Assistance to Residents Affected by Civil Unrest Fund. He explained this fund will
be for folks near the Police Department, particularly in the apartments impacted who suffered a
loss due to the unrest.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve the Agenda and
Consent Agenda, as amended, to add Item 10a, Resolution Approving Emergency Assistance to
Residents Affected by Civil Unrest, and the following consent items were approved:
6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. March 15, 2021 – City Council Town Hall Meeting
2. March 22, 2021 – Study Session
3. March 22, 2021 – Regular Session
4. March 22, 2021 Work Session
5. April 5, 2021 – Local Board Appeals & Equalization
6b. LICENSES
HOSPITALITY ACCOMMODATIONS LICENSE
Extended Stay America 2701 Freeway Blvd
Brooklyn Center, 55430
Kaswa Hospitality
Super 8
6445 James Cir
Brooklyn Center 55430
Faraz Enterprises
Travelodge
6415 James Cir
Brooklyn Center 55430
Seth Oliver Brooklyn Hotel Partners
Embassy Suites
6300 Earle Brown Dr
Brooklyn Center 55430
MECHANICAL LICENSES
Affordable Comfort Mechanical
dba Apollo
1167 Viking Dr. E
Maplewood 55109
Avid Heating & Cooling 7700 Cty Rd 110 W
Minnetrista 55364
Blue Rain Plumbing 8821 Woodland Rd
Bloomington 55437
Bonfe’s Plumbing Htg & Air Service 455 Harman Ave
So. St. Paul 55075
CenterPoint Energy 6161 Golden Valley Rd
Golden Valley 55422
Centraire Htg & AC, Inc. 6811 Washington Ave N
Edina 55439
Deans Professional Plumbing Inc. 7400 Kirkwood Ct N
Maple Grove 55369
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Hearth & Home Technologies LLC 7571 215th Street W
Lakeville MN 55044
Homeworks Services Co 1230 Eagan Industrial Rd. #117
Eagan MN 55121
Horowitz Inc 7400 49th Ave N
New Hope MN 55428
J-Berd Mechanical Contractors, Inc. 1 Industrial Blvd
Sauk Rapids MN 56379
Larson Plumbing Inc PO Box 459
Isanti MN 55040
Majestic Custom Heating & Air Cond 8800 Royal Ct NW
Anoka MN 55303
Major Mechanical Inc 11202 86th Ave N
Maple Grove MN 55369
Mike's Custom Mechanical Inc PO Box 171
Champlin MN 55316
Northland Mechanical Contr 9001 Science Center D
New Hope MN 55428
Ridler Heating & Cooling Inc. 3110 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis MN 55411
Standard Heating & AC 130 Plymouth Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
WJW Company 10600 University Ave NW
Coon Rapids MN 55448
RENTAL LICENSES
INITIAL (TYPE IV – one-year license)
3012 Thurber Rd Angelique Kapila/Risen Home Care
INITIAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
6800 Scott Ave N Emmanuel Williams
INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
7013 Knox Ave N HPA USA 1/Pathlight Management
4207 Lakeside Ave #124 Perry Lensing
RENEWAL (TYPE IV – one-year license)
3601 47th Ave N 8411 Balboa LLC/Matthew Wallman
Ryan Creek Manor 4 - met requirements
2606 64th Ave N Abdirashid Arab – missing action plan,
CPTED follow up, CFH cert
RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
700 66th N Georgetown Park Wensch Construction/Scott Gann
04/26/21 -7- DRAFT
Townhouses – met requirements
1217 54th Avenue N Jay Moua – missing CPTED follow up
2018 55th Avenue N Chen Zhou/Lancelot Properties – met requirements
3912 61st Avenue N Nazeem Khatoon – met requirements
4101 70th Ave N Paul Pham – met requirements
6724 France Ave N Jessica Stoll Van Elson – met requirements
6051 Halifax Ave N Oyewale Ilesammi/Supreme Living Homes
– met requirements – missing CFH cert
5631 Hillsview Rd Kent LeFevre
7243 Riverdale Rd IH3 Property Illinois/Mai Thao - met requirements
4200 Winchester LA Obafemi Oladeji – missing CPTED and CFH
4506 65th Ave N Virginia Lazo
7101 Girard Ave N EE & J Investment LLC – missing CPTED
2718 Ohenry Rd Wade Klick/5118 66th Ave N LLC
RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
5200 Drew Ave N Morris Matthews
5636 Fremont Ave N Alice Isatu Mansara y
7013 Fremont Avenue N IH3 Property Illinois/Mai Thao
6809 Fremont Pl Ali Sajjad/786 Homes LLC
5713 Humboldt Ave N Janice Bjorn
5500 Knox Ave N MNSF II W1/Marc Silverstein
6661 Xerxes Pl N Ashwin Goel
6131 Bryant Ave N Jun Wang
6611 Camden Dr. Jenn-Yuan Chen/Shin Chiang
5530 James Ave N Ross Herman
5524 Logan Ave N Mark Olson/Avalon Homes
missing CPTED follow up & CFH cert
RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license)
5200 63rd Avenue N Roger Bonny
2900 67th La Dolores Fischer
1600 69th Ave N Hieu Vo
5350 71st Cir Ali Sajjad/786 Homes LLC
5943 Colfax Ave N Juliana Koe
6018 Kyle Ave N Danny Vo
7200 Morgan Ave N Dwayne Holmstrom
3300 67th Ave N Sergey Kunin
1344 68th Ln Syewon Sez Weah/Ducor Home
Solution – met requirements
1807 70th Ave N Rebecca Thomley
7215 Girard Ave N Rebecca Thomley
6424 Scott Ave N Chen Zhou/Godiva Properties – met requirements
5913 Washburn Ave N Robert E Lindahl
04/26/21 -8- DRAFT
6c. AN ORDINANCE 2021-01 AMENDING CHAPTERS 7 AND 19 OF THE
CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING WASTE AND ORGANICS
RECYCLING BY HAULERS
6d. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-59 RECOGNIZING BROOKLYN CENTER AS A
TREE CITY USA FOR THE TWENTY-NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
6e. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-60 DESIGNATING 2021 PLANTING LIST OF
ALLOWABLE BOULEVARD TREE SPECIES
6f. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-61 ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING
CONTRACT, PROJECT NO. 2021-15, 2021 PARK PLAYGROUND
REPLACEMENTS
6g. RESOLUTION No. 2021-62 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR THE
TAX BASE REVITALIZATION ACCOUNT
6h. RESOLUTION No. 2021-63 SETTING FEE SCHEDULE FOR DISASTER
RECOVERY REPAIR PERMITS
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
7a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-64 EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR THE
DONATION OF A PALLET OF BOTTLED DRINKING WATER TO THE
BROOKLYN CENTER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Todd Berg explained this resolution expresses appreciation for the donation of a pallet
of bottled drinking water to the Brooklyn Center Fire Department from the Brooklyn Center Wal-
Mart store. He explained the Fire Department uses bottled water often at scenes where they are
doing strenuous work with extra heavy gear and often in hot environments to keep themselves
hydrated.
Councilmember Graves thanked the Fire Chief for bringing forward this resolution of appreciation.
She stated it is great that Wal-Mart, an area business, is contributing to the volunteer firefighters.
She asked whether it is a practice of the firefighters to recycle empty water bottles. Fire Chief
Berg stated the firefighter's bag and return all garbage and recycling to the Fire Department.
Councilmember Graves encouraged all to take the time to recycle plastics and thanked the Fire
Chief, noting it was good to see him the other day.
Mayor Elliott stated there was a prior discussion on moving away from single-use plastics City
wide but there are some situations where it is unavoidable.
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Councilmember Graves moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2021-
64 Expressing Appreciation for the Donation of a Pallet of Bottled Drinking Water to the Brooklyn
Center Fire Department.
Motion passed unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-65 AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE, SALE, AND
DELIVERY OF ITS CONDUIT REVENUE BONDS RELATING TO THE TESFA
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PROJECT
Dr. Edwards introduced the item and stated this relates to authorizing the issuance, sale, and
delivery of conduit revenue bonds for the Tesfa International School project. He noted this item
did come before the City Council and the bids were left open.
Finance Director Mark Ebensteiner introduced Jenny Boulton with Kennedy and Graven who
would provide a summary of the project.
Jenny Boulton explained Kennedy and Graven is the bond counsel and after the public hearing,
the City Council is being asked to consider a resolution to authorize the issuance of conduit revenue
bonds, the proceeds of which would be used by Tesfa International School, which is in the process
of changing its name to STEM Academy. They will use those proceeds to acquire the building
that was previously used by Noble Academy and before that by Odyssey Academy. The City
previously issued bonds in connection with the acquisition of that building by the Odyssey Charter
School and those bonds will be paid off. She advised they are completely separate borrowers and
completely separate financings so only one will be outstanding at a time.
Ms. Boulton explained the resolution would authorize up to $10 million of conduit revenue bonds.
The City is not obligated to make any payments on those bonds, even in the event of default. There
is no taxing authority that is pledged to the payment and there is no City property or other assets
that would be pledged to the payment of those bonds, even in the event of default. She explained
the bonds are secured by the building and the charter school’s revenues, which are payments they
receive through the State of Minnesota. Ms. Boulton offered to answer questions, noting Mr. Kou
Vang is working with the school on the acquisition of the building and also available if there are
project-specific questions.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to reopen the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Kou Vang, owners’ representative for Tesfa International School, noted that along with
himself, Jonas Beugen, the Executive Director, is available. He thanked the staff for the
presentation and stated they do not have anything to add but are available to answer questions of
the City Council.
04/26/21 -10- DRAFT
Mayor Elliott asked about the conduit bond itself and how the City can facilitate the bonds if the
City does not have any liability or exposure in the event of a default. Ms. Boulton explained that
local government entities are given the authority to issue conduit revenue bonds that give non-
profit corporations and other entities, like affordable housing developers, access to tax-exempt
financing. This is a program under the federal tax law that allows the borrowers to borrow their
funds at a lower interest cost because the investors who are loaning them the money do not pay
income taxes on their interest income. So, it is a lower-cost method of financing to make certain
types of development more affordable, including non-profits and affordable housing. This is a
tool the City has used several times for affordable housing projects in the last couple of years.
Ms. Boulton stated the investors, the holders of the bonds, are looking directly at the property, the
building itself, and the land, as collateral under a mortgage. That is what provides security. She
explained there are two tiers of entities in the case of charter schools. A building company owns
the property and leases it to the school entity itself. The school entity makes lease payments and
those regular monthly payments are used to pay the principal and interest on the bonds. The school
receives those revenues because charter schools are public schools and receive funding primarily
through payments from the State. Ms. Boulton stated the bondholders are only looking at those
revenues as the source of payment but the City is involved because that is a requirement under the
federal tax law to have access to these tax-exempt financing mechanisms.
Ms. Boulton advised that no one has called into her conference line, which was provided as a toll-
free number.
Diane Sannes noted Brooklyn Center has ten school buildings, eight school boards, and three
charter schools currently and it is her understanding this school would replace Noble Academy.
She stated there is a high turnover rate in our charter schools, sometimes they last one year, and
sometimes they last two years. She asked who is the authorizer of this new charter school.
Mr. Kou Vang answered the authorizer for Tesla International School is Volunteers of America.
He explained the school has been around for five years and enrollment has been steady. They
would move from Columbia Heights into this Brooklyn Center area and in talking with parents,
the current student body will be following into this location.
Ms. Sannes asked if a school is moving from Columbia Heights to Brooklyn Center. Mr. Kou
Vang stated that is correct, they are moving an existing school into this facility. Ms. Sannes stated
she is glad to hear they are under Volunteers of America, which is a good authorizer.
Mayor Elliott thanked Ms. Sannes for her well-informed questions. He stated to Mr. Kou Vang
that if he has not yet met Ms. Sannes, he can assure him that he will as she will be a good partner
for their school since she connects with all the schools and is an asset to the community.
Ms. Sannes thanked Mayor Elliott and welcomed Mr. Kou Vang.
No one else appeared to address this item.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Public Hearing.
04/26/21 -11- DRAFT
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
2021-65 Authorizing Issuance of Conduit Charter School Lease Revenue Bonds for Tesfa
International School Project under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.152 through 469.1655 and
Approving Related Documents.
Motion passed unanimously.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
10a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-66 APPROVING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO
RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY CIVIL UNREST
Dr. Edwards stated this resolution would establish emergency assistance to residents affected by
the civil unrest. He noted there has been testimony from residents who live in apartments in and
around the police station, and over 114 were relocated by Red Cross assistance to provide some
sense of safety. Dr. Edwards noted some residents have reached out to the City as it relates to
covering expenses lost through no fault of their own and primarily due to the civil unrest that was
going on around them. The residents have gone through significant hardships whether physical,
mental, or economic, and asked the City for some type of assistance in those cases. Dr. Edwards
explained the City currently does not have a mechanism that would address such issues because
this is an unprecedented event. The staff has been in communication with other entities, County
and State, relating to this issue and desire to provide some type of assistance or develop a program
where the City can help. Dr. Edwards stated staff anticipates the City may be able to leverage and
match funds. He relayed his communication today with a foundation that may be willing to match
the City’s funding to assist residents during these times of hardship and particular crises. Dr.
Edwards explained that Community Development Director Beekman is the primary author of the
resolution and would be the City point person to help and coordinate with others in the community.
Also, Ms. Daniels has spoken to some organizations that stepped up and helped residents during
this difficult time.
Community Development Director Meg Beekman stated she had nothing to add to Dr. Edwards’
presentation.
Dr. Edwards stated staff does not yet have all of the criteria in place but is asking the City Council
to authorize staff to proceed. He stated staff does know there is a demand today.
Councilmember Ryan commended staff and the County Commissioner and his staff for engaging
the Red Cross to do a rapid response for folks living across the street in apartment buildings
opposite the police station on Humboldt Avenue who experienced hardship because of civil unrest.
04/26/21 -12- DRAFT
He noted the County Commissioner recognized the County itself was too slow to respond in many
cases to those in distress but by engaging the Red Cross, a non-profit, non-governmental
organization, folk were able to get relief much faster. Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates
the work of City staff to coordinate that effort, identify needs, and act quickly. He offered an
example of Ms. Barnes who lives in one of the buildings just opposite the police station who
contacted him by e-mail. He forwarded that e-mail to both County staff and City staff and the
response was prompt. Councilmember Ryan stated that is only one example, and there are others,
of prompt response which speaks very well for Dr. Edwards and Community Development
Director Beekman for being flexible and doing what needs to be done in these hard times.
Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates that staff brought this forward. She recently saw an
e-mail to the effect that a resident had been displaced from her home and had additional costs.
Councilmember Graves stated she felt disappointed that the resident didn’t know about some of
the other resources and is sure others were not looped in or got contacted early enough.
Councilmember Graves acknowledged that staff and the City as a whole, the City Council
included, could have been more prepared. She hoped in the future they are more prepared and
working with community members who showed up right away from Day 1, showed her around,
and showed her what the community had done and pulled together. Councilmember Graves stated
she wants everyone to know that this is exactly the kind of support we need to have in place both
in good times and in difficult times. She stated she is doing her best as a Council Member to make
sure we have that and the City is even more responsive than it has been.
Councilmember Graves asked Dr. Edwards to quantify the demand being presented as of right now
as far as families who are looking to the City to help with costs incurred through the crisis. Dr.
Edwards stated staff does not have a running list but some estimate there may be up to 50 impacted
families.
Councilmember Graves stated in addition to whatever staff recommends as a possible
reimbursement fund, she thinks the City also needs to make sure they are connected to local food
distributions, an entry point to mental health resources, and transitional resources. She does not
know if these families are now unhoused or temporarily unhoused, but that is something the City
should care about. Councilmember Graves thanked Dr. Edwards and the staff for their work on
this matter.
Mayor Elliott stated the City will be working to relocate several families as some indicated they
have been traumatized and no longer want to live in their apartment or come outside. He stated
for a lot of families, serious and intense counseling needs to be made available for the adults and
kids and for some, assistance in relocating. He mentioned the down payment assistance program,
noting staff will look at helping these families to stay in Brooklyn Center. He also noted that for
many of them, a permanent relocation is probably what they are going to need.
Mayor Elliott stated he wanted to re-underscore that the community played a crucial role in all of
this work and responses.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2021-66
Approving Emergency Assistance to Residents Affected by Civil Unrest.
04/26/21 -13- DRAFT
Motion passed unanimously.
11. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmember Graves reported on her attendance at the following:
• Brooklyn Youth Council Healing Session
• Meeting with representatives from the Department of Justice and Community Relation
Services
• Marshal Event Training
• Attended various vigils and visited the Distribution Center
• Attended BIPOC Neighborhood Meetings
Councilmember Butler reported on her attendance at the following:
• Met with Councilmember Graves relating to meeting with BIPOC Leaders
• Met with US Representative Ilhan Omar
• Volunteered at the Distribution Center
• Worked with Mental Relief Services to bring food to volunteers
• Helped to organize the vaccine clinic
• Held conversations at the local Mosque
• Visited the memorial site
Councilmember Ryan stated his appreciation for the involvement and commitment of his fellow
Council Members. He stated the City needed to speak with one voice and that’s the job of the
Mayor who represents the City, noting it was a rather thankless task in such a difficult and trying
situation.
Councilmember Ryan reported on his work on the following:
• Followed several bills in the State legislature that potentially have significance on the City’s
financial capacity to respond to this crisis
• Will be contacting federal representatives relating to federal outcomes
• Answered virtually all the e-mail he has received
Councilmember Graves noted there are several bills currently in front of Congress related to reform
and the George Floyd Act. She has been signing onto some letters from other leaders and
encouraged all as community leaders and others to look at reform acts and encourage State and
Federal representatives to move those issues forward.
Councilmember Ryan stated his understanding that Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson had
contacted the Acting City Manager to inform him that she was not able to attend tonight’s meetings
because her mother is gravely ill and in intensive care. Mayor Elliott stated he is sorry to hear that
and will pray and hope for the best for Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson’s mother.
Mayor Elliott reported on his attendance at the following:
04/26/21 -14- DRAFT
• Worked closely with Council Members and staff to address the emergency including working
with the community, folks present at the protest, trying to build bridges with law enforcement,
and strategies being implemented
• Participated in communication with local, State, federal elected officials, and law enforcement
partners including the Governor’s office and White House
• Worked with communication folks to speak on behalf of the City with various media outlets
• Kept in contact with Daunte’s family
• Attended Daunte’s funeral along with many other representatives from the community and
governmental agencies
• Currently engaged in trying to figure out the way forward and to recover from this tragedy in
ways that are going to build the community stronger than before, grow from this, and be united
as one.
Mayor Elliott noted it has been daunting several weeks and sad for Daunte’s family and all of us.
He has been amazed at how many people have reached out and the community has mobilized and
come together. He knew it was always possible but this has brought out the best in us as a Brooklyn
Center community. Mayor Elliott stated we have much to be thankful for even amid this tragedy
and we will build in more thoughtful ways that make sure everyone is included, count, and their
needs are met. He stated all he has spoken with have expressed a commitment to that and it gives
him chills to talk about. Mayor Elliott stated he is honored to be in this servant capacity to share
this leadership role with his fellow Council Members and City staff to build the best city to live in
Minnesota and a City that’s an example to the rest of the State and maybe even the country. He
appreciates being able to share what he has been working on and noted it will take everyone
working very closely, putting aside differences, and digging in with each playing their roles to
make what they know is possible into a reality.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded adjournment of the City Council
meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
04/26/21 -1- DRAFT
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
WORK SESSION
APRIL 26, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session
called to order by Mayor/President Mike Elliott at 8:21 p.m. The meeting was conducted via
Zoom.
ROLL CALL
Mayor/President Mike Elliott and Councilmembers/Commissioners Marquita Butler, April
Graves, and Dan Ryan. Councilmember/Commissioner Kris Lawrence-Anderson was excused.
Also present were Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards, Community Development Director Meg
Beekman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Tony Gilchrest.
A CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR 6221 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY
(THE CREST APARTMENTS)
Community Development Director Meg Beekman noted that Leslie Roering from Aeon is present
and had listened to the presentation earlier this evening. She invited Ms. Roering to provide
context for the project, approach to the site, and background about Aeon and their role as operator
of that particular building.
Leslie Roering, Senior Real Estate Developer in Aeon Housing Development Department,
explained Aeon is a non-profit affordable housing developer and owns the Crest Apartments and
several others in Brooklyn Center. Their mission is to create sustainable quality affordable homes
that strengthen lives and communities. Since 1986, they have built or purchased 5,600 homes and
serve 15,000 people. The Crest is a project they purchased in 2012 through a HUD foreclosure
process. They did a minor renovation at that time and want to expand on that renovation so it can
be a long-term asset for the community and its residents. Ms. Roering stated in addition to that,
they have quite a bit of excess land and green space so there is an opportunity to better utilize that
space and provide more affordable homes for larger families. Aeon is proposing an addition of 48
units to the project. She offered to answer questions and provide feedback, noting noted that Chris
Palkowitsch, an architect with BKV Group is also on the line.
Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated, in general, she likes the idea of adding two-and
three-bedroom units for larger families as there is demand for that, especially at 60% AMI or
lower. She wondered if these units are also ADA accessible units. Ms. Roering advised they are
currently required to do 5% of the new units as accessible with an additional couple of units for
hearing and visually impaired individuals.
04/26/21 -2- DRAFT
Councilmember/Commissioner Graves mentioned the two parking options, one with more green
space and one with less. She noted this location and proximity to Shingle Creek and expressed
concern about potential environmental impacts from excessive digging and erosion.
Councilmember/Commissioner Graves referenced the PowerPoint side that showed financing
options, noting it details how the project is underwritten as proposed versus using additional TIF
funding. She stated the main difference she sees is that the number of units that would be units at
50% AMI goes up significantly and the units at 60% of AMI goes down. Councilmember/
Commissioner Graves noted it also reduces the overall affordability of the project by 1.5%. To
her, the discussion is what that means with TIF. She stated overall she finds the proposal is a good
one and it fills a definite housing need for those who are struggling to find good housing.
Ms. Beekman asked Aeon to respond to the question about the potential impact to Shingle Creek,
stormwater, and if the parking options have any effect on that.
Ms. Roering explained that stormwater is a factor on the site as they experience some flooding
with the existing parking lot. As the property stands now, there is no stormwater management.
The parking lot does need to be rehabbed in totality so ultimately, with the full rehab of the parking
area, they will gain a few extra stalls if they remove some of the green space along Shingle Creek.
She referenced Option 2 that has one additional row of parking closer to the addition that shrinks
the green space along Shingle Creek Boulevard. She stated Aeon is looking for feedback on that
option or keeping the green space at the same width it is currently and adding additional stalls
closer to the library space.
Chris Palkowitsch, the architect with BKV Group representing Aeon, explained the stormwater
system will be rather extensive, about 2,500 feet of 48-inch pipe located below the parking lot as
it is rebuilt. He stated, as mentioned, the groundwater is higher on this site so they are not able to
infiltrate it. Currently, the parking lot is releasing stormwater at an uncontrolled rate. With the
project, they will filter the water, hold it, then release it at a controlled rate. This will improve the
ponding of water seen during major rainstorms and help control the overall stormwater on the site.
Ms. Beekman asked if there was a question on the financing piece as it relates to rents.
Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she is not opposed to it but does not know whether
the larger parcel is already part of a TIF District, what else is included, or whether the City would
want to fill that gap and increase the number of units at a particular AMI.
Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated in general, she is in favor of moving forward to get
more information.
Ms. Beekman stated this site is not currently within a TIF District so one would have to be created
as part of the proposal. To proceed, staff will need direction from the Council very quickly on
which route staff should pursue because it will take time to make an application for a TIF District
and create one. It will also impact Aeon’s application to Minnesota Housing.
Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he will not be supporting this development concept
for several reasons, one of which is in the greater context of the City’s redevelopment financing
04/26/21 -3- DRAFT
challenges. He would not be in support of TIF support for the project and sees this is a project that
calls for a 48-unit multi-family development with substandard parking.
Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan noted that recently, the Council went through a discussion
on whether the City should be towing cars illegally parked on the street during snow emergencies.
Some residents and Council Members have objected to the City towing cars due to the economic
hardship caused by the pandemic, which we all hope will pass once the public health challenges
have been met. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated one of the reasons the Council had
that difficult discussion was because there are already too many people in the City who depend on
their cars and do not have dedicated off-street parking. Unfortunately, when a car gets towed, the
owner may not have the money to pay the fine, tow, and impound fee so people have abandoned
their cars and left them in the impound lot.
Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated tonight the Council/EDA is asked to support a
development concept, one that calls for apartments to be built on a relatively small parcel with
substandard parking. Considering the issues with illegal parking during snow emergencies, he
would ask why build more apartments with less off-street parking than the Zoning Code requires.
He also asked why build more apartments with the potential to put more cars on the street during
snow emergencies.
Mayor/President Elliott asked Ms. Beekman if she was saying one of the two options was more
affordable units but it would require participation from the City to help fill that gap. Ms. Beekman
stated that is correct and explained if their funding sources come in as anticipated, there would not
be a gap but Aeon is open to a conversation about providing more deeply affordable units which
would then in turn create a financing gap and require City participation.
Mayor/President Elliott stated he supports the plan that provides more deeply affordable units and
asked what the rents on those more deeply affordable units would be. Ms. Beekman displayed a
chart showing the number of bedrooms and rents at 30% AMI, 50% AMI, 60% AMI, and 80%
AMI. Ms. Beekman explained there would also be 40% AMI units, which is not shown on the
table but would sit between 30% AMI and 50% AMI. Mayor/President Elliott reviewed the
anticipated rents and stated he would support that. Mayor/President Elliott stated when thinking
about the cost of housing, his mortgage payment is around $1,200 and they have a three-bedroom,
which is cheaper than affordable housing at 50% AMI. Mayor/President Elliott stated the
Council/EDA is talking about costs that are astronomical so he supports anything they can do to
help.
Mayor/President Elliott asked if part of the plan will be additional parking if needed. Ms. Beekman
stated she had a similar question about whether proof parking is included in Option 1, which had
additional green space. Or, if it was only included in Option 2. Ms. Roering clarified that Option
1 does not have additional proof of parking but that is not saying it is not an option. She noted the
area has a berm and substantial trees that they hope to keep but if needed, that is an opportunity
area for additional parking.
04/26/21 -4- DRAFT
Mr. Palkowitsch noted Ms. Roering is speaking about the northeast corner where some existing
community gardens would be relocated and additional community gardens would be added on the
west side for the new building.
Mayor/President Elliott asked if there had been studies on the impact to Shingle Creek by
additional runoff. Mr. Roering stated they have not done that level of detail yet but as Mr.
Palkowitsch noted, the stormwater system installed would be intensive and help the Creek. She
stated there is quite a bit of deterioration of the creek bed now because of rainwater not being
managed on the site. So, the anticipation is that the stormwater system constructed would help
Shingle Creek.
Mayor/President Elliott stated he is supportive of the project and the option to provide more deeply
affordable housing which, more than ever, is needed.
Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he opposes the project concept for the reasons he had
given earlier.
Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated her questions have already been answered. She
stated she knows the Council/EDA is not making a decision at this time and she is interested in
seeing them bring back the plan.
Councilmember/Commissioner Graves asked staff whether the parking at City Hall is available
for residents who live in the Crest Apartments currently or if that is a feasible use for some of the
parking spaces should the housing facilities expand. Ms. Beekman stated there is not currently a
parking agreement between the two but there is a provision in the Code that would allow for
reductions in parking in certain instances and one is with a parking study that demonstrates parking
demand is lower. Another is if there is an off-site parking agreement, though, in that instance, the
requirement would need to be a permanent easement that allows parking. She stated she is not in
a position to speak to whether the City or Council is open to considering that but certainly, the
City Hall parking lot is adjacent to the site.
Ms. Beekman stated as follow up to the question raised by Councilmember/Commissioner Butler,
Aeon is seeking input this evening from the Council/EDA on items related to the parking, if more
parking is preferred versus the green space question. The other question is related to TIF and
whether the Council/EDA is open to providing financial assistance.
Mayor/President Elliott stated in terms of meeting the gap and TIF financing, he is open to that.
He would prefer to keep the green spaces if the parking study comes back and says they don’t need
additional parking, as it would be better for residents to have more green spaces available. But if
the parking study says more parking is needed, then the City can look at making certain portions
of the City Hall parking lot available if it is not being used regularly.
Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she agrees with the Mayor about the parking. She
thinks before taking away green spaces along Shingle Creek and near Centennial Park, the City
should determine if there are other parking options and the City Hall parking may potentially be
04/26/21 -5- DRAFT
one option. She noted to make it accessible, there might have to be another kind of design
alignment.
Councilmember/Commissioner Graves asked how many TIF Districts are in Brooklyn Center and
how many will expire in the next two years. Ms. Beekman stated there are five active TIF Districts
and one, TIF 3 which is the largest, is decertifying at the end of this year. The other TIF Districts
are newer. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she would then be in favor of providing
additional financial assistance. She stated she feels the City’s TIF Districts have been managed
well in the past and there are still good people in charge of the City’s Finance Department so it
seems like a worthy cause.
Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he concurs with Councilmember/Commissioner
Graves's very appropriate observation that the City’s TIF Districts and finances have always been
managed very well. He noted one of the things about the deep aspects of our heritage that has kept
the City’s finances, up until recent years, in very good stead and with minimal debt has been the
great tax base produced by the Brookdale Mall when it was thriving. But as that languished and
died a slow death, that tax base dried up and now the City is faced with the daunting task of
rebuilding a tax base so that those who have the least capacity to pay a regressive tax, the property
tax, will not bear a disproportionate burden. He stated it is incumbent upon the Council/EDA to
build that property tax base in the most efficient way possible. Councilmember/Commissioner
Ryan stated he thinks that is a big challenge so looking at this project and the possibility of a TIF
subsidy is a complex problem and will require significant financial expertise to assist the
Council/EDA to make the best possible decision.
Mayor/President Elliott summarized that the Council/EDA is thinking the project is a worthy
cause, is interested in assisting through TIF, and maintaining as many green spaces as possible
with the option of expanding parking if a study determines it is needed or utilizing unused space
in the City Hall parking lot.
DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL POLICY GOVERNING
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
This agenda item was postponed to later this week.
ACTING CITY MANAGER PAY ADJUSTMENT AND
CITY MANAGER APPOINTMENT
This agenda item was postponed to later this week.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor/President Elliott moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Butler seconded adjournment
of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 8:55 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :D r. Reggie Edw ards , D eputy C ity M anager
BY:A lix Bentrud, D eputy C ity C lerk
S U B J E C T:A pprov al of L icenses
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Moon to appr ove the licenses as pr esented.
B ackground:
T he following bus ines s es /pers ons have applied for C ity licens es as noted. Each bus ines s /person has
fulfilled the requir ements of the City O rdinance gov er ning respec"ve licens es , s ubmi5ed appropriate
applica"ons, and paid pr oper fees . A pplicants for rental dwelling licens es ar e in compliance w ith Chapter 12
of the C ity C ode of O rdinances, unless comments are noted below the property addr ess on the a5ached
rental report.
M e chanical L icenses
A -A bc A ppliance & H ea"ng I nc. 8818 7 th Av e N
G olden Valley 5 5 4 2 7
A ir Expres s , I nc P O Box 4 9 0 4 0 0
Blaine 55449
A ll A ppliance I ns talla"on P lus P O Box 1 6 6
C ambr idge 5 5 0 0 8
A quarius Water ing C ondi"oning 3180 C ountr y D r.
L i5le C anada 5 5 4 2 9
C orv al C ons tr uctors , I nc. 1633 E us "s S t
S t. Paul 5 5 1 0 8
G eneral H ea"ng & A ir Condi"oning 11081 C hapar ral Av e
S hakopee 55379
M aster M echanical, I nc. 1027 G emini R d
Eagan 5 5 1 2 1
M cD owall Company P O Box 6 0 6 Waite
Park 56387
M echanical A ir S y s tems 6995 2 0 th Av e
C enter ville 5 5 0 3 8
Royalton H ea"ng & A /C 4120 8 5 th Av e N
Brookly n Par k 55443
U nited H ea"ng & A /C I nc. P O Box 1 7
H amel 5 5 3 4 0
S ignhange r's L ice ns e s
Res olu"on G r aphics 3770 D unlap S t N
A rden H ills 55112
D S S i S ign S ys tems 17125 A delmann S t S E
P rior L ake 5 5 3 7 2
B udget I ssues:
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
Rental C riter ia 3/16/2021 Backup M aterial
5-10-2021 Rental L icens es 5/7/2021 Cov er Memo
Page 2 of 2
b.Police Service Calls.
Police call rates will be based on the average number of valid police calls per unit per
year. Police incidences for purposes of determining licensing categories shall include
disorderly activities and nuisances as defined in Section 12-911, and events
categorized as Part I crimes in the Uniform Crime Reporting System including
homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, auto theft and arson.
Calls will not be counted for purposes of determining licensing categories where the
victim and suspect are “Family or household members” as defined in the Domestic
Abuse Act, Minnesota Statutes, Section 518B.01, Subd. 2 (b) and where there is a
report of “Domestic Abuse” as defined in the Domestic Abuse Act, Minnesota Statutes,
Section 518B.01, Subd. 2 (a).
License
Category
Number of
Units
Validated Calls for Disorderly Conduct
Service & Part I Crimes
(Calls Per Unit/Year)
No
Category
Impact
1-2 0-1
3-4 units 0-0.25
5 or more units 0-0.35
Decrease 1
Category
1-2 Greater than 1 but not more than 3
3-4 units Greater than 0.25 but not more than 1
5 or more units Greater than 0.35 but not more than 0.50
Decrease 2
Categories
1-2 Greater than 3
3-4 units Greater than 1
5 or more units Greater than 0.50
Property Code and Nuisance Violations Criteria
License Category
(Based on Property
Code Only)
Number of Units Property Code Violations per
Inspected Unit
Type I – 3 Year 1-2 units 0-2
3+ units 0-0.75
Type II – 2 Year 1-2 units Greater than 2 but not more than 5
3+ units Greater than 0.75 but not more than 1.5
Type III – 1 Year 1-2 units Greater than 5 but not more than 9
3+ units Greater than 1.5 but not more than 3
Type IV – 6 Months 1-2 units Greater than 9
3+ units Greater than 3
Property Address Dwelling
Type
Renewal
or Initial Owner
Property
Code
Violations
License
Type
Police
CFS *
Final
License
Type **
Previous
License
Type ***
5801 Xerxes Ave N
Sonder House
Multi 1 Bldg
127 Units Initial Brooklyn Center AH I Real Estate Equities 0 II N/A II
7200 Camden Ave N
Evergreen Park Manor
Multi 5 Bldgs 80
Units Renewal Sean Bannerman - met requirements
8 (20 units
inspected)
.4 per unit
I
3 Valid Calls .04 per unit
7212 Camden 1/23/2021
Disturbance
7218 Canden 3/23/2021
Motor Vehicle Theft
7206 Camden 4/7/2021
Simple Assault
I III
5301 Dupont Ave N
Multi 1 Bldg 6
Units Renewal Caue Campanha/CM Equity Group - met
requirements
21
3.5 per unit IV 0 IV IV
5000 France Ave N Multi 1 Bldg
4 Units Renewal Dean Gannon & Michael Nightengale 0 I 0 I I
5547 Lyndale Ave N
Riverwalk I
Multi 1 Bldg
4 Units Renewal Brett Hildreth/Dragon Property
Management 0 I 0 I II
7250 West River Rd Multi 1 Bldg
4 Units Renewal Paul Barli 3
.75 per unit I 0 I II
3707 61st Ave N Single Renewal Douglas Wahl/Cel Monton LLC 7 III 0 III II
2801 66th Ave N Single Renewal Prosperous Property / Xiong Lin 1 I 0 I I
1706 71st Ave N Single Renewal Patricia & Richard Sandeen 2 I 0 I II
6131 Bryant Ave N Single Renewal Jun Wang 5 III 0 III II
6207 Chowen Ave N Single Renewal Doreen Kalema/Butterfly Bound Care -
missing CPTED follow up & CFH Cert 8 III 0 III IV
6213 Chowen Ave N Single Renewal Nazeen Khatoon - met requirements 5 II 0 II III
3819 France Pl Single Renewal Robert Lindahl 1 I 0 I I
4906 Howe La Single Renewal Chen Zhou 3 II 0 II II
1507 Humboldt Pl Single Renewal Kyan (Jimmy) Hui 2 I 0 I II
5338 Irving Ave N Single Renewal TMC Management Co 5 II 0 II II
3018 Nash Rd Single Renewal Timothy Cavanaugh - met requirements 5 II 0 II III
4953 Zenith Ave N Single Renewal Matthew Greseth - met requirements 4 II 0 II III
* CFS = Calls For Service for Renewal Licenses Only (Initial Licenses are not applicable to calls for service and will be listed N/A.)
** License Type Being Issued
*** Initial licenses will not show a previous license typeType 1 = 3 Year Type II = 2 Year Type III = 1 Year
Rental Licenses for Council Approval on May 10, 2021
Property Address Dwelling
Type
Renewal
or Initial Owner
Property
Code
Violations
License
Type
Police
CFS *
Final
License
Type **
Previous
License
Type ***
Rental Licenses for Council Approval on May 10, 2021
All properties are current on City utilities and property taxes
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :D or an M . C ote, P.E., D irector of P ublic Works
BY:M ike A lbers , P.E., City Engineer
S U B J E C T:Res olu"on A pprov ing A mendment to the P rofes s ional S er vices A gr eement w ith S R F
C ons ul"ng G roup, I nc. for the B rook lyn Boulev ard Corr idor P roj ect P hase 2
I mprov ements, P roject No. 2021-05
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Moon to approve a r esoluon approving amendment to the P rofessional S ervices A gr eement w ith S R F
C onsulng G roup, I nc. for the Br ookly n Boulevard C orr idor P ro ject P hase 2 I mprovements, P roject N o.
2 021-05.
B ackground:
O n A ugust 26 , 2019, the C ity C ouncil authoriz ed execu"on of a P rofessional S erv ices A greement with S R F
Consul"ng G roup, I nc. for preliminary des ign, envir onmental documenta"on, eas ement acquis i"on, final
design serv ices and cons truc"on administra"on services for the Brooklyn Boulevard C or ridor P roj ect
P has e 2 I mprov ements (B as s L ake Road to I nter s tate 94), P roject No. 2021-05. P lans were dev eloped and
on A pril 9, 2021 bids were receiv ed and opened for the above referenced improv ement.
S R F ’s services wer e br oken out into two pr imary categories: design phas e and cons truc"on phase. T he
comple"on of the des ign phas e work ended w ith excep"on of s ome out-of-s cope w or k that was directed to
be added and has already been paid to S R F in the amount of $132,8 7 6 .15. The cons truc"on phase budget
is an"cipated to be exceeded by $1 2 ,260 due to the addi"on of the C ity monument s ign. A s ummary of
addi"onal out-of-s cope w ork items is lis ted below:
A ddi"onal Right of Way acquis i"ons (6 par cels + addi"onal coordina"on due to C O V I D )$39,963.74
A ddi"onal F inal D es ign tasks (s torm drainage) $23,198.48
A ddi"onal F inal D es ign tasks (nois e wall engagement/r enderings )$6,219.30
A ddi"onal F inal D es ign tasks (s ignal and trail near 65th Av e) $21,201.24
A ddi"onal F inal D es ign tasks (turn lanes near 63rd Av e) $25,775.39
A ddi"onal F inal D es ign tasks (monument s ign) $16,518.00
A ddi"onal I n-C ons truc"on tasks (monument s ign) $12,260.00
TOTA L $145,136.15
B udget I ssues:
T he original contract amount w ith S R F C ons ul"ng G roup, I nc. for profes s ional s er vices for the Brook lyn
Boulevard C or ridor P r oject is $2,441,280.0 0 , w hich is a “not to exceed” amount unless amended.
A nego"ated fee amount of $1 4 5 ,136.1 5 for the profes s ional serv ices that are needed to deliver the
remaining Brooklyn Boulevard C or ridor P roj ect P has e 2 I mpr ovements is recommended to be approv ed
and amend the P rofessional S ervices A gr eement s cope accordingly. The pr oject budget es "mated
$175,000 for engineer ing con"ngency. The amended contract amount is $2 ,586,4 1 6 .15.
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
N/A
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
N/A
S trate gic Priories and Values:
Key Transporta"on I nves tments
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
Res olu"on 5/3/2021 Cov er Memo
Member introduced the following resolution and
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. _______________
RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SRF CONSULTING GROUP, INC. FOR
THE BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PROJECT PHASE 2,
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2021-05
WHEREAS, on August 26, 2019, the City Council approved a resolution
authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with SRF Consulting Group, Inc., to proceed
with and provide the services for the preliminary design, environmental documentation,
easement acquisition and final design as required to meet the Federal Aid Project requirements
for the Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Project Phase 2 Improvements (Bass Lake Road to
Interstate 94), Project No. 2021-05; and
WHEREAS, an amendment to the aforementioned Professional Services
Agreements has been negotiated with SRF Consulting Group, Inc., for additional services
provided. Funding for engineering, admiration and legal shall be funded temporarily out of the
Capital Improvements Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, that the Acting City Manager is hereby authorized to execute the
amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. in the
amount of $145,136.15 for the additional professional services for the Brooklyn Boulevard
Corridor Project Phase 2 Improvements.
May 10, 2021
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :D or an M . C ote, P.E., D irector of P ublic Works
BY:M ike A lbers , P.E., City Engineer
S U B J E C T:Res olu"on A ccep"ng Bid and A w ar ding C ontract, I mprov ement P roj ect N o. 2021-05,
Br ookly n Boulevard C orridor P r oject P has e 2 I mprovements
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Mo on to approve a reso luon accepng bid and awar ding a contr act to Par k C onstr ucon C ompany for
I mpr ovement P r oject No. 2 0 2 1 -05, Brookly n Boulevard C orr idor P roject P hase 2 I mprovements.
B ackground:
Bids for the Br ookly n Boulevard C orridor P r oject P has e 2 I mprovements , P r oject No. 2021-05, w er e
receiv ed and opened on A pril 9 , 2021. The bidding r es ults are tabulated below:
B I D D E R TOTA L B A S E B I D
Park C onst rucon C ompany $12,22 2 ,880.3 0
Meyer C ontr ac"ng, I nc. $12,481,635.0 6
S .M . H entges & S ons, I nc. $12,882 ,729.3 8
New L ook C ontrac"ng, I nc. $12,946,9 2 0 .30
Thomas and S ons Construc"on $13 ,670,5 6 0 .79
O f the F ive (5) bids receiv ed, the low es t bid of $1 2 ,222,880.30 w as submiBed by Par k C ons truc"on
Company of M inneapolis, M innes ota. Par k Construc"on C ompany has the exper ience, equipment and
capacity to qualify as the low est responsible bidder for the project.
B udget I ssues:
T he bid amount of $1 2 ,222,8 8 0 .30 is within the 2021 budgeted amount. T he total es "mated budget
including con"ngencies , administra"on, engineering and legal was $18,0 9 5 ,000 and is amended to
$17,804,604.4 5 , an approximate 1.6 per cent decrease (s ee aBached Res olu"on – C os ts and Revenues
tables ).
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
N/A
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
N/A
S trate gic Priories and Values:
Key Transporta"on I nves tments
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
Res olu"on 5/3/2021 Cov er Memo
Member introduced the following resolution and
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. _______________
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT,
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2021-05, BROOKLYN BOULEVARD
CORRIDOR PROJECT PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for Improvement Project No.
2021-05, bids were received, opened and tabulated by the City Clerk and Engineer on the 9th
day of April, 2021. Said bids were as follows:
Bidder Total Base Bid
Park Construction Company $12,222,880.30
Meyer Contracting, Inc. $12,481,635.06
S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. $12,882,729.38
New Look Contracting, Inc. $12,946,920.30
Thomas and Sons Construction $13,670,560.79
WHEREAS, it appears that Park Construction Company of Minneapolis,
Minnesota is the lowest responsible bidder.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, that
1. The Mayor and Acting City Manager are hereby authorized and directed
to enter into a contract with Park Construction Company of Minneapolis,
Minnesota, Minnesota in the name of the City of Brooklyn Center, for
Improvement Project No. 2021-05, according to the plans and
specifications therefore approved by the City Council and on file in the
office of the City Engineer.
2. The estimated project costs and revenues are as follows:
CIP Amended
COSTS Estimated per Low Bid
Contract $11,531,500.00 $12,222,880.30
Xcel Overhead Utility Undergrounding $ 375,000.00 $ 376,000.00
Misc. Henn Co Supplied Items $ 127,500.00 $ 123,700.00
Contingency $ 1,571,000.00 $ 1,222,288.00
Subtotal Construction Cost $13,605,000.00 $13,944,868.30
Admin/Legal/Engr. $ 2,550,000.00 $ 2,586,416.15
Admin/Legal/Engr. Contingency $ 175,000.00 $ 150,000.00
Easement Acquisition $ 1,765,000.00 $ 1,123,320.00
Total Estimated Project Cost $18,095,000.00 $17,804,604.45
RESOLUTION NO. _______________
CIP Amended
REVENUES Estimated per Low Bid
Federal Funds $ 6,616,000.00 $ 6,616,000.00
Hennepin County Funds $ 4,500,000.00 $ 4,500,000.00
Sanitary Sewer Utility $ 304,000.00 $ 377,555.63
Water Utility Fund $ 203,000.00 $ 423,830.98
Storm Drainage Utility Fund $ 1,715,000.00 $ 1,704,904.03
Street Light Utility $ 711,000.00 $ 1,025,914.84
Xcel Utility Surcharge $ 375,000.00 $ 376,000.00
Capital Projects Fund $ 2,971,000.00 $ 2,628,655.16
Municipal State Aid (MSA) Fund $ 700,000.00 $ 151,743.81
Total Estimated Revenue $18,095,000.00 $17,804,604.45
May 10, 2021
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :D or an M . C ote, P.E., D irector of P ublic Works
BY:M ike A lbers , P.E., City Engineer
S U B J E C T:Res olu"on A ccep"ng Bid and A w ar ding C ontract, I mprov ement P roj ect N os . 2021-06 , 07,
0 8 , 09, 1 0 and 11, Ryan L ake I ndus tr ial Park A rea S treet, S torm D r ainage and U "lity
I mprov ements and Northw es t A rea and Lyndale Avenue A rea M ill and O v erlay
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Moon to appr ove a r esoluon accepng bid and aw arding a contract to N ew L ook C ontr acng, I nc. for
I mpr ovement P roj ect Nos. 2021-06, 07, 08, 0 9 , 1 0 and 11, Ry an L ake I ndustrial Park A rea S tr eet, S tor m
D r ainage and U lity I mprovements and Nor thw est A rea and Lyndale Avenue A rea Mill and Over lay.
B ackground:
Bids for the Ry an L ake I ndus tr ial Par k A rea S treet, S torm D rainage and U "lity I mprov ements and
Northw est A rea and Lyndale Av enue A rea M ill and O verlay, P r oject Nos. 2021-06, 0 7 , 08, 09, 1 0 and 1 1 ,
w ere received and opened on A pril 30, 221. T he bidding res ults are tabulated below :
B I D D E R TOTA L B A S E B I D
N ew L ook C ont racng, Inc. $2,362,116.2 5
Ry an C ontrac"ng C o. $2,491,137.0 0
Park Construc"on C ompany $2,999,158.1 5
O f the three (3) bids received, the lowes t bid of $2,3 6 2 ,116.25 w as s ubmiAed by N ew L ook Contrac"ng,
I nc. of Roger s , Minnes ota. New L ook Contrac"ng, I nc. has the experience, equipment and capacity to
qualify as the low es t res pons ible bidder for the proj ect.
B udget I ssues:
T he bid amount of $2,362,116.2 5 is within the 2 0 2 1 budgeted amount. The total es"mated budget
including con"ngencies , adminis tr a"on, engineering and legal was $3,820,000 and is amended to
$2,963,882.2 5 , an approximate 2 2.4 per cent decrease (s ee aAached Res olu"on – C os ts and Revenues
tables ).
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
N/A
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
N/A
S trate gic Priories and Values:
Key Transporta"on I nves tments
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
Res olu"on 5/3/2021 Cov er Memo
Title S heet 5/3/2021 Cov er Memo
Member introduced the following resolution and
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. _______________
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT,
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 2021-06, 07, 08, 09, 10 AND 11, RYAN
LAKE INDUSTRIAL PARK AREA STREET, STORM DRAINAGE AND
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS AND NORTHWEST AREA AND LYNDALE
AVENUE AREA MILL AND OVERLAY
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for Improvement Project Nos.
Project Nos. 2021-06, 07, 08, 09, 10 and 11, bids were received, opened and tabulated by the
City Clerk and Engineer on the 30th day of April, 2021. Said bids were as follows:
Bidder Total Base Bid
New Look Contracting, Inc. $2,362,116.25
Ryan Contracting Co. $2,491,137.00
Park Construction Company $2,999,158.15
WHEREAS, it appears that New Look Contracting, Inc. of Rogers, Minnesota is
the lowest responsible bidder.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, that
1. The Mayor and Acting City Manager are hereby authorized and directed
to enter into a contract with New Look Contracting, Inc. of Rogers,
Minnesota in the name of the City of Brooklyn Center, for Improvement
Project Nos. 2021-06, 07, 08, 09, 10 and 11, according to the plans and
specifications therefore approved by the City Council and on file in the
office of the City Engineer.
2. The estimated project costs and revenues are as follows:
Amended Amended
COSTS Estimate (12/14/20) per Low Bid
Contract $ 3,147,500.00 $ 2,362,116.25
Lighting $ 8,200.00 $ 15,666.00
Contingency $ 316,800.00 $ 238,600.00
Subtotal Construction Cost $ 3,472,500.00 $ 2,616,382.25
Admin/Legal/Engr. $ 347,500.00 $ 347,500.00
Total Estimated Project Cost $ 3,820,000.00 $ 2,963,882.25
RESOLUTION NO. _______________
Amended Amended
REVENUES Estimate (12/14/20) per Low Bid
2021-06: Northwest Area Mill and Overlay
Street Assessment $ 199,168.00 $ 199,168.00
Sanitary Sewer Utility $ 190,000.00 $ 131,313.00
Water Utility Fund $ 140,000.00 $ 164,510.00
Storm Drainage Utility Fund $ 430,000.00 $ 177,920.00
Street Reconstruction Fund $ 790,832.00 $ 322,993.25
Subtotal Northwest Area Revenue $ 1,750,000.00 $ 995,904.25
2021-07: Lyndale Avenue Area Mill and Overlay
Street Assessment $ 25,175.64 $ 25,175.64
Sanitary Sewer Utility $ 130,000.00 $ 22,400.00
Water Utility Fund $ 20,000.00 $ 50,818.00
Storm Drainage Utility Fund $ 120,000.00 $ 98,988.00
Street Reconstruction Fund $ 244,824.36 $ 75,368.36
Municipal State Aid (MSA) Fund $ 160,000.00 $ 129,036.25
Subtotal Lyndale Area Revenue $ 700,000.00 $ 401,786.25
2021-08, 09, 10 & 11: Ryan Lake Industrial Park Area Recon
Street Assessment $ 267,402.58 $ 267,402.58
Storm Drainage Assessment $ 96,421.01 $ 96,421.01
Sanitary Sewer Utility $ 220,000.00 $ 240,287.00
Water Utility Fund $ 310,000.00 $ 331,633.00
Storm Drainage Utility Fund $ 123,578.99 $ 99,547.99
Street Light Utility $ 10,000.00 $ 18,266.00
Street Reconstruction Fund $ 342,597.42 $ 483,534.17
CenterPoint Energy $ -0- $ 28,500.00
Miscellaneous (plan sales) $ -0- $ 600.00
Subtotal Ryan Lake Area Revenue $ 1,370,000.00 $ 1,566,191.75
Total Estimated Revenue $ 3,820,000.00 $ 2,963,882.25
RESOLUTION NO. _______________
May 10, 2021
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
℄
For
For
4/13/2021
4/13/2021
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:M eg B eekman, Community D ev elopment D irector
S U B J E C T:E ntrepreneur Market Feas ibility S tudy and M arket A naly s is P r es enta"on
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
B ackground:
T he C ity has been wor king, in partnership w ith dev eloper A latus , on a development proj ect in the northeas t
corner of Bas s L ake Road and S hingle C reek Park w ay. T he project is w ithin the ar ea known as the
O pportunity S ite and would be located on E DA -owned property.
A latus has partnered w ith P roject for P ride in L iving and Res urrec"ng Wor ld Faith Ministries on a mul"-
phased, mixed us e development program. The concept consists of approximately 7 5 0 new mul"-family
hous ing units in a wide range of price points , an event center, daycare, and appr oximately 20,000 squar e
feet of community -driv en entrepreneurial s pace. The program als o an"cipates 1-3 acres of public plaza
s pace, some of w hich w ould be provided to the entr epr eneurial s pace to be us ed for outdoor gathering and
a market.
T he entrepreneurial s pace w ill be delivered by the development, but will be pr ogr ammed and des igned by
the C ity. The pur pos e of the s pace is intended to s erv e local entrepreneur s and bus ines s es. A C E R and
N EO O Partners w ere retained to conduct a market and feasibility s tudy, engage local bus iness owners in the
proces s , and iden"fy a guiding v is ion and branding for the entrepreneurial s pace. The cons ultant team is
also working to develop an opera"ng model and profor ma, as w ell as ass is t the C ity with iden"fying an
ow ners hip and management solu"on for the s pace.
N EO O Partners and A C E R hav e completed the market and feasibility component of the proj ect and are
w rapping up the v is ioning and branding component. They will be pres en"ng an update on their work and
be discussing next s teps . A n execu"ve summar y of their work has been a<ached to this report for Council
review.
Next S teps
N EO O Partners and A C E R w ill con"nue their w or k, culmina"ng in a final r epor t and r ecommenda"ons .
T hey have been w ork ing independently, but hav e met with the development team to share their findings to
date.
N EO O Partners w ill be w orking with A latus to hir e an ar chitect and design team w hich w ill begin the next
phase of the proces s w hich w ill be to des ign the exter ior and program the interior of the space.
B udget I ssues:
T here are no budget is s ues to cons ider at this "me.
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
A C E R and N EO O Par tner s hav e been conduc"ng focus groups w ith local bus ines s owners and
entrepreneur s . The input has shaped the mar ket s tudy as well as the vision and br anding for the s ite. The
cons ultant team w ill s hare a more detailed des cr ip"on of their engagement w or k as part of their
pres enta"on.
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
T he focus of the engagement and the project as a w hole is to serv e local B I P O C bus ines s ow ners . The
inten"on of the proj ect is to provide w ealth building opportuni"es and financial s tability for local B I P O C -
ow ned firms.
S trate gic Priories and Values:
Resident Economic S tability, Targeted Redev elopment
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
C ons ultant Team Execu"v e S ummary 4/5/2021 Backup M aterial
AFRICAN CAREER, EDUCATION, AND RESOURCE INC.
6800 78th Avenue, Suite 101, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 | tel. 763-657-7711
https://www.acerinc.org/
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The need to undertake a feasibility study and Partnership Outreach &Engagements role,specific to Vision,
Purpose,and Branding was to aid in the development of an Entrepreneur Market Plaza (EMP)in the
Brooklyn Center identified opportunity zone,in partnership with 9 partners.The goal of the EMP outreach
and engagement is to discover the need of the community and economic feasibility of a business incubator
and maker space that provides affordable space for entrepreneurs and local small businesses to operate
with access to shared technical assistance services.The goal of the EMP marketplace is to provide an
inclusive,high-quality finished space with flexible lease terms that encourage local businesses to
collaborate as they grow and expand their services.
African Career Education Resource.,INC conducted Partnership Outreach &Engagements,specific to
Vision,Purpose,and Branding for the Entrepreneur Market Plaza to discover appropriate consumer market
and community connection.The activities include developing a proposed vision,purpose,and brand voice
for the market and conducting research and analysis.Activities also involved analysis in gathering and
reviewing existing content,materials and conducting outreach tasks in identifying constituents,key
stakeholders,target businesses,community organizations and nonprofits to participate in focus groups,
facilitate community meetings,and outreach surveys;And collate and produce reports on results that
includes final report of findings and recommendations.
The feasibility study conducted for the Opportunity Site Entrepreneurship Market Plaza included a look at
the City of Brooklyn Center and surrounding area’s community context,demographics,market opportunity,
and financial considerations.This information was gathered using a variety of tools and methods,including
interviews,case study research,GIS analysis and U.S.census data.The study includes surveying community
and stakeholders in exploring what their needs are and what is desired in a maker/incubator space,which
in this case is extra 3,000 square feet of space.Information gathered from stakeholders,includes exploring
and discovering what problem the incubator solves and the findings that informs the recommendations.
The Feasibility study is broken into three parts:
1.Market Study:Gather and analyze data about community activity,demographics,business
dynamics and existing resources and supporting entrepreneurship.
2.Market Ownership and Operations Model:Identify the programming needs and
infrastructure to support local entrepreneurship and develop a plan for governance and
management of the market plaza.
3.Financial Analysis:Identify operational costs,facility needs and assumptions that impact the
financial sustainability of the market plaza.
1
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:C ur t Boganey, C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:M eg B eekman, Community D ev elopment D irector
S U B J E C T:O pportunity S ite P res enta,on S er ies : E nvironmental A s s es s ment O v erview
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
B ackground:
T he purpos e of this pres enta,on series is to pr ovide regular updates to C ity C ouncil on par,cular topics in
s hort 20-30 minutes updates that can be recorded and further s hared out to the community on the
dedicated proj ect webs ite as w ell as through r egular vir tual mee,ng events that will encourage dis cus s ion
and dialogue w ith the community. The goal is to pr ovide more transparent and ,mely informa,on on the
project as it moves forward and ev olves .
S taff w ill offer a s hor t pres enta,on at each s ubs equent C ouncil mee,ng in order to facilitate this
informa,on s haring.
At the last C ouncil mee,ng, staff provided an overv iew of the proces s , decis ion points and miles tones for
both the O pportunity S ite M aster P lan as w ell as A latus and P P L 's development proj ect. At that mee,ng the
City Council had s pecific ques,ons about the envir onmental rev iew proces s .
For this pres enta,on, s taff has asked D aniel D eJ oode, fr om Braun I ntertec, to prov ide an overv iew of the
env ironmental as s es s ment process, as well as how it is s pecifically being applied to the A latus /P P L
dev elopment proj ect. Br aun I ntertec is an envir onmental engineering firm that r ou,nely conducts
env ironmental as s es s ments for both public and priv ate proj ects. They have been engaged by A latus to be
the consultant that conducts the environmental as s es s ment for their Brookly n C enter proj ect, w hich is
underw ay.
B udget I ssues:
T here are no budget is s ues to cons ider at this ,me.
C ommunity Engage ment Efforts :
T he environmental review proces s includes a public comment period as par t of the s tatutory requirements .
Mr. D eJ oone w ill s peak to the public engagement requirements as well as w hat is being planned for this
project as it r elates to the env ironmental rev iew.
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
S trate gic Priories and Values:
Targeted Redevelopment
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip,on Upload D ate Ty pe
E AW P roces s 4/6/2021 Backup M aterial
City of B rooklyn Ce nte r
C ivil Unrest C risis (C ost of Respons e and Recove ry) C ontracts
Res ponse Re covery
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E :5/10/2021
TO :City C ouncil
F R O M :D r. Reginald Edw ards , A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:D r. Reginald Edw ards , A c"ng C ity M anager
S U B J E C T:Contracts Executed D uring Civ il U nr est Cr is es
Re que st e d C ouncil A con:
- Staff asks that the Council hear a presentaon of contracts executed during the current city emergency and civil unrest.
B ackground:
O n S unday, A pril 11, a former police officer shot and killed D aunte Wright during a traffic stop. T hat evening and the
follow ing day there w ere ov er 1,000 protestors in the City each evening. The number of protestors over the ens uing
week ranged from 250 – 600. For the pas t two weeks , the av erage number of protesters has been les s than 40,
except for the march and protest on S unday, May 2nd where there w ere 200 – 300 protesters .
The firs t tw o days of the protes t, suppor"ng law enfor cement agencies fr om the state, county, and surrounding
municipali"es as sisted the City. By Tues day, A pril 1 3, community leaders , community organizers , protes t organizers ,
city police, and adminis tra"on worked together to dev elop s trategies to “create a safe space for protestors exercis e
their fir st amendment right and pain, amplify thos e voices , keep law enfor cement safe, protect public facili"es and
bus iness es .” Numerous strategies w ere co-created by the gr oup, which led to peaceful protes"ng over the past
three weeks . W hile the protes ts have been peaceful and almos t no har m to city police officers or destruc"on to city
property, many residents living directly across the s treet fr om the police department and surrounding were
trauma"z ed. Bus iness es in H umboldt S quare als o had gr affi" painted on the boarded-up windows . H ad it not been
for the engagement of community partners with the City ther e w ould hav e likely been escalated, v ola"le, and violent
protes"ng. I n addi"on, there would likely have been far gr eater tr auma"za"on to residents . I believe that the cost
to addres s the fallout of such es calated condi"ons would have likely been much more cos tly for the C ity than what
has been expended.
S taff is cur rently working w ith county, s tate, and federal gover nment and regional non-profits to access
reimburs ement funds, as w ell as, funding to as sist the C ity with evolving.
To addres s the immediate crisis and ens uing trauma of res idents living directly in harm’s way, the administra"on
executed contracts w ith the following organiza"ons for the following s ervices :
Res ponse
(A pril 11 - M ay, 2021)
Re covery
(A pril 1 8 - June, 20 21)
A cvies Cost A cvies C ost
S afe ty
C ommunit y F ree dom F ighte rs ,
W&W P rotecon,
M othe r ’s L ove,
We Pushfor Pe ace ,
2 N D Chance - P rotes t
S ecurity & Community
I nterveners
Joi Ulimited L L C –
H ealing C ircle A c"vity
$9 9,000
$1 ,0 00
W &W Protecon -
A par tment S ecurity
(20 days )
$48,0 00
Re s ide nt s O ur S iste rs Ke epe rs
- S ocial service and
cris is management
w ith residents of the
S ter ling A partments
and immediate
s urr ounding area (90
days )
$88,0 00
P ublic Works Warning L ights -
S treet Traffic
Barricades
A llen P roperes -
Trash C lean-U p A pt
$5 ,0 00
$3 ,0 00
Warning Lights -
S tr eet Traffic
B arricades
(an"cipated, but not
executed)
$15,0 00
Electe d O fficials S ecurity
M akesi C reave
S trategies – A s s is ted
the M ay or with
external gov ernment
coordina"on,
dignitaries and
scheduling. (30 days )
$2 ,5 00
$5 ,5 00
A dministraon M R R P
C ommunicaons -
Crisis Communica"on
Team (60 day s)
$5 5,000
S ub-Total $1 71,00 0 $151,000
Grand Total $322,000
B udge t Iss ues:
I nclusive C ommunity Engageme nt:
A nracist /Equity Policy Effect:
S trategic P riorie s and Value s:
S afe, S ecur e, S table Community
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:M eg B eekman, Community D ev elopment D irector
S U B J E C T:Res olu"on A uthorizing an A mendment to the G rant Contract D ated 7/1 0 /2018 Between
G et Bizzy I nc. and the S tate of M innes ota A c"ng Through the D epar tment of Employment
and Economic D ev elopment for the P r oject En"tled C DA P-1 8 -0 0 1 3 -H F Y19
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Moon to appr ove a Resoluon A uthorizing an A mendment to the G rant C ontr act D ated 7/10/2018
Betw een G et B iz z y I nc. and the S tate of Minnesota A cng Thr ough the D epartment of Employment and
Economic D evelopment for the P r oject Entled C D A P-1 8 -0 0 13-H F Y19
B ackground:
G et Bizzy, I nc. (i.e. Bizzy Coffee) is an organic cold br ew coffee concentrate manufacturer which relocated
from Northeas t M inneapolis and into Brookly n C enter in 2 0 18. I n order to facilitate their reloca"on, the
City w orked w ith B iz z y C offee and D E E D to pr ovide a M innesota I nvestment F und (M I F ) loan to help w ith
the financing and pur chas ing of new equipment. T he total M I F loan amount w as $273,3 7 5 , which was
approximately 45% of the total project cos ts .
T he M innesota I nves t F und is a program offer ed by the M innesota D epartment of Employment and
Economic D ev elopment (D E E D ), w hich provides loans to busines s es that cr eate or retain high-paying, full-
"me, permanent jobs , and inv est in machiner y or real pr operty acquis i"on or improv ements. The programs
is av ailable statew ide for manufacturing, dis tr ibu"on, w arehousing, and other eligible bus iness ac"vi"es . I n
order for a bus ines s to r eceive funds from this pr ogr am, the bus iness mus t w or k in conj unc"on with the
local government w her e the bus iness will be located. W hile the funds are prov ided by D E E D, the C ity
adminis ters the funds and the repayment. A s an added benefit to the City, the E D A retains up to 40% of the
amount repaid to be us ed to fund future economic development ac"vi"es . The funds that have been repaid
to date have been put into a rev olving loan fund that is available for other bus ines s improv ements.
T he M I F loan applica"on requires the company to lis t the number of new F T E j obs w hich w ill be created by
the project and lis t the average annual w age for thos e pos i"ons. G et Bizz y, I nc. or iginally indicated that a
total of 12 new F T E pos i"ons w ould be created w ithin a 2-y ear "meframe. Pos i"ons at the company range
from $15 per hour to $2 4 .04 per hour, with an average of $1 9.30 per hour for all pos i"ons . The pos i"ons
include: O perators , S hiE L eads, Q uality Control, S ales , H uman Resources , and A ccoun"ng.
Bizzy Coffee, I nc. has r eques ted an extens ion on their compliance date w ithin the loan agreement. The
current agreement r equir es Biz z y C offee to hav e cr eated 12 new pos i"ons by D ecember 30, 2020. D ue to
the pandemic, their expans ion projec"ons w ere s low er than an"cipated, and they hav e hired only 9.8 F T E
pos i"ons. They have as ked for a one year extens ion to meet the compliance requirements . Biz z y C offee, I nc
is not reques"ng any extens ion on the loan r epayment deadline, and have con"nued to make regular
pay ments .
I n order to amend the loan agreement, a public hearing is required prior to a mo"on on the resolu"on.
No"ce of the public hear ing was publis hed in the A pr il 2 9 , 2021, S un Pos t.
B udget I ssues:
T here are no budget is s ues to cons ider.
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
S trate gic Priories and Values:
Resident Economic S tability
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
Res olu"on 5/5/2021 Resolu"on L eHer
Member introduced the following resolution and
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE GRANT
CONTRACT DATED 7/10/2018 BETWEEN GET BIZZY INC. AND THE
STATE OF MINNESOTA ACTING THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT
OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE
PROJECT ENTITLED CDAP-18-0013-H-FY19
WHEREAS, the City of Brooklyn Center (Applicant) acted as the legal sponsor for the
project contained in the Minnesota Investment Fund Program for the project entitled CDAP-18-
0013-H-FY19; and.
WHEREAS, City of Brooklyn Center (Applicant) has the legal authority to amend the
Grant Contract dated 7/10/2018 between the Get Bizzy Inc. and the State of Minnesota acting
through the Department of Employment and Economic Development; and
WHEREAS, the City of Brooklyn Center (Applicant) has held a public hearing for the
purpose of accepting comments for the purpose to amend the Grant Contract in compliance with
the Minnesota Business Subsidy Law to extend the term of the Grant Contract; and
WHEREAS, the City of Brooklyn Center (Applicant) has held a public hearing for the
purpose of accepting comments for the purpose to amend the Loan Agreement between the Get
Bizzy Inc. and the State of Minnesota acting through the Department of Employment and
Economic Development; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the Brooklyn Center authorizes to execute an
amendment to the Grant Contract dated 7/10/2018 between the Get Bizzy Inc. and the State of
Minnesota acting through the Department of Employment and Economic Development; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the Brooklyn Center authorizes to execute an
amendment to the Loan Agreement between the Get Bizzy Inc. and the State of Minnesota acting
through the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Brooklyn
Center, Minnesota, or their successors in office, are hereby authorized to execute the amendment
thereto, as is necessary to implement the project on behalf of the City of Brooklyn Center
(Applicant), and authorizes staff to execute any and all instruments thereby.
RESOLUTION NO.
2
May 10, 2020
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:M eg B eekman, Community D ev elopment D irector
S U B J E C T:Res olu"on E s tablishing "N o M ow M ay " for the City
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
- Moon to appr ove a r esoluon establishing "N o Mow M ay" for the C ity
B ackground:
T he U niversity of M innes ota's bee lab is promo"ng an event called #NoM ow M ay, to encourage people to
refrain from mow ing their law ns in the month of M ay. T he prac"ce promotes and s upports bee and other
pollinator habitats .
T he U niversity of M innes ota has created a facebook page on the
topic: h6ps://w w w.facebook.com/2438644 3 5 7 1 3 9 4 7 /posts/3470177183082640/?d=n
A s part of the program, City Council's are encouraged to relax law n ordinance enfor cement for the month
of May.
S taff review ed the pr ogr am and believes that it could be beneficial to the envir onment as well as provide
s ome relief to property ow ners , who frequently don't yet hav e their law n mow er s in full w orking order y et.
A relaxing of long gr as s enforcement un"l J une 1 w ould giv e residents addi"onal "me for this .
S taff's larges t concern was how to address long gras s complaints , as the C ity begins to receiv e thes e
frequently beginning in May. A n ac"on by the C ity Council to relax long gr as s enforcement un"l J une 1 ,
w ould provide s taff w ith an explana"on as to w hy enfor cement is not tak ing place and also provide an
opportunity to educate res idents about the benefits of bee-friendly law ns .
T his ac"on w ould be for the 2 0 21 s eas on only. T he C ouncil can revis it the decis ion next year to determine if
it s hould be taken again.
B udget I ssues:
T here are no budget is s ues to cons ider.
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
S trate gic Priories and Values:
S afe, S ecure, S table C ommunity
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
N o Mow M ay F lier 5/3/2021 Backup M aterial
Res olu"on 5/4/2021 Resolu"on L e6er
BR291-4-719025.v1
Member introduced the following
resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-___
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING “NO MOW MAY” FOR THE CITY
WHEREAS, the City of Brooklyn Center is aware of an effort promoted by the
University of Minnesota to support pollinators by encouraging people to not mow their lawns
during the month of May; and
WHEREAS, the City Council understands the importance of pollinators to the
environment and desires to support this “No Mow May” effort within the City; and
WHEREAS, Section 12-1507(10)(b) of the City Code prohibits owners from allowing
grass at vacant building sites to exceed six inches in height and Sections 19-1601 and 19-1603
prohibits as a noxious weed any grass exceeding a height of eight inches or that has gone, or is
about to go, to seed (collectively, “Lawn Regulations”); and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to support those residents who choose to participate
in No Mow May by suspending the enforcement of the City’s Lawn Regulations during May;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council remains aware that unkept lawns can be unsightly and
constitute a nuisance, and so the City Council wants to make it clear the enforcement of the
Lawn Regulations will resume in June and throughout the remainder of the season.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Brooklyn
Center as follows:
1. The City shall suspend the enforcement of its Lawn Regulations during May 2021 to
support the No Mow May effort to protect pollinators.
2. This Resolution does not prohibit the City from taking action to eradicate noxious
weeds, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 18.77, subdivision 8, during May if
it determines they may be injurious to the public.
3. Enforcement of the City’s Lawn Regulations shall resume effective as of June 7,
2021.
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
BR291-4-719025.v1
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
C ouncil R egular M eeng
DAT E:5 /10/2 0 2 1
TO :C ity Council
F R O M:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:D r. Reginald Edwards, A c"ng C ity M anager
S U B J E C T:A c"ng City Manager Pay A dj us tment
Requeste d C ouncil A con:
B ackground:
T he C ity C ouncil held a S pecial mee"ng on M onday, May 3 to discuss the pay adjus tment for the A c"ng C ity
Manager. The C ity r eques ted more informa"on and is prov ided.
A pril 13, the C ity C ouncil appointed me as the A c"ng City Manager. W henever a s taff member works
outs ide of his /her clas s ifica"on for any significant "me the pay is adjus ted to meet the new responsibili"es
of that clas s being wor ked by the individual. C las s ifica"ons are based upon cr iter ia s uch as w ork du"es ,
res pons ibili"es , experience and exper"s e. I n the event an employee w orking at a clas s of les s
res pons ibili"es (i.e. s uper visor or team lead) is pr omoted to a clas s of greater r es ponsibili"es (i.e. manager
or director) then the employ ee is paid in accor dance to the greater respons ibili"es being carried out.
A s A c"ng City M anager, I have had the oppor tunity to meet almos t the en"re s taff either v irtually or in-
pers on. I n listening to staff, I believe one of the mo re cri"cal measures needed a t this "me is stability
and predictability. T he termina"o n of the former C ity Manager and Po lice C hief has had a destabilizing
eff ect among sta ff. I n addi"on, staff con"nue to work during a unprecedented pa ndemic (C OV I D -19)
and unseAling "me.
T he ability to mov e C ity forw ard w ith its s tr ategic pr iori"es, aide in city trans forma"on rising out of the
current cris is , s tabilizing opera"ons pos t C O V I D -1 9 and presen"ng a sens e of s ecur ity to the founda"on
on w hich s taff w or k, I pr opos e appointment to the pos i"on of C ity M anager.
T he mos t recent C ity Manager annual pay for the C ity was approximately $150,0 0 0 . This would serve
as the basis for bi-week ly pay for the A c"ng C ity M anager.
B udget I ssues:
I nclusive C ommunity E ngageme nt:
A nracist/Equit y Policy Effe ct:
S trate gic Priories and Values:
O pera"onal E xcellence
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip"on Upload D ate Ty pe
Edw ards Res ume 5/10/2021 Backup M aterial
Performance Ev alua"on C ompetencies 5/10/2021 Backup M aterial
A c"ng C ity M anager Contract 5/10/2021 Backup M aterial
Dr. Reginald M. Edwards
509 North 5th Street, Mankato | Minnesota 56001 | 507-514-4412 | sovsystems.reggie@gmail.com
City of Brookly Center City Manager
Provider of Visionary Leadership | Organizational Leadership | Training & Development
Public Policy Analysis and Development |Budget and Finance Management | Urban and Rural Development
Experience Public, Private and Non-Profit Sector Leadership | Critical Thinking | System Thinking
Dedicated City Manager with over 20 years of experience in governmental leadership and educational roles offering a
genuine passion and interest for the City of Brooklyn Center. Firmly committed to fostering ethical, innovation-based,
operational-excellence based, community-based, strategic, trustworthy, inclusive, and equitable strategies that result
in growth and prosperity for the city and all of its residents.
Knowledge | Skills | Abilities
• Proven ability to create and implement strategic planning for business, education, not-for-profit sectors, and
community organizations; successful in developing, collaborating, and leading cross-sector partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of municipal finance and budgeting, as well as long-range financial planning.
• Effectively communicates with elected officials, the business and non-profit sectors, and the public.
• Responds in a prompt, professional manner to time-sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Knowledge of resource leveraging including grants and funding from the Federal and State Governments,
foundations, and others.
• Successful experience in promoting smart growth that increases the tax base and meets community needs while
doing so in a way that is sensitive to the city’s limited resources.
• Adept with implementing technology and operational best practices for enhancing service delivery to residents.
Professional Experience
Acting City Manager / Deputy City Manager - Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 2016 – Present
Director, Department of Administration | Acting Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services
Oversaw operations of Administrations and the Dept. of Community Activities, Recreation, and Services (Parks & City
Facilities). Served on an executive work team with the city manager, finance director, and deputy finance director in
the development of the city's annual budget and project-related matters. Co-led in all city council and finance
commission meetings and budget deliberations. Provided oversight of Council’s agenda process, policy analysis,
development, and presented to the City Council on a variety of city projects. Developed policies in areas of public
safety, employee appraisal, council electronic agenda process, tax increment financing, legislation, leadership
development, equity hiring process, and business development. Work to develop the city’s budget totaling
approximately $40M.
Key Accomplishments
• Developed, led City efforts to address diversity, inclusion, equity, civil unrest, and a Citywide COVID-19 project.
• Created and led many other improvement initiatives including an employee engagement program; a rebranding
of the city; co-developed and revamped the city’s financial sustainability strategies; a city beautification and
public art program project; a centralized electronic employee evaluation and strategic performance
measurement system.
• Developed an IT multi-departmental decision-making model; a new Communication and Community
Engagement Division, and led a Program and Commission to build a relationship with the Vonjama, Liberia.
Professor of Government – Government (MPA Program) Minnesota State University, Mankato 2012 -2016
Taught Government – MPA Graduate Program – Responsible for developing and teaching graduate courses.
Course subject taught included: Human Resources and Personnel Management, Organizational Theory, Strategic
Planning, Public Administration Theory and Practice, Local Government Budgeting and Finance, Community and
Public Leadership, Public Administration Graduate School Orientation.
Key Accomplishments
• Initiated development of the first Public Administration Local Government Center. This included two new
programs: 1) the Executive Public Administration Internship/Apprenticeship and, 2) Executive Public
Administration Student Studio Project Program.
• Developed and led new Organizational and Strategic Planning Program Service; a new Graduate Student
Apprenticeship Program, and introduced Experiential Based Teaching to Public Administration Graduate
Program.
Executive Director - Region Nine Development Commission, Mankato, Minnesota, 2001 to 2011
Facilitated multi-jurisdictional leadership, and developed opportunities and capacity for multi-jurisdictional
collaborations and regional programs. Partnered directly with a board of 43 members comprised of 36 elected
officials and 7 appointees. Developed policies on complex issues such as transportation, a small business
development center, grant, and resource development, health and human services, economic development, aging,
personnel, growth, and business opportunities. Worked on Legislative Initiatives. Developed, proposed, advocated,
and tracked various federal programs at both the state and federal levels. Managed Finance and Budgeting,
developed, presented, authorized, monitored, and analyzed the Region’s budget of approximately $7M.
Key Accomplishments
• Developed and led the creation of the Renewable Energy Valley Program and Coalition involving multiple states
in renewable energy development; founder of the Southcentral Renewable Energy Initiative (predecessor to the
Southcentral Minnesota Clean Energy Council), developed and led in the first Southcentral Minnesota Economic
Development Plan (building agreement among jurisdictions across Southern Minnesota); developed and led
regional merging of Department of Aging throughout Southwest Minnesota (30 plus counties).
• Brokered and moved Small Business Development Center and Minority Entrepreneurial Program with Minnesota
State University; developed and led in Disaster Planning; brokered and moved to a new regional headquarters
with the regional hub city of Mankato.
• Crafted and developed legislation for statewide gas tax formula; wrote federal legislation for the Northern Great
Plains Regional Commission.
Additional Experience
City Administrator, City of Chisago City, Chisago City, Minnesota
Delivered successful, effective, and efficient city services. Oversaw and managed all operations and developed
policies on complex issues such as future growth, police, and public safety, fire department, public works, parks and
recreation, planning and zoning, motor vehicle registration, elections, libraries, economic development, capital
improvement, finance recovery, and planning. Managed a budget of approximately $5M.
Key Accomplishments
• Brokered and led financial bonding recovery plan; developed and led the first strategic plan.
• Developed and led a first performance measurement system; brokered and led in the creation of a multi-
jurisdictional industrial park and a library system.
• Created, developed, and led the city's first GFOA structured and awarded budget. Crafted the legislation for the
first multi-jurisdictional tax sharing district.
Senior Policy Analyst (County Manager’s Office) Ramsey County Government, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Developed and analyzed policies for the County Board. Worked on department restructuring, special projects,
planning efforts, legislative initiatives, financial matters, and governance. Worked directly with the Board of
Commissioners on policies including critical incidents planning, taxes, health merger, transit, and crime prevention.
Work to develop the county’s budget totaling approximately $403M through a challenging time of federal cutbacks.
Key Accomplishments
• Collaborated on the development, facilitation, and review of a countywide critical incident plan. Developed
alternatives to incarceration project, implemented a multi-departmental approach to prevention, defining the
role of county government (represented Ramsey on a seven-county committee). Addressed poverty issues and
increased the participation of communities of color in the county government.
• Co-developed and led countywide strategic plans (engaging 10,000 residents) including the first countywide
performance measurement system, the first 5-year budget performance measurement system, and a
Community of Colors Engagement Initiative and crafted legislation for MN first light rail transit system.
Education
Ed.D. - Doctorate of Educational Administration and Leadership, (2017) – St. Cloud State University, Minnesota
(Dissertation – The Role of Innovation in Minnesota’s Local Government)
M.P.A. - Master of Public Administration, (1992) – University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
B.A. - Bachelor of Arts Degree, Journalism/Marketing, (1989) - University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, Full
Athletic Scholarship
Certifications/Training
IDEO U (Innovation) Certificate – Current Candidate, 2019 (COVID-19 Delayed)
ICMA Credential – Certified, 2018
Labor Negotiations and Collect Bargaining – Michigan State University, 2018
Collective Leadership for Profound Innovation and Change, – The Society for Organizational Learning Inc. (Outgrowth
of former MIT Center for Organizational Learning), Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2007
Mediation Certification, – Center for Dispute Resolution (CDR) – Boulder, Colorado, 1999
Critical Incident Emergency Management, – Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington D.C., 1997
Professional Honors
National Forum for Black Public Administrators – Policy Committee and writer for Police Accountability and
Transparency White Paper. Lead facilitator for MN statewide review and recommendations of the MN Policy Use of
Deadly Force Report.
LMC Minnesota Deputy/Assistant City Manager of the Year (Nominated 2018)
Minnesota State University Pre-Doctoral Fellowship (2012), Mankato, Minnesota
TedX Talk Presenter (Gustavus TedX - “An Audacious Journey” at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eoWI1yHKkI&feature=youtu.be)
German (American) Marshall Fellowship (2000), Washington, D.C.
Hubert H. Humphrey Policy Fellowship (1998), Minneapolis, Minnesota
Northern Great Plains Meadowlark Project (selected as 1 of 25 Midwest Regional Leaders)
MN Governor appointment to the Minnesota Council of Black Minnesotans Board
MN Representative to the Federal Northern Great Plains Regional Authority – Five State Initiative (selected member)
Minnesota City Manager Mentor of the Year (Nominated)
Leadership St. Paul Program (Selected Member)
Leadership Orlando Program (Selected Member)
National Marketing Awards (i.e. Dances with Wolves, Jetson’s the Movie) and Regional Marketing Award (Walt Disney
World’s Four-Season Salute)
Civic and Professional Involvement
Civic and Board Participation: League of MN Cities Housing Policy Committee (asked to Chair), • National Forum for
Black Public Administrators (State Chapter Vice Chair), International City and County Management Association (ICMA)
• National Innovation Alliance • Northeast Suburban Community Economic Assistance Program (Board Member) •
Brooklyn Center Community School – Community Education Advisory Board (Board Member) • 2016 League of MN
Cities Annual Conference Planning Committee • Mankato Salvation Army • Mankato/North Mankato Youth Football •
MN Sustainable Development Board (University of Minnesota) • MN Children Defense Fund • Crossview Covenant
Church (finance committee) • Women’s Care Organization, Somalia, Africa (volunteer consultant) • MN Government
Training Services (former chair) • MN Regional Development Organization Association (former vice chair) • Kappa
Alpha Psi Fraternity (former regional strategic planning coordinator) • National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People, Mankato (former vice chair) • MN Governor’s Task Force on Tax Reform • St. Paul Catholic Charities
(former steering committee) • League of Minnesota Cities (selected to board) • St. Paul Rondo Housing Land Trust
(former vice chair)
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Acting City Manager Employment Agreement
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and
between the City of Brooklyn Center, a Minnesota municipal corporation (“City”) and Reginald
M. Edwards (“Manager”).
WHEREAS, the City wishes to engage the services of the Manager as a professional
employee in the position of Acting City Manager to perform the duties of the City Manager
under the Charter, City Code, and laws of Minnesota during the term of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Manager shall serve as the Acting City Manager while the City
undertakes a formal search, with the opportunity for public input, to select a long-term city
manager; and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth the terms and conditions of their relationship in
this Agreement in order to ensure the requisite flexibility to enable the Manager to function as
the City’s chief administrative official; and
WHEREAS, the parties intend that if the Manager is not selected for the long-term City
Manager position, he will return to his position as Deputy City Manager for the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth in this
agreement, City and Manager agree as follows:
Section 1. Employment and Term. The Manager has been serving, and shall continued
to be employed by the City, as the Acting City Manager effective as of April __, 2021
(“Effective Date”). Unless the employment relationship is terminated earlier as provided herein,
the Manager shall continue to serve in the position of Acting City Manager until the person
selected to serve as the long-term city manager assumes the position as city manager.
Section 2 Duties. The duties of the Manager’s position shall be as set forth in the City’s
Charter and ordinances and such other duties which are consistent therewith as may be assigned
from time to time by the City Council.
Section 3. Discharge of Duties. Manager shall be paid a salary as a professional
employee and shall not be paid overtime for hours in excess of 40 hours per week and similarly
shall be able to be absent in consideration of extraordinary time expenditures. The discharge of
Manager’s duties requires work outside the normal work day for meetings and projects. To that
end, the Manager will work flexible hours as is necessary to Manager to discharge the duties of
his position.
Section 4. Participation in Employee Benefits.
(a) Health Insurance. The City shall provide health insurance coverage for the
Manager in the same fashion as it provides health insurance for non-union
employees.
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(b) Life Insurance. The City shall provide life insurance coverage for the Manager in
the same fashion as it provides life insurance for non-union employees.
(c) Additional Benefits. Except as otherwise specified within this Agreement,
Manager shall receive or be eligible to participate in any other benefits provided for
non-union employees generally.
Section 5. Vacation and Holidays. Manager shall accrue days of vacation on the first
day of each month equal to an annual rate of 20 days per year. Manager may accrue vacation to a
maximum accumulation of 200 hours. Manager shall not be required to use vacation leave except
for a whole day’s absence from performing Manager’s duties. The Manager may, at Manager’s
discretion take ½ day increments of vacation leave for an absence from the performance of
Manager’s duties. Manager shall also have the same paid holidays off from work as the City’s
non-union employees.
Section 6. Sick Leave. Manager shall accrue days of sick leave at the same rate as other
non-union employees.
Section 7. Compensation.
(a) Salary. The Manager shall be compensated at an annual salary rate of
$_________________, paid at the intervals customarily used for other City
employees. The salary rate shall be applied retroactively to the Effective Date and
the City shall issue a lump-sum payment to the Manager for the back salary together
with the next regular payroll disbursement following the execution of this Agreement.
(b) Salary Increases. The Manager’s salary shall be considered at the same time as and
commensurate with the salary increases for other non-union employees of the City.
Any changes in the Manager’s salary shall be pursuant to the written agreement of the
Manager and the City.
(c) Personal Auto Usage. Manager shall be provided with a City owned vehicle for
traveling to and from work. Manager shall be reimbursed for personal automobile
use for trips, meetings, work, and other use related to his employment at the rate
consistent with Internal Revenue Service regulations.
Section 8. Expenses Incurred in Performing Duties. The City shall reimburse or
directly pay for actual expenses reasonably incurred by the Manager that are directly related to
performing Manager’s duties including lodging following late or early City business. The parties
contemplate that the Manager will incur expenses for travel, attendance at meetings, etc. The
Manager will be reimbursed for use of the Manager’s personal car at the current IRS rate.
Section 9. Retirement Benefits. The City shall pay the employer’s portion of the
Minnesota Public Employment Retirement Association contribution on Manager’s salary. The
Manager shall, in addition to the retirement benefits provided above, be allowed to participate, at
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Manager’s own expense, in IRS approved deferred compensation plans offered through the City.
Section 10. Discontinuance of Acting Manager Position.
(a) End of Term. If the Manager is not selected as the long-term city manager, the
Manager shall return to his position of Deputy City Manager upon the start of the
long-term city manager. The Manager shall retain any vacation and sick leave
accrued during the term of this Agreement, but shall otherwise return to the benefits
applicable to the Deputy City Manager position. The parties understand and agree
the long-term city manager has the discretion to hire and fire his or her own staff.
Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted as limiting the long-term city
manager’s authority to make employment decisions, including with respect to the
Deputy City Manager position, or as a guarantee of continuance in the position of
Deputy City Manager for any period of time.
(b) Separation from Employment. The Manager serves at the will of the City Council
and may be removed from employment with the City prior to the expiration of this
Agreement upon a majority vote of the City Council. If the term of this Agreement
exceeds one year and there is an involuntary separation, the Manger shall have the
opportunity to request a hearing as provided in Section 6.01 of the City Charter.
Upon resignation or an involuntary separation of the Manager before the long-term
city manager assumes the position, the Manager shall be entitled to payment of all
accrued vacation and sick leave in accordance with the City’s personnel policy
applicable to non-union employees. Such amounts shall be paid at the full value of
the Deputy City Manager rate of pay for the amounts accrued while the Manager was
in that position, and at the full value of the rate of pay for the Acting City Manager
accrued during the term of this Agreement. In the case of an involuntary separation,
the Manager shall also be entitled to the following additional severance benefits: (1)
payment by the City of the full cost of family health insurance, at level of coverage in
effect just prior to the involuntary separation for a period of 6 full months from the
date such involuntary separation becomes effective; (2) continued participation, at
the Manager’s own cost, in the City’s group insurance plans for at least 18 months
after the City is no longer required to make full payment of premiums for Manager’s
insurance coverage, provided the City’s group insurance plan authorizes such
continued participation; and (3) payment of three full months of salary at the Acting
City Manager annual salary rate. These additional severance benefits shall not be
owed if the Manager is terminated by the City Council for substantiated and proven
malfeasance in office or intentional misconduct. Intentional misconduct is defined as
substantiated and proven sexual, racial or other unlawful harassment, distribution of
pornography, or acts of physical violence in the work place. “Intentional misconduct”
and “malfeasance” as used in this paragraph do not include poor performance or
neglect of duties. The parties agree the final payment to the Manager, including any
amounts owed as part of the additional severance benefits, shall be issued at the first
regular payment date following involuntary separation.
(c) No Waiver. Nothing herein shall be deemed a waiver of any rights or claims that
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either party may have beyond the compensation due in the normal course of the
separation of the Manager from the City’s employ.
Section 11. Indemnification. The City shall defend and indemnify the Manager
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 466.07 and 465.76. The City shall also defend and hold harmless
and indemnify the Manager from all torts, civil damages, penalties, fines, provided the Manager
was acting in the performance of Manager’s duties.
Section 12. Merger. This Agreement supersedes all prior oral or written
communications between the parties.
Section 13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the employment relationship between the City and the
Manager in the position as Acting City Manager and the parties agree that there were no
inducements or representations leading to the execution of this Agreement except as herein
contained.
Section 14. Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement
shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement will not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.
Section 15. Governing Law. This Agreement will be construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.
Section 16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or
more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will be
constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and
year first written above.
THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER, EMPLOYEE
MINNESOTA
By
Michael Elliott Reginald M. Edwards
Its Mayor
Council/E D A Work
S ession
V I RT UA L meeting being
conducted by electronic
means in accordance with
Minnesota S tatutes, section
13D.021 P ublic portion
available for connection via
telephone Dial: 1-312-626-
6799 Meeting I D:
97680230856# Passcode:
7635693300#
May 10, 2021
AGE NDA
AC T I V E D I S C US S IO N I T E M S
1.Discussion of Council Policy Governing Commission A ppointments
2.A Concept Development P roposal for 6440 J ames Circle (T he Former E arle
Brown B owl)
3.Native L awns and Bee-F riendly Gardens
P E ND I NG L I S T F O R F UT URE WO RK S E S S IO NS
1.Pending I tems
C ouncil/E DA Work Session
DAT E:5/10/2021
TO :C ity C ouncil
F R O M:C urt Boganey, City Manager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:D r. Reginald Edw ards , A c(ng C ity M anager
S U B J E C T:D is cus s ion of Council Policy G overning C ommis s ion A ppointments
Requested Council A con:
B ackground:
Currently, the City Council has no formal wri1en policy regarding the method and procedures for making
appointments to advisory commissions.
H istorically, the C ouncil's approved prac(ce has required staff to provide public no(ce w hen a commis s ion
vacancy occurred. The primary means of public no(ce has been through the S un Post, City Web S ite, S ocial
Media and public announcement at community and C ouncil mee(ngs.
A ll applica(ons have been directed to and received by the C ity C lerk who has forwarded s aid applica(ons
to the M ayor and Council members for review.
H istorically, the M ayor has interview ed candidates and made a recommenda(on to the C ity C ouncil for
Council consent.
Most recently, names w ere submi1ed to the City Council for cons idera(on by the Mayor and they were
approved by the City Council. A 8er the mee(ng it w as determined that two of the approved individuals had
not s ubmi1ed an applica(on to the O ffice of the Clerk. A s a res ult the C ouncil received no wri1en
applica(on informa(on to consider in advance.
This a significa(on departure from previous Council direc(on and therefore w e are s eeking Council
direc(on.
I n addi(on, the issue of (mely appointments has been rais ed by s everal C ommis s ion members and
Councilmembers . The enabling resolu(ons for mos t of our C ouncil advis ory commis s ions s ay that
commis s ioners w ho have not been reappointed at the end of their term shall con(nue to s erve un(l there
replacement has been appointed and qualified.
The ques (on raised by C ommis s ioners has been how long s hould they be expected to con(nue to s erve
a8er their term has expired.
Policy Q ues (ons
1. A s way of promo(ng constancy and trans parency does the Council des ire the development of
policy that more clearly codifies the method and proces s for C ommis s ion appointments?
2. D oes the Council have s pecific recommenda(ons to res olve the ques (ons regarding the applica(on
proces s or the (melines s of appointments and or reappointments ?
3. D oes C ouncil w is h to con(nue w ith the status quo?
B udget I ssues:
Not applicable
A nracist/Equity Policy Effect:
S trategic Priories and Values:
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip(on U pload D ate Type
C ommis s ion O verview 4/21/2021 Backup M aterial
L e1er from C harter Commission 4/21/2021 Backup M aterial
Commission Serving with Expired Terms
Financial Commission – Total of 7 seats and currently 2 vacancies
Name Last Appointment Date Term Ending Date
Teneshia Kragness 1/8/18 12/31/20 *
David Dwapu 1/8/18 12/31/20 *
Taofeek Ishola 6/10/19 12/31/21
Emmanuel Kpaleh 6/9/20 12/31/23
Dean Van Der Werf 12/14/15 12/31/18
(*) Term expired and application on file for reappointment
Resolution 99-110
Members' Term of Office: Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the Council. The terms of office
shall be staggered three-year terms, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his
or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Upon expiration of his or her term of office, a member
shall continue to serve until his or her successor is appointed and shall have qualified. Terms of office for members of the Commission shall expire
on December 31 of respective calendar years.
In the event an appointed Commissioner suffers from an extended illness, disability, or other activity preventing proper fulfillment of duties,
responsibilities, rules and regulations of the Commission, the Commissioner may be temporarily replaced by an interim Commissioner appointed
by the Mayor with majority consent of the City Council.
Housing Commission – Total of 7 seats and currently 2 vacancies
Name Last Appointment Date Term Ending Date
Paul Oman 3/12/18 12/31/18 *
Kathie Amdahl 1/17 12/31/19 *
Mark Goodell 1/8/18 12/31/20 *
De’Ja Carter 3/8/21 12/31/23
Michael Donnelly 3/8/21 12/31/23
(*) Term expired and application on file for reappointment
Resolution 2006-47
Members' Term of Office: Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the Council. The terms of
office shall be staggered three-year terms, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for
which his or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Upon expiration of his or her term of office,
a member shall continue to serve until his or her successor is appointed and shall have qualified. Terms of office for members of the Commission
shall expire on December 31 of respective calendar years.
In the event an appointed Commissioner suffers from an extended illness, disability, or other activity preventing proper fulfillment of duties,
responsibilities, rules and regulations of the Commission, the Commissioner may be temporarily replaced during the temporary leave by an
interim Commissioner appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the City Council.
Park & Recreation Commission – Total of 7 seats and currently 2 vacancies
Name Last Appointment Term Ending Date
Travis Bonovsky 1/1/17 12/31/19 *
Gail Ebert 1/1/17 12/31/19 *
Bud Sorenson 1/1/18 12/31/20 *
Tanisha Lungelow 6/8/20 12/31/23
Natalie Branch 3/8/21 12/31/24
(*) Term expired and application on file for reappointment
Resolution 98-13
Members' Term of Office: Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the Council. The terms of
office shall be staggered three-year terms, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for
which his or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Upon expiration of his or her term of office,
a member shall continue to serve until his or her successor is appointed and shall have qualified. Terms of office for members of the Commission
shall expire on December 31 of respective calendar years.
In the event an appointed Commissioner suffers from an extended illness, disability, or other activity preventing proper fulfillment of duties,
responsibilities, rules and regulations of the Commission, the Commissioner may be temporarily replaced during the temporary leave by an
interim Commissioner appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the City Council.
Planning Commission – Total of 7 seats and currently 3 vacancies
Name Last Appointment Term Ending Date
Peter Omari 3/9/20 12/31/21
Alexander Koenig 1/1/18 12/31/21
Alfreda Daniels 6/8/20 12/31/22
Stephanie Jones 6/8/20 12/31/22
(*) Term expired and application on file for reappointment
Resolution 95-82
Members' Term of Office: Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the Council. The terms of
office shall be staggered two-year terms, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for
which his or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Upon expiration of his or her term of office,
a member shall continue to serve until his or her successor is appointed and shall have qualified. Terms of office for members of the Commission
shall expire on December 31 of respective calendar years.
In the event an appointed Commissioner suffers from an extended illness, disability, or other activity preventing proper fulfillment of duties,
responsibilities, rules and regulations of the Commission, the Commissioner may be temporarily replaced during the temporary leave by an
interim Commissioner appointed by the Mayor with majority consent of the City Council.
Sister City Commission – Total of 5 seats and currently 1 vacancy
Name Last Appointment Term Ending Date
Issa Mansaray 3/12/18 12/31/22
Fatu Magassouba 8/26/19 12/31/21
Jacob Saffert 3/12/18 12/31/19
Sheku Samba 3/18/18 12/31/18
Tashawna Williams 3/12/18 12/31/20
(*) Term expired and application on file for reappointment
Resolution 2015-159
ARTICLE III.
MEMBERSHIP. Section 1. The Commission shall consist of five (5) members who shall be appointed by the City Council upon
recommendation of the Mayor.
Section 2. The initial appointments to the Commission shall be for one, two, three, four, and five year terms, and thereafter all
appointments shall be for a term of five years or until a successor is qualified.
Section 3. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
BROOKLYN CENTER HOME RULE CHARTER COMMISSION
April 10th, 2021
Brooklyn Center City Council
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Re: Inquiry about open commission positions and the appointment process
Dear distinguished members of the Brooklyn Center City Council:
At the last two meetings of the Brooklyn Center Charter Commission concerns were raised about the large
number of open city commission positions and lack of transparency around the appointment process. It
was reported that across all the council sanctioned commissions there are currently 17 open positions
which includes 11 positions for commissioners whose terms have expired. At the same time there are 25
open applications for these positions which includes those from 8 serving commissioners whose terms
have expired. Some of these applications were submitted over 2 years ago without any feedback to the
applicants on when or if they should expect an appointment.
After the January meeting the commission researched the appointment policies for several neighboring
home rule charter cities. None of them had similar numbers of open positions and many of them have their
commission appointment processes documented either on their web site or in city code.
At the last meeting held on April 8th the commission unanimously passed a motion to send an inquiry to
the council about this issue which resulted in the drafting of this letter. Specifically, the commission is
requesting feedback about the following questions:
• Does the council expect to fill the open positions or if not, will the council communicate the
reasoning for keeping them open?
• Will the council consider establishing procedures to ensure that applicants are informed of the
status of their application in a timely fashion?
• What steps can the council take to make the appointment process more transparent and ensure full
participation in the commissions?
In closing there is concern that the large numbers of vacancies are limiting the involvement of local
citizens in the government and that the lack of transparency and timeliness in the appointment process is
affecting the quorum and discouraging some current and potential commissioners from serving.
The commission would welcome any feedback or dialog with the council on this important topic. Thank-
you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Goodell
Chairperson, Brooklyn Center Charter Commission
C ouncil/E DA Work Session
DAT E:5/10/2021
TO :C ity C ouncil
F R O M:C urt Boganey, City Manager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:M eg Beekman, C ommunity D evelopment D irector
S U B J E C T:A C oncept D evelopment P roposal for 6440 J ames C ircle (The Former Earle Brow n Bowl)
Requested Council A con:
B ackground:
The concept review proces s is an opportunity for the C ity C ouncil to review a development concept prior
to a formal proposal from an applicant, and provide comments, ask ques5ons , and indicate w hether or
not the C ity would be open to the project. Concept review s are helpful for projects that would
involve diver5ng from the C ity's es tablished land use policies, as it provides ins ight to staff and the
developer as to the C ity C ouncil’s level of interes t, and any s pecific concerns, related to a project.
A concept review is considered advis ory and is nonbinding to the C ity and the applicant. No formal
ac5on can be taken at a w ork s ession, and the Council is not being as ked to vote on the proposal. I f the
developer chooses to s ubmit a formal applica5on to the C ity to proceed, it would be s ubject to the full
review proces s , as w ith any other development applica5on.
C oncept P roposal
The owner of 6440 J ames C ircle purchas ed the property approximately three years ago. They ini5ally
planned to develop the exis5ng building into an event center; how ever, that project never moved
forward. The owner has s ince partnered w ith McG lynn Partners to as s is t them w ith developing the site.
The property is four acres in size. I t is z oned C 2, which is the City's general commerce dis trict and allows
for a variety of commercial and service uses . I t is guided in the 2040 C omprehens ive P lan for M ixed
Busines s , which allow s for a w ide variety of us es including commercial, office and light indus trial.
McG lynn Partners is propos ing to demolish the exis5ng building and construct a 63,780 s quare foot
building comprised of a mixed office and light industrial. All stormwater, parking and truck circula5on would
be contained on site. A narra5ve descrip5on and concept site plan for the site is aEached to this report. T he
project is being proposed on spec, meaning that businesses occupying the building have not yet been
iden5fied.
Staff have met with the developers several 5mes to discuss the site layout, land use concept and circula5on.
Staff have provided ini5al comments related to the loca5on of driveways, internal circula5on and stormwater,
which the development team have incorporated into their site plan.
Parking
T he C ity's zoning code required parking based on land uses. W ith flex business/industrial projects such as this,
determining required parking can be difficult. T his is due to the fact that it is not yet know what percentage of
the building will be dedicated to higher parking demand uses such as office, versus lower parking demand uses
such as manufacturing and distribu5on, or even warehousing. I n addi5on, these uses can change over 5me as
demand for different types of industrial space ebb and flow.
Staff es5mated the required parking based on assump5ons for the square footage of office and industrial
space within the building and determined that the required parking could be up to 122 stalls. T he current site
plan includes 80 stalls, a deficit of 42 stalls. T he developer has indicated that the C ity's parking requirements
for office and industrial uses are too high compared with actual parking demand they are seeing in newer
developments in places such as B rooklyn Park and Maple Grove, based on the square footage mix. While staff
concurs that the C ity's parking standards are likely out of date, the developer has been asked to prepare a
parking study to indicate the likely actual parking demand for the site. Addi5onal discussion about parking will
need to occur.
Financing
The developer has submiEed a preliminary proforma and has indicated that they intend to apply for Tax
I ncrement F inancing. They have submiEed documents that indicate a gap of $1,366,000. The C ity's
public finance cons ultant has done an ini5al review of the documents submiEed by the developer and
has expres s ed concerns that the amount they iden5fy w ill not be generated by a 26 year T I F dis trict. I n
addi5on to the amount generated by the T I F D istrict, T I F funds can only be applied towards
extraordinary costs related to the need for the assistance. A ddi5onal dis cus s ion and analys is w ill be
required to determine the amount, if any, of subsidy that may be warranted.
I n the event that public s ubs idy is found to be w arranted, and the Council approves it, the project w ould
be required to meet the livable w age requirements laid out on the C ity's pubic subsidy policy, as w ell as
other s tandards iden5fied by the policy.
Policy Discussion
T he C ity has iden5fied a need for addi5onal employment centers and tax base enhancing development
projects, in addi5on to the communi5es needs for housing stabiliza5on. A resilient economic future for the
community necessitates a balanced approach to development which includes both developments that
produce jobs and taxes as well as those which meet broader community goals.
T he C ity's 2040 C omprehensive Plan designates this area for Mixed B usiness. T he Mixed B usiness land use
designa5on envisions a broad mix of land uses including light industrial, as well office, commercial, hotel and
service. T his development aligns with the vision for the area.
Process
Bas ed on the dis cus s ion this evening, M cG lynn Partners w ill revise their project des ign and prepare a
formal reques t for land us e en5tlements to the C ity. The project would require the s ite to be rez oned,
likely to a P U D dis trict, becaus e the City's z oning code does not have a zoning dis trict that aligns w ith the
Busines s Mixed Use land use designa5on yet.
Policy I ssues:
D oes the C ouncil have any comments or direc5on related to the propos ed concept?
I s the Council open to the use of tax increment financing if it is determined to be warranted?
B udget I ssues:
No budget issues .
A nracist/Equity Policy Effect:
S trategic Priories and Values:
Targeted Redevelopment
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip5on U pload D ate Type
P roject Narra5ve 5/3/2021 Backup M aterial
C oncept S ite Layout 5/3/2021 Backup M aterial
Building Eleva5ons 5/3/2021 Backup M aterial
Building Rendering 5/3/2021 Backup M aterial
694 Business Center
Brooklyn Center, MN
Submitted By: McGlynn Partners LLC.
March 11, 2021
Introduction
The development site is a 4.03 acre parcel located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Freeway
Boulevard and James Circle North. We are proposing to construct a mixed office and light industrial
building which will cover approximately 63,780 square feet. The site is bounded on the north by Freeway
Boulevard, on the west and south by James Circle North, and on the east by two commercial parcels.
Comprehensive Guide Plan Designation
The site is currently a Commercial Land Use but is guided for Business Mixed-Use (B-MU) in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan. Per the 2040 Plan, B-MU is a new designation which guides land for a mixture of
uses including commercial, office, general business and light industrial uses. No Land Use designation
change is requested.
Zoning Classification
The property has a current zoned as Commerce (C2). A zoning change to Industrial Park (I1) is requested.
Surrounding Sites & History:
The site’s previous use was as a bowling alley, Earle Brown Lanes, originally constructed in 1978 and
closed in the summer of 2015. While the site was considered for redevelopment as an event center and
granted a permit in 2017 and again in 2020, the site has ultimately remained vacant since 2015.
Surrounding Property Designations:
Land Use (Per 2040 Comprehensive Plan)
The site is surrounded on all sides by land guided Business Mixed-Use (B-MU).
Zoning
The site is surrounded by two uses, Industrial Park (I1) and Commerce (C2)
North – Freeway Boulevard and Industrial Park (I1)
East – Commerce (C2)
South – James Circle Road and Commerce (C2)
West – James Circle Road and Commercial (C2)
Architectural Design
The building will be 449’ long x 150’ deep with an interior clear height of 28’. The front of the building
will face west and front James Circle N. Car parking will be on the west and south sides of the building.
A 110’ deep loading area will be on the east. The building will include a total of three (3) main
entrances in front - one on each corner and one in the center. The building will have two (2) access
points – one (1) on the north end of the property and one (1) on the south end of the property. The
building is designed to accommodate a variety of user and sizes, ranging from 15,000 square feet to
63,780 square feet.
The primary building exterior material will be painted concrete. Additional exterior materials will include
metal canopies at each main entrance and glass at each main entrance and along sections of the front
and side walls. Glass will extend above each canopy location to visually distinguish main entrances.
Along the main façade of the building, accent paint will be used to complement the glass and create a
“two-story” look. The main façade will also include a break in plane every 100 feet via an increase in the
building parapet height (“vertical articulation”) and/or “bumping out” the building exterior wall
(“horizontal articulation”). Each articulation intends to create a distinct massing element. Articulations
extend around both sides of the building while the paint color and pattern changes extend are found on
all four sides of the building. Finally, the rear of the building will include clerestory windows to help
break up the plane of the rear wall and provide natural light to people inside.
Stormwater & Utilities
The site is located in the Brooklyn Center Regional Treatment credit area, thus the project will provide
treatment for the 1.1 inch “first flush” rainfall event on-site. We are required to have a reduction in
stormwater rates. Additionally, stormwater must be treated prior to discharge to remove 60 percent of
phosphorus and 85 percent of total suspended solids. Treatment may be provided by one or more
permanent sedimentation and water quality ponds or a combination of BMPs that together will meet
removal requirements. We anticipate the on-site stormwater will be treated via a pond in the
southwest portion of the site.
The site is currently served by existing utilities on the north side of the site. Existing utilities will be
reused to the greatest extent possible.
Traffic
The site has two primary parking areas. The west lot will serve office users and has two access points on
to James Circle North, one to the north west and one to the south. The east lot provides access to truck
docks and has two access points as well. The north access from Freeway Boulevard is intended for entry
only and will be signed and enforced with a “Do Not Enter” sign facing toward the lot. The second truck
access, to the south of the east lot, is to James Circle North.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Considerations:
The proposed site is desirable but has remained undeveloped since 2015 due to difficulty determining
the proper use. While the site presents many opportunities, it’s also felt that by deferring assessment
the likelihood of a successful long-term project increases considerably. See attached Proforma.
Conclusion
McGlynn Partners LLC seeks to revitalize a vacant underutilized site with good highway access, but
which has remained vacant since 2015. The project is environmentally conscious in redeveloping a
parcel currently served by existing utilities and roadway infrastructure. The proposed office and light
industrial building is in keeping with the City’s vision for the area, as articulated in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan, and with a diversity of users will contribute to the vitality of the area.
BROOKLYN CENTER INDUSTRIAL
3-5-2021
N
C ouncil/E DA Work Session
DAT E:5/10/2021
TO :C ity C ouncil
F R O M:C urt Boganey, City Manager
T H R O U G H :M eg Beekman, C ommunity D evelopment D irector
BY:X iong Thao, Building and Community S tandards S upervis or
S U B J E C T:Na.ve Law ns and Bee-F riendly G ardens
Requested Council A con:
B ackground:
T he C ity ’s noxious weeds ordinance, 19-1601 to 19-1604, requires that property owners destroy noxious weeds
or grass which is of a height of 8 inches or greater or has gone, or is about to go to seed. T he ordinance allows
natural preserves in publicly owned lands designated as park or open spaces, and prohibits natural preserves on
private proper.es. T he ordinance would not allow for natural prairie grass since natural prairie grass is taller than
8 inches in height.
A s the interes t in providing bee-friendly landscapes and na.ve lawns has grow n, several s urrounding
communi.es have adopted ordinance amendments allow ing the ins talla.on of na.ve prairie gras s
plan.ngs/gardens . I n the adopted ordinances , there are requirements for grow ing natural prairie grass
s uch as setback requirements , lands cape permits, s iz e requirements, and the requirement for a a
management plan.
Bee and Pollinator Friendly G ardens
O n February 11, 2019, the C ity adopted an ordinance allowing residents to keep bees. T he ordinance outlines
specific rules on how to obtain a license to keep bees however the rules do not include or regulate the plan.ng of
bee and other pollinator friendly plants.
The ordinance is s ilent on crea.ng gardens or plan.ngs w hich encourage bees and other pollinators s uch as
bu?erflies and birds and it is also silent on the maintenance of thos e gardens. The current ordinances do
not res trict the plan.ng of flowers or other plants; how ever, when thos e gardens or plan.ngs are not
maintained, it is difficult to enforce when there are overgrown gras s and weeds that are part of the gardens
as well.
S taff has worked with the City A?orney to draD an ordinance amendment which would provide an
allowance for na.ve lawns and pollinator-friendly gardens , which is a?ached for C ity C ouncil’s review and
dis cus s ion.
S taff is s eeking direc.on from the Council on how to proceed w ith this draD amendment. I f the Council
w is hes to proceed w ith this review, staff recommends direc.ng the topic and the propos ed ordinance to the
H ousing Commission for review and a recommenda.on.
B udget I ssues:
There are no budget is s ues to consider at this .me.
A nracist/Equity Policy Effect:
S trategic Priories and Values:
Enhanced Community I mage
AT TA C H M E N TS :
D escrip.on U pload D ate Type
D raD O rdinance 4/5/2021 Backup M aterial
DRAFT
11-2-20
1
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on the ____ day of __________, 2020, at
7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard during the regular City Council meeting
to consider an ordinance related to repealing the snow emergency prohibition. City Council
meetings are being conducted by electronic means under Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.021 and
information on how to connect to the meeting is provided on the City’s website. Please notify the
City Clerk at 763-569-3306 if there are any questions about how to connect to the meeting.
ORDINANCE NO. _____
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19 TO ALLOW AND REGULATE
NATIVE AND NATURALISTIC VEGETATION
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
ARTICLE I. Brooklyn Center City Code Chapter 19 is hereby amended by adding Sections 19-
1551 through 19-1555 as follows:
NATIVE AND NATURALISTIC VEGETATION PERMIT AND REQUIREMENTS
Section 19-1551. INTENT. The City Council determines that a variety of properly
maintained landscapes in the City add diversity and a richness to the quality of life. The City
Council also supports the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of diverse and biologically
stable natural plant communities. The City Council also supports environmentally-sound
practices, including those to preserve residential pollinators, such as the Rusty Patched Bumble
Bee. The City Council finds that the establishment of native and naturalistic vegetation is an
acceptable landscape treatment in the City. However, as a protection for the larger community,
such native and naturalistic vegetation must be properly planted, maintained, and the length of
transition period must be minimized such that the property does not create a public nuisance.
Section 19-1552. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of Sections 19-1551 through 19-1555,
the following terms shall have the meaning given them in this section.
a. “Native and naturalistic vegetation” means all native grasses and native plants that are
native to, or adapted to, the State of Minnesota, and that are commonly found in
meadow or prairie plant communities, with the exception of noxious weeds.
b. “Native grasses” mean grasses that existed in the State of Minnesota prior to European
settlement including, but not limited to, beach grass, wood chess grass, sand reed grass,
wheat grass, bluestem grass, grama grass, brome grass, buffalo grass, switch grass,
Indian grass, and wild rye, with the exception of turf grasses.
c. “Native plants” mean plants that existed in the State of Minnesota prior to European
settlement.
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11-2-20
2
d. “Landscape edging” means material or vegetation used to differentiate a planting bed
from turf grasses or adjacent planting beds.
e. “Meadow” or “prairie” means those plant communities dominated by a diversity of
native perennial herbaceous plants and grasses.
f. “Noxious weeds” mean grasses or plants so designated by the Commissioner of the
Department of Agriculture, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.77, Subdivision
8, or plants so designated by Hennepin County or the United States Department of
Agriculture. The term includes any grass or plant that exceeds the height limitations
established in these Sections 19-1551 through 19-1555. The term shall not include
Taraxacum officinale (commonly referred to as the “common dandelion”).
g. “Regularly cut” means mowing or otherwise cutting grasses or plants such that the
dimension of the grasses or plants measured from the ground to the top of the grass or
plant (as extended upright) does not exceed 12 inches in height.
h. “Transition period” means the amount of time to change from one type of landscaping
to another.
i. “Turf grasses” mean bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass blends, or those other grasses
commonly used in regularly cut lawns, including such grasses with non-woody
vegetation interspersed within.
Section 19-1553. PERMIT REQUIRED; APPLICATION; CONDITIONS.
a. City Permit Required. No person shall establish or maintain native and naturalistic
vegetation without having first obtaining a native and naturalistic vegetation permit
from the City.
b. Application; Review Process.
1. Any person desiring a native and naturalistic vegetation permit shall make
application on a form provided by the City Manager or their designee.
2. Applications for permits shall be reviewed and either approved or denied by the
City Manager or their designee.
3. An applicant aggrieved by the application decision may appeal the decision as
described in this Section.
c. Conditions of Permit.
1. The holder of a native and naturalistic vegetation permit shall comply with the
setback regulations as required by Section 19-1554.
2. The holder of a native and naturalistic vegetation permit shall comply with the
DRAFT
11-2-20
3
maintenance regulations as required by Section 19-1555.
3. The City Manager may impose such other conditions and restrictions upon a
native and naturalistic vegetation permit as deemed necessary for the protection
of the public interest and other properties, and to ensure compliance with the
requirements of the city code.
d. Suspension or Revocation of Permit. The City Manager or their designee may suspend
or revoke a permit if the permittee fails to comply with the requirements of these 19-
1551 through 19-1555, or any condition placed of a native and naturalistic vegetation
permit. The City shall provide the permittee written notice of the suspension or
revocation that states the reasons for the decision. The notice shall also inform the
permittee of their right to appeal the decision to the City Council and the deadline for
filing such an appeal.
e. Appeal. An applicant aggrieved by any permit denial, suspension, or revocation
decision of the City Manager or their designee may appeal the decision to the City
Council. Written notice of the appeal must be given to the City Clerk within 10 days
of the written decision, as indicated in the notice of decision, and must summarize the
applicant’s reasons for appealing. The City Council shall consider the appeal at the
next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on or after 10 days from the filing of
the notice of appeal to the City Manager.
Section 19-1554. SETBACK REQUIREMENTS, EXEMPTIONS.
a. Setback Regulations, Generally. Native and naturalistic vegetation shall be set back at
least five feet from the side and rear lot lines, unless exempted by this Section.
b. Exemptions to Setback Regulations. No setback shall be required on the side or rear
lot lines if:
1. A fully opaque fence at least five feet in height is installed between the native
and naturalistic vegetation and the side and rear lot lines, as applicable; or
2. The native and naturalistic vegetation abut native and naturalistic vegetation on
an adjacent lot.
Section 19-1555. GENERAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS.
a. Native and naturalistic vegetation shall be maintained in such a manner that it does not
contain noxious weeds.
b. Native and naturalistic vegetation shall be maintained at least once per year through
mowing or, if appropriate permits are obtained from the City Fire Chief, through
burning.
c. The area in which native and naturalistic vegetation is planted shall be clearly defined
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4
by landscape edging or fencing. Native and naturalistic vegetation that directly abuts
at least five feet width of mowed and maintained turf grass shall be considered to have
adequate landscape edging.
d. The area in which native and naturalistic vegetation is planted shall not extend into
public rights-of-way.
e. For any area in which native and naturalistic vegetation is likely to be seen by the
public, a sign shall be posted on the property in a location likely to be seen by the public
advising that native and naturalistic vegetation, a meadow, or prairie is being
established. The sign shall be in addition to any sign permitted by the sign ordinance,
but shall be no smaller than 10 inches square, no larger than one square foot, and no
higher than 3 feet tall.
f. The maintenance of the area to a height of 8 inches or less if weeds cover more than
25% of the landscaped area equaling in excess of 144 square feet.
g. Any native and naturalistic vegetation within 18 inches of any public street, walk,
bikeway or alley shall be maintained to a height of 12 inches or less.
h. The duration of any transition period to native and naturalistic vegetation shall not
extend more than three growing seasons for any specific area.
i. Except to the extent expressly allowed by these Sections 19-1551 through 19-1555,
permit holders shall maintain native and naturalistic vegetation in accordance with all
other requirements of the City Code.
ARTICLE II. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective after adoption and upon
thirty days following its legal publication.
Adopted this ___ day of __________ 2020.
____________________________
Mike Elliott, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________
City Clerk
Date of Publication _________________________
Effective Date _____________________________
(Strikeout indicates material to be deleted, double underline indicates new material.)
C ouncil/E DA Work Session
DAT E:5/10/2021
TO :C ity C ouncil
F R O M:C urt Boganey, City Manager
T H R O U G H :N/A
BY:
S U B J E C T:Pending I tems
Requested Council A con:
Earle Brow n Name Change for P ublic P roperty
Council Policy for C ity C harter requirement of Mayor's s ignature on all contracts
S trategic P lans for years 2018-2020 and 2021-2023
Review S pecial A sses s ment Policy
Tobacco O rdinance
Emerald A s h Boer Policy Review
Civilian D is cipline Review Commi6ee
Community-W ide S urvey
A6orney R F P P rocess
B ackground:
B udget I ssues:
A nracist/Equity Policy Effect:
S trategic Priories and Values: