HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.11.27 CCM REGULAR SESSION11/27/23 -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
NOVEMBER 27, 2023
CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor Pro Tem
Butler at 6:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Butler and Councilmembers Dan Jerzak and Teneshia Kragness. Mayor April
Graves and Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson were absent and excused. Also present were
City Manager Reggie Edwards, Community Development Director Jesse Anderson, Planner and
Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City
Attorney Jason Hill.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler opened the meeting for the purpose of an Informal Open Forum.
Jeff L. stated the police have dash cameras and body cameras, so any misconduct should be
captured on video or audio. This should address any issues about who is or is not being pulled
over. He stated the Implementation Committee shows great bias and does not represent the entire
community. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and requires keeping the car in safe working
condition. Issues with the affordability of repairs can be addressed with vouchers.
Jeff L. pointed out some car safety issues have been deemed as non-issues. However, the original
laws were written by safety professionals. The Police Chief is highly respected by the community,
and he has expressed a lack of support regarding new traffic safety policies.
Kevin S. explained his right to move about a public space has been infringed upon. In early
November, he attended a public meeting, as he had multiple times previously. He felt seriously
unwelcome. There is value in a structured, low-interruption meeting environment. However, it
was poorly implemented. There were protective parties present filming. He sat in a sterile overflow
room with poor sound quality. He suggested better preparation or better-trained protective parties.
He asked who hired the personnel and who paid the personnel. The change underway through the
Implementation Committee is important, but the process was unapproachable and not done well.
Reggie E. suggested teaching community members to obey the laws rather than changing laws to
suit alternative standards.
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Mayor Pro Tem Butler moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to close the Informal Open
Forum at 6:54 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. INVOCATION
Councilmember Kragness read a poem called “This Woman” and changed the wording to refer to
Brooklyn Center.
3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Pro Tem
Butler at 7:01 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Butler and Councilmembers Dan Jerzak and Teneshia Kragness. Mayor April
Graves and Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson were absent and excused. Also present were
City Manager Reggie Edwards, Community Development Director Jesse Anderson, Planner and
Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City
Attorney Jason Hill.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Kragness, seconded to approve the Agenda
and Consent Agenda, as amended, to remove Item 6g, Resolution Denying Planning Commission
Application No. 2023-007 Regarding a Site and Building Plan at 7100 Brooklyn Boulevard, for
consideration as 10b, and the following consent items were approved:
6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3. November 13, 2023 – Study Session
4. November 13, 2023 – Regular Session
5. November 13, 2023 – Work Session
6b. LICENSES
GASOLINE SERVICE STATIONS
Holiday Station Store #3808 5710 Xerxes Ave nue N
Holiday Station Store #292 420 66th Ave nue E
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Two Rivers Investment 6840 Humboldt Ave nue N
Speedway 6545 West River Road
Speedway 6950 Brooklyn Boulevard
Speedway 1901 57th Ave nue N
AM PM Corner Market 6501 Humboldt Ave nue N
Casey's Retail 2101 Freeway Boulevard
Royalty & Sons, Inc. 6044 Brooklyn Boulevard
LIQUOR – INTOXICATING
Embassy Suites 6300 Earle Brown Drive
Jambo Africa 1601 Freeway Boulevard
Duoos Bros. American Legion Post 630 6110 Brooklyn Boulevard
Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Drive
LIQUOR – INTOXICATING, SUNDAY SALES
Embassy Suites 6300 Earle Brown Drive
Jambo Africa 1601 Freeway Boulevard
Duoos Bros. American Legion Post 630 6110 Brooklyn Boulevard
Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Drive
LIQUOR – OFF SALE 3.2
Cub Foods 3245 County Road 10
Pump N Munch 1505 69th Avenue N
Family Dollar 2105 57th Avenue N
LIQUOR – ON SALE 3.2
Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies 5937 Summit Drive
LIQUOR – WINE
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50’s Grill 5524 Brooklyn Boulevard
Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies 5937 Summit Drive
MECHANICAL
North State Mechanical 2283 Sycamore Trail
Woodbury 55125
OT Heating & Cooling LLC 4900 Ferncrot Drive
Excelsior 55331
New Century Systems 20150 75th Ave, Suite B
Corcoran 55340
RENTAL
RENEWAL (TYPE IV – six-month license)
700 66th Avenue N Georgetown-bc Company Llp
1425 55th Avenue N Trung C Duong
2613 65th Avenue N Stephen Zekpa/Gregory Slah
6007 Girard Avenue N R&B Management I LLC
7024 Morgan Avenue N Mcclure Properties Llc
7141 Newtown Avenue N Ih2 Property Illinois Lp
RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
5250 Great View Avenue N Cosco Property 5 Llc
5307 Penn Avenue N Ronnet Renay Dossman
5535 Bryant Avenue N E H Mendoza & E C Coto Mejia
5706 Camden Avenue N Midwest Challenge Inc
6812 Scott Avenue N Lankia Lartey
RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
5416 Fremont Avenue N Luisa N Narvaez
5506 Judy Lane Prosperous Property Llc
5550 France Avenue N Belinda Gonzalez
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5913 June Avenue N M K Mehdi & B K Mehdi
RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license)
3006 51st Avenue N Naisha Nicole Bell
3512 Woodbine Lane SFR ACQUISITIONS 6 LLC
3613 Violet Avenue N Gao Qiang Liu
6734 France Avenue N Xample Renovations Llc
6830 Scott Avenue N Ih2 Property Illinois Lp
SIGNHANGER
Scenic Sign Company PO Box 881, St. Cloud 56302
TOBACCO RELATED PRODUCTS
Premier Tobacco 3930 Brooklyn Boulevard
Casey's General Store 2101 Freeway Boulevard
Sun Foods, Inc. 6350 Brooklyn Boulevard
Pump N Munch 1505 69th Avenue N
Quick Shop 5808 Xerxes Ave nue N
Cub Foods 3245 County Road 10
AM PM Corner Market Inc 6501 Humboldt Ave nue N
Holiday Stationstore #292 420 66th Ave nue N
Holiday Stationstore #2099 6890 Shingle Creek Pkwy
Van's Service Center 6840 Humboldt Ave nue N
Royalty & Sons Tobacco 6044 Brooklyn Boulevard
Speedway #4058 1901 57th Ave nue N
Jambo Africa 1601 Freeway Boulevard
Royalty & Sons, Inc. 6044 Brooklyn Boulevard
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6c. RESOLUTION DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING
THE REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES AT CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN
BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA
6d. RESOLUTION DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING
THE REMOVAL OF DEAD TREES AT CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN
BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA
6e. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A PEDESTRIAN
FACILITIES APPLICATION THROUGH THE METROPOLITAN
COUNCIL’S 2024 REGIONAL SOLICITATION GRANT PROCESS
6f. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK PERFORMED AND AUTHORIZING
FINAL PAYMENT, CONNECTIONS II SHINGLE CREEK, PROJECT NO.
2021-22
6g. RESOLUTION DENYING PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION
NO. 2023-007 REGARDING A SITE AND BUILDING PLAN AT 7100
BROOKLYN BOULEVARD This item was considered as Agenda Item 10b.
6h. RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NOS. 1-3, ACCEPTING
WORK PERFORMED AND AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT,
PROJECT NO. 2022-09, LIFT STATION NO. 4 REHABILITATION
PROJECT
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
7a. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited Workforce Development Program Director Catrice
O’Neal to continue the presentation.
Workforce Development Program Director Catrice O’Neal explained BrookLynk was launched in
2015 and serves Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park with workforce development efforts. She
introduced Chriony Bagana as a graduate of Brooklyn Center High School, former BrookLynk
intern, and former Brooklyn Ambassador.
Chriony Bagana explained he grew up in Africa and came to the United States to learn new things.
During his internship, he learned about communicating with different types of people and acting
as an ambassador for the BrookLynk program. The program has a positive impact on young people
in the community. He had the opportunity to shadow various types of jobs and has found an interest
in carpentry thanks to the program.
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Ms. O’Neal noted BrookLynk’s mission is to coordinate partnerships that prepare employers to
engage the next generation of workers and to connect young people in the Brooklyns facing
barriers to employment with the skills, experiences, and professional social networks needed to
develop their pathway to college and career.
Ms. O’Neal pointed out that the program provides programming year-round such as work readiness
training, summer internships, online training series, an entrepreneurship program, career
pathways, an alumni network, job coaching, and case management.
Ms. O’Neal stated that 85 percent of the participants are people of color. 45 percent are from low-
income households and 36 percent are first- or second-generation immigrants. Also, 43 percent of
the participants live in or attend school in Brooklyn Center.
Ms. O’Neal pointed out that 339 youth completed work readiness training, 35 percent of whom
live in Brooklyn Center. 128 youth participated in paid summer program opportunities, 50 percent
of whom live or attend school in Brooklyn Center. Also, more than $314,000 in wealth was created
for youth living in the Brooklyns.
Ms. O’Neal added that 43 youths completed weekly workshops, 21 percent of whom live in
Brooklyn Center. Six youths were matched to small business internships. Nine youths participated
in the 2nd Annual BrookLynk Shark Tank. Lastly, $13,5000 in start-up grants were awarded to
youth entrepreneurs.
Ms. O’Neal noted there has been an emphasis on construction and trades as a career pathway.
Nineteen participants enrolled for construction and trades training at Hennepin Technical College,
and one participant from Brooklyn Center was hired into seasonal public works employment by
the City. Ten youths were hired into construction and trade internships with the MN Trades
Academy.
Ms. O’Neal stated there are several 2024 strategic priorities. As for projects, BrookLynk is working
on the Free College Campaign, which is a project that provides support to accessing free college
tuition, a Brooklyn Park Teen Center, a community partnership program to offer funding for local
organizations providing workforce development programs and services, and expanding current
career pathways to include high-tech manufacturing.
Ms. O’Neal added regional initiatives including Reimagine Black Youth Mental Health, which is
an effort to change policies that negatively impact the mental well-being of black youth in schools
and beyond, and ConnextMSP or GreaterMSP, which is an inclusive talent network that ensures
young professionals of color in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region is recruited, hired, and supported
by local employers.
Ms. O’Neal showed a slide with details of funding for 2024. There are grants from the MN
Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED), the Hennepin-Carver Workforce
Board, and the MN Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn
Park invest in the program. Also, there are leveraged funds through employer-paid wages and
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ARPA allocation from Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler noted her appreciation of the BrookLynk program and shared her personal
experience with program participants. She noted other programs have income requirements and
asked if there are similar criteria for BrookLynk. Ms. O’Neal confirmed there are 13 criteria
required for participants to be part of the program.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler asked if the program has had issues with Staff retention. Ms. O’Neal agreed
there is an issue with retention, which is not uncommon in youth work. The program is almost
fully staffed going into 2024.
Councilmember Jerzak thanked Ms. O’Neal and the program for their work in the community.
Councilmember Kragness noted her agreement with Councilmember Jerzak.
Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to accept the presentation.
Motion passed unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. CHARTER AMENDMENT
City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited City Attorney Jason Hill to continue
the Staff presentation.
City Attorney Jason Hill explained the amendment is rather straightforward and is to add a
requirement for the Council to abide by a grant policy. There are strict guidelines regarding the
timeline for Charter amendments. He explained the details of the timeline requirements. The item
is on the agenda for a first reading and a public hearing. It wouldn’t be considered for adoption
until the first December meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler asked why the Charter Commission thought the item was important enough
to add it to the Charter.
Councilmember Jerzak, a member of the Charter Commission, explained the measure was
introduced before the grant policy was presented to the Council. The purpose of the Charter is to
maintain functions of government outside of the ebb and flow of politics. Future Councils may
come in and edit the grant policy, but this measure requires one be followed. The Charter
Commission had a robust discussion and the vote was close to unanimous.
Mr. Hill pointed out the item is merely to approve a first reading. By voting in favor of the item, it
does not reflect the Council’s wishes regarding the Charter amendment itself.
Councilmember Jerzak added if the second reading’s vote is not unanimous, the item will return
to the Charter Commission.
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Councilmember Kragness moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to open the Public
Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Peter H. stated the measure ensures a process to allow for grants to be considered and accepted by
the City. Therefore, he would support a set grant policy.
Julie B. noted the whole process has been about politics. There isn’t a policy in place for who can
serve on what Commissions or Committees. However, there is a duality of roles in that two people
serve on both the Charter Commission and the City Council. The Charter has been used to combat
new initiatives in the City. The Charter is longstanding and shouldn’t be edited for political
reasons.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to close the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Kragness moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to approve the first reading
of an ordinance amending the Charter regarding grant policy.
Motion passed unanimously.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
10a. RESOLUTION APPROVING A PAYMENT PLAN AND AN AMENDMENT TO
THE COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT WITH PHU BIA LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1350 SHINGLE CREEK
CROSSING
Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited Community Development Director Jesse Anderson
to make the Staff presentation.
Community Development Director Jesse Anderson explained that 130B Shingle Creek Crossing
was a vacant shell space the City constructed along with the municipal liquor store. The Economic
Development Authority (EDA) had approved a $70,000 commercial build-out loan to Phu Bia
Produce LLC with the condition of executing the lease agreement. The lease monthly payment is
$4,375, and the loan payments are $870.76.
Mr. Anderson noted at the October 30, 2023 meeting, the City Council approved a motion to deny
the forgiveness of past due rents and to work in good faith negotiations to make them good. At the
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October 30, 2023, EDA Meeting, the Commission voted to table the maturity date adjustment to
the Revolving loan. On October 31, 2023, Staff visited the property and informed the business
owner Mai Lor that the Council denied the forgiveness, but offered a negotiation on a payment
plan. At this time the business was open and there were coolers/freezers partially installed but not
yet functioning or in use. Mai Lor requested a week to decide on the payments.
Mr. Anderson stated on November 1, 2023, Staff received a letter from an attorney representing
Phu Bia Produce providing documentation relating to the ongoing lawsuit regarding the
cooler/freezers that had been ordered in March of 2022 and not delivered. The new coolers/freezers
that had already been partially installed at the site were the 2nd set of coolers/freezers that were
ordered.
Mr. Anderson stated on November 6, 2023 Staff met with the Mai Lor and a tentative payment
plan was accepted. Mai Lor was informed that the agreement would likely require a vote from the
City Council. Staff then asked the City Attorney to draft the agreement and determine what
necessary approvals were required. At the November 13, 2023 City Council meeting the City
Council requested that they review and approve the payment agreement.
Mr. Anderson explained Phu Bia has faced many challenges related to the store opening. They
recently received their certificate of occupancy in early October. Without an operating business,
they have had a hard time making the rent and loan payments. The store opened on October 1,
2023. The new coolers are partially installed, and there is potential for funds to become available
due to the pending lawsuit.
Mr. Anderson pointed out a payment plan has been agreed upon. The lease has a renewal date of
January 31, 2027. Staff used this as a goal to set the payoff date of all past-due rent and loan
payments. The payment structure provides a six-month grace period on the back-due rent and loan
payments. The payments from December 1, 2023, to May 1, 2023, will be $4,375 for rent and
$870.76 for the loan. Starting on June 1, 2023, and ending on January 31, 2027, the payment will
be $6,638 for rent and $1,088 for the loan. The agreement maintains the lease condition that if the
lease is unpaid the City can terminate the lease with a 15-day notice. The agreement also stipulates
that if the payor doesn't make payments, the city can immediately be released from the payment
agreement. Also, Staff have reviewed the original lease and determined that additional clarification
would improve the lease.
Mr. Anderson added there is a loan alternative to the payment plan. The first action would be a
demand letter to the borrower. The EDA has the right to take possession of the business equipment,
as that is defined in the Uniform Commercial Code. The EDA can take other legal action to procure
the payment, can cancel the agreement, or can pursue remedies under the Personal Guaranty or the
Security Agreement.
Councilmember Kragness pointed out the payment plan dates are written incorrectly. Mr.
Anderson confirmed it was written incorrectly in his presentation, but the loan document itself is
accurate. He clarified the payments from December 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024, will be $4,375 for
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rent and $870.76 for the loan. Starting on June 1, 2024, and ending on January 31, 2027, the
payment will be $6,638 for rent and $1,088 for the loan.
Councilmember Kragness asked if the late fees are included in the listed amounts. Mr. Anderson
confirmed the late fees are included in the payment plan.
Councilmember Jerzak stated the best interest in supporting a BIPOC-owned small business is to
move forward with the payment plan. The likely alternative is bankruptcy, and the City doesn’t
want that. The renegotiation of the terms should not set a precedent. It is an effort to protect
taxpayer dollars while supporting the community, both of which are circumstances unique to the
particular situation.
Mai Lor, the owner of Phu Bia, introduced herself through the use of an interpreter. She expressed
her frustration with the process. There are many reasons the business didn’t start in a timely
manner. When she entered the agreement with the City, she received the keys and began working
with an architect to submit plans to the City. Her rent payments started in 2022, but she couldn’t
open until the City approved the plans for the space. In September, she received approval to start
construction. The inspector said certain items needed to be approved before moving on to the next
project. In January and February 2023, the plumbing plans were approved, so they were finally
able to move forward with construction. She noted she had been working with Vong, a City
employee, because he could communicate with her in Hmong.
Ms. Lor pointed out there were delays with the installation of the coolers. In May 2023, they were
almost done with construction, and she talked to the Mayor about issues with the front door. Then
two City inspectors came out to address the issue with the front door, but then she had to submit
new architecture plans. The City prioritized approving applications from larger businesses, which
resulted in a slow approval process for her requests. She then spoke to the Mayor who helped to
secure funds to install a new front door.
Ms. Lor added she spoke with Vong regarding the rent payments back in August 2022 and she was
working with him on the back payments. She was under the impression the Council already knew
about the difficult situation. She continued to update Vong and the two inspectors regularly. Then
she used the remaining money she had to buy the coolers, which resulted in her inability to pay
recent rent payments.
Ms. Lor asked for an understanding of her situation. She is also working through a lawsuit related
to the coolers. She is a woman, BIPOC entrepreneur who believes Brooklyn Center is a safe, good
place for her business. She tries to keep the products affordable for community members. She
opened her business in Brooklyn Center hoping to offer more affordable grocery options to
Brooklyn Center and nearby cities such as Minneapolis. Much of the produce is bought from local
farmers to support other local businesses. She has only been open for a few weeks, but many
customers have shown their appreciation for the business.
Ms. Lor added she has been very stressed about the business, and it is hard for her to sleep at night.
She thanked the Council for their time and consideration in the matter.
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Councilmember Kragness stated she wants to make sure the business succeeds and that the
payment arrangement is plausible and understood by Ms. Lor. Ms. Lor stated she understands the
arrangement.
Councilmember Jerzak thanked Ms. Lor for sharing her experience with the Council. Mayor Pro
Tem Butler apologized for her negative experience.
City Attorney Jason Hill pointed out that the Charter requires a resolution to have three of five
votes, regardless of how many Councilmembers are present.
Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to adopt a Resolution
Approving a Payment Plan and an Amendment to the Commercial Lease Agreement with Phu Bia
Limited Liability Company for Property Located at 1350 Shingle Creek Crossing.
Motion passed unanimously.
10b. RESOLUTION DENYING PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2023-
007 REGARDING A SITE AND BUILDING PLAN AT 7100 BROOKLYN
BOULEVARD
Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited City Planner and Zoning Administrator
Ginny McIntosh to make the Staff presentation.
City Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh explained on November 13, 2023, City
Council made a motion to direct staff to prepare a resolution of denial for Planning Commission
Application No. 2023-007, which contemplated the conversion of a former credit union and office
building located at 7100 Brooklyn Boulevard to a 17-unit multi-family residential building and
related improvements, and based upon the submitted findings of fact. Ms. McIntosh stated the
property owner was present and requested to address the Council.
Adedoja Jinadu introduced herself and explained she was there representing the property owner.
She explained the proposed project meets the minimum zoning requirements and the
Comprehensive Plan expectations. She noted she previously sent an email to the Council, and she
read a few excerpts from the email.
Ms. Jinadu pointed out Staff has been very helpful in the process. The building owner was able to
provide comment at the November 13, 2023 meeting. However, she wanted to further explain
some concerns. They are mindful of the noise impacts. To address the density concern, the
apartment building is primarily one-bedroom and studio units with only one two-bedroom unit.
The zoning allows for a density of up to 31 units per acre. However, the project is closer to 17
units on just about one acre.
Ms. Jinadu stated the units will likely only occupy one or two residents per unit. There is a
minimum of 34 parking stalls required for the units with 18 additional visitor parking spots. That
results in 52 spots. The parking was arranged to decrease noise impacts and exceeds parking
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requirements per the City Code. There is also an agreement with the church regarding a fence
between the current property and the church’s lot that is in line with the numerous easements.
Ms. Jinadu noted about 85 percent of the residents are expected to be working class. Therefore,
there would be very little traffic during typical business hours. Also, the property owner made an
agreement with Staff to have a building manager available at all hours and will maintain the
cleanliness of the parking lot. Additionally, the property owner has offered to add a trash enclosure
with signage regarding proper dumping. Any improper dumping will result in a fine for the
resident.
Ms. Jinadu explained the property includes security cameras and technology access perimeters.
Also, there will be parking spots assigned to units to restrict random parking. Any violators will
be towed. She doesn’t foresee any issue with noise related to the parking lot due to the low density
and location of the site.
Ms. Jinadu stated the property owner included a bike rack even though it wasn’t a requirement as
a way to promote alternative modes of transportation and accessing the parks the City has to offer.
Due to the location and its original use, there isn’t an opportunity to add amenities. The unit sizes
make it unlikely for children to live in the building. There can’t be a green space near the pond
due to concerns around erosion. There also can’t be a fence around the pond due to Code
restrictions.
Ms. Jinadu added the owner has made every effort to follow City guidelines while promoting
additional housing options in the City. She pointed out research shows Brooklyn Center has more
and more young people and students joining the community. The proposed use would be attractive
to that growing sector of the population. They redesigned the parking layout to minimize noise
and have improved the lighting plan. They are committed to continue to working with the City to
make a plan that works for all parties.
Councilmember Jerzak asked the Council if they found that any new information was presented
for the Council to consider changing their original determination.
Councilmember Kragness stated she didn’t hear new information, and her primary concern is the
impact on surrounding businesses.
Ms. Jinadu stated some businesses had concern about noise, but there wouldn’t be any external
construction, and the existing building is very sound proof. Also, there is more than enough
parking available to avoid any potential conflicts regarding parking. The building itself won’t
have much changes beyond converting the units from office to residential. The sprinkler and ADA
requirements are already met.
Mayor Pro Tem Butler stated her position on the item hasn’t changed.
Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to adopt a resolution for
denial of Planning Commission Application No. 2023-007, submitted by 7100 Brooklyn Blvd LLC
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that would allow for the conversion of a former credit union and office building to a 17-unit multi-
family residential building and related improvements at 7100 Brooklyn Boulevard, and based upon
the submitted findings of fact.
11. COUNCIL REPORT
None.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Butler moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded adjournment of the City
Council meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.