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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.04.08 CCM EDA/WORKSESSION4/8/24 -1- 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 8, 2024 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session called to order by Mayor/President April Graves at 8:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President April Graves and Councilmembers/Commissioners Marquita Butler, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Dan Jerzak, and Teneshia Kragness. Councilmember/Commissioner Kris Lawrence-Anderson was absent and excused. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Community Development Director Jesse Anderson, and City Clerk Barb Suciu. REGULATION OF GROUP HOMES This item was addressed during the Work Session. NO MOW MAY City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Community Development Director Jesse Anderson to continue the presentation. Mr. Anderson pointed out Brooklyn Center has previously participated in No Mow May. He explained many bees come out of hibernation in May and need flowers to feed on for themselves and their babies. The purpose of No Mow May is to encourage the bloom of spring flowers. As part of the program, cities are encouraged to relax lawn ordinance enforcement for the month of May. Mr. Anderson stated the City has participated in this event in past years and Staff believes that it could be beneficial to the environment as well as provide some relief to property owners, who frequently don't have their lawn mowers in full working order yet. A relaxing of long grass enforcement until June 1, 2024 would give residents additional time for this and also allow staff to continue to educate and work with families to prepare for mowing their lawns come June. Mr. Anderson explained in 2023, there were a total of 443 cases for tall grass and weeds opened by inspection staff. Of the total number of cases, 24 were complaint generated cases and the rest of the cases were generated by staff proactively. 12 cases were generated in the month of May, 4/8/24 -2- seven of those cases were complaint cases. In June, there were a total of 259 cases, in July 60 cases, and in August 97 cases, and the remaining 15 cases were opened in September and October. Mr. Anderson pointed out Staff's largest concern was how to address long grass complaints, as the City begins to receive these frequently beginning in May. An action by the Council/EDA to relax long grass enforcement until June 1, 2024, would provide Staff with an explanation as to why enforcement is not taking place and also provide an opportunity to educate residents about the benefits of bee-friendly lawns. This action would be for the 2024 season only. The Council/EDA may determine to review the decision next year to determine if it should be taken again. Councilmember/Commissioner asked if the Council/EDA establishes No Mow May, why wouldn’t that also establish no complaints would be received during May. Mr. Anderson stated there is an automized complaint system. Last year, the Staff didn’t act on any complaints related to No Mow May. Councilmember/Commissioner asked for there to be a disclaimer on the complaint form to explain why grass may be longer in May. She also suggested more community education be completed. Councilmember/Commissioner Jerzak stated he would like the rule to be relaxed by the Council because it makes the inspector’s job easier. He added the weeds are addressed by a different ordinance than the grass length. He noted his support for a resolution for No Mow May. There was a consensus by the Council/EDA to direct Staff to prepare a resolution in support of No Mow May. Councilmember/Commissioner Jerzak asked for Mayor/ President Graves to address concerns about the first hour of the meeting not being recorded. Mayor/President Graves stated the Council/EDA needs time for an uninterrupted discussion. However, the meetings will be recorded for the sake of transparency, per consensus of the Council/EDA. Dr. Edwards pointed out the meetings have been recorded, but the meetings will begin to be broadcasted via Zoom for community members to watch. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Jerzak moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Kragness seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 8:42 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.