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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.09.23 CCM STUDY SESSION9/23/24 -1- 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 SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor April Graves at 6:07 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor April Graves and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, Dan Jerzak, and Teneshia Kragness. Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson was absent and excused. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Recreation Department Customer Service Representative Rachel Kenyon, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu, Deputy City Clerk Shannon Pettit, and City Attorney Cristina Cruz-Jennings. CITY COUNCIL MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION ITEMS Mayor Graves noted she emailed the Council about Open Hands, Inc. She read the email in full describing the organization, its history, and its efforts in the community. Their 25th Anniversary will be celebrated in October. She suggested drafting a letter or proclamation showing their support and thankfulness for the organization’s impact on the community. Councilmember Jerzak stated he would support a letter and proclamation. Mayor Graves requested Staff draft a proclamation. CITY MANAGER MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION ITEMS City Manager Reggie Edwards pointed out City Attorney Siobhan Tolar is not present. In her place, Cristina Cruz-Jennings is present. 2025 LEGISLATIVE PROCESS City Manager Reggie Edwards explained the legislative process is an annual rhythm for the Council to review their priorities. Dr. Edwards noted there is a tour of the Public Works Garage for Brooklyn Center’s representatives because the City is seeking out funding for the Garage. He stated there is an open house at the garage on Friday, October 25 at 9:00 a.m. 9/23/24 -2- Councilmember Jerzak indicated he is interested in attending the event. Councilmember Kragness stated she is interested as well. Dr. Edwards confirmed invitations will be sent out. It would be beneficial for Councilmembers present at the tour to further advocate for the funding. Dr. Edwards pointed out there was a legislative breakfast hosted by the City during the previous legislative session, and it was very successful. The next legislative lunch is November 20, 2024. The time was moved to make the event more convenient. Save the Dates will be sent out in the near future. Mayor Graves confirmed she is available on November 20 for the event. Dr. Edwards stated there will be an agenda item to further discuss legislative priorities after the Public Works Garage tour. There will be two opportunities to discuss legislative priorities and the priorities will be finalized November 12, 2024. The legislative session will begin in January 2025. Then in June 2025, there will be a recap of the session provided to the Council. Councilmember Jerzak requested the tables at the luncheon be a mix of folks to promote networking. Additionally, he requested a microphone and podium be available. Lastly, he asked that there be some time to eat food prior to entering discussions so everyone has the opportunity to eat without awkwardness. Councilmember Kragness expressed her support for the plan and explained she hopes to get their priorities in front of the right people. Mayor Graves asked if there are priorities of interest to the Council that aren’t currently on Staff’s radar. Councilmember Jerzak asked for Staff to provide a list of priorities to the Council for review prior to an official discussion. He noted he would like to see the Public Works Garage receive funding, and he would like to prepare for possible testimony in support of the Garage. Mayor Graves stated Staff could send a list of the previous year’s priorities for the Council to work from. There has been consideration if the calculations for Local Government Aid are equitable for cities like Brooklyn Center. She noted she recently met with the Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee through the National League of Cities, and they have prepared their legislative priorities at the Federal level. She added there is an urge for the Federal government to provide funds supporting crime prevention efforts at the local level, and she would like to see Brooklyn Center prioritize the same concept. Councilmember Jerzak pointed out that the Surgeon General recently declared a public health crisis regarding social media. It may be worth learning more about the declaration and if there is a place for legislative support. Mayor Graves stated there is a need for more diverse voices at elective tables. She suggested more 9/23/24 -3- folks participate in committees and whatnot. Councilmember Jerzak reiterated his interest in obtaining financial support for the Public Works Garage. He would also like to see Tax Increment Funding timelines be extended. Highway 252 and alternative response teams could also benefit from some additional support. Mayor Graves noted she would like to revisit the Council conduct documents. Councilmember Kragness confirmed she has notes to discuss that topic. Councilmember Jerzak stated he has reviewed the documents, but he has been more focused on the budget lately. He stated he would prepare suggestions for the draft. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS PARKS AND SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT PROCESS Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited Customer Service Representative Rachel Kenyon and Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu to continue the presentation. Ms. Kenyon explained she and one other Staff member oversee the permitting process for park use. There are shelter or building rentals available at fifteen parks throughout Brooklyn Center. Rentals are available from May 1 through October 15. Brooklyn Center residents are able to make reservations around mid-March of each year while non-residents can make reservations beginning in late April. Rental applications must be filled out in person at the Community Center. A proof of address is required when applying for a park permit. The permitholder must be onsite during the rental. Ms. Kenyon noted Staff has a number of procedures during the time of application. There are different shelters and buildings recommended based on the party size, amenities, and available dates. Staff reviews park policies and permitholder responsibilities at the time of the rental. If any request has a component that would require a Special Events Permit, Staff refer the applicant to the City Clerk’s Office. Ms. Kenyon added Staff call permitholders the week of their rental to remind them of the park policies and expectations. Parks and Recreation Outreach Staff stop by each rental to discuss policies and expectations and act as a contact if the permitholder needs any assistance during their rental. After the rental, Staff compiles feedback from Outreach Staff, Public Works Department Staff, and law enforcement to determine whether a deposit will be refunded. Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu pointed out that a Special Events License is issued for a temporary, organized activity sponsored by an event organizer involving the gathering of people to attend, participate, or observe an activity occurring entirely or partly outdoors on City or private property. 9/23/24 -4- Ms. Suciu explained criteria for a Special Events License include the attendance of 100 or more people, ancillary activities, and the use of sound amplification systems or speakers that will likely result in noise levels that will unreasonably disturb others in the immediate area. City Ordinance requires an event occurring on the same property shall not extend for more than three consecutive days without special circumstances. Additionally, events that are scheduled to occur on a regular basis or throughout an entire season can have one Special Event Permit for the entire period. Ms. Suciu noted the fully completed application must be submitted at least 45 days before the event’s starting date. For large-scale events involving 1,000 participants or more, the application must be made 90 days in advance. The application is reviewed by the City Clerk’s Office for completeness. Ms. Suciu added the application is routed to various Departments. The Parks and Streets Superintendent reviews the application for any necessary road closures and traffic control measures. The Public Works Director considers utilities and clean-up. The Police Chief handles amplified sound and security plans as needed. The Parks and Recreation Director handles any approvals for park use and clean up. The City Planner or Building Official determines needs for trash disposal, restrooms, food permits, and tents. Lastly, the City Clerk oversees any alcohol permitting. Ms. Suciu explained once an application is reviewed by all relevant Departments, the City Clerk sees if the application has been approved or denied. From there, the City Clerk sends the applicant the Special Events License if approved. Councilmember Kragness asked if an applicant signed anything. Ms. Kenyon pointed out where the applicant signs on the forms. There is an area to review policies before signing. Councilmember Kragness stated the documents state tobacco and the like are prohibited from use in the amphitheater or any City property, but it doesn’t specify the same for shelter rentals. Ms. Kenyon stated not every Ordinance is listed on the application. However, the tobacco prohibition detail can be added. Mayor Graves noted the documents stated a County food license is required when serving food. Later on, the document states gambling or charging admission is prohibited. She asked how an event at the amphitheater can be a private event. Ms. Kenyon stated an amphitheater may be used for a smaller gathering, but there isn’t anything such as a physical barrier to keep others out of the amphitheater. Councilmember Jerzak asked if there has been a study to determine if the fees match the required Staff time to process an application. Ms. Kenyon stated she wasn’t involved in the initial fee calculations, but they do consider Parks and Recreation Staff timing. They also compare rates to other parks. Ms. Suciu added there is a debrief held after the rental season to discuss any changes that need to 9/23/24 -5- be made. Mayor Graves thanked Staff for the presentation. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Graves adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m.