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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.10.28 CCM REGULAR10/28/24 -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 REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 28, 2024 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor April Graves at 7:06 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Mayor April Graves and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Dan Jerzak, and Teneshia Kragness. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Assistant City Engineer Lydia Ener, Community Development Director Jesse Anderson, Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Jason Hill. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM Mayor April Graves opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum and reviewed the required decorum. Gretchen E. reminded community members the City Hall is open for early voting. She noted she attended a Hwy 252 meeting that day and thanked Mayor Graves and Councilmember Jerzak for their attendance and participation in the meeting. Katie W. introduced herself as the mother of Duante Wright and cofounder of the Duante and Kobe No More Names Initiative. She requested the Council consider the Implementation Committee members to continue their work on the permanent committee. She also requested non-residents be considered for the permanent committee. Brooklyn Center is a pass-through community, and many people live outside of the City but enter the City to worship, work, dine, and shop. There are numerous folks who are not Brooklyn Center residents who would have valuable experience and knowledge to share with the permanent committee. Katie W. added October 27, 2024, would have been Duante Wright’s 24th birthday. Mayor Graves wished Duante a happy birthday. 10/28/24 -2- Devlin W. explained he lives on 50th Avenue, he missed the special assessments meeting, and attended the wrong meeting. He stated he owns one building with one set of utilities. However, he received two bills because the building has two addresses. He tried to call multiple times without any answer. He has been passed around to various Departments, and no one is sure who he is supposed to speak to. Devlin W. has experienced similar issues with other City processes. He purchased a building about two years ago and obtained a rental license. Since then, he has been on a six-month schedule with regular fees to maintain his license. He just got approved for a three-year rental license, but the length of the process was due to poor communication from Staff. Devlin W. stated he should be able to speak with Staff with questions or concerns, especially when the lack of response from the City results in a fine for him. Another business owner on 50th Avenue has suggested the creation of a formal group to fight the City. There have been issues with cars parked too long. Mayor Graves thanked Devlin W. for his comments. She stated his time limit has been reached and noted her hope that Staff would help him to navigate his concerns. Amity D. requested the Council put as much effort into the permanent committee as the Implementation Committee put into their items. He pointed out law enforcement isn’t required to live in Brooklyn Center. Therefore, members of the permanent committee shouldn’t be required to live in Brooklyn Center. Raj S. introduced himself as a representative of the Minneapolis NAACP. In the wake of the apology issued by the President of the United States, local governments are still choosing to do the Pledge of Allegiance without any land acknowledgments. He asked why Brooklyn Center doesn’t do a public land acknowledgment. Raj S. agreed the permanent committee should include residents from outside of Brooklyn Center. Similar to the Minneapolis NAACP, such groups have impacts outside of their base community. Randy C. pointed out all other Brooklyn Center committees have a requirement that the participants be City residents. Mayor Graves noted they are past their Informal Open Forum time limit. Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to close the Informal Open Forum at 6:20 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 5. INVOCATION Councilmember Kragness shared a quote about unity, community, strength, love, and justice. 10/28/24 -3- 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Mayor Graves seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, with amendments to the Regular Session meeting minutes of October 14, 2024, as discussed during the Study Session, and the following consent items were approved: 6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. October 14, 2024 – Study Session 2. October 14, 2024 – Regular Session 3. October 14, 2024 – EDA/Worksession 6b. LICENSES MECHANICAL Advanced Climate Solutions LLC 930 Hub Court Crown Point 46307 Liberty Comfort Systems 627 East River Road Anoka 55303 MN Heating and Cooling LLC 410 Pleasant Crest Circle Annandale 55376 RENTAL INITIAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 6618 Camden Drive Hussain Khan INITIAL (TYPE III – one-year license) 5754 Humboldt Avenue N Chinedu Agbonghai & Igure Augustine INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 6100 Summit Drive LUX PROPERTY SPE LLC 4207 Lakeside Avenue N #338 Julian Tamonkia Awandem RENEWAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 5301 France Avenue N Juniper Land Trust Llc 5406 Sailor Lane JMW Investments LLC 5849 Colfax Avenue N Bay Street Homes, LLC 10/28/24 -4- 6628 Camden Drive Wells Bovards 7141 Newton Avenue N Ih2 Property Illinois Lp RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license) 3612 Commodore Drive Ih2 Property Illinois Lp 3701 Woodbine Lane Rose Blalock 4506 71st Avenue N Obafemi Oladeji 5500 Knox Avenue N Mnsf Ii W1 Llc 6000 Bryant Avenue N RTO Investments LLC 6413 June Avenue N CEL MONTON LLC RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 1800 57th Avenue N Zenaldo Alonso Contreras/ Carmela Alonso Morales 5300 Queen Avenue N FOZIA ABASHAM 5719 Halifax Avenue N 5719 Halifax Ave Llc 6100 Bryant Avenue N Kurt Templin | Mary Templin RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license) 5347 Brooklyn Boulevard Randall B Cook 4419 Winchester Lane Easton Homes Llc 5147 Drew Avenue N Frank Jin & Emily Zhao 5524 Knox Avenue N Michael Ude 5807 Drew Avenue N D Kabanuk & T L Kabanuk 5924 Dupont Avenue N J Miller & D Miller 5924 Washburn Avenue N R M Mcluen & L E Mcluen 6107 Emerson Avenue N Lydia Yeboah 6721 Perry Avenue N Abebayehu Wordofa 10/28/24 -5- 6c. RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING AWARDED FUNDS FOR THE PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES APPLICATION THROUGH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL’S 2024 REGIONAL SOLICITATION GRANT PROCESS AND AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS 6d. BROOKLYN CENTER CITY COUNCIL'S OFFICIAL REQUESTED INITIAL COMMITMENTS FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REGARDING THE HIGHWAY 252/I-94 PROJECT 6e. OPTING IN TO HENNEPIN COUNTY'S CDBG CONSOLIDATED POOL Motion passed unanimously. 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 7a. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited Community Development Director Jesse Anderson to continue the Staff presentation. Community Development Director Jesse Anderson explained the Community Development Department’s mission is to ensure balanced growth, foster economic development, and provide services to both residents and businesses. By guiding the city’s development through effective planning, zoning, building oversight, economic development, and code compliance, we strive to maintain Brooklyn Center as a thriving, diverse community. He showed an organizational chart for the Department. Mr. Anderson stated the Department oversees multiple functions such as building and community standards which include enforcing codes, managing property maintenance, conducting rental licensing inspections, and handling vacant buildings. The Department oversees business and economic development as well including planning and zoning services, long-range strategic planning, economic development programs, business retention and expansion programs, and workforce development. Mr. Anderson noted Brooklyn Center has a performance-based rental licensing program. The Community Development Department processes, tracks, and performs rental inspections, provides a resource packet to all renters, investigates and resolves property complaints, investigates and enforces unlicensed rental properties, educates folks on Tenant Protection Ordinances, administers rental licensing, offers CPTED inspections, negotiations mitigation plans for Type III and Type IV licenses, and inspects all multi-family units. Mr. Anderson showed a pie chart depicting active rental licenses. Out of just under 12,000 housing units, about 30 percent of them are rental units. There are 709 active rental licenses, and there are 50 expired licenses. Around half of all licenses get three-year licenses, one-third receive two-year 10/28/24 -6- licenses. He pointed out there are 116 inactive group home properties. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Department of Human Services show 175 properties in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Anderson pointed out code enforcement is a complaint-based program. There are proactive code enforcement efforts such as neighborhood sweeps, long grass, corridor sweeps, and commercial properties. Through the Code Enforcement Engagement Program, Staff will knock on doors to talk to residents about code violations found at the property. Mr. Anderson noted the Community Development Department also administers citations and abatements. In 2023, there were 2,446 code enforcement cases. So far in 2024, there have been 2,634 code enforcement cases. There has been an increase in illegal dumping on commercial properties and vacant lots and an increase in break-ins into vacant commercial properties. Mr. Anderson showed a chart depicting the annual totals of vacant properties. As of October 18, 2024, there are 64 vacant properties, including both commercial and residential. He pointed out a vacant unit within a larger property is not counted as vacant. There are notices given regarding lawn care. Mr. Anderson stated that 2024 code enforcement and rental initiatives have included continuing proactive code enforcement activity through door knocking and education, monitoring commercial vacant properties daily, educating folks following No Mow May, and amending Chapters 12 and 19. They have worked on educating new multi-family property owners and management staff on rental license inspection programs and processes, continuing ongoing education of the Tenant Protection Ordinance, and improving and automating the rental license program through iMS. Mr. Anderson explained the 2024-2025 initiatives for the building division include reviewing the fixed fee permit schedule, continuing cross-training in preparation for the Opportunity Site, updating handouts and brochures, reviewing updated codes for 2026 adoption, hiring a new electrical inspection contractor, updating the iMS permit flow, continuing education with do-it- yourself (DIY) property owners and contractors, applying for a grant to obtain funding for a trainee, and reviewing single-family homes that are being converted to MDH assisted living facilities. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson noted the code enforcement sweeps used to be rather regimented. She asked if the code enforcement is solely complaint-based. Mr. Anderson stated Staff decreased sweeps during COVID-19. Now there is more Staff time focused on rental inspections and group homes. Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh stated in 2024, the City has received a number of applications including one Site and Building Plan, five Conditional Use Permits, two Subdivisions, one Planned Unit Development (PUD), three Ordinance Amendments, and one Concept Plan Review. Despite market conditions, there have been some new developments. New construction projects were Wangstad Commons and Pollo Campero. The former Walmart has been converted to Empire Foods, Applebee’s to Dos Hermanos, Big O Tires to Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services Inspection Station, Earle Brown Bowl to Los Campeones Gym, and Discount Tire to an 10/28/24 -7- expanded Icon Beauty. Ms. McIntosh stated 2025 planning and zoning initiatives include continuing to review the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for opportunities to strengthen and clarify the document, implementing cannabis regulations prior to 2025, monitoring ongoing “Missing Middle” legislation, reviewing opportunities to be more efficient and streamlined with the development process to promote competitiveness, creating a Housing Policy Plan, considering Local Affordable Housing Act (LAHA) and Housing Trust Fund options, and continuing to seek additional opportunities for funding for the Opportunity Site. Additionally, Staff hopes to strengthen and diversity business development and housing priority areas such as the former Sears, the former Target, former Brown College, 57th and Logan, Opportunity Site, and Shingle Creek Crossing. Ms. McIntosh showed a graph depicting building permit project valuation annually since 2017 and a list of construction activity within the City since July 2023 including Brothers Taqueria, All Taco, 102 Boba, Micholandia, Harold’s Chicken, Regus, Vista Salon and Suites, San Juditas Tadeo Grocery Store, Dos Hermanos, Empire Foods, Icon Beauty, Los Campeones, Pollo Campero, Wangstad Commons, and the MN DVS Inspection Station. So far in 2024, the building permit project valuation is just over $27 million. Ms. McIntosh added many businesses are opening soon or finishing up construction such as Wangstad Commons, Polloi Campero, Los Campeones, Icon Beauty, Value Foods, Medtronic, Carol’s Kitchen, Travel Lodge, and multiple assisted living facilities. Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander stated he has been meeting one-on-one with each of the Councilmembers, and he has enjoyed getting to know them. The Economic Growth Plan includes the Opportunity Site, Shingle Creek Crossing, a Brooklyn Center Chamber of Commerce, a Fit Plan for small developers, loan grant programs, and partnership cultivation. Mr. Anderson pointed out Staff has been working on small business technical assistance, a façade improvement fun, Elevate Business through the County, BrookLynk, and the CareerForce Center with HIRED. Most of his time and other economic development Staff time has been focused on grants, marketing strategy, and partnership cultivation. Mr. Anderson stated financial incentives underway include a loan program offering three percent lending for developers, a housing trust fund, and a grant program Entrepreneurial Equity Fund. Mr. Anderson pointed out economic development efforts within Shingle Creek, the Opportunity Site, and the Heritage Center campus are underway. Staff is working with Land Trust Twin Cities to daylight the Creek. Staff is also working on PUD updates to provide more opportunities within Shingle Creek and opportunities for the Sears site. At the Opportunity Site, Staff is working with Alatus on a PUD update, is considering Target redevelopment opportunities, has met with Health Partners, and is continuing to collaborate with Resurrecting Faith World Ministries. Mr. Anderson stated the Community Development Department has worked hard in 2024 addressing the City’s housing, code enforcement, and economic development needs while planning 10/28/24 -8- for future growth. Moving into 2025, the Department remains committed to economic development and ensuring that Brooklyn Center is a community where residents and businesses can thrive. Mayor Graves pointed out it is the first time the Community Development Department has been fully staffed since November 2021. She added she knows someone interested in retail space for a clothing store, and she will connect them to Staff. Councilmember Kragness asked if the sports facility would include indoor soccer. Mr. Alexander stated Staff was contacted by a party interested in building a domed soccer facility. The project is supposedly fifty percent funded, and there are two potential sites within Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked which sites are being considered. Mr. Anderson explained he suggested the potential builder connect with the Director of Parks and Recreation. The second site is at the former Target. The goal would be an outdoor space for the summer and a covered spot for the winter. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated the former Target would be a great location. Mayor Graves noted there has been long-term interest in a sporting facility for the City. She thanked Staff for the presentation. Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to accept the Community Development Annual Report presentation. Motion passed unanimously. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8a. RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2025-02, 67TH AVENUE AND JAMES AVENUE MILL & OVERLAY City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Assistant City Engineer Lydia Ener to continue the Staff presentation. Mayor Graves called for a brief recess at 7:58 due to technical issues. Mayor Graves called the meeting back to order at 8:07. Assistant City Engineer Lydia Ener explained there was one neighbor meeting and the Council has received the feasibility report. She showed a schedule for the rest of the process and pointed out they hope to establish 2025 assessment rates on November 12, 2024, and to have the assessment public hearing and final orders on December 9, 2024. 10/28/24 -9- Ms. Ener explained the proposed project includes roadway and minor utility improvements on 67th Avenue North and James Avenue North. The street and drainage improvements would be pavement mill and overlay, spot curb and gutter replacement, and a casting replacement. As for utility improvements, they are planning for a sanitary casting replacement and a spot hydrant and valve replacement. Ms. Ener pointed out the existing roads are 44 feet wide. The pavement was last reconstructed in 1998. The existing storm sewer pipes were constructed in the early 1970s and range from 15 inches to 36 inches in diameter. The proposed improvements would be for pavement mill and overlay at existing widths, spot curb and gutter replacement, and a storm sewer casting replacement. The existing light poles are fiberglass, in good condition, and owned by Xcel. Ms. Ener stated the existing water main was installed in 1970 and is eight inches in diameter. The proposed improvements for the water mains are a spot hydrant and gate valve replacement. As for the sanitary sewer, it was installed in 1970 and has eight-inch diameter PVC. Televising and condition surveys were taken of sewers and manholes. The proposed improvement is a manhole casting adjustment and replacement. Ms. Enter noted an open house was held for the adjacent properties and property owners on August 29, 2024. Due to the commercial and industrial property uses, the meeting was held midday over the typical lunch hours rather than in the evening, to promote attendance of the commercial properties. Six properties provided responses, with five attending in person, representing five properties of the eleven adjacent to the project. Each attendee was able to discuss how the project would impact their business and access, as well as voice any concerns that could be addressed with the project. The majority of questions asked related to truck parking, access for shipments during construction, and the assessment process. All attendees seemed satisfied with having their questions answered, and many expressed interest in personal follow-up when construction begins. Ms. Ener showed a table with a breakdown of preliminary project funding. Special assessments are intended to account for about one-half of the $790,000 project. Based on the City assessment policy, the commercial properties are assessed by square footage. The estimated interest rate is based on the most recent City bonding and rating policy at seven percent. Ms. Ener pointed out there are three options to pay the special assessment. The assessment may be paid before September 30, 2025, without interest, October 1, 2025, through November 14, 2025, with interest, or installments with property taxes over a ten-year period starting in 2026 with a 5.5 interest rate. The City will accept partial payments. If the project is approved, a letter will be sent to owners regarding another Public Hearing. Councilmember Kragness thanked Staff for the presentation. She asked how much the life of the roads would be extended with the proposed mill and overlays. Ms. Ener explained mill and overlay are used as a rehabilitation project and have a typical life cycle of 20 years. It has been 26 years since the last reconstruction in the area. The rehabilitation will create a better, smoother street and should last up to 20 years. 10/28/24 -10- Councilmember Kragness asked if rehabilitation is included in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). Ms. Ener stated the CIP doesn’t reflect a full reconstruction for the area because that would need to be completed beyond the timeline of the existing CIP. The CIP includes the proposed rehabilitation. Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to open the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. No one appeared to address this item. Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2024-108, a Resolution ordering the Improvement Project No. 2025-02, 67th Avenue and James Avenue Mill & Overlay, and Authorizing Preparation of Project Plans and Specifications. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Graves asked when Dupont would be open. City Engineer Omer stated they anticipate the project will be completed in the second week of November. 9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS 9a. OPPORTUNITY SITE MASTER PLAN Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited Mike Thompson with Bolton & Menk to continue the presentation. Mr. Thompson stated he is excited to present on an item that has been underway for several years. He showed the timeline for the Master Plan beginning in 2019. They are finally on the adoption and implementation step. The Plan includes an executive summary, a vision for a new downtown, public realm, access and connectivity, neighborhood and economic development, and an implementation plan. There is also a template for a Community Benefits Agreement and an Equitable Development Framework included as appendices. Mr. Thompson pointed out that a Master Plan is a big picture, values-driven plan to inform the future downtown and includes a guiding vision for community goals, principles, and benefits development. It does not grant permission for anyone to build on the site. Approval means the community agrees to a shared vision for the Opportunity Site that will guide future development. 10/28/24 -11 - Mr. Thompson stated a Development Proposal, on the other hand, is a specific proposal for what a developer wants to build. Details and City forms are required in order to reflect what a developer would build if approved. The Development Proposal only authorizes a developer to build their specific proposal. The City’s approval is for an agreed-upon development as allowed and approved by local and State policies. Mr. Thompson noted the Master Plan process began with a three-phase engagement and outreach effort. The first phase created a foundation for the goals and priorities of the Opportunity Site by identifying community conditions, concerns, opportunities, and desired development benefits. The second phase vetted the Master Plan to ensure it aligned with community desires and sought to proactively mitigate unintended consequences of future development. The third phase pivoted from the Master Plan to reviewing and informing the design of the Phase 1 Development Site. Mr. Thompson explained the engagement process showed a desire to design a place that reflects and celebrates all people of Brooklyn Center as shepherded by the City. A number of principles and community values guided the process. Mr. Thompson stated the Opportunity Site is intended to be somewhat dense with a focus on a variety of housing for the initial construction. As the market changes, so could the future plans change. He showed an image of the proposed land use. Mr. Thompson added the Opportunity Site is intended to be accessible, walkable, bikeable, and the like. They are considering neighborhood streets, parkways, garden streets, and a main street. There is also a network of public spaces throughout the Site which will connect to existing public spaces such as Centennial Park. He pointed out the area for a regional drainage area that will be used as a focal point, which has already been approved already through the proper channels. Mr. Thompson stated the Master Plan is intended to be used as a comparison for development proposals. It is not a rigid process and is guided by values and goals above all else. He showed a map of the current zoning at the Opportunity Site. The Master Plan creates an opportunity for some flexibility in zoning. Upon approval from the Metropolitan Council, City Staff could formally amend the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map. From there, development may proceed. Mayor Graves asked if the additional step for zoning could be a deterrent for potential developers. Mr. Thompson stated it could be a deterrent. However, it maintains the development goals as determined in the Master Plan. Most established developers have experience going through a similar process, so it isn’t a major concern. Mr. Thompson added any infrastructure added to the City’s system will need to be maintained in the future. Future infrastructure plans may come with an accompanying ask for increased operating funds to ensure all new investments are well-maintained. Additionally, it is recognized that additional construction on the Opportunity Site will likely require additional City Staff in future budgets. 10/28/24 -12- Ms. McIntosh reiterated it has been a long but necessary process. The acknowledgment page in the Master Plan shows the various groups and people that have contributed to the process. Councilmember Kragness pointed out the process has been extremely long. The timing of the Master Plan is somewhat odd because the Council has been open to alternative development interests in order to have some sort of progress on the Opportunity Site. She asked if the parameters limit Brooklyn Center. Dr. Edwards stated the last master planning process was completed in the 1960s. The process allows for flexibility and doesn’t tie down the City to any commitments. The main intention is to provide guidance. Mayor Graves pointed out there was interest in a sports facility on the Opportunity Site. She asked if the Master Plan would turn off future interest in a sports facility there. Mr. Thompson explained the size of the site isn’t a good fit for a giant facility like Allianz. The Master Plan intends to promote a downtown area. Ultimately, the Master Plan wouldn’t preclude a sports facility. Dr. Edwards added the Master Plan is intended to guide future decisions for the site. It shows an interest in a gathering area or other downtown offering and can be used as a comparison for future development considerations. Councilmember Jerzak asked if a Master Plan is required by the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Thompson stated there isn’t a requirement by the Metropolitan Council. However, such a document would be necessary to allow for the unique option of the rezoning process, as previously explained. Councilmember Jerzak stated between market conditions and the length of time since community engagement efforts. He doesn’t want a developer to be deterred by a Master Plan because the ideas aren’t of interest to them. Mr. Thompson explained there are a number of unique qualities of the Opportunity Site. Its proximity to the highway and the City’s ownership of most of the area are attractive to developers. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson requested an update from Staff on Alatus. Mr. Anderson stated they plan to update the Council on the progress of discussions. The City’s legislative priorities work hand-in-hand with Alatus’ interest in the site. Dr. Edwards stated the Master Plan is not intended to be a hodgepodge of ideas but to promote the best possible Brooklyn Center. Mayor Graves agreed the vision is meant to be intentional and guiding the site to best serve the City. Ms. McIntosh pointed out developers have been overwhelmed by the amount of land. The Master Plan is a framework to provide some clarity for interested parties. There are also some limitations with parkway extensions, block sizes, and the like. The Master Plan will help potential developers to see where they could fit into the project. Additionally, developers looking for funding support 10/28/24 -13- from Brooklyn Center can be required to consider the values within the Master Plan prior to receiving any financial assistance. Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to adopt the Opportunity Site Master Plan as the guiding policy document for future build-out of the Opportunity Site Plan. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Graves noted she is frustrated about the lack of lighting throughout Brooklyn Center. It is a priority to include lighting as more areas of the City are built up. Ms. McIntosh stated the updated Code and the UDO have enhanced lighting requirements. There is a push and pull with promoting light without overdoing brightness. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson agreed Shingle Creek needs more lighting. Better lighting is necessary for a safe, walkable community, and promotes a sense of safety. Dr. Edwards thanked Staff for their continued work on the Opportunity Site. 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 10a. APPEALS FOR PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE FINES/CITATION COSTS City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Community Development Director Jesse Anderson to make the Staff presentation. Community Development Director Jesse Anderson explained a public hearing was conducted on October 14, 2024. First of all, the appellant from 7184 Unity Avenue North stated she was out of the country and did not know she was receiving citations until she returned. Staff had found the property during proactive code enforcement efforts. An inoperable vehicle was visible from the street. Staff conducted eight inspections over a two-month period. A total of three administrative citations were issued totaling $700. The vehicle was ultimately removed. Mr. Anderson stated the appellant from 5811 Shores Drive sent an email explaining she didn’t have the funds needed to repair her siding because she had to replace her HVAC unit. City received a complaint about the property conditions of a few townhomes in the association. Staff completed an inspection and cited the property in violation. After a couple of notices and extensions, Staff issued administrative citations for failure to comply. The City didn’t receive a mechanical permit for an HVAC unit replacement. Two administrative citations were issued totaling $200. He showed photos of the home. Mr. Anderson added the appellant from 6718 Quail Avenue North stated she did not receive paper or email notices to renew her rental license. She claimed she had been caring for her mother, but she has now moved back into the property. The six-month license expired on February 28, 2023. Three administrative citations were issued totaling $5,000. Four notices were sent prior to the first 10/28/24 -14- citation in May 2023. All notices, both via letter and email, were sent to the email and address on file. In June 2023, the appellant stated the emails were going to her junk folder and she would stop in to renew the license. In May 2024, a rental inspection was completed and passed. However, the appellant was notified she would not receive the license until her outstanding utility bill was paid. In June 2024, the rental license was changed to inactive because the property was listed as an assisted living facility. Mr. Anderson stated the recommendation for the appeal regarding Unity to be maintained, the appeal for Shores to be reduced by $100 due to similar citations, and the appeal for Quail to be maintained. Mayor Graves stated the quickness for the $2,000 fees is alarming, referring to the Quail appeal. Mr. Anderson stated there was a little over a month between each citation. Monthly citations are regular for renting without a license. Citations are more regular for less complicated issues. Mayor Graves noted the process was long. Mr. Anderson explained the initial email renewal was sent in January 2023 with three more after that. Once the license is expired, a letter and email are sent out monthly. Mayor Graves asked why the May 2023 citation was only for $300. Mr. Anderson stated the citation starts at $300 and doubles over time. Past citations have been assessed in previous years already. Councilmember Jerzak stated there were around 4,000 assessments, but only three were appealed. If the City is going to pass ordinances and citations, then they need to support their inspectors. The Staff’s effort to communicate with residents and enforce codes should be respected. Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2024-110 , A Resolution Certifying Special Assessments for Administrative Fines/Citations cost to the Hennepin County Tax Roll. Motion passed unanimously. 11. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Butler reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Thanked the Parks and Recreation Commission and Staff for their work on the Halloween Party. Councilmember Jerzak reported on his attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Participated in the ribbon cutting for the Vehicle Inspection Station. • Attended a Hwy 252 Task Force meeting. • Attended the Public Works Maintenance Facility tour. 10/28/24 -15- • Discussed concerns with constituents. Councilmember Kragness reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended the Public Works Maintenance Facility tour. • Attended the Halloween Party. • Attended the ribbon cutting for the Vehicle Inspection Station. • Attended the swearing-in for new officers. Mayor Graves reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Participated in the ribbon cutting for the Vehicle Inspection Station. • Attended a Hwy 252 Task Force meeting. • Volunteered with some School Board members. • Met with Staff from the NAACP. • Met with Brooklyn Park’s Mayor. • Reminded folks she and other City representatives will be attending a conference in Tampa in November. There was a discussion regarding the attendance of Council for the November 12, 2024 meeting. 12. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 9:10 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.