HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.01.13 CCP STUDYCOUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MEETING
City Hall Council Chambers
January 13, 2025
AGENDA
1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m.
2. Council Miscellaneous Discussion Items
a. Discussion of Resolution 2024-138 - Community Safety Commission
b. Discussion of Resolution 2024-128 - Code of Conduct
3. City Manager Miscellaneous Discussion Items
a. Council Agenda Packet Delivery Date Discussion
4. Adjournment
Page 1 of 26
Council Regular Meeting
DATE: 1/13/2025
TO: Council Study Session
FROM:
THROUGH:
BY: Barb Suciu, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Discussion of Resolution 2024-138 - Community Safety Commission
Requested Council Action:
Background:
A request was submitted to have this added to the Study Session agenda for further
discussion.
Budget Issues:
Inclusive Community Engagement:
Antiracist/Equity Policy Effect:
Strategic Priorities and Values:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2024-138 CVSC Commission
Page 2 of 26
Member Butler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-138
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE BROOKLYN CENTER COMMUNITY
SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION COMMISSION AND DEFINING DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES
WHEREAS, on May 15, 2021, the City Council for the City of Brooklyn Center (“City”)
passed Resolution No. 2021-73, adopting the Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler
Community Safety and Violence Prevention Act (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Act required the City to create a permanent Community Safety and
Violence Prevention Committee, which was to be tasked with reviewing and making
recommendations regarding the policing response to the protests that occurred in the City in April
2021, reviewing the current collective bargaining agreement between the City and the Police
Department, making recommendations prior to the renegotiation of the agreement and before its
final approval, recommending the City Council create a separate and permanent civilian oversight
committee for the new Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention, reviewing
Chapter 19 of the City Code, making recommendations with regard to repealing or amending
provisions or penalties therein, including fines and fees, and periodically making any other
recommendations to the City Council related to initiating programs or policies to improve
community health in the City; and
WHEREAS, the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Committee was to include a
majority of members that are City residents with direct experience being arrested, detained, or
having other similar contact with the Brooklyn Center Police Department or had direct contact
with one or more of the other services to be provided by the new Department of Community Safety
and Violence Prevention; and
WHEREAS, the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Committee was to be chaired
by the Mayor, with list of potential members created by the Director of the Department of
Community Safety and Violence Prevention and members from that list recommended by the
Mayor and confirmed by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is authorized by Section 2.02 of the City Charter to create
boards, commissions, and committees to assign to them specific duties; and
WHEREAS, the City remains committed to creating a safer, healthier, more just, and more
thriving community by promoting a diversity of responses to our community's safety needs that
do not rely solely on our armed law enforcement officers; and
WHEREAS, the City remains committed to putting in the work necessary to bring about
changes as quickly as possible in how the City provides public safety while recognizing that some
of these measures will take longer to implement than others and that additional work remains to
be done to create a healthier and more equitable community; and
Page 3 of 26
WHEREAS, due to the permancey of the Community Safety and Violence Prevention
Committee referenced in the Act and the importance of the work they will be tasked to perform,
the City Council desires to establish the body as a permanent advisory commission for the City of
Brooklyn Center, as opposed to a committee, to be identified as the Community Safety and
Violence Prevention Commission (“Commission”). The Act shall be amended to reflect the
establishment of a commission as opposed to a committee; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to expand upon the Act and to expand and clarify the
duties, responsibilities and structure of the Commission. The Act shall be amended to reflect the
duties, responsibilities and structure of the Commission as set forth in this Resolution; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Brooklyn
Center, Minnesota, as follows:
1. Establishment. The advisory Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission
(“Commission”) is hereby established for the City of Brooklyn Center.
2. Scope. In accordance with the Act and the findings set forth above, the scope of activity of
the Commission shall consist of advising the City Council and other City advisory
commissions and committees regarding matters relevant to Community Safety and
Violence Prevention functions.
3. Purpose. The general purpose of the Commission is to act in an advisory capacity to the
City Council on issues related to Community Safety and Violence Prevention.
4. Duties and Responsibilities. In accordance with the Act and the findings set forth above,
and in fulfilllment of its purpose, the Commission’s duties and responsibilities of the
Commission include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Develop, advise, recommend, and upon adoption by the City Council, monitor the
execution of a comprehensive plan and recommend amendments to the plan as
warranted relevant to community safety and violence prevention matters in the
City, including the Act;
b. Advise and assist the City in the adoption of policies and procedures by the City
Council responsive to changing diverse community needs and concerns in matters
of community safety and violence prevention;
c. Annually report to the City Council regarding accomplishments toward fulfillment
of such comprehensive plan and recommend amendments to the plan as warranted;
d. Advise and assist the City in reviewing and discussing community safety and
violence prevention policies for the City, and make recommendations to the City
Council concerning community safety and violence prevention in the City;
Page 4 of 26
e. Work with City staff and other Commissions on matters regarding community
safety and violence prevention in the City;
f. Review current community safety and violence prevention initiatives, practices,
and policies;
g. Work with neighborhood committees to understand the community safety and
violence prevention needs of each area in the City;
h. Identify high-priority areas for community safety and violence prevention in the
community and analyze methods of fulfilling these needs and interests and
presenting alternative recommendations for actions to the City Council;
i. Provide opportunities for the citizens of Brooklyn Center to voice their concerns
and opinions regarding community safety and violence prevention matters;
j. Recommend new and innovative concepts in community safety and violence
prevention for the City;
k. Advise, review and make recommendations for the City’s response to protests;
l. Review the current collective bargaining agreement between the City make
recommendations prior to final approval to the City Manager;
m. Periodically make any other recommendations to the City Council related to
initiating programs or policies to improve community health in the City.
5. Composition. The Commission shall be composed of a Chairperson and six (6) voting
members and four non-voting advisors, all of whom shall be appointed and serve as set
forth below. All voting members of the Commission shall be residents with direct
experience or contact with the public safety, judicial or public health systems. Or have had
direct contact or expertise with one or more of the public safety, judicial or public health
systems. All non-voting advisors shall be appointed and serve as set forth below. All non-
voting advisors shall have direct experience or contact with the public safety, judicial or
public health systems or have had direct contact or expertise with one or more of the public
safety, judicial or public health systems
6. Method of Selection. The Office of Community Prevention, Health and Safety will provide
the Mayor with a list of commission candidates to serve on the Commission after review
with Brooklyn Center Police Department, Brooklyn Center Fire Department and Brooklyn
Center Parks and Recreation Department. The Mayor will recommend candidates to the
City Council for appointment. The City Council shall appoint members to the Commission
by resolution.
Page 5 of 26
7. Initial Appointment. The Commission under this resolution shall become effective March
30th, 2025, or soon thereafter, and shall consist of three members appointed for a term
through 2027, three members appointed for a term through 2026, and one member
appointed for a term through 2025.
8. Term of Office. The terms of office for Commission members 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 their predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the
remainder of such term. Upon expiration of their term of office, a member shall continue
to serve until their 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 Commission member suffers from an extended illness, disability,
or other activity preventing proper fulfillment of duties, responsibilities, rules, and
regulations of the Commission, the Commission member may be temporarily replaced
during the temporary leave by an interim Commission member recommended by the
Mayor and appointed by the City Council.
9. Resignations-Removal from Office-Vacancies. Commission members may resign
voluntarily or may be removed from office by the Mayor with consent of the City Council.
Three consecutive unexcused absences from the duly called Commission meetings or
unexcused absences from a majority of duly called Commission meetings within one
calendar year shall constitute automatic resignation from office. The City Council liaison
shall inform the Mayor and City Council of such automatic resignations. Vacancies in the
Commission shall be filled by appointment of the City Council.
The procedure for filling Commission vacancies is as follows:
a. Notices of vacancies shall be posted for 30 days before any official City Council
action is taken;
b. Vacancies shall be announced in the City's official newspaper;
c. Notices of vacancies shall be sent to all members of standing advisory
commissions;
d. The City Clerk shall forward copies of the applications to the Public Safety
Departments (Office of Community Prevention, Health and Safety, Brooklyn
Center Police Department, Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreatioon Department and
Brooklyn Center Fire Department) and the Mayor;
e. The Mayor shall identify and include the nominee's name in the City Council
agenda materials for the City Council meeting at which the nominee is presented;
Page 6 of 26
f. The City Council, by majority vote, may approve an appointment at the City
Council meeting at which the nominee is presented.
10. Chairperson. The Commission’s Chairperson shall be elected by a majority vote of the
Commission membership. The election shall be conducted at the Commission’s first
meeting and at the first regular meeting of each calendar year, or, in the case of a vacancy,
within two regularly scheduled meetings from the time a vacancy of the Chairperson
occurs. The Chairperson may be removed by a majority vote of the Commisison
membership. The Chairperson shall assure fulfillment of the following responsibilities in
addition to those otherwise described herein:
a. Preside over meetings of the Commission;
b. Appear, or appoint a representative to appear, as necessary, before City advisory
commissions and the City Council to present the viewpoint of the Commission in
matters pertaining to community safety and violence prevention as it relates to
business under consideration by said commissions or City Council;
c. Review all official minutes of the City Council and other advisory commissions to
inform the Commission of matters relevant to community safety and violence
prevention;
d. Serve as a liaison with other governmental and voluntary organizations on matters
relevant to community safety and violence prevention.
11. Vice Chairperson. A Vice Chairperson shall be appointed annually by the Chairperson
from the members of the Commission. The Vice Chairperson shall perform such duties as
may be assigned by the Chairperson and shall assume the responsibilities of the
Chairperson in their absence.
12. Representation Requirements. Due regard shall be given by the Mayor and City Council in
appointing Commission members which will take into consideration geographical
distribution within the City, as described in paragraph 20 below, and the representative
nature of the Commission in terms of gender, religion, ethnic, racial, age, handicapped,
employee, and employer groups.
13. Conflict of Interest. No Commission member shall take part in the consideration of any
matter wherein their interest might reasonably be expected to affect their impartiality.
14. Compensation. Commissioner members shall serve without compensation.
15. Bylaws, Rules and Procedures. The Commission shall adopt such bylaws, rules and
procedures not inconsistent with these provisions as may be necessary for the proper
execution and conduct of business. Bylaws adopted by the Commission shall become
effective upon approval and consent of the City Council.
Page 7 of 26
16. Meetings. The initial meeting of the Commission shall be convened by March 30th, 2025.
Thereafter, regular meetings shall be held with the date and time to be determined by the
Commission. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson.
17. Staff Liaison. The City Manager shall assign one member of the staff to serve as staff
liaison to the Commission. The staff member liaison assigned shall perform administrative
duties on behalf of the commission. In addition to the Staff Liaison, City staff from all
public safety departments will attend commission meetings including the Office of
Community Prevention Health and Safety, Brooklyn Center Police Department, Brooklyn
Center Parks and Recreation Department and Brooklyn Center Fire Department with the
Office of Community Prevention, Health and Safety serving as the liaison for the
commission.
18. Ex Officio Members. The Mayor, or the member of the City Council appointed by the
Mayor, shall serve as an ex officio member of the Commission, privileged to speak on any
matter but without a vote, and shall provide a liaison between the Commission and the City
Council.
19. Neighborhoods:
a. Neighborhood Advisory Committees: Commission members shall be assigned by
the Chairperson as liaisons to neighborhood advisory committees of the
Commission. It will then be the responsibility of each neighborhood advisory
committee of the Commission to review safety and violence prevention matters and
present the neighborhood opinions and concerns on general and specific safety and
violence prevention programs directly affecting that neighborhood.
b. Neighborhoods Described (See also Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference).
i. Southeast Neighborhood: The Southeast neighborhood shall be bordered on
the south by the south city limits; on the east by the Mississippi River; on
the north by FAI-94; and on the west by Shingle Creek.
ii. Northeast Neighborhood: The Northeast neighborhood shall be bordered on
the south by FAI-94; on the east by the Mississippi River; on the north by
the north city limits; and on the west by Shingle Creek.
iii. Northwest Neighborhood: The Northwest neighborhood shall be bordered
on the south by FAI-94; on the east by Shingle Creek; on the north by the
north city limits; and on the west by the west city limits.
iv. West Central Neighborhood: The West Central neighborhood shall be
bordered on the south by County Road 10; on the east by Brooklyn
Boulevard; on the north by FAI-94; and on the west by the west city limits.
Page 8 of 26
v. Central Neighborhood: The Central neighborhood shall be bordered on the
south by County Road 10; on the east by Shingle Creek; on the north by
FAI-94; and on the west by Brooklyn Boulevard.
vi. Southwest Neighborhood: The Southwest neighborhood shall be bordered
on the south by the south city limits; on the east by Shingle Creek; on the
north by County Road 10; and on the west by the west city limits.
20. The Act is hereby amended as referenced in this Resolution.
December 9, 2024
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
Graves
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Butler, Graves, Kragness
and the following voted against the same: Jerzak, Lawrence-Anderson
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Page 9 of 26
EXHIBIT A
Map of Neighborhoods
Page 10 of 26
Council Regular Meeting
DATE: 1/13/2025
TO: Council Study Session
FROM:
THROUGH:
BY: Barb Suciu, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Discussion of Resolution 2024-128 - Code of Conduct
Requested Council Action:
Background:
A request was submitted to have this added to the Study Session agenda for further
discussion.
Budget Issues:
Inclusive Community Engagement:
Antiracist/Equity Policy Effect:
Strategic Priorities and Values:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2024-128 Resolution_Adopting_Council_Code_of_Conduct__Ethics (2)
2. DOCSOPEN-#982190-v5-Council_Code_of_Conduct_and_Ethics
Page 11 of 26
BR291-4-993235.v1
Member Butler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-128
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
WHEREAS, the City Council discussed at its study sessions throughout 2024 the issue of
adopting a City Council Code of Conduct and Ethics to better address Council interactions and
behavior between Council Members, the Public, and the Media; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously adopted the City Council Code of Policies
(“Code of Policies”) to address various items related to how the City Council conducts its
business; and
WHEREAS, the Code of Conduct and Ethics will be incorporated into the City Council
Code of Policies as Section II and will include in-depth guidance for the City Council regarding
behavior in and outside of Council Meetings, Ethics, and provides accountability measures for
Council Members; and
WHEREAS, the City Council determines it is in the City’s best interests to amend the
Code of Policies to include the City Council Code of Conduct and Ethics to provide additional
context and guidance on how the City Council can best exemplify the values of the City and
model respectful interactions in the face of disagreement and discord; and
WHEREAS, the Council Code of Conduct will serve as a positive tool to maintain
camaraderie, collaboration, and to assist the City Council in executing the business of the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Brooklyn
Center as follows:
1.The City Council Code of Conduct and Ethics is hereby adopted in its substantial form,
subject to future amendments as directed by Council.
2.The Code of Policies is hereby amended by adding the City Council Code of Conduct,
attached as Exhibit A, which is incorporated in and made part of this Resolution.
3.The City Manager (or designee) is authorized and directed to insert the new Section II
into the Code of Policies, including updating the table of contents, and said updated
document shall constitute the official Code of Policies.
December 9, 2024
Date Mayor
Page 12 of 26
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
Graves
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Butler, Graves, Kragness
and the following voted against the same:
Jerzak, Lawrence-Anderson
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Page 13 of 26
EXHIBIT A
Page 14 of 26
1
BR291-4-982190.v5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION II: CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
A. Council Conduct with One Another
1. In Public Mee�ngs
2. In Private Encounters
B. Council Conduct with City Staff
C. Council Conduct with the Public
1. In Public Mee�ngs
2. In Unofficial Se�ngs
D. Council Conduct with the Media
E. Council Conduct with Other Public Agencies
F. Council Conduct with Boards and Commissions
G. Accountability Measures
1. Types of Accountability Measures
(a) Admoni�on
(b) Reprimand
(c) Censure
2. Conduct
3. Conduct Viola�ons During a Council Mee�ng
4. Repor�ng a Poten�al Viola�on
5. Alterna�ve Repor�ng
6. Inves�ga�on Procedure
(a) Triage
(b) Fact Finding
(c) Possible Outcomes
(d) No�ce and Hearing
H. Ethics
1. Open Mee�ng Law
2. Gi� Law (Exis�ng in 2.95 (1))
3. Conflict of Interest (Exis�ng in 2.95 (2))
Page 15 of 26
2
SECTION II. CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
A. Council Conduct with One Another
Councils are composed of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, personali�es, values, opinions, and
goals. Despite this diversity, all have chosen to serve in public office in order to preserve and protect the
present and the future of the community. In all cases, this common goal should be acknowledged even as
Council may "agree to disagree" on conten�ous issues.
1. In Public Mee�ngs
(a) Council Member Interac�on. Council Members should seek to prac�ce civility, professionalism and
decorum in discussions and debate. Difficult ques�ons, tough challenges to a par�cular point of view,
and cri�cism of ideas and informa�on are legi�mate elements of a free democracy in ac�on. Council
Members can promote camaraderie and collabora�on by refraining from making belligerent, personal,
imper�nent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or disparaging comments. Shou�ng or physical ac�ons
that could be construed as threatening will not be tolerated. Council Members should make every effort
to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all �mes, including listening ac�vely during Council
mee�ngs.
(b) Deference to Order. Council Members should honor the role of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng
Mayor Pro Tem in maintaining order by deferring to their direc�on and guidance. It is the responsibility
of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem to keep the comments of Council Members on
track during public mee�ngs. Council Members should honor efforts by the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or
Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem to focus discussion on current agenda items. If there is disagreement about the
agenda or the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem’s ac�ons, those objec�ons should be
voiced politely and with reason, following procedures outlined in parliamentary procedure.
(c) Se�ng a Posi�ve Example. One prominent goal of every council mee�ng should be to demonstrate a
posi�ve example of decorum and respect for cons�tuents. To accomplish that goal, Council Members
should avoid comments that personally atack other Council Members. If a Council Member is personally
atacked by the comments of another Council Member, the offended Council Member should make
notes of the actual words used and may call for a "point of order" to challenge the other Council Member
to jus�fy or apologize for the language used. The Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem will
maintain control of this discussion.
(d) Collabora�ve Problem Solving. Another goal of the council mee�ng should be to demonstrate effec�ve
problem-solving approaches. Council Members have a responsibility to show how individuals with
disparate points of view can find common ground and seek a compromise that benefits the community
as a whole.
(e) Timeliness. To ensure smooth and �mely execu�on of each council mee�ng, Council Members should
make best efforts to be punctual and keep comments rela�ve to topics discussed. Every Council Member
has made a commitment to atend mee�ngs and par�cipate in discussions. Therefore, it is important
Page 16 of 26
3
that Council Members be punctual and that mee�ngs start on �me. It is equally important that
discussions on issues be rela�ve to the topic at hand to allow adequate �me to fully discuss scheduled
issues.
(f) Endorsement of Candidates. Council Members have the right to endorse candidates for all Council seats
or other elected offices. It is inappropriate to men�on endorsements during Council mee�ngs or other
official City mee�ngs or func�ons.
(g) Council Decisions. Once a majority decision of the governing body has been made, Council Members
should endeavor to “speak with one voice,” respect the official posi�on of the Council, and defend it if
needed.
2. In Private Encounters
(a) Respec�ul Workplace Values. Council Members should con�nue to model respec�ul behavior in private.
The same level of respect and considera�on of differing points of view that is deemed appropriate for
public discussions should be maintained in private conversa�ons.
(b) Data Prac�ces. Council Members should remember at all �mes that writen notes, voicemail messages,
social media and email may be public informa�on. Technology allows words writen or said without much
forethought to be distributed wide and far. Consider how you, your family and/or friends would feel if
this voicemail message was played on a speaker phone in a full office? Or broadcast on the nightly news.
What could the consequences be if this email message was forwarded to others? Writen notes, social
media pos�ngs, voicemail messages and email should be treated as poten�ally “public” communica�on.
(c) Public-Private Considera�ons. Even private conversa�ons can have a public presence. Elected officials
are always on display – their ac�ons, mannerisms, and language are monitored by people around them
that they may not know. Lunch table conversa�ons will be eavesdropped upon, parking lot debates will
be watched, and casual comments between individuals before and a�er public mee�ngs noted.
(d) Personal Comments. Council Members should refrain from making personal comments about other
Council Members. It is acceptable to publicly disagree about an issue, but it is unacceptable to make
derogatory comments about other Council Members, their opinions and ac�ons.
B. Council Conduct with City Staff
The rela�onship between Council Members and administra�ve personnel is dependent on the par�cular
form of government. Governance of the City is a coopera�ve effort, including elected officials, who set policy,
and City staff, who implement and administer the Council’s policies. Therefore, every effort should be made
to be coopera�ve and show mutual respect for the contribu�ons made by each individual for the good of
the community. Council Members should be careful to restrict that rela�onship to the defined channels.
Unofficial Council interference in administra�ve affairs can disrupt business, weaken employee morale, and
create antagonis�c rela�onships between administrators and Council Members.
Page 17 of 26
4
Council Members should not atempt to exert any influence over the hiring and firing of administra�ve
personnel, except for those people whose appointment they are responsible, namely the City Manager, City
Atorney, and City Prosecutor.
Federal, State, and local laws have made personnel administra�on a very complex affair, with mishandlings
cos�ng public employers hundreds of thousands of dollars in li�ga�on, claims, and damages. The City of
Brooklyn Center has a very strong commitment to providing its employees with a fair, accountable, and
uniform system of personnel administra�on including procedures to address employee grievances.
1. Respec�ul Workplace Values. Council Members should treat all staff as professionals. Council Members
should engage in clear, honest communica�on that respects the abili�es, experience, exper�se, and
dignity of each individual. Bera�ng, personal, imper�nent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or
disparaging comments toward staff are not acceptable and are automa�c grounds for a code of conduct
viola�on.
2. Limited City Staff Contact. Pursuant to Brooklyn Center Charter Sec�on 6.02, Council Members should
limit contact with City staff. Ques�ons of City staff and/or requests for addi�onal background informa�on
should be directed to the City Manager or City Atorney. The City Manager should be copied on or
informed of any request. Except in extraordinary circumstances, Council Members should avoid
disrup�ng City staff while they are in mee�ngs, on the phone, or engrossed in performing their job
func�ons.
3. Council Direc�on to staff. In accordance with Charter Sec�on 2.09, individual Council Members cannot
give direc�on to City staff either publicly or privately. The Council as a body may provide staff direc�on
on maters that come before the Council.
4. Follow-up Requests or Direc�ves. Requests for follow-up or direc�ons to staff should be made only
through the City Manager or the City Atorney when appropriate. When in doubt about what staff
contact is appropriate, Council Members should consult with the City Manager. Addi�onally, requests for
addi�onal staff support – even in high priority or emergency situa�ons – should be made to the City
Manager who will work to allocate city resources. Materials supplied to a Council Member in response
to a request for informa�on of interest to all Council Members will be made available to the en�re
Council so that all have equal access to the informa�on. Limit requests for staff support. (see Brooklyn
Center City Chater Sec�on 2.09).
5. Staff Cri�cism. Council Members should not publicly cri�cize an individual employee. Council should not
express concerns about the performance of a City employee in public, to the employee directly, or to the
employee’s manager. Comments about staff performance should only be made to the City Manager
through private correspondence or conversa�on.
6. City Administra�ve Func�ons. Pursuant to Sec�on 6.02 of the City Charter, the administra�ve func�ons
of the City are the responsibility of the City Manager. To avoid the appearance of bias or to avoid viola�ng
the ethics code, Council Members should not atempt to influence City staff on the making of
employment or personnel decisions, the awarding of contracts, the selec�ng of consultants, the
processing of development applica�ons, or the gran�ng of City licenses and permits.
Page 18 of 26
5
7. City Staff Mee�ngs. If City Council Members desire to atend a staff mee�ng, consult with the City
Manager. Council Member atendance at mee�ngs could imply support, show par�ality, in�midate staff,
and could impede staff’s ability to do their job objec�vely/effec�vely.
8. Poli�cal Solicita�on. Council Members should not solicit any type of poli�cal support (financial
contribu�ons, display of posters or lawn signs, name on support list, etc.) from City staff.
9. Council, EDA and Commission agendas. Staff’s responsibility is to provide Council Members the
informa�on needed for informed decision making. Every effort should be made to ask staff ques�ons
regarding Council, EDA and commission agendas before the mee�ng.
10. Personal Comments. Council Members should refrain from speaking ill of other Council Members to
staff. This puts staff in an uncomfortable and compromising posi�on because staff have the responsibility
to treat all Council Members equally and with respect.
11. Poli�cal Gamesmanship. Council Members should avoid pu�ng colleagues in awkward or
disadvantageous posi�ons in an effort to capitalize on another colleagues’ vulnerability or to embarrass
them publicly for poli�cal gain. And Council Members should make every atempt to submit ques�ons
or concerns prior to formal mee�ngs to surprising Council Members or staff at said mee�ngs.
C. Council Conduct with the Public
1. In Public Mee�ngs
(a) Create a Welcoming Environment. Making the public feel welcome is an important part of the
democra�c process. No signs of par�ality, prejudice or disrespect should be evident on the part of
individual Council Members toward an individual par�cipa�ng in a public forum. Every effort should be
made to be fair and impar�al in listening to public tes�mony.
(b) Speaking Time. Council as a body should be fair and equitable in alloca�ng public hearing �me to
individual speakers. Pursuant to Council Procedure, the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem
will determine and announce limits on speakers at the start of the public hearing process and ensuring
those with Brooklyn Center addresses have an opportunity to speak. Generally, each speaker will be
allocated two minutes to speak. Applicants or their designated representa�ves may be allowed more
�me. If many speakers are an�cipated, the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem , or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem may shorten
the �me limit and/or ask speakers to limit themselves to new informa�on and points of view not already
covered by previous speakers.
(c) Public Hearing Speakers. No speaker will be turned away unless the speaker exhibits inappropriate
behavior. Each speaker may only speak once during the public hearing unless the Council requests
addi�onal clarifica�on later in the process. A�er the close of the public hearing, no more public
tes�mony will be accepted unless agreed upon by the Council.
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(d) Avoid Public Debate. Council Members should avoid debate and argument with the public. Only the
Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem – not individual Council Members – can interrupt a
speaker during a presenta�on. However, a Council Member can ask the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng
Mayor Pro Tem for a point of order if the speaker is off the topic or exhibi�ng behavior or language the
Council Member finds disturbing. Council Members may request that the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or
Ac�ng Mayor seek clarifica�on from the speaker.
(e) Mayor to Focus Discussion. If speakers become flustered or defensive by Council ques�ons, it is the
responsibility of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem to calm and focus the speaker and
to maintain the order and decorum of the mee�ng. Ques�ons by Council Members to members of the
public tes�fying should seek to clarify or expand informa�on. It is never appropriate to belligerently
challenge or belitle the speaker. Council Members’ personal opinions or inclina�ons about upcoming
votes should not be revealed un�l a�er the public hearing is closed.
(f) Avoid Personal Atacks. Council Members should not personally atack, under any circumstance, a
member of the Public. Council Members should be aware that their body language and tone of voice, as
well as the words they use, can appear to be in�mida�ng or aggressive.
(g) Parliamentary Procedure. Council Members should follow parliamentary procedure (outlined in the
Council Procedure) in conduc�ng public mee�ngs. The City Atorney serves as advisory parliamentarian
for the City and is available to answer ques�ons or interpret situa�ons according to parliamentary
procedures. Final rulings on parliamentary procedure are made by the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng
Mayor Pro Tem subject to the appeal of the full Council.
2. In Unofficial Se�ngs
(a) No Promises. Council Members should refrain from making promises on behalf of the Council. Council
Members may be asked to explain a Council ac�on or to give their opinion about an issue as they meet
and talk with cons�tuents in the community. It is appropriate to give a brief overview of City policy and
to refer to City staff for further informa�on. It is inappropriate to overtly or implicitly promise Council
ac�on, or to promise City staff will do something specific (fix a pothole, plow a specific street, plant new
flowers in the median, etc.).
(b) Personal Comments. Council Members should refrain from making personal comments about other
Council Members to cons�tuents. It is acceptable to publicly disagree about an issue, but it is
unacceptable to make derogatory comments about other Council Members, their opinions and ac�ons.
(c) Public-Private Considera�ons. Council Members are constantly being observed by the community every
day that they serve in office. Their behaviors and comments serve as models for proper conduct in the
City of Brooklyn Center. Honesty and respect for the dignity of each individual should be reflected in
every word, communica�on, (whether in social media or otherwise), and ac�on taken by Council
Members, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a serious and con�nuous responsibility.
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D. Council Conduct with the Media
Council Members may be contacted by the media for background and quotes.
1. Official Spokesperson. The Mayor is the official spokesperson for the representa�ve on City posi�on.
The Mayor is the designated representa�ve of the Council to present and speak on the official City
posi�on. If an individual Council Member is contacted by the media, the Council Member should be clear
about whether their comments represent the official City posi�on or a personal viewpoint.
2. When Speaking to the Media. Council Members should choose words carefully and cau�ously.
Comments taken out of context can cause problems. Be especially cau�ous about humor, sardonic
asides, sarcasm, or word play. It is never appropriate to use personal slurs or swear words when talking
with the media.
3. Best Advice. The best advice for dealing with the media is to never go "off the record."
E. Council Conduct with Other Public Agencies
Council Members should be as clear as possible when represen�ng City or personal interests. If a Council
Member appears before another governmental agency or organiza�on to give a statement on an issue, the
Council Member must clearly state:
1. If his or her statement reflects personal opinion or is the official stance of the City;
2. Whether this is the majority or minority opinion of the Council. Even if the Council Member represents
his or her own personal opinions, remember that this s�ll may reflect upon the City as an organiza�on.
If the Council Member is represen�ng the City, the Council Member must support and advocate the official
City posi�on on an issue, not a personal viewpoint.
F. Council Conduct with Boards and Commissions
The City has established several Boards and Commissions as a means of gathering more community input.
The Council appoints members to all commitees, boards, and commissions which serve in a purely advisory
role to the Council. These commissions/commitees/boards are as follows:
• Cultural and Public Arts Commission,
• Financial Commission,
• Housing Commission,
• Park and Recrea�on Commission,
• Sister Ci�es Commission, and
• Planning Commission.
The Council also appoints representa�ves to Visit Minneapolis Northwest Tourism, Watershed Commissions,
and Northwest Suburbs Cable Communica�ons Commission.
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The Charter Commission is a statutory commission appointed by the Chief Judge of the District Court. The
terms of Commission members are staggered for two or three years with appointments ending on December
31 of each year.
Residents who serve on Boards and Commissions are a valuable resource to the City’s leadership and should
be treated with apprecia�on and respect.
1. Council Liaison. If atending a Board or Commission mee�ng in the role as liaison. “Liaison” means non-
vo�ng member of a commission who shall speak on behalf of the Council (or staff) as a whole, not as an
individual, thus providing a communica�on link between the commission and Council (or staff).
2. Limited Contact. Council Members should endeavor to limit contact with Board and Commission
Members. It is inappropriate for a Council Member to contact a Board or Commission member to lobby
on behalf of an individual, business, or developer. Council Members may contact members of the
Commission and staff liaison in order to clarify a posi�on taken by the Board or Commission.
3. Commission Service. Council Members should keep in mind that Boards and Commissions serve the
community, not individual Council Members. The City Council appoints individuals to serve on Boards
and Commissions, and it is the responsibility of Boards and Commissions to follow the policy established
by the Council. But Board and Commission members do not report to individual Council Members.
Council Members should not threaten to remove Board and Commission members if the par�es disagree
about an issue.
4. Respect Diverse Opinions. Council Members should be respec�ul of diverse opinions. The primary role
of Boards and Commissions is to represent many points of view in the community and to provide the
Council with advice based on a full spectrum of concerns and perspec�ves. Council Members should be
fair and respec�ul of all residents serving on Boards and Commissions.
G. Accountability Measures
1. Types of Accountability Measures
A poten�al ac�on for failing to comply with this code of conduct may include the following measures:
(a) Admoni�on. An admoni�on shall be verbal and made by the Mayor to the Council Member.
(b) Reprimand. A reprimand shall be administered to the Council Member by leter. The leter shall be
approved by the City Council and shall be signed by the Mayor, or by the Mayor Pro Tem or Ac�ng Mayor
Pro Tem if the Mayor posi�on is vacant, or if the mater involves the Mayor.
(c) Censure. A censure shall be administered pursuant to a formal resolu�on adopted by the Council.
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2. Conduct
(a) City Council Members who violate the code of this conduct are subject to admoni�on, reprimand, or
censure. Any viola�ons that poten�ally cons�tute criminal conduct shall be handled by the criminal
jus�ce system.
(b) Factors that will be considered in determining the appropriate consequence include but are not limited
to the following: seriousness of the viola�on and number of preceding viola�ons.
3. Conduct During Mee�ngs
(a) For inappropriate statements or conduct by Council Members occurring during a Council mee�ng, a
verbal correc�on by the Mayor (or Mayor Pro Tem or ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem) will normally be the first
step to address the mater, either during or outside of the Council mee�ng.
(b) Further incidents may be addressed by subsequent verbal correc�ons accompanied by use of the gavel.
Repeated incidents can give rise to the Mayor not recognizing the offending Council Member to speak.
A Council Member can request that the Mayor take any of these ac�ons against an offending Council
Member if the Mayor has not done so on her/his own.
4. Repor�ng a Poten�al Viola�on
(a) A member of the Brooklyn Center City Council may report a poten�al Code of Conduct viola�on by a
member of the City Council by bringing the mater to the aten�on of the official of their choice, Mayor,
City Manager, or City Atorney.
(b) A Brooklyn Center staff member may report a poten�al code of conduct viola�on by a member of the
City Council by bringing the mater to the aten�on of the City Manager or Human Resources Manager.
(c) If the poten�al viola�on involves the Mayor, it should be brought to the aten�on of the Mayor Pro Tem ,
City Manager or City Atorney.
(d) A community member may report poten�al code of conduct viola�ons by a member of the City Council
to the Mayor, City Manager or any member of the City Council.
5. Alterna�ve Repor�ng
If the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, or Ac�ng Mayor Pro Tem are unable to be involved in reviewing the code of
conduct complaint for any reason, the mater will be reviewed by the next most senior member of the
Council that is not involved in the complaint.
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6. Inves�ga�on Procedure
(a) Triage. The Mayor and City Manager will gather ini�al informa�on, consult with the City Atorney if
necessary and decide how to move forward.
(b) Fact Finding. If necessary, the mater will be referred to the criminal jus�ce system. The Mayor and City
Manager will determine whether to pursue independent fact-finding or internal fact-finding.
(c) Possible Outcomes. As is referenced above, (i) a verbal admoni�on may be given to the Council Member
by the Mayor, (ii) a reprimand may be administered to the Council Member by a leter approved by the
Council, or (iii) a censure may be administered pursuant to a formal resolu�on adopted by the Council.
(d) No�ce and Hearing. A�er vo�ng to issue a reprimand or censure, the City Council will provide writen
no�ce to the Council Member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the Council’s formal ac�on upon the
reprimand or censure. The no�ce may be served by mail and shall specify the grounds for the reprimand
or censure and state the date the Council will take ac�on upon the reprimand or censure. At any �me
prior to the Council’s formal ac�on, the Council Member may, in wri�ng, request a hearing before the
City Council, which shall be held at the next regular City Council mee�ng. A�er the hearing, the City
Council shall decide whether or not to proceed with the reprimand or censure.
H. Ethics
1. Open Mee�ng Law
(a) State law requires that, with certain excep�ons, mee�ngs of the City Council be open to
the public. A mee�ng is a gathering of a majority of City Council Members at which City
business is discussed. It is not necessary that ac�on be taken for a gathering to cons�tute
a “mee�ng.”
(b) A mee�ng does not include chance, social gatherings as long as public business is not
discussed.
(c) A majority of Council Members should not communicate with each other by phone, email, in-person, or
otherwise, to discuss City business.
(d) Use of social media does not violate the open mee�ng law as long as social media use is accessible to all
Members of the public.
See Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D, for further informa�on regarding the Open Mee�ng Law.
2. Gi� Law
A City Council Member cannot accept a gi� from someone who has an interest in any mater
involving the City. A “gi�” includes money, property, a service, a loan, forgiveness of a loan, or
a promise of future employment. A “gi�” does not include:
• Campaign contribu�ons;
• items cos�ng less than $5;
• items given to members of a group; the majority of whose members are not local officials;
• gi�s given by family members; or
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• food or beverages given at a recep�on, meal or mee�ng at which a Council Member is making a
speech or answering ques�ons as part of a program
See Minnesota Statutes, Sec�on 471.895 and City Charter, Sec�on 14.04(A) for further informa�on regarding the
Gi� Law.
3. Conflict of interest
(a) City Council Members cannot have a personal financial interest in a sale, lease, or contract with the City.
(b) City Council Members cannot par�cipate in maters in which the Council Member’s own personal
interest, financial or otherwise, is so dis�nct from the public interest that the
(c) Council Member cannot be expected to fairly represent the public’s interest when vo�ng on the mater.
Page 25 of 26
Council Regular Meeting
DATE: 1/13/2025
TO: Council Study Session
FROM:
THROUGH:
BY: Barb Suciu, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Council Agenda Packet Delivery Date Discussion
Requested Council Action:
- Discussion on the Date of Delivery for the Council Agenda Packet
Background:
Budget Issues:
Inclusive Community Engagement:
Antiracist/Equity Policy Effect:
Strategic Priorities and Values:
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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