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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.01.13 CCM REGULAR1/13/25 -1- DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION JANUARY 13, 2025 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor April Graves at 7:09 p.m. 2. SWEARING IN OF COUNCIL MEMBERS 2a. COUNCIL MEMBER KRIS LAWRENCE-ANDERSON City Clerk Barb Suciu conducted the swearing in of Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson. 2b. COUNCIL MEMBER LAURIE ANN MOORE Ms. Suciu conducted the swearing in of Councilmember Moore. 3. ROLL CALL Mayor April Graves and Councilmembers Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Dan Jerzak, Teneshia Kragness, and Laurie Ann Moore. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Engineer Ahmed Omer, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Deputy City Clerk Shannon Pettit and City Attorney Siobhan Tolar. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 5. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM Mayor Graves reviewed the guidelines for the open forum. She then opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum. Sandi R. explained Big Brothers, Big Sisters Twin Cities is a local mentoring hub. There are volunteer opportunities ranging from 12 weeks to one year in a range of subjects. They match mentors to youth based on shared interest and proximity to one another. There are 12 Brooklyn Center youth awaiting a match with over 600 waiting all over the Twin Cities. She encouraged adults to volunteer. 1/13/25 -2- DRAFT Julie B. stated she is embarrassed about what is happening on the Council. The level of privilege on display is disappointing. There is a fight to protect oneself over residents. The Councilmembers are serving in the most diverse City in Minnesota. People should not have to wait four years if a Councilmember is being disrespectful to residents or staff. Councilmember Jerzak noted the comments are a personal attack. Councilmember Moore stated there should be no comments on the Code of Conduct as it was a Study Session agenda item. Mayor Graves stated there may be comments on Study Session and Work Session agenda items. Julie B. stated she isn’t attacking anyone. She asked for the Council to do better because their actions are embarrassing. She made additional comments without the microphone. Gretchen E. pointed out she has been present for many Code of Conduct discussions. There were no repercussions for a past commissioner who threatened a Councilmember’s daughter’s life or for a past commissioner who stole public property. She asked if there will be a Code of Conduct for commissions. Mayor Graves stated there has been a Code of Conduct proposed for Council and a separate one for commissions. The Council Code of Conduct was repealed. No accountability measures are retroactive. Kevin S. noted the CVS recently closed. He stated the City should stop the anti-racist, anti-white, anti-privilege commentary and focus on the economic concerns facing Brooklyn Center. The closed pharmacy is near a living facility for disabled folks. There are several empty storefronts and undeveloped land. The City is anti-business. The Social Security Office should have been approved. When people aim only for perfection, progress is interrupted. Councilmember Moore added the Zoom access has been an ongoing issue. If they maintain a live component, it needs to be reliable. Mayor Graves noted her agreement. Peg C. noted it is the Wolf Moon. There are many Native ceremonies that start by saying, “I am a human being” to acknowledge one’s responsibility for the land and one another. She wished the Council a Happy Wolf Moon. Nahid K. pointed out it is the 21st Century, and Brooklyn Center should use a maximalist approach for communication and make use of all communication channels. She listed several opportunities for communication. She stated it is concerning some information is only shared on a corkboard at the City Hall, which may as well be a cave painting. Mayor Graves stated the time limit is complete. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to close the Informal Open Forum at 7:28 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 1/13/25 -3- DRAFT 6. INVOCATION Mayor Graves explained she has been reflecting a lot as she enters her tenth year on the Council. She has felt both encouragement and despair in her role. She ran for Mayor to ease the pendulum of change often created by local government, which is something she is good at. She has been a good listener and good learner. Mayor Graves shared a quote, “There is power of two kinds: one is obtained by fear of punishment, the other by acts of love. The day that the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” 7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Graves asked if there are any amendments to the minutes. Councilmember Jerzak noted he submitted two changes to the minutes. On page 31 of 155 in the draft minutes on the fourth paragraph, it referred to a certain area as light and acceptable. He requested an edit be made to said “well-lit and acceptable.” On page 39 of 155 in the sixth paragraph, it was Councilmember Butler who made the motion and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson who opposed the motion. Mayor Graves stated the page numbers changed once it was printed. She asked for more information to find the motion in question. City Clerk Barb Suciu stated the edit is already reflected on page 28. Councilmember Jerzak noted Mayor Graves wasn’t listed as an appointee to the Northwest Tourism Board, but their bylaws require a Council representative. Mayor Graves stated she plans to attend as she is the Chair. Ms. Suciu confirmed Mayor Graves would need to be put back on as an appointee. She added there needs to be an alternate for the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth (BBAY). Mayor Graves stated she is the Chair of the BBAY, and an alternate would serve in her absence. She requested Councilmember Kragness be the alternate. Ms. Suciu stated the resolution would be edited to reflect the change. Councilmember Jerzak noted there is a $7,500 fee after the second year of vacancy, referring to Consent Agenda Item 7m. Resolution Approving the Fee Schedule. He asked if the fees for the former Sears site and the former Target are being certified. A lot of staff time goes into the properties. City Manager Reggie Edwards stated he would coordinate with the Finance Director to ensure they are being certified. Councilmember Jerzak pointed out the quote for Consent Agenda Item 7t. Resolution Accepting Work Performed and Authorizing Final Payment Improvement Project Nos. 2023-24 and 05, 2023 Trail and Parking Lot Improvements came in 13 percent under budget. 1/13/25 -4- DRAFT Councilmember Moore noted she would have to abstain from Consent Agenda Item 7a. Approval of Minutes. There was consensus from the Council to approve Consent Agenda Item 7a. Approval of Minutes in a separate motion. Councilmember Moore added there is a long list of items on the Consent Agenda. She asked why some of the items couldn’t be done separately to highlight them. For example, Consent Agenda Item 7f. Resolution Recognizing the Contributions of Ethnic Populations and Heritage Celebrations for 2025 is notable. Mayor Graves explained they have the option to highlight items by reading them aloud into the record. She asked if any certain resolutions should be read aloud. Councilmember Moore stated it might be helpful to read Consent Agenda Items 7d. Resolution Appointing Mayor Pro Tem and President Pro Tem for 2025 and 7e. Resolution Declaring Commitment to the Brooklyn Center City Charter for 2025. Councilmember Kragness noted Mayor Graves typically reads through the appointments. Councilmember Jerzak added each Councilmember has the option to pull a certain item from the Consent Agenda for Council Consideration. As for the appointments, he noted the Council has to be careful about embarrassing or speaking poorly of potential appointees as it is a public meeting. Councilmember Moore asked if the respective liaison and representative roles for Councilmembers are listed online. Mayor Graves stated the roster for each Commission lists the Council Liaison. Dr. Edwards pointed out an item was added to Council Consideration Items and 11b. Code of Conduct. Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Moore seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, to conder the following items separately: 7a. Approval of Minutes, 7f. Resolution Recognizing the Contributions of Ethnic Populations and Heritage Celebrations for 2025, 7j. Resolution Appointing Councilmembers to Commissions and Outside Organizations for 2025, and adding Council Consideration Item 11b. Code of Conduct. The following consent items were approved: 7a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES This item was considered following the Consent Agenda. 7b. LICENSES MECHANICAL Hamlin Installations 1552 97th Avenue Hammond, WI 54015 Jackson Family Heating and Cooling LLC 5007 49th Avenue N Crystal 55429 1/13/25 -5- DRAFT GASOLINE SERVICE STATION Christy's Auto Service 5300 Dupont Avenue N RENTAL INITIAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 3907 65th Avenue N Granite Peaks Llc 5341 72nd Circle Sledge Deffoe INITIAL (TYPE III – one-year license) 3016 Quarles Road Khemchand Ramcharitar 5924 June Avenue N William Nhia Her Vang INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 5418 Penn Avenue N Sonny Vang 7001 Logan Avenue N UNICORN PROPERTIES LLC 7156 Unity Avenue N Ameen Haidari RENEWAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 5301 Dupont Avenue N Wright Team Properties 4748 Twin Lake Avenue Rco Holdings Llc 5337 Queen Avenue N Edith Perlin/Gregory Perlin 1619 73rd Avenue N SFR ACQUISITIONS 2 LLC 3121 Lawrence Road Empire Care Systems 4600 69th Avenue N Aisheh Wazwaz & Sami Ameri 7025 Grimes Avenue N SFR ACQUISITIONS 3 LLC RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license) 4806 Twin Lake Avenue N Pheng Lee 5500 Bryant Avenue N N Mejia-morales & V Idrovo 6305 Camden Avenue N Melrose Gates Apartments RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 4500 58th Avenue N Tln Lanel A Ltd Partnership 1/13/25 -6- DRAFT 4220 Lakeside Avenue N R G Arntson/k J Arntson Eta RENEWAL (TYPE I – three -year license) 5344 Russell Avenue N Cloeshette King Torboh 4207 Lakeside Avenue N, #138 Patrick Hall 1331 67th Lane N Matthew Weinacht 4734 Twin Lake Avenue N R A Becht & E A Armstrong 5300 Penn Avenue N Ashley E Sykora 6229 Brooklyn Drive Joy Vang 7024 Ewing Avenue N MOUA STAR HOMES, LLC TOBACCO Royal Tobacco 5625 Xerxes Avenue N Brook Center Plus 615 66th Avenue N 7c. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-001; DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2025 7d. RESOLUTION NO. 2025.002; APPOINTING MAYOR PRO TEM AND PRESIDENT PRO TEM FOR 2025 7e. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-003; DECLARING COMMITMENT TO THE BROOKLYN CENTER CITY CHARTER FOR 2025 This item was considered following the Consent Agenda. 7f. RESOLUTION NO.2025-004; RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ETHNIC POPULATIONS AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS FOR 2025 This item was considered following the Consent Agenda. 7g. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-005; DESIGNATING THE DEPOSITORIES FOR CITY FUNDS FOR 2025 7h. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-006; OPTING NOT TO WAIVE LIMITED TORT LIABILITY FOR 2025 7i. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-007; GRANTING CORPORATE AUTHORITY FOR SIGNING OF CHECKS AND TRANSACTIONS OF FINANCIAL BUSINESS MATTERS FOR 2025 1/13/25 -7- DRAFT 7j. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-008; APPOINTING COUNCIL MEMBERS TO COMMISSIONS AND OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS FOR 2025 This item was considered following the Consent Agenda. 7k. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-009; APPOINTING BROOKLYN CENTER REPRESENTATIVES TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND/OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH, HENNEPIN RECYCLING GROUP, LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (LOGIS), NORTHWEST TOURISM, NORTH METRO MAYORS ASSOCIATION, NORTHWEST SUBURBS CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, PETS UNDER POLICE SECURITY (PUPS), AND TWIN LAKE JOINT POWERS ORGANIZATION 7l. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-010; APPOINTING MUNICIPAL TRUSTEES TO THE BROOKLYN CENTER FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES 7m. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-011 ; APPROVING THE 2025 FEE SCHEDULE 7n. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-012; AFFIRMING ACCEPTANCE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GRANT FUNDS 7o. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-013; APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2025-02, 67TH AVENUE AND JAMES AVENUE MILL & OVERLAY 7p. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-014; ACCEPTING WORK PERFORMED AND AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 2023-04 AND 05, 2023 TRAIL AND PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS 7q. APPOINTMENTS TO THE SHINGLE CREEK/WEST MISSISSIPPI WATERSHED DISTRICT 7r. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-015; ACKNOWLEDGING AWARDED FUNDS FOR THE HENNEPIN COUNTY YOUTH ACTIVITIES GRANT AND AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS 7s. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-016; ACKNOWLEDGING AWARDED FUNDS FROM THE MINNESOTA CHIEFS OF POLICE FOUNDATION AND AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION OF GRANT FUNDS FOR A 2025 COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE 1/13/25 -8- DRAFT 7t. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-017; ACCEPTING ADDITIONAL GRANT FUNDING FOR AN ADDITIONAL INTENSIVE COMPREHENSIVE PEACE OFFICER EDUCATION & TRAINING (ICPOET) POSITION Motion passed unanimously. 7a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Jerzak moved and Mayor Graves seconded to approve Consent Agenda Item 7a. Approval of Minutes, with amendments to the Regular Session minutes of December 19, 2024 as previously discussed: 1. December 9, 2024 – Study Session 2. December 9, 2024 – Regular Session 3. December 19, 2024 – Special Council Meeting Councilmember Moore abstained. Motion passed. 7e. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-003; DECLARING COMMITMENT TO THE BROOKLYN CENTER CITY CHARTER FOR 2025 Mayor Graves read the Resolution Declaring Commitment to the Brooklyn Center City Charter for 2025 in full. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2025-003; Declaring Commitment to the Brooklyn Center City Charter for 2025. Motion passed unanimously. 7f. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-004; RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ETHNIC POPULATIONS AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS FOR 2025 Mayor Graves read the Resolution Recognizing the Contributions of the Ethnic Populations and Heritage Celebrations for 2025 in full. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2025-004; Recognizing the Contributions of the Ethnic Populations and Heritage Celebrations for 2025. Motion passed unanimously. 7j. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-008; APPOINTING COUNCIL MEMBERS TO COMMISSIONS AND OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS FOR 2025 1/13/25 -9- DRAFT Mayor Graves read the Resolution Appointing Councilmembers to Commissions and Outside Organizations for 2025. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2025-008; Appointing Councilmembers to Commissions and Outside Organizations for 2025. Motion passed unanimously. 8. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 8a. MINNEAPOLIS NORTHWEST TOURISM ANNUAL REPORT Leslie Wright, President and CEO of the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board, introduced herself. She showed a table depicting the 2025 budget. Between COVID-19 and Maple Grove leaving the group, there was an immense impact on the total revenue. Ms. Wright showed graphs depicting the occupancy rates. Hotels are measured by Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). In 2024, the ADR was 108.94, which was an increase from 2023’s 107.34. The RevPAR increased from 61.56 in 2023 to 64.55 in 2024. Also, the occupancy rate rose from 57.4 to 59.2. Ms. Wright explained the staff is working with local facilities to increase the number of guests. It has been difficult for the travel industry after COVID-19. Brooklyn Center and the surrounding areas also had an extremely positive 2018 due to the Super Bowl. Ms. Wright showed examples of marketing newsletters and promotions. Ms. Wright explained staff has attended a number of meetings recently such as Small Market Meetings in September, Northstar Travel Small Meetings Fall in October, and US Sports Congress in December. With approval, the staff offers incentives to promote Brooklyn Center hospitality. Ms. Wright pointed out Gus Macker occurred in 2024 after quite some time. She showed promotional materials for Gus Macker from both digital and print. They even created a mascot. Goals for the Gud Macker event included a wholesome, family-oriented event, a tournament designed for players, a value to sponsors, a fundraising event for the community, a major media sporting event, entertainment for spectators, community unification, breaking the female player percentage record, heightening the perception of the Brooklyns, and generating hotel room stays. Ms. Wright added there was a goal of 150 teams, and there were 160 in total. Another goal was raising $20,000 for the six nonprofit beneficiaries, but they almost doubled the goal with $37,500. Plus, they set a record of having nearly 30 percent of registered players being girls and women. Finally, 74.9 percent of visitors observed in the destination around the event were from out of Minnesota. 1/13/25 -10- DRAFT Ms. Wright stated the preliminary strategy for 2025 includes plans to conduct Listening Sessions with residents and businesses, update the website and other photography to enhance traffic, create an updated newsletter and focus on increased distribution, conduct a Familiarization Tour for meeting planners and media, participate in tradeshows and events to promote tourism and leads, host the Gus Macker tournament with board approved revisions, continue to update hotel partners on information received and best practices in the industry, continue the blog and feature partners to highlight activities in the Brooklyns, and determine if rebranding is necessary. Councilmember Jerzak requested the details of the $37,500 distribution be provided to Dr. Edwards. He thanked Ms. Wright for her work. He asked for data to reflect the financial impacts of the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board specifically in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Moore thanked Ms. Wright for the presentation. She asked if the budget slide included both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. Ms. Wright stated the budget is for work in both cities. Councilmember Moore asked if Brooklyn Center pays an equal amount as Brooklyn Park for the Board’s work. Ms. Wright confirmed each city pays around $600,000. Councilmember Moore asked if the occupancy data was for both cities or just Brooklyn Center. Ms. Wright confirmed it was for both cities. The Board subscribes to certain types of data collection. Requesting separate data could form an antitrust issue. Councilmember Moore stated the taxpayers are on the hook for $600,000, but they will never get the data for Brooklyn Center hotels due to antitrust concerns. Ms. Wright stated hotel visitors are on the hook for lodging tax rather than residents. Councilmember Moore stated the City of Brooklyn Center pays $600,000 to the Board each year regardless of lodging tax. Councilmember Moore asked if Brooklyn Center extended its contract in 2024. Dr. Edwards confirmed the partnership was agreed upon and the contract was signed again in 2024. Councilmember Moore asked if the payment to the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board is reviewed during the annual budget process. Dr. Edwards stated the lodging tax pays the $600,000. Mayor Graves noted lodging tax can only be spent on certain items. Mayor Graves added there is a public meeting for the group coming up. Ms. Wright stated the meeting will be on January 23, 2025, at North Hennepin Community College. Mayor Graves explained several staff attended the meeting to share details of community events. Councilmember Jerzak requested the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board meeting be on the Council’s calendar. Mayor Graves pointed out she requested all events be on the Council calendar regardless of if they are required to attend. 1/13/25 -11 - DRAFT Councilmember Kragness stated she was part of the planning effort for the Gus Macker event, and they worked extremely hard to find an event space in Brooklyn Center to host it. Mayor Graves agreed several sites were considered, but the logistics didn’t work out in the City’s favor. Councilmember Jerzak thanked Mayor Graves and Councilmember Kragness for their work on the event. Mayor Graves asked if a motion is required. Dr. Edwards stated a motion is not required, but it is the City’s usual practice. Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to accept the Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Board annual report presentation. Motion passed unanimously. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9a. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-018; CERTIFYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2025-02, 67TH AVENUE AND JAMES AVENUE MILL & OVERLAY TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY TAX ROLLS City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited City Engineer Ahmed Omer to continue the staff presentation. City Engineer Ahmed Omer pointed out the 2025 Assessment Rates were established on November 25, 2024, along with the call for the present Public Hearing. The plan is to begin the project in the summer of 2025 with substantial completion by the fall. Mr. Omer explained the project includes street and drainage improvements such as pavement mill and overlay, spot curb and gutter replacement, and casting replacement. The proposed utility improvements include sanitary casting replacement and spot hydrant and valve replacement. The storm main was televised and shown to be in good condition. The existing water main is an 8-inch cast iron pipe from 1970, and it is not at the end of its useful life. There are no proposed lighting improvements. He showed a map with the streets included in the project. Mr. Omer showed a table depicting the project funding breakdown. The special assessment covers 48.1 percent of the project. The Street Reconstruction Fund would pay for 22.8 percent, the Sanitary Sewer Utility money is intended to cover 3.8 percent, the Water Utility money is planned for 11.4 percent, and the Storm Drainage Utility money is intended for the remaining 13.9 percent. He pointed out the numbers are merely an estimate ahead of the bidding process. Mr. Omer stated the entirety of the project exists in a commercial area. Per the City Assessment Policy, the assessment rate was set. There will be a seven percent interest rate based on the most recent Brooklyn Center Bonding and Rate Policy. 1/13/25 -12- DRAFT Mr. Omer there are three options for special assessment payments. First, the assessment may be paid whether in full or partially before September 30, 2025, with no interest. Second, the assessment may be paid, whether in full or partially between October 1, 2025, and November 14, 2025, with interest calculated from the October 1, 2025, date. Third, the assessment may be paid in installments with property taxes over a ten-year period starting in 2026. Mayor Graves requested the recommended actions be included in the agenda for future ease. 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 Jerzak seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to adopt a RESOLUTION NO. 2025-018; certifying special assessments for Improvement Project No. 2025- 02, 67th Avenue and James Avenue Mill & Overlay to the Hennepin County Tax Rolls. Motion passed unanimously. 10. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS None. 11. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 11a. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COMMISSIONS Mayor Graves explained she submitted recommendations for appointments to the City Clerk. She recommended Marie Martin and Michelle Thayer be appointed to the Cultural and Public Arts Commission and for Jill Dalton and Jack MacMillan to be appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. They each have experience and interest in their respective commissions. Councilmember Moore stated she did not receive any information such as applications regarding the appointees. Councilmember Jerzak pointed out he has no objections to the appointments as the Charter clearly charges the Mayor with Commission appointments. In the future, it may be beneficial to review the recruitment, application, and appointment process for Commissions. Mayor Graves noted her agreement with the suggestion. 1/13/25 -13- DRAFT Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson noted the Council usually receives a copy of the applications along with the packet, but they did not receive any applications. She is unfamiliar with the Cultural and Public Arts Commission appointees. She requested the applications be provided to the Council in the future. There was Council consensus that potential appointee applications be provided to the Council. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson added the advanced notice of potential appointees would allow for time to call and ask more detailed questions of the applicants. There is an ongoing issue with Commission attendance. Mayor Graves explained there is a policy regarding Commissioner attendance. A particular number of absences results in the removal from a commission. It is typically the responsibility of the Liaison to report back to the Council on attendance issues. From there, the Mayor could reach out to seek a resolution. She is hesitant to have multiple council members reach out and question applicants as it may be a turn-off. However, it is entirely reasonable for all council members to review applications. Councilmember Moore asked if anyone besides Mayor Graves reviewed the applications. Mayor Graves confirmed she was the only one to receive and review the applications. Councilmember Moore stated there needs to be a consistent application process. Each commission has its own bylaws. She requested the various bylaws be reviewed for consistency. Ms. Suciu stated all applications are received by the City Clerk’s Office. She redacts them before passing them along to Councilmembers for review. The completed applications were sent out at the beginning of December 2024. Councilmember Jerzak and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson confirmed they each received the applications for review, but their emails were separate from Mayor Graves. Councilmember Jerzak pointed out it is the responsibility of a judge to appoint commissioners to the Charter Commission. If there is an opening for more than 30 days, then the responsibility falls to the Council. Councilmember Jerzak added he has attended each Highway 252 Project Task Force, but he had been negligent in his duties as he has never taken attendance nor received a list of members. Dr. Edwards explained the staff liaison is responsible for taking attendance rather than the Council Liaison. Mayor Graves apologized for the miscommunication. Dr. Edwards asked if the applications should be included in the packet or simply sent to Councilmembers. Mayor Graves stated email would be preferred for privacy, though the emails could still be obtained through a data request. 1/13/25 -14- DRAFT Councilmember Moore asked if she should abstain from the vote as the applications were from 2024. Mayor Graves pointed out Councilmember Moore didn’t have an issue discussing the Code of Conduct from 2024. Councilmember Kragness moved and Mayor Graves seconded to ratify the following Mayoral Appointments to City Advisory Commissions: Cultural and Public Arts Marie Martin Michelle Thayer Park & Recreation Commission Jill Dalton Jack MacMillan Motion passed unanimously. 11b. CODE OF CONDUCT Mayor Graves pointed out there was a Council consensus to move the item to Council Consideration. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to repeal Resolution 2024- 138, Code of Conduct. Councilmember Kragness and Mayor Graves voted against the same. Motion passed. Mayor Graves advised people to be careful what they ask for. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she would like a copy of the existing Code of Conduct. Mayor Graves stated there is no Code of Conduct in existence as it was just repealed. Ms. Tolar confirmed there is a Rules of Procedure document available online, but there is not a Code of Conduct. Councilmember Jerzak requested the Code of Conduct for Commissioners be discussed at a Work Session. Mayor Graves stated it seems hypocritical, but she is not opposed to it as a Code of Conduct should be implemented for both Council and Commissions. Councilmember Jerzak explained his request is a response to the most recent memo. Councilmember Kragness agreed the request is hypocritical. If the Commissioners must abide by a Code of Conduct, then the Council needs to abide by one as well. 1/13/25 -15- DRAFT Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she is not happy with the proposed Code of Conduct document, but she doesn’t oppose any Code of Conduct. She stated she wants clarity about the censure and what actions would result in censure. Mayor Graves stated similar to the failed item about traffic stops from last year, a Code of Conduct cannot be voted on again for one year. She pointed out she would not forget about the Code of Conduct, and she will see how many complaints are reported to her. Councilmember Moore noted other councilmembers or staff also receive reports of complaints. Mayor Graves explained staff doesn’t have authority over the Council or Commissions. As there is no policy or procedure in place to handle complaints, they have just ended up with her. Councilmember Moore stated when she received a complaint as a Commissioner, she spoke with Dr. Edwards about it, meaning there is a process in place. She asked if all complaints go directly to Mayor Graves. Mayor Graves stated not all complaints are reported directly to her, but they end up with her because staff doesn’t have the authority to do anything with the complaints if they are about Councilmembers or Commissioners. Dr. Edwards explained staff received complaints, completed investigations, and provided a memo to Council. There is no policy in place to handle the complaints, so the investigations were closed. 12. COUNCIL REPORT 13. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 8:36 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.