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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.01.13 CCM WORK1/13/25 -1- DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION JANUARY 13, 2025 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session called to order by Mayor/President April Graves at 8:38 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President April Graves and Councilmembers/Commissioners Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Dan Jerzak, Teneshia Kragness, and Laurie Ann Moore. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander, Planning and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Deputy City Clerk Shannon Pettit, and City Attorney Siobhan Tolar. MORTY’S BARK AND BREW CONCEPT REVIEW AT 57TH AND LOGAN City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander to continue the staff presentation. Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander noted the owner of Morty’s Bark & Brew was present to provide comments as needed. The company was organized in 2020. It is a dog-friendly brewery with an integrated indoor and outdoor dog park. It is a woman-and minority-owned business. The flagship is in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Alexander explained they need a 5,000-square-foot building, adequate space for an outdoor dog park and vehicle parking, and two acres or more of land. The parcel at 57th and N Logan Avenue is a good fit, and it is already zoned appropriately. Mr. Alexander stated the concept includes a 5,000-square-foot taproom with an indoor dog play area. The outdoor dog park will have separate areas for large and small dogs. Access to the site would be from North Logan Avenue with an easement for drive lane and bike or trail access. The adjacent parcel may be rented to the developer at a low cost for additional dog park space until additional development occurs, providing a valuable public amenity maintained by the developer. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson thanked Mr. Alexander for the presentation she asked where the proposed project is in comparison to Speedway. Mr. Alexander stated 1/13/25 -2- DRAFT Speedway is across the street from the proposed site. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence- Anderson pointed out the location was her original suggestion for a dog park. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated she isn’t opposed to the idea. She asked how many similar concepts are in the area. She added there are concerns about the City’s liability for dog bites or similar issues. The alcohol would only add to the concern. Air Gustafson, founder of Morty’s Bark & Brew, explained the concept has been around for about one decade. There are two similar spaces in the area. First, there is one by the Lyndale Farmer’s Market, and there is another one in Plymouth. The concern regarding alcohol and dogs is reasonable. However, there would be a required orientation with educational components prior to accepting someone as a member. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson asked if there is a requirement for vaccinations for the dogs. Ms. Gustafson noted the topic is tricky. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated rabies could be an issue. Ms. Gustafson stated the issue is arguable. The orientation will provide information for potential members to decide what they are comfortable with. Councilmember/Commissioner Moore pointed out she has been to the other two locations. Dog owners must have responsibility for their pets, and she wouldn’t bring her dog to a public space without vaccinations. Also, the establishment will have its own insurance. If something unfortunate happens, it would be a small claims issue between the dog owners. Ms. Gustafson confirmed that was correct. Councilmember/Commissioner Moore asked if food would be available. Ms. Gustafson stated there would be a limited menu available. Councilmember/Commissioner Jerzak expressed his support for the concept, minority business owners, and new business owners. Dr. Edwards pointed out that the city requires some food to be offered at any facility with a liquor license. He asked the City Attorney what liability Brooklyn Center would carry for the proposed project. Ms. Tolar stated all liability is on the business as it is a privately owned business. Mr. Alexander noted the business’s rental of the City-owned lot may create a liability issue. He added because the business is privately owned, there aren’t tagging or registration requirements that could be enforced on-site. Ms. Gustafson thanked the City Council/EDA for their support. NEW HORIZON CONCEPT REVIEW AT 7000 BROOKLYN BLVD City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander to continue the staff presentation. 1/13/25 -3- DRAFT Mr. Alexander noted representatives of New Horizon are present and available for comments. New Horizon Academy was founded in 1971 in Brooklyn Center and has operated continuously in the City since opening. There are now over 100 locations. Mr. Alexander explained the current location is approximately 6,000 square feet at 6842 Humboldt Avenue North. They are seeking a 12,500-square-foot location to allow for more space and expanded preschool services. Mr. Alexander showed an aerial image of 7100 and 7014 Brooklyn Boulevard and 7015 Kyle Avenue North. There are three parcels on the site at 1.47 acres. It is approximately two miles from the current New Horizon Academy location. There was a previous discussion of a liquor store at the site, but the church wasn’t supportive. The site use requires easement from St. Alphonsus Church as they are the adjacent property. The 12,500-square-foot building exceeds the current zoning limit. Mr. Alexander stated the concept addresses the City’s need for more childcare options, offers more job opportunities, and supports economic development in Brooklyn Center. The business has been good to the community, and they have thrived as well. Councilmember/Commissioner Moore stated there were past concerns about access to the site on Kyle Avenue and the traffic flow. Mayor/President Graves noted the primary concern about the previous proposal was the proposed use. Councilmember/Commissioner Jerzak pointed out that the County won’t allow for more curb cuts, so there couldn’t be any access from Brooklyn Boulevard. He added he was the Project Manager when the previous buildings were torn down. He urged staff to work out an agreement for the proposed project. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson asked where the current location is. Jill Dunkley, representative of New Horizon Academy, stated the current location is 6842 Humboldt Avenue North. Their current landlord is uninterested in putting money into the building. Students and teachers deserve to have beautiful spaces to learn and teach in. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson noted the best location for the business would be Shingle Creek Crossing, but she read the comments from Gatlin about why that is not an option. Ms. Dunkley stated they don’t want to have a discontinuation of services, and they want to continue investing in Brooklyn Center. The site is on a bus line, and they considered the needs of their students and staff. Councilmember/Commissioner Moore asked why the former Target site isn’t an option for New Horizon Academy. Mayor/President Graves stated the rejection was likely related to the principle of highest and best use. 1/13/25 -4- DRAFT Councilmember/Commissioner Moore asked if Dr. Edwards and the Community Development staff made the decision. A statement on the highest and best use would ultimately come from the Council/EDA. Dr. Edwards explained staff is working daily to promote development in the City, and there are other ideas for the former Target site. Planning and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh added the time frame is a hindrance for the school because the former Target site is still being demolished, and New Horizon would like to be in a new location before the end of 2025. There is a different daycare going in close to the former Target site. Plus, there is an easement in place they would have to navigate. Councilmember/Commissioner Moore asked if New Horizon Academy is comfortable with the answers received from staff and the final site. Ms. Dunkley confirmed they are pleased with the process so far. It will take ample partnership and urgency to make the project happen. ADJOURNMENT Mayor/President Graves adjourned the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 9:08 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.