HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.07.28 CCP STUDYCOUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MEETING
City Hall Council Chambers
July 28, 2025
AGENDA
1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m.
2. Council Miscellaneous Discussion Items
a. Commission Code of Respect
3. City Manager Miscellaneous Discussion Items
a. Strategic Planning Update and Reporting
4. Adjournment
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Council Regular Meeting
DATE: 7/28/2025
TO: Council Study Session
FROM: Reggie Edwards, City Manager
THROUGH:
BY: Reggie Edwards, City Manager
SUBJECT: Commission Code of Respect
Requested Council Action:
Council review and deliberate on the subject of Commission Code of Respect
Background:
In 2024, the City Council developed a Code of Conduct pertaining to City Council
members.
In May of 2025, the City Council reimagined and changed the "Code of Conduct" to a
"Code of Respect" pertaining to City Council members. The intent of the change was to
guide members toward a desired behavior of demonstrating "respect" towards each
other instead of memorializing a reactionary and punitive approach.
At the time, the Council also desired to provide such guidance for the City's appointed
officials (Commissioners). The Council directed staff with the assistance from legal to
develop a draft Code of Respect for Commissioners. Attached is a copy of that draft.
Budget Issues:
N/A
Inclusive Community Engagement:
Antiracist/Equity Policy Effect:
Strategic Priorities and Values:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft City Commission Code of Respect 7.28.2025
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BR291-4-1038794.v4
Table of Contents
City Commission Code of Respect and Ethics ...........................................................................1
A. Commissioner Conduct with One Another .............................................................................1
1. In Public Meetings .............................................................................................................2
2. In Private Encounters ........................................................................................................3
B. Commissioner Conduct with City Staff ...................................................................................3
C. Commissioner Conduct with the Public .................................................................................4
1. In Public Meetings (For Commissions with Public Hearings) ...............................................4
2. In Unofficial Settings .........................................................................................................5
D. Commissioner Conduct with Other Public Agencies ...............................................................6
E. Poor Conduct and Accountability Measures ..........................................................................6
1. Conduct .............................................................................................................................6
2. Types of Accountability Measures .....................................................................................6
3. Process ..............................................................................................................................7
4. Conduct During Meetings ..................................................................................................8
F. Ethics ....................................................................................................................................8
1. Open Meeting Law ............................................................................................................8
2. Gift Law .............................................................................................................................8
3. Conflict of interest .............................................................................................................9
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City Commission Code of Respect and Ethics
A. Commissioner Conduct with One Another
City Commissions are composed of individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds, personalities, values,
opinions, and goals. Despite this diversity, all have chosen to serve the community. In all cases, this common
goal should be acknowledged even as Commissioners may "agree to disagree" on contentious issues.
1. In Public Meetings
(a) Commissioner Interaction. Commissioners agree to practice civility, professionalism and decorum in
discussions and debate. Difficult questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism
of ideas and information are legitimate elements of a free democracy in action. Commissioners can
promote camaraderie and collaboration by refraining from making belligerent, personal, impertinent,
slanderous, threatening, abusive, or disparaging comments. Shouting or physical actions that could be
construed as threatening will not be tolerated. Commissioners should make every effort to conduct
themselves in a professional manner at all times, including listening actively during Commission
meetings.
(b) Deference to Order. Commissioners agree to honor the roles of Commission leadership including the
Chair and Co-Chair in maintaining order by deferring to their direction and guidance. It is the
responsibility of the Chair and/or Co-Chair to keep the Commission meetings on track during meetings.
Commissioners agree to honor efforts by the Chair or Co-Chair to focus discussion on current agenda
items. If there is disagreement about the agenda or Chair or Co-Chair’s actions, those objections should
be voiced politely and with reason, following procedures outlined in parliamentary procedure.
(c) Setting a Positive Example. One prominent goal of every commission meeting should be to demonstrate
a positive example of decorum and respect for constituents. To accomplish that goal, Commissioners
agree to avoid comments that personally attack other Commissioners. If a Commissioner is personally
attacked by the comments of another Commissioner, the offended Commissioner will make notes of the
actual words used and may call for a "point of order" to challenge the other Commissioner to justify or
apologize for the language used. The Chair or Co-Chair will maintain control of this discussion.
(d) Collaborative Problem Solving. Another goal of the commission meeting is to demonstrate effective
problem-solving approaches. Commissioners 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 timely execution of each commission meeting, Commissioners agree
make best efforts to be punctual and keep comments relative to topics discussed. Every Commissioner
has made a commitment to attend meetings and participate in discussions. Therefore, it is important
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that Commissioners be punctual and that meetings start on time. It is equally important that discussions
on issues be relative to the topic at hand to allow adequate time to fully discuss scheduled issues.
(f) Endorsement of Candidates. Commissioners have the right to endorse candidates for all Council seats
or other elected offices. It is inappropriate to mention endorsements during commission meetings or
other official City meetings or functions.
(g) Professional Courtesy. Commissioners endeavor to avoid putting colleagues in awkward or
disadvantageous positions in an effort to capitalize on another colleagues’ vulnerability or to embarrass
them publicly. Commissioners agree to make every attempt to submit questions or concerns to the Staff
Liaison prior to formal meetings to avoid surprising Commissioners, Council Liaisons, or Staff at said
meetings.
(h) Personal Attacks. Commissioners shall not personally attack, under any circumstance, another member
of a Commission. Commissioners acknowledge that cultural differences, body language, tone of voice,
as well as the words they use, could be experienced as intimidating, off-putting, or aggressive to the
message recipient.
2. In Private Encounters
(a) Respectful Workplace Values. Commissioners agree to continue to model respectful behavior in private.
The same level of respect and consideration of differing points of view that is deemed appropriate for
public discussions should be maintained in private conversations.
(b) Data Practices. Commissioners recognize that written notes, voicemail messages, social media and email
may be public information. Technology allows words written or said without much forethought to be
distributed wide and far. Commissioners agree to consider the following: (1) how they, their 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; (2) What could the consequences be if this email message was forwarded
to others? Commissioners agree that written notes, social media postings, voicemail messages and email
should be treated as potentially “public” communication.
(c) Public-Private Considerations. Even private conversations can have a public presence. City officials are
always on display – their actions, mannerisms, and language are monitored by people around them that
they may not know. Lunch table conversations could be overheard, parking lot debates may be watched,
and casual comments between individuals before and after public meetings noted.
(d) Personal Comments. Commissioners agree to refrain from making personal comments about other
Commissioners. It is acceptable to publicly disagree about an issue, but it is unacceptable to make
derogatory comments about other Commissioners, their opinions and actions.
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B. Commissioner Conduct with City Staff
Governance of the City is a cooperative effort, including elected officials, appointed officials, and staff.
Therefore, every effort should be made to be cooperative and show mutual respect for the contributions
made by each individual for the good of the community.
1. Respectful Workplace Values. Commissioners agree to treat all staff as professionals. Commissioners
agree to engage in clear, honest communication that respects the abilities, experience, expertise, and
dignity of each individual. Berating, personal, impertinent, slanderous, threatening, abusive, or
disparaging comments toward staff are not acceptable and are automatic grounds for a Code of Resect
violation.
2. Limited City Staff Contact. Questions for City staff and/or requests for additional background
information should be directed to the City Manager or City Attorney. Commissioners agree to copy the
City Manager on or keep the City Manager informed of any request. Except in extraordinary
circumstances, Commissioners agree to avoid disrupting City staff while they are in meetings, on the
phone, or engrossed in performing their job functions.
3. Staff Criticism. Commissioners should not publicly criticize an individual employee. Commissioners
agree to express concerns about the performance of a City employee directly to the City Manager
through private correspondence or conversation. Commissioners will refrain from expressing concerns
in public, to the employee directly, or to the employee’s manager.
4. Political Solicitation. Commissioners will not solicit any type of political support (financial
contributions, display of posters or lawn signs, name on support list, etc.) from City staff.
5. Personal Comments about other Commissioners. Commissioners agree to refrain from speaking ill
of other Commissioners to staff. This puts staff in an uncomfortable and compromising position because
staff have the responsibility to treat all Commissioners equally and with respect.
6. Personal Attacks. Commissioners shall not personally attack, under any circumstance, a member if city
staff. Commissioners acknowledge that cultural differences, body language, tone of voice, as well as the
words they use, could be experienced as intimidating, off-putting, or aggressive to the message
recipient.
C. Commissioner Conduct with the Public
1. In Public Meetings (For Commissions with Public Hearings)
(a) Create a Welcoming Environment. Making the public feel welcome is an important part of the
democratic process. No signs of partiality, prejudice or disrespect should be evident on the part of
individual Commissioners toward an individual participating in a public forum. Every effort should be
made to be fair and impartial in listening to public testimony.
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(b) Speaking Time. The Commission as a body agrees to be fair and equitable in allocating public hearing
time to individual speakers. The Commission Chair or Co-Chair 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 representatives may be allowed more time. If many speakers are
anticipated, the Chair or Co-Chair may shorten the time limit and/or ask speakers to limit themselves to
new information 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 Commission requests
additional clarification later in the process. After the close of the public hearing, no more public
testimony will be accepted unless agreed upon by the Commission.
(d) Avoid Public Debate. Commissioners agree to avoid debate and argument with the public. Only the
Chair or Co-Chair – not individual Commissioners – can interrupt a speaker during a presentation.
However, a Commissioner can ask the Chair or Co-Chair for a point of order if the speaker is off the topic
or exhibiting behavior or language the Commissioner finds disturbing. Commissioners may request that
the Chair or Co-Chair seek clarification from the speaker.
(e) Commission Chair to Focus Discussion. If speakers become flustered or defensive by Commissioner
questions, it is the responsibility of the Chair or Co-Chair to calm and focus the speaker and to maintain
the order and decorum of the meeting. Questions by Commissioners to members of the public testifying
should seek to clarify or expand information. It is never appropriate to belligerently challenge or belittle
the speaker. Commissioners agree to refrain from providing personal opinions or revealing inclinations
about upcoming votes until after the public hearing is closed.
(f) Personal Attacks. Commissioners shall not personally attack, under any circumstance, a
member/members of the public. Commissioners acknowledge that cultural differences, body language,
tone of voice, as well as the words they use, could be experienced as intimidating, off-putting, or
aggressive to the message recipient.
2. In Unofficial Settings
(a) No Promises. Commissioners may not make promises on behalf of the Commission. Commissioners
may be asked to explain a Commission policy or recommendation or to give their opinion about an issue
as they meet and talk with constituents in the community. It is appropriate to give a brief overview of
City policy and to refer to City staff for further information. It is inappropriate to overtly or implicitly
promise Commission or Council action, or to promise City staff will do something specific (fix a pothole,
plow a specific street, plant new flowers in the median, etc.).
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(b) Personal Comments. Commissioners agree to refrain from making personal comments about other
Commissioners to constituents. It is acceptable to publicly disagree about an issue, but it is unacceptable
to make derogatory comments about other Commissioners, their opinions and actions.
(c) Public-Private Considerations. Commissioners may observed by the community as the serve the city in
their capacity as commissioners. Commissioner behaviors and comments serve as models for proper
conduct in the City of Brooklyn Center. Commissioners agree to reflect honesty and respect for the
dignity of each individual in every word, communication, (whether in social media or otherwise), and
action taken by Commissioners, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a serious and continuous
responsibility.
D. Commissioner Conduct with Other Public Agencies
Commissioners will be as clear as possible when representing City or personal interests. If a Commissioner
appears before another governmental agency or organization to give a statement on an issue, the
Commissioner 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 Commission. Even if the Commissioner represents
his/her/their own personal opinions, the Commissioner must remember that the comments may reflect
upon the City as an organization.
If the Commissioner is representing the City, the Commissioner must support and advocate the official City
position on an issue, not a personal viewpoint.
E. Poor Conduct and Accountability Measures
1. Conduct
(a) Violations. Commissioners who violate the Code of Respect will be subject to accountability measures.
Any violations that potentially constitute criminal conduct shall be handled by the criminal justice
system.
(b) Factors. Factors that will be considered in determining the appropriate restorative measure or sanction
include but are not limited to the following: seriousness of the violation and number of preceding
violations.
2. Types of Accountability Measures
(a) Restorative Measures
Commissioners agree to engage in restorative measures prior to initiating sanctions for violations of
the Code of Respect. Restorative measures include, but are not limited to:
(i) Private meeting Commissioner and City Manager
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(ii) Informal Mediation between involved parties and Mediator
(iii) Mediator issues recommendations (i.e. training, public apology, meeting suspension, etc.)
(iv) Commissioner / Involved Parties to follow recommendations
(v) If Commissioner refuses to follow recommendations, then the process moves to sanctions:
(b) Sanction
Commissioners may face commission removal for failing to engage in restorative measures or for continued
violations of the Code of Respect.
3. Process
(a) Complaint / Reporting a Code of Respect Violation
(i) A Commissioner may report a potential Code of Respect violation by another Commissioner by
bringing the matter to the attention of the official of their choice, Mayor, City Manager, or City
Attorney.
(ii) A Brooklyn Center staff member may report a potential Code of Respect violation by a City
Commissioner by bringing the matter to the attention of the City Manager or Human Resources
Manager.
(iii) If the potential violation involves the Mayor, it should be brought to the attention of the Mayor Pro
Tem, City Manager or City Attorney.
(iv) A community member may report potential Code of Respect violations by a member of a City
Commission to the Mayor, City Manager or any member of the City Council.
(b) Investigation
(i) Triage. The Mayor and City Manager will gather initial information, consult with the City Attorney if
necessary and decide how to move forward.
(ii) Fact Finding. If necessary, the matter will be referred to the criminal justice system. The Mayor and
City Manager will determine whether to pursue independent fact-finding or internal fact-finding.
(iii) Possible Outcomes. After an investigation, the City Manager, in consultation with proper staff, will
determine if the complaint is substantiated or unsubstantiated. A restorative solution will be sought
prior to moving to a sanction.
(1) If Substantiated: The Commissioner will have a consultation with the City Manager, if that is
unsuccessful, then the parties move to a graduated resolution process:
• Informal mediation with harmed individuals and City designee (Mediator);
• Mediator issues recommendations
• Commissioner / Involved Parties to follow recommendations
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• If Commissioner refuses to follow recommendations, then the process moves to
sanction.
(2) Sanction: (Last Resort)
• City Manager compiles redacted report for Council review (names, commission, other
identifying information will be removed from the report)
• After review of the circumstances and recommendation, Council will use a standard
form provided by the Administration to communicate their vote
• Administration will provide Council forms to Mayor
• Mayor will state Council vote on the record
• If Commissioner is removed from service, Commissioner will receive a letter of
removal from the Council
• Commission Removal results in automatic bar from Commission Appointment for 2
years
(3) If Unsubstantiated: City Manager to work with City Attorney to determine resolution compliant
with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
4. Conduct During Meetings
(a) Inappropriate Statements. For inappropriate statements or conduct by Commissioners occurring during
a Commission meeting, a verbal correction by the Commission Chair will normally be the first step to
address the matter, either during or after the meeting.
(b) Further Incidents. Further incidents at the same meeting may be addressed by subsequent verbal
corrections accompanied Repeated incidents can give rise to Chair not recognizing the offending
Commissioner to speak. A Commissioner can request that the Chair take any of these actions against an
offending Commissioner if the Chair has not done so on her/his/their own.
F. Ethics
1. Open Meeting Law
(a) With certain exceptions, meetings of Council Commissions must be open the public. A meeting is a
gathering of a majority of Commissioners at which City business is discussed. It is not necessary that
action be taken for a gathering to constitute a “meeting.”
(b) A meeting does not include chance social gatherings as long as public business is not
discussed.
(c) A majority of Commissioners 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 meeting law as long as social media use is accessible to all
Members of the public.
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See Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D, for further information regarding the Open Meeting Law.
2. Gift Law
A City Commissioner cannot accept a gift from someone who has an interest in any matter involving the City.
A “gift” includes money, property, a service, a loan, forgiveness of a loan, or
a promise of future employment. A “gift” does not include:
• Campaign contributions;
• items costing less than $5;
• items given to members of a group; the majority of whose members are not local officials;
• gifts given by family members; or
• food or beverages given at a reception, meal or meeting at which a Council Member is making a
speech or answering questions as part of a program
See Minnesota Statutes, Section 471.895 City Charter, Section 14.04(A), and Section II, 2.95 of the Brooklyn
Center Code of Policies for further information regarding the Gift Law and procedure.
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 participate in matters in which the Council Member’s own personal
interest, financial or otherwise, is so distinct from the public interest that the
(c) Council Member cannot be expected to fairly represent the public’s interest when voting on the matter.
See Minnesota Statutes Section 471.87, and Section II, 2.95 of the Brooklyn Center Code of Policies of further
information about Conflicts of Interest involving Public Officers.
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Council Regular Meeting
DATE: 7/28/2025
TO: Council Study Session
FROM:
THROUGH:
BY: Shannon Pettit, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Strategic Planning Update and Reporting
Requested Council Action:
Discussion of Strategic Planning Progress Report and Update
Background:
In 2023, the City completed its 5-year strategic plan, which included a mission, vision,
values, and priorities. The strategic plan has been the guidance for operational actions,
budgets, and evaluations. Staff will be presenting and discussing with the council the
first report for accessing annual progress on strategic goals. This first iteration of a
scorecard will enable staff, council, and the community to begin realizing progress made
on strategic goals, while providing data for needed adjustments.
Budget Issues:
Inclusive Community Engagement:
Antiracist/Equity Policy Effect:
Strategic Priorities and Values:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Strat Priorities CC
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7/24/2025
1
Executing on Strategic Priorities
Overview
2
•Intent
•Current & Future Execution Process
•Current Status
1
2
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7/24/2025
2
Intent
3
•City’s strategic plan was completed in 2023
•Priority areas include:
Enhance Economic Growth
Develop Financial Stability
Increase Safety for Community & Employees
Improve Employee Engagement
Improve Communication
Intent
4
•Strategic plans require execution
•The key areas of execution include:
Focus
Visibility
Ownership
3
4
Page 14 of 18
7/24/2025
3
Execution Framework & Process
5
•Successful execution needs a consistent process
•An effective process will:
Maximize the chances for success
Find new areas of progress
Challenge the organization
•An effective process should not:
Tie projects to individual achievement
Current Execution Process
6
•FOCUS
Departments created individual priority projects with City Manager
Monthly status meetings with department heads
•VISIBILITY
Documentation of strategic priorities and progress
•OWNERSHIP
Each priority has an owner that is responsible for pushing the work forward
5
6
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7/24/2025
4
Future Process
7
•FOCUS
City Council develops high level priorities
Departments create project plans
Clearly define key results
Monthly status meetings with department heads
•VISIBILITY
Documentation of strategic priorities and progress
Regular report out of progress
•OWNERSHIP
Each priority has an owner that is responsible for pushing the work forward
Priorities do not change without discussion
Current Status
8
Number of ProjectsCategory
7Enhance Economic Growth
13Develop Financial Stability
14Increase Safety for Community & Employees
13Improve Employee Engagement
17Improve Communication
64 Priority Projects
7
8
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7/24/2025
5
Current Status
9
Example ProjectCategory
By the end of 2025, ensure the development and
beginning implementation of an economic growth
plan.
Enhance Economic Growth
Deliver 2025 Capital PlanDevelop Financial Stability
Upgrade City Hall security cameras and telecomIncrease Safety for Community & Employees
Update new employee orientation to improve
experience and ensure policy trainings are accurate
Improve Employee Engagement
Implement monthly all-staff meetings with City
Manager
Improve Communication
Current Status
10
15%
83%
3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
At Risk or Off Track
On Track or Completed
Not Started
Phases of Completion
9
10
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7/24/2025
6
Current Status
11
11
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