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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.01.12 CCM REGULAR01/12/26 -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 12, 2026 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum, called to order by Mayor April Graves at 7:01 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Mayor April Graves, Councilmembers Dan Jerzak, Teneshia Kragness, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, and Laurie Ann Moore. Also present were Deputy City Manager Daren Nyquist, Parks and Recreation Director Cordell Wiseman, Police Chief Garett Flesland, Fire Chief Todd Berg, Community Development Director Jesse Anderson, City Clerk Shannon Pettit, and City Attorney Siobhan Tolar. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM Mayor April Graves opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum and reviewed the Rules of Decorum. Sabra said that as part of the community, she is demanding an answer as to why Dr. Edwards was fired without cause, after being given an exemplary review. She asked why the elected officials who work for the community would not give the residents a reasonable explanation for firing the qualified City Manager, who has done nothing but attempt to keep the ship from sinking any further. She requested a record of the City's transition plan, as it is the end of the year and the beginning of another, and there is still no City Manager because the Council hastily tossed out the qualified Dr. Edwards, failed to appoint a new one, and recklessly terminated the City Manager's contract. She noted that the City has gone over two weeks without an appointed City Administrative Leader, which is an appointment required by the City Charter. She said she would like an answer to that question by the next Council meeting, and as a matter of record, sitting members on this current Council have been Charter Commissioners in the last year and were fully aware of the City Charter rules when they negligently made the reckless decision to deviate from the City Charter. She said she would like that record and needs answers from the City's elected officials for the residents by the next meeting. 01/12/26 -2- DRAFT Aru S. thanked the Council for allowing her to speak. She said she has been organizing tenants in Brooklyn Center for years and was genuinely shocked to learn that tenant protections in Brooklyn Center are being considered to be removed. She said tenants and community members have shown up in this space again and again, requesting data and sharing their own lived experiences to show that tenant protections like the Just Cause eviction Ordinance are needed to protect families, elders, and children. She said when the City hosted a formal rental licensing feedback session on August 26, 2025, she was present personally, as well as many tenants who were present today, showing strong support for maintaining and strengthening the very protections that are being considered to be removed. She noted that tenants were not silent; they were organized, informed, and very clearly stated what they wanted: keeping all those tenant protections. She said she had to ask where this decision is coming from, because it is not coming from the tenants. She stated that in the past two weeks, in a mere few hours of knocking on doors in various apartment complexes around Brooklyn Center, she got 200 signed cards requesting that tenants keep their protections. She said those cards have been distributed to all of the Councilmembers. She stated that residents are living in a moment of real instability, ICE is everywhere targeting families, rent is rising faster than wages, and people have to choose between food, medicine, and rent. She said the last thing the community wants to be worried about is having tenant protections removed. She said her final question for the Council was who the community is engaging with, which led the Council to believe that tenant protections should be taken away, even though tenants are clearly asking again and again to keep them. She thanked the Council again for allowing her to speak. Gretchen E. said she was requesting clarification on the Council’s adopted Meeting Decorum policy. She said this is a procedural clarification question, not a comment on any individual meeting. She said she previously sent an email to the Council and the Interim Cit y Manager seeking clarity, but would like to ask on public record as well for clarity going forward. She asked if the Council can confirm whether the adopted Decorum policy is intended to be in effect for all City Council meetings, and how enforcement of that policy is expected to be applied by the presiding officer when disruptions occur. Saritha said she was there to speak in support of strong tenant rights. She stated that tenant rights are not about giving anyone special treatment, but are about fairness, stability, and basic human dignity. The existence of a system to make sure people have safe housing, reasonable notice, and protection from retaliation and sudden displacement. She said if families are forced to move with little warning, children are disrupted in schools, seniors, and people with disabilities face housing loss that they cannot recover from. These outcomes do not strengthen the City; they strain it. She said housing stability is a public safety issue. She noted that communities with strong tenant protections have fewer emergency calls and lower homeless rates. She noted that most tenants in the City are working people doing their best to stay afloat in a housing market where rent is rising faster than wages. She added that tenant rights provide a small, but critical balance in a system where landlords hold most of the power, and protecting tenants does not mean ignoring landlords' concerns. She said responsible property owners benefit from stable tenants, clear rules, and policies. Fair tenant protections create stability for everyone involved. Housing is not a privilege reserved for a few; it is a foundation of employment, education, health, and community well-being. She added that weakening tenant rights puts the foundation at risk. She urged the Council to stand 01/12/26 -3- DRAFT with the residents, protect tenant rights, and choose policies that keep the community stable and safe. She thanked the Council for its time. Carla said this was very last-minute, and she did not receive a letter about this meeting until last Friday. She said this is unfair, and she is a tenant who just moved to Brooklyn Center a year ago from north Minneapolis. She said the policy that requires tenants to move out in less than 30 days is unfair and uncalled for. She said she does not understand where this policy is coming from and why it is only being considered in Brooklyn Center. She noted that if this passes here, it will pass everywhere. She said she is disabled, and needs a moving truck and a company in order to move, and would need 30 days, and cannot move in less than 15 days. She said she has antiques, her Granny's things, and refuses to leave anything behind. She noted that she is older, not 25 years old anymore, and cannot move out of a home that quickly, and this is unfair to everyone in the room. She asked the Council if any of them could move out of their home in less than 30 days. She said the underprivileged should not be required to move out in less than 30 days, and this policy is unfair. She said this policy is ridiculous, unfair, and asked who is calling these shots. Mayor Graves informed Carla that her time was up. Carla thanked the Council. Noah J. said he is the Chair of the Brooklyn Center Parks and Recreation Commission and is sharing views of his own, not necessarily of the Commission. He expressed concern over the firing of Dr. Edwards on December 19, 2025. He said his understanding is that Dr. Edwards was one of the only City Managers of African American descent in the state of Minnesota and one of only two in the history of Minnesota. He added that Dr. Edwards' firing has already had a negative impact on the City's ability to operate, with City Staff telling him that certain initiatives are delayed due to turnover in City leadership. He said he hoped that race was not involved here, but from an outside perspective, he sees Councilmembers of color defending Dr. Edwards and other Councilmembers voting to fire him while refusing to share justification. He said he is very disappointed in the elected Councilmembers who voted to fire Dr. Edwards, and are unwilling to disclose their reasoning. He said he also wanted to share that the community is very scared right now. He said everyone might not see it in this room, but people are afraid to go outside due to ICE and their presence in the City. He said he has seen videos and heard many accounts of violent, aggressive arrests in the City. He noted that there is a disturbing video on social media of an ICE officer entering a porta-potty with a handcuffed woman in Evergreen Park in Brooklyn Center. He said everyone is aware that ICE murdered Renee Nicole Good in South Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. He encouraged the Council to do everything in their power to get ICE out of the City and keep residents safe, and told fellow residents to stay strong, engaged, and united. Justin of France Avenue in Brooklyn Center, said he wanted to discuss his deep concerns about the activity of Immigration Customs Enforcement in the City and statewide. He said he has witnessed violent, racist, illegal, dangerous, and devastating behavior from ICE agents and does not have to remind everyone of the murder that recently happened in Minneapolis. He implored the Council to take action to work to keep the community safe from these abductions, injuries, trauma, isolation, and panic. He said first, the Council should contact Governor Walz to discuss their support for an eviction moratorium. He said people are sheltering in their homes, often without going out for groceries or other necessities, and missing work to avoid being taken by ICE. He said no one, regardless of immigration status, should risk becoming unhoused because they are 01/12/26 -4- DRAFT scared to go to work due to their government's violent behavior. He said the Council should pass or strengthen existing ordinances, or sign an executive order as Mayor declaring Brooklyn Center an ICE-free zone. He said the City could follow Chicago’s example of banning ICE activity on City-owned property, or even better, see the Minneapolis City Council's ordinance clarifying City funds, roles, resources, and property in relation to ICE. He said the Minneapolis ordinance includes requirements for staff to be trained in ICE-related ordinances, report violations, communicate ICE activity quickly, and document when federal agencies request resources from the City. He said the Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution related to the discipline of police officers who violate the ordinances, and he thinks Brooklyn Center could one-up them on that one. He thanked the Council for their time. Julie B. thanked the City and Mayor, and the statements made reaffirm the City's commitment to its immigrant neighbors. She said she heard the previous Council questions being asked of the Police Department and had planned to email about it, but since it is being discussed here, she figured she would add questions. She said she heard within the community that there is a police presence at the Embassy Suites, so she passed by today to see for herself and saw that there are cameras on both sides of the hotel, and while she did not see the presence of squads at the hotel, she is curious about the cost of this. She asked if the cameras at the hotel are the City's, and the reasoning for them being on either side of the hotel, and if this is compromising other areas that those cameras are generally used in, as well as the cost associated with it. She asked if there are extra patrols happening at the hotel, and what that costs the City as well. She said it boils down to the cost of Immigration Enforcement on the City, which she thinks is relevant to have the actual cost of. She said she also wanted to express concern about the tenant rights potentially being revoked. She said she serves multiple people impacted by these policies, many of whom are some of the poorest residents who do not have the capacity or funds to suddenly move and are at a disadvantage of having any rights at all in those spaces. She said she also wanted to express disappointment about the firing of the City Manager, and her bigger concern is the fact that there is a refusal to really give a reason. She said the Council's job is to communicate their reasons for decisions, and if that is not something that they are ready or willing to do, perhaps somebody else should take their seats who will. Mayor Graves thanked everyone who came up to speak publicly, as she knows it can be scary, especially right now, so she wanted to applaud the courage and bravery of those who came and spoke publicly. Mayor Graves moved, and Councilmember Moore seconded to close the Informal Open Forum. Motion passed unanimously. 5. INVOCATION Mayor Graves recited a poem that she wrote called "Pledge" and said she was thinking about every meeting where she leads the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. She recited, "Some meetings, the words catch in my throat. Liberty and justice for all lined up neatly, like they haven't been stripped by history. I place my hand over my heart, and I feel it hesitate. Not because I hate this country, 01/12/26 -5- DRAFT but because I love it enough to notice when it lies to itself. They ask us to stand, to pledge allegiance to a flag stitched with promises. While the ground beneath it is uneven with graves and broken treaties, and names still being chanted in the streets. They hear protest and call it betrayal. They see bent knees and miss the bent spines of cities, still learning how to stand upright. Now, they strip curricula voices that tell the truth, roll back programs that teach us to see one another, and call equity a threat, as if acknowledging harm is itself a crime. They talk about reform but fear the word change. Protect systems that were never meant to serve all, policing bodies, while punishing care. The amendments were a promise that the people could correct the blueprint. That democracy was not a relic, but a living argument. So, tell me what allegiance means now. When inclusion is erased, when accountability is optional, and justice is policed like a favor instead of a right. I want to believe in the we, the Pledge keeps invoking. I want them all to mean all. Not someday, not selectively, not only when it is comfortable. Belief is not repetition ; loyalty is not silence. Maybe the most honest patriotism is the kind that asks hard questions. The kind that kneels so the country might rise. The kind that remembers the work of generations who refuse to let promises die in legislative back rooms or performative speeches. So when I struggle to say the Pledge, know this: it is not a refusal; it is a responsibility. It's me, holding the promise up to the present and asking it to do the work that it still owes us." 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, with amendments to the minutes as stated during the Study Session, with a change to the Consent Agenda to remove item 6f. Resolution Appointing Council Members to Commissions and Outside Organizations For 2026, to Council Consideration Items 10a., and the following consent items were approved: 6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. December 1, 2025 – Regular Session 2. December 8, 2025 -- Study Session 3. December 8, 2025 – Regular Session 4. December 19, 2025 – Special Meeting 6b. LICENSES RENTAL INITIAL (TYPE I – three-year license) 5637 Emerson Avenue North Tobi Agene/Osetohamen Agene RENEWAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 4110 Lakebreeze Avenue North Jakai Taylor 2818 Nash Road Ms Relocation Services Inc 3612 Commodore Drive Ih2 Property Illinois Lp 01/12/26 -6- DRAFT 6661 Xerxes Place North Mn Housing I Llc 7148 Morgan Avenue North Fred Hanus LLC RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 1302 69th Avenue North Aeon Holdings Llc 4806 Twin Lake Avenue North Pheng Lee 6511 Humboldt Avenue North The Pines North Llc 5900 Washburn Avenue North Lance Nordin 6436 Fremont Avenue North Excel Properties LLC 6611 Camden Drive Jenn-Yuan Chen/Shin Chiang RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license) 4110 Lakebreeze Avenue North Jakai Taylor 4200 Lakebreeze Avenue North AZ Rental Apartments 5239 Drew Avenue North Jay N & Gina L Battenberg 4207 Lakeside Avenue North, #235 Ammar Abdulrahman 3121 Lawrence Road Empire Care Systems 3328 49th Avenue North From Mat to Life Llc 5306 Knox Avenue North Antonio Vizcarra-Moreno 5321 71st Circle Pramod Khakural 5410 France Avenue North SFR Borrower 2022-1 LLC 5431 Logan Avenue North Cosco Property 3 Llc 5532 Logan Avenue North Irina & Igor Kovalsky 6009 Aldrich Avenue North RRE Ventures LLC 6301 Grimes Avenue North Tariq S Hussain I Yong Her 6312 France Avenue North O OLADEJI & O OLADEJI 01/12/26 -7- DRAFT 6712 Beard Avenue North Mlmjr Properties & Invst Llc 7018 Regent Avenue North Christina Duong & Danny Vo 6c. RESOLUTION DECLARING COMMITMENT TO THE BROOKLYN CENTER CITY CHARGER FOR 2026 6d. RESOLUTION APPOINTING PRESIDING OFFICERS – MAYOR PRO TEM AND ACTING MAYOR PRO TEM FOR 2026 6e. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR 2026 6f. RESOLUTION APPOINTING COUNCIL MEMBERS TO COMMISSIONS AND OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS FOR 2026 Item was moved to Council Consideration Item 10a. 6g. RESOLUTION 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 FOR 2026 6h. RESOLUTION APPOINTING MUNICIPAL TRUSTEES TO THE BROOKLYN CENTER FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES 6i. RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ETHNIC POPULATIONS AND HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS FOR 2026 6j. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDING FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY’S BUILDING OFFICIAL TRAINING PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENT 6k. ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS AND FEE SCHEDULE CHANGES 6l. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT 10 TO THE LOAN ORIGINATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ECONOMIC 01/12/26 -8- DRAFT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) OF BROOKLYN CENTER AND THE CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (CEE) 6m. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE DEPOSITORIES FOR CITY FUNDS FOR 2026 6n. RESOLUTION OPTING NOT TO WAIVE LIMITED TORT LIABILITY FOR 2026 6o. RESOLUTION GRANTING CORPORATE AUTHORITY FOR SIGNING OF CHECKS AND TRANSACTIONS OF FINANCIAL BUSINESS MATTERS FOR 2026 6p. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON JOHN MARTIN DRIVE FROM SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY TO THE CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY BOUNDARY 6q. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2026 FEE SCHEDULE 6r. RESOLUTION APPOINTING INTERIM CITY MANAGER 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS 9a. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2025-007 SUBMITTED BY OGA MADAM KITCHEN FOR ISSUANCE OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A MULTI-PURPOSE EVENT SPACE WITHIN THE OGA MADAM KITCHEN RESTAURANT AT SHINGLE CREEK CENTER (6000 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY) Mr. Nyquist introduced Interim Community Development Director Ginny McIntosh to present this item. Ms. McIntosh said there were two conditional use permit requests coming through at tonight's meeting, and the first is for OGA Madam Kitchen located down the street at 6000 Shingle Creek Parkway in the Shingle Creek Center shopping center. She noted that upon review of the proposal, it was determined that the Applicant would require approval of a conditional use permit, assuming a similar use to that of a banquet, event, or conference facility. She explained that the property is used by the Brooklyn Cultural Village LLC, the subject property is 1.6 acres, the zoning district is located within the commercial mixed-use zoning district, and it is future guided as commercial mixed-use. 01/12/26 -9- DRAFT Ms. McIntosh explained that the property is at the smaller shopping center at the south end, and there is another strip mall owned by Acer to the northeast, and the former Target side is located to the north. She noted that the Applicant originally met with City Planning and the City clerk in October this past year regarding the use of their restaurant. The Applicant had previously been unaware that a conditional use permit was required to hold regularly occurring events, and while they had been working with an event promoter, there were some issues that arose, and they ended up cutting ties. The Applicant had heard from customers that there was a need for this type of use and space in the community, but they wanted to follow the correct City process. The majority of their clients are from the surrounding area or from Brooklyn Center, hence the request for this space in this location. City Staff notified the Applicant of the process and the timeline for bringing the Applicant through the Planning Commission and City Council. Ms. McIntosh said the Applicant has expressed interest in holding private events within their existing restaurant space, which includes celebrations, graduation gatherings, wedding showers, baby showers, corporate lunches, and dinners. The Applicant intends to hold daytime and nighttime events with evening events catering to people aged 21+ during the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. for events held Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, although the Applicant indicated the target patron age is 25+ to minimize issues that can occur with younger groups. She added that food and drink packages would be available for purchase as part of the rental. Security would be provided in the form of two licensed security officers, with one dedicated to checking IDs and monitoring the interior, and another dedicated to monitoring parking and the exterior of the building. She noted that there were no plans to alter the interior of the space, with the exception of removing chairs and tables for the dance floor area. Ms. McIntosh continued that in recent years, city staff have become increasingly aware of multi- use or flex spaces, which are often used; these spaces are much smaller than a typical wedding venue or conference center and are attractive to those looking to host informal and formal events. The UDO does not specifically address this type of use; however, given the flexibility, times used, presence of a catering kitchen, and a dedicated assembly and event space, the request for a conditional use permit allows for it to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. City Staff review the business operations, including hours of operation, targeted events, the location of the use, and adjacent permitted uses, noise considerations, and traffic and peak parking demands, to determine potential adverse impacts. She noted that, should any major concerns arise as part of the review process, the City may apply conditions as part of any approval. Ms. McIntosh explained that for the restaurant space, it is noted that the space cannot accommodate more than 109 persons. As mentioned, the events would primarily be scheduled for the evenings, although the restaurant would still operate during the week from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and closed on Mondays. She noted that with respect to parking, it has a more unique situation because it is located within a shopping center that has a reciprocal easement agreement with the neighboring strip mall, as well as the City's EDA site, which is the former Target site. The location has shared parking provisions as well as shared access provisions. She said that when looking at the proposed use, there is a time limit on the shared parking side of things for the shopping center, but City Staff did look at it as a standalone site, so if those shared parking 01/12/26 -10- DRAFT provisions went away, City Staff determined the location could still handle the parking, even at the maximum occupancy of 109 persons. Ms. McIntosh noted that conditional use permits, as outlined under section 35–7700, are those uses which have been identified because of their nature, operation, location, special requirements or characteristics, and that may only be allowed in a particular zoning district after submittal of an application, review, and recommendation by the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council. She added that the conditional use permits process regulates location, magnitude, and design of conditional uses consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and the regulations, purpose, and procedures of the City's UDO. She added that a conditional use permit may not be granted by City Council unless the following criteria have been satisfied; she said she would not go through all of the criteria, as the Council has seen it many times but it really boils down to the property promoting and enhancing the general public welfare, is not detrimental or endanger the public health, safety, morals or comfort and it will allow people to continue to use properties in the immediate vicinity for the uses already permitted. She added that adequate measures have to be taken to address ingress and egress, parking to minimize traffic congestion, and that impacts such as noise, hours of activity, and exterior lighting have been sufficiently addressed to ensure that there are no negative impacts on neighboring uses. Ms. McIntosh said as far as the subject property goes, the Applicant would need to adhere to section 35-7700, which is the City's conditional use permit section, and file the resolution against the property. Any expansion or alteration that includes outdoor seating would require an amendment to the conditional use permit. The maximum occupancy is no more than 109 persons, and that includes staffing as well as customers. The Applicant shall obtain any permits or licensing approvals from Hennepin County Health, the state of Minnesota, and Brooklyn Center, specifically because of the nighttime events and the presence of liquor that they need to maintain a liquor license and an optional 2 a.m. liquor permit. For events serving alcohol, the Applicant needs to maintain an entertainment license from the City of Brooklyn Center. Any music or sound emissions need to be contained to the confines of the tenant space and not extend beyond property lines. Exterior site lighting shall be maintained and kept in operating condition. She said there is a damaged light pole located at the east end of the building that needs to be replaced or fixed. She added that any outside trash disposal facilities Shelby can see contained within on-site dumpsters, and no trash or recycling can be stored outside approved containers. She added that the west and south drive aisles shall remain clear and free for emergency access with a minimum 20-foot-wide drive aisle, which is required per the 2020 Minnesota fire code. She said there can be no obstructions to any window, door, fire escape, stairway, or opening intended to provide ingress or egress for any building structure, except signs in commercial or industrial zoned properties located on the inside glass portion of windows or doors that do not cover more than 20 percent of the individual pane. Designated points of ingress and egress shall be kept clear of any obstructions , especially on the north and west side of the building, such as tables or chairs and curtains. She added that flashing or rotating signs, including those located indoors that are visible from public streets, are also prohibited. Ms. McIntosh noted that a Public Hearing notice was published in the Sun Post on November 27 for the conditional use permit request. Mail notifications were sent out to taxpayers and physical 01/12/26 -11- DRAFT properties located within 350 feet of the subject property, and have received no public comments to date. She noted that a public notice was published ot the City's website and sent out with the weekly bulletin via email. The Applicant representation was at the December 11 planning commission meeting, which is where the public hearing was held. They did indicate their desire to host these events and functions in part to bring back vibrancy to this area. One member of the public was present at the meeting who expressed support for the use, as they have always felt welcomed in the space and at events that they previously attended, and the events were well- controlled. She noted that Planning Commissioners inquired about the types of events held at the property, how long they had operated for, how occupancy would be tracked during events, and how security would be provided. Commissioners also inquired about whether food would be provided during events and if a limited menu would be available. She stated that one Commissioner outlined pros and cons to consider for allowing the use at the subject property, the pros included supporting a local business for a community need, with minimal overlap in parking demand with other users of the shopping center. The cons include a potential conflict of use with the vision of the Opportunity Site master plan, capacity and policing issues as seen at other event venues in the City, and potential negative impacts to other tenants in the shopping center area. She said there are only a couple of other businesses that have later night hours, including Brothers Taqueria, and if the nearby daycare opens, it would have later hours, but the other tenants would all be closed by then. Commissioners noted they were generally supportive as long as the use was well-managed. She added that following the closing of the Public Hearing, the Planning Commission elected to recommend City Council approval (5-1) for Planning Commission Application No. 2025-007. Ms. McIntosh asked if the Council had any questions, and said there is representation from the Applicant if the Council had questions for them as well. Mayor Graves thanked Ms. McIntosh for the presentation and said she would open it up for questions from the Council. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked if there would be food prepared on site. Ms. McIntosh said she would defer that question to representation. Deanna said there would be food served as long as they serve alcohol; they also serve food until 2:00 a.m. Councilmember Lawrence- Anderson asked if they would also have a liquor license to provide alcohol. Deanna said they already have a liquor license. Councilmember Jerzak said she liked the fact that the restaurant was expanding and wished them luck, and that is a well-needed aspect for the City. He asked if individuals are allowed to bring their own food to events. Deanna said they would not allow people to bring in outside food. Councilmember Kragness echoed Councilmember Jerzak and said the Council has been hearing a lot of requests for this type of facility. She added that it would be convenient to have a daycare nearby once it opens, so parents can drop off their kids and come to this location for an event. Councilmember Moore asked if Deanna had any concerns or problems with the restaurant or liquor license since they are already open until 2:00 a.m. as a restaurant. Deanne answered that the 01/12/26 -12- DRAFT restaurant is open until 8:00 p.m., and from 9:00 p.m. until 1:45 a.m. is the entertainment part, and she sells alcohol and food for patrons. Deanne said patrons normally start coming in for that around 10:30 to 11:00 p.m. Councilmember Moore asked if the restaurant is already serving the community. Deanne agreed and said they are serving the community. Councilmember Moore asked if Deanna had any concerns with how she is currently presenting the food and flavor in that particular area. Deanna said she had no concerns, just trying to find more ways to bring in more customers. Councilmember Moore said she knows one Commissioner did have some concerns about the Opportunity Site vision, but some of the Councilmembers have also said that the Council needs to revisit that vision. Councilmember Moore said she is very supportive of the restaurant being able to expand and offer additional services to the community, and she hopes to go and try some of the food, as she has a strong passion for African cuisine. Deanna added that the light pole has been fixed, and there is a vinyl covering over a window to block sunlight that reflects directly at the counter. She said the covering over the back emergency door is always open, but in the summer, homeless people lie out there sometimes, or a homeless woman was changing there once when her staff was inside the restaurant, so they put up curtains that are opened during the day when the restaurant is operating. She said at night the curtains are closed for the privacy of her patrons, and the homeless people that may be outside, so she does not interrupt what the homeless people are doing, especially in the summer when the homeless people are not causing any problems. Councilmember Moore asked if Deanne contacts anyone about the unhoused individuals outside the restaurant, because the City does have services available, although she was not sure if those services go out and check on the homeless individuals or not. Deanne said on the two occasions, it was a young lady who came in just like a customer, and her staff was not aware that she was homeless. When the young lady came back a second time, her staff approached her and asked if she was ok, and she said she was just waiting for a ride. Deanne said they did not feel there was any reason to call the City or the police because the young lady was not causing any problems. Councilmember Moore said she was not saying Deanne should call the police; she was saying that the City has a couple of different Departments that can offer support to Deanne as someone who is trying to assist a community member. Deanne said she would be glad to get that information, so she can offer those resources to unhoused individuals when she sees them again. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to adopt a RESOLUTION approving Planning Commission Application No. 2025-007 for issuance of a conditional use permit (CUP) to operate a multi-use event space within the approximately 3,040 square foot OGA Madam Kitchen restaurant located at 6000 Shingle Creek Parkway and within the Shingle Creek Center shopping center, based on the findings of fact and submitted application, and as amended by the conditions of approval in the resolution. Motion passed unanimously. 9b. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2025-008 SUBMITTED BY RORY PURNELL OF MELT CITY BARBERING SCHOOL OF 01/12/26 -13- DRAFT CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR ISSUANCE OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A BARBER SCHOOL LOCATED WITHIN HUMBOLDT SHOPPING CENTER (6800 HUMBOLDT AVENUE NORTH) Mr. Nyquist introduced Associate Planner Krystin Eldridge to present this item. Ms. Eldridge said this application is on behalf of the Applicant, Rory Purnell, who is present, of Melt City Barbering School of Craftmanship at 6800 Humboldt Avenue North, and the Applicant is requesting review and consideration to open a barber school in the Humboldt Shopping Center. The Applicant will require approval of a conditional use permit (CUP), assuming a most similar use of non-residential educational uses, including area learning centers (ALC), post-secondary schools, business schools, trade schools, and the like, but excluding public and private elementary and secondary schools in the Neighborhood Mixed-Use (MX-N2) zoning district. Ms. Eldridge added that Thomas Kite is the owner and purchased the property in 2021. The subject property is 4.1 acres and includes the entire Humboldt Shopping Center property. She added that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Designation has this location as Neighborhood Mixed Use (N-MU). Ms. Eldridge stated that this property was formerly known as Hands-On Barber and Beauty, but that the long-term tenant moved out of the property a year ago. She added that the Applicant, Rory Purnell, is a Master Barber who offers vocational training and has barbered for 20 years. The Applicant obtained his Instructors License in 2019 from the Minnesota Board of Barbers Examiners. The Applicant has been searching for a unit to lease for a barber school for at least a year in Brooklyn Center. She added that the Applicant has provided an interior floor plan, which identifies approximately 1,500 square feet of space with a small entry waiting area with chairs and a desk, and a privacy wall separating the training space from the entry. The rest of the unit is primarily proposed for formal instruction with 16 barber training chairs, eight vanities, and eight wash sinks. The unit originally had one bathroom, but an additional one will be installed with ADA dimensions. She added that a washer and dryer will also be installed at the back of the unit for laundering towels. Ms. Eldridge said for CUPs, Staff reviews the parking, lighting, and hours of operation. She said Humboldt Shopping Center is a traditional strip mall, with a lot of parking that was approved when it was first developed. She added that most of the businesses in the shopping center are restaurants, but there is a laundry mat and an African grocer with the restaurant. She said most of the businesses there are transient, and most patrons use DoorDash, so the parking lot is generally empty most of the time. The subject property has two lighted posts over the parking lot near the tenant space, and there is a wall fixture on the back of the unit. She said City Staff is not aware of any issues with lighting at night for the shopping center; however, if there i s an issue with the lighting, City Staff would contact the property owner for that, and any lights that are inoperable would need to be repaired or replaced to comply with City code 35-5400. Ms. Eldridge shared that the operating hours would be Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with instruction time occurring between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and student training time 01/12/26 -14- DRAFT occurring from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The shop would be open for instructor personal clients from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ms. Eldridge added that, as Ms. McIntosh previously stated, City Staff look at CUPs for anything that could be detrimental to the neighboring properties, and look at parking, noise, and hours of activity. She noted that for anticipated permitting and conditions of approval, City Staff are asking that once the Applicant is approved, the City will file this CUP with Hennepin County, and ask that the county follow up with the City. She stated that if any of the conditions are not met, the City could revoke the CUP, and any expansion or alteration would require an amendment to the CUP. The Applicant shall maintain all licensing approvals from the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners, Hennepin County Health Department, the City of Brooklyn Center, and any other agencies prior to use. The Applicant shall submit a sign permit application for any proposed signage on the building, and there will be no obstructions to any window, door, fire escape, stairway, or opening intended to provide ingress or egress for any building structure on the inside glass portion of windows or doors that do not cover more than 20 percent of an individual pane. Flashing or rotating signs are also prohibited. Ms. Eldridge said there was a Public Hearing held at the Planning Commission meeting on December 11, 2025, and the Applicant was present at that meeting. The Commissioners engaged in discussion around the proposed business operations, service offerings, barbering industry in Minnesota, and the process to become a licensed barber, proposed schedule for students, number of instructors, and the Applicant's hours of operation for personal clientele. The Applicant spoke about his intentions for the space, any partnerships he has with Brooklyn Center High School, and the history of what he has been doing over the last 20 years in the community. Following the close of the Public Hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously (6-0) recommended City Council approval of PC Application No. 2025-008. Mayor Graves thanked Ms. Eldridge for the presentation and asked the Council if they had any questions. Councilmember Kragness thanked Ms. Eldridge for the presentation and thanked Mr. Purnell for choosing Brooklyn Center. Rory Purnell introduced himself to the Council and said he is a homeowner in Brooklyn Center, and having a business here is the perfect dream. Councilmember Kragness asked if it would be possible to set up a back-to-school type of event with the barber shop and the schools. Mr. Purnell said he is currently partnering with Miss Tony at Brooklyn Center High School and has created a six-week after-school program for kids to educate them on self-grooming. He said he gets six to ten kids that attend the program, but his goal is to implement more six-week programs with different sets of kids in order to help 20 to 30 kids per school year. Councilmember Moore asked Mr. Purnell if he already had interested students. Mr. Purnell responded that he does. Councilmember Moore said Mr. Purnell might be the barber for one of her daughters' best friends and asked if she could have his contact information before he left the meeting. She said she concurred with Councilmember Kragness and thanked Mr. Purnell for 01/12/26 -15- DRAFT choosing Brooklyn Center, and there are quite a few organizations that would be interested in partnering with his students and him. She asked Mr. Purnell if he works on all types of hair. Mr. Purnell answered that he tackles all the cultures and all the hair. Mr. Purnell said he appreciates Brooklyn Center, and he is doing all of this on his own since financial aid does not kick in for him for at least three to five years, and any help from Brooklyn Center would be helpful and appreciated, as far as signage goes. He added that help with grants that come out that can help the students get their school paid for would also be helpful. He said he would also like to partner with Brooklyn Center for picnics, help with the homeless, and be involved in the community. Mayor Graves said she would come over and introduce herself when she is not in the middle of a meeting. She said that the barbershop previously hosted several different community dialogues, so that space already has that energy in it, and she is happy to see that space is continuing to be used in that way. She said he is doing great work building a workforce, too, as a barber is an important job that is accessible to a lot of young people. She added that she might send her son over there to get a haircut and a job. She said that it is a route to becoming an entrepreneur, and it is wonderful to hear. She is excited to see what Mr. Purnell does next. Councilmember Jerzak thanked Mr. Purnell for all he is doing, especially with the youth training. He told Mr. Purnell that when road work and remodeling work begin, he will work very closely with those teams to ensure that his business is not negatively impacted, because that work is scheduled for next year, and a roundabout will be added in that area. He added that those teams are very good to work with, and told Mr. Purnell to be honest and upfront with them, and they should accommodate Mr. Purnell. Mayor Graves added that the City does have a façade program with money to support businesses on their façade that he could also look into. Councilmember Moore added that Northstar Promise is still available in the state of Minnesota for households or individuals who make less than $80,000 and offers stipends and money to attend schools, and could be available to his students since he would be a registered licensed barber school. She added that as a City, they do not give out educational grants, but Northstar Promise has been underutilized. Councilmember Jerzak said he knows some of the tenants in that shopping center that love the grocery store, and some joint work back and forth between them and the barber school would be great because it is quite a community. Mr. Purnell said he would love that, and he told the property manager that his students, in their downtime, will be ensuring that the parking lot is clean and teaching them the value of that. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to adopt a RESOLUTION approving Planning Commission Application No. 2025-008 for issuance of a conditional use permit for the Subject Property located at 6800 Humboldt Avenue North for an approximately 01/12/26 -16- DRAFT 1,500-square-foot barber school, based on the findings of fact and submitted application, and as amended by the conditions of approval in the resolution. Motion passed unanimously. 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 10a. RESOLUTION APPOINTING COUNCIL MEMBERS TO COMMISSIONS AND OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS FOR 2026 Mayor Graves explained this item was removed from the Consent Agenda as 6f. for Council Consideration and was related to Councilmembers serving as liaisons for advice, and advisory Commissions. She said she would give the floor to Councilmember Moore, who requested that this be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Councilmember Moore said she would like to see a shake-up on the Commissions. She noted that Councilmember Kragness served on the Finance Commission for 12 years and has been a liaison for four years. She said it would be nice to see the Council involved and see what is happening in other Commissions. She said she is declining the Parks and Recreation Commission and would like to be assigned to a different Commission, potentially the Finance Commission, but would like to see what her colleagues think. Councilmember Kragness said Councilmember Moore is correct; she was on the Finance Commission for 12 years and served on the board as Chair. She said she is an accountant and can do these things in her sleep, so she would prefer to continue to be on the Finance Commission. She said it is nice to have that expertise and the experience that she has to offer to that group. She said she is not opposed to what Councilmember Moore said, but she believes that there is value in education and the experience that people have. Mayor Graves thanked Councilmember Kragness and said she articulated Mayor Graves' reasoning for keeping her on the Finance Commission, and while she does not fully disagree with what Councilmember Moore said about mixing things up, she thinks continuity is important, which is why she has not switched up Commission appointments every year. Mayor Graves continued that consistency and historical knowledge of what has happened in previous years on the Commission is also important, and she tries to balance that with choosing new appointments. She explained that she switched a few things around and mentioned previously that Councilmember Jerzak had requested that he get additional support with the Highway 252 Project Advisory Committee, so she put Councilmember Moore as a second on that committee to help Councilmember Jerzak with that. Mayor Graves added that she removed Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson from the League of Minnesota Cities and added herself, and Councilmember Moore was at Metro Cities and was removed and replaced with Councilmember Kragness, so some changes were made. Mayor Graves said there is some value to serving on a Commission with community members that you may not always agree with, because it forces people to learn how to have respectful conversations and encourages people to think about different perspectives. Mayor Graves added that part of being an elected official is having conversations with community 01/12/26 -17- DRAFT members that you do not agree with and still need to show up for professionally and listen to what they have to say, which is also part of her considerations when she makes her appointments. Councilmember Moore said with all due respect to Councilmember Kragness, it is fine that she is an accountant, but the Council is all responsible not only for oversight of their own personal budgets but that of the City Council. She said she thinks the Council needs to shake up those appointments, and it is not based on whether or not she gets along with or cares about the comments of people on any particular Commission. She said the Council is going through a process of review right now with the oversight of that particular Commission, and she would like to serve on the Finance Commission. She said she was a Finance Commissioner, if the Council is going to go by legacy, so she has experience in that area. She said that because the Council has done it this way for so long, it does not mean it has to continue to be done this way. Councilmember Kragness said there is a lot of turnover on the Finance Commission, and she believed that Councilmember Moore was on that Commission, but also chose to quit that committee at some point as well. She said that because she has been on that committee for so long, it is nice to have history with a person who has been there continuously. Councilmember Moore called for a point of order. Mayor Graves said Councilmember Moore was interrupting Councilmember Kragness. Councilmember Moore said she was calling a point of order because she did not like the tone of Councilmember Kragness’s comment. Mayor Graves said she could not call a point of order because of the tone. Councilmember Moore said she could. Mayor Graves asked City Attorney Siobhan Tolar to weigh in on calling a point of order around tone. Councilmember Moore said she did not use the word “tone.” Mayor Graves responded that she did use the word tone, and previously stated she did not like Councilmember Kragness’s tone. Councilmember Moore said again that she did not use the word “tone.” Mayor Graves said it would be on the record. Councilmember Moore said there is a lot on the record, and they should all go and review it. Ms. Tolar responded that calling a point of order is intended for procedure and content, so if Councilmember Moore had a problem with what was said, that would be a point of order. Mayor Graves asked if Councilmember Moore’s problem is with Councilmember Kragness, saying that Councilmember Moore had previously quit the Finance Commission. Councilmember Moore confirmed that it was the issue. Councilmember Kragness asked Councilmember Moore if that was not true. Councilmember Moore asked if the Council could get back to her point and see if the Mayor could shake things up and have some variety in Commission appointments. Mayor Graves said she is not stopping any of the other Councilmembers from speaking, and said Councilmember Moore jumped in when Councilmember Kragness was speaking. Councilmember Moore said she did not need to be lambasted by a fellow colleague. Mayor Graves said no one was lambasting her. Councilmember Moore said that Mayor Graves does not need to 01/12/26 -18- DRAFT respond that way. Mayor Graves said Councilmember Moore does not need to respond that way to the Council either. Councilmember Moore said Mayor Graves was doing a great job keeping the meeting decorum. Mayor Graves asked if any of the other Councilmembers wanted to weigh in on this, or volunteer one of their Commissions and take Councilmember Moore's place on the Parks and Recreation Commission, so she can do something different. Councilmember Jerzak asked for a point of clarity, stating that he has served on joint committees, and there is value in that. He asked if there was anything wrong with Councilmember Moore serving on the Finance Commission, too. Mayor Graves said Councilmember Moore wants to leave the Parks and Recreation Commission, and someone would need to take her spot. Councilmember Jerzak said there is a fine line here, and it is up to Mayor Graves to make the recommendations for the Committees, and he is a stickler about rules. He said it is Mayor Graves' prerogative, and this body's prerogative, whether to appoint them or not. He said he understands both sides, but he would yield to Mayor Graves's recommendations, as these were her recommendations, and in the interest of collaboration, he tries to respect that. Councilmember Moore said she disagrees with Councilmember Jerzak. Councilmember Kragness said she agrees with Councilmember Jerzak’s statement. Mayor Graves asked if Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson had any input she wanted to add. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson said she would prefer to stay out of it. Councilmember Jerzak asked if it would be beneficial to get a refresher on the duties of the liaison, particularly in times when they are not meeting quorums, so that people can get information on a timely basis. He said he is pretty fortunate because the two committees that he serves on do not have quorum problems, but he knows there is trouble with certain quorums, and by the time the Mayor finds out, it is not timely. He said he agreed with Councilmember Kragness on the Financial Committee, there is a lot of turnover, and when it comes time for the joint meetings, their input is essential. He said again, maybe it would be helpful to get a refresher on what the responsibility of the liaisons would be. Mr. Nyquist said he and Associate Planner Kristyn are shaking their heads at each other because they have been discussing something like this for both Commission members, Staff, and Council liaisons, and it will be discussed in the next few City Council meetings. Mayor Graves asked if there were any additional comments or if anyone wanted to volunteer to help Councilmember Moore not have her role at the Parks and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Moore said she does not like being helped with not having the appointment, and Mayor Graves made the recommendation about the appointment. Mayor Graves said Councilmember Moore was interrupting again and did not even ask to be acknowledged by the Mayor. 01/12/26 -19- DRAFT Councilmember Moore called for a point of order and said she did not like Mayor Graves’ language or content. Mayor Graves said Councilmember Moore is not following procedure. Councilmember Moore said she has asked for a point of order, which the Mayor declined, citing decorum in this body. Councilmember Kragness said she agrees with Mayor Graves’ appointments. Councilmember Jerzak asked if Councilmember Moore is free to resign from the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mayor Graves said she will find someone else to appoint. Mayor Graves said that because it was moved to consideration, there needed to be a motion made to approve the appointments. Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to approve the Mayoral appointments to serve as liaisons to the City Advisory Commissions and the City Representatives voting delegates for other organizations for 2026. Councilmember Moore voted against the same. Motion passed. 11. COUNCIL REPORT 12. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Graves moved, and Councilmember Kragness seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 9:08pm. Motion passed unanimously.