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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.04.14 CCM REGULAR4/14/25 -1- 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 APRIL 14, 2025 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 and Councilmembers Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Dan Jerzak, Teneshia Kragness, and Laurie Ann Moore. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Director of Public Works Elizabeth Heyman, Assistant City Engineer Lydia Ener, Planning and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, Economic Development Manager Ian Anderson, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Siobhan Tolar. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM Mayor Graves explained that the conversation about the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission from the Work Session will be postponed to a future Work Session. 4a. MEETING DECORUM Mayor April Graves opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum and reviewed the Rules of Decorum. Lori B. pointed out that the most effective oversight opportunity is community-led. The Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission would review complaints and create an open dialogue. The Duante and Kobe No More Names Initiative fully supports the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission. If the Council repeals the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission, the Duante and Kobe No More Names Initiative will step up to hold the Police Department accountable. They have the capacity, experience, and knowledge to address law enforcement violence and provide an unbiased report on complaints. Lori B. explained there was a call for a civilian oversight group in Brooklyn Center after Kobe Dimock-Heisler was killed by the Brooklyn Center Police Department. Again, in April 2021, the 4/14/25 -2- ACLU was going to recommend an oversight group just days after the police killing of Daunte Wright. Jerry S., Jeremy M., and a group of young people requested a basketball court be built in Brooklyn Center. There needs to be an option for youth other than drugs and being on the streets. Councilmember Kragness thanked the young people for attending the meeting. It shows the importance of a Community Center renovation. Katie W., mother of Duante Wright and co-founder of the Duante and Kobe No More Names Initiative, noted that Officer Mike Johnson was rehired by the Brooklyn Center Police Department. Officer Johnson was involved in the traffic stop that killed her son in 2021. He was in charge of Kim Potter and previously trained officers on the use of force. Katie W. noted that Kim Potter used inappropriate force during the 2021 traffic stop by pulling a gun instead of a taser. Officer Johnson testified at Kim Potter’s trial and stated he would have done the same thing in her position. He told the world that it is acceptable not to follow policy, even if it results in the death of an innocent person. Katie W. pointed out that Officer Johnson left the Brooklyn Center Police Department shortly after her son was killed. His rehiring shows the City wants to stick to the status quo. She asked who rehired an officer who didn’t follow policy. She asked if Dr. Edwards, Mayor Graves, or Ms. Turk were involved in the rehiring. The Brooklyn Center community wasn’t involved. Katie W. requested that the Council implement the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission. There are plenty of community members who are ready to step up and make a difference in the community, whether or not the Council supports it. Katie W. added Duante Wright’s four-year angel-versary was on April 11, 2025. Amity D., mother of Kobe Dimock-Heisler and co-founder of the Duante and Kobe No More Names Initiative, noted her agreement with Katie W. and Lori B. It is frustrating that the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission continues to be postponed. Michelle G., a representative of Communities United Against Police Brutality, implored the Council to implement the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission. The public safety response requires many components beyond law enforcement, such as expanded response and commission. A commission keeps the public safety response efforts in line with the community’s changing needs. The commission should include community members, Staff, and experts. Michelle G. added that she brought copies of research materials about the economic benefits of expanded response. She provided them to Staff to be passed along to the Council. 4/14/25 -3- Julie B. pointed out there is a lack of transparency about decisions the Council has made and individual Councilmembers’ lack of participation and support of fact-finding efforts. White- bodied people need to acknowledge that others have a different lived experience. The Council’s decisions impact every resident of Brooklyn Center. Julie B. noted the Council is charged with protecting the people of Brooklyn Center, solving problems facing the City, making changes as needed to align with trends, and collaborating with Staff to make financial decisions. A Councilmember cannot uphold their role if they refuse to meet with Dr. Edwards. Julie B. stated that a legal conflict of interest doesn’t mean there is an ethical conflict of interest. Community members should be allowed to serve on commissions, but it is a conflict for Councilmembers to serve on commissions. Julie B. added that there was an egregious microaggression during the previous City Council meeting. The City’s black Mayor was accused of potential violence related to throwing a gavel. The Mayor deserves an apology. There was applause from the audience. Julie B. explained she is a low-income, disabled, single mother who has owned her home for 15 years. She doesn’t agree with the decisions that are being made in the name of some of her identities. Councilmembers shouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of history. The record should be clear that community members are willing to stand up to the Council. Andrew K. pointed out that Que Viet makes extremely delicious pho. He detailed the ingredients and how the dish is assembled. There are rules about public comment that may violate the First Amendment. He explained it might sound like he swears, but he is only talking about soup. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to close the Informal Open Forum at 7:21 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 5. INVOCATION Councilmember Jerzak read a quote by Runde and Flanagan from a book on leadership, “The better able team members are to engage, speak, listen, hear, interpret, and respond constructively, the more likely their teams are to leverage conflict rather than be leveled by it.” 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Graves reiterated that the conversation about the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Commission from the Work Session will be postponed to a future Work Session. 4/14/25 -4- Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Kragness seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, and the following consent items were approved: 6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 24, 2025 – Study Session 2. March 24, 2025 – Regular Session 6b. LICENSES AMUSEMENT CENTER DEVICES BC Community Center 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy HOSPITALITY ACCOMMODATIONS Travelodge 6415 James Circle N MECHANICAL A&E Heating & Air Conditioning 1841 161st Lane NE Ham Lake 55304 Woodbury HVAC Service@q.com 14720 5th Street S. Afton 55001 MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSES Luther Honda 6800 Brooklyn Boulevard Luther Mazda Mitsubishi 4435 68th Avenue N Brookdale Toyota 6700 Brooklyn Boulevard Luther Volkswagen 6801 Brooklyn Boulevard Luther Chevrolet 6701 Brooklyn Boulevard Luther Buick GMC 4301 68th Avenue N RENTAL INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 4201 Lakeside Avenue N, #108 Kerwin Ness & Sheryl Ness 819 Woodbine Lane CAG MINNESOTA FUND II LLC 6015 Dupont Avenue N CAG MINNESOTA FUND II LLC 6125 Emerson Avenue N MAI HER & TOU LEE 4/14/25 -5- 6300 Kyle Avenue N Kyle Substad RENEWAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 5336 Russell Avenue N CHRISTOPHER M BARNARD 5301 France Avenue N Juniper Land Trust Llc 5410 France Avenue N SFR BORROWER 2022-1 LLC 5556 Emerson Avenue N Thomas D Belting 6206 Brooklyn Boulevard Paul Yang 6712 Beard Avenue N Mlmjr Properties & Invst Llc 6725 Bryant Avenue N Vong Duong 7131 Ewing Avenue N The Next Edison Trust 7243 Riverdale Road Ih2 Property Illinois Lp RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license) 6700 Humboldt Avenue N Mimg Clxxxiv Sterling Sq Sub 5350 Logan Avenue N Ccf3 Llc 6342 June Avenue N D A Swartout Jr/t L Swartout RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 6710 Orchard Lane Marvin Gardens Townhomes Lp 807 Woodbine Lane J P Green & E E Green 4112 Woodbine Lane Shoua Vang & Nancy Xiong 5300 Colfax Avenue N Thao Pha 6907 Palmer Lake Drive W JULIA A CELLERI MERCHAN & MIGUELRIERA RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license) 7240 West River Road Nedzad Ceric 4201 Lakeside Avenue N, #117 Jacqueline M Lanerd Et Al Tr 4/14/25 -6- 818 Woodbine Lane QZ Funding LLC 3224 62nd Avenue N Laura A Mills 3821 Oak Street Biota Holdings, LLC 4007 Joyce Lane John Jorgensen 5043 Brooklyn Blvd Thr Property Illinois L P 5801 Irving Avenue N Ih3 Property Minnesota Lp 6430 Major Avenue N CHRISTAL PACHEE HER 6633 Xerxes Place N BEREKET S GEBREMARIAM SIGNHANGER Signcrafter’s Outdoor 14050 Lincoln Street NE Ham Lake 55304 6c. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-038 ACCEPTING THE FY2024 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT 6d. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-039 IDENTIFYING THE NEED FOR LCA PREDEVELOPMENT FUNDING AND AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR MORTY'S BARK AND BREW Motion passed unanimously. 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 7a. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING PAN AMERICAN DAY ON APRIL 14, 2025 Mayor Graves read in full a Proclamation recognizing and honoring Pan American Day on April 14, 2025. Councilmember Kragness moved, and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to accept the proclamation. Motion passed unanimously. 7b. RESOLUTION NO 2025-040 DECLARING APRIL 22, 2025, AS EARTH DAY IN BROOKLYN CENTER 4/14/25 -7- Mayor Graves read in full a Resolution declaring April 22, 2025, as Earth Day in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Kragness moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to adopt a resolution declaring April 22, 2025, as Earth Day in Brooklyn Center. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Graves pointed out there is a Shingle Creek clean-up on April 22, 2025. Public Works Director Elizabeth Heyman explained the Shingle Creek clean-up was rebranded and moved to May 17, 2025. They are collaborating with a swap event in hopes of a better turnout and better weather. Councilmember Moore noted the Brooklyn Center Lady Lions does another clean-up event. She asked if Staff had a list of planned park clean-ups. Ms. Heyman stated she would compile a list and provide it in the weekly update. 7c. ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN INTRODUCTION/UPDATE City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander to continue the Staff presentation. Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander pointed out that the City’s consultant, Breanne Rothstein of Thrive Consulting, used to work for Brooklyn Park as their Community Development Director. Breanne Rothstein, Thrive Consulting, explained that the Economic Growth Plan was created to assess Brooklyn Center’s economic strengths and opportunities, identify key market niches and target industries, and develop strategies to support business growth, workforce development, and community prosperity. The data collection and research have been completed. Compiling community engagement and stakeholder input has been an ongoing effort. The next step is to draft a strategy and offer recommendations. Ms. Rothstein showed a pie chart with employment by industry in Brooklyn Center. 26 percent of employment in Brooklyn Center is for health care and social assistance, while 18 percent is manufacturing. Those rates are much higher than the seven-county Metro area. Ms. Rothstein explained that the plan will have recommendations to lean into their strengths or to grow smaller industries such as professional and technical services. Two percent of Brooklyn Center’s employment is professional technical services in comparison to the Metro’s seven percent for the sector. Ms. Rothstein showed a list of top manufacturers in the community, including National Purity, Showdown Displays, Casmo, TT Electronics, Sandvik, and Boise Cascade. 4/14/25 -8- Ms. Rothstein showed a table with data reflecting the largest employers in the City. 2013 and 2022 are used for comparison. Medtronic, Luther Auto Group, and the City have the highest employment numbers. It is good news that there isn’t one extremely large employer that controls the success of the job market. Ms. Rothstein pointed out that their research looked into economic prosperity for both the City and its residents. She explained that the bottom and second quintiles of wealth come from real estate and other assets. Real estate, especially primary ownership of homes, is a critical wealth builder. Ms. Rothstein stated that Brooklyn Center is younger on average than the Twin Cities and Brooklyn Park. 29 percent of Brooklyn Center residents are under 18, and 31 percent are aged 25 to 44. The City should alter marketing strategies to focus on the younger demographics and promote employment opportunities for younger groups. She added that the elderly population in Brooklyn Center is a smaller proportion of its total population than the rest of the Metro. Ms. Rothstein noted that Brooklyn Center’s unemployment rate is comparable to the Twin Cities Metro, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Park. Brooklyn Center’s rate is slightly higher than the Metro area. Too low of an unemployment rate makes it more difficult to fill jobs. She showed two different graphs with more data. Ms. Rothstein showed a chart depicting the annual average wages for Brooklyn Center, Hennepin County, and the Twin Cities. On the whole, Brooklyn Center’s annual wages are lower than both the County’s and the Twin Cities’ annual wages. Ms. Rothstein reiterated that homeownership is an important way to build wealth. She showed a graph of homeownership rates for Brooklyn Center, Hennepin County, and the Twin Cities. Brooklyn Center has a healthy homeownership rate, which is on par with the County. The Twin Cities region has a slightly higher homeownership rate. Ms. Rothstein showed a graph with the median housing values over the years. Brooklyn Center’s median housing value is lower than the County and the Metro area. The age of the housing stock and macro-level factors contribute to the lower value. Ms. Rothstein showed a map depicting resident access to jobs in the City. 13,000 people come into the City to work while over 15,000 people leave the City for work. Only 992 people live and work in Brooklyn Center, which is around seven percent. The average city has 13 percent of its population working in the city. She pointed out that creating local jobs doesn’t guarantee that residents will receive the jobs. The City needs to develop relationships with businesses to promote local hiring. Ms. Rothstein summarized the findings of her research. Brooklyn Center’s employment, while diverse in the industry, is more weighted towards healthcare, social assistance, and manufacturing than the Metro, which tends to pay less than professional services. 4/14/25 -9- Ms. Rothstein noted that Brooklyn Center has various market assets such as the strategic location along I-94 and the proximity to downtown Minneapolis, vacant land owned by the City, a diverse population, growing entrepreneurial local businesses, and access to opportunities and housing for young people. Ms. Rothstein added that preliminary economic growth and prosperity goals would be to increase resident wages, increase housing values, grow connection to the workforce, promote homeownership, invest in the growing tax base, invest in healthcare and manufacturing land uses, and the workforce. Mayor Graves pointed out that the City used to have a down payment assistance program. However, there was a great need for home improvement funds, so the money was transferred. She stated she would like ideas on how to promote homeownership for residents while improving the housing stock. Mayor Graves noted it makes sense to lean into the community’s strengths in healthcare and manufacturing. However, professional services have higher wages. The two recommendations to increase resident wages and invest in healthcare and manufacturing land uses, and the workforce are at odds with one another. Mayor Graves stated there are two organizations newer to the City that focus on workforce development. Staff also works on workforce development, and Brooklyn Center can better tap into resources to promote workforce development. Mayor Graves added she was attracted to Brooklyn Center because there was a younger population and affordable homes. Councilmember Kragness noted the average income for residents is listed as $56,000. However, a majority of folks working in Brooklyn Center live elsewhere. She asked what the average salary is in Brooklyn Center. Ms. Rothstein offered to gather the data on household income or per capita income and provide it to Councilmember Kragness. Councilmember Kragness pointed out Target and Walmart left Brooklyn Center in recent years. She asked if the employees had found jobs in Brooklyn Center or in other cities. Ms. Rothstein stated that the data can’t specifically show where the employees went. However, she can find more updated employment numbers within the City. Councilmember Jerzak stated that the Council has very little influence on how much private businesses pay their employees. Also, the income required to afford a home is more than the City residents’ median income. It is problematic if the City tries to increase wages for folks who mostly don’t live in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Jerzak added that some of the data is old. For example, Caribou Coffee moved to Maple Grove. He requested that calculations be completed on net gain and loss for employees. 4/14/25 -10- Mayor Graves explained she was able to buy her home because it was after the market crash. She asked if there were opportunities to create a similar situation for current residents. For example, they could connect potential homeowners to blighted properties at a much lower cost. Ms. Rothstein agreed it was a good idea. Also, it would be helpful for sellers to target current renters if they are looking to sell their homes. Mayor Graves moved, and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to accept the Economic Growth Plan Introduction/Update. Motion passed unanimously. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8a. ORDINANCE NO. 2025-04; AMENDING CHAPTER 23-2700 OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER TO ESTABLISH CANNABIS AND HEMP BUSINESSES REGULATIONS - SECOND READING City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited City Clerk Barb Suciu to continue the Staff presentation. He noted Ms. Suciu was participating in the meeting remotely. Ms. Suciu explained that Minnesota established the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to create statutes and licensing processes. The OCM released the Guide for Local Governments on Adult-Use Cannabis in August 2024; however, the Guide was subsequently revised in November 2024 and again in early January 2025. Currently, licenses are expected to be announced in May or June of 2025. Ms. Suciu stated that the OCM regulates the cannabis industry Statewide and provides guidance on the standards for the State. The OCM notifies cities of a license application to check for zoning compliance, governs the application and licensing process for cannabis and hemp businesses, including the specific requirements for each type of license and their respective business activities, and conducts enforcement and inspection activities across the Minnesota cannabis and hemp industries. It also requires all cannabis and Lower Potency Hemp Edible (LPHE) businesses to obtain a license once the State of Minnesota has established the licensing process. Ms. Suciu stated the OCM was in a public comment period for the Rulemaking Draft until February 12, 2025. The Social Equity Verification deadline was January 30, 2025. All applicant windows open on February 18, 2025. Licenses will be approved in May or June of 2025. There are multiple Chapters of the City Code that will be impacted. Ms. Suciu explained that there are licensing parameters to be considered. A pre-license certification is standard procedure for the OCM to ensure the licensee has complied with local zoning laws and regulations prior to the State issuing a cannabis or hemp business license. Ms. Suciu noted another license is Local Government as a Cannabis Retailer. The City cannot hold a Cannabis Retailer registration and a lower-potency hemp product (LPHP) registration. 4/14/25 -11 - Currently, the two municipal liquor stores and Centerbrook Golf Course hold LPHP registrations. Section 23-2705 states retail registration is required. Ms. Suciu stated Cannabis Retailer Registration Limits 23-2706, subd. B stated local governments may limit the number of retailers and microbusinesses or mezzobusinesses with retail endorsements, but in no case can there be less than one retail location per 12,500 residents. The City of Brooklyn Center has 33,982 residents per the 2023 Minnesota State Demographer Estimates. Therefore, the City would be expected to provide for a minimum of three licenses. She noted retail registrations for LPHE retailers are not required but may not be limited in number by the government. Ms. Suciu stated 23-2712 Issuance of Registration or Renewal states registrations will be issued if the applicants meet the requirements of the ordinance. 23-2712 Cannabis Retailer Operating Regulations address hours of operation and samples. The hours are set to match liquor store hours. The samples are prohibited per Proposed Rules Section 9810. Ms. Suciu explained that 23-2716 prohibits smoking indoors and 23-2717 lists sanctions for violations. A retail sale without retail registration would result in a $2,000 fee. Other violations have a fee schedule; the first violation is $1,000, the second is $1,250, the third is $1,500, and the fourth is $2,000. Ms. Suciu pointed out that 23-2718 states that the penalty for an individual would be a misdemeanor-level offense. IT is similar to selling tobacco to a minor. Enforcement 23 -2719 requires age certification compliance checks to be completed at least once per calendar year. Ms. Suciu added that other cities are not limiting the number of cannabis retail businesses. Mayor Graves noted the Council previously discussed buffers. She asked if Staff could estimate how many retailers could be allowed with the buffers in place. Ms. Suciu stated that the buffer approved was 300 feet from schools. The Community Development Department has fielded many calls with concerns. Mayor Graves asked if 21 cannabis retailers could be in the City with the buffers in place. City Attorney Siobhan Tolar stated the question is an issue of zoning. Anywhere without a blue circle on the map could have a retail business. Residential neighborhoods and other zones would not allow a retail use. Councilmember Kragness requested that a map be generated of potential cannabis retailer sites. Each gap between the blue circles would only allow one cannabis retailer. Ms. Tolar pointed out there isn’t a buffer to space out cannabis retailers per Council direction. Zoning and Planning Administrator Ginny McIntosh reiterated that the Community Development Department has fielded many calls with concerns. The buffer measurements for schools begin at the front door. For some schools, the 300-foot buffer doesn’t go beyond a school’s property. Therefore, a cannabis retailer could be added next door to schools. 4/14/25 -12- Mayor Graves asked if the residential and commercial areas on Brooklyn Boulevard should change. Ms. McIntosh explained that some of the mixed-use zoning allows for commercial uses. A cannabis business could be established in commercial areas. There are no spacing requirements between cannabis businesses, so any number of the 13 cannabis licenses could co-locate in one area. The buffers have a minimal impact on restrictions. Councilmember Kragness stated she understood the buffer was measured from the edge of a school’s property. The measurements should be revisited. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked if the measurement could be done from the edge of the property rather than the front door. Ms. Tolar noted Staff completes zoning measurements from the front doors. It is not recommended for there to be multiple measurement standards. It is unlikely a 500-foot buffer would do much more than the 300-foot buffer. Ms. McIntosh noted the Council intended to align with the alcohol buffers. Park attractions are measured from the primary attraction. She asked if the measurement could be from a property’s edge rather than a front door. Ms. Tolar stated the Zoning Ordinance would need to be amended, which would take at least 30 days. Councilmember Jerzak stated he didn’t want to introduce reefer madness to recess, and he misunderstood the buffers. He asked if part of the item could be approved while they work to revise the buffers. Ms. Tolar stated the Council has been asked to take action on capping the number of cannabis retailers in Brooklyn Center. The Council is welcome to amend the ordinance as they see fit. She explained the OCM is getting ready to issue licenses. The City needs a framework in place to avoid gaps. Mayor Graves asked if any Councilmembers or Staff have recommendations regarding a cap for cannabis retailers. Ms. Tolar stated many of the municipal clients of Kennedy Graven have implemented a cap in line with the State’s Statutory maximum. The cap doesn’t apply to medical marijuana businesses. Ms. McIntosh added the Planning Commission has acknowledged there is no financial incentive to capping or limiting cannabis retailers. There are many cannabis business license types beyond the retailers that cannot be capped. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated that Brooklyn Center doesn’t need more than three cannabis retailers in the City, which aligns with the State’s calculations for the minimum. Councilmember Jerzak agreed he doesn’t believe Brooklyn Center needs more than three. The market may become saturated both within Brooklyn Center and in the surrounding areas. Councilmember Moore agreed that capping the number of cannabis retailers is a good place to start. 4/14/25 -13- It was the consensus of the Council to cap the number of cannabis retailers at three. Mayor Graves added that if Brooklyn Center’s population grows, they may need to allow a fourth retailer. Ms. Tolar stated the State is working to amend LPHE restrictions, so the City may be able to have its own business. Ms. Tolar pointed out that the Council previously decided to accept cannabis retail businesses on a lottery basis. If the City receives more than three applications, then it must conduct a lottery. Ms. Suciu suggested that the language of the cap aligns with the population-based measurement rather than a specific number of retailers. Mayor Graves confirmed the Council has reached a consensus for such language. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked if the potential change in legislation would allow the City to sell cannabis at their municipal store. Ms. Tolar clarified that the potential change would allow the City to sell LPHE at a municipal liquor store or municipal cannabis store. Councilmember Kragness asked for Staff to calculate how many feet the 300 -foot buffer actually is in practice. Mayor Graves moved, and Councilmember Kragness seconded to open the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Brian B. explained he lives on the border of Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center. He stated he owns a cannabis microbusiness, and he plans to open a location in Brooklyn Center. He expressed his support for the proposed Ordinance. He pointed out that there is a significant difference between larger retailers and smaller cannabis retailers. Similarly, medical retailers are very different than recreational ones. Medical cannabis is extremely important for veterans like himself and others with medical concerns. Councilmember Kragness asked if Brian B.’s business would be subject to the cap. Ms. Tolar stated Brian B.’s business is a combination model of medical and recreational cannabis, so she would need to research the legal implications of the model. Kevin S. pointed out that many areas of the country are experiencing oversaturation and subsequent implosion. Also, cannabis retailers are unable to be insured, so any robberies put the business owner at a severe loss. Plus, the cannabis is very powerful. He stated the cap of th ree business retailers is the right choice. He added that the Police Department is already working at a reduced staffing level. Nahid K. explained that almost 30 percent of Brooklyn Center’s population is minors. Unfortunately, the State’s population calculation includes youth who cannot legally partake in 4/14/25 -14- cannabis anyway. She asked why the youth were included in the calculation. Mayor Graves agreed it is a valid question. Mayor Graves moved, and Councilmember Kragness seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Moore seconded to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 2025- 04; Amending Chapter 23-2700 of the City of Brooklyn Center City Code to Establish Cannabis and Hemp Businesses Regulation. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Graves moved and Councilmember Moore seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 041 for the summary publication of an ordinance amending chapter 23-2700 of the City of Brooklyn Center City Code to Establish Cannabis and Hemp Businesses Regulations. Motion passed unanimously. 8b. ORDINANCE NO. 2025-05 VACATING A CERTAIN PORTION OF A DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT WITHIN LOT 1, BLOCK 1 OF THE PLAT OF STEEN ADDITION IN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER, HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Assistant City Engineer Lydia Ener to continue the Staff presentation. Assistant City Engineer Lydia Ener explained that the Planning Commission has reviewed the final plat for Steen Addition. In connection with the final plat and easement dedication proceedings, the developer is requesting the release and termination of easements that are either no longer needed or are being replaced by new easements. Ms. Ener noted it is the Staff’s opinion that the easement proposed to be vacated is no longer needed and should not negatively affect rights to public easements. They were unaware of any entity objecting to the proposed vacation. Mayor Graves moved, and Councilmember Kragness seconded to open the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Ener pointed out that relevant parties had been notified of the Public Hearing, but Staff did not receive any communication regarding the item. Mayor Graves noted Julie B. had her hand raised on Zoom. Julie B. stated she had her hand raised for the previous item. 4/14/25 -15- Mayor Graves moved, and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to adopt RESOLUTION vacating a portion of a drainage and utility easement in the CAPI site redevelopment in connection with the proposed final plat of Steen Addition. Mayor Graves stated the item is an ordinance. Councilmember Moore stated that the recommended action is for a resolution. Motion passed unanimously. 9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 10a. ORDINANCE NO.2025-06 ADDING A NEW SECTION TO CHAPTER 33 OF THE BROOKLYN CENTER CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUND City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander to continue the Staff presentation. Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander stated the Local Housing Trust Fund is a way to accept funds that may be used to help grow the City economically. Breanne Rothstein, the City’s consultant from Thrive Consulting, explained that a Local Housing Trust Fund is a policy in the form of an ordinance. It isn’t so much a fund as a separate bucket for dedicating resources to housing. The Fund can be used for multiple types of housing. Participation is a statement about a city’s commitment to housing to inspire contributions. The Fund would allow Brooklyn Center to access non-city resources for housing, access new resources for housing, and save money for larger projects. Once the money is in the Trust Fund, it must be used on housing efforts. Ms. Rothstein pointed out that each funding source will have its own set of requirements for spending, eligibility, and affordability levels. In addition to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy and Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) from the sales tax, private donations, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and loan proceeds are other potential sources of funding for a local housing trust fund. Federal funds can be tricky to work with. Excess TIF could be put into a Local Housing Trust Fund. Ultimately, the Fund is extremely flexible. Ms. Rothstein added that the creation of the fund doesn’t require any money to be allocated to it. 4/14/25 -16- Ms. Rothstein explained that Minnesota promoted the creation of the fund in 2024 by matching local contributions. There may be another matching effort in the future. Mayor Graves asked what other kinds of trust funds a city may open. Ms. Rothstein offered to research additional options. Councilmember Moore moved and Mayor Graves seconded to approve the first reading of an ORDINANCE adding a section to Chapter 33 of the Brooklyn Center City Code of Ordinances regarding the establishment of a Local Housing Trust Fund. Motion passed unanimously. 11. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended the Firefighters’ Relief Association Dinner. Councilmember Jerzak reported on his attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended the Firefighters’ Relief Association Dinner. • Attended the grand opening for Pollo Campero. • Testified at the State Capitol. • Met with several constituents. Councilmember Kragness reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended the Brooklyn Center Lions’ 70th Anniversary Dinner. • Met with youth. • Testified at the State Capitol advocating for a new Public Works site. • Attended the Firefighters’ Appreciation Dinner. Mayor Graves reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended the grand opening for Pollo Campero. • Participated in two one-on-one meetings with Dr. Edwards. • Met with the Cultural and Public Arts Commission. • Participated in her monthly meeting with the Mayor of Brooklyn Park. • Met with a group about partnering with the City for musical events. • Collaborated with the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance. 4/14/25 -17- • Testified at the State Capitol advocating for a new Public Works site. 12. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Graves moved, and Councilmember Kragness seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 8:49 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.