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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.01.26 CCM REGULAR01/26/26 -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 JANUARY 26, 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 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Mayor Pro Tem Teneshia Kragness, Councilmembers Dan Jerzak, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, and Laurie Ann Moore. Also present were Interim City Manager Daren Nyquist, City Engineer Lydia Ener, Associate Planner Krystin Eldridge, City Clerk Shannon Pettit, and City Attorney Siobhan Tolar. Mayor April Graves was excused. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM Mayor Pro Tem Teneshia Kragness opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum and reviewed the Rules of Decorum. Julie B. thanked the Council for tabling the Tenant Protections discussion and appreciated the afterthought that there was mindfulness to be able to do that. She said she hoped that community voices would be welcomed when that discussion happens moving forward. She stated that part of the reason she came into the meeting was to talk about the last meeting. She noted that she and several on the Council served together on the Strategic Planning Commission, and in that time, they may remember that she advocated for three words to be included in the City’s mission and value statements, and those words were "welcoming," "inclusive," and "equitable." She said she is proud that those words were incorporated into the City's mission and values, and for those that do not know, the current mission statement reads "In pursuit of our vision of one Brooklyn Center, the City will provide high-quality, equitable City services that demonstrate we are inclusive and welcoming. Through our actions, we will establish an engaged relationship with our community." She said she was happy to see so many community members show up last time to speak in this space, and was thrilled not to be the only voice speaking for once. She said as she continued to watch that meeting, she was dismayed by some of the comments made, questioning those who 01/26/26 -2- came in to speak if they were really community members. She noted it took a lot of courage for those people to come in and speak, particularly since someone in management from the building they lived in was sitting in this space with an identifiable jacket. She said she knows some of the women who were in here, because she has served people in that building, and she runs them when they are going in and out the doors. She said people are afraid to be outside right now, and for any reason they choose to come here and share their concerns, they should be assured that they are being welcomed. She said those people deserve an apology and acknowledgement of the courage it took. Lauren M. said she was there to advocate for the families that she serves in this community, who are terrified to leave their homes right now. She said she is a home visiting teacher working with the school district, and she has not been able to go to her client's homes since the beginning of this month, because her car has been clocked and she is being followed all over Brooklyn Center. She said she is scared, but she is more scared for her clients. She said she is hemorrhaging money, and she wants the City Council to listen and take into account the atrocities that are occurring. She asked the Council to send a message to the community that they will protect them, and they will serve them, and help them get through this time because it is disgusting and shameful, and it needs to stop now. Carrie R. said she bought her house in Brooklyn Center in 2018, and she loves it very much. She had an unfortunate experience on January 9, when she looked out her window and saw a large black SUV in front of her house and a woman in a car behind it filming. She said her neighbor, who lives across the street, is named Elizabeth and is Mexican-American and was born in the United States. She stated that Elizabeth's brothers were coming home, and a car started following them, and they got really scared and ran into their house. She stated that Elizabeth’s husband messaged Elizabeth, who was at the bank, and told her that a car was outside the house and the people inside did not look friendly. She noted that Elizabeth’s husband is currently going through the paperwork of becoming a citizen, and has been for two years, and has a lawyer. She said she wants the Council to know that Elizabeth’s husband is a person who owns a business, bought a house in Brooklyn Center, and has an 18-month-old child. Carrie R. noted that the people parked outside her house told Elizabeth that if she did not let them into her home, they would come back with a warrant, they would bust in, and they would charge her for harboring illegal aliens. She said the people told Elizabeth, "You have a child, that wouldn't look very good on your record now, would it?" Carrie R. said that when the people in the SUV finally left, she had been standing on her front stoop blowing her whistle, and the people in the SUV ran off as they do because they know what they are doing is not right. Carrie R. went up to her neighbor, who was shaking. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness let Carrie R. know her time was up. Carrie R. thanked the Council. Olivia R. of Brooklyn Park said she came to this meeting because she has friends who live in Brooklyn Center who are terrified to leave their homes. She said that even driving around Brooklyn Center, she is terrified because she has heard stories of people getting T-boned in accidents and taken out of their cars. She said everyone is hyper vigilant driving here, and the number of cars that are suspicious is intense. She said even in the City Hall parking lot, there was a woman who did not look like Olivia R., who was coming to City Hall for something else, and there was a vehicle in the parking lot that looked like it was following her. She said this is the type 01/26/26 -3- of fear that she carries, and she is a white woman. She said she needs the Council to hear this because it is everywhere she goes, and she knows everyone there knows it, too. She said she came to represent people because they asked someone to come and help. She said she wants everyone to know that people care, they are here, and are building community and doing everything they can to help. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved, and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to close the Informal Open Forum. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness said she wanted to acknowledge those who do have the courage to come and speak up, and for those who come and speak in place of someone else who represents the Council as well. She said the Council is elected officials, but speaks on behalf of others as well. She said she commends anyone who comes and speaks before the City Council, because that is the only way that things are going to get changed, speaking up, no matter what setting you are in. She thanked everyone who spoke up. 5. INVOCATION Mayor Pro Tem Kragness recited a poem by Mohammad Muzammil, “A true leader is not just one who leads, but one who inspires, guides, and heeds the call of duty, the weight of responsibility, to serve their people with humility. They do not seek power for their own sake, nor do they resort to force or fake their way to the top, for they know that true leadership comes from below. They listen to the voices of the people and work to address their needs and the ripple effects of policies, actions, and decisions for the betterment of their nations. They lead by example, with integrity, honesty, and transparency, in entirety. For they know that their actions speak louder than words, and that's what makes them prouder. They inspire others to be their best, to strive for excellence, and never rest. In pursuit of their dreams, their goals, to make a difference, and touch souls. So let us honor the true leaders, those who lead with their hearts, their readers. Those who inspire us to be better, to do more. To make the world a better place than before.” 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, and the following consent items were approved: 01/26/26 -4- 6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. January 12, 2026 – Regular Session 2. January 12, 2026 -- Study Session 3. January 12, 2026 – EDA/Work Session 6b. LICENSES RENTAL INITIAL (TYPE IV– six-month license) 5568 Humboldt Avenue North Lavory Patrice Lindsey INITIAL (TYPE III – one-year license) 3201 Mumford Rd A Obinwa & C Obinwa 6227 Colfax Avenue North J E O Robles & L G V Donayre 5500 Bryant Avenue North Odunayo Ajewole INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 3815 Oak Street Naisha Bell 7131 Ewing Avenue North Godzala Southwest Metro INITIAL (TYPE I – three-year license) 6724 Scott Avenue North SHOUA YANG & TONY HUI RENEWAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 5724 Logan Avenue North Konstantin Ginzburg RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 5500 Knox Avenue North Mnsf Ii W1 Llc 6100 Girard Avenue North Peter Hoeben & Maria Hoeben RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license) 5637-39 Girard Avenue North Julian Guo & Ruofei Xu 5314 71st Circle ANNETTE ROSS-WEBB/MARK WEBB 5316 Colfax Avenue North CAG MINNESOTA FUND II LLC 5420 Fremont Avenue North Herman Capital Ptnrs Iii Llc 5449 Lyndale Avenue North Living Well Disability Svcs 01/26/26 -5- 5549 Brooklyn Boulevard Western Sky Properties Llc 5606 Bryant Avenue North Mnsf Ii W1 Llc 5621 Humboldt Avenue North Abad Martinez 5627 Knox Avenue North PRO OPERAM SUB XIII LLC 5937 York Avenue North KEY LIME REALTY LLC 6c. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF HUMBOLDT AVENUE (CR 57) FROM 53RD STREET N TO 57TH STREET N 6d. RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2026-06, 07, 08, & 09, JOHN MARTIN DRIVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 6e. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING A CONTRACT, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2025-10 CATWALK AT WATER TREATMENT PLANT 6f. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LELS 520 CONTRACT 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 7a. ECONOMIC GROWTH PLAN PRESENTATION Mr. Nyquist introduced Brianne Kennedy from Thrive LLC to present the Economic Growth Plan final draft. He noted that this was started mid-year last year, and Ms. Kennedy is here to present the conclusion to that work. Ms. Kennedy said she was in Brooklyn Center in July and has been working on the City's Economic Growth Plan. She noted that in September, the Council heard from Grant Martin as a part of this work, specifically about the retail node study. She said one of the things she heard loud and clear from the Council during that presentation was that they were ready to act, and that it is important to talk policy and have a plan. She said she also heard about the importance of the Council to small business support and economic policies that help residents themselves. She said she hopes that the Council finds the conclusion of this report meets those specific desires. Ms. Kennedy explained that when the Council directed staff to undergo the Economic Growth Plan, the Council laid out three primary goals, which were to assess Brooklyn Center's economic strengths and opportunities, identify key market niches and target industries, and develop strategies 01/26/26 -6- to support business growth, workforce development, and community prosperity. She stated that Thrive LLC also looked at best practices around the country and summarized work done by Andre Perry, an author who specializes in economic development. She explained different Economic Development strategies for benefiting residents and small businesses within that include local procurement policies, infrastructure and transportation improvements, policy and zoning reform that makes housing easier to develop, partnerships and advocacy, incentivize homeownership, by- the-block programs, and entrepreneurship and innovation. She said the Council will see a lot of these strategies incorporated in some of the action planning, and she chose to really focus on entrepreneurship and innovation within the community. Ms. Kennedy explained that the strongest market assets for Brooklyn Center include a strategic location for growth. She noted that Brooklyn Center has a unique proximity to major highways, with high visibility, transit, and available vacant land, which the City owns. She stated that the existing entrepreneur and small business landscape, which includes a high percentage of small businesses owned by people of color and immigrants, is an asset. She said during the Retail Node Study, first-stage businesses were discussed and what comes next as they vacate, which sets Brooklyn Center up for the second-stage businesses, which are locally owned mom and pop shops. She said the Council will see a few action items integrated into the plan to relate to advocacy for the owners of those buildings. She stated that the other opportunity is housing for young people and families. One thing that sets Brooklyn Center apart from some of the other suburbs with similarly sized communities is that Brooklyn Center has a disproportionate amount of young people in the 18 to 24-year-old age category. She said Brooklyn Center represents a higher than Metro average percentage of young people, and action items like continuing to invest in Brooklyn Center, career pathways, and using innovative hiring practices to show leadership in hiring young people. She added that the last niche for Brooklyn Center is the amount of land that Brooklyn Center owns. She said she does not know many other cities that own as much land as Brooklyn Center, and having such a large opportunity to work, strategize, and show vision for that land is unique to Brooklyn Center. Ms. Kennedy shared goals for the future, which were discussed back in July, that include residents having economic prosperity, Brooklyn Center redeveloping as a thriving place, small entrepreneurs being the foundation of Economic Development initiatives, and the City being known as a great place. She said in the action planning work at the end of the presentation that some of these goals have more priority actions than others, but she has laid out all of the things that the City could do to achieve all of these goals. She explained she would not read through the entire plan with the Council, and wanted to get to the meat of the plan, which is the priority actions. She said there are highlighted actions on the Council's implementation chart that have timelines, funding sources, and the cost for each of those for the Council's review. She said there are more policies and actions in the packet for the Council than in the priority implementation, and encouraged the Council to read through it. She added that if there are things the Council wants pulled as they review the annual work plans and budget discussion with Staff, they should refer back to this packet for things that they would like to elevate in priority. Ms. Kennedy explained that there are action items that she is recommending in the priority phase, which would be through years one, two, and three. She explained that action items without 01/26/26 -7- implementation just sit on the shelf, and asked what the City can do, the Staff can do, and the City Council, in partnership with others. She stated that the City could leverage some new LAHA funding sources to advance economic prosperity for residents and businesses. She said some action items are more about outreach and building partnerships, while others are about funding programs such as the down payment assistance program for residents and a housing rehabilitation fund. She noted that the first two action items listed on the slide are about continuing to invest in programs and partnerships that the city is already doing to meet those goals. She added that in the development of this plan, she thought it was important to highlight the things the City is already doing instead of focusing on the new big shiny things, and sometimes focus on the things that the City is currently investing in. She explained that she also wanted to highlight funding programs that help with housing for economic prosperity for residents in the down payment assistance program and the home rehab fund. Ms. Kennedy explained that other action items include housing trust funds and said the point of a housing trust fund is to create a policy document that allows the City to get donations from private employers or from philanthropy to fund housing in the community. She explained the housing trust fund would basically be a bucket that could be filled through a variety of different sources. Ms. Kennedy explained that the next action item is targeted at redevelopment at the Opportunity Site. She said she wanted to give the Council action items that could advance those projects, and is a to-do list for moving on to the next step in making that vacant land viable and putting it back on the tax rolls. Action items for the Opportunity Site, including a series of developer RFPs to gauge with GroundBreak, which is a non-profit that is specifically oriented toward emerging developers of color in areas that have a lot of residents who are people of color, and is a targeted fund for development. She added that pre-development should continue on the Opportunity Site, which she knows Staff have been working on, but making sure that the Council is solidifying those plans and continuing on and funding plans for the area. She added that the City could create financing tools, such as two TIF districts in the Opportunity Site that have been approved through special legislation. Ms. Kennedy said elevating Brooklyn Center as a place to do business and a place to get developers to come is by getting involved with the developers by hosting developer forums, tours, and site visits for development. She added that the City should also continue to pursue special legislative actions to fund tax bill provisions and any other special legislation that can help Brooklyn Center advance development. Ms. Kennedy explained that the remaining strategy and actions are related to fostering a strong entrepreneur environment in Brooklyn Center, and that is where she has spent most of her recommendations for priority actions. She stated it would include developing an Entrepreneur Loan Fund to provide flexible financing for businesses that are starting or expanding. This would also include collaborating with a local chamber to launch a business advisory group to better understand the businesses themselves and what the needs are, particularly in the small business community. She added that continuing to leverage and market Elevate, Hennepin County's initiative around businesses providing a suite of technical services, legal, and financial services for free to startup businesses, would be very helpful, since it is relatively unknown. Ms. Kennedy noted that the City could also develop a SAC discount program, which would make things less difficult for small businesses. She said the City also needs to consider how difficult the process is 01/26/26 -8- for small businesses when it comes to permitting and understanding the steps needed, particularly in the sewer access charge, which is a significant financial burden. She said education in this space, and a commitment to partnership between businesses and Community development Staff as they go through permitting, and continued engagement with the existing small business communities and Chambers, as they may still exist. She noted that Chambers is sort of a dying organization, but they do still exist and have been conglomerated over the years all over the state. She noted that just as non-profits struggle with membership-based fees and not having enough money to keep moving, she has seen a conglomeration of Chambers that has made it harder for small businesses to connect. She noted that continuing to support the innovation and the Catalyst Center that Acer developed, which is just another massive grant to continue to expand that facility, is a hub that provides a lot of support for smaller businesses. She said these are the actions that she is recommending the Council support over the next three years. She noted that it is a lot, but she focused on the cost and source of the resources, and they are subject to change as the City does its work planning with Community Development. She highlighted that each of these action items costs something, and that can be Staff time, so Council should think about what they would like to start in context with the resources that the City may or may not have available. Ms. Kennedy said there are a few additional recommendations in her report that are readable in the document for the Council, which are not recommended as an immediate priority. She noted that the Council could come back to those recommendations on an annual basis and evaluate if those can become priorities. She noted that she does recommend an annual review of the plan while doing the City's budget, and while working with Community Development for Economic Development initiatives. She asked if the Council had any questions for her. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness said she liked the fact that Ms. Kennedy was acknowledging the local businesses of BIPOC and the immigrants as assets for the City. She said she liked the fact that Ms. Kennedy mentioned that the Council wants to send the message that they support business startups and to outline programs that help someone who is looking to start a business, and not lose sight of those things. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson thanked Ms. Kennedy for the presentation. She asked what LAHA was for as a funding source. Ms. Kennedy said LAHA stands for Local Affordable Housing Aid, and it is a new sales tax that was levied Metro-wide and functions as local government aid. Ms. Kennedy noted that every city gets a check, and per the statute, it is up to the cities to decide how they would like to spend it, so it is flexible and not competitive. She added that it is a unique and new funding source. Councilmember Moore asked if LAHA is another tax that the legislature or the county approved. Ms. Kennedy said LAHA is a Metro-wide sales tax. Councilmember Moore asked if it was approved by Hennepin County. Ms. Kennedy said it was approved by the state of Minnesota. Councilmember Moore said it was another tax, and asked if the $300,000 and $600,000 shown on the presentation slides were the City's cut this year based on what it was taxed. Ms. Kennedy said this was the three-year budget based on those line items, and the annual amount would be divided by three. Councilmember Moore asked if the City is guaranteed that amount of money. Ms. Kennedy said the amount is based on a formula, so it changes every year, but the last two years it 01/26/26 -9- has been a little bit higher than anticipated, and the state did put out an estimate for how much it would be, but she does not know the amount specifically for Brooklyn Center. She added that on average, the cities that she has been working with, the LAHA funds are higher than what they planned for, but it will fluctuate on an annual basis depending on how much sales tax is levied. Councilmember Moore asked if the legislature decides to get rid of LAHA, if it would no longer be a funding stream. Ms. Kennedy said that would be correct. Councilmember Moore said there is no guarantee, but for now, until legislative action, this would be the correct amount. She added that when Ms. Kennedy is talking about the EDA levies that are labeled as 2025 and 2026 for the benefit of those listening, the 2026 levies have already been approved so the conversation with Community Development has been about the money from the EDA levy going towards those action items and part of Ms. Kennedy’s presentation was about the Council deciding where the money goes to those activities. She asked Ms. Kennedy if she was correct. Ms. Kennedy responded that Councilmember Moore is correct, and the Council would make those decisions at the time of budgeting, and many of these are Staff time allocations, for example, one was committing to funding BrookLynk. Ms. Kennedy added that every year, the Council would decide how to spend those resources. Councilmember Moore thanked Ms. Kennedy for that clarity because the one percent of people who listen to these meetings and are engaged should have clarity on this, and know that a lot of the time, the budget is for Staff time and not something else. Councilmember Moore asked about the Acer grant that Ms. Kennedy had mentioned and said she made it sound like it was more than $50,000. Ms. Kennedy said Acer received a planning grant for $50,000 and recently received a development grant from the Met Council, and she did not remember the exact amount, but development grants are quite substantial. Councilmember Moore asked if the City would be referring residents directly to Acer if they are looking at the Catalyst Center or spaces to rent. Ms. Kennedy confirmed that the City could do that. Councilmember Moore said rather than having the City's limited Staff do it, Acer was just awarded $2.7 million, because the City has limited Staff, and that is what Acer does and is part of what they do in terms of encouraging BIPOC businesses, and CAPI has different goals that may or may not be in alignment with that. She added that the City of Brooklyn Center and this Council have a variety of goals, so in some ways there are some siloed systems, and make note that there are specific avenues that people should go to for the resources that are available to the businesses and with the City. She thanked Ms. Kennedy for that clarity and the presentation. Councilmember Jerzak said he appreciated the study, and he strongly feels this needs to be treated as a fluid draft, and the reason for that is the statement Ms. Kennedy made about the Chamber of Commerce being a dying organization, and the City just spent $19,000 to start one. He said it is not that the Chamber of Commerce is not valuable, but the City has to remain fluid to find out what it can do to find resources for other businesses. He said this is no reflection on Ms. Kennedy, but one thing that is really important to him as a policymaker is accuracy. He said he would like to go to page 95 of 204 and referenced the annex of the data summary and analysis, and said there are significant errors there, and that is troublesome because he has had bad experiences with getting bad information. He noted that the Earl Brown Heritage Center does not employ 500 people as stated in the report. He continued that Luther Brookdale Chevrolet alone does not employ 400 people, as stated in the report. He added that a large percentage of the workforce for Caribou 01/26/26 -10- Coffee moved to Maple Grove, and does not employ 350, per the report. He stated that Walmart has been gone for over two years. Councilmember Jerzak stated that what is important here is that the Council needs to move deliberately and has to trust Staff with the limited resources they have, and a budget that has already been approved for 2026. He added that if you chase everything, you catch nothing. He said that the Council will have to focus on what they believe, and the City Staff's expertise, that can best yield a return that benefits all of the community. He continued that he appreciates Ms. Kennedy's thought and the depth in the report, and he understands the anxiety of the Council to be shovel-ready to put a hole in the ground and get things going, but oftentimes that does not reflect the reality and the timelines within the City’s own Community Development Department, which has been working behind the scenes. He said many things will come, and many things will fall out. He added that rather than a final discussion, the Council needs to be fluid enough to be responsive as a community and as City Staff. He thanked Ms. Kennedy and said he appreciated the effort that went into the presentation. Ms. Kennedy said the chart that was used in the packet was a cut-and-paste from the City's comprehensive financial audit, and she would get a better, more up-to-date version since that one is several years old now. She reiterated that the Council could use this document in their annual work plan, and it is a living, breathing document, and things can be amended annually before doing budgeting, so City Staff knows what to bring back for priority. Councilmember Jerzak said to have this information before going into the budget cycle is very significant, and he appreciated Ms. Kennedy bringing that up because the Council has improvements to make in that cycle. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness added that what Ms. Kennedy is saying is that the Council should not lose sight of this document, and it is an ongoing document. Councilmember Moore asked if this report is the final part of Ms. Kennedy's contract with the City, and the second presentation that Ms. Kennedy was supposed to do last year was carried over to today’s presentation. She asked if Mr. Nyquist could confirm if there are funds still allocated for Thrive LLC in 2026, or if their work is done for now. Ms. Kennedy answered that the scope for the Economic Growth Plan would be complete for this particular project tonight. She added that she would make final edits to the appendix. Councilmember Moore said she thought she knew that, but thanked Ms. Kennedy for her work. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness moved, and Councilmember Moore seconded to approve the Economic Growth Plan Presentation. Motion passed unanimously. 7b. BROOKLYNK UPDATE Mr. Nyquist introduced Workforce Development Director Jolene Rotich to give an update on BrookLynk. 01/26/26 -11- Ms. Rotich said she wanted to give a quick highlight before jumping into her presentation, that she has been a resident of Brooklyn Center for 13 years, and is so pleased to see the City investing in young people through programming like BrookLynk. Ms. Rotich noted that her presentation would go over the 2025 cycle and the various program initiatives that they participated in 2025, and highlight some various data points and look ahead at what is to come for BrookLynk. She noted that a point of celebration is that BrookLynk celebrated its 10-year anniversary at the end of last year. She said they did a celebration with the community, their partners, young people, and families that are part of this program. She said she wanted to commend both cities and continue to support his program and its initiatives, as well as being able to come to this point. Ms. Rotich gave a quick overview of BrookLynk and how it engages with the community, as it is really a partnership between all of the various stakeholders, which include schools, community organizations, families, and young people. BrookLynk is there to help engage the next generation of workers and connect them to opportunities in the community. She added that those opportunities could be skill-building training, building a professional social network, or helping youth develop on their path to college and career goals. She stated that BrookLynk started back in 2015 to meet a community need for youth to have access to jobs in the community that would lead to future pathways to wages that successfully support families. Ms. Rotich highlighted the staff who are part of the program for BrookLynk, which includes Ms. Rotich as Workforce Development Director, who helps support ht staff in the various programs that BrookLynk has, and Carmen Bibiano, who is the Career Pathways Program Manager. She added that BrookLynk and its Flagship Program started with the internships, and eventually, in 2019, it expanded to include career pathways as well, so more specific training towards specific industries and sectors within the community. She stated that Anthony Villagrana is the BrookLynk Program Coordinator, so he helps out in the community with recruiting and partnering with its local school districts and various organizations to share what BrookLynk has to offer. She added that Nyoka Ameyaw is BrookLynk’s Program Assistant, who provides support for alumni participants post-programming with various events. She explained that the newest member of BrookLynk is Lauren Melzer, who has stepped into the Program Manager role and oversees programs and summer internships. Ms. Rotich explained how BrookLynk aligns with various city goals for both Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center to provide equitable outcomes since BrookLynk focuses on youth and young adults and has expanded to also serve 18+ and has equitable outcomes across the cities in terms of having access to jobs and opportunities within the community. She said BrookLynk is also strategically working to provide a safe community where young people are engaged in positive things and build their future, so they are not out doing things that may not be as productive. She added that not many communities have a workforce development organization at the city level, so she is really glad that the Brooklyns have chosen to continue to support and uphold this program to respond to the needs of the youth within the community. She added that when youth are connected to various job opportunities, they are also able to better support their families. 01/26/26 -12- Ms. Rotich explained the 2025 programs that BrookLynk had were the Get Ready Work Readiness training, where they offer a training component for all program participants in order to be successful in entering the workforce and thriving. The Career Pathways has expanded since 2020, and the Summer Paid Work experiences, where BrookLynk connects with local employer partners to host interns for six to 10 weeks. She noted that after the paid programs, participants are able to enter their alumni network, which has various resources and support. Ms. Rotich explained how the Career Readiness Training works, which helps give participants an overview of what it looks like to have a resume, apply for jobs, get connected in the workforce, and have professional communication with team members within the work setting. This training also includes readiness training, which has components like mock interviews to help with jitters and nerves. She added that last year, BrookLynk received a grant called Summer Jobs Connect through another organization that allowed them to offer financial literacy training as well to increase the mindset around economic mobility and understanding how to make money work for the participants as they go out into the workforce. She added that professional development workshops throughout summer internships and paid programs are incorporated as well. She explained that the paid work experience programs are six to 10-week paid placements across public, private, and non-profit sectors that offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking. She noted that they had one participant, named Trini, who worked with the Community Development team here at the City as a sophomore and junior high school student, and got those skills and experiences. Ms. Rotich said as part of BrookLynk’s engagement in the community, they provide supervisor training on inclusive mentorship and youth development, ongoing coaching for interns and supervisors, employer engagement for placements, mentorship, mock interviews, job boards, and Shark Tank judges for the youth entrepreneurship program. Ms. Rotich explained the career pathways that BrookLynk offers. She said that BrookLynk had three different opportunities that program participants were able to take part in, one of which was the Finishing Trades Institute, which partners with Brooklyn Center High School to have a cohort of 10 to 12 youth in each of their semesters. The students go to the Finishing Trades Institute of the Midwest, where they receive credits and receive financial literacy training and exposure to trade skills and OSHA certification. Another component of the career pathways was the Minnesota Trades Academy during the summer, and this is one of the components that participants work with the Construction Careers Foundation and host interns at Brooklyn Center to do various hands-on projects and expose them to the hands-on construction field. Lastly, the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, which is for youth who are interested in creating their own businesses, helps stir up innovation. A cohort of youth receives business training and mentorship, and this culminates in a Shark Tank-like experience. The Youth Entrepreneurship Program actually came to City Hall to do their presentations, and one participant won after pitching their business. Ms. Rotich explained that the alumni and continued case management offers one-on-one coaching for alumni post-programming, helping youth retain their jobs or seek employment and transition to various educational opportunities like apprenticeships or college. She noted that she wants all program participants to continue to engage and grow within the program. She added that 01/26/26 -13- participants are able to take on leadership roles within the program, whether it's doing outreach with their peers or providing strategic direction for BrookLynk. She noted that BrookLynk has youth liaisons that take part in the BrookLynk advisory committee, who inform how the program is run and structured. Ms. Rotich explained the program 2025 in review and the impact BrookLynk had. The participants, aged 14 to 24, from Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, took part in the Get Ready training. BrookLynk does expand that opportunity to the northwest suburbs; however, all of the paid programs are specific to youth or young adults in the Brooklyns. She said all of these participants face some barrier to employment, such as federal free or reduced lunch, receiving public assistance, or being a first or second-generation immigrant. Ms. Rotich explained that last year, BrookLynk served 468 young people within the community in various initiatives mentioned, and coordinated 85 internships with 20 different organizations from various sectors. She noted that 37 employer partnerships were established that provide various engagement points such as placements, networking, and career advancement opportunities for program participants. She stated that $300,000 in wealth was created through wages and stipends for youth and their families living in the Brooklyns. She added that 28 program participants received OSHA 10 certifications specific to the trades industry, which makes them more marketable, five business registrations with the state, and 222 received financial literacy to empower all program participants economically with the right tools and skills that they need for their future. Ms. Rotich noted that looking ahead at opportunities for growth for BrookLynk is around sustainable funding. She explained that a portion of their funding comes from sources that come from Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, and the majority of funding comes from various state, federal, and county grants; however, due to things shifting, they are looking at other ways they can provide sustainable funding towards the program. She added that funding could come from partnering with local employers that might be interested in investing and looking at potential ways for organizations to sponsor participants as well, and overall diversifying the way that BrookLynk is being funded. She added that, after 10 years of programming, it is important that BrookLynk has partnerships with various organizations within the community to tap into those strengths. She added that BrookLynk will be reintroducing one of their programs that they had offered in 2023 and 2024 for the construction and trades program in partnership with Public Works for both Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. She explained that this opportunity will be for 30 residents who are over 18 years of age to have a pathway towards Public Works and trades within the Technical College, as well as to give additional opportunities for seasonal positions within the Public Works Department and other trade organizations. Ms. Rotich added that there has been expansion with biotech employers within Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park as well, so exposing the residents to those opportunities that are upcoming will include a pilot program with five individuals within BrookLynk. She said the Youth Entrepreneurship program will also expand from 10 individuals to 25 this year. This scaling is only possible through direct appropriations that BrookLynk has received from the state. 01/26/26 -14- Ms. Rotich said BrookLynk requires champions within the community in order to continue to grow, and she thanked the Council both in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park for their continued support of the program. She added that various partners that BrookLynk has that collaborate and advocate for youth with opportunities in order to advance their future also help the program grow. She thanked the Council for its time. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness thanked Ms. Rotich for the presentation and said Mayor Graves is a huge champion for the youth and definitely appreciates this program. She added that years ago, she worked with Carmen, and she is awesome. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness said she was one of the judges during the Shark Tank segment, and she would like to be invited back to do it again. She continued that one of the participants reached out to her for community service opportunities, and she is putting them in contact with some of the City Directors. She said BrookLynk is a great program, and she is very proud that it is here in the City. Councilmember Jerzak said he had one of the first interns from BrookLynk, and back then, City employees did not know much about it, and there were no procedures. He said this particular individual was sent to Brooklyn Center after a murder in their family, and could no longer live with them in Chicago. He said the intern was given a simple interview at the time, and showed interest in code enforcement, so the intern was given passes to get in the building and was told to be there at 8:00 a.m. Councilmember Jerzak said he went to greet the intern, and they were late. He waited for the intern, and finally saw him riding a bike over the hill, and when he got to the building, Councilmember Jerzak asked him if his name was Matthew. He said the intern confirmed that was his name, and Councilmember Jerzak commented that the intern was all wet. Councilmember Jerzak explained that the intern had to borrow a bike to get to work and did not realize that water was running under the bridge by the freeway, and had to push the bike through the water. He noted that the intern apologized for being late and said he would make up the time. Councilmember Jerzak continued that the intern was only there for two weeks because he got very ill, but it made an impact on Councilmember Jerzak. He added that every intern he has had from BrookLynk, he has greeted them at the door because if those interns are going to fight to get to work, he is going to make it worthwhile for them to intern there. Councilmember Jerzak thanked Ms. Rotich for indulging him and letting him tell that story. Ms. Rotich thanked Councilmember Jerzak for sharing that. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness moved, and Councilmember Moore seconded to approve the BrookLynk Update. Motion passed unanimously. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8a. RESOLUTION CERTIFYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2026-01, 02, 03, & 04 HUMBOLDT AVENUE (CR 57) RECONSTRUCTION TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY TAX ROLLS Mr. Nyquist introduced City Engineer Lydia Ener to present this item. 01/26/26 -15- Ms. Ener explained that she had two back-to-back public assessment hearings for the Council, and there are residents present to speak on the Humboldt Avenue reconstruction project. Ms. Ener explained that the schedule for this project included a neighborhood informational meeting on October 1, 2025, a City Council Feasibility report on October 27, 2025, assessment rates were established in 2026 as well as the interest rates, an Improvement Public Hearing happened on November 24, 2025, and now tonight they are holding the assessment Public Hearing and ordering improvements. Ms. Ener explained that the Humboldt project summary includes improving the roadway conditions and drainage. She added that if anyone has driven through this area, the pavement is well past its useful life, and it is a joint roadway with Hennepin County. She explained that Hennepin County is on this roadway, but the design and project construction will be led by the city. She added that the City opted to have control over what its residents see on this roadway, and as part of this project, the City will be improving pedestrian accessibility and replacing the aging infrastructure. Ms. Ener stated that street improvements will include a full-depth reclamation, which is a step above a mill and overlay but below a full reconstruction. She explained that this is due to the deterioration of the pavement, but to be conscientious of costs, it is a cost-saving measure to use the existing bituminous pavement, which is ground up and reused for the aggregate, and the sub- base is kept in place. She noted that this saves costs on both materials and time for the contractors. She said there will be a new concrete curb and gutter installed, which will improve the aging of the roadway to keep water off the pavement and direct it properly into drainage structures. She said there will also be pedestrian improvements with a bituminous shared-use trail, necked-down pedestrian crossings, and narrowed roadways, making it safer for pedestrians. The utilities are a wholesale replacement of the water main, sanitary, and storm sewer, as all are past their useful life. The lighting will also be improved by replacing all the existing street lighting under a separate contract to ensure that the City has full control over that replacement. Ms. Ener broke down the project funding with special assessments costing $225,435.50 of the nearly $5 million project. She added that because this is a county road, there will be cost-sharing from the county, with $2.6 million coming from county funds. Ms. Ener said in her opinion, this is a fair cost share from the county and more generous than they have been in the past. She said the Staff have really been pushing for fair splits on county roadways between the City and county cost participation. Ms. Ener said the City will use MSA funds for the City streets, and the sanitary, water, and street lights from their respective utility funds, while the county will be paying for fiber line improvements. She added that these are all estimated amounts and will change after bidding, with the exception of the special assessments, because those were set back in November. Ms. Ener said tonight’s focus is the assessments, and this area is a mixture of R1, R2, and R4 properties. She explained that R1 properties get a per-unit price, which was fixed at the November meeting for 2026. The R2 and R4 are treated slightly differently as they are front footage, and that is based on their zoning, which can be either low or medium density. She added that some of these properties have larger front footages, and the rate is determined by the set rate, which is divided by a standard set rate for the R1 properties for a 75-foot lot, and then applying the front footage to 01/26/26 -16- whatever front footage the R2 property has. She said this is all per the established City Special Assessment Ordinance, and if the Council had questions, she would be glad to answer them. She said previously assessed corner properties are not assessed a second time, as they were already assessed for a previous project. Ms. Ener explained the special assessment payment options, which include payment in full or partial payment with no interest between April 15 and September 30, 2026. She stated that beginning in 2024, the City began offering partial prepayments, and that is really to accommodate residents. The other option includes paying in full or a partial payment from October 1 to November 14, 2026, with interest from October 1 at 5.15 percent. She stated that if no payment is made or only a partial payment is made beginning November 15, those are rolled over to the county, which will be paid in installments with property taxes over a 10-year period starting in 2027, at a 5.15 percent interest rate. She explained that if residents choose to roll it into the property taxes, that does not lock them in for the full 10 years, and at any point, they can pay off the remaining balance and interest accrued through that year. She added that deferment questions can be answered by contacting the City Engineering Department, and are done on a case-by-case basis, and per the assessment policy, they are for those 65 years and older, or if the resident is on a fully fixed income due to disability or retirement with benefits. Those types of accounts are set on either partial or full deferment based on individual income. Ms. Ener said, based on approval from the Council at tonight’s hearing, Staff will begin mailing out those deferment processes starting tomorrow, and residents can do this up until September 30, and the City will work through that process with each individual resident. Ms. Ener explained the recommended actions for the Council, which include making a motion to open the Assessment Hearing, taking public input on improvements, closing the Assessment Hearing, and making a motion to approve the resolution. She added that there is an amended resolution in front of the Council, and this change is due to a levy number change from Hennepin County that came through on Friday. This change does not change the prices or anything about the assessments; it is a clerical change from the levy number. 26161 to levy no. 27041 to reflect the project being assessed beginning in 2027. Ms. Ener asked if there were any questions from the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness asked about these rates since they start in 2027, and the rates go down, and if they can be altered. Ms. Ener responded that the rates were set by the Council for 2026, which applies to projects that are completed in 2026; however given that the project construction is in 2026, the City gives residents time to make sure they can make payments during that 2026 period, and then it goes to the county, and only the rolled over assessments would go into 2027. Ms. Ener said payments really start in 2026, but the county needs time to catch up on taxes, and the City needs time to process them. Councilmember Moore moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Kragness seconded to open the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. 01/26/26 -17- Jerry L. of 5425 Humboldt Avenue North has been a Brooklyn Center resident for 73 years, and she asked the Council to lower her assessment amount by $547, as this is the amount above every other home in the four-block area that will be worked on this summer. She said her lot is 84.5 feet wide, and she has looked up all the lot sizes of the homes in this project, and some are smaller, and some are a lot wider than hers. She said she knows that the four blocks are zoned R1 and R2, with R1 being one-family dwellings and R2 being one and two-family dwellings. She said in the matter of this project, she does not understand how this zoning makes sense, and it is a relatively small project, and residents are all in the same neighborhood. She added that paying $547 above and beyond all the other homes, some of which have lots that are more than twice the width of hers, is not fair. She said these zones were established and voted on in 2015, and perhaps there was a reason for the zoning at that time, and maybe there still is, but no one wants to pay for projects like this when times are tough for everyone. She said projects like this are inevitable, and after being at the information meeting, she sees the necessity of it, but she is the sole homeowner of this property, and this will be a hardship for her. She asked that the Council please consider her request and thanked them for their time. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness asked Ms. Ener where that property is on the project map, and knows that the rate is based on zoning. Ms. Ener thanked Jerry L. for doing her research, and as mentioned, her rate is based on an R1 unit rate that was divided by 75 feet per the City's Special Assessment policy, and then that linear footage rate was multiplied by the front footage of R2 properties. Ms. Ener said in the Special Assessment policy, the intent is likely that of low or medium density residential, so if there were two homes on one property, that is likely the intent, rather than one home on the property, and that is where that difference comes from. Ms. Ener said some R2 properties have a lower rate than the standard, and then there are some, like Jerry L.'s, that will have a higher rate. Councilmember Jerzak thanked Jerry L. for doing her research and approaching the Council. He said he would highly encourage Jerry L. to apply for a deferment and go through the proper channels to at least present her case. He added that he does not make those decisions, but he appreciates Jerry L.'s statement that it really is a hardship and there are individual cases. He said that is not a ruling, but he thanked Jerry L. for doing his research and approaching the Council and told her to follow through with her appeal. Leanne B. said this is the first City Council meeting she has been to since Mayor Cohen was the Mayor. She added that she lives down the block from Jerry L. and has an R1 property. She added that she has a large lot because her father worked for Earl Brown and bought the lot when it was being divided from Gladiola Fields, when he was working there as a pig farmer. She added that her family has lived on this plot of land for more than 75 years, and she purchased the house from her mother and father when she got married. She said she has lived there with her husband for 53 years, and she is in her 70s. She said when she started paying taxes on this property, it cost $700 and is now over $4,400. She added that the special assessment for her property is what she pays for a year in taxes, and her husband is a 100 percent disabled veteran and has been assessed by the VA. She stated her husband is a Vietnam veteran, and they fly all three of the flags outside their home. She stated the Council is more than welcome to stop by her home at any time, as they have 01/26/26 -18- been there forever. She added that she will be requesting a deferment because of financial reasons, and her husband is in his late 70s and is on dialysis three days a week. She said the VA is taking good care of him, but for someone over 65 on a limited income, this is a hardship, especially when the assessment is the same as the property taxes would be, and seeing the property taxes go up and up, this is starting to be a little bit much for those who are living here. She said she appreciates Brooklyn Center, all her kids were born there and went to school there, and she was very active in the school and has never moved or had a different address or telephone number. She said she is a long-term resident. She said she appreciates the Police Department, the City of Brooklyn Center, and all the people who work in government, and she would not want their job. She stated she has owned three different businesses in her lifetime, and she is now retired and taking care of her veteran. She said she will be applying for the deferments, which she understands can be paid upon the sale of the property; however, she owns her home, and she has already lived through several assessments, especially the sidewalks. She said when the sidewalks were put in on their street, her dad went out and leveled all of them on the block. She thanked the Council for hearing her and said old ladies stick together, as she and Jerry L. went to Brooklyn Center High School together. She said she appreciates what the Council does, and appreciates the Police Department and the people taking care of Brooklyn Center. She said if the Council decides to stop, she is the house on the block with the hand-painted garage door and the American flag, the POW flag, and the Marine Corps flag outside her house, and they are more than welcome to stop. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness thanked Leanne B. for speaking and thanked her husband for his service. She said City Staff will follow up with her, and deferment is a great opportunity for a lot of people, and to ensure that the City is pushing those out because those assessment numbers are really high. Ms. Ener said if the Council so chooses and the assessments are approved, Staff will be sending out another mailer that is part of the standard process to tell residents that the project was approved, the assessments were approved, the options for payments, and her direct phone number on how to go through the deferment process. Councilmember Jerzak said he lives on Emerson, and one of the other Councilmembers lives off of 55th, and Mayor Cohen lives on 55th and Humboldt. He said both speakers indicated that they have lived in Brooklyn Center for 70-plus years, but he would have guessed they were in their early 40s, so he just wanted to acknowledge that. He encouraged both speakers to follow through with their deferments and noted that this is what government is about and can address its regress. He said he cannot guarantee anything, but at least the speakers know they have been heard. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness asked if anyone else would like to address the Council. No one else wished to address the Council. Councilmember Moore moved, and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. 01/26/26 -19- Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to approve the RESOLUTION Certifying Special Assessments for Improvement Project No. 2026-01, 02, 03, & 04 Humboldt Avenue (Cr 57) Reconstruction to the Hennepin County Tax Rolls. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked if the two speakers were included in this for voting. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness confirmed that they were. Motion passed unanimously. 8b. RESOLUTION CERTIFYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2026-06, 07, 08, & 09, JOHN MARTIN DRIVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY TAX ROLLS Ms. Ener said this presentation would be the same format as the last, and pertains to the John Martin Drive Improvement Project. She explained that there was a similar schedule as the Humboldt Avenue Project; the only exception was that the neighborhood informational meeting was held during business hours over the lunch hour of 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to accommodate this area, which has businesses rather than the standard informational meeting. Ms. Ener said tonight the Council will vote on the assessment, have a Public Hearing, order the improvements, as well as approve the plans and specifications and the advertisement for bid. She added that the site plan sheet has gone through state aid for approval as well. Ms. Ener explained that the project summary with the goals for this project is to improve the plowing ability and safety of the roadway and extend the pavement life to meet future improvements. She said that with this area being within the Opportunity Site, the City would like to get the John Martin Drive section across the finish line before the Opportunity Site gets developed. She added that with construction, the teams work their way out, so as the Opportunity Site is developed, they will need John Martin Drive as a primary access road in and out for construction and development. She stated that if John Martin Drive needs to change, it will be after the Opportunity Site is constructed, so a new road does not get destroyed by construction vehicles. Ms. Ener said this project is meant to extend the life of the pavement to meet the Opportunity Site drive project as well as accommodate the vehicles that are currently there today. She said right now the project consists of a full-depth pavement reclamation. She noted that the pavement condition is past the point of being able to do a mill and overlay, but if the City does this project now, they will not have to do a full-depth reconstruction later and can do this reclamation project instead. She added that right now, the vast majority of the curb and gutter can be, and only 20 percent is anticipated to have to be replaced for drainage, and upwards of 30 percent in total to accommodate ADA and pedestrian access. She said right now the only areas that will need to be replaced are areas that do not currently drain or do not meet ADA safety standards. She added that part of the project will also include spot apron replacements, so the vast majority of the curb and gutter will stay in place, and if changes to John Martin Drive occur with the Opportunity Site, the City will not have to redo work on the curb and gutter again. The utility improvements include sanitary, storm sewer, and gate valve castings replacement, and not doing the pipes. She added 01/26/26 -20- that the water services and sanitary services, as well as drainage, are very likely going to change as the City redevelops these sites, and are still within their useful life, so are not prime candidates for replacement right now. She continued that there will be some replacements to the existing street lights, but with this project, the City will be installing new conduit everywhere so that it is ready to go if new lighting is put in at the Opportunity Site. She explained that the City will stop at the MnDOT right-of-way to accommodate any potential future trunk Highway 100 improvements, as MnDOT is working through their preliminary design ideas for the Trunk Highway 100 improvements, and this area is within one of the options that MnDOT is looking at for redoing how the bridge and access are configured. She stated that the Engineering Department has also coordinated with the Public Works Garage, and this is one of the areas in the City where there are icy conditions, where the plows are sliding at stop signs, and in a commercial area that could be really dangerous. She stated that plow trucks do better in snow than most vehicles, so this project should eliminate the danger of the existing super elevation to the greatest extent possible. Ms. Ener explained the project funding breakdown and said the costs have gone down as the Department has refined the project from the feasibility study. She noted that the special assessments are at $474,000, which is in line with commercial projects the City has previously done. She noted that the City will be using municipal state aid funds and street reconstruction funds for the roadway. She added that there are some minor fund costs for storm, sanitary, and water that account for the castings. The assessments for this area are all commercial, which is why some of the assessments are so high, and one of the properties involved is over 23 acres, which has over $200,000 in assessments. She stated that the interest rates for these assessments will be based on the City's most recent bidding and rate policy at 5.15 percent, and the commercial properties are all done on an acreage basis with a Zone A and a Zone B rate. She explained that Zone A is within the first 200 feet of the property that gets the most benefit, and the rest of the property is Zone B, which is given a lower per-acre cost. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson said she is map-challenged and asked for the names of the commercial and industrial properties that the project would pertain to. Ms. Ener said the biggest property is south of Target and is one of the City's EDAs, and is owned by the City. Ms. Ener said the assessment payment policy is the same as seen in the Humboldt project, although with commercial properties, it typically becomes one or the other in terms of payments, but they are welcome to do partial payments. She added that historically, commercial properties either pay in full right away, or for larger properties like Slumberland, they roll it into their taxes. She stated that deferments are specifically for residential homes, and commercial properties are not eligible. Ms. Ener explained the recommended actions for the Council, which include a motion to open the Assessment Hearing, take public input for improvements, close the Public Hearing, and then approve the amended resolution with changes made to the levy number per Hennepin County’s request from 26160 to 27040 as a clerical change. She asked if the Council had any questions for her. 01/26/26 -21- Councilmember Jerzak said in the interest of transparency, he asked to look at page 157 of 204, with the graph stating that $312,082.15 has been assessed to the City, as these are properties that the City owns. He said a reference point for Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson would be where the former Perkins was, so she knows the area of town. He said his policy has always been that if he had to explain this to his neighbors so they understand it, he asked why the City is taxing these vacant properties that the City bought and are now being assessed for. He said, for clarity, there are safety problems, sewer problems, elevation problems, snowplow problems, as well as a full mill on page three of the report, which costs more if the City lets it go over time. He said the reason he brings all of this up is for transparency about the reasons that the City needs to be careful about vacant properties, for reasons such as this, and this is unavoidable, and now the City is taking money out of one pocket and putting it into the other pocket, which is pretty significant. He said he understands why, and he does not like it, but he needs to be able to explain that. Ms. Ener said if it is helpful, there is an internal Staff memo at the diocese regarding the EDA Assessment Policy. She said the project has narrowed the scope down to the barest minimum to still ensure that this roadway still functions. She noted that when someone drives over it now, they can feel the bumps every time they go over a casting, and that is incredibly difficult to plow, and there is a super elevation due to an on-ramp, and as the road deteriorates, that becomes very unsafe. She added that the pavement there has massive potholes that will not last through the construction of the Opportunity Site, and if the City does it now, it is significantly cheaper and will last until it needs to be reconstructed with the Opportunity Site as part of the whole development. Councilmember Jerzak said his only comment about the rough road is that he drives a Jeep, so it is a playday for him. He said he just wanted an explanation for this and the reasons because they are legitimate questions, and the government has no money, and it is the people's money, so the Council needs to be good stewards of that. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness thanked Ms. Ener for that explanation and stated that, looking at the project, the City is pretty much assessing itself, but if the road becomes a safety issue, then the City has to fix it, and she added that, as Councilmember Jerzak mentioned, that is the downfall of having vacant properties. Councilmember Moore reiterated how much she appreciates Ms. Ener being prudent with tax dollars because the residents are paying the City, and the Council makes these decisions, and it will be cheaper now than it will be later on. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness moved, and Councilmember Moore seconded to open the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Carmina M. stated she lives in Brooklyn Center, and asked about the service center that gives a reinstatement when a resident has a ticket, and asked how the fees are determined. Carmina M. said she has several questions about a $20 ticket she received for reinstatement, and the fee for that is $11, and she stated that it is excessive. She said she was not sure if this was the forum or not. 01/26/26 -22- Mayor Pro Tem Kragness informed her that it was not the forum to discuss that; it was the forum for Special Assessments for John Martin Drive properties. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated this was a Public Hearing regarding special assessments for properties. Carmina M. said she does not know what that means. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness said she would have City Staff get Carmina M.’s information to ensure that her issues are addressed. Carmina M. said she came to this Council meeting, and she comes in and out of the meeting and starts her day at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m., and the Council stays at City Hall until 9:00 p.m., and she said what the Council is doing is a waste of time. She said she is from the D.C., Virginia area, and she finds the things that the Council tries to implement, and looks around Brooklyn Center and sees nothing developing or changing. She stated that the amount of money that is being put into the Brooklyns and Hennepin County, and she can not see where the money goes. She said she has asked that question many times, and now, with everything that is going on, the residents all know exactly where the money is going. Carmina M. continued that she is very disappointed with this body, and she misses the last Mayor. She said the only person on this body that she thinks is adequate for this role is Mayor Pro Tem Kragness. Councilmember Moore asked for a point of order, thanked Carmina M. for her comments, and said she could bring up her comments at a future meeting during Public Open Forum, but this forum is in regard to the Special Assessments for John Martin Drive. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness told Carmina M. that City Staff can connect with her, and thanked Carmina M. for speaking even though it is not the appropriate time for what Carmina M. was talking about. She said that was okay, and City Staff would speak directly to her to make sure her issues are addressed. She thanked Carmina M. for coming in and said she could listen to the City Council websites online at the same time as well. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness moved, and Councilmember Moore seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Moore moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to approve the RESOLUTION Certifying Special Assessments for Improvement Project No. 2026-06, 07, 08, & 09, John Martin Drive Improvement Project to the Hennepin County Tax Rolls. Motion passed unanimously. 9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS 9a. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2026-001 SUBMITTED BY THE LUTHER COMPANY LLLP FOR MAJOR AMENDMENTS TO THE 2017 01/26/26 -23- PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND SITE AND BUILDING PLAN FOR THE LUTHER MAZDA AND MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP (4435 68TH AVENUE NORTH) Mr. Nyquist introduced Associate Planner Kristyn Eldridge to present this item. Ms. Eldridge stated that she was there to discuss the Applicant, the Luther Company LLLP, Mazda Mitsubishi's request for a major site and building plan amendment, and a major plan unit development amendment. She stated that for the requested action, the Applicant was requesting review and consideration of the major amendments to the site and building plan that was installed in 2017. She stated that this particular development at 4435 68th Avenue North would allow for the conversion of an existing 1,500 square foot trash building into an auto detail shop. She noted that the dedicated trash refuse area would be repurposed. The Applicant also proposed the installation of a 300-square-foot trash enclosure for their garbage, recycling, and dead tire storage. Ms. Eldridge stated that the subject property is 5.84 acres and is a PUD C2, and its land use designation is zoned as a PUD C2 as well. She added that a PUD is generally requested when there are no flexibilities offered outside of the zoning code, and Luther Company LLLP offers significant benefits to the community in the City, so PUDs are considered for these types of developments. Ms. Eldridge offered some background on the Applicant, who owns and operates numerous car dealerships along Brooklyn Boulevard, including the Luther Mazda and Mitsubishi dealership located at 4435 68th Avenue North. She stated that in 2017, the Applicant received approvals to construct a 35,424-square-foot Mazda and Mitsubishi dealership building, which required a re-plat and the establishment of a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) under Planning Commission Application No. 2017-010. She noted that City Staff met with the Applicant in October 2025 after being made aware that the trash building had been converted into an auto detailing building, and the City had no record of any building permits being pulled for the conversion. She noted that ever since then, the Applicant has been compliant and has been in communication with City Staff about their process. Ms. Eldridge stated at the Planning Commission Public Hearing, the Applicant confirmed that their establishment had expanded quite a bit, and they needed more room, so they moved their auto detailing shop into a separate building and decided to make their trash smaller. She stated that the Applicant was unaware that the conversion would trigger a major amendment to their approvals, but the Applicant is working with City Staff to provide plans and documents for review by the City's respective Planning Commission and City Council. Ms. Eldridge said that under the zoning Chapter 35-8304 PUD of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires the City Council to base its decisions to approve the PUD on the following additional criteria: compatibility of the development plan with the standards, purposes and intent of this section, consistency of the development plan with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, the impact of the development plan on the neighborhood in which it is located, and the adequacy of internal site organization, uses, densities, circulation, parking 01/26/26 -24- facilities, public facilities, recreational uses, open spaces, buffering and landscaping. She noted that Chapter 35-8306 of the PUD amendments outlines that a 10 percent or greater change in the floor area of one structure shall constitute a major PUD amendment. She noted the conversion of the former trash building to an auto detail shop is a 100 percent change. Ms. Eldridge explained that the plans submitted by the Applicant identify 469 on-site parking spaces, and with this new building, the Applicant would only lose five parking spaces, and the new trash enclosure would not impact the existing drive aisle. She noted that the existing drive aisle is 27 feet in width, and the minimum required is 24 feet. Ms. Eldridge detailed the site and building plan, and the City’s UDO requires a site and building plan approval whenever there is an expansion or change in the use of a building or parcel of land, which results in a different intensity of use, including additional parking. A major amendment to approve the same building plan is a trigger when there is a 25 percent or greater change in the floor area of any one structure, and the major amendment process must follow the procedure of the issuance of a new site and building plan. She noted that, considering the scope of the project and the minimal impacts to the property site improvements, City Staff has waived the provisions of certain plans, including revised landscaping and photometric plans. She explained that this means that City Staff are not requiring a lighting plan and a landscaping plan, which is typical of a site building plan, because this development is so small. She added that Chapter 35 of the PUD also requires the building plan application to meet the following criteria: that it follows the UDO, that it protects the residential uses and any adverse effects to non-residential uses are consistent with the character of the surrounding properties, and it provides safe conditions for pedestrians and motorists. Ms. Eldridge stated that the auto detail shop that was the former trash building on the west side of the property is a one-level, 1,500 square foot space with three existing bay doors that face the existing dealership building. The buildings are considered accessory structures per Chapter 35 of the City code of Ordinances, and the existing building is situated 11.5 feet from the west property line. She stated there are no plans to expand the building at this time, and the exterior is primarily concrete with a sandblast cream colored finish and is supplied with wall-pack lighting. She added that the auto detail shop will be equipped with shop vacuums and cleaning supplies, an eye wash station, wire racks, and toolboxes, and one bay area is identified in the plans for storage for winter supplies and accessories. She stated the new trash enclosure would be located 18 feet from the west property line, as measured from the roof overhang and 19 feet from the outside wall in front of the auto detail shop. She added that the City code requires all dumpsters and waste containers to be contained within an opaque enclosure. She stated the Applicant would relocate trash facilities to a 300-square-foot trash enclosure south of the existing former trash building, which is the auto detail shop now, which would require the removal of five parking spaces. Ms. Eldridge said a site visit will need to be conducted to close out the building permits, and the Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) determination form will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council. She added that the Minnesota Energy Code requires unconditioned spaces or semi-heated spaces to be brought into compliance when converted to conditioned space, and an architect or engineer will need to provide documentation demonstrating compliance with the Energy Code. She explained that the trash enclosure is not permitted within 10 feet of other buildings, including 01/26/26 -25- the former trash building, and the Applicant will need to coordinate with the City Building Official to determine if the new trash enclosure will need to be shifted south to meet code requirements. Ms. Eldridge noted there are anticipated permits and conditions of approval that City Staff will work with the Applicant to complete. She stated that, in summary, a Public Hearing notice was published in the Brooklyn Center Sun Post on December 25, 2025, and notices were mailed to surrounding properties within 350 feet. She added that no public comments were provided at the hearing, but Representatives for the Applicant were present at the Public Hearing and provided background on their business needs, and the service growth that they have experienced has pushed their detailing services from the main building to the former trash building. She added that Representatives from the Applicant conveyed that detail services are for lot vehicles and not a service provided to the general public. She noted that Commissioners engaged in a brief conversation with Representatives for the Applicant regarding tire storage, chemical use as part of the auto detail operation, and the building materials proposed for the new trash enclosure. She stated that the Planning Commission unanimously recommended (5-0) that the City Council approve the application requests. Mayor Pro Tem Kragness thanked Ms. Eldridge for the presentation and said that while it is not the most glamorous expansion, she appreciates the fact that the Applicant is showing that the business is moving in the right direction and doing things the correct way. Councilmember Jerzak moved and Mayor Pro Tem Kragness seconded to adopt a RESOLUTION to approve the Planning Commission Application No. 2026-001 for major amendments to the 2017 Planned Unit Development and site and building plans for the Luther Mazda and Mitsubishi dealership located at 4435 68th Avenue North, based on the findings of fact and submitted application, and as amended by the conditions of approval in the resolution. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson said she wanted to thank Luther Automotive for all of their facilities, investing in the community, and being a good corporate partner with the City, along with their philanthropy. She apologized that they had to sit through the whole meeting for a three- minute process, but thanked them again for being a good corporate entity in the City. 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 11. COUNCIL REPORT Mayor Pro Tem Kragness reported on her attendance at the following events and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended a one-on-one with Interim City Manager Nyquist, which was a great meeting. • Attended the Legislative Breakfast in Crystal and represented Brooklyn Center, and addressed the City's priorities and listened to other cities' priorities as well. She said she would be discussing those priorities with Mr. Nyquist, but one of the ideas was regarding group homes and ways that the Council can tweak their requests for those. 01/26/26 -26- Councilmember Moore reported on her attendance at the following events and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended a community vigil at Bellevue Park on Saturday, which was a peaceful political event that was a beacon of hope and strength during a difficult time that many people are experiencing. • Reiterated that anyone who needs a resource or assistance should call the City Hall front desk, and they will be transferred to the appropriate person. She encouraged people to reach out and look out for one another as much as they can. 12. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Moore moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Kragness seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 8:59 pm. Motion passed unanimously.