HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 04-11 HCM CORRECTED PAGE
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 11, 1989
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center housing commission met in regular session and
was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Nick Eoloff.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Nick Eoloff, Commissioners Phil Cohen, Reynold Johnson,
Robert Torres, Pamela Frantum, and Neal Nelson. Also present
were EDA Coordinator Brad Hoffman, Police Chief Jim Lindsay, and
Councilmember Gene Lhotka.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES MARCH 21, 1989
Commissioner Torres noted that the minutes from the March meeting
indicated a reference from him to the Phillips neighborhood and
that the minutes should be corrected to reflect that he was
discussing the Whittier neighborhood. There was a motion by
Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Torres to
approve the minutes as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF FEES IMPOSED FOR NUISANCE POLICE CALLS
Hoffman introduced Police Chief Jim Lindsay to the commission.
Chief Lindsay indicated that under some circumstances he felt it
would be appropriate to assess property for police calls, but not
for such calls where life is at stake. He discussed the numerous
nuisance calls (parties and so forth) that they are called upon
to deal with on a regular basis at certain locations. He
indicated that his experience with the court system with such
calls is that the courts do not want to deal with petty offenses.
He discussed the fact the police department does charge a fee
for false alarms and also noted the majority of the alarms that
the City receives are false.
A discussion ensued about the City's experience with prosecuting
such cases in the court. Councilmember Lhotka inquired if the
problem laid with our courts or our prosecution. Chief Lindsay
indicated it is the courts who have a feeling that there should
be another avenue to enforcement.
Commissioner Nelson inquired if fines were issued in conjunction
with such citations. Chief Lindsay indicated there are fines but
typically are staid if there is compliance. However, there is no
follow -up by the courts to enforce their rulings. Commissioner
Frantum inquired if all these problems have to go through the
court. Chief Lindsay replied that typically they do go to court
with such matters. A brief discussion then ensued relative to
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assessing apartment owners for calls. Chief Lindsay indicated
that a list of calls could be provided to the apartment owners
after say, four calls. He indicated most of their experience
with such calls are really with single family residences. He
feels the City could structure an ordinance to collect fees' for
numerous calls. Chief Lindsay indicated he would put together a
list of calls by type that he felt would be appropriate for fees.
Commissioner Cohen felt the courts should be called on for these
issues. Because they do not like it does not mean that it should
not be enforced. Chief Lindsay agreed but noted that the head
judge has no authority over other judges except to bring the
matter up for discussion. He indicated if we want to change the
judicial system we will have to ban together with other
communities to bring public pressure on the judges. Commissioner
Cohen indicated that maybe as we develop such an ordinance we
should consider some kind of a sliding fee for apartments like
our licenses. Chairman Eoloff indicated that he would like the
city attorney to draft an ordinance. Commissioner Torres
indicated that he would like to support the concept of an
escalating fine system.
HOUSING ACOUISITION POLICY
Hoffman did a quick review of the housing acquisition policy as
previously discussed at the March meeting. Following a
discussion, Commissioner Cohen asked what the next step would be.
Hoffman indicated that the next step, assuming the policy as
stated was acceptable to the housing commission, would be to
recommend the policy to the EDA. There was a motion by
Commissioner Cohen and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to
recommend the housing acquisition policy to the Economic
Development Authority for implementation. Commissioner Frantum
indicated she felt the policy should also include notification of
owner with the motion and suggested that be added to the policy.
Commissioner Cohen added the same to his motion and the motion
passed unanimously.
R -7 PROPERTY
Hoffman reviewed a development proposal for the R -7 property
immediately south of the Hennepin County library on Shingle Creek
Parkway. He noted the proposed development was for an apartment
complex, straight market rate, and the developer was talking
about approximately 100 units. He also indicated the developer
was looking for assistance from the City because of the extensive
soil problems on the site. Hoffman noted this was a site
identified by the City as one that would probably require
assistance from the City before it could be developed. Hoffman
noted there was a commitment on the part of the City to another
apartment complex on the Earle Brown Farm, and he did have a
concern that the two would come on -line at the same time and hurt
the financial capabilities of both. Commissioner Cohen noted the
proposal does not address needs and suggesed that perhaps this is
not a development that we needed now. He added he needed
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