HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 03-24 CCM Study Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
STUDY SESSION
MARCH 24, 2008
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at
6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Mary O'Connor, Dan Ryan, and Mark
Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd
Blomstrom, Community Development Director Gary Eitel, and Carol Hamer, TimeSaver Secretarial,
Inc.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
In relation to Agenda Item No. 9e, Councilmember Ryan shared information from a Star /Tribune
newspaper article related to issues with the court system being short of funds. He commented on the
advantages of going to an administrative fine system due to the court system being backed up and
short of funds.
There was discussion on Agenda Item Nos. 8a, 8b, and 8c. Councilmember O'Connor inquired about
the City rule for honoring employees when they retire or leave the City. She asked whether
individuals are required to have worked for the City for a certain amount of years to be recognized,
and whether everyone that has worked that amount of years receives the recognition. Mr. Boganey
stated there is a written policy which is applied to all employees that meet the threshold. A copy of
the policy will be provided to the Council.
In relation to Agenda Item No. l lc, Councilmember Lasman noted the Loucks Associates proposal,
item 2.1, Circulation of Plan, states "...Loucks will submit the plan to adjacent cities, Hennepin
County, the watershed district, the school district, and other agencies..." She requested staff to ensure
that Loucks Associates is aware that Brooklyn Center has four school districts.
Councilmember Yelich requested the removal of Agenda Item No. 7b from the Consent Agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS
There was none.
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DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS
AUTOMATED METER READING FEASIBILITY REPORT
Mr. Blomstrom stated Council has been provided with a report from the consultant, TKDA, regarding
upgrading the existing water meter reading system from a manual read system to an Automated Meter
Reading (AMR) system. He provided information on problems with the decreasing rate of
compliance for residents submitting their meter cards, which brings in delinquency charges, estimated
charges, and increased staff duties in order to generate billing. Mr. Blomstrom provided an overview
of the following types of meter systems available as outlined in the report: 1) Touchpad System; 2)
Radio Read System; 3) Fixed Network System. He reported on the expected operational cost savings
of implementing an AMR system, and the estimated cost for conversion to a radio -read automated
meter reading system. He provided an overview of financing options for the implementation of the
new system as outlined in the memo from Director of Fiscal Support Services Dan Jordet. Mr.
Blomstrom answered questions of the Council on the following issues in relation to implementation
of an AMR system:
Delinquent billings on foreclosed homes
Water utility rates in relation to cities with AMR systems
Financing implementation of the AMR system through bonds /payment options
Process for changing out meters
Reduction in labor needs
Possible synergy with a fixed network system and the wi -fi system planned by the City of
Minneapolis.
Councilmember O'Connor stated her position that the proposed AMR system is expensive and that
the City should keep the current system.
It was noted that manual read systems are being phased out. There was discussion on the capital cost
to implement the new system and the tradeoffs due to reductions in labor cost and the need for meter
replacements whether or not the new system is implemented. Mr. Boganey stressed the change in
customer service expectations, and that very few customers expect to submit their water reading in
order to be billed. The risk associated with not receiving cards and not getting accurate readings is a
serious concern. If there is majority consensus by Council, staff would like to proceed with request
for proposals (RFP) to come back with a specific proposal for consideration by the City Council.
It was the majority consensus of the City Council to direct staff to proceed with RFPs for the
implementation of a radio -read automated meter reading system.
ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at
6:43 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
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RECONVENE STUDY SESSION
Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to reconvene the Study Session
at 6:46 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2011 BROOKLYN CENTER CELEBRATION CITY COUNCIL
Mr. Boganey stated the draft letter on this item has not yet been prepared for Council review.
Councilmember Lasman requested information on the proposed timeline on this topic.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at
6:48 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
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i
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER)
The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn
Center, Minnesota, certifies:
1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Study
Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on March 24, 2008.
2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at
Brooklyn Center City Hall.
3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its April 14, 2008, Regular Session.
City Clerk Mayor
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