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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 04-14 CCM Regular 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 REGULAR SESSION APRIL 14, 2008 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:45 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, Director of Fiscal Support Services Dan Jordet, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, Community Development Director Gary Eitel, City Attorney Mary Tietjen, and Carol Hamer, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Mayor Tim Willson opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum. Ms. Christina Akinola, 5801 Ewing Avenue N, appeared before the Council and stated she is present to appeal assessments against two properties. One assessment is in the amount of $331.25 for a delinquent water bill assessed to the property at 5801 Ewing Avenue N. She stated there was a huge bill at the end of December in the amount of $1,122.63, of which $331.25 belonged to the previous owner. She was not aware of this at the time that she purchased the property, and there is no way for her to contact the previous owner. She spoke to Julie at the City, who said that the City had tried to contact the previous owner and the notices were coming back to the City. Ms. Akinola stated she also received an assessment for noxious weeds on a rental property that she had a rental license on. The City said they had sent mail to her, but she never received it. She should have received a letter saying that the weeds need to be cut, and she never received it until she received two invoices, and with the invoices she received the returned envelopes, which shows that she had not received anything previously. The assessment for the noxious weeds is in the amount of $281.25 plus a penalty for not paying. Mr. Boganey indicated Ms. Akinola has provided him with information on her situation. Staff is investigating both issues and Ms. Akinola should be receiving a letter this week. Council will be copied on the letter and provided a recommendation from staff. He informed Ms. Akinola he would be happy to discuss any additional questions once she has received the letter. Mr. Boganey answered questions of the Council regarding the process to remove the assessments if that were to be the Council's decision after consideration of staff's investigation and recommendation. He indicated Council will be provided with documentation along with the copy of the letter to Ms. Akinola and Council can determine whether this is an item they wish to place on a future agenda. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Informal Open Forum at 6:50 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 04/14/08 -1- 2. INVOCATION Councilmember Yelich requested a moment of silence and personal reflection as the Invocation. 3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 7:00 p.m. 4. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Mary O'Connor, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Fiscal Support Services Dan Jordet, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, Community Development Director Gary Eitel, City Attorney Mary Tietjen, and Carol Hamer, Timesaver Secretarial, Inc. 5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 6. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Ryan reported on attending the following events: Event to honor former Mayor Phil Cohen on March 27 The event included an auction of donated items that raised money for charity and the Brooklyn Center Crime Prevention Program. He commented on how much Mr. Cohen has given to the City of Brooklyn Center and the State of Minnesota. School District 281 Community Visioning Session: This was a strategic planning session to sharpen the goals and priorities for School District 281, which faces serious challenges going forward. City Expo on April 12 He appreciates the many City employees who gave a large part of their Saturday to the event. Councilmember Lasman reported on attending the following events: North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting on March 25 There was discussion of new members and several new businesses in the area; the cities of Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and Osseo provided updates; there was discussion on changes to the bylaws; the North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be held on June 24 and the Chair of the Government Relations Committee was appointed. Brooklyn Center/Brooklyn Park Joint Community Dialogue on April 5 New immigrant residents were invited, and there were about 45 people in attendance. There were small group discussions. It was suggested that ways for the City to help would be to have a multicultural liaison meeting dialogue with different groups, diversifying the Police Department, and recruiting new youth from diverse background. The event was both informative and productive. City Expo on April 12 The event was a great way for the City to showcase itself and citizens to get answers. It was efficient and well run. Phil Cohen's birthday celebration on March 27 It was great to be able to honor a citizen that has done so much for the City. 04/14/08 -2- Councilmember Yelich reported on attending the following events: City sponsored meeting to address the ground water contamination originating from the 57 and Logan Avenues site on March 27 The meeting was open to the public; the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the City of Brooklyn Center were present. The meeting was very informative and the City is making an earnest and thoughtful approach towards solving and mitigating the problems associated with the contamination. He encouraged residents who are affected to give consideration to having their homes tested by contacting the City of Brooklyn Center. City Expo on April 12 This was a great event that he would like to have continued in the future. He heard only positive things on the event. School District 281 Strategic Planning and Visioning Session: This was the first of several sessions that will be conducted to help the District formulate its strategic plan for the next several years. Councilmember Yelich encouraged residents to participate in the Shingle Creek Watershed Cleanup event on April 19 Councilmember O'Connor reported on attending the School District 281 Public Forum. She stated the District is looking for a vision five years from now. She stated the School District has money problems and questioned why they would hire consultants and request public input for five years from now. Mayor Willson reported on attending the following events and reported on the following upcoming events: Mayors Round Table for Youth Initiatives with himself and the Mayor of Brooklyn Park: The event was attended by a number of school officials; the cities continue to work together cooperatively. City Expo on April 12 It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with a large number of organizations and to learn what they are doing in the City for youth and across the board. He thanked the City staff that gave up their Saturday to be there. Phil Cohen's birthday celebration on March 27 Mr. Cohen has given 40 years or so of civic duty and involvement with the City at various levels. This week on April 16 the Brooklyn Center Crime Prevention award ceremony will be held at Constitution Hall. He commended the three City police officers that will be recognized. The Shingle Creek Watershed Cleanup will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center on April 19 He encouraged everyone to participate. He has been asked to speak at the Laotian New Year's Celebration in Crystal this Saturday. 7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, with the removal of Item No. 7b from the Consent Agenda to Council Consideration Item No. 11 g, and the following consent items were approved: 7a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 24, 2008 Study Session 2. March 24, 2008 Regular Session 3. March 24, 2008 Work Session 7b. LICENSES 04/14/08 -3- This item was moved to Council Consideration Item No. 11 g. 7c. Resolution Designating 2008 Planting List of Allowable Boulevard Tree Species 8. PRESENTATIONS PROCLAMATIONS /RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 8a. RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -44 EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF LARRY HANSON FOR HIS 38 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER Mayor Willson recited Resolution No. 2008 -44. Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Yelich seconded to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -44 Expressing Recognition and Appreciation of Larry Hanson for his 38 Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Brooklyn Center. Motion passed unanimously. 8b. RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -45 RECOGNIZING THE DESIGNATION OF BROOKLYN CENTER AS A TREE CITY USA FOR THE SIXTEENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, AND A PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 25, 2008 ARBOR DAY AND MAY 2008 ARBOR MONTH IN BROOKLYN CENTER Mayor Willson recited Resolution No. 2008 -45. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Yelich seconded to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -45 Recognizing the Designation of Brooklyn Center as a Tree City USA for the Sixteenth Consecutive Year. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Willson recited the Proclamation Declaring April 25, 2008, Arbor Day and May 2008 Arbor Month in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt the proclamation declaring April 25, 2008, Arbor Day and May 2008 Arbor Month in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Ryan commended the Sons of American Legion for the $200 contribution to cover expenses for the Arbor Day event. Motion passed unanimously. 8c. PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 22, 2008, AS EARTH DAY IN BROOKLYN CENTER Mayor Willson recited the Proclamation Declaring April 22, 2008, as Earth Day in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Yelich seconded to adopt the proclamation declaring April 22, 2008, as Earth Day in Brooklyn Center. 04/14/08 -4- Motion passed unanimously. 9. PUBLIC HEARING None. 10. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS None. 11. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS Ila. AMEND 2008 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE Mr. Boganey introduced the item, discussed the history, and stated the purpose of the proposed amendment to the 2008 City Council meeting schedule to add a work session on Monday, May 19, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. to meet in the City Hall Council /Commission Conference Room with the Charter Commission. He indicated he has not yet received a firm commitment from the Charter Commission on the 6:00 start time. Councilmember O'Connor stated she is unable to make the proposed meeting. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to amend the 2008 City Council meeting schedule and set date and time of joint meeting with Charter Commission for Monday, May 19, 2008, at a tentative time of 6:00 p.m. to be held in the Council /Commission Conference Room at City Hall. Councilmember O'Connor voted against the same. Motion passed. llb. RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -46 ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING A CONTRACT, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 2008 -01, 02, 03, AND 04, 2008 RESIDENTIAL AREA NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, STORM DRAINAGE, AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Blomstrom introduced the item, discussed the history, stated the purpose of the proposed resolution, and answered questions of council members on what is covered in the improvement projects. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -46 Accepting Bid and Awarding a Contract, Improvement Project Nos. 2008 -01, 02, 03, and 04, 2008 Residential Area Neighborhood Street, Storm Drainage, and Utility Improvements. Motion passed unanimously. llc. STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO CANCEL PROPOSED ASSESSMENT FOR DELINQUENT WEED REMOVAL COSTS FOR 6006 EMERSON AVENUE NORTH Mr. Boganey introduced the item, discussed the history, and stated the purpose of the proposed resolution. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember O'Connor seconded to accept the staff recommendation to cancel proposed assessment for delinquent weed removal costs for 6006 04/14/08 -5- Emerson Avenue North. Motion passed unanimously. 11d. STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO CANCEL PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR DISEASED TREE REMOVAL COST FOR 5405 PENN AVENUE NORTH Mr. Boganey introduced the item, discussed the history, and stated the purpose of the proposed resolution. He informed Council that staff believes this item and the previous item are closely related to the foreclosure issue in the City with a number of vacant properties in various states of foreclosure and vacant for long periods of time. Staff believes this type of situation could occur more in the future. They have modified their processing of invoices in such a way that they will very quickly pass that information on to the Assessing Department so they can immediately note in their records at the soonest possible date that there may be a pending assessment. There was discussion on the collection notification process. Councilmembers Yelich and Ryan commended the City Manager and staff for making adjustments to minimize these instances. Councilmember Yelich moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve the staff recommendation to cancel the proposed special assessment for diseased tree removal cost for 5405 Penn Avenue North. Motion passed unanimously. 11e. RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -47 PROVIDING FOR THE COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATED SALE OF $4,335,000 TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION TAX INCREMENT BONDS, SERIES 2008A Mr. Boganey introduced the item, discussed the history, and stated the purpose of the proposed resolution. Mr. Jordet answered questions of council members on the balance of the City's current bonds and the proposed taxable general obligation tax increment bonds. Councilmember O'Connor stated her opposition to the proposed resolution. There was discussion on the City Council goals of redevelopment in the City and lowering taxes for the residents. It was noted that building the commercial /industrial tax base is a tool to move in the direction of lowering the tax rates for the residents in the City. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -47 Providing for the Competitive Negotiated Sale of $4,335,000 Taxable General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds, Series 2008A. Mr. Jordet answered questions of the Council Members on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 3. 04/14/08 -6- There was discussion on the effect of the proposed right -of -way improvements on property values, redevelopment efforts in the City, responsible management of debt to improve and develop the City, and the use of TIF funds to spur redevelopment. Councilmember O'Connor voted against the same. Motion passed. 11C RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -48 ORDERING THE CORRECTION OF HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND FURTHER FOR THE ABATEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCES WITH RESPECT TO THAT REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 6701 REGENT AVENUE NORTH, BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA 66429 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS LOT 8, BLOCK 3, NORDSTROM'S TERRACE ACCORDING TO THE PLAT ON FILE WITH THE REGISTRAR OF TITLES, HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA IN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER, HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA Mr. Boganey introduced the item, discussed the history, and stated the purpose of the proposed resolution. He answered questions of Council Members regarding the City's efforts to get the property owner to comply with the required correction of conditions on the property. He explained staff has no reason to believe that additional time will result in compliance from the property owner. There was discussion on the role of the City Council as elected officials to try to keep people safe in the City. It was pointed out that to let this property continue in the current condition now that the Council has been informed of the condition on the property would not be fulfilling the Council's duties. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2008 -48 Ordering the Correction of Hazardous Conditions and Further for the Abatement of Public Nuisances with Respect to That Real Estate Located at 6701 Regent Avenue North, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 66429 Legally Described as Lot 8, Block 3, Nordstrom's Terrace According to the Plat on File with the Registrar of Titles, Hennepin County, Minnesota in the City of Brooklyn Center, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Councilmember O'Connor voted against the same. Motion passed. 11g. LICENSES MECHANICAL Aspenair Heating Cooling 308 SW 15 Street, Forest Lake B D Plumbing, Heating Air 4145 MacKenzie Court NE, St. Michael Building Mechanical Systems 384543 d Avenue S, Minneapolis Centerpoint Energy 9320 Evergreen Blvd, Coon Rapids Modern Heating and Air 2318 First Street NE, Minneapolis Pierce Refrigeration 19202 d Avenue, Anoka Quality Refrigeration, Inc. 6237 Penn Avenue S, Richfield St. Cloud Refrigeration, Inc. 604 Lincoln Avenue NE, St. Cloud Solid Refrigeration 1125 American Blvd E, Bloomington MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERSHIP BB Motors, LLC dba Luther Brookdale Chevrolet 6701 Brooklyn Boulevard R.L. Brookdale Motors 6801 Brooklyn Boulevard 04/14/08 -7- Brookdale Motor Sales 6800 Brooklyn Boulevard RENTAL INITIAL 1405 63` Ln N LeRoy Bendickson 1612 68' Ln N Frank Lachinski 6828 Fremont PI N Zoua Victorianne Lee 6807 Humboldt Ave N C301 William Newgren 6813 Humboldt Ave N B 104 Robert Perri 5736 June Ave N Jackie Gary Hempeck 5935 Lyndale Ave N Byron Watts 5307 Penn Ave N Ben Dossman 6012 York Ave N Korpo Mgaima Presley Hanson RENEWAL Carrington Drive Apts 1302 -08 69th Ave N 6910 -20 Humboldt Myra Chazin Ryan Creek Manor 360147' Ave N Drew Kabanuk Ryan Creek Manor 3613 47 Ave N Drew Kabanuk Ryan Creek Manor 3713 47 Ave N Drew Kabanuk 3614 50 Ave N Kjirsten Bjerke- Keenan 1201 57 Ave N Edward Doll Margeret Doll 1100 69 Ave N Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Master 4408 69 Ave N Eugene Diane Wright 5200 France Ave N Christian Knutson 5319 Queen Ave N Karen Pelak 5337 -39 Queen Ave N Ambe Funwi 5256 Twin Lake Blvd E Brian Somkhan 3807 61" Ave N Toshie Metzger 531362 n1 Ave N Doua Yang 5342 70 Cir Nick Mbuba 542872 nd Cir Joseph Ditto 5901 Aldrich Ave N Scott Vickie Huber 5419 Humboldt Ave N Cecilia Pineda 5701 James Ave N Victor Roxann Shkaberin 4207 Lakeside Ave N #226 Beach Condo Association 5728 Logan Ave N Ayi Kokodoko 3306 Quarles Rd John Sonja Simpson 6324 Scott Ave N Benson Vang 6926 West River Rd Mark Pivec SIGNHANGER Albrecht Sign Co. 12437 Magnolia Circle NW, Coon Rapids 04/14/08 -8- Councilmember Yelich stated he would like to call attention to the rental licenses and the inconsistencies in the standards of the multi family and single family rental ordinances. He encouraged the Council to have staff provide recommendations on how to improve the consistency in those standards. Councilmember Yelich moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded to approve the above licenses. It was noted that staff has been directed to look at the issue of rental properties in the City and will be bringing a report forward in the near future. Mr. Boganey stated staff has put together several teams to look at rental properties in a holistic manner in order to recommend strategies on rental properties in a variety of ways. In his most recent conversation with the staff person overseeing that process it was indicated that the groups are coming close to the final recommendation. He expects it would be in the fairly near future that staff will bring forward a set of recommendations that attempt to address the concerns in a fairly comprehensive manner. Motion passed unanimously. 12. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 8:13 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 04/14/08 -9- 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 Regular Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on April 14, 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 28, 2008, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 04/14/08 -10-