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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 08-25 CCM Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL /ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION AUGUST 25, 2008 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council /Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session called to order by Mayor /President Tim Willson at 7:54 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor /President Tim Willson and Councilmembers /Commissioners Kay Lasman, Mary O'Connor, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Fiscal Support Services Dan Jordet, Acting Public Works Director /City Engineer David Peterson, Community Development Director Gary Eitel, Planning and Zoning Specialist Ron Warren, Fire Chief Lee Gatlin, Police Commander Tim Gannon, Assistant to the City Manager Vickie Schleuning, and Carol Hamer, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. SECURITY SERVICE AT CONVENIENCE STORES Discussion continued on the issue of security service at convenience stores. Commander Gannon stated in addition to the Westec monitoring system, another element being considered for security is a roving patrol officer between the three Super America's. This would be a licensed police officer that would be funded by Super America/Speedway. He stated he believes this would be beneficial; the officer would focus on the trouble spots. There was discussion on the possible agreement with Super America for security coverage by licensed police officers. Commander Gannon stated officers would sign up for available shifts. The shifts would be varied, which helps to keep everyone on edge as to when an officer will be present. There was discussion on whether there would be any City liability should there be an incident at one of the Super Americas if an officer did not show up timely, etc. Mr. LeFevere advised there is the possibility that the City would incur tort liability for damages arising out of this type of situation, but it would not be any different than with other police activities and would be covered by insurance. There would be the possibility of breach of contract, dependent on what the contract states. This is not unusual with mutual aid agreements where there are limitations and the needs of the City may require that the officer is withdrawn for those needs. He advised the tort liability is covered by normal police operations and the contract liability would be covered by the contract terms. Mr. Boganey stated the Council has a sense of what the situation at the Super America site has been, and has a good indication of the types of things the Police Department is working on in conjunction with the store owners. The question is whether the Council is satisfied to do nothing more at this stage and see how things improve or do not improve, or whether the Council believes it is necessary at this juncture to consider providing additional tools in the form of an ordinance. 08/25/08 -1- There was discussion on the current efforts of the Police Department and whether an ordinance is necessary at this time as an additional tool. There was discussion on the upcoming meeting to be scheduled with the Police Department to report to the neighborhood on the situation at Super America. The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to provide the Council with a status report in 90 days on security issues at Super America. It will be known at that time if the contract for police officer security coverage will come together and whether the current efforts are working. The Council may decide at that time whether to proceed with an ordinance as an additional tool. Staff is also to inform the Council of the scheduled date for the neighborhood meeting. AUTOMATIC METER READING REPLACEMENT SYSTEM Mr. Boganey provided background information regarding the Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) replacement system. He reviewed that acquisition of the subject system was approved as part of the 2008 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). He stated bids will be received on September 11, 2008, and presented to the Council for consideration on October 6, 2008. If accepted, installation will commence not later than January and should take less than one year to complete. Mr. Boganey advised the principal policy issue for Council to determine is whether or not water will be shut off to those properties failing to allow access for the required conversion. Staff recommends that after a certain number of attempts to enter the property that the water would be terminated as a final means of hopefully gaining access to the property. There was discussion on a recent newspaper article regarding cities that have converted to the AMR system, specifically in relation to related costs, the estimated timeframe for battery replacement, and the 25 year life expectancy of the AMR system. Mr. Boganey advised that warranty and support would be part of the agreement. He noted one benefit of being almost the last city to convert to the automated system is that a lot of the bugs associated with the early system have largely been worked out and the technology and various programming improvements have largely been resolved. By purchasing the system now, Brooklyn Center will get a state of the art system. Mr. Peterson provided an overview of the procedure for notification and appointment scheduling in the implementation process for conversion to the AMR system. There was discussion on the policy issue of whether or not water should be shut off to properties that fail to allow access for the required conversion. It was noted that in the event that some properties have their water shut off as a result of this process, there would be the need for a policy decision from Council on whether to charge a reconnection fee. Mr. Boganey requested direction from the Council on whether there is consensus to continue forward with the AMR Project as outlined in the August 7, 2008, memorandum, with staff to bring back policy issues for Council direction at a later date. Councilmember O'Connor stated her opposition to moving forward with the AMR replacement system. She stated her preference to remain with the current meter reading system. Mayor Willson and Councilmembers Ryan, Lasman, and Yelich stated their support of moving forward with the AMR replacement system. 08/25/08 -2- It was the majority consensus of the City Council to direct staff to continue forward with the AMR replacement system as outlined in the August 7, 2008, memorandum, and to present Council with policies for consideration at a future meeting. VACANT PROPERTY ORDINANCE REVIEW Ms. Schleuning provided a presentation on Neighborhood Stabilization Foreclosure Response I Strategy; Vacant Building Management. The presentation included the following information: Discussion Topics Vacant Buildings Background Information Draft Proposed Vacant Building Code Status in Brooklyn Center Trends Increased Demand to Manage Problem Vacant Properties Information to Develop Long -Term Strategies Analysis of Vacant Single Family Residential Homes Identify Vacant Properties extent and scope Evaluate Status and Condition Ownership Status Resource Projections Highlight of Sales Information General Observations Although there are challenges, opportunities exist for revitalization and renewal Need for Vacant Building Ordinance Prevent problem vacant properties Set clear standards, expectations, image Address problems more effectively and efficiently o Improve neighborhood health, safety and appearance Draft Vacant Building Ordinance Criteria 1. Registration of vacant property 2. Property Plan future, capital improvements 3. Inspection requirement must be available for interior review upon request 4. Posting Notification about Unauthorized Entry- trespass, helpful for prosecuting 5. Standards and criteria for securing property 6. Loitering and criminal activity expressly not allowed 7. Maintenance Standards 8. Provides explicit standards for illegal removal of copper, bricks, appliances and similar thefts 9. Provides remediation process- ongoing compliance notice 10. City facilitated abatement authority 11. Cost recovery language 12. Establishes an appeal process There was discussion on the draft vacant building ordinance criteria no. 1, specifically in relation to the effect on snowbirds that leave their property for a few months in the winter. Ms. Schleuning indicated staff is still looking into this area. It was noted that these properties are cared for and are not abandoned. 08/25/08 -3- There was discussion on the possibility of partnering with the County on grant programs to address demolition status properties. It was noted that there may be Community Development Block Grant funds available for these types of properties, as well as new legislation that allows for remediation of these properties with tax increment financing. There was discussion on offering incentives for investment by owner occupied buyers. Mr. Boganey stated Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) has provided several suggestions on how they may be able to assist the City with home ownership. GMHC is able to make direct loans to qualified homeowners, provide counseling to first -time homebuyers and ensure they are able to maintain a home, and provide assistance with a down payment on a privately financed home. There is a variety of financing structures GMHC outlined in their proposal to the City. Staff will be meeting with GMHC to discuss the options. Mr. Boganey stated in addition, he will meet with County Commissioner Opat on Thursday and learn what the County can contribute to this effort. Council will be provided with recommendations on this issue. Mr. Boganey pointed out the value and opportunities available for home buyers in the City of Brooklyn Center. It was suggested that part of the City's efforts in this area should include marketing the opportunities available with the purchase of a home in Brooklyn Center. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember /Commissioner Ryan seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 9:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 08/25/08 -4- 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 Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on August 25, 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 September 8, 2008, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 08/25/08 -5-