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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 10-26 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 OCTOBER 26, 2009 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. ALL ROLL C Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Public Works Director /City Engineer Steve Lillehau Director f Business d Development Gar Eitel Director of CARS Jim g, o us ss an p y Glasoe, Assistant City Manager /Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and Carol Hamer, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Brooklyn Center School District No. 286 Superintendent Keith Lester was also present. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS City Manager Curt Boganey requested discussion on EDA Agenda Item 4b. He clarified that the proposed Third Amendment to Real Estate Option Agreement with the General Service Administration (GSA) is not expected to affect the likelihood for the number of jobs that will be created by the development. He stated the building being built will support far more than the minimum number of jobs being proposed. The purpose for the modification to the Business Subsidy Provisions of Section 4.9 in relation to the number of jobs being proposed is due to the obstacle associated with borrowing money in the current business environment. Councilmember Roche requested discussion on EDA Agenda Item 4a. He requested clarification in regards to the status of the two homes for sale along Brooklyn Boulevard south of the property the EDA authorized to purchase at its last meeting. Boganey replied that the properties are monitored and staff is in contact with the brokers; however, there is not a formal commitment in regards to these homes. He clarified that the intent of EDA Agenda Item 4a is to authorize staff to enter into a purchase agreement on available properties with the stipulation of EDA approval, as opposed to waiting for EDA approval to make an offer. Councilmember Ryan requested additional discussion on EDA Agenda Item 4a, specifically in relation to the operation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and how well the program functions for potential buyers. He inquired about making use of NSP funds as much as possible to conserve Renew Program funds. Mr. Boganey replied that early on when the NSP Program was approved it was considered whether or not other EDA funds should be limited to 10/26/09 -1- i the area outside of the NSP area. It was concluded at that time that this would not likely be a good idea because the federal requirements were going to be so onerous that it would probably be more difficult for people to qualify. This has essentially proven to be true, although there have been a couple of NSP applications that have been approved. Staff does not believe it is in the City's interest to direct people away from the Renew Program to the NSP Program, as it will likely lead to more frustration due to the difficulty in qualifying. There was discussion on being proactive so as not to miss opportunities to purchase properties in the identified area on Brooklyn Boulevard. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Lasman requested discussion on deferring Item No. 9 under the scheduled October/November work session topics until Hennepin County has completed its consideration of the prosecutorial services process. She noted that proceeding with an RFP process may give the perception that the City is not happy with the current service being provided. Mr. Boganey reported that the North Metro Mayors' Association Board of Directors will be inviting a representative of the County to discuss what is being proposed by the County on this topic. More information will be available over the next several weeks. In regards to the RFP process, there have been occasions in the past where staff has recommended not to proceed with an RFP process and to continue with the firm that is currently in place. This would be one option. Another option would be for the Council to decide for the reasons outlined not to proceed with the RFP this year and to defer it to a date certain, whether that is one or two years from now. In terms of staff review, staff has put together a preliminary review of the current prosecutorial services. At this time staff would recommend some changes in terms of the expectations in the agreement with whomever the prosecutor would be going forward. There is no indication at the staff level that there is a strong desire to change prosecutors. There was discussion on the option of extending the current prosecutorial services contract. The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to report back to Council with additional information in terms of what the County is proposing in relation to prosecutorial services, why it is being proposed, and to provide a recommendation on extending the current prosecutorial contract if Council determines to proceed with a contract extension. Councilmember Lasman reported on the North Metro Sustainability Meeting attended by members of the Council this afternoon. Cities are being asked to act in support of removing obstacles of movements such as "complete streets" which provides for pedestrian friendly streets and access for all anodes of transportation. She suggested inviting a representative of this group to attend a Council work session to provide information on the topic. The majority consensus of the Council was to direct staff to schedule an upcoming work session agenda item as suggested by Councilmember Lasman to provide Council with information on the topic of "complete', streets Mr. Boganey informed Council on the addition to the agenda of a brief discussion on a Hennepin 10/26/09 -2- County grant program that provides cities with the opportunity to apply for a grant to be used for youth related recreational facilities. City staff has been working closely with the school district; the school district will be submitting an application. The City will have a supportive role in the application process', As the application deadline will be November 2" staff deemed it would be beneficial to provide the City Council with information about the application being proposed. Director of CARS Jim Glasoe provided an overview of the grant opportunity available through the Twins Stadium tax for recreational facilities to enhance youth sports. Brooklyn Center School District No. 286 Superintendent Keith Lester provided an overview of the youth recreational facility proposed to be included in the grant application. The facility will have access to the gymnasium, weight room, and dance studio. He stated the $400,000 grant will provide the opportunity to create a fairly extensive recreational activity place for youth. The application deadline is November 2 °d If the City Council supports the proposed application, it is requested that the City Manager be authorized to write a letter of support and partnership to submit with the grant application. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:52 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. The discussion continued on the proposed partnership between the City of Brooklyn Center and the School District for a youth recreational facility grant application. There was discussion on the City's involvement with the recreational facility. It was noted that there would likely be agreements to be entered into in the future. There will likely be additional partners, but the primary partners will be the City of Brooklyn Center and the School District. Mr. Boganey indicated that authorization for the City Manager to submit a letter of support would be sufficient at this time. If the grant application is approved, there will be agreements that will need to be considered in the future. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to authorize the City Manager to draft and sign a letter of support of the youth recreational facility and partnership between the City of Brooklyn Center and the School District as proposed above. ADJOURNMENT 10/26/09 -3- Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:58 p.m. Motion assed unanimously. Y 10/26/09 -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 Study Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on October 26, 2009. 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 November 9, 2009, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 10/26/09 -5-