HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 10-24 CCP Regular Session Public Copy
I
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
October 24, 2005
6:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers
1. City Council Discussion of Agenda Items and Questions
2. Discussion of Work Session Agenda Items as Time Permits
3. Miscellaneous
4. Adjourn
i
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City of Brooklyn Center
October 24, 2005 AGENDA *Revised
1. Informal Open Forum With City Council 6:45 p.m.
provides an opportunity for the public to address the Council on items which are not on the
agenda. Open Forum will be limited to 15 minutes, it is not televised, and it may not be used
to make personal attacks, to air personality grievances, to make political endorsements, or for
political campaign purposes. Council Members will not enter into a dialogue with citizens.
Questions from the Council will be for clarification only. Open Forum will not be used as a
time for problem solving or reacting to the comments made but, rather, for hearing the citizen
for informational purposes only.
2. Invocation 7 p.m.
3. Call to Order Regular Business Meeting
—The City Council requests that attendees turn off cell phones and pagers during the meeting.
4. Roll Call
5. Pledge of Allegiance
6. Council Report
7. Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
—The following items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by
one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember so
requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered at
the end of Council Consideration Items.
a. Approval of Minutes
Councilmembers not present at meetings will be recorded as abstaining from the
vote on the minutes.
1. October 10, 2005 Study Session
2. October 10, 2005 Regular Session
3. October 10, 2005 Work Session
b. Licenses
C. Approval to Dispose of Surplus Fire Radios to Small Rural Fire Departments in
the State of Minnesota
d. Approval of Site Performance Guarantee Release for Douglas Metal Specialties,
4906 and 4912 France Avenue North
e. Provisional License Renewal 5240 Drew Avenue North
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA -2- October 24, 2005
*Revised
8. Random Acts of Kindness Presentation of Recognition and Certificate Ceremony
9. Public Hearings
a. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 of the City Code of Ordinances Relating to
Parks and Recreation
—This item was first read on September 26, 2005; published in the official newspaper
on October 6, 2005; and is offered this evening for second reading and Public
Hearing.
Requested Council Action:
Motion to open the Public Hearing.
—Take public input.
Motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion to adopt ordinance.
b. An Ordinance Relating to Rental Dwellings and Non Conforming Uses; Amending
City Code Sections 12 -901, 12 -902, and 35 -111
—This item was first read on September 26, 2005; published in the official newspaper
on October 6, 2005; and is offered this evening for second reading and Public
Hearing.
Requested Council Action:
Motion to open the Public Hearing.
—Take public input.
Motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion to adopt ordinance.
10. Council Consideration Items
a. Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Assistance Provided by the City of Plymouth
Requested Council Action:
Motion to adopt resolution.
b. Proposed Resolution from Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission
*Requested Council Action:
Council decision on whether it wishes to adopt resolution.
C. Resolution Accepting 2005 Annual Deer Management Implementation Plan Report
and Adopting the City Manager p g y Recommendations Therein
Requested Council Action:
Motion to adopt resolution.
11. Adjournment
City Council Agenda Item No. 7a
Sharon Knutson
From: Curt Boganey
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 3:59 PM
To: Sharon Knutson
Subject: FW: October 10 minutes corrections
Here are the proposed changes from Council Member Carmody.
From: Kathleen Carmody
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 3:32 PM
To: Curt Boganey
Subject: October 10 minutes corrections
Curt,
Where are two corrections that l would like to make to has minuses for OctoW 16, 2000.
1. On the top of the second page of the Study Session, could we make a small grammatical correction and change the part of the
First paragraph that says "it is going good" to "it is going well
2. On the second page of the Work Session, in the seventh paragraph, Council Member Lasman asks if I could get the meeting
packet for the watershed, read it and report to the council at the Monday City Council meeting. No response from me is in the
minutes. I would like it to read "Council Member Carmody stated that the Watershed meeting packets are not available until the
Friday prior to the meeting. This left her with only three days to read it and the council meeting packet and provide input. She did
not feel she could always accomplish that prior to the meeting."
Thanks,
Kathleen
10/24/2005
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 10, 2005
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna
Kragness at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, and Mary O'Connor.
Councilmember Diane Niesen was absent and unexcused. Also present were City Manager Michael
McCauley, Assistant City Manager/Director of Operations Curt Boganey, Director of Public
Works /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, and City Clerk Sharon Knutson.
Councilmember Diane Niesen arrived at 6:01 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Councilmember Lasman discussed Item No. Sa, Planning Commission Application No. 2005 -014
submitted by GiGi Yanis requesting a Special Use Permit to conduct a home occupation that
involves customer traffic at 5549 Brooklyn Boulevard, regarding whether there was any type of
licensing requirements or other regulation for this type of business. Mayor Kragness stated she
believed the business was already operating as there is a sign and lights in the yard. City Manager
Michael McCauley responded that an individual can have a home occupation without a special use
permit if it doesn't involve customer traffic at the residence.
Councilmember O'Connor said she had submitted a correction to the September 26, 2005, Study
Session minutes. The correction was on page 3, second paragraph, adding a second sentence to read,
"If multiple family dwellings paid a minimum of $450 per building, revenues would increase by
$40,000."
Councilmember O'Connor inquired about Item No. 7e, Resolution Amending the 2005 Central
Garage Budget to Provide for the Early Order /Purchase of One Tandem Axel Dump Truck,
Equipment No. 11, regarding whether there was a trade -in for the current truck. Mr. McCauley
responded that the City has in the past ordered some equipment early to save anticipated increased
costs in the new year, but paid for it in the budgeted year. He further stated that there would be
salvage value from the current truck.
Councilmember Carmody inquired about Item No. 7d, Resolution Awarding a Contract With Short
Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services, Improvement Project No. 2005 -05,
Twin Lake Avenue Reconstruction, and what fund the money would come from, as it was not listed
in the resolution. Mr. McCauley responded it would be funded to the project. Councilmember
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O'Connor inquired about checking for contamination in the water and whether it would be a bigger
job because of the storm water. Director of Public Works Todd Blomstrom responded that it is a
complicated process to dewater, but it is going good and the contractor has been pumping less than
what was anticipated.
Councilmember Carmody discussed Item No. 9c, Resolution Designating the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) as the Basis for All Incident Management in the City of Brooklyn
Center, regarding whether the Emergency Declaration was for any type of disaster or just terrorist
attacks. Mr. McCauley responded it was for any type of disaster and that the Mayor declares an
emergency; the resolution is the federal requirement for designating NIMS.
DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS
COUNCIL MEMBER O'CONNOR: HOUSING COMMISSION REVIEW AND
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PARKING AND DRIVEWAYS
Councilmember O'Connor referred to the April 2, 2003, City Council meeting minutes, relating to
proposed amendment to Chapter 12 rental license, noting that the consensus of the Council was .41
per dwelling unit as the number for excessive calls, and she inquired if it was currently .65.
Councilmember Carmody said there were changes that were made to the provisional license
ordinance after that meeting.
Councilmember O'Connor said the Housing Commission had inquired how the provisional rental
license ordinance was working out. Councilmember Carmody responded that there was one
provisional license that had come before the City Council.
Mr. McCauley said the Police Chief gave a report last year, and there was an overall reduction in the
calls for service. He stated that the one complex that was issued the provisional license had
submitted a mitigation plan and had been working to reduce the calls for service.
Councilmember O'Connor referred to the draft Ordinance amendment for Section 19 -1303 of the
City Code of Ordinances relating to parking and storage of vehicles and inquired of the status. Mr.
McCauley responded that the Council did not accept it, nor did it accept the draft ordinance for
recreational vehicle storage or driveways.
Councilmember O'Connor asked what the Planning Commission will study regarding the request to
limit the number of vehicles in driveways. Councilmember Carmody responded that the Planning
Commission will look at cars overall rather than specific types of cars as the Housing Commission
reviewed.
Councilmember Lasman said the reason this issue is being reviewed is there is a whole new set of
circumstances and this is one way to address preserving neighborhoods and housing.
Councilmember Niesen said she hadn't received any complaints regarding this issue and raised the
issue of families with teenagers with cars and where cars are to be parked, as they cannot park on the
street.
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Councilmember Carmody stated she has seen several residences in which cars are parked on the
grass next to the driveway rather than on the driveway, and she wants a set number and location for
cars and vehicles.
Councilmember Lasman stated that neighborhoods need to be preserved to keep and protect the good
quality of life in the suburb. She said the Council loosened the regulations for larger garages to
allow for storage of vehicles, boats, trailers, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Niesen inquired about the high water level in Twin Lake. Mr. Blomstrom
responded there was a massive amount of water that came through the watershed.
Councilmember Lasman asked when the street sweepers would be on the roads and also when tree
debris removal in the parks would take place. Mr. Blomstrom responded the challenge with the
street sweeper right now is that there is so much debris along the streets that the dump truck has to
run simultaneously with it, and the dump trucks are all being used for resident tree debris removal.
With regard to parks clean -up, it depends on how long the resident tree debris removal process takes,
but hopefully this winter.
Councilmember Niesen inquired about the Twin Lake sediment study and fish results. Mr.
Blomstrom said he hadn't receive any results but could contact the consultant to get an update.
Councilmember Niesen requested a left turn arrow at the east/west traffic light on Northport Drive
and Brooklyn Boulevard. Mr. Blomstrom said it is an awkward intersection, as there is no stacking
area for vehicles. He stated it is a Hennepin County traffic signal.
Councilmember Niesen raised the issue of the EDA purchasing the lot at the southwest corner of
63rd Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard, as it is too small for any development.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded adj ournment of the Study
Session at 6:40 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor
10/10/05 -3- DRAFT
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
OCTOBER 10, 2005
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 and was called to order by Mayor
Myrna Kragness at 6:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and
Mary O'Connor. Also present were City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City
Manager /Director of Operations Curt Boganey, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Todd
Blomstrom, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and City Clerk Sharon Knutson.
Mayor Kragness opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum.
Shar Bjerke, 7020 Dallas Road, addressed the Council regarding damage done to her lawn by the
City crews when they removed the tree debris from her front yard. She said she received three
estimates to repair the damage. City Manager Michael McCauley said she could submit her claim
and estimates to the City Clerk, and the City would then submit the claim the League of Minnesota
Cities Insurance Trust.
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded to close the Informal Open
Forum at 6:50 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. INVOCATION
A moment of silence was offered for the Invocation.
3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna
Kragness at 7:00 p.m.
10110105 -1- DRAFT
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and
Mary O'Connor. Also present were City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City
Manager /Director of Operations Curt Boganey, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Todd
Blomstrom, Planning and Zoning Specialist Ron Warren, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and City
Clerk Sharon Knutson.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmember Lasman expressed appreciation to the City crews for the clean-up of the tree debris
from the storm damage throughout the city.
7. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded to approve the consent
agenda and agenda as amended, with amendments to the September 26, 2005, Study and Regular
Session minutes as discussed in the Study Session, and the following consent items were approved:
7a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 22, 2005, Emergency Meeting; September 26, 2005, Regular, Study, and Work
Session.
7b. LICENSES
MECHANICAL
Commercial Plumbing Heating Inc. 24428 Greenway Ave, Forest Lake
Fore Mechanical 3520 88` Ave NE, Blaine
RENTAL
Renewal:
5400 Irving Ave N (Single Family) Paul Choua Vue
5329 Queen Ave N (Two Family -One Unit) Alvin Stachowski
7110 Riverdale Road (Single Family) James Nelson
Initial:
1604 68th Lane (Single Family) David Brooks
5301 Dupont Ave N (1 Bldg, 6 Units) Spencer Ung
5316 5320 Russell Ave N (Two Family) Daniel Hedlund
10110105 -2- DRAFT
7c. RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL REGISTERED LAND SURVEY FOR
APPLE AMERICAN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -145
7d. RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT WITH SHORT ELLIOTT
HENDRICKSON, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES,
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2005 -05, TWIN LAKE AVENUE
RECONSTRUCTION RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -146
7e. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2005 CENTRAL GARAGE BUDGET TO
PROVIDE FOR THE EARLY ORDER/PURCHASE OF ONE TANDEM
AXEL DUMP TRUCK, EQUIPMENT NO. 11 G RESOLUTION NO. 2005-
147
7f. RECEIVE AND ACCEPT REPORT ON 5013 66TH AVENUE NORTH
PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FOR DELINQUENT PUBLIC
UTILITY SERVICE ACCOUNT
Motion passed unanimously.
8. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEM
8a. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2005-014 SUBMITTED BY
GIGI YANIS REQUESTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO CONDUCT A
HOME OCCUPATION THAT INVOLVES CUSTOMER TRAFFIC AT 5549
BROOKLYN BOULEVARD. THE PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THIS APPLICATION AT ITS
SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, MEETING.
Mr. McCauley clarified a question that was asked in the Study Session with regard to a sign in the
applicant's front yard and explained the applicant had applied for and received a permit for the sign
just over a month ago. He said the Special Use Application was reviewed by the Planning
Commission and was recommended for approval.
Councilmember O'Connor inquired if there was any cost to the applicant. Mr. McCauley responded
the cost of the Planning Commission Application for a Special Use Permit is $200, but there is no
annual fee or license.
Councilmember Niesen raised the question of the language in the Planning Commission Information
Sheet, paragraphs three and four, with the reference to the word "should" rather than "must." She
inquired what the conditions, guidelines, or requirements are for granting this application and
whether it is something that the Council has discretion.
Mr. McCauley responded the City Ordinances set forth standards that guide the issuance of a Special
Use Permit, and if an applicant complies with the standards set forth in the ordinance, then it is a
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required granting and the City cannot arbitrarily come up with criteria for the applicant's plan. He
further explained that a home occupation with customer traffic requires a Special Use Permit because
it is in a residential area, and there are criteria for the amount of traffic and activity conducted by the
home occupation.
Planning and Zoning Specialist Ron Warren addressed the Council and said the definitions for home
occupations cite certain activities that aren't found in the definition for special home occupations,
and, those are compared to other similar, comparable home occupations that have been granted. He
said this particular application was looked at being akin to some counseling businesses, and with
regard to zoning implications it was no different than a beauty salon in terms of customer traffic and
hours of operation. He further said if the applicant can show that the home occupation is incidental
and secondary to the residential use of the property, then it is eligible to be a home occupation if it
meets the zoning criteria. He said there are certain types of home occupations that the City Council
hasn't granted event with a Special Use Permit, such as automobile repair.
Councilmember Niesen inquired why it was acceptable to erect a sign in her yard before approval of
the home occupation. Mr. Warren responded the applicant was not operating a business in the home
but conducting the operation at outside events away from the home. He said it was under that basis
and that understanding that the applicant applied for and was given a sign permit.
Councilmember Niesen inquired about sign requirements with relation to size and lighting. Mr.
Warren responded there are two types of signs that are allowed, one for properties along major
thoroughfares, which allows a six square foot sign. He continued in the non -major thoroughfare
areas of the City, only a two and one -half square foot sign, s allowed. He said the sign can be
lighted, but cannot flash or chase if it is outside. He said she is only permitted to have one sign for
which a permit is required.
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded to approve Planning
Commission Application No. 2005 -014 submitted by GiGi Yanis subject to the following conditions
recommended by the Planning Commission:
1. The special use permit is granted for a home occupation involving customer traffic related to
palm and tarot card readings to be conducted on an appointment only basis at 5549 Brooklyn
Boulevard. The home occupation may not be altered or expanded in any way not
comprehended by this application without first securing an amendment to the special use
permit.
2. The special use permit is subject to applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. Any
violation thereof may be ground for revocation.
3. All parking associated with the home occupation shall be off street on improved space
provided by the applicant. Vehicle parking on the property shall be in compliance with
Section 19 -103, Subdivision 12, of the City Ordinances.
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4. The hours of operation shall be between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Customers shall be
served on an appointment only basis.
5. The applicant shall comply with the recommendations of the Building Official with respect
to safety related matters following inspection of the property.
6. There is no over the counter sales of merchandise comprehended through the granting of this
special use permit. Any sales related to this home occupation shall be conducted off
premises.
Motion passed unanimously.
9. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
9a. PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 16 THROUGH 22, 2005, TO BE
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES WEEK
Mayor Kragness read a Proclamation Declaring October 16 Through 22, 2005, to be Administrative
Services Week.
Councilmember Carmody said she had received compliments from citizens who had called City Hall
for assistance after the storm and the receptionists were very helpful and responsive.
Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded adoption of a Proclamation
Declaring October 16 Through 22, 2005, to be Administrative Services Week.
Councilmember O'Connor voted against the same. Motion passed.
9b. RESOLUTION RECEIVING AND ACCEPTING OBSERVATIONS AND
CONCLUSIONS REPORT PREPARED BY CARL H. NEU, JR.
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-148
Mr. McCauley said the report prepared by Mr. Carl Neu is the summary and minutes of the Council
retreat.
Councilmember O'Connor said she doesn't care to accept the report and will vote no mainly because
she doesn't agree with what came up at the retreat.
Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded adoption of RESOLUTION
NO. 2005-148 Receiving and Accepting Observations and Conclusions Report Prepared by Carl H.
Neu, Jr.
Mayor Kragness inquired if Councilmember O'Connor had objections to the way that it was reported
or what happened at the retreat. Councilmember O'Connor said that something she said at the retreat
was not in the final report, but in general she doesn't agree with a lot of the conclusions that were
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made at that retreat.
Councilmember O'Connor voted against the same. Motion passed.
9c. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE NATIONAL INCIDENT
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS) AS THE BASIS FOR ALL INCIDENT
MANAGEMENT IN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER RESOLUTION
NO. 2005 -149
Mr. McCauley said the City currently uses the Minnesota Incident Management System (MIMS)
which is similar to the National Incident Management System (NIMS). He stated the federal
government has mandated the use of the National Incident Management System in order to be
eligible to receive federal grants; and it is recommended to adopt the National Incident Management
System.
Mayor Kragness inquired if the City is required to file duplicate reports, one with each agency. Mr.
McCauley responded that he is unaware of the reporting requirements but there is the requirement to
certify that the City uses NIMS when applying for grants or declarations. He said he wouldn't want
the City to not be eligible for federal grants or federal disaster grant money.
Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Niesen seconded adoption of RESOLUTION
NO. 2005-149 Designating the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the Basis for All
Incident Management in the City of Brooklyn Center
Councilmember O'Connor inquired who wrote the resolution. Mr. McCauley responded Fire Chief
Boman.
Councilmember O'Connor asked what the cost is of the National Incident Management System. Mr.
McCauley responded he is unsure, but did not think it would be particularly significant because
everyone in the state will have to use National Incident Management System protocols.
Councilmember O'Connor inquired what is incident management. Mr. McCauley said it is the way
in which the City structures and responds to emergencies, including training and command and
response.
Councilmember O'Connor referred to the resolution and said it states the federal government has to
develop the system, but it doesn't state the levels below the federal government needs to develop it.
Mr. McCauley responded affirmatively that the federal government develops the system and the City
adopts the federal system as the standard for Incident Management.
Councilmember O'Connor said the City had its own natural disaster with the September 21 storm
and believes it was handled just fine locally. She said the City doesn't need any money from the
federal government, and believes it is much better to handle situations from the bottom up.
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Mayor Kragness referred to the resolution, noting the Governor of the State of Minnesota has
designated the N1MS as the basis for all incident management in the State of Minnesota. She said
the City is, in turn, designating the National Incident Management System.
Councilmember Carmody said she supports this resolution because if something were to happen in
which the City did need federal funds to clean up the infrastructure, it is important to receive those
funds.
Councilmember Niesen inquired about the emergency declaration. Mr. McCauley responded it was
only informational; under the City Code of Ordinances, the Mayor is empowered to declare a local
emergency.
Councilmember Lasman referred to the resolution and said she was pleased to know that the City
was working with other governmental agencies as a team on incident management on interoperable
communications, consolidated action plans, and unified command structures. She further stated the
City cannot work alone on emergency situations and cannot function as efficiently.
Councilmember O'Connor voted against the same. Motion passed.
Councilmember O'Connor inquired what would be the result of the emergency declaration. Mayor
Kragness said the Mayor would be responsible to call the Governor if there were an emergency and
need for assistance in the City. Councilmember O'Connor asked if the Mayor had done that (with
relation to the September 21 storm). Mr. McCauley responded the Mayor had a conference call with
other Mayors and the Governor regarding receiving assistance, and the State provided two trucks and
some other equipment.
9d. RESOLUTION AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
FOR STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING SERVICES
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-150
Mr. McCauley said there are three parts to the storm water management planning services. He said
the first part is updating the local water management plan as required by State Statutes and to be in
compliance with the Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission.
Mr. McCauley said the second part is storm water infrastructure maintenance planning, which
includes developing a rationalized plan for how ponds in the City would be rejuvenated. He
explained that ponds collect and take materials out of the water stream so there is less polluting
going into the watersheds from storm events because they are captured, but that also means that the
sedimentation would have to be removed from the ponds. He stated the City needs to evaluate when
that would be planned and what it would cost, as well as look at a more rationalized long -term
strategy such as the elimination of small ponds and the use of regional ponds. He informed that the
City is responsible for private ponds even though they are private and they would have to be worked
into that equation. He said this study would give the City information that can be used for capital
planning and development of a long -term plan and program in establishing future storm water utility
rates to fund major rehabilitation and maintenance work for public storm water ponds. He stated the
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City currently does not have that information, and it needs a system of sampling and checking to
detennine what stage these ponds are at so that a determination can be made as to whether or not
they will need remediation sooner or later than expected.
Mr. McCauley stated the third part of the contract relates to addressing local flooding problems along
portions of the trunk storm sewer under Interstate 94 near 59th Avenue. He said plans need to be
developed to replace this trunk storm sewer to alleviate flooding situations, and this requires
specialized design work to go underneath an interstate to replace the sewer. He said Mr. Blomstrom
received proposals from three firms and has recommended the proposal from Bonestroo
Associates based on its highly detailed scope of services and experience with completing similar
projects, especially as it relates to the challenges associated with the pipeline under the interstate.
Councilmember Niesen said any effort towards water improvement is good and inquired if this was
in the budget and what length of time would be covered by the plan. Mr. McCauley responded there
is money in the 2005 storm water utility budget and the proposal amount exceeds that, however,
there would be funding in the 2006 budget that would be sufficient to cover the cost. He said he
hopes the plan will provide a 15 to 20 year picture, and then a framework can be developed to
identify when updates should occur.
Councilmember Niesen asked if the watershed is involved. Mr. McCauley said it is a separate
undertaking by the City because it is dealing specifically with the City's system. He said it could
impact the watershed with issues such as consolidating small ponds into regional ponds.
Councilmember Carmody inquired if the capital costs would be funded from the storm water utilit
Y q P Y
and the maintenance costs from the General Fund. Mr. McCauley responded it would all be funded
from the Storm Water Utility Fund.
Councilmember O'Connor asked what the consolidating of the small ponds into regional ponds
would look like. Mr. McCauley said as an example, at Centerbrook Golf Course there are series of
ponds that are connected with the City of Minneapolis in a regional pond. He said the runoff from
Brookdale and its surrounding area drains into the regional pond at the golf course and then works its
way to the regional pond in Minneapolis. He said because of this type of large massive pond with
aeration, there are no weeds and it isn't partially full. He also stated that a regional ponds could be a
conceptual idea for redevelopment rather than requiring a developer to put in a number of small
ponds, which also means giving up valuable commercial property. He said it would be have to be
reviewed whether it is feasible or cost effective to consider in long -term planning. He said Palmer
Lake is also used for some regional detention.
Councilmember O'Connor expressed concern with some of the small ponds and the danger for
children and safety issues, noting the pond at Earle Brown Elementary School.
Councilmember O'Connor asked if the pipe under Interstate 94 could be cleaned out rather than
replaced and what the cost would be. Mr. Blomstrom responded that cleaning had been looked at,
but the area is approximately 300 acres draining through a 30 -inch pipe and even cleaned out it is
radically undersized for that large of a drainage area. He said as part of this study, the pipe size is
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what the consultant will need to determine, and it may even need to be two or three pipes crossing
the roadway. With regard to cost, he said the main purpose of this part of the study is evaluating the
project and estimating how much it will cost.
Councilmember O'Connor asked if the City's Engineering Division could do a lot of this work rather
than spending $75,000 to do planning. Mr. Blomstrom explained there are three parts to the study,
and with regard to tunneling, it is a very specialized business which Bonestroo has experience with.
He said Bonestroo would do the surveying, preparing plans, initial design, writing reports, and there
would be a whole team involving people with different specialties in tunneling and storm water
computer modeling.
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded adoption of RESOLUTION
NO. 2005-150 Awarding a Professional Services Contract for Storm Water Management Planning
Services.
Councilmember O'Connor voted against the same. Motion passed.
9e. AMENDED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL
EXPENDITURES FOR STORM CLEAN -UP AND RESPONSE
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-151
Mr. McCauley said at the September 22 meeting Mr. Blomstrom had prepared an initial estimate of
the costs of storm clean-up. He said Mr. Blomstrom has prepared an updated cost estimate, which
includes more detailed information with respect to resources that the City has used. He said the
resolution would increase by roughly $55,000, the authorization from $300,000 to $355, 000. He
said the basic changes from the first resolution would be $5,000 more in Market Street Energy
Company LLC for tree grinding and disposal and miscellaneous services from $50,000 to $100,000
based primarily on the contracts for security for the dumping site, excess fuel, overtime, and
miscellaneous contractors.
Mr. Blomstrom showed a PowerPoint presentation on the storm clean -up effort. He explained the
progress of the City crews with regard to tree debris clean -up and said there are four crews working
full -time on the clean -up. He said the pace is slower than anticipated due to the volume of debris,
and crews are working block by block through the neighborhoods. He reminded that the last day for
residents to place tree debris at the curb is October 10, and the public drop -off site at the former
Jerry's New Market is open until Monday, October 17. He said the clean -up effort will continue
through October and into November, but that does not include removal and grinding of stumps. He
reviewed the preliminary cost estimates, which include equipment rentals, contractors, excess fuel,
generators for the water system, security, and miscellaneous electrical repairs.
Mayor Kragness inquired if the holes would be filled in the yards where there were downed
boulevard trees. Mr. Blomstrom said there hasn't been much planning for that yet, but it will need to
be reviewed and planned. He also explained that large equipment is operated to remove this amount
of debris and there will be some rutting in the front yards.
10/10/05 -9- DRAFT
Councilmember Lasman inquired about the 24 -hour dump site security and if it was needed for
trucks to operate round the clock or for safety. Mr. Blomstrom said the security company has done a
very good job of controlling the site and not just policing it to avoid mattresses and appliances, but
also providing information and coordinating and guiding residents to where they need to dump the
materials.
Councilmember O'Connor raised the question of how much money is in the fund and where will the
extra money come from. Mr. McCauley responded there is roughly $300,000 above the minimum
fund balance in the Capital Reserve Emergency Fund, so that would be the primary source. He said
the remainder would come from a source other than the Capital Reserve Emergency Fund, possibly
the Utilities Fund because some of the costs relate to keeping the utilities running with emergency
generators.
Councilmember O'Connor inquired if the money would be spent this year and whether it would
make the City below budget at the end of the year. Mr. McCauley responded there is no budget for
this; but if funds are transferred from the Capital Reserve Emergency Fund, then it would be a
transfer from that fund. He said if the expenses are left in the General Fund, then it would be a
transfer to the General Fund which would offset the over- budget in those areas. He further stated the
Council would have a resolution presented before the end of the year that would transfer the funds to
cover these costs.
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Niesen seconded adoption of RESOLUTION
NO. 2005-151 Amended Resolution Authorizing Additional Expenditures for Storm Clean-Up and
Response.
Motion passed unanimously.
9f. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE SCHEDULE FOR RENTAL DWELLING
LICENSE FEES RESOLUTION NO. 2005-152
Mr. McCauley said based on the Council's discussion at the recent Work Session, he prepared two
alternates for Council consideration. He said both alternates would reduce the cost for renewal of a
single- family rental dwelling license and the cost for renting one side of a duplex. He said both
alternates have the same fee structure for single- family and duplexes, and the differences are in the
multi family dwelling fees. He said Alternate #1 has a $200 per building plus $18 per unit fee;
Alternate #2 has $250 per building plus $13 per unit. He stated both alternates raise approximately
the same amount of revenue that is projected to be raised by the current fee structure. He said one of
the assumptions that is based in both alternates is that there continues to be the increase in the
number of single family rental dwelling units.
Councilmember Carmody inquired about the pending licenses that are on hold and how those would
be affected since the proposed fees won't take effect until January 2006. Mr. McCauley explained
that some of the licenses that are on hold were in response to the proposal to have a registration for a
non conforming use. He said City Attorney Charlie LeFevere's opinion has clarified that a license is
not required for a structural non conforming use. He said with respect to those licenses that are
10/10/05 -10- DRAFT
pending and are required to have a rental license, the applicant is required to pay the current fee
under the current fee structure.
Councilmember Niesen reviewed the two alternates with regard to the total fees for multi family
dwellings. She said if the Council thinks that multi family complexes are better able to shoulder the
costs, then it would make sense to adopt the resolution.
Councilmember O'Connor agreed and suggested Alternate #1 because it brings in more revenue, but
it doesn't penalize small complexes.
Councilmember O'Connor moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded adoption of
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-152 Amending the Schedule for Rental Dwelling License Fees (Alternate
#1).
Motion passed unanimously.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded adjournment of the City
Council meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor
10/10/05 -11- DRAFT
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
OCTOBER 10, 2005
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council /Economic Development Authority met in Work Session and was
called to order by Mayor/President Myrna Kragness at 8:13 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor/President Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers /Commissioners Kathleen Carmody, Kay
Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Mary O'Connor. Also present were City Manager /Executive Director
Michael McCauley, Assistant City Manager/Director of Operations Curt Boganey, and City Clerk
Sharon Knutson.
COUNCIL MEMBER CARMODY: DISCUSSION OF WATERSHED COMMISSION
APPOINTMENT FOR JANUARY 2006
Councilmember Carmody said that since the watershed is considering ad valorem taxes across the
Shingle Creek Watershed and perhaps, in the future, the West Mississippi Watershed, she would
recommend a Council Member serve as the City representative on the watershed commissions rather
than a resident. She stated that someone needs to be held accountable for such decisions, and she
doesn't think it is fair to put the current commissioner, Grady Boeck, in that position.
Councilmember Niesen said she is not in favor of having a Council Member be the representative for
the watershed commissions. She stated the whole idea of the body is to do what's best for water
quality issues.
Grady Boeck, Brooklyn Center's Watershed Commission Representative, addressed the Council and
said the watershed commission cannot levy a tax, only request the money. He further stated
Hennepin County or the City would have to authorize the tax. He indicated he would not have a
problem not serving as the representative.
Councilmember Niesen discussed Mr. Boeck's engineering background and said she believes that is
an important qualification for serving on the commission.
Mr. Boeck stated that other communities have the City Engineer attend alongside the representative
for advisement, and the City Engineer is usually a member of the watershed Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC).
10/10/05 -1- DRAFT
Councilmember Carmody said she disagreed with the representative needing a technical background,
and that is the basis for the TAC. She said there are issues discussed by the watershed, and they are
not taking into consideration the City's position, or the City's position is not being communicated to
the watershed commissions.
Councilmember Niesen said she had talked with someone in Minneapolis regarding its watershed
district and reviewed some of the ideas associated with that type of structure.
Councilmember Carmody stated that Brooklyn Center is mostly developed, so there are fewer
watershed issues than other growing communities. She raised the issue of whether the City would
save money by paying $1,000 for permit review rather than sharing in the total cost overall. Mr.
McCauley responded that if the City were to capture the same amount of money, it could pay more
using the formula.
There was discussion regarding the watershed management organizations, including the structure,
dues and fees, meeting expenses, and meeting times.
Councilmember Niesen explained some of the differences with a watershed district structure, most
notably that it is led by an independent staff person rather than an attorney or engineering firm. She
suggested drafting a letter to the watershed commissions with a list of suggestions or ideas to effect a
change to lower costs overall and presenting copies at a watershed meeting.
Councilmember Niesen raised the issue of how the area for a watershed district is drawn. Mr.
McCauley responded it is determined by hydrology, the natural flow of the watershed.
Councilmember Lasman asked if, rather than rehabilitate or change the organization,
Councilmember Carmody would be willing to get the watershed agenda and discuss it with the
Council and then communicate the voting consensus of the Council to the City's watershed
representative. She said that trying to change the organization is a pretty large task.
Mr. McCauley said there were two situations, the first was the City representative on the
commission, and the second was the structural organization of the watershed. He reviewed the
current model for City representation on the watershed commission, which was a citizen
representative nominated by the Mayor. He said changing the structure of the watershed could be
very political
Councilmember Niesen offered to put together some information for the Council to review regarding
watershed districts.
COUNCIL MEMBER O'CONNOR: HOUSING COMMISSION REVIEW AND
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PARKING AND DRIVEWAYS
This item was discussed at the Study Session.
10/10/05 -2- DRAFT
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Niesen inquired if anyone from the Housing Commission had contacted the City
Manager to discuss the direction of the Commission. Mr. McCauley responded that a meeting was
scheduled with the Assistant City Manager, Mayor, and Housing Commission Chair on Wednesday,
October 12.
Councilmember O'Connor asked if there would be a rescheduled budget Work Session to review the
enterprise funds. Mr. McCauley responded it would be combined with the budget Work Session
scheduled for November 21.
Councilmember O'Connor raised the issue of why smoke detectors for single family rental dwellings
were required to be hard wired, but not for each unit of a multi family rental dwelling. She believes
it is wrong to have two different standards.
Councilmember Carmody said the reason that smoke detectors need to be hard wired is that the
tenants remove the batteries. She requested information on why the ordinance is written that way.
Mr. McCauley said he would report back to the Council.
Councilmember O'Connor inquired if there was a response to a letter received by Carolynne Darling
in which she expressed appreciation for the work of the City crews in the storm clean -up. Mr.
McCauley responded affirmatively.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember Commissioner Carmody
adjournment of the City Council /Economic Development Authority Work Session at 9:15 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor/President
10110105 -3- DRAFT
City Council Agenda Item No. 7b
City of Brooklyn Center
A Millennium Community
TO: Michael J. McCauley, City ManagTr
FROM: Sharon Knutson, City Clerk
DATE: October 19, 2005
SUBJECT: Licenses for Council Approval
The following companies /persons have applied for City licenses as noted. Each company /person has
fulfilled the requirements of the City Ordinance governing respective licenses, submitted appropriate
applications, and paid proper fees. Licenses to be approved by the City Council on September 26, 2005, are
as follows:
COMMERCIAL KENNEL
Brooklyn Pet Hospital 4902 France Ave N
Cutting Edge Pet Care Inc. 4900 France Ave N
Pandora's Box Veterinary Clinic 4902 France Ave N
MECHANICAL
Automatic Garage Door Fireplace 8900 109th Ave N, Champlin
Benck Mechanical Inc 628 230th Ave, Somerset, WI
RENTAL
Renewal:
4619 66th Ave N Michael Barlow
none
6401 Scott Ave N Glen Berscheit
domestic assault inflicted bodily harm; violated protection order
Initial:
(All properties had no calls for service)
4006 61st Ave N Walter Harfiel
5742 Fremont Ave N Bruce Goldberg
5528 Humboldt Ave N Bruce Goldberg
6825 -27 Noble Ave N Christian Vitale
7013 Regent Ave N Dang yang
SIGNHANGER
Leroy Signs 6325 Welcome Ave N, Brooklyn Park
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway .Y Recreation and Community Center Phone &TDD Number
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199 (763) 569 -3400
City Hall TDD Number (763) 569 -3300 FAX (763) 569 -3434
FAX (763) 569 -3494
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
City Council Agenda Item No. 7c
NrF'�
vo F�
Brooklyn Center Fire
Memorandum FIRE DEPT.
TO: Curt Boganey Asst. City Manager
FROM: Ron Boman Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Old Fire Radios'
DATE: October 17, 2005
Brooklyn Center Fire has a number of old fire apparatus radios and Handi- Talkies which
are 12 to 15 years old and have very little if any value left in them. During our
conversion to 800 MHZ we received a Federal FEMA grant for replacement of most our
new radio equipment.
I would like to give our old equipment to some very needy small rural fire departments
that currently have no equipment and could. make very good use of our old equipment.
This would allow us to share with those lest fortunate than us that have received no
federal grant money. I doubt that we could sell much of our old equipment and it will
be put too much needed use.
City Council Agenda Item No. 7d
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael J. McCauley, City Manager
FROM: Ronald A. Warren Planning nd
ng Zoning Specialist l
SUBJECT: Site Performance Guarantee Release
DATE: October 19, 2005
The following site performance guarantee being held by the City for completion of various site
improvements should be recommended to the City Council for release:
Douglas Metal Specialties (4906 4912 France Avenue North)
Planning Commission Application No. 2002 -014
Amount of Guarantee $5,000 (Cash)
Obligor Douglas Glenn
All site improvements for which a site performance guarantee was posted have been complete
with respect to this 2002 project. An as built survey and other engineering related items have
been completed. The City Council authorized reduction of the original $15,000 cash escrow to
$5,000 on May 24, 2004 pending completion of landscaping adjacent to the TH 100 right of way.
Two shade trees and five coniferous trees were to be planted in this area following completion of
the MNDOT highway project. The landscaping has been installed and has proven viable. The
owner has requested a release of the financial guarantee based on completion of the project.
It is recommended that the City Council authorize release of the remaining $5,000 cash
guarantee based on the completion of this project.
City Council Agenda Item No. 7e
MEMORANDUM
TO: Curt Boganey, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Brad Hoffman, Community Development Director
DATE: October 24, 2005 O
SUBJECT: Provisional License Renewal 5240 Drew Ave.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that
the City uncil a pprove the application for provisional rental license at
h' Pp Pp P
5240 Drew Avenue North.
BACKGROUND:
Mr. James DeBellis received that attached letter from the City Manager informing him that his
application for a renewal of his provisional license would be before the City Council of the 24' of
October. Mr. DeBelli's application was inadvertently left off of this evening's agenda for Council
consideration. Mr. DeBellis, who is attempting to sell this property, had been assured that it would be
considered by the Council this evening. As such, I would hope that the Council would consent to
including Mr. DeBellis' application for renewal of his provisional rental license at tonight's Council
meeting.
As the Council is aware, Mr. DeBelli's property has been a problem property in the past and
under Chapter 12 of the City's ordinances was only eligible for a provisional license. A provisional rental
license is for a six (6) month period to be review by the Council at that time and extended for another six
(6) months. In order to be eligible fora regular rental license, the applicant must be in compliance with
the calls for service provisions of the ordinance for a twelve (12) month period. As noted in the City
Manager's letter date October 7, 2005, Mr. DeBellis has cooperated with the City and his property at
5240 Drew Avenue has been complying with the requirements of the ordinance. As such, the property is
eligible for a renewal of the provisional rental license. Mr. DeBellis has submitted his application for
renewal and has paid the license fee. It would be my recommendation that the Council include Mr.
DeBellis'application for renewal for consideration at this evenings meeting. It would also be my
recommendation that his application be approved. Mr. DeBillis will be present at this evenings meeting
should the Council have any questions of him.
City of Brooklyn Center
A Millennium Community
October 7, 2005
Mr. James DeBellis
8397 Shadow Creek Drive
Maple'Grove, MN 55311
RE: 5240 Drew Avenue North Provisional License
Dear Mr. DeBellis:
Your provisional license application will be presented to the City Council at its October
24, 2005 meeting. The Police Department has advised that substantial progress has been
made with respect to reducing police calls. I am enclosing a copy of Section 12 -913
relating to provisional licenses. In No. 4 of Section 12 -913, the licensee (you) are
required to submit a monthly report describing the steps you have taken in furtherance of
the mitigation plan during the preceding month. Apparently, this section has not been
followed, however, I have been advised that you have worked with the police department
with substantial progress noted in your provisional license application has occurred.
Thus, we are willing to waive that particular requirement for the past. However, you
should comply with this section while under a provisional license. In reviewing the
documentation that you have supplied, a simple restatement of that information, if that
information continues to be correct, would suffice as a monthly report, along with any
other changed information regarding the preceding month.
We appreciate your cooperation over these past few months in addressing the issues at
5240 Drew Avenue North and look forward to the point in time when there will be a 12
month continuous period with police calls below the threshold for a provisional license so
that a regular license may be considered.
Sincerely,
Michael J. McCauley
City Manager
CC: Community Development
Enclosure
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Recreation and Community Center Phone TDD Number
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199 (763) 569 -3400
City Hall TDD Number (763) 569 -3300 FAX (763) 569 -3434
FAX (763) 569 -3494
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Section 12 -913. PROVISIONAL LICENSES.
1. Licensed multiple dwellings, with five or more units, that have generated
an average of .65 or more police or fire calls per dwelling unit in a
preceding one year period as specified below are eligible only for
provisional licenses. Properties with provisional licenses may qualify for a
regular license only after a one year period with fewer than .65 police or
fire calls per dwelling unit.
a. Police and fire calls that are counted in determining
whether a provisional license is required include the
following types of calls or events, all of which are hereby
declared to constitute a nuisance or other disorderly
conduct:
(i) calls or events listed in Section 12 -911;
(ii) calls or events categorized as part one crimes in the
Uniform Crime Reporting System, including homicide,
rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, auto theft
and arson;
(iii) calls or events categorized by the police department
as one of the following:
a) Firearms (Minn Stat. 609.66 609.67)
b) Weapons /dangerous weapons (Minn Stat.
609.02 subd.6 609.66) City Ordinance 19-
402
c) Drug paraphernalia (Minn Stat. 152.092)
d) Loud persons City Ordinance 19 -1201
e) Gambling (Minn Stan. 609.755 609.76)
f) Loud parties City Ordinance 19 -1201
g) Prostitution (Minn Stat. 609.321)
h) Noise cars /dogs City Ordinance 1-110-
horns/radios City Ordinance 19-
1201,02,03
i) Fights City Ordinance 19 -203
j) Drugs/narcotics and/or narcotic precursors
(Minn Stat. 152.01)
k) Allowing curfew /status offenses /underage
drinking —City Ordinance 19- 301,19 -304
1) Disorderly conduct (Minn Stat. 609.72)
m) Property damage City Ordinance 19 -211
n) Assaults 5th degree non domestic City
Ordinance 19 -204
o) Public disturbance City Ordinance 19 -202
p) Fire alarms City Ordinance 5 -112
q) Interference with a peace officer (Minn Stat.
609.50)
r) Unlawful assembly (Minn Stat. 609.705)
City Ordinance 19 -1105
s) Presence at unlawful assembly (Minn Stat.
609.175)
t) Terrorist threats (Minn Stat. 609.713)
u) Loitering City Ordinance 19 -201
(iv) The City Manager may determine that multiple
incidents shall be counted as a single call in appropriate
cases.
b. Calls will not be counted for purposes of det erminin g
whether a provisional license is required where the victim
and suspect are "Family or household members" as defined
in the Domestic Abuse Act, Minnesota Statutes, Section
518B.01, Subd. 2 (b) and where there is a report of
"Domestic Abuse" as defined in the Domestic Abuse Act,
Minnesota Statutes, Section 518B.01, Subd. 2 (a).
C. The period of time used to determine whether a provisional
license is required is the twelve (12) month period ending
two months before the six-month review period described
in section 12- 901(2).
d. The City will provide by mail to each licensee a monthly
report of calls described in paragraph (1) (a) above.
2. The applicant for a provisional license must submit for Council review a
mitigation plan for the license period. The mitigation plan shall describe
steps proposed by the applicant to reduce the number of police and fire
calls described in paragraph (1) (a) to a level that qualifies for a regular
license. The mitigation plan may include such steps as: changes in tenant
screening procedures, changes in lease terms, security measures, rules and
regulations for tenant conduct, and security personnel.
3. The application with a proposed mitigation plan will be presented to the
City Council together with a recommendation by the City Manager or the
Manager's designee as to the disposition thereof. After giving the
applicant an opportunity to be heard and present evidence, the Council
shall approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions the application and
r
the mitigation plan. If the Council disapproves an application and
mitigation plan or approves it with conditions, it shall state its reasons for
so doing in writing. In evaluating a mitigation plan, the Council will
consider, among other things, the facility, its management practices, the
nature and seriousness of causes for police and fire calls and the expected
effectiveness of measures identified in the plan to reduce the number of
police and fire calls. In evaluating a mitigation plan submitted by an
applicant already under a provisional license, the Council will also
consider the effectiveness of measures identified in the applicant's
previous mitigation plan and the need for different or additional measures
to reduce police and fire calls.
4. The licensee shall comply with the mitigation plan as approved or
modified by the Council. No later than the tenth day after each calendar
month, the licensee shall mail or deliver to the City Manager a written
report describing all steps taken in furtherance of the mitigation plan
during the preceding month.
City of Brooklyn Center Date of Application:
6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 t
MTMW Phone: 763 -569 -3300 Fax: 763 569 -3494
Six -Month Provisional Rental Dwelling License Application
Six-Month Provisional Rental License Fees:
Multi Family—/ Bldgs Units Multiple Family: $11250/building plus $7.50 /unit
Pursuant to Section 12 -913 of the City Ordinances, a licensed multiple dwelling, with five or more units, that has
generated an average of .65 or more police or fire calls per dwelling unit in a preceding one year period as
described in the ordinance is eligible only for a provisional license. Properties with a provisional license may
qualify for a regular license only after a one -year period with fewer than .65 police or fire calls per dwelling unit.
The applicant acknowledges that the rental property for which the applicant is applying for a provisional license
has generated calls for service that exceed .65 per unit.
Complete Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Birthdate of Each Owner.
Name: bP R e' tu 1"
Last Fus� Middle
Address:
V(J
Street
City State Zip Code
Phone No. :Z�� 3/,5 C< �9 Cell No.-7 0 ',29 -S V 2 Date of Birth "2Y�' I Z
Address(es) of Dwelling(s): 5 y0 V Al
Name of Dwelling or Complex:
The undersigned hereby applies for a provisional rental dwelling license and acknowledges receipt of a copy of City
Ordinance Section 12 -913 and acknowledges the provisions of the Building Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance have
been reviewed.
r n
I, l E RELLtLbeing first duly sworn, upon his/her oath deposes and says that he /she is the person who
has executed the foregoing application and that the staterngts m4de herein are true of his/her own knowledge and belief.
Notarized Signature of Owner
p ;RB E CA S. CRASS
Subscribed and sworn to be .e me t day of I 200r tIC- MINNESOTA
Notary Public Signature My Commission"'
r r
City Use Only: Check No. Ref No.
Account No. 4205 P visional License Fee l`� Sid Date Rec: 10 (o Q
License Expiration Date 0-3/ Calls for Service No.
City Council Meeting Date /0 ,l 4 D 4
Notice Received/City Manager by 10- Mitigation Plan Received 0 (0 0 r-
James A. DeBellis
8397 Shadow Creek Dr. Ph/Fax: 763- 315 -1898
Maple Grove, MN 55311 Cell: 763 -257 -5413
City of Brooklyn Center
Re: 5240 Drew Ave. N.
Provisional License Reaplication
Mitigation Plan
October 6, 2065
To Whom It May Concern:
We are happy to report that the mitigation plan submitted last November has succeded
very well in solving police call issues at the apartment building. In the first few months,
we removed seven of the ten apartment tenants, and had only our three best tenants until
late May of this year. All new tenants have been screened (through Rental Reasearch,
Inc.) in accordance with city ordinance.
Police calls have been at a minimum this year, and the building is now gaining a spirit of
community. It is only the high number of calls from a few months last year that are now
keeping us slightly above the .65 threshhold, and we believe that by December we will be
in full compliance with that limit. The calls since the institution of our mitigation plan
have been well below the allowed limits.
Do to the success of the plan, we intend to roll-over the same plan for the renewal period.
Additionally my wife, Melanie, has taken a personal interest in the property and has been
making near -daily visits as well as many cosmetic improvements inside and out She has
replaced Troy Norberg as the building manager.
As we have the building under contract for sale to a new owner, we do not wish to install
drastically new policies and practices at this time. The buyer is an experienced landlord
We will do everything with a record of successful management ry g to ensure that the
building will be ready to come off of provisional status concurrently with his purchase in
mid- December.
Today for the first time I heard of something called monthly reports. I have no idea what
they entail, what form to use, where to get them or who to send them to. However, Mr.
Norberg was often in weekly contact with Becky and others in Police Administration
during the first term of the Provisional License, and there was no lack of reporting or
communication with the city. And the monthly police call reports speak for themselves.
Sincerely,
Ja es A. DeBellis
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Cash Receipt
eceipt Date 10/6/2005
eceipt Number 25959
JAMES DEBELLIS
5240 DREW AVE
10100.4205 187.50
RENTAL LICENSE
Total Receipt Amount 187.50
107987 15:56:22
1
Ll
BROOKLYN CENTER `'TY °F
ge e ren to
POLICE DEPARTMENT MN
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mike McCauley, City Manager
FROM: Lt Scott Nadeau
DATE: October 7, 2005
SUBJECT: 5240 Drew (James DeBellis)
Pursuant to your request, the following is a breakdown of the counted calls for service to 5240 Drew since
December 2004, when Mr. De Bellis was subject to a provisional license:
December 2004: Anri12005
1- assualt 1- assualt
11- disturbing peace 10- disturbing peace
1- weapons 1- weapons
Overall calls for service 1.30 Overall calls for service 1.20
January 2005:
1- assualt Mav 2005
11- disturbing peace 1 -assualt
1- weapons 10- disturbing peace
1- weapons
Overall calls for service 1.30
Overall calls for service 1.20
February 2005
1- assault June 2005
11- disturbing peace 1- assualt
1- weapons 10- disturbing peace
1- weapons
Overall calls for service 1.30
Overall calls for service 1.20
March 2005
1- assault
11- disturbing peace Julv 2005
1- weapons 1- assault
7- disturbing peace
Overall calls for service 1.30 1- weapons
Overall calls for service .90
M September 2005
August 2005
1- assault
1- assault 4- disturbing peace
4- distubing peace 1- weapons
1- weapons
Overall calls for service .60
Overall calls for service .60
In the spirit of compromise we have removed the crime against family calls and the rules and regulations
call from our tracking sheets.
As you can see, the property located at 5240 Drew did not meet the below .65 criteria until August 2005.
Under Brooklyn Center City Ordinance 12 -913, the property must maintain below .65 for a one year
period. Therefore, this property would not be eligible for regular licensing until August 2006.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.
*The calls for service are tallied by removing the prior year's calls on a month to month basis.
SN/bb
City Council Agenda Item No. 8
City Council Agenda Item No. 8
Random Acts of Kindness
Presentation of Recognition
and
Certificate Ceremony
1. City Council read nominations received for Random Acts of Kindness
2. Certificates issued to those nominees present
3. City Council will call RECESS to join the nominees for a photograph
to be included in the next City Watch resident newsletter
Office of the City Clerk
City of Brooklyn Center
A Millennium Community
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael J. McCauley, City Manager
FROM: Sharon Knutson, City Clerk
DATE: October 20, 2005
SUBJECT: Random Acts of Kindness
Since 1997 the City of Brooklyn Center has celebrated Random Acts of Kindness during the month of
October. An article seeking nominations, along with a nomination form, was printed in the Fall 2005
edition of the City resident newsletter, Citv Watch. Random Acts of Kindness nomination forms were
made available at the customer service counters at the Community Center and City Hall, and a letter was
sent out to community organizations. Information about Random Acts of Kindness and a nomination
form were available on the City's web site. This year 11 people were nominated to receive recognition
for their Random Acts of Kindness. Attached are copies of the nominations. A letter was sent to the
nominees that were identified (and carbon copied to the nominator) inviting them to participate in the
Random Acts of Kindness recognition at the City Council meeting to be held October 24, 2005, at 7 p.m.
A copy of the letter sent on behalf of the City Council is attached. Those persons attending the
recognition will receive their certificates at the meeting. The certificates will be mailed to those
nominees who are unable to attend the meeting.
Nominee I. Nominated By
Anonymous I Debbie Bonnes
Boyce Bible I Anne Taylor
Blain Byrd I Ken and Bonnie Lukes
Tom Corwin I Ken and Bonnie Lukes
Gail and Keith Danielson I Karen Bolstad
Terry Gunderson I Kay Lasman
Doris Johnson I Kathleen Carmody
Janice Jungwirth Sue LaCrosse
Luis Perez Ortiz I Fred and DeAnna Larson
Bill Varhol I Ken and Bonnie Lukes
Attachments
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Recreation and Community Center Phone TDD Number
Brooklyn. Center, MN 55430 -2199 (763) 569 -3400
City Hall TDD Number (763) 569 -3300 FAX (763) 569 -3434
FAX (763) 569 -3494
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
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andom Acts of Kindness N
s omination Form
I /we,
-u..' would like to nominate the following person, persons, group, classroom,
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business, churc etc. for Rand Ac to be celebrated during Cities Week in October.
Name: ,'U (_t.� Y
Address:-��- l -ALT L�'i�( i i l fl 1� C�Y U 1'1�. N 5���
(include Street, City, Zip Code)
Brief summary of kind act
j ,�ti7n
Use additional paper if needed.
Return Nomination Form by October 3, 2005, to:
City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of Kindness, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
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City of Brooklyn Center\
Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
Nominator J
Name:
l
Street Address: Kenneth Veronica Lukes
3300 62nd Avenue North
City, State, Zip Code: Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Telephone:
S 6f 9�>
Nominee
Individual or Organization or Group
Individual's, Name: Name of Organization or Group:
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Street Address: Street Address:
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City, State, Zip Code: M N 55`f T I City, State, Zip Code:
y
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Telephone Telephone:
3 4 ,5 9- 37 8
Brief summary of kind act (use additional sheets if necessary or submit separate letter)
Blain Byrd is a neighbor directly east of our house. The morning after the
storm of the 21st, as soon as a saw started in the morning, Blain came over and
used his brawn to move tree limbs and trunks from our driveway to the front of the
street. Along with my husband and daughter, Blain worked hard and consistantly
until the task was finished.
After that random act of kindness, he also offered to help in erecting a
replacement fence for our six foot fence between our properties that was
destroyed in the storm. In addition to this, he offered the use of his trailer to haul
non tree debris.
His random acts of kindess are all the more apppreciated because they were
both needed and unexpected. We are grateful for neighbors like Blain.
Return Nomination Form BY OCTOBER 3, 2005, to: City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of
Kindness, Office of the Mayor, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
I
City of Brooklyn Center
Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
Nominator I
Name: i
Kenneth Veronica Lukes
Street Address: 3300 62nd Avenue North
City, State, Zip Code: Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Telephone: 1 6
Nominee
Individual or Organization or Group
Ind'vidual's Name: Name of Organization or Group: Y_ W
Street Address: Street Address:
336 GZt14k
ity, State, Zip Co e: City, State, Zip Code:
rCaK(�h �etj etr M s 5 11 2- 7
Telephon�: Telephone:
Brief summary of kind act (use additional sheets if necessary or submit separate letter)
Tom Corwin is our neighbor directly west of our house. He missed out on
the excitement of the storm because he was out of town. The minute he saw the
extent of the damage to our property, he offered his services.
First of all, he offered the use of his two wheeler to carry the tree stumps
and roots from our back yard to the curb in front of the house. He also helped
move the debris onto the two wheeler and wheeled it out front. The two wheeler
was a blessing because it easily glided over the torn up lawn.
In addition, Tom worked in Saturday's heat sawing roots and hauling the
heavy debris. The biggest challenge were the roots from our sixteen ton back
yard tree that came down in the storm. That work is started and with Tom's
promise of continued help, my husband and he will eventually complete the task.
We are grateful for Tom's offer of help at a time when we really needed it. His
random act of kindness means much more than words can tell.
Return Nomination Form BY OCTOBER 3, 2009, to: City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of
Kindness, Office of the Mayor, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
1 enclosed the pictures simply to show the extent of the damage and why we
needed and appreciated all the help we got. Each neighbor used his unique
tools and talents to help ease the transition from storm to normalcy. We're about
in the middle of that spectrum right now and wanted to show our appreciation to
all of them for their random acts of kindness.
I u
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Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
I /we, d V 2 h O I S �Q would like to nominate the fotlowin person, ersons
business, church, etc. for Random Acts of Kindness, to be celebrated during Cities Week in O sober. p group, clas
Name: COL r
j t?[ f Q`1 I' (f I.S0In
Address: 51 CP�� Ei' S�i'Y:L9
(include Street, City, Zip Code)
Brief summary of kind act:
Return Nomination Form by October 3, 2005, to: Use additional paper if needed.
City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of Kindness, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
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September 27, 2005
Dear City of Brooklyn Center,
1 would like to nominate Terry Gunderson, for the Random Acts of Kindness
Program.
Terry is a volunteer who comes to Woodland Elementary each and every
school day, in all types of weather, and assists the Safety Patrols in keeping
students and adults alike safe, as they cross the roadway to get to school
each day.
Her kindness, generosity, and dedication to the well being of our students
should be acknowledged and is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
ay Lasman
Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
Q� f -0.S t,�k`2 would like to nominate the following person ers n
business, chufbh, etc. for Random Acts of Kindness, to be celebrated during Cities Week in October. p o s group, classroom,
Name: r Y'
Address: q a l V c rA
(include Sttt-et, City, Zip Code)'
City of Brooklyn Center
Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
Nominator
Name:
1< a -F Ieen l.armod
Street Address:
7d aq .Knox ve N
City, State, Zip Code: 8 roo K
tfn C rtkr AI N 5Yy3o
Telephone:
Nominee
Individual or Organization or Group
Individual's Name: Dor So h nsovt. Name of Organization or Group:
Street Address: Street Address:
7 b I Lawn Ave N
City, State, Zip Code V City, State, Zip Code:
�twlCl �'en -kr �N
Telephone: &43 Telephone:
Brief summary of kind act (use additional sheets if necessary or submit separate letter)
�Augtist 7,
1
iTo Sharon Knutson, BC aCity Clerk
From: Kathleen Carmody r
te: random Aets'ofKindness'Award Nominee
A recently met Dons Jo who lives at 7018 LogannMe.' N. She has a neighbor nn her I
eighties that wishes to still live in her home, although she has health problems and has a
difficult time with the up keep and maintenance of her home. Doris meets once a week 1
iwith the neighbor and the home health care nurse, who comes to check on this elderly,
neighbor.
Doris works in the health care field She frequently checks on the neighbor when' it is li
very hot or the weather is bad, to make sure that she is okay. When Doris was relatpg E
this information to me, it was obvious that she used ,great tact and concern in helping th�
woman to stay safe and help her remain in her home
5 think it says a lot for a city when we have residents dike this thafshow compassion for 1
Bone another and I hope others learn from Doris how to serve as an example of such
s`fva!{iJ��... ..n, w... .m.. ...,e.,«...v:c.ax..c. x ..0 s. w3..2v;.: ma.o-ar'+.�rw+4•a .a�>
Return Nomination Form BY OCTOBER 3, 2005, to: City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of
Kindness, Office of the Mayor, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
I/we, Sue LaCrosse, would like to nominate the following person, persons, group, classroom, business, church, etc. for Random Acts
of Kindness, to be celebrated during Cities Week in October.
Name: Janice Junowirth
Address: 5521 Girard Ave N. Brooklvn Center 55430
(include Street, City, Zip Code)
Brief summary of kind act: Janice Junowirth is a communitv center member who comes in almost every day. In late November of
2004. she asked if she could buv decorations and decorate our Holidav tree. She bought boxes and boxes of bulbs. garland. and
other decorations and spent m a_My volunteer hours meticulously decoratino our tree. Beca o f her kindness, our tree wa
transformed into a work of art. It was lust in time for our annual Hollv Sundav Event. Durino December. manv customers commented
on the aoroeous tree. She donated all these decorations to the community center.
Return Nomination Form by October 3, 2005, to: Use additional paper if needed.
City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of Kindness, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
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Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
Iiwe, t'1 4EA d DfAny\ L&r would like to nominate the following person, persons, group, classroom,
)business, church, etc. for Random Acts of Kindness, to be celebrated during Cities Week in October.
Name:
�Address:
(include Street, City, Zip C d6 e)
rief summa of kind act:
summary Ou \j WbIJOCL Ne 4 a lour- _^S kk �d as raAAk htr lUAW
're, tint �10�5 C, Via mz c-u- Ava, �e" is ObA) -s
--lo u„1 &vt U,ej cis X u
�J Use additional paper if needed. U
Return Nomination Form by October 3, 2005, to:
City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of Kindness, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
City of Brooklyn Center \X
Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
Nominator
Name:
Kenneth Veronica Lukes
Street Address: 3300 62nd Avenue North
City, State, Zip Code: Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Telephone:
7(.3—
Nominee
Individual or Organization or Group
Individual's Name Name of Organization or Group:
q r 6
Street Address: Street Address:
3 31 8- (a Z r a. \f o
City, State, Zip Code: City, State, Zip Code:
r v 1 4 r, S's Y,;
Telephone: 3 9 SCI- 9 S9'7
Brief summary of kind act (use additional sheets if necessary or submit separate letter)
The morning after the storm, Bill Varhol, a neighbor from three doors down,
whom we had never even met, showed up bright and early with his gas powered
chainsaw. (With power gone, electric saws were of little use.) Bill set to work
cutting away the branches of the two downed trees, sawed the trunk, which freed
up a vehicle trapped by the downed tree. In the process, he ran out of gas for the
chainsaw and had to go home for more. A chain also broke and he willingly
replaced that.
By the time he finished, the driveway was immaculate. We were extremely
grateful to him. When my husaband asked what we could pay him, he said, "That
would drive me away. I'm doing this because I want to help
This was a random act of kindness that we were truly appeciative of. It went a
long way towards resuming normaility after the disaster.
Return Nomination Form BY OCTOBER 3, 2005, to: City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of
Kindness, Office of the Mayor, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
City of Brooklyn Center
A Millennium Community
Sample Letter to Notify Nominees
October 11, 2005
Nominee
Dear Nominee:
Since 1997 the City of Brooklyn Center has celebrated Random Acts of Kindness. Again
this year the City Council has received nominations to recognize Brooklyn Center
residents and groups who have performed random acts of kindness that help make our
community a wonderful place to live and work.
Congratulations! You have been nominated for Random Acts of Kindness and will be
recognized by the Mayor and Council Members during their City Council meeting on
October 24, 2005. The City Council meeting starts at 7 p.m. and is held at Brooklyn
Center City Hall in the Council Chambers, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn
Center. Your presence would be greatly appreciated. Enclosed is a copy of the
nomination.
If you have any questions, please contact City Clerk Sharon Knutson at 763 -569 -3306.
Sincerely,
Myrna Kragness, Mayor
Kathleen Carmody, Council Member
Kay Lasman, Council Member
Diane Niesen, Council Member
Mary O'Connor, Council Member
Enclosure
cc: Nominator (w /o enclosure)
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Recreation and Community Center Phone TDD Number
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199 (763) 569 -3400
City Hall TDD Number (763) 569 -3300 FAX (763) 569 -3434
FAX (763) 569 -3494
www.cityolbrooklyncenter.org
RaLdom of Ir r
oss
awarded to:
SAMPLE Nominee's Name Here
for contributing to the community spirit
of Brooklyn Center
October 24, 2005
Date Mayor
City of Brooklyn Center.`
Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
Nominator
Name:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip Code:
Telephone:
Nominee
Individual or Organization or Group
Individual's Name: Name of Organization or Group:
Street Address: Street Address:
City, State, Zip Code: City, State, Zip Code:
Telephone: Telephone:
Brief summary of kind act (use additional sheets if necessary or submit separate letter)
Return Nomination Form BY OCTOBER 3, 2005, to: City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of
Kindness, Office of the Mayor, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
Random Acts o f Kindness
Since 1997, the City of Brooklyn Center has celebrated Random Acts of Kindness. In
October the Brooklyn Center City Council recognizes all Brooklyn Center residents and groups
who have performed Random Acts of Kindness that help make our community a wonderful place
to live and work.
Anyone can nominate someone who has performed an act of kindness over the past year. You
may send a card or letter, or drawings or photographs of people performing kind acts, or use the
City's nomination form on the reverse side of this page. All Random Acts of Kindness nominees
are recognized by the City Council during an October meeting and presented a certificate. The
nominations are displayed at City Hall during the month of October.
Join us in celebrating kindness in our community. Nominate an individual or group today!
Walk a neighbor's dog Pick up litter (Adopt -A- Street or
Donate your time to perform lawn Park)
services for give to
the elderly or disabled Collect mittens or socks and
Y g
Collect soda can tabs for recycling those in need
and give the proceeds to the Ronald Care for the sick
McDonald house Volunteer in the community
Make a paper chain with an act of (schools, hospitals, churches, etc.)
kindness written on each link Be a good neighbor
Smile at someone who is frowning Plant a tree
Feed a stranger's expired parking Call a lonely person
meter Open a door
Donate to a food shelf or clothing In the grocery store, let a stranger
shelter behind you with only one item go
Draw a picture of someone first
performing a kind act Bake a hot dish for someone who
Photograph someone being kind to just returned from the hospital
another Pick up the mail for a senior citizen
Thank your secretary, boss, teacher, on your block each day
or friend for the little things they do Give blood
Read to a child Adopt a homeless pet at the Humane
Give flowers, just because Society
Offer a ride Donate time at a senior center
Give a compliment Pat someone on the back
Tutor a student
Be a Safety Patrol and help kids get
to and from school safely
City of Brooklyn Center Random Acts of Kindness Page 1 of 1
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and surprise someone,
Earle Brown Heritage Center
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Cultural Diversity nomination will be displayed at City Hall, so feel free to this is a "Random Act
make your nomination colorful and attractive. of Kindness", a good
Government Links deed that is truly the
All Random Acts of Kindness nominees are recognized embodiment of
Disclaimer /Copyright g compassion and caring.
by the City Council during an October meeting and are
presented a certificate.
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City of Brooklyn Center
A Millennium Community
August 30, 2005
Dear Community Member:
Since 1997, the City of Brooklyn Center has celebrated Random Acts of Kindness. In October
the Brooklyn Center City Council would like to recognize all Brooklyn Center residents and
groups who have performed Random Acts of Kindness that help to make our community a
wonderful place to live and work. We hope that you will join us in making this a significant
celebration for our community.
We are asking that you or someone you know send us a card or letter, or use the enclosed
nomination form, nominating someone who has performed an act of kindness in the past year.
You may also send us drawings or photographs of people performing kind acts. Your
nomination will be displayed at City Hall, so feel free to make your nomination colorful and
attractive.
Random Acts of Kindness nominees will be formally recognized by the City Council during its
October 24, 2005, meeting. All nominees will receive recognition by the City Council in the
form of a commendation. By separate card, please be sure that we receive the name and address
of your nominee so that we can be certain that the City Council's commendation will be received
by your nominee. You and your nominee are invited to attend the City Council recognition on
October 24 at City Hall, 7 p.m. A letter will be mailed to you and your nominee prior to the
meeting to confirm the date and time of the recognition.
We look forward to hearing from you. Join us in celebrating kindness in our community!
Sincerely,
Myrna Kragness, Mayor
Kathleen Carmody, Council Member
Kay Lasman, Council Member
Diane Niesen, Council Member
Mary O'Connor, Council Member
Enc.
is
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Recreation and Community Center Phone TDD Number
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199 (763) 569 -3400
City Hall TDD Number (763) 569 -3300 FAX (763) 569 -3434
FAX (763) 569 -3494
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Brooklyn Peacemaker Center, Inc. North Hennepin Area Chamber Boy Scouts of America
7240 Brooklyn Blvd, Suite 205 229 1 st Avenue NE 5300 Glenwood Avenue
�klyn Center MN 55429 Osseo MN 55369 Golden Valley MN 55422
Brookdale Hennepin Library Brown College Minnesota School of Business
Molly Schaaf g
Molly Creek Parkway 6870 Shingle Creek Parkway 6050 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
B C Charitable Foundation Twin West Chamber B C Community Education
c/o Phil Cohen 10550 Wayzata Blvd 6500 Humboldt Avenue North
5501 Humboldt Ave N Minnetonka MN 55305 Brooklyn Center Avenue
5543 o
Brooklyn Center MN 55430
B C Friendship Quilters Wovenhearts of BC
Joanne Holzknecht 6001 Earle Brown Drive
2618 65th Avenue North Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Brooklyn Center Lioness Brooklyn Center Lions Club Twin Lake North
Betty Russell Tom Shinnick 4539 58th Avenue North
5312 North Lilac Drive 5324 Oliver Avenue North Brooklyn Center MN 55429
4 klyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
CEAP Service League of Hennepin County B C Rotary
Medical Center c/o Carrie Engh
6840 78th Avenue North 701 Park Avenue Bremer Bank
Brooklyn Park MN 55445 Minneapolis MN 55415 -1829 5540 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Center MN 55429
B C Women's Club
Evelyn Byron The Crossings at Brookwood Community Corner
2701 O'Henry Road 6201 Lilac Drive North 1500 69th Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Brooklyn Center Sun -Post
View Point Shingle Creek Sarah Schwartz, Editor Earle Brown Terrace
6221 Shingle Creek Parkway 4080 West Broadway #113 6100 Summit Drive North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Robbinsdale MN 55422 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Courage Center
The Prairie Lodge at Earle Brown North Hennepin Comm College
Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer
Valley Road 6001 Earle Brown Drive 7411 85th Avenue North
Golden Valley MN 55422 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Park MN 55445
faities Senior Trans. Greater Mpls Girl Scout NW Community
y
Rita De Bruyn Peggy Erickson North
N
Avenue 4221 Lake Road 5601 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park 6900 Winnetka A A nue N
Robbinsdale MN 55422 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
RSVP Maranatha Place Maranatha Care Center
Volunteer Coordinator 5415 69th Avenue North 5401 69th Avenue North
e East Hennepin Avenue Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
eapolis MN 55413
Brooklyn Historical Society Volunteers In Action
3300 C
P. O. Box 29345 Inc. 4148 Winnetka Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55429 3300 County Road 10 #212
Y Brooklyn Center MN 55429 New Hope MN 55427
Visit Minneapolis North North Suburban Kiwanis HHSC
Robert Musil Warren Lindquist NW NW Earle Brown Drive Suite 230
6200 Shingle Ck Pkwy Ste 248 7030 Ewing Avenue North Brooklyn Center MN Drive Suite
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Osseo Community Education New Beginnings Christian Center Northbrook Alliance Church
11200 93rd Avenue North 7054 Brooklyn Boulevard 6240 Aldrich Avenue North
Maple Grove MN 55369 Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Cross of Glory Lutheran Church Moving On Up Church Ministry Korean Presbyterian Church of MN
5929 Brooklyn Boulevard 6834 Humboldt Avenue North 5840 Humboldt Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
0
Apostolic Lutheran Church North Berean Evangelical Free Church Brooklyn United Methodist Church
6630 Colfax Avenue North 6625 Humboldt Avenue N 7200 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Brooklyn Center Church of Christ Brookdale Covenant Church Fellowship Baptist Church
6206 Lilac Drive North 5139 Brooklyn Boulevard 5840 Lilac Drive North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Brookdale Christian Center BC Church of the Nazarene Harron United Methodist Church
6030 Xerxes Avenue North 501 73rd Avenue North 5452 Dupont Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Jehovah Jireh Church of God in Christ Korean Evangelical United Methodist Lutheran Church of the Master
6120 Xerxes Avenue North 6830 Quail Avenue North 1200 69th Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Peran Church of the Triune God Hmon Community Alliance Church Spiritual Life Church
9 Y P
5827 Humboldt Avenue North 6240 Aldrich Avenue North 6865 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
St. Alphonsus Church Good Shepherd Fellowship Christ Temple
W Halifax Avenue North 6900 Humboldt Avenue North 4801 63rd Avenue North
klyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Champlin Park High School Jackson Middle School Evergreen Park Elementary School
Principal Principal Principal
6025 109th Avenue North 6000 109th Avenue North 7020 Dupont Avenue North
Champlin MN 55316 Champlin MN 55316
Brooklyn
p Center MN 55430
Palmer Lake Elementary School Garden City Elementary School Brooklyn Junior High School
Principal Principal Principal
7300 Palmer Lake Drive West 3501 65th Avenue North 7377 Noble Avenue North
Brooklyn Park MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Park MN 55443
North View Junior High School Park Center Senior High School Northport Elementary School
Principal Principal Principal
5869 69th Avenue North 7300 Brooklyn Boulevard 5421 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Park MN 55428 Brooklyn Park MN 55443 Brooklyn Center MN 55428
Robbinsdale Middle School Sandburg Middle School Robbinsdale Cooper High School
3730 Toledo Avenue North 2400 Sandburg Lane Principal
Robbinsdale MN 55422 Golden Valley MN 55427 8230 47th Avenue North
New Hope MN 55427
Highview Alternative Program Brooklyn Center Jr -Sr High Earle Brown Elementary
4139 Regent Avenue North Principal Principal
Robbinsdale MN 55422 6500 Humboldt Avenue North 1500 59th Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
UPDATED 8/09/05
I
Jean Schuster Judy Thorbus
Housing Commission Housing Commission Housing Commission
1 67th Lane North 6265 Brooklyn Drive Brooklyn Center MN 554
lyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
David Johnson Mary Barrus
Housing Commission Housing Commission Housing Commission
Brooklyn Center MN 554 3500 Admiral Lane 5441 Camden Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Mark Yelich Stan Leino Kris Lawrence- Anderson
Housing Commission Housing Charter Commission Housing Charter Commission
6018 Beard Avenue North 7118 France Avenue North 5213 Eleanor Lane
Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Donn Escher Earl Simons Samuel Tweah
Financial Commission Financial Commission Financial Commission
3107 65 Avenue North 7201 Knox Avenue North 1308 69th Avenue North, #311
Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Robert Anderson Robert Paulson Susan Shogren Smith
Financial Commission Financial Commission Financial Commission
5525 Knox Avenue North 7012 France Avenue North 600 62nd Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Mark Nemec Arvid (Bud) Sorenson
Financial Commission Park Recreation Commission
5538 Camden Avenue North 6901 Toledo Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
John Russell Muriel Lee Roger Peterson
Park Recreation Commission Park Recreation Commission Park Recreation Commission
5312 North Lilac Drive 7204 Perry Court West 15 11 71st Avenue North
Brooklyn enter MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Yn Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Thomas Shinnick Gail Ebert Richard Theis
Park Recreation Commission Park Recreation Commission Park Recreation Charter Commission
5324 Oliver Avenue North 1613 Irving Lane 3006 Thurber Road
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Rachel Lund Sean Rahn Timothy Roche
Planning Commission Planning Commission Planning Commission
4502 58th Avenue North, #301 5740 Irving Avenue North 816 69th Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
lwman Eric Berns Tim Willson
Pla ng Commission Planning Commission Planning Commission
3107 61 st Avenue North 3800 51 st Avenue North 7007 Dallas Road
Brooklyn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 554 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Graydon Boeck Gary Brown H. Bruce Lund
Planning Commission Charter Commission Charter Commission
Indiana Avenue North 7012 Willow Lane North 4502 58th Avenue North, #301
yn Center MN 55429 Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Eileen Oslund Edward Nelson Richard T. Phillips
Charter Commission Charter Commission Charter Commission
6000 Ewing Avenue North 5236 Great View Avenue North 7200 Logan Avenue North
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 Brooklyn enter MN 42
55 9 Brooklyn Center MN 4
yn yn 55 30
Charter Commission Charter Commission Charter Commission
Brooklyn Center MN Brooklyn Center MN Brooklyn Center MN
Elizabeth Dorsey Hatle James D. Holst
Charter Commission Charter Commission Charter Commission
5508 Logan Avenue North 6107 Bryant Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Harold Middleton Roni Brunner
Charter Commission Charter Commission Charter Commission
5418 Oliver Avenue North 4701 Twin Lake Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430 Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Audrey Harris- Blount
NWHHSC Advisory Commission NWHHSC Advisory Commission
Charter Commission 3429 53rd Avenue North, #106 Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Brooklyn Center MN 55429
Amy Luesebrink
Watershed Commission Watershed Commission NW Suburbs Cable Communications
5557 James Avenue North
Brooklyn Center MN 55430
City Council Seeking Nominations for City of Brooklyn center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Random Acts of Kindness Brookl Center, MN 55430 -2199
Nominate an individual or group today! Official web site
www. c i tv of b ro o klv n e e n ter. ore
Once 1997, the City of Brooklyn Center has celebrated Random e-mail: info ci.brooklyn center.mn.us
Acts of Kindness. During the celebration of Cities Week to be City Hall (763) 569 -3300
held in October, the Brooklyn Center City Council would like to Recreation (763) 569 -3400
recognize all Brooklyn Center residents and groups who have Emergency 911
performed Random Acts of Kindness that help to make our Police non emergency (763) 569 -3333
community a wonderful place to live and work. We hope that you Job Information Line (763) 569 -3307
will join us in making this a significant celebration for our Persons with hearing or speech impairment are served by the
community. MN Relay Service 711 (TTY/Voice)
Mayor Myrna Kragness
Voicemail: (763) 569 -3450
The City Council is asking that you nominate someone who has mayorkragness @ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us
performed an act of kindness in the past year. You may send a Councilmember Kathleen Carmody
card or letter, or drawings or photographs of people performing Home: (763) 566 -3114
kind acts, or use the City's nomination form. Your nomination councilmembercarmody ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us
will be displayed at City Hall, so feel free to make your Councilmember Kay Lasman
nomination colorful and attractive. Voicemail: (763) 569 3448
councilmcmberlasman@ci.brooklyn-ccnter.rrm.us
All Random Acts of Kindness nominees will be recognized by the Councilmember Diane Niesen
City Council during an October meeting and be presented a Voicemail: (763) 569 -3445 councilmemberniesen ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
certificate acknowledging their kind act. Councilmember Mary O'Connor
Voicemail: (763) 569 -3447
We look forward to hearing from you. Join us in celebrating councilmemberoconnor ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
kindness in our community! City Manager Michael J. McCauley
Ideas for Random Aets of Irmdness City�ncii, Meetings
City C6unctl Regular Session meetings are held the 2 and
V Volunteer"'at our child's school? 4th Monday ofthe month:at 7 P%t.
r
Y Y
V Help a neighbor weed br plant a =garden ufonal' pen Forum is hold at 6 4gtvtrere Council
1r ."Sing at a nursing home.' rrieettngs far persdns� who =wish to" addr-ess "the "City Couneil
1: Call or,visit a hotnebound.person about t sous t�ot�sch I6d, on 'the agenda
V Mow a neighbor's grass: Cz#y Cottnctl Work Sesslop§ are hehd" immediately following
V Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings the Rcig lar Session City;Council"meetings.
1i Plant.a tree in your neighborlood... Watch. City Goundil meetings live on cable Channel 16.
v Read "to "a child: Replays, shown Tuesdays at, "G:30 PM and °Wednesdays" at
Volunteer 2'.30 AM and 1 :30
V at an agency,that heeds help AM
V Collect goods for'your local food shelf.
y Donate time at a senior center,, Gall "City Hall "to verify meeting dates (763) 569 -3300 "or visit,
V "Give.blood:" the "City's web site www.eityofbrookivneenter.ori=
Random Acts of Kindness Nomination Form
I /we. would like to nominate the following person, persons, group, classroom,
business, church, etc. for Random Acts of Kindness, to be celebrated during Cities Week in October.
Name:
Address:
(include Street, City, Zip Code)
Brief summary of kind act:
Use additional paper if needed.
Return Nomination Form by October 3, 2005, to:
City of Brooklyn Center, Random Acts of Kindness, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430
City Council Agenda Item No. 9a
rBR OOKLYN of
M 3 Office of the City Clerk
NTER
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael J. McCauley, City Manager
FROM: Sharon Knutson, City Clerk 4W40��
DATE: October 19, 2005
SUBJECT: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 of the City Code of Ordinances Relating to Parks
and Recreation
At its September 26, 2005, meeting, the Brooklyn Center City Council approved first reading of An
Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 of the City Code of Ordinances Relating to Parks and Recreation. The
materials that were provided in the September 26, 2005, City Council agenda packet are also included
for reference.
The second reading and Public Hearing are scheduled for October 24, 2005. Notice of Public Hearing
was published in the Brooklyn Center Sun -Post newspaper on October 6, 2005. If adopted, effective
date will be December 3, 2005.
Attachments
0;Z City of Brooklyn Center
A Millennium Community
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 21, 2005
TO: Michael J. McCauley, City Manager
FROM: Jim Glasoe, Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services
SUBJECT: Park and Recreation Commission Recommendation- Ordinance Revisions
At their meeting last evening, the Park and Recreation Commission completed their review of the
City's Parks Ordinance. This intensive review included review of the City's current ordinance
and the review of ordinances from other cities.
After due consideration, the Commission unanimously approved a motion recommending the
following changes to the Ordinance:
Changing the definition of Parks and Open Space to:
Parks, Open Space, Trails and Waterways.
-Changing the definition of Motorized Vehicle to include motorized foot scooters.
Changing the designated park hours to; Parks are closed... between the hours of 10:00 p.m.
and 5:00 a.m.
Changing references to the Director of Recreation to City Manager or City Manager's
Designee.
Changing references to Recreation Department to Community Activities, Recreation and
Services Department.
Attached is an Ordinance Amendment that makes the recommended changes. Please let me
know if you have any questions this recommendation, or if you would like additional
information.
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Recreation and Community Center Phone TDD Number
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199 (763) 569 -3400
City Hall TDD Number (763) 569 -3300 FAX (763) 569 -3434
FAX (763) 569 -3494
www.cityolbrooklyncenter.org
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on the 24th day of October, 2005, at 7
p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard at the City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek
Parkway, to consider an ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the City Code of Ordinances relating
to parks and recreation.
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 96 hours in
advance. Please contact the City Clerk at 763 -569 -3300 to make arrangements.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13 OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATION
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. 13 -101, DEFINITIONS, is amended in the following manner:
Parks, aiA-Open Space. Trails. and Waterways Any area located in the Citv
which is reserved, designated, or used for active or passive recreation, and which is
owned, operated, or controlled by the City, or which is located within the City but owned,
operated, or controlled by another governmental unit.
Motorized Vehicle Any vehicle having a self contained unit for propelling the vehicle
by means of converting stored energy. Motorized vehicles include but shall not be
limited to automobiles, trucks, motor bikes, mini bikes, snowmobiles, motorized foot
scooters and battery powered carts.
Section 2. Section 13 -102 is amended in the following manner:
Section 13 -102. CURFEW AUTHORIZED. No person, unless engaged in official City
business, shall enter upon or use any park and recreation facilities of the City of Brooklyn
Center, including all park and open space property, improved or not, and all equipment and
facilities thereon, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 65 a.m. one half hour- befer,
•..h;, r- i s cc *ief- when such arks and open ace or facilities are posted b sign noting the
p p p p Y� g
curfew hours; provided, however, that such posting shall be by order of the City Council. The
fact that any person not engaged in official City business as authorized or delegated by the City
Manager is present in a posted park and open space during said curfew hours shall be prima facie
evidence that said person is there unlawfully.
ORDINANCE NO.
Section 3. Section 13 -103 is amended in the following manner:
Section 13 -103. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PROHIBITED. No person shall bring
into any park nor possess, display, consume or use intoxicating liquors nor 3.2 percent malt
liquors in any park unless a permit has been issued by the Citv Manager or Citv Manager's
Designee Difeeter of Reer-ea4ieffi Such permits shall be limited to duly organized local
organizations operating under a constitution and bylaws and which shall have been in existence
for at least one year.
Section 4. Section 13 -107 is amended in the following manner:
Section 13 -107. SELLING PROHIBITED. No person shall sell any article whatever in
any City park or open space unless specifically authorized by the Citv Manager or Citv
Manager's Designee D of Reer -e tie
Section 5. Section 13 -109 is amended in the following manner:
Section 13 -109. FIREWORKS PROHIBITED. No person shall discharge any fireworks
within the City parks and open spaces without the written permission of the Citv Manager or
City Manager's Designee Dir -ee*er of Reereatie
Section 6. Section 13 -110 is amended in the following manner:
Section 13 -110. CAMPING PROHIBITED. No person shall camp nor set up tents,
shacks, trailers or any other temporary shelter for the purpose of camping in any City park or
open space without the written permission of the Citv Manager or Citv Manager's Designee
Section 7. Section 13 -111 is amended in the following manner:
Section 13 -111. UNAUTHORIZED GOLFING PROHIBITED. No person shall play or
rc
p a t i ce golf nor use golf equipment of any kind in a City park or open space except under the
direct supervision of an employee of the Communitv Activities, Recreation and Services
Department depaA ent of par 4s and r or as a scheduled part of the City's park and
recreation program.
ORDINANCE NO.
Section 8. This ordinance shall be effective after adoption and thirty days
following its legal publication.
Adopted this day of .2005.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Date of Publication
Effective Date
(Strikeout indicates matter to be deleted, underline indicates new matter.)
City Council Agenda Item No. 9b
CJ Of
Office of the City Clerk
TER
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael J. McCauley, City Mana r
FROM: Sharon Knutson, City Clerk
DATE: October 19, 2005
SUBJECT: An Ordinance Relating to Rental Dwellings and Non Conforming Uses; Amending City
Code Sections 12 -901, 12 -902, and 35 -111
At its September 26, 2005, meeting, the Brooklyn Center City Council approved first reading of An
Ordinance Relating to Rental Dwellings and Non Conforming Uses; Amending City Code Sections 12-
901, 12 -902, and 35 -111. The materials that were provided in the September 26, 2005, City Council
agenda packet are also included for reference.
The second reading and Public Hearing are scheduled for October 24, 2005. Notice of Public Hearing
was published in the Brooklyn Center Sun -Post newspaper on October 6, 2005. If adopted, effective
date will be December 3, 2005.
Attachments
City of Brooklyn Center
A Millennium Community
I
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Kragness, Councilmembers Carmody, Lasman, Niesen, an onnor
FROM: Michael J. McCauley, City Manager C
DATE: September 21 2
p 005
SUBJECT: Ordinance Relating to Rental Dwellings and Non Conforming Uses
Attached is a copy of an opinion dated September 16, 2005, by Charlie LeFevere. In that opinion,
Mr. LeFevere recommends elimination from the March ordinance proposal of the proposed Section 7
regarding losing non conforming status without registration. Enclosed also are the minutes and
materials from the several meetings at which the ordinance changes have been discussed. The
proposed ordinance for introduction has removed the previously proposed certification process for
duplexes that do not have a rental dwelling license. Based on Mr. LeFevere's opinion, there would
not be a particular point in certification. As has been previously discussed, the issue with respect to
non conforming uses is governed by Zoning Law and issues relating to rental licenses applied to
properties that are rented. Thus, whether a property is rented does not necessarily impact the ability
to maintain a non conforming use under Zoning Law. Similarly, rental licensing applies without
respect to zoning to those housing units that are rented.
The proposed ordinance does retain the proposed amendment to Section 12 -902 specifying that
application fees are refunded after deducting costs or expenses that have been incurred with respect
to the application. It also includes the proposed change to Section 35 -111 (5) to specify the
applicable period of time within which a building permit must be applied for in the event of
destruction of 50 percent or more of a non conforming use. With the elimination of the previously
proposed language relating to certification and non conforming duplex properties in R -1 Districts
which have been removed, we would recommend introduction of the proposed ordinance relating to
the refunding of application fees and the time period within which to apply for a building permit in
the event 50 percent or more of a non conforming structure has been destroyed.
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Recreation and Community Center Phone TDD Number
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199 (763) 569 -3400
City Hall TDD Number (763) 569 -3300 FAX (763) 569 -3434
FAX (763) 569 -3494
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on the 24 day of October, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. at
City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, to consider an ordinance relating to rental housing and to non-
conforming uses.
Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request at least 96 hours in advance. Please
notify the Deputy City Clerk at 763 -569 -3300 to make arrangements.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO RENTAL DWELLINGS AND NON-
CONFORMING USES; AMENDING CITY CODE SECTIONS 12 -901, 12 -902, AND
35 -111
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 12 -902 of the Brooklyn Center City Code of Ordinances is amended as
follows:
Section 12 -902. LICENSE FEES. License fees, as set forth by city council resolution, shall be
due 90 days prior to the license expiration date; in the cases of new unlicensed dwellings, license fees
shall be due upon issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
A delinquency penalty of 5% of the license fee for each day of operation without a valid license
shall be charged operators of rental dwellings. Once issued, a license is nontransferable and the licensee
shall not be entitled to a refund of any license fee upon revocation or suspension; however, the licensee
shall be entitled to a license fee refund, prorated monthly, upon proof of transfer of legal control or
ownership. If an applicant withdraws an application prior to issuance of a license, the fee shall be
refunded after deducting the costs of inspection and anv other costs and expenses incurred by the Citv in
connection with receiving and processing the application.
A fee, as set by city council resolution, shall be charged for all reinspections necessary after the
first reinspection. The reinspection fee(s) will be payable at the time of license renewal for the property,
in the case of rental housing and at the time of recertification of occupancy for nonresidential properties.
Section 2. Section 35 -111 of the Brooklyn Center City Code of Ordinances is amended as
follows:
Section 35 -111. NONCONFORMING USES. Unless specifically provided otherwise herein, the
lawful use of any land or building existing at the time of adoption of this ordinance may be continued
even if such use does not conform to the regulations of this ordinance, provided:
1. No such nonconforming use of land shall be enlarged or increased or occupy a greater
area of land than that occupied by such use at the time of the adoption of this ordinance.
2. Such nonconforming use shall not be moved to any other part of the parcel of land upon
which the same was conducted at the time of the adoption of this ordinance.
I
ORDINANCE NO.
3. A nonconforming use of a building existing at the time of adoption of this ordinance may
be extended throughout the building provided no structural alterations except those
required by ordinance, law, or other regulation are made therein, and provided that no
such extension in the floodway overlay zone shall result in increased flood damage
potential.
Excepted from the structural alteration limitation are single family dwellings, located in
residential districts other than R and R2, provided any structural alterations or additions
shall conform with the requirements of the R1 and R2 district, and the Flood Plain
regulations as applicable.
4. If a nonconforming use occupies a building and ceases for a continuous period of two
years, any subsequent use of said building shall be in conformity to the use regulation
specified by this ordinance for the district in which such building is located.
5. Any nonconforming use shall not be continued following 50% destruction of the building
in which it was conducted by flood, fire, wind, earthquake, or explosion, according to the
estimate of the Building Inspector, approved by the City Council, unless anWication for a
building hermit is made within 180 days of when the monertv is damaged. If a building
hermit is annlied for. the Citv may impose reasonable conditions upon the buildins
hermit in order to mitigate anv newly created impact on adiacent nronerty.
6. Upon the effective date of this ordinance where there is a nonconforming use of land on
P g
a parcel with no structure or where three is a nonconforming use of land (such as storage
of equipment and supplies), on which there is a conforming structure such use shall be
terminated within two years following the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall become effective after adoption and upon thirty (30) days
following its legal publication.
Adopted this day of 2005.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Date of Publication:
Effective Date:
(Underlininiz indicates new matter; striking thfough indicates deleted material.)
CHARLES L. LEFEVERE
Attorney at Law
Direct Dial (612) 337 -9215
email: clefevere@kennedy- graven.com
September 16, 2005
Mr. Mike McCauley
City Manager
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199
RE: Regulation of Duplex Uses
Dear Mike:
There are structures in R -1 zones used as two family structures (or duplexes) that are non-
conforming because they were legal at the time they were established but do not conform to
current zoning code standards. You have asked for a general description of the laws relating to
this non conforming status, how it is maintained by a landowner and how non conforming status
may be lost.
The City currently has under consideration changes to its rental dwelling licensing ordinance.
You have also asked for a description of the relationship between such licensing and the non-
conforming status of duplex uses.
Under City Code Section 35 -310, the uses permitted in an R -1 zone include "one family
dwellings." Under Section 35 -311, uses permitted in the R -2 zone include "one and two family
dwellings."
The definition section of the Code, Section 35 -900, contains the following relevant definitions:
Dwelling A building, or portion thereof, designed or used predominantly
for residential occupancy of a continued nature, including one family dwellings,
two family dwellings, and multiple family dwellings, including earth- sheltered
homes and manufactured homes; but not including hotels, motels, commercial
boarding or rooming houses, tourist homes and recreational vehicles, such as
travel trailers, camping trailers, pick -up campers, motor coaches, motor homes
and buses.
CLL- 267975v1
BR291-4
Mike McCauley Ltr
Septmber 16, 2005
Page 2
Dwelling, One Family A residential building containing one dwelling
unit.
Dwelline, Two Familv (duplex) A residential building containing two
dwelling units.
Dwelling Unit A single residential accommodation which is arranged,
designed, used, or intended for use exclusively as living quarters for one family;
must include complete permanently installed kitchen facilities. Where a private
garage is structurally attached, it shall be considered as part of the building in
which the dwelling unit is located.
Family Any of the following definitions shall apply:
1. A person or persons related by blood, marriage or adoption,
together with his or their domestic servants or gratuitous guests,
maintaining a common household in a dwelling unit.
2. Group or foster care of not more than six wards or clients by an
authorized person or persons, related by blood, marriage, or
adoption, together with his or their domestic servants or gratuitous
guests, all maintaining a common household in a dwelling unit
approved and certified by the appropriate public agency.
3. A group of not more than five persons not related by blood,
marriage, or adoption maintaining a common household in a
dwelling unit.
In most cases, a use is either clearly a single family residential use or clearly a duplex use. That
is, where a single family lives in a single unit with one kitchen, having meals together, having a
common household budget, and the like, it is clearly a single family residential use.
If there are two units in the building, separated by walls without doors, with separate entrances,
each with its own kitchen, with the inhabitants of each unit living as separate households with
separate budgets, not having a common kitchen, and the like, it is clearly a duplex use.
Although most cases fall clearly into one of these categories, there are occasionally cases that are
in the gray area between the two. For example, a second kitchen or kitchenette may be added to
what is otherwise clearly a single family residential structure so that a live -in mother -in -law can
have an occasional meal on her own schedule, connecting doorways can be added between
duplex units, second units in a duplex can be occupied by adult children who continue to share
CLL- 267975v1
BR291 -4
Mike McCauley Ltr
Septmber 16, 2005
is Page 3
meals at a common kitchen in the first unit, and the like. There is essentially an unlimited
number of combinations of family and non family relationships, financial arrangements between
occupants of a single structure, structures they occupy, appliances in a structure, how the
structure is used for the preparation of meals, etc.
I know of no definition of single family residential use or two family residential use that will
clearly put all cases into one category or the other. To decide whether a use is a single family
residential use or a two family use, one would have to look at all of the circumstances including
the structure and how it is used, the financial arrangements between the parties, and the legal and
personal relationships between the parties. Fortunately, cases in the gray area, between uses that
are clearly one family uses and uses that are clearly two family uses, come up infrequently, at
least in my experience.
Ordinarily, a single family residential use in a duplex zone is not a problem because single family
residential uses are ordinarily also permitted in R -2 zones. Likewise, it is rare for a property
owner to attempt to establish a true duplex use in a single family residential zone in a single
family home since single family homes do not lend themselves to two truly separate household
operations.
In the case of a non conforming duplex use in a zone that does not permit such uses (such as an
R -1 zone), most owners of a duplex would either choose to maintain duplex status or convert to a
single family residential use, depending on which of these two options was the most
economically advantageous.
Under City Code, a two family dwelling is a residential building containing two dwelling units.
A dwelling unit is "a single residential accommodation which is arranged, designed, used or
intended for use exclusively as living quarters for one family." Therefore, a structure can qualify
as a duplex if it is either built as a duplex (that is, it is arranged, designed and intended for use
exclusively as living quarters for two families) or used as a duplex (that is, "used" exclusively as
living quarters for two families). In either case, there must be a complete, permanently installed
kitchen facility in each unit.
In other words, a building or use can be defined as a duplex, and therefore qualify for non
conforming use status if it was lawfully established prior to rezoning of the property, in one of
two ways. The first would be a classic duplex building, with separate entries, basements,
garages, and kitchens, with no passage between the two units, etc. This would be a duplex that
was "arranged, designed,... or intended for use exclusively as living quarters" for two families.
The second way to qualify as a duplex would be for a building that was not necessarily designed,
intended, or arranged for use exclusively by two families, but nevertheless had a separate kitchen
facility and was used with two parts of the structure being used exclusively as living quarters for
a one family unit.
CLL- 267975v 1
BR291-4
Mike McCauley Ltr
Septmber 16, 2005
Page 4
Therefore, if a building does not have two kitchens, it cannot be used as a two family dwelling.
Even if the building has two kitchens, it will be allowed to be used for a two family dwelling in
an R -1 zone only if it has maintained, and continues to maintain, its non conforming status.
Non conformities can be either non- conforming structures (such as a structure with a non-
complying side yard setback) or non conforming uses (such as a real estate office in an R -1 zone)
or both.
Under the Brooklyn Center City Code, if the building is built as a true duplex, the non-
conforming use status would remain as long as the structure continued to meet that part of the
definition that provides that there are two "single residential accommodation[s] which [are]
arranged, designed or intended for use exclusively as living quarters for one family; [each of
which] must include complete permanently installed kitchen facilities."
If the owner of such a structure voluntarily converted it to a single family dwelling (for example,
by removing the second kitchen and adding doorways for interior circulation), it would then lose
its non conforming status and would have to comply with code provisions thereafter. If such a
classic duplex -type building were destroyed by flood or fire, or other such casualty, the owner
would have the right to rebuild it as a duplex subject to certain limitations.
In other cases, a building may not have been built as a classic duplex that was "designed" with
two units, each exclusively for the use of a single family, but may still qualify as a grandfathered
duplex dwelling because it has two kitchens and was "used" as two separate dwelling units, each
exclusively as living quarters for one family. This might be something like a mother -in -law
apartment attached to a single family residential home if each had a kitchen and the main home
and the "apartment" are each used exclusively as living quarters for a family.
In such a case, if the structure is used as a duplex, but is not arranged, designed or intended for
use exclusively as a duplex, a non conforming status would depend on the continuing use of the
structure as a two family dwelling, Under the current code, if the use were discontinued for a
two -year period, the grandfathered status would be lost and any further use would have to comply
with current code provisions.
The licensing of rental units is a separate, but related question. Units are required under the
current code to be licensed if they are let for rent. A single family home can be owner occupied,
as can one or both units of a duplex. Likewise, a single family home can be rented as can one or
both units of a duplex. In the case of a classic duplex, that is clearly designed as a two -unit
building, it will be fairly easy to maintain non conforming status. However, in the gray areas,
such as mother -in -law apartments, or other structures or arrangements that are not clearly two-
family situations, the licensing of a unit may help to establish that it continues to be a bona fide,
two family dwelling and maintain its grandfathered status.
CLL- 267975v 1
BR291 -4
Mike McCauley Ltr
Septmber 16, 2005
Page 5
If there is no rent or other consideration changing hands, the Code does not require that the units
be licensed. However, if there is any question about whether the use continues to qualify for
non conforming use status (the mother -in -law apartment or other gray areas referred to above)
the proposed Code amendment provides for the filing of a certificate that would not only show
that no rental dwelling license was required, but would also serve as evidence that the owner
used and intended to continue to use the structure as a two family dwelling.
The current draft of the ordinance amendment, in Section 3, amending Code Section 35 -111 adds
a new paragraph 7, which provides:
7. Non- conforming duplex properties in R -1 districts shall lose non-
conforming use status and must be brought into compliance with current
Code provisions if a two -year period elapses during which the owners do
not apply for a rental dwelling license or file the certificate required by
Section 12 -901.
Upon further reflection, I would recommend that this paragraph be deleted. Failure to properly
license a facility or to file a certificate showing that one or two units are not being rented is
probably not a sufficient basis to take away a non conforming status, which is a substantial
property right.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Very truly yours,
Charles L. LeFevere
CLL:peb
CLL- 267975v 1
BR291 -4
Councilmember Niesen expressed she believes the amount is low and that it is important to know if
payroll is being done correctly. She would agree with eliminating procedure three but definitely
thinks procedures one and two, for a possible cost of $1,000 plus the report, is well worth the money
spent.
A motion was made by Councilmember Niesen to go ahead with procedures one and two, eliminate
procedure three, and have the Auditor proceed on that basis thereby saving the possibility of $600 to
$800. Motion died due to lack of a second.
A motion was made by Councilmember Niesen to approve all three procedures outlined by the
Auditor. Motion died due to lack of a second.
Councilmember Carmody discussed that she believes the engagement management and report
preparation would be cheaper by only doing procedure one and would assume that the maximum cost
would be approximately between $1,500 and $2,000, which is as far as she would like to go with this
audit sampling.
A motion by Councilmember Niesen, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to go ahead with
procedure one and the engagement management and report preparation. Councilmember O'Connor
voted against the same. Motion passed.
9i. AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO RENTAL DWELLINGS AND NON-
CONFORMING USES; AMENDING CITY CODE SECTIONS 12- 901,12 -902
AND 35 -111
Mr. McCauley iscussed that staff is suggesting some changes in the rental dwelling and zoning
Y gg g g g
ordinances to streamline dealing with duplexes and/or two- family dwellings. There is a significant
amount of units now nonconforming in the City and staff has found that the enforcement of the
licensing provisions of Chapter 12 relative to these properties has become extremely time consuming
and often contentious. This item is on the agenda for two possible actions. One would be to
introduce the proposed ordinance for first reading and set second reading and public hearing on
June 13, 2005; and the second would be to direct the Housing Commission to review and report on
the ordinance prior to June 13, 2005.
Councilmember Carmody expressed that she would like to hold off on the first reading, have the
Housing Commission review the ordinance, and then put this item on the June 13, 2005, agenda for
approval of first reading.
Councilmember Niesen discussed that she would not be inclined to set a first reading without
thoroughly debating this housing law. She believes this is an important issue and with the Council
being the highest authority to deal with housing issues, she would like to move ahead with holding
off on setting the first reading at this time. She asked that these ideas presented move forward to the
meeting with the Council and Commission Chairs and informed that she will be meeting with the
Housing Commission in May to further discuss this issue since she has many concerns.
03/28/05 -19-
Councilmember Carmody suggested that Councilmember Niesen prepare amemo ofher concerns to
present to the Housing Commission in April so they have time to review her concerns and to discuss
in May; and informed that she would like to see the memo before it goes to the Housing Commission
to make sure it would be something that the Council agrees on.
Mr. McCauley discussed that the text before the Council this evening does not change the policy on
rental housing. It attempts to address people who are not subject to the rental housing ordinance in
the first instance. This would be an orderly mechanism that relates to establishing and maintaining
proof of a nonconforming use. It does not relate to how you rent property or the rules of renting
property, it is simply allowing an orderly mechanism for people to do that. With respect to the
technical application of license fees, it clarifies that if somebody applies for a license they do not get
the entire fee back; they get the fee less what had been spent in terms of staff time up to that point.
Councilmember Niesen questioned the sixty plus duplexes and/or two family dwellings that are
nonconforming. Mr. McCauley discussed that they were built at a time when the zoning would
allow the construction of a two family dwelling and/or duplex. Some of those areas were rezoned to
R -1. When it was zoned R -1 they became nonconforming uses.
Councilmember Niesen discussed her property that was built as a mother -in -law apartment which
she believes is very common in Minnesota and that she does not know why someone would come
into her R -1 zoned house and call it a duplex. She said that the City of Brooklyn Center stands alone
on this area and many other areas of the rental ordinance and that is why she wants to discuss this
further with the Housing Commission.
Councilmember Niesen questioned the following language proposed in the ordinance amendment:
An owner of a duplex dwelling that is being occupied but is not being let for lease or rent is
not required to secure a rental dwelling license provided such owner files with the City a
certification, in a form provided by the City, that no rent or any other consideration is being
paid, given or provided, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of the occupants to the owner.
The owner shall provide such additional information in support of such certification as may
be required by the Compliance Official.
Councilmember Niesen asked what was intended by n Could the words "additional information". oul this
include a copy of a tax return from the owners; a copy of a tax return from all renters; bank
statements of owners and/or renters; or living arrangements explanations? She expressed that she
believes it is not acceptable to have government visit the homes of owners and ask about their living
arrangements and financial interests and that to do so is a government intrusion into people's lives.
Mayor Kragness discussed the reason a license is being required is to help pay with staff's time
having to inspect two units. Councilmember Niesen debated about that even being an issue and said
there should be no rental inspection of owners' homes.
03/28/05 -20-
Councilmember Carmody discussed that she believes this matter would not be an appropriate
discussion for the joint meeting with Commission Chairs. She suggested that the timeline be
discussed with the Commission Chairs; and that at this time the Council direct the Housing
Commission to review and report on the ordinance prior to June 13, 2005.
A motion by Councilmember Carmody, seconded by Councilmember Lasman to direct the Housing
Commission to review and report on the ordinance prior to June 13, 2005. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. LeFevere informed that this would also amend the zoning code and questioned if the Council
would be referring this to the Planning Commission. Mr. McCauley responded that this issue would
be sent to the Planning Commission as well.
9j. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING ADDITIONAL DEPOSITORIES OF CITY
FUNDS
Councilmember O'Connor questioned how many brokers the City had. Mr. McCauley discussed that
currently there is one depository which is Wells Fargo; however, the City can deal with nine different
agents as outlined in Resolution No. 2005 -02. She inquired how much the City has invested and
what the City pays in fees for them handling the money. Mr. McCauley discussed that be believes
roughly $20 Million or more and that the City does not buy any individual corporate bonds. When
acquiring something there is going to be some type of transaction cost. She inquired how much is
paid to Wells Fargo. Mr. McCauley informed that he could get more information on the exact
specifics of her questions.
Councilmember O'Connor questioned the City's loss or profit over the years on the investments.
Mr. McCauley discussed that that the City generally holds to maturity and there is no loss or gain in
terms of what was purchased.
RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -58
Councilmember Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING ADDITIONAL DEPOSITORIES OF CITY FUNDS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember
Lasman. Councilmember O'Connor abstained. Motion passed.
03/28/05 -21-
Councilmember Niesen discussed that if Lang Nelson would like to write a proposal and come
before the Council with another idea she would be willing to take a look at other alternatives besides
opening the road.
9d. AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO RENTAL DWELLINGS AND NON-
CONFORMING USES; AMENDING CITY CODE SECTIONS 12- 901,12 -902,
AND 35 -111
Mr. McCauley discussed that Community Development staff had proposed an ordinance change with
the intent to ease the burden on maintaining a legal nonconforming use for purposes of zoning. The
Community Development Department had previously been requiring a rental license primarily as a
means of documenting the maintenance of a legal nonconforming use of a duplex. The options that
are before the Council are the original proposal which amends and creates some type of a certificate
that a duplex is being occupied, but not rented, in terms of receiving monetary compensation; and in
Section 35 -111 amends the zoning code to conform to State Statute by giving someone six months
regardless of what type of nonconforming use is destroyed to get a building permit. The second
option is to do nothing at all. In reviewing the practice etc., there is no rental licenses required where
there is no fee collected. The third option would be exploring the Housing Commissions'
recommendation regarding a modified version of a certificate which then raises the issue of what
would be a qualifying relative if it was an owner occupied unit and suggests a differentiation
between requiring a license for those owner occupied rentals to qualifying relatives who had a
written lease.
Councilmember O'Connor suggested separating the changes and passing the non controversial items
such as the 180 days because it is State Law (number 5 in Section 35 -111), but not pass seven and
one. She expressed she is fine with passing the addition where they have to pay part of their license
fee if they withdraw their application; and that the controversial items should have the language
changed or possibly not pass anything on those.
Mr. McCauley discussed that if the Council chose the no action option staff would come back to the
Council with language and the nonconforming 180 days with all other cleaned up language for
introduction of a first reading at a later meeting.
Councilmember Niesen discussed that she had an issue with Chapter 12 and addressed those issues
with a letter to the Housing Commission. During her review of Chapter 12 and in preparing her
letter she questioned why some of the Laws ended up the way they did and expressed that the
Council should not be afraid to look at Laws since the City is a Home Rule Charter City. She
expressed she has a few issues with the rental ordinance the way it is currently written and this
proposal brought these issues to her attention. The main issues she has right now are no definition of
duplex and that her house has been referred to as nonconforming.
06/13/05 -10-
Councilmember Niesen expressed that she agrees with the Law change that is proposed in number 5
of Section 35 -111 and agrees that the Council should not enact other parts of the proposed ordinance
amendments. She expressed she would like to have the Housing Commission go through using her
letter to look in depth at the City's rental ordinance and continue amending the rental ordinance. She
likes the Housing Commission recommendations; however, she would like to clarify what type of
certification would be asked for in the proposal; and with the proposed language in Section 12 -901,
number 1, she believes the language is vague and arbitrary. She discussed that she would like to
make a motion to accept number 5 in Section 35 -111 and defer to the Housing Commission to come
back with wording that improves and clarifies the rental ordinance.
Councilmember O'Connor discussed that she would not mind approving number 5 in Section 35 -111
right now; however, if the City wants to wait she would not mind waiting.
Mayor Pro Tem Carmody discussed she attended the Housing Commission meeting and that at the
meeting Planning and Zoning Specialist Ron Warren discussed nonconforming uses. She outlined
some of the other discussions that took place at the meeting and some of the comments made by the
Housing Commission. She asked the City Attorney how this proposal would work. City Attorney
Charlie LeFevere discussed that in his letter he expressed this process would be a consumer
protection type of law. Generally consumer protection laws do not have exceptions when there is a
family relationship. A person who is paying a fee for services is entitled to the same kind of
protection even though they are paying the fee to a close or more remote family member.
Councilmember Niesen asked that Mr. LeFevere get a copy of her memo that she had prepared to the
Housing Commission.
Mr. LeFevere informed that if the only thing the Council is prepared to move forward on is number 5
of Section 35 -111, he would recommend not going through the ordinance process at this time.
Councilmember Niesen expressed that she believes this law needs to be fair, enforceable, intelligent,
and conformable with all laws and rights people have and that the definition of family needs to be
clearly defined. She added that in the current ordinance it is written that servants can live with you
and she believes that the word servants needs to be eliminated from the ordinance.
Councilmember Niesen informed that she would like to ask the Council to table this and ask the
Housing Commission to propose some changes that comprehensibly shorten the law and make
recommendations for what it would take for the City to overhaul this law, put in a table of contents,
and make sure that it is similar to other housing laws.
Councilmember O'Connor questioned if a motion was needed at this time. Councilmember Niesen
discussed that she would move to give direction the Housing Commission to consider her letter and
look at improving, organizing, and clarifying the rental ordinance.
06/13/05 -11-
Mayor Pro Tem Carmody expressed that she has an objection to sending Councilmember Niesen's
letter to the Housing Commission because she believes the Housing Commission discussed and
covered her letter at its meeting. She believes the Housing Commission was uniform in what they
were recommending and that this discussion should continue to a Work Session. Councilmember
Niesen expressed that she would support discussing this at a Work Session and informed that she
would take the time to draft a table of contents.
Councilmember Niesen made a motion directing this discussion to the July 25, 2005, Work Session
to allow her time to make a table of contents, highlight and summarize her letter into a one page or
less document, and to look at other city ordinances for examples, seconded by Councilmember
O'Connor. Motion passed unanimously.
9e. UPDATE ON TWIN LAKE SEDIMENT STUDY
Mr. McCauley discussed that the west remediation preliminary goals were developed dated Junel,
2005, which will eventually result in a public hearing and processes with the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency as they negotiate with Joslyn over what would be the final remediation plan. The
lake sediment issue is pending while that remediation negotiation goes on and the fish that were
collected and being sampled is still being validated with a due date of September 2005. The City's
consultant continues to monitor what is happening.
Councilmember O'Connor questioned where the west remediation area is located. Mr. McCauley
discussed that is the part not contained in the Joslyn redevelopment, north of Twin Lake Avenue and
west of Wickes. She inquired if it goes into the lake. Mr. McCauley discussed that the lake issue is
the sediment issue and is the question if they will have to do any remediation. Councilmember
Niesen provided a brief history of the area and the study.
9E DISCUSSION OF 2006 BUDGET: COUNCILMEMBER O'CONNOR
Councilmember O'Connor discussed she would like to know if the $79,000 tax levy will be added to
the three percent and be a larger percent increase for peoples' property taxes. Mr. McCauley
discussed that the $75,000 would be a substitution of a tax used for general fund operations to
replace the $75,000 bond levy that would go away. She inquired how the City would charge people.
Mr. McCauley discussed the $75,000 is a general ad valorem tax but the general ad valorem tax is
used for debt service. She inquired if the taxpayers would see it as a separate line item on their
property taxes. Mr. McCauley responded that in terms of the budget adoption, the debt service levy
is adopted as a separate levy adoption in the resolution.
Councilmember O'Connor questioned if the City's total budget would be going up from what it was
in this current year and if it is possible to not have a three percent increase on taxes and maybe make
it two percent. Mr. McCauley responded that the total budget is going up and that the City is
operating on less money and the net target for the general fund is twosome percent increase overall.
The actual expenditure increase that will be developed in the draft budget will be less than three
percent in terms of expenditures.
06/13/05 -12-
DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS
DISCUSSION OF CONCEPT FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF AREA PREVIOUSLY
CONSIDERED FOR SENIOR HOUSING ON 57
Mr. McCauley outlined the materials regarding the question of whether the Economic Development
Authority would like to entertain the possible acquisition through negotiation of the properties across
from Northbrook that would be voluntarily sold by their owners.
Mayor Kragness expressed that she believes the City needs to focus on the Opportunity Site and
would like to wait on the senior housing project.
Councilmember O'Connor expressed that she does not believe the City should buy properties.
Councilmember Niesen expressed that she would like to do nothing with the project at this time.
DISCUSSION OF WATERSHED COMMISSION UPDATE ON CAPITAL
PROJECTS ETC.
Councilmember Carmody discussed the new information she had received from attending the recent
watershed meeting. She informed that she was concerned about the cost of the project going from
$300,000 to $757,400. She believes that this project will move forward at the next meeting in
August.
DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL MEMBER NIESEN'S SUGGESTED RENTAL
HOUSING ORDINANCE CHANGES
Councilmember Niesen informed that she had been focusing her time on the City Manager's
evaluation form and asked that this item be discussed at the August 8, 2005, meeting.
DISCUSSION OF POLICY REGARDING CHANGES TO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Councilmember Carmody asked that an item be prepared to require minute changes be provided in
writing and at the Council table by 6:00 p.m. of the night the minutes are to be approved. Council
discussed the proposed amendment that had been prepared for an addition to the Council Handbook.
Councilmember O'Connor expressed that she believes it would be less work to adopt the minutes at
the meeting the minutes are first presented and would create more work to delay the minutes.
Mayor Kragness expressed that she believes if the minute changes were in writing that it would be
easier for Council to review and act on minute changes.
07/25/05 -2-
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 8, 2005
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council /Economic Development Authority met in Work Session and was
called to order by Mayor/President Myrna Kragness at 8:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor/President Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers /Commissioners Kathleen Carmody, Kay
Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Mary O'Connor. Also present were City Manager /Executive Director
Michael McCauley and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum.
DISCUSSION OF STATE LAW REQUIRING POLICY ON OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
BY ELECTED OFFICIALS
This item is continued from the Study Session. Councilmember O'Connor inquired if there was a
policy on staff travel. Mayor Kragness responded that the City Manager is in charge of staff travel.
City Manager Michael McCauley added that Council approves the budget which includes staff travel
expenses.
DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER NIESEN'S SUGGESTED RENTAL HOUSING
ORDINANCE CHANGES
Councilmember Niesen distributed and outlined the memo she prepared of items that she would like
to bring to the Housing Commission. She expressed that she believes making the following
revisions in the City's rental ordinance it would serve the stated purpose of Chapter 12 and would be
simplified, streamlined, objective, and enforceable.
Housing definitions are provided in the property tax database, zoning code field.
Brooklyn Center adopt the rental licensing provisions of New Brighton, including which was
done in part with Brooklyn Center's approval of their Conduct on Licensed Premises.
In any case, R1 and R2 rental property is defined as that which is non owner /family occupied
and non homesteaded, both objective measures of compliance.
is
08/08/05 -1-
Zoning and code enforcement continue to be enforced as in including provision for density.
Organization in Chapter 12 include having all provisions related to rental property within one
section number, with sub section numbers as indicated.
Have Housing Commission review and propose any revisions /clarifications for associated
rental property definitions such as: family, dwelling, dwelling unit, multiple family dwelling,
owner, rental dwelling, or dwelling unit. If the term duplex is to be considered, add to
definition section. Terms found in other ordinances (e.g. Zoning Chapter 35) should be
similarly updated.
Have Housing Commission review penalties for appropriateness to desire purpose and ability
to be enforced.
Council discussed the items presented by Councilmember Niesen, zoning issues, non conforming
uses, zoning density, and land uses. Councilmember Carmody expressed that she would like to have
the three -strike rule for renters. Councilmember Lasman expressed that she believes the City needs
to stay on top of this issue and use every tool possible. Councilmember O'Connor expressed that she
believes if a property is homesteaded it should be left alone; and when a duplex is occupied by the
owner, and the other side is rented, the owner should not have to pay $375.
Councilmember Carmody expressed that she would like to know if an owner does not continue
renting or occupying as a two family property for two years, do they lose the property as rental. Mr.
McCauley responded that he would like to inquire of the City Attorney to clarify that requirement.
Councilmember Niesen informed that she would be willing to give a little on the items presented
before going to the Housing Commission and recommended deleting the following items from her
list:
Brooklyn Center adopt the rental licensing provisions of New Brighton, including which was
done in part with Brooklyn Center's approval of their Conduct on Licensed Premises.
Zoning and code enforcement continue to be enforced as in including provision for density.
Councilmember Niesen expressed that she believes the collection of rental fees should be put on
hold. Mr. McCauley suggested that the Council wait for the City Attorney's review of the zoning
issue. He advised that there are two distinct issues:
1. What activities would be licensed for rental housing, such as whether to license owner
occupied duplexes; and
2. Zoning matters related to land use, such as a two family use in a single family zoning
district which is a non conforming use, but the right to that non conforming use can be
abandoned.
08/08/05 -2-
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael J. McCauley, City Manager M
FROM: Tom Bublitz, Community Development Specialist
SUBJECT: Report on Recommendations from Housing Commission Regarding an
Ordinance Relating to Rental Dwellings and Non- Conforming Uses;
Amending City Code Sections 12 -901, 12 -902 and 35 -111
DATE: June 7, 2005
At the March 28, 2005 City Council meeting the City Council referred the above titled
ordinance to the Housing Commission for review and comment. Review of the proposed
ordinance was on the Housing Commission's April 19, 2005 meeting agenda. A quorum
of the Housing Commission was not present at the April 19, 2005 meeting.
Review of the proposed ordinance was on the Housing Commission's May 17, 2005
Housing Commission meeting agenda. A quorum was present at the May 17, 2005
meeting but the Commission considered other business at the May meeting which did not
allow time for consideration of the proposed ordinance amendment. At the end of the
May Housing Commission meeting, the Commission set June 6, 2005 as a special
meeting date to consider the ordinance amendment.
The Housing Commission met on June 6, 2005 to consider the proposed ordinance
amendment. A quorum was present at the June 6 th meeting. After review and discussion
of the proposed ordinance, the Housing Commission unanimously approved the
following recommendations /amendments:
1. Duplexes that are occupied by its owner and/or persons who qualify for a
relative homestead status should not be required to obtain a rental license.
Persons qualifying under this provision would be required to complete a
certification indicating their relationship regarding homestead or relative
homestead status.
The Commission believes qualifying relatives living in a duplex should not be
required to obtain a rental license. In making this recommendation, the
Commission believes the City should not be concerned whether or not persons
who qualify for a rental license exemption based on relative status actually
make any type of payments to the relative who is the owner of the duplex.
2. In situations where a duplex owner occupant has non related occupants living
in one half of the duplex and not paying rent or other consideration, the
Commission recommended that these persons should not be required to obtain a
a rental license but would be required to complete a certification as required
by the current proposed ordinance.
3. The Commission recommended that if there is a formal rental agreement
executed between qualifying relatives in a duplex, then these persons should
be required to obtain a rental license. In this recommendation, the
Commission believed that a written rental agreement created an explicit
landlord/tenant relationship even if the owner and tenant were related.
A copy of the original proposed ordinance amendment is included with this
memorandum.
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held on the 11 m day of July, 2005, at 7:00
p.m. at City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, to consider an ordinance relating to rental
housing and to non conforming uses.
Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request at least 96 hours in advance.
Please notify the Deputy City Clerk at 763 -569 -3303 to make arrangements.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO RENTAL DWELLINGS AND NON-
CONFORMING USES; AMENDING CITY CODE SECTIONS 12 -901, 12 -902
AND 35-111
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 12 -901 of the Brooklyn Center City Code of Ordinances is
amended as follows:
Section 12 -901. LICENSING OF RENTAL UNITS.
1. License Required. No person she eat e
11 operate e a rental dwelling without first having
q P P g g
obtained a license to do so from the City of Brooklyn Center as hereinafter provided. There shall
be two types of licenses: regular and provisional. Provisional licenses are defined in Section 12-
913. An owner of a duplex dwelline that is beine occupied but is not beine let for lease or rent is
not required to secure a rental dwelline license provided such owner files with the City a
certification. in a form provided by the City. that no rent or any other consideration is beine paid..
given or provided, directly or indirectly. by or on behalf of the occupants to the owner. The
owner shall provide such additional information in support of such certification as may be
required by the Compliance Official.
2. License Term. Regular licenses will be issued for a period of two years.
Provisional licenses will be issued for a period of six months. All licenses, regular and
provisional, will be reviewed every six months after the beginning of the license term to
determine the license status.
3. License renewal. License renewals shall be filed at least 90 days prior to license
expiration date. Within two weeks of receipt of a complete application and of the license fee
required by Section 12 -902, the Compliance official shall schedule an inspection. No application
for an initial or renewal license shall be submitted to the city council until the Compliance
official has determined that all life, health safety violations or discrepancies have been corrected.
4. Condition of License. Prior to issuance or renewal of a license and at all times
during the license term, a license holder must be current on the payment of all utility fees, taxes,
and assessments due on the licensed property and any other rental real property in the city owned
by the license holder. In the event a suit has been commenced under Minnesota Statutes, Section
278.01- 278.03, questioning the amount or validity of taxes, the City Council may on application
waive strict compliance with this provision; no waiver may be granted, however, for taxes or any
portion thereof which remain unpaid fora period exceeding one (1) year after becoming due.
ORDINANCE NO.
Section 2. Section 12 -902 of the Brooklyn Center City Code of Ordinances is
amended as follows:
Section 12 -902. LICENSE FEES. License fees, as set forth by city council resolution,
shall be due 90 days prior to the license expiration date; in the cases of new unlicensed
dwellings, license fees shall be due upon issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
A delinquency penalty of 5% of the license fee for each day of operation without a valid
license shall be charged operators of rental dwellings. Once issued, a license is nontransferable
and the licensee shall not be entitled to a refund of any license fee upon revocation or
suspension; however, the licensee shall be entitled to a license fee refund, prorated monthly,
upon proof of transfer of legal control or ownership. If an armlicant withdraws an aDDlication
Drior to issuance of a license. the fee shall be refunded after deductine the costs of insDection and
anv other costs and expenses incurred by the Citv in connection with receivine and Drocessine
the aDDlication.
A fee, as set by city council resolution, shall be charged for all reinspections necessary
after the first reinspection. The reinspection fee(s) will be payable at the time of license renewal
for the property, in the case of rental housing and at the time of recertification of occupancy for
nonresidential properties.
Section 3. Section 35-111 of the Brooklyn Center City Code of Ordinances is
amended as follows:
Section 35 -111. NONCONFORMING USES. Unless specifically provided otherwise
herein, the lawful use of any land or building existing at the time of adoption of this ordinance
may be continued even if such use does not conform to the regulations of this ordinance,
provided:
1. No such nonconforming use of land shall be enlarged or increased or occupy a
greater area of land than that occupied by such use at the time of the adoption of
this ordinance.
2. Such nonconforming use shall not be moved to any other part of the parcel of land
upon which the same was conducted at the time of the adoption of this ordinance.
3. A nonconforming use of a building existing at the time of adoption of this
ordinance may be extended throughout the building provided no structural
alterations except those required by ordinance, law, or other regulation are made
therein, and provided that no such extension in the floodway overlay zone shall
result in increased flood damage potential.
Excepted from the structural alteration limitation are single family dwellings,
located in residential districts other than RI and R2, provided any structural
alterations or additions shall conform with the requirements of the R1 and R2
district, and the Flood Plain regulations as applicable.
ORDINANCE NO.
4. If a nonconforming use occupies a building and ceases for a continuous period of
two years, any subsequent use of said building shall be in conformity to the use
regulation specified by this ordinance for the district in which such building is
located.
5. Any nonconforming use shall not be continued following 50 destruction of the
building in which it was conducted by flood, fire, wind, earthquake, or explosion,
according to the estimate of the Building Inspector, approved by the City Council,
unless aDDlication for a buildine permit is made within 180 days of when the
nronertv is damaeed. If a buildine permit is aDDlied for. the Citv may impose
reasonable conditions upon the buildine Dermit in order to mitieate anv newly
created impact on adiacent r)mDertv.
b. Upon the effective date of this ordinance, where there is a nonconforming use of
land on a parcel with no structure or where three is a nonconforming use of land
(such as storage of equipment and supplies), on which there is a conforming
structure such use shall be terminated within two years following the effective
date of this ordinance.
7. Nonconformine duplex nronerties in R1 districts shall lose nonconformine use
status and must be broueht into comoliance with current code provisions if a two
vear Deriod elapses durine which the owners do not apply for a rental dwelline
license or file the certificate reouired by Section 12 -901.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall become effective after adoption and upon thirty (30)
days following its legal publication.
Adopted this day of 2005.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Date of Publication:
Effective Date:
(Underlinine indicates new matter; sifik4iig thfeugh indicates deleted material.)
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael McCauley, City Manager
er g
FROM: Brad Hoffman, Community Development Director
DATE: March 24, 2005
SUBJECT: Amendment to Chapter 12 of the City Ordinances
Currently there are approximately sixty plus duplexes and/or two family dwellings within
Brooklyn Center. A significant number of these units are now nonconforming. It has been the
practice to require the owners of these properties to maintain a rental license in order to preserve
their rights to use the property as a duplex. Note that the properties were originally constructed
as legal two family structures. It i
g s nor uncommon that these properties ar
Y erti e occupied b family
P P P Y Y
members and no rent is being paid. If the owner does not maintain a rental license for a 2 year
property they lose the right to use the property in the future as rental. This issue is further
complicated by the sale of these properties to new owners with the intent of using the property as
rental. The rental license costs a minimum of $375 if one side is rented and an addition $75 if
both sides are occupied.
Community Development has found the enforcement of the licensing provisions of
Chapter 12 relative to these properties to be extremely time consuming and often contentious. It
is contentious because of the costs of the license, the required inspection of the property and the
likelihood of compliance orders being issued to properties that are not being rented and/or
occupied by family members. Because of the inordinate amount of time we spend on a relative
small number of properties, we believe that the proposed ordinance amendment would address
most of these issues.
The amendment would require the owners of such properties to annually certify to
the City that they are not renting the property. Certification would be on a form developed by the
City and they would not be assessed a fee. Rental properties would still be requires to obtain a
license. Properties that have been certified as non rental, that are nonconforming will retain the
right to use the property in the future and be sold as such.
Other changes in the proposed amendments allow the City to recover expenses from the
applicant's fee. The expenses are those associated with processing rental license applications
including inspections when the application is withdrawn by the applicant. Also, the ordinance
reflects current state law relative to the reconstruction of a nonconforming property. The owner
of a building that at least 50 has been destroyed has 180 days to make application for a
building permit.
It would be the staff recommendation that the Council hold the first reading, set the date
of the hearing for June 13,2005 and refer the issue to the Housing Commission to review and
comment on for Council consideration at the June 13, 2005 Council meeting.
CHARLES L. LEFEvERE
Attorney at Law
Direct Dial (612) 337 -9215
Email: clefevere@kennedy- gmven.com
February 25, 2005
Brad Hoffman
Director of Community Development
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199
Re: Licensing of Duplex Apartments
Dear Brad:
You requested that I draft an ordinance exempting a certain duplex apartments from the requirement
that rental licenses be secured. Licenses are required by Section 12 -901 for a "rental unit A
"rental unit" is defined in Section 12 -201 as "a dwelling or dwelling unit let for rent or lease."
Therefore, whether it is a single family residence or a duplex, no license would be required if the
unit were not being rented or leased. For example, if a family chose to have an adult child live on
the other side of a duplex, without the payment of rent, no license would be required under the
current code.
In the attached draft, I have not provided for an exception from the licensing requirement solely on
the basis of family status. If an owner receives compensation for the rental of a unit, it seems to me
that such a business operator should be responsible to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing for
its customers and that the City would wish to assure this through the licensing process without
regard to whether the customer was related to the business owner. If, however, you wish to provide
for an exemption in the ordinance for a landlord renting a unit to a family member, let me know and
I will amend the ordinance accordingly.
It seems to me to make sense to require certification that one or more units of a duplex are not being
rented on an annual basis so that the City will know promptly when a change in status has occurred
that would result in a requirement that the owner secure a rental unit license.
In the attached draft, such certification is required by paragraph 1 of Section 12 -901.
A second aspect of the ordinance you requested was that such certification would be required for a
non- conforming duplex to maintain its non conforming status. This provision is included in the
attached ordinance in paragraph 7 of Section 35 -111. State law was recently amended to limit the
CLL- 259761 vl
BR291 -16
Brad Hoffman Ltr
February 25, 2005
Page 2
circumstances under which a city can require that a non conforming use be brought into
compliance. The change to paragraph 5 of Section 35 -111 brings it into compliance with the
statutory changes.
The statute, Minnesota Stat. 462.357, Subd.l(e), provides for a non conforming use abandonment
period of one year. Current City ordinances provide for abandonment of non- conforming use status
after two years. I do not believe that it is necessary for the City to change the ordinance to a one-
year period if it does not wish to do so. In paragraph 7 of Section 12 -901 in the attached ordinance,
I have followed the two -year abandonment term. If you wish to have the ordinance amended to
provide for a loss of non conforming use status after one year of abandonment, let me know, and I
will amend the draft ordinance accordingly.
Finally, you requested the addition of language authorizing the City to retain a part of license fees,
when a license application is withdrawn, to cover City expenses. That additional language is found
at Section 12 -902 in the attached draft.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Very truly yours,
Charles L. LeFevere
CLL:peb
Enclosure
CLL- 259761vl
BR291 -16
City Council Agenda Item No. 10a
its adoption: Member introduced the following resolution and moved
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR ASSISTANCE PROVIDED
BY THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH
WHEREAS, on September 21, 2005, the City of Brooklyn Center suffered damage
due to a severe storm, resulting in hundreds of downed trees and power outages to much of the
community, including all of the City's municipal wells; and
WHEREAS, the City of Plymouth provided the use of a 300kw portable generator to
the City of Brooklyn Center immediately following the storm; and
WHEREAS, the portable generator assisted in providing an emergency power supply
for the City of Brooklyn Center's water distribution system in order to maintain water service and
fire protection during the power outage; and
WHEREAS, the City of Plymouth has also provided the use of two tandem dump
trucks to assist in the clean-up effort of tree debris removal and disposal; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center wishes to acknowledge
and express the community's appreciation for the City of Plymouth's assistance in responding to the
storm damage.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Brooklyn Center that the aid and assistance provided by the City of Plymouth is hereby recognized
and appreciated b the City Council an he communit f Brooklyn pp y y d t un ty o yn enter. C
October 24. 2005
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
City Council Agenda Item No. 10b
City of Brooklyn Center
A Millennium Community
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Kragness, Councilmembers Carmody, Lasman, Niesen, and O'Connor
FROM: Michael J. McCauley, City Manager
DATE: October 19, 2005
SUBJECT: Proposed Resolution from Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission
Councilmember O'Connor recently distributed to the City Council copies of materials she received
from Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission NWSCCC) regarding opposition to
the proposed federal telecom legislation. Attached are copies of those materials the City received
from NWSCCC with a cover letter from Executive Director Greg Moore.
City Staff has no position on the proposed resolution.
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Council decision on whether it wishes to adopt resolution.
Attachments
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Recreation and Community Center Phone TDD Number
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 -2199 (763) 569 -3400
City Hall TDD Number (763) 569 -3300 FAX (763) 569 -3434
FAX (763) 569 -3494
www.cityolbrooklyncenter.org
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MINNESOTA
TO SUPPORT CONTINUED AUTHORITY OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT REGARDING FRANCHISING OF CABLE SERVICES
WHEREAS, the City of Minnesota (herein "City through its City Council
adopts this Resolution to express its concern about proposals coming before Congress that will
adversely affect the ability of local governments to continue to franchise cable services; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden
Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale created a joint consortium
known as the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission (herein "NWSCCC
approximately twenty (20) years ago to streamline cable television administration in our area and
to ensure that the needs and interests of each member city was represented in regard to the initial
development, installation and continued operation of cable television through our cities' public
rights -of -way; and
WHEREAS, NWSCCC has proven to be an effective, efficient model for developing and
administering cable franchises, addressing concerns about the use of public right -of -way, and
handling customer service issues; and
WHEREAS, NWSCCC has developed a national standard for providing local
programming that promotes civic involvement, public awareness of community news and events
via public, educational and government cable channels; and
WHEREAS, NWSCCC has provided each member city with the tools to efficiently
televise city meetings, and provide citizens with gavel -to -gavel coverage and easy access to their
local government officials and the decision- making process; and
WHEREAS, by providing gavel -to -gavel coverage of local government meetings and
local news, NWSCCC has promoted openness and accountability, a key ingredient to successful
government and strong communities; and
WHEREAS, the NWSCCC has advised the City of recent proposals which Congress is
considering that would change the role of local governments in granting cable franchises and
negotiating franchise agreements with local cable operators that meet the unique needs and
interests of communities; and
WHEREAS, on behalf of the City and other communities that are part of the NWSCCC,
the NWSCCC has written to Congressional members requesting help with the preservation of
local control, a copy of which letter is attached; and
WHEREAS, because Congress is giving increasing consideration to principles that
threaten the interest of the City and other members of the NWSCCC as well as cities throughout
the country, the City believes that through this Resolution now is the time for local government
to take a stand to protect the local authority and it is absolutely essential for Congressional
representatives to fully understand the importance of retaining the current structure of local
franchising authority, which has proven itself to be an effective system for governing the
utilization of public rights -of -way by private industry offering cable and related services; and has
spawned an important local communications tool; and
WHEREAS, many communities throughout the country, including the City and the other
members of the NWSCCC consortium, expended substantial sums to negotiate franchises that
ensure that local needs are met, including the development of local community programs and
televised public meetings of community interest; and
WHEREAS NWSCCC and its member cities have worked diligently with cable service
providers to offer service to all citizens within the franchise area without regard to location or
income status; and
WHEREAS, certain Congressional legislation has the potential to destroy these
community benefits, robbing communities of rightful sources of revenue for utilization of public
right -of -way, and
WHEREAS, the proposals under consideration would eliminate the ability of the City
and other NWSCCC cities to:
Cablecast city meetings,
Replace aging cable television equipment;
Provide the award winning local newscasts and community programming
covering our franchise area;
Offer public access facilities for to allow citizens to produce local, community
oriented and diverse programming services; and
Ensure that all citizens of the community are offered access to cable television
regardless of their income status or location.
NOW, THEREFORE, in a regular meeting assembled of the City, it is resolved as
follows:
1. That the City hereby vigorously opposes any federal legislation that will reduce
the right of local governments to approve and administer franchised cable services; to charge
reasonable franchise fees for the use of the right -of -way; to establish benefit requirements
including public, educational, and governmental access channels, including funding, facilities,
and equipment for such channels; and to require dedicated capacity or institutional network
systems for educational and governmental purposes.
2. That representatives serving the City and each of the Member Cities of the
NWSCCC, within the United States Senate and House of Representatives be made aware of this
Resolution, and that they be invited to confer with community leaders to become better informed
on the special needs and interests of the City and other Member Cities of the NWSCCC, and to
commit to fight against any form of legislation that will reduce the rights of localities with regard
to local franchising and cable system administration and enforcement.
3. That a copy of this Resolution shall be provided to each of the Member Cities that
is part of the NWSCCC and shall be also through a certified copy delivered immediately after its
passage to the members of the U.S. Congress serving this City.
Passed and Adopted this day of 2005.
CITY OF MINNESOTA
By
Its
Mayor
NORTHWEST SUBURBS CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
6900 Winnetka Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
763 -536 -8355
September 29, 2005
Michael McCauley
City Manager
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy
Brooklyn Center MN 55430
Dear Mr. McCauley,
The Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission at its September 15
meeting requested the NWSCCC attorney, Adrian Herbst, to prepare a resolution
opposing proposed federal telecom legislation. The proposed legislation would
substantially reduce or eliminate the rights of local governments to collect franchise fees,
and to provide community television including city council meetings, public access
programming, and Channel 12. The NWSCCC is recommending that each of its nine
member cities review and adopt the Resolution and then send it to their Congressmen and
Senators.
The NWSCCC has previously written our Representatives expressing our strong
opposition to this proposed legislation and it is vital that member cities also express their
concerns on an issue which is so adverse to our interests.
Enclosed is the proposed Resolution as well as a summary of the various bills. It
would be helpful if you would send copies of your adopted Resolution to the NWSCCC
attorney, Adrian Herbst.
Sincerely,
Gre Mo )re
Executt Director
Northwest Suburbs Cable Communication Commission
Brooklyn Center Brooklyn Park Crystal Golden Valley Maple Grove New Hope Osseo Plymouth Robbinsdale
THE BALLER HERBST LA W GROUP, P.C.
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
377N GRAIN EXCHANGE BUILDING
301 FOURTHAVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55415
1(877) 501 -1389
(612) 339 -2026
(612) 339 -4789 (facsimile)
www.baller.com
ADRIANE. HERBST WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE:
(612) 339 -2018 2014 P STREET, N. W., SUITE 100
aherbs[@baller.com WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
(102) 833 -5300: (202) 833 -1180 (facsimile)
September 28, 2005
Michael McCauley
City Manager
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
RE: Federal Legislation Threatening Local Cable Television Authority
Dear Mike:
We have attached to this letter a brief update titled, "Current Events in Communications Reform
Affecting Localities." Additionally, we have included a Resolution for consideration by your
community.
Recent events have made it clear that local governments must take a stand if they are to protect
their interests and authority with regard to cable television and related services.
Localities have the authority under current federal law, including the federal Cable Acts, to
establish requirements for cable service operators using public right -of -way for development and
operation of cable systems. As part of this authority, localities receive franchise fees, have authority to
establish customer service standards, develop standards and requirements to protect the use of public
rights -of -way and issues concerning public safety, require community benefits including channels for
public, educational, and governmental use as well as funding, facilities, and equipment for those
purposes, and, in addition, capacity on cable systems for governmental and educational purposes.
Current and pending federal legislation as outlined in the attached paper, including S. 1504,
S.1349, and HR.3146, will have the affect of either eliminating or substantially reducing the rights of
local governments to franchise cable operators, severely limit franchise fees paid to a locality for use of
public right -of -way, limit the public, educational, and governmental access channels and funding for
those purposes, and requirements for dedicated capacity on the system for public use. Additionally,
localities may be severely limited in its authority with regard to the management and control of
right -of -way use.
September 28, 2005
Page 2
It is absolutely essential that local governments take a stand now to preserve their rights and to
make known to their elected officials in Congress that the Bills that are pending in Congress are
vigorously opposed by local government, not in the best interest of communities, and by way of
resolution or other means, insist that the elected Congressional members representing the community
listen to local officials and stand up for the rights of local government and the preservation of the current
franchising scheme. It is clear to us that the only reason why Congress is considering change is due to
the interests of big telecom companies that want the right to offer competitive cable services, but also
want to skip having a franchising process with local government. This is most unfortunate inasmuch as
localities are currently able to negotiate franchises that meet their community needs and interests and
over the years since initially franchising cable operators, localities have developed positive relationships
with cable providers that demonstrate that the current system of franchising and rights and interests of
localities has worked well and has made possible that the unique and differing interests of localities
throughout the country can be met without undue hardship to the providers. There is no reason why this
same structure or scheme of development of cable services cannot also be reasonably applied to new
entrants such as the large telecom providers who would now like to compete with the incumbent cable
operators.
The attached Resolution is most urgent. Your elected representatives in Congress must be made
aware now of your interests and concerns and you as a community leader must insist that they either
meet with you or discuss this most serious matter. If the pending legislation is passed, not only will
your community stand to lose substantial revenues from franchise fees, it will also lose a very valuable
local communication service that your community has the right to have a part in ensuring that your
special needs will be met.
I have been asked by many of my clients to educate local governing bodies about what is taking
place and what they can do. I would be pleased to provide you with this assistance. Additionally, it
would be most appreciated if you will copy me on any transmittal of a Resolution adopted by your
community so that I can monitor on behalf of you and others the response to this letter and the actions
taken by communities. This will also be helpful for me to be in a position to inform the leaders of
national organizations for municipalities about local support and to provide them with information and
resolutions of communities who have taken steps to let Congress know about their concerns.
truly yours,
Adrian E. Herbst
AEH/dnd
Attachment
NORTHWEST SUBURBS CABLE
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
TELECOMMUNICATIONS REFORM AND YOUR COMMUNITY:
WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW!
September 2005
THE BALLER HERBST LAW GROUP, P. C
Adrian E. Herbst
377N Grain Exchange Building
301 Fourth Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 339 -2018; (612) 339 -4789 (facsimile)
aherbst @baller.com
Casey E. Lide
2014 P Street, N.W., Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833 -3301; (202) 833 -1180 (facsimile)
casey@baller.com
THE BALLER HERBST LA W GR O UP, P. C.
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
3 7 7N GRAIN EXCHANGE BUILDING
301 FOURTHAVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55415
1 -(877) 501 -1389
(612) 339 -2026
(612) 339 -4789 (facsimile)
www.baller.com
ADRIAN E. HERBST WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE:
(612) 339 -1018 2019 P STREET, N W., SUITE 200
aherbst@baller.com WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
(202) 833 -5300; (201) 833 -1180 (facsimile)
Adrian E. Herbst heads the Minneapolis office of The Baller Herbst Law Group. For more than
25 years he has been on the cutting edge of cable and telecommunications matters, providing regular
consulting and legal assistance to municipalities throughout the United States. This has included the
initial franchising processes for cable communications as well as renewals, transfers of ownership, and a
wide -range of administrative enforcement matters and development of local programming and issues
related to local programming. Recently, his work has expanded with the broadband services offered in
cable and telecommunications systems to include planning, competition policy, and internet services.
He has served as a key member of many national organizations in programs to provide assistance to
local governments, including International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA), National
Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), the Alliance for Community
Media and the National League of Cities (NLC). He has served in many capacities on behalf of these
national organizations, including developing model ordinances for IMLA and chairing a specialized
rights -of -way taskforce for NATOA that developed policies and guidelines for local units of
governments throughout the country. He has served as President of the Minnesota Trial Lawyers
Association and Vice President of the League of Minnesota Cities and is also a member of various other
legal organizations including the Federal Communications Bar Association, and the
Telecommunications Committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association.
Mr. Herbst has a unique background in municipal and governmental law and policy, having been a
full -time City Attorney and elected City Councilman for 16 years for the City of Bloomington,
Minnesota. While serving as City Attorney, Mr. Herbst led a group that was instrumental in the
development of the initial franchises for cable services. As a result of this experience, he advised many
municipal organizations both on the state and national level to help initiate procedures and guidelines for
cable franchising. Further, because of this unique background, he was selected to serve as General
Counsel for the Economic Development Authority for the City of Bloomington, Minnesota and was
instrumental in the acquisition of land for development, public financing, and spearheaded the creation,
development, and negotiation of a development agreement that led to the development of the Mall of
America, the largest single shopping mall and attraction center in the country.
Mr. Herbst has been a recognized national leader in municipal law matters and, in particular, cable and
telecommunications and as such has been a regular presenter on behalf of various organizations. He has
recently spoken at the regional and national conferences for NATOA, IMLA, MACTA, as well as in
workshops and seminars for The Pennsylvania League, The Kansas City Webmasters Conference, The
Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association and the League of Minnesota Cities.
CURRENT EVENTS IN COMMUNICATIONS REFORM
AFFECTING LOCALITIES
I. Introduction
For anyone involved in the world of telecommunications, cable and broadband, this is a
tumultuous time, to say the least. Against an uncertain backdrop of looming telecom reform in
Congress, state and federal regulators are struggling with how best to promote the deployment of
robust broadband nationwide, to protect the concept of universal service, to reduce regulatory
barriers to competitive entry, and, with regard to the offering of video services by traditional
telcos, whether the traditional local role in cable franchise administration will exist at all in the
future.
This briefing paper attempts to provide an overview of the most important developments over the
past year from the perspective of local government administrators. We focus in particular on the
recent push in some states and in Congress to abolish local franchising of cable video services in
favor of "one size fits all" franchising at the state or federal level. These efforts amount to a
direct threat to local authority, and to the locality's traditional role as the regulator and
administrator of the public rights of way. More concretely, these measures would almost
certainly reduce local revenue, in some cases by a substantial amount.
In addition to challenges to local franchising, we provide a brief overview of a number of other
topics of interest, including a high -level review of federal telecommunications reform efforts, an
update on efforts to thwart and to allow municipal provision of broadband services, the
transition to digital television, the current status of "multicast must carry," and the implications
of the Brand X case.
II. State and Federal Threats to Local Franchising Authority
While telecommunications companies such as Verizon have long talked about entering the video
service business, only in the past 18 months has Verizon (and, to a lesser extent, SBC, BellSouth
and other incumbents) done so to an appreciable degree. Verizon and SBC promptly drew state
and federal lawmakers' attention to the fact that, before they may offer video service in a given
local area, the Cable Act of 1992 requires that they first obtain a franchise from the local
government. To this point, Verizon has obtained at least ten local franchises nationwide for its
video service. Nevertheless, Verizon and SBC maintain that local franchising for the
deployment of video services is untenable to the telco incumbents. The cable industry, which has
operated under such a requirement for decades, opposes their efforts vociferously.
SBC in fact has taken a harder line than Verizon, insisting that its IPTV service is not subject to
the Cable Act's local franchising requirement at all. On September 14, 2005 SBC filed a petition
with the FCC to make a ruling to that effect. Unlike Verizon, SBC has not yet pursued any local
franchise for the delivery of its video service.
In the name of promoting the rapid deployment of competitive service and reducing regulatory
overhead (Verizon has claimed it would take 50+ years to obtain the necessary franchises
nationwide), the telco incumbents have found plenty of sympathetic, lawmakers at the state and
federal levels.
A. State Initiatives
Texas
At the state level, the most recent and highest profile battle was in the state of Texas. SBC and
Verizon promoted a bill to abolish local franchising in favor of a single statewide franchising
regime, to be administered by the Texas Public Utility Commission. SBC reportedly had 124
lobbyists involved at the Texas Statehouse. On the other was the cable industry, together with
some local government groups. SBC and Verizon ultimately prevailed, and Governor Perry
signed the bill abolishing local franchising in Texas into law on September 7, 2005.
The Texas law is a crucial development in that it provides additional impetus and clout for the
incumbent telcos to pursue similar measures in other states. It also strengthens their hand with
regard to their push in Congress for national video franchise legislation.
Other States
Immediately after SBC succeeded in Texas, BellSouth in North Carolina brazenly attempted to
accomplish the same thing by inserting language in a "technical corrections" bill (normally used
to fix punctuation and typos), introduced near the close of the North Carolina legislative session.
It would have relieved BellSouth of all cable related franchise requirements. The cable industry
and local governments raised a furor, and the North Carolina Senate committee excised the
language. Observers expect BellSouth to try again next session.
A debate about one size fits -all statewide franchising has been underway in New Jersey for
nearly a year. The New Jersey Municipal League has indicated that it is working closely with all
parties, and that it does not necessarily oppose statewide franchising. Verizon, in an effort to
sweeten the deal, has said it would pay 3% of gross revenues for statewide franchise in New
Jersey, instead of the 2% it would be obligated to pay under most local franchises. While there
is as of yet no legislation pending, Verizon is expected to cause legislation to be introduced
sometime after the November elections in New Jersey.
The notion of statewide franchising is not entirely new, and Texas is not the first state to have
adopted that approach. For some time the state of Florida has franchised video providers at the
state level, as does Puerto Rico.
B. Federal Initiatives
There are currently three pieces of legislation within Congress that directly threaten the role of
localities in cable franchising and right of way administration, To various degrees, these bills
(S.1504 (Ensign/McCain), HR.3146 (Blackburm/Wynn), and S.1349 (Smith/Rockefeller)) would
completely gut local authority to administer the right of way, at least insofar as it related to the
deployment and offering of communication services. The legislation would reduce revenue
available to localities, would potentially eliminate funding for PEG channels, would remove any
incentive to provide institutional networks or other in -kind services, and would place customer
service regulation in the hands of the FCC (with enforcement to occur at the state level).
On the brighter side, draft legislation was recently released by the House Commerce Committee
staff which, while reflecting the same general concepts as the other three bills, appears to provide
a more balanced approach.
It is crucial to note that the following bills are only a starting point, and reflect the state of the
debate only at this moment. Other legislation will undoubtedly be introduced, modifications will
be made and compromises reached as the "sausage factory" kicks into high gear over the next 18
months.
5.1504 (Ensign McCain):
"Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act of 2005"
The Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act of 2005 is the first Congressional foray
into comprehensive telecom reform. It is 75 pages long and covers a great deal of territory in
addition to cable service franchising, including municipal broadband, telecom price regulation,
and program access. It is a highly deregulatory bill, and is backed enthusiastically by the
incumbent telecommunications companies.
From the perspective of local governments, it is a nightmare. The following are some of the
main points of S.1504 relating to local franchising:
Inconsistent terms of existing franchises are preempted.
All state and local franchise regulation not expressly allowed by the bill is prohibited.
Specifically prohibits any regulation of build -out redlining: "A video service provider
may not be required to build out its video distribution system in any particular
manner."
Franchise fees may still technically be imposed by state or local government, but would
be limited to "cost of compensating such local government for the costs that it incurs in
managing the public rights -of -way used by such provider."
Does not provide for franchise fee audit.
No fees may be charged providers for work in the rights of way.
Restricts meaning of "gross revenue" to revenue received directly from video subscribers,
excluding non subscriber revenue such as launch fees, home shopping commissions, and
advertising. Prohibits telecommunications service revenue from being used in "gross
revenue" calculation.
PEG: limits locality to no more than four PEG channels, but provides no funding for
them. (Current cable franchises typically include provision for funding.) Location and
grouping of channels left to the operator.
Does not provide for common "in- kind" services, such as institutional networks and local
emergency alert systems.
Customer service. No local regulation that gets shifted to the FCC. FCC would be
required to adopt new customer service standards, to be enforced by states, not local units
of government (although there is a provision for a "local contact" whose sole duty
apparently is to pass along any complaints or issues to the state commission). States may
not impose standards higher than those adopted by the FCC.
Locality may not charge for construction permits for work in the right of way. If an
"emergency," the provider may proceed with the work without notifying the local or state
government.
Perpetual franchise. There is no term limit. No ability for locality to revisit needs,
examine changes in technology, and alter requirements for future franchises accordingly.
Other important requirements that directly affect the locality, and that are normally
included in local franchise agreements, are mentioned in the Ensign bill (and thus
arguably prohibited). Potentially could be included in an FCC rulemaking on customer
service, but no assurances that they will be addressed adequately:
Safety code compliance
Local office requirement
Insurance and indemnity requirement
Requirement to restore private property damaged by providers
Requiring personnel to carry ID badges, and trucks to be clearly marked
Reaction to the Ensign bill by local governments has been critical, to say the least. The National
League of Cities estimates that the Ensign bill would cost municipalities nationwide
approximately $3 billion on lost revenues from cable and telephone companies. It also prevents
local governments from regulating the price, terms and quality of service.
The bill also poses a direct threat to public access television. The Ensign bill's sole treatment of
PEG channels is to limit the locality to four of them. It allows the cable operator to choose
where the channels may be located on the lineup, and how they may be grouped. It contains no
provision for the cable operator to fund the PEG channels. The Association for Community
Media (ACM) has produced an extensive criticism of the bill, located at
httD:// www .alliancecm.oriz/index.nh id =201.
HR.3146 (Blackburn Wynn) 5.1349 (Smith Rockefeller):
"Video Choice Act of 2005"
Unlike the Ensign bill outlined above, these companion bills in the House and Senate do not
attempt to reform telecommunications law generally. Their purpose is restricted to the concept
of nationalizing the cable franchising process. They parallel the Ensign bill's franchise
nationalization provisions in a number of respects, and from the perspective of local officials, the
bills' shortcomings are similar. Key points of the legislation include:
Creates a new regulatory category for "competitive video service provider,"
excluding them from all other provisions of Title VI (but specifically retaining certain
obligations, i.e., retransmission consent, must -carry, etc.). Defined as "any provider
of video programming, interactive on- demand services, other programming services,
or any other video services who has any right, permission, or authority to access
public rights -of -way independent of any cable franchise." Essentially refers to
existing providers of telephony services that wish to provide video.
No requirement for additional franchise. Existing users of right of way would be
exempt from obtaining additional franchise for the provision of video services.
Franchise fees would still exist and would be paid to the locality, calculated with
reference to gross revenues "attributable to the provision of such service within the
provider's service area."
No rate regulation by local, state or federal bodies.
Existing franchise agreements with competitive video service providers "shall be
exempt from the provisions of this Act for the term of such agreement."
No provision for carriage of PEG channels by competitive video service providers nor
PEG financial support.
Bill imposes minimal obligations on competitive video providers, which may prompt
incumbent cable operators to file suit on level playing field grounds.
No build -out or anti redlining requirements, arguably.
No provision for franchise fee audits.
No provision for institutional networks or in -kind compensation.
House Commerce Committee Staff Draft Legislation (Dingell/Barton)
On Thursday, September 15 the House Commerce Committee staff released consensus draft
legislation that, like the Ensign bill, is an attempt to enact wholesale reforms to the
Communications Act. The following are the key points of the bill's treatment of video services
and video franchising:
Provides for exclusive federal jurisdiction over "broadband video service providers."
Prohibits rate regulation, including the basic tier.
Eliminates the notion of local franchise negotiation and local franchise agreements
for broadband video service providers.
Broadband video service providers must register with the FCC, the state commission,
and any local franchising area in which it seeks to offer services.
After FCC notifies locality that registration statement has been accepted by it, the
franchise becomes effective 15 days after the local franchising authority receives
from the provider:
a franchise bond payment, if required,
a statement by the provider "agreeing to any public, educational, and
governmental use designated by the local franchising authority under section
304(b) of this Act and
a designation of a local agent
Franchises to be of uniform duration, to be set by the FCC, and FCC is to establish
procedures for transfer, renewal, and extension..
Franchise fees up to 5% of gross revenues may be assessed by a local franchising
authority.
"Gross revenues" defined relatively broadly.
Franchise permits construction in right of way, but provider is responsible for "safety,
functioning, and appearance" of property, and the provider must bear the cost of
construction, repair, and compensation to affected property owners.
Local franchise authority is permitted to impose "reasonable time, place and manner
restrictions" on construction and maintenance in the right of way.
PEG capacity: local franchise authority "may designate broadband video service
provider capacity for public, educational, or governmental use in the local franchising
area, so long as such use is comparable to the obligations the local franchising
authority applies" to existing cable operators and other broadband service providers
in the area.
Institutional networks: a local franchise authority "may designate or use" broadband
video service provider "capacity" for public, educational and governmental use, but
cannot require the construction of networks.
Redlining: FCC is to adopt regulations prohibiting income -based redlining.
Build -out requirements: the draft legislation includes a blank placeholder for
"Build- out."
Program access: includes non discrimination and exclusivity provisions.
Consumer protection: FCC is tasked with adopting national consumer protection
standards. States may enforce but may not expand them.
III. Telecommunications Reform
For several years now, industry observers have recognized that the Telecommunications Act of
1996 is not well- suited to the reasonable and predictable regulation of modern broadband
communications systems. Some say it has failed miserably from the get -go. While others may
not be as harsh, the clear consensus at this point is that something needs to be done to update
federal telecommunications laws to deal with IP- enabled services.
There appears to be a growing consensus that the silo approach of the Telecommunications
Act of 1996, in which various services are placed into "telecommunications service" and
"information service" boxes, with profound regulatory implications based on that categorization,
is probably not the best way to deal with the current world of IP- enabled communications
services, in which various services are now simply applications running over any number of
kinds of IP- enabled pipes. MCI and others are promoting a "layers" approach to telecom reform,
where the regulation would be guided by what level of the network layer the service or facility in
question lies, and not by what services are in fact delivered to the consumer. Voice- over -IP, for
instance, would conceivably fall within an "applications" layer, while a broadband connection
itself may be regulated as a "services" or perhaps a "transport" layer. Fiber optic, copper, and
coaxial cable could be regulated at a "facilities" layer.
In any event, the debate is raging. Key externalities that promise to affect the outcome include
universal service reform (who pays into it, who receives it), intercarrier compensation (whether
access charges and reciprocal compensation are retained), and, potentially, obligations to comply
with federal wiretapping laws (CALEA).
All indications are that no meaningful telecommunications reform bill will be passed this year.
Doing so by the end of 2006 is more realistic, but even that may be optimistic.
As mentioned above, Sen. Ensign's S.1504 is the first legislative attempt to tackle telecom
reform. It is a highly deregulatory bill backed by the incumbent telecommunications industry
the stated purpose of which is to "establish a market driven telecommunications marketplace, to
eliminate government managed competition of existing communication service, and to provide
parity between functionally equivalent services." It has been referred to as a "wish list" of the
incumbent telecommunications providers.
Notably, the bill defines "broadband communication service" as "a communications service
enabling the trans- mission of communications at a capacity greater than 64 kilobits per second,"
which is even less than the FCC's much- maligned definition of 200kbps.
There is no indication that the Ensign bill is going anywhere soon. There have been no hearings
yet in the Senate on the bill, and companion legislation has not introduced in the House.
As also mentioned above, the House Commerce Committee staff recently released draft telecom
reform legislation. It, too, is highly deregulatory, at least in terms of broadband providers. It
prohibits rate regulation of "Broadband Internet Transmission Services VoIP, and broadband
video service providers. It does, however, require such providers to register with the FCC and
state commissions before providing service.
The draft House staff bill also imposes interconnection obligations on BITS and VoIP providers,
tasks the FCC with a rulemaking relating to universal service, contains provisions relating to
consumer privacy, and numerous other provisions
IV. Municipal Provision of Broadband Services
Until the past year, the question of whether municipalities can be prohibited from providing
communications network services was solely a state issue. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's
decision in Nixon v. Missouri Municipal League, in which it held that states may permissibly
prohibit localities from providing such services, there has been a flurry of incumbent backed
efforts to thwart municipal broadband in statehouses around the nation. Multiple initiatives to
restrict or prohibit municipal networks were introduced in fourteen states over the past year, and,
to the g P reat credit of backers of municipal broadband all but a handful were defeated. Those
that did pass were often weakened enough to be more or less workable for municipalities.
Now the battle has moved to the federal level as well. Clearly, incumbent providers
increasingly view municipal communications networks as a competitive threat. In addition to the
statehouses, incumbents are now lobbying for enactment at the federal level of legislation
restricting or outright prohibiting municipal networks.
H.R.2726 (Rep. Sessions): "Preserving Innovation in Telecom Act of 2005"
Rep. Pete Sessions, a Texas Republican who worked for SBC for 16 years, and who has over
$500,000 worth of SBC stock options, and whose wife still works for the company, sponsored
legislation the effect of which would be to utterly eliminate any competitive municipal
broadband efforts. H.R. 2726 the "Preserving Innovation in Telecom Act of 2005"
succinctly states that "neither any State or local government, nor any entity affiliated with such a
government, shall provide any telecommunications, telecommunications service, information
service, or cable service in any geographic area within the jurisdiction of such government in
which a corporation or other private entity that is not affiliated with any State or local
government is offering a substantially similar service." The term "substantially similar" is left
undefined.
5.1504 (Sen. Ensign):
"Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act of 2005"
Sen. Ensign's telecom deregulation bill also includes a provision that restricts municipal
broadband services. While not an outright prohibition along the lines of the Sessions bill, the
Ensign bill presumes that local governments possess competitive advantages that it should not.
and that it is appropriate to transfer any such public advantages to the established providers,
without also subjecting them to the corresponding duties and accountability in serving the public
interest that apply to local governments. (A more complete analysis of the Ensign bill's
provision restricting municipal broadband networks is available at
httD /www.baller.com/Ddfs/Baller Response Sen EnsiiZn.ndf.)
5.1294 (Lautenberg /McCain): "Community Broadband Act of 2005"
In response to the Sessions and Ensign bills, a broad -based consortium of local government
groups, consumer interest organizations, and technology companies have backed the introduction
of legislation specifically allowing the creation of municipal broadband networks, should a
locality choose to do so. Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Sen. John McCain introduced the
"Community Broadband Act of 2005" (5.1294) which provides: "No State statute, regulation, or
other State legal requirement may prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting any public provider
from providing, to any person or any public or private entity, advanced telecommunications
capability or any service that utilizes the advanced telecommunications capability provided by
such provider." In addition, the Lautenberg /McCain bill obligates localities to apply its
regulatory ordinances and rules to any public provider of communications, without
discrimination.
House Commerce Committee Staff Draft Legislation
In addition, the recently released House Commerce Committee draft telecom reform legislation
contains a provision friendly to municipal broadband. Similar to the Lautenberg/McCain bill,
the House draft legislation states: Neither the 1934 Act nor any State statute, regulation, or other
State legal requirement may prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting any public provider of
BITS, VOIP services, or broadband video services from providing such services to any person or
entity." It also obligates local governments to apply its ordinances and regulations equally to any
municipal provider of broadband services.
V. Conclusions and Recommendations
The $64,000 question is, "What shall local governments do There is a great deal of
uncertainty as to the continuing role of local government and the regulation and oversight of
cable services. Primarily, this has been brought about by the large telecom providers' desire to
provide competitive services to cable operators. They argue that they should be entitled to skip
the local franchising process on the basis that the franchising process is too time consuming, too
expensive, and would likely impose build -out requirements that may not be conducive to the
provider's desire to maximize short-term revenue. Meeting local requirements of serving entire
franchise areas can create a dilemma.
Further, the telecom providers argue, and we believe have convinced members of Congress and
the FCC, that with broadband local or even state control is no longer appropriate, and that all
regulation of broadband- related matters should be handled at the federal level.
At the beginning of cable franchising, visionaries recognized that public rights -of -way were a
valuable resource, and the grant of a franchise to a cable provider should be made with the
understanding that the provider would provide certain benefits for the community in exchange
for availing itself of that resource. This led to locally imposed obligations to provide diversity of
programming, opportunities for community expression, educational services, government
communication services, and a range of other benefits.
Many local governments have expended tremendous public dollars to build relationships with
cable providers to meet their local needs, and in many instances community access and PEG
programming has evolved thanks to the contribution of significant public expenditures, not to
mention the time and talent of persons and resources within individual communities. This
should not be taken away. No two communities are exactly the same. Each has a separate
personality and the needs and interests of communities vary considerably. Having the authority
to negotiate franchise agreements that meet community needs must be preserved to carry on with
the opportunity for community benefit. Much of this may be lost if federal legislation prescribes
a "one- size fits -all" approach. [Under the House bill, a prospective competitive franchisee has to
agree to PEG guidelines produced by the LFA before it is awarded a franchise. Where is the loss
of local control and localized decisions in that case
Some voices in Washington claim that competition alone will protect the interests of
communities and consumers. We do not believe that. Competition between providers may have
some impact, but there is little doubt in that it will not bring about the preservation of the
community benefits now derived from the rights communities have in franchise negotiations
with cable providers. Moreover, with the ongoing mega- mergers and vertical integration in the
industry, the idea that meaningful, effective competition exists in the communications and video
programming realm is becoming less and less tied to reality.
The above Bills may be rewritten and changed numerous times before finalization. Now is the
time for local action.
We recommend the adoption by local governments of a resolution expressing their sense about
the importance of local control and local interests in these matters. Local governments must
demand that their Congressional delegation listen to them, and that they understand the
importance and interests of their communities A resolution is a considerably stronger form of
expression than a simple letter, and would be likely to receive due attention at each community's
Congressional delegation. We also suggest that communities go beyond this, and insist that their
elected leaders and political persons with contacts provide the information necessary to ensure
that the elected Congressional delegation will stand up for the rights of local governments, and
preserve local interests and the franchising process that is now in place.
City Council Agenda Item No. lOc
Member introduced the following resolution and
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING 2005 ANNUAL DEER MANAGEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN REPORT AND ADOPTING THE CITY
MANAGER RECOMMENDATIONS THEREIN
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a deer management plan to create an
acceptable environmental balance that will facilitate the peaceful co- existence of citizens and
wildlife; and
WHEREAS, the plan requires an annual progress report each summer regarding
implementation of the annual strategies; and
WHEREAS, the second season of plan implementation has been completed and a
determination has been made that the number of deer in Brooklyn Center continues to exceed the
recommended norm of fifteen to twenty deer per square mile of habitat area; and
WHEREAS, the excessive numbers of deer continue to represent a pubic nuisance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Brooklyn Center that it does hereby accept the 2005 Deer Management Implementation Plan report
and adopt the recommendations of the City Manger encompassed therein.
October 24, 2005
Date Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against the same:
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Brooklyn Center Deer Management Program
2005 Annual Report
Introduction
In response to ongoing and increasing citizen complaints regarding the nuisance created
by a growing deer presence in the city, a community meeting was held at the Community
Center on July 30 2003. Following this meeting the City Council directed the
establishment of a task force and development of a deer management plan.
On October 27 2003 the City Council approved the Deer Management Plan per the
taskforce recommendations. In accordance with the plan the City has conducted two deer
harvesting effort using bow hunters. Each hunt has taken place within the city limits of
Brooklyn Center in the Palmer Lake Basin Area.
As required by the Plan this annual report is prepared to document the annual plan
implementation progress.
Summary of December 2004 deer hunt
As part of the deer reduction effort in the City of Brooklyn Center an in- season bow hunt
was scheduled for December of 2004. In review of the most practical days in December it
was decided that a two week block starting on December 6th through December 17. Five
hunts days were then selected on weekdays that fell within that timeframe.
At the time of the final selection of the five hunt days, the City of Brooklyn Park was not
able to assist or join in on the hunt.
The goal of this hunt was 20 deer taken from the Palmer Lake area that fell within the
Brooklyn Center boundaries. (There is a large portion Palmer Lake basin that crosses into
Brooklyn Park.)
Following is a total of deer taken:
The start time was sunrise to 1030 hours each day
Dav 1 December 6th
Five doe were taken in the first day of the hunt. Two of the taken deer did require
tracking, but were located and removed. (14 hunters in the park.)
Dav 2 December 7 th
There were no deer taken on this day. There were 14 hunters in the park, but swampy
water made several areas unreachable. Temperatures were above freezing and there was
no snow.
Dav 3 December 10
One deer was taken on this day. The deer was a buck. Again the weather and ground
conditions played a role in reaching the deer that had moved the island area of Palmer
Lake. (14 Hunters in the park)
Dav 4 December 13
There were no deer taken on this day. Efforts to move the deer from the Brooklyn Park
side of the park failed to produce any clear shots as the deer would just move to the
Palmer Lake Island. (14 hunters in the park.)
Dav 5 December 17
On the final day zero deer were taken. Half of the hunters (7) left their stands to help to
and get the deer to move from the island area but the ones that did move simply ran to
Brooklyn Park. There was a very large gathering of deer standing on the Brooklyn Park
side.
Total deer taken from the hunt was six (6). There was no fetal count due to the early stage
of the birthing season.
This number taken was substantially less that what was expected and a discussion was
held with the hunt coordinators in an effort to improve future hunts.
Summary of the hunt coordinators discussion:
Breakdown of'the deer taken:
Doe Five (5)
Buck One (1)
Total Six (6)
Areas of Concerns:
The biggest concern of the hunt was the problem getting the deer to move from the
Palmer Lake island area which was surrounded by swampy ground. This was an area that
a shot could not be taken because the deer would not have been able to be recovered.
Moving the deer was also tough because of the unstable swampy ground.
Another concern from the hunters was that deer would stray to the outer boundaries of
the hunt area and that shots were prohibited outside of the boundary. (This was a safety
concern raised by police and would not be comprised. All shots taken must be directed
into the basin area not towards the outside of the park.
Once the hunters were in their deer stands they observed the deer on the wrong side of
their stand creating a shot towards the outside of the park.)
2
Sug Lestions:
The hours of the hunt, which had been set by the deer task force at sunrise to 1030 hours
should be opened up to pm hours. They felt the deer would just stay in the island area in
the am hours and they might be able to get them to move better in the evenin g hours.
The hardest element of the hunt results to prepare for is the weather and ground
conditions. It was hoped that December would be the best month to hunt because the
ground is often frozen and covered with snow. December is also the last month of the
season for bow hunting without a permit. In this hunt the ground conditions were poor.
Complaints /problems:
There were two phone calls received at the police station regarding the hunt, both were
questions about the hunt and when the park would be open. Outside of those calls, this
hunt had no remarkable incidents.
Estimated Cost to Implement January 2005 Hunt
Cost of police overtime, aerial mapping, notices:
1,793.00
Monitoring Records
Table I Aerial Deer Survey
Brooklyn Center I Brooklyn Center 2 Brooklyn Center 3
District West District Central District East Brooklyn Park Crystal/MAC Total
March 2002 4 65 9 I 38 I Unknown f
Februar 11 25 0 43 29 108
2004
February 22 37 22 NA NA 81
2005
Reported Deer Accidents
2003 Nine
2004 Nine thru August
2005 Sixteen thru August
3
2005 Recommendations
Education
In 2003 the City posted the adopted deer management plan on the city Web Site. The Sun
Post and Channel 12 provided news coverage and background information regarding the
purpose and results of the first deer management bow hunt. The City published an article
in the winter 2004 City Watch explaining the Deer Mgt Plan and its goals. In the spring
of 2004 the
City ontacted the cities of Brooklyn Pa a
ty yn rk, Crystal and the Metropolitan
Airport Commission regarding our plan and goal to reduce the deer population and
encouraged their involvement olvement in this effort. To date none of the adjacent Cities have
expressed a strong interest in joint removal activities.
It is recommended that the City continue its education strategy as outlined in the Deer
Management Plan.
Monitoring
Monitoring of deer accidents and complaints should continue in 2005.
Feeding Ban
The City should continue enforcement of the feeding ban.
Population Control
As indicated in the Deer Mgt plan, the optimum number of deer for an urban area is
fifteen to twenty per square mile of habitat area. The Deer Mgt Plan sets a goal maximum
of twenty deer per square mile of habitat area. With 751 acres of habitat in Brooklyn
Center the maximum goal for Brooklyn Center is 21 deer.
As established in the table above, there were eighty -one deer in the three Brooklyn
Center Districts on February 25, 2005. Because several of these deer were does with
fetus, the actual number in Brooklyn Center today have certainly grown to a larger
number by this date. Therefore a third deer reduction hunt is recommended.
To improve the results from the last hunt it is recommended that this third deer harvest
take place under special permit from the DNR in January 2006. This hunt will be
conducted in a fashion similar to the first hunt. Bait will be used and the Metro Bow
Hunter Resource Base will conduct the hunt.
After reviewing the result of the last hunt it is the considered opinion of staff and MBRB
representatives that hunt over -bait in January when the ground is frozen will be the most
effective option available.
4
It is also recommended that the hunt occur in two locations, Shingle Creek Park and
Kylan Preserve Park where we have observed an increasing number of deer from the last
aerial survey.
Brooklyn Park
We will continue to encourage cooperation with Brooklyn Park for our reduction
program in the Palmer Lake Basin Area.
CrystaUMAC
We will continue to encourage the Airport Commission to implement a deer reduction
strategy on Airport property in cooperation with the City of Crystal.
5
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