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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 12-14 CCM Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL /ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION DECEMBER 14, 2009 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council /Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session called to order by Mayor /President Tim Willson at 8:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor /President Tim Willson and Councilmembers /Commissioners Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Fiscal & Support Services Dan Jordet, Assistant City Manager /Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Carol Hamer, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. MULTIPLE RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS REPORT Discussion continued on the Multiple Rental Property Owners Report. It was noted that based on the data there does not appear to be a large difference between rental and owner - occupied properties in terms of code and nuisance violations. There also does not appear to be one entity buying up multiple rental properties in the City. CITY PROPERTY TAX COMPARISON City Manager Curt Boganey introduced the item and indicated that staff has provided property tax comparison information as requested at a budget work session. The information includes a list of tax capacity rates for all cities within Hennepin County, as well as four charts using the normal comparison cities and nearby cities. Mr. Boganey provided an overview of Property Tax Comparison Data for Taxes ro Payable FY 2009 and Proposed Taxes Payable FY 2010 and p answered questions of the City Council on the comparison information. There was discussion on the Pay 2010 Extension Rate and the median property value in the City. There was discussion on the drop in median value of homes in the City of Brooklyn Center. Mr. Boganey noted that Brooklyn Center had a higher percentage of foreclosures than most of the City's peers. Brooklyn Center was one of the few cities that qualified for the foreclosure revenue from the State due to the relative high amount of foreclosures. There was discussion on continued efforts to improve property values in the City through branding, continued decreases in the crime rate, stopping the foreclosure crisis, and creating aesthetic improvements. 12/14/09 -1- It was noted that a goal of redevelopment is to raise the tax base and lower property taxes. Redevelopment will also bring in well paying or living wage jobs to the City where people can raise a family and build the local economy. Mr. Tony Kuefler, 5943 Abbott Avenue N, addressed the City Council and stated as a homeowner it is all about the issues the Council has stated, but also about how much house you can get for the money. He stressed that while they need things like safety, they also need to maintain the housing they have and do what they can to maintain or increase the quality of the homes. SISTER CITY UPDATE Mr. Boganey discussed the history of Sister City Relationship discussions held by the City Council. He provided an overview of issues for consideration by the City Council in relation to the establishment of a Sister City Relationship. He stated a representative of Sister Cities International (SCI) has said there are many models and ways to approach this type of program. It should be done in a way that suits the community. Mr. Boganey stated if Council consensus is to proceed, he would suggest that following this meeting he would make contact with representatives of the different groups that have expressed an interest in a Sister City Relationship to explain the process and receive their feedback. Mr. Boganey provided an overview of the following proposed actions that the City may wish to require in order for community advocates to participate in a Sister City Relationship: 1. A formal letter or statement from the Sister City expressing interest in the relationship. 2. Information exchange about the community. 3. Formal structure (preferably non- profit corporation) provide the City with organization bylaws and a memorandum of understanding that at minimum will: a) Describe how a broad based sister city committee will be established. b) How formal alliances will be established. c) How cultural differences will be bridged. d) A statement of clear program objectives. e) How exchanges will be carried out on an ongoing basis. Mr. Boganey advised that in terms of staff commitment and funding, the annual dues payment to SCI is $510.00 per year. Sharing that cost with the sister cities does not seem unreasonable. In terms of a staff liaison, this would be difficult as the numbers expand and having a staff person assigned to each group, but staff could commit to attending one or two meetings per year in order to maintain support and relationship for these committees. Mr. Boganey provided information on an informal "friendship" relationship under the umbrella of Sister Cities as a possible alternative to the Sister City Relationship. There was concern expressed regarding the possible costs and staff time associated with a Sister City Relationship, as well as the current lack of community involvement. There was discussion on exploring the potential of Friendship City Relationships. 12/14/09 -2- Ms. Sharon Kephart, 5130 65"' Avenue N, addressed the City Council and provided information on the Lofa County, Liberia Sister City efforts. She stated there is currently a group of 30 people working with this Sister City Relationship unofficially, and that these efforts began in 2008. This group of individuals includes business people, residents, Liberians, African Americans, Caucasians, youth, adults, seniors, and churches. They wanted to offer the City the chance to be part of this organization. Ms. Kephart stated her position that the $500 annual dues payment to SCI is not necessary. She stated she has helped to get sister cities together in other cities, and that it is about the excitement and celebration and getting to know the people. She stressed that supporting the Sister City with a letter of support goes a long way to raise their spirits. There was not a majority consensus reached on the Sister City Relationship; further discussion will be held at a future work session. It was noted that Council policy requires adjournment at 11:00 p.m. unless a majority consensus is reached to continue the work session. ADMINISTRATIVE FINES UPDATE The majority consensus of the City Council was to include this item on the January 11, 2010, City Council Work Session. RENTAL LICENSING CRITERIA UPDATE The majority consensus of the City Council was to include this item on the January 11, 2010, City Council Work Session. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember /Commissioner Ryan seconded adjournment of the City Council /Economic Development Authority Work Session at 11:05 p.m. Councilmember Yelich voted against the same. Motion passed. 12/14/09 -3- STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on December 14, 2009. 2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at Brooklyn Center City Hall. 3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its January 11, 2010, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 12/14/09 -4-