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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 09-11 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 SEPTEMBER 11, 2006 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session and was called to order by Mayor/President Myrna Kragness at 9:06 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor /President Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers /Commissioners Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Mary O'Connor. Also present were Interim City Manager Curt Boganey, Community Development Director Brad Hoffman, and Deputy City Clerk Camille Worley. CHARTER COMMISSION PROPOSED AMENDMENTS Councilmember Lasman stated the proposed amendments for Section 4.04 in that a fee of $25 is acceptable to her. The City Council discussed the proposed changes to Section 4.04. Interim City Manager Curt Boganey explained that the Charter Commission felt that requiring those signing a petition to be registered voters, eligible to vote is appropriate. He pointed out that it might be appropriate to omit the words "Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy" because there is not State Law that requires the City to use the "Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy." He explained that if the State discontinued providing the "Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy," the City would be required to create its own Affidavit, thus requiring a Charter amendment. The City Council discussed this issue and it was the unanimous consensus to remove the word "Minnesota" from this section of the Charter so that it reads: "Affidavit of Candidacy." It was the unanimous consensus of the City Council also to amend Section 4.04 to state: "File by Fee or by Petition" in the title of Section 4.04. The City Council discussed the fee or reasonable charge. Mr. Boganey stated if the language is left as presented, the data practices law clearly establishes what should be charged for provided copies. He stated a problem could occur if the City did not want to charge someone for documents, due to the way it is presented. He stated the State Law does not say that the City has to charge everyone for every page received from the City. He stated if the language is adopted, will it be interpreted that charges must occur. 09/11/06 1 Councilmember Niesen discussed that she was charged $.25 per page and stated if the City is going to give Staff the discretion to charge or not, Councilmembers should not be charged. Mr. Boganey stated Councilmember Niesen was charged for information she requested as a citizen, not as a Councilmember per her public data request. He stated if Councilmember Niesen were directed by the City Council to come into the office and collect information or if she came in requesting information as a City Council member, she would not be charged. The City Council discussed the language and what should be charged for documents. It was discussed that charging for less than (for example) three pages, would not be cost effective. The City Council discussed and determined that the following language is appropriate: "for general distribution to the public in accordance with Council policy." Mr. Boganey stated these changes should be forwarded to the Charter Commission for further consideration. Councilmember Niesen proposed that the $.25 per page be reduced. The Council discussed this proposal and pointed out that the $.25 per page includes the labor to retrieve the document, photocopy, and then return it to its original location. COUNCIL CANDIDATE PACKET REQUEST — NOT ON THE AGENDA Mr. Boganey discussed the matter in which Council Candidate Dan Ryan requested a complete City Council packet. He stated he felt the Council Candidates should be able to pick up a copy of the packet, due to a set precedence in that the SunPost receives a complete packet at no charge. He stated the City can charge the candidates or it can continue to provide the copies. He suggested the City not mail the documents unless the candidate is reimbursing the City for postage. Councilmember Niesen stated concern that confidential information is included in the packet. Mr. Boganey stated confidential information would not be distributed to parties other than the City Council. The City Council discussed the matter and determined by majority consensus that after the Primary Election, those Council Candidates who make a request prior to the Wednesday before the City Council meeting may pick up a packet on the Monday of the City Council meeting. RECOMMENDATION REGARDING INVESTMENT POLICY MODIFICATIONS PER AUDIT (TENTATIVE REQUEST) — CITY MANAGER Councilmember Niesen requested that this item be reopened for discussion. Councilmember Carmody stated the item was already discussed and the City Council has moved on. Councilmember Lasman stated the Financial Commission was to meet before the City Council discusses the item. Mr. Boganey stated if Councilmember Niesen submits her questions, he will provide answers for her. 09/11/06 2 COMMUNICATIONS WITH KARL NOLLENBERGER — COUNCILMEMBER CARMODY Councilmember Carmody stated it is important that all communications go through Karl Nollenberger of The PAR Group in order to keep all City Councilmembers equally informed. Mayor Kragness and Councilmember Lasman stated agreement. Councilmember Carmody stated disappointment of the loss of a candidate that she believed was due to a data request by Councilmember Niesen. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Carmody discussed that the letter sent to the Watershed Commission regarding the levy cap by the City Council was not forwarded to or discussed by the Watershed Commission. Councilmember Niesen discussed the lack of Financial Commissioners and stated there are not enough people to compose a Financial Commission. Mayor Kragness discussed efforts taken to recruit people for the commission and discussed the idea of business owners being targeted for Financial Commission recruitment. It was the majority consensus to add an item to the Work Session regarding Financial Commission member recruitment. Councilmember Niesen stated she would like to form an Audit Committee composed of a few Councilmembers. Councilmember Lasman stated preference that all Councilmembers be present when addressed by the Auditors. The City Council discussed options for meeting with the Auditors. It was the majority consensus to forward this item a Work Session in January 2007, when the new City Council is in office. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember /Commissioner Carmody seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 10:05 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Pl /YLa� IIA.A -- City Clerk Mayor /P esident 09/11/06 3