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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 11-13 CCR Study Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 13, 2006 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in SWdy Session called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 6:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Mary O'Connor. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, Community Development Director Brad Hoffman, and Deputy City Clerk Camille Worley. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS There was discussion on item lla. where concern was raised that the o osed proclamation is a P p form of advertisement for the person that founded the American Cancer Fund for Children rather than focusing on cancer awareness. Councilmember Carmody inquired about item 11 c. and stated the item should have been considered by the City Council during the summer. She stated Greg Moore, Executive Director, NWSCCC should have routed his efforts through the Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators (MACTA) rather than through the City. The following amendments were made to the proposed minutes: Councilmember O'Connor requested the following changes to the October 23, 2006, Regular Session meeting minutes: Paae 3, Line 2 under item 9a. — Additional Language Discussion was held on this correction and it was the majority consensus of the City Council to add the following language: Councilmember O'Connor asked if this was the health and fitness club portion of the Ordinance. Mr. Boganey answered "yes." Paae 4, Line 2 under item 10a. Mayor Kragness stated she spoke to both candidates and upon those discussions, changed her nomination to of Kimberley Meyer, 6131 Kyle Avenue North, to the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Advisory Commission. 11/13/06 1 October 23, 2006, Work Session Paae 2, Paraiaranh 4 under: Shinale Creek Watershed ManaL_ement Commission - Maior Plan Amendment - Additional Lanauaae Councilmember O'Connor asked what pollutants the City puts into the watershed and how we would stop them. She said if we passed this amendment we would be out of compliance with it. Then we would be liable for a misdemeanor. Discussion was held on this amendment where Councilmembers Carmody and Lasman stated objection. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to remove the October 23, 2006, Work Session minutes from the consent agenda and discuss them during the regular City Council meeting. Councilmember Lasman requested the following changes to the October 23, 2006, Regular Session meeting minutes: Paae 2, Paragraph 2 Councilmember Lasman stated on October 11 t" she attended the grand opening of McDonald's where the Brooklvn Center High School Band performed. She stated on Oct 16 she attended the Joint Work Session with the Financial Commission regarding the 2007 budget. She stated on Oct 17 she attended the Special Events Committee meeting where entertainment was discussed for the 96 birthday of the City, being held on February 3, 2007 She discussed the agenda item expressing appreciation of crime prevention donation for the safety camp. She urged awareness of the program and participation in crime prevention. Councilmember Niesen requested the following changes to the October 23, 2006, Regular Session meeting minutes: Page 6, Paraarap_ h 3 under item 10£ - Additional Language Councilmember Niesen inquired if the police were tracking and analyzing the source of calls and if so, whether there were repeat calls from businesses who may be using the police inappropriately as their security firm. Chief Bechthold responded that they had started to do this and he would be making a report to Council in the future. Paae 7, Paragraph 4 and 5 under item 10a. Councilmember Niesen stated objection to iiivest in mortgage b aekec invscm She ingarred about various areas of the agreement. N4r. je rdet- ad dressed her eoneems. changing the policy to allow investments in mortgage backed securities and inquired as to how many such investments the City currently had. Mr. Jordet stated the City had only two mortgage -type investments both made previous to his employment. Councilmember Niesen stated the minim the eest of governme + she favored maintaining use of the word minimize because it emphasized intent to hold down the costs of City government in general. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT POLICIES - RIVERWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD 11/13/06 2 There was discussion regarding Special Assessments along West River Road that included previous special assessment amounts and whether milling off the top surface and overlaying the roadway should be assessed to the properties. It was indicated by staff that it may not be reasonable to consider the overlay as an improvement that would qualify for special assessment. There was discussion regarding the change /improvement in the bituminous mixture used by MNDOT. There was discussion on the warranty of the original overlay, however it was indicated that the warranty period of one year has expired. It was stated that the proposed improvements if not assessed, will be paid from the Street Reconstruction Fund. There was discussion on the assessments of the Estates of Riverwood Townhome Development where it was indicated that the City may have difficulty demonstrating an actual benefit to the property should a property owner within the Estates of Riverwood appeal the special assessment. A discussion was held on the future improvements and assessments for properties on Riverwood Lane. There was discussion on the Definition of a " Subdividable Lot" and how the mobility of a home on a property affects the ability to subdivide the property along with the effects on the property taxes. It was the majority consensus of the City Council not to apply special assessments to West River Road between 66 Avenue and 73 Avenue nor to the Estates of Riverwood Townhome Development for the proposed maintenance. It was also the majority consensus of the City Council that "legally subdividable" should include only those lots that could be subdivided while maintaining the existing structure on the site. REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE DAYS INN PURCHASE City Manager Curt Boganey introduced the item and stated after several negotiations, the property owner has accepted the EDA's offer to purchase the property for $3,900,000 "as is." It was indicated that the fixtures throughout the building are being included in the purchase. Councilmember O'Connor stated objection to purchasing the property. There was discussion on the appraisal amount, the condition of the building, and I94 frontage. Councilmember Niesen stated concern for the loss of tax revenue, the odd shape of the lot, and existin g access issues. There was discussion on Councilmember Niesen's concerns. It was indicated that one developer has expressed interested in the property. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Niesen moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 11/13/06 3 I RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Lasman moved and Councihnember Carmody seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Councilmember Lasman stated disagreement with Councilmember Niesen and stated to forego the opportunity would be making a serious mistake in the efforts of redevelopment. Mayor Kragness and Councilmember Carmody stated agreement. Community Development Director Brad Hoffman discussed the nature of the interested developer and indicated that the use would be an upscale office /showroom. He stated the odd shape lot will not hinder development of the property. He discussed the poor condition of the building, with much of it being out -of- service. This discussion was followed by a discussion regarding the tax exempt status of the property during time of reconstruction. Councilmember O'Connor stated concern with loss of taxes. Mr. Boganey explained the payment of taxes and obligations along with the effects on the General Fund. It was indicated that the loss of revenue will be reflected in the cash flow of the TIF District. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to direct staff to draft and return a purchase agreement for the Days Inn for the consideration of the Economic Development Authority. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Carmody moved and Councihnember Lasman seconded to close the Study Session at 6:55 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. l aw 4��t� City Clerk Clerk / May rr 11/13/06 4