HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 02-27 CCM Study Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
STUDY SESSION
FEBRUARY 27, 2006
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 an
y y g d 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, Community Development Director Brad
Hoffman, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, City Attorney Charlie
LeFevere, and Deputy City Clerk Camille Yungerberg.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Councilmember Niesen discussed the email from Councilmember Carmody regarding the length
of the amended minutes. She stated the minutes should be accurate and she felt they were not
accurate as presented originally. Mayor Kragness responded she would like the minutes from
January 9, 2006, resolved tonight and that the entire set of details will not matter in the future.
Councilmember Carmody stated as submitted, the minutes by Councilmember Niesen are too
long. Councilmember Niesen stated the subject is important to her and a vote can be taken if the
other Councilmembers wish. Councilmember O'Connor asked if a bulleted list was submitted.
Councilmember Niesen stated a bulleted lit was re a further
s s not c created, but ummation was. s
Councilmember Carmody stated that on item 8a. Proposed Use of 2006 Community
Development Block Grant Funds, Jo Walter is incorrectly referred to as a man. She inquired
about the second page; item three of the Memorandum dated February 10, 2006, from Todd
Blomstrom and asked if the encroachment issue was worked out. Public Works Director /City
Engineer Todd Blomstrom responded the City met with the applicant and discussed the issue and
they did not seem to have a problem with dedicating the easement. He recommended that the
item be approved with that condition. He stated their main concern was that the setback line will
be moved and the site layout will be affected. Councilmember Carmody referred to number five
on the same memorandum and asked if the question on the width of the parking spaces was
resolved. Mr. Blomstrom stated the issue is something that needs to be followed up on.
Councilmember Carmody inquired about page two of the Planning Commission minutes where
Mr. Warren states that a coffee shop is not allowed in the development and asked how a coffee
shop is being defined. City Manager Michael McCauley responded a fast food and convenience
food store is prohibited however since it has less than 40 seats it does not qualify as a restaurant.
02 -27 -06 1
He explained that because it is lower than 40 seats they can have what is not a full service type of
restaurant facility such as a coffee shop and is not treated as a use that is not permitted under the
Planned Unit Development. Mr. Hoffman responded they can have a coffee shop and up to
1,500 sq feet for a restaurant.
Councilmember Carmody suggested that the resolution for item 11 c state Jerry's Foods instead
of Jerry's.
It was the consensus of the Council to change the resolution to: Expressing Appreciation to Mr.
Robert Shadduck and Jerry's Foods.
Councilmember O'Connor asked that the availability of the public agenda be announced at each
meeting after the request that cell phones to be turned off. Mr. McCauley suggested that the
statement of availability of the public copy be placed on the agenda after the request to turn off
cell phones so that it appears on the screen for the public to read. Council consensus was to add
that announcement verbally and in writing.
After a discussion on the January 9, 2006, Regular Session minutes it was the consensus of the
City Council to make the following amendments:
Councilmember Niesen stated she feels that it is the City's future leaders that will lose in
this situation. She stated there is no policy regarding this situation and other
Councilmembers have acted alone in different situations. She stated the City is cvng
out and she sa-ved the City $400.00 by pr-eviding her- own tr-anspeAa4ien to the air-pei4 and
not eating meals at - Giyex-pease fer a day. She said that considerine the low airfare she
was able to secure. plus savings in transportation and some food costs. the $396 cost of
the CD -ROMs was covered.
The City Council discussed the motion made to approve the consent agenda and regular agenda
on the February 13, 2006, Regular Session minutes where it is reflected that Councilmember
O'Connor voted against approval. It was the consensus of the City Council to table the minutes
until Councilmember O'Connor's vote is verified.
DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS
COUNCIL MEMBER NIESEN: IMPROVING COMMUNICATION EFFORTS
WITH THE COMMUNITY (CARRIED OVER FROM FEBRUARY 13 WORK
SESSION)
Councilmember Niesen stated a desire to improve the City's website, making it easier to retrieve
the current City Council agenda and materials as well as recent changes or proposed changes in
legislation. Mr. McCauley explained that the City's website is a standard template, hosted off
site with unlimited space; however it is not a custom site. He explained that in regard to the
availability of supporting materials on the website, the documents would need to be converted to
PDF's and uploaded to the site, which would consume staff time. Councilmember Niesen
responded she does not want to go to great expense for customization, however would like to
02 -27 -06 2
pursue it in the future. Assistant City Manager /Director of Operations Curt Boganey added that
when he was employed by the City of Brooklyn Park, electronic packets were very involved and
time consuming. Councilmember Niesen asked if the entire packets are kept for public viewing.
Mr. McCauley responded that the full agenda packets are saved in a folder for public review.
Councilmember Niesen stated the possibility of electronic packets available on the website in the
future. She asked that current ordinances under consideration be announced on the website.
Mr. McCauley indicated that he would report back to the Council at a later date regarding putting
notice of hearing for ordinance on the City's website.
COUNCIL MEMBER NIESEN: AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT FOR BROOKLYN
CENTER
Mr. McCauley explained the possibility of converting to a digital video system so that a digital
version of the City Council meetings could be placed on the website and viewed by the public.
He explained that now that all City buildings are able to communicate with each other, an
inventory is being done to determine when equipment can be upgraded.
Councilmember Niesen stated the Cable Franchise Fee should be applied towards
communications purposes to build the fund for replacing and upgrading equipment rather than
depositing it into the General Fund or the Capital Budget. Mayor Kragness explained that the
money was deposited into the General Fund to partially compensate for the budget cuts the City
has experienced. Councilmember Niesen requested that her proposal regarding the allocation of
Cable Franchise Fees be placed on the agenda to be voted on.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded to close the Study
Session at 6:45 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor
02 -27 -06 3