HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 04-10 CCM Study Session i
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
APRIL 10, 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 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, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd
Blomstrom, Police Chief Scott Bechthold, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Deputy City
Clerk Camille Yungerberg.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Councilmember Carmody stated agreement with item 7d. Resolution Authorizing Transfer of
funds from the Storm Sewer Utility Fund to Provide for the Reduction of Chloride Use for Snow
and Ice Control Operations. She stated after education on the subject with the Watershed
Commission she feels purchasing better salt spreading equipment is a good idea. She asked
where the Kids Day America/International festivities are being held on May 20, 2006. Mayor
Kragness responded the festivities will be held on the corner of Brooklyn Boulevard and County
Road 10 for a ribbon cutting for the new medical building along with the Kids Day
America/International celebration.
Councilmember Lasman inquired about the costs for the AMR meter reading system. City
Manager Michael McCauley explained that the system is very expensive however may be
necessary in the future. Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom stated the system
would cost approximately a million dollars. He explained the process and stated additional
information will be available later in the year. Mr. McCauley explained how the AMR meter
reading system works.
Councilmember Niesen inquired about the electrical permit fees particularly those charged by the
City in addition to the amount the Electrical Inspector charges. Mr. McCauley responded the fee
for electrical permits is a simple fee paid to the City and the City pays the independent Electrical
Inspector. He stated there is only one charge to the person taking out the permit.
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DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Lasman suggested that Code Enforcement be reviewed in the City Watch
newsletter in the spring and summer to remind existing residents and educate new residents. She
inquired about the dirt to fill in ruts and where it will be available. Mr. McCauley responded the
dirt will be available to Brooklyn Center residents. He displayed the current City Watch
newsletter, page 9 where it indicates that the dirt will be available on the northeast corner of 70
Avenue and Camden Avenue.
COUNCIL MEMBER LASMAN: COUNCIL PROCEDURAL SUGGESTIONS
Councilmember Lasman reviewed her suggestions regarding concise presentations and written
proposals for amendments.
Councilmember O'Connor stated the City Council should not be required to submit changes to
the minutes in writing, verbal notification should be sufficient. Councilmember Lasman
responded written amendments p e is can save time for staff and other Councilmembers by presenting
the amendments efficiently. Mayor Kragness stated amendments should be submitted in writing
to clarify and for accurate reflection in the minutes.
Councilmember Lasman stated she would like to see the other Councilmembers agree to use the
procedural suggestions; however it does not need to be adopted into the policy.
The City Council discussed Roberts Rules and proper City Council practices.
The City Council and City Attorney Charlie LeFevere discussed the suspension of Roberts Rules
and when it is appropriate.
PRELIMINARY ITEMS TO DETERMINE CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
WHETHER TO PURSUE DISCUSSION/RESEARCH /ANALYSIS FOR FUTURE
WORK SESSIONS) -
1. Discussion of Instant Runoff Voting aterials resented at 3 -27 -2006 City Council
g p tY
Open Forum
a. Does the City Council want to take any position on the matter, or simply receive
the information?
Mayor Kragness stated opposition to adopt this practice.
Councilmember O'Connor suggested that we suggest to the State that they adopt this system.
Mr. McCauley stated it could potentially become unmanageable if many were running for few
open positions.
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Councilmember Carmody suggested that the City not consider Runoff Voting until the State
adopts the system.
ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Niesen seconded to close the Study
Session at 6:45 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
RECONVENE STUDY SESSION
The Study Session was reconvened at 6:46 p.m.
Councilmember Lasman stated opposition of the City using the system until the State adopts it.
Councilmember Niesen stated she has no interest in the Runoff Voting system at this time.
Mr. McCauley suggested based on the Council discussion that a letter be mailed to Mr. Hancock
indicating that the City Council would wait to see what action the state might take.
DISCUSSION OF TABLED PARKING ORDINANCE RESTRICTING NUMBER OF
CARS IN DRIVEWAY
Mr. McCauley suggested that the City Council come back to this issue after the presentation by
the Police Chief and the end of the summer season.
Councilmember Carmody stated Code Enforcement discussions are being held for all sorts of
issues and stricter monitoring of Code Enforcement is necessary.
DISCUSSION OF CHARTER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Councilmember O'Connor stated we should not charge for copies of the Charter.
Mr. McCauley explained that the State provides guidelines on copies provided to the public. He
stated this would put the City in the position that if someone asked for a copy of one page, the
City would have to charge them by the State guidelines, which would not be cost effective to the
City.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Niesen moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded to close the Study
Session at 7:00 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
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City Clerk Mayor
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