HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 04-24 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
APRIL 24, 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
(arrived at 6:07 p.m.), 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, Community Development Director Brad Hoffman, Police Chief
Scott Bechthold, and Deputy City Clerk Camille Worley.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Councilmember Lasman inquired about the planting list of allowable boulevard tree species and
where the tress or funds to pay for the trees come from in relation to item 7f. Public Works
Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom responded by explaining that some of the trees have
been donated from properties whom did not wish to replace damaged trees.
Councilmember Lasman inquired about item 8c. regarding unpaid utility charges. City Manager
Michael McCauley explained the utility billing cycle and process of assessment.
Councilmember Lasman inquired about item 8e. regarding hazardous conditions and asked how
long it would be before the hole is filled on the property in question. Mr. McCauley responded
the court must give the order before the City can perform the work.
Councilmember Carmody pointed out that the hours of operation on the Special Use Permit for
Planning Commission Application No. 2006 -003 are listed as two different times. She inquired
about the soil testing regarding item 8f. Mr. McCauley responded the tank has been removed
from the property where the dry cleaners resided.
Councilmember Niesen asked where the funds are allocated in regard to the Administration
Legal Reforestation Fee relating to item 7c. Mr. McCauley explained that the money is returned
to the General Fund and Special Assessments.
Councilmember Niesen and Mr. Blomstrom discussed the tree loss and replacement in the City
of Brooklyn Center.
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Councilmember O'Connor asked, in relation to item 7c., if Arcon Construction Company does
all of the street work for the City of Brooklyn Center. Mr. McCauley responded no and Mr.
Blomstrom explained which projects Arcon Construction Company has won the bid.
Councilmember O'Connor inquired about the allowable tree species to be planted in the
boulevard and the size of the boulevard in relation to item 7f. Mr. McCauley explained the size
of the boulevard and stated residents may only plant flowers in the boulevard.
DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS
DISCUSSION OF REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION
Mr. Michael McCauley explained the Cracker Barrel property is for sale. He said there is the
possibility of a church taking possession of the property which would involve tax exemptions
and create non - harmony with other businesses in the area. He discussed that the City Council
could consider purchasing the property from the owners for $10,000420,000 per square foot.
He explained that if the City purchased the property, the upside would be that it would be able to
preserve the property for desired uses. He explained that the downside is that the City may end
up holding the property for a period of time until a taxable use is found. He further explained that
if the City does not purchase the property, the church could occupy it for an indefinite period of
time. He stated if the City purchased the property, razing the building and possibly developing
with nearby properties would be an option.
Councilmember Niesen stated property taxes are too high and rising too fast. She asked for
information on the uses of the funds allocated to the EDA/HRA in conjunction with TIF District
#3. Mr. McCauley explained how the funds are collected and allocated in relation to TIF
Districts and the bonding process. Councilmember O'Connor stated objection to the City
purchasing the property.
Mayor Kragness requested additional information on the purchasing of the property and other
interested parties. Mr. McCauley stated the property's assessed value is $1.8 million.
ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Niesen moved and Councilmember Carmody 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 the area needs to be protected as a currency - producing area. She
stated she would like to see further information; however, she would support the purchasing of
the property at this time.
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Mr. McCauley explained that if the City were to purchase the property, it would be resold to a
taxable use in a short period of time.
The City Council discussed the option of placing a moratorium on the property. Mr. McCauley
explained possible complications with placing a moratorium on the property. City Attorney
Charlie LeFevere explained changes made during the last legislative session regarding
moratoriums.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Niesen seconded to close the Study
Session at 6:55 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor Q
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