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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 05-08 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 MAY 8, 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, Community Development Director Brad Hoffman, and Deputy City Clerk Camille Worley. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Niesen discussed her changes to the April 24, 2006, Regular Session and Work Session minutes as submitted prior to the meeting. Councilmember Carmody stated her correction to the April 24, 2006, EDA minutes. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Niesen inquired about the request from the Boy Scout Troop and if a response would be sent from the City Council. Mayor Kragness responded that she prepared a Mayoral Proclamation in response to the letter. DISCUSSION OF MATERIALS FOR CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES Councilmember Carmody stated she reviewed the document and does not wish to amend it. Councilmember O'Connor stated the document is acceptable to her at this time. Councilmember Lasman stated after the Primary Election, it is important that the City Council candidates get an un- tabbed agenda packet for the next City Council meeting so that they are informed on the issues at hand. Councilmember Carmody responded the candidates should receive agenda packets after they are elected to office. Mayor Kragness added that it would be appropriate for the candidates to get the agenda, however those who are elected should get the 05/08/06 1 full agenda packet. Mayor Kragness stated the importance that all candidates attend the City Council meetings prior to the election. Councilmember Carmody stated the candidates can now access the agenda on the City's website. Mayor Kragness agreed that the agenda, available on the website is sufficient. It was the consensus of the City Council to continue using the current materials for Council candidates and notify the candidates that the agenda for City Council meetings are available on the City's website. DISCUSSION OF REQUESTED SENIOR HOUSING ON 60 & BROOKLYN BLVD. City Manager Michael McCauley suggesting that since the applicant is now present, the City Council could ask questions if they arise during the Work Session rather than waiting until the Informal Open Forum. Community Development Director Brad Hoffman requested that the City Council consider this type of development on the property. He explained that the Comprehensive Guide Plan calls for residential with retail uses along Brooklyn Boulevard. He stated the concern is of the size of the property and if the area can support the density. He explained that 30 units are proposed on the site, which is the equivalent to an R -7 zoning. He stated it is not a high rise development; however, it is a three story building with parking. He stated staff requests direction to pursue or not pursue the application for the use on this site. Mr. Hoffman stated the proposal would require rezoning and a Planned Unit Development agreement. Mayor Kragness stated concern with parking. Mr. Hoffman responded staff is also concerned with parking. He explained that the City Ordinance requires two parking stalls for every one unit. Mr. McCauley stated the size of the proposal may be too small for a Planned Unit Development; however, if the City Council expressed interest in the proposal, a great number of policies would v t iv time from the Planning Commission have o be researched, requiring extensive g , staff and the applicant. Mr. Hoffman discussed the good reputation of the applicant and stated the use on the site may be appropriate; however, there is concern regarding the density. Mr. McCauley added that the issue is density in respect to the Comprehensive Guide Plan. Mayor Kragness stated many changes would have to be made for this proposal to be approved. Mike Bjerksett, President of Nation Handicap Institute, stated small apartment buildings such as this is their specialty and they have 11 similar developments in the metropolitan area. He stated density and parking are the two main concerns. He stated senior housing often has unique zoning in communities. He discussed the needs of low income seniors, which this site is great for. Councilmember Carmody inquired about the height of the building. Mr. Bjerksett stated the building would be three stories tall and would sit on the site nicely. He displayed a drawing of 05/08/06 2 the proposed building. He stated senior housing does not require much green space. Doug Mayo, Consultant of Nation Handicap Institute, discussed parking and stated the average age of the occupants is 73, many of which have given up their driver licenses. He stated 30 parking stalls would be excessive, 15 parking stalls would be adequate. He stated if the proposal was to be moved forward, 30 parking stalls would be proposed and a variance would be requested. Mr. Bjerksett stated door -to -door transportation for the residents would be available. He stated the units would be one to two bedrooms for residents and a caretaker. He stated all units would be handicap adaptable and elevators would be present in the building. He discussed other developments in Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Robbinsdale, and New Brighton. He stated there is usually a waiting list for these units. He discussed the financing program that is only available once per year and stated he has been considering this property for three years. Mr. Mayo added that a number of sites in Brooklyn Center have been considered and this one has been deemed the best because of the nearby services. Councilmember Carmody inquired about financing from the City. Mr. McCauley responded the i would not be financing an project would be full funded b HUD and the applicant; the City g Y P J Y Y PP portion of the project. Councilmember Niesen stated concern for the property changing hands and not being used for its proposed use. She stated it is a good idea; however, she is concerned about staff time needed to pursue the use. Mr. Bjerksett stated the grant application is due in June and notification of award would not be until October 1 He stated they would return to the City Council with an application in October, if the funds were granted. Mayor Kragness stated concern for the traffic on Brooklyn Boulevard due to problems at other senior housing developments in Brooklyn Center. Mr. McCauley stated it would be primarily Planning and Zoning Specialist Ron Warren's time used on the project. 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 Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember O'Connor seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:46 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 05/08/06 3 Mr. Bjerksett discussed the traffic surrounding other metro developments. He discussed a regulatory agreement that requires the property to be kept as low income housing for 40 years. He stated the residents must be 62 years of age or older. Councilmember Carmody stated she is not opposed to increasing density for low income senior housing. Councilmember Niesen stated she would like to speak to Mr. Warren about the project before she would be able to agree. Mr. Bjerksett explained that they need to know if the City Council is in favor of, neutral, or opposed to the proposal so that they know to proceed or not. He explained that if the City Council was in favor of entertaining the proposal, a purchase agreement contingent on approval would be drawn up and the HUD application would be made. He stated the property taxes would be discounted because it is low income seniors, however taxes paid would still amount to approximately $40,000 to $45,000 per year. Councilmember Niesen stated concern for loss in property taxes and potential law suits because of previous proposals for the property. A poll was taken of the City Council as to their stance on the proposal: Councilmember O'Connor - Opposed. Councilmember Lasman - Neutral, would prefer to see a more appropriate use such as office or service. Councilmember Carmody — In Favor. Councilmember Niesen — Neutral. Mayor Kragness — Opposed, due to the traffic pattern and a recent death of a senior. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded to close the Study Session at 6:58 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. V7 � City Clerk Mayorl� 05/08/06 4