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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 05-22 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 22, 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 u g p Curt Boganey, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, Community Development Director Brad Hoffinan, and Deputy City Clerk Camille Worley. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember O'Connor stated she would be removing item 7d. from the consent agenda for discussion. DISCUSSION S •N •F WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME rERMITS COUNCIL MEMBER LASMAN: CITIZEN PETITIONS FOR STOP SIGNS Councilmember Lasman stated she understands the process of installation of stop signs, however stated she feels the intersection of 54"' Avenue and James Avenue is in need of a stop sign. She stated residents of the area have requested this stop sign and she feels it would be nice if all residents had an avenue to pursue installation of stop signs. City Manager Michael McCauley explained that many stop sign requests are made for this area, which has a stop sign every two blocks. He explained that if stop signs are too abundant, motorists start to ignore them, making the situation more dangerous. Councilmember Carmody suggested that those residents who wish to petition for a stop sign appear in front of the City Council so that it may review the situation and so that the City can explain the process and liability. Councilmember Lasman responded that she disagreed with having the residents appear at a City Council meeting if the answer is going to be no. pp Y g g g Mr. McCauley explained that if the request for a stop sign is reviewed by the Traffic Committee and denied, the requesting party is notified in writing of the denial and their right to appeal to the City Council. 05/22/06 1 COUNCIL MEMBER O'CONNOR: REMOVAL OF POLICIES 2.60 & 2.61 ON HOUSING BONDS AND BUSINESS SUBSIDY PAGES 254 -258 Councilmember O'Connor stated the City borrowed money last year and is now repaying it. She stated the City should not be borrowing money so that taxes are not raised to repay the loan. She further stated the City should not be involved in a business subsidy or housing bonds. Councilmember Carmody stated the business subsidy is partially guided by the State of Minnesota. She stated she is not interested in discontinuing use of the housing bonds and business subsidies. Councilmember Niesen suggested that these items be brought forward during the budget discussions. She stated it would be helpful if Councilmember O'Connor would put her request or concern in writing. COUNCIL MEMBER CARMODY: REVISION OF POLICY 2.03 CITY COUNCIL COMMITMENT TO THE BROOKLYN CENTER CHARTER PAGE 206 AND SEVERAL OTHER POLICIES Councilmember Carmody asked if commitment to the Charter is necessary each year and if there are changes, if just those changes can be confirmed. She stated confusion as to why parts of the Charter are emphasized in the annual resolutions. Councilmember Niesen stated agreement with Councilmember Carmody and suggested that future resolutions only reaffirm the City's commitment and not specify sections. Mayor Kragness stated she would be in favor of simplifying the resolution as long as there is an annual affirmation of the Charter. Councilmember Niesen suggested that Councilmember Carmody draft a simplified resolution establishing recommitment to the Charter. Mayor Kragness suggested asking the Charter Commission to draft a simplified resolution. Mr. McCauley stated he would provide a draft of a simplified resolution. Councilmember Carmody suggested an amendment to the policy requiring prior consent to purchase materials. She stated the materials are usually available after the conferences; therefore the City Council should review the purchasing of the materials as a whole. Mr. McCauley stated he would provide a draft amendment to the policy. Councilmember Carmody stated she would like to have included in the introduction to controversial public hearings that it is inappropriate to clap, boo or otherwise express support or disapproval of a speaker or a particular statement during the public hearing. 05/22/06 2 Councilmember O'Connor stated objection to restricting residents from expressing themselves. Councilmember Carmody responded it is parliamentary procedure and should be followed at all public meetings. Councilmember Carmody proposed that the Council change the procedure for national conferences to have each attendee get prior permission to attend the conference to avoid this situation in the future. Councilmember Carmody stated concern that she was represented inappropriately by Councilmember O'Connor in Washington, D.C. while on a City sponsored trip. She stated the tax payers should not be paying for Councilmember O'Connor's expression of personal opinion and not that of the entire City Council. Councilmember O'Connor responded she was elected to express her opinion. The national debt and deficit are more important than Community Development Block Grants. Mayor Kragness responded Councilmember O'Connor is paid to attend the events and to represent the City of Brooklyn Center and several mayors called her to express embarrassment over Councilmember O'Connor's actions in Washington, D.C. Councilmember Carmody stated the City Council should approve the expression of particular viewpoints where the entire City Council or City of Brooklyn Center is being represented. Councilmember Niesen disagreed with Councilmember Carmody and stated her view could be construed as policing other Councilmembers behavior. She stated the majority should not be allowed to block other Councilmembers from traveling and expressing their opinions. She stated the policy is to travel outside of the state twice in a four year term and the goal is to make laws and outline policies that will outlive the Councilmembers, not to craft a restriction because we came across an inappropriate behavior. She suggested that behaviors and expectations be discussed amongst the Councilmembers. Mayor Kragness stated Councilmembers have the freedom of speech; however each Councilmember needs to remember that they are representing the entire City of Brooklyn Center. She stated she was embarrassed when she received calls from mayors regarding Councilmember O'Connor's behavior. Councilmember Lasman stated opposition to restricting the attendance of conferences however stated such platforms as the conference Councilmember O'Connor attended should not be used as a forum to speak out inappropriately. COUNCIL MEMBER NIESEN: NEW PROPOSAL FOR CITY MANAGER REVIEW FORM Councilmember Carmody stated she would like to postpone the City Manager review form until next year because Mr. McCauley will no longer be with the City and she thought there was a consensus that the current forin would be used next year. She stated a new City Council may be elected and may wish to amend the form again. She stated she is not interested in discussing it at this time. Councilmember Niesen stated she has spent a great deal of time on the form and would like to insure that a form is in place prior to the hiring of a new City Manger. 05/22/06 3 It was suggested that Councilmember Niesen be given five minutes to discuss the item. Mayor Kragness and Councilmember O'Connor stated they were willing to discuss the matter. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Lasman 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 Niesen distributed the revised version of the City Manager's review. She discussed the changes made from the previous draft form. Councilmember Lasman suggested that the form be revisited during the first meeting in February, 2007, with the new City Council. She stated the City Council at that time is the one that should be reviewing the matter. Mr. McCauley stated the presented form would be inappropriate if used to evaluate a new City Manager who is learning the City. He stated a streamline form needs to be in place for a new City Manager and the proposed form would be more appropriate for a City Manager who has been in the City for a while. He stated the first evaluation needs to be focused and relevant to a new manager. Councilmember Niesen stated the form should be completed now and could be used in the subsequent year. Mayor Kragness stated the proposed form could be referenced by the new City Council; however it is not needed at this point. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded to close the Study Session at 6:56 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. AvM , City Clerk May 05/22/06 4