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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 05-25 CCM Joint Work Session with Commission Chairs MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT WORK SESSION WITH COMMISSION CHAIRS MAY 25, 2005 CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in a Joint Work Session with Commission Chairs and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 6:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody and Kay Lasman. Councilmember Diane Niesen was absent and unexcused. Councilmember Mary O'Connor was absent and excused. Also present: City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City Manager/Director of Operations Curt Boganey, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum. Others present were Charter Commission Chair Stanley Leino, Housing Commission Chair Judy Thorbus, Park and Recreation Commission Chair Bud Sorenson, and Planning Commission Chair Tim Willson. Finance Commission Chair Donn Escher was absent and excused. GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH COMMISSION CHAIRS Mayor Kragness informed that Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher had contacted her to inform that he would not be able to make the meeting; however, would like to let the Council know that the Financial Commission has some concerns with the Governor's Referendum proposal and that the Financial Commission may have to deal with two budget scenarios. Housing Commission Chair Judy Thorbus discussed that the Housing Commission had identified nine things for this year; however, only three were listed as priority items. The priority items were the Opportunity Site, a j oint meeting with the Planning Commission, and the City's rental ordinance. Ms. Thorbus informed that there is concern with the vacancies and inquired about the possibility of having wards specified. Mayor Kragness discussed the possibility of making the Housing Commission smaller and informed that the Council needs to discuss this subject. 05/25/05 -1- Charter Commission Chair Stanley Leino discussed that the Charter Commission has three new members and they hope to have better attendance. They currently have 11 members and could have 15 members. The Charter Commission is in the early stages of reviewing the Charter and may ask the Council at some point for housekeeping amendments. One of the other issues they are reviewing is the eligibility for running for Office. He informed that one of the new members had submitted a report on petitioning for candidates; however, he had not reviewed the report. As a body they have not discussed the report and he informed the Council that he will make it clear to the Charter Commission that creating a lot more work would not be feasible. Park and Recreation Commission Chair Bud Sorenson discussed they are down one member and that they currently have seven members on the Commission. He informed that the Park and Recreation Commission are reviewing how to differentiate maintenance or capital expenses at the Community Center. There was also discussion regarding the long term care for the Community Center and the Earle Brown Heritage Center (EBHC). Council discussed the capacity of the EBHC and what the new hotel will bring for the EBHC once it is operational. Mr. Sorenson continued discussing that the Park and Recreation Commission is reviewing the concept of changing the Community Center memberships, reviewing the City's Park Ordinance relating to the opening times for parks and the leashing of dogs, reviewed the consideration of permits for allowing beer in parks, reviewed Segways, and most recently has been discussing signs for no smoking at youth events and the issue of garden displays. Planning Commission Chair Tim Willson discussed that they have not been as busy the past couple of years which he believes is due to the economy; and that they recently lost a long -time member. Mr. Willson expressed that he would be willing to help any individual Council Member learn more about the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Kragness asked if there was anything that the Commission Chairs would like to ask the Council. Mr. Leino discussed that he would like to make a compliment. City Clerk Sharon Knutson and Police Department personnel always contact him after leaving a message and he believes staff is doing a great job. Ms. Thorbus asked if the City would be able to help with communicating in different languages. Mr. McCauley informed that grant funding should help with the communicating in different languages. Ms. Thorbus asked if the Council had received a copy of Councilmember Niesen's memo to the Housing Commission. The Council advised they had not and would like a copy. A copy will be provided. 05/25/05 -2- MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Sorenson asked if it would be possible to get more pictures with the City's parks and trails on the City's Website. Councilmember Lasman informed that she believes it would also be nice to highlight in the City Watch a map showing the trail system. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Carmody, seconded by Councilmember Lasman to adjourn the Work Session at 8:05 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Deputy City Clerk Mayor Pro Tem 05/25/05 -3-