Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 07-25 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 JULY 25, 2005 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 and Kay Lasman. Councilmembers Diane Niesen and Mary O'Connor were absent and unexcused. Also present were City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City Manager/Director of Operations Curt Boganey, Director of Public Works /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, Community Development Director Brad Hoffman, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum. Councilmembers Diane Niesen and Mary O'Connor arrived at 6:06 p.m. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Lasman asked for clarification regarding the effective date with regards to Public Hearing Item 8a, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 19 of the City Ordinances Providing for the Regulation of Railroad Locomotive Horns in the City. Director of Public Works /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom discussed that the date will depend on when the Notice of Intent is mailed and Council approval for the ordinance to be effective thirty days after publication. JUNE 27, 2005, MEETING MINUTES Councilmember Carmody expressed that she thought the requested amendment with regards to the Planning Commission item for the Regular Session minutes from June 27, 2005, was not going to be included in the minutes. Councilmembers Niesen and O'Connor arrived at 6:06 p.m. City Manager Michael McCauley outlined the memo that had been provided asking for clarification regarding the June 27, 2005, Regular and Study /Work Session minutes. Mayor Kragness discussed that she remembers the debate about that item and expressed this is a reason that amendments need to be in writing. 07/25/05 -1- DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS DISCUSSION OF CONCEPT FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF AREA PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED FOR SENIOR HOUSING ON 57' Mr. McCauley outlined the materials regarding the question of whether the Economic Development Authority would like to entertain the possible acquisition through negotiation of the properties across from Northbrook that would be voluntarily sold by their owners. Mayor Kragness expressed that she believes the City needs to focus on the Opportunity Site and would like to wait on the senior housing project. Councilmember O'Connor expressed that she does not believe the City should buy properties. Councilmember Niesen expressed that she would like to do nothing with the project at this time. DISCUSSION OF WATERSHED COMMISSION UPDATE ON CAPITAL PROJECTS ETC. Councilmember Carmody discussed the new information she had received from attending the recent watershed meeting. She informed that she was concerned about the cost of the project going from $300,000 to $757,400. She believes that this project will move forward at the next meeting in August. DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL MEMBER NIESEN'S SUGGESTED RENTAL HOUSING ORDINANCE CHANGES Councilmember Niesen informed that she had been focusing her time on the City Manager's evaluation form and asked that this item be discussed at the August 8, 2005, meeting. DISCUSSION OF POLICY REGARDING CHANGES TO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Councilmember Carmody asked that an item be prepared to require minute changes be provided in writing and at the Council table by 6:00 p.m. of the night the minutes are to be approved. Council discussed the proposed amendment that had been prepared for an addition to the Council Handbook. Councilmember O'Connor expressed that she believes it would be less work to adopt the minutes at the meeting the minutes are first presented and would create more work to delay the minutes. Mayor Kragness expressed that she believes if the minute changes were in writing that it would be easier for Council to review and act on minute changes. 07/25/05 -2- Councilmember Niesen expressed that she sees the benefit of written changes; however, she does not agree with it being required to be done. She suggested that the Council consider an option of finding a middle ground. ' Councilmember Carmody expressed that she believes staff spends too much time on minute amendments and that the written changes would be helpful. Mayor Kragness informed that this item will be on the next Council agenda. DISCUSSION OF RENTAL FEES FOR DUPLEXES Councilmember O'Connor expressed her concern with the increasing rental fees for duplexes and informed that she would like to have the fees split equally $225 and $225. Councilmember Carmody expressed that she does not believe there is a need for a change with the rental fees. Councilmember Lasman informed that she prepared a response to the letter from a resident regarding the increased rental fees and shared that response with the Council. She discussed that she could amend the letter to reflect current 2005 statistics and inquired if the letter should come from the entire Council. Councilmember Carmody expressed that she would prefer to have Councilmember Lasman respond herself. MISCELLANEOUS No miscellaneous items were discussed. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to adj ourn the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. City Clerk May 07/25/05 -3-