Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 08-08 CCM Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL /ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION AUGUST 8, 2005 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority met in Work Session and was called to order by Mayor/President Myrna Kragness at 8:15 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor /President Myrna Kragness and Councilmembers /Commissioners Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Mary O'Connor. Also present were City Manager/Executive Director Michael McCauley and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum. DISCUSSION OF STATE LAW REQUIRING POLICY ON OUT OF STATE TRAVEL BY ELECTED OFFICIALS This item is continued from the Study Session. Councilmember O'Connor inquired if there was a policy on staff travel. Mayor Kragness responded that the City Manager is in charge of staff travel. City Manager Michael McCauley added that Council approves the budget which includes staff travel expenses. DISCUSSION OF COUNCILMEMBER NIESEN'S SUGGESTED RENTAL HOUSING ORDINANCE CHANGES Councilmember Niesen distributed and outlined the memo she prepared of items that she would like to bring to the Housing Commission. She expressed that she believes making the following revisions in the City's rental ordinance it would serve the stated purpose of Chapter 12 and would be simplified, streamlined, objective, and enforceable. • Housing definitions are provided in the property tax database, zoning code field. • Brooklyn Center adopt the rental licensing provisions of New Brighton, including which was done in part with Brooklyn Center's approval of their Conduct on Licensed Premises. • In any case, R1 and R2 rental property is defined as that which is non - owner /family occupied and non - homesteaded, both objective measures of compliance. 08/08/05 -1- • Zoning and code enforcement continue to be enforced as in including provision for density. • Organization in Chapter 12 include having all provisions related to rental property within one section number, with sub - section numbers as indicated. • Have Housing Commission review and propose any revisions /clarifications for associated rental property definitions such as: family, dwelling, dwelling unit, multiple family dwelling, owner, rental dwelling, or dwelling unit. If the term duplex is to be considered, add to definition section. Terms found in other ordinances (e.g. Zoning Chapter 35) should be similarly updated. • Have Housing Commission review penalties for appropriateness to desire purpose and ability to be enforced. Council discussed the items presented by Councilmember Niesen, zoning issues, non - conforming uses, zoning density, and land uses. Councilmember Carmody expressed that she would like to have the three - strike rule for renters. Councilmember Lasman expressed that she believes the City needs to stay on top of this issue and use every tool possible. Councilmember O'Connor expressed that she believes if a property is homesteaded it should be left alone; and when a duplex is occupied by the owner, and the other side is rented, the owner should not have to pay $375. Councilmember Carmody expressed that she would like to know if an owner does not continue renting or occupying as a two family property for two years, do they lose the property as rental. Mr. McCauley responded that he would like to inquire of the City Attorney to clarify that requirement. Councilmember Niesen informed that she would be willing to give a little on the items presented before going to the Housing Commission and recommended deleting the following items from her list: • Brooklyn Center adopt the rental licensing provisions of New Brighton, including which was done in part with Brooklyn Center's approval of their Conduct on Licensed Premises. • Zoning and code enforcement continue to be enforced as in including provision for density. Councilmember Niesen expressed that she believes the collection of rental fees should be put on hold. Mr. McCauley suggested that the Council wait for the City Attorney's review of the zoning issue. He advised that there are two distinct issues: 1. What activities would be licensed for rental housing, such as whether to license owner occupied duplexes; and 2. Zoning matters related to land use, such as a two family use in a single family zoning district which is a non - conforming use, but the right to that non - conforming use can be abandoned. 08/08/05 -2- I MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Kragness informed that she had spoken to the Planning Commission Chair and Planning Commission Member regarding the complaint received regarding an obscene gesture. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman, seconded by Councilmember/ Commissioner Carmody to adjourn the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 9:50 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. City Clerk Mayor /Pr ident 08/08/05 -3-