HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 09-22 CCM Emergency Meeting MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
EMERGENCY MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2005
CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. CALL TO ORDER
An emergency meeting of the Brooklyn Center City Council was called by Mayor Myrna
Kragness regarding storm clean -up and response. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, and Diane Niesen.
Councilmember Mary O'Connor arrived at 4:31 p.m. Also present were City Manager Michael
McCauley, Assistant City Manager/Director of Operations Curt Boganey, Director of Public
Works /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, Police Chief Scott Bechthold, and City Clerk Sharon
Knutson.
3. UPDATE ON STORM RESPONSE
City Manager Michael McCauley showed a PowerPoint presentation that provided an update on
the September 21 storm damage response. The presentation was outlined as follows with regard
to the situation and initial debris removal:
• no reported injuries in Brooklyn Center
• supply of temporary STOP signs have been exhausted; seeking mutual aid from other
cities for signs, as well as equipment
• 8 of the 10 City buildings did not lose power; Earle Brown Heritage Center was without
power until 2:30 p.m. and Centerbrook Golf Course continues to be without power
• small nuisance fires generated by energized power lines
• initial removal of tree debris contracted with Arbor Design Tree Service
• City crews keeping lift stations going with generators, removing debris, and cleaning
catch basins, wells operating on generators - sufficient supply of water
• Xcel Energy has restoration of power to wells and lift stations as priority
• inspectors surveying damage to homes, limited gas main damage
The presentation continued as follows with regard to communication, Council action, disposal,
resident assistance, and costs:
• proposing to send letter to residents with information on a curbside pick -up, emergency
telephone numbers, registered tree contractors, and tips (i.e., check flues and chimney for
blockage and damage, don't pay in advance and check out contractors)
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• requesting resolution to authorize continuation of efforts started and proposed
• contract with Arbor Design Tree Service for tree removal and disposal services for an
amount not to exceed $175,000
• contract with Market Street Energy Company LLC for tree grinding and disposal for an
amount not to exceed $65,000
• make arrangements with the owner's of the former Jerry's New Market site to use the site
for the storage and processing of downed trees and related vegetative materials
• provide resident assistance continuously to remove tree branches, limbs, and trunks
placed at the curb by October 10, with the last pass through beginning October 10
• estimated costs include Arbor Design Tree Service (11 days @ $15,000 per day); Market
Street Energy Company (14 days @ $4,500 per day plus $600 mobilization); and
miscellaneous [i.e., mailing to residents ($1,500 to $2,000), generators, tree removal
equipment, City employee overtime, and security for disposal site]
Director of Public Works /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom addressed the Council and said the
backup generator power for the water system maintained water quality standards. He further
commented that the initial response after the storm was to remove debris and open up the
roadways and emphasized that the clean -up will take time, up to several weeks.
Mr. McCauley displayed an overhead of a map of the City divided into ten zones detailing the
calls for service that were logged by dispatch the night of the storm (i.e., tree down, tree blocking
road, flooding, power lines down, and gas odor). He said the inspectors were doing a block -by-
block inspection of structural damage, logging/tracking trees on houses and building issues.
Councilmember Niesen inquired what size trees need to be cut to be placed on the curb. Mr.
Blomstrom responded the maximum length is twelve feet.
Councilmember Niesen inquired what the City would do after the deadline for curbside pick -up
of tree debris. Mr. McCauley responded the City would eventually issue compliance orders after
a grace period.
Councilmember Niesen inquired what funding source would pay for the costs of this clean -up.
Mr. McCauley responded that it would be the emergency fund and it would be built back up with
interest earnings.
Councilmember O'Connor inquired if insurance would cover the cost of tree removal. Mr.
McCauley responded that it would not if there was no damage to the house.
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3a. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR STORM CLEAN-
UP AND RESPONSE
Councilmember Niesen moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded adoption of
RESOLUTION NO. 2005 -140 Authorizing Expenditures for Storm Clean -Up and Response.
Motion passed unanimously.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded adjournment of the
emergency meeting at 4:56 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
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City Clerk Mayor
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