HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 10-10 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
OCTOBER 10, 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, Kay Lasman, and Mary O'Connor.
Councilmember Diane Niesen was 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, and City Clerk Sharon Knutson.
Councilmember Diane Niesen arrived at 6:01 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Councilmember Lasman discussed Item No. 8a, Planning Commission Application No. 2005 -014
submitted by GiGi Yanis requesting a Special Use Permit to conduct a home occupation that
involves customer traffic at 5549 Brooklyn Boulevard, regarding whether there was any type of
licensing requirements or other regulation for this type of business. Mayor Kragness stated she
believed the business was already operating as there is a sign and lights in the yard. City Manager
Michael McCauley responded that an individual can have a home occupation without a special use
permit if it doesn't involve customer traffic at the residence.
Councilmember O'Connor said she had submitted a correction to the September 26, 2005, Study
Session minutes. The correction was on page 3, second paragraph, adding a second sentence to read,
"If multiple family dwellings paid a minimum of $450 per building, revenues would increase by
$40,000."
Councilmember O'Connor inquired about Item No. 7e, Resolution Amending the 2005 Central
Garage Budget to Provide for the Early Order/Purchase of One Tandem Axel Dump Truck,
Equipment No. 11, regarding whether there was a trade -in for the current truck. Mr. McCauley
responded that the City has in the past ordered some equipment early to save anticipated increased
costs in the new year, but paid for it in the budgeted year. He further stated that there would be
salvage value from the current truck.
Councilmember Carmody inquired about Item No. 7d, Resolution Awarding a Contract With Short
Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services, Improvement Proi ect No. 2005 -05,
Twin Lake Avenue Reconstruction, and what fund the money would come from, as it was not listed
in the resolution. Mr. McCauley responded it would be funded to the project. Councilmember
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O'Connor inquired about checking for contamination in the water and whether it would be a bigger
job because of the storm water. Director of Public Works Todd Blomstrom responded that it is a
complicated process to dewater, but it is going well and the contractor has been pumping less than
what was anticipated.
Councilmember Carmody discussed Item No. 9c, Resolution Designating the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) as the Basis for All Incident Management in the City of Brooklyn
Center, regarding whether the Emergency Declaration was for any type of disaster or just terrorist
attacks. Mr. McCauley responded it was for any type of disaster and that the Mayor declares an
emergency; the resolution is the federal requirement for designating NIMS.
DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS
COUNCIL MEMBER O'CONNOR: HOUSING COMMISSION REVIEW AND
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PARKING AND DRIVEWAYS
Councilmember O'Connor referred to the April 2, 2003, City Council meeting minutes, relating to
proposed amendment to Chapter 12 rental license, noting that the consensus of the Council was .41
per dwelling unit as the number for excessive calls, and she inquired if it was currently .65.
Councilmember Carmody said there were changes that were made to the provisional license
ordinance after that meeting.
Councilmember O'Connor said the Housing Commission had inquired how the provisional rental
license ordinance was working out. Councilmember Carmody responded that there was one
provisional license that had come before the City Council.
Mr. McCauley said the Police Chief gave a report last year, and there was an overall reduction in the
calls for service. He stated that the one complex that was issued the provisional license had
submitted a mitigation plan and had been working to reduce the calls for service.
Councilmember O'Connor referred to the draft Ordinance amendment for Section 19 -1303 of the
City Code of Ordinances relating to parking and storage of vehicles and inquired of the status. Mr.
McCauley responded that the Council did not accept it, nor did it accept the draft ordinance for
recreational vehicle storage or driveways.
Councilmember O'Connor asked what the Planning Commission will study regarding the request to
limit the number of vehicles in driveways. Councilmember Carmody responded that the Planning
Commission will look at cars overall rather than specific types of cars as the Housing Commission
reviewed.
Councilmember Lasman said the reason this issue is being reviewed is there is a whole new set of
circumstances and this is one way to address preserving neighborhoods and housing.
Councilmember Niesen said she hadn't received any complaints regarding this issue and raised the
issue of families with teenagers with cars and where cars are to be parked, as they cannot park on the
street.
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Councilmember Carmody stated she has seen several residences in which cars are parked on the
grass next to the driveway rather than on the driveway, and she wants a set number and location for
cars and vehicles.
Councilmember Lasman stated that neighborhoods need to be preserved to keep and protect the good
quality of life in the suburb. She said the Council loosened the regulations for larger garages to
allow for storage of vehicles, boats, trailers, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember member Niesen inquired about the high water level in Twin Lake. Mr. Blomstrom
responded there was a massive amount of water that came through the watershed.
Councilmember Lasman asked when the street sweepers would be on the roads and also when tree
debris removal in the parks would take place. Mr. Blomstrom responded the challenge with the
street sweeper right now is that there is so much debris along the streets that the dump truck has to
run simultaneously with it, and the dump trucks are all being used for resident tree debris removal.
With regard to parks clean -up, it depends on how long the resident tree debris removal process takes,
but hopefully this winter.
Councilmember Niesen inquired about the Twin Lake sediment study and fish results. Mr.
Blomstrom said he hadn't receive any results but could contact the consultant to get an update.
Councilmember Niesen requested a left turn arrow at the east /west traffic light on Northport Drive
and Brooklyn Boulevard. Mr. Blomstrom said it is an awkward intersection, as there is no stacking
area for vehicles. He stated it is a Hennepin County traffic signal.
Councilmember Niesen raised the issue of the EDA purchasing the lot at the southwest corner of
63rd Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard, as it is too small for any development.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Carmody moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded adjournment of the Study
Session at 6:40 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Q Ma r
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