HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 11-28 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
NOVEMBER 28, 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 7:39 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, Assistant City Manager /Director of Operations Curt Boganey, and
Deputy City Clerk Camille Yungerberg.
COUNCIL MEMBER NIESEN: DECISION MAKING FLOWCHART /CHECKLIST
Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen explained that the goal of the City Council should be to
approach decision making with an overall framework. She stated the debating of facts should be
reduced, rather shift the debate to opinions. She stated that use of a checklist should help ensure
that key points of an issue do not get overlooked. She stated concern that decisions with large
financial impacts are rushed and suggested that items with impact greater than 1% of the General
Fund Budget be reviewed by the City Council twice, unless it is an emergency. She explained the
following steps on the Decision Making Flowchart/Checklist:
1. Categorize issue /opportunity
2. ID issue stakeholders
3. ID resources requested /needed
4. List benefits /drawbacks
5. ID significant risks
6. Weight items from #4 and #5
7. ID all potential people /businesses /groups, etc. that could be impacted
8. ID key questions /issues /decisions to be addressed as members see them.
9. Reference timeline guideline (to be created)
10. After being presented facts per adopted timeline guidelines, come prepared to discuss
the facts and debate merits of item based on members' opinions and values.
11. VOTE
Councilmember /Commissioner Carmody inquired of the dollar amount equal to 1% of the
General Fund Budget. Mr. McCauley responded $130,000 - $140,000.
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Councilmember /Commissioner Carmody asked what decisions are included in this checklist.
Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen responded the Council has been asked to spend more than
expected on items, warranting two meetings, one to gather facts and one to investigate the
situation. She stated she would like facts and sources of information with each item. After much
discussion she stated she would be following this checklist and will report back to the Council on
the progress. Councilmember /Commissioner Carmody responded in opposition to the checklist
due to emergency situations. She stated the Councilmembers have different values and opinions,
therefore this would not work.
Mayor /President Kragness explained that the City Manager can authorize purchases under
$50,000 that fit into the budget, without the approval of the City Council.
Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman stated Mr. McCauley does not bring something forward
as last minute, unless necessary. Mr. McCauley responded by pointing out that if a
Councilmember is not comfortable with an item, the item can be tabled for further review.
Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen stated she would like to see the Council give the same
amount of time and consideration to items of a certain magnitude.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen stated she would like to finalize the City Manager's
review by December 31, 2005. Mayor /President Kragness responded it would be a good idea to
finalize the review in January 2006.
Councilmember /Commissioner O'Connor stated she would like to discuss the hourly pay and
step increases for the City's employees. Mr. McCauley responded he would prepare information
on employee's salaries and report back to the Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember /Commissioner Carmody moved and Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman
seconded adjournment of the City Council /Economic Development Authority Work Session at
8:17 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor /Pr sident
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