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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 12-12 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 DECEMBER 12 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, Diane Niesen (arrived at 6:02 p.m.), and Mary O'Connor. Also present were City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City, Community Development Director Brad Hoffman, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Deputy City Clerk Camille Yungerberg. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO CLOSED SESSION IN ALL - AMERICA ROOM, CITY HALL, TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION REGARDING BROOKDALE SQUARE: BRADLEY OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP V. CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER The Brooklyn Center City Council Study Session adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Councilmember Niesen arrived at 6:02 p.m. President Kragness called an Executive Session of the Economic Development Authority to be held in the All - America Conference Room, City Hall, to discuss litigation regarding Brookdale Square: Bradley Operating Limited Partnership v. City of Brooklyn Center. The City Council Study Session was reconvened at 6:25 p.m. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember O'Connor requested the following changes to the minutes of the November 14, 2005 — EDA- Regular Session: Commissioner O'Connor stated concern that the Hobart Company told the Citv the old machine was unfixable and wants to sell the City a new dishwasher. Councilmember Niesen asked about the September 12, 2005 minutes reflecting that Councilmember O'Connor abstained from voting on the December 13, 2004 minutes. 12/12/05 -1- Mr. McCauley advised that as pursuant to Council Policy since Councilmember O'Connor was not in office in December of 2004 that the statement be changed to: Commissioner O'Connor abstained from the vote, having not been in office during the meeting for greater clarity. Councilmember Carmody requested the following changes to the minutes of the November 21, 2005 — Budget Work Session with Financial Commission: The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Work Session with the Financial Commission at City Hall and was called to order by Mayor Pro Tern Kathleen Carmody and Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher at 6:30 p.m. Councilmember Carmody requested the following changes to the minutes of the November 28, 2005 — Study Session: Councilmember /Commissioner Niesen stated opposition to the proposal. She stated she has not heard any complaints regarding the number of vehicles in residential areas and she is concerned over too much imposition on personal property rights. She suggested the matter be addressed by referendum for the citizens to decide and stated concern that residents will feel less welcomed. She stated that she had listened to the Housinfz Commission's discussion of the matter and has not received this concern, therefore will vote aaainst the resolution. Councilmember Lasman requested the following change to the minutes of the November 28, 2005 — Regular Session: Councilmember Niesen requested removal of Item No. 7d Resolution Amending The 2005 Central Garage Budget to Provide for the Early Order /Purchase of Five 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Police Patrol Vehicles from the Consent Agenda. Councilmember ' O Connor requested the following changes to the minutes of the November 28, 2005 — Regular Session: Councilmember O'Connor stated she attended the Housing Commission Meeting where Police Chief Bechthold spoke. She stated she has materials from the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission which she can share. She stated on November 21, 2005, she attended the Budget Work Session with the Financial Commission. She stated she attended the League of Minnesota Cities meeting on transportation and will provide copies of the information collected. Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Carmody econded to approve the Y pP consent agenda and agenda as amended, with the removal of Item No. 7d from the Consent Agenda to Council Consideration Item No. 10c and amendments to the October 24, 2005 Reaular Session and November 14, 2005 Work Session minutes as discussed in the Study Session and the following consent items were approved: Councilmember Niesen requested the following change to the minutes of the November 28, 2005 — Work Session: 12/12/05 -2- 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 helb ensure that kev 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 I% of the General Fund Budget be reviewed by the City Council twice, unless it is an emergency. Councilmember Niesen inquired about purchasing insurance in regard to item 9c. Resolution Authorizing Storm Clean -Up and Repair Cost Funding and Finalizing Expenditure Authorization. Mr. McCauley responded the Capital Reserve Emergency Fund is designed to cover such uninsured items. City Attorney Charlie LeFevere explained that insurance can not be purchased on property that the City does not own. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Carmody seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION The Study Session was reconvened at 6:46 p.m. Councilmember Lasman inquired about the reconstruction of the park shelters at Willow Lane Park. Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom responded the reconstruction of the Willow Lane park shelter is not included in the current plan. He explained that last year the City had reviewed a new five -year plan with the Park and Recreation Commission and establishing a list of priorities. He explained that having enough revenue in the Capital Projects Fund to complete the projects has been a challenge. He stated storage is being lost as the park buildings are being removed. He stated the solution and most costly portion of the program comes in 2006 with conversion of the self storage building to cold storage building. He stated once the conversion is complete, replacement of park buildings can begin. He stated Kylawn Park is in poor condition and is scheduled to be replaced in 2007, along with Northport Park, Riverdale Park, and Palmer Lake West Park in 2008 and 2009. Councilmember Lasman asked why the City does not anticipate MSA (Municipal State Aid) funds in 2006. Mr. Blomstrom responded the City gets an approximate allotment of $800,000 (the City's portion of the gas tax) from MNDOT each year; however the funds can only be used on roads designated as MSA Routes. He explained that projects are generally larger than the annual allotment; therefore the projects are staggered from year to year. Councilmember Lasman requested more information on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Mr. McCauley responded he is not certain on the details of the grant and will gather more information and report back to the City Council. Councilmember O'Connor stated 12/12/05 -3- i she would also like more information on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Niesen asked if the deer hunters are compensated and if the City is paying for any insurance. Mr. McCauley stated the shooters are all volunteers; however the City incurs costs for police, signage, and miscellaneous expenses. He also stated there is no extra insurance. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Niesen moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded to adjourn the Study Session at 6:55 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 4 City Clerk Mayor 12/12/05 -4-