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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 03-08 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 MARCH 8, 2010 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 5:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Excused Absence: Councilmember Kay Lasman. Also present were Executive Director Curt Boganey, Director of Fiscal & Support Services Dan Jordet, Public Works Director /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Assistant City Manager /Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, IT Director Patty Hartwig, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Carla Wirth, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Also present: Chris Charlebois, LOGIS TRAINING ON NEW PHONES IT Director Patty Hartwig and Chris Charlebois of LOGIS provided a short training session on the new City Hall telephones and answered questions of the Council. The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to provide a PDF instruction file and create a consistent telephone greeting for Council's voice mailbox. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Ryan requested discussion on the memorandum from Mayor Willson relating to support for the Community Access Preservation Act (HR 3745). He recalled there had been a previous discussion of this matter last year that was similar to this intent. Mayor Willson explained this is the second consideration of the same model and with the same concern regarding loss of local control of cable access. He requested this item be added as Item 6j on the Consent Agenda. The majority consensus of the City Council was to add Consent Agenda Item No. 6j, Resolution Stating Support for the Community Access Preservation Act (HR 3745). 03/08/10 -1- I Councilmember Yelich requested discussion on agenda Item l Ob, Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule for Rental Licenses, which staff is recommending for deferral. He noted the City's Finance Policy indicates fee schedules should be reviewed by the City Council on an annual basis. Councilmember Yelich stated that he does not object to staff's recommendation but would like to receive information on staff's analysis and justification of the fee schedule so he can be assured the fees support the program and it would not be subsidized by property taxes. City Manager Curt Boganey noted staff brings the fee schedule to the Council for approval on an annual basis; however, each single fee is not reviewed on an annual basis. He explained that staff completed an analysis of the City's cost, compared fees in place, and believes the adjustments need to be made. Mr. Boganey reviewed past actions related to the fees established for duplexes up to apartments and indicated staff is asking that Item 10b be deferred to allow time to complete a more thorough analysis of all fees and what will happen after the new ordinance goes into effect, since it may significantly modify the properties in each Type and revenue collection. Councilmember Roche referenced consent agenda Item 6f, Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Site Lease Agreement with Clear Wireless LLC, noting said lease will bring $27,000 into the Water Utility Fund. He commended staff for pursuing this antenna lease. Councilmember Ryan concurred and requested a report on the dollar estimate from antenna leases. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Ryan explained that a resident who lives on Dupont Avenue, south of 67 Avenue, had contacted him requesting to change election. The Dupont Avenue improvement project involved a resurface and spot replacement of curb so there is a considerable difference between the assessment for that project and an assessment for a complete street and utility replacement project. Councilmember Ryan advised that this resident indicated he made a mistake by deferring this assessment and is now requesting to change election and accept the assessment for the current Dupont Avenue project. Councilmember Ryan asked the Council to accept this homeowner's request to change that election and incur the assessment for the Dupont Avenue project. Mayor Willson asked if there would be an impact to the project. Mr. Boganey advised it would not affect the other assessments or this particular project. The Council indicated no objection to considering the request. Mr. Boganey stated staff will place this request on the next Council agenda to assure it does not go beyond the established deadline. Councilmember Roche requested discussion on the community gardens program and asked whether there will be a spring launch. Mr. Boganey stated a few things need to be resolved and the goal is a late spring or early summer launch. If that is not possible, staff will prepare a report 03/08/10 -2- to the Council. Councilmember Yelich reported on the message he received from Lisa Yankton, the new president of the Brooklyn Historical Society, asking whether the City would be open to having one or two cases in City Hall to display artifacts. He explained the context of this request is related to the foreclosure sale of Brookdale Center and availability of several jeweler display cases. The Council discussed the need to assure the City would have absolute editorial rights over the display case content and that an appropriate location be found that did not hinder traffic flow. Mr. Boganey stated if the Council is supportive, staff will obtain more information to determine what is being proposed, if reasonable location can be identified, and have dialog with the Historical Society about the content. The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to investigate the request and provide an update prior to Council consideration. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS GARBAGE HAULERS STUDY Councilmember Yelich stated he has been approached by several residents regarding the high number of garbage haulers that drive up and down residential streets. These residents have expressed concern from the perspective of traffic, impact to the quality of life due to early morning hours, noise, and dropped litter. Councilmember Yelich stated he also questions the overall impact to the City's roadways. He noted that the City licenses 14 garbage haulers and suggested staff provide factual information on the impact, identify strategies to minimize or reduce the impact, and address the environmental sustainability goal. Councilmember Yelich noted the City has one designated hauler for recycled materials as part of a joint cooperative agreement. He referenced a goal in the recycling cooperative agreement and maintained it was appropriate to have the same goal with garbage haulers to reduce impacts to the City. Councilmember Roche noted that 14 garbage haulers may be licensed but he believed there were only 8 active garbage haulers in Brooklyn Center. He agreed there were too many garbage trucks on the City's streets and wondered about the amount of wear and tear on the City's infrastructure. Councilmember Roche stated he would like to put a cap on the number of garbage hauler licenses and may support having only one licensed garbage hauler. Councilmember Ryan stated he had also received an inquiry from a resident in a detailed e -mail and appreciates that Councilmember Yelich brought this matter forward. He stated there may be a potential conflict between several very laudable goals, such as limiting impact on streets, and the other advantages of having licenses open to qualified haulers so consumers can get the best price. Councilmember Ryan stated it may be a poor idea to have only one waste hauler because if the hauler is unionized and involved in a strike, the City's garbage would not be removed. He stated he was unaware the City had so many licensed haulers and would support looking at 03/08/10 -3- whether the number could be limited and still assure competitive prices for residents. Councilmember Ryan suggested the City Engineer provide information about the impact on the City's streets. Mayor Willson stated this issue is brought forward every few years. In the past, there has been concern about competition and what each individual homeowner is paying for collection. In addition, residents like to have choices and many are loyal customers and unwilling to change haulers. Mayor Willson noted that this has been looked at closely in the past and found there may be three or four garbage trucks through a neighborhood, but not all eight. Councilmember Roche stated he understands that residents may be concerned if the number of haulers is reduced but he would question the long -term cost to taxpayers should the number of haulers not be limited sooner or later. He also questioned how that would align with the City's strategic goals. Councilmember Yelich stated that at this time he has no preconceived notions about offering solutions but would like staff to identify facts on the impact to the City and a process to minimize overall impacts. He indicated that he recognizes the issues of competitive pricing and loyalty, and had talked with some haulers who indicated an interest to participate in the process. Councilmember Yelich questioned if competitive pricing is good for recycling, why it is not also good for regular garbage hauling, especially since more items are being recycled than in the past. Mr. Boganey stated he does not believe most cities would be involved in recycling except that it is mandated. He stated staff will prepare a report that addresses the questions raised but would request enough time to complete a meaningful report. Mr. Boganey stated he spoke with Councilmember Lasman today and she had asked him to pass on her experience that this issue has come up before and there has been strong sentiment from residents who want to maintain their own individual consumer choice. The majority consensus of the City Council acknowledged the City is currently short- staffed and favored considering the topic again by the end of next year when staff will have had enough time to produce a meaningful report on the environmental impacts of the garbage trucks. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to close the Study Session at 6:42 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:50 p.m. 03/08/10 -4- Motion passed unanimously. CITY BUS TRANSIT Councilmember Roche described a circular bus route that travels up Humboldt Avenue, turns right onto 69 Avenue, right onto Dupont Avenue, and then back to the Transit Center. He stated he has witnessed that individuals who use this transit route live in areas that the route does not travel. Councilmember Roche suggested the City petition the Transit Authority to extend and more efficiently design a route to the apartment complexes since a large segment of those residents use this circular route. Mr. Boganey stated that Metro Transit has a process and parameters to determine route alignment but may consider a modification if it can be demonstrated they will attract more riders and generate more revenue. The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to contact Metro Transit staff about this request. It was indicated that Councilmember Roche should be directly involved in the process to communicate the issue and provide additional information to support the request. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO BROOKLYN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Mayor Willson explained the last time the Council discussed the request of the Brooklyn Historical Society for appointment of a Councilmember, it was indicated that it would be fine if a member wanted to serve voluntarily as a nonvoting member. However, it was not warranted to make an official Council appointment since there was no benefit to the City to do so with the Brooklyn Historical Society versus other organizations. It was noted that appointment is appropriate when the City has a Joint Powers Agreement in place with the organization. Mr. Boganey stated he spoke with Councilmember Lasman today and she had asked him to pass on her sense on this issue and had reiterated the Mayor's stated position. Councilmember Lasman had indicated that her opinion has not changed from the previous discussion on the issue; a Councilmember can voluntarily attend but she did not favor the appointment of an official liaison. Councilmember Ryan concurred with the position of Mayor Willson and Councilmember Lasman. He stated he appreciates Councilmember Yelich volunteering to attend and offered to attend in his place should a scheduling conflict arise. Mayor Willson advised that he had previously served as the Director of the Brooklyn Historical Society. Councilmember Yelich stated the City has an asset in the Earle Brown Heritage Center, which is a significant historical icon. Part of the question is how important the Earle Brown Heritage Center is from a historical perspective and whether there are some synergies that would benefit the City in terms of education and making better use of that facility. He noted the City is in the process of recruiting a General Manager for that property who may have ideas related to this 03/08/10 -5- topic. Councilmember Yelich stated that is the question in his mind, how important is the historical context to that property as a City asset, and building on it. It was the majority consensus of the City Council that it would be fine if a member wanted to serve voluntarily as a nonvoting member. However, it was not warranted to make an official Council appointment. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Roche moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:59 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 03/08/10 -6- STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on March 8, 2010. 2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at Brooklyn Center City Hall. 3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its March 22, 2010, Regular Session. AA City Clerk v ( Mayor T 03/08/10 -7-