HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 01-10 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
JANUARY 10, 2005
CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER STUDY SESSION
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 Kay Lasman and Mary O'Connor. Councilmembers
Kathleen Carmody and Diane Niesen were absent and unexcused. Also present were City Manager
Michael McCauley, Public Works Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom, Community
Development Director Brad Hoffinan, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum.
Councilmember Kathleen Carmody arrived at 6:01 p.m.
Councilmember Diane Niesen arrived at 6:38 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Councilmember Lasman requested that the December 13, 2004, Study Session minutes be amended
to read the following:
Page 1
Councilmember Lasman inquired when and where the City would be advertising for task
force members with regards to Economic Development Authority agenda item 4e, Resolution
Selecting Planning Firm for Opportunity Site. City Manager Michael McCauley discussed
that there would be notice in this month's City Watch and if the Council would like to have
something in the local newspaper that could be done. Councilmember Lasman responded
that if it was going to be published in City Watch it may not be necessary to publish in the
local newspaper.
Councilmember Lasman asked for clarification regarding the recommendation and the proposed
resolution with agenda item l Ok, Resolution Relating to Liquor License of Value Food.
Councilmember Carmody arrived at 6:01 p.m.
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City Manager Michael McCauley discussed that the recommendation and the resolution were
different and that the issue should be discussed with City Attorney Charlie LeFevere since he had
drafted the resolution.
Councilmember Lasman inquired if the Alleys language included in agenda item 100, Resolution
Amending the City's Special Assessment Policy Regarding Commercial and Industrial Parcels,
relates to citizens in general. Mr. McCauley discussed that the language relates to lots and would be
computed and added to the uniform assessment for the specific lot involved.
Councilmember Carmody informed that she would not be voting on some of the recommended
reappointments with regards to agenda item IOg, Mayoral Reappointments to City Advisory
Commissions. She believes the absence issues with Financial Commissioner Lawrence Peterson and
Housing Commissioner Stan Leino needs to be considered before reappointing them; and based on e-
mails and remarks made by Housing Commission Chair Mark Yelich she would not be in favor of
reappointing him.
Councilmember Carmody informed that she would not be able to serve as the liaison for the Park and
Recreation Commission due to the meetings occurring on Tuesday evenings with regards to agenda
item 10h, Mayor Appointments of City Council Members to Serve as Liaisons to City Advisory
Commissions and as City Representatives for Other Organizations for 2005. She questioned if
someone could switch or take her place. Councilmember Lasman informed that she would be able to
attend the Park and Recreation Commission meetings and questioned if Councilmember Carmody
would like to serve as the liaison for the Regional Human Rights Coalition. Both Councilmembers
agreed that switch would be favorable.
Councilmember Carmody questioned why Happy Hollow would be included in the seal coating for
2005 with regards to agenda item 10m, Resolution Approving Joint Powers Agreement for Street
Maintenance Activities and Authorizing Solicitation for Bids for 2005 Seal Coating. Public Works
Director /City Engineer Todd Blomstrom discussed that there had been some problems with the final
wear course and the contractor had agreed to fix the problems as part of this project.
Councilmember Lasman expressed that she would like to continue discussions regarding the
advisory commission reappointments. She agrees that the attendance issues with the Financial and
Housing Commissioners needs to be reviewed; however, is uncomfortable with not reappointing
Mark Yelich. Councilmember Carmody discussed that she would consider appointment of Mark
Yelich as a Commissioner; however, not as the Chair. She believes that if the Housing Commission
Chair is going to serve on the Opportunity Site Study Area Task Force, Mark Yelich would not be
one she would like to consider due to his misinterpreted comments about Brooklyn Center.
Councilmember Lasman expressed that she believes he should be aware of the concerns raised and
that he should be able to respond. It was the consensus of the Council to table the reappointments
for the Financial and Housing Commissions.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember O'Connor inquired how much the Council is involved with the Financial
Commission and the City's budget. Mayor Kragness discussed that the budget process starts in May
with a joint meeting of the City Council and Financial Commission. Mr. McCauley added that after
the process is started in May and the Financial Commission and staff have a bigger picture of what
the Council would like to see included in or out of the budget, a preliminary budget is prepared for
review by the Council in August. She inquired if the Council receives updates on the current year's
budget. Mr. McCauley responded that at the current time the Council receives updates on the
Enterprise Fund budgets and in the future will be receiving updates on the General Fund budgets.
Councilmember Carmody asked if the advisory commission agendas could be included with the
packets that are delivered to the Council or e- mailed. Mr. McCauley responded that he would ask
for all commission agendas to be distributed for delivery with Council packets.
Mayor Kragness informed that she had received a request from the City of St. Paul for participation
in celebrating their 100 Birthday and asked if Councilmember Carmody would check to see if the
Earle Brown Days Committee would like to include something. Councilmember Carmody
responded that she would check with the Earle Brown Days Committee.
Councilmember Lasman inquired if the housing project under consideration by Dan Vang would
include a mix of commercial. Mr. McCauley discussed that the preliminary concept had some
commercial included; however, it was not a major component. Mayor Kragness questioned if the
power lines in that area had been discussed. Mr. McCauley discussed that the way the site plan is
set up it does not have housing directly under the power lines.
Councilmember O'Connor inquired if the Pl q Pl mg Commission advise the Council and the Council
makes final decisions.
Councilmember Niesen arrived at 6:38 p.m.
Mr. McCauley discussed that would be correct and that the City Charter must follow State Law.
Councilmember Carmody asked that an item be placed on the next Work Session agenda regarding
the League of Minnesota Cities impaired water utility and for more information as to what affect it
would have on Brooklyn Center residents.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Carmody, seconded by Councilmember Lasman to adjourn the Study
Session at 6:43 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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City Clerk A Mayo
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