HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 06-14 CCM Work Session I
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JUNE 14, 2004
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Work Session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna
Kragness at 8:20 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Bob
Peppe. Also present: City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City Manager /Director of
Operations Curt Boganey, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum.
Councilmember Peppe left the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS AT COMMUNITY
CENTER REQUESTING FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS FOR GAY, LESBIANS, AND
OTHERS
Mayor Kragness discussed the letter she received requesting family memberships for gay, lesbians,
and others. She expressed that she believes this is something that will need to be addressed in the
near future.
City Manager Michael McCauley discussed that he had the City Attorney prepare a legal opinion
regarding this request and outlined the response received from Mr. LeFevere. He informed that if the
Council wanted to discount a membership for this reason it would be a policy issue and that could be
undertaken.
Councilmember Lasman expressed that she believes the best way to handle this issue would be to
abide by State Law.
Councilmember Peppe agreed with Councilmember Lasman and expressed that he believes the City
needs to follow State guidelines.
Councilmember Niesen questioned if cities other than the City of Minneapolis are changing their
policy. Mayor Kragness discussed that she believes Minneapolis is the first and that this issue will
be coming before many cities in the future.
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Councilmember Niesen questioned if the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) would have any input
regarding this issue. The Council indicated it would like the LMC contacted to see what other cities
have done.
Councilmember Lasman suggested that if the Council were to consider new rules for memberships
she would suggest appropriate changes for members of families with children until the age of 25 or
out of school.
DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION APPOINTMENT PROCESS
Councilmember Niesen inquired if the Mayor had interviews with applicants when they are applying
for a commission. Mayor Kragness informed that she usually contacts the Commission Chairs and
discusses the applications with them and then does a phone interview with the applicant.
Councilmember Carmody expressed that she would like to see the application option of offering
seats on other Commissions stay. She believes that people may like the change if they are not
offered the commission originally applying for.
Council continued the discussion regarding the application process. Councilmember Carmody
suggested that the Mayor make notes after a phone interview and provide those notes to the Council
for review. Mayor Kragness stated that she would be willing to do that.
DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL COMMUNICATION WITH CITY STAFF
Councilmember Niesen outlined information provided in an article from the International
City /County Management Association (ICMA) with regards to communication with the City
Manager and expressed that she would like to use common sense when communicating with City
staff. Mr. McCauley discussed that the reason the best practice of having the Council contact him
for everything is that staff are not always comfortable communicating with the Council and that there
is judgment in terms of information to be considered. He suggested the Council continue contacting
him unless the issues they are using services individually such as building permits, Community
Center memberships, and water bills.
Councilmember Peppe left the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
TOBACCO FREE ZONES IN PARKS DURING ORGANIZED YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Council discussed the request received from the Park and Recreation Commission regarding tobacco
free zones in parks during organized youth activities. Mr. McCauley informed that the program
would provide signs for smoke free zones during organized youth activities, but compliance would
be voluntary.
It was the consensus of the Council to approve this request.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Councilmember Niesen asked that the missing picnic tables from Twin Beach area be researched.
Mr. McCauley informed that he will check and indicated that they may have been removed due to
budget cuts.
Councilmember Niesen discussed the Park and Recreation Commission minutes regarding the boat
parking and the cost of approximately $20,000. She expressed that she would like to give input on
this issue. Mr. McCauley informed that at this time the Park and Recreation Commission is
gathering input.
Councilmember Niesen informed that she would like information provided on the berms and
landscaping as part of the France Avenue Project area for 51 Avenue; and the sediment testing for
the area.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to adjourn the Work
Session at 9:19 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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City Clerk Mayor
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