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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 02-24 CCM Work 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 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 24, 2003 COUNCIL /COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in a work session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 9:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Bob Peppe. Also present: City Manager Michael McCauley, Interim Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Sharon Klumpp, Police Chief Scott Bechthold, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum. Councilmember Carmody had requested that the City Council Minutes from February 10, 2003, be placed on this agenda for discussion. She questioned how much the minutes should be changed and expressed that a few sentences is acceptable to her; however, extensive changes should be considered for discussion if it continues. City Manager Michael McCauley discussed the process used in the past. Councilmember Niesen informed that this issue is one that she would like to discuss further. It was the consensus of the Council to put the February 10, 2003, study and regular session minutes on the March 10, 2003, consent agenda for approval. CODE ENFORCEMENT Police Chief Scott Bechthold discussed the code enforcement process and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Councilmember Carmody questioned what the plan is with the problem properties. Mr. Bechthold informed that staff is working with the City Attorney to increase the penalties and looking into the possibility of going directly to prosecution. Mr. Bechthold informed that there will be more one on one contacts with residents and that they are hoping to work more with residents. Councilmember Niesen discussed an incident she experienced five years ago and an issue regarding the parking of a vehicle on her property. 02/24/03 -1- POLICE DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION PLAN Mr. Bechthold presented a PowerPoint presentation on a proposed reorganization plan within the Police Department and discussed that this plan is directed toward improving operations responsiveness. The plan provides the essential structure for the new Crime Reduction Strategy that moves the department from the traditional reactive organization to a proactive organization. Mr. Bechthold discussed the current and the proposed organizational charts. Mr. McCauley discussed that the same coverage will continue, 12 hour shifts, for officers and that the concern with the east and west sides will be an issue to focus on proactively for the entire City. Mr. Bechthold informed that the staff had been presented this plan and there was no opposition to the plan. Councilmember Niesen informed that she is all for proactive goals and that an issue she would like to discuss in the future will be traffic. POLICY ON LIOUOR IN CONSTITUTION HALL Councilmember Lasman inquired if the Council would be interested in exploring the current policy that prohibits alcoholic beverages in City Hall and Constitution Hall. She was approached by the Lions regarding this policy as it would impact a use they might consider for an event in Constitution Hall. It was the consensus of the Council to leave the policy as it is written. TAXICAB LICENSING REGULATIONS Council discussed the current taxicab licensing procedure. Mayor Kragness questioned why the City of Brooklyn Center's insurance limitations are higher than other cities. Councilmember Niesen questioned who made the decision. Mr. McCauley informed that the Council had previously adopted the ordinance and that the limits were suggested from the American Risk Services, Inc. Mr. McCauley inquired if the Council would like staff to explore the option of having the City taken out of the taxicab licensing business. It was the consensus of the Council to explore the issue of removing the taxicab licensing business from the City' Ordinances. A motion by Councilmember Carmody, seconded by Councilmember Lasman to extend the meeting to 11:30 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 02/24/03 -2- EARLE BROWN DAYS OVERTIME AND FIREWORKS Councilmember Carmody discussed the Earle Brown Days Committee discussed at their recent meeting the expenses for Earle Brown Days and questions were raised as to what amount of funding for the parade and fireworks would be provided in light of the budget discussions. Council discussed and it was noted that the parade would go on as planned this year and that it should be noted that staff might need to consider not having funding for next years Earle Brown Days events. PROPOSAL FROM DEVELOPER FOR LIQUOR STORE AT 69' AND BROOKLYN BOULEVARD Council discussed a proposal received from the developer of the 69`" Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard project. Mayor Kragness informed that she believes the Brooklyn Park Liquor Store on Brooklyn Boulevard will be closing and that having a liquor store at the corner of 69 Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard might be an ideal spot. Councilmember Lasman discussed that if the City were going to have a second liquor store that this location would be a good location. Councilmember Niesen inquired about the profits made from the current Brooklyn Center liquor store. Mr. McCauley discussed that the current liquor store profits approximately $150,000. Mayor Kragness suggested that staff research this proposal and that she believes the revenues would be helpful. Councilmember Carmody questioned what the City's costs would include. Mr. McCauley discussed that there would be some capital costs and that the funding would be taken from the Liquor Fund. Councilmember Niesen informed that she wishes the City were not in the liquor business. Councilmember Peppe questioned how much the lease would cost. Mr. McCauley informed that a pro forma would be done on the proposal. CIVIL LEGAL FEE INCREASE AND SCHEDULE FOR REOUESTS FOR PROPOSALS Mr. McCauley informed under City Policy, the City would solicit proposals for civil legal services in 2003 and questioned if the Council would like to continue with the previous format used for Requests for Proposals (RFP). It was the consensus of the Council to use the same format and seek RFPs for civil legal services. 02/24/03 -3- MEETING WITH COMMISSION CHAIRS AND COMMISSION RECOGNITION Mr. McCauley questioned if the Council would like to continue with the format used in previous years for the meeting with the Commission Chairs and the Commission Recognition event. He noted that the meeting with the Commission Chairs would an informal meeting and the Commission Recognition event will be formatted as in previous years with less money spent on food and beverages. Councilmember Lasman suggested that the budget constraints as it applies to each Commission be considered for discussion at the meeting with the Commission Chairs. Councilmember Carmody suggested discussion of limiting the number of meetings per year be considered as a topic for discussion. NEXT WORK SESSION DATE Council discussed potential dates for scheduling a work session. It was the consensus of the Council to schedule a work session on April 7, 2003, 6:00 p.m. It will be determined later if this meeting will be a joint meeting with the Financial Commission. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Carmody suggested that a break be provided at Regular City Council meetings if the meetings are going to proceed after 9:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to adjourn the work session at 11:20 p.m. City Clerk Mayor 02/24/03 -4-