HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 06-23 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
JUNE 23, 2003
CITY HALL
COUNCIL /COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM
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, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, Diane Niesen, and Bob
Peppe. Also present were City Manager Michael McCauley, Public Works Director /City Engineer
Todd Blomstrom, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Councilmember Carmody inquired about City Council Agenda Item 9a, Resolution Expressing
Appreciation to St. Alphonsus Home and School Association for Their Donation of $75 for the
D.A.R.E. Program, and what would happen with the donation if there were no D.A.R.E Program
next year. City Manager Michael McCauley discussed that the D.A.R.E. Program has been operated
during the first six months of this year and that the donation will be used for this year.
DISCUSSION OF OPTIONAL 2:00 A.M. BAR CLOSING
Councilmember Carmody informed that she might have a conflict of interest for this topic since she
is a member of a Restaurant Association. Mr. McCauley discussed that he believes there would not
be a conflict of interest since she does not have a direct financial interest in an establishment.
Mr. McCauley discussed that staff would recommend that the City take no action at this time.
Mayor Kragness questioned if there were any bars requesting a 2:00 a.m. bar closing. Mr. McCauley
responded that no bars have made a request at this time. Staff would like to review with the North
Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Earle Brown Heritage Center to see what their
recommendation might be on this matter.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Mayor Kragness inquired if the Council would be interested in adopting a resolution stating support
for an amendment to the 2003 Minnesota Personal Protection Act and giving cities authority to
prohibit guns on city property. Mr. McCauley informed that the City is working on a policy for
employees and questioned how much time and energy the Council would like to spend on this
matter.
Council discussed the matter. Councilmember Lasman expressed that she would support the
resolution. Councilmember Peppe expressed that he believes what the Legislature did was correct;
however, he is not sure that signs will help on City property. Mayor Kragness discussed that she
believes that the Council needs to send the message that cites are unhappy about the Personal
Protection Act.
Councilmember Niesen asked for clarification of what the Study Sessions should be used for and if
this resolution would be on the present agenda. Mayor Kragness discussed that Study Sessions are
for discussion and clarification of present agenda items. Study Sessions are also used for Council to
suggest and discuss future agenda items. This resolution would not be on the present agenda and is
for consideration by the Council for a future agenda item. Councilmember Niesen informed that she
is not interested in supporting the resolution.
Councilmember Carmody expressed that she believes the resolution goes too far and that she does
not want to prohibit guns at the facilities listed in the resolution.
Mr. McCauley discussed that the Council might wish to amend the sample resolution and limit the
language to urge Legislators to address the issue in the next Legislative Session.
There was no direction provided on this matter.
Councilmember Niesen questioned if regular updates are provided to the Council on Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) Districts. She has concerns with the TIF and would like to know about the
transferring of TIF. Mr. McCauley informed that no regular updates are provided; however, the
movements are shown in the Financial Statements. The TIF funds can be transferred from one
district to another, not towards any another funds. Councilmember Niesen stated that she would like
reports on TIF, TIF District 4 obligations to Real Estate Recycling, and when the districts end. Mr.
McCauley responded that information would be supplied.
Councilmember Niesen questioned if the abandoned property ordinance had been adopted. She also
wanted to discuss having a policy to require semi - annual reports on property received and its
disposition. Mr. McCauley informed that the ordinance was adopted and that the ordinance is not a
policy. If the Council would like to propose a policy they may do so. Councilmember Niesen stated
that she would like to discuss this matter at a work session.
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A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to adjourn to the Informal
Open Forum at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
The Council continued its Study Session after the Informal Open Forum at 6:53 p.m.
Councilmember Peppe expressed that he was not sure if the direction provided at the June 16, 2003,
joint meeting with the Financial Commission was clear. He believes that the City needs to find
additional revenue sources and expressed that he is not a big advocate for slowing down street
projects.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to adj ourn the Study
Session at 6:58 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor
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