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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 05-21 CCM Work Session with Financial Commission and New Council Member Orientation MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA GENERAL WORK SESSION MEETING WITH FINANCIAL COMMISSION AND NEW COUNCIL MEMBER ORIENTATION MAY 21, 2001 CONFERENCE ROOM B CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a general work session with the Financial Commission at Brooklyn Center City Hall in Conference Room B and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Ed Nelson, Bob Peppe, and Tim Ricker. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Assistant City Manager Jane Chambers, Fiscal and Support Services Director Doug Sell, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum. Financial Commission Members present were Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher, Financial Commissioners Jerry Blamey, Tim Elftmann, Gavin Wilkinson, and Lawrence Peterson. GENERAL DISCUSSION OF 2002 BUDGET PROCESS City Manager Michael McCauley discussed this worksession is to identify any Council issues that should be reflected in the budget discussions in August and September. At this time it is uncertain what course the Legislature will take, if any, on a Tax Bill. The House Tax Bill has severe implications for both operations and the tax increment districts and has very restrictive levy limits that are effectively retroactive. The impact is unknown but ranges from no increased levy in 2002 to a levy increase probably below 2 percent. The impact of the class rate compression would be to reduce the tax capacity in the TIF Districts in half. Mr. McCauley discussed the materials that were included in the agenda regarding a street light utility and that a street light utility could pay for expenses associated with street light operation, maintenance, and erection that are currently paid from the General Fund and capital sources. 05/21/01 -1- The Council and Financial Commission discussed where the residents would see the costs for a street light utility. Mr. McCauley responded that the resident's water bill would have an additional line added to their current bill. Councilmember Lasman indicated that she would like to see a breakdown of what the cost would be both ways regarding this issue. After further discussion it was the consensus of the Council and the Financial Commission to have the Financial Commission further explore this issue with City staff. Mr. McCauley discussed the tax burdens for 2001 and the retroactive levy limits if the House Tax Bill goes through, the pressures of the 2001 City Council goals, and the efficiencies occurring in general government and community development. Council further discussed the issues of the tax burdens and the levy limits. Councilmember Nelson raised the issue of having a user fee collected for cable use. Mr. McCauley responded that the Cable Commission had control of cable franchise revenues. Mayor Kragness indicated that she would like to see more factual numbers. Councilmember Lasman indicated that she would like to see levies at the lowest possible rate and to deliver the same service. Mayor Kragness inquired about the income from the liquor store and if another location is feasible. Mr. McCauley discussed that he would like to see the liquor store at the Cub Foods location in full operation for one year in order to consider if another liquor store if feasible. Mr. McCauley reviewed the rental housing issue that the Council previously discussed and informed the Council and the Financial Commission that an analysis is being put together and will be brought to Council by the June 11, 2001, meeting. UPDATE ON CIVIC CENTER PROJECT Mr. McCauley provided an update on the Civic Center project and informed the Council and Financial Commission that the Park and Recreation Commission made a recommendation to remove the Palmer Lake all season building from the current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). That would free up $315,000 in funds. Mr. McCauley discussed an item that was not identified in the Civic Center project that had come to light was the deterioration of the railings and other metal in the pool area. Once reviewed it will be proposed to use funds from the Capital Reserve Emergency Fund. The approximate cost of retrofitting would be $60,000, and would leave the Capital Reserve Emergency Fund balance at approximately $140,000 above its target balance. 05/21/01 -2- It was the consensus of the Council and the Financial Commission to have the 2001 -2005 CIP amended to reflect the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Commission to eliminate the Palmer Lake all season building and to use the Capital Reserve Emergency Fund to pay for the I deteriorated metal replacement. Mr. McCauley informed the Council and the Financial Commission that this amendment would be put on a City Council agenda to establish the change. TWINS STADIUM Councilmember Peppe discussed the need for some commercial investment to the City of Brooklyn Center and the possibility of seeking input for a Twins Stadium. Councilmember Nelson agreed with the idea of a Twins Stadium and discussed the issues that would be raised such as safety and feasibility. Financial Commissioner Jerry Blarney raised the issue of the tens of millions of dollars that other cities could spend to get a stadium. Financial Commissioner Lawrence Peterson suggested that running shuttles from parking ramps in Minneapolis might be an option. Councilmember Peppe stated having a stadium in Brooklyn Center would be beneficial to all surrounding communities and that would be a great example for the City of Minneapolis. Financial Commissioner Gavin Wilkinson discussed that this issue would take a lot of partnerships. Councilmember Peppe indicated that yes it would take a lot of partnership and suggested talking is the first step. The Chamber of Commerce is welcoming to this venture and getting the attention of the North Convention Visitors Bureau would be beneficial in the starting process. Further discussion occurred on this issue. It was the consensus of the Council and the Financial Commission that no action be taken to expend money or staff time until after it is determined if the Twins would consider the Brooklyn Center location and the Legislature indicates funding will be provided. If those questions were answered affirmatively, the next step would be to have an analysis by Springsted and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as us developing community support and partnership. A short break was provided and the meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m. RECYCLING AND ANNUAL CLEAN -UP PROPOSAL FROM HENNEPIN RECYCLING GROUP Mr. McCauley informed the Financial Commission of the request from Hennepin Recycling Group to provide residents with the option of having curbside recycling and an annual citywide clean -up collection and discussed the request. After further discussion it was the consensus of the Council and the Financial Commission to have more information provided on the request to provide an annual citywide clean -up collection and proceed on carts for recycling. 05/21/01 -3- MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS WITH THE FINANCIAL COMMISSION Councilmember Nelson encouraged the Financial Commissioners to attend the Smart Growth Regional and Community workshops on June 14, 2001, and July 11, 2001. The joint meeting with the Financial Commission ended at 9:05 p.m. NEW COUNCIL MEMBER ORIENTATION Council viewed a tape from Financial Management Institute and discussed. The Council discussed the goal setting process, the decision process, and Council protocols during meetings. Mr. McCauley outlined the open meeting law, and data practices law. It was determined that Councilmember Ricker would serve as a liaison for the Council on the Park and Recreation Commission and AMM. Councilmember Ricker requested to continue to attend ARM meetings. It was the consensus of the Council that would be adequate. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Nelson discussed that the Housing Commission is interested in providing a questionnaire for National Night Out. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to adjourn the meeting at 10:29 p.m. City Clerk Mayor 05/21/01 -4-