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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 07-09 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 JULY 9, 2001 CONFERENCE ROOM B 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 Kay Lasman, Ed Nelson, Bob Peppe, and Tim Ricker. Also Present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Assistant City Manager Jane Chambers, and City Clerk Sharon Knutson. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Nelson requested to discuss City Council agenda item no. 9a, Planning Commission Application No. 2001 -015 submitted by Renee Stoddard requesting special use permit approval for a go -cart track and entertainment center at the old K -Mart site, 5930 Earle Brown Drive. He inquired about the type of operation, business licensing /regulation, and air quality control. Mr. McCauley responded that Hennepin County licenses the food operation, and the City licenses the video games /amusement devices but not the go -cart track. Councilmember Lasman raised the issue of noise control, sharing a common wall with Slumberland. The plans were reviewed and displayed concession/offices next to the common wall that would serve as a buffer. Councilmember Peppe inquired about City Council agenda item no. 6d, Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2000 -227 Setting Salaries and Benefits for the Calendar Year 2001. Mr. McCauley responded that after the Teamsters Union decertified in April, department head salaries are reviewed individually. He reviewed the survey results for Fire Chief and explained that ten cities were surveyed and the Brooklyn Center maximum dollar amount for the Fire Chief salary range was the lowest of those ten cities surveyed. TWINS STADIUM Councilmember Nelson said the ad hoc group met to discuss the stadium on May 24, 2001. The ad hoc group consisted of Brooklyn Community Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leatha Lemmer, Minneapolis Metro North Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director John Connelly, and City Manager Michael McCauley. 07/09/01 -1- Councilmember Nelson said the Twins are looking for another stadium, and he is seeking Council direction on whether or not a feasibility study should be done to determine if it is viable for Brooklyn Center to be considered a location for a stadium to lease to the Twins for a minimum of 30 years. Councilmember Ricker asked if the Twins representatives have been involved and what their response has been to the idea. Councilmember Nelson said the Twins representatives are willing to look at the idea. Councilmember Peppe said the Twins are looking at any options and have been interested in the Minneapolis Warehouse District. He noted that Brooklyn Center was considered last time around when the Metrodome was proposed. Mayor Kragness raised the issue of what the residents would expect or want. She stated she had talked with some residents who resided here when Brooklyn Center was a possibility for the Metrodome site when we had open space, and the consensus of the community was "no" to the stadium. She raised the issue of funding and police and fire concerns. She said she is uncomfortable with what would have to be taken out of the community to accommodate a stadium. Councilmember Peppe believes the issue deserves some study. He wants to wait for funding from the Legislature and also wants to find out if there's a coalition with surrounding cities. He agrees with the ad hoc committee idea to study the issue, and believes that something big has to happen in the business district with immediate impact that could help support Brookdale and strengthen Brooklyn Center's tax capacity. Councilmember Lasman expressed serious reservations about whether or not a stadium is right for Brooklyn Center. She stated that she has done some checking and this type of operation doesn't always bring in the anticipated dollars. The motels are already full on weekends, so she doesn't see how it would greatly increase their revenue. She would like the issue studied in greater depth. Councilmember Ricker raised the issue of the cost of a feasibility study. He suggested a survey, possibly coordinated through the Brooklyn Community Chamber of Commerce. Mr. McCauley explained that the cost estimate for a feasibility study varies according to what would be included and how many layers. He said the City would lose $32 million in tax revenue from the proposed area for the stadium, and it would cost approximately $60 million to acquire the property. He also raised the issue of the competition and what other communities have to offer. A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to adjourn study session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. City Council study session adjourned to Informal Open Forum with City Council. A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to re -open study session at 6:52 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 07/09/01 -2- MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Kragness said she received an invitational letter from the New Hope Mayor regarding Shingle Creek Water Management Organization meeting and would like to attend. Mr. McCauley responded he would make the reservation. Councilmember Lasman raised the issue of speed limits on Brooklyn Boulevard during the construction. She inquired if the City would regulate speed limits or Hennepin County or State. She noted there have been several accidents and believes the speed limit should be lowered. Mr. McCauley responded he would check into it. The Council discussed the use of e-mail and compliance with the Open Meeting Law. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to adj ourn study session at 6:59 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. City Clerk Mayor ' -3-