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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 03-04 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 GENERAL WORK SESSION MARCH 4, 2002 WEST FIRE STATION — TRAINING ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a general work session at the West Fire Station 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 Community Development Director Brad Hoffman. DISCUSSION OF RENTAL HOUSING ORDINANCES City Manager Michael McCauley distributed apartment licensing information from New Brighton provided by City Attorney Charlie LeFevere. A discussion ensued regarding the proposed rental housing ordinance. Mr. Hoffman indicated that he would be holding a meeting with the rental owners who had expressed concerns about the ordinance at the February 25, 2002, City Council meeting. Councilmember Ricker indicated that he supported the ordinance as written. The City Manager asked the Council if the ordinance should be discussed with ARM. Councilmember Nelson indicated it should also be discussed with the Housing Commission. Councilmember Peppe stated that he had reviewed crime statistic maps of the area and he was concerned about crime indicators in areas of high density, low income housing. He expressed concern that Brooklyn Center needs to avoid such a concentration. The City Manager suggested taking the ordinance to the Housing Commission, ARM, and the owners as written and ask for comments so that the ordinance is still on track to be considered by the City Council at the March 25, 2002, City Council meeting. Councilmember Ricker outlined four steps that he thinks are essential in the ordinance, an occupancy limit of two persons per bedroom, an application process, a criminal background check for those residing in the apartment 18 years and older, and requiring that an apartment complex maintain a minimum standard of police calls. Councilmember Peppe stated that the City must retain some leverage over owners in order to be able to act when there are problems in the units. There was agreement that the current ordinance would be discussed with the ARM, Housing Commission, and owners, and report back to the City Council at the March 25, 2002, City Council meeting. There was also consensus that further work would be done to develop a draft addressing Councilmember Ricker's suggestions in a few months. The next phase would be reviewed by the Council but then discussed with the Housing Commission, ARM, and owners before introducing an ordinance. 03/04/02 -1- Councilmember Nelson stated that he would be absent at the March 25, 2002, City Council meeting. The City Manager asked if it would be okay to send the Council packets on Friday, March 8, 2002, instead of Thursday, because the next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2002. Packets for Councilmembers Nelson and Lasman will be held at City Hall. The City Manager reminded the Mayor and Councilmember Peppe that they would meet briefly on Monday, March 11, 2002, to declare a lack of quorum and schedule the March 13, 2002, Special Meeting. DISCUSSION OF LIMITED MARKET VALUE AND RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TAXES The City Manager shared charts of projected real estate values for homeowners in Brooklyn Center and explained the concept of limited value. Councilmember Peppe expressed concern about the effects of limited market value on homeowners and asked about the City's housing mix and how retail might be affected. He also asked what the City could do to shift property taxes back to commercial property. The City Manager reviewed the need to start a discussion on this matter and process to gaining the information needed for the City Council to entertain options. He stated that there were basically two ways for the City to reduce the tax burden on residents, one to be building of new commercial base outside of TIF Districts, and two to be taking property that has appreciated in value out of the TIF Districts. These comments led to the discussion of the next agenda item. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING, VALUES, IMPACT OF LEGISLATION, ETC. Mr. Hoffman presented a map of the current TIF Districts and projects. There ensued a discussion of these projects. Councilmember Ricker asked for a brief outline of the TIF process and Mr. Hoffinan responded with an overview of how TIF has been practiced. There was a discussion of various TIF projects and history. Councilmember Peppe noted that there are two competing interests in determining TIF decisions, one is to have commercial property come back into paying for general City costs, and two is to have funds to create more economic growth. SMART GROWTH ISSUES The City Manager was asked what is going to spark retail growth. He responded that he thought the repositioning of Brookdale was of key importance. He discussed various other development opportunities in that area, including transit relocation and a proposal for strip mall renovation. Mr. Hoffman reviewed the current status of litigation regarding the Summerchase Apartments. RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ORCHARD LANE AND WILLOW LANE SCHOOLS The Council agreed that a resolution recognizing Orchard Lane and Willow Lane Schools should be prepared for Council consideration. 03/04/02 -2- i CELL PHONES AND PAGERS DURING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS The Council agreed that an announcement, possibly a written notice, should be made to request that cell phones and pagers be turned off during City Council meetings. FIREWORKS AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK The City Manager suggested that the City go ahead and fund the 2002 purchase of fireworks that had been put on hold due to budget concerns. The Council agreed. HENNEPIN RECYCLING GROUP CLEAN -UP PROPOSAL The City Manager stated that he would bring back to the Council information regarding area wide clean up. Other cities in the area have agreed to this pick -up and the Council may want to reconsider Brooklyn Center participation that was declined last year. MISCELLANEOUS Council Members indicated that the microphone needs to be available for the next meeting. It was not available for the February 25, 2002, City Council meeting and was needed. The City Manager indicated that he would bring the Social Services discussion scheduled for annual review to the Council at the next meeting. There was discussion of the City Manager's salary. The Council proposed a 3.35 percent increase, same as received by non -union employees for 2002, retroactive to January 1, 2002. The Council reviewed information regarding another personnel matter. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 pm. S M `g. ta, )AM-&-- City Clerk Mayot 03/04/02 -3-