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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 03-18 CCM Work Session with Commission Chairs 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 COMMISSION CHAIRS MARCH 18, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a general work session with the Commission Chairs at the West Fire Station Training Room and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 6:30 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 Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum. Others present were Financial Commission Vice -Chair Jay Hruska, Park and Recreation Commission Chair Bud Sorenson, Housing Commission Chair Mark Yelich, Planning Commission Chair Tim Willson, and Charter Commission Chair Sylvester Knapp. Charter and Park and Recreation Commission Member Rich Theis arrived at 6:35 p.m. GENERAL DISCUSSION Mayor Kragness requested that each Commission Member and Council Member introduce himself or herself before starting the annual meeting to update the City Council on issues that each Commission is working on along with any upcoming issues that may need direction from the City Council. After introductions, Charter Commission Chair Sylvester Knapp discussed that the Charter Commission consists of 14 members and a Chairperson and that at the current time there are three vacancies. He discussed that the Charter Commission reviews the existing charter, considers proposed changes and makes recommendations to the City Council, and safeguards the concept of Home -Rule under the existing charter and Home -Rule provisions in the State Statues. Mr. Knapp discussed that the Charter Commission voted unanimously to recommend the Charter to be amended to rename the "Board of Review" to the "Board of Appeal and Equalization ". This is simply a housekeeping amendment to comply with a revision of the State Statues. 03/18/02 -1- The Charter Commission continues discussion of a possible amendment to the Charter that would establish a ward system for election of some or all City Council Members. This matter was referred to a subcommittee for review and discussion, and a recommendation will be presented at the next Charter Commission meeting. The Charter Commission voted to consider the issue of Campaign Finance as it may relate to City elections. Mayor Kragness informed Mr. Knapp that the ward system is something that had been considered in the past and was not favorable. Each Council Member expressed their opinion on the issue and it was the consensus of the City Council that the system in place is favorable. It was noted unity in the City is important with having at large representation. Councilmember Lasman discussed that she believes it is important to get more representation and diversity. She suggested personnel phone calls from the Commission Members to help promote the vacancies. Planning Commission Chair Tim Willson discussed that the Planning Commission continues to work on planning, zoning, sign, and subdivision matters. He informed the City Council that the Planning Commission welcomes any new issues that the City Council may want the Planning Commission to review. Mayor Kragness discussed the City Council appreciates the research that takes place on the matters to be considered by the City Council. The City Council believes that the Planning Commission has researched each aspect of the matter and does not have to question much before making a decision. Mr. Willson noted that the Planning Commission appreciates the help from the City's Liaison Planning and Zoning Specialist Ron Warren. Mayor Kragness questioned if the Planning Commission would find it beneficial to have a City Council Liaison. After discussion it was noted that a City Council Liaison would not be needed at this time. Housing Commission Chair Mark Yelich discussed that the Housing Commission consists of eight members and a Chairperson. At the current time there is one vacancy. The Planning Commission continues to work on the request regarding recreational vehicle parking and will start a vision for senior housing. He informed the City Council that the Housing Commission welcomes guidance for any other topics that the City Council may have in the future. Mayor Kragness discussed that the Smart Growth issue will be upcoming and that all Commissions should be involved. She questioned when this issue would be before the City Council and Commissions. 03/18/02 -2- i City Manager Michael McCauley informed the City Council and the Commission Members that the target date is currently sometime in May 2002. Financial Commission Vice -Chair Jay Hruska discussed that the purpose of the Financial Commission is to advise the City Council on financial matters and evaluate services in Brooklyn Center. The Financial Commission consists of six members and a Chairperson. The Chair calls meetings to order when needed. Last year the Financial Commission met seven times and had been involved in the Requests for Proposals for audit services and formed subcommittees to discuss the investment policy. He discussed that this year will be a challenging year for the Financial Commission with all the cutbacks proposed by the Legislature and that the 2003 budget will be their main focus along with banking services. Park and Recreation Commission Chair Bud Sorenson discussed that the Park and Recreation Commission consists of six members and a Chairperson and that the Capital Improvements Program continues to be an issue reviewed by the Park and Recreation Commission. He informed the City Council that this past year the Park and Recreation Commission was involved with the new building at Centerbrook Golf Course and that Grandview Park will be an issue that the Park and Recreation Commission will be involved with this year. He also discussed that the Park and Recreation Commission has been involved with the Community Center renovations and that the Park and Recreation Commission will be reviewing the programs offered once the project is complete. Any suggestions that the City Council would have regarding programs at the Community Center would be greatly appreciated. Mayor Kragness suggested that the Park and Recreation Commission consider reviewing a Skateboard Park for the City of Brooklyn Center. She has received several requests for a Skateboard Park in the City. She mentioned that the City of Brooklyn Park's has been successful and that the Park and Recreation Commission might want to consider reviewing the City of Brooklyn Park's Skateboard Park. Councilmember Lasman discussed she believes the study of a Skateboard Park would be a great idea since there are kids skateboarding in unsafe places. Mr. Sorenson stated that he would be sure to have the Park and Recreation Commission consider this issue and take a look at the City of Brooklyn Park's Skateboard Park. MISCELLANEOUS Mr. McCauley informed the Commission Members and City Council that the reopening of the Community Center will be June 30, 2002, and that a new community room upstairs will be named after Phil Cohen. 03/18/02 -3- Mr. McCauley discussed the Smart Growth issues that will be incurred this year, the budget concerns with the House and Senate Bill, the two phases of rental housing issues, the Tax Increment Financing for District No. 3, and the upcoming Commission Recognition Event to be held on April 15, 2002. Mayor Kragness suggested that the Commission Chairs encourage all Commission Members to attend the Commission Recognition Event. This is a time for all the Commission Members to meet other Commissioners and to be recognized for all they do for the City of Brooklyn Center. It has been disappointing in the past to have such a low turnout at the event. Mr. McCauley gave a brief overview of the City's Website. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. ,&. City Clerk (/ Mayor 03/18/02 -4-