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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 10-18 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 OCTOBER 18, 1999 CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM B CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a general work session at Brooklyn Center City Hall and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Debra Hilstrom, Kay Lasman, Ed Nelson, and Robert Peppe. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Assistant City Manager/HR Director Jane Chambers, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, Public Works Director Diane Spector, and Recording Secretary Maria Rosenbaum. WATER, SANITARY SEWER, AND STORM WATER UTILITY DRAFT 2000 BUDGETS AND RATES City Manager Michael McCauley discussed the overall proposed increase rate for annual utility bills for the average customer will be 1.8 percent or $6.70 annually, and the average senior customer increase will be 1.1 percent or $2.00 annually. Public Works Director Diane Spector advised that the annualized inflation rate is currently 2.3 percent and the most recent cost of living adjustment on Social Security was 1.3 percent. The Social Security COLA is based on the CPI -W which currently is 2.4 percent and means next year's COLA will likely be at least 2 percent. Ms. Spector discussed the proposed rate increases for water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and recycling. The water increase will be from $0.91 per 1,000 gallons to $0.94. Last year when setting the rates for 1999 9 it was projected ro'ected that the water rate would have to increase to $0.93 in 2000. The additional increase is due to a closer estimate of capital improvement project costs. There will be no increase for sanitary sewer. The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) initiated a cost savings program that has enabled the agency to lower the sewage treatment rates charged municipalities, reducing the City's cost and eliminating the need to raise the rates. 10/18/99 -1- The storm drainage increase will be from $9.50 per quarter for a single family residence to $10.00, which is right on target. Recycling will have no increase and continue at $6.45 per quarter for a single family residence. Ms. Spector highlighted information in the materials to inform the Council the procedure used to set the 2000 budget and rates and shared some additional information relating to the public utilities rate study. The senior sanitary sewer revenue loss was a concern in the past by the City's auditor regarding the cost of the senior sanitary sewer rate. The auditor believed this reduced rate generates loss of revenue and that the loss should be calculated and shown as a cost to the utility. It was noted that there is no loss to the utility as a result of this reduced rate. Another addition to the public utilities rate study proposed is amending the charges for delinquent meter reading. The current rate is $2.00 for the first reading and second consecutive quarter a meter reading is either delinquent or is not provided. The third quarter charge is $5.00 and the fourth quarter is $10.00. After the four quarters of estimated readings, the resident is required to make an appointment to have the meter read by utility staff. Staff is recommending that the second consecutive quarter charge be increased to $4.00, and the third quarter charge be increased to $8.00 to provide more of a deterrent to those who habitually do not return their meter readings. Council discussed the delinquent meter reading further. Mr. McCauley informed the Council there will be a new policy establishing this amendment to be proposed to the Council in the near future. Council had no further questions on the public utilities rate study. YEAR 2000 CELEBRATION: CITY PARTICIPATION Mr. McCauley discussed the Year 2000 Celebration Committee had requested the City's participation in the next year's community celebration of the year 2000. An outline was drafted for the City's participation and included in the materials. As noted in the materials, the City is not proposing to undertake some activities that were suggested for consideration. The draft proposal would have the City coordinate may of the existing annual events with the Year 2000 Celebration. The City would coordinate publicity through the preparation and dissemination of news releases, the City Watch, cable television, and other routine outlets. There would be clerical support provided through copying and mailing with the costs of copies and mailing to be paid (except for the City sponsored events) by the Year 2000 Committee. The impact of the proposed City events, above the normal events, would be approximately $8,000. 10/18/99 -2- Mr. McCauley suggested City participation in the celebration and that the City advance monies to the degree that the City budgeted for participation so that total expenditure by the City would not exceed the budgeted amount. Council discussed the City's participation and the monies involved. Mayor Kragness stated that she believes the City's participation would be acceptable. There was consensus of the Council to have Mr. McCauley propose participation in the Year 2000 Celebration in the budget for Council review. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TRANSIT PROPOSAL FOR TRANSIT HUB ON XERXES Mr. McCauley discussed the proposed transit hub at Brookdale does not include bathrooms, architecture that would be compatible with Brookdale, a connection with Brookdale, or potentially address pedestrian safety. These are concerns about the proposed hub expressed by Mr. Schlesinger, as well as City staff. Mr. McCauley suggested scheduling a meeting with the Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan Council Representative Todd Paulson, Mr. Schlesinger, and City staff to discuss the concerns. Council discussed further options for a transit hub and the advantages and disvantages of having a transit hub. Mr. McCauley will schedule a meeting with the appropriate persons to discuss the concerns. 2000 CITY COUNCIL GOALS Mayor Kragness started the discussion of the 2000 City Council goals by asking Councilmember Nelson his reasoning for submitting his own draft of the City Council goals. Councilmember Nelson stated that he believed the goals and strategies were not complete and needed to be more thorough. Council discussed with Councilmember Nelson that they believed the time spent preparing these goals was well accomplished and that the goals prepared at the Council Retreat were in a proper form for adoption. Councilmember Nelson withdrew his submitted re -draft of goals. The City Council discussed the proposed resolution adopting the City Council goals that were formulated at the Council's September Retreat. With correction of a few typographical errors, the Council consensus was to proceed with consideration of the goals developed at the Council Retreat. 10/18/99 -3- MISCELLANEOUS Mr. McCauley discussed the status of the police and fire buildings, and the civic center addition. Assistant City Manager/HR Director Jane Chambers informed the Council that the contractor had been informed that they need to get the work done or City staff will seek other companies to complete the work. Mr. McCauley reported that he believes that the construction of the new civic center addition should be researched further and that the construction originally planned for 2000 take place in 2001. There are too many things to be worked out for later development (connection of the two buildings and design of exterior for future development) and if the City were to build the new addition in the spring of 2000, the plans would need to be completed now. More input from others needs to be solicited and space issues to be resolved. Mr. McCauley suggested having the utility work done, design options research, and space issues resolved in 2000, and construction of the new addition in 2001. Council discussed the advantages and disadvantages of waiting and the outcome of delaying the construction. The consensus was to wait on the construction of the new addition so that all questions can be answered. Councilmember Hilstrom reported that she had received two calls from different residents regarding the law about carrying firearms. Mr. McCauley will check into this and report back to Councilmember Hilstrom. Councilmember Hilstrom informed the Council that a staff person had been requested to attend the Family Services Collaborative meetings. Mr. McCauley responded that he will check with CARS Director Jim Glasoe about a staff member attendance at the meetings. Councilmember Lasman shared with the Council a piece of information she found while doing some historical research. She asked about having the idea explored of having an insert, possibly with the water bills, with City information regarding the services provided and how the services are calculated. Councilmember Lasman reported that she received a call from a resident at Summerchase Apartments regarding keys needing to be turned over for the fire department. Councilmember Nelson reported that he received the same phone call. Mr. McCauley will follow -up on this and report back to the Council. 10/18/99 4- Mayor Kragness informed the Council that the Peacemakers of Brooklyn Center will be having a dinner on October 28, 1999, and she would like to have the Council attend. Councilmember Nelson asked for a comparison of crime statistics with National Counties to see where the City of Brooklyn Center is listed. Mr. McCauley said this could be done. Council discussed a recent property tax statement printed in the newspaper. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom. Motion passed unanimously. City Clerk ® Mayor O 10/18/99 -5-