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Home My WebLink About1998 11-16 CCM Special 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 SPECIAL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 16, 1998 CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM B CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a Special Work Session at Brooklyn Center City Hall and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, Kay Lasman and Robert Peppe. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Assistant City Manager/HR Director Jane Chambers, Police Chief Joel Downer, Public Works Director Diane Spector, and Recording Secretary Maria Rosenbaum. WATER, SANITARY SEWER AND STORM WATER BUDGETS Public Works Director Diane Spector discussed the 1999 Public Utility Rate Study and the recommended rate increases. The rates would increase as follows: Water $0.89 per 1,000 gallons to $0.91. Last year, when setting rates for 1998, it was projected that the water rate would have to increase to $0.91 in 1999, so this increase is right on target. Sanitary Sewer $45.25 per quarter for a single family residence to $47.50. The senior rate would increase from $24.89 per quarter to $26.13. Last year, it was projected that the residential rate would have to increase to $46.75, so the recommended rate is $0.75 higher than expected due to the sanitary sewer portion of the Neighborhood Street and Utility Program costing more on a continuing basis than anticipated. Storm Drainage $9.00 per quarter for a single family residence to $9.50. Last year there were no projections for a future rate increase since the study was not completed until this year. I 11/16/98 -1- The preliminary capital project estimates for storm drainage improvements have been identified and it is necessary to begin building a fund balance to finance these future improvements. Recycling There will be no increase with recycling. Residents will continue to be charged $6.45 per quarter. Ms. Spector asked the Council if they had any questions regarding the proposed increases. Various issues were discussed, including the cost of unfunded mandates, water quality, and capital projects. Council discussed the possibility of a future Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Ms. Spector noted that constructing a facility would significantly increase water rates. At this time the City is not required to construct a WTP, and it is not recommended. After further Council discussion regarding the proposed increases it was the Council consensus to have this budget on the November 23, 1998, agenda. It was noted that this budget approval is for 1999 only and the information provided was for long -term planning. BROOKSIDE MANOR Mayor Kragness informed the Council she received a call from Sherry Everett, Manager of Brookside Manor Apartments, and that Ms. Everett was very upset about the recent report she was given regarding the number of calls from the Police Department. It was Ms. Everett's understanding that the police were to be called for anything suspicious and does not understand why Brookside Manor is considered one of the top three problem areas in the City. Ms. Everett discussed with Mayor Kragness her concerns with the Police Department attitudes and how she believes she is doing her job respectively. Council further discussed this issue and how it may not only be the residents at Brookside Manor that may be generating the number of calls. It was suggested having others get involved to help Ms. Everett understand that the City is working with her, not against her. Councilmember Carmody noted that the Association for Rental Management (ARM) meetings are available and provide assistance for rental managers. Ms. Everett's attendance at the ARM meetings would provide information that may be helpful. Mr. McCauley suggested a meeting be scheduled with Ms. Everett and the owners of Brookside Manor with a letter following indicating the goals and expectations of Ms. Everett. Mayor Kragness also discussed she had calls regarding the public telephones at Humboldt Square being used for drug dealing. She wanted to know how the phones could be removed. Mr. McCauley responded that the phone company would need to be notified by the property owners of Humboldt Square. 11/16/98 -2- Police Chief Joel Downer said that he was not aware of the phones being used for drug dealing and that he would check into the phone usage. DISCUSSION OF RECENT SHOOTINGS WITH CHIEF DOWNER Mr. Downer was present to discuss the six recent shootings that have happened in the City of Brooklyn Center. 1. Martin Luther Kin g Y Da which involved an injury. 2. May 24, 1998, on Highway 100. This incident was reported three days after the shooting by a parent of one of the children involved. 3. October 18, 1998, shots fired into home on the block of 5800 Humboldt Avenue. 4. November 5, 1998, a multiple shooting at 1100 73rd Avenue. 5. November 12, 1998, several shots fired into a car at 7200 Unity Avenue. 6. November 13, 1998, shots fired on I -694 and Highway 252. This was reported by the State Patrol and is under investigation. He informed the Council that these shootings are sometimes gang - related and that they are not usually random shootings, there is usually a target. The shooting on Martin Lutheran King Day was however a random shooting. He discussed the penalties for these types of shootings, and that in most of the cases there had been arrests. He also discussed the criteria for identifying a gang member and they are as follows: 1. Admits gang membership or association. 2. Is observed to associate on a regular basis with known gang members. 3. Has tattoos indicating gang membership. 4. Wears gang symbols to identify with a specific gang. 5. Is in a photograph with known gang members and/or using gang- related hand signs. 6. Name is on a gang document, hit list, or gang - related graffiti. 7. Is identified as a gang member by a reliable source. 8. Arrested in the company of identified gang members or associates. 9. Corresponds with known gang members or writes and/or receives correspondence about gang activities. 10. Writes about gangs (graffiti) on walls, books, papers, etc. An individual is identified as a gang member based on verifying at least three of the above and are involved in criminal activities. 11/16/98 -3- Councilmember Hilstrom asked if there were any gangs identified in the City of Brooklyn Center. Mr. Downer responded that to his knowledge there are 6 -12 black gang members, 10 -20 Asian gang members, and that there are no white gang members or motorcycle gang members at this time. This situation is constantly changing however. Mayor Kragness expressed concern that the when these types of crimes are committed the public is made aware of them, however, when these crimes are resolved nobody hears about it. She believes the public needs to hear more about the outcomes of these crimes. She will check with the SunPost Newspaper to see if something can be published. Councilmember Hilstrom asked Mr. Downer if he foresees any changes that will need to be made to the Police Department because of these types of problems. Mr. Downer responded that he is not sure if the department will need to change or not. At this point in time, there are enough officers to deal with the crimes, however, he would like to see more education at schools. He would like to have police personnel attend teacher workshops to educate teachers and students more of what the Police Department can do to help prevent such crimes. DISCUSSION OF ORIENTATION FOR NEW COUNCIL MEMBER Mr. McCauley discussed that since it was after 9:00 p.m., the discussion of orientation for new Council Member could be tabled to the next work session if there were no other miscellaneous items to be discussed. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Hilstrom made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Carmody. Motion passed unanimously. J WW-n-X"f,& 40e, City Clerk Mayor' i 11/16/98 -4-