HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 11-17 CCM Budget 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
BUDGET WORK SESSION
NOVEMBER 17, 1997
CONFERENCE ROOM B
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in a budget work session and was called to order by
Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7 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
Jane Chambers, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, Public Services Director Diane Spector,
Community Development Director Brad Hoffinan, Acting Recreation Director Jim Glasoe, and
Council Secretary LeAnn Larson.
1. WATER/SANITARY SEWER/STORM WATER UTILITIES
While no increase in the water rates for 1998 was proposed, City Manager McCauley noted the
slight increases proposed in 1998 for sanitary sewer and storm drainage rates. Council was in
support of the increases.
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OF DELINQUENT BILLS
The Council expressed approval of certifying delinquent utility bills to the County twice a year.
Finance Director Hansen noted that staff time is saved in the certification process and any costs
are covered by certification fees.
SENIOR SEWER RATE ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
The Council agreed to a request to amend the procedure for seniors and not require annual
reapplication for the senior rate. Mr. Hansen stated that this change would save money, staff
time, and confusion.
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2. EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER
City Manager McCauley stated the Earle Brown Heritage Center projects an increase in
revenues for 1998. Those revenues would support capital items identified in the budget. Those
capital items would require achieving those goals in order to implement the purchasing.
Several issues have not yet been fully addressed. One is a proposed conversion of office space
to conference event space. A business plan is still being developed to project the viability of
the proposal. While the space could return a higher gross value per square foot than office
space, net numbers have not been presented. City Manager McCauley noted that the business
plan being worked on by Heritage Center staff will analyze and address whether we will have
sufficient resources to do a conversion.
The capital replacement plan is being reworked with a recently completed professional
estimation of useful life and replacement cost for major structural /equipment pieces.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned the parking dilemma should the conversion of office
space to conference space be executed.
3. GOLF COURSE
City Manager McCauley presented the Financial Plan for operations and debt for a seven -year
period, the repayment concept using principal only for 20 years, and the capital needs
projection using repayment concept.
Councilmember Hilstrom stated she wants the golf course to be self - sustaining.
4.' RECYCLING
City Manager McCauley noted that no changes for 1998 are proposed in rates for recycling.
5. CENTRAL GARAGE
City Manager McCauley noted the Central Garage is fully funded for 1998. Several issues
regarding potential requsts for fire vehicles were discussed regarding future requests that may
exceed funded depreciation.
6. MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET ITEM: HRA. ETC.
No discussion.
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7. REOUEST OF GREATER MINNEAPOLIS METROPOLITAN HOUSING
CORPORATION
The Greater Minneapolis Metropolitan Housing Corporation is proposing to establish a center
serving several northern suburbs to assist persons with buying and remodeling houses. The
costs to the City is $5,000 /year.
Councilmember Carmody stated it was a good plan to try.
Councilmember Peppe requested tracking of projects done in Brooklyn Center.
8. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT POLICY FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
This item centered on consideration of policy changes to the Special Assessment Policy which
establishes a rate for commercial properties designated a Minnesota State Aid route (70
percent), which is different from the rate for commercial properties not a MSA route (100
percent).
Public Services Director Spector stated that this use of two different rates for assessing abutting
commercial properties could be challenged and subject to appeal.
Councilmember Hilstrom was opposed to any decrease in the amount that commercial
properties would be assessed.
General Council consensus was to make the two rates uniform, at 70 percent of the cost
assessed to the commercial property.
9. FUNDING REOUESTS
Social service funding requests were tentatively designated as follows:
Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council ..................... $16,936.00
Project Peace .......................... ......................41,849.00
North Hennepin Mediation Program, Inc ............................ 4,000.00
Brooklyn Peacemaker Center, Inc . . ............................... 4,000.00
Five Cities Senior Transportation . ............................... 11,819.00
Brooklyn Community Band ....... ............................... 1,000.00
Heritage Festival ................ ............................... 500.00
Total $80,104.00
Council consensus was to explore the issue of transportation as a whole in relation to general
dissatisfaction with the Five Cities Senior Transportation program. Council wants to know if
there are other options for Brooklyn Center citizens, not just for seniors.
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10. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Ms. Spector presented the Capital Improvement Plan for 1998 -2002, which is a schedule of
improvements to streets, parks, buildings, and other general projects. The primary objective
of the CIP is to integrate the specific goals, policies, and recommendations contained in the
Comprehensive Plan with its capability to pay for and maintain capital improvements.
REVIEW OF FUNDING ASSUMPTIONS
Council consensus was to separate operating capital from bond payments.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Carmody to recess the meeting at 11:00 p.m. and continue the
bud work session on December 1, 1997, at 7:15 p.m, following the Special Session already
scheduled. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lasman and passed unanimously.
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City Clerk Mayor
Recorded and transcribed by:
LeAnn Larson
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