HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 04-20 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
APRIL 20, 1998
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in a special work session and was called to order by Mayor
Myrna Kragness at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Debra Hilstrom, Kay Lasman, and Robert Peppe.
Councilmember Kathleen Carmody arrived at 7:10 p.m. Also present: City Manager Michael J.
McCauley, Assistant City Manager Jane Chambers, Community Development Director Brad
Hoffman, Chief of Police Joel Downer, and Recording Secretary Mary Schendel.
POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE
City Manager McCauley presented Chief of Police Joel Downer to review department operations
and explain the reactivated committees which are staffed by the department. Discussion followed
concerning the Safety Committee, Pursuit/Accident Committee, Recognition Committee,
Technology/Five Year Committee, Forfeiture Committee, and the Labor Management Committee.
This last committee has not yet been formed, however, the members of the police administration are
committed to working cooperatively with labor unions, work groups, and all members of the
department.
Chief Downer reported progress pertaining to the recent hiring for Police Captain, Police Officer,
Neighborhood Liaison, and Receptionist/Secretary positions for the Police Department. An
overview of community activities was presented with discussion focused on the Humboldt
Substation, Brookdale's new report station in the guest services area, and loss prevention meetings
occurring at Brookdale. The Neighborhood Block Watch, developed in cooperation with
Community Services Sergeant Dave Grass, was commended for its successful program. Public
appearances and communication encouraging citizens to call the community service line for unusual
activity occurring in the area parks were discussed. Chief Downer reviewed strategies to confront
increases in crime and 1998 department goals.
WEED SPRAYING ON TWIN LAKE
City Manager McCauley stated that in the past the City had taken out a permit to spray along the
04/20/98 _1
shoreline of Upper Twin Lake. During the same period of time, the property owners along Middle
Twin Lake had obtained their own permit and made joint arrangements for spraying. Residents from
the Twin Lake area appeared requesting continued spraying by the City. Councilmember Carmody
asked that this issue be addressed at the May 1 Ith Council meeting.
PUBLICATION OF GOALS
City Manager McCauley reminded the Council Members the goals were published in the City Watch
newsletter in November 1997. It was agreed that once a year was adequate for publication. A
suggestion by Mr. McCauley to post the goals in the glass case by the elevator at City Hall was
accepted by the Council.
EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER
City Manager McCauley reported he has been in contact with Speaker Carruthers office regarding
the grant process to access funds for the parking lot and building work at the Heritage Center. Mr.
McCauley prioritized the grant agreement with funds being used for: 1) acquisition, 2) parking, 3)
additional buildings, and 4) remodeling connectors.
Discussion followed regarding Marquette Report's recommendations about confusion surrounding
the Heritage Center's name. A few remaining recommendations that were not implemented from
the study were listed. Various ideas were examined to make the community aware of the EBHC's
convention status. It was concluded this issue and the report would be discussed at the June 15th
Council Work Session.
City Manager McCauley raised the matter of the Heritage Center's request for two full -time crew
chief positions. He cited the competitive labor market and the need for stability as issues to be
considered when deciding this request. It was Council consensus on the advisability of two full -time
crew chief positions.
DISCUSSION OF DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
City Manager McCauley reported meeting with Springsted on the analysis of the materials received
from Brookdale's new development company. He explained the budget summary submitted by
Talisman Companies and its request for City assistance. Discussion followed on the need to be
prudent and at the same time encourage economic growth.
Councilmember Carmody left the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
City Manager McCauley informed the Council of the April deadline for notice to Five Cities Senior
Transportation Project of non - participation, it that was desired. The Five Cities Senior
04/20/98 -2-
Transportation Project had experienced some waiting lists and service turn downs in past years, but
currently they have fulfilled all service requests for Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Hilstrom
stated key services were not being met by Five Cities Senior Transportation Project. Mayor
Kragness indicated medical transportation was becoming increasingly important for the City and
asked for additional follow -up on PRISM's interest to provide transportation services for Brooklyn
Center.
UPDATE
City Manager McCauley presented information assembled by Planning and Zoning Specialist Ron
Warren concerning the status of the Comprehensive Plan and its technical review by the
Metropolitan Council.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Lasman and seconded by Councilmember Peppe to adjourn the
meeting at 10:1 S p.m. passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor 4
Recorded and transcribed by:
Mary Schendel
04/20/98 -3-