HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 08-17 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
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WORK SESSION
AUGUST 17, 1998
CITY HALL
CONFERENCE ROOM B
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a Work Session meeting at Brooklyn Center City Hall
and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, Ka Lasman, and
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Robert Peppe. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Community Development
Director Brad Hoffman, Don Escher, Chuck Lenthe, and Recording Secretary Maria Carlson.
DISCUSSION OF DEVELOPMENT ISSUES/PROJECTS
Mr. McCauley distributed an aerial and discussed the potential use of the Joslyn site. Mr. McCauley
outlined a potential use of a tax increment soils district to bridge a gap in the costs of re- developing
this superfund site. If tax increment were used, it would be a pay as you go district of three to five
years. The type of re- development would generate approximately 200 jobs in the first phase, with
the potential for 200 additional jobs in phase two.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned what if the laws changed. Mr. McCauley responded that there
are no absolutes however if the laws changed it would unlikely impact the development since the
City's only obligation would be to pay if there was actual tax increment available.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned what type of development this would be. Mr. Hoffman
responded that Napa Auto has identified this proposed development site as their number one site for
their new regional distribution center, and would like to start construction this coming spring.
Mayor Kragness questioned if there would be any problems with contamination. Mr. Hoffinan
discussed that the site has been cleaned and that this would be the first super site in the Country that
would be reused. Mr. McCauley responded the site may be split into two phases due to issues with
the MPCA, and that utilities will be trenched.
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Councilmember Hilstrom questioned who would be responsible for problems that arise. Mr.
McCauley responded the developer would be responsible.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if TIF financing would be used for this development. Mr.
Hoffman indicated in his memo that the only way the City would fund this project, is if the City
Council elects to do so and it would be with TIF financing. Councilmember Hilstrom discussed this
is the type of project TIF was created to, address. Mr. McCauley asked if the Council was interested
in having the staff continue discussions, including the possible use of tax increment financing. Any
specific proposal would be brought to the Council for their review. The Council indicated an interest
in continued work on this potential project. Mr. Hoffman did want the Council to know this
development is close to purchase agreements.
Mayor Kragness would like to see a follow up on this development.
Mr. McCauley discussed Brookdale and that staff will be meeting with Springstead on August 20,
1998 to discuss Mr. Schlesinger's latest financial projects and request. A meeting will then be
scheduled to meet with Mr. Schlesinger to discuss financing. Mr. McCauley requested this be
discussed at the next Work Session with the Council, prior to negotiations with Talisman.
SOCIAL SERVICE FUNDING REQUESTS
The City Council received copies of requests received from agencies for 1999 Social Services
Funding. The Council discussed the time deadline for applications and whether a late application
should be considered.
Mr. McCauley iscussed that the purpose of this discussion was to identify how much money Y pmP fY Y should
be in the budget and its allocation. The money in the draft budget 1999 is the same that was
budgeted for 1998, however, Project Peace decreased and Northwest Hennepin Human Services
Council and Five Cities Senior Transportation increased.
Councilmember Pe a suggested to give all agencies funded in 1998 money in 1999 however he
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would like to see the total amount dropped 20 %.
After discussion, a majority of the Council indicated that they would support the following
allocations:
North Hennepin Mediation Program, Inc. $4,000
Brooklyn Peacemaker Center, Inc. $6,500
Brooklyn Community Band $1,000
Heritage Festive $ 500
The Council recessed at 8:24 p.m., and reconvened at 8:30 p.m.
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Mr. McCauley requested discussion of some miscellaneous items at this time.
The Ground Breaking for the new Fire and Police Stations needs to be scheduled. Mr. McCauley
' suggested September 1, 1998 at 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. This item will be put on the August 24, 1998
agenda.
DRAFT GENERAL FUND BUDGET DISCUSSION
Mr. McCauley informed the City Council this is the first review of the budget. The materials reflect
revenues that include permit fees for the renovation of Brookdale. This revenue is offset with
expenditures for a temporary full -time inspector and an increased amount in contingency. Mr.
McCauley discussed this may be changed to a narrative, rather than increase revenues and
contingency if the revenue is uncertain. The column "Manager Recommended" is not in final form
and exceeds the final amount that will be recommended. The General Fund budget will be in
balance when presented to the City Council for approvals.
Before going through the memo included with the agenda materials, Mr. McCauley discussed that
he would like to include specific targets for traffic in the Police budget narrative to reflect the City
Council's discussions.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned Code Enforcement and what Code Enforcement Officers
responsibilities are. Mr. McCauley responded they enforce junk vehicles, vehicles in grass, transport
prisoners, serve as jailers, and numerous support activities in the Police Department.
Mr. McCauley discussed the following:
The current revenue estimates are higher than last year by four percent due to inclusion of Brookdale
building permit fees. The operating total is $12,738,107 and the total with Police/Fire bonds and
street bonds is $13,711,760. The departmental requests are $13,958,152, and a total revenue
$13,711,760 with a deficit of $246,392. The current status of the budget has a gap of approximately
$55,000. The gap between the Manager's Recommended and revenues is $147,183, with $95,000
of additional reductions identified.
The budget summary sheets now refer to "Purchased Services" rather than "Consulting" for the
grouping of the following expenses: Charter Commission, Professional Services, Benefits
Administration, Legal Services, Audit and Financial Services, Medical Services, Instructors, and
Casual Labor.
Recreation Administration has a narrative for CARS administration to reflect the broader scope of
responsibilities and in a future draft, CARS administration may be separated from Recreation
administration.
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The budget reflects retention of the full -time position in Administration that was reduced to part-time
earlier this year as an experiment moving a person from Community Development to the front desk.
Experience, and the auditor's report, make retention of a full -time person advisable.
The Fire Chief has requested additional part-time pay for drills and duty. Councilmember Carmody
questioned if this was to help the job become more attractive. Mr. McCauley responded that it
would help the job look more attractive and that this is something that other departments are doing.
Mr. McCauley recommended the increase be approved with a three year phase -in.
A request for a MIS Technician is included in the budget. Mr. McCauley discussed that he has not
had an opportunity to discuss this with the MIS Coordinator and doubts this will be included in
future discussions. An intern may be used to work on year 2000 issues.
Public Works is requesting an additional Engineering Technician and to reduce the use of seasonal
personnel as a partial offset to the cost of an additional technician. Mr. McCauley believes this
request for a full -time person appears to be justifiable and will require specific goals for the
position's use of time on specific projects.
The Police building aintenance includes a full -time custodian position. Mr. McCauley dvised that
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Mr. Glasoe obtained quotes from janitorial services and determined it was more cost effective to use
an employee.
Mr. McCauley discussed that he is proposing to hire an entry level administrative /special projects
person instead of hiring a department head level person to assist with special projects and
management. This position would be in administration and report to Mr. McCauley. Mayor
Kragness questioned if this person would be able to free up Mr. Hoffman, along with Community
Development Specialist Tom Bublitz. Mr. McCauley responded that this person would be able to
help out and provide support in many areas. Councilmember Carmody questioned what the salary
range for this person would be. Mr. McCauley responded around $30,000 to $35,000.
Logis charges in the General Fund are up, even though the recreation component has been dropped.
The cost of going through Logis for the recreation program has been approximately $14, 000 per
year. The draft budget contains money for a one -time fee of $14,000 to purchase a license from the
vendor and paying $4,000 for annual use and support. The cost of the police mobile computing
devices has increased approximately $10,000 for 1999.
Under capital items the Fire Department is requesting an additional $10,000 for the replacement of
the salvage truck above the accumulated depreciation. The Police Department requested an
additional Taurus for the Neighborhood Liaison. Mr. McCauley's recommendation eliminated the
additional car, replaced the Taurus in the normal course with a smaller car, and replaces the captain's
car with one of the Crown Victoria's. This would result in no increase in the number of cars and
reduce the cost of one of the replacements to be purchased in 1999.
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The budget includes $9,000 for new aerials of the City that were last done in 1989. $14,000 is
included for the special assessment against park property for the Bellevue project. $5,500 is included
for special fencing behind hockey goals to protect persons in the area. $20,000 is included to replace
the large copier at City Hall.
The level of transfers to the Special Assessment Construction Fund for street projects is at $394,197.
This amount will need to be increased in future budgets to keep the program going.
The Earle Brown Days Committee has not requested any specific level of money and support yet for
the year 2000 celebration. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned how much money the City
contributed to the 25th Anniversary to compare what the cost may be for the City in this celebration.
Mr. McCauley responded that this could be looked into for planning purposes.
Health insurance premiums may rise dramatically and put some pressure on the City's contribution
in union negotiations. Assistant City Manager/HR Director Jane Chambers will be working with
non and non -union employees to begin discussing and have both side involved.
Under miscellaneous issues, Mr. McCauley asked if the City should consider using some portion of
increasing lodging taxes for the Heritage Center. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if this would
effect the tax levy. Mr. McCauley responded it would not.
Mr. McCauley began the discussion of the outline of the five year plan for the General Fund.
Mr. McCauley discussed with wages increasing higher than inflation the parameters may be low in
the model. He would like to start looking at different scenarios and how to approach this. The
Council discussed potential impacts of economic documentation and past experiences during those
periods on budgets and costs.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Carmody made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:59 p.m., seconded by
Councilmember Lasman. Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayol
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