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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 10-07 CCM Special Work Session I 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 OCTOBER 7, 1996 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special 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, Kristen Mann, and Charles F. Nichols, Sr. Also present were City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Police Chief Scott Kline, Director of Public Services Diane Spector, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, Director of Community Development Brad Hoffman, and Council Secretary Lorianne Ende. COUNCIL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INVOCATION POLICY Phil Cohen and Dean Nyquist requested a meeting with two representatives of the Council and the Prayer Breakfast Committee setting guidelines for the invocation at Council meetings. They provided information to the'Council relating to Congress and the Legislature in Washington using invocations and the past and present history of invocations in the local government. They requested the Council review this information, possibly outline guidelines for the invocation, and reconsider reinstating the invocation. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if guidelines were set and not met, what rights or procedures could the Council take. Mayor Kragness noted the Council would not have any way of knowing ahead of time what the invocation is going to say, and reviewing the prayer ahead of time would become an issue of censorship. Mr. Nyquist noted the invocation has been done in Brooklyn Center for the past 26 years, and from talking to the public, the response has been to continue the invocation. 10/07/96 _1 _ Mayor Kragness asked the Council if anyone wanted to meet with the Prayer Breakfast Committee to create guidelines for an invocation; the consensus was they were not interested in doing so at this time. Councilmember Hilstrom provided documentation regarding past issues with the invocation and a survey of other communities which use the invocation. PRESENTATION BY SCOTT KLINE CHIEF OF POLICE MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE (MCD) PROJECT UPDATE Police Chief Kline stated getting the MCD project up and running has been a source of extreme frustration for the Police Department and the Council because it has been dragging on for some years now. He provided the Council with a schedule from LOGIS for the installation of the MCDs in police squad cars, beginning October 7 and having live operations beginning November 1 -7. He described how the system is designed to perform, the training process, and funds allocated for the MCD project. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired if this system would become obsolete in the future or if it has the capability of being upgraded, such as software or carrier changes. Chief Kline noted the laptops would not be affected, but software upgrades or changes may be made in the future and possibly another carrier. He discussed LOGIS' commitment to the system and what services they will provide. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired about LOGIS' failure to meet the schedule and time lines in' place. The City Manager explained the problems they have had with getting this system in place in the past, what options they will have if the schedule isn't met, and the main driving factor for getting the MCD's in place. Councilmember Carmody inquired what funds have been disbursed for this project at the present time and what will result if LOGIS defaults on the contract. Chief Kline described the funds allocated for the MCD project and noted if there was a default, the Police Department could use the laptops for other purposes within the Department. He noted the computers are currently at LOGIS being installed with the software. Councihmember Nichols inquired if they would use satellite or radio, and what would happen if one computer in a vehicle goes down. Chief Kline noted that each laptop will be loaded and set up separately. He also noted they will use radio transmitters instead of satellite service. 10/07/96 -2- Councilmember Mann inquired about the Badger system and whether it will be compatible with the County system. Chief Kline noted as it stands now, they will be able to use them with the County. Councilmember Nichols inquired as to what legal action the City has if the contract obligations aren't met. The City Manager explained the contractual relationship was between the City and LOGIS and not the suppliers to LOGIS. Councilmember Hilstrom asked if she needs to be concerned with LOGIS changing their financial systems and what implications there may be on the MCD program. The City Manager explained they can continue the MCD program even if the financial system is changed to a vendor other than LOGIS. Councilmember Hilstrom stated the Council would appreciate being informed of the progress of the program and whether or not the system was working. The City Manager advised a report would be given to the City Council at its first meeting in November. DISCUSSION OF CORRESPONDENCE FROM REP CARRUTHERS REGARDING HISTORICAL SOCIETY The City Manager explained the offer by Representative Phil Carruthers to sponsor legislation regarding an historical museum. Councilmembers Hilstrom and Carmody supported not accepting the request because there are other projects that are of priority at this time that may require legislative assistance, including Brookdale. The Council was in agreement with that recommendation to concentrate on the Brookdale needs at the legislature. 1996 RECREATION FUNDING REQUEST: YOUTH FOOTBALL The City Manager explained there is nothing in the budget materials that would say funds were specifically approved for this program, and for purposes of this year's budget, there is no legal obligation of the City to supply the program with money for equipment. He noted the Park and Recreation Commission and Recreation Director may have created an expectation without authority from the Council that they would get assistance with equipment in 1996. He stated the City has successfully communicated to everyone it is the City Council that decides what happens and that for 1996, those monies won't g o out unless the Council decides to do so. Councilmember Hilstrom asked if there was any documentation that went to the Youth Football Program from the Recreation Department or the Park and Recreation Commission to get the expectation they were going to receive funding. 10/07/96 _;_ Ms. Spector noted in 1995, when the Human Rights and Resources Commission started going through the process of reviewing applications for funding for social service programs, the request was reviewed and went through the Human Rights and Resources Commission which provided youth football as one of those applications that had been ranked high enough to merit funding. She noted is was Mr. Mavis' understanding that the Council did not remove the $5,000 funding earmarked for 1996 programs, and he operated under the assumption that Council directed staff to provide funding for the youth programs; $5,000 was included in the budget that was not eliminated for 1996. Councilmember Carmody noted it is not the fault of youth football that they had this expectation, and being as the season is almost over, they should get the funding. Councilmember Mann noted the funding has been set aside for 1996, and questioned whether there are any other groups believing they are also getting funding. The City Manager explained the hockey program received money from the City working at the Dudley tournament. Football is the only program looking for funding in 1996. Mayor Kragness described this program as being run by volunteers and noted what the $2,000 is going to be used for. Councilmember Carmody noted there has been an agreement the City would pay and they really shouldn't go back on that agreement. She suggested they pay the funds this year with the clear intention of not funding it again. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired when they came under the presumption they were going to get funding. The City Manager explained the situation and how the expectation was created before June. Mayor Kragness noted the money is available, the assumption was made, and recommended the invoice submitted be paid, but to make sure the message is clear about future funding. The Council unanimously agreed with this recommendation. 1997 SOCIAL SERVICE FUNDING DNG REQUESTS: DISCUSSION The City Manager addressed the 1997 social service funding requests and asked how the Council wished to proceed. Councilmember Hilstrom noted street stabilization pro and 580,000 in another area. She indicated streets are something that the Council has to do as part of providing core services in the City, and if people can't afford the streets, then she has a problem funding some of these programs. 10/07/96 -4- Councilmember Carmody noted there are basic services the City has to provide, but this is a different budget theory, and they are too far into the budget to do that. Discussion continued regarding the different projects being funded, the importance of those projects, and what projects are being eliminated. It was decided the Council would decide specific funding allocations at its October 21, 1996, work session. GENERAL BUDGET OVERVIEW /CAPITAL PROJECTS FOR 1997: DISCUSSION The City Manager gave a broad overview of the capital projects, billing items, and discussed the 53rd Avenue street project being substantially higher than previously noted and various ways to pay for this project. He also reviewed the potential project for Brookdale Pond, Brooklyn Boulevard, Orchard Lane, France Avenue, Fire Station, and Police /City Hall projects. He discussed the issues for 53rd Avenue as they relate to the neighborhood, the impact pros and cons, and the funding impacts for this particular project. Councilmember Carmody inquired if CDBG funds were requested for the 53rd Avenue project. Community Development Specialist Bublitz discussed the funding used by the CDBG. The City Manager noted this project funding could be a risk. Councilmember n ilmembe r inquired if Brooklyn Boulevard will be re paved Y Q Y p to make it safer in the interim, and whether the City is being charged for that. Ms. Spector noted it would be a County project at their costs. Unless utilities or sidewalk repair is involved, which would be the City's responsibilities. Mayor Kragness asked what the status of Brookdale is at the present time, and whether there is movement in regard to a sale. Community Development Director Hoffman informed the Council that Brookdale is in foreclosure but has until December 15, 1996, to conclude a sale or find a buyer; and if they don't have a buyer at that time, it reverts to Equitable and Equitable will have control of it by December. He stated his belief is that Equitable is taking over and that Brookdale will be the "engine" that drives of a lot of these projects. Discussion was held by the Council regarding the 53rd Avenue project and neighborhood concerns. Councilmember Carmody inquired of the 18 or 20 homes on the 53rd Avenue project that need relocating, how many of the homeowners were for or against it. 10/07/96 -5- Mr. Bublitz noted it was a mixed response, but many of the homeowners were keeping an ope mind. He stated there are still unanswered questions and many homeowners are confused an concerned about how this will impact them. Discussion was held by the Council regarding the 53rd Avenue project and concerns about homeowners in the process of bankruptcy, pros and cons of proceeding with the project, how Brookdale will dramatically impact what happens with this project, and safety and impact issues. Councilmember Nichols noted there are approximately four different options or scenarios regarding this project and asked if each have been costed out. The City Manager explained that the alternate areas to spend the funds on are Brooklyn Boulevard, which staff didn't cost out. Councilmember Hilstrom noted Northbrook Mall would probably want to have something done if Brookdale goes through. Mr. Hoffman informed the Council that Northbrook is currently f through bankru . n bankruptcy. Yg g p Y Discussion ensued by the Council regarding Northbrook Mall, past and potential street projects, and Dayton's Home Store relocating. Councilmember Carmody recommended the Council look at balancing projects most in need because of necessity, such as 53rd Street because of the growing decline and the possibility of loss of revenue if the home market deteriorates. The City Manager described the cash flow situation coming in and delayed funding four to five years out, discussed the identified funding sources and a blend of proceeds for the funding of the 53rd Street project, and what funds were available in the trust and EDA fund. Councilmember Hilstrom concurred with Councilmember Carmody that something needs to be done on 53rd Street in order to stabilize the neighborhood. The City Manager discussed the pros and cons of this project being cost effective. Councilmember Hilstrom asked what the implications were over acquiring the property and then no developers wanting to develop the property, i.e. worse case scenario. 10/07/96 -6- Mr. Hof roan advised he has spoken to several contractors who would be interested in developing the property. The City Manager expressed concern about putting the project off too long and interest rates rising. He went on to discuss worse -case scenarios with regard to the project. Discussion by the Council continued regarding the 53rd Avenue project, neighborhood concerns over Bellvue Park and final design, lot sizes, and possibly including more lots in the total development. The City Manager explained the proposed projects for the Fire and Police /City Hall projects, showed a layout of the proposed Police /City Hall design, and discussed bond issues and cost factors. Councilmember Hilstrom asked what are the options regarding an off -site Police Department. The City Manager noted staff could add the funds together but the site wouldn't be adequate because of the need for land/parking q space for the squad cars and operational efficiencies b b P s q P Y having the Police connected with City Hall. BROOKLYN BOULEVARD OPTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS The City Manager noted his discussion with Hennepin County regarding the median concept and noted the concern of business owners and residents with traffic with the median. He noted 68th Avenue will be an issue, but by having better on/off lanes, it would provide for better movement of traffic. Councilmember Hilstrom asked what the implications were regarding the car dealerships being affected by the median and the potential for losing customers. She also noted concern over having to add a third lane. Discussion was held by the Council regarding the impact of the proposed median concept and third lane design. Ms. Spector described three options available. She also noted that without constructing the additional lanes, they won't meet the intent of the ISTEA grants. Discussion occurred by the Council regarding the various options proposed for Brooklyn Boulevard. LIQUOR DRAFT BUDGET /COMMUNICATIONS TOWER POLICY 10/07/96 -7_ ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Nichols to adjourn the meeting at 11 p.m. passed unanimously. City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Lorianne Ende TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 10/07/96 -8- -