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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 06-19 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 JUNE 19, 1995 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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 Barb Kalligher, Kristen Mann, Debra Hilstrom, and Kathleen Carmody. Also present were Director of Public Services Diane Spector, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, five members of the Financial Commission (Donn Escher, Ned Storla, Phillip Roche, Lee Anderson, and Jay Hruska), and Council Secretary Barbara Collman. A sixth member of the Financial Commission, Ron Christensen, arrived after the meeting had begun. REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR UTILITY BILLING The Finance Director indicated he would be presenting two ideas in order to find out if the Council had an interest in pursuing them. The Finance Director stated the usual procedure for collecting delinquent utility bills is to shut off the water service to the property. This method is effective but generates anger on the part of the resident and involves extra work and an unpleasant situation for the City maintenance workers. An alternate collection method would be to certify the delinquent bill to the property tax. This method is used successfully in many other cities. The other idea presented involves rental properties. The system has been to allow owners of rental properties to have the utilities billed directly in the name of the renter. However, according to State law, the owner is ultimately responsible for payment of the bill. An alternate procedure would be to require the utility service to be kept in the name of the property owner because collection would then be easier and there would be less confusion. Councilmember Mann noted she liked the idea regarding keeping utility bills in the owner's name but would prefer, for the City to continue to have the option of shutting off the water at some point if necessary. The Finance Director agreed he would not want to lose the option of shutting off the water, but the shut -off should not be the primary method of collection. He 6119195 - 1 - mentioned if the tax method were used, there would probably be hundreds of bills certified each year. Usually, approximately 50 properties have water shut off each year. Councilmember Mann asked if delinquent bills were certified to taxes what would happen in the case of a property which does not pay taxes, like a church. The Finance Director agreed that concern would need to be considered. Councilmember Mann asked whether the sanitary sewer is shut off as well. The Finance Director stated the only service which can be shut off is the water service. Mayor Kragness expressed concern that certifying hundreds of bills would require even more work than the current system. The Finance Director stated the issue is a toss -up administratively. He noted it would be a gain for maintenance workers to not be required to perform water shut -offs. The task itself is unpleasant and the workers fear harm from the angry residents whose water is being shut off. In addition, with the tax method, the maintenance workers would be freed for other duties. The Director of Public Services noted certifying special assessments would result in more work for the Engineering Department. She reviewed statistics relating to the issue. Mayor Kragness asked what happens when water is being shut off in winter. She mentioned there is State law regarding discontinuing heat in the winter. The Finance Director stated if a resident tells the City the property is heated with hot water heat, the City does not shut off the water. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether a property is considered uninhabitable without water. The Finance Director stated a property without water would legally not qualify for a Certificate of Occupancy. However, it is usually not a factor as an occupant will either pay immediately or vacate the property when the water is shut off. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether there would be costs involved with doing tax certification. The Finance Director said there would be mailing and miscellaneous costs. However, the City charges a fee beyond the utility amount owed in order to cover costs. The amount of the fee would be set to equal the cost of certifying the tax. Councilmember Hilstrom asked the Director of Public Services whether there would be adequate staff to handle the additional paperwork. The Director of Public Services said the workload would probably not be too difficult since it would be done via computer database. However, it is not possible to foresee how many delinquent bills would require certification processing. The Director of Public Services noted the threat of water shut -off is very effective in getting payment of the bill. The threat of taxes is not as effective. Certifying taxes would mean less cashflow for the City as opposed to actual collection of the bill. The difference in monetary amount would not be huge but would have some impact. 6/19/95 -2- Councilmember Hilstrom asked how many bills on one property could be certified. The Director of Public Services indicated special assessments are rolled over to Hennepin County once each year, so there could be a year's worth of bills. The Director of Public Services noted the City should reserve the right to shut off the water in order to handle repeat delinquent accounts. There could be a set number of times a bill could be delinquent before a shut -off would take place. Mayor Kragness mentioned only 50 are usually shut off as compared to hundreds which would need to be certified if the new method were adopted. The Finance Director explained some property owners might allow the bill to become delinquent and be certified to taxes but they would not be as likely to allow it to happen if shut off was threatened. Mayor Kragness noted with certification the City might not actually receive the money for two years. She asked whether the County would take a portion of the assessment. The Finance Director said the County does not keep any of the money. All fees and interest are added to the delinquent bill amount, so the City would not lose any money. Mayor Kragness stated the City could receive payment in only 90 days if the shut -off method were used. The Finance Director said that is a true statement. The issue must be weighed against the resident being displeased with the City for shutting off water service. The Director of Public Services noted the shut -off method also has a negative impact on new residents as it appears to be an overzealous collection process. Mayor Kragness stated she would like to see the tax assessment process in writing. She expressed concern over cashflow as the current method provides the money to the City sooner. She noted the tax assessment method appears to be more labor- intensive for the City. There was a consensus to have Staff present written reports on both ideas presented by the Finance Director. JOINT DISCUSSION WITH FINANCIAL COMMISSION BUDGET CALENDAR The Finance Director noted the Financial Commission requested that the budget calendar be on every agenda but there are not particularly any issues regarding it at this time. He also noted the position of City Manager usually plays an important role in the budget calendar and Council should be aware Staff will be attempting to move ahead in the process regardless of the status of the City Manager position. Staff intends to stay on schedule with regard to the budget because the tax levy process will take place in August. Councilmember Mann asked whether the November and December budget calendar dates will be filled in sometime later. The Finance Director said he received notice from the State of the 6/19/95 - 3 - dates for November and December on Friday and he was not able to get them printed on the calendar before this meeting but they will be included in the next edition of the calendar. PRELIMINARY 1996 BUDGET The Finance Director indicated all City departments have turned in budget requests and his office is in the process of entering the data onto the computer. At this meeting, the City Council needs to discuss goals, principles, and larger budget items in order to ensure Staff is aware of the Council's opinion and can incorporate its intentions into the budget. Councilmember Mann noted there could be quite a few funds which could be shifted around, depending on priorities. She stated the Council needs to define the role of the City. She suggested a discussion of this topic at the next. Council work session. Councilmember Kalligher noted by the time of the next Council work session an interim City Manager will have been engaged. Councilmember Mann agreed and added Council will also have access to budget requests from all departments at that time. Councilmember Mann discussed examples of the necessity of the Council knowing goals of the City. There was a discussion concerning the City's involvement in the liquor store business. The alternative of licensing private stores was discussed. The Finance Director noted the issue was studied a couple of years ago. The Council asked for a new report on the issue, including a study of implications of licensing which have been discovered by other cities which have instituted such an arrangement Councilmember Mann referred to Items #28 and #113 in the City Manager's portion of the budget, which is an expenditure for dues and subscriptions. She said the Council should see an itemization and determine which particular items it wants the City Manager to be involved with. She mentioned there should be a breakdown of what the North Metro Mayors Association membership goes for. The Finance Director agreed to prepare a report. Mr. Escher noted the City Manager's membership in such organizations benefits all citizens of Brooklyn Center, not just the City Manager. Mayor Kragness commented she would like to know the breakdown of costs of memberships and subscriptions. Councilmember Hilstrom asked about the memo item titled "Financial Impact of Bonding." The Finance Director said the figure of $100,000 is a ballpark estimate until the bond issue is written. Councilmember Hilstrom commented there is no annual plan in place. The Finance Director said there is the Neighborhood Street Improvement Plan. 6/19/95 -4- The Director of Public Services stated last year's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) included 10 years' worth of projects. The projects for the first five years are covered in detail. Projects for the second five -year period are not specified but an amount of funding is given. She discussed the role of special assessments in reducing the burden on the tax levy over a period of time. Councilmember Carmody asked what the financial impact would be if the bond rating falls to a lower rating. Councilmember Mann left the meeting at 7:40 p.m. The Finance Director stated if the rating went from Al to A, the effect would probably be not more than a tenth of one percent, which does add up over ten years. Councilmember Mann returned to the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Mayor Kragness asked whether the City's rating might be affected by the situation regarding the City Manager, which might indicate a lack of stabilization. The Finance Director indicated many factors, which are not revealed by Moody's Investors Service, are used in determining the rating. The stability of the City's government could be a factor but it would only be one factor of many. Even if the recent controversy affects the rating adversely, it will not be evident if the rating drops since it is impossible to know which factor caused the drop. Mayor Kragness asked how the rating is determined and what criteria are used. The Finance Director said this information is not made available to the City. Councilmember Kalligher asked whether, if the tax levy were begun at $100,000, it could increase with inflation. The Finance Director explained that, when the bonds are set, the terms and conditions are permanently set based on status on that date. However, the subsequent years construction and bonding costs would be affected by inflation. The Director of Public Services said there would be some net impact. A careful review is necessary and that is why early identification of future projects is very beneficial. Councilmember Hilstrom noted the Council should prepare for CDBG and HACA to be cut; however, street improvement projects are a priority. The Council should be proactive and see that the projects continue without a change in the tax levy. Councilmember Carmody asked whether there will be more information available on the CDBG funding at the July Council work session. The Finance Director said it is possible but it depends on Congress setting the federal budget, which could be delayed until late in September or early in October. 6/19/95 -5 - Councilmember Hilstrom mentioned she has heard these programs will be on the chopping block every year. Therefore, the Council should address the issue and have a plan in case there is a mid -year change in funding. The Director of Public Services noted funding can be rescinded at any time of the year. Councilmember Carmody suggested the issue be evaluated in depth at the July work session. Councilmember Carmody asked what kind of fees are included in non - property tax revenues. Councilmember Kalligher left the meeting at 7:50 p.m. The Finance Director listed some of the fees and noted the City does not have total freedom but should review fees. Councilmember Carmody asked which fees are a substantial portion. There appear to be conflicting goals involved, such as a desire for redevelopment versus strenuous licensing fees. The Finance Director commented a comparison should be done with other cities. Councilmember Kalligher returned to the meeting at 7:51 p.m. The Direct Public Service noted the issue of recreation fees is complicated. It is especially Director of b s o p p y important with the City's demographics that fees be as low as possible. Councilmember Kalligher left the meeting at 7:52 p.m. Councilmember Mann stated non - resident recreation fees are a possibility. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested a reciprocal agreement be made with the City of Crystal concerning the Crystal gym and the Brooklyn Center pool. An assessment could be made of programs which could complement each other between the two cities. The Director of Public Services stated non - resident fees are charged for team sports but not for the use of City facilities. The Finance Director explained that, due to fixed costs, the City still makes money from a non- resident using the pool. He urged caution that adding fees might discourage non - residents from using, the pool facility at all. The Director of Public Services stated accessibility needs to be considered when evaluating a cooperative arrangement as was Suagested by Councilmember Hilstrom. Councilmember Carmody left the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Rlaver Kraaness noted there would have to be an agreement on splitting revenues. 611, - 6 - The Finance Director stated the City does have some cooperative projects with other cities, but further review could be done. Councilmember Carmody returned to the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Mayor Kragness referred to an item regarding salaries for maintenance custodians. She asked whether the item is due to part-time positions being changed to full -time positions. The Director of Public Services explained the part-time positions provided flexibility in light of a 24 -hour need. However, it is difficult to hire people for part -time jobs with no benefits on a permanent basis. Often, after an employee has been trained he or she leaves for full -time work. Also, more time is now taken up with maintenance of an aging building. It is believed that offering a part-time employee some benefits might make the part-time position more attractive. She noted the hiring philosophy of the 1980s is not working today. The Finance Director elaborated by stating that, during the recession of the 1980s, qualified workers were willing to accept part-time positions with no benefits. Now, conditions are different and it is not possible to hire qualified employees under those terms. He added the Acting City Manager is studying this issue at this time. Mr. Escher asked whether there is a policy of pro -rated benefits in place. The Finance Director said there is no such program but the Acting City Manager is researching one. Mr. Escher suggested the Acting City Manager review the existing State program. The Finance Director stated the Fire Department is requesting a full -time fire inspector as more P q g P time is needed to perform the inspections of aging facilities. Inspections are currently conducted by volunteer firefighters on a part-time basis. Also, the number of firefighters available during the day is declining as older ones retire and it is difficult to attract younger firefighters to work on the day shift. Mayor Kragness asked whether the firefighters are paid for the time spent on inspections. The Finance Director said they are. Mayor Kragness commented those firefighters are also City employees. The Finance Director stated five or six of them are City employees. They could possibly retire as firefighters and continue as City employees. Mayor Kragness agreed something must be done to attract volunteers. She stated it may be necessary to pay firefighters in the future. The Finance Director stated firefighters will be more expensive even if payment is only partial. Mayor Kragness asked whether there are incentives offered to firefighters. The Director of Public Services said an idea being considered is to award points on a job application like the Veterans Preference points. It is unknown whether such an action would be legal. 6/19/95 -7- Mayor Kragness commented it is important to follow through on this item. Councilmember Hilstrom commented she attended a League of Minnesota Cities workshop on service values. She obtained a checklist of service analysis and suggested Staff should review it. Mr. Christensen noted the City used such a checklist a few years ago. He suggested the Council might want to review the study which was done. Mr. Escher explained the process which was used in 1993. Employees were asked to rate City services. The document is good but would need to be updated. Mr. Christensen said Council should review the document and have the Finance Director explain it. The issue might merit revisiting, but the existing document is a good beginning place. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether the study included a consideration of services of the future. Mr. Christensen said he thought future services were considered in the process. The Director of Public Services described some of the questions on the survey. She noted the survey was from the viewpoint of reducing costs rather than of planning for the future. The Director of Public Services stated a great effort has been made already to reduce the budget and there is not much "fat" remaining to be cut. Therefore, the Council should be aware that any more changes in the budget would affect City services. Changing services is the only method left to reduce the budget. Mr. Christensen asked the Director of Public Services if she was suggesting a reduction in staff. The Director of Public Services replied she did not say that as such; however, personnel is the largest part of the budget. Mr. Christensen commented reducing staff requires an adjustment of work to someone else. The Finance Director noted the new format for the budget document should be advantageous in the decision - making process. DISCUSSION OF SECOND DRAFT OF BOND SURVEY QUESTIONS Councilmember Carmody explained the information in Question Nos. 32 -54 is important but does not pertain specifically to a bond issue. Therefore, 23 questions could be omitted from the survey or rewritten in a more concise manner. Councilmember Hilstrom agreed. She commented she had had the same impression and it appeared that the questions jump around from issue to issue. 6/19/95 - 8 - The Director of Public Services said the survey was designed to include a community survey on issues, which is helpful in budget planning. However, piggybacking the bond survey with the community survey does complicate the survey. It would be possible to conduct the community survey separately, but there would be additional cost. Mr. Escher asked whether a survey might be part of the image campaign program. If so, some of the community issues questions could fit in with that process. Mayor Kragness noted such a survey could come out of the Community Nights program scheduled later this year, but it is too far in the future to know. Councilmember Hilstrom asked how many questions should be cut from the bond survey in order to stay within the limits which had been set out. The Director of Public Services said Decision Resources recommends the bond survey have 60 to 80 questions. Staff has had a goal of 75 questions. In that case, a reduction of 13 questions would bring the document in line. Councilmember Hilstrom stated she knew of 12 questions which she believed could be cut from the survey. Councilmember Carmody asked what kind of follow -up consultation the City will receive from Decision Resources. The Director of Public Services stated the type of consultation depends upon the results of the survey. It depends on the comfort level the City has with the material and whether or not assistance is desired. Mayor Kragness noted the $11,000 charge for the survey will be paid out of the Capital Improvements Fund. The Director of Public Services verified her statement. Councilmember Carmody expressed concern about the length of time required to complete the survey. Councilmember Carmody noted she believed 90 percent of Question Nos. 32 -54 could be dropped. Also, five questions regarding City Hall should be added to the survey. Councilmember Hilstrom outlined changes she would make. She suggested eliminating Question Nos. 32 and 33, as well as 42 and 43. Question Nos. 41 and 44 should be combined. Question Nos. 77, 78, and 79 should be combined also. Instead of Question Nos. 80, 81, and 82, the survey could simply state: "Please list the ages of the people living in the household." Councilmember Hilstrom also asked why it is necessary to ask the respondent's gender. The information isn't necessary unless it is relevant to a statistic generated by the survey. The Director of Public Services said that, after the survey is completed, the gender proportion becomes part of the consideration of whether the sample truly represents the community. There are also questions regarding age, etc. which are also present to verify whether the sample is a good representation. 6/19/95 -9- Mr. Christensen noted if the Council wants the questionnaire re- designed it would be important to have the experts in the field help in the re- designing. Mr. Escher asked whether the questions were written by Staff or by Decision Resources. The Director of Public Services explained the City provided a block of information to Decision Resources and they developed the questions. Mr. Escher commented if the survey is to include questions regarding the City Manager and City Staff, it should also include questions concerning the Mayor and the City Council in order to be consistent. The Director of Public Services mentioned the survey could include questions to determine ways to rearrange City Hall. Mr. Roche noted it is more realistic to survey people regarding services at City Hall at the time they come into City Hall. The Director of Public Services agreed a self -survey is a good idea, but that it is not as reliable as a randomly sampled survey. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether, in the case that the questions on the survey are cut and then it is decided to not carry out a bond issue, anything will have been learned. Mayor Kragness asked what the timeline is for the survey. The Director of Public Services stated Decision Resources had reserved a June timeslot to conduct the survey but it is now too late to use it. Once the survey questions are finalized, Decision Resources will need to schedule the survey into a timeslot. The results will be available six to eight weeks following the dates the survey is conducted. Councilmember Carmody stated Question Nos. 40 -47 and 48 -54 are redundant. Instead of separating the two sections, Question No. 49 could begin, "On your last contact with City Hall ...." She said she did not like the area concerning City Hall. The Director of Public Services said it could be dropped. Councilmember Carmody said it cannot be dropped as Councilmember Hilstrom has expressed interest in the information which will come out of it. The Director of Public Services said there is a difference between visiting City Hall and calling City Hall. Councilmember Carmody asked why questions starting with Question No. 58 do not include the upstairs of City Hall. The Director of Public Services said there are not really any proposals for work in the upstairs of City Hall except for energy efficiency items such as replacing the roof, lighting, etc. Councilmember Carmody asked where in the survey a resident might have an opportunity to register a complaint about the sound quality in the Council Chambers. She said she has received calls concerning this. The Director of Public Services stated there is money which has been 6/19/95 - 10- earmarked for use to improve the Council Chambers. The previous City Council was uncomfortable with spending the money. Councilmember Carmody stated citizens have said they cannot hear the City Council proceedings either on television or when present in the room. Mayor Kragness asked whether button microphones might be helpful. There was a general discussion of the acoustics in the Council Chambers. It was expressed that there is a problem and concern was shown over whether the issue should be included in the survey. Mr. Roche commented the City should provide good communication and high quality just as a general procedure. It isn't necessary to ask the residents when it should just be a standard to have quality communication. Mr. Escher agreed. He stated it is common knowledge that the acoustics are a problem. The problem should be addressed without surveying residents. There was also discussion about the lighting in the Council Chambers and it was stated the lighting should be remedied. The Director of Public Services explained the previous Council did not deal with these issues as some believed any action would be self - serving and also at some point the television broadcast might be discontinued and /or the Chambers relocated. The Finance Director commented the bond issue must be completed before anything concerning relocation could be known. The Director of Public Services commented Question Nos. 50 -54 could be condensed into one general question. She suggested saying: "How would you characterize the last contact you had with City Hall? Did you get what you needed ?" Mayor Kragness asked whether the general opinion is to condense the questions. The Councilmembers agreed that it is. Mayor Kragness asked how soon the survey questions must be finalized. The Director of Public Services said there is no set date. The longer it takes to finalize the survey, the later the survey and, ultimately, the bond referendum, is pushed back. Several members of the Financial Commission left the meeting at 9:06 p.m. There was a consensus to complete the reduction of survey questions at this meeting in order to move the process forward. 6/19/95 The City Council recessed at 9:08 p.m. Mayor Kragness reconvened the meeting of the City Council at 9:19 p.m. The Director of Public Services began a review of the survey questions. She mentioned keeping Question Nos. 4, 5 and 6. Also, Page 2 is alright as it stands. Question Nos. 32 and 33 are to be dropped. She questioned whether Question Nos. 34 and 35 should be combined and the respondent asked to prioritize. The Finance Director suggested allowing Decision Resources to make the determination. The Council agreed. There was a discussion of Question No. 36, but it was not removed from the survey. The Director of Public Services noted she does not like the choices offered in Question No. 37 because people often just choose "about ri ght." It was decided to phrase the question, "How would you rate... " without giving choices. Councilmember Hilstrom stated Question Nos. 42 and 43 should be deleted and Question No. 41 should be combined with Question No. 45. The Director of Public Services said it needs to be determined what exactly the Council wants to know in this area. Councilmember Hilstrom noted a change in customer service has already been planned. Mayor Kragness suggested eliminating the choices from Question No. 40. The Director of Public Services noted the information really desired is whether the resident received the service he or she wanted and was treated courteously. There was a general discussion regarding extended hours for City Hall. Councilmember Hilstrom stated Question Nos. 42 and 43 should be combined into one question. The Director of Public Services stated even if they are combined there will still be two pieces of information required to answer it. Mayor Kragness suggested the question read: "What important services would you need to access during extended hours of City Hall ?" Councilmember Hilstrom discussed the issue of on -line services. The Director of Public Services noted the City has been contacted by Freenet and did express an interest in involvement. There are factors to be considered but on -line service is surely in the future. Councilmember Hilstrom commented on -line services would mean that full staff would not be necessary outside of regular hours. The Director of Public Services commented control needs to be maintained. The cost of providing the information will need to be changed. 6/19/95 - 12- The Director of Public Services noted Question Nos. 40 -54 could be condensed as stated previously, such as "during your last contact...." She added the question might state: "If obtaining the service was inconvenient, what would be more convenient ?" There was a consensus of agreement. There was a consensus decision to eliminate Question No. 66. Councilmember Mann suggested Question No. 66 could be replaced with: "Addition of a fishing pier on Twin Lakes." There was a discussion of the term and meaning of a "family services center" versus a "community center." Councilmember Hilstrom again noted Question Nos. -77, 78, and 79 should be condensed into one question. The Council agreed. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested condensing Question Nos. 80, 81, and 82 and just asking for a list of household members. She believed grouping from school -aged to age 55 was too large a grouping. The Finance Director noted Decision Resources might need the information to evaluate the survey results. It was decided to delete the item. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested deleting the gender category. It was decided to keep it. Councilmember Hilstrom mentioned it may be necessary to address the issue that some residents may say they have already paid for an ice arena. The ice arena was never built as funding ran out after the pool was built. There was a general discussion on the previous approval of an ice arena. The Director of Public Services noted the residents will need to be educated on the facts of the issue. There was a motion by Councilmember Hilstrom to adjourn the meeting. The Director of Public Services noted a new survey draft will be submitted to the Council following more consultation with Decision Resources. Councilmember Hilstrom asked that the survey be presented again at the next City Council meeting possible, but not at a work session. Councilmember Carmody noted the survey should be reduced now to 73 questions. Councilmember Mann asked whether the other Councilmembers agree that the Council should study the City's goals. There was a general discussion regarding the timing and scheduling of a meeting to discuss goals. It was decided, by consensus, to schedule a Council Special Work 6/19/95 - 13 - Session on July 5, 1995, at 6 p.m. to discuss the role of the City. Participants should bring a "brown bag" dinner. It will be decided at a later date what Staff should be in attendance. The Director of Public Services suggested Councilmembers review the Year 2000 report to the meeting as it is a good starting point for discussion. She also suggested using the City's mission statement. The Director of Public Services asked whether Staff will need to prepare any documents for the meeting. Councilmember Hilstrom noted ultimately there will need to be a public hearing on budget cuts. Councilmember Hilstrom commented the Councilmembers should be willing to bring anything to the Council table at the goal- setting meeting. Councilmember Carmody suggested there should probably be someone present at the meeting who can clarify regulations in regard to proposed budget cuts. The Director of Public Services stated just considering the big issues would be plenty of work for the session and budget cutting should be held off to a follow -up session. She then asked whether the Council's desire would be to simply brainstorm at the session without being oncerned about whether implementation g P would be legal, etc. Councilmember Carmody said the session should not be only brainstorming. Something should be accomplished. Ideas should be kept within the realm of possibility. Councilmember Hilstrom commented the Director of Public Services should be at the meeting. Mayor Kragness also noted the Acting City Manager, the Finance Director, and the Director of Community Development should be present at the meeting. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Mann seconded the earlier motion by Councilmember Hilstrom to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 10:02 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Barbara Collman Timesaver Off Site Secretarial i 6/19/95 - 14-