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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 07-05 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 JULY 5, 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 6:08 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Barb Kalligher, Kristen Mann, Debra Hilstrom, and Kathleen Carmody. Also present were Interim City Manager Cam Andre, and Council Secretary Barbara Collman. Councilmember Kalligher suggested Officer Tombers be allowed to speak or perhaps added to the agenda since he is present at the meeting. Councilmember Mann questioned whether Officer Tombers' comments should be heard at an Executive Session due to confidentiality concerns. Mayor Kragness stated the Council would not be free to take any action on the issue at this meeting. The Assistant City Manager is handling the matter. She stated she had already informed Officer Tombers the matter was not on tonight's agenda so no action could be taken. Mayor Kragness then asked Officer Tombers if he wished to make a short statement to the Council. Councilmember Mann agreed he could speak. Officer Dave Tombers, of the Brooklyn Center Police Department, explained he is a Brooklyn Center Police Canine Officer. He was injured "pretty seriously" in the line of duty and was not able to work for quite some time. He stated he has made an excellent recovery, however. He asked the City what requirements he must meet to be reinstated in his position of canine officer. He was told he must present a doctor's release to work. He did so. Now, he has been told there is no such position as canine officer. He disagrees there is no such position as he has the dog and has been paid to keep the dog. Also, his name and title are printed on several written documents as "canine officer." He noted he was disabled from the position only last April so he doesn't understand how there can not be such a position. The Assistant City Manager has told him the position does not exist and he should have the medical release changed to say he may return to work as a "patrol officer." He stated his career is canine officer and he would 7/5/95 - 1 - view bein given the title of "patrol officer" to be a demotion. He asked for the Council's consideration to allow him to return to the force as a canine officer. Mayor Kragness said the matter would be investigated. She commented she is aware Officer Tombers is eager to return to work and she thanked him for addressing the Council. Councilmember Mann asked Officer Tombers whether the doctor's release in his possession specifically says he may return with "no restrictions ?" Officer Tombers said it does. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned when the canine program was begun and what the program's guidelines were. Councilmember Kalligher noted the status of the canine program was discussed sometime in 1992. It was also discussed in March when Former Chief Hampton approached the Council regarding sale of the dog. She stated she had requested minutes from the meeting from the Deputy Clerk. Mayor Kragness noted nothing definite is known however. Councilmember Mann agreed. Councilmember Kalligher stated the Council allocated funds in March of 1993. Councilmember Carmody asked when the issue will be finally resolved. The Interim City Manager stated the problem is that there is no classification for canine officer. The City wants to be sure it is established so Officer Tombers can be allowed to return to work with full authority as a regular police officer. There is a question of liability for the City. It is only necessary for the doctor's release to state he is able to return as a regular officer. i Mayor r the wording to be changed on the release. r Kragness commented it is just necessary o b a o ary b Y � J Councilmember Carmody noted the union only has two classifications for officers. Councilmember Kalligher added the union's attorney has indicated the union will file a grievance if the release only says "canine." Mayor Kragness noted the designation "canine officer" is a special assignment. Officer Tombers questioned why it is necessary for him to jump so many hurdles in order to requirement is onl to rotect the Cit . return to work. Councilmember Carmody tated the p Y Y Y The City needs legal assurance there are no limitations to his activities. Officer Tombers asked what would be accomplished by the doctor re- writing the release. The doctor has read the job description and agreed Officer Tombers is capable of performing all duties. 7/5/95 -2- The Interim City Manager commented since the doctor is in agreement he or she should then be willing to prepare another release. Then, the City would not have to negotiate with the union on this issue. Officer Tombers stated he understands but does not see the difference between the two when the canine officer actually does more than the regular patrol officer. Councilmember Kalligher requested the matter concerning Officer Tombers be placed on a regular agenda. Councilmember Hilstrom agreed, noting Staff would then be present to give information. Mayor Kragness stated the issue is a technicality. She asked Officer Tombers why it would bother him to ask the doctor to change one word on the release. She stated the Council must protect the City from lawsuits. Officer Tombers replied he wishes it would not bother him to change the release but it does because he considers the change a demotion. Mayor Kragness invited Officer Tombers to attend the next City Council meeting. Officer Tombers noted the City of Minneapolis uses a simpler form for this procedure. He thanked the Council for its time. Mayor Kragness stated the issue is important to the Council as well as to Officer Tombers. Councilmember Hilstrom indicated she would like to receive a copy of the minutes concerning the o issue in the past. Councilmember Kalh her stated she would share the set of minutes in her P possession. The formal work session resumed at 6:25 p.m. The Interim City Manager commented it is not necessary for the Council to consider the topics in the order given but he does believe the recruitment of a City Manager is the most important topic listed. Mayor Kragness agreed. DISCUSSION OF PROCESS FOR RECRUITMENT OF CITY MANAGER Mayor Kragness commented many City employees have recommended to her that the City use a professional search firm to locate candidates. A search firm would have the knowledge, III experience, and expertise to weed out the most qualified candidates. She noted if the search were performed in -house someone would need to handle the influx of applications and also the details such as paying for interview expenses, etc. Councilmember Mann noted she would expect to use the League of Minnesota Cities for advice. She stated she certainly would like to hold down the costs of the process but there must be a balance between cost concerns and finding a qualified applicant. She suggested the possibility of a citizen task force to evaluate applications. 7/5/95 - 3 - Councilmember Hilstrom discussed the procedure used by Afton in its search for a City Manager. Mayor Kragness stated that, regardless of the search procedure used, it will be necessary for the Council to first formulate a list of criteria required of a City Manager. She noted the City does need to consider cost, but, in the long run, if a search firm were to do the basics, the City would be further ahead. She didn't believe there would be citizens with the time, as well as knowledge and background, to handle the search, when it could take months. Council would rather the process not be lengthy and it might be prolonged using a citizens committee. Councilmember Hilstrom asked the Interim City Manager about the search process in the City of Hopkins, which he handled. The Interim City Manager stated he first asked each councilmember to write down the qualifications he or she desired in a City Manager. Those qualifications were consolidated and an advertisement prepared. He also made some contact calls outside of the advertising. He developed a testing scale relative to the qualifications and used it to pare down applicants from 100 to 20. After another "weeding out," he presented the Council with a list of 12 applicants. The Council chose three applicants to interview. Before the applicants were interviewed, they were provided with information about the City. The Council used the same sort of scale during interviews. Councilmember Kaliigher asked whether a recruiting firm was used at all at Hopkins. The Interim City Manager stated he was the outside firm used. He suggested it might be helpful for the Council to obtain outside assistance in developing the list of qualifications desired. He noted the City could handle the advertising but could get assistance in developing the testing scale. In the end, the choice of a City Manager should be the decision of the Council. The Council will be working with the City Manager so it needs to be comfortable with the candidate hired. The Interim City Manager, in this process, would answer questions but would not offer an opinion. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether the Council might be able to write a job description. The Interim City Manager commented another idea would be to choose only certain parts of a recruiting firm's package in an effort to hold down costs. Councilmember Mann noted a decision needs to be made as to whether to do a national search for a City Manager. Mayor Kragness commented an out -of -state candidate, if hired, would have to become acquainted with State laws as well as City laws. Councilmember Carmody noted the Interim City Manager has been involved in City issues in different states. She asked him whether the statutes are very different. 7/5/95 -4 - The Interim City Manager stated if a nationwide search is done, a national consultant should be used. The list Council has of recruiting firms includes national consultants. Councilmember Hilstrom discussed proposal prices for different search phases by the League of Minnesota Cities. Mayor Kragness noted the Assistant City Manager has prepared a summary of the recruiting firms costs and services offered. The Interim City Manager indicated he would have contacts to solicit applicants in the Midwest and the West, but doesn't have as many contacts in the East. Mayor Kragness noted costs would be increased if a search were nationwide. Councilmember Hilstrom commented there would only be cost involved with a national candidate if that I candidate were in the top three to be interviewed in person. Mayor Kragness suggested the League of Minnesota Cities be contacted and asked to present its proposal in more detail. There was a consensus of opinion to ask for such a presentation at an upcoming work session. It was suggested the presentation could be on July 17, 1995, at 6 p.m. Mayor Kragness asked the Interim City Manager to contact the League of Minnesota Cities to ask whether an hour would be sufficient to make such a presentation. The Interim City Manager stated he believed the League of Minnesota Cities would make such a presentation free of charge. Mayor Kragness noted there should be time during the presentation for the Council to ask questions, but it should take about an hour. Councilmember Mann suggested July 19, 1995, at 7 p.m. as an alternate date. Other dates could also be considered. Mayor Kragness commented perhaps the Assistant City Manager and the Finance Director should be present at the presentation by the League of Minnesota Cities. There was a consensus of opinion that it would not be necessary for the Finance Director to be in attendance as the item will eventually come before the Council anyway. The Interim City Manager stated he is confident a number of good candidates will be identified. DISCUSSION OF HOUSING COMMISSION ISSUES Councilmember Carmody noted Housing Commission items will be on the agenda for July 17, 1995. She stated the Housing Commission is requesting guidance from the Council regarding the point of sale versus truth in housing. 7/5/95 -5 - There was a general discussion regarding the desires of the Housing Commission relating to neighborhood Groups. The groups would operate independently of the City. It was noted independence is important as an independent group is likely to have more longevity and result in greater accomplishments. Mayor Kragness noted each neighborhood group needs a good spokesperson and a good team. The Riverwood group is willing to share knowledge, which would be very helpful. Councilmember Carmody stated she had discussed with the Director of Community Development how to inspire residents to take pride in their properties, which would result in fixing them up. In particular, many roofs are in need of repair. She discussed the City purchasing interest on loans since a grant will not be available for quite some time. She noted these issues will be discussed in depth at the July 17 Work Session. Councilmember Mann stated support for property improvements might be the role of the neighborhood groups rather than of the City. Councilmember Kalligher noted some neighborhood groups need to branch off from dependence on the Community Development Specialist. Councilmember Carmody also mentioned there would be a Paint- A -Thon on August 5, 1995. DISCUSSION OF ROLE OF THE CITY The Role of the Citv Reyarding the Liquor Stores Councilmember Hilstrom noted the stores' profit is 5125,000 but in the budget it shows the City is still picking up the tab for overhead expenditures as noted on page 44 of the budget under Enterprise Funds accounting. Property taxes are still included. The Enterprise Funds should be paying their own way. On page 45, there is the same situation with water /sewer amounts. Another area of the budget shows the Enterprise Funds are making money, but they are not necessarily paying their way. It is unknown if other discrepancies like these could be found in the budget with careful scrutiny. She asked whether the Enterprise Funds pay their fair share on Workers' Compensation insurance, etc. She said she would like assurance the liquor stores are definitely making money. The liquor stores are supposed to be a separate business but the City is involved in supporting them. Mayor Kragness noted the answers to these questions may be more evident when the budget has been completely changed over to its new format, which the Finance Director is in the process of doing. Councilmember Hilstrom reminded the Council that the Director of Public Services had recently recommended either the budget be balanced or services be cut. She said she would not consider the liquor store business to be a top priority. If the argument for having the liquor stores is to 7/5/95 -6- generate money then there should be clear evidence that the stores are profitable and that supporting the stores is the best use of the City funds. Mayor Kragness commented Councilmember Hilstrom had brought excellent questions which should be researched and answered. Councilmember Mann noted no staff time is allocated in the budget, although this may be due to the budget format. The Interim City Manager noted it is a big undertaking for the Finance Director to set up the budget document to show complete detail. Mayor Kragness added since it is such a big job only one phase can be completed at a time. Councilmember Mann discussed the League of Minnesota Cities' seminar material concerning "service cost equals service value." She noted the material provided by the League of Minnesota Cities was clear and she would like to receive information in an identical format. Councilmember Hilstrom noted it is difficult to determine whether a service is making money. The budget document needs to be read in a specific way to make the determination. She repeated she would like assurance that the liquor stores are definitely making money for the City and are a good investment. She added if the City were to discontinue the liquor stores one of the buildings could be converted to additional space for the fire department, eliminating the budget item for building an addition to the fire department. Councilmember Carmody questioned whether the City's overhead expenditures for running the liquor stores, such as snow - plowing, could possibly amount to a figure near $120,000, which is the amount the liquor stores earn. The Interim City Manager stated he would ask the Finance Director to prepare a report concerning the liquor stores as a beginning step in this discussion. II I There was a general discussion concerning the amount of money which the City would bring in from the sale of liquor licenses and comparison of that amount with the amount of profit currently experienced. Discussion of Earle Brown Heritage Center Councilmember Mann commented she is concerned that the only person making money at the Earle Brown Heritage Center is the caterer. Councilmember Kalligher questioned whether the City would be allowed to sell the property due to restrictions on the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. She also suggested the City might hire a management firm under an arrangement where the firm would receive a base plus incentive pay if money was earned over a certain figure. The Interim City Manager noted in such an arrangement the City would share in profits over and above the base. He stated he was unsure whether it would be allowed on a property in a TIF district, but would study the matter. 7/5/95 -7- Mayor Kragness indicated Judith Bergeland, the Earle Brown Heritage Center Manager, has invited the Council to tour the Center. She stated Ms. Bergeland has done an excellent job of getting the Center booked. Councilmember Mann suggested a management evaluation of the Center might be in order. The Interim City Manager asked whether the liquor stores and the Earle Brown Heritage Center should be scheduled for further discussion at an upcoming meeting. Councilmember Hilstrom said they should be put on an agenda as discussion items. The Interim City Manager noted that, since the Council is interested in the budget and wants to study it in detail, after August 1 it will be necessary to spend time going through it line by line. Mayor Kragness agreed, noting last year the Council ran out of time and it is unfair to pass the budget under those circumstances. The Interim City Manager commented it will be important to schedule time and structure decisions so that goals can be accomplished. Mayor Kragness concurred. She noted last year the Council sometimes did not have a quorum to handle matters. It will be necessary to set a schedule and follow it as careful consideration of the budget is part of the Council's responsibility. Councilmember Carmody asked whether there is a preliminary schedule. Councilmember Mann reviewed the existing calendar of budget dates. Councilmember Hilstrom commented pages 73 and 74 of the budget contain unclear wording regarding fire fighters. She asked whether the City employs the inspectors mentioned. The Interim City Manager stated the City employs four part-time inspectors, who are active employees. Councilmember Hilstrom noted she hadn't been able to tell whether the inspectors existed. Mayor Kragness commented a full -time inspector has not yet been approved. Councilmember Kalligher left the meeting at 7:14 p.m. Discussion of the Park and Recreation Department Councilmember Hilstrom stated one way of dealing with Park and Recreation Department issues would be to set a policy for the department and commission to follow so that, ultimately, Council would not be approached concerning individual programs one at a time, as in the pasta The Council would determine a set amount of money to be spent and Staff would be responsible for prioritizing programs to use the money. The Interim City Manager stated he would pass on the suggestion to the Finance Director and the Park and Recreation Department staff for their response. 7/5/95 - 8 - Councilmember Hilstrom further explained such an approach would eliminate the practice of program representatives appealing to the Council for their programs, requiring the Council to judge programs. The Interim City Manager asked whether the Park and Recreation Staff would establish the priorities. Councilmember Hilstrom said they would be in a better position to do so since they would know past attendance and interest in each program, etc. The Park and Recreation Staff would rate the programs based on the basic goals set by the Council, such as "programs for seniors, programs for children," etc. Mayor Kragness noted the Director of Recreation has expressed a desire to make a presentation to the council. She noted he believes his department is under - funded. Councilmember Kalligher returned to the meeting at 7:16 p.m. The Interim City Manager noted that is why it is important to schedule time to consider budget issues. Councilmember Hilstrom reiterated her suggestion would give the Park and Recreation Department freedom to choose programs based on policy set by Council, which would include the Council's desire that a certain percentage be spent for senior programs, etc. Mayor Kragness agreed. She indicated none of the programs in question are profit - making, and are not intended to be. Councilmember Hilstrom agreed the programs do not need to be profitable. However, she noted the budget document states "...programs designed to be self - supporting." Since they are not self- supporting, the phrase may as well be removed from the budget. Councilmember Mann referred to page 18 of the budget concerning company vehicles. She stated she would like information concerning how many vehicles the City actually owns, who uses them, and the purposes of their use. She said she would like to know how the City vehicle program is going. The Interim City Manager stated he would try to get such an analysis by budget time. DISCUSSION OF DEVELOPMENT OF BETTER COMMUNICATION AND TEAM SPIRIT BETWEEN COUNCIL AND STAFF Councilmember Mann thanked the Interim City Manager for his recent memo and noted she agreed with his recommendation concerning calls to the City Attorney. She said she believes it is a very good practice for all councilmembers to receive information which Staff gives in response to any one member's question. 7/5/95 -9 - Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether there is a form to be used to request information on a long -term basis. The Interim City Manager said there is no specific form but one could be designed which would function more quickly and better. Mayor Kragness agreed it is helpful for everyone to get any information. The Council recessed at 7:24 p.m. and reconvened at 7:29 p.m. DISCUSSION OF FIVE -YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Councilmember Mann referred to the Street Improvement Program. She noted a Great deal of bonding is being considered and asked whether there is a contingency plan. If there is no contingency plan, perhaps one is needed. Mayor Kragness stated there- was an earlier suggestion that two budgets be prepared but she was unsure whether the plan was put into action. Councilmember Hilstrom indicated she is nervous about increasing the budget $100,000 per year for ten years in order to pay for bonds. She stated she would like to see any alternatives to that plan. She added it is necessary to set priorities and make sure activities support the stated purposes. If street improvements are determined to be a priority, then the $100,000 should be included in the budget. The Interim City Manager noted future discussions on the five -year strategic plan should cover street improvements and buildings. Councilmember Hilstrom again mentioned the current liquor store, if closed, could be used for the Fire and Police Departments and the City could save remodelling costs. Councilmember Carmody stated it would not be worthwhile for the City to get out of the liquor business just to obtain building space. Councilmember Hilstrom explained she had only meant if it were decided to get out of the liquor business. Mavor Kragness noted a first step will be to get information from the Finance Director. Councilmember Mann commented she is afraid a bond issue will not pass. There was a consensus of opinion on the statement. Councilmember Mann suggested perhaps the proposed bond issue should be halted at this point. Councilmember Hilstrom stated she would want to see the survey results before making such a decision. The Interim City Manager noted the City is committed at least as far as the conduction of the survey. Councilmember Hilstrom indicated Staff members have expressed a feeling that a bond issue will not be successful. Alternatives should be considered. She stated the City definitely needs additional space for the Fire and Police Departments. 7/5/95 - 10- The Interim City Manager gave a suggestion regarding the Capital Funds. Mayor Kragness agreed the Fire Department and Police Department are both in dire need of additional working space. Councilmember Kalligher noted there is also a problem with air quality in those departments. The Interim City Manager commented the survey may show that certain aspects of the proposed bond issue may be acceptable to residents and can be reworked. Councilmember Kalligher left the meeting at 7:39 p.m. The Interim City Manager noted that on an average home for each $1,000,000 of bonds issued with a 15 year maturity it would result in $8 per year in taxes. Mayor Kragness commented the longer the expenditure is delayed, the more it will cost. Councilmember Mann stated she understands the Capital Improvements Program but she wondered whether the newer members of the Council are comfortable with it. She indicated it might be helpful to go over the plan in detail. Mayor Kragness stated she believed all the members should review the plan again. Councilmember Kalligher returned to the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Mayor Kragness spoke regarding City street equipment. She questioned whether the City would be able to take care of some of it independently as it is very expensive. Councilmember Carmody left the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether there would be a way to find out whether the street equipment usually meets the claimed life expectancy. The Interim City Manager noted there is an element of a revolving fund in existence now. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether anyone on Staff keeps track of whether the life expectancy of equipment is reached or exceeded. The Interim City Manager noted squad cars are on a two -year cycle. The City may want to analyze the process followed regarding squad cars. Councilmember Mann asked the status of the mobile digital terminals. The Interim City Manager replied the terminals are in the process of being installed in squad cars. Councilmember Carmody returned to the meeting at 7:45 p.m. 7/5/95 3 Mayor Kragness left the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Councilmember Hilstrom asked the Interim City Manager whether he believes it would be a possibility to add the amount to the budget rather than bonding for it. The Interim City Manager stated such an approach would be conservative and would take a great deal of discipline. He added that even a fifteen -year bond is conservative. He noted perhaps a conservative approach would be a good approach. He added the Council might want to trim the bond issue. Councilmember Hilstrom indicated she had meant adding an amount to the budget for street improvements. The Interim City Manager said it could be handled on a cash basis with a tax levy. There are pros and cons for both approaches. Mayor Kragness returned to the meeting at 7:48 p.m. DISCUSSION OF CUSTOMER SERVICE FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE The Interim City Manager explained that after he submitted this as an agenda item he discovered there is a training program currently in progress. He could obtain a status report for the Council. Mayor Kragness asked whether the program is ongoing with a certain number of employees being trained at one time. The Interim City Manager indicated he was unsure. Councilmember Hilstrom noted the budget provides for funds for computer training. She noted in the private sector often one or two representative employees are sent for training and they, in turn, train other employees. She questioned whether the City's program follows that system or whether all employees are sent for training. Councilmember Mann indicated she believed a trainer comes directly to the department and trains everyone. Councilmember Kalligher stated she thought maybe one or two employees go to in -house training. Councilmember Hilstrom noted there is $100,000 in the budget and questioned whether it is being used. She also questioned whether training is needed every year, as well as the method of training -- on -site or off -site, training of all employees or representatives. The Interim City Manager and Councilmember Hilstrom agreed it would be logical to have one employee trained and have that one employee train other employees. Councilmember Mann asked what exactly Omar does. Councilmember Kalligher said he performs troubleshooting. The Interim City Manager said he is the MIS Coordinator. Mayor Kragness stated he also does informal training on a day -to -day basis. Mayor Kragness noted she has never had a problem with City Staff. She believes Staff has been courteous and provided prompt answers to questions. Councilmember Mann concurred, but 7/5/95 - 12- suggested Staff was responding to her questions asked nicely. When approached by an irate resident, a Staff member has a very different responsibility. Councilmember Mann asked whether the City has a complaint system in place for customer service complaints. The Interim City Manager indicated there is a system. Also, other cities i have had success with computerized tracking of such complaints and a computer system is being considered for Brooklyn Center. A computerized system would track complaints, provided an analysis, and provide a review for planning improvements. Councilmember Hilstrom stated she was under the impression the computerization of complaints was underway. Mayor Kragness stated Council should receive notice outlining the follow -ups to complaints so it is clear an answer has been provided to the resident. The Interim City Manager indicated he would check on the status of the computerization. Mayor Kragness reiterated all Councilmembers need to get the results of a complaint so they can know follow-up P was accomplished. DISCUSSION OF CITY IMAGE Mayor Kragness noted the Image Campaign is off to a good start due to the float entered in the Earle Brown Days parade. She noted there are still complaints that money should not have been spent on a consultant but she believes that action was necessary in order to get the program started. The momentum can now be picked up by the citizens to carry forward. Councilmember Mann commented there will not be a funding allotment in the 1996 budget. Mayor Kragness concurred, noting it was a one -time only expense. Councilmember Mann noted citizens are now coming forward with ideas and she believes the Fall Community Nights will bring the program ahead. Mayor Kragness stated there is a misconception that the City threw away money on the public relations firm it hired. Councilmember Mann referred to the "We the People Rally" which is included on the Earle Brown Heritage Center schedule. She questioned whether the rally was associated with the Perot group. Councilmember Carmody said she believed the rally is in conjunction with the Brooklyn Center group. Councilmember Mann commented she recently toured Brooklyn Center's parks and believes some are in poor conditions, needing roof repairs, etc. The Interim City Manager noted the survey results may show that citizens would support spending money on the parks. 7/5/95 - 13 - Y Councilmember Mann stated the parks are not getting enough maintenance. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether an earlier plan for park revitalization was still being followed. Councilmember Mann said the plan is still in effect. She outlined which parks have been completed and which have not. Councilmember Mann indicated she had personally looked over the tennis courts at Northport Park. She didn't see any problems which should affect the courts' use. She stated she will need to ask the Park and Recreation Commission its reasons for not putting nets on the courts. She thought it was possible the nets should not be withheld but she would need more information from the Director of Recreation and the Interim City Manager. She said she understands the liability concern but wonders if the concern is extreme. Councilmember Hilstrom noted there is now a new surface available which would be for multiple use, including tennis courts. The new surface is supposed to be less expensive than maintenance of the standard courts. She stated she would like to look into the matter and will consult her files. Mayor Kragness asked whether the Park and Recreation Commission has prepared recommendations. Councilmember Mann stated the Commission has brought up some minor things which were forwarded to Staff for maintenance. Building structure and playground equipment needs are related to usage. Mayor Kragness asked whether residents in the neighborhoods will be provided with the refurbishing schedule. Councilmember Mann said they will be told but some will not be satisfied. There is only so much money to go around. There was a general discussion regarding some of the City's parks. Councilmember Mann commented each Councilmember should be provided a copy of the plan, which is part of the Capital Improvements Program. Councilmember Kalligher left the meeting at 8:10 p.m. GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilmember. Carmody asked on what dates these issues will be discussed further. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested the Interim City Manager be instructed to include the issues in agendas as soon as possible but providing Staff enough time for adequate preparation. She noted Council this evening has made many assignments and requests. The Interim City Manager noted he would also have time to make sure the appropriate Staff members were present. Councilmember Carmody stated some of the issues have a higher priority than others. She believes the role of the City and the five -year strategic plan should have precedence over the others. 7/5/95 - 14- flavor Kragness noted it looks as though three additional sessions will be necessary. Councilmember Kalb her returned to the meeting at 8:11 b 1:1 P m. Councilmember Carmody indicated the City Manager recruitment process and the housing issues have been scheduled for the July 17 session. She recommended 7 p.m. on July 31 be used to discuss the Capital Improvement Plan if it is important to cover that issue during the summer. Councilmember Hilstrom noted the role of the City discussion fits in with budget discussions. DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATE FUNDING FOR CITY SERVICES The Interim City Manager noted he would like to ask Staff to brainstorm ideas before a meeting is scheduled on this issue. Mayor Kragness asked the Interim City Manager to provide copies of minutes from an earlier meeting to all Councilmembers in the packets to be distributed Friday. Councilmember Hilstrom commented when the budget and funding sources are being considered Council should think in terms of where it wants the City to be in the future, rather than just Ili responding to current needs. She recommended a proactive approach. Mayor Kragness agreed the Council should consider five years ahead and ten years ahead. GENERAL DISCUSSION Councilmember Mann referred to the Joslyn site. She noted some residents believe the City should acquire the property to use for ballfields. She asked whether the Director of Public Services could be given an assignment to prepare a list of existing fields which could be replaced by such an action. She noted fields would be chosen for replacement based on soil conditions. Mayor Kragness suggested Jim Glasoe be approached with this question. She also requested Mr. Glasoe be asked about the Thompson property. The Interim City Manager agreed to follow through. Councilmember Mann invited the other Councilmembers to join her for a boat tour to look at park land and possible land for acquisition. It was decided to meet on Tuesday, July 25, 1995, at 5:30 p.m. at Councilmember Mann's home. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Hilstrom and seconded by Councilmember Mann to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Barbara Collman Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 7/5/95 - 15 -