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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 11-27 CCM Regular 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 REGULAR SESSION NOVEMBER 27, 1995 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular 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. Also present were Interim City Manager Cam Andre, Director of Public Services Diane Spector, Director of Finance Charlie Hansen, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, Director of Community Development Brad Hoffman, and Council Secretary Connie Beckman. Councilmember Kalligher was absent and excused. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Mann talked about Holly Sunday which will be held on Sunday, December 3, 1995, at the Brooklyn Center Community Center from 2 -5 p.m. There is no admission and all activities are free. All participants, however, are asked to bring an unwrapped present to be given to needy children. This event is being sponsored by the Brooklyn Center Recreation Department and Lions. Mayor Kragness acknowledged Mr. Les Thurs and commended him for being a Minnesota honoree of the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association Hero award for dedication and volunteer work. This award is a national program. If chosen for the national award, Mr. Thurs will also receive a sizeable amount of money to be donated to the athletic sport of his choice. Councilmember Carmody acknowledged a couple of openings on the Housing Commission and inquired about additional screening questions being added to the application requesting copies of the revised application be distributed to Council. The Interim City Manager responded those questions had been already added, and copies of the updated application would be distributed per her request. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve the November 27, 1995, agenda with the removal of Items 5(a) number 3 and addition of Item 7(f) Northwest Hennepin Human Services Collaboration to the consent agenda passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 11/27/95 - 1 - A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve minutes of the September 11, 1995 - Regular Session; October 30, 1995 - Special Work Session; and November 20, 1995 -Work Session as printed passed unanimously. DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE RELEASE /REDUCTION A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve development performance guarantee release /reduction of Brookdale Car Wash -5500 Brooklyn Boulevard; and Evergreens at Earle Brown Farm -6001, 6011 and 6021 Earle Brown Drive passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -258 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING ISSUANCE OF A CLASS A AND SUNDAY ON -SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE TO GMRI, INC., DBA THE OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN RESTAURANT The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody and passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -259 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 1995 GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURCHASE OF PRINTERS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody and passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -260 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FOOT PROTECTION POLICY TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM REIMBURSEMENT The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody and passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO-95-261 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ENTERING OF A CONTRACT WITH THE ANOKA HENNEPIN SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR D.A.R.E. OFFICER AT THE EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody and passed unanimously. 11/27/95 -2- RESOLUTION NO. 95 -262 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF TUITION FOR TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody and passed unanimously. LICENSES A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve the following list of licenses passed unanimously: GASOLINE SERVICE STATION Brooklyn Center Municipal Garage 6844 Shingle Creek Parkway MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Air One Mechanical Corp. 6317 Welcome Ave. N. Harris Air Systems 230 Territorial Rd. Suburban Air 8419 Center Drive RENTAL DWELLING Beverly Wolfe 1707 Amy Lane TOBACCO RELATED PRODUCTS Brooklyn Center Municipal #1 1500 69th Ave. N. Brooklyn Center Municipal #2 6250 Brooklyn Blvd. Brooklyn Center Municipal #3 1966 57th Ave. N. OPEN FORUM Dan Remiarz, 6201 June Avenue North, expressed concern regarding off -duty City police officers being authorized by the City Police Chief to work part-time outside of their regular job. He questioned implications of an officer being involved in an altercation and the legal implications. The Director of Finance explained the off -duty City police officer policy and said that the police officer would be protected under City insurance coverage. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 1996 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE Councilmember Mann noted that work sessions could be scheduled at a later date as needed. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve the list of 1996 regular session meetings. The motion passed unanimously. 11/27/95 -3 - PRESENTATION BY DECISION RESOURCES LTD OF RESULTS OF BOND ISSUE SURVEY Bill Morris from Decision Resources, Ltd. reported on the telephone survey interviews. Four hundred survey responses gathered between July 18 -26, 1995. His report included percentage results pertaining to Brooklyn Center residents about the following: background information on residential demographics; general quality of life; what is liked most about living in Brooklyn Center; what is liked least about living in Brooklyn Center; most serious issues perceived as facing Brooklyn Center; perceptions on property taxes; value of City services; City services evaluation; cross -area City services evaluation; general appearance of neighborhood; park and recreation facilities; recreation facilities meeting needs; tax increase for recreational facilities; ice arena/youth activities facilities; public safety concerns; crime in Brooklyn Center; amount of neighborhood police patrolling; contract with fire department; contact with City hall; convenience of City hall hours; tax increase for basic service facilities; visiting community center; tax increase for community center facilities; property tax increase willing to support; $10 million bond referendum; bond referendum components priority; primary source of City government information; and preferred source of information. He responded to questions from residents about the sampling techniques used. OPENING CEREMONIES Dean Nyquist offered the invocation. PRELIMINARY 1996 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Director of Public Services presented background information on what Council has reviewed in the past pertaining to the CIP. She presented staff recommendation for a minimum level of park capital improvement projects in 1996 including replacement of playground equipment at given parks, replacement of a tennis court surface, repair of a retaining wall and rehabilitation of a pond and boardwalk, and additional improvements to parks as part of the neighborhood street improvement programs. In response to a request by Councilmember Mann, the Director of Public Services and Director of Finance explained the financing of these projects. Councilmember Hilstrom referred to Table 1 - Capital Improvement Program - Summary by Functional Area "Where The Funds Would Be Spent." Specific items inquired about included prospective remodeling of liquor stores and the water slide. In response, the Director of Public Services and Director of Finance talked about the history of their respective funding sources. The Director of Finance explained the loans from the CIP to the liquor store fund and the golf course. Repayments are current except that the golf course has not as yet been able to make principal payments. Councilmember Hilstrom requested information on outstanding loan amounts for the liquor stores and golf course. The Director of Finance stated the loan balance for the liquor stores is approximately $150,000 and should be paid in full over the next five years, while the golf course loan balance is approximately $1,150,000 and should be paid in full over the next fifteen years. 11/27/95 -4- Councilmember Mann referred to the report on the golf course and requested the same type of report format on the Earle Brown Heritage Center and Inn. The Interim City Manager indicated similar reports were in the preparation stages. CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT The City Attorney reported on the contract negotiations with Mr. McCauley. The primary area of difference was the amount of the severance pay. Councilmember Mann asked that the contract provide cross referencing to the City Charter. The City Attorney didn't anticipate any problems in that respect. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned the wording of "every year" in Section 14 under "Terms." The City Attorney provided explanation accordingly referring to Section 6.01 of the Charter. Councilmember Mann left the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Councilmember Mann returned to the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Councilmember Mann inquired if the Mayor and Interim City Manager could sign a revised contract without having to re- present it to Council for review. The City Attorney indicated he did not feel it was necessary to re- present a contract to Council for review. Mayor Kragness agreed citing necessity to finalize details enabling the new city manager to take position in a timely manner in order to address City business. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired about results of the background checks. The Interim City Manager stated they had come back "spotless." NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COLLABORATION Councilmember Mann explained about a grant designed to establish an outreach resource center at the substation on Humboldt. The Interim City Manager added this is an annual grant. Councilmember Mann asked whether there would be any costs to the City. The Interim City Manager stated there would be none other than incidental increases in utilities of less than $50 per month. Councilmember Mann was concerned about grant funds running out and wondered about action taken should this occur. The Interim City Manager indicated the program would be abandoned should this happen. Councilmember Mann requested that Ms. Wilder provide Council with updated information. Councilmember Hilstrom indicated she had received concerns that substation volunteers would be phased out. Mayor Kragness stated that Chief Kline assured her that volunteers would be protected. A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to recess at 8:24 p.m. passed unanimously. The meeting was reconvened at 8:35 p.m. 11/27/95 -5- A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Collaboration if it would not affect the current volunteer situation at the Humboldt substation passed unanimously. REVIEW OF REMAINING PROPOSED 1996 ANNUAL BUDGETS The Director of Finance reviewed the proposed 1996 annual budgets. Councilmember Mann inquired about deficits of accounts. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired about internal loans. The Earle Brown Commons was discussed regarding how much was owed to the City, how much could be expected to be recouped by the City once the bankruptcy process was completed and projected timeliness pertaining to the process. Special assessment loans were discussed in reference to the Earle Brown Heritage Center. Councilmember Mann inquired about the loan balance and maturities of the Heritage Center. j The Director of Finance described the debt schedules. Councilmember Mann inquired about prospective funding if TIF funding is discontinued with the Heritage Center. The Director of Finance talked about creative approaches in improving the operations of the Center. The following budget provisions were discussed: Diseased Tree Removal; CDBG Fund; Debt Service Funds; GEO Improvement Bonds; State Aid Street Bonds; Tax Increment Bonds from 1995; GEO Improvement Bonds 1994 & 1995; EDA• HRA. In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Mann, the Director of Finance said that at the P time bonds are issued fiscal agent is designated. The Director of Finance re- reviewed the Enterprise Funds which includes four different Utility Funds: Recycling; Water Utility; Sanitary Sewer•, and Storm Drainage; indicating that only the Storm Drainage fund required a rate increase. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned the potential remodeling of liquor stores. The Director of Finance talked about potential future location(s) of a store(s) taking into consideration the inevitable remodeling need of the fire station. Councilmember Hilstrom expressed desire to see a detailed report on the liquor stores similar to the report done on the golf course. The golf course fund was reviewed. Councilmembers Hilstrom and Mann acknowledged the excellent job done on its accompanying report. The Director of Finance talked about the Earle Brown Heritage Center's profit and loss statement. Mayor Kragness questioned how much the City utilizes the Center's facilities and how, financially, it impacts the Center's ability to obtain additional profit by being able to rent it for non -City use. In response, the Director of Finance talked about "hard" versus "soft" loss scenarios. The Interim City Manager added a report on the Center currently being prepared for 11/27/95 -6- presentation to Council would include insight information and recommendations on service charges policy. The City staff explained that "Services and Other Charges" on the Statement of Revenues & Expenses sheet include advertising, rental of audio visual equipment, snow plowing, etc. Councilmember Hilstrom requested a ten -year summary for Council review similar to the ten - year summary of liquor stores for the December 11, 1995, Council meeting. Internal Service Funds were discussed and noted to include the Public Employees Retirement Fund and Central Garage Fund. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned the rationale of starting the Central Garage. The Director of Finance responded that City auditors recommended removing cash out of the General Fund and that the true operating costs of vehicles being used by each City department would be better recorded. Staff said the report on the Heritage Center will be ready by December 11, 1995. If possible a report on the Liquor Stores would be made by December 11, 1995. TRUTH IN TAXATION DATES December 6, & 13, 1995, meetings are designated for public input. On December 18, 1995, the Council will vote on the budget. will be the Council voting date. The Director of Finance added no public input will be allowed. A final decision needs to be made by no later than December 28, 1995. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES NOVEMBER 6. 1995 - SPECIAL WORK SESSION (6 P.M.) A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to amend the minutes passed unanimously reflecting that Mr. Withers was to be contacted and offered a salary of $70,000 (not $79,900). ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to adjourn the meeting at 9:43 p.m. passed unanimously. Deputy City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Connie Beckman Timesaver Of, f' Site Secretarial 11/27/95 -7-