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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 12-06 CCM Truth In Taxation Budget Hearing MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TRUTH -IN- TAXATION BUDGET HEARING DECEMBER 6, 1995 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a Truth -in- Taxation Budget Hearing and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra IHilstrom, Kristen Mann. Also present were Interim City Manager Cam Andre, Director of Finance Charlie Hansen, and Council Secretary Connie Beckman. Councilmember Kalligher was absent and excused. PRESENTATION The Director of Finance explained the 1996 proposed budget and the property tax system. PUBLIC HEARING At 7:13 p.m., a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Mann to open the public hearing regarding the 1996 proposed budget passed unanimously. Mayor Kragness encouraged residents present at the meeting to offer input on any issues pertaining to the 1996 City budget. PUBLIC HEARING- SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECT Two citizens, Arlys Lowell and Agnes Homquist, 6125 North Lilac Drive, talked about the Five Cities Senior Transportation Project supporting the continuation of the program indicating: Some people are totally dependent on the bus system to complete shopping for food, clothing, and appointments. - The bus system offers general opportunities for socialization. - Some people who shouldn't be driving would be forced to drive their personal vehicles. Agnes indicated, who initiated a petition in support of the bus system, indicated that various residents would even be willing to pay an additional amount in support of the bus system. 12/06/95 - 1 - Mayor Kragness acknowledged concerns of the citizens and the large correspondence received in support of the Five Senior Transportation Project. PUBLIC HEARING- OVERALL 1996 PROPOSED BUDGET Nancy Carlson, 6024 Aldrich Avenue North, expressed concerns in length about the following: Earle Brown Heritage Center and perceived mismanagement; historical issues pertaining to Council inquiries of information and respective provision of requested information; various "social programs" (i.e. Senior Transportation Project, Project Peace Makers) she felt needed to be cut; Assessed Stabilization Program; CEIP; Community Center; businesses owned by the City (i.e. golf course, liquor stores (63rd location), Inn on the Farm (Earle Brown Restaurant, Convention Center, commercial property for rent, catering operation)) she perceived as being money losers; Earle Brown Commons Apartments and how she feels back taxes owed have hurt the City; TIF District creation history regarding the Earle Brown properties; union organization; and code enforcement. PUBLIC HEARING -PEACE MAKER CENTER Thirteen people came forward offering verbal support and statistics on the Peace Maker Center and its respective services. Those presenting verbal affirmation included members of the Center's Board of Directors, the Program Director, volunteers of the Center, family members of children served by the Center who are now volunteers of the Center, and representatives of local businesses - -7.C. Penney and Sears - -who have benefitted from the Center's services. The Center's Program Director explained that referrals to the program include some from outside of Brooklyn Center, and charges are made on an ability to pay basis. Referrals are from the police department; stores via the police department; and Operation Dalloble. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if a store where the Center's intervention services are used have provided funds. Stores have responded to requests for funds by referring the Center to the respective foundations but to date with no success. Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if families of persons involved are charged for the Center's services. There is an assessment charge of $50 but this is paid from a benevolence fund when the family is unable to pay. Councilmember Hilstrom inquired about a breakdown of primary crimes committed that are serviced by the Center. In November, 1995, forty -three cases were referred to the Center: thirty-four for shoplifting; two for assault; three for financial transaction fraud; one for theft; one for offering forged check; one for trespassing; one for possession of stolen property. MOTION TO CONTINUE TRUTH -IN- TAXATION BUDGET HEARING TO DECEMBER 13 1995, AT 7 P.M. A motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody at 8:37 p.m. to continue the Truth -in- Taxation Budget Hearing to December 13, 1995, at 7 p.m. passed unanimously. 12/06/95 -2- City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Connie Beckman Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 12/06/95 -3 -