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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 05-10 CCM Study 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 STUDY SESSION MAY 10, 2010 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Pro Tern Kay Lasman at 6:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson (arrived at 6:08 p.m.) and Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Fiscal and Support Services Dan Jordet, Public Works Director /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Ryan requested that Item 6e, Resolution Establishing Fee for Community Garden Plots in the City of Brooklyn Center, be pulled from the Consent Agenda and placed on the regular meeting. The Council expressed no objections to this request. Councilmember Yelich requested discussion on Item 8a, Ordinance Amending Chapter 35 of the City Code of Ordinances Regarding the Zoning Classification of Certain Land (Southwest Quadrant of Brooklyn Boulevard and 71" Avenue). He noted residents had previously expressed concern about increased traffic on Perry Avenue and asked how it would be addressed in the event traffic is significantly higher than anticipated. Mayor Willson arrived at 6:08 p.m. Public Works Director /City Engineer Lillehaug reviewed the traffic survey and determination there are just over 800 vehicles. In 2001, over 1,100 vehicles were counted. He stated staff and the developer have looked at strategies to mitigate traffic impacts for this site and should there be a future traffic safety issue, a perception, or reality of increased volume, it would be addressed by the City's Administrative Traffic Committee. Mr. Lillehaug commented on the "tool box" that is available should the City determine the need to address traffic calming. With regard to the range of calming options, he stated it can range from installation of traffic bumps to road closure. The Council discussed whether posting a "Not Through Street" sign should be considered to assure flow of traffic goes to Brooklyn Boulevard instead of onto Perry Avenue and into a residential area. It was noted staff had determined a baseline traffic count and will be able to detect any change in the future. Mr. Lillehaug explained that calming measures can apply to 05110110 -1- volume as well as speed, though sometimes it is not as effective on volume without a road closure. With regard to whether consideration should be given to a road closure, Mr. Lillehaug advised the data does not warrant that action at this time. In addition, a road closure may not be supported by all in the neighborhood and it may impact emergency vehicle response times so it is not an easy decision. He explained there is not an established "threshold" for closure of a local road but there is a threshold of when a local street becomes a collector. At this point, he suggested the Council take a "wait and see" approach and implement the calming measures staff has recommended. Mayor Willson agreed the traffic numbers do not warrant more calming measures than are being recommended by staff. He commented on the benefit of the proposed project and the Council's efforts for redevelopment. Mayor Willson indicated that Item 6e, which was removed from the Consent Agenda by Councilmember Ryan, will be considered as Item 8a since 'a number of residents are in the audience for that item. He stated he would also remove Item 6c Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding a Contract, Improvement Project Nos. 2010 -01, 02, 03, and 04, Dupont Area Neighborhood Street, Storm Drainage, and Utility Improvements, and Item 6d Accepting Bid and Awarding a Contract, Improvement Project Nos. 2010 -05, 06, 07, and 08, Twin Lake Area Neighborhood Street, Storm Drainage, and Utility Improvements, which will be considered as Items 1 Oc and 1 Od respectively. With regard to Item 6e, Mr. Boganey noted that written communication had been received from residents expressing concern about the location of the proposed community gardens. In addition, staff has concerns about the suitability of the soil since it had been used for storage and would recommend that a different site be identified. Mr. Boganey advised that in retrospect, staff should have engaged the neighborhood more directly because not having done that added to the concerns raised by the community. Given limited staff resources, he suggested this item be tabled this year or until there is a full staff to search for a suitable site. Mr. Boganey apologized for not having the neighborhood more directly engaged since this is an activity that will impact the neighborhood. Mayor Willson stated at the last meeting he had raised the issue of staffing to run this program and there were also concerns with water delivery which solidified his position to look for a different site for the next growing season. He noted that when this issue originally came forward, it was by a group of concerned citizens. He supported the creation of a sponsoring community group to monitor, maintain, and run the Community Garden Program. Councilmember Lasman stated she shared the same concerns and suggested the Council hold a Public Hearing when a garden site is identified to assure more public input. She agreed it is too late for this growing season, but a lot of research has been completed so it will be easier next year once a suitable site is found. 05/10/10 -2- Councilmember Roche thanked the City Manager for offering an apology. He stated he believed the City needed community gardens and he is embarrassed it won't happen this year. He stated he does not accept that the City does not have enough money or staff and the Council needs to assure the program is rolled out next year. Councilmember Ryan stated he is not questioning the merit of the Community Garden Program but is opposed to the use of this site because of the many limitations and negative impact on the neighborhood. He stated that he viewed the site last week and was glad for the opportunity to speak with the neighbors. He thanked the City Manager for staff's recommendation to not proceed with this site, Councilmember Yelich stated he also visited the site and received a first -hand perspective. He stated he agrees with Councilmember Ryan's comments that this is not a good location but he does support the Community Garden Program. Councilmember Yelich questioned whether it would be prudent to remove this item from tonight's agenda. Councilmember Lasman suggested it would be helpful to have some discussion on camera so residents know this program is being looked at by the Council. The Council discussed whether another commission could be tasked with locating a suitable site for a community garden. Councilmember Lasman indicated the Special Events Committee is already busy planning the Centennial Celebration. Consensus was reached that an option may be to create an Environment and Sustainability Committee to address the Council's established goals. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Lasman requested an update on the MangoTango liquor license. Mr. Boganey stated he has no new information since the last meeting but understands they plan to be open by the end of May 2010. Councilmember Lasman asked staff to research the benefits of adopting a social hosting ordinance. Mayor Willson agreed this bears some scrutiny with the understanding the City has limited resources. Council consensus was reached to direct staff to conduct an analysis and contact the League for more information. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 05/10/10 -3 - STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on May 10, 2010. 2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at Brooklyn Center City Hall. 3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its May 24, 2010, Regular Session. 4 City Clerk Mayor 05/10/10 -4-