HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 Edition 132 November-December Edition 132 November/December 2001
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A newsletter for residents of the City of Brooklyn Center
TAX REFORM: How Will It Affect the Budget and
Property Tax Levy for 2002?
The City's budget process for 2002 is underway, although
it's about two months behind schedule due to the State State Aid Comparison
releasing the City's levy limitation notice the third week in Last Five Years
August. The City Council and City staff were unable to plan
the City's budget until the State notifications were received $4,000,000
and now they are in the process of reacting to State levy $3,000,000
calculations and adjustments. Some of the issues the City $2,000,000
Council will be considering when reviewing the budget are $1,000,000
increased costs in natural gas and fuel, rising health $0
insurance costs, along with additional costs imposed by the 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
State Legislature to increase Coordinated PERA (Public
Employee Retirement Association) contributions.
Property Tax Reform. The State Legislature, during its The reduction in school levy is anticipated to more than
special session in June, enacted the vast majority of offset the increase in City levy to replace the lost State Aid
Governor Ventura's "Big Plan" property tax reform to the City. Without levying to replace the State Aid as
proposal. The Governor's goal was to make the property tax intended by the Governor and Legislature, the City would
a more local tax. The Legislature decided to provide the have to reduce or curtail its service levels in police, fire,
majority of the funding for schools, which it believed to be senior transportation and programming, youth activities,
a state -wide issue, primarily through the State and to shift street maintenance, and other areas as well.
the majority of the funding for City services, which it
believed to be a local issue, primarily to property taxes. Budget Meetings. Although the State of Minnesota is not
requiring cities to hold any budget hearing this year,
State Aid Cuts. In order for the State to take on school residents are welcome to attend City Council meetings and
funding and reduce school levies, the Legislature severely work sessions in November in which the preliminary budget
cut State Aid to local governments. In 2001, Brooklyn will be reviewed and discussed. The City Council is
Center will receive $3,562,445 in State Aid [Local scheduled to adopt the final budget and tax levy on
Government Aid (LGA) plus Homestead and Agricultural December 10, 2001. Call City Hall, (763) 569 -3300, for
Credit Aid (HACA)]. In 2002, the amount of State Aid that more details and dates and times of budget meetings.
Brooklyn Center receives will be reduced by more than 36
percent to $2,265,267. This represents a loss in Aids of Summary
$1,297,178. Fully developed suburban communities, like
Brooklyn Center, suffered major reductions in State Aid.
The Legislature and Governor's plans assumed that Cities The State - mandated "general education levy" has been
will levy back lost State Aids to Cities. eliminated and replaced with money from the State's general
fund.
/ Tax reforms have decreased State Aids to the City and made the
Brooklyn Center has relied heavily on State Aid to provide City more reliant on the property tax.
basic City services. In 2001, 28.3 percent of the City's / HACA (Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid), one State Aid
general fund revenue came from State Aid. Brooklyn Center program, has been eliminated ($1,380,106 to Brooklyn Center
will need to make up for the loss of nearly $1.32 million in in 2001).
State Aid in 2002 through significant cuts in City services, / To avoid any cuts in City services, the City levy will need to
an increase in the City property tax levy, or a combination increase to make up for lost State Aid.
of cuts and an increased levy. 1 Total City spending is expected to be relatively stable.
► Most property taxpayers will see a reduction in overall property
taxes.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Grandview work on hold
Extensive improvements for In August, the Park and Recreation Park facilities would then be
Grandview Park were included in Commission and City Council located on what is now the school
the City Council's Destination Park agreed to work with the School site, and also on the remainder of
Plan. Scheduled to be constructed District to possibly combine the park site. These park
between 2001 -2003, these projects Grandview Park with the school improvements would be phased in
have been put on hold pending the parcel across Humboldt Avenue. between 2002 -2004. Projects
outcome of the Brooklyn Center The new school, should it be include adding a lighted
School District's proposal for a approved by the voters, would be soccer /football field, building a
new elementary school to replace located on part of what is now new shelter, expanding the
outdated Earle Brown School. Grandview Park. playground, rehabbing the tennis
court, and other improvements.
Palmer Lake projects nearly complete
Several projects intended to improve water
quality in Palmer Lake are nearly complete.
A new regional storm water detention pond
in the southwest corner of the Palmer Lake
Basin and another in East Palmer Lake Park
were built to improve water quality and
control flooding. In addition, a storm sewer
outfall and channel from 73` Avenue in the
northeast corner of the Basin were dredged to
improve flow and treatment.
The southwest pond treats stormwater from
the northwest corner of the city, including the
redevelopment areas at 69 and Brooklyn
Boulevard. A new wood chip trail connects
the paved trail around the basin to the chip
trail leading to West Palmer Lake Park.
This new pond in the southwest area of the Palmer Lake Basin treats storm
At East Palmer Lake Park, a new pond was water from the northwest part of the city. A chip trail along its north side
dug in the area north of shelter building, and connects the main paved trail with a chip trail to West Palmer Lake Park.
an old channel was filled in and replaced Trail work scheduled for 2002
with storm sewer. This revised drainage
system should greatly reduce the number of
times the trail is under water. Other Brooklyn Park has reconstructed the portion of the Palmer Lake
improvements at East Palmer include trail in that city. Reconstruction was required because the poor soil
replacing the old shelter with a picnic shelter, to the area has caused continued maintenance problems. The
replacing the parking lot lights, and Brooklyn Center portion has not had such extensive problems. In
relocating a segment of trail to bypass a low 2002 the trail in Brooklyn Center will be overlaid, and some areas
area prone to flooding. raised or repaired. A trail segment in the southeast corner of the
basin that is often flooded has already been raised.
2
PARKS
New look for Central Park Park projects scheduled for 2002
The hockey and general skating rinks in Twin Lake Park:
Central Park west of Shingle Creek ❑ Demolish the old shelter and build an open picnic shelter
have been moved to north of the shelter ❑ Replace the playground equipment and move the play
building. The hockey rink will be area to where the shelter is now
paved and the boards rehabbed. The ❑ Replace the parking lot with a new lot with eight spaces
rinks were moved so that the trail can ❑ Add a bike trail from the street to the TH 100 bridge trail
in the future be moved away from the ❑ Remove the old playground area, and top dress and
eroding banks of Shingle Creek. overseed the turfed areas, leaving the beach area as is
Central:
❑ Replace the trail lights with decorative poles and energy
Park signs being replaced efficient fixtures
The older brown wooden park signs are Grandview:
being replaced with new white and blue ❑ Demolish the old shelter and construct a new one
signs made from recycled plastic. The ❑ Remove softball fields and relocate the hockey and
new signs are longer - lasting and more general rinks to the north end of the park
visible. ❑ If a new elementary school is not to be built, build a new,
lighted soccer /football field
v -
M Centerbrook ets new storage building
g g g
` The City's par three golf course is finally getting its own storage
building. For the past fifteen years, the base of water tower #3
has been used "temporarily" to store maintenance equipment.
Bleacher safety rules met
The 2000 State Legislature enacted
rules intended to improve the safety of
bleachers. All bleachers must be in
compliance with the rules by January 1, Leasing space on the water towers to cell phone companies for
2002. their antennas is generating enough revenue to pay for a new
storage building so the golf course can consolidate all its
All bleachers in city parks that were not maintenance equipment, golf carts, etc. in one place. The new
in compliance have been replaced or building is located to the east of the putting green. The Shingle
retrofitted to be in compliance. Creek Trail and the golf course fence will be relocated around the
building. Completion is expected by the end of the year.
3
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Enhancement plan f or II
Taking care of city streets: p
Projects progress through city Brooklyn Boulevard, Other streets
Brooklyn Center began the Neighborhood Street and Utility Improvement A number of projects are underway
Program in 1994 to systematically reconstruct or rehabilitate all the streets in or are planned projects
improve the
the City. Most of the streets in town are 35 -40 years old. Through an appearance of the City, especially
aggressive maintenance program helped by favorable natural conditions such the major roads such as Brooklyn
as good soils, street maintenance crews have been able to get considerably Boulevard, CR 10, and Xerxes
more life out of the pavement than the 20 years typically found elsewhere. Avenue.
However, streets do eventually wear out and need to be replaced. The City's
storm sewer system is inadequate, and some neighborhoods have water or Enhancements on Brooklyn
sanitary sewer problems that are best addressed by replacing the mains. Boulevard from 65` Avenue to the
This Neighborhood Street and Utility Improvement Program will take about north City limits are already
30 years in total to cycle through the City. Generally, the neighborhoods underway. This project includes
selected to be reconstructed first are those that have the highest combination colored concrete edgers and corner
of needs. The condition of pavement is only one factor that goes into the radiuses, decorative streetlights,
identification of needs, and in fact, some neighborhoods that end up high on underground electric lines, and
the priority list may have pavement that with careful maintenance could last landscaping. This project also
another several years. However, what usually drives the selection of includes new signs at the north and
south City limits. These projects
neighborhoods is underground — the condition of the sanitary sewer main, the
need to upgrade or install new storm sewers, the condition of the water main. should be completed in 2002.
In 2002, Xerxes Avenue from
Northway Drive to I -694 will be
improved. The pavement will be
overlaid and the sidewalk repaired
or replaced. Decorative streetlights
and colored concrete radiuses will
brighten up the medians.
Lit The area around Brookdale,
including CR 10, Xerxes, and
Brooklyn Boulevard, is scheduled
to be upgraded in phases from
J 2002 -2005. This includes signs,
landscaping in the medians,
decorative streetlights, and
additional sidewalks and bike trails.
Improvements to Brooklyn
K
City of Brooklyn Center Boulevard from CR 10 to 65` are
scheduled for 2006 -2008.
Reconstructed City Streets
4
STREETS
Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) ,
2003
Each year, the proposed capital
projects and financing for the 2005 2006
coming five years are re- evaluated
and are summarized in the City's
Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
The CIP is developed by City Public 2002
Works staff each summer, and then
reviewed by the Park and Recreation
Commission, Financial Commission, 2005
and City Council in the fall. In 2006
December the Council holds a public
hearing and adopts the CIP at the
same time as the budget. ` 2004
The CIP is a planning document 2003 \
only. Most of the projects in the CIP 3[City o f Bkl n Center
must be reviewed and approved B
individually by the Council before City Streets Proposed
they can be constructed. Street to be Reconstructed
projects with special assessments
may not be approved without a
public hearing.
Projects paid for by a combination of funds
For more information on the CIP or
improvement projects in general, Reconstruction projects are paid for through a combination of funds.
please call the Engineering Office at Water and sanitary sewer improvements are paid at this time entirely
(763) 569 -3340 or e-mail to from the water and sanitary sewer utility funds that have been built up
info (ci)ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us over the years through rates paid on quarterly utility bills. Storm sewer
--._` improvements are paid for by a combination of special assessments and
Did You Know — the storm drainage utility fund. Street improvements are paid for by a
combination of special assessments, General Fund (property tax
Since 1994, the following has been revenue), and some state aid that is specifically for street
accomplished: reconstruction.
Miles of streets reconstructed: 36 The City's Special Assessment Policy requires assessments on single -
Miles of water main replaced: 17 family lots be a uniform rate, that is, each house is assessed the same
amount regardless of lot size or the value of the house, or if it's a
Miles of sewer main replaced: 18 corner or interior lot. Townhouses, apartments, condos, schools,
Miles of storm sewer added: 20 churches, and businesses all pay different rates based on the size of the
property. All rates increase every year to keep up with inflation.
Number of detention ponds built: 9 Special assessments in 2001 are $2,290 per property for street
improvements and $750 per property for storm drainage improvements.
5
4okkL Snowmobile Guidelines
for Safety
Winter is almost upon us and many people are readying their snowmobiles for another season. If you are
one of the many people who enjoy riding, now is also a good time to review the applicable laws and
ordinances governing snowmobile use in Brooklyn Center.
The Brooklyn Center Police Department receives several complaints every year from concerned citizens
regarding the operation of snowmobiles in the City. While most snowmobilers are respectful of the law,
many people have expressed confusion over the regulations applying to snowmobiles and have asked for
a simple, easy -to- understand guideline.
With that in mind, the following is a guide for safe, legal operation of snowmobiles in Brooklyn Center.
• Snowmobile operation is permitted only on private property and then only with the express
permission of the property owner. When in doubt, please ask.
• Snowmobiles may not be operated on publicly owned lands, school grounds, parks, playgrounds,
recreation areas, or golf courses.
• Operating a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol is not only dangerous, but also
illegal. Offenses are treated the same as a DWI and could result in the loss of the snowmobile.
• Snowmobiles on the lakes are permitted; however, access to the lakes must be made via public
access.
• While operating on the lake, snowmobilers must remain at least 150 feet from ice fishers, skiers,
and other people on the lake.
• The minimum ice depth for safe operation on the lakes is 5 inches.
• Operation of a snowmobile on a public street or highway is prohibited.
• Snowmobiles may be operated in the City only between the hours of 7 AM and 11 PM
• Violation of the City's Snowmobile ordinance carries a fine of up to $1,000, 90 days in jail, or
both.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Department Water patrol is most often involved in enforcement on the
lakes. For a complete copy of the City's snowmobile ordinance, please contact the City Clerk at (763)
569 -3300.
6
Firearms Safety
Let's take a moment to discuss something that generates a lot of ✓ Consider taking an
debate — firearms and guns. This is a topic that seems to polarize approved gun safety
people one way or another. We won't argue whether guns are good or class. Even if you are
bad. What we would like to talk about is gun or firearm safety. This an experienced gun
should be something everyone can support. Like it or not, guns and owner, you may learn
firearms are here and play a large part in our culture and society. something.
Whether you own a firearm or not, YOU should be concerned about
firearm safety. Someone who does not practice firearm safety may VV Talk to your children
put you or your loved ones at risk in several ways. We, as adults, about guns. If you
need to practice firearms safety at all times. Our children and others
will model themselves after us when we handle firearms. We need to own a gun, make it
start with the basic safety rules. crystal clear what the
rules are and store
1. Always, Always, Always treat every gun as if it is loaded — no them properly. Even if
you don't have a gun,
exceptions. talk to your children
2. Always point the gun in a "safe" direction. This goes hand about guns.
in hand with rule number 3. What is a safe direction you ask? It can
be down to the ground. Except, what if you are on the second or Questions regarding firearm
higher floor of a structure? How about up in the air like they do in the and gun safety can be
movies? That's fine as long as you are not close to someone. If you directed to Sgt. Stuart
have an accidental discharge (see rule number 4) are you going to hit Robinson, Brooklyn Center
someone in the head or upper body, on the second, third, or higher Police Department, (763)
floor? A SAFE direction is the direction where the least damage 503 -3204.
would be done should the gun be fired. You have to think and be
aware of your surroundings at all times.
Disposal of Ammunition
3. Never point a gun at something you are not prepared to
destroy — even if you know a gun is not loaded. Many times residents come
across firearm ammunition
4. Finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Guns come in all while cleaning the attic, the
shapes and sizes. Some have things called "safeties ", an external lever garage, or other
that allows the gun to be fired when "off' and not fired when on circumstances. Residents
Not all guns have safeties. External safeties are not a guarantee. The can now bring in firearm
best safety is no finger on the trigger. Guns don't go bang unless ammunition to the Police
something or someone pulls the trigger. Safe handling and finger out Department for safe
of the trigger will prevent 99% of accidental discharges. disposal. Please do not
confuse ammunition with
5. Never, Never, Never use alcohol or drugs while using or old explosives. If you have
handling firearms. old explosives, do not
handle them and dial 911 so
6. All firearms should be unloaded, stored and secured in a they can be disposed of
safe case or container, not accessible to children and untrained safely.
adults.
Violate one or all of these rules and you have
the potential for a tragedy.
7
Winter Driving Safety Tips
As winter quickly approaches, we again are reminded of the
challenge driving can be during the first snowfall. As we have
become complacent with the nice tight handling of our vehicles
on these dry summer roads, this soon will change. First we get
the warnings with rain and snow mixed. This is nature's way of
hinting to us that things are going to get worse. For most
drivers these hints are enough to start the great Minnesota winter driving season. For others,
unfortunately, the hints don't sink in until the tow truck arrives. Every first snowfall results in
thousands of vehicles ending up in the ditches or in accidents. Throughout the winter these numbers
decrease as drivers become more cautious and become more acclimated to the challenging road
conditions. Lets start this winter driving season out where we left off last year by learning from our
mistakes and only becoming better drivers.
Things to remember:
1. When spotting an icy area don't slam on your brakes, use them gradually and try to remain
calm. If your tires are locked up you will have no control of the direction of your vehicle.
Turning the steering wheel will have little or no effect if your tires are locked up. The next
biggest clue to an icy road, next to seeing the ice, is the row of vehicles stuck in the ditch.
2. Bridges and overpasses can be extra slippery as they don't have the ground to keep them
warm.
3. Always make sure your window wash supply is full. With all the sand, salt, and slush that
always seem to make its way to your windshield, it's nice to be able to wash it away.
4. Don't try to pass a snowplow on either side. With all the snow flying everywhere the driver
may not see you and you won't be able to see ahead clearly as well.
5. Always maintain at least a two second spacing between you and the vehicle in front of you.
The more snow = the more space.
6. And the most important thought of all: Allow more time for your daily travels.
Special note to the many SUV owners: Four -wheel drive is nice to have for the few times a year we
get to use it, but remember on ice 4 -wheel drive = 4 -wheel slide.
Thought for the season: Drivers of vehicles that end up in the ditch tend to believe that they
couldn't have done anything to prevent from sliding into the ditch. Most vehicles in the ditch arrived
there because they were going too fast and the driver was not paying attention to the road
conditions. Both are factors that the driver has complete control over.
PLEASE DRIVE SAFE
8
r Snow Removal O erations
...........
..............
Snow Removal Keep Fire Hydrants Clear Boulevard Maintenance Policy
Street snow removal operations will Please help keep fire hydrants clear Residents are reminded that by City
begin when there has been a of snow. In the event of a fire, ordinance items such as landscape
snowfall of more than 2'/z inches or valuable time may be lost if the fire rocks, sprinkler systems, fences,
if other conditions warrant plowing. department has to locate and/or bollards, timbers, shrubs, retaining
Sidewalk snow removal will occur remove snow from a hydrant. walls, gardens, and large permanent
when there has been a snowfall of mailbox installations (constructed of
one inch or more. Crews will begin Mailboxes — Installation and concrete, brick, wood, etc.) are not
plowing as soon as the storm Damage allowed on the boulevard, that is,
subsides. The City streets are Standard mailbox and post from the edge of the street back 10-
divided into ten districts, with plows installations meeting U.S. Postal 15 feet. The boulevard area is
assigned to each district. The arterial regulations are allowed within the reserved for snow storage and for
streets will be cleared first, followed boulevard area. You should check utility placements. On occasion
by the residential streets. The snow your mailbox and post installation objects in the boulevard are
plow must make several passes up each year to prevent problems which damaged during winter
and down the street to remove the typically occur during the winter snowplowing operations when they
snow; two to clear the center and months, making repairs difficult and are struck by heavy snow and ice or
two or more to widen the street causing a delay in mail delivery. snowplowing equipment. The City
gutter to gutter. Because plowing Check mailbox posts for signs of cannot accept responsibility for
routes are sometimes long, it may be rotting wood or rusted metal. private property located on City
one hour or more between the Typically, when a post has been in right -of -way and will not repair or
clearing pass and the final widening the ground for a few years, a wood replace immovable items placed in
pass. post will rot off and a metal post will these areas. Property owners should
rust at the base. Rotted, rusted, or remove items or place them at least
Child Safety unstable installations need to be ten feet behind the curb line or the
Please remind your children not to replaced with a sturdy 4" x 4" post edge of the street.
build snow forts or play in the snow and the mailbox and paper box
piles made by the plows. The plow must be installed a minimum of .... ....................•..........
operators often cannot see children 45" above the street surface to The Public Works garage
in the snow banks, and they could be accommodate the height of the plow. is normally open
buried in the snow or seriously hurt. The City will repair or replace 7 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m.
When driving allow ample distance properly installed mailboxes which
between your vehicle and the are damaged by direct contact with Monday through Friday.
snowplow. Snow conditions often snow removal equipment. The City
require that the snowplow driver will not assume responsibility for To report snowy or icy
stop and back up before continuing; damage simply caused from snow conditions outside of these
this can create a potential accident pressure. hours if snowplows are
when vehicles follow too closely. operating, a public works
Driveways dispatcher may be available :
Garbage /Recycling Containers We apologize in advance for at (763) 569 -3333.
Garbage and recycling containers plugged driveways, which are
must be placed so they are accessible unavoidable side effects of well- If there is no answer, please
for pickup, but during the snow plowed streets and sidewalks. To
season they may not be placed in the reduce the frustration of shoveling call the non - emergency
road or on the sidewalk. To assist out the end of your driveway twice, Police at (763) 3333.
snowplowing operations, place the we suggest you wait until the street '
containers in the driveway. is plowed to its full width before
tackling the windrow.
9
On- Street Parking Restrictions
Residents are reminded of on- street parking restrictions which are
in effect year round. These include:
• On- street parking is prohibited between 2 AM and 6 AM. g w�
p 'Fq J "Y
• On- street parking may not exceed six consecutive hours at any
other time.
• No parking is allowed in alleys.
Parkin on sidewalks and on the turfed area of boulevards is �° Y S T
• g flR ANY iTREET
prohibited. ?AM 6 AM
6 NR MAXIMUM
• Occasional exceptions may be granted in the case of street PAKINL
6An•2AM
construction projects, family gatherings, out -of -state visitors, etc.
These exceptions are granted by the Police Department, and must
be obtained ahead of time.
■
If you have questions about on- street parking or are concerned about
possible on- street parking problems in your neighborhood, contact the
Police Department at (763) 569 -3333.
City Council Meetings No Sales Tax on Energy - Efficient
Relocate Temporarily To Products
West Fire Station
City Hall /Community Center Effective August 1, 2001, a new State law exempts certain energy-
improvements are underway and efficient products from sales tax. The following products are exempt:
should be completed in Spring 2002.
During the renovation, the City • Lighting fixtures or compact fluorescent bulbs with the U.S.
Council Chambers will be utilized as
temporary office space and will Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star label.
necessitate the relocation of City • Natural gas water heater with an energy factor of at least 0.62.
Council meetings. Beginning in • Electric heat pump water heater with an energy factor of at
g g g least 1.9.
November and for approximately six • Natural gas furnace that's greater than 92 percent efficient.
months until Spring 2002, City
Council meetings will be held at the
• Photovoltaic devices (solar modules that convert light into
West Fire Station, 6250 Brooklyn current).
Boulevard. Call City Hall at (763) The exemption applies to sales after July 31, 2001, and before
569 -3300 for up -to -date times and August 1, 2005.
dates of Council meetings.
10
Carbon Monoxide Alarm May Not Mean Immediate Danger
Sometimes called "The Silent It is recommended if your CO
Killer," carbon monoxide (CO) is a detector is sounding or if you have a Symptoms of carbon
tasteless, odorless, colorless gas that reading of 15 ppm and there are no monoxide poisoning:
can cause illness and even death in apparent symptoms of CO
today's tightly insulated homes. poisoning, you should contact a
qualified technical person such as >Dizziness
CO is a gas produced by incomplete the gas company or other heating
combustion. Improperly adjusted and appliance technician to check >Headache
burners, poorly ventilated flues, or your home for possible sources of
damaged or inadequately carbon monoxide. >Nausea or vomiting
maintained fuel- burning appliances
can result in carbon monoxide
accumulation in the home. "if >Unconsciousness
carbon i
Most Carbon Monoxide should consider
Alerts Are Pre - Emergency purchasing If you suspect carbon
The Occupational Safety and Health ! digital monoxide poisoning:
Association (OSHA) has established
that exposure to levels of CO of 35 decibel
ppm (parts per million) should not 'test and r 1i e"iittnnmm1AiWvjn-A
> Remove victim to fresh air
be exceeded over an eight -hour , , and keep victim warm.
period of time. Most CO detectors detector trips it can take a
on the market are calibrated to number of hours for the unit to >Call 911 and inform
sound an alarm if CO be emergency personnel of a
concentrations exceed 15 ppm over possible carbon monoxide
eight hours. At this level, most Fire Chief Ron ` poisoning.
people will not experience adverse
effects of CO poisoning. Before you install a carbon
>Contact a qualified
monoxide detector, you should fied technician
If the activation of a CO detector is consider having your fuel - burning to investigate the source of the
an emergency, someone in the appliance checked for safety and problem.
household will probably be efficiency by a qualified service
experiencing symptoms of CO technician. You may also want to
poisoning. If the CO alarm goes off have your chimney inspected and
yet no one in the home is cleaned out if it is of masonry
experiencing dizziness, headaches, construction. Also, be sure your CO Fire personnel are not trained to
nausea, or vomiting, the alarm is detector is installed properly adequately detect the actual
most likely for a pre - hazardous according to the manufacturer's source of carbon monoxide.
condition. In that event, it is not recommendations. Their primary responsibility is to
necessary to call 911 but you should help in vacating the occupants
open a couple of doors or windows If you have questions about carbon and to remove the immediate life
and call a service technician. monoxide detectors, call Fire Chief safety hazard by ventilating the
Ron Boman at (763) 503 -3160. premises and to help find a
If someone in the home is
experiencing symptoms of CO qualified technician to check the poisoning, remove the victim to source of the problem.
fresh air, keep the victim warm and
at rest and dial 911 to alert
emergency personnel immediately.
11
Take the Pledge
The Minnesota Human Rights Commission and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights have committed to a
statewide campaign to embrace the growing diversity in Minnesota. The City of Brooklyn Center participates in a regional
human rights coalition that works together through the Heritage Festival and art and essay contests to promote mutual
respect throughout the northwest metropolitan area and is participating with the statewide campaign to encourage all
citizens to consider the following pledge:
7 pledge to be a positive force in my community, to be an ambassador of good will for justice, equality, understanding,
and mutual respect, at work and in my neighborhood.
I pledge to examine my own biases and stereotypes that I may hold of other groups, in all aspects of my life.
I pledge to judge others on their individual character, and not on the color of their skin, their religion, their national
origin, their sexual orientation, or disability.
I pledge to speak out against the escalation of hate crimes, racism, religious and ethnic bigotry, sexual harassment,
harassment because of sexual orientation, and the growing violence against women and people with disabilities in our
society, in my personal relations and through the organizations to which I belong.
I pledge to take positive steps in my community, at work and in the organizations to which I belong, by serving as a bridge
to people of color, and by developing with them cooperative educational programs and common projects.
I pledge to work to understand, respect, and celebrate the mosaic of cultures and races that make up our state and
country, and which enrich our lives through their diversity. "
NORTHWEST HENNEPIN HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL
Research, Planning, and Coordination of Human Services
Since 1972, Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council (NWHHSC) has served as the human services research, planning and
coordination agency representing the 15 cities of northwest Hennepin County. During the summer of 2000, NWHHSC began an area -
wide needs assessment planning process.
Residents and leaders of Brooklyn Center participated in community dialogues over the past year. The question they responded to was
"What do you think the human services needs of Brooklyn Center will be three to five years from now?"
The five issues that participants felt were most important in Brooklyn Center were:
1. Affordable housing including private, apartments, and senior housing
2. Encouraging respect and differences and multicultural training
3. Youth advocacy and teen support groups
4. Public Transportation
5. Emergency Assistance
Overall, in the 15 cities of northwest Hennepin County, the following were identified as top five needs:
1. Affordable Housing
2. Youth Services
3. Transportation
4. Immigrant Services
5. Senior Services
These results will be used to guide the work of Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, and help us to better serve the residents
of Brooklyn Center. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us by telephone at (763) 493 -2802 or by
e -mail at Info @NWHHSC.org. Thank you to all who participated in this important work!
12
LANDSCAPE & GARDEN
CONTEST WINNERS
2® ®1
Best Yard Design
Best Hillside Design
Ginny Steffes
- � John & Caroll Brodin
7125 Ewing Avenue
7035 Willow Lane
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JUDGE'S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE 1
FOR LANDSCAPING
Sandra & Walt Wenholz :v
50169 Avenue North
Best Rose Garden
t ' Best Shade Garden
Penny Larkin Janice Jungwirth
5631 Emerson Avenue
5521 Girard Avenue
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,.• -e. JUDGE'S A WARD OF
EXCELLENCE FOR GARDENS
Gardens with a splash of color Carole Hallman Natural Woodland Area
Harriet & Bill Corcoran 5501 Irving Avenue North Patricia Weitzel
6324 Lee Avenue 3 4418 66 Avenue North
RECYCLING
Recycling Program to Change January 2002
The City Councils of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Carts should be wheeled to the curb with lid
Park, Crystal, and New Hope have all voted to opening facing the street and handle toward the
support changing its City's recycling programs after house. The carts will be emptied using a new truck
careful review of reports of a successful pilot equipped with an automated lift arm that will dump
project carried out this spring by the Hennepin materials into a special truck which will then deliver
Recycling Group (HRG) cities of Brooklyn Center, the recyclables to a newly designed and equipped
Crystal, and New Hope. The pilot project took place sorting facility, owned and operated by the
in three separate neighborhoods of 200 households contractor, where the final sorting will be done and
in each of the HRG cities. The response from the the recyclables will be prepared for market.
participants was overwhelmingly positive, with over
80% rating the program very good or excellent and Delivery of the green carts will begin in November
in favor of implementing the program city -wide. By to over 21,000 households in the HRG cities and in
implementing this new program, these four cities December to the 19,500 households in Brooklyn
will be at the center of the most interesting Park. This advance delivery schedule is necessary to
recycling program in the nation and the first of its accommodate the successful delivery to over 40,000
kind in the Upper Midwest. total households included in this new program.
Please store your new cart and continue to set your
How will the recycling program change? bin at the curb every week UNTIL JANUARY
when you begin using your new green cart.
Beginning in January 2002, every residence will
receive a 64- gallon cart, complete with a cover and The contractor will deliver your cart and place it at
wheels, to replace the existing 18- gallon bin the end of your driveway. Each household will
currently used for recycling collection. Recycling receive one 64- gallon cart at first delivery, except
will become easier because sorting of recyclable for town home neighborhoods who will be
materials will no longer be necessary. Residents delivered a smaller 32- gallon cart. Beginning in
will be able to mix all acceptable materials — February, after the program in underway, residents
including food and beverage cans, glass jars and who would prefer either a smaller or larger cart may
bottles, plastic bottles (with a neck), mixed paper, call Program Administration at (763) 493 -8007 to
and corrugated cardboard — together and place request a cart switch. Town home residents who
directly into the new carts except for shredded paper receive the smaller 32-
which we ask to be placed into a paper grocer bag gallon cart on their
folded over. delivery may, if they
prefer, request a switch
Collection using the new cart single -sort system to a larger cart. All cart
will begin January 2002. Instead of setting the bin delivery and switch out
out each week, residents will set their recycling cart will be handled through
at the curb every other week for pickup. The first the Administration
week for the HRG cities will be January 7 and Office at (763) 493 -
Brooklyn Park will begin January 14, using the 8007.
regular Monday through Friday zones.
64- gallon cart on left
32- gallon cart on right
14
RECYCLING
The most common 64- gallon cart measures 28" continue to absorb that increase or need to increase
front to back, 24" side to side, and 42" top to floor, the utility charge. Brooklyn Park will be reviewing
and triples capacity. The footprint or floor space it those options as well but have not yet made a
takes is similar to the current bin. The 32- gallon cart decision. The $.20 contract increase equates to an
measures 24" front to back, 18" side to side, 37" top increase of $2.40 per year to each residence
to floor, and nearly doubles the current bin size. The customer.
96- gallon cart measures 24" side to side, 28" front
to back, and 46" top to floor. The current 18- gallon Program History
bin measures 26" long x 16" wide x 14" high.
The Hennepin Recycling Group cities of Brooklyn
The small green bin belongs to you and we ask that Center, Crystal, and New Hope have operated as a
you keep the 18- gallon recycling bin and feel free to joint powers agreement since 1989 and have a
use it as a storage container or any purpose of your governing Board comprised of the Managers of
choosing. each of the three cities. The Brooklyn Park
recycling program has been a part of the City's
Why is the program changing? Operations and Maintenance department since 1988
and the Brooklyn Park and HRG combined their
Faced with a probable increase in collection costs program administration in 1994. In addition to the
from increased cost of fuel, labor, and equipment, curbside recycling service, the four -city program
along with a sag in participation levels, the cities contracts for the operation of a yard waste drop -off
were looking for ways to stimulate interest in the site and holds a twice annual special materials drop -
recycling program and keep program costs down off and cooperates with Hennepin County in
and look at ways to address the common resident promoting their household hazardous waste and
complaints that the bin was too small, the open bin problems materials collection program.
resulted in litter, the bin was difficult to carry to the
curb — too heavy. The opportunity to try this new Information Packets
system was presented when the contractor Waste residence in October and November
Management offered to work with HRG on the pilot cart delivery include
study for automated cart single -sort service. The , • on how to recycle in the new
success of the pilot program and participation program an• a magnetic calendar and new
support for the new system at a reasonable cost 2002 "Materials Management Booklet"
made the change to the new system the best answer reminding you your •
and a good solution. to
Will the new program mean higher For more information about the new
recycling fees? recycling program, call the
Recycling Administration
The Cities have held a very stable contract cost for at (763) 493 -8007.
several years and all four Cities have been able to
maintain a stable monthly utility charge to residents.
The new contract calls for an increase of $.20 per
month per household. The HRG Board has elected
to absorb that $.20 increase for the first year and
will decide each year thereafter whether they can
15
Display City Of Brooklyn Center
of the 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 5.5430
American Fla e -mail the City at:
info @ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us
In the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World City Hall and TTY (763) 569 -3300
Trade Center and Pentagon, many residents of Brooklyn Center Recreation (763) 569 -3400 Emergency 911
are expressing their patriotism and solidarity by displaying the
American flag non-emergency 763 569 -3333
on flagstaffs, from g y ( )
g g balconies, from windowsills,
on auto antennas, and as banners. Many people are, however, Job Information Line (763) 569 -3307
unfamiliar with how to properly hang and display the American Mayor Myrna Kragness
flag. The following tips are from the United States Code, which Voicemail: (763) 569 -3450
provides for the position and manner of display of the U.S. flag. mayorkragness @ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us
R The flag of the United States of America may be displayed Councilmember Kay Lasman
from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary Voicemail: (763) 569 -3448
flagstaffs in the open. The flag may be displayed 24 hours a councilmemberlasman @ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us
day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Councilmember Ed Nelson
R The U.S. flag should be at the center and at the highest Voicemail: (763) 569 -3447
point of the group when a number of flags of states or councilmembernelson @ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us
localities or pennants of societies are grouped and
displayed from staffs. When flags of states or cities or Councilmember Robert Peppe
pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with Voicemail: (763) 569 -3446
the U.S. flag, the U.S. flag should be flown at the peak. No councilmemberpeppe @ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us
such flag or pennant may be placed above the U.S. flag or
to the U.S. flag's right. Councilmember Tim Ricker
R When the U.S. flag is displayed either Voicemail: (763) 569 -3449
horizontally or vertically against a wall, councilmemberricker @ci.brooklyn- center.mn.us
the union or blue field should be
uppermost and to the flag's own right, City Manager Michael J. McCauley
that is, to the observer's left. When City Council meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday
displayed in a window, the flag should of the month at 7 PM. Informal Open Forum is held at
be displayed the same way, with the
union or blue field to the left of the 6:45 PM before Council meetings. Council meeting
observer in the street. replays are shown at 6:30 PM on Tuesdays and 6:30 AM
R If the U.S. flag is displayed from a staff projecting and 12:30 PM on Wednesdays following City Council
horizontally or at an angle from the windowsill, balcony, or meetings.
front of a building, the union or blue field of the flag should TEMPORARY CHANGE IN LOCATION:
be placed at the peak of the staff. City Council meetings will be held at West Fire Station,
6250 Brooklyn Boulevard, for approximately six months
Printed on recycled paper beginning in November 2001. Call City Hall to verify
meeting dates, (763) 569 -3300.
XNLB?R P of Presorted Standard
d KI.,YN 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway U.S. Postage
TFR B rooklyn Center, MN 55430 Paid
Permit No. 2170
Minneapolis, MN