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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 10-24 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 OCTOBER 24, 1994 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Barb Kalligher at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Todd Paulson, arrived at 7:04 p.m., Councilmembers Celia Scott, Dave Rosene, Barb Kalligher, and Kristen Mann. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Services Diane Spector, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, Acting Police Chief Scott Kline, Assistant City Attorney Gary Winter, and Council Secretary Ruth McLaurin. OPENING CEREMONIES Bob Quenroe offered the invocation. OPEN FORUM Mayor Paulson noted the Council had received requests to use the open forum session this evening. Mary Ziskovsky, David Miller, and Gisele Grunwald all wished to speak regarding the C.O.P. program. Mary Ziskovsky, 6337 Bryant Avenue North, indicated her concern regarding the Community Oriented Policing program. She indicated this was to be a partnership between the community and the police department, and the police department, has been in recent months absent from this program. Ms. Ziskovsky indicated a re- evaluation of this program is needed immediately to resolve problems, and reports show that crime is not reduced by police force only but by an interactive partnership of community and the police department. Ms. Ziskovsky noted a report from the Northeast Cable company indicated the percentage of school age children who come from poverty level homes in Brooklyn Center has gone from 17 percent to 47 percent in three years. 10/24/94 - 1 - Ms. Ziskovsky continued to indicate community policing is the most appropriate use of resources to improve the quality of life in Brooklyn Center. David Miller spoke regarding the Substation located at 6801 Humboldt Avenue North where the Community Oriented Policing program is based. He indicated this is a place where youth and older residents can come together with officers to help improve the quality of life in the community. Mr. Miller indicated since June 1994, there has been little or no presence by the police department. This absence of officers has lead to negative reactions of the residents, especially the youth. Mr. Miller noted an incident where a young man had been approached by a gang to join them. He had questions so he went to the Substation and spoke with a police officer and did not join the gang. He asserted with no officers now present, where would the next young man turn. Mr. Miller indicated without positive police interaction, the Substation can not evolve into a stable resource for the community. Gisele Grunwald, a volunteer for the Community Oriented Policing program, spoke regarding the program. She reiterated the importance of continuity even though the police department is going through a change. Ms. Grunwald indicated during the June 13, 1994, meeting of the City Council, the Substation was assured of continued involvement of the police department. She reviewed statements made during the June 13, 1994, City Council meeting and indicated the promises made had not yet been kept. Ms. Grunwald indicated two specific officers were previously involved in the Community Orienting Policing program. She continued that currently there is no specific officers. She questioned who is assigned to the program duties, who is monitoring these assignments now, and who is the administrator of the program. Ms. Grunwald indicated the volunteers and citizens will continue to dedicate themselves to this program which was designed to get the police officers out from behind the wheel and visible to the community. She indicated the Community Oriented Policing program reiterates crime prevention rather than reacting to crimes. Ms. Grunwald stated the community needs to continue to provide free of charge programs, facilities, and a safe place to counter the protection and activities that gangs offer to youth. She indicated if police and community cannot provide this, it will become a time of reaction rather than prevention of crime. 10/24/94 -2- Ms. Grunwald proposed two questions: 1) What is the status of the Community Oriented Policing program and police involvement. 2) What can the citizens do to ensure the issue is reviewed seriously? Acting Police Chief Kline indicated the entire police department is to be involved and each sergeant is responsible for his assignments during his shift. If duties are not being taken care of, it will have to be reviewed. He indicated he was not aware the assignments of the Community Oriented Policing program were not being fulfilled. Councilmember Rosene questioned if the City had the manpower to provide coverage of the program. Acting Police Chief Kline believed there should be adequate manpower to cover all duties. Councilmember Rosene inquired if the department was at all short. Acting Police Chief Kline indicated currently five positions are open and will be filled by November or December 1994. Mayor Paulson inquired if there is anyone to monitor the objectives that were set this past summer. Acting Police Chief Kline indicated a monthly report will reveal objectives and if they have been met, although the report only started three weeks ago and has not yet been reviewed. Councilmember Scott suggested the monthly report be made available to the City Council and to the Substation. She also indicated the Acting Police Chief could inform the community as to how long after hire it takes for an officer to be on the street. Acting Police Chief Kline indicated anywhere from 90 days to 180 days from date of hire for training before an officer is able to work alone. Mayor Paulson indicated concern at questions by citizens raised to him inquiring where the officers were at the recent "Clean Up Day ". He continued he was concerned this program would be just a program on paper and not function the way is was intended. The City Manager indicated Staff would review reporting. Mayor Paulson indicated the specific questions raised at this meeting need to be answered directly and provided to the people who spoke. Ms. Ziskovsky indicated through research they found Brooklyn Center is the only city in the north Metro area that is not currently active in this type of program. Mayor Paulson thanked the citizens who spoke and responded the Council is striving to continue the program with police interaction. Mayor Paulson indicated Louie Larson wished to speak during open forum. 10/24/94 -3- Louie Larson asserted last summer his constitutional rights were violated by the previous Police Chief and the current City Manager. He said to prevent this from happening again, careful review of any applicant for future Chief of Police is needed. The City Manager responded, regarding this incident which was an accident, that he spoke with the insurance adjusters, Acting Police Chief Kline, and the previous Police Chief to come to his decision. Mayor Paulson inquired if there was anyone else present who wished to address the Council. There being none, he continued with the regular agenda items. COUNCIL REPORTS Mayor Paulson said the City Council had dressed more casually this evening to promote the City's Heritage Festival which will be held on November 12, 1994. The Council was wearing t- shirts reflecting Heritage Festival emblems. Mayor Paulson also indicated the number of groups which helped with the Park Clean Up and thanked everyone who helped and participated in this event. Councilmember Rosene indicated he had a few items for the Council. He noted the meeting of the Human Rights and Resources Commission suggested one night each year to recognize students and youth who have achieved status in their organization, such as an Eagle Scout, but not limited to the Scout programs. He indicated this is a point of information for the Council. Councilmember Rosene noted Target Stores are joining with the University of Minnesota in setting up a program for minority students with a 2.5 grade point average as a junior or a senior with a 2.7 grade point average. In the program, the student is committed to getting a college education and would provide college education in return for a commitment to work for Target Stores upon graduation. He indicated there are two positions for this program still available and recommended students who meet the criteria contact John Henry. Councilmember Rosene indicated citizen concern for a raise in homeowner's insurance due to the crime rate in Brooklyn Center. He suggested perhaps the Council could write a generic letter indicating the crime rate is generally related to retail crime rather that residential crime and if the rates are based inappropriately, this would prevent it from happening again. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Paulson inquired if any Councilmember requested any items be removed from the consent agenda. No requests were made. 10/24/94 -4- There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the October 24, 1994, agenda and consent agenda as printed. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OCTOBER 11, 1994 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the minutes of October 11, 1994, regular session as printed. The motion passed unanimously. APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION JUDGES There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the appointment of the additional election judges for the November 8, 1994, General Election as presented. The motion passed unanimously. PROCLAMATION Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following proclamation and moved its adoption: PROCLAMATION DECLARING NOVEMBER 11 THROUGH 18, 1994, AS MINNESOTA CHEMICAL HEALTH WEEK. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing proclamation was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 94 -226 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AMENDING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LEVY ROLL NOS. 13131 AND 13132 TO PROVIDE FOR THE AWARD OF ASSESSMENT STABILIZATION GRANTS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -227 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING THE REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES (ORDER NO. DST 10/24/94) 10/24/94 -5- The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -228 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING BY THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER ON THE MODIFICATION OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT NO. 1 AND THE CREATION OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 3 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -229 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO 1993 -18 (MTC PARK AND RIDE) The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve AMCORP ADDITION Final Plat. The motion passed unanimously. PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE REDUCTION There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve performance guarantee reduction at Lutheran Church of the Master, 1200 69th Avenue North. The motion passed unanimously. LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the following list of licenses: CHRISTMAS TREE SALES LOT P.Q.T. Company 5801 Xerxes Ave. N. P.Q.T. Company 5040 Brooklyn Blvd. MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Knott Mechanical Service Company 5941 142nd Ave. NW Maple Grove Heating and A/C 401 County Road 81 10/24/94 -6- RENTAL DWELLINGS Rental Town's Edge Properties Brookhaven Apartments Mrs. Delbert Bruce 4741 Twin Lake Ave. N Eugene Hess 3218 63rd Ave. N. SIGN HANGER Electric Sign and Lighting 11328 Zane Ave. N. The motion passed unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO CANVASS THE NOVEMBER 8 1994 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION RETURNS The City Manager announced the Special City Council Meeting to Canvass the November 8, 1994, Municipal General Election Returns. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1994 -19 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY MILL AND OVERLAY The City Manager indicated this is an assessment hearing and introduced the Director of Public Services to present a Staff report. The Director of Public Services briefly reviewed the staff report. She indicated only one written objection had been received from the Metropolitan Council of Transit Services stating that State Statutes make them immune from any assessments. The Director of Public Services indicated in the past there has been assessments on this property and recommended the City Council should consider adoption of the resolution which would certify the proposed special assessments for collection on the Hennepin County tax rolls. Mayor Paulson inquired as to the delay in construction. The Director of Public Services indicated the contractor had problems with the sub - contractor who was to pour the cement and also the actual work took longer due to unforeseen additional storm sewer work. Mayor Paulson opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on Special Assessments, Improvement Project No. 1994 -19, Shingle Creek Parkway Mill and Overlay at 7:47 p.m. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to close the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The City Manager presented a Resolution Certifying Special Assessments to the Hennepin County Tax Rolls. 10/24/94 -7- RESOLUTION NO. 94 -230 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION CERTIFYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY TAX ROLLS The b T emotion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded y member Dave Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING RELATIVE TO THE TREATMENT OF UNITY PLACE FORMERLY "THE PONDS ") AS A LEASEHOLD COOPERATIVE The City Manager indicated this public hearing is relative to the treatment of Unity Place. He introduced the Community Development Specialist. The Community Development Specialist briefly reviewed the staff report and indicated a public hearing is required by statute to provide for a discussion of issues relative to the treatment of Unity Place as a leasehold cooperative. As a leasehold cooperative, the project would qualify for homestead tax classification if the City Council makes certain findings after holding a public hearing. The Community Development Specialist indicated the leasehold cooperative approach to rental housing provides that the cooperative association and board are comprised of residents of the project and that the members of the cooperative can materially participate in the management of the property, including establishing budgets, screening prospective tenants, hiring and supervising a management agent, and other day -to -day management- related functions. The cooperative's participation in the management of the project is regulated by a lease between the owner and the cooperative. There is recourse for the owner, and if the cooperative defaults on the lease, the cooperative association is dissolved. The leasehold cooperative model also provides for the continuation of professional property management at Unity Place. The Community Development Specialist reviewed the activities the association board has been doing. The Community Development Specialist indicated the findings the City Council must make in order to qualify the project for homestead classification are as follows: 1. The granting of homestead treatment of the Unity Place units will facilitate safe, clean, affordable housing for the cooperative members that would otherwise not be available absent the homestead designation. 2. The owner has presented information satisfactory to the Council showing that the savings garnered from the homestead designation of the units will be used 10/24/94 - 8 - to reduce tenants' rents or provide a level of furnishing or maintenance not possible absent the designation. 3. The cooperative has a lease for occupancy of Unity Place for a term of at least 20 years, which permits the cooperative, while not in default, to participate in establishing budgets, setting rent levels, and hiring and supervising a management agent. 4. A minimum of 40 percent of the cooperative members have incomes at or less than 60 percent of area median gross income, as determined by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Section 142(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through December 31, 1991. For purposes of this finding, member income means the income of a member existing at the time the member becomes a member of the cooperative. 5. The owner of Unity Place has received public financing from the City of Brooklyn Center, which issued multi - family housing revenue bonds on or about December 1, 1993, which bonds are exempt from taxes under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through December 31, 1991, the proceeds of which were used for the acquisition of Unity Place. The owner of Unity Place is receiving revenues pursuant to Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. Staff recommends approval of the Resolution Making Certain Findings Relative to the Treatment of Unity Place (Formerly "The Ponds ") as a Leasehold Cooperative. i Councilmember Mann inquired regarding finding number two; is the rent reduction monitored. The Community Development Specialist indicated this would be monitored by an audit function. Ann Waterhouse, owner, indicated they would be willing to provide any information needed on a yearly basis or whenever requested to do so. The Assistant City Attorney indicated the homestead credit is based on income restrictions and if this is not met, the homestead credit cannot be given. He indicated this is an on- going obligation and a copy of the financial report could be provided to assure building is within restriction. Councilmember Scott indicated a financial report and progress report of the property would be appreciated by the City Council. Councilmember Rosene commended the owner on this project and indicated this to be an exciting project for the community. 10/24/94 -9- Mayor Paulson opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing Relative to the Treatment of Unity Place (Formerly "The Ponds ") as a Leasehold Cooperative at 8:08 p.m. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. Tina Eckman, secretary for the association board, indicated support for the resolution regarding Unity Place. She indicated this cooperative would restore a sense of pride and establish residents in the community. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to close the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to add finding number six as: 6. The owner of Unity Place shall provide a yearly financial report to the City Council for review. The motion passed unanimously. The City Manager presented a Resolution Making Certain Findings Relative to the Treatment of Unity Place (Formerly "The Ponds ") as a Leasehold Cooperative. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -231 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS RELATIVE TO THE TREATMENT OF UNITY PLACE (FORMERLY "THE PONDS ") AS A LEASEHOLD COOPERATIVE. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Paulson requested Ms. Waterhouse indicate to them the Council's support and the additional finding. ORDINANCES The City Manager presented An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 of the Brooklyn Center City Charter. This item was first read on September 12, 1994, and the City Council requested further review by the Charter Commission and it is recommended for a first reading this evening. Eileen Oslund, Charter Commission Chair, indicated the noted changes to the Charter. 10/24/94 - 10 - Councilmember Rosene was encouraged by the changes and indicated support. He requested one change be made to the last sentence of Section 2.05. The word "less" should be "fewer." There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to approve for first reading An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 of the Brooklyn Center City Charter. The motion passed unanimously. AGENDA REVISION Mayor Paulson requested agenda item 13(b) regarding the Report of the Northeast Transportation Corridor Task Force be addressed at this time. REPORT OF THE NORTHEAST TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR TASK FORCE The City Manager introduced Frank Slawson, Chair of the Northeast Transportation Corridor Task Force. Mr. Slawson briefly reviewed the findings of the task force. He indicated the following findings: 1. The roadway from 69th Avenue to 73rd Avenue serves as a collector. 2. T.H. 252 serves as a principal arterial and is currently functioning at capacity. Humboldt Avenue is located such that peak hour traffic diverts to the roadway especially when T.H. 252 is congested. 3. Short term efforts to reduce congestion on T.H. 252 include construction of acceleration lanes for access, coordination of traffic signals and construction of left turn deceleration lanes, as per Brooklyn Center Resolution 94 -184 and Brooklyn Park Resolution 1994 -240, requesting Mn/DOT to consider same. 4. Based on current traffic volumes and projected volumes on Humboldt Avenue, and appropriate roadway design would be two through lanes, two parking lanes. 5. The preservation of neighborhoods in both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park from 69th Avenue to 81st Avenue established in the 1965's, is a goal which best serves the local neighborhood and community. 6. On street parking, to some extent, preserves neighborhood function and the minimum street design which meets State Aid standards with parking on one side is 36 feet. 10/24/94 7. The traffic control technique which has a probability of significant reduction of traffic Humboldt Avenue is elimination of Humboldt Avenue access to T.H. 252. 8. The Task Force has considered "Neighborhood Traffic control" (NOTE, January 1994) and finds that additional traffic control techniques are not reasonable considering the function of the roadway. 9. The Stop signs posted on Humboldt at 70th and 72nd Avenues have reduced speed, increased access, and improved safe and courteous driving habits. The Chair continued with the following recommendations: 1. Collector roadways within the community serve the individual resident, the local neighborhood and greater neighborhood. Road reconstruction should be designed to best meet the needs of those persons served. 2. The Brooklyn Center Council should encourage Mn/DOT to improve T.H. 252 to include traffic signal coordination in the corridor from 66th Avenue to 93rd Avenue. 3. Stop signs at 70th Avenue and 72nd Avenue should remain. 4. Design should incorporate preservation of neighborhood aesthetic features as much as possible. 5. The City should request the support of Brooklyn Park and Mn/DOT to restrict right turns to south Humboldt Avenue from T.H. 252 and to westbound 73rd Avenue from T.H. 252 from 6 -9 a.m.. This has the greatest capacity to reduce traffic on Humboldt Avenue, while allowing residents to have access to our communities. It is also recognized that said restriction will increase traffic on alternate streets, i.e., Brookdale Drive, 73rd Avenue, 70th Avenue, and 66th Avenue. The City of Brooklyn Center should assist Brooklyn Park monetarily to achieve said closure. 6. Reconstruction of Humboldt Avenue should occur at minimum standards permitted by MSA as a two lane road with parking on one side. Mayor Paulson received the report and findings of the task force and opened the floor for discussion. Michael Schwartz, 7100 Humboldt Avenue, indicated there were no Humboldt residents from Brooklyn Park represented on the task force. He noted that Mn/DO'T built T.H. 252 10/24/94 - 12 - with signals at the City's request. If it had been built as a freeway, there wouldn't be congestion problems. Larry Cuskey, 7024 Humboldt Avenue, indicated regarding restriction of right turns during 6 -9 a.m., Mn/DOT would not approve this restriction. He indicated widening the street would only increase the traffic flow and not reduce the flow. Sharon Cuskey, 7024 Humboldt Avenue, asserted this does not preserve the neighborhood. Roy Jenson, 7208 Humboldt Avenue, supported restriction of entrance to Humboldt Avenue from T.H. 252 with steel gates. Dave Olsen, property owner abutting Humboldt Avenue, indicated frustration with no solution to the issue of the traffic. He indicated perhaps Humboldt Avenue should be removed from the Minnesota State Aid roadways system. Deb Hensel disagreed with finding #9, and referred to the Stop sign on 72nd and Humboldt Avenues. She indicated her driveway is now part of the intersection and the traffic is dangerous for her family. She indicated she cannot assume the traffic will stop, and even if traffic does stop, it won't always let her out of her own driveway. She indicated several incidents of close calls of collision, and finally contacted the police department to find out her rights. She said the police department indicated she must yield to this traffic. She asserted she now has no rights should a car hit her as she leaves her own driveway. Mayor Paulson reiterated the report is being received for further review and the Council will not take action tonight. Mayor Paulson at this time called for a recess at 9 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:18 P.M. AUDIT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FOR PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES The City Manager introduced Charles Hansen, Finance Director. The Finance Director presented and reviewed the staff report. He indicated the recommendations of the Audit Committee. The Finance Director indicated Staff was directed to prepare a Request for Proposals for auditing services in the summer of 1994 which was sent out to twelve audit firms and seven firms responded. He indicated the Audit Committee was formed and consisted of three Financial Commission members and three City staff members. Three firms were selected for interviews from the seven responses. Based on the written proposals, reference checks, and the 'interviews, the Audit Committee concluded that all three firms were competent to conduct the audit, and recommended them in the following order: 10/24/94 -13 - I Deloitte & Touche LLP Tautges, Redpath & Co., Ltd Malley, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevicsh & Co., P.A. The Finance Director indicated the Audit Committee holds the opinion that the quality of service should be the primary consideration and that fees, while important, are a secondary consideration in this type of decision. The Audit Committee also indicated another consideration one needs to take into account when reviewing a change in firms is the fact that an appointment of Deloitte & Touche would use Staff time more efficiently since they currently work with and understand the City. The Finance Director indicated the Audit Committee reached unanimous agreement to recommend that Deloitte & Touche be retained as the City's Auditor for another three years. He indicated if Deloitte & Touche was chosen, it should be for a term of six years, not three. Councilmember Scott indicated confidence in Deloitte & Touche and was impressed with the presentation they have previously given the City Council. Mayor Paulson indicated concern at the varying amount of hours, and inquired if there is standard accounting procedures, why would it take Deloitte 105 additional hours to provide the same service. The City Manager indicated Deloitte & Touche spends time with Staff and review Staff practices and various other time consuming procedures that perhaps the other companies did not include since they have not worked with this City. The Finance Director also indicated the other companies could have underestimated the time it would take since they have not audited this City before. Donn Escher, member of the Audit Committee, indicated the managers of Deloitte & Touche change to help keep the firm independent of the City and not too familiar. He also indicated Deloitte & Touche have high standards and have, in the past, provided help to the City when facing issues of bonding. Mr. Escher commended Staff for their participation on the Audit Committee. He also indicated each member of the committee concluded independently the same results and chose Deloitte & Touche unanimously. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the reappoint Deloitte & Touche as auditors for the City of Brooklyn Center for the coming year. 10/24/94 - 14 - Mayor Paulson indicated concern for appointment of the highest bid merely based on presentation. Mr. Escher indicated Deloitte & Touche is internationally known for expertise in bond rating. He encouraged the Mayor to take confidence in the Audit Committee and accept their recommendation. Councilmember Rosene indicated his understanding that the Mayor would like to save the City money. He suggested perhaps in the short term it may seem the cost is greater, although the long term would reflect a savings. If Deloitte & Touche can aid in bond rating, therefore this would be the logical choice. Councilmember Kalligher called the question. Vote: 4 ayes - 1 nay with Mayor Paulson in opposition. Motion carried. ORDINANCES - CONTINUED The City Manager presented An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 92 -15 Regarding Council Salaries. This item was first read on October 11, 1994, published in the City's official newspaper on October 12, 1994, and is offered this evening for a second reading and public hearing. Mayor Paulson opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 92 -15 Regarding Council Salaries at 9:45 p.m. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Mann to close the public hearing at 9:46 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 94 -12 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following ordinance and moved its adoption: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 92 -15 REGARDING COUNCIL SALARIES The motion for the adoption of the foregoing ordinance was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS MISSION STATEMENT The City Manager indicated at its October 17, 1994, Work Session, the City Council reviewed and discussed a proposed Mission Statement for the City of Brooklyn Center which is presented this evening for formal approval as follows: 10/24/94 -15 - "The mission of the City of Brooklyn Center is to assure the best possible quality of life for our diverse community by providing the municipal services of public safety, finance and administration, community development, and public works in a cost effective manner." There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the City of Brooklyn Center Mission Statement. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF POLICE CHIEF SELECTION PROCESS The City Manager indicated after review of the two processes, he recommended the City move forward with opening recruitment for Chief of Police to internal current City of Brooklyn Center employees only. This decision is based on his experience with and working directly with our internal staff who may apply for the position. Councilmember Rosene indicated choosing to recruit internally will send a good message to the City Staff and will encourage long time employment. Councilmember Scott concurred and indicated morale is increasing in the police department. To select an outsider, in her opinion, would only harm morale. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Kalligher to open recruitment for Chief of Police to internal current City of Brooklyn Center employees only. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Mann to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Todd Paulson, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Ruth McLaurin Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 10/24/94 - 16 -