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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 03-13 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 MARCH 13, 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 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kristen Mann, Debra Hilstrom, and Kathleen Carmody. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Services Diane Spector, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, Communications Coordinator Terri Swanson, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Council Secretary Barbara Collman. Councilmember Barb Kalligher was excused from tonight's meeting. OPENING CEREMONIES A flag ceremony was presented by representatives of the Camp Fire Boys and Girls organization. PROCLAMATION Member Kristen Mann introduced the following proclamation and moved its adoption: t PROCLAMATION DECLARING MARCH 13 THROUGH 19, 1995, AS CAMP FIRE t BIRTHDAY WEEK The motion for the adoption of the foregoing proclamation was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody, and the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Kragness recessed the City Council for a short reception honoring the Camp Fire Girls and Boys organization. The meeting was recessed at 7:04 p.m. The meeting of the Brooklyn Center City Council was reconvened by Mayor Kragness at 7:15 p.m. 3/13/95 - 1 - COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Carmody noted Keith Tuttle has resigned from the Housing Commission. She suggested an effort be made for the vacant position to be filled by person who is an apartment resident, if possible, in order to ensure equal representation. Mayor Kragness noted there are several openings anticipated on various commissions and citizens should consider an opportunity for service to City government as a duty rather than just a right. PRESENTATION Eileen Oslund, chair of the Brooklyn Center Charter Commission presented Community Service Award plaques to three former Commission members. She noted each of the three had served two full terms on the Commission before retiring from the Commission. She thanked the honorees for their service to the City. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -65 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF ROXANNE BRIDGES FOR HER DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE CHARTER COMMISSION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -66 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF RON CHRISTENSEN FOR HIS DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE CHARTER COMMISSION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -67 Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF MYRNA KRAGNESS FOR HER DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE CHARTER COMMISSION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. 3/13/95 -2- APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Kragness inquired if any Councilmember requested any items be removed from the consent agenda. Councilmember Carmody requested Item 6(b) be removed from the Consent Agenda. The City Manager requested Agenda Items 9(a)(1) and 9(a)(2) be moved to the end of Council Consideration Items as 9(i)(1) and 9(i)(2). There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to approve the March 13, 1995, agenda and consent agenda as printed with the noted changes. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 1995 - SPECIAL SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to approve the minutes of the February 21, 1995, special session as printed. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Mann abstained. FEBRUARY 27, 1995 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to approve the minutes of the February 27, 1995, regular session as printed. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Mann abstained. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 95 -68 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) TRUCK - MOUNTED, HIGH- VELOCITY SEWER CLEANER i The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -69 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACTS FOR CITY INSURANCE POLICIES AND CONTRACTS FOR THE INSURANCE AGENT AND INSURANCE CONSULTING SERVICES FOR 1995 3/13/95 -3 - The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -70 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR THE CENTRAL GARAGE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -71 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PASSAGE OF THE "MINNESOTA EMERGING COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ACT OF 1995" The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -72 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DECLARING COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND LIQUOR STORES CASH REGISTER EQUIPMENT TO BE SURPLUS PROPERTY The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to approve the following list of licenses: RENTAL DWELLINGS Renewal: Gary Scherber The Lilacs Gloria J. Egan 5239 -41 Drew Ave. N. SIGN HANGER Brite Image Sign Sales 10025 Raleigh Court Signcrafters 7775 Main St. N.E. TAXICAB 3113195 -4- Town Taxi 2500 Washington Ave. #130 The motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM Mayor Kragness noted the Council had received one request to use the open forum session this evening. Yolanda Thomas, 6637 Humboldt Avenue North, Apt. No. 1, and Tracie Windenberg, 6637 Humboldt Avenue North, Apt. No. 3, addressed the Council. They noted they both live in a four -plex unit owned by the City. Their usual contact person is the Director of Community Development. Ms. Windenberg explained she had returned home last Thursday to find the washer and dryer had been removed from the basement of the apartment building. The residents had not been notified the appliances were to be removed by the City, so she initially thought they had been stolen. She was unable to contact the Director of Community Development, but did find out from the "service" the City had removed the appliances because they were not profitable. She noted the residents of her unit do not have a lease and are on a thirty - day notice. She stated maintenance needs are not addressed quickly. Ms. Thomas commented the unit has several maintenance needs, including carpeting which needs to be replaced and drinking water which needs to be tested. She felt the appliances were not making a profit because two of the four units are not rented out. They noted the City had helped with problems more readily before it took possession of the unit. E Councilmember Hilstrom suggested the concerns of the residents be referred to the City Manager for handling with City Staff. The Council agreed. The City Manager stated he would investigate and report to the City Council. He also said he would inform the residents of his findings. He explained the unit is being operated without leases in order to leave options open for City redevelopment. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Kragness opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on proposed use of Year XXI (1995) Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) at 7 :31 p.m. She inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. 3/13/95 -5- Ed Eide, executive director of Community Emergency Assistance Program (LEAP), presented a request for funding. He stated the organization has helped residents in the Brooklyn Center community since 1970. He noted government agencies must be involved in providing services because charities alone cannot meet the demand. Sharon Johnson, executive director of Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH), also requested funding. She provided a written listing of services the organization provides to residents. She outlined programs offered, including direct financial aid and a renters' hotline. The organization requested $6,000 in CDBG funds, an amount proportionate to the percentage of use by Brooklyn Center residents. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to close the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Mann stated both of the organizations presented meet needs by way of emergency assistance but the current allocation of funding appears to be the most appropriate way to meet the needs of the largest number of people. She could not support a change in the projected allocation. Mayor Kragness agreed with Councilmember Mann's statement, adding the Council must also be very cautious due to the possibility of budget cuts in the near future. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -73 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved "its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING PROJECTED USE OF FUNDS FOR 1995 URBAN HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody, and the motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Kragness opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on an amended housing development program under Minnesota statutes, Chapter 462C, as amended, to finance a multifamily housing development in Brooklyn Center at 7:41 p.m. She inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. Julie Barry, 7119 Dallas Road, urged the Council to follow through and ensure the funding just approved is expended as proposed. She noted the housing complex in question has had mismanagement. The Council should make provision for overseeing the units it manages. Councilmember Hilstrom asked how long the new management group has been in control of the complex. 3/13/95 -6- Armand Brachman, president of the Dominium Group, stated his company does not currently manage the building but looks forward to taking it over for rehabilitation. He noted his company will be working directly with City Staff. Mayor Kragness asked whether Dominium Group has an open door policy for tenants. Mr. Brachman assured her there is such a policy and Dominium Group would even help residents is o anize a committee to aid in communications. g ca ons. He added concerns will be addressed quickly. Dominiu&s Group policies in this regard are explicitly outlined in the operations manual. He also invited the Council to visit other units it manages. Councilmember Hilstrom asked when the Dominium Group will take over management. Mr. Brachman stated, given the current timetable, the sale should be complete by early June. Eight or nine months will then be required for rehabilitation. Councilmember Mann, referring to section B of the "Amended Program For a Multifamily Housing Development," asked whether the City might be reimbursed for providing a trustee to monitor the rehabilitation. The City Manager said the City will be reimbursed its costs. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether there is any attempt being made to impede further deterioration of the unit before the sale is complete. The City Manager stated the City has been monitoring this and will follow up. In addition, the purchase has worked with the seller jointly in this respect. There was a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Mann to close the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO 95 -74 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDED HOUSING PROGRAM FOR THE ISSUANCE OF RENTAL HOUSING REVENUE BONDS i The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody, and the motion passed unanimously. I COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILMEMBER TO NORTHWEST SUBURBAN CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mayor Kragness asked the Council to appoint Councilmember Mann to the Northwest Suburban Cable Communications Commission. i 3/13/95 -7- There was a motion by Councilmember Hilstrom and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve the appointment of Councilmember Mann to the Northwest Suburban Cable Communications Commission. The motion passed unanimously. STATUS OF IMAGE CAMPAIGN The Communications Coordinator announced a steering committee has been appointed but lacks a councilmember. The task force is also concerned about the lack of a business representative for the steering committee. The committee plans to contact businesses directly, by letter, to solicit applications for the steering committee. She also noted the Assistant City Manager will be the Staff representative on the committee. The first meeting will be at 7 p.m. on March 23, 1995. The Communications Coordinator noted Requests for Proposals (RFPs) concerning public relations firms have been issued. Responses are due March 21, 1995, and will be referred to the task force for interviewing and a recommendation to the steering committee. The Communications Coordinator further stated a decision has been made to kick off the image campaign during Earle Brown Days. The summer period would then be used to educate the public on the campaign, with Community Nights beginning in early October. Mayor Kragness asked for an explanation of the "facilitating consultant" proposed for use during community nights. The Communications Coordinator stated the consultant will function in organizing and keeping the groups on task. The intention is to use the same facilitator who was used by Brooklyn Park during its campaign since that facilitator has received high reviews from those who attended the Brooklyn Park Come - Home -to- the -Park meetings. Mayor Kragness expressed concern regarding appointing one councilmember to the steering committee since the entire Council is already involved in the campaign planning. The Communications Coordinator explained the steering committee should include a councilmember so viewpoints from all sectors can be expressed and because it seems fair for the Council to be represented in expenditure decisions. She commented if the Council does not want to appoint a councilmember, the steering committee would most likely choose to fill the available opening with another business representative. Councilmember Mann noted she agrees with the use of a facilitating consultant. She asked whether the cost of $4,000 is competitive. The Communications Coordinator stated the cost is for the service of the facilitator at four meetings and, from what she understood, the price was very reasonable and $100 per hour is competitive. She added the facilitator's bid of $4,000 includes eight hours of training time for small group facilitators. The committee will ask for this to be reduced thus the cost may be reduced slightly. Councilmember Hilstrom stated the number of business representatives should be equal to the number of residential representatives. 3/13/95 -8- The City Council concurred another business representative should be appointed to the steering committee in lieu of a councilmember. STAFF REPORY REGARDING NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL TRAIL The Director of Public Services explained the North Mississippi Regional Park is a project of Hennepin Parks. The primary improvement in the park is a bicycle /pedestrian trail. The trail is an important segment of the regional trail system. Staff has begun to discuss maintenance issues concerning the trail segment. Residents are concerned about the quality of maintenance which will be provided. Staff suggests the approval of the trail connection be contingent on approval of trail easement and acceptance of the maintenance plan by both the City and the County. She mentioned the maintenance of the trail will be incorporated into the Adopt -A -Park and the Adopt -A -Trail programs. Construction of the trail segment is to be in 1995. Mayor Kragness asked whether both the City and Hennepin Parks will be part of the maintenance plan. The Director of Public Services said residents expect the trail to be maintained equally to other City trails, so the City would be the most appropriate body to provide the service. However, if the City took the responsibility it would be reimbursed by Hennepin Parks. Mayor Kragness noted the Adopt -A -Park program cannot be relied on for total maintenance as it only functions three times per year. The City Manager stated the intention is for the maintenance to be equal to that at Palmer Lake. The level and processes of maintenance proposed by City Staff will be the same as those used on other City parks. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -75 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS FOR HENNEPIN PARKS' NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL TRAIL, AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND TRAIL EASEMENT l i The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody, and the motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE POSSIBLE LGA /HACA CUTS IMPACTING THE 1995 BUDGET AND PROPERTY TAX APPEAL REFORM The City Manager noted Staff is considering contingency plans regarding the budget impact. A call to the legislature to reform tax appeals appears to be more appropriately held for the 1996 legislature. The resolution proposed would begin the process of bringing � P P � P �g the issue to the 1996 legislature. 3/13/95 -9- Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether there would be a joint meeting of the Council and the Financial Commission on April 12, 1995. The City Manager said such a meeting is not necessary but the Council is welcome to attend the meeting. The Commission will be discussing the matter and providing more information and contingency plans. A response will be formed based on actions of the legislature. The Financial Commission has agreed with the joint meeting be held at an earlier date than usual this year. Ron Christensen, a member of the Financial Commission, addressed the Council. He stated the City needs to continue to look at the process and pursue it. It is important to keep the pressure on. Councilmember Carmody asked whether the action will be in conjunction with other cities, as that would add more punch to the effort. The City Manager said other cities, and especially school districts, will be involved in the effort. The momentum needs to be built up between now and the next legislative session. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -76 Member Debra Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION REGARDING TAX APPEAL REFORM The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody, and the motion passed unanimously. ORDINANCE The City Manager presented An Ordinance Amending Chapter 23 of the City Ordinances Regarding Secondhand Goods Dealers and Pawnbrokers. The City Manager explained this is a licensing ordinance rather than a zoning ordinance. The ordinance would add to the existing ordinance a feature allowing pawnbrokers to use videotape as documentation. Councilmember Hilstrom asked what items are used for identification. The City Manager said it will be a photo I.D. set up by the Police Department. The record will tie an individual to an item being pawned. The process will hopefully impede fencing and crooks. Pawnshop owners agree with the process as it will help protect them from license violations. Councilmember Mann asked whether there is a requirement to post notice of surveillance cameras. The City Attorney said the pawnshop owner would be responsible. There was a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to approve first reading of An Ordinance Amending Chapter 23 of the City Ordinances Regarding Secondhand Goods Dealers and Pawnbrokers. The motion passed unanimously. 3/13/95 - 10- DISCUSSION OF MODIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR ADVISORY COMMISSIONS The City Manager noted there is a concern with the appointment process because it is difficult at times to have a unanimous council present. Staff recommended the posting, notice, and receipt of applications be left as they are. Staff further recommended the process be the mayor supply the name of an appointee and supporting documentation in the Council packets and a majority vote of Council be accepted. Notification in the Council packets eliminates surprises and provides a period of four days for consideration of the nomination. Mayor Kragness agreed with the suggestion and noted delays in appointments cause difficulties. Councilmember Mann agreed with streamlining the appointment process. There was a discussion of the proposed wording of No. 7 of the written procedure. The City Attorney suggested language stating, "...majority vote of the entire Council,...." Councilmember Carmody stated the new language should be left as written, "...by majority vote,..." There was a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Mann to modify the appointment process for advisory commission members as discussed. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Councilmember Carmody requested descriptions of skid -steer loaders and cold planers. The City Manager explained a skid -steer loader is a small vehicle (Bobcat type) with a bucket used on construction sites to scoop dirt. A cold planer is a grinding device which fits on the front arms of the skid -steer loader. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -77 Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) SKID -STEER LOADER, ASPHALT COLD PLANER, AND TRAILER The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS Mayor Kragness recommended Jay Hruska for appointment to the Financial Commission. 3/13/95 CORRECTION Councilmember Carmody noted the commission would be comprised entirely of male members if Mr. Hruska were appointed. In addition, such an appointment would mean there would be four members from the Southwest neighborhood and the same school district. She asked for Wanda Rawson to be appointed instead. Mayor Kragness said she had discussed the matter with the Chair of the Financial Commission and it was agreed it was important, due to possible upcoming budget cuts, to appoint an individual with a financial background. Councilmember Carmody noted the Financial Commission is a citizen advisory commission. She repeated the current members are of the same demographic group and all male. Mayor Kragness stated she understood the concern but said it is necessary to use professional people to deal with the expected problem. She commented the make -up of the commission changes often and the City may be in a better position in two years to appoint people without as much financial background. Councilmember Carmody noted she is not personally opposed to Mr. Hruska, but is just concerned about the make -up of the members of the commission. Councilmember Mann stated she would also prefer to see a woman appointed to the commission but believes the reasoning presented by the Mayor is more sound at this time. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to approve the appointment of Jay Hruska to the Financial Commission. Roll call vote: Mayor Kragness, aye; Councilmember Hilstrom, aye; Councilmember Mann, aye; Councilmember Carmody, nay. The motion carried. Mayor Kragness requested Phillip Roche be appointed to the Financial Commission. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to approve the appointment of Phillip Roche to the Financial Commission. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Kragness requested Dean Nyquist be appointed to the Human Rights and Resources Commission. Councilmember Mann commented she had previously been concerned about a conflict of interest in the appointment of Mr. Nyquist; however, in response to the Staff report, is now satisfied with the appointment. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve the appointment of Dean Nyquist to the Human Rights and Resources Commission. Roll call vote: Mayor Kragness, aye; Councilmember Hilstrom, nay; Councilmember Mann, aye; Councilmember Carmody, aye. The motion carried. 3/13/95 -12- ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Mann to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 8:41 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Barbara Collman TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial i 3/13/95 -13 -