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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 03-20 CCM Special Work Session i MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL WORK SESSION MARCH 20, 1995 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special work session and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kristen Mann, Debra Hilstrom, and Kathleen Carmody. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Assistant City Manager Nancy Gohman, Director of Public Services Diane Spector, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, Director of Community Development Brad Hoffman, and Council Secretary Barbara Collman. Councilmember Barb Kalligher was excused from tonight's meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Executive Session until 7:48 p.m. UPDATE ON 6637 HUMBOLDT AVENUE NORTH The Director of Community Development explained the property at 6637 Humboldt Avenue North was acquired by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) through foreclosure 4 approximately two years ago. The intention of the City was to hold the property for future redevelopment but it has been a very low priority. The tenants were allowed to stay and the City has maintained the units. The City is currently considering raising the rents to $510 per month, which is in line with of her comparable units. The Director of Community Development addressed several issues brought by the tenants at the last City Council meeting. He noted the City contracts for snow removal in the parking lot. The snow may not have been removed first thing in the morning, but it was removed at some point on the day in question. The laundry appliances were recently removed from the property. The appliances were leased and were leaking. There is no lease in effect and even the prior lease did not require laundry facilities be provided on the property. A lease is not recommended because matters would be complicated should the City decide to go ahead with redevelopment. Also, new tenants are not being sought. There have been two recent inquiries relating to redevelopment. The property is 3/20/95 - 1 - maintained once per week by an Earle Brown Heritage Center employee. The City is just breaking even on the property and does not desire to expend funds. He added a junk car on the property needs to be removed. The City Manager noted the units had new paint and new carpeting just before the City took ownership. The tenants are welcome to stay but should not expect upgrading. He added a group called INVITE has asked permission to use an apartment for an office and meeting space. INVITE was hired by the City to run a youth diversion program for troubled youth. The group provides equipment and offers tutoring and computer training for youth and their parents. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether INVITE's use of the apartment might lead to a parking problem. The Director of Community Development said he will make sure there is no disturbance to the tenants. The Director of Community Development said he will provide a written report on the issues to the tenants. UPDATE ON PROPERTY The Director of Community Development commented regarding a property near Schmitt Music. There has been a tentative agreement between the developer and the land owner, so a condemnation will not be necessary. More information will be available in the near future. CONSIDERATION OF ACQUISITION OF SINGLE FAMILY HOME LOCATED AT 7216 BROOKLYN BOULEVARD The Community Development Specialist stated the appraisal obtained by the City was $67,000 and the appraisal obtained by the property owner was $77,000. He noted the proposed street improvements in the Woodbine neighborhood could provide a cul -de -sac, on Wingard Lane, if the property was acquired. The Brooklyn Boulevard Study calls for a gateway at the entrance points to the City on Brooklyn Boulevard. It is currently a dead - end street. He also noted a neighboring property will probably become available later this year. He suggested the City might want to hold on purchasing the property since it is not a priority in terms of redevelopment. Councilmember Hilstrom asked what fund might provide money for purchasing the property. The Community Development Director said there might possibly be EDA reserve funds available although those funds are limited. Councilmember Carmody asked whether the property could still be purchased at a later date. She also asked what the total purchase cost would be. The City Manager said it is possible it would still be available later. In addition to the purchase price, there would be costs to either tear the structure down or move it. Approximately $5,000 might be recovered if it were moved. 3/20/95 -2- Mayor Kragness expressed concern about expending the funds. She noted the City will need the property eventually but if it becomes a rental property now it will still be for sale at a later date. There was a consensus of opinion to drop consideration of the purchase. ✓ DISCUSSION OF UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARINGS RELATED TO WOODBINE NEIGHBORHOOD The Director of Public Services explained Staff has held two informational meetings with approximately one -third of the neighborhood residents. She provided a handout summarizing questions and concerns of residents and noted these are issues the Council should expect to be raised at the upcoming public hearing. Since some residents have questioned the need for the project, she reviewed the City's position on the project with the Council. Streets are over 30 years old and there should be a comprehensive plan to replace them rather than bandaid solutions to current problems. It is also necessary to improve the quality of the storm water which is discharged into Palmer Lake. This particular neighborhood is scheduled for work this year due to the combination of needs in the area, not because it is the worst area in specific needs. She also noted residents of the Woodbine neighborhood are aware the residents of the j Northwest neighborhood, which saw street improvements last year, did not have to pay special assessments for storm drainage improvements. In this case, the special assessments for storm drainage are 35 percent of the cost. She noted a couple of residents are vocally opposed to the project because they feel the City should address other needs of the City. Councilmember Hilstrom said she has received several phone calls from residents who support the project. However, they are concerned it will cost more than other projects and the full amount must be paid immediately. They do not qualify for the stabilization j program. They would like' to be able to pay one -half the cost at this time. Councilmember Carmody noted she had also heard favorable comments regarding the ! project. The Director of Public Services explained that by State law property owners have 30 days to pay the assessment in full without interest. The City Attorney has stated that he believes 30 days could be considered the minimum, and the City Council has authority to determine the date when interest begins to accrue, so it would be possible to allow residents extra time to p ay it off without interest. j The City Manager agreed to check on whether residents could pay one -half of the cost and then pay off the remainder. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether trees will be lost during the course of the project. The Director of Public Services said there is a misunderstanding regarding this subject. As 3/20/95 -3 - many existing trees as possible will be retained and there is $5b,000 budgeted for landscaping, so lost trees would be replaced. Councilmember Carmody asked whether aprons will be provided. The Director of Public Services stated the aprons will be replaced with concrete and disturbed driveways in kind, either concrete or asphalt. Councilmember Carmody asked why two residents on Grimes Avenue North were notified of the project later than the others. The Director of Public Services explained it wasn't until the project reached a certain point of detail planning that it was determined Grimes Avenue North should be included. Those residents received their notice one month ago. Mayor Kragness asked whether the residents who are vocally against the project seemed to be opposed due to the financial issue or because they do not believe the project is needed. The Director of Public Services said the reasons are varied. There are three residents who are vocally opposed. Others are concerned about only having 30 days to pay the amount without interest charges. The City Manager commented efforts are underway to change the terms so the financial concern will be eliminated. It may be possible to extend the period of time before interest is charged. It also may be possible to lower the interest rate. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested the residents not be charged interest until the point when the City is charged interest. The City Manager noted the City does not begin paying interest until the bonds are issued, which will probably be September or October, so it is reasonable to wait until then to begin charging interest to the residents. He added the assessments are for a period of 10 years and interest is charged on the unpaid balance. He will work with the City Attorney to arrange partial payments and certify only the unpaid balance. The Director of Public Services explained neighborhood improvements are also planned, such as signs, the straightening of one road, chokers and other design details. Residents are interested in these aesthetic improvements. Stop signs are also being considered. Mayor Kragness noted the residents may be more supportive if they are allowed input on the aesthetic improvements. Councilmember Hilstrom asked for an update regarding the pond, its cost, and the arrangement with Brooklyn Park. The City Manager said Brooklyn Center will have to pay for the privilege of building the pond on Brooklyn Park land. The deal could be for Brooklyn Center to do the construction and provide curb and gutter adjacent to Brooklyn Park property as payment. There was further discussion regarding the pond. The Director of Public Services recommended mailing out additional information to 3/20/95 -4- Woodbine neighborhood residents before the public hearing, especially to reach those who have not attended the informational meetings. She suggested a version of the question and answer summary be mailed. Mayor Kragness said more information would be helpful for those who are not committed either way. The City Manager said the mailing could include new information concerning the assessment and payment arrangements. Mayor Kragness suggested marking the outside of the mailing with the words, "Important Information" to draw attention. The Director of Public Services noted there have been discussions with the church regarding its assessment and she believes an agreement will be reached. Councilmember Mann asked whether, assuming the project is approved, there will be update newsletters issued to residents during the course of the work. The City Manager confirmed there will be newsletters, as they were very popular last year. The Director of Public Services noted the construction of this project will be faster and not as intrusive as last year's project. Mayor Kragness asked whether City inspectors monitor the work on the project. The City Manager said inspectors check work daily during construction. DISCUSSION OF LEADERSHIP AND GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP PROPOSAL BY DON SALVERDA & ASSOCIATES The City Manager re- stated his belief that an outside facilitator is important. He . recommended Don Salverda & Associates be hired for a workshop involving the Council and department heads. Councilmember Hilstrom stated she would prefer there be a workshop for only the Council prior to one with the department heads. Councilmember Carmody P P y concurred. The City Manager agreed and suggested April 19, 1995. Councilmember Mann agreed with the Council having its own workshop first, and stated the i workshops presented by Don Salverda are very good. The City Manager said he will proceed with scheduling a workshop, probably for dinner at the Earle Brown Heritage Center. OTHER BUSINESS ICE RINKS The City Manager suggested the Council begin to think about the need for additional ice rinks. Rinks were low on the priority list, but new state legislation has moved the issue to the forefront. Equal ice time for male and female students is required. 3/20/95 -5 - The City Manager is in the process of determining whether the City has an obligation to provide rinks in light of the law. He will keep updated on legislation and will notify the Council if rinks need to be moved up on the priority list. There could be rapid movement on the issue. Mayor Kragness asked whether state or federal funds would be available for ice rinks. The City Manager stated it costs from $2 million to $3 million to build an ice rink. There would not be federal funding. There may be minimal state funding of 5 to 10 percent. He said the best approach might be to consider a cooperative effort with the school districts and others. He noted a capitol expenditure is probably preferable to payment of the operations costs. WORKSHOPS Councilmember Hilstrom stated she would like to attend a four -day League of Minnesota Cities workshop in Duluth this summer. She asked for an opinion and how much the City would pay toward the workshop. The City Manager said there is a City policy regarding payment on these costs, and he would provide information. He encouraged several councilmembers to attend the workshop. Mayor Kragness noted she would like to go to the national mayors' conference. The City Manager said it is a good idea for councilmembers to attend national conferences on an alternating basis and share information gained. Mayor Kragness commented a councilmember who is a liaison to an association should go to a conference and all others should go if it is convenient. The City Manager said councilmembers should at least rotate attendance. In the alternative, if a councilmember has a particular interest in a workshop, she should go. The councilmembers can work out the arrangements between themselves. The Council concurred with the attendance of Councilmember Hilstrom and Mayor Kragness. TRAINING OF CITY STAFF Councilmember Hilstrom stated City employees need to be customer- oriented. She asked the goals and status of a training program in this regard. The Assistant City Manager said there is funding for training in the budget and sessions will be scheduled later this year. The City Manager said the main concern with customer service has been in the community center. There have been physical impediments due to the office arrangement, but the issue is being addressed. There is also a need for such training in the Police Department. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE Councilmember Carmody referred to a news article concerning crime. She did not like the writer's argument or the writing itself. The City Manager noted Police Departments get calls for crimes committed but are not able to be deterrents. There was further discussion on the issue. 3/20/95 - 6 - BROOKDALE TRANSIT STOP Council discussed briefly the current and future concerns and issues relating to the Brookdale Transit stop and Transit HUB project. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Councilmember Hilstrom stated she did not receive the packet for the Planning Commission meeting in time to attend the meeting after noting an agenda item she was interested in. The City Manager said there needs to be an evaluation of the delivery process and adjustments made. ADJOURNMENT The Brooklyn Center City Council meeting was adjourned by Mayor Kragness at 9:17 p.m. j6 ax *mAdim - - JJ dzi , ::x , 7 0 Deputy City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Barbara Collman TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial i 3/20/95 -7-