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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 04-10 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 APRIL 10, 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 7:04 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, Assistant City Manager Nancy Gohman, City Engineer Scott Brink, Communications Coordinator Terri Swanson, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Council Secretary Barbara Collman. Councilmember Barb Kalligher arrived at 7:49 p.m. OPENING CEREMONIES Bob Weiss offered the invocation. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Mann announced a spring kick -off for the Adopt -A -Park and Adopt -A- Street programs on Saturday, April 22. There will be a continental breakfast before work begins and prizes will be awarded during the event. Councilmember Mann also mentioned the annual awards night for the Crime Prevention program will be held on Wednesday, April 19, at Constitution Hall. A reminder was made of the annual prayer breakfast to be held April 22 at 8 a.m. at the Earle Brown Heritage Center. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Kragness inquired if any Councilmember requested any items be removed from the consent agenda. Councilmember Mann requested Item 6(i) be removed and Councilmember Hilstrom requested Item 6(h) be removed. 4/10/95 - 1 - There was a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the April 10, 1995, agenda and consent agenda with the removal of Items 6 (h) and 6 (i). The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MARCH 20. 1995 - WORK SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the minutes of the March 20, 1995, work session as printed. The motion passed unanimously. PROCLAMATIONS PROCLAMATION Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following proclamation and moved its adoption: PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF APRIL 22, THROUGH APRIL 29, 1995, AS VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION WEEK The motion for the adoption of the foregoing proclamation was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. PROCLAMATION Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following proclamation and moved its adoption: PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF APRIL 23, THROUGH APRIL 30, 1995, AS THE DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE HOLOCAUST The motion for the adoption of the foregoing proclamation was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 95 -96 Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DISSOLVING THE BROOKLYN CENTER DRUG AWARENESS COMMISSION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. 4/10/95 -2- RESOLUTION NO. 95 -97 Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DECLARING SURPLUS PROPERTY The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -98 Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) TRUCK - MOUNTED, HIGH- VELOCITY SEWER CLEANER The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -99 Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID, APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR, AND AUTHORIZING 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. LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the following list of licenses: MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Allan Mechanical, Inc. 6020 Culligan Way B & D Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 4091 MacIver Ave. N.E. Dependable Indoor Air Quality, Inc. 2619 Coon Rapids Blvd. Diversified Mechanical Services 1525 E. 88th Street Egan & Sons Co. 7100 Medicine Lake Road Faircon Service 1891 W. County Road C Golden Valley Heating & A/C 5182 W. Broadway Lakeland North Plumbing & Heating 16041 Kangaroo St. N.W. Maple Grove Heating & A/C 401 County Road 81 Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors 7340 Washington Ave. S. Modern Heating & A /C, Inc. 2318 First St. N.E. O'Keefe Mechanical, Inc. 7251 Washington Ave. S. 4/10/95 -3 - MECHANICAL SYSTEMS - CONTINUED Owens Services Corporation 930 E. 80th St. P & H Sservices Co., Inc. 1601 67th Ave. N. PRS Mechanical, Inc. P.O. Box 68111 Palen/Kimball Company 550 Vandalia St. Pride Mechanical, Inc. 3025 N.E. Randolph St. R & S Heating & A /C, Inc. 21357 Hemlock Ave. Rapid Heating and A/C 8714 E. Research Center Road E.A.H. Schmidt & Associates, Inc. 3245 Winpark Drive Standard Heating & A/C Co. 410 W. Lake St. Superior Contractors, Inc. 6121 42nd Ave. N. Ray Welter Heating & A/C 4637 Chicago Ave. S. Yale, Inc. 9649 Girard Ave. N. MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERSHIP CLASS A Brookdale Chrysler Plymouth 6121 Brooklyn Blvd. 4 Brookdale Pontiac 6801 Brooklyn Blvd. RENTAL DWELLINGS Renewal: Lutheran Church of the Master Brookdale Manor Center Park Senior Apts. Inc. Maranatha Place Joe and Madeliene Roche 824 69th Ave. N. SIGN HANGER Lawrence Sign 945 Pierce Butler Route Midway Sign Co., Inc. 444 N. Prior Ave. TAXICAB Suburban Taxi #201 3315 2nd St. N. The motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM Mayor Kragness noted the Council had received no requests to use the open forum session this j evening. She inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. There being none, she continued with the regular agenda items. 4/10/95 -4- i COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS RESOLUTION NO. 95 -100 Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF KEI'T'H TUTTLE FOR HIS DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE HOUSING 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 -101 Member Debra Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF ELLA SANDER FOR HER DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION 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 noted there is another upcoming vacancy on the Housing Commission. She commented it is difficult to choose from applicants to fill vacancies and consulted other knowledgeable individuals during the decision - making process. Mayor Kragness recommended the appointment of Jonathan Carter to the Brooklyn Center Planning Commission. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to appoint Jonathan Carter to the Brooklyn Center Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Kragness recommended the appointment of Kathryn Palm to the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission. There was a motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Mann to appoint Kathryn Palm to the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission. The motion passed unanimously. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING The City Manager explained the HRG, a joint powers group which oversees recycling and like concerns, has met and determined a study should be done concerning the worthiness of considering a joint contract for refuse pick -up. Due to state law, it is necessary for a public hearing to be held for approval to even do the study. A public hearing is proposed for cp 4/10/95 -5 - Wednesday, May 24, 1995, at 7 p.m., at the Crystal Community Center, to fulfill this requirement. He asked the Council to confirm the date for the hearing. Approval of involvement in the public hearing to approve a study does not obligate Brooklyn Center to the program in any way. Mayor Kragness asked whether this is the first time a public hearing has been held regarding the joint issues. The City Manager stated the law requiring public hearings was not in effect until now. However, Brooklyn Center did hold a public hearing prior to entering the program. Councilmember Mann noted one public hearing serving all three cities involved is the most feasible method of meeting the requirement. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to call for a joint public hearing on May 24, 1995 at 7 p.m. with the cities of Crystal and New Hope regarding organized collection of refuse, recyclables, yard waste, and other solid waste. The motion passed unanimously. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE The City Manager indicated there has not been much legislative action since he last reported to the Council on the status. A tax freeze bill has passed in the State Senate but it is unknown whether, or when, it will pass the House and be signed by the governor. Final action will probably not be taken until late in the session. There is a bill being considered which would assist cities in tearing down apartment buildings and the City of Brooklyn Center might be eligible for such a program if the bill is passed. The City Manager invited members of the Council to approach 'him with questions regarding status of legislation as goes on. IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1995 -11 The City Manager explained a few years ago it was discovered some sections of sanitary sewer here installed with a corrugated metal pipe. A major portion of this pipe needs to be replaced. The Director of Public Services introduced a new staff member in the position of City Engineer, Scott Brink. The Director of Public Services indicated this is a major project. There is no imminent danger posed by the pipe but it is prudent to address the issue because a major main is involved which carries a great amount of sanitary sewer flow and therefore a problem could escalate quickly. Also, in the southerly portion, a pipe failure could be catastrophic because the main goes along side lot lines in neighborhoods. The Director of Public Services stated Staff recommends the pipe not be replaced, but rather be re -lined in its place at an estimated cost of $1.1 million. A replacement of the pipe by traditional methods would result in a cost of approximately $2.1 million, so the proposed method is more cost - effective. The project, as proposed, could be accomplished in about ten working days and would cause minimal inconvenience to residents. A property would lose sanitary sewer 4/10/95 -6- service for approximately nine hours in one day only. Funding for the project would be through sanitary sewer utility fund revenue bonds later this year. Councilmember Mann asked how long a resident might be without service if the traditional replacement method were used. The Director of Public Services said service would be lost for more than nine hours and, in addition, there would be large trenches, open streets, and yards would be dug up using the traditional method. Councilmember Mann asked whether the proposed process was used on the 69th Avenue North project. The Director of Public Services said the process was used on Brooklyn Boulevard with no problems. Mayor Kragness asked whether re- lining the pipes is an established system. The City Manager stated re- lining is a new, but proven, technology. He explained the process of re- lining in more detail. Councilmember Hilstrom asked when the project would commence, if approved. The Director of Public Services said the work would begin in late spring or early summer of this year. Mayor Kragness asked whether the re- lining process is a temporary solution to the problem. The City Manager said re -lining is a permanent solution as the lining material is similar to fiberglass and is even stronger than the original pipe. Councilmember Hilstrom asked about the life expectancy of the lining material. The City Manager said the life expectancy is equal to or surpasses that of any other material. Councilmember Carmody stated it is very unpleasant to cope with sewer back -up. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -102 Member Kathleen Carmody introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PROJECT FOR CORRUGATED METAL PIPE SANITARY SEWER TRUNK RELINING, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1995 -11, CONTRACT 1995 -E The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1995 -13 The City Manager noted a majority vote could not be accomplished in regard to this project at the last Council meeting due to a tie vote. With an even number of councilmembers present at '.his meeting, the same situation exists unless an individual has reconsidered and changes her vote. :' 10/95 -7- The Director of Public Services reviewed the details of the project. The project would not be scheduled on the street improvement program during the next eight to ten years. However, the accomplishment of the project now would facilitate the Park and Ride. Street alignment would soften curves. She noted there is an issue of whether the eight residential properties and two non - residential properties should be assessed. There are many determining factors and it is difficult to show an overall benefit to the properties due to the improvement. She further discussed funding without the assessment, including funding through the MCTO. She said it is Staff s recommendation the properties not be assessed for the project. Councilmember Mann commented an earlier version of this project was not approved by the previous Council. A new design was then approved unanimously. The project, as it stands, creates a park, eliminates non - conformity of buildings, and begins the redevelopment of Brooklyn Boulevard project. The project is not a detriment to the properties. Assessment of the properties is a "must" in response to state laws. Councilmember Carmody stated she has reviewed and reconsidered the project since the last vote, in which she voted in favor of the properties being assessed. She said her opinion now is that the Park and Ride is not an asset to the three properties across the street from it and there is no additional need for assessment of the ro erties. She said she will therefore be changing P P g g her vote on the issue. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -103 Member Debra Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PROJECT, RECEIVING ENGINEER'S FEASIBILITY REPORT, AND AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1994 -13, 65TH AVENUE REALIGNMENT, BROOKLYN BOULEVARD TO INDIANA AVENUE The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody. Roll call vote: Mayor Kragness, aye; Councilmember Hilstrom, aye; Councilmember Carmody, aye; Councilmember Mann, nay. The motion carried. IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS 1995 -07 08 AND 09 The City Manager explained Staff would be providing information in follow -up to the recent public hearing on the project. The Director of Public Services stated some roadway design options, such as chokers and street alignment, have been presented to the residents of the neighborhood and their comments are forthcoming. 4/10/95 - 8- The Director of Public Services asked the Council to authorize Staff to work with Brooklyn Park to set up a joint powers agreement regarding the ponding issue. The matter is being brought before the Brooklyn Park Council during its meeting this evening. If both councils approve the effort, details will be presented at a later date. The Director of Public Services noted plans and specifications for the project are ready for approval. Staff proposes advertising for bids on the project and opening them on Thursday, May 11, 1995, with construction to begin June 1, 1995. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to authorize Staff to negotiate an agreement with the City of Brooklyn Park to work together on arrangements for a pond. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Hilstrom asked whether there are any recent changes to the roadway design and also asked about sidewalk improvements. The Director of Public Services said the plan is as it sits and these are only alignment changes. She said sidewalks will be straightened in a few places where necessary. Consideration will be given to removing trees where the sidewalk curves around them. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -104 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 1995 -07, 08, AND 09, WOODBINE NEIGHBORHOOD STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS The motion for the adoption of the furegoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. PROGRESS REPORT ON POTENTIAL BOND ISSUE The Director of Public Services stated a Request for Proposals (RFP) for architectural services has been sent and the responses are due at the end of April, with the contract to be awarded on May 22, 1995. The Director of Public Services also stated Decision Resources has begun to draft questions for the opinion survey. The questions may be ready for review at the next Council meeting. She reviewed the purpose of the opinion survey in the context of a bond issue. The Director of Public Services indicated no applications were received to advertisements for bond issue task force members. There may not be enough interest because it is early in the process. She commented Council could consider establishing a commission formally and appointing members to it to get it started. After the completion of initial work, more advertising could be done to obtain committee members. She suggested July 15 as a report date for a task force. She also reviewed the timeline for the campaign and commented there is much work to 4/10/95 -9- be done. The Council needs to discuss the direction of the task force or readvertise for members. Councilmember Mann noted Council needs to decide how many members are desired for the task force, then readvertise. She said it may not be clear from the advertisements just what is desired in a task force member. The Director of Public Services noted the task force charge was written in general terms. Mayor Kragness said practical people are needed for the task force in order to pin down practicalities for the bond issue. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested recruiting one task force committee member from each City neighborhood and one from each City commission. Mayor Kragness said such an effort would be a good beginning for the committee. Councilmember Carmody agreed and noted there should definitely be representatives of City commissions on the task force. Mayor Kragness recommended a letter be sent to chairs of the committees to request appointment of representatives. Councilmember Mann noted that would be 11 committee members. She suggested adding two business representatives, making a total of 13. She asked what number would be manageable for such a committee. Councilmember Carmody suggested separating out representatives into four groups. The Director of Public Services indicated two sub - groups would' be more manageable. Councilmember Kalligher arrived at 7:49 p.m. Councilmember Hilstrom recommended there be two subgroups of 7, for a total of 14 members. Councilmember Mann agreed. The Council determined the blank in Subdivision 4 of the proposed resolution should be filled with July 15, 1995, and the blank in Subdivision 5 should be completed with the number fourteen. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -105 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT TASK FORCE AND DEFINING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. 4/10/95 - 10- AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23 OF THE CITY ORDINANCES REGARDING SECONDHAND GOODS DEALERS AND PAWNBROKERS The City Manager noted the proposed amendment is intended to update the ordinance to make the licensing process regarding secondhand goods dealers and pawnbrokers more responsible by using video evidence. Mayor Kragness opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on An Ordinance Amending Chapter 23 of the City Ordinances Regarding Secondhand Goods Dealers and Pawnbrokers at 7:51 p.m. She inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. No one came forward. There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Mann to close the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 95 -03 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following ordinance and moved its adoption: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23 OF THE CITY ORDINANCES REGARDING SECONDHAND GOODS DEALERS AND PAWNBROKERS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing ordinance was duly seconded by member Debra Hilstrom, and the motion passed unanimously. RECOMMENDATION OF SELECTION OF A PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY IMAGE CAMPAIGN The City Manager noted the task force in this matter has interviewed public relations firms and recommends hiring of the firm of Mona Meyer McGrath & Gavin. He stated representatives of the task force are available at this meeting to present the recommendation. The Communications Coordinator indicated the task force chair, Bernie Gaffney, is present to discuss the choice. Mayor Kragness asked whether the recommended firm is currently under contract with Brooklyn Center in any capacity. The Communications Coordinator said there is no contract with this firm. She stated proposals were received from five public relations firms and the use of the point system resulted in a clear split. Two firms were interviewed. Mona Meyer McGrath & Gavin was chosen due to its experience in the area of media relations. The main criteria selected by the committee had been media relations experience and dollar value. Mayor Kragness commented the firm has a good background. The Communications Coordinator confirmed the firm is the third largest in the United States. 4/10/95 - 11 - Joe Noonan, a resident and commercial property owner, expressed concern over the public relations campaign. He said the City needs to re- evaluate its goals. A marketing campaign will not overcome existing problems. He said other rebounding communities accomplished the revitalization without expending money in this way. A city is a function of its government. He said the Council fails to recognize underlying problems and the City government is hostile to the business community. He indicated the real issue is the need to build from within rather than spend money to cure problems. The commercial base needs to be re- built. Mayor Kragness commented businesses have been invited to get involved in a task force but cannot be forced to do so. Mr. Noonan stated residents are all concerned with property value. There is a disproportionate tax base due to incorrect spending. Councilmember Hilstrom noted community nights are planned in the future which will give residents the opportunity to make suggestions regarding the community. She also asked where funding would come from to implement the ideas which result from the community nights. Mr. Gaffney indicated that, at the suggestion of the public relations firm, the campaign will include a fund- raising program to solicit donations from businesses. These funds would be used to continue the campaign. He pointed out the public relations firm is only a small part of the image campaign, but is vital to secure immediate positive media attention. Mayor Kragness commented the public relations firm will base its presentation of the City on fact rather than fantasy. Councilmember Hilstrom asked hove long the public relations firm will be involved in the campaign and whether it will work to expand on issues which emerge from the community night program. Mr. Gaffney stated the contract with the public relations firm will run through 1995 and it will begin contacting businesses immediately. Councilmember Hilstrom asked when the community nights will be held. Mr. Gaffney said that � community nights will be held the fourth Wednesday in October. Councilmember Carmody stated, in response to Mr. Noonan's comments, businesses were not asked by the City to initiate the campaign. Rather, the initial idea for the campaign came from the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Noonan expressed the idea the Council had set an agenda and then asked residents to help C it accomplish its purposes. Councilmember Carmody said the program is already going on. She indicated many meetings of various committees are taking place. Councilmember Kalligher confirmed this statement and indicated Mr. Noonan might not be aware of everything going on because he hasn't been present at every meeting. Councilmember Kalligher reiterated the Chamber of Commerce and businesses are responsible for the campaign, and the City is only providing representatives to give input. She stated Mr. Noonan would be welcome to join the campaign task force. 4/10/95 - 12- titr. Noonan said he is not interested in joining the task force, but there is a need for comparing the negative things going on to the positive things going on. Councilmember Kalligher stated the purpose of the Council is to make policy, not to hear negative commentary. She suggested Mr. Noonan contact the Chamber of Commerce with his concerns. Mayor Kragness agreed and said Mr. Noonan might attend a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. j Mr. Noonan commented he is not trying to be negative toward the businesses which have been j involved in the campaign. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve the selection of the firm of Mona Meyer McGrath & Gavin as the public relations firm for the Community Image Campaign. The motion passed unanimously. IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1994 -25 The Director of Public Services explained this project is to reconstruct two pedestrian bridges in City parks. She stated the repairs are rated Priority Two which means they are not labeled as needing immediate repairs. The bridge at County Road 10 over Shingle Creek has deterioratina decking and a decldna grade which is too steep for wheelchairs to maneuver. She noted it is the only pedestrian bridge in the area. The bridge in Garden City Park over Shingle Creek is sinking due to erosion. The proposal is to replace the abutments to the bridge and make adaptations to make it lighter. The Director of Public Services noted earlier bids on the project were rejected and new bids, though higher than the original estimate, are lower than those which were rejected. Councilmember Hilstrom asked how long it would take to complete the project. The Director of Public Services said it will take approximately three to four weeks. Councilmember Hilstrom commented since the repairs do not constitute a life - threatening emergency, the project could be tabled until more is known regarding legislative budget cuts. The Director of Public Services said funding for the project would be through the Capital Improvements fund, which is not affected by the cuts. Councilmember Kalligher agreed the project could be postponed until Fall 1995 as the bridges remain usable. There was a motion by Councilmember Hilstrom and seconded by Councilmember Kalligher to reject bids and table the matter of Improvement Project Nto. 1994 -25 until the Council's second meeting in July 1995. The Director of Public Services commented one of the bridge repairs is proposed to resolve an issue which falls under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). If the City postpones the repair, it could be requested, through legal action, at any time to make immediate repairs. Councilmember Kalligher stated the project should be postponed until there is certainty regarding pending budget cuts. 4/10/95 - 13 - The City Manager commented postponing the project could result in increased costs to complete the project. He also noted there are timing issues to be considered. Waiting until winter or spring might be advisable. Mayor Kragness asked whether the ADA can require a time limit. The City Manager indicated the law is obscure and there is no clear and present danger regarding the bridge. The only complaints received to date have been informal. He believed there would no major problems with the Council postponing repairs due to an unknown financial situation. Councilmember Mann expressed concern there could be a formal complaint because the bridge is a problem for wheelchair users. The City Manager said he did not think there would be an ADA problem if the City is prepared to respond to a formal complaint should it occur. The motion passed unanimously. IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO.- 1994-32 The City Manager explained new work stations and chairs have been purchased for City offices, in part to achieve an ergonomically correct workplace. Several small remodelling projects are necessary to reorganize departments to accommodate the new furnishings. The Director of Public Services reviewed the history of the City Hall remodelling project, including the need for the new furnishings and for the project. In November 1994, the project was scaled back considerably. The proposals for the project total just under $25,000. The project includes work in various departments on the main floor of City Hall, such as the removal of counters and wails and adding offices, minor work in the Police Department offices, and minor work in the Community Center. Councilmember Mann asked whether the new work stations could be fit in without remodelling. The Director of Public Services said some of the furniture would not fit and, as it has been ordered, would have to be placed in storage until redesigning was done and possibly re- ordering was accomplished. Councilmember Mann noted the remodelling is very minor. She asked if it would be funded through the Capital Improvements Fund. The Director of Public Services confirmed the funding would come from Capital Improvements. She staters the total cost, including paint and electrical work, might be 530,000. The total project is coming in below the original estimate of $440,000, which is primarily work stations cost but includes $50,000 for remodelling. Councilmember Mann asked whether those employees who had ergonomics - related health problems will be the first to have new work stations installed. The Director of Public Services said they would, and added any immediate changes possible such as chairs had been made when the problems were discovered. She added there have been claims totaling $16,000 in Workers Compensation claims due to incorrect ergonomic situations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is in the process of formulating regulations for employers to remove the risk of ergonomic - related health problems. Councilmember Hilstrom commented some of the remodelling changes did not relate to the ergonomics concerns. She asked if the remodelling could be split. The Director of Public 4/10/95 - 14- Services said the intention of the project was not only to provide space for the ergonomic work stations, but also to provide better utilization of space at a relatively small cost. Councilmember Mann noted the cost of the project is minimal and justified by its worth. She asked whether the word "interim" could be removed from the resolution language. The Director of Public Services said the word "interim" is necessary in the context in order to distinguish this project from the larger building and remodelling project proposed. CounciImember Hilstrom asked how these proposed remodelling changes will be affected if a bond issue is successful. The Director of Public Services said if the bond issue is successful and included a major addition to City Hall to house the Police Department, then this portion of the remodelling would be lost, as City Hall would essentially be gutted and new office lines drawn. However, the bulk of the expenditures which is the work stations is totally reusable. RESOLUTION NO. 95 -106 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PROPOSALS AND AWARDING CONTRACTS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1994 -32, INTERIM CITY HALL REMODELLING The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kathleen Carmody. Roll call vote: Councilmember Hilstrom, nay; Councilmember Kalligher, nay; Mayor Kragness, aye; Councilmember Mann, aye; Councilmember Carmody, aye. The motion carried. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Kalligher to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:43 P.M. Deputy City Clerk, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Barbara Collman TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 4/10/95 - 15 -