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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 05-16 CCM Special Work 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 SPECIAL WORK SESSION MAY 16, 1994 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special work session and was called to order by Mayor Todd Paulson at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Todd Paulson, Councilmembers Celia Scott, Dave Rosene, Barb Kalligher, and Kristen Mann. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Community Development Brad Hoffman, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, Police Chief Trevor Hampton, and Council Secretary Barbara Collman. AFRICAN- AMERICANS IN THE NORTHWEST SUBURBS (ANKA) The Police Chief introduced members of the board of African- Americans in the Northwest Suburbs (ANKH). He explained the group had been meeting just prior to the Council's work session. The group's purpose is to plan strategy for increasing the number of minorities involved in law enforcement at both state and local levels, and for maintaining that number. Several members of the board spoke. They said there is a problem, particularly in the suburbs, with minorities (people of color and females) not applying for these positions and also with retention of minorities once hired. The group had been discussing how organizations should react to minorities in law enforcement in order to keep them, as they need mentoring and understanding of their situation. They explained that many minority members do not even consider entering the held because they see few other minority members working in law enforcement and they feel they won't be retained even if hired. Councilmember Scott commented the young people need to be identified, educated, and started in the field. Members of the group said this is being done but it is a five- to ten -year process and the needs are immediate. Mayor Paulson and the Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the work of ANKA and offered to help in any way. 5/16/94 - 1 - SINGLE FAMILY ACQUISITION PROGRAM The Director of Community Development said there are two houses for sale on June Avenue which is in a redevelopment area. They are in the middle of the block on the east side of the street. They could be purchased under the Single Family Acquisition Program, as they are not selling well. He said buying the houses now would result in a savings of I $50,000 to $60,000. Councilmember Mann asked whether the money is in the budget. The Community Development Specialist stated the budget for the program is approximately $83,000 and about one -half of that is still available, but CDBG funds could be used. Councilmember Scott commented if the City does not buy the properties now and wish to buy them later, the price will be higher plus relocation costs will be added. The City Manager mentioned neighborhood considerations are a factor with houses on that side of the street. Councilmember Mann said the City needs to be buying outdated apartments in the area and wondered whether the funding to be used for houses could have been used for apartments. The Director of Community Development said it depends on the source of the funding. Councilmember Kalligher asked to have a report prepared on where the funds would come from, as well as the price of the home at 6932 June Avenue as it is not listed on the information provided. There was also confusion about location of the White building. The Director of Community Development said he would study and report on these issues at a future Council meeting. WILLOW LANE REDEVELOPMENT The Director of Community Development said a report due within the next few weeks will have the market analysis and then plans can be set and the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district can be used. The process involving the Brookdale Motel and the Howard Atkins' property will begin this summer. He said there is a state grant of $275,000 for the acquisition of Willow Lane properties. The Director of Community Development recommended the Council, if interested, should say so and then the two properties can be run together. He said two bond issues pretty much pay for everything. He said the negative point about TIF bonds is they are ultimately guaranteed by a tax levy. The City Manager said an action can always be withdrawn later. He mentioned traffic issues may be a concern. I 5/16/94 -2- ` Councilmember Scott agreed careful planning is necessary as there is already a problem with traffic flow at that intersection. She added the area is crucial for setting the tone as people enter Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Mann said she would like to see a small park there. I There was a discussion concerning whether it should be a park -like setting, the fact there is a county park nearby with access by a path under the bridge, concerns about a trail not creating law enforcement problems for the police, and how the area will be marketed. Mayor Paulson said maybe it should be marketed as a good area for grandparents to raise grandchildren, and maybe a good area for handicapped residences. The Director of Community Development agreed the focus should be more specific than senior housing, as there is plenty of that kind of housing available. Councilmember Scott asked what mix of housing is expected. The Community Development Specialist said complexes are being studied. Councilmember Kalligher asked for a report on the two alternatives, as well as a recommendation. Councilmember Scott said both properties need to be moving along rather than ignoring one. The Director of Community Development said the problem with handling the two together is getting involved in one plan and getting behind on the condemnation. He said the summer will be an intense time on this project. The process (condemned, razed, sit vacant) was mentioned. The Director of Community Development said he will report on financing. EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER PARKING The Director of Community Development said the Earle Brown Heritage Center is so busy there is now a parking problem. A temporary solution in place is the use of the parking lot at the Earle Brown Towers. There is an opportunity to buy property across the street from the Earle Brown Heritage Center, on the north side. This would provide 250 to 300 off -site parking spaces at a cost of $450,000 to $550,000 ($150,000 to $200,000 to complete, $250,000 to $300,000 to acquire property). The Director of Community Development suggested proposing a Contract for Deed arrangement as there is a Chapter 11 reorganization in process. Councilmember Mann expressed concern about another large paved area and asked for a complete report on costs. The Director of Community Development said he would work on a proposal and bring it to the Council for consideration. 5/16/94 -3- Councilmember Rosene asked how many parking spaces are needed. The Director of Community Development said 500 to 600 spaces are needed on a regular basis; the new lot would add 250 to 300 spaces. There was a discussion concerning carrying out the farm motif somehow in the parking area, using landmarks, and using a covered walkway. CDBG FUNDING POLICY REVIEW The Community Development Specialist reported on the steps which would be necessary to amend the 1994 CDBG program to include several nonprofit agencies. He said an amendment in the amount of $10,000 or more would necessitate a public hearing be held. He also said there is a cap of using 15 percent of the budget for public service projects. It is not possible to use 1993 funding because of the cap limit. It is also not possible to use 1994 funding since the overall urban Hennepin County cap is at 15 percent. Councilmember Mann said there should be a plan to use a certain amount of CDBG funds for public service and it should be distributed as the organizations satisfy the application process. The Director of Community Development said a set amount for each year will not work, as he has been warned that an organization which receives money then expects a larger amount the next year. Mayor Paulson said the Council needs to decide whether the City government should even be involved in funding public service programs at all. He said if the City does take on this role, it should use a contractual agreement for its use in providing services rather than making carte blanche contribution. Councilmember Scott said it is the State which mandates the social service programs, therefore the State should fund them and the cities should not. She said it is difficult for a City Council to turn down these organizations but the burden should be put back on the State. The City Manager said a list of organizations should be compiled so the Council could anticipate requests for funding. He also suggested the Council have a work session on the proposal. He said he would try to set up a retreat date at Earle Brown Farm. REHAB GRANT PROGRAMS The Director of Community Development noted the report presented to the Council for the purpose of clarifying the issues being studied on the Economic Development Authority's (EDA) Home Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program. He reminded the Council two applications for the program had been tabled pending further study and a report by August 1, 1994. The Director of Community Development said the goal of the Home Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program is to restore the housing stock in Brooklyn Center. 5/16/94 -4- Councilmember Mann asked whether the standards could be h_ iffier than the Section 8 requirements, since they are so minimal. She stated a home should be brought up to sale standards. Councilmember Scott expressed concern people are using the program in the wrong way by buying a house, getting the work done, staying only five years, and then selling it. The Director of Community Development said there are ways to change the program so they can't abuse it that way. The Director of Community Development said there should be a set limit. For example a loan should not be granted when the repairs exceed 75 percent of the value of the house. He said he agreed with the equity requirement, which is no longer in effect. Councilmember Scott said there should be a residency requirement. She suggested a person should live in a house one year before applying for a grant unless a health or safety issue was involved. Councilmember Scott said she favors sweat equity, for example offering the loan for the interior if the owner works on the exterior. The Director of Community Development said people will not follow through. Councilmember Scott commented Habitat for Humanity supports working along with the recipient of the help. She added the neighbors want the exterior of a house repaired. The City Manager suggested putting a requirement on the loan that the owner would need to perform certain repairs. The Director of Community Development commented a requirement would add to the burden of the City Staff. Councilmember Scott said it makes her angry people are moving every five years and making money off these programs. She said maybe a check could be made of previous addresses of applicants to see whether they have used this program in another city. Councilmember Scott also suggested extending the lien period. Councilmember Rosene said he would agree with extending the lien period to 10 years but not to 15 years and to decrease the lien by 10 percent per year. The Director of Community Development mentioned the possibility of a deferred loan to be paid back at the point of sale. Councilmember Scott said she would like to see the money put back into the program to improve even more houses. The City Manager said Staff would work on amendments to the program and also check with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Housing Commission. The Council decided to continue to hold on applications to the program but asked to be updated and notified of any emergency situations. 5/16/94 -5- There was a discussion concerning budgeting and funding by members of the Council. LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) FAILURE The City Manager explained the City has been waiting for new computer technology in line with a plan by LOGIS. Last week the disc serving system went down because the whole memory was full The City Manager said a great deal of technical information has not been given to the Council. He said he could arrange for LOGIS personnel to meet with the Council to explain the technology or councilmembers could visit LOGIS on an individual basis. Councilmember Mann asked whether the City could have removed data from memory to prevent this. The City Manager said those steps had been taken but the server just "blew up. The City Manager said it was necessary to spend $12,000 for a new disc system. These funds came from the Capital Outlay section of the budget. There is a limit of $500 to $750 for this section except for emergency situations, which this was. He said at the end of the year budgets will be adjusted between accounts. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Mayor Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Scott to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 9:46 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Todd Paulson, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Barbara Collman Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 5/16/94 -6-