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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 10-11 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 11, 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 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Pro Tem Barb Kalligher, Councilmembers Celia Scott, Dave Rosene, 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 Chief Scott Kline, Director of Community Development Brad Hoffman, Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Council Secretary Barb Collman. Mayor Todd Paulson was expected to arrive late. OPENING CEREMONIES Mr. Dwight Dunberg offered the invocation. OPEN FORUM Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher noted the Council had received no requests to use the open forum session this evening. She inquired if. there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. There being none, she continued with the regular agenda items. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher inquired if any Councilmember requested any items be removed from the consent agenda. No requests were made. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the October 11, 1994, agenda and consent agenda as printed. The motion passed unanimously. 10/11/94 - 1 - APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION JUDGES FOR NOVEMBER 8, 1994, GENERAL ELECTION There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the additional Election Judges for the November 8, 1994, General Election. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 94 -217 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING SETTLEMENT The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -218 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO THE PROJECT P.E.A.C.E. JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT, ITS PROPOSED BUDGET, AND ITS CONTRACT FOR DOMESTIC INTERVENTION SERVICES The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -219 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 1994 PAY PLAN, APPROVING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #286 FOR A SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER PROGRAM TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER 1994, AND APPROVING THE SCHOOL LIAISON PROGRAM IN THE 1995 BUDGET. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. 10/11/94 -2- RESOLUTION NO. 94 -220 Member Dave Rosene 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 -221 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING THE REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES (ORDER NO. DST 10/11/94) The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -222 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PROJECT, APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING FORBIDS FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1993 -18, CONTRACT 1994 -Q, RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE REMOVAL (PARK AND RIDE /STORM POND SITE) The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -223 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) H.D. TWO -STAGE SNOW BLOWER ATTACHMENT The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. 10/11/94 -3- RESOLUTION NO. 94 -224 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION REJECTING BIDS FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1994 -33, CONTRACT 1994 -P, MISCELLANEOUS REMOVALS, EXCAVATION AND J CONCRETE CURBING The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the following list of licenses: MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Genz -Ryan Plumbing & Heating 14745 S. Robert Trail Northwest Sheetmetal Co. 2136 Wabash Ave. United Heating and A/C 2702 Idaho Ave. N. RENTAL DWELLINGS Initial: German Vazquez and Zoraida Bari 6615 Camden Drive N. Doug and Theresa Cherney 6818 Dupont Ave. N. Renewal: Randall B. Cook 5347 Brooklyn Blvd. James Ferrara 6031 Brooklyn Blvd. Randall Tyson 5137 -39 France Ave. N. Patrick Menth 5302 Fremont Ave. N. John and Gail Lambert 5900 Washburn Ave. N. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19 1994 - SPECIAL WORK SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the minutes of September 19, 1994, special work session as printed. Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher asked the minutes be corrected by the addition of the following: " Councilmember Barb Kalligher was excused from tonight's meeting." Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher abstained. The motion passed. 10/11/94 -4- SEPTEMBER 26 1994 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to approve the minutes of September 26, 1994, regular session as printed. Mayor Pro Tern Kalligher asked the minutes be corrected by the addition of the following: "Councilmember Barb Kalligher was excused from tonight's meeting." Mayor Pro Tern Kalligher abstained. The motion passed. DISCUSSION ITEMS RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCIAL COMMISSION REGARDING THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER TOTAL COMPENSATION The City Manager presented a recommendation of the Financial Commission Regarding the Mayor and Council Member Total Compensation. The recommendation supported a $200 annual increase in salaries. Donn Escher, chair of the Financial Commission, discussed the recommendation. A policy and procedure for reviewing compensation was written by the Financial Commission and approved by the City Council last year. He reviewed the procedure, which includes a comparison of salaries with other municipalities. The analysis is to be performed biennially. The recommended increase would put Brooklyn Center's salaries for mayor and councilmembers in an average range when compared with the salaries in 20 comparable cities considered. The increases would take effect January 1, 1995, and January 1, 1996. The increase would bring the mayor's salary to $7,500 in 1995 and $7,700 in 1996; and bring the councilmembers' salaries to $5,500 in 1995 and $5,700 in 1996. Mr. Escher said he informally surveyed the current councilmembers and determined they, over the course of a year, invest a minimum of 1,000 volunteer hours. He noted it is difficult for the mayor and councilmembers to vote on this issue, but asked that they consider the vote in terms of those who will be affected in the future. Also, maintaining a steady increase is preferable to falling behind and needing a jump in salaries to get to an average level. Councilmember Scott thanked the Financial Commission for the work involved in designing the policy and analyzing the current status of salaries. She confirmed it is difficult to vote a salary increase for yourself. She noted a few years ago Brooklyn Center's salaries had fallen behind and it was necessary to catch up. Councilmember Rosene commented he is more at ease discussing salaries since he is not seeking re- election. He agreed with the Financial Commission's recommendation but felt it was a little conservative. He felt the mayor's salary should be increased to $7,700 in 1995 10/11/94 -5- and $7,900 in 1996; and the councilmembers' salaries should be increased to $5,700 in 1995 and $5,900 in 1996. He stated even with these figures Brooklyn Center would be below average. He said the mayor and councilmembers work hard and it would be fair for them to earn an average salary. Councilmember Scott disagreed with Councilmember Rosene but said she would go along with the Financial Commission's recommendation. She noted members of the community have been experiencing union raises of zero to two percent. The increase recommended by the Financial Commission would be in line with average community raises. She would prefer yearly increments rather than an increase of four to five percent in one year. Councilmember Rosene agreed raises should be equal to those of members of the community, but the situation is different because the mayor and Councilmember salaries are below a fair level and need to be adjusted. Once salaries are caught up, it would be reasonable to grant increases equal to citizens' increases. He suggested an increase of $300 each year instead of $400 in 1995 and $200 in 1996. Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher agreed with Councilmember Scott on the issue. She commented members of the City Council do not seek their positions out of a desire to make a lot of money. Councilmember Mann concurred members of the Council serve out of civic duty rather than for money. She agreed with the recommendation of the Financial Commission. Councilmember Rosene said he would defer to the wishes of the other councilmembers. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve first reading of An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 92 -15 Regarding Council Salaries. The motion passed unanimously. APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBER TO SERVE ON BROOKLYN CENTER SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 286 COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL. The City Manager pointed out the materials in the Council packets which describes the program. He noted an official appointment is required by law to formalize the connection. Councilmember Mann recommended Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher be appointed since her children attend school in District No. 286. Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher accepted the nomination. Councilmember Scott indicated she had served in this position previously and felt the liaison between the school district and the City was an asset to the City Council. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher to serve on the Brooklyn Center School District No. 286 10/11/94 -6- Community Education Advisory Council. Mayor Pro Tern Kalligher abstained. The motion passed. 'r COUNCIL REPORTS PRESENTATION OF OFFICER MELONEY REID Acting Chief Kline introduced Officer Meloney Reid, a new police officer for the Brooklyn Center Police Department. He reviewed her education, training, and former law enforcement employments. The members of the City Council welcomed Officer Reid. They also thanked Acting Chief Kline for introducing the two new members of the department. Councilmember Rosene noted Officer Reid's parents and grandparents were in attendance for the presentation. PUBLIC HEARING ON ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS FOR THE FOUR COURTS APARTMENTS The City Manager noted the City is not obligated to approve the tax- exempt bonds. He added the venture has State approval and will enhance the property. He stated the planned renovation to the apartments will cost $2.4 million. He also indicated the Dominium Company has a good reputation for management of such properties. The Community Development Specialist stated the management anticipated and the rehabilitation to the physical plant are the two key elements to be considered. Mr. Armin Brockman, vice president of Dominium Company, stated the company has 20 years of experience operating multi- family housing. The organization is pro - active and hopes to be a positive solution to concerns with the property. Councilmember Scott commented residents in the area of the apartments are optimistic. It is hoped the property will be restored to its formerly good reputation. She said the Council was happy to assist the company in taking this step. Mayor Pro Tem Kalligher opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on Issuance of Revenue Bonds for the Four Court Apartments at 7:30 p.m. She inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. There was no one present to address the Council. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to close the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The City Manager presented a Resolution Adopting a Housing Program for and Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of Rental Housing Revenue Bonds (Four Courts Apartments 10/11/94 -7- Project) Series 1994, in an Amount not to exceed $7,500,000; Approving the Form of and Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Loan Agreement and Indenture of Trust and Other Documents; Approving the Form of and Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of Said Bonds. 1 RESOLUTION NO. 94 -225 Member Kristen Mann introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ADOPTING A HOUSING PROGRAM FOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF RENTAL HOUSING REVENUE BONDS (FOUR COURTS APARTMENTS PROTECT) SERIES 1994, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,5000,000; APPROVING THE FORM OF AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A LOAN AGREEMENT AND INDENTURE OF TRUST AND OTHER DOCUMENTS; APPROVING THE FORM OF AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF SAID BONDS. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Rosene indicated he intends to review the materials on this project from time to time. TWIN LAKE USE TASK FORCE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES The City Manager explained the City Council had previously approved preliminary involvement in the task force pending approval by the other participating cities. The purpose of the task force would be to study lake use issues and bring recommendations to the Park and Recreation Commission which would then come before the City Council. The City Manager said the cities of Crystal and Robbinsdale have appointed representatives. Each community is to appoint five people, using some specific guidelines. He recommended the at -large positions for the task force be published and the Park and Recreation Commission be asked to appoint one of its members. He also recommended the Council appoint Acting Chief Kline and the Director of Recreation to the task force. Councilmember Mann commented she has been contacted by several residents on this issue and it is important action be taken. There was a motion by Councilmember Mann and seconded by Councilmember Scott to appoint Acting Chief Kline and the Director of Recreation to the Twin Lake Use Task Force. Councilmember Rosene asked whether the motion could be amended to add the wording, "and to direct Staff to publish two at -large representative positions." Councilmember Mann agreed to the amendment. 10/11/94 -8- Councilmember Rosene questioned whether the City of Crystal also appoints a councilmember, serving in a dual position. The City Manager confirmed it does. The motion passed unanimously. I .m. Mayor Paulson arrived at 7:35 Y P Councilmember Mann noted the Park and Recreation Commission will appoint a representative at its next meeting. PROPOSED 1995 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND PROPOSED 1995 BOND ISSUE The Director of Public Services noted the Proposed 1995 Capital Improvement Program is a planning document listing projects over the next ten years. The purpose is to ensure the City is planning improvements in a prudent financial manner. She recommended the Council consider the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), bring it to a Public Hearing, then approve it. The Director of Public Services explained the expenditure policy is new. Specific conditions are made for some expenditures. A project costing $200,000 or more must be on. the CIP for two years. She reviewed the improvements to the Civic Center, parks, and fire stations now being considered for inclusion in the bond referendum in terms of their length of time on the CIP. She noted this introduction was not to be considered a formal presentation of the CIP. A public hearing would be the formal presentation. The City Manager stated the CIP is a planning document containing projected improvements. He said Staff is interested in hearing input on additions and deletions to the list. It is necessary to decide on items before detailing costs. Mayor Paulson inquired if the list is the same as it has been. The City Manager responded affirmatively and said if the list is approved the costs will then be assembled. There was a discussion of Community Center improvements and improvements to City Hall versus a separate safety building. The Director of Public Services said remodeling is generally more costly than new construction. Mayor Paulson said in that case new construction should be considered. The Director of Public Services said that in this case the HVAC system, roof, windows, and other City Hall systems need to be improved regardless, so that would be an added expense to the new construction option. 10/11/94 -9- The City Manager stated the main item in the $6 million figure is a public safety addition. Mayor Paulson asked for the breakdown. The Director of Public Services said a packet was distributed two to four weeks previously which gave costs. About one -half of the $6 million figure is the public safety addition. Councilmember Scott asked whether that cost assessment includes the radio communications network for the police department. The City Manager said the architects did not recommend remodeling the downstairs of City Hall for the police department. Their suggestion was to build an addition to the west of the building and the initial plan includes space for the radio communications network. Councilmember Scott asked whether the cost of the addition includes the price of the police department communication system. The City Manager said the cost would include the room for the system, but not the equipment itself. Councilmember Scott said it is her opinion the City would be better off to construct an adjacent addition rather than a separate, free - standing building. Such a plan would be more efficient and a better use of money. The existing downstairs space would not be wasted. Mayor Paulson stated some action needs to be taken but there is not enough information available to make a decision. He said he would like to see the options explored. The City Manager commented the Council could direct Staff to do further research. The Director of Public Services said extensive information was included in the materials distributed several weeks ago. Mayor Paulson inquired when the study had been done. The Director of Public Services stated the memo noting pros and cons of constructing a separate building was completed recently. The materials also included a 1988 architectural study of an on -site option for the police department and Community Center. The 1988 costs had been updated. In addition, there were studies regarding the fire department, with cost updates, and regarding parks. The Director of Public Services reviewed the pros and cons of constructing a separate building or an addition. An off -site building would be costly due to a separate HVAC system and other systems, separate maintenance, and the necessity of land purchase. The Director of Public Services said Staff can continue to explore the options; however, from the standpoints of operation, cost, and location, an on -site addition makes the most sense. 10/11/94 _10- Mayor Paulson commented adding more space needs to be considered as a redevelopment tool as well as meeting space needs. Adding on doesn't cause an enhancement to the surrounding community. i 1 The Director of Public Services noted the Brooklyn Boulevard study done previously had provided ideas. Architectural enhancements can be considered along with cost effectiveness. Mayor Paulson asked for the next step requested. The City Manager said Staff suggests the scheduling of a public hearing. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Scott to schedule a public hearing on the Proposed 1995 Capital Improvement Program and Proposed 1995 Bond Issue. Mayor Paulson noted Council would review the program again. The City Manager confirmed this. Mayor Paulson asked whether the public hearing would be publicized. The City Manager said the public hearing would be published in City publications and newspapers. Councilmember Rosene suggested the public hearing be announced on cable television. The motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY SPIRIT NIGHT The City Manager pointed out a memo from the Assistant City Manager. The memo suggested three meeting dates and also recommended Community Spirit Night be tied to some community activity. The Council and Staff would dress informally and show support for the activity. He listed the three dates and the activities which they could enhance: first meeting in April - Volunteer Recognition Week; first meeting in June - Earle Brown Days; second meeting in October - Heritage Festival Mayor Paulson asked whether the next Council meeting, October 24, would be a suitable date. The City Manager said it would. There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to hold a Community Spirit Night at the October 24, 1994, meeting in conjunction with Heritage Festival. The motion passed unanimously. MISSION STATEMENT The City Manager said an attempt is being made to locate written materials reflecting the work previously done on this issue. He asked the councilmembers to supply any written information they have in their possession. He said the files containing modifications to the statement are missing. 10/11/94 Councilmember Kalligher expressed concern that a mission statement should be left up to the new council after the election. Mayor Paulson stated it was his wish to finish the work begun a year and a half ago by this + council. The City Manager said he would be forwarding materials this week. 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 8:09 p.m. Deputy Cit Clerk Todd Paulson, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Barb Collman TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 10/11/94 -12-