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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 01-24 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 JANUARY 24, 1994 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Pro Tern Barb Kalligher at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Celia Scott, Dave Rosene, Barb Kalligher, and Kristen Mann. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, Public Works Coordinator Diane Spector, City Engineer Mark Maloney, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Council Secretary Kathy Stratton. Mayor Todd Paulson arrived at 7:05 p.m. OPENING CEREMONIES Mr. Jim McClure 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. COUNCIL REPORTS No Council reports were given. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Paulson inquired if any Councilmember requested any items be removed from the consent agenda. Councilmember Mann requested Item 9 be removed since there was a new version of the proclamation distributed this evening. CounciImember Kalligher requested Item 12e be addressed earlier in the evening so audience members would not have to wait. There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the January 24, 1994, agenda and consent agenda as printed without Item 9. The motion passed unanimously. 1/24/94 - 1 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES DECEMBER 6. 1993 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the minutes of December 6, 1993, regular session as printed. The motion passed unanimously. JANUARY 10, 1994 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the minutes of January 10, 1994, regular session as printed. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 94 -13 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF BERTIL JOHNSON FOR HIS 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. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -14 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF JOHN RUSSELL FOR HIS DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -15 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION OF STEVE ZACHARIAS FOR HIS ACHIEVEMENT IN SWIMMING 500 MILES IN THE BROOKLYN CENTER POOL The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. 1/24/94 -2- RESOLUTION NO. 94 -16 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1993 -21, PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REPAIRS AT CENTERBROOK GOLF COURSE, APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR CONTRACT 1994 -B The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -17 Member Barb Kalligher introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING RENEWAL OF THE LEASE FOR LIQUOR STORE #3 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member f Kristen Mann, and the motion passed unanimously. LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Mann to approve the following list of licenses: GASOLINE SERVICE STATION Duke's Amoco 6501 Humboldt Avenue N. Humboldt Unocal 76 6840 Humboldt Avenue N. MECHANICAL SYSTEMS United Heating & Air Conditioning 2702 Idaho Avenue N. RENTAL DWELLINGS Renewal: Redevco Marvin Garden Townhomes C.J. Schaber 5956 Beard Avenue N. Howard and Harriet Oien 5801 Brooklyn Boulevard Reuben and Diane Ristrom, Jr. 6821 Noble Avenue N. Robert Berglund 6835 Noble Avenue N. TAXICAB Town Taxi 2500 Washington Avenue N. #29, #68, #69, #78, #99, #118, #122, #124, #127 #128, #129, #130, #131, #132, #142 1/24/94 -3- TOBACCO RELATED PRODUCT Centerbrook Golf Course 5500 N. Lilac Drive Duke's Amoco 6501 Humboldt Avenue N. The motion passed unanimously. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT Mayor Paulson named his appointee for the Human Rights and Resources Commission as Dwight Johnson. He explained Mr. Johnson is from the Southwest neighborhood and there is currently no one serving from that area. He also said he wanted to appoint a male for gender balance. Councilmember Mann agreed Dwight Johnson would serve well and pointed out his house number is incorrect in the Council packet. She said his house number is 5338 Twin Lake Boulevard rather than 6338. Councilmember Rosene concurred that Dwight Johnson would serve well and added Wayde Lerbs would also be a good choice. He agreed a male is needed on this Commission but said he thought Sarah Robinson Pollock was such an outstanding candidate she should be plugged in for service to the City in the future. There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to approve the Mayor's appointment of Dwight Johnson to the Human Rights and Resources Commission. The motion passed unanimously. PROCLAMATIONS Councilmember Rosene asked what the difference is between the Proclamation in the Council packet and the updated one received at the table this evening. The City Manager explained the Proclamation had been taken directly from one used in Brooklyn Park and had statistics and figures inappropriate for Brooklyn Center. He said proper adjustments had been made on the updated version. There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to declare February 5, 1994, to be Confronting Crime in Our Community Day. The motion passed unanimously. ORDINANCE The City Manager presented An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 of the City Ordinances Regarding Insurance Requirements for Refuse Haulers and Licensing Provisions Relating to Public Swimming Pools and Lodging Establishments. He stated this Ordinance is offered tonight for a first reading. He explained the Ordinance increases the insurance requirements for refuse haulers and removes the City licensing requirements for swimming pools and lodging establishments. 1/24/94 -4- Councilmember Scott asked the City Manager if there have been any cases of injury in these refuse containers, and he replied there have not been any in Brooklyn Center but there have been such cases in other cities. The City Manager continued there is some potential liability if the City of Brooklyn Center is not covered in this way. Councilmember Kalligher asked if the haulers have been notified, and Councilmember Rosene asked how much expense would be added to the haulers. The City Manager explained most of the haulers in Brooklyn Center have insurance in excess of what the City requires, and they would be notified. He said the insurance would cover any type of container they own. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to approve first reading of An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 of the City Ordinances Regarding Insurance Requirements for Refuse Haulers and Licensing Provisions Relating to Public Swimming Pools and Lodging Establishments. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS - CONTINUED The City Manager presented a Resolution Approving Amendments to the Fire Department Relief Association Bylaws. He explained the memo in the Council packet regarding amendments to the Fire Department Relief Association Bylaws is quite extensive because the bylaws have not been changed for a long time. He explained Finance Director Charlie Hansen and Fire Relief Association President Jim McClure were in the audience to answer any questions and added the City Council must approve the bylaws for this association. The Finance Director asked if the Council would like to run through the bylaws, and Mayor Paulson responded it would be sufficient to raise and answer questions. In response to Councilmember Kalligher's question whether the benefits would increase every year, the Finance Director explained the State of Minnesota places caps on the benefits each year, but this year they built in an increase over four years. He continued the bylaws are written to coincide with Minnesota requirements. Councilmember Scott asked for clarification of Item 2, and the Finance Director explained there are ten years for vesting of benefits. He said if a Fire Department employee left or became full -time before ten years, he or she would not receive these benefits. The Finance Director added language is general so it will fit any future situation. RESOLUTION NO. 94 -18 Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: f RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RELIEF ASSOCIATION BYLAWS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Barb Kalligher, and the motion passed unanimously. 1/24/94 -5 - Mr. Jim McClure, President of the Fire Relief Association, thanked the Council for its support in passing the bylaws and increasing the benefits. He said since Brooklyn Center does not pay volunteers for drills or time spent in training, they have "led the pack" in pension benefits though the State has stopped that by putting caps on the benefits. Mayor Paulson thanked Mr. McClure for his work and the benefit to the community for the work of the Fire Department. Councilmember Scott also thanked Mr. McClure for his hard work and pointed out his association is 100% funded when not many communities can say the same. I DISCUSSION ITEMS APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO SERVE ON NORTH METRO CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU BOARD OF DIRECTORS The City Manager explained Dean Nyquist's tern was up at the end of 1993 and there has not been a policy for handling this type of appointment. He said there is no need to add an official from the City. I Mayor Paulson said he would like to see the regular appointment process take place with notice posted and newspaper advertisements for anyone who wants to apply. Councilmember Mann asked if representatives are usually appointed from people who are on the Board, and the City Manager said the City appoints members to the Board and when that lapses the City Council must consider appointment or re- appointment. Councilmember Kalligher asked if anyone on the Council would like to serve and said she was thinking of Councilmember Scott. Councilmember Scott responded she does not know when meetings take place and suggested the meeting times be included in the notices. The City Manager said meetings are usually during the daytime. There was agreement between staff and the Council to proceed in the above- mentioned manner. DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGHWAY 100 COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF T.H. 100 The City Manager introduced this topic and explained a memo in the Council packet descnbing the proposed organization of a Council for the purpose of promoting the reconstruction of T.H. 100. He said there has been a problem with this project as it keeps being postponed. He said having a representative on a coalition gives the best chances for the Brooklyn Center portion of T.H. 100 to be treated as a priority. 1/24/94 -6- Councilmember Scott explained twenty -two years ago when she was first on the Planning Commission this project was considered and it has been a roller coaster ride ever since. She said just when it seemed something would be done, some other project would be given higher priority. She said the City of Brooklyn Center should do everything it can to see this dangerous area of road improved. She said she is disgusted with the State of Minnesota and thinks it's time to put pressure on them to do something. Councilmember Mann concurred with Councilmember Scott. Mayor Paulson said two objectives should be added to the objective sheet in the Council packet as follows: *Minimize the taking of residences and neighborhoods *Maximize public transit opportunities on T.H. 100. Councilmember Scott stated if there is a City Council representative needed to serve on the coalition she would be more than willing. Councilmember Rosene asked how much money is being requested at this time and the City Manager explained staff is working on guidelines and a budget so at this time no money is being requested. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Mann to give approval of the concept of the Highway 100 Council organization and express initial support pending further documentation and including two additional objectives. The motion passed unanimously. The City Manager added the Chamber of Commerce and business community may be instrumental in this process and funding will come from a contingency fund when needed. PROCESS FOR SOLICITATION OF APPLICANTS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE POSITION OF COMMISSIONER AND ALTERNATE COMMISSIONER ON THE SHINGLE CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AND ON THE WEST MISSISSIPPI WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMMISSION The City Manager explained the law requires certain publication regarding the selection of this position and asked the Council to approve the staff to give usual notice for an appointee and an alternate. The Director of Public Works said the charter requires the existing member to continue to serve until replaced, and the replacement must be completed within three months. He asked that Mr. Maloney, City Engineer, continue in his position as alternate. Councilmember Rosene asked to what extent technical knowledge is necessary, and the Director of Public Works responded it would be helpful but not necessary. 1/24/94 -7- Councilmember Rosene suggested the notices be elaborate in explanation of the position so that someone with applicable technical knowledge would realize that and apply. Mayor Paulson said he would be comfortable with publishing the position and seeing what comes in. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Kalligher to authorize staff to use the usual process for notification of the open position. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Rosene asked if Mr. Maloney could be re- appointed as alternate for next year, and the Director of Public Works explained the appointment had to come through the usual process. 1994 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM The City Manager explained staff is asking for approval of the proposed Capital Improvements Program (hereafter CIP) and would like to review the projects planned for 1994. The Finance Director explained adoption of the CIP is general and each project would need final approval when it comes before the Council. The Public Works Coordinator explained the CIP differs from the one given last year in that there is more detail in the Park and Recreation department and it is the first time there has been an additional Community Development section. She said the purpose of the CIP is for the City to continue to review its financial ability to meet needs, and it would cost $91 million to complete every project. She said if there is a project the Council does not want to even consider, it should be discussed this evening. She explained the largest grouping of needs is for street improvements and second largest is for public utilities. The City Engineer reviewed the 1994 projects and in response to a question by Councilmember Rosene explained "cathodic" and SCADA. He said cathodic means stray electrical current in the ground that can have a corrosive effect on utilities. He said the SCADA computer system currently controls the wells and water towers and maintains proper water levels. He also asked the Council to speak of any items with which they were uncomfortable. The City Manager said staff should be let know if there are certain projects in which the City Council has no interest. Councilmember Rosene asked the cost for televising sewer inspections and received the answer from the City Manager of $6,000 to $8,000. He also said he is not convinced of the need for signal lights by Target. 1/24/94 - 8 - The City Manager explained Target would pay half the cost of the signals if installed by 1994. Councilmember Rosene asked staff to consult Target and see if they currently think a signal is necessary. Councilmember Kalligher commented the $100,000 projection for study regarding replacement of Lift Station #1 and another $100,000 for the proposed Shingle Creek study seemed too high and were things she definitely would question. The Director of Public Works explained there are a number of issues lumped together in connection with Shingle Creek and in total the need for a study there is substantial. Councilmember Kalligher asked if the utility companies have been notified of the intent to do seal- coating so they don't dig up the road right after it's been coated. The City Engineer said seal- coating would take place in the Northeast corner this year and the City notified the utility companies. He added the City has improved its communication in this area. Councilmember Kalligher asked about the remodeling plans for City Hall and the City Manager explained a proposal would be forthcoming that would stay within a budget of $650,000. He said this is a temporary solution using modular furniture in attempt to avoid moving walls and interrupting air and heating systems. He said the proposal would be ready in the next 30 days and would only get the City through the next three to five years. Mayor Paulson asked what would be a long -term solution, and the City Manager explained because the Police Department is so short of space it would be a new building. Councilmember Scott said she has received many calls about the restroom facilities at playgrounds for handicapped children and she would like to see this project moved into 1994. The Public Works Coordinator explained the City is currently trying to lease portable facilities but the makers of these facilities cannot keep up with the demand. She pointed out in staff review of the facilities it would cost more to remodel existing facilities than to build new stand -alone permanent restrooms. The City Manager explained permanent facilities could not possibly be built until 1995. Councilmember Scott recommended since consulting is needed on several projects they be lumped together to save on the fees, and the City Manager said that would be done wherever possible. 1/24/94 - 9 - The Director of Public Works gave a review and update on the current studies being conducted by the City and hired consultants. He addressed questions as they came up. These current projects include Local Storm Water Management Plan, Brookdale Storm Water Pond, Brooklyn Boulevard Enhancements, Government Building Energy Management Study, Park Building and Facility Inventory and Maintenance Program, Pavement Management Program, Mn/DOT Plans for T.H. 100 Improvements, Mn/DOT Plans for I -694 Improvements, Twin Lakes Trail Study, Government Buildings Space Needs, Sidewalk and Trail Study, and ADA Compliance. Councilmember Scott expressed concern regarding the need for a safe bike trail along Lyndale Avenue. She said she has gotten many calls from parents saying their children have almost been hit. She asked City staff to contact Hennepin County, and the City Manager agreed to do so. The Public Works Coordinator concluded the presentation of the CIP by discussing funding sources. She pointed out the challenge areas where creative funding options will be necessary, those being the purchase of dilapidated housing, rehabilitation of apartments, Park and Recreation improvements, street improvements, addressing space and other needs in Civic Center, and Brooklyn Boulevard improvements. Councilmember Kalligher pointed out the CIP allows for $29 million in bond funding with interest. She said if that were done, there may not be money left for capital needs beyond 1994. The City Manager explained the City is currently living on depreciation and down to zero indebtedness. The Director of Finance added the community is aging and certain areas of expense like buildings are cyclical, so once a need is taken care of it will last for about 20 years. He said, however, street needs will go on. Councilmember Rosene said his opinion is the budget has already been cut as much as possible so to take on new projects would mean increasing taxes, and that would be hard to sell to the public. Councilmember Mann said she does not see any projects slated for 1994 that should be cut and therefore she would move for approval for the continuation of projects mentioned in the CIP. Councilmember Rosene asked if she meant the current 1994 projects, and the City Manager explained two separate motions are necessary in this case and neither one commits the Council on any one project; one motion for current projects, and one motion for the CIP. Councilmember Mann said her motion was for the current projects. 1/24/94 - 10- Mr. Dave Olsen, 1501 73rd Avenue North, asked for clarification of the financing for Humboldt Avenue street improvements. He was told by staff the figure in the CIP is a generic figure based on average cost for average street improvement totalling $423,000. He also invited Councilmembers to a meeting of the H.A.R.A. on Wednesday, January 26, 1994. Councilmember Kalligher called the question on the motion. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scott, and the motion for approval of continuation of 1994 projects as mentioned in the CIP passed unanimously. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene to approve the CIP. Councilmember Kalligher said she still has a lot of questions and would like to table the CIP. The Public Works Coordinator explained the CIP is only a planning document for projects to consider, but the specifics would be approved later on. Councilmember Scott said she would second the motion only because she realizes it is a planning document and each item comes up later. Mayor Paulson said he would favor approval if the improvements to City Hall were dropped to consider a more permanent solution and if the park improvements be moved from 1995 to 1994. Councilmember Rosene said without discussion it would be improper to delete the improvements to City Hall though he agreed it might be a waste to spend money on a short - term solution when a long -term one is needed. He said it should be discussed later when it comes up as an agenda item. Councilmember Kalligher said options for short -term and long -term solutions would be presented by staff within 30 days. Councilmember Scott said any money saved by not performing a short-term solution to the City Hall space problem should be diverted toward the project of making the playground restrooms accessible for handicapped children. The motion passed unanimously. 1/24/94 COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE RESTRICTING POINT -OF -SALE ADVERTISING OF TOBACCO RELATED PRODUCTS (FEBRUARY 14, 1994, PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING The City Manager asked the Council if they would consider moving the scheduled date for this public hearing because February 14, 1994, is also the date for the Humboldt Avenue public hearing. Mayor Paulson agreed it is best not to have both these topics on one night, especially when it is Valentine's Day. Councilmember Kalligher made a motion to table the Proposed Ordinance Restricting Point- of -Sale Advertising of Tobacco Related Products because of the cost to the City. Mayor Paulson said tonight's issue is one of scheduling rather than discussion of the Ordinance itself. He said possibly the effective date could be further in the future so there's time for a consortium of charities and pro bono legal work to materialize. Councilmember Scott said there is no way she would want to have both the Humboldt issue and the tobacco issue discussed on the same night. She said she had gotten a number of calls from other cities that would be interested in supporting the Ordinance but the 14th of February was too short notice. She said she would like to postpone discussion of the issue to get more involvement and support. Councilmember Mann stated all agree it is a hot topic. She said if the motion is to table the Ordinance until more community support is gathered she would second the motion. Mayor Paulson said this discussion should not take place this evening. Councilmember Mann responded it is on the agenda. The Chairman of the Financial Commission Donn Escher said he will be asking the Council of the Financial implications of this ordinance. He said he would appreciate it if staff would give him an estimate of possible litigation costs. He said the budget was hard work and he would appreciate notification of any further unanticipated costs. Mr. Ron Christensen, 61st and June, said tabling is wise because you can be sure there will be litigation. He said the Council can always take it off the table if support is gathered. Mayor Paulson pointed out if Brooklyn Center is the only city to become involved the Ordinance will not be passed. He repeated this is a scheduling discussion. Councilmember Kalligher called the question and repeated her motion to table the Ordinance indefinitely until the City knows it will incur no legal fees or court costs and until there are sufficient communities to support this. 1/24/94 - 12 - Councilmember Rosene said he had not spoken yet so it was not the proper time to call the question. He said he needs to know if pro bono legal help has materialized and said he does not intend to vote in favor of this because to table this indefinitely is to move in the wrong direction. He said he has gotten letters from people like Brian Bates saying we don't stand near the risk people are saying. He said tabling for other cities to come on board would be something he could approve, but to table is not to take the leadership we should take, so he would vote nay on this. Councilmember Scott said she had gotten letters also, including one from the Attorney General saying the Council and City are sticking their necks into a noose if this action is taken alone. She said it is not proper to do anything that will put the City at risk, and she would like to see offers of support in writing from other communities and organizations. She said perhaps "indefinitely" isn't the right word to use. Mayor Paulson said he had the same concerns as Councilmember Scott regarding getting pledged support in writing. Councilmember Rosene said he would appreciate getting a copy of the letter from the Attorney General. He reminded the Council Brooklyn Center is approaching this Ordinance from the standpoint of crime reduction and not health. Councilmember Mann asked if staff had been given direction to approach other groups or if the City should let them come as they will. Councilmember Scott said these groups should be allowed to approach Brooklyn Center as they will, but the February 14 deadline was too short because of full loads on other cities' agendas. Councilmember Mann said she could not support any more fees to the City. She pointed out already over $1,000 had been spent. Mayor Paulson said any member of the Council who receives a letter should share it with the others. Councilmember Scott said she assumed the letter from the Attorney General had been sent to all. Mr. Bob Peppe, 6713 Toledo Avenue North, said the City does not need to take financial risk because there is so much work ahead on other projects. The City Attorney explained tabling this Ordinance was not irrevocable and if this motion were to pass, the Council could make a motion to amend what was previously done. 1/24/94 - 13- Councilmember Mann said tobacco is legal and the community wants no censorship. She said she does not even support bringing this back for a second reading.. Councilmember Kalligher said she is accountable to the citizens and will not change her motion. There was a vote. Voting aye: Councilmembers Mann, Kalligher, and Scott. Voting nay: Mayor Paulson and Councilmember Rosene. The motion carried to table the Ordinance indefinitely until the City knows no legal fees or court costs will be incurred and until there are sufficient communities involved to offer support. RESCHEDULING CANCELED WORK SESSION OF JANUARY 18 1994 AND POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 7 1994 Councilmember Scott said certainly a meeting is needed for February 7, 1994, but not with too heavy an agenda. She recommended the agenda contain only items on Sy's memo and anything urgent to come up. The City Attorney said it would be legal to continue this meeting rather than adjourn it. There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to hold a separate regular meeting of the Council on February 7, 1994. There was discussion regarding the Work Session scheduled for February 22, 1994, and it was decided a proposed agenda for that Work Session would be included in the next meeting's agenda for approval. OTHER BUSINESS There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Kalligher to suspend the rules of order to consider two additional agenda items. The motion passed unanimously. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Kalligher to add two items to the agenda regarding attorney selection and a national conference for Mayors. ATTORNEY SELECTION Councilmember Rosene said he would like to have the firms interviewed on site and rated on the extent to which they carry liability insurance. Councilmember Scott said since they had all read through the information, she would like to have some input. The City Manager said staff would be meeting with all firms by the first week of February. 1/24/94 - 14 - Councilmember Mann said it's hard to compare them because some have retainers and some have caps, so the City Manager explained staff is working on a matrix for such comparison. The Council decided at its meeting February 7, 1994, Councilmembers would come up with the final five firms to be interviewed. MAYOR'S CONFERENCE Mayor Paulson explained he had not planned on attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors until recently when he found out the topic would be crime and violence prevention. He said MTC is willing to pay for his lodging and he planned on paying his own airfare, so all he was asking the Council for was the $350 cost of the conference and then expenses for meals, etc. Councilmember Mann said the Council had formerly decided before anyone is sent to any conference there should be a policy created for such decisions. She said since there is no such policy, no one should be sent. Councilmember Rosene agreed a policy would be good, but because time is just about up and the opportunity has arisen for Mayor Paulson to go at such a low cost, it is in the best interest of the City. He said he would move for approval of the Mayor's request to attend the Conference and strongly suggest creation of a policy. Councilmember Mann asked the Mayor if he is involved in any of the committees that will meet at the conference, and the Mayor explained he is on the Transportation and Communication Committee. Mayor Paulson explained the whole conference goes to the White House to talk with the President. Councilmember Mann said the Mayor is not actively involved on a committee representing our community, and Mayor Paulson responded to be any more active it costs money. Councilmember Kalligher said she would second the motion based on the cost savings. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Kalligher to approve the Mayor's request to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Voting aye: Mayor Paulson, Councilmembers Kalligher, Rosene, and Scott. Voting nay: Councilmember Mann. The motion passed. 1/24/94 -15 - ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Scott to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 10:07 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Todd Paulson, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Kathy Stratton Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 1/24/94 -16-