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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 06-21 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 JUNE 21, 1993 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special work session and was reconvened by Mayor Todd Paulson at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Todd Paulson, Dave Rosene, and Celia Scott. Councilmembers Barb Kalligher and Kristen Mann were excused from tonight's meeting. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Director of Community Development Brad Hoffman, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, Public Works Coordinator Diane Spector, and Council Secretary Carla Wirth. BROOKLYN BOULEVARD PHASE II STUDY The City Manager reported three proposals were received for the Brooklyn Boulevard Phase II Study. After review, staff recommends BRW be selected as the consultant /planner to develop the Brooklyn Boulevard streetscape. The Director of Community Development indicated all three firms, Westwood Planning; Dahlgren, Shardlow and Uban, Inc. (DSU); and BRW were interviewed and analyzed by staff. He stated staff's recommendation of BRW is based on several key issues such as their thorough knowledge with ISTEA applications and ability to help the City generate an effective grant that will receive funding. Also, BRW is currently involved with a similar project in Bloomington, and is a strong national firm whose strong suit is transportation and urban design. Mr. Arijs Pakalns, BRW Project Manager, provided a short presentation in which he reviewed their staff expertise and how they organize professional service teams to best respond to the needs of their client. He discussed how they will approach the project with a project team made up of senior associates from BRW who have experience with similar projects. He emphasized and explained two key aspects BRW will provide, design creativity and design buildability. 6/21/93 - 1 Mr. Pakalns pointed out Brooklyn Boulevard has different segments varying from R -1 to regional shopping which may be addressed through a "layer" design to provide continuity and still respond to specific corridor needs or unique uses. He stated this may involve some redirection or re- emphasis. Councilmember Scott stated she is familiar with several BRW reconstruction projects and was very impressed. She further stated Brooklyn Center lacks a major entryway, but felt the Highway 100 bridge could become this feature. Mr. Pakalns explained Brooklyn Center will need to identify the image, or style, they would like to project (antique, classic, etc.). Councilmember Rosene stated he likes the various styles shown in BRW's proposal book because they show a wide variety. He questioned their source for lighting fixtures. Mr. Pakalns responded they use many vendors and make available everything from stock to custom fixtures. Mayor Paulson asked how the study can be designed to carry the impact beyond the sidewalk and into building design and character. Mr. Pakalns stated the study can include different applications such as an overlay zone district that contains design standards. He explained these standards are difficult to include in the Zoning Ordinance, especially if too many design standards are included, and it depends on how much the City wants to require. He further explained once a theme is determined, every project should be reviewed to see how it complies with those standards. He pointed out Bill Weber of BRW has 15 years experience in code and ordinance specifications and will be involved in developing the design standards of the study. With regard to BRW's bid amount, the City Manager explained it is higher but includes more meetings than the other proposals, and if fewer meetings are held, the cost would be reduced. Councilmember Scott expressed concern that the study will be designed to realistically fit the City's needs. The City Manager stated work shop meetings will be scheduled with BRW so the Council can provide input and direction once several options are developed. He further stated another meeting will be scheduled before finalization. Mr. Pakalns agreed and stated they absolutely do not want to build a proposal that just "sits on the shelf'. He stated they want to develop a realistic plan so it will be realized. He added they prefer to hold several meetings with staff and Council so they have a competent understanding of what the Council wants to accomplish. Council briefly discussed the need for community input to generate their support and enthusiasm for the plan. The City Manager agreed resident involvement is critical since special assessments will probably be involved with this project. Because of the length of Brooklyn Boulevard and the distinct differences, the Director of Community Development suggested two groups be formed, one for the area north of 65th Avenue and the other for area to the south. 6/21/93 -2- Councilmember Rosene suggested the use of video as a means to effectively keep residents informed. The Director of Community Development suggested the Planning Commission be involved with the public hearing procedure. He also suggested the Chamber of Commerce be involved due to the heavy impact on businesses. Mayor Paulson agreed the Chamber should be involved, but not exclusively. The Director of Community Development commented on the need to have business "buy" into the project through their input and providing input. The Director of Public Works agreed and stated the overall goal is to enhance development along Brooklyn Boulevard. Councilmember Rosene questioned the development of the Phillips 66 property. The Director of Community Development reported plans have been submitted and are being reviewed by staff. He also reported Mr. Pakalns has reviewed these plans and made several recommendations. Mr. Pakalns commented the overall space in the plan is very tight but the landscaping plan includes a screening wall and nice architectural treatment. Mayor Paulson asked if a moratorium should be considered until the study is completed. Mr. Pakalns stated this may be a good idea but could generate opposition. The City Manager stated a moratorium can be considered after an application is received, as it has in the past, as long as the City is involved in an analysis. Councilmember Scott questioned the time frame for the study. The Director of Community Development stated it should be done by the end of the year so the ISTEA application can be submitted. Mr. Pakalns stated the design guidelines should be established several months into the process. Council consensus was reached to place this item on the June 28, 1993, Council agenda. BUSINESS RETENTION /JOB EXPANSION PROGRAM The Community Development Director responded to Council's questions by stating members of the JPA own the data generated and collected by CRP. They are also responsible for maintaining the information in a confidential manner and not use it for profit or gain. He then reviewed the three year revenue projections and 1993 budget. The Community Development Director asked if the Council would like the Human Rights Commission to hold public hearings on an economic development issue or the Housing Commission. Councilmember Rosene stated the next Human Rights Commission meeting will be September 8, so perhaps the Finance Committee should be considered. The Community Development Director agreed and suggested this task be assigned to another group for more formal hearings. 6/21/93 -3 - Councilmember Scott stated the Chamber of Commerce is very excited CDBG funds are being used for business and not just housing. She further stated the entire City will benefit from the Business Retention /Job Expansion Program. The Community Development Director commented on the use of CDBG funds. Councilmember Rosene explained the Human Rights Commission is breaking "new ground" in the human rights arena and may feel reviewing this matter would sidetrack them from where their interests lie at the moment. Council consensus was reached to refer the CDBG program to the Finance Commission in 1993. The Council also decided to take up the CDBG public hearing issue this fall and possibly assign it to one of the Commissions. BROOKLYN CENTER REDEVELOPMENT POLICY The Community Development Director stated staff has prepared information for consideration in developing a policy dealing with development/redevelopment i ssues. p Y g The Community Development Specialist presented a draft outline dealing with management process, multifamily housing issues, single family housing issues, commercial /industrial strategy by area, financial resources. He then presented the Community Vision Draft Outline and reviewed issues dealing specifically with single-family housing. He explained g Y g P staff suggests a marketing gg t g program be developed for single - family lots currently owned by the EDA. He further explained staff supported reduced use of CDBG funds to acquire single - family properties due to limitation of redevelopment options on CDBG funded acquisitions. He suggested staff be directed to investigate options for working with the Hennepin County HRA to create funding mechanisms, and with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to make a more intensive effort to promote MHFA housing programs. The Community Development Specialist next reviewed neighborhood issues including a recommendation to expand the Earle Brown Neighborhood Housing Advisory Commi P g g t ry o to smaller geographical areas. He stated staff recommends continued cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, realtors, schools and apartment managers and owners, and to investigate resources to promote and conduct workshops for potential home buyers on various topics. Staff also recommends the continued development of pilot projects such as the rental to owner conversion program and landscape demonstration program. Finally, staff recommends review of current building maintenance codes addressing exterior maintenance to determine if any improvements can be made. Councilmember Scott commented on the need to consider a housing retention program and to encourage realtors to tell employers about homes available in Brooklyn Center. The Community Development Director agreed and stated there is also a need to create a more 6/21/93 - 4 - positive image to improve the public's perception. Councilmember Rosene suggested a packet be compiled of housing information which can be distributed to major employers. Councilmember Scott agreed and commented on a realtor who is keeping businesses informed of available housing which resulted in selling eight homes within six months. The Council discussed options for allowing construction into the front yard area and directed staff to prepare options which may result in amending the thirty -five foot front yard setback requirement. The Council indicated support for the policy issues as presented by staff. The City Manager explained staff is unable to devote the time necessary to bring this draft policy to a conclusion. Based on staff's recommendation, Council consensus was reached to direct staff to obtain proposals to finalize the development /redevelopment policy. PROGRAM /COST CENTER BUDGETING The Public Works Coordinator stated it is staff's intention to prepare the 1994 budget with line items as the Council is accustomed to seeing nd also providing a program-type bud g P g budget. She reviewed the subdivisions within the proposed budget and asked Council if these are the types of programs they want to include. She commented on the need for staff to think in terms of 'billable hours" and to categorize these hours for use in a program budget. The Public Works Coordinator reviewed the changes being proposed to comply with the Auditor's recommendation to establish a central garage internal service fund. She explained that some cities take the concept even farther by recovering the cost of building maintenance by charging rental to certain programs and departments, that rental including supplies, utilities, depreciation, etc. The City Manager reported the city of Fridley calculated these costs and found 23.8% is needed to cover these factors. He pointed out ' this percentage is important so staff can charge out costs. The Director of Public Works requested Council input regarding the programs as presented by staff. A brief discussion was held with consensus being reached to accept the subprograms, as presented, with the understandin g more detailed information will be resented if requested b P q Y Council. BROOKDALE TASK FORCE This item was tabled to the next work session. AUTHORIZING THE INVESTMENT TRUST TO LOAN MONEY TO THE EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER The City Manager introduced a Resolution Authorizing the Investment Trust Fund to Issue a Temporary Improvement Note to Loan Funds to the Earle Brown Heritage Center Fund. 6/21/93 -5 - He stated the Earle Brown Heritage Center needs to purchase catering equipment and small areas to comply with the provisions of its contract with D'Amico & Partners Hospitality Consultants, Inc. He recommended the Council consider approval of an internal loan at 7% to the EDA to finance this purchase. The Community Development Director explained this proposal results in a $7,000 savings in interest to the Heritage Center while paying a higher interest to the City than they are currently receiving. RESOLUTION NO. 93 -88 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INVESTMENT TRUST FUND TO ISSUE A TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENT NOTE TO LOAN FUNDS TO THE EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER FUND The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 10:14 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Todd Paulson, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 6/21/93 -6-