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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 03-02 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 MARCH 2, 1993 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special work session and was called to order by Mayor Todd Paulson at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Todd Paulson, Councilmembers Dave Rosene, Barb Kalligher, and Kristen Mann. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Community Development Brad Hoffman, City Engineer Mark Maloney, Public Works Coordinator Diane Spector, and Council Secretary Nancy Berg. Preliminary Discussion on Street Improvements The City Manager explained staff would be reviewing the history of the street improvements program. He informed Council the feasibility study would be presented at the March 22, 1993 City Council meeting for their authorization to start the public hearing process in order to start construction this year. The City Engineer presented the results of the feasibility study and outlined the two areas selected for consideration of street resurfacing, curb and gutters, sanitary sewer, watermain replacement, and storm sewer repair and replacement. He also reviewed: 1. Proposed Street Improvement - Proposed 31' concrete street with curb and gutter - Logan & Dupont Avenues -- need to be reconstructed according to State Aid standards - Proposed paving section - Tree plantings, landscaping, ornamental street lighting, and overhead power line removal - Funding 3293 1 2. Proposed Storm Sewer Improvements Replacement and installation of lines and inlets Exclusion of 55th Avenue from study Funding 3. Proposed Sanitary Sewer Improvements -- based on results of televised inspection from Fall 1992 Replacement costs for sewer mains, service wye connection, and service between the main and property line New Sewers & Service Installations Funding 4. Proposed Watermain Improvements - Replacement costs for existing water mains, fittings, and valves - Proposed replacements include: water service connections at the main; water service line between the main and property line; and curb stop - Proposed installations and services - Funding The City Engineer stated the total estimated project cost for Area A was $1.7 million and $1.5 million for Area B. He explained the difference was mainly in sanitary sewer costs. The City Engineer also presented Council with decorative lighting options which was requested by the Earle Brown Neighborhood Advisory Committee. The Public Works Coordinator presented the proposed funding sources for the proposed improvements: 1. Utility costs to be paid from the respective utility construction funds. 2. Recommend street construction be funded from Special Assessment Bonds, to be financed 30% from special assessments and 70% from general revenues, and from Municipal State Aid funds for improvements to designated State Aid routes. The Public Works Coordinator explained there had been concern with showing increased property values, and the Earle Brown Neighborhood Advisory Committee had recommended, and the City Council approved hiring Brad Bjorklund to perform the appraisals. She also explained there was a concern about how to reduce the impact of special assessments on low and fixed income homeowners. She continued to explain the Earle Brown Neighborhood Advisory Committee recommended, and staff concurred, with g rY 3293 2 the implementation of an Assessment Stabilization Program. She explained the concept was the owners pay a portion of the special assessment on a sliding scale based on income. The City buys down the remainder by paying the property owner a lump sum. She presented two options: Option A City pays a prorated amount for all households with incomes less than the HUD moderate income limit ($30,900 for two person household in 1992). Would affect an estimated 60 families. Option B City pays 100% for all households with incomes less than the low limit [$20,400 for two person household in 1992 an estimated 30 families] and a prorated amount for households with incomes within the moderate income range [$20,400 to $30,900 (an estimated 30 families)]. The Public Works Coordinator outlined the Earle Brown Neighborhood Advisory Committee recommendations: Continue consideration of a Neighborhood Street Improvement Program. - Rather than select Area A or Area B, the feasibility report, and public informational meetings and the public hearing should cover the entire area. Selection of an area should occur following the public hearing. The Council should direct the development of an Assessment Stabilization program. The City should move forward on hiring an appraiser. Staff should prepare information regarding upgrading street lighting for review by the Council. Councilmember Kalligher asked if the Maxfield Study recommended the removal of overhead power lines. The City Engineer answered no, the study recommended street improvements and ornamental lighting. Mayor Paulson asked if the study recommended the use of underground power lines. The City Manager answered yes, but only where the area has a lot of visual impact. He explained this area did not. Councilmember Kalligher asked if staff would be preparing a report on the Assessment Stabilization Program. The Public Works Coordinator answered staff had a very preliminary report prepared, but staff needs further direction from Council. Councilmember Kalligher also asked if trees would need to be removed from Logan Avenue if it was widened. The City Engineer answered yes, 13 to 14 trees would have to be removed. He further explained if the street was only widened to 32 feet, the trees would probably not have to be removed. He stated it was a matter of whether Council wanted parking on one side or both sides of 3293 3 the street. He further stated it was staff's recommendation to make Logan Avenue 32 feet wide, limiting parking to one side of the street. Councilmember Rosene asked if it would be a major undertaking to remove power lines at a future date. The City Engineer said it would be because every driveway would again have to be replaced. He further explained there are other hidden costs to the homeowner, such as updating the meter box and there was also the possibility of the need to rewire a large portion of the homes to bring up to code. Councilmember Mann recommended burying the overhead power lines if the road was a main thoroughfare. Councilmember Mann asked if the costs of the Assessment Stabilization Program were for a city -wide program. The Public Works Coordinator answered no, it would just be for that neighborhood. Councilmember Kalligher asked how many residents participated in the senior deferral program when the alleys were improved. The Public Works Coordinator answered six to eight total. Councilmember Mann stated there was a need for the Assessment Stabilization Program, but before she could make a decision on Option A or Option B, she wanted statistics on the effects of the program if made city -wide. Mayor Paulson asked if Council would be provided a house -by -house survey stating each resident's preference; whether each resident voted yes or no for street improvements. He explained his vote would be based on the actual feelings of the residents and not just on the information provided by the Earle Brown Neighborhood Advisory Committee. The City Manager suggested sending out a survey form to the residents in the areas being considered. Mayor Paulson further recommended staff put together a package including lighting and trees and explaining to the residents what it would all cost. He explained the residents could then weigh the costs against the benefits, but in the end it comes down to a yes or no. Councilmember Mann asked Mayor Paulson if he was asking the residents if they wanted the streets improved. Mayor Paulson answered yes. Councilmember Kalligher asked Councilmember Mann if she wanted to ask the residents. Councilmember Mann reminded Council the streets were in desperate need of repair, and if Council gives the residents the choice, they may not think it needs to be done. Councilmember Rosene explained if one area said no and one area said yes, the Council would go with that area. Councilmember Kalligher suggested staff may have to look at another area. Councilmember Rosene stated if the Council gets the thumbs down, it would have to look at another area for 1994. The Public Works Coordinator explained the City is spending an increasing amount in maintaining the streets, and if the streets are not replaced, these costs will only go up and the residents will have to pay. Councilmember Kalligher asked if this would be explained in the survey. The Public Works Coordinator answered yes, it would show the existing conditions and cost of upkeep. The City Engineer reported the preliminary results from the pavement Management Program indicate the City would be advised not to continue maintenance in this area because the City would be wasting dollars. The advice was to stop trying to fix, and to 3293 4 CORRECTION because the City would be wasting dollars. The advice was to stop trying to fix, and to replace. He further explained the residents are accustomed to a high level of street maintenance in Brooklyn Center, and they must be made aware there will be a drastic difference if the streets are not repaired. Councilmember Mann asked if the City had a 20 -year program set. The City Manager explained this was what the City was starting. Councilmember Mann stated it was more logical to'go with areas A and B then. Councilmember Rosene asked if the City could do both A and B. The City Manager answered the City could, but staff wanted to handle just one area the first year to assure staff can cover the job. He recommended Council hold the public hearing on both and then chose either Area A or B. Councilmember Rosene agreed with surveying the residents. The City Manager agreed to provide a sample survey at the time of the public hearing. Councilmember Rosene stated he favored Option B for the funding of the Assessment Stabilization Program and the use of a transportation utility. The City Manager stated the transportation utility was leaning more toward the infeasible than the feasible. The City Engineer asked the Councilmembers for their feelings on the lighting. Mayor Paulson suggested ornamental lighting on thoroughfares only. The Public Works Coordinator reminded the Council both the Earle Brown Neighborhood Advisory Committee and the residents at the crime and safety meetings asked for more lighting. The City Manager suggested staff would provide two options for the Council's review at the time of the public hearing. The Public Works Coordinator reviewed the immediate direction needed by staff. 1. Selection of areas -- Council recommended both A and B. 2. Landscaping and special signs. Mayor Paulson wanted to add something such as welcome to the Earle Brown Neighborhood. Councilmember Rosene did not like the welcome signs but thought new street signs would be nice. He asked staff make recommendations. The Public Works Coordinator stated the proposal would include sodding and replacing trees that had been removed. She recommended making no landscaping recommendations until the area was complete. The City Engineer agreed, and explained it would be hard to fully understand the landscaping needs until the work was complete. The City Manager recommended staff prepare something with lighting and street signs and leave landscaping open. Mayor Paulson suggested a policy for overhead lines to be put underground if the lines are on the front of the lot, and to keep above ground if the lines are on the back of the lot. The City Manager stated staff would prepare cost estimates. 3/2/93 - 5 3. Proposed widening of Logan and Dupont Avenues. It was the consensus of Council to allow parking on only one side of the street. 4. Adoption of Assessment Stabilization Program. It was the consensus of Council to pursue Option B. RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council work session recessed at 9 p.m. and reconvened at 9:10 p.m. Redevelopment Proposals for 63rd and 69th Avenues and Brooklyn Boulevard The Director of Community Development explained staff would be presenting the Brooklyn Boulevard Study to Council at the next City Council meeting on March 8, 1993. He further stated he wanted to discuss with Council the Phillips 66 proposal. He reviewed the history of the proposal and the Council actions. He informed Council the Brooklyn Boulevard Study stated the City should "administer codes and ordinances that protect existing interests while being flexible enough to accommodate new developments." He further explained the study suggested an amendment to City ordinances relative to the abutment of C -1 and C -2 uses to residential areas. He stated on March 8, Phillips would like the City to reconsider its request for a variance. Councilmember Rosene stated he was still concerned about water coming off the cars from the car wash onto Brooklyn Boulevard. The City Manager stated the car wash has been moved back significantly. The Director of Community Development explained the study recommended Phillips put in an 8' foot masonry wall, and Phillips is prepared to put in an 8' foot brick wall to match the building. Councilmember Rosene stated this would be overstepping the greenstrip ordinance. The City Manager stated Phillips could be granted a variance. Councilmember Kalligher asked if this would be setting a precedence. The City Manager answered yes and stated the study recommends allowing variances in the ordinance. The Director of Community Development recommended the Council look at an overlay ordinance. He explained this would leave the ordinances the way they are, and when a developer comes in, the overlay ordinance gives the Council the ability to negotiate. He further explained this would be easier than trying to write an ordinance to handle every possible situation. The Director of Community Development suggested the removal of three parking spaces and replacing with greenstrip, and if more parking was needed, it could later be developed. Councilmember Kalligher asked if notices would be sent to all abutting homeowners. The Director of Community Development answered it would not be necessary to hold another 3293 6 public hearing, but notices could be sent out. The City Manager agreed to send a mailing out before the March 8 City Council meeting to the affected residents. Mayor Paulson suggested conditions to the Phillips 66 proposal requiring the brick wall, brick building, proof of parking, and installation of a park bench along Brooklyn Boulevard. The City Manager added the City would work with Phillips 66 on the landscaping. Financial and Administrative Issues -- Benchmarking The City Manager suggested deferring this matter to the next City Council work session. Mayor Paulson agreed to follow -up on this matter at an upcoming work session. Ethics Board Councilmember Kalligher suggested deferring this matter to an upcoming work session when Councilmember Scott could be in attendance. She asked how people would be chosen for this committee. Councilmember Mann recommended a charter amendment. She also recommended if a Councilmember was found to be violating the City's ethics codes, the member be dismissed. She also recommended the ethics board be made up of councilmembers from surrounding communities. Mayor Paulson recommended the City Manager develop a proposal modeled after the one in St. Paul. He stated he had been contacted by residents who are interested in the City developing an ethics board. Councilmember Mann stated she would want the board to have some power, otherwise it would be useless. Councilmember Kalligher stated it would be very hard to appoint people to such a board. Councilmember Mann inquired if there was a state review board. The City Manager answered yes, but it was mainly just for election matters. Mayor Paulson stated he would like to get together with the City Manager, the City Attorney, and any interested Councilmembers to prepare a draft proposal for an ethics board. The City Manager recommended Mayor Paulson contact Bob Long, a St. Paul Councilmember, in regard to the ethics board in his community. The City Manager also agreed to work with the Mayor, City Attorney, and any other Councilmembers and bring back a draft to a future City Council work session. Review of Attorney's Fees The City Manager explained how the City bids out for attorney's services. He further explained every year one community or another puts out a survey listing what local communities spend on attorney's fees, and Brooklyn Center has always been very comparable. He further stated the City is receiving good legal work on a timely basis. Councilmember Kalligher suggested letting local firms bid on the contract, but the City must compare the legal expertise. The City Manager agreed to provide a cost comparison at a future work session. 3293 7 Mayor Paulson stated it had been 14 years since the City had gone out on the civil legal representation for RFP, and he suggested the City go out for an RFP. Councilmember Rosene informed Council he had been very pleased about the interviews he held with the applicants for the Planning Commission. He suggested the Councilmembers talk to future applicants as he found it very helpful. Councilmember Kalligher stated she had spoken to all the applicants on the phone. Mayor Paulson asked the City Manager to prepare letters to all commission members who were not reappointed. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene, and seconded by Councilmember Mann to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council work session adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Todd Paulson, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Nancy Berg TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 3293 8