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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 11-12 CCM Special Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE BUDGET WORK SESSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL SESSION NOVEMBER 12, 1992 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special session and was called to order by Mayor Todd Paulson at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Todd Paulson, Commissioners Philip Cohen, Celia Scott, and Jerry Pedlar. Commissioner Dave Rosene arrived at 8 p.m. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Finance Director Paul Holmlund; Director of Planning and Inspection Ron Warren; Coordinator Assistant Finance Director Charlie Hansen; and Council Secretary Nancy Berg. Mary Lou Larsen, City of Brooklyn Center Secretary, addressed the Council stating her position has been recommended to be cut from full -time to two - thirds time. She pointed out that planning functions are not her only responsibilities. She explained the addition of a third inspector has created more duties for her position. Ms. Larsen asked the Council to reconsider as she has been with the City for 16 years. The Council thanked Mary Lou Larsen for her presentation. Mayor Paulson asked what the difference is between a full -time and part-time position. The City Manager answered there are no fringe benefits with a part-time position. Councilmember Scott asked who will take over Ms. Larsen's responsibilities. Ms. Larsen answered the receptionist. The City Manager reviewed each department's budget and answered questions of Council. Councilmember Scott asked why there is no provision for a police dog in the budget. She stated she did not want the police dog eliminated from the budget, and she stated the Lions Club as well as other organizations have expressed an interest in helping to finance a police dog. The City Manager answered the matter of a police dog was not requested by the department. He stated the cost for the police dog is around $5,000 to $6,000. Councilmember Pedlar stated he had spoken with some police officers who stated one dog is not productive enough. Councilmember Pedlar supported the concept of a police dog, but to be functional, - the City would need two dogs and he is not supporting two dogs 11/12/92 - 1 - because the City cannot afford it. Councilmember Pedlar asked if the $6,000 covers the cost of the training and the cost of the officer. The City Manager answered it is hard to define exactly how much a police dog costs as there is the matter of the dog living with the officer and how much should the officer be compensated when caring for the dog on their off -duty time. Councilmember Cohen suggested establishing a system between cities to provide a dog 24- hours a day, not just during one officer's shift. The City Manager responded some communities have talked about pooling the use of police dogs, and it is also possible to contract with the City of Minneapolis. Councilmember Scott stated both Brooklyn Center and Maple Grove are very interested in such a program. She explained the problem with Minneapolis is they have four dogs, but they are heavily used. Council directed staff to pursue some funding and report back to Council. Mayor Paulson asked if the captain's position, which was changed by Council to a lieutenant's position, can be reversed by the new police chief. The City Manager answered, no, the Council approved this change and will have to approve an modification. Councilmember Cohen asked if the fire department is receiving a significant number of applications for volunteer fire people. The City Manager answered yes, the City receives many qualified applicants for the evening hours, however more recruiting is required for the day -time hours. Councilmember Scott asked why staff was recommending the reduction in the secretarial position rather than the receptionist position in the planning department. The City Manager answered because there will be a loss of work due to the elimination of a position currently providing work to the secretary. Councilmember Scott asked why Worker's Compensation has increased more in some departments than in others. The Finance Director answered it is based on the experience of each department, not just straight across the board. He noted 1993 is the first year these costs are allocated to individual departments. Councilmember Pedlar asked if Council will have something from Hennepin County describing the health services they will provide. The City Manager answered yes, they will provide us with a description. He also explained he had talked with Hennepin County, and if Brooklyn Center has a special problem, the County will work with us. 11/12/92 -2- Councilmember Rosene explained the senior transportation program serves only a small section of the community, and social services would like to replace this program with something else such as a joint transportation system with other communities. Councilmember Rosene stated the Parks and Recreation Commission was going to adopt a means by which people could apply to the Parks and Recreation Commission for partial funding similar to the Human Rights & Resources Commission. The City Manager stated he was not sure what the status of the proposal is. Councilmember Rosene explained when the Hockey Association came to the Council for help, he opposed it because the Council did not have a procedure in place for control and to provide guidelines. The City Manager stated he will check with the Personnel Coordinator and report back on November 16, 1992. Councilmember Pedlar stated in respect to the procedure or policy and form, he would find it really hard to provide funds to the most wonderful organization in town if in fact the Council is looking at eliminating positions. Councilmember Rosene agreed with Councilmember Pedlar stating the Council cannot provide funding when a person's position or benefits are going to be eliminated, but the Council almost did give money so we need to have procedures. Councilmember Pedlar stated there was a significant difference in the process the Council was looking at last year because, at that time, there was extra funds. He further stated, the City does not have funds now, and maybe in April, May or June if the Council has extra funds they can look at these procedures, but for now the Council is looking at a very strict budget. Councilmember Pedlar asked how many members of the Brooklyn Center band live in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Pedlar asked what all of the costs are associated with the band. The City Manager stated he would provide the information. Councilmember Cohen asked if the City's recreation programs have become a babysitting service. The City Manager answered no, that has not been a problem in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Scott expressed concern that so many of the Park and Recreation programs are funded by the City by at least 65 percent. She asked why the fees are set too low to cover the expenses. The City Manager answered the ice - skating rinks and Entertainment in the Parks have no user fees. Councilmember Scott suggested a hat could be passed at the Entertainment in the Park concerts as they are much appreciated by the attendees. Councilmember Rosene asked how much is left in the contingency fund for 1992. The Finance Director answered it remains at $139,838. Councilmember Pedlar asked how much on average is returned to the fund balance. The Finance Director answered about one -half, or $75,000. 11/12/92, -3- Councilmember Pedlar asked if the contingency account can be carried over to the next year. The Finance Director answered no, it goes into the general fund balance. Councilmember Pedlar asked if you have positions identified for the proposed budget, can we remove them from this budget and put in the contingency fund. The Finance Director answered yes, as long as the contingency fund does not exceed 5 percent or $529,171. The Finance Director j explained the Council should try to stay away from using the contingency fund for personnel. The City Manager further explained a position, such as the communication coordinator position, could more appropriately be put in the personnel contingency fund. The Finance Director reported the Financial Commission will attend the November 16,1992, budget workshop. Councilmember Cohen stated he would like to see some communication from Hennepin County in regard to the health services. He also asked staff to explore with the Chamber of Commerce what the Council is considering and get their reaction. Councilmember Cohen again suggested keeping some of the services with the City. Councilmember Cohen asked what kind of work load the Planning and Inspection department currently has, how many applications come through that department, and what projects are expected in the future. The City Manager stated he has some statistics on planning commission applications he will share with the Council on November 16, 1992. He further stated in 1985 there were 40 applications, and in 1991 there were 23 planning commission applications. He stated the trend is going downward. Councilmember Pedlar asked if there will be a trend toward redevelopment in Brooklyn Center. The City Manager answered no, he did not believe so as land for development is not available. Councilmember Cohen asked staff to provide a map illustrating how much land is available for development. The City Manager stated he will provide this information. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Pedlar and seconded by Councilmember Cohen to adjourn the budget work session at 9:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Todd Paulson, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Nancy Berg Northern Counties Secretarial Service 11/12/92 -4-