HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 11-18 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
NOVEMBER 18, 1991
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor
Todd Paulson at 7:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Todd Paulson, Councilmembers Celia Scott, Dave Rosene, and Philip Cohen. Also
present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Director
of Planning and Inspection Ron Warren, Parks and Recreation Director Arnie Mavis, City
l Engineer Mark Maloney, Chief of Police Jim Lindsay, Finance Director Paul Holmlund,
Assistant Finance Director Charlie Hansen, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Council
Secretary Peggy McNabb.
OPENING CEREMONIES
Reverend Robert Cilke offered the invocation.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Paulson noted the Council had received one request to use the open forum session
this evening.
RICK JEWETT 6552 WILLOW LANE NORTH
Mr. Jewett asked the Council when the residents of Brooklyn Center could expect to see the
lighting at SuperAmerica be brought to code.
The Director of Planning and Inspection advised Mr. Jewett the City had contacted
SuperAmerica; however, had not received a response to date. He added the matter is
clearly not negotiable. The ordinances are clearly stated, and SuperAmerica's site plan is
on file. The City will give SuperAmerica an opportunity to correct the lighting. If the
lighting is not brought to code, the next step will be to cite SuperAmerica for a violation of
the City Ordinances. The City will then need to make a decision whether to arraign the
issue through the criminal courts system or civil courts system. Given the current court
schedules, it may take up to one year to be heard. The City Manager will contact Mr.
Jewett by telephone once that decision has been made.
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The Mayor inquired if there was anyone else present who wished to address the Council.
There being none, he continued with the regular agenda items.
COUNCIL REPORTS
HENNEPIN -ANOKA SUBURBAN DRUG TASK FORCE PLAQUE
The Mayor presented a plaque from the Department of Justice Federal Bureau of
Investigation acknowledging the Hennepin -Anoka Suburban Drug Task Force's assistance
in the surveillance, arrests and convictions of the Reginald Woodards Bank Robbery Gang.
He advised the Council and residents the task force is a cooperative effort of the cities of
Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Maple Grove, and expressed
appreciation for the task force's fine work.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The Mayor read excerpts from several commendation letters and telephone calls received
from Brooklyn Center residents, and once again acknowledged the fine work of the Public
Works Department staff in getting the snow moved in order to keep the roads passable for
automobiles, buses and emergency vehicles following the October 31 snowstorm.
REPORT ON BROOKLYN CENTER TOWN MEETINGS
The Mayor reported to the Council the first Town Meeting was held on Thursday,
November 14. The topic was the Charter Preamble and the City's Mission Statement. The
Mayor advised the Council the beginning and ending portions of the preamble were drafted
during the meeting. The remaining contents will be developed by citizens, possibly through
a contest. The Mayor felt the Town Meeting was successful; there was good input by
participants, and good quality discussion.
The Mayor advised the Council the second Town Meeting will be held on Thursday,
November 21, at 7 p.m. in the C Barn at the Earle Brown Heritage Center. The topic will
be improved transit in Brooklyn Center.
PARK CENTER SCIENCE CLASS
The Mayor acknowledged and welcomed a science class from Park Center High School.
APPROVAL F AGENDA O O G A AND CONSENT AG ENDA
Mayor Paulson inquired if any Councilmembers requested any items be removed from the
consent agenda. Councilmember Cohen requested item No. 12 -d be removed.
Councilmember Rosene requested item 12 -f be removed.
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to
approve the agenda and consent agenda with items 12 -d and 12 -f removed. The motion
passed unanimously.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
OCTOBER 29, 1991 - BUDGET WORK SESSION
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by CounciImember Rosene to
approve the minutes of the October 29, 1991, budget work session as printed. The motion
passed with three ayes. The Mayor abstained.
NOVEMBER 4, 1991 - REGULAR SESSION
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to
approve the minutes of the November 4, 1991, regular session as printed. The motion
passed unanimously.
MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to
approve the mayoral appointments of election judges for the December 17, 1991, special
election for Precinct 9. The motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS
r
i
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -261
Member Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE PROCESSING FEE CHARGED ON
APPLICATIONS FOR TAX ABATEMENTS BY THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
I
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave
Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -262
Member Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION COMMENDING STATE REPRESENTATIVE PHIL CARRUTHERS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave
Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously.
'j RESOLUTION NO. 91 -263
Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF
HEARING PROTECTION SYSTEMS FOR FIRE PUMPERS
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I
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave
Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously.
LICENSES
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to
approve the following list of licenses:
CHRISTMAS TREE SALES LOT
Builders Square 3600 - 63rd Avenue N
NONPERISHABLE VENDING MACHINES
Minnesota Vikings Food Service 5200 West 74th Street
Group Health 6845 Lee Avenue N
PERISHABLE VENDING MACHINES
Minnesota Vikings Food Service 5200 West 74th Street
Group Health 6845 Lee Avenue N
TOBACCO RELATED PRODUCT
Centerbrook Golf Course 5500 North Lilac Drive
RENTAL DWELLINGS
Initial:
TCF Bank fsb River Glen
Renewal•
George Lucht 5105 Brooklyn Blvd.
J. G. Strand 5329 Penn Avenue N
Gary and Danae Morrison 5104 E Twin Lake Blvd.
Peter S. Kelly 3900 - 56th Avenue N
The motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATION
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $4,275,000
GENERAL OBLIGATION TAX INCREMENT REFUNDING BONDS SERIES 1992A
The City Manager presented a resolution providing for the issuance and sale of $4,275,000
general obligation tax increment refunding bonds, series 1992A, and advised the Council the
bond sale is being proposed to provide funds to recall the General Obligation Tax Increment
Bonds of 1985A. Prevailing interest rates today are much lower than they were when the
1985 bonds were sold. This bond sale creates an opportunity for the City to lower its
interest expense by replacing the old high interest rate bonds with new lower interest rate
bonds, thus saving the difference.
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Robert Thistle, Springsted and Associates, advised the Council Springsted and Associates
had reviewed the City's tax increment refunding bonds issued in 1985, and recommended
refinancing the series. At the current interest rate of 5.89 %, the savings to the City will be
$308,300. He advised the Council the 1985 series cannot be retired until the maturity date
of 1996. Therefore, the proceeds of the 1992 bonds will be invested until 1996 when they
will be used to retire the 1985 bonds.
He advised the Council proposals for the bonds will be received by Springsted and
Associates on behalf of Brooklyn Center on Monday, January 13, 1992, until 11 a.m. at the
offices of Springsted and Associates, after which time they will be opened and tabulated.
The City Council will consider the award of the Bonds at 7 p.m. that same day.
In response to the Mayor's question as to whether or not additional bonds could be added
to this sale in order to raise additional monies for the City, Mr. Thistle indicated additional
bonds could not be added. If desired, a new series would have to be issued.
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -264
Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $4,275,000
GENERAL OBLIGATION TAX INCREMENT REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 1992A
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia
Scott, and the motion passed unanimously.
ORDINANCES
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 35 OF THE CITY ORDINANCES
RELATING TO THE DATE OF THE OFFICIAL FLOOD PLAIN MAP
The City Manager presented An Ordinance Amending Chapter 35 of the City Ordinances
Relating to the Date of the Official Flood Plain Map for a first reading.
The Director of Planning and Inspection advised the Council the ordinance amendment had
been reviewed by the Planning Commission at its November 7, 1991, meeting, and will make
two technical changes to the City's flood plain ordinance adopted on March 25, 1991. The
first amendment corrects the date the City used for the flood insurance study and official
flood plain map. The second amendment reflects a recodification of a Minnesota Statute
citation used in the Ordinance.
There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Scott to
approve for first reading An Ordinance Amending Chapter 35 of the City Ordinances
Relating to the Date of the Official Flood Plain Map. The motion passed unanimously.
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DISCUSSION ITEMS
PROPOSED 1992 MEETING SCHEDULE
The City Manager presented a proposed 1992 meeting schedule for Council consideration.
Councilmember Cohen raised a discussion on establishing a parameter for the Council's
regular sessions to provide for a reasonable adjournment time. Rather than having the
adjournment time being governed by an established parameter, the Mayor would rather see
the meetings adjourned by parliamentary procedure as desired by Councilmembers.
Councilmember Rosene recalled the Council had also on several occasions discussed the
possibility of scheduling three regular sessions each month. In response, Councilmember
Cohen cautioned the Council on committing to another evening meeting each month and
recommended consideration be given to other commissions and committees to which the
Councilmembers are also committed.
The City Manager suggested, and the Council members concurred, staff and the Council
members review and prioritize the list of impending issues to be addressed during the
coming year, and schedule some additional work sessions during 1992 to address these
issues. The list of impending issues will be provided by the City Manager at the next
Council meeting.
There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Scott to
approve the City Manager's proposed 1992 meeting schedule. The motion passed
unanimously.
DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATING
TO DEVELOPING OF A WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The City Manager advised the Council Minnesota Statutes section 473.878 requires each city
in the metropolitan area to prepare a local water management plan. This statutory
requirement has been noted to the Council on several occasions, i.e., during the 1991 budget
development process and during the development of the City's storm drainage utility
ordinance and budget. The adopted 1991 and 1992 budgets for the SDU system each
include $75,000 for the development of this plan. Because the rules and regulations
regarding the required content for such local plans have been under development by the
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources during the past year, and because numerous
changes were made, staff have waited until now to recommend initiation of the City's plan
development. He recommended in '
p us the City Engineer's s draft co of a g ty g PY request for q
proposal for soliciting proposals for the consulting services which will be required for the
development of Brooklyn Center's water management plan.
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RESOLUTION APPROVING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND AUTHORIZING
SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP A WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The City Manager presented a resolution approving request for proposals and authorizing
solicitation of proposals to develop a water management plan.
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -265
Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION APPROVING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND AUTHORIZING
SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP A WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave
Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously.
1992 RECYCLING SERVICE RATE
The City Manager advised the Council that as a follow -up to the proposed 1992 Hennepin
Recycling Group (HRG) budget which was presented at the Council's September 9, 1991,
regular session, he had recently been notified by the HRG Administrator that it will not be
necessary for HRG cities to increase the recycling service utility rate in 1992.
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to
accept the 1992 Recycling Service Rate report. The motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH SEH INC FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATING TO 69TH AVENUE IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1990 -10 PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS
The City Manager presented a resolution approving amendment to a professional services
contract with SEH, Inc., relating to 69th Avenue improvement project no. 1990 -10, phase
I improvements.
The Public Works Director reviewed the contract amendments, and advised the Council
additional soil testing and other construction monitoring services are necessary to assure
proper control of the soil correction phase of construction in the Palmer Lake area. He
advised Council the soil correction process will leave the existing unstable soils in place.
Heavier soils will be laid on top to compress and force the moisture out of the peat. SEH,
Inc., has submitted a proposed amendment providing the additional services at an estimated
cost of $27,000. The Public Works Director felt the actual costs may be closer to $20,000,
depending on the number of tests which are determined to be necessary as the process
proceeds.
The Council members briefly discussed the recommended amendments and proposed soil
correction process. Councilmember Scott asked the Council be kept abreast of this soil
correction process as it proceeds.
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RESOLUTION NO. 91 -266
Member Phil Cohen introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH SEH, INC. FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATING TO 69TH AVENUE IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1990 -10, PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave
Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION REGARDING THE DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION
APPLICATION NO. 91018 SUBMITTED BY PDO FOOD STORES, INC.
The City Manager presented a resolution regarding the disposition of Planning Commission
Application No. 91018 submitted by PDQ Food Stores, Inc. On November 4, 1991, after
a prolonged and exhaustive review, the Council had directed staff to prepare the resolution
on the basis that the standards for a special use permit were not met in that the plans
submitted were not in conformance with applicable ordinance regulations pertaining to the
property.
Councilmember Cohen advised the Council he had asked to remove this resolution from the
consent agenda in response to a telephone call from Mr. Atkins requesting an opportunity
to address the Council this evening..
Councilmember Cohen asked the Director of Planning and Inspection for a synopsis of all
communications /requests made by PDQ Food Stores, Inc., since the Council's November 4,
1991, meeting. In response, the Director of Planning and Inspection stated Mr. Archer had
called inquiring when the minutes from the November 4, 1991, meeting would be available.
The Director of Planning and Inspection advised Mr. Archer the minutes would be available
pending approval at this evening's Council meeting. He also stated he had received a call
from Mr. Jim Shelton, President of PDQ, at approximately 12:30 p.m. today while he was
out of the offices. He explained he returned that call at about 2 p.m. and that Mr. Shelton
was unavailable. There were no other contacts with PDQ.
The Mayor invited Mr. Atkins or his designee to address the Council.
JIM SHELTON, PRESIDENT, PDO FOOD STORES, INC.
Mr. Shelton began his address to the Council by recapping the concessions PDQ had made
relating to the driveway, the screening device on the east side, the lighting and signage to
accommodate the City's recommendations /requirements in order to be in compliance with
the standards for a special use permit. He advised the Council PDQ had based its site plan
on that of the nearest competition, and he then asked the Council for the same
consideration previously given to both Fina and SuperAmerica.
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In response to Councilmember Cohen's request for clarification and reiteration of the basis
for denial, the Director of Planning and Inspection reviewed the key points in the resolution
specifically addressing the four areas of nonconformance. He then advised the Council the
resolution requires any future revisions or modifications to the proposed plans shall be
subject to the resubmission of a new Planning Commission Application consistent with the
provisions of Sections 350 -220 and 35 -230 of the City Ordinances regarding special use
permits and plan approval.
The Director of Planning and Inspection then advised the Council an ordinance amendment
is currently being prepared by staff for Council consideration at the December 4, 1991,
meeting prohibiting the review of planning commission applications at the City Council
table. The ordinance amendment further restricts Council's review of substantially altered
site plans to only after they have been reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Cohen concluded the dialogue by stating he felt the Council had been more
than fair in trying to accommodate PDQ in meeting the City ordinance requirements.
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -267
Member Phil Cohen introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION REGARDING THE DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION
APPLICATION NO. 91018 SUBMITTED BY PDQ FOOD STORES, INC.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave
Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Rosene recommended the City aggressively enforce the signage and lighting
ordinances at all service stations in the City.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR SEWER
REPLACEMENT AT BROOKLYN DRIVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1991 -23
The City Manager presented a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Sewer
Replacement at Brooklyn Drive, Improvement Project No. 1991 -23. The plans and
specifications and advertisement for bids were authorized at the October 21, 1991, Council
meeting.
The Public Works Director advised the Council six bids were received, and they all
significantly exceeded the City Engineer's estimate of $43,125. In addition to an
underestimation of a few construction factors, the Public Works Director felt the
October 31, 1991, snowstorm had a dramatic impact on the bids. He felt an option to reject
all the bids and advertise again in the spring may be more cost effective; however, in view
of the seriousness of a potential collapse, he recommended awarding the bid to J.P. Norex,
Inc., based on their low bid of $58,371. The cities of Brooklyn Park and St. Louis Park had
provided excellent references /recommendations on J.P. Norex, Inc.
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Councilmember Rosene advised the Council he had asked to remove this resolution from
the consent agenda, and recommended the resolution be amended to include an additional
paragraph addressing the urgency of this project in view of the Director of Public Works'
opinion that the sewer is in such disrepair that a collapse by next spring is highly probable.
The Director of Public Works and the Council concurred with this recommendation.
RESOLUTION NO. 91 -268
Member Dave Rosene introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption subject
to an amendment addressing the urgency of this sewer replacement project:
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR SEWER
REPLACEMENT AT BROOKLYN DRIVE, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1991 -23
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Phil
Cohen, and the motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Pedlar arrived at the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
RECESS
The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 8:15 p.m. and reconvened at 8:30 p.m.
1992 PROPOSED BUDGET WORK SESSION
The Mayor recapped the Council's October 29, 1991, budget work session, and
recommended this budget work session be for the Council to address some concerns raised
at the October 29, 1991, budget work session and also to further review the 1992 City
Manager's proposed budget. Public input will be received at the November 25, 1991, Truth
in Taxation Public Hearing.
CITY -OWNED LIQUOR STORES
The City Manager presented the Director of Finance's estimation of what the annual
property taxes would be on the City's liquor stores if they were privately owned. Of the
estimated $35,965 in taxes, Brooklyn Center would realize $4,459; the rest would be
distributed to other taxing entities. The City Manager calculated the loss in revenues
generated by the liquor stores to be $120,000 annually. The information was prepared in
response to a resident's suggestion at the October 29, 1991, budget work session that the
City's liquor stores be sold, and the proceeds be used to cover the budget shortfall.
AQUATIC SUPERVISOR POSITION
The Council discussed raising user fees for the various swimming programs to fund the
aquatic supervisor position in the 1992 budget. Councilmember Scott felt, and the Council
concurred, that maintaining the position would be money well spent. The City Manager felt
there would be little, if any, impact on swimming program participation rates.
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There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to
fund the aquatic supervisor position in the 1992 budget by increasing swimming program
user fees effective January 1, 1992.
There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene to amend the motion to communicate to the
swimming pool program patrons the increased fees are necessary in order to maintain the
high quality program provided by the City. The motion, as amended, was seconded by the
Mayor, and passed unanimously.
The Mayor suggested offering patrons various options for financial savings, such as
promoting books of swimming pool tickets at reduced rates.
COUNCIL'S ROLE IN BUDGET PROCESS
The Council discussed its intended /desired role in the budget process. The Councilmembers
expressed a need and desire to be more closely involved in the decisions that are made in
drafting the proposed budgets.
BROOKLYN CENTER YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION REQUEST FOR FUNDS
Following a brief discussion on the Brooklyn Center Youth Hockey Association's request
for funding, there was a motion by Councilmember Pedlar and seconded by Councilmember
Scott to refer the request to the Parks and Recreation Committee for further consideration.
The motion passed unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR/RECORDING SECRETARY POSITION
The Mayor raised a discussion on funding a newly created position for a communications
coordinator /recording secretary for the City Council. He recalled the Council's enthusiastic
response to his memo dated June 4, 1991, outlining the need for such a position. A copy
of that memo was distributed, along with a copy of a memo from the Personnel Coordinator
outlining the job description /responsibilities of such a position, as well as the cost, which was
estimated to be $53,000 annually. The Mayor also recalled the Council's desire to be
proactive in communications, and felt a highly visible communications coordinator in the
community would certainly enhance work of the City and the Communications Commission.
A lengthy discussion ensued on possible funding source. Several sources were cited,
including surplus amounts from the 1991 budget, the contingency fund, and cutting nonprofit
programs.
The Council discussed options of staffing the position at different salary levels, and the
advantages and disadvantages of designing the position an entry level opportunity to
requiring a fully experienced communications background.
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There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to
earmark $53,000 from the 1992 contingency fund to create a new communications
coordinator /recording secretary position, subject to a report from staff due by February 1,
1992, outlining the Communication Commission's recommendation /job description of such
a position, and the Personnel Coordinator's estimated cost of the position based on the
Communications Commission's recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
LEGAL SERVICES
Councilmember Pedlar questioned the 5.5% increase in legal services, and directed staff to
ascertain whether the increase represented an increased volume of services or an increased
hourly rate. He felt competition is keen, and the City should aggressively pursue a
competitive rate for legal services, whether it be through negotiations with the current legal
service providers or through an advertisement for bids.
The City Manager advised the Council he will work with staff on various ways of reducing
the amounts spent on legal services and report back to the Council.
POLICE PROTECTION
Councilmember Pedlar discussed the need for reorganization of the City's Police
Department. He felt there are too many captains and too many levels of management.
Authority needs to be granted downward in the department, thereby eliminating the need
for upper and middle levels of management. He highly commended the department on a
job well done; however, stressed the need to shift positions and monies. He recommended
adjustments be made to reduce administrative /management staff and provide more services
and more patrols on the streets protecting the City's citizens. He concluded by asking staff
to obtain a metropolitan salary survey, and compare the metropolitan area police
departments' structures and salaries.
Following a prolonged discussion of staffing in the Police Department, there was a motion
by Councilmember Pedlar and seconded by Councilmember Scott directing staff to examine
both the positive and negative impacts of reducing the Police Department force by both one
captain and two captains, as well as to ascertain the potential impact on the union. The
motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Councilmember Pedlar discussed the need for reorganization of the Public Works
Department. As with the Police Department, he felt the management to employee ratio is
excessive. He reiterated the need to grant authority downward in the department and to
focus on teamwork. He cited the fine teamwork performed by the divisions of the
department following the October 31, 1991, snowstorm as an indication that staff is indeed
very capable and competent. Since the position of superintendent of public works is
currently vacant, he recommended eliminating it from the 1992 proposed budget.
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The Council and staff challenged Councilmember Pedlar's thoughts, and a Iengthy
discussion, including alternatives to eliminating a superintendent position, ensued.
Councilmember Scott reminded the Council the two -week time frame for adopting the 1992
proposed budget does not allow for the Council to reorganize departments. In response,
the Mayor stated the budget is the Council's most important policy. He felt the Council
ends up in this same position each year at budget time -- definitely wanting to have some
constructive and effective input into the budget, but finding itself up against the clock each
year. He again reiterated the need and desire for staff to more closely involve the Council
in drafting the proposed annual budgets.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by the Mayor to plan on
adjourning at 12 midnight. The motion passed unanimously.
CONTINUATION OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
There was a motion by Councilmember Pedlar and seconded by the Mayor to remove the
position of superintendent of public works from the 1992 proposed budget.
The Council and staff expressed opposition to this motion, and discussed several alternatives.
Following a prolonged discussion, there was a motion by Councilmember Pedlar and
seconded by Councilmember Cohen to eliminate the positions of supervisor of street
maintenance and supervisor of parks from the 1992 proposed budget, and add a position of
supervisor of street maintenance and parks. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
By previous motion made by Councilmember Rosene, seconded by the Mayor, and passed
unanimously, the Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 12:10 a.m.
Deputy City Clerk 0 Todd aulson, Mayor
Recorded and transcribed by:
Peggy McNabb
Northern Counties Secretarial Service
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