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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 01-02 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 2, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Celia Scott, Todd Paulson, Gerald Pedlar, and Philip Cohen. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Finance Director Paul Holmlund, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, EDA Coordinator Brad Hoffman, Fire Chief Ron Boman, and Deputy City Clerk Patti Page. INVOCATION The invocation was offered by Reverend Bob Cilke. EMPLOYEE SERVICE RECOGNITION PROGRAM The City Manager stated tonight is the 12th annual presentation by the City Council of service awards to City employees recognizing years of service to the City. He noted recognition is to be given tonight to those employees who have observed the anniversary of 20, 25, or 35 years permanent, full -time employment with the City. The City Manager noted the awards are a part of a service recognition program approved by the City Council in 1979. He said employees with 20 years of service include Police Captain Paul Monteen, Street Maintenance worker Larry Hansen, and Police Dispatcher Ron Pearson. He stated Police Sergeant Dave Werner has been employed with the City of Brooklyn Center for 25 years, and Supervisor of Streets and Parks Maintenance Bob Cahlander has been employed with the City of Brooklyn Center for 35 years. Mr. Monteen, Mr. Pearson, Mr. Werner, and Mr. Cahlander were present at the meeting, and the Mayor and City Manager presented each of them with a service award. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 18. 1990 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Cohen to approve the minutes of the December 18, 1990, City Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Nyquist made a few brief remarks regarding his ten years as Mayor. He thanked the present City staff and Council as well as those past members of staff and Council who have helped him so much. ADJOURN 1990 COUNCIL There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to adjourn the 1990 City Council. The motion passed unanimously. A final meeting of the 1990 Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 7:24 p.m. 1/2/91 -1- ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE The Deputy City Clerk administered the oath of office to Mayor Todd Paulson, and Councilmembers Celia Scott and Dave Rosene. RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 7:28 p.m. CALL TO ORDER - 1991 COUNCIL The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Todd Paulson at 7:55 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Todd Paulson, Councilmembers Celia Scott, Jerry Pedlar, and Dave Rosene. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Finance Director Paul Holmlund, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, EDA Coordinator Brad Hoffman, Fire Chief Ron Boman, and Deputy City Clerk Patti Page. OPEN FORUM Mayor Paulson recognized Al Beisner from EBF Management Company. Mr. Beisner stated his company holds the contract with the City of Brooklyn Center to manage the Earle Brown Heritage Center and the Inn on the Farm. He stated he understands it is the City's intention to terminate this contract on December 18, 1990, because of bond issues. He stated he and his attorney have come up with some amendments to the contract which should make the bond issue workable, and he would like to renegotiate the contract. The City Manager noted the termination would be effective January 18, 1991, and staff would like to review these proposed changes prior to the termination date. The City Manager stated he has received a letter of resignation from Todd Paulson which will create a vacancy on the Council. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to accept the letter of resignation from Todd Paulson for his council seat. The motion passed unanimously. SELECT MAYOR PRO TEM Councilmember Rosene nominated Celia Scott as Mayor pro tem. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to approve Councilmember Scott as Mayor pro tem for the year 1991. The motion passed unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Paulson inquired if any Councilmembers requested any items removed from the consent agenda. The City Manager stated items 13a through 13e should be deferred to the next Council meeting. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to table mayoral appointments to the various commissions until the January 14, 1991, City Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously. 1/2/91 -2- PERFORMANCE BOND RELEASE - LEARNING TREE - 6020 EARLE BROWN DRIVE There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to approve the performance bond release for the Learning Tree located at 6020 i Earle Brown Drive. The motion passed unanimously. LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to approve the following list of licenses: CIGARETTE Holiday Inn 2200 Freeway Blvd. K -Mart 5930 Earle Brown Dr. Neil's Total 1505 69th Ave. N. Total Petroleum 6830 Brooklyn Blvd. Wes' Amoco 6044 Brooklyn Blvd. GASOLINE SERVICE STATION Davies Water Equipment Co. 4010 Lakebreeze Ave. N. LODGING ESTABLISHMENT Holiday Inn 2200 Freeway Blvd. MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Gopher Heating & Sheet Metal 4815 W. 123rd Street POOL AND BILLIARDS TABLES CDL 1317 N. Hwy. 169 Brooklyn Center Community Center 6301 Shingle Ck. Pkwy. PUBLIC DANCE Holiday Inn 2200 Freeway Blvd. The motion passed unanimously. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT - WEED INSPECTOR There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to appoint EDA Coordinator Brad Hoffman as the weed inspector. The motion passed unanimously. There was a brief discussion regarding this appointment and the duties of the weed inspector. DESIGNATE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER - BROOKLYN CENTER POSTNEWS Councilmember Pedlar noted in the past there have been many concerns regarding the communication with the PostNews by staff and Council. The City Manager noted the PostNews is the only economically feasible publication available to the City. Councilmember Pedlar stated he would like to send a strong message to the PostNews that the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center expects the highest quality of journalism from its staff because it is the only newspaper which can 1/2/91 -3- serve Brooklyn Center. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar approving the Brooklyn Center PostNews as the official newspaper. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -01 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES OF CITY FUNDS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously. The City Manager presented a Resolution Providing for the Issuance and Public Sale of $6,050,000 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds, Series 1991A of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. He noted this would be the final financing for the Earle Brown Farm improvement project. He recognized Bob Thistle of Springsted, Inc. who could answer any questions the Council may have. Mr. Thistle noted the bonds would be sold on March 1, 1991. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -02 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND PUBLIC SALE OF $6,050,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION TAX INCREMENT BONDS, SERIES 1991A OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Jerry Pedlar, and the motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS HUMBOLDT /CAMDEN TASK FORCE The City Manager explained the findings and recommendations were taken from the Task Force report. He noted the actions suggested are what the Council should be approving this evening. He stated under finding No. 2, the action requested should be tabled at this time. Councilmember Scott noted under finding No. 4, recommendation No. 3, the action recommended was cut from the budget. The City Manager stated it should be noted that this action is on hold because of budget constraints. There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the action plans as amended. The motion passed unanimously. APPOINTMENT PROCESS TO FILL VACANT COUNCIL SEAT The City Manager noted his office has received nine applications from interested persons for the Council vacancy. He noted he included with this agenda packet information from the last Council vacancy appointment. He noted it would be 1/2/91 -4- necessary to narrow the list down from nine to three or four applicants. Mayor Paulson noted it is up to the City Council to decide the process which will be used. He suggested having each current member of the City Council nominate one person which would bring the list down to four people. He noted then a secret ballot could be done to narrow it down to one person. He added he would like to avoid ranking people and noted he feels there are a number of good qualified applicants, and he would like to install a process that is fair. Councilmember Scott noted this is not an easy decision to make and stated she is happy the Council has nine applicants. She suggested each current Councilmember should speak with the applicants and rate them privately so the list can be narrowed down to four people. She noted some people look great on paper but have difficulty communicating. The City Manager stated it would be difficult to coordinate a meeting for the current Council and nine applicants. He suggested each current Councilmember contact the applicants individually. The City Attorney noted if each current Councilmember nominates only one person it may eliminate everyone's second choice. He noted it may be best to nominate two applicants. Councilmember Rosene stated he feels it is important to meet with all nine applicants. He noted it would be a benefit to meeting the applicants as a group and added the Council may have to spend two nights doing this. The City Attorney noted the requirements of the open meeting law would have to be fulfilled if the Council were going to meet as a group and meet with the nine candidates. There was a general consensus among the Mayor and City Councilmembers to talk individually with each of the nine candidates. The City Manager stated he, the City Attorney, and Mayor Paulson would be meeting to develop the actual voting process. JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT - FIRE TRAINING ASSOCIATION The City Manager noted in January of 1990, the City Council had considered becoming a part of a four City Joint Powers Agreement to build and maintain a fire training facility. He explained the City of Fridley has taken the lead in developing a proposal which will provide a permanent facility for training firefighters. He explained since that time two other cities have joined the Joint Powers Agreement. The six cities involved are the cities of Fridley, Columbia Heights, Brooklyn Center, Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Moundsview. The Fire Chief noted this would allow the firefighters a chance to experience hot fires on a regular basis and would allow those firefighters who cannot adjust a chance to leave the department. Councilmember Rosene inquired how much it would cost for Brooklyn Center to approach the group as a fee paying client and not enter the Joint Powers Agreement. The Fire Chief stated he was not sure there would be any openings available to other departments because of the odd training schedules. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to sign the Joint Powers Agreement for the fire training association. The motion passed unanimously. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS Mayor Paulson stated he would like to set aside time at each meeting to allow the 1/2/91 -5- City Council an opportunity to discuss or report on items of concern or commission updates. Councilmember Pedlar stated at the time the 1991 budget was approved, no mention was made of how the Citizens Advisory Task Force would be appointed. He suggested each Councilmember provide a name of an individual to the City Manager. He noted the City Manager has already received some requests for appointment to this task force. The City Manager stated he would be meeting with the Evergreen Park Elementary School officials on January 10 at 7 p.m. regarding the proposed park improvements. Councilmember Rosene stated he would like to thank State Representative Phil Carruthers for his support and concern for the City of Brooklyn Center. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Rosene and seconded by Councilmember Scott to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 9:21 p.m. / Deputy City Clerk Mayor 1/2/91 -6- 7:34 p.m. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. There being none, he entertained a motion to close the public hearing. There was a motion by Councilmember Pedlar and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to close the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -112 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR YEAR XVII URBAN HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS AND AUTHORIZING ITS SUBMITTAL The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS LEGISLATIVE ACTION The City Manager reviewed proposed legislation which would provide funding for the wetlands project by imposing surcharges on public water supplies. He indicated the wetlands protection program was proposed to be funded from any one or a combination of three sources: a 6% sales tax on water use charges, an annual surcharge of 50 cents per person served by the public water supply, and /or a substantial increase in the City's water appropriation fee. He noted the City's water appropriation fee had increased from $1,575 to $6,007.50 in 1991. He noted most water bill payers were located in the metro area and most wetlands were located outstate. The Director of Public Works estimated the revenue the State would generate from Brooklyn Center from each funding source if the proposed legislation were to pass. He estimated the 6% sales tax on water use charges would generate approximately $40,000, the annual 50 cent surcharge would generate approximately $14,000 and the increase in the City's water appropriation fee would generate approximately $5,000410,000. He reiterated the fact that the State could employ any one or a combination of these three charges. He noted staff recommended the Council oppose the proposed legislation through passage of a resolution objecting to the use of this method of funding the wetlands program. Councilmember Cohen concurred with the remarks of the City Manager and the Director of Public Works. He commented the money generated by the State through the lottery had originally been earmarked for environmental issues and felt the wetlands preservation was in that category. He was concerned that an increase in the water rates would create 4/8/91 - 7- an unfair hardship, particularly on certain segments of the population, such as the elderly. He suggested modifying the proposed resolution to incorporate the following: 1) that the impact of such a large increase could potentially drive the cost of fresh water beyond the financial resources of some citizens, 2) there should be no direct relation between funding of the wetlands and fresh water consumption, and 3) the State should seek funding more directly related to the wetlands. Councilmembers Scott and Pedlar concurred with Councilmember Cohen's remarks. Councilmember Scott suggested removing the word "restructuring" from the title of the resolution. In response to Mayor Paulson's question the City Manager indicated a cover letter which would accompany the resolution and be sent to elected officials would touch on proposals the City felt would be a more appropriate alternative. He indicated he would make every effort to research the current use of the State's lottery income. Councilmember Rosene concurred with the remarks and indicated he was opposed to the proposed legislation because it was not a progressive tax. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -113 Member Philip Cohen introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption as amended: RESOLUTION OBJECTING TO PROPOSED FUNDING MECHANISM FOR WETLANDS LEGISLATION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Jerry Pedlar, and the motion passed unanimously. PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UTILITIES The City Manager reviewed a resolution regarding proposed legislation to authorize establishment of transportation utilities. The Director of Public Works explained the utilities would operate similarly to the storm /drainage utilities. A charge would be imposed on property owners based upon traffic generated. He indicated the utility, if used by the City, could be a stable source of revenue; however, a disadvantage of the fee would be that the tax was not deductible. He indicated staff recommended approval on the basis that the fee would be available as a tool the City could use in the future if necessary. He was not advocating the City immediately begin the use of a transportation utility. In response to Councilmember Pedlar's question, the Director of Public Works indicated all property owners would be affected based upon actual usage to be determined by a traffic analysis. Commercial and industrial property would be taxed more heavily than 4/8/91 - 8- C O R R E C T I O N residential property. The Director of Public Works indicated the analysis would result in an average number for each type of property (i.e. single- family residential) and would not be based upon the number of vehicles owned by an individual. Councilmember Pedlar questioned what the costs might be and whether the taxes citizens already pay should be expected to cover transportation - related services. The Director of Public Works indicated costs were not able to be estimated at this point. In response to Mayor Paulson's question, the Director of Public Works indicated the revenue generated from this type of utility would be available for use for trains also. Councilmember Cohen felt the proposed tax was a complicated method of addressing a need which could be met more staightforwardly by a wheelage tax, if warranted. The Director of Public Works indicated the advantage of the proposed utility versus a wheelage tax was that the utility could be collected by the City without being routed through State government. Mayor Paulson commented on a potential problem of the utility, which was there would be no dis- incentive to use. He felt encouraging lesser use of vehicles would Iead to more efficient transportation. The Director of Public Works concurred. Councilmember Rosene referring to a wheelage tax, noted if encouraging alternative forms of transportation were successful, funding would then diminish due to decreased vehicle use and thus fees paid. Councilmember Cohen stated he supported the proposed resolution as a potential tool for the City's use, but requested the experience of other communities be solicited in order to estimate revenue generated. The Director of Public Works indicated that information was not currently available, but the City would rely on such information in the future before implementing a transportation utility. As a rough guideline, the Director of Public Works indicated the storm /sewer utility fee generated approximately $260,000 for the City. He stated if the transportation utility were to generate a similar amount, it would make a substantial contribution to the $1.5 million annual cost of street repair and maintenance. In response to Councilmember Pedlar's question, the Director of Public Works indicated most other communities were supporting the option to establish a transportation utility in the future. Councilmember Pedlar was reluctant to support the measure without more information on costs. The City Manager stated the City would make an effort to thoroughly analyze estimated costs and anticipated revenue as the information became available in the future before proposing use of the utility. Councilmember Cohen commented he felt the issue would send a message to the State that cities were competent to make the right decision for their citizens in this area without State intervention. Councilmember Rosene indicated the issue of how to make the utility fair for residents of major roads (i.e. Humboldt Avenue) would need to be addressed. He commented if adopted by other communities, the utility could provide better roads and better transportation throughout the metro area. 4/8191 -9- RESOLUTION NO. 91 -114 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UTILITIES The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously. NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES The City Manager briefly reviewed consideration of membership in the National League of Cities and indicated dues were $1,162 annually. There was a motion by Councilmember Pedlar and seconded by Councilmember Scott directing the City Manager to prepare a resolution providing for membership in the National League of Cities and reappropriating $1,162 from the budget for dues. Vote: Four ayes. The motion passed. Councilmember Cohen abstained. RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE ACCIDENT INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CITY VOLUNTEERS The City Manager briefly reviewed this item. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene directing the City Manager to prepare a resolution providing for the purchase of accident insurance coverage for City volunteers. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS (CONTINUED The City Manager reviewed a proposed resolution for the purpose of establishing a Brooklyn Center Ad Hoc Financial Task Force Committee. In regard to membership of the task force, Councilmember Rosene suggested the resolution be amended to provide for membership of a City staff member, with preference given to those residing in Brooklyn Center. The City Manager explained there would be provisions for extensive employee involvement and input; however, he felt it would be best not to have a member of staff directly on the committee as it could perhaps place that employee under undue pressure from co- workers. He felt that getting input from staff members without singling them out as the focus of attention would be preferable. Councilmember Pedlar concurred and the Council agreed the City Manager would work with Councilmember Pedlar to establish an employee input process. I 4/8/91 - 10- 7:34 p.m. He inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Council. There being none, he entertained a motion to close the public hearing. There was a motion by Councilmember Pedlar and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to close the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -112 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR YEAR XVII URBAN HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS AND AUTHORIZING ITS SUBMITTAL The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS LEGISLATIVE ACTION The City Manager reviewed proposed legislation which would provide funding for the wetlands project by imposing surcharges on public water supplies. He indicated the wetlands protection program was proposed to be funded from any one or a combination of three sources: a 6% sales tax on water use charges, an annual surcharge of 50 cents per person served by the public water supply, and /or a substantial increase in the City's water appropriation fee. He noted the City's water appropriation fee had increased from $1,575 to $6,007.50 in 1991. He noted most water bill payers were located in the metro area and most wetlands were located outstate. The Director of Public Works estimated the revenue the State would generate from Brooklyn Center from each funding source if the proposed legislation were to pass. He estimated the 6% sales tax on water use charges would generate approximately $40,000, the annual 50 cent surcharge would generate approximately $14,000 and the increase in the City's water appropriation fee would generate approximately $5,000- $10,000. He reiterated the fact that the State could employ any one or a combination of these three charges. He noted staff recommended the Council oppose the proposed legislation through passage of a resolution objecting to the use of this method of funding the wetlands program. Councilmember Cohen concurred with the remarks of the City Manager and the Director of Public Works. He commented the money generated by the State through the lottery had originally been earmarked for environmental issues and felt the wetlands preservation was in that category. He was concerned that an increase in the water rates would create 4/8/91 - 7 - an unfair hardship, particularly on certain segments of the population, such as the elderly. He suggested modifying the proposed resolution to incorporate the following: 1) that the impact of such a large increase could potentially drive the cost of fresh water beyond the financial resources of some citizens, 2) there should be no direct relation between funding of the wetlands and fresh water consumption, and 3) the State should seek funding more directly related to the wetlands. Councilmembers Scott and Pedlar concurred with Councilmember Cohen's remarks. Councilmember Scott suggested removing the word "restructuring" from the title of the resolution. In response to Mayor Paulson's question the City Manager indicated a cover letter which would accompany the resolution and be sent to elected officials would touch on proposals the City felt would be a more appropriate alternative. He indicated he would make every effort to research the current use of the State's lottery income. Councilmember Rosene concurred with the remarks and indicated he was opposed to the proposed legislation because it was not a progressive tax. RESOLUTION NO. 91 -113 Member Philip Cohen introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption as amended: RESOLUTION OBJECTING TO PROPOSED FUNDING MECHANISM FOR WETLANDS LEGISLATION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Jerry Pedlar, and the motion passed unanimously. PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UTILITIES The City Manager reviewed a resolution regarding proposed legislation to authorize establishment of transportation utilities. The Director of Public Works explained the utilities would operate similarly to the storm /drainage utilities. A charge would be imposed on property owners based upon traffic generated. He indicated the utility, if used by the City, could be a stable source of revenue; however, a disadvantage of the fee would be that the tax was not deductible. He indicated staff recommended approval on the basis that the fee would be available as a tool the City could use in the future if necessary. He was not advocating the City immediately begin the use of a transportation utility. In response to Councilmember Pedlar's question, the Director of Public Works indicated all property owners would be affected based upon actual usage to be determined by a traffic analysis. Commercial and industrial property would be taxed more heavily than 4/8/91 - 8 - I C O R R E C T I O N residential property. The Director of Public Works indicated the analysis would result in an average number for each type of property (i.e. single- family residential) and would not be based upon the number of vehicles owned by an individual. Councilmember Pedlar questioned what the costs might be and whether the taxes citizens already pay should be expected to cover transportation - related services. The Director of Public Works indicated costs were not able to be estimated at this point. In response to Mayor Paulson's question, the Director of Public Works indicated the revenue generated from this type of utility would be available for use for trains also. Councilmember Cohen felt the proposed tax was a complicated method of addressing a need which could be met more staightforwardly by a wheelage tax, if warranted. The Director of Public Works indicated the advantage of the proposed utility versus a wheelage tax was that the utility could be collected by the City without being routed through State government. Mayor Paulson commented on a potential problem of the utility, which was there would be no dis- incentive to use. He felt encouraging lesser use of vehicles would lead to more efficient transportation. The Director of Public Works concurred. Councilmember Rosene referring to a wheelage tax, noted if encouraging alternative forms of transportation were successful, funding would then diminish due to decreased vehicle use and thus fees paid. Councilmember Cohen stated he supported the proposed pp p posed resolution as a potential tool for the City's use, but requested the experience of other communities be solicited in order to estimate revenue generated. The Director of Public Works indicated that information was not currently available, but the City would rely on such information in the future before implementing a transportation utility. As a rough guideline, the Director of Public Works indicated the storm /sewer utility fee generated approximately $260,000 for the City. He stated if the transportation utility were to generate a similar amount, it would make a substantial contribution to the $1.5 million annual cost of street repair and maintenance. In response to Councilmember Pedlar's question, the Director of Public Works indicated most other communities were supporting the option to establish a transportation utility in the future. Councilmember Pedlar was reluctant to support the measure without more information on costs. The City Manager stated the City would make an effort to thoroughly analyze estimated costs and anticipated revenue as the information became available in the future before proposing use of the utility. Councilmember Cohen commented he felt the issue would send a message to the State that cities were competent to make the right decision for their citizens in this area without State intervention. Councilmember Rosene indicated the issue of how to make the utility fair for residents of major roads (i.e. Humboldt Avenue) would need to be addressed. He commented if adopted by other communities, the utility could provide better roads and better transportation throughout the metro area. 418191 -9- RESOLUTION NO. 91 -114 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UTILITIES The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dave Rosene, and the motion passed unanimously. NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES The City Manager briefly reviewed consideration of membership in the National League of Cities and indicated dues were $1,162 annually. There was a motion by Councilmember Pedlar and seconded by Councilmember Scott directing the City Manager to prepare a resolution providing for membership in the National League of Cities and reappropriating $1,162 from the budget for dues. Vote: Four ayes. The motion passed. Councilmember Cohen abstained. RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE ACCIDENT INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CITY VOLUNTEERS The City Manager briefly reviewed this item. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Rosene directing the City Manager to prepare a resolution providing for the purchase of accident insurance coverage for City volunteers. The motion passed unanimously. j RESOLUTIONS (CONTINUED) The City Manager reviewed a proposed resolution for the purpose of establishing a Brooklyn Center Ad Hoc Financial Task Force Committee. In regard to membership of the task force, Councilmember Rosene suggested the resolution be amended to provide for membership of a City staff member, with preference given to those residing in Brooklyn Center. The City Manager explained there would be provisions for extensive employee involvement and input; however, he felt it would be best not to have a member of staff directly n the committee as it could perhaps lace Y p p p that employee under undue pressure from co- workers. He felt that getting input from staff members without singling them out as the focus of attention would be preferable. Councilmember Pedlar concurred and the Council agreed the City Manager would work with Councilmember Pedlar to establish an employee input process. 4/8/91 - 10-