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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 04-23 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 APRIL 23, 1990 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:01 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Celia Scott, Todd Paulson, and Jerry Pedlar. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Finance Director Paul Holmlund, Director of Planning and Inspection Ron Warren, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, Personnel Coordinator Geralyn Barone, City Engineer Mark Maloney, and Administrative Aide Patti Page. Mayor Nyquist noted Councilmember Cohen would be late for this evening's meeting. INVOCATION The invocation was offered by Mayor Nyquist. OPEN FORUM Mayor Nyquist noted the Council had received two requests to use the open forum session this evening. He recognized James Bussa, 6718 Regent Avenue North. Mr. Bussa stated the streets in his neighborhood were sealcoated last fall, and he has some questions and concerns regarding the size and coarseness of the granite _ which was used. He noted his daughter has fallen on the street and needed six stitches in her knee. He stated several other children have also been injured while playing or riding their bikes on the street. He stated he has contacted the City regarding this, and the streets have been swept to remove the loose stone. Mr. Bussa questioned why such heavy duty stones were used in such a quiet residential area.- He explained the school parking lot was also sealcoated last fall, but a different type of coating was used. He inquired if the City could retar and use this fine sand or rock in place of the rock which was used last year. The City Manager stated the City has experimented with several different types of stones. He noted the sealcoating process extends the life of the roadway and the application which is currently being used is the surface most recommended by the sealcoating companies. He added the process which Mr. Bussa referred to in the school parking lot does not rejuvenate the asphalt. The Director of Public Works stated in the past the City applied pea rock but switched to the crushed rock because the pea rock was peeling off the street and losing its effectiveness. He stated he does not believe there are any cities using the process described by Mr. Bussa for residential streets. He added this particular process has a life expectancy of only four to five years. The Director of Public Works stated the coarseness of the rock does provide better 4/23/90 -1 traction for the vehicles, and staff does believe the current material is the best choice over the other options. Mr. Bussa stated there are also a number of senior citizens in his neighborhood, and they have commented it is difficult to walk on this surface. He added he would like to be able to teach his daughter to ride her bike, but they must go to Willow Lane school so she does not hurt herself on the street. The City Manager stated he would have staff look into this situation and see if there is any solution to this problem. Mayor Nyquist then recognized Gregg Peppin, 6824 Drew Avenue North. Mr. Peppin stated he was troubled by a recent article in the PostNews concerning the $1,800 contract with Northwest News. He stated he found a great deal of repetitiveness in the articles between the PostNews paper and the Northwest News.' Councilmember Philip Cohen entered the meeting at 7:24 p.m. Mr. Peppin stated he was not sure what a full page in the Star Tribune would cost, but he felt the cost for the Northwest News was very high for the coverage we received. He stated he has only attended one other Council meeting and at that particular meeting, the Council discussed its dissatisfaction with the PostNews. He stated now four to six weeks later a new newspaper is on the scene, and the City is paying for articles to be printed. He stated he feels this is very vindictive. Mr. Peppin noted a recent article in the Star Tribune listed the top ten cities for property taxes. He noted Brooklyn Center is rated No. 9. He inquired if Brooklyn Center is rated so high because of its poor . spending habits. The City Manager stated the Northwest News newspaper is distributed free to every home in Brooklyn Center. He noted the City Manager's newsletter is also distributed to every home in Brooklyn Center, but the information that is printed in it is not always timely. He noted in the past the City has had some difficulties getting proper coverage from the PostNews. He stated currently a consultant is doing a communication study and surveys are being completed. He noted the articles which first appeared in the Northwest News had originally been prepared as staff reports and that may be why they seemed unreadable. He added only 16% of the property taxes collected go towards the City of Brooklyn Center. Mr. Peppin stated he does understand the issue a little better now, but he is still opposed to the expenditure. The City Manager explained the cost to publish an ad or an article in the Star Tribune would be astronomical. He explained the cost of printing the City Manager's newsletter is approximately $5,000 for each issue and if the newsletters were to be mailed out to each home, it would cost approximately $42,000 a year. Councilmember Cohen stated there was a period of time in 1989 where the PostNews did not cover any Council meetings at all. He stated the public and residents of Brooklyn Center have a right to know what is happening within their City. Councilmember Paulson inquired if it is possible to reconsider an action which has already been approved. The City Attorney stated generally you would use a motion to rescind a previously approved action. However, in this case, it could 4/23/90 -2- be considered a breach of contract since Northwest News has already published the four issues for the City. Councilmember Paulson stated he is not sure he wants to rescind the previously approved motion. However, he would like to reconsider the issue in light of the new information. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Nyquist stated he would like to remove item 7a from the agenda as he has not been able to reach the applicant for the Human Rights and Resources Commission. He inquired if any Councilmembers requested any other items removed from the consent agenda. No requests were made. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 12 1990 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the minutes of the March 12, 1990, City Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 26 1990 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the minutes of the March 26, 1990, City Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 90 -81 Member Todd Paulson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION RECEIVING ENGINEER'S REPORT REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS ON FREEWAY BOULEVARD /65TH AVENUE /66TH AVENUE BETWEEN SHINGLE CREEK AND T.H. 252, AND ON HUMBOLDT AVENUE NORTH BETWEEN 65TH AND 69TH AVENUES NORTH (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 1988 -25, 1989 -26, 1989 -27, 1990 -11 AND 1990 -12) AND CALLING FOR HEARING THEREON The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO 90 -82 Member Todd Paulson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: DECLARING SURPLUS PROPERTY The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -83 Member Todd Paulson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR REPLACEMENT OF LIFT STATIONS 4, 5 AND 7, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1989 -07, CONTRACT 1990 -C The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. 4/23/90 -3- LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the following list of licenses: CIGARETTE - OVER THE COUNTER Brooklyn Center Service 6245 Brooklyn Blvd. Wes' Amoco 6044 Brooklyn Blvd. FOOD ESTABLISHMENT Bridgeman's 6201 Brooklyn Blvd. Brooklyn Center Church of the Nazarene 501 - 73rd Ave. N. St. Alphonsus Church 7025 Halifax Ave. N. Taco Bell 5532 Brooklyn Blvd. ITINERANT FOOD ESTABLISHMENT Brooklyn Center American Legion Evergreen Park Brooklyn Center Fire Department Central Park Brooklyn Center Lions B. C. High School MECHANICAL SYSTEMS Air Corp, Inc. 13005 16th Ave. N. Flare Heating & Air Cond., Inc. 664 Mendelssohn Ave. N. Milts Gas Heating Service, Inc. 2500 Longview Drive New Mech Companies, Inc. 1633 Eustis Street Preferred Mechanical Services, Inc. 712 W. 77 1/2 St. Pride Mechanical, Inc. 3025 NE Randolph St. R & S Heating and Air Cond. 21357 Hemlock Ave. United Heating and A/C 7909 30th Ave. N. Yale, Inc. 9649 Girard Ave. S. MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERSHIP Brookdale Ford, Inc. 2500 Co. Road 10 NONPERISHABLE VENDING MACHINES Hub Vending 6123 Aldrich Ave. N. Johnson Controls 1801 67th Ave. N. Leeann Chin Commissary 6800 Shingle Ck. Pkwy. RENTAL DWELLINGS Initial: Patti Zoerb 5900 Camden Ave. N. Linda Fluguear 5242 Lakeside Place Renewal: Brookwood Estates 6201 N. Lilac Drive Brookwood Manor 6125 N. Lilac Drive Danny J. Peterson 5607 Colfax Ave N. James & Yvonne Lyons 5303 Emerson Ave. N. Robert & Marilyn Cashman 5622 Emerson Ave. N. United Homes Corp. 4207 Lakeside Ave. N. #228 Gary & Carol Meinke 3601 47th Ave. N. John & Patricia DeVries 2911 68th Lane N. 4/23/90 -4- i SIGN HANGER Suburban Lighting, Inc. 6077 Lake Elmo Ave. N. SPECIAL FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENT Main Street Video 6800 Humboldt Ave. N. SWIMMING POOL Brookwood Estates 6201 N. Lilac Drive Earle Brown.Farm Apartments 1701, 07 69th Ave. N. TAXICAB Suburban Taxi Corporation 9614 Humboldt Ave. S. Yellow Taxi Service Corp. 3555 5th Ave. S. The motion passed unanimously. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to table consideration of the mayoral appointment to the Human Rights and Resources Commission. The motion passed unanimously. h RESOLUTIONS (CONTINUED) The City Manager y g presented a Resolution Approving Right -of -Way Plan for 69th Avenue Improvement Project No. 1990 -10. The Director of Public Works stated in order to proceed with the acquisition of properties required to provide adequate right -of -way for this improvement, and to assure the cost of acquisition will be reimbursable from municipal state aid funds, it is necessary to adopt a right- of -way plan which identifies properties to be acquired and to receive approval of that plan from MNDOT state aid office. He explained Short - Elliott -, Hendrickson, Inc. had prepared a detailed right -of -way plan. He went on to briefly review the plan prepared by Short - Elliott - Hendrickson, Inc. Councilmember Cohen inquired if the driveway into Mound Cemetery needs to be adjusted. The Director of Public Works stated it does not appear any adjustment will be necessary. Councilmember Cohen asked if there would be a left turn access problem into the cemetery and whether this had been discussed with the owners of Mound Cemetery. The Director of Public Works stated staff has not had any discussions with the owners of Mound Cemetery at this time. He noted this is not the final plan for the project only a right -of -way plan for acquisition purposes. Councilmember Cohen inquired if the City would be creating a negative environment for the home that is not being taken on West Palmer Lake Drive. The Director of Public Works stated he did not believe a negative environment would be created and noted after reviewing the plans and the site, he does not believe the City could justify the expense of taking this home. Public Works Coordinator Diane Spector entered the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Councilmember Scott expressed some concern with regard to the final plan. She stated she wants to be sure the development is not moved so far north that it is closer to the homes on the north side than the road has ever been on the south side. The Director of Public Works stated the setback requirement is 50' and noted with the purchase of the right -of -way, it should be possible to allow the 4/23/90 -5- ur required setback on each side of the development. Councilmember Pedlar inquired how far the second tier of homes would be from the roadway. The Director of Public Works stated the roadway would be 55' away from their south property line. He noted these homes faced east and west so the front of their homes would not be facing 69th Avenue. Councilmember Cohen stated he would want to be sure there is a decent buffer of landscaping between the roadway and the homes on the north side. The Director of Public Works stated the purpose of this particular plan is to prove to MNDOT the right -of -way is necessary for the project. Councilmember Cohen inquired if there had been any further study regarding acquisition of the south side homes. The City Manager stated it would be necessary to find other funding sources if the Council wished to purchase the homes on the south side. He noted staff can demonstrate that only one side of the homes is necessary to build the project with State aid funds. Councilmember Cohen stated the Council should also address the fairness of assessing the south side property owners. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -84 Member Todd Paulson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING RIGHT -OF -WAY PLAN FOR 69TH AVENUE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1990 -10 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed with Councilmember Pedlar opposed. The City Manager presented a Resolution Regarding Disposition of Planning Commission Application No. 89012. He noted Fina Oil has requested withdrawal of its application for the site and building plan and special use permit approval. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar acknowledging withdrawal of Planning Commission Application No. 89012 by the applicant. The motion passed unanimously. The Director of Planning and Inspection stated the other two Planning Commission applications which pertained to this area will still be moving ahead. Mayor Nyquist recognized Howard Atkins who stated he was shocked and disappointed Fina Oil has backed out. However, he does have another company which is interested in this area for a service station. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 90006 SUBMITTED BY RICHARD WHITLEY REQUESTING RESUBDIVISION APPROVAL TO DIVIDE OFF A VACANT 40' LOT WHICH HAS BEEN COMBINED FOR TAX PURPOSES WITH THE PROPERTY AT 5411 FREMONT AVENUE NORTH The City Manager noted this item was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its April 12, 1990, meeting. The Director of Planning and Inspection directed the Mayor and City Council to pages one through three of the April 12, 1990, minutes and information sheet. He stated basically the owner wishes to uncombine the existing lots which were combined for tax purposes years ago. He noted they are both legal lots of record. He stated the Planning Commission recommended approval of the application subject to three conditions which he reviewed for the Council. He noted there is not a public hearing 4/23/90 -6- scheduled this evening, but the applicant is present if the Council should have any questions. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to approve Planning Commission Application No. 90006 submitted by Richard Whitley subject to the following conditions: 1. The City Assessor is directed to process the resubdivision in conjunction with Hennepin County. 2. The resubdivision involves only pre - existing lots that comply with the provisions of Section 35 -500. No new lots are created. 3. The resubdivision approval does not comprehend approval of any other action ertaini p ng to the use of the property. The motion passed unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 90008 SUBMITTED BY CHARLES HILLSTROM REQUESTING RESUBDIVISION APPROVAL TO DIVIDE OFF A VACANT 40' LOT WHICH HAS BEEN COMBINED FOR TAX PURPOSES WITH THE PROPERTY AT 5423 FREMONT AVENUE NORTH The City Manager noted this item was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its April 12, 1990 meeting. The Director g t r of Planning. and Inspection directed the Mayor and City Council to pages three and four of the April 12, 1990, minutes and information sheet. He noted this application is identical to the previous application. He stated there was one additional item of concern with this application because a cross access agreement would need to be filed for access to the detached garage. He noted a public hearing is not scheduled for this evening but the applicant is present. He then went on to review the five conditions for approval. There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve Planning Commission Application No. 90008 submitted by Charles Hillstrom subject to the following conditions: 1. The City Assessor is directed to process the resubdivision in conjunction with Hennepin County. 2. The resubdivision involves only pre- existing lots that comply with the provisions of Section 35 -500. No new lots are created. 3. The resubdivision approval does not comprehend approval of any other action pertaining to the use of the property. 4. No variances from City ordinance requirements are implied. Any future structures on Lot 5 are required to meet setback requirements. 5. The applicant shall execute and file a cross access easement over the northwest corner of Lot 5 prior to finalization of the resubdivision. Said cross access easement shall be reviewed and _approved by the City Attorney. 4/23/90 -7 The motion passed unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 90007 SUBMITTED BY MERILA AND ASSOCIATES REQUESTING PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL TO COMBINE THE PARCELS THAT MAKE UP THE CROSS OF GLORY CHURCH SITE AT 5929 BROOKLYN BOULEVARD 0 LEVARD AND THE MILO CARLSON PROPERTY AT 5830 DREW AVENUE NORTH The City Manager noted this item was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its April 12, 1990, meeting. The Director of Planning and Inspection directed the Mayor and City Council to pages four through six of the April 12, 1990, minutes and information sheet. He went on to briefly review the I l site He noted the purpose of the plat is to combine the land owned by the church into a single parcel and to resolve some title problems between the church property and the Milo Carlson property at 5830 Drew Avenue North. The Director of Planning and Inspection stated the surveyor believes he has discovered an error in the previous survey of the office site which gave the office a rectangle of land southeast of the building. He stated the church has approached the owners of the office building about participating in the plat and resolving the dispute over this land in the process. He noted the owners of the office building have declined at this time to participate. He noted the owners of the office building believe even if a surveying error was made in the past, t they now have ownership of the land through adverse possession. He stated there could be a dispute over the filing of this plat. He explained the City Attorney has advised the Planning Commission and City Council to process the plat assuming it to be accurate. He then went on to review the four conditions recommended for approval of this application. He noted a public ,hearing has been scheduled for this evening. Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on Planning Commission Application No. 90007 submitted by Merila and Associates. 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. f There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to close the public hearing on Planning Commission Application No. 90007. The motion passed unanimously. There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to approve Planning Commission Application No. 90007 submitted by Merila and Associates subject to the following conditions: 1. The final plat is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. 2. The final plat is subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of the City ordinances. 3. All survey monuments associated with the plat shall be installed and inspected prior to release of the final plat for filing. 4. A cross access agreement, as approved by the City Attorney, shall be filed with the title to the properties providing access across the proposed Lot 1 to Lot 2 in the area by Drew Avenue North. 4/23/90 -8 The motion passed. Councilmember Paulson abstained from the vote. RESOLUTIONS (CONTINUED) The City Manager presented a Resolution Accepting Proposals for Professional Services Relating to Acquisition of Right -of -Way for 69th Avenue Improvement Project No. 1990 -10. He explained this will start the process of acquisition for one home on 69th Avenue because the owners have sited a hardship case. The Director of Public Works stated staff will be submitting a proposal for the rest of the properties on 69th Avenue at the next Council meeting. Councilmember Pedlar stated he was not convinced the south side property owners would not be adversely affected by this development. The City Manager noted, as mentioned earlier, the City would have to find alternative funding sources to purchase the homes on the south side of 69th. Councilmember Cohen stated he believes the Council should be discussing alternative funding sources in the near future. The City Manager stated he believed it would be the middle of the summer before the EDA could start working on this issue. The Director of Public Works stated the City does not anticipate acquisition of most of the homes until late summer, 1991. He noted if there are owners that would like their property taken quickly, they should notify the City so staff knows how to proceed. Councilmember Scott inquired if the City were to buy some of the homes early who would be responsible for maintenance of the property. The City Manager stated there are multiple options with regard to this question; however, staff would not recommend renting the property. RESOLUTION N0. 90 -85 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATING TO ACQUISITION OF RIGHT -OF -WAY FOR 69TH AVENUE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1990 -10 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed with Councilmember Jerry Pedlar opposed. The City Manager presented a Resolution Approving Purchase of Plotter for Use with Ultimap System. He briefly reviewed the memorandum prepared by the Director of Public Works regarding the purchase of this plotter. Mayor Nyquist inquired if staff did not recognize the amount of work or potential for work for the printer when the Ultimap system was first purchased. The City Manager stated at the time of the original purchase, staff didn't believe they would need a large printer on a frequent basis. Also, he noted at the time of the original purchase the printer cost approximately $17,000. RESOLUTION N0. 90 -86 Member Jerry Pedlar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING PURCHASE OF PLOTTER FOR USE WITH ULTIMAP SYSTEM The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. RECESS 4/23/90 -9 i The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 8:47 p.m. and reconvened at 8:59 p.m. Mayor Pro tem Pedlar reconvened the meeting as Mayor Nyquist left due to illness. DISCUSSION ITEMS REQUEST FROM PONDS ASSOCIATION II FOR SPEED LIMIT CHANGE The City Manager referred the Mayor Pro tem and Council to the report prepared for this item. The Director of Public Works stated the Administrative Traffic Committee has worked with the Ponds Association II for a number of years regarding issues in this area. Councilmember Scott inquired if traffic counts have been taken in this area. The Director of Public Works stated two traffic counts have been taken, and the volume of traffic on Unity Avenue is what can be expected compared to the number of homes in the area. He noted there is not a substantial amount of cut - through traffic in this area. Councilmember Scott inquired if there was any particular time of day when it was excessive in the area. The Director of Public Works stated there were some fluctuations, but it was fairly uniform. Mayor Pro tem Pedlar recognized Mr. David Kiser, representing the Ponds Association II. Mr. Kiser stated he has observed a number of people driving at excessive speeds through this neighborhood. He noted there are a number of children in the area, and he is concerned with regard to their safety. He also noted this is a very curvy road, and he has actually seen some drivers pass other vehicles on this road. Counci- lmember Paulson inquired if Mr. Kiser had any way of measuring how often people exceed the speed limit. Mr. Kiser stated he would approximate three to four vehicles per hour exceed the speed limit. Councilmember Cohen asked the Director of Public Works to comment on the many curves in this road. The Director of Public Works stated he believed the road was designed this way to try to slow the traffic in this area. He noted it is possible the State Commissioner of Transportation, after reviewing the issue, may raise the speed limit instead of lowering the limit. Councilmember Cohen asked if staff could review the street layout and any possible changes. The City Manager stated staff could report back after the State Commissioner of Transportation has reviewed this issue. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -87 Member Todd Paulson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT A TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION ON UNITY AVENUE NORTH BETWEEN 69TH AND 73RD AVENUES NORTH The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Philip Cohen, and the motion passed unanimously. YARD WASTE DISPOSAL UPDATE The City Manager stated the HRG has received a proposal from Lynde and McLeod Development Company, Inc. regarding a yard waste drop -off site in Maple Grove. He noted this site would allow residents to dump their yard waste for a fee. However, the residents must empty the plastic bags and take the bags with them. He stated what is being proposed for this site is a land spreading operation versus composting. He has stated at this time the HRG is proposing the portion 4/23/90 -10- of the Hennepin County tipping fees which goes towards yard waste would be used to pay the HRG share of this agreement. He added the HRG is also proposing to pay the residents fee for at least the first year. He added this is an alternative to the residents and noted they could still have their garbage haulers remove the yard waste. Councilmember Cohen inquired what the time frame was for opening this site. The City Manager stated it could be within the next 30 days. Councilmember Scott stated the City must notify residents very clearly as to what can and cannot be dropped off at the yard waste site. There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Scott approving the concept of the Lynde and McLeod Development Company, Inc. proposal to the HRG. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Pro tem Pedlar recognized Dan Remiarz, 6201 June Avenue North. Mr. Remiarz referred the City Council to an article which appeared in the Star Tribune on April 19, 1990. He noted the article pertained to recycling and stated Brooklyn Center was not mentioned in the article. The City Manager stated in this article the Star Tribune used annual figures and explained the City of Brooklyn Center has only been recycling for the last six months. Mr. Remiarz stated he feels the recycling program in Brooklyn Center is very poor. REFORESTATION PROGRAM The City Manager stated during the last budget session, the City Council requested further information pertaining to a reforestation program. The Director of Public Works referred the Mayor Pro tem and City Councilmembers to the report prepared by the Public Works Coordinator Diane Spector. He explained over the past few years the City has been taking preventive measures to remove diseased trees. He noted there has been a net loss of approximately 3,000 trees in Brooklyn Center. The Public Works Coordinator stated the Minnesota DNR is developing a program aimed at providing cost sharing and technical assistance for municipalities establishing comprehensive forestry programs She explained this program would include for 1991 cost - sharing provisions for acquiring and planting trees. She noted a comprehensive forestry program in Brooklyn Center would include: tree inventory; tree diseased control; a tree trimming program;` landscaping planning assistance; and reforestation efforts. She noted it should be coordinated by a person with a forestry background. She then went on to briefly review the report she had prepared for the Council. Councilmember Cohen stated it appears the staff and Council have some short and long -range alternatives and plans to make. He noted at this time he would suggest buying trees at a volume discount and extending this contract to residents so they could buy larger trees. Councilmember Paulson inquired what a tree inventory would cost. The Public Works Coordinator stated in 1979 the City of Robbinsdale conducted a tree inventory, and it cost approximately $4,000. She noted this inventory collected information on the type of tree, size of tree, age, number per parcel, and health. Councilmember Paulson inquired how this information would be useful. The Public Works Coordinator stated at this point City staff does not know the number or types of trees which are in the City. She noted this information would allow staff to plan for a better, more varied urban forest and would also help to avoid a major wipeout like the Dutch elm disease. Councilmember Paulson commented he would rather spend money on planting trees than finding out what type of trees are already existing. The 4/23/90 -11- Public Works Coordinator stated it is not adequate enough to just go out and start planting trees, there has to be some type of management plan to care for these trees. Councilmember Scott stated she believes there was a higher number of trees lost than what is reflected in the report. She noted many times homeowners remove trees before the City has even marked them. She stated one concern she has is that homeowners be careful when planting trees so the utility companies will not be doing the trimming. She added she felt the City should get started this year using whatever funding is available. She noted she felt the inventory may have been helpful when the Dutch elm disease first came along because then staff would have known where the trees were located and some preventive maintenance could have been tried. The Director of Public Works stated the tree inventory is a very essential part of the program and noted it is the first step to obtaining funding from the State. Councilmember Paulson inquired if the tree inventory is a requirement to get funding from the State. The Director of Public Works stated the existence of the inventory or development of it will be essential to receiving funding from the State. He noted the City of St. Louis Park has been using a program available through LOGIS for a tree inventory. He noted he would like staff to be able to review this program more thoroughly. There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Scott directing staff to develop a contract with a supplier for purchase and installation of trees to the residents; to develop a contract for residents to buy trees at a discounted price because of the bulk volume; and also directing staff to pursue the three options outlined within the Public Works Coordinator's report. The motion passed unanimously. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE The Director of Public Works stated the Administrative Traffic Committee recommends the current street light policy be amended to allow installation of - alley lights on the same basis as street lights. He explained petition for installation of the light must be signed by a majority of the property owners abutting the alley, and it must include the approval of the property owners which will be adjacent to the light. A brief discussion then ensued whether this would apply to lights that have already been installed. RESOLUTION N0. 90 -88 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AMENDING STREET AND ALLEY LIGHTING POLICY The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Philip Cohen, and the motion passed unanimously. REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL - SOUTH OF 69TH AVENUE ADJACENT TO T.H. 252 The City Manager explained in the past there has been some discussion for development of the area south of 69th Avenue adjacent to T.H. 252. Councilmember Cohen left the meeting at 10:15 p.m. The City Manager then went on to review the various alternatives and explained 4/23/90 -12- there was no specific action required this evening. Councilmember. Scott inquired if the Evanson's still own property in this area. The City Manager responded affirmatively but noted there are indications they may be interested in selling. The Director of Public Works stated staff needs to speak with the owners to find out which owners would be willing to cooperate and then choose an alternative that works best with those people. PROPOSED FOOT PROTECTION POLICY The City Manager explained the Safety Committee has been working on a safety manual and noted this policy is part of the safety manual. The Personnel Coordinator went on to review the report prepared a ed for this item an P p p d noted there would be a $35 reimbursement for those employees who purchase steel toe shoes. She stated this would promote safer working conditions for the City's employees. She added it would cost the City approximately $2,000 annually if every qualified employee purchased steel toe boots. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Paulson � approving the foot protection policy. The motion passed unanimously. SANITARY SEWER BACKUP CLAIMS The Finance Director briefly reviewed the procedure which is used at this time if a resident calls regarding a sewer backup problem. He stated at this time the only legal basis there is for the insurance company to pay a claim is if the City is found negligent. He added generally most sewer claims are denied. He stated in some instances the residents do come to the Council requesting reimbursement. The Finance Director stated recently there have been a couple of articles, in the League of Minnesota Cities magazine dealing with sewer backup claims. He stated it is his recommendation the City continue its present policy of leaving the payment of sewer backup claims to the City's insurance carrier who pays only when it is determined the City has a legal obligation to pay the claim. OTHER BUSINESS The City Manager stated he would like authorization to sign the contract with the facilitators for the annual planning meeting. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Paulson authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the facilitators of the annual planning meeting. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Scott to. adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 10:40 p.m. City Clerk. May 4/23/90 -13-