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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 08-13 CCM Regular Session 'r MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY F OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 13, 1990 CITY HALL i CALL TO ORDER j 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, Jerry Pedlar, and Philip Cohen. 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, City Engineer Mark Maloney, Public Works Coordinator Diane Spector, and Personnel Coordinator Geralyn Barone. INVOCATION 4 The invocation was offered by Elaine Bernards, chairperson of the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Committee. OPEN FORUM Mayor Nyquist noted the Council had received one request to use the open forum session this evening. He recognized George Watts, 6125 Kyle Avenue North, who said he has resided in Brooklyn Center for the last 21 years. He said in the last three to four weeks, high winds and a rain storm broke off the top of a tree on the boulevard of his property. Mr. Watts said he called the City and was informed this was his tree. He asked why the City has trimmed it for the last 21 years if it is his tree. He said he was concerned about his liability if the portion of the tree fell and hurt someone. Mr. Watts said he spent $65 having a tree removal company trim the broken branches. Mr. Watts requested the City reimburse him for part of the cost for removal of the branches. The Director of Public Works said he was informed about this last Friday, and he asked the City Council for an opportunity to review the issue in more detail. Mr. Watts said this was fine with him as long as he receives some sort of a response from the City. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Nyquist inquired if any Councilmembers requested any items removed from the consent agenda. Councilmember Pedlar requested 9e and 9f be removed from the consent agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JULY 23 1990 - REGULAR SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Paulson to approve the minutes of the July 23, 1990, City Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Paulson 8/13/90 -1- �i to appoint election judges for the September 11, 1990, primary election. The motion passed unanimously. SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT APPROVAL There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Paulson to approve the subdivision agreement for Richardson Park 2nd Addition (Olive Garden Restaurant). The motion passed unanimously. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Paulson to approve the final plat for Richardson Park 2nd Addition (Olive Garden Restaurant). RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 90 -156 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK PERFORMED UNDER CONTRACT 1989 -E - NORTH LILAC DRIVE TRAIL CONSTRUCTION The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -157 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1990 -16, CONTRACT 1990 -G, CONSTRUCTION OF WELL HOUSE NO. 10 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -158 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH SEH, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATING TO 69TH AVENUE STREET 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 unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -159 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING THE REMOVAL OF DISEASED SHADE TREES (ORDER NO. DST 8/13/90) The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed unanimously. 8/13/90 -2- RESOLUTION NO. 90 -160 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: i ! RESOLUTION APPROVING PURCHASE OF A DOT MATRIX PRINTER The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -161 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DECLARING SURPLUS PROPERTY The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -162 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN HENNEPIN COUNTY AND THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER FOR THE YEAR XVI URBAN HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed unanimously. LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Paulson to approve the following list of licenses: GARBAGE AND REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE Aagard Sanitation 875 Prior Ave. N. Darling & Co. P. 0. Box 12785 Midwest Grease Buyers, Inc. P. 0. Box 26 Robbinsdale Transfer 3601 48th Ave. N. T & L Sanitation 8201 Logan Ave. N. ITINERANT FOOD ESTABLISHMENT Brookdale Unocal 76 5710 Xerxes Ave. N. MECHANICAL SYSTEMS A- Aaron's div. of Waste Inc. 2511 Highway 7 Master Mechanical, Inc. 9864 James Circle McQuillan Bros. Plumbing & Htg. Co. 452 Selby Ave. PERISHABLE VENDING MACHINE C. D. Flodstrom 5200 77th Ave. N. SIGN HANGER Crosstown Sign Inc. 10166 Central Ave. NE SPECIAL FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENT 8/13/90 -3- Neatables 5900 Shingle Ck. Pkwy. SWIMMING POOL Chippewa Park Apartments 6507 Camden Ave. N. TAXICAB Blue and White 1086 East York The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - AUGUST 7 1990 - SPECIAL SESSION There was a motion by Councilmember Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the minutes of the August 7, 1990, City Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Pedlar abstained from voting. RESOLUTIONS (CONTINUED) The City Manager presented a Resolution Approving Change Order No. l to Contract No. 1990 -A, Sealcoating Project No. 1990 -08. The City Manager reviewed the proposal and said if there is further peeling of any of the roadway, the City will deal with these sections as problems occur. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -163 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO CONTRACT NO. 1990 -A, SEALCOATING PROJECT NO. 1990 -08 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Jerry Pedlar, and the motion passed unanimously. The City Manager presented a Resolution Relating to MNDOT Study of I -94 between Brooklyn Boulevard and I -494. Councilmember Pedlar commented that he saw someone fall off a section of the Xerxes Avenue sidewalk (south of the I -94 bridge) that had buckled. The Director of Public Works said he was not aware of this and will check into it. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -164 Member Jerry Pedlar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION RELATING TO MNDOT STUDY OF I -94 BETWEEN BROOKLYN BOULEVARD AND I -494 The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and the motion passed unanimously. The City Manager presented a Resolution Accepting Work Performed under Improvement Project No. 1990 -18 - Well No. 5 Repairs. Councilmember Pedlar referred to minutes of the July 23, 1990, City Council meeting in which staff referenced well No. 8 and its problems. He asked when there will be a report back to the Council on well No. 8. The Director of Public Works said this would be ready in September. Councilmember Pedlar asked if the City intends to conduct a comparable evaluation of all of its wells. The Director of Public Works said there is no need to do this because other wells do not have problems 8/13/90 -4- similar to those of well No. 8. Councilmember Pedlar expressed concern for the expense of making corrections to well No. 5. The Director of Public Works noted each well is checked every five to seven years, which is on a rotating schedule. One to two wells are checked each year with an expense of $15,000 - $20,000 to rehabilitate each well after it has been checked. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -165 Member Jerry Pedlar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK PERFORMED UNDER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1990 -18 - WELL NO. 5 REPAIRS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Philip Cohen, and the motion passed unanimously. The City Manager presented a Resolution Establishing Health Insurance Program. He said the current program for retirees will expire at the end of this year, and the City Council had requested an opportunity to review the program prior to expiration. The Director of Finance said the only real change of the current program is a provision which allows retirees who established residency out of Minnesota to continue participation in the program by having the City pay the single premium to an out -of -state insurance carrier. He noted the current insurance carriers served by the City have service areas only in Minnesota. The Director of Finance said the estimated cost of the program is $15,000 each year for a total cost of approximately $76,000 for a five -year period. The last program cost approximately $25,000. The Director of Finance said the City of Brooklyn Center's employees retirement fund has a balance of approximately $800,000 and earns about $60,000 a year in interest. Councilmember Scott asked if employees must be eligible for full retirement benefits and asked if employees would not be able to participate in this program if they took early retirement. The Director of Finance responded that employees are eligible to retire under PERA at age 62 or with a rule of 90 (service years plus age), and police officers can retire at age 55. An employee who retires without full benefits would not be eligible for the program. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -166 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING RETIREMENT HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed unanimously. The City Manager presented a Resolution Approving Purchase of Fax Machine and Computer Workstation and Authorizing Transfer of Funds from Drug Forfeiture Monies. Councilmember Pedlar said $8,400 will be left for training, and he asked what the total cost of training is. The City Manager said the cost is $10,000, but some employees on staff will be doing some of the training. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -167 Member Philip Cohen introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 8/13/90 -5- RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 1990 GENERAL FUND BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING FORFEITED PROPERTY FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE FAX MACHINE AND ONE COMPUTER WORKSTATION FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Jerry Pedlar, and the motion passed unanimously. ORDINANCE The City Manager presented An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 of the City Ordinances Regarding the Minnesota State Building Code. He noted this item is offered this evening for a first reading. Councilmember Cohen asked if the provisions of the ordinance are not retroactive so any practices regarding sprinklers would not be voided. The City Manager said the ordinance relates to new structures only and does not impact existing structures. Councilmember Pedlar asked under what building code the City is currently operating. The Director of Planning and Inspection said it is the 1987 building code. Councilmember Pedlar asked which fire code the City is using, and the Director of Planning and Inspection said he believes it is the 1979 code. The City Manager said the Fire Department is working to update the fire code, and Councilmember Pedlar said he encourages this update. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to approve for a first reading An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 of the City Ordinances Regarding the Minnesota State Building Code and setting a public hearing date of September 10, 1990, at 7:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS CITY HALL STUDY The City Manager said staff is requesting authorization to proceed with further analysis of building needs. The Director of Public Works referenced his memorandum in the agenda packet and reviewed it for the City Council. He recommended the City Council approve the use of an architect to develop a long term plan looking at space allocation. The City Manager said the City should be sure that what it spends in the short run will not be wasted in the long run. Councilmember Paulson asked if there is any kind of time conflict for staff to generate the space needs information in- house. The City Manager said the City can use information that departments have already compiled, but the City needs help on a planning design scheme and how to best utilize space. Councilmember Cohen noted the report said a minimum of 4,000 square feet is needed immediately. He said he understands a number of other city halls have been completely gutted and made more functional, a consideration not beyond the realm of possibilities. Councilmember Cohen noted the City Council will have an opportunity to consider a formal proposal in the future when concerns can be fully addressed. He added he has no problems looking for a proposal at this time and noted if the City agrees a study should be made, the next step would be to solicit proposals. If the Council were to accept a proposal, then a session to discuss it should be scheduled. Mayor Nyquist inquired if a study session should precede the request for proposals. The City Manager said the City Council can proceed either way. 8/13/90 -6- Councilmember Pedlar suggested bringing a space consultant in to discuss how to t solve the City's short range space problems. Councilmember Pedlar expressed concern with having a consultant come in and tell the City how to use the 4,000 square feet. The City Manager noted some interim improvements are needed, so if it is possible to avoid wasting costs as related to long term improvements, this k would be best. Mayor Nyquist suggested the City could get out of the municipal liquor business and use the space from those buildings. Councilmember Pedlar asked what the cost of leasing space is, and the City Manager said for the space needed to handle an interim situation, the annual cost would be approximately $60,000. He noted moving part of the organization to an off -site location would be very expensive to do for more than a year or two. He suggested trying to use what we have to make it more functional. Councilmember Paulson said he is not entirely convinced there is a need to expand and feels we can use our own resources. He supports the suggestion to have a study session to look at the scope of a proposal before soliciting requests. Councilmember Scott said there is no doubt in her mind that some City departments are drastically in need of space. Her concern is to not lose money on temporary solutions. She noted the department heads have put a great deal of time into studying this already. She does not think it is feasible to use closets and hallways and feels the City Council needs to discuss this more. She said she would support a City Council meeting to review and discuss any proposals. Councilmember Cohen said he feels the space in City hall is being utilized to its best capacity and suggested a work session be scheduled to discuss this further. The City Manager said he will attempt to schedule a special meeting of the City Council within the next 30 days to discuss City hall expansion needs. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEM PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO 90015 SUBMITTED BY TEASDALE AND ASSOCIATES REQUESTING VARIANCE APPROVAL TO ALLOW MORE THAN TEN PERCENT OF THE GARDEN CITY COURT APARTMENT PROJECT TO BE THREE - BEDROOM UNITS FOLLOWING A CONVERSION OF 24 TWO- BEDROOM UNITS TO 16 THREE - BEDROOM UNITS The City Manager noted this item was recommended for denial by the Planning Commission at its July 26, 1990, meeting. The Director of Planning and Inspection referred the City Council to the Planning Commission minutes of June 14, 1990, pages five through eleven, and the attached information sheet to those minutes. He also referenced the July 26, 1990, minutes of the Planning Commission, pages one through .four, and the information sheet attached to the minutes. The Director of Planning and Inspection said following a public hearing on July 26, 1990, at the. Planning Commission meeting the Commission recommended denial of the variance, and he reviewed the reasons for denial. He said the Planning Commission recommended the City Council review the ten percent rule regarding three - bedroom apartment units. He noted a public hearing is scheduled this evening and the applicant is present. Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on Planning Commission Application No. 90015. Mayor Nyquist recognized Harold Teasdale who y y g , identified himself as the applicant. He said he is in agreement that the action requested is not a variance, and the ordinance should be changed. Mr. Teasdale suggested opposition to his application which revolves around management of 8/13/90 -7- apartments and not the fact there will be three - bedroom units. He said there is a concern regarding the number of people who will live in the apartments but pointed out there will be a decrease in the number of units. He asked if it is appropriate for children to live in walk -out apartments and noted there is demand for apartments that allow children. He said the fact is that children do live in apartments. Councilmember Paulson said he felt the current management is doing all right and questioned whether or not the facility will continue to be well managed. Mr. Teasdale said he is not criticizing current management. Councilmember Paulson asked what the rent is for a three - bedroom apartment. Mr. Teasdale said it is approximately $500 -$600 each month. Councilmember Pedlar asked if the applicant would pursue this project if rehabilitation grants were no longer available. Mr. Teasdale said he felt some sort of rehabilitation money should be available for him to continue involvement in this project. Councilmember Pedlar asked the applicant if he is involved in these projects in other communities. Mr. Teasdale said he is not involved in this particular type of conversion from two to three - bedroom units, although, he is a partner in about five other apartment complexes in the metropolitan area. Councilmember Paulson asked Mr. Teasdale if he agreed that the variance should be denied. Mr. Teasdale said the application does not appear to meet the current criteria, and he believes the ordinance should be changed. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to close the public hearing on Planning Commission Application No. 90015. The motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Pedlar said he agrees with the former City Council, the former City Manager, City staff, the Planning Commission and area residents that the application should be denied. There was a motion by Councilmember Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Scott to deny Planning Commission Application No. 90015. Councilmember Cohen said he feels there should be a resolution that accompanies the denial in case the City is challenged in the future. He said the City has an outstanding record in dealing with housing needs and suggests further study is necessary to address additional housing needs for families. He suggested amending the motion to direct staff to prepare a resolution denying Planning Commission Application No. 90015 and include in the resolution direction to study the issue further. He suggested points to note in the resolution would include the following information: history leading up to action taken in 1973; Brooklyn Center has addressed the needs to house families in the City's comprehensive plan; Brooklyn Center has provided for affordable rental units, and the City has the second highest number of Section 8 voucher units in the metro area; the pending surplus of single - family "starter homes" could well meet the needs of families and increasing three - bedroom apartment units would further add to the surplus; the City should examine the future demographics to determine the need for three- bedroom apartment units in the next ten years; the City should examine the total effect on the apartment rental inventory in Brooklyn Center if the percentage of three - bedroom units is raised from ten percent to twenty -five percent; the need for additional open space or other internal space considerations to accommodate family needs; and what the future of these units will be should the federal government terminate the low income housing credits 8/13/90 -8- as it has cut other tax code related housing incentives. There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Scott to amend the motion made by Councilmember Paulson to draft a resolution denying the application and based on the Planning Commission recommendation and City Council findings, the City should study the City Council's continuing concern regarding the need for shelter. Councilmember Paulson said he first wants to vote on the variance denial and then direct staff to conduct a study with a separate action. He wants to divorce the general policy from the specifics. Councilmember Cohen said he has no problems doing that, and he is just trying to set the record and make it as complete as possible. The City Attorney said the variance denial should have a resolution for the record. He said he has no problem with two separate resolutions that would include a second resolution setting the record and requesting further study on this. The City Manager agreed that it makes good sense to have a denial resolution for the record. Councilmember Cohen withdrew his motion amending the original motion made by Councilmember Paulson, and Councilmember Scott said she agrees with the � withdrawal. Upon vote being taken on the motion to instruct staff to prepare a resolution denying the variance as recommended by the Planning Commission, the motion passed unanimously. There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Pedlar to refer to the Housing Commission for study the issue of the ten percent limit on three - bedroom apartments, and this referral should be made formal in a resolution. Councilmember Cohen suggested a historical perspective plus future demographics, current housing, and research on future liability of funding for three - bedroom apartments should all be included in the study by the Housing Commission. He said all the information he is suggesting be studied is available, and it is a matter of assimilating the data. Councilmember Paulson said he feels the City is already in the process of looking at housing. Councilmember Cohen asked Councilmember Paulson if he is concerned that by adopting the resolution the City is doing something out of sequence. Councilmember Paulson expressed concern about having short -term decisions made when the Housing Commission is trying to look at a long -term issue. Councilmember Cohen said the intent of his motion is to incorporate this study with the total housing implementation study. Upon vote being taken on the foregoing motion, the motion passed unanimously. RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 8:28 p.m. and reconvened at 8:45 P.m. DISCUSSION ITEMS (CONTINUED) COMMUNICATIONS AUDIT 8/13/90 -9- The City Manager said the City has received the communications audit report from Coleman and Christison as commissioned by the City Council. Councilmember Cohen said he will abstain from voting because of a possible conflict of interest. He asked the City Council to allow him to ask questions. Mayor Nyquist said Councilmember Cohen will have this privilege if no one objects. The City Attorney noted this question came up in January as to whether or not there is a conflict of interest for Councilmember Cohen. He said Coleman and Christison has as a wholly owned subsidiary the company that employs Councilmember Cohen. He noted Councilmember Cohen has no ownership in these companies and said he is free to vote on the issue because there is no conflict of interest. He further noted that Councilmember Cohen may wish to abstain from voting if he so chooses. Mayor Nyquist recognized Steve Miller, who said he is an account executive with Coleman and Christison. He said the firm was asked to conduct a communications audit and thanked the City Council for commissioning Coleman and Christison to do this. He also thanked the City staff, City Council, and residents of Brooklyn Center for contributing to information used to compile the audit. Mr. Miller proceeded to review the audit process, identifying the problem, solution, and goals. Councilmember Paulson asked if Mr. Miller could provide a list of the people who participated in the focus groups, and Mr. Miller said he will have to discuss this request with City staff prior to releasing this information. Mr. Miller proceeded to review some media facts regarding the Brooklyn Center Post, Star Tribune, and cable television. Mayor Nyquist asked if there is any information regarding how many people watch local programming on cable television Mr. Miller e said a survey conducted by Decision Resources Limited includes viewership statistics, but the survey results are not broken down by city. Councilmember Cohen noted if City Council meetings are televised, there would be only approximately 250 -350 maximum viewers. Mr. Miller noted this may be a liberal estimation. He noted the number of choices available to viewers is large and said local programming is not usually watched intentionally but rather is come upon by channel flipping. Mr. Miller said currently cable television is not cost effective but may be at some future point. Councilmember Cohen suggested the advantage of having City Council meetings on cable television is that citizens can get information quickly and accurately, and information is not left up to someone's interpretation. Councilmember Paulson inquired if there was any recommendation on what to do with cable television, and Mr. Miller said cable is recommended as a third or fourth priority because it is not cost effective in terms of the City Council's goal of reaching a large number of households. The City Manager said a major factor regarding cable television has been penetration, and it is not a cheap media to operate if you are going to do it well. Councilmember Scott noted the study shows the residents the City is not reaching; younger residents would be even less apt to be reached by cable television. Mr. Miller agreed and pointed out the younger residents are part of the changing nature of the City. Mayor Nyquist asked if information is available regarding circulation versus readership for the written media. Mr. Miller said this information is not available, although, the Decision Resources Limited survey said fifty percent of those surveyed read the Brooklyn Center PostNews. Mr. Miller reviewed statistics collected by a survey conducted by Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council which included questions regarding communications. 8/13/90 -10- Mr. Miller proceeded to review recommendations and described each of them. Councilmember Paulson asked what Coleman and Christison's recommendation would be with regard to a City news tabloid if there is a full circulation newspaper in the City. Mr. Miller noted a section of the newspaper could be developed into a regular City section. He noted the firm did not take Northwest News into consideration during the study because of its brief tenure. He said if this becomes a regular newspaper, it may be an option for the study. He pointed out a number of people in the focus groups mentioned Northwest News as a resource. Councilmember Paulson asked if this would work if the Brooklyn Center PostNews went into full circulation. Mr. Miller said he is not sure he understands the editorial perspective of the Brooklyn Center PostNews and has some problem with publishing a section which may not clearly identify from where it comes. He said there are some ethical questions that would have to be answered. Councilmember Paulson said he spent a lot of time talking about his concerns with Mr. Miller and does not see a lot of what he said in the report. He noted enlisting citizen participation was one of his concerns and asked how the report addresses the concern of engaging in a dialogue with residents. Mr. Miller said the City must first establish a foundation and noted a newsletter done well will provide access for interaction. He added in a complaint system and phone message system, people are encouraged to make comments. He suggested cable television is not interactive yet because it does not provide for feedback. Councilmember Cohen noted the recommendation for delivery of the news tabloid would be use of the post office as opposed to hand delivery on the doorstep. Mr. Miller said the current delivery system does not reach apartments and businesses. He suggested the swim club would be used to continue delivery of the park and recreation brochure, and he noted this brochure should be divorced from the newsletter. Councilmember Paulson said the study is well done and makes good recommendations. He suggested a communications advisory committee be formed to enlist help from citizens an important first step. Councilmember Pedlar left the council chambers at 9:27 p.m. and returned at 9:30 p.m. There was a motion by Councilmember Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Scott to direct staff to prepare a recommendation on forming a Communications Advisory Commission. Councilmember Scott suggested the commission's membership include residents, City staff, and members of the business community. Councilmember Paulson suggested allowing staff to provide a proposal to bring before the City Council. The City Manager said information from other cities who have similar commissions will be collected in preparing the information for the City Council. Upon vote being taken on the foregoing motion, the motion passed. Councilmember Cohen abstained from voting on the motion. EVALUATION REPORT REGARDING LIFT STATION NO 2 The City Manager noted SEH, Inc. has prepared a report which describes three alternates for upgrading or replacing the lift station located at Lyndale and 8/13/90 -11- 55th Avenues North. He noted the choices available to the City Council are laid out in the report prepared by the Engineering Department. The Director of Public Works briefly reviewed the three specific alternatives, their costs, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. He noted the first two options are remodeling alternatives, and the third option would be complete replacement of the lift station. Mayor Nyquist recognized John Stodola from SEH, Inc., who said some of the problems of the existing lift station relate to odor. He said alternate C would best handle this problem. Councilmember Cohen asked about location of the building if alternate C is chosen, and the Director of Public Works said the new lift station would be built on the property south of the existing lift station. Councilmember Cohen asked about the by -pass system if alternates A or B are selected versus alternate C. The Director of Public Works noted there would be a brief switch over period for alternate. C. The City Manager noted the lift station is in a sensitive location near the Minneapolis water inlet. He said with a by -pass, there is greater risk that an incident could occur. Councilmember Scott said this lift station reminds her of a well with which the City has had problems. She expressed concern about alternates A and B that would pump for 24 hours at a time, noting there are a lot of people in the neighborhood who have varying hours and would not be happy with twenty -four hour pumping. She expressed concern about the risk for an accident near the Minneapolis water inlet and feels alternates A and B do not solve all of the problems. She said the building is still an old facility with safety and maintenance problems. Councilmember Scott said alternate C would give the neighborhood a good feeling about Brooklyn Center which it does not have right now. She said in order to be cost effective, the City should select the permanent solution, so she would like to see alternate C selected. Councilmember Pedlar and the Director of Public Works discussed how the odor control problem would be resolved in each of the alternates. There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Scott to establish a project for lift station No. 2 selecting alternate C with $547,200 as the estimated project cost. The motion passed unanimously. ALTERNATE FUNDING SOURCES FOR STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM COSTS The City Manager said staff had been requested to look at alternate sources of revenue for financing City expenses. The Director of Public Works referenced the memorandum prepared by the Public Works Coordinator and proceeded to review it in detail. Councilmember Scott thanked the Public Works Coordinator for her excellent report which is concise and easy to read. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Cohen to accept the recommendation of the City staff to establish a storm water utility. The motion passed unanimously. T.H. 100 RECONSTRUCTION The City Manager said there is very preliminary information available regarding T.H. 100 reconstruction, and staff is looking for authorization to hold a Brooklyn Center informational hearing prior to the general public hearing that 8/13/90 -12- the Minnesota Department of Transportation ( MNDOT) will conduct on this project. The Director of Public Works reviewed his memorandum to the City Council and noted MNDOT will conduct an informational meeting on this in late September or early October. He suggested having staff conduct a public information meeting with Brooklyn Center residents who live in the area to inform them, develop opinions, and receive comments prior to the MNDOT meeting. Councilmember Scott noted there is nothing in the agenda packet regarding segment 2 of the project, and the Director of Public Works pointed out this segment is not located in Brooklyn Center. The Director of Public Works proceeded to review the five alternates for the Brooklyn Center portion of T.H. 100, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each. He noted not one of the alternates is a real winner in all respects, but at this point in time, the one with the best opportunity to serve the City is alternate E. There was brief discussion by the City Council, and Councilmember Pedlar expressed his dismay with the options presented. Councilmember Cohen said the City should work with MNDOT on this project so funding for it is not lost. Councilmember Scott noted some of the roadwork extends into neighborhoods and asked who would be responsible for installing new signal lights. The Director of Public Works said any changes required as a result of the design will be paid for by MNDOT. Councilmember Scott asked if Brooklyn Center representatives will be present at the MNDOT public hearing, and the Director of Public Works responded affirmatively. The City Manager said staff would like to hold a preliminary hearing with area residents. Councilmember Paulson asked what the purpose of the project is, and the Director of Public Works said it is to upgrade T.H. 100 to keep up with future traffic demands by improving traffic capacity and traffic safety. Councilmember Paulson asked if at some future date light rail transit is installed along the Soo Line to Brookdale, would this affect the T.H. 100 project. The Director of Public Works said he recognizes that light rail transit will pass through Robbinsdale, but he is not aware of any plans to have future spurs to Brookdale. The Director of Public Works asked if the City Council wishes to have staff proceed with a neighborhood information meeting, and the consensus of the City Council was to schedule the meeting. Councilmember Scott said the City has an obligation to meet with its residents prior to the MNDOT information meeting. 1991 PRELIMINARY BUDGET REVIEW The City Manager said the City Council has a preliminary report on the 1991 budget. He requested the Council to set a preliminary levy figure which can be lowered but cannot be raised, and a preliminary total budget figure which can be adjusted up or down. He said the recommended levy would increase taxes approximately $25 a year for the average homeowner in Brooklyn Center. The City Manager noted by December 28, 1990, the City must have its 1991 budget finalized. He said between November 15, 1990, and December 20, 1990, the City Council is required to hold a public hearing. He said the City Council will have work sessions to review the budget. Councilmember Cohen said that with the uncertainties in funding, there is no alternative but to levy the maximum amount available to the City. He expressed concern about selling off certificates of indebtedness and wondered if it will be necessary to do this next year, too. 8/13/90 -13- The City Manager said information regarding this can be provided to the City Council. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -168 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE 1991 PROPOSED BUDGET The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Philip Cohen, and the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 90 -169 Member Philip Cohen introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A PROPOSED TAX LEVY FOR 1991 BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Todd Paulson, and the motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Cohen and seconded by Councilmember Paulson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 11 p.m. 2L Cit y Clerk Ma y or 8/13/90 -14-