HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 Edition 86 June-July Brooklyn Center's
CIff WATCH
A community newsletter published by the City of Brooklyn Center, No. 87
June /July 1993
"Inn on the Farm " named one of ten
outstanding new inns in America the Inn's interior design and
used to identify and decorate
The Inn on the Farm in individual rooms.
Brooklyn Center has been "The Inn on the Farm has been
named one of ten "Outstanding beautifully restored, and is
New Inns in America" for 1992 gin � particularly well done given its
by the editors of Inn Business ► urban environment," said
Review (IBR), the leading Norman Strasma, IBR publisher.
national business ublication for
p � The annual awards are based
the B &B and inn industry. on the recommendations of
The eleven -room bed and " " travel writers, guest comments
breakfast is part of the historic and personal inspections by Inn
Earle Brown Heritage Center Business Review's staff. Of the
meeting and convention Innkeeper Steve Barrett and Heritage nearly 13,000 B &B's which have
complex, and was the only new Center Manager Judith Bergeland opened since 1980, only 80 new
inn in the Upper Midwest accept the award. inns nationwide have been
selected. selected to receive the
In making the announcement, cited the way in which the prestigious award.
INN Business Review described personal histories of Earle
the Inn on the Farm as a Brown members of his family,
"wonderful combination of and the farm's early employees
comfort charm and good
have been woven into Complete
management," and particularly
schedule of
Earle Brown
. BC beaud leS City; s Days' events
plants trees and
inside
shrubs /demolishes
buildings INSIDE SCOOP
Town tackles crime 2
Youth worker 3
Recently, the City planted 274 trees on 69th and Drew Neighborhood watch 3
Avenues as part of Minnesota's Arbor Month Celebration. The Charter commission 3
City was designated a Tree City USA for its commitment to Centerbrook golf course 4
preserving and enhancing our urban forest.
Additionally, the vacant apartments on Humboldt Avenue Earle Brown Days 5
and 67th Avenue were acquired by the City for the purpose of Entertainment in the Park 5
demolition. The apartments, which have been an eyesore for C.A.T. 5
years, were removed as part of an effort to beautify the City Construction update 6
and make it a better community in which to live. Volunteers needed 7
Two new in finance 8
City Watch
Town tackles crime and safety
In our continuing effort to make Brooklyn Center a safe community in which to live, the police department has
teamed up with residents to tackle the issues of crime and safety. By sponsoring two crime and safety meetings last
February, residents had the opportunity to identify their concerns to police, and offer suggestions on how to increase
safety in the community.
With approximately 100 citizens in attendance at each meeting, the following concerns and suggestions were made
to the police department.
Q : In what situations don't you feel safe?
A: The majority of participants stated that they don't feel safe while out at night, both driving and walking.
Also of significant mention was the fear while in our shopping areas. Additionally, residents don't feel safe
when they are near groups or "gangs" of teenagers. Although not often mentioned, it appeared as if the
participants were specifically referring to minority teens. Other concerns were the lack of police patrol cars and
the increased media coverage of crime in the area.
Q: What do you see being done that has had a direct impact on safety?
A: Participants clearly perceived the neighborhood watch programs as a significant step to impact crime and
safety. Second on the list was the Humboldt Square substation. Visible police patrols (including foot patrols) and
the D.A.R.E. program were also mentioned.
I
Q : What can I as an individual, as well as the community and local government, do to address safety issues?
A: Participation in neighborhood watch programs was at the top of the list for individual efforts that can be
made to make the community safe. This response was followed by calling the police when suspicious activity is
seen.
In response to the community, participants feel that programs should be developed to keep youths involved in
productive activities. They also feel that the neighborhood watch program should be continued. Participants'
number one suggestion for local government was to add more visible police patrols. Also mentioned were adding
more youth activities and increasing communication with the public.
Recommendations and actions taken by the police department.
1. A police meeting with teens was held in May to discuss the negative perceptions of teens, particularly
minorities, in the community. Teens were asked to identify solutions to these perceptions and help decide the
types of activities needed.
2. A teen /adult meeting will be conducted this summer. The public will be invited to discuss existing teen
programs, recommend new ones and volunteer to help with such activities.
3. Evaluation of the need for the City to hire a consultant specializing in racial issues to help improve
communication between minority /majority communities and city government.
4. Assessment and improvement of police and city communications efforts with the public including
scheduling annual crime and safety meetings.
5. Investigation and recommendation of additional police patrols and staffing for future budgets.
6. Investigation of additional lighting for streets and other areas in need.
7. Better curfew enforcement.
City Watch Page 2
Youth worker
Marcus McIntosh
provides " , (with ball)
sponsors open
m basketball for
ro rams for kids each
p g.
����` °, � ,- „ weekday
afternoon.
area youth �x
J
Did you know that the City has
a youth worker for the
Humboldt/Camden area? hour each day to help kids with activities for both junior and
Marcus McIntosh from Invite, their school work. senior high students.
Inc. provides a variety of activi- Check him out! Call him at
ties for area children including the Firehouse Park warming It's not too late...
basketball, computer games, house at 561 -9276 anytime Brooklyn Center parks and
swimming, movies, games and between 2 and 9 p.m., Monday recreation is still accepting
bowling. He also holds a study through Friday. And make sure registration for many summer
to ask him about Summerfest classes and programs. Some of the
What is neighborhood watch ? programs still open for children
include gymnastics camp for girls,
In a recent town meeting, the City's national night out karate, t -ball, softball, soccer, art
residents named the promotion. To start a classes, jewelry making, science,
neighborhood watch program as neighborhood watch, simply calligraphy and day camps.
one of the most effective ways organize a meeting between the The park drop -in is back with six
to keep our city safe. To date, neighbors on both sides of your weeks of free fun at eight neighborhood parks. The traveling
there are 89 neighborhood block and the police department. puppet playhouse will provide free
watch groups in Brooklyn Call Crime Prevention Officer puppet shows June 21 through
Center. This represents 20 -25% Dave Grass at 569 -3394 for August 5 at various parks. For a
of the single family homes in details. complete listing of programs, stop
the City. by the community center or call
So what is a neighborhood 569 -3400.
watch program? And, how can
y�gu start one? A neighborhood Charter Commission seeks input
watch is a group of residents in
a particular neighborhood that The Brooklyn Center Charter Commission is currently
work together to increase safety reviewing the city charter to determine whether or not changes
in that neighborhood. or additions are needed. The commission welcomes residents to
review the charter and offer suggestions.
These groups meet at least one To obtain a copy of the charter, please call City Hall at
time a year with Brooklyn 569 -3300. To send comments and suggestions, write to
Center's police department for a Commission Chair Bev Wolfe at 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway,
question and answer session. In Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. Suggestions should be sent by
addition, the group receives a June 30.
newsletter from the police three
times a year and is included in
City Watch Page 3
G reens "' in th blac
�Z Golfer Bill
Dalrymple
putts away as
Bill Lakocas
�. looks on at
Centerbrook
golf course.
�s
Starting its sixth year in What was an issue was the the snack bar, lessons, leagues
business, the Centerbrook Golf natural habitat that would have and clubhouse sales.
Course is in the black. The city- to be disturbed to develop the
owned course was initiated in course. "Some residents didn't III ICI II ��� �I III
1987 by Y the City's Park and want to disturb the natural
Recreation Commission. Funds habitat that was there, " said
for the $1.1 million course were Mavis. "People really changed "Because we are doing better
borrowed from the City's capital their minds after they saw the than anticipated, we were
improvement plan with the course. In fact, the course is already able to pay back part of
money scheduled to be paid back now considered to be an asset to the loan to the City," said Kurt
to the City for other capital the area." Johnson, course manager.
improvements. According to The 9 -hole, par three course, Johnson has been running
Director of Parks and Recreation averages 35,000- 36,000 rounds Centerbrook since before its
Arnie Mavis although the course a year depending on the development. "Hiring Kurt
is already profitable, money was weather. before the course was developed
never really an issue. "The At approximately $7.50 per is one of the best things we did,"
course didn't cost the taxpayer a round* that's almost $270,000 a said Mavis. "The development
dime," said Mavis. "So it wasn't year, not to mention profits from went relatively smoothly thanks
much of an issue." to his insight."
Adopt program successful Located at 5500 North Lilac
p p J Drive, Centerbrook is open from
early April until early ,
Congratulations and thank Volunteers include scout November. Registration for
you to the 24 community troops, employee groups, civic lessons is on a first -come, first -
organizations, families, and organizations, day care cen- served basis. To register for a
individuals who have already ters, school groups, informal lesson or reserve a tee time, call
adopted city parks, trails or neighborhood groups, families 561 -3239. *Fees are based on the day
streets. These volunteers and individuals. of week and age of golfer.
provide valuable help in A few parks are still avail -
keeping these areas clean, able for adoption. If interested
planting flowers or providing call Joyce at 569 -3340.
other services.
City Watch Page 4
Brooklyn Center celebrates Now you can
Earle Brown Days combat auto
June 14 -27 �� theft
Combat Auto Theft (C.A.T.)
The 11th Annual Earle Brown is an innovative new program
Days' celebration will once designed to deter auto theft.
again include two fun - filled + The idea is to catch the thieves
weeks of activities for all. ~� * quickly, often before the owner
Topping off the festival will be ~ :_... * even knows the car has been
music and fireworks in
stolen.
Brooklyn Center's Central Park
at 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway country western music followed How does C.A.T. work?
on Sunday, June 27. by one of the most spectacular
This popular event will begin fireworks' displays in the state. Vehicle owners sign a
at 7 p.m. with Tricia and the The event is free! For more consent form which allows the
Toons, an exciting, interactive information, call Brooklyn police to stop the vehicle,
musical adventure featuring Center's parks and recreation without cause, if it's being
a whimsical troupe of puppet department at 569 -3400. And, driven between the hours of 1
friends. At 8 p.m., Bear Creek don't forget to bring a lawnchair and 5 a.m. Police then check
Band will perform their popular or blanket! the vehicle's registration and
driver's identity.
Entertainment in the Park marks Sth season
When the owner registers the
vehicle, they are issued a
Once again, the ever - popular entertainment in the park will be held every C.A.T. decal to identify it to
Tuesday this summer at Brooklyn Center's Central Park. Programs begin at
7 p.m. Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Schedule subject to police officers. The reflective
change. Call 569 -3400 for information. decal is placed in the upper left
corner, driver's side, of the rear
window.
If you would like more
J une J oy A ugust information and/or a
registration form, please leave
15 Rueben Ristrom and 6 High school band 3 Scott Hansen's comedy a message for Crime
the Bourbon Boys - from New Mexico - gallery featuring Scott and Prevention Officer Dave Grass
dixieland band* concert band music other comedians ** at 569 -3394. State your name,
22 The Rockin' 13 J.C. band - variety 10 Brooklyn Center puppet address and phone number.
Hollywoods - the hottest music* playhouse and The Teddy
g roup in the Twin Cities Bear Band*
29 Brooklyn Center 20 Kelly Family - 17 Robert Resetar, pianist -
Community Band - band . favorite country and an evening of showtunes T
music at its finest old time music* Broadway & classical
music*
*in case of rain, will be held at 27 Variety Tonight - 24 Chmieleski fun time
Constitution Hall, Community featuring Minnesota's Center. f e g ' show band - polka and
* *interpreted in American Sign finest amateur variety music
Language entertainers
City Watch Page 5
Construction Update
There is still a small amount of Council, citing the results of the
sealcoating work from last year's street survey, approved a motion to
Plans and specifications for reconstruction project which was discontinue pursuing
this year's sealcoating program suspended because of weather. improvements within the
have been approved by the City The final paving and clean -up Southeast neighborhood for this
Council, and bids have been work for 69th Ave., between yea.
opened. The sealcoating should Brooklyn Blvd. and West 71
begin shortly, if it hasn't Palmer Lake Drive, should be
already, and will generally completed by mid -June. Lawn Bits
involve the residential streets The soil correction work
which lie east of Highway within the Palmer Lake Basin is Bit 1 Turn your regular
100, between 57th and 65th expected to be complete in early mower into a mulcher
Avenues North. August, with construction of mower
The results of this year's 69th Ave. between West Palmer
program are being monitored Lake Drive and Shingle Creek Adjust mowing pattern
by MnDOT, as part of a multi- Parkway to follow shortly when using a conventional
jurisdictional effort to share thereafter. Weather (and soil) side discharge mower to
information regarding relative conditions permitting, the entire ensure mulching and reduce
successes and failures of the length of the reconstructed 69th the need for raking. Mow
sealcoating process. At this Avenue should be under traffic from the outer edge of the
time, Brooklyn Center appears by the end of this fall. lawn in even circles toward
to be "out in front" with regard C Southeast study the center making sure that
to our construction and the clippings will then be
material requirements when At its regular meeting of May chopped several times and
compared to other jurisdictions 10, 1993, the Brooklyn Center will fall between the blades
in the Metro Area. City Council considered utility, of the grass as mulch.
street, landscaping and
69 th Avenue lighting improvements to the
The City Council has Southeast neighborhood. City Bit 2 Just say "no" to
accepted the low bid and has staff had previously presented nitrogen
awarded a contract for the the study to residents at an
landscaping improvements informational meeting at the Avoid fertilization
along 69th Ave., between Brooklyn Center High School in practices that overstimulate
Brooklyn Blvd. and West early April, and a formal public grass plant growth in early
Palmer Lake Drive. The hearing was held on April 22 at spring. Early over -
proposed improvements Constitution Hall. Additionally, fertilization depletes the
include sodding, tree and shrub a survey was mailed to area plant's energy reserves and
plantings, wood fence residents asking for input creates excessive clippings.
construction and the regarding the conditions of the The best time to apply
installation of an underground streets, sewers, water mains and fertilizer is late fall
sprinkler system in the street lighting. The City (Oct. 10 -30).
medians, boulevards and trail
areas. These improvements are
scheduled to be completed by
mid -July.
City Watch Page 6
Yardwaste site now open New water
The Maple Grove yardwaste site is back in operation. There is no restrictions in effect
charge for Hennepin Recycling Group (HRG) residents but
identification is required. HRG residents include families living in Odd number addresses (i
Brooklyn Center, Crystal or New Hope. Hours are Mon -Sat, 5601, 4517) may water their
e.
8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sun, noon to 7 p.m. The facility will remain lawns and gardens on odd
open until November 30. Items that can be dropped off include: number days (i.e. June 27).
leaves
grass clippings Even number addresses (i.e.
garden wastes 5602, 4518) may water on
weeds even number days (i.e. June
twigs 28)•
branches
For tree, stump, and large twig and branch disposal, contact the These permanent restrictions
Hennepin County tree and large brush disposal site at 348 -5832. are due to our on -going effort
to encourage water
conservation, and to keep
Directions to yardwaste site utility rates as low as
County Road 81 north through Osseo to County Road 121 possible. Private wells are
Turn left on 121 and proceed about 1/8 mile to 101st Ave. N. not included.
Turn right on 101st and follow signs
A
Ways to manage yardwaste Reminder
Leave grass clippings on your lawn instead of bagging them. Dogs or other
Remember not to cut your grass too short, and never cut it when domestic
wet. animals must
Shred leaves with your lawn mower. Use them as mulch around be leashed or restrained
when in a city park or open
trees, shrubs and other perennials. space. City ordinances also
Share the cost of renting a brush and tree waste chipper with your require pet owners to clean up
neighbors. Use the chips around plantings or give them to wastes their pets leave on park
neighbors to use. grounds. Help keep our parks
Compost your leaves and grass. Composting is an easy way to clean and safe by carrying a
manage yardwaste. Besides, it's good for the environment. small bag with you for cleanup
For more information, call the Minnesota Extension Service at when you walk your pet.
542 -1420. Thanks for your cooperation.
Volunteers Needed
The Humboldt Square police substation needs volunteers to work evenings
from 7 to 9 p.m. No experience is required - -only the desire to help your community.
The volunteers open and close the facility, maintain the front reception area and act
as a liaison between the community and police. For an application, stop by the
substation or the main police station. Don't miss this chance to help your
,, . Community.
City Watch page 7
Two move up in finance department
With the retirement of City Hansen has 17 years of
Finance Director Paul experience in city finance. The
Holmlund, two changes have last seven have been with
been made in the finance Brooklyn Center. Johnson has
department. Assistant been with the city for 3 1/2
Finance Director Charlie years. Prior to that he worked in
Hansen has assumed the public accounting in Hibbing, .
duties of finance director and Minnesota. Aq , n
former Staff Accountant TimEa
Johnson has been appointed
e
assistant finance director. What's where?
The following services can be New Director of Finance Charlie
City newsletter sports new look found at City Hall_ 6301 Shingle Hansen (1) and assistant
Creek Parkway: director, Tim Johnson.
To encourage more people to Permits
read our newsletter, we've added building
more photos and made articles sign
easier to read. This is just one plumbing Recycling Winners
step in our on -going effort to electrical
improve communications with mechanical March
residents. Let us know what you Business licensing
John Olson- 7121 Knox Ave. N
think. Police and accident
reports Richard Stahl- 5307 63rd Ave. N.
Brooklyn Center Water bill payments
City Council purchases
meter Arne Saf- 5531 Camden Ave. N
Mayor purchases
Todd Paulson Homesteading Clifford Painter- 5339 Fremont
Councilmembers Assessment needs Ave. N.
listing information
Barbara Kalligher tax information Wallace Larson- 6412 Kyle Ave. N.
Kristen Mann
Dave Rosene searches
Celia Scott April
City Manager The following services are
te found at the Hennepin County
Judith Hyland- 5433 71st Circle N.
Gerald Splinter Service Center 6125 Shingle
Service Directory Creek Parkway (one block south Kathleen Stapher- 1 ] 13 73rd Ave. N.
24 -hour emergency number of City Hall in same building as John Noes- 1715 Irving Lane N.
Police, Fire, Medical 911 library):
Non - emergency police 569 -3333 Court appearances Kathy Becker- 5746 Irving Ave. N.
City Hall 569 -3300 Traffic ticket payments
TDD number 569 -3300 Motor vehicle /driver's Winners receive $50, compliments of
Community Center 569 -3400 licenses the Hennepin Recycling Group.
Business Hours Passports Winners are chosen at random.
Marriage licenses
Monday -Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:3Op. M. Birth certificates
(subject to qualifications) Printed on recycled paper
City Watch Page 8