HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 Edition 99 Winter Brooklyn Center's Winter 1995
CITY WATCH
A community newsletter published by the City of Brooklyn Center, No. 99
Inside the City Brooklyn Center hires
New Faces & Places 2 city manager
Smoke Busters invade 2
Brooklyn Center On Monday, Nov. 27, the city
Rally Nights uncover 3 council unanimously approved a -
contract to hire Michael McCauley
issues as city manager. Recently, city
Valuation notices 3 manager for Waseca, Minnesota,
decrease in size McCauley will begin his service
Photo contest winners 4 with the City on Dec. 28.
Fuad invites substation 5 McCauley has also worked as
to game Mankato city attorney, assistant
The Fuad Challenge ounty attorney for Ramsey County
g ' �"`Michael McCauley
BC SuperBowl 5 and city attorney in Kenosha,
Peacemaker program 6 Wisconsin. McCauley holds a
diverts youth from bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Minnesota, a law
court system degree from Marquette University Law School and a master's degree in
NHMP helps diputes 6 public administration from Harvard University.
Job assistance here 6 We welcome Mike to the City of Brooklyn Center and look forward to
It's snow time 7 working with him.
Recylcle News 7 Kalligher resigns from council seat
Blood drive 8 g
ARM sponsors holiday 8 Councilmember Barb Kalligher resigned her council seat at the
decorating contest December 11 council meeting. Kalligher's resignation will be effective
Poster contest winners 8 December 15 and her seat declared vacant December 18, 1995. Kalligher
announced has been on the city council since 1992.
City calendar 8 For information regarding filing for her council seat or to obtain a form,
call city hall at 569 -3300.
Residents rank city services high
Decision Resources recently conducted a survey of 400 randomly
selected residents of Brooklyn Center. The survey, which was designed to
determine the level of support for items for possible inclusion in a bond
A referendum, concluded that residents would support a carefully crafted
r
From the capital improvements bond proposal. However, a ten million dollar proposal
staff at the would be difficult to pass. Other conclusions included:
❑In general, residential opinions about Brooklyn Center reflect a
City Of pessimism similar to those in the core cities. Crime and fear of crime were
Brooklyn Center dominant issues in the community; dilapidation and diversity were lesser
concerns. Continued on page 6.
New
Faces
Dave Grass and Cathy Hennessy Staff updates
have been promoted to the positions
Administration
of community services and In September, Kelli Wick joined
administrative sergeant, the City as human resources/
respectively. Hennessy and Grass, purchasing technician /deputy city
will now be in charge of clerk.
* administering and managing
Police
programs for the police department, Two new officers will now patrol
both externally as well as internally. the city of Brooklyn Center. Chris
Community Services Sergeant Rognstad and James Schultz
Grass will work with programs such started work at the BCPD on
as DARE, the Humboldt Substation,
October 10. Rognstad was
Community Policing, and Crime-
previously a Community Services
Free Multi- Housing. In addition, Officer with the Maple Grove Police
Grass will be responsible for the Department and Schultz worked for
activities of the crime prevention the Metropolitan Airports
officer, will work as a liaison with Commission /Airport police
community groups like the Association for Rental Management, and will department.
handle special events.
Administrative Services Sergeant Hennessy will oversee dispatch, code Want to serve on a
enforcement, cadet program, training, department supplies, uniforms and
equipment, squad servicing, subpoenas and complaints with the city commission?
attorney. Openings are available on the
Haupt named employee of the quarter following commissions:
-Charter - meets the thrid
The Employee of the Quarter Wednesday of the month at 7
committee received seven 9 ,
d "4t f N, m dt ri ,:..
�, � ti r p.m.
nominations for Employee of the `` -Human Rights and Resources -
Quarter, 3rd Quarter 1995.
meets the second Wednesday of
All nominations were excellent, the month at 7 p.m.
-Housing - meets the third
Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
N ew -Northwest Hennepin Human
Places Services Advisory - meets third
making the selection a difficult but Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
encouraging one. The committee Commissioners are appointed
used a rating system to rate each by the mayor with majority
Skyway Jewelers - Brookdale application, and based on the points consent approval b the city
PP Y
Magic Nails - Brookdale received, Wayne Haupt was council. If interested in applying
Radio Shack - Brookdale approved by the city manager as for one of these commissions,
employee of the quarter for the third call city hall at 569 -3300 for an
quarter 1995. aDDlication or more information.
City Watch Page 2
Fire department teams with Rally Nights
Red Cross to save lives uncover five issues
October was an enlightening month for
Discover the Center, Rally Nights were held
On November 4, the Brooklyn throughout the month with an average of
Center firefighters were officially r 100 attendees at each. The rallies
dubbed smokebusters as they addressed goals and dreams for Brooklyn
worked with the American Red Center, obstacles to obtaining these goals,
Cross to visit 58 homes in the city. and specific actions that could help realize
Designed to educate persons about these goals and dreams, All of the dreams
fire prevention and pre- disaster and actions centered around five themes,
planning, smokebusters perform These themes, and some of the actions, are
free voluntary fire inspections, Smokebusters include volunteer firefighters listed below.
provided homes with smoke (I to r) Terry Collins, Buzz Steere,
detectors if needed and distribute Carl Sigurdson and Brad Shogren. Also
fire safe information. Of the 58 Pictured is Red Cross Volunteer supervisor Bridging generations and differences
safety Phuong Chung (front left) and volunteer to build better understanding
homes visited in Brooklyn Center, smokebusters. Get people of all ages, genders and races
13 homes received a fire inspection, to ethertoidenti wants and needsfor
six smoke detectors were distributed Smokebusters also have the right to activities and services to bridge the gap
and six batteries were replaced. not enter or to leave a residence
"This is only the third time that this any time they feel uncomfortable. Investing in redevelopment and
Smokebuster teams will not
program has been offered in the growth
United States," said Fire Chief Ron approach homes which have "No g Form citizen action committees with three
Boman. "It has also been tried and soliciting" or "No trespassing" signs subcommittees: residential, apartments and
proven successful in Milwaukee and Posted. business
San Antonio." Smokebusters will be visiting other
In working with the Red Cross, January 6, February 17, April 27 the homes in Brooklyn Center on Reducing and preventing crime
fire department sends out 3 or 4 Save BC Peacemaker program (Juvenille
firefighters and one fire engine. and June 1. If you would like a visit division)
Smokebusters will only enter homes or need a smoke detector installed, Form citizen safety advisory committee
which they have been invited in by call the Brooklyn Center Fire
the homeowner or tenant. Department at 569 -3360. Building neighborhood connections
Coordinate volunteers for welcoming new
Valuation Notices neighbors
Valuation notices will now be smaller than ever before. Neighborhood Watch in every neighborhood
To save mailing costs call 569 -3310 should Promoting positive image through
the size of the notices you encounter any education and communication
is being reduced. difficulty when you Develop a BC ambassadors' group
While we believe this receive your notices. Go after the All- American City Award
should not cause any Notices will be
problems with mailed in late
readability, please January.
City Watch Page 3
PHOTOS CENTER ON RECREATION AND BEAUTY
City announces photo contest winners
Scenes from the City
Congratulations to photo contest
winner Joe Blow and runner -up First Place
shirely jones. For his first -place
entry Joe will receive recognition in
City Watch as well as local media
and will be acknowledged at a
council meeting. He will also receive
a first -place certificate.
The runner -up will also receive
recognition and a certificate. Both
Joe's and Shirley's photos will be
pictured in upcoming city Ic a
promotional and /or informational '
literature.
Joe and Shirley participated in the
City's first annual photo contest. The
contest was promoted in the last Rainbow over Earle Brown Farm by Gary Carlson, 6014 Girard Avenue N.
issue of City Watch. Entrants were
asked to submit photos that Runner u p
highlighted the theme, "A Center of
Recreation and Beauty ".
Photos were ranked in four
categories: creativity /uniqueness,
composition, fitting the theme and
photo quality. Contest judges were
Bill Jones, photographer for the
Brooklyn Center SunPost; Dave..
Kiser producer of Cable 12 news
and Mayor Myrna Kragness. The����
contest deadline was December 8. s .
Congratulations and thanks to all
who entered the contest. Contest"
entries will be displayed in city hall
for the month of January. Mallards over Palmer Lake by Gary Carlson, 6014 Girard Avenue N.
City Watch Page 4
Substation visits the Fuad
dome comp liments challenges
of Fuad Reveiz You...
Vikings place kicker Fuad Reveiz
On challenges the businesses and
residents of Brooklyn Center to
Sunday, Dec. match his donation to the BC Crime
2, kids and Dave Grass. "Kids had to keep track prevention program. Reveiz has
volunteers were treated to a Vikings of all the volunteer activities they promised to donate to $100 s to
game courtesy of place kicker Fuad participated in and present the the Crime Prevention fund for every
Reveiz. Reveiz gave the substation information to volunteers who chose field goal he kicks this season if his
20 free tickets to the game and those who would attend," Grass donations are matched by the
treated attendees to a snack continued. community. Donations can be as
small as ty.
package while they were at the Reveiz has actively worked with
game. Reveiz also spoke with the the substation and the City to match s $1. f you would like to
I challenge send your
group after the game. promote the crime prevention effort contribution to the Crime Prevention
"Kids who received the tickets and to offer kids a positive role ,
k
Pwy.
Fund, 6301 Shingle Creek
were selected for their citizenship," model. (See related article this Brooklyn Center, le reek Pkwy-,
said Community Services Sergeant page), For information, call 569 -3389.
C ome to What: Bowling fundraiser to help
provide transportation for a summer
Drooklilti ce"t" � s youth program in Brooklyn Center.
Who: Parents, kids, teens, families,
PTA's and teachers and anyone
else who wants to bowl for a good
cause.
When: Sunday, Feb. 4 at
Lynbrook Bowl
Sunday, Feb. 18 at
Earle Brown Bowl
Lanes donated by Lynbrook Bowl and Earle Brown
Bowl. Also sponsored by the Brooklyn Center Watch: for more information at area
Crime Prevention Fund, Brooklyn Center Police schools, the community center and
Department and Recreation Division. Earle Brown Bowl and Lynbrook
_ B owl. -
City Watch Page 5
Program designed to keep Job seekers now
TI juveniles out of justice system have help
Due to changes in society and family structure, it has Nothwest Hennepin Human
Services Council offers a new
A . Roy Of hope become increasingly apparent that programs designed resource for job seekers in
to tackle problems at the onset are extremely effective.
Northwest Hennepin County. The
That's the theory behind the Brooklyn Peacemaker Center's Juvenile Northwest Community Job Bank
Diversion Program. The program is designed to divert involvement of youth Project provides comprehensive
in the Juvenile Justice System. Peacemaker works cooperatively with law employment and training services at
enforcement and community agencies to provide services primarily to first- community -based locations. A hired
time juvenile (misdemeanor) offenders and their families. For more vocational counselor will provide
information, call Kris Hall at services for unemployed and
535 -0995. underemployed job seekers,
Neighborhood dispute? including intake and assessment,
job counseling, referrals to job
Stop! Before you put your house up for sale to get away from an openings, and assistance with
aggravating neighborhood problem, call North Hennepin Mediation Program resumes and interview preparation.
(NHMP) at 561 -0033. NHMP offers mediation services at no cost for Northwest Hennepin Human
neighbors, families or any other groups involved in a dispute. Mediation Services Council secured a two -
allows people an opportunity to sit down together in a neutral and safe year, $100,000 grant from the
setting to discuss their concerns and issues. Mediations can be scheduled McKnight Foundation to support this
days, evenings or weekends to help you resolve your issues. Ninety project.
percent of all NHMP cases result in an agreement. You do have options. The Northwest Job Bank Project is
a collaborative effort of Northwest
Bond survey cunt. from page 1 Hennepin Human Services Council,
❑City services were rated high in comparison with other suburban HIRED, CEAP and the Thorson
communities. In particular, both fire and police protection were very highly- Family Resources Room.
regarded. To schedule an appointment with a
❑Lastly, Decision Resources experts recommended that in constructing a vocational counselor, call MaryLou
possible bond referendum, the following preference hierarchy be Morrissette at 536 -0777, ext. 112.
considered. (See page 8.) Decision Resources experts warned that there
will be difficulty in passing a capital improvements bond as categories from
low on the hierarchy are added to the mix.
Preference hiarchy
-Fire stations additions
- Police department addition /city hall remodeling
- Senior citizen drop -in center
-Park improvements
- Jointly- operated ice arena
- Expansions/improvements at the community center
City Watch Page 6
It's Snow Time 1� RECYCLENEWS]
Here are several reminders regarding snow removal in Brooklyn Center: Now you can
*Streets are plowed when snowfall exceeds 2' /z ". Please remember that recycle junk
parking on the street is prohibited from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. "Snowbirds" can mail.
and will be towed away if necessary so that snowplows can do their job. Beginning Jan. 0 HRG
*Garbage and recycling containers must be accessible for pick up and 1, Brooklyn
placed off - street to allow snow removal. The containers may have to be Center residents
placed in the driveway to meet both of these requirements. Residents are can recycle their junk mail. Simply
required to make sure the containers are accessible to the garbage and place your envelopes, flyers,
recycling trucks and are not in the way of the snowplows or sidewalk plows. advertisements, school papers and
*Residents can provide assistance by keeping fire hydrants clear of letters into a separate paper bag
snow and helping to keep catch basins clear of ice and debris buildup. and set out with with your weekly curbside recycling container. For
*Wait until the street is fully plowed to clear the end of your driveway. more information, call Hennepin
This will ensure that plows don't dump snow on your freshly - cleared Recycling Group at 493 -8006.
driveway. Remember, snow is plowed from streets in four or more passes
— two or more to clear the road and two or more to widen the cleared area. Christmas tree disposal
These passes can be as long as one to two hours apart. Hours for collection v
*Warn your children not to play in the snow piles made by the plows, at the Maple Grove,
especially while plows are working in the area. Plow operators often cannot yard waste site:
Jan. 2 - 7
see children in these banks, and kids could be seriously injured or even 3 -7:30 p.m.
buried in snow. Jan. 13 -14
*Stay at least 100 feet behind snowplow drivers while driving so they can 3 -7:00 p.m.
see you in their rearview mirrors, and don't pass them when they are Green trees only
working on city streets. Feel free, however, to give them a friendly wave of without ornaments
appreciation. or stands - no
*Snowplow operators work long, cold hours, many of which are late at wreaths or wired
garland. No charge with proof of
night. Brooklyn Center operators are well- trained and experienced. You residency in Brooklyn Center,
can help them do their job better by adhering to the suggestions listed Brooklyn Park, Crystal or New
above. Hope. All garbage haulers provide
For more information, call public services municipal garage at 569 -3380. Christmas tree collection for a fee.
Check with your hauler for curbside
Park Watch looks out for trouble service.
Just as neighborhood watch groups strive to keep their neighborhoods CORRECTION In the fall issue of City
safe, Park Watch's purpose is to report unsafe behavior in city parks, Watch under snow removal
Developed by the parks and recreation commission, Park Watch's purpose reminders, it stated that no vehicle
is to encourage residents to call the authorities if they see trouble and /or is allowed to stand on any city road
maintenance issues in parks. For emergencies, residents should call 9 -1 -1. for more than 4 consecutive hours
Non - emergencies, call 569 -3333. For maintenance issues, call 569 -3428. from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. It should have
read: no vehicle is allowed to stand
on a city road at any time between
2 and 6 a.m.
City Watch Page 7
City sponsors blood drive
Sign up now for the January 9 blood drive from 2 to 5 p.m. All types of r,44
blood are needed, however, there is a special need for 0 negative, A r +
positive and A negative blood. Donating is simple and safe. Call city hall at
569 -3300 to sign up."
Apartments compete in decorating contest January
This holiday season will be a little brighter in Brooklyn Center. The 1 New Year's Day -
City hall closed
Association for Rental Management (ARM) is sponsoring the first annual g Council meeting
holiday decorating contest. Rental complexes in Brooklyn Center can 15 Martin Luther King
participate as long as they sponsor a holiday decorating contest for their Jr.'s birthday -
tenants as well as decorate their complex themselves. City hall closed
Judging will be in two categories, depending on size, with each winning 22 Council meeting
complex receiving a plaque courtesy of Discover the Center.
Judging will be on Dec. 19 with the winners announced that same February
evening. So this year, take time to tour the city in which you live. There's no 7 Joint meeting
better or brighter time to do so. between council and
City announces poster contest winners commissions
Thanks to all who participated in the Cities Week poster contest "What 12 Council meeting
City Services Mean to Me." First place winners inlcude: Crista Linnabary, 19 President's Day -
grades 6 -8; Amy Linnabary, grades 3 -5; and Amanda Parker Widga, grades City hall closed
K -2. Runners up include: Kristine Widga, Bethany Anne Heck and Laura 26 Council meeting
Pavlicek. Winners should call city hall at 569 -3300 to receive their prize. 30 Filing date
Brooklyn Center March
Mayor 11 Council meeting
Myrna Kragness 125 Council meetin
Councilmembers
Kathleen Carmody Interested in viewing council meetings?
Debra Hilstrom Meetings are held the second and fourth Monday
Kristen Mann of every month at 7 p.m. in city hall. Can't
attend? Watch the meeting live on Channel
Acting City Manager 37 or at 6:30 p.m. the following Tuesday or
Michael McCauley 6:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. the following
Service Directory Wednesday. imp
24 -hour emergency number Please note:
Police, Fire, Medical 911 Sometimes due to technical problems we are unable to broadcast
Non - emergency police 569 -3333
City Hall 569 -3300 council meetings live. In the event that this happens, we will do our best
TDD number 569 -3300 to inform you of the problems we are experiencing via an onscreen
Community Cntr 569 -3400 message. In the event a meeting is not broadcast live, please tune in to
one of the rebroadcast times listed above. We are sorry for any
Business Hours inconvenience this may cause.
Mon - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30