HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 Edition 103 Winter Edition 103 Winter 1996
Iff
Cit(Watch
A newsletter for residents of the City of Brooklyn Center
City of Brooklyn Center 1997 budget overview
The City's proposed 1997 budget street improvements
continues City services and provides projects by
funding for street projects without the eliminating the cost v
issuance of bonds. The proposed levy of issuing bonds and
increased revenues to the City by paying interest on
$247,786. This represents a 4% those bonds. By not
increase in the City levy over the 1996 issuing bonds for Social Services
levy of $6,194,650 to the proposed projects in 1997, the Public Safety
levy of $6,442,436 for 1997. The projected savings 43%
1996 levy ($6,194,650) was actually would be General Govt
lower than the 1995 levy ($6,238,265), approximately 5 '
resulting in the first increase in the levy $198,000 in interest
in two years. Total City General Fund and costs of issuing rt 71
revenues are budgeted at a 3.01% bonds. oebt2 Service
increase. Real estate taxes represent The 1997 budget
roughly half the City's revenue, with does not include any Convention Recreation
local government aids the next largest increases in full -time
source of revenue at 30 %. City personnel and
General Fund expenditures are provides modest reductions in part- to be sent every other month to be
projected to increase 3.01% over time personnel. The 1997 budget has more timely), working on the
1996. However, the operations portion also changed the form at of the budget redevelopment of Brookdale,
of the General Fund budget will to make it easier to understand by developing a five -year financial plan,
actuallydecrease in 1997 as compared returning to the former line -item and assessing operations and their
to 1996. The increase in General Fund format where there are fewer divisions benefits. We would invite you to
Revenues is being used to fund, with and more detail is given as to the review the budget document at City
cash, the City's portion of annual intended purpose of allocations for Hall.
street improvement projects. While each division. As indicated, the 1997 The impact of an increase in the
revenues in the General Fund are proposed budget continues City City's levy of $247,786 (4% over
budgeted to increase by approximately services with public safety being the 1996) will vary on residential
$355,000, the 1997 budget allocates single largest activity, receiving 43% properties. The City has experienced
$394,070 for street work and includes of the General Fund expenditures. two changes that will cause residential
the additional $112,000 needed to pay The proposed 1997 budget reflects properties to bear a greater portion of
the interest and principal payments the City Council's goals, including the the entire tax cost: (1) commercial
due on the bonds issued in 1996 for completion of the Comprehensive Plan property has experienced a decrease
1996 street projects. The projected update to support causing and in its value, especially Brookdale; and
savings by using cash, rather than controlling development, sustaining (2) residential property has gone up
issuing bonds in 1997 and thereafter code enforcement, visioning with the in value approximately 4 %. Real
for street projects, should reduce the community, increased communication
total cost for the City's share of future with residents (newsletters are slated Budget continued on page 5
�-- --- ----------------�= � Coming in February-
EmewgQ4izy plvyneq/ num i a new and imp oved
1 city newsletter.
1 Amp cap - Red�Crow 493 -2256 1 Beginning February 1997, the City
1 I Watch newsletter will change from a
8C C&mAutYt H ealth. 569 -2660 I quarterly to a bi- monthly publication.
I C.E.A.P. 566 -9600 1 The recreation brochure will be
I 1 included with City
I C.12.O.S.S. 425-1050 1 Watch four times a
1 I year. You may expect
I c � y h2�ou�r�Ce' center 566-7010 1
to receive a recreation
EWl er'GgeYLCCy F ; brochure in February, ��.
A 569 -3672 I April, August and
October. City Watch will be
Ener A Progra rw 930-35 i delivered an additional two times a
Fa*n""'3' ; 7,, 1Z6S*tA* - Ce'Ce i&r 561-2481 1 year; in early June and the end of
December. Changing from a quarterly
R rel t erge wy 911 i to a bi- monthly publication will allow
1 1 the City to make certain information
�%r�t far }Eels 335 -5000
is distributed in a more timely manner,
Y eAuwpi vwCou rtty MP•nta. l i and will keep our residents up -to -date
Y ea Jv Center Northwest 533-2600 I on important matters relating to their
M ( leaf) 372-5050 I community. Comments or questions
on the newsletter may be directed to
N.E. A.12. 533-2836 Nancy Gohman or Ruth Dickson at
NSA' (UffRtkout) 282-1000 1 569 -3300.
North wart He uwpi w Fa*niiy
ari&Chiidre*n:s- Serv%ce* 560 4412 i Bloodmobile coming
I North .west- Ee-nne�%w�- Eu�nar� 1 Jan.7
1 Servtce*Coa* 493 -2802 1 The bloodmobile will be at the
1 Brooklyn Center Community Center
1 Pof,rlt Northw for I from 2 -5 P.M. on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
IZu*iaway Ydt t6v 493-3052 1 Your help is urgently needed as
I projections indicate the community
PoUc& - Oep a.rtvnent I blood supply will be short more than
(n xtt emergewwy) 569 -3333 i 3 00 units between Dec. 23 and Jan.
�.i2 .I.S.M.
529-1350 1 You can donate blood if you are in
wader L7 a.rtme*T 569-3390 I good health, are between the ages of
17 -75, weigh at least 110 pounds, and
1 I have been free of colds or flu for seven
l ip days. There may be other restrictions
Clip avid/ keP th;% list ha414 by y our 1 to donating; please ask.
1 Donating blood is safe and painless.
T . p''�'t'�' W''P -' 1 If you would like to donate, please
1 1 contact Dolores Narey at Brooklyn
Center City Hall at 569 -3308.
City Watch 2
Community City Council considers Brooklyn
Development update Boulevard improvements
The most frequently asked question
in Community Development is: When The City of Brooklyn Center has cleanup that would be required of the
will Rainbow Foods be built? The been working with Hennepin County City and County is undetermined.
best information the City has is that for several years trying to improve Additionally, significant acquisition
following the closing on the Brooklyn Boulevard from 65th Avenue of properties would impact the
Walgreen's property on that parcel of to 71 st Avenue. Brooklyn Boulevard businesses, especially on the east side
land, the project will begin and should is a county/state aid highway. The of Brooklyn Boulevard. The cost of
be scheduled for completion and condition of Brooklyn Boulevard has dealing with the impact on business
opening June or July 1997. been a concern to the City Council and due to acquisition of substantial
• The construction of T.G.I. Friday's residents of Brooklyn Center for some portions of the access and lands is
and the Country Inn & Suites is well time. Efforts were pursued with unknown. For these reasons, it was
underway and appears to be on Hennepin County to obtain funding to necessary to continue this process of
schedule. We have not yet heard as Provide for enhancements along study rather than the hoped for
to what restaurant will be located on Brooklyn Boulevard in this corridor to beginning of acquisition in 1997 for
the east end of the building. T.G.I. Provide trees, bike paths and a possible 1998 construction.
Friday's and the Country Inn may walkways, in addition to substantial Without fully understanding the
open as early as March 1997. Widening. As the City and County implications and cost of acquisition,
• The Denny's Restaurant on James have reviewed these plans, many issues the City Council did not feel it could
Circle, just north of the freeway, remain unresolved at this time. The go forward with the project until
opened the first part of December. County is in the process of doing a Hennepin County was able to more
•An approximate 6,000 square foot Phase I environmental study to fully explore the environmental cost,
fellowship hall to the Cross of Glory determine the extent of pollution as well as the cost of acquisition, so
remediation that would be required if that appropriate and prudent
Lutheran Church is also under the County and City were to acquire planning could occur for project
construction. the right -of -way necessary fora funding.
*New tenants at Brookdale include widening of Brooklyn Boulevard. In the interim, the City Council has
General Nutrition and Bath & Body Especially between the freeway and requested that Hennepin County
Works. There are also a number of 69th Avenue North, there are proceed with a mill and overlay to
kiosks located in the mall area, some significant pollution problems improve the deteriorated surface and
for Christmas shopping purposes. associated with current and former to look at a potential median to
Also, Kaybee Toys is located at businesses along Brooklyn Boulevard. reduce accidents along Brooklyn
Brookdale through the Christmas At this time, the extent and cost of Boulevard.
shopping season.
*The Anoka - Hennepin School .
District is seeking a license from the
State of Minnesota Department of
Human Services to open and operate
a preschool at the Humboldt Square
Shopping Center.
• An 84 -unit, four -story, AmericInn J
is proposed to be located on the west
portion of a 4.12 acre parcel of land
located at the northwest corner of
Freeway Boulevard and Shingle
Creek Parkway. The owners of the `
property are seeking a restaurant use - on the balance of the property.
City Watch 3
Utility rates to increase in 1997 }�,
The City Council has established The City's utilities are also City's Assessing
new public utility rates effective Jan. undertaking some large capital Dept. offers advice
1, 1997. The new rates will increase projects. In 1996, the sanitary sewer on homesteading
the average family's utility bill by fund replaced a major lift station. The
approximately 82 cents per month. City is also replacing water and A change in Minnesota statutes
The average bill for seniors on the sanitary sewer lines in streets as they states that residents are no longer
senior sanitary sewer rate would are reconstructed in neighborhood required to complete a card every
increase approximately 37 cents per street improvement projects. Any line year in order to maintain their
month. In both cases, this is a 3.4% that is deteriorating is replaced while homestead status. Remember to
increase. In comparing Brooklyn the street is torn up for repaving. The notify the Assessing Department
Center's rates to the rates of other storm drainage utility fund pays for if you no longer qualify for
metro area cities, the city's water rate the addition or improvement of storm homestead status.
is below average, the sanitary sewer sewer lines. If, however, you should receive
rate is about average, and the storm a homestead card in the mail,
drainage rate is somewhat above NO cold weather water please be certain to fill it out and
average. The recycling rate is Shutoffs mail it in.
unchanged for 1997 due to the AttheOct.28City Councilmeeting, Questions on homesteading
efficiency of providing that service in may be directed to the City's
the City Council passed a resolution
a cooperative venture with the cities instituting a moratorium on cold Assessing Department. Their
of Crystal, Robbinsdale and Brooklyn weather water shutoffs. Water service telephone number is 569 -3310.
Park. Water rates were last raised on will no longer be disconnected
Jan. 1, 1995, and sanitary sewer rates between the months of November
were last increased on Jan. 1, 1994. through April.
If ou are having difficult paying ` -
Y g Y
your water bill, please contact the
water department at 569 -3390. The on@
New year, new job? Water department will assist you in
developing a payment plan.
If you're thinking about a career
move this year, consider the City
of Brooklyn Center. Call our Job
Information Line at 569 -3307 to
find out what positions are
available with the City. If you are
interested in applying for a
position, leave your name and Proper ventilation of attic important in winter
address and an application will be The turbine, or "whirlybird ", is a out air movement, water vapor from
mailed to you. common item on the roofs of houses the interior ofthe house will be trapped
in Brooklyn Center. These turbines in the attic. This moisture will
aid in ventilating the attic. Heat is condense in the cooler attic area and
vented in the summer and moisture is saturate the insulation, making it much
dissipated in the winter. less effective. It will also cause water
The Inspections Department has damage to the roof sheathing and the
noticed that many people cover these ceilings of the rooms below the attic.
lilt turbines with plastic bags for the Do your house a favor! Make sure
winter. This is a very unwise practice. your attic is well ventilated summer
Ventilation is more important in the and winter. Get rid of those turbine
winter than it is in the summer. With- covers!
City Watch 4
Budget (continued from page 1) Brooklyn Center
estate taxes are computed as follows: As illustrated above, asingle- family Family Resource
residence has twice the capacity for Center takes off
Taxes = Tax Rate x Tax Capacity each dollar in value above $72,000. The Family Resource Center in
So while the difference between a Brooklyn Center is designed to
If either the rate or the capacity house valued at $ 72,000 and one provide easy access to information and
change, taxes paid by an individual valued at $77,700 is 7.9%, the referral services for residents who
property owner will change. The tax difference in tax capacity between the need assistance with issues such as
rate is computed by taking the City's two houses is 15.8 %. Thus, an housing child care, economic or
levy and dividing it by the total of tax increase in value over $72,000 of 10% medical assistance, education, and
capacity for all properties in the City: results in a 20% increase in tax jobs. A full -time coordinator works
capacity under the State of with both telephone and walk -in
Tax Minnesota's tax laws. As indicated, clients.
Rate= City levy Brooklyn Center has seen a decrease Many programs and services are
Tax capacity of all properties in its total tax capacity due primarily provided on -site, including Hennepin
to a decline in commercial real estate County Economic Assistance, a public
Tax Capacity is arrived at by values shrinking from 50% of the 'health outreach worker, an after
multiplying the assessed value by the City's tax base capacity to 47% of that school tutoring program for youth
class rate. For example, the tax base. The total impact on the average called "Grades R Us ", and access to
capacity for an average home in house which increased from $74,700 the United Way First Call for Help
Brooklyn Center would be: in value for taxes payable in 1996 to computerized data bases and the
$77,700 in 1997 is shown below: Hennepin County Library catalog.
Assessed Value $77,700 Impact of Increased Value: To volunteer, please contact
Tax Capacity Avg. Value Capacity City Catherine Elpers at 493 -2802 at the
Taxes Northwest Hennepin Human Services
1 st $72,000 x 1% _ $720 1996 $74,700 $774 $230.37
Council.
Next $5,700 x 2% _ $114 1997 $77,700 $834 $267.71
Total Capacity $834
Difference $3,000 $60 $ 37.33 Christmas tree
recycling
Council moves forward with 53rd Avenue when you're ready to let go,
Christmas trees will be accepted
Development and Linkage Project at the Maple Grove Yard Waste
site immediately following the
At the City Council meeting on ment. holidays. Please —no stands,
Oct. 15, the Council voted to go Property acquisitions began in ornaments, metal wires, or
forward with the 53rd Avenue November and will continue until wreaths with wire
Development and Linkage Project in sometime in February. The City of frames.
the city's southeast neighborhood. Brooklyn Center has hired a Many garbage
This project would involve acquiring relocation advisor to assist residents haulers will
26propertiesin the 53rd Avenue area who will be displaced as a result of provide separate
from 4th Street to Bryant. The the project. collection of
project will create a parkway, or Questions regarding the 53rd
Christmas trees for
green space with walkway, similar Avenue Development and Linkage their customers during a limited
to the project completed on 69th Ave., Project may be directed to time following the holidays.
and will also create approximately Community Development Specialist Check with your hauler for their
18 single - family lots for new develop- Tom Bublitz at 569 -3433. service and cost.
City Watch 5
The City of Brook Center:
January: Michael McCauley begins his first full year as City Manager.
February: A major ice
storm, followed by brutal
cold, socks Brooklyn Center.
Electricity was out for two 1
days in some areas of the
city. One hundred twenty-four I ,�
hours of overtime and 625
tons of salt and sand return
the City to near - normal
conditions (right).
March: Charles F. Nichols, Sr., is elected The Community Center, trees, and
Council Member, filling the vacancy created sidewalks coated with an icy glaze
by former Council Member Barbara
Kalligher's resignation.
April: The City of
Brooklyn Center's
Community Development , f,
and Police departments
embark on a code
enforcement inititative;
x
an ambitious project in_
which every home in� �
Brooklyn Center will be
inspected for code
violations (right).
June: The Brooklyn
rY ,_: "a= } •� z•� Center Community
Center celebrates its
25th birthday with a
celebration in Central
May: For the fourth year in a Park featuring live
row, Brooklyn Center is named entertainment and a
a Tree City USA by the fireworks display.
National Arbor Day
Foundation. Special guest emcee:
Casey Jones (left).
City Watch 6
A Year in Review
July: The police depurtment announces a 30% decrease in crime in the
multi - housing community in Brooklyn Center. An active rental
management group and increased efforts in code enforcement are
credited.
August. The Brookdale
Motel, acquired by the
Brooklyn Center EDA in
June through a
condemnation action, is
demolished on
Aug. 27 (right). _
September: The ground breaking ceremony for the North Memorial
Hospice takes place on Sept. 16 (left).
Charles and Mary Thompson donated CC�
their Brooklyn Center home to North • • • • • •
Memorial Hospital October: T. G. 1. Friday's and Hm (a u=
Country Inn & Suites begins a4 sonavmA
construction of a new
restaurant and hotel complex
in the city.
Council vote totals (J
Lasman 5,775
Peppe 5,092
Nichols 4,720
Blamey 3,626 .
December: Truth in `.
Taxation meetings, which - \- `• "'��
November: The City's election determine budget
results are in. New allocations for 1997, are }
Councilmembers Kay Lasman held on Dec. 4.
and Robert Peppe will be sworn
in at the first council meeting in
January (above).
City Watch 7
Please follow rwplatluns W ald snow removal operafiong
Once again, as winter begins, the Safety Keep fire hydrants clear
City of Brooklyn Center reminds Residents are also reminded to Residents are also asked to keep fire
residents of the regulations which are warn their children not to build hydrants clear of snow and to keep catch
required for effective snow removal snow forts or play in the snow piles basins clear of ice and debris buildup.
in the community. made by the plows. The plow
operators often cannot see Driveways
Snow removal children in the snow banks, Apologies are offered in advance for
Street snow removal operations will and they could be buried in plugged driveways, which are
commence when there has been a the snow or seriously hurt. unavoidable side effects of well -
snowfall of more than 2 1/2 inches, When driving, maintain a plowed streets and sidewalks.
or if other conditions warrant plowing. distance of at least 100 feet behind To reduce the frustration of
Sidewalk snow removal will snowplow drivers so they can see you shoveling out the end of your
commence following a in their rearview mirrors, and don't driveway twice, it is suggested you wait
snowfall of one inch or attempt to pass the plows when they until the street is plowed to its full width.
more. Crews will begin are working on city streets. Brooklyn Center's snowplow operators
plowing as soon as the storm subsides. work long, cold hours, manv of which
The City streets are divided into ten Damage to mailboxes are in the late evening or early morning.
districts, with plows assigned to each Occcasionally during snow plowing The City's snowplow operators are well -
district. operations, mailboxes may be trained and have years of experience.
The arterial streets will be cleared damaged. The City will assume The suggestions provided above will help
first, followed by the residential responsibility for repairing that them perform their duties. When you
streets. The snow plow must make damage only if the mailbox and its see them on the streets, feel free to give
several passes up and down the street supporting post are properly located them a friendly wave to let them know
to remove the snow; two to clear the behind the curb line or edge of street, they're appreciated.
center and two or more to widen the and if the damage is the result of Call the public services municipal
street gutter to gutter. Because actual contact by the snowplow. The garage at 569 -3380 if you have any
plowing routes are sometimes long, it City will not assume questions, concerns or comments.
may be one hour or more between the responsibility for
clearing pass and the final widening damage to mailboxes
pass. which protrude into the
street or
Winter parking regulations which are damaged
Residents are reminded to follow simply by snow pressure.
>. <3 ` .
City parking ordinances and not to
park overnight on streets; especially Garbage/recycling
during and after a snowfall. Vehicles containers
will be ticketed and towed Garbage and recycling``:
away, if necessary, when containers must be placed
obstructing snow removal so they are
operations. accessible for
City ordinances state that no vehicle pickup, but ::..
shall park upon any street between the during the •
hours of 2 A.M. and 6 A.M., nor for snow season •
more than six consecutive hours at any they may not be placed in •
other time. Parking in alleys is not the road or on the
permitted at any time. These sidewalk. To assist
regulations are strictly enforced snowplowing operations,
during the winter months. place the containers in the
driveway.
City Watch 8
Carbon monoxide alarm may not mean immediate danger
Sometimes called "The Silent technician to check your home for
Killer," carbon monoxide (CO) is a possible sources of carbon monoxide.
tasteless, odorless, colorless gas that Fire personnel are not trained to
can cause illness and even death in adequately detect the actual source
today's tightly insulated homes. of carbon monoxide. Their
CO is a gas produced by incomplete primary responsibility is to help in
combustion. Improperly adjusted .a
burners, poorly ventilated flues, vacating the occupants and to
remove the immediate life safety
damaged or inadequately maintained hazard by ventilating the premises
fuel- burning applicances can result in and to help find a qualified
carbon monoxide accumulation in the �* technician to check the source of
home.
the problem.
Brooklyn Center Fire Chief Ron
Most CO (carbon monoxide) Boman suggests that if you are going
alerts are pre- emergency to purchase a carbon monoxide
The Occupational Safety and Health detector you should consider
Association (OSHA) has established Brooklyn Center Fire Chief Roll Boman purchasing only the type of unit that
that exposure to levels of CO of 35
ppm (parts per million) should not be has a digital display, has time
exceeded over an eight hour period of the victim warm and at rest and dial weighted averaging, has at least an
decibel alarm, and has a test and
time. Most CO detectors on the 911 to alert emergency personnel reset button. Without a test and reset
market are calibrated to sound an immediately. button, once the detector trips it can
alarm if CO concentrations exceed 15 It is recommended if your CO take a number of hours for the unit
ppm over eight hours. At this level, detector is sounding or if you have a to be reset.
most people will not experience reading of 15 ppm and there are no Before you install a carbon
adverse effects of CO poisoning. apparent symptoms of CO poisoning , monoxide detector, you should
If the activation of CO detector is you should contact a qualified consider having your fuel burning
an emergency, someone in the technical person such as the gas appliance checked for safety and
household will probably be company or other heating and appliance efficiency by a qualified service
experiencing symptoms technician. You may
of CO poisoning. If the also want to have your
CO alarm goes off yet no chimney inspected and
one in the home is Symptoms of possible cleaned out if it is of
experiencing dizziness, C arbon monoxide poisoning masonry construction.
headaches, nausea or Also be sure our CO
vomiting, the alarm is Dizziness Y
• Headache detector is installed
most likely for a pre- properly according to
hazardous condition. In • Nausea or vomiting
the manufacturer's
that event, it is not • Unconsiousness recommendations.
necessary to call 911, If you have any
but you should open a If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning questions about carbon
couple of doors or • Remove victim to fresh air and keep victim monoxide detectors, call
windows and call a warm. Fire Chief Ron Boman
service technician. • Call 919 and inform emergency personnel at 569 -3360.
If someone in the home of possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
is experiencing . Contact a qualified technician to investigate
symptoms of CO the source of the problem.
poisoning, remove the
victim to fresh air, keep
City Watch 9
New law aids police department in protecting public from
convicted sex offenders
Convicted sex offenders who move Brooklyn Center. prosecution.
into Brooklyn Center are required to This new community notification The Brooklyn Center Police
notify the police department. State law allows all of us to be informed so Department intends to have a public
statutes require us to keep this that we can protect ourselves. meeting in the near future to explain
information confidential. Beginning Members of the public may not use the process in more detail. If you have
Jan. 1., changes in the law make some this information to threaten, harass, any questions or concerns, please
of this information about those or intimidate registered offenders. contact Community Services Sergeant
offenders categorized as "most likely Acts of harassment and intimidation Dave Grass at 569 -3389.
to re- offend" public data. are crimes and could result in criminal
Sex offender inmates are categorized
by Minnesota Department of
Corrections professionals into one of Start a Neighborhood Watch group this winter
three groups: Currently, about 30% of Brooklyn initiated many investigations, we have
• Risk level 1 inmate is considered Center's residential blocks belong to changed department policy, and have
less likely to reoffend the Neighborhood Watch Program. even enacted a city ordinance.
• Risk level II is at medium risk The police department's goal is to Another important benefit is that the
• Risk level III is most likely to attain 100% participation. Neighborhood Watch Program gives
re -offend The Watch groups greatly facilitate neighbors an excuse to get together.
This assessment is based on the type the police department's efforts to give These parties are cited by most Watch
and severity of the crime, whether the out information to city residents. The participants as the best part of the
crime involved violence, the prisoner's department puts out Neighborhood whole program.
participation in treatment, overall Watch newsletters, special flyer alerts, In 1997, another officer will be
psychological condition, and the and occasional telephone alerts to assigned to assist Sgt. Grass with the
number of previous offenses. inform citizens. We are currently new Watch groups. The department
Beginning in January, the police looking into two new technologies that has also been awarded a State grant
department will be releasing could greatly improve our ability to to help. Because winter is our "slow
information to the public about all inform Watch groups about crime and time ", we are especially interested in
level III offenders moving into current issues. starting new groups now and are
Brooklyn Center. We will notify the Conversely, Watch groups allow working on some special inducements
immediate neighborhood by flyers and citizens to provide information and to offer for winter Neighborhood
will hold a neighborhood meeting. input to the police department. Watch startups.
Additionally, this information will be Because of such input, we have
provided to nearby schools and
organizations. We will notify the Sun -
Post newspaper and cable television.
Finally, the police department will
Community Services Sgt.
have flyers available for the public to Dave Grass encourages
look at. you to participate in our
The new law does not allow Neighborhood Watch
notification to the public on level II Programs. If you are
offenders, but it does allow the police interested in organizing a
department to notify schools, licensed Watch group in your
day cares, and other organizations. neighborhood, contact
The law only allows the police Sgt. Grass at 569 -3389.
department to notify other police
departments and victims or witnesses 91
when level I offenders move into
City Watch 10
Commission openings Darrell Meehan named Employee of the
Both the Brooklyn Center Human Quarter, Third Quarter 1996
Rights and Resouces Commission and , , Darrell Meehan, public works
the Financial Commission are seeking department, was recently named the
members to fill vacancies created by City's Employee of the Quarter, Third
member resignations. The general '. Quarter 1996. Darrell was nominated
purpose of the Human Rights and
Resources Commission is to actin an � - by his supervisor, Dave Peterson, for
advisory capacity to the City Council ! promoting a positive influence in the
w s, City's public works department and
on issues related to human relations for his input and suggestions on
and civil rights issues and recommend' € various City projects which have
the adoption of such specific policies resulted in a savings of time and
or actions as are needed to provide for `
money for the department. Darrell is
equal opportunity in the community. now a candidate for Employee of the
The Human Rights and Resources Year 1996.
Commission generally meets on the Other nominees for Employee ofthe
second Wednesday of each month at Quarter, Third Quarter 1996, were
7 P.M. The general purpose of the Bill Vetter, also from the public works
Financial Commission is to act in an
advisory capacity to the City Council department, and City Clerk Sharon
Knutson.
on issues related to finance and the _ Darrell, Bill and Sharon were
city budget. The Financial recognized at the City Council meeting
Commission meets on an as- needed. held on Dec. 16.
basis at the call of the Chairperson. ,
., Previous Employees of the Quarter
Interested persons can obtain an were Sue LaCrosse, recreation
application at the Brooklyn Center Darrell Meehan
division, and Pierre Roddy, police
City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek
department.
Parkway, Brooklyn Center, or call
City Clerk Sharon Knutson at 569-
3300. Final appointment will bemade An invitation from Discover the Center
by the Mayor and City Council.
The Discover the Center
communications group invites you to
share your "good news" with the Discover
community. the Center
We will be submitting a regular
A timely reminder from column to the Brooklyn Center Sun-
the Brooklyn Center Post for publication and possibly a
Police Department page in the City Watch newsletter.
We are looking for big and little Please send your ideas to the
Although it is always more things or simply ideas. Wewillpursue following address, attention Discover
comfortable to enter a warm car as a story idea, take a photo, use your the Center, 6301 Shingle Creek
opposed to a cold car on winter infon ... whatever you feel would Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN
mornings, the police department be of interest to the community. 55430, or fax your stories or ideas to
reminds you it is against city Since the Sun -Post and City Watch Discover the Center at (612) 569 -
ordinances to allow a car to run cannot guarantee when there will be 3494.
unattended. It is also unwise to leave space available for the column, we Thanks in advance for keeping your
a handbag or wallet in an open car, cannot guarantee publicity for a neighbors informed of the "good
even if it's just for a minute or two. specific event you may be having. news" happening in your community.
11
NHMP offers Post- City installs Charter Commission
Relationship Mediation suggestion boxes seeks volunteer
Non - married partners who are The City of Brooklyn Center has The Brooklyn Center Charter
ending their relationship face many of installed suggestion boxes for your use Commission has an opening for a new
the same issues spouses must address and comment. If you have a concern, commissioner. This is a voluntary
when their marriage ends. North complaint or compliment, please feel position of civic participation. The
Hennepin Mediation Program, Inc. free to use the boxes located at City Charter Commission meets once a
(NHMP), acknowledges the needs and facilities. Please be sure to include month, generally the fourth Wednesday
concerns of non - married couples your name and address on your of the month, at 7 P.M. at City Hall.
through the Post - Relationship comment card if you would like a The Charter Commission reviews
Mediation Program. The program is response from the City. the city's Charter, which is the
a confidential, voluntary process that governing constitution of the city.
brings former partners together in a Interested persons may call City Clerk
neutral setting to reach a settlement Sharon Knutson at 569 -3300 for more
agreement both parties believe is fair information. Final appointment will
and workable. The meeting is be made by the Fourth Judicial District
mediated by two impartial facilitators �a�s�o�n�s�reet Court.
and both parties are given equal time �
to describe the issues. from the
Mediation is provided at little or no City of Brooklyn Center
cost to either party, and sessions can
be scheduled days, evenings or
weekends. For more information, call
NHMP at 561 -0033.
City of Brooklyn Center City Council meeting schedule
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway City Council meetings are
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 generally held the second and
fourth Monday of the month
569 -3300 City Hall at 7 P.M. in Council
569 -3400 Recreation Chambers at Brooklyn
911 Emergency Center City Hall. Call 569 - 3300 for more
569 -3333 Police non - emergency information regarding City Council meetings.
569 -3300 TDD
569 -3339 Code enforcement information line
569 -3307 Job information line City Council meeting broadcast
Mayor Myrna Kragness Watch City Council
Councilmember Kathleen Carmody meetings live on cable Channel
Councilmember Debra Hilstrom 37. Replays shown at 6:30
Serving until 12 -31 -96 P.M. on Tuesdays, and 6:30
Councilmember Kristen Mann A.M. and 12:30 P.M. on /
Councilmember Charles F. Nichols, Sr. Wednesdays following City
Serving as Councilmembers beginning 1 -1 -97 Council meetings.
Kay Lasman
Robert Peppe
Printed on recycled paper
Michael J. McCauley, City Manager
City Watch 12