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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 07-11 CCM Special Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL SESSION JULY 11, 1985 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special session and was called to order by President Pro tem Celia Scott at 7:09 p.m. ROLL CALL President Pro tem Celia Scott, Councilmembers Lhotka, Hawes, and Theis. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Housing Coordinator Brad Hoffman, and Deputy City Clerk Geralyn Barone. RESOLUTION The City Manager introduced a Resolution Establishing Project No. 1985 -16, Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Carpet Replacement in the Civic Center (Contract 1985 -I). Councilmember Lhotka stated he contacted the original complainant, and informed the City Council that the complaint had been withdrawn. RESOLUTION NO. 85 -126 Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND APPROVING CONTRACT 1985 -I ( CARPET REPLACEMENT IN THE CIVIC CENTER, PROJECT NO. 1985 -16) The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Bill Hawes, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Gene Lhotka, Celia Scott, Bill Hawes, and Rich Theis; and the following voted against: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. The City Manager reported that the City had received approval from HUD for $680,000 for the purchase of the Earle Brown Farm property. He informed the Council that the Ramada Inn has received final confirmation on their project, curb work has begun on Lyndale Avenue North, and Target is conducting soil preparation for the new Target store and shopping center. Councilmember Theis inquired about the water table at the Target location, and the City Manager stated it is very high. PUBLIC HEARING ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A MULTIFAMILY HOUSING BOND ON BROOKWOOD CONDOMINIUMS The City Manager stated the public hearing on the Establishment of a Multifamily Housing Bond on Brookwood Condominiums is continued from the July 8, 1985 City Council meeting. He noted if the City Council adopts the resolution before them on this issue, it will be difficult to retract at a future date. President Pro tem Scott continued the public hearing on the Establishment of a Multifamily Housing Bond on Brookwood Condominiums. The City Manager stated Brookwood residents were contacted both by phone and letter 7 -11 -85 -1- regarding this evening's meeting. President Pro tem Scott asked those residents present to identify themselves, and those present included Walter and Stella Kaluznick, 6201 North Lilac Drive, Apt. No. 504, and Mrs. Bea Bell, 6201 North Lilac Drive, Apt. No. 211. President Pro tem Scott recognized Mr. Kaluznick who stated before the City approves anything, he recommends that the City investigate Brutger I Companies, Inc., as Brutger has promised a lot and has not always followed through on 1 their promises. Mayor Dean Nyquist entered the meeting at 7:16 p.m. and assumed leadership of the meeting. Councilmember Scott asked Mr. Kaluznick to note specific promises made by Brutger. Mr. Kaluznick stated sport's equipment was to be installed and never was; the whirlpool is not being taken care of and it is dirty; trash is around the vehicle area; water leaks above the hot water tank which has never been fixed; the water smells rotten; and the upkeep of grounds is not good. Mayor Nyquist recognized Mrs. Bell who stated she would keep her unit but has some fears regarding care of the lawn. She complained about the service of the ara e g g doors, the security system, and the fact that some tenants use any garage spaces they desire. She expressed concern over whether Brutger would continue with poor care of the facility and is apprehensive about ever being able to sell her unit if the facility does deteriorate. She also stated her concern for her rights as an owner and her fear that the Association fee would be increased to a very high level. Mrs. Bell said she likes her home and would like to stay there, but has concern about maintenance problems not being corrected. Finally, she stated she is willing to sell at the amount it cost her to make the move she did. Mayor Nyquist asked if those who have complained to these residents have talked to Brutger Companies, Inc., and Mrs. Bell said some residents have. Mr. Kaluznick added some complaints are at least one year old. Mayor Nyquist stated he was a bit confused about the message he was receiving from the residents when compared to the letters from their attorneys which show satisfaction with the facility. Mr. Kaluznick stated he and his wife are happy but recommended the City check out Brutger Companies, Inc. Councilmember Lhotka asked for a response from representatives of Brutger Companies, Inc. Mayor Nyquist recognized Mr. Wally Johnson, representing Brutger Companies, Inc. who stated his company is aware of a high water table in the basement and a few problems with water leaking in the balcony areas. Mr. Johnson stated Brutger Companies, Inc. was in the process of installing laundry equipment when told by the City of Brooklyn Center that air dampers are necessary, and this caused an additional delay. Mr. Johnson noted the condition of the grounds at the Brookwood project is better than other places in Brooklyn. Center. Councilmember Lhotka inquired about the problems encountered with the garage doors, and Mr. Johnson responded that Brutger Companies, Inc. has been aware of problems and makes repairs as soon as a problem is reported. Mayor Nyquist recognized Mr. Kaluznick who stated problems go on for weeks at a time and asked why it takes an entire year to get a ceiling leak repaired. He noted that everyone seems to pass the buck. 7 -11 -85 -2- The City Manager stated the City will have a Building Inspector check compliance of the City's maintenance code at Brookwood condominiums during the following week. Councilmember Lhotka made the statement that if Brutger Companies, Inc. did not know about the problem they have, it is an example of shabby management. Mr. Johnson of Brutger Companies, Inc. stated he was not responsible for construction of the M building and was not aware of the roof leaks. Mr. Kaluznick said he has talked with the resident manager at Brookwood condominiums nearly everyday and the resident manager has said she passes the information onto management. Councilmember Lhotka asked Mr. Kaluznick to speak with the resident manager and find out who she passes her information to at the Brutger Companies, Inc. Councilmember Theis asked who is responsible in the Brutger Companies, Inc. organization to remedy problems such as those discussed this evening, and Mr. Johnson of Brutger Companies, Inc. responded he is that responsible person. Councilmember Theis asked if a roofer were sent out to Brookwood condominiums, then Mr. Johnson would have been the person sending that roofer out, and Mr. Johnson stated someone in his department would have done so. Councilmember Lhotka stated a notice was sent to residents in approximately March of 1985 telling them about certain services that would be available at Brookwood condominiums, and he asked if those are now available. Mr. Kaluznick said they are not available. Mr. Johnson stated that Brutger Companies, Inc. is attempting to hire a professional management company to advise Brutger Companies, Inc. of what is needed, but such a company has not yet been hired. Mr. Johnson added that Brutger Companies, Inc-. has done a lot to the building at the request of the tenants and the intent remains to improve the facility. However, Brutger Companies, Inc. does not wish to make an error in purchasing equipment or services that will not be used and as a result, a management company will be hired by Brutger Companies, Inc. The City Manager asked what the expected date is for hiring the management firm, and Mr. Johnson replied the goal is September 1, 1985. Councilmember Hawes asked about the problems related to the whirlpool. Mr. Kaluznick stated the whirlpool is dirty and it always seems to be broken. The City Manager noted the Health Department has informed him that this is a universal problem with whirlpools. Mr. Johnson addressed the issue of the rotten egg smell of the water, saying the smell has to do with the degree of occupancy in the units at the present time, and the smell will disappear when full occupancy is reached. Councilmember Theis referenced the problems expressed by residents, noting that many of these problems may have been avoided with good management. He asked for some assurance that the problems stated would be rectified, and Mayor Nyquist asked to have someone assigned who has the authority to accomplish the tasks at hand. Mr. Johnson stated he would see to the repair problems personally. Councilmember Lhotka stated he is looking for some assurance that the problems will be cleared up before this fall when a management company is hired. Councilmember Theis asked how many of the complaints could be dealt with before the next City Council meeting on July 22, 1985. Mr. Johnson of Brutger Companies, Inc. responded saying they are currently dealing with the sprinkling system; the whirlpool will be professionally serviced in the following week; the water leak in the roof will be inspected; the trash problem will be investigated; Brutger Companies, Inc. will work with the City in dealing with the foul water smell; and the garage doors and security system will be checked. Councilmember Theis asked that a report be presented at the next City Council meeting in reference to the status of 7 -11 -85 -3- the specific problems and Mr. Johnson stated this would be done. Councilmember Scott asked Mr. Johnson if he did not communicate with his resident manager, and Mr. Johnson stated he was aware of some problems, but heard of no specific complaints related to maintenance. Councilmember Scott remarked that Brookwood is a nice building with nice tenants, but wondered why Brutger Companies, Inc. did not know about a leaky roof for one year. Mr. Johnson stated he was not aware that a problem existed. Councilmember Scott asked if a management company would have the same communication problem as that now experienced, and Mr. Johnson stated Brutger Companies, Inc. has tried to attend to maintenance problems immediately. Mr. Kaluznick said several people have come in and looked at the leaking ceiling, but nothing has ever been done about it. Councilmember Hawes asked what the association fee would be for the two owners who keep their units, and Mr. Jay Cook of Dorsey & Whitney stated Brutger Companies, Inc. will assess each of the units 1/73 of the total cost. Mayor Nyquist noted that Brutger Companies, Inc. would pay 71/73 of the cost. Mayor Nyquist asked that the residents at Brookwood condominiums prepare a list of complaints, present this list to City staff, and a report be presented from the City and Brutger Companies, Inc. at the next City Council meeting. Mrs. Bell asked if the Brookwood condominiums would remain as a senior citizen residence, and Mayor Nyquist responded that there is no absolute assurance for this. The Housing Coordinator noted the plan is for anyone under 54 to be excluded from living in these units, and in the case of a married couple, only one of the residents must be 54 years or older. Mr. Johnson added that the caretakers are also excluded from the age restriction. Mayor Nyquist inquired if there was anyone else present who wished to speak at the public hearing. No one appeared to speak and he entertained a motion to close the public hearing. There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Hawes to close the public hearing on Establishment of a Multifamily Housing Bond on Brookwood Condominiums. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Lhotka, Scott, Hawes, and Theis. Voting against: none. The motion pased unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 85 -127 Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ADOPTING A HOUSING BOND PROGRAM FOR THE ISSUANCE OF MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS FOR THE BROOKWOOD ESTATES PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF SAME TO THE MINNESOTA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY AND THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL Councilmember Lhotka specified that the resolution would be contingent upon the signing of Amendment No. 2 to the contract for private redevelopment with Brutger Companies, Inc. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Celia Scott, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Lhotka, Scott, Hawes, and Theis; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Hawes and seconded by Councilmember Theis to 7 -11 -85 -4- adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Lhotka, Scott, Hawes, and Theis. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 7:58 p.m. f Dep City Clerk Mayor f e 7 -11 -85 _5- a