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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982 09-20 CCM Special Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF H1, %N'NE'IN IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL SESSION SEPTEMBER 20, 1982 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special session and was called to order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7 :05 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Gene Lhotka, Celia Scott, Bill 'Hawes, and Rich Theis. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Finance Paul Holmlund, Chief of Police James Lindsay, Police, Captain Scott Kline, and Administrative Assistants Brad Hoffman, Rick Green, and Tom Bublitz. Also present was Dayle Nolan, representing the City Attorney's office. RESOLUTIONS The City Manager introduced a Resolution Adopting a Housing Plan for the City of Brooklyn Center Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C. He 'explained the resolution is a necessary step in the mortgage revenue bond program and that representatives of Miller & Schroeder are present this evening to answer any questions the Council may have. Councilmember Theis inquired whether there was any similarity in the mortgage revenue bond program and industrial development revenue bonds. Administrative Assistant Hoffman pointed out that the only liability the City would have in the program would be money which would be put into "up front" administrative costs. RESOLUTION NO. 82 -189 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ADOPTING A HOUSING PLAN FOR THE CITY PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 462C 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: Dean Nyquist, Gene Lhotka, Celia Scott, Bill Hawes, and Rich Theis; and the ,following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. RESOLUTION NO. 82 -190 Member Rich Theis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND APPROVING CONTRACT 1982 -L (CENTRAL PARK SITE IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT; 1982 -24) 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 9- 20 -82 -1- favor thereofc Dean Nyquist, Gene Lhotka, Celia SCOtt, Bill Hawes,_ and Rich Theis;, and the following votQd against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Mayor > Nyquist reconvened the public hearing.on the 1983 City budget. Y The City Manager proceeded to review the anticipated revenue for 1983 and noted that the tax levy is the maximum allowed under the levy limit law and that the City's levy is only 17% of the total tax ;bill. He also reviewed a sampling. of •the estimated taxes on various home values in Brooklyn Center. He then re- viewed the various sources of revenue contained on pages 8 and 9 of the proposed 1983 budget. The City Manager also reviewed the debt' redemption fund and general improvement bonds, including the 1969 building and improvement bond redemption and the 1980 park bond redemption. REVIEW OF DEPARTMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS CITY COUNCIL BUDGET The City Manager reviewed the City Council proposed budget for 1983 and in response to a question from Counclmember "Hawes,' he reviewed the City's' involvement with and benefits of the League of Minnesota Cities, the :Association of Metropolitan . Cities and the other organizations in which the City holds membership. He added that staff time saved by the research provided by. these organizations on new laws and other items that affect municipal government is a benefit in that :the City staff would have to donate considerable research time to match the information provided by the League of Minnesota Cities and Association of Metropolitan Cities. CHARTER COMMISSION The City Manager stated that the recommended amount for 1983 for the Charter Commission budget was $1,500 which is the statutory requirement. CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE The City Manager reviewed the proposed capital outlay for the City Manager's budget and also noted that there' are no personnel changes proposed for 1983 in this budget. ELECTIONS AND VOTER'S REGISTRATION The City Manages explained that a portion of the amount proposed` for-professional services under the elections budget, may be used to develop a training program for voting machine set -up which would make use of part -time persons employed specifically to set up the machines, for the elections. ASSESSING' DEPARTMENT The City Manager stated that. he is recommending the current number of personnel be maintained in the Assessing Department, and noted that this would mean one less appraiser than in 1981. FINANCE DEPARTMENT The City _Manager reviewed the Finance Department budget and noted that there is no change proposed from previous years, 9 -20 -82 _2_ INDEPENDENT At1DIT The City Manager explained rhat a slight increase in the amount for the of City financial records and accounts is being requested for 1983. LEGAL COUNSEL .The City Manager stated that he is recommending a reduction in the legal counsel. budget to try to function with Tess legal work. He did point out, however, that .the prosecutor's time is totally dependent on the number and nature of cases and that the= prosecutor now has the extra burden of prosecuting gross misdemeanors. Councilmember Hawes inquired whether there was any way to recover any of the costs expended in prosecution. `The Chief of Police stated that, 'under the current fine system, the court cost is assessed, then the remainder of the fine is returned to the City, except in the 'instance of Highway Patrol cases where one -half of the fine is returned to the City and two - thirds to the State of Minnesota. He added that the fines revenue for 1983 is estimated at $120,000. GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS The City Manager pointed out an error in the government buildings' budget and explained that a part -time person is not proposed for addition in 1983, but rather that one full -time person was eliminated in 1982. , The City Manager proceed- ed to review the capital outlay recommendations contained in the proposed 1983 government buildings' budget. Councilmember Theis questioned whether- $2,000 would be adequate to improve the sound system in the Council' Chambers. The City Manager stated that he would verify this cost estimate. DETACHED WORKER, PROGRAM The City Manager stated that. last year, the Detached Worker Program was funded at $15,000 but because of state aid cut- backs, this amount was reduced to one- half of the original budgeted amount. He added that he :believes the program is a good program but because of the cut - backs, the program did not rank high enough to warrant.recommendation for 1983 funding. Mayor Nyquist recognized Ms. Frankie Francel, Associate Executive Director of the Northwest YMCA who stated that the Detached Worker Program is the only program that deals with hard -to- reach families. She added that United Way dollars would also be lost if no matching funds are received from other_ sources, such as the City and Hennepin County. She added that she believes it is cheaper to run a home based program` rather' than out -of -home placement in institutions such as correction facilities and foster homes. She stated that if the Detached Worker Program dies it will cost more to start a new program. She pointed out that her additonal` concerns were that the Detached Worker Program is the only program' of its kind in Brooklyn Center and that she is worried about the program being` eliminated in the community. She added that the program gets more referrals than before and noted that there are more single parent households involved in requests for help. Ms. Francel added that in bad economic` times, there is an increase in family and youth problems and a greater need for .human - services. She ' added" that the "Northwest ' Hennepin Human Services Council ranked the Detached Worker Program_ as a priority' and added that she does not know what families who need this service would.do,. because no other similar.service is available. i Mayor Nyquist stated that this may be to discuss with the school board. Ms. Francel noted that the school's refer students to the Detached Worker Program for non-school related problems not 'handled by the school counselors,. Councilmember Hawes stated that he thinks the Detached Worker Program is "mare beneficial than the ;lobbyist for the new 610 Crosstown and added that the Council donated $1,000 to the hobbyist. He stated that he would like to find money to fund the Detached Worker Program.' Councilmember Scott stated that she has always 'been a proponent of the Detached Worker Program and, since the number of school . counselors has been .cut, she would dike to come up with some way to fund the program. The City Manager stated that ;perhaps the Chamber task. force 'could help in this area. He added that the detached worker got into the municipal realm 'because of the availability of CETA funds and that when the CETA program was discontinued the City's were strapped with the funding. He added that it is not easy to cut this type of program out of the budget. Ms. Francel stated that the Northwest -YMCA may be able to offer the Detached Worker Program to municipalities for as little as $8,500 because of other sources of funding,. POLICE` DEPARTMENT The City Manager explained that the 1983 proposed police department budget includes a reorganization of the department. He noted that the proposal, which is contained in the budget, represents an approach which would deliver to the public as many sworn ,personnel hours on the street as possible. He explained the proposal involved utilizing uniformed officers to provide services for which they are trained and equipped and to "civilianize" other duties for which their training and expertise is not needed. He added that the reorganization would provide $62,000 in savings in the budget. He explained. the reorganization would direct the - efforts of the present sergeants to street`. work and move them away from administrative functions. ..Mayor Nyquist_` requested ' -the City Manager to clarify the seniority issue with regard to the reorganization. The City Manager explained that, in discussions - with the sergeants and their business agent, Mr. Roland Miles, he learned that Mr. Miles position is still that seniority means seniority in the bargaining unit. He added that the staff believes that, based on a history of collective bargaining, seniority clearly means employee seniority,- not bargaini unit seniority. He pointed out that he has been unable to convince Mr. Miles that seniority is based on employment with the City and not in the bargaining unit. The City Manager pointed out that he does not believe the Public Employee Labor R'hations 'Act would allow the creation of another bargaining unit for corporals. He -added that the City is not displeased with the performance of the sergeants, rather-It is a question- a change in their job duties. Councilmember Lhotka' inquired how a corporal would be defined. The City Manager' �- explained that the work assignment would be .defined by the City and also that 9 -20 -82 -4- the corporal position would have to meet six of the ten criteria for supervisory positions as defined by state statute. He. pointed out that there is -a chance that, with overtime, tho corporal could take home more than a sergeant at the 1982 rate. Councilmember Theis stated that he feels there must be 'other alternatives to deal with the situation and inquired whether the .organization could be structured differently. The City Manager' stated that a - number of alternatives were discussed, including a reduction in the number of sergeants and the rearrangement of admin- istrative duties. The - Chief -of Police stated that the staff -has looked at the possibility of using three sergeants and three corporals. but that the major concern again, was keeping people on the street. . He added that calls for ;service has decreased but that he believes this trend has bottomed out. He added that, although calls for service has decreased, the type of calls received by the department are more 'serious. He explained that various alternatives were reviewed but that they all appeared to cut into the number of officers on the street. He stated that, if the number of officers on the street were reduced,. the overtime pay would` have to be increased to compensate for this. He noted that there has been an attempt to evaluate the street activity of sergeants and he added that currently it accounts for approximately 10% of their time. He added that, by creating the corporal, positions., it would be in the area of 70 % -80 The City Manager stated that he believes with two captains and one chief, they would be able to handle the supervisory duties. He added he believes the proposal before the Council contributes the most to cutting costs and putting officers back on the street. Councilmember Lhotka inquired how the supervisory duties of the sergeants would be taken up when the sergeant positions are gone. The City Manager explained that they _would be taken up by the 'captains and the chief.. He pointed out that participation in grievances and administering discipline would no longer be conducted by the sergeants but that they still would provide leadership in the field Councilmember Hawes stated that the apparent purpose of the reorganization was to reduce costs and increase` manpower in the street. He inquired about the possibility of a wage freeze for 1983, which would address the reduction in cost. He added that increased coverage nn the street may be helped by someone else doing the administrative work and that this may be the answer to the problem. The City Manager stated that his impression is that, if relieved of the admin- strative'dutes, the corporals would be down to 'five or four of the ten super- visory duties as stipulated by the Public Employee's Labor Relations Act. He added that this would effectively take them out of the supervisory classification. He also pointed out thaw the City of New Hope has settled with their police department for b% and that he does not know if a wage freeze, at this time, would be realistic. Discussion' continued among Council members regarding the 'sergeants 'duties wth regard to reorganization. Councilmember Hawes - stated that he believes the ;plan put together by the Chief of Police` and the City _Mana$er is well thought" out but that. he is reluctant 9 =20 -82 -5 to make such a`major change. He stated that he had received many calls from persons who were quite indignant about the proposal for reorganization. The Chief of Police stated that the reorganization, in his estimation, would ,increase the on- street activity of police. He . that labor costs in the police department represent 93% of the total budget and that the staff believes they are improving the street situation by the.reorganization' Mayor Nyquist recognized St. =Greg Weeks, who 'addressed the Council and stated that he believes there are, three major issues to be considered under the reorgan- ization and that they are seniority wages and authority. He stated that the sergeants are not convinced that the seniority issue can be satisfactorily re-- solved. He added that there is little savings in the reorganization plan, espe- ciall•y in light of the fact that current 'programs are running smoothly. He pointed out that the police department is now handling tougher calls than ever before. He added that the sergeants have traditionally been instructed not to participate in nonadministrative activities. He noted that he believes the job description of the corporal is very' similar to the existing I sergeants. He added that he is willing to have the sergeant's duties redefined but kept in their own, bargaining unit. He requested the City Council reconsider the proposed reorganization. - RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 9:30 p.m. and reconvened at 9 :45 p.m. The representative from the City Attorney's office left the meeting at 9:46 p.m. FIRE DEPARTMENT The City Manager explained the 1983 proposed Fire Department budget is lens than 1982' since no major- capital outlay items are proposed for 1983. He noted a'; change in. the budget as: proposed, pointing out that the Fire Department has considered the _simulators a higher priority ' than-the `air bottles and that they prefer to substitute the simulator for the purchase of the air bottles in the 1983 budget. PLANNING &'INSPECTION DEPARTMENT The City Manager noted that there was no change in the 1983 proposed budget for the Planning & Inspection department.- EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS The City Manager explained the ' federalL government has notified the City that., with regard to reimbursement ;under the federal program on emergency preparedness, if other City departments are not charged for utilities, they cannot be charged as reimbursed a cost under emergency preparedness. He added that this will be a change in the reimbursement received from the federal government for emergency preparedness. ANIMAL CONTROL The City Manager explained that the staff is looking at alternatives for the keeping of impounded dogs and for keeping impounded .dogs out of police vehicles.. 9 -20 -8 2 ter_ ENG'INEERI'NG DIVISION _ The City Manager explained that the. 1983 Engineering, Division budget °proposes no substantial chaages over 1982. He proceeded to :review the capital outlay, items for the engineering .budget. STREET CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE The City Manager explained that this department wil.1 be cutting back the equivalent of one person in 1983 and that the equivalent ;2,080, hours will be used for a sewer `cleaning project. He explained the Public Utilities Department will re- imburse the Street Department for the time. The City Manager continued to review the 1983 proposed City budget including the Vehicle Maintenance budget, Traffic Signs and ''Signals budget, Street Lighting budget, Weed Control budget, - Health Regulation and Inspection budget, Recreation and Park Administration budget, Adult Recreation Program budget, Teen Recreation Program budget', Children's Recreation Program budget„ and General Recreation Program budget -. COMMUNITY CENTER The Director of Finance stated that the Community Center budget reflects an increase in membership fees for 1983. He proceeded to review the fee increases and also noted that 'there is a' proposal to charge $5 for senior citizens use of the community center. He noted that currently senior citizens are' not charged for the use of the community center. The City Manager explained t ) in 1983 the issue of expanding facilities. in the community center should be addressed and that in the 1983 'proposed budget, adequate information was not presented by the recreation administration to warrant any expansion. The City Manager proceeded to review the proposed; 1983 Parks Maintenance budget. UNALLOCATED DEPARTMENTAL EXPENS The City Manager explained there is no major change in the Unallocated `Departmental Expense budget for 1983 and ''pointed out that major. items in the budget include the cost for LOGIS, insurance for the City, and contingency costs. With regard to the format of the 1983 proposed budget, Councilmember Theis request- ed a : second column of 'actual figures be presented for a better history on the actual costs. The Director of Finance stated that the- addition of one column of past actual costs will cut into the text under the present format and abbrevi- ations will have to be used for the text. ADJOURNMENT There was- a motion by Councilmember .Hawes and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka to 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 10:35 p.m. a/ 1er:k Mayor 9 -20 -82 -7-