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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 11-08 CCM Study 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 STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 8, 2010 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Public Works Director /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Police Chief Kevin Benner, Assistant City Manager /Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Ryan referenced page 2 of the October 25, 2010, Work Session meeting minutes, regarding the discussion on a graduated sanitary utility rate. He asked whether it was the consensus of the Council to not ask staff for a range of options that included a billing system that was weighted more in the direction of fixed cost. City Manager Curt Boganey recalled that during that discussion, there had been a strong consensus from a majority of Councilmembers that staff would report on a model based upon the consultant's analysis which weighted the cost more toward consumption rather than fixed cost. Councilmember Ryan stated that while he remained concerned about the impact to a certain set of households, he would accept the will of the Council and accept the minutes as written. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Lasman questioned the location of the petroleum site investigation. Mr. Boganey advised that the investigation was in the circular area in front of City Hall. Councilmember Lasman asked for an update on the DEED letter. Mr. Boganey explained there was nothing in addition to the letter received and staff will continue to monitor the potential of an on -going impact. Mayor Willson commended staff for following up on the DEED matter because it was not a sanctioned e -mail by DEED, its department, or administration. Councilmember Lasman referenced an out -of -state mailing she had received regarding a "call assurance program" and asked if a similar program was still available in Brooklyn Center for seniors to register and receive a telephone call. Mr. Boganey stated he is not aware of such an 11/08/10 -1- ongoing City program. Police Chief Kevin Benner advised there used to be a TAP program but it had been canceled in 1998 due to staffing issues. Councilmember Roche reported that he noticed large limestone pieces at the intersection of Shingle Creek Parkway and Freeway Boulevard, replicating the limestone pieces on Bass Lake Road. He stated it looks very nice. Councilmember Roche stated he had received a call from a Liberian who handles public relations for Bridgestone and is interested in an outreach with Brooklyn Center. He stated this may be an opportunity since the City has a large Liberian community. Councilmember Yelich noted an upcoming Work Session topic is for a Sister City Update and that would be the appropriate time to bring up this option. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS FIREHOUSE PARK UPDATE Mr. Boganey referenced the report by Police Commander Tim Gannon indicating that calls for service to Firehouse Park since the reinstallation of a single basketball hoop on June 29, 2010, has shown no significant increase in police calls to the Park. He reviewed the calls received and noted that Mr. Gannon recommended the single basketball hoop remain in place. Councilmember Ryan stated he had heard from residents in the immediate area of the Firehouse Park, especially residents along Bryant Avenue that face the park. He had explained to them that there had been no serious incidents since reinstallation of the single basketball hoop but those residents believe the problems remain and it may take time for them to accept what the data shows, that problems have not returned. Councilmember Ryan stated several residents in the closest proximity also think there is a noise issue. In deference to those residents, he had asked the Council to consider asking the Park and Recreation Commission to review the location of the basketball court and make a recommendation on perhaps relocating the basketball court. Mayor Willson noted the report shows a high commitment by the Police Department to check on the park and assure continued awareness. Given this report, which is quite favorable, he did not see where there was an issue that showed the basketball court should be removed. He noted the Park and Recreation Commission had supported a full basketball court with two hoops instead of the half court that was reinstalled. Councilmember Ryan stated he was also struck by the outstanding efforts and commitment by staff and the Police Department to monitor what had been a difficult condition to assure restoring the hoop did not return the issues. He stated he wanted to represent the comments and concerns expressed directly to him by residents who lived in close proximity to the basketball hoop. Councilmember Roche stated his agreement with Councilmember Ryan's assessment and he also appreciates the efforts by staff and the Police Department. He referenced the calls made and suggested the people who live north of that resident had given up. Councilmember Roche suggested that a resident of this neighborhood act as a liaison to the Parks and Recreation 11/08/10 -2- Commission, which would also provide a fresh perspective. He believed that housing prices were depressed because of the location of the basketball hoops and that the Council had a responsibility to be forward looking. Councilmember Roche stated he believed the basketball court was in the wrong location and suggested grant opportunities be researched to relocate the basketball court. Councilmember Yelich reiterated sentiments that residents along the streets bordering Firehouse Park still resent having to endure the past problems. He agreed with Councilmember Roche that some have given up in anger. Regarding the Park and Recreation Commission, he noted their perspective is that basketball players prefer a court with two hoops and it is the City's job to provide recreational facilities that people enjoy. Councilmember Yelich stated the Police Department is good at minimizing problems through environmental design, which is consistent with the notion of relocating the hoops to the other side of the park that is bordered by the school and Fire Department without much of a residential impact. He stated it may not be possible to do this quickly due to financial limitations but as the Capital Improvement Program proceeds, it could be considered when that equipment comes up for maintenance. In addition, it would be less costly for the City to relocate the basketball court if it resulted in responding to fewer complaints. Mayor Willson stated there is a majority consensus of the Council to refer this matter to the Park and Recreation Commission to consider the location of the basketball court and make a recommendation if there is a more environmentally friendly location. The Council discussed whether the Park and Recreation Commission should also consider whether two basketball hoops should be relocated or just the present single hoop. Mr. Boganey noted another option would be to consider a "kiddy court" that is designed for younger people. It was agreed that the Commission's recommendation should include all options but that the Council would be reluctant to return to the conditions that resulted in removal of one hoop. GARBAGE HAULER REPORT Director of Public Works /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug reviewed that at its March 8, 2010, Work Session, the Council had directed staff to review and report on the City's private "open" garbage collection. He presented staff's report that addressed the effects of garbage trucks on public infrastructure and environment, including air and noise pollution, and public safety. It was noted that the impact of garbage trucks is factored into the design of the City's pavement projects. With regard to potential cost savings with an organized system, Mr. Lillehaug pointed out that Brooklyn Center's residents already receive competitive rates. He presented advantages versus disadvantages for both an open and organized garbage collection and advised that his research revealed many communities have studied this matter and many stayed with an open system. Mr. Lillehaug advised that oftentimes advocacy groups become involved when a city is considering going to an organized system and the process becomes contentious. These advocacy groups are well - organized and contest many of the facts cited by the MPCA related to environmental impacts. He noted another program that may be a balance between open and 11/08/10 -3- organized systems would be a neighborhood collection system where residents within a neighborhood solicit rates from garbage haulers. This would be a voluntary program so it would require an active group and cooperation between neighbors. Mr. Lillehaug explained that if the City is interested in an organized system there are Minnesota statutory requirements with public notification. In addition, carriers would become involved in the process, which could become contentious. He requested Council direction on policy and a determination of whether it would make a real difference to the quality of life, environment, and infrastructure if fewer garbage trucks were on City streets through an organized collection system. Councilmember Yelich asked if it would be possible to determine a dollar figure that could be attributed to each incremental hauler in terms of wear and tear on the City's roadways. He noted that out -of- pocket costs register with residents, such as service costs, but residents don't know about infrastructure costs so if that could be more clear, it may provide enlightenment to residents and the City. Mr. Lillehaug stated some studies address that issue but are not too comprehensive. Also, a local Minnesota research board is developing a spreadsheet to address infrastructure impacts resulting from significant heavy trucks and equipment. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Roche moved and Councilmember Yelich seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:47 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. GARBAGE HAULER REPORT - CONTINUED The discussion continued on the garbage hauler report. Councilmember Yelich noted in addition to having fewer garbage trucks, there is also the issue of increased litter with more trucks. Councilmember Lasman stated this is not the first time this issue has come up. She stated she understands the cost to maintain roadways due to heavy vehicles but felt there was still a small percentage who think that issue outweighs their ability to select their own hauler. Councilmember Lasman stated if she could see proof of lower costs and better service to residents, she would support looking at an organized collection. However, currently the rates for an organized collection system don't compare because she pays less than what an organized rate would be. She stated she thinks there would be environmental benefits but the Council serves the people and needs to be assured residents would receive a better service than they already 11/08/10 -4- have at a lower cost. Mayor Willson concurred with Councilmember Lasman and noted that organized collection would result in government control and felt the last election showed that voters like the ability to make their own decisions. Mayor Willson agreed there would be environmental and infrastructure benefits, but doubted residents would support going with an organized and government- controlled garbage collection service. Councilmember Ryan asked whether an organized collection system would offer the City's residents a better service than they currently have. He stated he was skeptical it could be offered at a lower cost, explaining that he has a smaller trash bin because of a two - person household, a lower rate, and free lawn waste removal through November. Councilmember Ryan stated he saw a solicitor going door -to -door asking if they would be interested in lower garbage rates, which indicates effort by haulers to be more competitive. With regard to an organized neighborhood collection, he felt it may be a problematic model due to turnover an/or contrarian residents, and questioned how it would be implemented. Mr. Lillehaug clarified that the neighborhood organization would be strictly voluntary. Councilmember Roche took exception to an indication that the MPCA statistics were not accurate, noting MPCA data had been considered accurate by the City for the Logan project. He read the policy issues and indicated he does think that organized collection would make a positive difference in Brooklyn Center's quality of life, the environment, community infrastructure, public safety, and would align with the Council's strategic goals and green community initiatives. Councilmember Roche stated he was elected to lead, even when making a difficult decision, and believes reducing the number of trucks on residential streets would prolong the City's infrastructure, which would be beneficial to the City and residents who pay for that infrastructure. He suggested that it is a failure of political leadership if the Council fails to execute this option. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to close the Study Session at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 11/08/10 -5- STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on November 8, 2010. 2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at Brooklyn Center City Hall. 3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its November 22, 2010, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 11/08/10 -6-