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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 09-22 CCM Regular 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 REGULAR SESSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1980 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER , The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp, Director of Finance Paul Holmlund, Director of Planning and Inspections Ron Warren, City Attorney Richard Schieffer, and Administrative Assistants Brad Hoffman and Tom Bublitz. INVOCATION The invocation was offered by Councilmembe.r Bill Fignar. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - AUGUST 25, 1980 There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Kuefler to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting of August 25, 1980 as submitted. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM Mayor Nyquist noted -the Council had not received any requests to use the Open Forum session at this evening's meeting. He inquired of the audience if anyone was present who wished to address the Council. There being none, the Mayor proceeded with the regular agenda items. The Director of Public Works noted the applicant, Mr. David Brandvold, for the final plat approval of the Jody Addition was not present and suggested postponing consideration of the final plat approval until later in the agenda. PERFORMANCE BOND REDUCTIONS The City Manager stated performance guarantees are recommended for release on the Spec 8 building located at 6850, 60, & 70 Shingle Creek Parkway and the Budgetel Motel located at 6415 James Circle. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Fignar to approve the performance bond reductions for Spec 8 located at 6850, 60, & 70 Shingle Creek Parkway from $40,000 to $20,000 and the performance guarantee for the Budgetel Motel located at 6415 James Circle from $40,000 to $5,000. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTIONS The City Manager introduced a resolution rejecting bid and authorizing readvertisement for new bids for Contract 1980 -N. He pointed out this contract includes work on the pedestrian and bicycle trails in Central Park, the Civic Center access, Central Park facilities, the lift station access drive, and the 9 -22 -80 -1- parking lot in Garden City Park. Councilmember Kuefler inquired whether the bid received was high when compared to the other bids - received for park improvements this year. The Director of Public Works stated that the bid was substantially higher in.unit prices than most other bids. He indicated .the plan and specifications were prepared for the entire project but the staff discovered some changes in soil conditions at the Civic Center access site. An addendum was prepared but, he pointed out, this was done perhaps too late for the bidders, since it was prepared two days before the bid closing. He added,•perhaps the most significant reasons for not receiving more than one bid were the extremely poor weather conditions this fall which, in general, deterred bidders from bidding on this project. He stated, the staff believes better bids can be received on the project and it is expected that the Civic Center access will still be completed this fall with the remainder of the project to be completed next summer. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -223 Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION REJECTING BID AND AUTHORIZING READVERTISEMENT FOR NEW BIDS (CONTRACT 1980 -N) The motion for the adoption of-the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Gene Lhotka, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted... _ The City Manager introduced a resolution approving a portion of classification list "657 -NC" and stated, this resolution refers to a residential lot located at 5344 Camden Avenue North. On March 24, 1980, he explained, the City Council withdrew approval of the public sale of this parcel in order to allow consider - ation of the possible use of this property by the HRA. He added subsequent consideration indicates it would be better to approve the public sale and private development of this property. The City Manager stated further, the staff is involved in a considerable number of projects at the present time and that it would be extremely difficult to begin a new project of this magnitude at this point. He added that, it may be beneficial to put the lot up for auction so that someone could make use of the lot. Councilmember Fignar stated, he was not exactly clear as to why the City is not interested in this lot. The City Manager pointed out, the HRA could acquire the lot, but given the current staff work load it would be difficult to develop a project for the lot. He added, the City could, however, keep the lot for future purposes. Administrative Assistant Hoffman stated the City could pick the lot up and land bank it for the present time, noting that it was a good site for a 235 house. The City Manager pointed out, with the 235 development, the City could write -off the land cost for the project, thereby allowing more of the money to be put into the development of the house as opposed to the land cost. In response to a question from Councilmember Kuefler, Administrative Assistant Hoffman noted, a 235 house involves a •long -term mortgage for individuals with certain income qualifications and is a federal program. The City Manager painted out, the City can decertify the land at any time but. at the present time it would be difficult for the staff to produce a project ,_ at this location. That is why, he explained, she staff thought t hat perhaps it would be best to return this property to the tax rolls as soon as possible as opposed to holding it. Councilmember Lhotka inquired what it would cost to hold the property. The City Manager explained it would cost nothing to hold onto the property except the loss of future taxes. Councilmember Fignar 9- 22 =80 -2- stated, he would like to consider holding the parcel for a possible future 235 project. The Director of Planning and Inspections pointed out that a duplex could not be built on this site but that a single family home could be built at this location. Councilmember Kuefler asked for more details on how the 235 program worked. Administrative Assistant Hoffman stated, there are many options for a 235 project, one being that the City would contract with the builder for construction and the City would own the house and then sell it. Another option, he pointed out, would be to sell the lot to a builder contingent upon the developer building a 235 house. Still another option, he explained, would be a situation where the HRA could act as the general contractor for the entire project. Councilmember Kuefler noted, he sees some value to moving on the project as early as possible without spending an inordinate amount of staff time. Councilmember Fignar stated he would recommend a motion to hold the property with no time constraints and refer the issue of development to the Housing Commission for their consideration. Councilmember Scott stated she would second the motion. The City Attorney suggested amending the motion to state the review of the use of the lot would be specifically referred to the HRA and the Housing Commission. The motione'r and seconder agreed to amend the motion according to the City Attorney's suggestion. There was a motion by Councilmember Fignar and seconded by Councilmember Scott to disapprove the public sale of the parcel located at 5344 Camden Avenue North, plat 89225, parcel 2970, and to refer consideration of the parcel to the Brooklyn Center Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Brooklyn Center Housing Commission for their recommendations regarding the use of this parcel for a public purpose. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. The City Manager introduced a resolution authorizing the filing of an application for a grant to acquire and develop open space under the provision of the Federal Land -and Water Conservation Fund Act and the State Natural Resource Fund. He pointed out, there was an error in the resolution and that the estimated cost of developing the project stated in the fifth paragraph should be $85,000 rather than $75,000. Administrative Assistant Hoffman informed the Council the City staff submitted a LAWCON grant to develop Central Park in the amount of $400,000. He pointed out, the maximum award for a LAWCON grant is $200,000 and added that he was originally led to believe by the Metropolitan Council, that the $200,000 limit was for the Federal LAWCON portion only and not the entire grant. He added, he was recently informed that the $200,000 limit was for the total grant and not for the Federal portion. He pointed out, if.the City were to pursue the present grant application as originally submitted, it would lose approximately $80,000 in potential State funds for Central Parka However, he pointed out, it seems that there is a good possibility that the City could pick up monies left in the old State Trail Grant Fund to cover an amended grant application, adding that, if the City were to pursue a grant for Central Park trail systems, the City would have the potential to receive 900 of the cost of the project as opposed to the current match of only 50 %. Thus, he pointed out, the City's contribution would be 10 %. He stated his recommendation is to try to obtain the trail funds. Councilmember Kuefler inquired what the timing for each alternative would be. Administrative Assistant Hoffman pointed out that the next funding cycle for the LAWCON grant would mean construction would begin in 1982, but if the trail 9 -22 -80 -3 funds were obtained, it would mean that construction could be started in 1981. Councilmember Kuefler stated he supports the staff recommendations recommending that the City submit a LAWCON grant for Central Park's trail system. Council - member Fignar added, he concurs with the staff's recommendations. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -224 Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FILING OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT TO DEVELOP OPEN SPACE UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE FEDERAL LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND ACT AND THE STATE NATURAL RESOURCE FUND 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: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL - JODY ADDITION The City Manager stated the developer of the Jody Addition, Mr. David Brandvold, has requested an opportunity to again discuss the requirement for installation of concrete curb and gutter on the two cul -de -sacs included with this plat. The Director of Public Works reviewed the location of the proposed plat to the south of I -94 in the Ewing and Drew Avenue vicinity and added that the preliminary plat was presented at the August 11, 1980 City Council meeting. He proceeded to review the conditions set for the approval of the plat and pointed out that condition number six requiring concrete curb and gutter was the condition that the developer is appealing. Mayor Nyquist recognized the applicant, Mr. David Brandvold, who stated that' when he bought the property, he did not think it would be necessary or required to put in concrete curb and gutter on the project. He estimated the cost for the concrete curb and gutter on the project to be $3,500.' He added, the City is benefiting by his development by eliminating two dead -end streets and believes the City should help pay for the concrete curb and gutter if it is required. The Director of Public Works pointed out, the subdivision ordinance states that concrete curb and gutter is required unless waived by the City Council. He added, the staff is recommending that the Council not waive this policy. In response to a question by Councilmember Fignar, Mr. Brandvold stated, the homes he is proposing cannot sell for more than $55,000 each since he is using State money on the project. Councilmember Fignar inquired whether this means the $3,500 for the concrete curb and gutter would then come out of the building structure or the profit. Mr. Brandvold replied that this was correct. Councilmember Scott inquired what the life expectancy was'on rolled bituminous curb. The Director of Public Works replied, it would be approximately 15 -20 years. Councilmember Fignar made a motion to waive the concrete curb and gutter requirements in favor of blacktop curb and gutter based on the past policy of the City Council of waiving this requirement. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion. Mayor Nyquist stated he believes the project appears to be unique because there are such a few number of lots located on the cul -de -sac. 9 -22 -80 -4- The City Manager suggested an amendment to the motion which stated that when the street is fully developed, the cost of concrete curb and gutter can be assessed to the entire area since all residents on the street in the Jody Addition will use the cul -de -sac. The motioner and seconder accepted the City Manager's amendment to the motion.' Mayor Nyquist called for a vote on the motion on the floor. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka to approve the final plat of the Jody Addition submitted by David Brandvold with the following conditions: 1. Final plat approval is subject to the requirements of the sub- division ordinance with the exception of the lot width requirement on the easterly lot which is acknowledged by variance to have a lot width of 65 feet and with the exception of an 80 foot diameter cul -de -sac rather than 100 feet. 2. The final plat is subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer. 3. The preliminary plat shall be modified to indicate the following: a. Each lot shall be given a lot number and two blocks should be indicated, divided by the Drew Avenue right -of -way. b. Size and shape of the area to be dedicated for cul -de -sac shall be modified in accordance with the recommendations of the City Engineer. c. The plat shall be modified to include the City owned property to the east in the form of outlots B, C,'& D adjacent to adjoining platted lots to the south, and an area for Chowen Avenue North right -of -way to accommodate a future hammerhead turnaround south of the freeway. 4. The final plat approval is subject to the sale by the City of land necessary to create a buildable lot to the east of Drew. The developer is to assure the cost of title review and the cost for platting the entire City property. 5. The final plat shall incorporate the MN /DOT approved concept of the shift in the right -of -way so as to allow the 10 foot strip between the north wall and the right -of -way line to be used for street boulevard. 6. Bituminous surfacing with rolled bituminous curb shall be re- quired on both cul -de -sacs. 7. The developer is to assume full responsibility for making connections to existing systems. 8. The developer will be allowed to do all street improvements and utility work required with his own forces. All work on the City right -of -way must be done to City specifications and must be covered by a subdivision bond. 9 -22 -80 -5- Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEMS REQUEST FOR TREE PLANTINGS ALONG NORTH LILAC DRIVE The City Manager stated he had received a request from Mrs. Eugene Daudt of 5024 North Lilac Drive for tree plantings along North Lilac Drive between 50th Avenue North and Malmberg's Nursery. He indicated the Engineering Department could investigate using trees transplanted from current projects going on in the City. Councilmember Lhotka inquired how big the area was for the potential plantings. The City Manager replied approximately one and a half blocks. There was a motion by Councilmember Kuefler and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka to refer the matter of tree plantings along North Lilac Drive to the Engineering Department. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Lhotka left the table at 8:03 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS PUBLIC HEARINGS ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS WHICH OUGHT TO BE LEVIED THIS YEAR The City Manager stated, a public hearing has been scheduled for 8:00 p.m. this evening on special assessments which should be levied this year and added that notices of the proposed assessments and of this hearing have been sent to the owners of all benefited properties. Further, he stated, notice of the hearing has also been published in the official newspaper. Councilmember Lhotka returned to the table at 8:04 p.m. The City Manager inquired of Council members whether they wish to have the staff make presentations regarding the special assessments which are to be levied this year. There was a general consensus of the Council, that the staff need not make a presentation'on the special assessments since there was no one present in the audience for the public hearing. Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on special assessments for Street Surfacing Improvement Project No. 1978 -27 (James Circle), water hookups, sewer hookups, driveway replacement, public utility accounts, noxious weed cutting accounts, and diseased shade tree removal costs. Mayor Nyquist inquired if there was anyone present who wished to speak at the public hearing. No one appeared to speak. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Fignar to close the public hearing on the special assessments. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -225 Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR STREET GRADING, BASE, AND SURFACING IMPROVEMENT 1978 -27; PUBLIC UTILITIES WATER HOOKUPS, PUBLIC UTILITIES SEWER HOOKUPS, AND DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT COSTS 9 -22 -80 -6- The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Bill Fignar, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -226 Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION CERTIFYING DELINQUENT PUBLIC UTILITY ACCOUNTS TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY TAX ROLLS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -227 Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION CERTIFYING DELINQUENT NOXIOUS WEED CUTTING ACCOUNTS FOR 1980 CUTTING TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY TAX ROLLS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -228 Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION CERTIFYING DISEASED SHADE TREE REMOVAL COSTS TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY TAX ROLLS The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Gene Lhotka, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. PUBLIC HEARING ON PROJECT 1980 -24 {67TH AVENUE NORTH STORM SEWER EXTENSION FROM SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY TO SHINGLE CREEK The City Manager stated, notices of the public hearing on Project 1980 -24 have been sent to all property owners within the area served by this improve - ment. He added, notice of the hearing has also been published in the official newspaper, and he pointed out the public hearing on Project 1980 -24 is a project hearing not an assessment hearing. The Director of Public Works proceeded to review the location of the project for Council members on a transparency and explained the gross assessment on the project will be $5,475.73 per acre. He added, however, credits will be paid to properties which have paid for other storm sewer projects so that the net cost of the assessment will be, approximately $4,000.00 per acre. 9 -22 -80 -7- Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on Project 1980 -24 the 67th Avenue North storm sewer extension from Shingle Creek Parkway to Shingle Creek. He inquired if there was anyone present in the audience who wished to speak at the public hearing. No one appeared to speak.. There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Kuefler to close the public hearing on Project 1980 -24. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 80 -229 Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ORDERING STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1980 -24 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: Dean Nyquist, Tony'Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. LICENSES There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Kuefler to approve the following list of licenses: ITINERANT FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE Judy Sodemann 6024 Camden Ave. No. Earle Brown School P.T.A. 5900 Humboldt Ave. -No. RENTAL DWELLING LICENSE Initial: Dean K. Stendal 5456 Emerson Ave. No. The Ponds Partnership 5400 -5422 Ponds Dr. No. The Ponds Partnership 5426 -5448 Ponds Dr. No. Robert Harenza 2926 53rd Ave. No. Renewal: Gale W. Pierce 5960 Brooklyn Blvd. Lloyd J. Waldusky Georgetown Park Townhouses Robert M. Lindblom 5538 Colfax Ave. No. Richard Weicht 5301 Dupont Ave. No. Dion Properties, Inc. 5740 Dupont Ave. No. Gary D. Anakkala 5412 Fremont Ave. No. ° Milton R. Carlson 610 53rd Ave. No. Jack & Elizabeth Fahrenholz 620 53rd Ave. No. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. The City Manager explained, a public hearing on the City's Federal Revenue Sharing Program has been scheduled for this evening's meeting and he added, it is normally conducted as part of the special budget session. Councilmember Kuefler inquired whether the staff was familiar with the underground mapping system being developed by Hennepin County. The Director of Public Works explained, Hennepin County's mapping is aimed at developing an "as built" record of county facilities only and is not yet intended for local facilities. He pointed out, their computerized mapping system does not coordinate with the City's mapping and that it is a different process than aerial mapping. Councilmember Lhotka inquired what benefits would be received 9 -22 -80 -8- from the aerial mapping surveys being conducted by the City. Generally, the Director of Public Works stated, it would provide information the City staff now obtains from field survey crews, adding that survey crews are more expensive than using the mapping system. He added, the maps will also provide valuable information from a planning and assessing standpoint. RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 8:20 p.m. and reconvened at 8:40 p.m. SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING Mayor Nyquist reconvened the Special Budget Session. The City Manager stated, the staff has prepared responses to several questions the Council had at the last review of the 1981 Budget. He explained, the question on the cost of the telephone for the Fire Department was for the installation of a phone line to the Fire Department separate from the existing switchboard line so that calls may be placed directly to the fire stations after the-City switchboard is closed. He pointed out, the cost of these lines is currently being borne by the individual volunteer firemen. He explained the old fire helmets which are to be replaced in the Department have no retail value since they do not meet OSHA standards, the options open to the Department, he-explained, are to give the helmets to the State Fire Marshal for redistribution to smaller, less equipped fire departments or, he added, some of the firemen have indicated they would like to keep their old helmets as souvenirs. Councilmember Fignar returned to the table at 8:44 p.m. FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING PUBLIC HEARING The Director of Finance explained the Federal Revenue Sharing Program began with the Federal Revenue Sharing Act in 1972 which allotted funds for a five year period. In 1976, he explained, the program was extended for an additional three years. He explained the general purpose of the Federal Revenue Sharing Program was to redistribute tax dollars to local government. The requirements for the Federal Revenue Sharing Program, he outlined, require a proposed use hearing for citizens to give input to the City Manager. He explained this had been done already and the minutes of that meeting had been presented to the Council at this evening's meeting. The second requirement, he reviewed, was the City Council public hearing for the use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds which is prior to the adoption of the Budget. He pointed out, City policy has been to use the Federal Revenue Sharing Funds for capital expendi- tures, not ongoing type programs. The Director of Finance stated the Federal Revenue Sharing Program is coming to the end of the current funding schedule and the last payment will be received in September, 1980. He did, however, add it looks favorable for the renewal of the program in Congress, and noted the City has received approximately $2,000,000 since the inception of the program. Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of receiving comments from the audience on the use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds for the City. Mayor Nyquist recognized Mr. Carl Lundstrom who inquired what were the requirements of the Federal Revenue Sharing Program with regard to administration. The Director of Finance explained that the Federal Revenue Sharing is a fairly simple program administratively since it requires only a use report to be filed. Mayor Nyquist inquired if there was anyone else present who wished to speak on the use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. No one else appeared to speak. 9 -22 -80 -9- The Director of Finance explained, in response to a question raised at a previous meeting, the total cost of the legal counsel for the City in 1979 was $69,523, $61,474 of which went to the City Attorney's office. The City Attorney added, the general counsel's amount anticipated for 1981 is $6,000 with the civil litigation amount estimated at $30,000, pointing out the 1979 cost of civil litigation was $24,600. Fie added, the cost of the criminal portion of the legal budget was $30,859 in 1979 and is estimated at $27,000 for 1981 and he noted this is, of course, dependent on the Police Department. The labor portion of the legal counsel budget for 1979, he pointed out, was $6,809 and is estimated in 1981 at $2,500. He explained the 1979 cost was due, by a large part, to the dismissal of a City employee. With regard to the maintenance of the law library, he explained, the City Attorney's office maintained the Northwestern Reporter because court was being held at Brooklyn Center City Hall but when the County moves into the new building, the City Attorney's office may dispose of the collection but he will check with Chief Lindsay to determine whether or not he can make use of or will require the collection to be maintained. Mayor Nyquist inquired what the 1979 expenditures were for the legal costs on the Howe case. The City Attorney stated that there were many motioning exercises involved in the Howe case in 1979 and the City Manager added, there was also much staff time and research devoted to the Howe case. He stated he would have a more detailed outline of the Howe costs for the Council at the next meeting. Councilmember Lhotka inquired whether $65,000 would be enough for the legal budget considering Howe is still in litigation. The City Attorney stated he believed is adequate for 1981. The Director of Finance pointed out the legal budget is the most difficult budget to pro- 4 est noting that the contingency fund can be used in cases where the legal budget is underbudgeted. With regards to the question by the Council regarding the emergency pre- paredness office, the Director of Finance informed Council members, there is a 50% reimbursement the operating costs of the emergency preparedness office which does not include capital outlay items. With regard to the Council's question on the health insurance for City employees in the 1981 Budget, the Director of Finance proceeded to review all fringe benefits received by City employees including health insurance. He explained, the maximum contribution the City will make to health insur- ance for nonorganized workers is $82.95 per month, with the maximum contribution to Local 49 members set at $85 per month and $80 per month for Local 320 members. The Director of Finance reviewed the costs of Blue Cross /Blue Shield and Group Health benefits noting the single coverage for Blue Cross /Blue Shield was $30.98 and the family coverage was $95.71. For the Group Health coverage, he explained, the single cost is $34.00 and for family coverage the total cost is $98.40. He pointed out the City calls for bids on health insurance as it does for other types of insurance and the last bid date for health insurance was January 16, 1980. Councilmember Scott noted she has had some experience in purchasing the resuscitating Annie's used for teaching CPR and mentioned that she believed the Fire Department could purchase both a torso Annie and a baby Annie for the same price it has purchased one full -size Annie. The City Manager stated he would do further investigation of the costs on the Annie's and return with an answer at the next Council meeting. 9 -22 -80 -10- PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET The City Manager proceeded to review the recreation and parks administration and adult recreation programs budgets, pointing out that the adult recreation programs are generally self-supporting in nature. The City Manager stated he recommends having the Park and Recreation Commission review the recreation programs and make recommendations regarding these programs to the City Council. Councilmember Kuefler requested Administrative Assistant Bublitz to put the review of the recreation programs on the next Park and Recreation Commission agenda. The City Manager proceeded to review the teen recreation programs budget, the children's recreation programs budget, and the general recreation programs budget for 1981. Councilmember Kuefler inquired if there were any changes contemplated in warming house openings in the 1981 Budget. The Director of Finance stated, the Budget comprehends the opening of one more warming house probably at Firehouse Park since the usage is up at this park. The City Manager reviewed the community center budget and pointed out that the lockers in the community center are over 9 years old and they are rusting out, particularly around the bottoms of each locker. He explained, refur- bishing the lockers is not really practical and the budget comprehends the installation of stainless steel lockers which are virtually nonrustable. The City Manager proceeded to review the parks budget. Couhcilmember Lhotka inquired what item 4228 for park courts repair referred to. The City Manager explained, there are a number of existing blacktop tennis courts in the City that need repair, but the major portion of the $9,000 will go for the Willow Lane Park. He explained, a fiberglass mat was used on the courts at this park and is now peeling up and will require.extensive repair. Councilmember Kuefler noted two concerns that were consistently addressed at the bond issue meetings held last summer. He explained, one was the park policing problem and the other concern was for the maintenance of existing park facilities now that Central Park was going to be developed. Council - member Kuefler stated he believes the park maintenance standards and park maintenance schedule developed by the City staff are very professional and excellent working documents and will be helpful to maintaining the parks in the future. The City Manager stated the park buildings at Riverdale and Freeway Parks are garage type buildings which are prone to damage and vandalism. He added, the renovation of these buildings would improve them but they would still be the same type of vulnerable structures. He posed the question of whether or not the buildings should be refurbished or rebuilt completely. He explained, there are funds for the installation of toilet facilities in both these buildings in the bond issue but perhaps it would be wise to evaluate whether or not these buildings should be rebuilt completely before a decision is made to install toilet facilities. He added, this evaluation could be referred to the.Park and Recreation Commission for their recommendations. UNALLOCATED DEPARTMENTAL EXPENSE The City Manager reviewed the unallocated departmental expense budget for Council members. Councilmember Lhotka inquired why the budgeted amounts for item 4322 (telephone) was up for 1981 over 1980. Administrative Assistant 9 -22 -80 -11- Bublitz explained, he had met with the City Clerk and compared the monthly bills of the old phone system to the new phone system and found there was a savings of approximately $1,100-to.$1,900 per month for the new system over the old phone system. The City Manager explained the staff would prepare a more detailed report on the comparison of the two phone systems for the Council.. There was a general consensus among Council members that the 1981 Budget could be approved as submitted. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Kuefler to instruct the staff to prepare resolutions for the formal adoption of the 1981 Budget. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Fignar to adjourn the City Council meeting. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Council - members Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 10:14 p.m. ayor G Clerk at 9 -22 -80 -12-