HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 09-22 CCM Regular Session PROCEFDIINIGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THL � )7 BROOKULTO MER 114 THE CC) UNILY OF
FIENNUIN Allv'!_) J.'HE STATE %F M_,XNESOTA
RIEC3ULAR SESSION
SE?TEMBER 22, 197,.
Cl�_'Y HALL
Call to Order The Brqokl Center City Council met in regular session and
was calf:(:( to ordk.� r by Mayoi PriAp Cohen at 7: p_rn.,
Roll Call Mayor Cohen, Counzilmen fenzar, BrAts, and Kuefien Also
present Manager Ross, Director cf Public
Works kinrila, Eqrectcr Finance Paul Hol-rralund.,
Ehrector cl Pianning an.r, 1.r,,; Blair Trerrere, City
Attorney Richaid Salinffer and r. - mini stra tive Assistants Ron
Warren ani 1_3cina.
Mayor Ochis; MY corresnon6ence from Councilman Fignar
indicat0g Win do per riaticco month earlier, hr wcould be
OUt Cf Mr t"hS SEq1tenbur 22 (Council meetlng and,
therefore, raquestod and U r1XQjSeK
RLS Approval Mod ern: b Grur slim ar; BrAts, seconded by Councilman
f(,n,sem t,_; "anpr7 • e tne Rj . , ; "ted by David in
Planning Carmoinsion Api0rathn No. 75020. Votlr;g La favor
were: bhna OlVen, QDwicUmon Britts, Kuefler jensen.
ic�tT tons. Th i' :'n passed
Performance Bond Mot!r_ ZjVwi -3conded by
Release Britt; to rennn the guarantee City
in the arqvuAt Y $1 , 6 ,0 for Kil"" ')Vements to the
apa", ;TV 71 r s _�- of Planning an_ tion
stated that Qrn- i_onsisted of the
Of two garign. nd sonding. Voting in favor ivere:
Ma' or Cohen, 0 300n Kuefler and Qncec. Voting
against: riow, 'r'hc po un.anim(-,uF
Reduction of
- )ection next revie a
_PeDrforrran.ce Bon cf a j_.-,- bond from S�,000 to
$ fcr 7- "n takn Alanj 009ty, Motion by Gr,
K" eve . I ocaolnd 1q CcunrY. 'i Britts to reduce the Twin
Tako Mono Karjuty '_ the City from $6,00*00 to
53, Un, vt�,7 !.:. _f%ik7or" - wor( ., + + "Aayor Cohen, Councilmen
nV 4nren. ToYag against: none,, The motion
pasFed Unanow
U, � 1 r3g t IVF, '17, Britt. s conded by Councilman
44-rM Tensen to :6corpreija the 1976 Budget hearing. Votinq in favor
were: Wyor Oak% Councilmen Britts, Kuefler and Jensen.
V oting 1 900: z t: The moton passed unanimously.
JM 3 Yo - C e that thF, City Council would IDO-,
d0iberning on the matter of the recommended personnel
coui,plement the fire Dep6rtment budget, specifically
the Cit; JVar re, co mrncnda* ion for a full Chief/
Mar hit; a K , „ llined that the ,ity Manager would. present
his proposal and j fur a full-time Fire Chief/
Marshal,that a Fire Department representative had been
invited by thp. (7,ity Manager to present comments reflecting
the position of the Fire Department, that additional comments
would be accepted from interested citizens, and that the City
Gou would ',I en deliberate and act on the matter,.
-1 - 9-22-7$
The City Manager then proceeded with a r wiew of his pro -
posal for afull -time Fire Chief /Fire Tviarshal. He emphasized
that the proposal was not impulsi'; arrived at but rather
evolved over a period of many 'months and after consideration
of many alternatives. He suggested that the issue is whether
a full -time Chief /Marshal is the best alternative for meeting
increasingly complex fire service needs of Brooklyn Center.
He emphasized that the issue does not concern the quality of
past fire service, the professionalism of the existing and past
fire service, whether the volunteer Fire Department gains or
loses a measure of control, the qualifications and atti- ibutes
of individuals, simply emulating one or more other coimmunities ,
simply how to meet fire'inspection needs, nor simply whether
alternatives were considered. He reviewed the transition of
the community and its related volunteer fire service from a
rural village through the intensive development years to the
urbanized community which exists today. He pointed out that
the volunteer department in the early years was almost exclu-
sively concerned with fire suppression and that it opE;rated
relatively independent of village government, while during the
late 1950's and early 1960 °s the residential developrrcent boom
created new fire service needs and a closer relationship with
village government. He described the urbanization period com-
mencing in the mid 1960Bs, its effect on fire service needs and
its stimulation of a total governmental reorganizatioin through
adoption of a new City Charter which, among other things,
formally incorporated the volunteer Fire Department into the
City administrative structure. He commented that the former
Fire Chief and he had agreed over the past two year,, that the
range of time demands to effectively manage the FirE� Department
operation exceeded the capacity normally associated with
part -time service, and that the departure of the former Fire Chief
suggested that the position be made full -time in nature. The
City Manager asserted that a part -time volunteer Chief cc ld
not reasonably be expected to devote more than three hours per
day for Fire Department management as contrasted to the average
ten to eleven hour' days required of most other Brooklyn Center
department heads.
The City Manager then reviewed the Fire ,Department management
structures in the traditionally comparable communities in the
north suburban area, noting that six of the nine comparable com-
munities having volunteer Fire Departments have a full -time Chief.
He emphasized that none of the comparables represented a model
but rather that the obvious trend is toward full -time management
of the fire service. The City Manager next commented to the
management needs of the fire service emphasizing the need to
integrate fire service management with other City management
functions, the need for fire service management at daytime
management staff meetings, the need for fire service management
involvement in state legislative and administrative considerations,
the need for fire service management involvement in various day -
time meetings and conferences and intergovernmental affairs, and
the increasing need for fire service management response to citizen
and business requests, complaints, and inquiries. He stated his
disagreement with a proposition that a full -time Fire Marshal could
satisfy or greatly reduce the demand for fire service management
availability, asserting that an intolerable management situation
would be created where a full -time Fire Marshal would alternately
lack authority necessary in the daily conduct of his duties and
conversely would frequently be attributed an authority he does not
possess.
9 - 22 -75 -2-
The City Manager then referred to the fire prevar,,Jt ion aspect
of his proposal, describing the need for increase fire pre-
vention emphasis and emphasizing the relation :'p of thi's,"
need to the availability of part-time Inspectors. He
pared the salary costs of his proposal to the propospd salary
costs of the requested Fire Department compleme',A, point-
ing out that the additional approximate $12 , 000 cost of his
proposal is less than the salary cost of a full.-ti 171,rf_
Marshal in other communities.
Ile summarized his proposal by emphasizing the for
increased management availability and accounti,k,.;)ility, lile
expressed concern that his proposal not be misc .a, as
an abandonm6nt of his strong support of pre.fr. for a
concept of a volu.ateer based .'ire Dep;artnn. 9 versu,s a
full-time department.
Mayor Cohen left the table at 8:25 p.m. and; return ea at.
8:30 p. m .
Councihman Jen3en inquired whether the pr0r,)sa,. �
full-time Chief ' /Marshal might not a st�
toward a full-time per sannei canqlemsrt in the
Fire Departrr�nnt. The City Manager respond that mn
inclination trw such empire building probably revid9s in
most but that a review of the Srook., T,-.er
administrat;.-,TE structure would ind.R. it= gener at
avoiding such inclinations. He stated that such a nor-
sonnel expansion w� be �,vfth his Ynannivevent
style. Councilman Jensen next inquked 3s t ) ad ,..n.,
staff meeting procedures and the availabih,i of tho fannw
Chief to attend. The, City Manager res, rdut that VOe
formal admiukkative staff POO ju8n!, Onve
are nuntx�� rnefw;tings of C rnan:,q,�ers
occimring daQ and that an integrated manag,mert nyxtami
as comprehended by the City Charve.'r
availability. H( stated that the for.mer _Fire 1 - neir
of the nature of his job was more t an
typically be uxpactEd of a volunteer, N t it "-;greed
that even that availability was
Council.-nan Ku-,n_fJI.er inquired Smut tl evolut�onary -r-
Wch resuhad in the full-time corapinmerts ofiented in
the cornparabin communities cited by the CQ Manager. The
City Manager rasponded that he was not f;ally _�,ia_r 'with
u
sch hli��tories hjut speculated that a rnajoriV
Df -,
t -1 , C _ �r
parable connf were once served by iu.'(, volunteer
Fire Dcpart"rrzn'ts.
Councilman BrItts inquired as to prooedurez. yreseT�I_.V'
employed in sclocting Fire. Department memb�'!rs an fficers
and contrcllir,7, the administration of the dep; 'Ihe
City Manager rosponded that the Charter and City Or'(3,!.r.ances
provide that the City Manager appoint depart�_aent - mr:rnh-ers
and officers and assume responsibility for adrainistration of
the department,
Mayor Cohen then recognized George Heenan, 6231, Chowen
Avenue North, who stated that he was representing tyre
Brooklyn Center Volunteer Fire Department in opposition to
the City Manager's proposal for a full-time Fire Chief/
Marshal. He stated agreement with the City Manager's
proposition that the issue does not question the profession-
alism and quality of existing and past fire service, nor
simply emulating other communites. He Mated that at issue
-3- 9-22-75
is performance, ability to continue, ability to stay current,
the evolutionary experience of other cities, where do we go
from here, and economics. He suggested that Brooklyn
Center must consider its own circumstances while comparing
economics and cost effectiveness to other cities. He
asserted that the City Manager's proposal should be considered
in context as a $250,000 matter over ten years as contrasted
to the cost effectiveness of the existing volunteer arrangement.
He reviewed the progress and development of the volunteer
department, noting that financial remuneration was an insig-
nificant attraction for belonging to a volunteer Fire Department.
He stated that the department as structured in the past has met
the needs of the community during its expansion years and
could continue to do so under the management of a volunteer
Chief. He asserted that the City Manager has not fully con-
sidered other alternatives and has not evaluated available
candidates within the department for part -time service, and
he stated that the proposal was designed to further the best
interests and convenience of the City administration and not
the best interests of the Fire Department
Mr. Heenan then proceeded to illustrate and explain the
recommendation of the Fire Department which conclude that the
department opposes the proposal, acceptable alternative courses
of action have not been carefully analyzed and reviewed, quali-
fied candidates exist for the position of Chief on a part -time
basis but the qualifications of these candidates have not been
reviewed by the City Manager, that a Fire Chief can be relieved
of certain functions which demand his availability, and that
inspection functions may be more effectively performed by the
addition of part-time and /or full -time inspectors assigned to the
Planning Department.
Heenan referred to the former Fire Chief's growing .inability to
handle the responsibilities on a limited part -time basis as
possibly representing a failure to adapt to current management
practices and concepts such as delegation, reorganization, and
participative management. He stated that the Fire Department
has continually responded to changing demands placed upon it,
recognizing that increased efforts must now be placed on the
fire prevention aspect and related fire inspection alternatives.
He reviewed the officer selection process recently instituted,
referred to team management procedures, referred to the budgeting
process and review of internal programs, and referred to various
training efforts participated in.. He then proceeded to describe
the fire prevention program and efforts of the department, empha-
sizing the door -to -door distribution of fire prevention materials
in conjunction with the annual sales of Fire Department dance
tickets.
He suggested that Fire Department management responsibility for
attendance at City staff meetings, state legislative and adminis-
trative hearings, and related meetings of various organizations
and agencies could be met by delegation of such responsibilities
to various members of the Fire Department or to other City admin-
istrative services, limiting the volunteer Chief's management
participation only to key issues. He stated that the Fire Depart-
ment has been and is willing to work with the City Manager to
develop innovative and creative approaches to meeting demands.
He reviewed a letter solicited from Bloomington Mayor Robert
Benedict regarding Mayor Benedict's support of a volunteer versus -
a paid Fire Department. Similar support was attributed to a former
volunteer fireman /mayor of the City of Hopkins.
9 -22 -75 -4-
Councilman Kuefler questioned Mr. Heenan relative to the
fire inspection program and whether there was a need for
increased service in this area. Mr. Heenan responded that
there was perhaps need for such increased service but that
such need could be met through the addition of part-time
inspectors or possibly through addition of a full-time
inspector attached to the Department of Planning and
Inspection. Councilman Jensen inquired as to what needs
Heenan felt should be satisfied to enable increased effec-
tiveness of the Fire Department. Heenan responded that
possibly increased inspection capability was desirable
along with keeping abreast of technological advances in the
fire service. Councilman Jensen further inquired as to how
the department could more fully integrate its management
into the City management structure. Heenan responded that
the use of a management committee system would enable
part-time volunteers to more fully participate in the City
management operation. Councilman Jensen next inquired
what the role of a part-time Chief was in the department.
Heenan responded his opinion that the Chief was both a
fire fighter and a manager of the department. A brief dis-
cussion ensued relative to the role of a department head
and the possible relationship which might ensue
a full-time Fire Marshal /Inspector and a part -time x? cteer
Fire Chief. Councilman Britts inquired as to how
volunteers viewed the relationship and structure of the. Fire
Department within the City administrative structurEi.
Heenan responded that the Fire Department was
viewed as a component of the City administrative
and not an independent organization. Councilman Britts
inquired as to Heenan's intended meaning of the partici-
pative management concept. Mr. Heenan responded that he
meant the employment of all resources to manage the
department on a team of committee basis.
Mayor Cohen commented that the suggested appointment of
a full-tim,- Fire inspector was not consistent with t , h oi
economic concerns expressed by Mr. Heenan. He - tated
his opinion that if there are needs for increased inspectioln
capabilities as well as needs for increased manag meat
capabilities and greater accountability as presented by the
City Manager, then the full-time Fire Chief/Marshal Pro-
posal would be the most cost effective method.
Mayor Cohen then opened the meeting for comments from
interested citizens. He first recognized Mr. Gordon
Gunderson, 6507 Chowen Avenue North. Mr. Gunderson
commended the City Manager and Mr. Heenan for their
presentations and proceeded to comment that while he
appreciated both positions, it was his opinion that the Fire
Department had performed adequately over the past years
and that in the interest of cost saving he would prefer
retaining the concept of a volunteer Chief until such time
as the concept was demonstrated inadequate.
Mayor Cohen next recognized Mrs. Phyllis Plummer, 6520
Brooklyn Boulevard. Mrs. Plummer stated her opinion in
favor of the volunteer Fire Chief concept. Mayor Cohen
next recognized Mrs. Diane Reem, 6225 Chowen Avenue
North. Mrs. Reem stated her preference for retaining the
volunteer Fire Chief concept and commented regarding the
City Manager's recent cuts in Fire Department budgetary
requests. She expressed her opinion that funds recom-
mended to pay a full-time Fire Chief could better be used for
the prevention programs and for purchasing requested capital
equipment for the Fire Department.
-5- 9-22-75
Following further discussion there was a motion by
Councilman Jensen, seconded by Councilman Kuefler to close
public participation in the subject matter and to go into
Council deliberation on the proposal. Voting in favor were:
Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler and Jensen. Voting
against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 9 :50 p.m. and Recess
resumed at 10 :15 p.m.
Mayor Cohen requested the City Manager to comment to
expressed concerns about the Fire Department capital outlay
budget. The City Manager reviewed the budgetary process,
explaining procedures and standards that must be met in
order for a budgetary capital outlay item to be favorably
recommended. He pointed out that priorities have to be set
and requested items have to be evaluated as to whether they
would be "nice to have" or are actually needed. He stated
that a written objective justification for each item is required
and that for those items where inadequate justification is
provided or where requested items do not appear to be of high
priority, they are simply not recommended. The City Manager
explained that most Fire Department equipment is not of an
expendable nature and that considerable such nonexpendable
equipment has been acquired for the Fire Department over the
years. He suggested that a comparison of Fire Department
equipment inventories among suburban communities would
indicate that the Brooklyn Center Department is one of the
best equipped volunteer departments in Minnesota. He stated
that virtually all expendable items necessary to perform the
fire service function have been recommended as requested
and have been adopted in annual budgets.
Mayor Cohen then referred to a statement by Mr. Heenan
alleging inadequate funds for fire prevention needs and
requested response from the City Manager. The City Manager
stated that the $1,500 amount recommended in the 1976 budget
for fire prevention purposes was $300 less than requested but
was considerably more than expended in the preceding six
years. He pointed out that proposed fire prevention programs
in preceding years had been undocumented and had actually
consisted of purchasing pamphlets, pencils, fire hats, etc.
for distribution in order to promote fire safety and awareness.
He stated that the only justification in the 1976 budget con-
sisted of a statement to the effect that their request is for fire
prevention literature that is used for tours and schools and
ticket sales literature.
Councilman Kuefler inquired of the manager regarding the
procedure for recruiting a full -time Chief if so authorized..
The City Manager responded that the recruitment would be
conducted on a nationwide basis and that he intended to seek
screening assistance from volunteer Fire Department members.
He stated that ideally the person to be appointed should have
experience with a volunteer department, should have demon-
strated management ability, should have relevant formal
education, and should be able to demonstrate relevant tech-
nical proficiency.
Mayor Cohen inquired whether it was intended that members of
the existing volunteer department could be candidates for the
proposed full -time position. The City Manager responded that
he intended the competition to be open to members of the
department, and as a matter of fact it would be illegal for him
to restrict it.
9 -22 -75 -6-
A brief discussion then ensued relative to an inquiry
involving the relationship of typical volunteer Fire Depart-
ment practices to Federal Revenue Sharing regulations,
The City Manager reviewed the Dover, Delaware case in
-which it was determined that membership selection and
-approval by department vote and officer selection by
department vote was discriminatory and violated the
Federal Civil Rights Act and, thus, could adversely affect
Federal Revenue Sharing monies allocated to a community.
As a consequence the City Manager reported that he intro-
duced and with the assistance of some department members
implemented the unpopular concept of an objective depart-
ment peer evaluation method of recommending candidates
for appointment as officers in the department,
Councilman Jensen inquired as to the type of input depart-
ment members would be permitted in the selection of a
full-time Chief if so authorized. The City Manager
responded that it would more than likely consist of a
committee formulated to help screen and evaluate candidates,
Mayor Cohen then proceeded with his comments reg,
the City Manager's proposal and the departim,,_i_.
to it. He commented that it had been a pleasur� t
with the volunteer Fire Department in past years. He
qualified, however, that in light of vol*teer
and the need for increased management capabi - n -, ::felt
it was appropriate now for the City of Brook].yn to
have a full-t;`.me Fire Chief/Marshal. He sty a= ti
factors of availability and accountab-flLity, alr>r�
carne over current operations involving tamperin Am,
I -
budgetary process in the form of una
_s
and equipment substitutions pointed out the neec, foi
full-time department head with manage merit
as contrasted to a committee type operati.cn wh :Idit
is taken for accomplishments and accountah L`ty
is absent. He cited participation Im the 3s s
as one major example of an advantage of a r_n
Chief as a representative of Brooklyn Center.
that his opir�dons were not based on emulatlnq
4
community nor was he impressed with the e,, �r, buted
to the first term Mayor of Bloomington, May(- Cp r . -Rated
that he felt there was a defin need for a full -ti, ne Chief
to accomplish the policies of the City Counc. F,.rd the
management goals of the City Manager, and to - the
Fire Department into the management structure est
by the City Charter,
Councilman Jensen next inquired of the City Attorney whether
the all volunteer Fire Department and its related manage-
ment selection process conforms with the provisions of the
City Charter. The City Attorney responded that the City
Charter does not ref &- explicitly to the Fire Department
but rather addresses to the general administrative organi-
zation of the City by providing that the City Manager shall
control and direct the administration of City affairs through
authority to appoint and remove on the basis of merit and
fitness all officers and employees of the City other than
the City Attorney. He stated that the Fire Department
management selection process does not directly conflict
with the Charter but cautioned that the spirit of the Charter
suggests that the appointing authority not be unduly
restricted in achieving management accountabi"1014o such
extent that the Council might essentially be dictating the
appointment of a person to office or employment.
-7- 9-22-75
Councilman Kuefler then proceeded with his comments regarding
the City Manager's proposal. He stated that there are two basic
factors that need to be addressed in considering the proposal- -
those of department management and leadership and the possible
need of additional inspection capability. He suggested that the
major questions were whether the management and leadership
could best be accomplished through a full -time or part -time Fire
Chief and whether the Fire Code related inspection responsibilities
should be vested in the Fire Department or in the Department of
Planning and Inspection, noting that added inspectional capability
seemed to be a common factor of both positions. He briefly
reviewed the comparable communities, noting that he had dis-
cussed the matter with representatives of the Bloomington
volunteer Fire Department and with the City Manager of the City
of Maple Grove. He reported that Maple Grove had recently
organized a volunteer Fire Department with a full -time Fire
Chief /Marshal and that the City Manager had extensive experience
as a volunteer fireman. Councilman JKuefler recounted the Maple
Grove Manager's strong recommendation that Fire Code inspection
should be a function of the Fire Department and not the Planning
and Inspection Department, and he recited the reasons therefor.
He stated that he endorses the concept of a volunteer Fire Depart -
ment and has been very satisfied with the past operation of the
Brooklyn Center Department. He commented that in light of all
the factors presented he felt the Fire Code inspection responsi-
bilities should be vested in the Fire Department and that,
combined with an apparent need for increased management capa-
bility and availability in the Fire Department, could best be
accomplished through the appointment of a full -time Chief. He
commented that the City Charter places responsibility for the
administration of City affairs with the City Manager and that
this responsibility, along with Charter appointing authority,
implies the need for the very best management at the department
level. He concluded that he would support the City Manager's
proposal to appoint a full -time Fire Chief /Marshal.
Councilman Jensen then proceeded with his comments on the pro-
posal. He commended both the City Manager and the Fire
Department representative for their presentations, noting that his
major concern was for the safety and welfare of the commmunity .
He stated that the volunteer Fire Department and the department
structure had met the demands of community ��afety and welfare to
date. He commented that there were valid points presented in both
arguments and that there was certainly no question that the Fire
Department head, whether volunteer or full -time, must be account-
able to the City Manager. He stated, however, that he did not
totally: agree with the City Manager's reason for opposing the concept
of a full -time Fire Znspector and a part -time Fire Chief, believing that
such an organizational structure could be made workable. Councilman
Jensen stated that in terms of the availability factor, the accountability
factor, and financial constraints, as well as his concern for the long
range effect, he had serious reservations regarding the proposal for
a fu- ll�time Fire Chief /Marshal. He explained that he had reviewed
the Bloomington Fire Department operation in deliberating the pro -
posal and arriving at a conclusion. He suggested that the morale of
the Fire Department volunteers should be taken into consideration
when considering the impact of a full -time Chief. He concluded by
stating his opinion that a full -time Fire Inspector who could offer
relief to a volunteer Chief would satisfy the fire service needs of the
community and he was, therefore, opposed to the City Manager's
proposal for a full -time Fire Chief /Marshal,
Councilman Britts then commented to the proposal. He referred to the
Charter and Ordinance provisions regarding authority for appointment
of di-n art},°rent heads In administration of City affairs . He stated his
concern with the proposal consisted of the possible long range effect
9 -22 -75 _g®
and the possibility that it might lead to additional full-time
personnel in the department, He stated that it was with
these considerations and the fact that the existing service
performed by the volunteer department has been satisfactory
that he would be opposed to the City Manager's proposal
for a full-time Fire Chief/Marshal.
Following further discussion there was a motion by Council-
man Kuefler, seconded by Mayor Cohen to approve the City
Manager's recommendation for a full-time Fire Chief/
Marshal as presented in the proposed 1976 General Fund
Budget. Voting for.- Councilman Kuefler and Mayor Cohen.
Voting against° Councilmen Jensen and Britts. Mayor Cohen
then suggested that the matter be resolved at a later time
with the full Council present. Councilman Jens en.'_ inquired
if funds for the proposal could be approved in the Qonti
gency account of the 1976 Budget until resolution of the
issue. The City Manager responded in the affirmative.
Motion by Councilman Kuefler, seconded by Councilman Britts
to amend the proposed 1976 Budget by deleting the proposed
$18,000 appropriation for a full-time Fire Chief/Marshal in
the Fire Department account and by adding $18,000 to the
proposed Cont account. Voting in favor were,- Mayor
Cohen, Cou.rcilrrnen Britts, Kuefler and Jensen. Voting
against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Cohen then inquired of Councilman Jensen whether he
viewed the Charter as including the Fire Department'as an
element of City government to be administered by the City.
Manager and whst,her merit and fitness ought to govern the
City Manager's appcdntrnent of either a full-time or volunteer
Fire Chief ( Jensen responded that he definitely
viewed the Fire Department as a direct department of City
government ;�nrl that the Fire Department head was subject to
appointment by the City Manager on the basis of merit and
fitness regardless of whether on a full-time or volunteer
basis. Co ilrnen K�jeflar and Britts concurred.
Motion by Counclilriar Britts, seconded by Councilman Kuefler
to defer furth�;r con s . of the Budget hearing until a
later time in the Council meeting. Voting in favor were:
Mayor Cohen, Councilm.en Britts, Kuefler and Jensen. Voting
against, none. The motion passed unanimously.
Planning Commission The Director Of Planning and Inspection then introduced the
Application No. 75028 first Planning Commission Application for consideration, He
(B. C. I. P.) explained that Planning Commission Application No. 75028
submitted by Brooklyn Center Industrial Park, consisted of
a request for a preliminary Registered Land Survey relat9d
to the Rauerhorst speculative building to be built at the
westerly termination of Shingle Creek Parkway. He reviewed
the minutes of the September 11 meeting at which time the
application, was considered.
Approval of Application Following further discussion there was a motion by Council-
No. 75028 man Britts, seconded by Councilman Kuefler to approve
(B. C. I. P.) Planning Co- Application No. 75028 subject to the
following conditions -
I . Final Registered Land Survey is subject to review by
the City Engineer.
2. Th.e. final Registered Land Survey is subject to the
requirements of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances.
9-22-75
Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler
and Jensen. Voting against: none. The motion passed unani-
mously.
The Director of Planning and Inspection next reviewed Planning Planning Commission
Commission Application No, 75034 submitted by Patrick Application No,. 75034
Steeber. He stated that the applicant proposed to operate a (Patrick Steeber)
gymnasium for classes in the speculative industrial building
at 1800 - 65th Avenue North. He explained that the application
comprehended a special use permit for the conduct of such
activities and stated that the use is classified as a special
C -2 use and is included in those limited commercial areas
which are permitted by special use permission in the I -1 dis-
trict. He reviewed the Planning Commission minutes of the
September 11 , 1975 meeting at which the application was
considered.
Following further discussion there was a motion by Councilman Approval of Planning
Jensen, seconded by Councilman Britts to approve Planning Commission Application
Commission Application No. 75034 subject to the following No. 75034
conditions: (Patrick Steeber)
1 . The permit is issued to the applicant as operator of
the facility and is nontransferable.
2. The permit is subject to all applicable code require -
ments and violation thereof will be grounds for
revocation.
3. Hours of operation shall be: Monday through Friday
3 :00 p.m. to 9 :30 p.m., Saturday - 8.00 a.m. to
6 :00 p.m., Sunday - 1 :00 p.m. to 5 :00 p.m.
4. The permit comprehends a gymnasium, to be used for
instructional purposes, and is not intended for public
assembly.
5. A copy of the current health and liability insurance for
the operation shall be on file with the City.
Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler
and Jensen. Voting against: none. The motion passed' unani-
mously .
The City Manager next reviewed a list of licenses for approval Licenses
He recommended that the Cicero's on -sale nonintoxicating
liquor license should be stricken from the list of licenses_. He
also commented relative to the food establishment license for
Arthur Treacher's Fish and Chips. The Director of Planning and
Inspection reported that due to recent strike problems with
contractors who installed automatic sprinkler system units, the
sprinkler system for the Arthur Treacher's site has not been
installed. He stated, however, that the building is completed
in all other respects. The City Manager recommended approval
of the license contingent upon the - Building Official issuing a
Certificate of Occupancy when the sprinkler system is satis-
factorily installed.
Following a brief discussion relative to the Arthur Treacher's
Fish and Chips food establishment "license, there was a motion
by Councilman Britts, seconded by Councilman Jensen to approve
the licenses, the Arthur Treacher's license being contingent upon
the Building Official issuing a Certificate of Occupancy when the
spr l,nkle systems is satisfactorily installed.
9 -22 -75 -10-
CIGARETTE LICENSE
Servomation
Dayton's Brookdale
FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
Arthur Treacher' s Fish and
Chips 6100 Brooklyn Blvd.
GARBAGE AND REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE LICENSE
Hollies Rubbish Service 5533 Logan Ave. N,
Ladd Trucking Co. 3011 Dupont Ave. N.
Nelson Trucking Co. 13 Maple Place
ITINERANT FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
Brooklyn Historical
Society 5930 Brooklyn Blvd.
Jaycees 5918 Halifax Ave. N,
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS LICENSE
Larson -Mac Inc. 7811 Golden Valley Rd,
Nielsen Sheet Metal Co, 395 - 27th Ave. N. E.
NONPERISHABLE VENDING MACHINE LICENSE
Servomation
Dayton's Brookdale �
PERISHABLE FOOD VENDING MACHINE LICENSE
Servomation
Dayton's Brookdale
Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britt$, I
Kuefler and Jensen. Voting against: none. The motion
passed unanimously.
Apartment Licenses The Director of Planning and Inspection next reviewed a list
of apartment. i�,cen es issued for approval by the City t
Council. Following a discussion on these licenses, there }
was a motion by Councilman Jensen, seconded by Counc117
man Britts to approve the apartment licenses.
RENTAL D WELLING LICENSE
R. L. Gu:t.:;n 6715, 6717, 6719, 6721
Humboldt Ave. N.
Gary Lyons 6807, 6813, 6819
Humboldt Ave. N
Fred M. Seed &
Bruce McT\Te l 4536 - 58th Ave. N,
James E. Wiensch 710 - 66th Ave. N.
Voting in favor were.- Mayor Cohen, Councilmen 5ritts,
Kuefler and Jensen. Voting against: none. The motion
passed unaniriol:sly,
RESOLUTION Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and
NO. 75 -186 moved its adoption-
RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 74 - 217
RELATING TO 1975 POLICE DEPARTMENT WAGES
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Robert Jensen, and upon vote being
taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler and Robert Jensen;
and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
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Councilman Britts left the table at 12:05 a.m.
Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and RESOLUTION
moved its adoption: NO. 75 -187
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY
IMPROVEMENT NOTES
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Robert Jensen, and upon vote being
taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Philip
Cohen, Tony Kuefler and Robert Jensen; and the following
voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution
was declared duly passed and adopted.
Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and RESOLUTION
moved its adoption: NO. 75-188
RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR
SANITARY SEWER LIFT STATION #3 REPLACEMENT PROJECT
NO. 1974 -31 AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
(CONTRACT 1975 -C)
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Robert Jensen, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Philip Cohen, Tony Kuefler and Robert Jensen; and the
following voted against the same: none, whereupon said
resolution was declared duly passed and ad-.pt
Councilman Britts returned to the table at 12.10 a.m.
Member Robert Jensen introduced the following resolution RESOLUTION
and moved its adoption: NO. 75 -18$
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1975 -7 AND SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1975 -8 AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and. upon vote being
taken thereon, the following.kvoted in favor thereof: Philip
Cohen, Tony Kuefler and Robert Jensen; and the following
voted against the same: none, abstaining. Maurice Britts,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted.
Mayor Cohen left the table at 12:25 a.m.
Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and RESOLUTION
moved its adoption: NO. 75.190
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED
STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1975 -6
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Maurice Britts, and upon vote being
taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Tony
Kuefler, Maurice Britts and Robert Jensen; and the following
voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution
was declared duly passed and adopted.
Mayor Cohen returned to the table at 12:30 a.m.
9 -22 -75 -12-
RESOLUTION Member Maurice Britts introduced the following resolutiop
NO. 75 -191 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION APPROVING A ONE -THIRD MILL. LEVY FOR THE
PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE COST OF OPERATION PUR-
SUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF MSA 462.411 THROUGH
462.711, OF THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER FOR THE
YEAR 1976
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Robert Jensen, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Philip Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler and Robert
Jensen; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted.
RESOLUTION Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution.
NO. 75 -192 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RESURFACING OF TWO
TENNIS COURTS AT WILLOW LANE PARK
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing ,resolution was
duly seconderi by member Robert Jensen, and upon vote
being taken, thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Philip Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler and Robert
Jensen; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted.
RESOLUTION Member Maurice Britts inrtroduced the following resolution
NO. 75 -193 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION A _TIIORIZING PURCHASE OF BUDGETED
MOBILE RADIOS THROUGH COOPERATIVE PURCHASING
WITH THE CITY OF EDINA
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by member Robert Jensen, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Philip Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler and Robert
Jensen, and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted.
Planning Commission The Director of Public Works next reviewed Planning
Application No. 75032 Commission Application No. 75032 which consisted of a
(James Gilbertson) request for a replat of the =racant river front parcel now
designated as Lot 1 , Block I , Farr Addition, by the appli-
cant James Gilbertson. He reviewed the applicant's intent to
create five buildable lots and that a new house had been
constructed on what is proposed as the northerly lot. He
then noted that Blocks 1 and 2 were intersected by the
boundary between Anoka - Hennepin and Brooklyn Center
school districts, and reviewed this conflict with City
Ordinances.
-13- 9 -22 -75
I
Mayor Cohen expressed , a concern over this - preliminary
plat, stating that he felt. it was now time to initiate action to
realign school district boundaries to snake more sense. He
stated that he could not endorse the concept of realigning
the boundaries and in effect dictating that one student might
be bused some 16 miles to Anoka while the student next -d-oor
may go to Brooklyn Center schools,. A brief discussion ensued
relative to school district realignment.
Motion by Councilman Kuefler, seconded by Councilman Jensen
to approve Planning Commission Application No. 75032 subject
to the following conditions:
1 . The final plat is subject to review by the City Engineer..
2. The final plat is subject to the requirements of Chapter
15 of the City Ordinances.
3. Prior to approval of the final plat the applicant shall
petition the Anoka - Hennepin and Brooklyn Center school
districts and accomplish the realignment of the:plato
Voting in favor were: Councilmen Kuefler, Jensen and Britt -s;.
Voting against: Mayor Cohen. Councilman Britts then inquired
briefly as to the effect of the action. Following a discussion
on this matter there was a - motion by Ccuncilman Britts, seconded
by Mayor Cohen to reconsider the matter. Voting in 7favor were:
Mayor Cohen and Councilman Britts. Voting against: Councilman
Jensen and Kuefler. The original motion of approval was upheld.
Motion by Councilman' Britts, seconded Councilman Jens -en 19`76uclgt Hering
to reconvene the 1976 Budget heating. The City , Manager then
stated that there were two changes in'-the proposed 1976 General
Fund Budget. He pointed out an error in the estimated CFTA
Federal grant in the amount of $35,000 - stating that this amount
would make the ad valorem levy -total $1,714,897. He stated
- that this was offset somewhat by the -new assessed valuation
which was also - recomputed to'$112,211,450 making the total
proposed mill levy 15.283 mills.
Councilman Kuefler commented on'the Parks budget' briefly,,
requesting that the City Manager review and recommend ways -of
- providing a more durable turf on the athletic fields at Grandview
Park.
Motion by Councilman Kuefler, seconded by Councilman Jensen
directing the City Manager to review and recommend ways of
improving the athletic turf at Grandview Park and report back to
the City Council by 'March 1 . Councilman Britts stated that he
was opposed to this proposal as he felt it was contradictory to
the park comprehensive planning study that is now being under-
taken and that it provided for piecemeal type problem solving.
Councilman Kuefler commented that this was a maintenance item
and did not involve the comprehensive planning study. Voting
in favor were: 'Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Kuefler-and Jensen.
Voting against: Councilman Britts. The - motion pass -ed.
Motion by Councilman -Britts , seconded-by Councilman Jensen
to close the 1976 Budget hearing and-directing the City Manager
to prepare necessary resolutions for adoption. Voting in favor
were: Mayor Cohen,, "Councilmen Britts , `Kuefler and Jensen.
Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously -.
9 -22 -75 -14-
Adjournment of Budget Motion by Councilman Britts, seconded by Councilman
Hearing Kuefler to adjourn the Budget hearing. Voting in favor
were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler and
Jensen. Voting against: none. The motion passed
unanimously.
Adjournment Motion by Councilman Jensen, seconded by Councilman
Kuefler to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor were:
Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler and Jensen.
Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 1 :15 a.m.
Clerk Mayor
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