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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971 10-27 CCM Special Session Minutes of the Proceedings of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center In the County of Hennepin and State of Minnesota October 27, 1971 The City Council met in special session and was called to order by Mayor Philip Cohen at 7:35 P.M. Roll Call: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Heck: and Ausen. Also Present were: City Manager Donald Posy, Director of Finance Paul Holmlund, Director of Public Works James Merila, City Attorney Richard Scheffer and Administrative Assistant Torn Loucks. The first item of business was discussion of participation in the TOPICS Program. Following brief opening remarks by the City Manager, the Director of Public `Works reviewed the program as set forth in a report dated October 18, 1971. The City Manager then commented that an attached resolution comprehends Brooklyn Center's participation in the federal program known as Traffic Operations Program to Increase Capacity and Safety (TOPICS) aid that Brooklyn Center's cost for participation in the program amounts to $4,350.00 to assist in financing an engineering study linked to a_master street and traffic plan for the area. Council - man Willard arrived at 7.55 P.M. A discussion ensued during which Councilman Willard indicated that he agrees with the program in general, but wondered if the City Counci 1 would have input into any recommendations that may come out of the study. The City Manager indicated that the fact that it is. a joint program with a number of municipalities does not prohibit the City administration or Council from having influential input at any time as the study progresses. Member John Leary introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption. RESOLUTION NO. 71 -208 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO =CUTE HENNEPIN COUNTY AGREEMENT NO. PW- 39 -02 -71 FOR "TOPICS" BASIC STREET & TRAFFIC INVENTORY AND "TOPICS" PLAN &`REPORT WITH HENNEPIN'COUNTY The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Howard Heck and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Howard Heck,: Theodore Willard and Vernon Ausen and the following voted against the same none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Mayor Cohen handed the gavel to Mayor Pro -tem Howard Heck at 8:08 P.M. The City Manager commented that the staff had prepared a reduced scale, multi - purpose ice skating center program as directed by the Council. He then Proceeded to review the report and make comparisons between that and the program s by the Ice Arena Development Committee dated September 3, 1971. During, upon, and after review of the report, Mayor Cohen recognized members of the local Hockey Association who Indicated that in their opinion the reduced facility should include:; 1. A plexiglass protective device in lieu of a chain link fence; 2. The construction of four team locker rooms In lieu of two; 3 That showers be installed in the locker rooms; 1 4, That the official's room was too small and should be expanded and have shower facilities; 51 That consideration should be given for additional heating capacity; 61 That air conditioning should be installed; 7, That a 120 ton refrigeration unit should be installed in lieu of a 90 ton refrigeration unit. Mr. Leon Binger indicated that he was concerned that there was no cost analysis made for the reduced facility and indicated that he would be opposed to any ice facility until the cost figures were submitted for the reduced facility,. Discussion then ensued among the Council members relative to the advisability of pursuing the matter further until some discussion had been entered Into with the City of Brooklyn Park to determine if they had interests in participating In a joint ice facility with the City of Brooklyn Center, Mayor Cohen commented that he had contacted one of the Councilmen from Brooklyn Park and hok. Palm of the Park and Recreation Department and was awaiting a report in regard to what their needs would be for an ice facility, Councilman Ausen commented that he felt there should be further information in regard to the operating cost of such a facility and secondly, that there has not been enough discussion of a joint facility with Brooklyn Park or any other neigh - bring community, Mayor Cohen then reiterated that he is awaiting farther information from Brooklyn Park in regard to their need. He further commented that he was not optimistic that such a facility could be jointly used because of the demands for ice time. He then proceeded to review what would be the anticipated ice time for Brooklyn Center alone. He commented that based upon his studies of the matter It was his observation that there would not be ice time available for both communi- . ties to adequately share, Councilman Ausen then commented that he would vote against the measure because part of the proposal has been that the $80,000 from the previous 1968 bond issue was to be included in this ice facility and he was opposed to that. He further commented that he had been left with the impression that the meeting would be set up with Brooklyn Park which had not been done, and was further not satisfied that the needs for ice time had been adequately documented, Councilman Willard commented that it was his understanding in relation to the joint meeting with Brooklyn Park that the matter would still be pursued; however, there is a time element involved and that the Council should act as rapidly as possible if it is to be placed on the ballot in December. Councilman Willard then made a comment that he had been the one primarily opposed to moving forward with the issue until other explorations have been made. He is satisfied that this has been done, and that further contacts with Brooklyn Park will be made and for that reason would not oppose putting the question on the ballot in December,. Councilman Leary commented in regard to the joint facility that the question is not whether Brooklyn Center is willing to participate in a joint facility but rather that it appears that joint participation is not possible because of the needs for ice time for both communities,, Councilman Heck commented that he is of the opinion that the matter should be placed on a ballot as soon as possible and further, that the report as submitted by the ice Arena Development Committee should be adopted and that the staff should be directed to work out more definite scheduling for ice time and if the need appears to be as great as anticipated then:he sees no need to talk with Brooklyn Park about a joint facility. Following further discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Heck and seconded by Councilman Leary to direct the staff to prepare a resolution to place the Ice arena question on the ballot at an earliest possible date. Noting in favor -2- were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Heck and Willard. Votintl against: Councilman Ausen. Councilman Ausen commented that he w4s voting no because he was opposed to the concept of using the $80 from the Obviously passed bond issue for the new ice facAfty program. Motion carried. Motion by Councilman Heck and seconded by Councilman Leary to direct the staff to consult with the Hockey Association in preparing a 'schedule depicting what the needs for ice time for the City of Brooklyn Center would be and to submit that report at an early subsequent Council meeting. Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Heck, Willard and Ausen. Voting against: none. Motion carried unanimously. The next item of business was discussion of the Conservation Commission recommendation that the City Council examine the concept of not offering soft drinks in non - returnable containers at the municipal liquor stores. Mayor Cohen reflected upon a conversation with members of the Conserva- tion Commission and resulting agreement that a proposed Metropolitan Area recycling plant program may substitute for a ban. It was requested by Commissioner Sylvia Winkleman that the City provide assistance in a local bottle and can recycling effort. Following a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Willard and seconded by Councilman Heck to direct the staff to examine the matter of City participation in a local recycling effort. Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Heck, Willard andAusen. Voting against: none. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor .Cohen commented that Mr. Tom Loucks will be leaving the City staff as of November 1, 1971 and felt it would be appropriate to adopt a resolution commending Mr. Loucks for dedicated service. Motion by Councilman Willard and seconded by Councilman Ausen to direct the City Manager to prepare such a resolution. Voting in favor were: Mayor r Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Heck, Willard and Ausen. Voting against: none. Motion carried unanimously. The City Manager commented that the Park and Recreation Commission and Conservation Commission have recommended that the City Council examine the concept of prohibiting the operation of motorized vehicles in the City parks. Following a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Leary and seconded by Councilman Ausen to direct the staff to prepare an ordinance pro- hibiting the operation of motorized vehicles in the City parks. Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Heck, Willard and Ausen. Voting against: none. Motion carried unanimously. The City Manager then reviewed the lax bill being considered by the State Legislature. He commented that the proposed bill, if adopted, would have some 'immediate and long range effects on fiscal matters in the City. He then pro- ceeded to review the pertinent provisions of the bill. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to this matter and it was then the concensus of the Council to have the City Manager prepare a report on the tax bill and present it for discussion at a subsequent- Council meeting. Motion by Councilman Leary and seconded by Councilman Heck to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen.. Councilmen Leary, Heck, Willard and Ausen. Voting against: none. Motion carried unanimously. The Council meeting adjourned at 12:04 A.M. i M1 3` I I Clerk Mayor -3-