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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 02-14 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 FEBRUARY 14, 2011 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 Carol Kleven, Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Public Works Director /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Assistant City Manager /Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, Assistant City Attorney Mary Tietjen, and Carla Wirth, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Ryan requested discussion of Work Session Item 2, Progress Reports on Achievement of Strategic Goals, and the staff report handout. City Manager Curt Boganey explained that only one item was changed related to the legislative support. Councilmember Lasman requested discussion of Item 6d, Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Proposed Special Assessments for Diseased Tree Removal Costs, Delinquent Weed Removal Costs, Delinquent Nuisance Abatement Costs, Delinquent Administrative Fines /Citations, and Administrative Vacant Building Registrations, and indicated she was surprised at the number of banks on the list. She asked if this is a typical number or reflection of the economy and impact of deferred expenses. Mr. Boganey noted this is the first time that administrative fines have been included on the list, which is one factor, and the economy may have resulted in an impact as well. Councilmember Lasman noted that the cost is higher when administrative fees are added and she is concerned with the number of larger businesses on the list. Councilmember Lasman requested discussion of Item 6f, Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on a Modification to the Redevelopment Plan for Housing Development and Redevelopment Project No. 1, Establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 5, and the Adoption of a Tax Increment Financing Plan. She requested a correction to Springsted's memorandum, paragraph 3, Section 2, to indicate Mr. Boganey is the City Manager, not the City Administrator. 02/14/11 -1- Councilmember Lasman noted the comment on page 11 indicating police service costs should not increase; however, she thinks there may be some increase since the site is currently vacant. Mr. Boganey reviewed the language, noting it says "noticeable demand for services" which he believed was a correct statement since it is not anticipated there would be an expansion of the Police Department. Councilmember Lasman noted the property is currently vacant and she thinks that a new use would impact Police services in some way, even if minimally. Mr. Boganey stated the Police Chief and Fire Chief were not consulted on this statement so he will ask for their opinion and present it for the Council's review at a Work Session. Councilmember Ryan requested discussion on EDA Item 4a, Resolution Authorizing Advertisement for Bids, Earle Brown Heritage Center /Embassy Suites Connecting Link. He noted the resolution addresses distribution of funding to meet estimated project costs but the meeting packet does not contain the attachment referenced in the memorandum. Mr. Boganey confirmed the attachment is not included and stated Jim Glasoe, CARS, will be in attendance and able to explain what is contained within that memorandum. Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel advised that TIF District 2 closes on December 31, 2011, and the memorandum addressed eligible projects for those funds. Mr. Boganey explained this would be a reasonable project for use of those TIF funds and it is anticipated the amount will be large enough to cover that portion of the costs. It was noted that if not used this year, the TIF funds would be redistributed to the other taxing agencies. The Council acknowledged the anticipated shortfall in the State's budget and federal cutbacks that will filter down to the municipal level. Councilmember Lasman requested information on the valuable programming the City has funded through CDBG that can be brought to Washington DC in March to show how the City has leveraged those funds to the resident's benefit. Councilmember Roche asked, in an effort to increase transparency, to remove Consent Agenda Item 6f, Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on a Modification to the Redevelopment Plan for Housing Development and Redevelopment Project No. 1, Establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 5, and the Adoption of a Tax Increment Financing Plan. Mayor Willson stated it will be considered as Item 1Of. Mr. Boganey referenced the January 24, 2011, Study Session minutes, Page 2, fourth paragraph, including a statement by Mr. Lillehaug indicating: "...the Event Chair contacted him to discuss this matter and indicated they will make it work to use Dupont Avenue." Mr. Boganey explained that the Committee has now decided the parade will use 63 Avenue instead of Dupont Avenue. Mayor Willson stated the comment in the minutes stands since the Event Chair had said they would make Dupont Avenue work. However, he had talked with the Event Chair at the pancake breakfast and the Chair said they would use 63 Avenue. 02/14/11 -2- Councilmember Lasman concurred that the record stands correct as stated but comments have been made tonight indicating the parade route will use 63 Avenue. Councilmember Ryan requested discussion on Item 9a, Planning Commission Application No. 2011 -0001 submitted by George Ogbonna for the Umunne Cultural Association for Special Use Permit Approval to Operate an Event Center at 5939 John Martin Drive. He reviewed the occupancy limit and asked if the concern expressed by an adjoining property owner had been addressed. Mr. Boganey noted Page 3 of the report, fourth paragraph, addresses the parking requirements for this type of use and explained that the recommended maximum occupancy of 357 is based on the number of parking stalls available. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Lasman indicated she would be gone March I1 -16 and March 27 -31, 2011. Councilmember Ryan stated that he will decide shortly whether he can attend the National League of Cities conference. If he attends, he would miss the March 14, 2011, Council meeting. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS Mr. Boganey explained City Attorney LeFevere is on vacation so Assistant City Attorney Mary Tietjen will be attending the meeting tonight. REVIEW PROPOSED AGENDA FOR FACILITATED RETREAT Mr. Boganey presented the draft retreat agenda, described the anticipated discussion format, and requested Council comment. Councilmember Roche urged the Council to address how to authentically rebrand the City and improve people's impression of Brooklyn Center. He suggested that creative marketing "talking points" be developed that can be used to the City's advantage to get the word out about the improvements being made such as Shingle Creek Crossings, Earle Brown Heritage Center, Bass Lake Road, the FBI building, improvement to the housing stock, and Centennial birthday events. Mayor Willson commented on the City's accomplishments to reduce crime by 30 percent and steps taken to make the City a more livable community to entice young couples desiring a starter home. He stated the Council is not done with those efforts and will continue to address crime, housing, redevelopment, and how to raise the local economy to increase development and businesses. Mayor Willson stated he frequently talks with the press on those issues and spent as much time as an hour with a reporter that resulted in only a 20 second sound bite. He stated he is not opposed to considering a marketing effort provided dollars are available for funding. Councilmember Roche stated it may take a five- to ten -year marketing effort, if not longer, to significantly increase the tax base. 02/14/11 -3- Councilmember Ryan agreed this is a very worthy concern and there is no reason why the Council couldn't have some discussion of this issue at the retreat. However, the matter in front of the Council is the structure of the retreat. He stated he is in agreement with the basic retreat outline, team building effort, and determining strategic goals going forward. Mr. Boganey pointed out that Goal #5 is to improve the City's image with citizens and others so it is fair to say the Council has already stated that is a primary on -going goal. He suggested that the Council devote a Work Session to discussion of a marketing and branding effort and what the City could expect in return of those efforts. Councilmember Lasman noted the staff and Council have worked for many years to position the City for a great future, which is a slow process. She supported an effort to clearly define that activity and make more of an effort to get the word out. The Council consensus was reached to schedule this topic for a future Work Session. 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 Lasman moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:52 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to close the Study Session at 6:53 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 02/14/11 -4- 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 February 14, 2011. 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 February 28, 2011, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 02/14/11 -5-