Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 02-28 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 28, 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, Director of Fiscal and Support Services Dan Jordet, 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, and Carla Wirth, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Mayor Willson referred the donation request from the Confederation of Liberian Organizations in Minnesota to staff for a written response indicating the CDBG distributions had already been considered for 2011. City Manager Curt Boganey requested a revision to Consent Agenda Item 6b, Licenses, to remove the nine rental properties under current standards, which would be presented for consideration at the next meeting. Mr. Boganey advised of a correction to Item 6i, Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Letter of Engagement for Professional Audit Services for the 2010 Fiscal Year, to correct the maximum dollar figure from $39,500 to $38,500, in both the cover memorandum and resolution. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Lasman referenced an article in last week's National League- of Cities publication advising that five cities won Silver Awards of Excellence, Minneapolis being one, for its public WiFi program. She asked if the City should revisit the option of providing public VWiFi. Mayor Willson advised that President Obama will be introducing a bill related to wireless internet access which may include financial and federal support. Councilmember Kleven requested discussion on the bids being received on March 24, 2011, for the high -rise building near City Hall. Mr. Boganey indicated the City would not submit a bid to purchase that building but intended to work with the successful bidder to determine if the City could acquire land adjacent to the park. 02/28/11 -1- Mr. Boganey stated staff has discussed that when the building was rented almost exclusively to seniors, it was a much better community asset with fewer policing issues. However, it was never a senior -owned building. The City would like to encourage the successful bidder to consider converting it to an exclusively senior building and if done, the City would consider how it could support and facilitate that endeavor. Councilmember Roche asked about the terms of the shared easement. Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel described the area east of the shelter that is privately owned. Mayor Willson asked whether Hennepin County may be interested in facilitating senior -only tenant housing. Mr. Boganey noted it is close to the bid deadline, but the City can invite the County to the "table" to facilitate a senior -only facility. Mayor Willson suggested the bidders be made aware of the City's interest in facilitating senior housing. Councilmember Lasman stated she would support the creation of senior -only housing especially because of its location convenient to services and shopping. Councilmember Kleven stated support for providing senior housing; however, noted this building would require a lot of remodeling to facilitate senior use. Councilmember Roche stated there is already a senior tower by the Earle Brown Farm, and he knows of single mothers who found it beneficial to live in this high -rise building. He advocated for finding ways to keep young families in the building because it is about the City's future. Mayor Willson supported additional discussion on that issue. Councilmember Ryan agreed this matter should be part of a larger discussion on what can or should be done on behalf of lower - income housing that also considers the existing level of low - income housing and demands it places on City services. Councilmember Roche noted the City currently has four colleges: ITT, Minnesota School of Business, Brown College, and National American University and reported that Brown College is moving into the old OfficeMax site, in the strip mall by Best Buy. Mayor Willson asked if it will impact taxes on that building. Mr. Eitel noted that Brown College is a tenant so it does not impact taxes, and staff has the understanding this is an expansion, not relocation. Mr. Boganey indicated that staff would obtain more information about this matter. Councilmember Kleven referenced the Met Council e-mail news relating to funding for cleanup projects in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Boganey advised that the City had received a $50,000 grant. It was noted the grant would be used to help clean the Howe Fertilizer site. 02/28/11 -2- DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS NORTHPORT PARK RECOMMENDATIONS BY CITIZENS — MAYOR WILLSON Mr. Boganey advised that a letter was received from Dominic Thor and Ker Xiong to make improvements to Northport Park as a service learning project. He stated staff was also approached several months ago by a volunteer group that is considering making substantial improvements to the Northport Park; however, that offer has not yet been finalized. The majority consensus of the City Council/EDA was to inform the volunteer group of the request received from Dominic Thor and Ker Xiong and to refer their request to the Park and Recreation Commission for a recommendation. HIGHWAY 252 UPDATE Mr. Boganey explained this item was referred to staff several months ago to provide an outline of how the Council could proceed with the Highway 252 corridor. Director of Public Works /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug referenced his memorandum outlining the process to pursue solutions for issues with the Highway 252 corridor that had been identified by the City. He reported that until recently, Mn/DOT planned to expand the Highway 252 corridor; however, its 2010 Transportation Policy Plan eliminated the planning and funding for the expansion of Highway 252 through the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park other than the addition of a northbound lane on either side of 81" Avenue in Brooklyn Park. Mr. Lillehaug explained that a Phase 1 feasibility study would focus on collectively identifying all local and regional transportation issues, develop concepts, coordinate with Mn/DOT and other partners, identify funding strategies, and develop an implementation strategy. It is estimated that such a Phase 1 study would cost approximately $60,000 and take about four months. Phase 2 would implement interim improvements and Phase 3 would involve the ultimate solution, may cost up to $1 million, and be 20 years in the future if Mn/DOT does not participate. Mr. Lillehaug asked if the Council wanted to pursue Phase 1 before approaching Mn/DOT and Brooklyn Park. Mr. Boganey clarified that Brooklyn Park had previously indicated it was willing to listen, not necessarily partner. Councilmember Ryan indicated the State should have done something long ago with the Highway 252 corridor and asked if the advantage to getting involved is having a greater voice in the planning process. Mr. Lillehaug stated it is up to the City to take the lead if it wants something done and during the interim, staff can make application for funding. 02/28/11 -3- ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Roche moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:50 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. HIGHWAY 252 UPDATE — CONTINUED The discussion continued on the Highway 252 Update. Councilmember Roche stated the extension of Highway 610 to 694 in Maple Grove will create a juggernaut, so it would be nice to address Highway 252 before that happens. He supported proceeding with Phase 1 and future Phases, if warranted. Mayor Willson noted there is currently no funding to complete the last two miles of Highway 610 to Maple Grove. Councilmember Lasman asked how Phase 1 would be funded. Mr. Lillehaug stated he was not aware of an applicable federal grant and expects Brooklyn Center would pay for most of the $60,000. Mr. Boganey stated the City will ask for assistance from Brooklyn Park and other agencies, but he expects the City will be funding Phase 1. Councilmember Ryan stated in normal budget times he would support an expenditure of $60,000 for this report and was open to hearing comments on the impact of this expenditure. He asked how the Council can determine the benefits, which may be marginal, and whether to proceed with Phase 2 unless it completes feasibility study. Mr. Lillehaug stated if the Council supports Phase 1, staff would research funding opportunities and program the expenditure with other projects. Councilmember Lasman stated the needs are great and she is glad that Mn/DOT is considering the addition of a north bound lane on either side of 81 St Avenue. However, she cannot support a $60,000 expense since Mn/DOT has eliminated this corridor from its Transportation Plan. She noted the City wants to maintain access points, which is a stumbling block that first needs to;be resolved. Councilmember Lasman stated a feasibility study will be needed eventually, but she cannot support the expenditure at this time. 02/28/11 -4- ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:59 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 02/28/11 -5- STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on February 28, 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 March 14, 2011, Regular Session. )6. ity Clerk Mayor 02/28/11 -6-