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Home My WebLink About2011 04-06 CCM Special Session Reception and Joint Work Session with Commissions MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA RECEPTION AND JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY COMMISSIONS APRIL 6, 2011 COMMUNITY CENTER — CONSTITUTION HALL RECEPTION A Reception and general conversation period was held in Constitution Hall from 6:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Joint Work Session with the Charter, Housing, Financial, Park and Recreation, and Planning Commissions and was called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:30 p.m. IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Carol Kleven, Kay Lasman, and Dan Ryan. Councilmember Tim Roche was absent and excused. City Staff present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Assistant City Manager /Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, Police Chief Kevin Benner, Public Works Director /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Fire Chief Lee Gatlin, Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe, Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz, Director of Business and Development G Eitel, Planning and Zoning Specialist Tim Benetti, p �'Y g g p and Fiscal and Support Services Director Dan Jordet. Commissioners present were Charter Commissioners Stan Leino, Mark Yelich, Bee Yang, and Mary O'Connor; Housing Commissioners Kris Lawrence - Anderson, Ephraim Olani, Kathie Amdahl, Tracy Groves, and Judy Thorbus; Financial Commissioners Dan Schueller and Teneshia Plunkett; Park and Recreation Commissioners Tom Shinnick, Roger Peterson, Bud Sorenson and John Russell; and Planning Commissioner Sean Rahn. PRESENTATIONS BY CITY COMMISSIONS Charter Commission Charter Commission Member Mark Yelich stated that he was new to the commission this year and their first meeting was coming up to review items to address in 2011. The Commission worked on establishing Charter language to establish an administrative penalty system, which was implemented. Chair Stan Leino then arrived and reported on three items. 1) the Commission heard a request for a ward system versus at -large system of election for Council Members, but did not proceed due to lack of interest; 2) the Commission is working to clean up old language in the Charter, for example renaming the "treasurer" to the "finance director "; and 3) the Commission is in the middle of cleaning up the by -laws. 04/06/11 -1- Financial Commission Commissioner Dan Schueller stated the Commission had worked on recruiting new members in 2010 and now was full with seven members. He stated addressing the budget has been the main focus of the Commission with the main challenge being cuts in state aid and LGA. The Commission also worked on special assignments such as reviewing auditors and selecting insurance agents. Housing Commission Chair Kris Lawrence- Anderson indicated that one major accomplishment was the creation and implementation of the New Neighbor Welcome Program. The Commission's PowerPoint indicated the goals and specifics of the program. The program continues to evolve. The Commission is working with the Police Department to recruit Neighborhood Watch Captains and is working with Brooklyn Center High School to assist with the program. The high school will be involved in collating and storing the bags, as well as have students assist with the delivery. This will serve as credit for volunteer hours for the students to aid with college applications. The Commission would like to recognize the students through awards by the Housing Commission or by the City Council A new initiative in 2011 is to implement a City Community Gardens. They would like to have a program in place by 2012 similar to Brooklyn Park. The first year would have a financial cost, but it could be self supporting subsequent years. Many of the Housing Commission members donate more than 20 hours, beyond the 1 %2 hour monthly meeting. She stated this had been a very collaborative Commission. Park and Recreation Commission Chair Bud Sorenson listed the members of the Commission and indicated the Park Service Areas that each represented. The Commission's PowerPoint presentation highlighted its work in 2010. Some 201 activities included the Commission adopted two parks, reviewed the Capital Improvement Program, reviewed the design and location for the Proposed Amphitheater, reviewed and made recommendations to the Council for the Twin Lake Regional Trail Master Plan, heard and supported a request to change the name of Central Park to Centennial Park, started the review of a Tobacco Free Park Policy and conducted the Annual Parks Tour. For 2011, initiatives include Monitor CARS activities and the CIP, conduct the Annual Parks Tour and address Strategic Plan Goals SG4 (d.o.2) and SG5 (d.o.1). Planning Commission Chair Sean Rahn began by thanking staff. The Commission has been working primarily on Strategic Goal #2- Aggressively Proceeding with Implementation of the City's Redevelopment Plans, and Ongoing Goal #5- Improving the City's Image. A PowerPoint explained in detail some of the activities of 2010 such as finalizing the Comprehensive Plan and focusing on several redevelopment areas. A 2011 Development Projects map was distributed highlighting the sites with opportunities. Several projects were reviewed for 2010, with some developments anticipated for 2011. The Northwest Family Services Building is approved and waiting for financing, Luther Auto is planning to proceed with the Honda Toyota building, the FBI building is being built, and Boulevard Market is waiting for financing. For 2011, the former Brookdale Ford site will be a catalyst for the remaining Opportunity Site. The Brookdale Site redevelopment is under review and anticipated to have a new plan presented at the Commission on April 14, 2011. 04/06/11 -2- City Manager Boganey stated that he would like to recognize all the efforts and time, and useful and valuable input by all the Commissions. He then opened up the meeting for questions and comments. • question was asked if the Council would consider allowing prairie grass for the environment. • question was asked if houses were going to be taken for the trail along 57 Ave. City Manager Boganey replied that no houses would be taken for that project. The Mayor stated that he appreciated all the great work of the Housing Commission and appreciated all the Commissions' time and work. A question was asked about the tags on the trees along Shingle Creek. Steve Lillehaug replied h a that these are ID tags. Some trees will be removed and some saved s part of the Creek o g p Restoration project. A question was asked if code enforcement activities would be the same this year and if there would be interns. Mr. Boganey replied that the levels of code enforcement would be similar to last year with two interns again this year. Mayor Willson thanked everyone for their participation. Councilmembers Kleven, Ryan, and Lasman all expressed their thanks for the work of the Commissions and the commitment of the members to the community. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by City Manager Boganey at 7:25 p.m. 04/06/11 -3- 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 the Special Session of the City of Brooklyn Center held on April 6, 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 April 25, 2011, Regular Session. "W �',AA I A+Alh City Clerk Mayor 04/06/11 -4-