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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 04-11 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 APRIL 11, 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, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS -None. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Kleven expressed thanks to all who were responsible for the purchase of bike racks at Northport Elementary School and for all the help with the new playground. Councilmember Kleven referenced Mr. Boganey's April 1, 2011, memorandum advising of reduction in crime activity and asked about drug statistics. City Manager Curt Boganey stated the memorandum addresses Part I crimes and drug activities would be a Part II crime. He explained he does not receive a general report on the number of drug - related arrests. Councilmember Kleven referenced a recent article announcing that the Brooklyn Center Brewery plans to build a $20 million restaurant/entertainment establishment. The Council indicated support for this establishment to remain in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Boganey stated since this came before the Legislature, staff has been in regular contact with Mr. Omar Ansari, the owner, and encouraged him to not overlook Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Lasman asked if the current facility will remain open. Mr. Boganey stated he would have to clarify that matter because he interpreted the legislation to mean that only a single license at a single location would be issued. He indicated that Mr. Ansari is looking to expand brewing capacity at the new location. Councilmember Lasman reported on ideas she learned from the National League of Cities 04/11/11 4- Conference held in Washington, D.C. including the following: publication of a map to provide advanced notification when Code Enforcement will be in neighborhoods, which may resolve some issues prior to inspection, saving the City time and money; use of Twitter and Facebook to advertise /notify of events; educational articles in the spring newsletter encouraging the use of "green" methods to capture and reuse rain water for irrigation; and, emphasizing the importance of "People" and "Planet," knowing that "Productivity" will come as a natural result if priorities are in line. Councilmember Lasman asked if the City's car wash businesses recycle City water. Mr. Boganey responded he does not know and will find out. Councilmember Lasman stated she had previously earned the Bronze Award and now earned the Silver Award from the National League of Cities Conference. She stated she thought the City's Travel Policy allowed out -of -State conference travel twice a term and requested authorization to attend the Conference for several days in Phoenix, Arizona, in November/December of 2011, to receive the Silver Award. The majority of the City Council indicated no objection and requested staff provide additional information regarding the City's Policy for out -of -State travel. Councilmember Ryan expressed his interest in attending the National League of Cities Leadership Conference scheduled in September of 2011 in Minneapolis. The majority of the City Council indicated no objection and asked staff to provide additional information regarding the City's Policy for in -State training. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE 5.7 ACRES FOR FUTURE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES (PORTIONS OF PHASE II EASTBROOK ESTATES) Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel presented the offer by David Evanson, owner /developer of Eastbrook Estates, to acquire 5.7 acres of land that was assembled as part of the single - family subdivision of Eastbrook Estates. He noted that on January 26, 2004, the Council granted preliminary plat approval to the subdivision known as Eastbrook Estates 2nd Addition of approximately 8.75 acres into 29 single - family lots. This development was envisioned to provide new home construction opportunities and part of the development went forward. However, the downturn in the housing market and development costs stopped the project from completion. He displayed a map depicting the subject site and several examples of projects that involved assembling of several sites. Mr. Eitel advised there are sufficient funds in Tax Increment Financing No. 3 Housing Fund and read the Council policy issues: 04/11/11 -2- 1. Does the City Council believe that it is in the community's best interest to reserve this land to maximize future housing redevelopment opportunities for the community? 2. Does the City Council support the prioritizing of the use of TIF No. 3 Housing Funds for this acquisition? Mayor Willson asked about the ownership of two occupied parcels within the subject site. Mr. Eitel advised one is a single - family home and the other a group home. A third parcel, 75 feet in width, is owned by another developer. Mayor Willson asked staff to determine the status of that parcel. Councilmember Kleven expressed concern that the parcels do not have access to Highway 252 from 69 Avenue and there would be additional costs to prepare the site for development including costs to remove trees, install utilities, and streets. Councilmember Roche stated this is only two - thirds of the opportunity because the other one- third comprises the two parcels to the north of 69 Avenue N. that opens to 70 Avenue N. He explained that land was the original farm, could offer a top -of -the -line organic community garden with parking on 69 Avenue N., so he supported expanding the discussion to 'include those two parcels north of 69 Avenue N. comprising 2.6 acres. Councilmember Ryan stated the City has an opportunity to purchase the property at a significant discount. He asked, if the Council determines to move forward with the purchase and hold the property for a period of time until the economy recovers, could it be sold at a profit. Mr. Boganey stated in theory, when the market improves, that could be the case but there is no promise of a profit. Councilmember Ryan asked about the taxes paid by this property. Mr. Eitel stated he believed taxes were minimal and he would obtain that information for the Council's consideration at the Work Session. Councilmember Kleven asked who pays for development costs f the land is sold. Mr. Boganey stated in a strong market the developer would cover those cost expecting to recover the costs through the lot sales. Councilmember Kleven noted permission would be needed to install a roadway, which would involve an additional cost. Mr. Eitel explained the property would have to be assembled, right -of -way dedicated for streets and utility easements, and the developer would probably develop a different plan that includes a more eff cient street design. Mayor Willson stated he has no qualms with talking about purc iasing this land because the City could assemble the parcels fora higher and best use. He indica ed he would look for the City to develop the property to increase the tax base, not sell it to make profit. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Roche moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 04/11/11 -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 a Study Session of h r held on April 11 2011. of t he City Council of the City of Brooklyn Cente e P Y Y Yn 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 ouncil adopted said minutes at its April 25, 2011, Regular Session. Y p g p City Clerk Mayor 04/11/11 -4-