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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 05-09 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 MAY 9, 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 6:03 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, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Ryan requested discussion on Item 6d, Resolution Approving Contract for Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 82 and the City of Brooklyn Center for the Calendar Year 2011, in particular the source of the $20,000 grant. City Manager Curt Boganey stated he would verify with Human Resources, but it may be a grant made available through the recently approved Health Care Program or a federal grant that funded some positions. Mayor Willson asked Mr. Boganey to include that information in the next Council update. Councilmember Lasman noted the addition of Item 7b., Mayor's Proclamation Designating May 7, 2011, as a Day of Spiritual Rededication in Brooklyn Center. The Council discussed its desire to be all inclusive, noting the proclamation is nation -wide, and indicated no objection to this agenda amendment. MISCELLANEOUS PROPOSED CITY CHARTER AMENDMENTS Councilmember Lasman referenced the proposed Charter amendments relating to membership, Rules and Procedures, indicating a change in membership to not exceed 15 members, or less than 7 members, and that the rules may be waived by two - thirds of the membership with no less than eight members being present. She asked if that language resulted in a discrepancy since it would paralyze the Commission's ability to take action unless 8 members were in attendance. City Attorney Charlie LeFevere agreed it is unusual to require a super majority and most often the number required to hold a meeting is a simple majority. It was noted this language only relates to a change in the rules. 05/09/11 -1- The Council addressed the Commission's secretarial duties. Mr. Boganey advised that the City does not staff Charter Commission meetings but does maintain the Commission's permanent record, updates to the City Charter, membership roster, and posts vacancies. The Charter Commission uses an elected secretary and the Charter language is being refined because there is no "administrative assistant." Councilmember Lasman suggested the Charter Commission be asked to clarify its reasoning for determining eight members. Mayor Willson stated he will raise the question before the Charter Commission at its next meeting. BICYCLE RACK PLACEMENT Councilmember Kleven suggested the City place an article in the Sun Post to solicit residents' input regarding the placement of bicycle racks. Public Works Director /City Engineer Steve Lillehaug stated it is staff's recommendation to place bicycle racks in locations by parks and bus stops. He noted there is a "short window" to install and implement bicycle racks, about 30 days, but staff will do what it can to solicit public input. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to direct staff to place a notice in the Sun Post soliciting public input on the location of bicycle racks. PROPOSED CITY CHARTER AMENDMENTS — CONTINUED Mayor Willson asked whether the Charter Commission abides by the same Open Meeting Law as the City Council. He also asked about the Charter's ability to regulate eminent domain. Mr. LeFevere advised that the Charter Commission does abide by the same Open Meeting law. He indicated the Charter cannot make it easier for the City to condemn property than provided by State Statute; however, the Charter Commission can establish different procedures to limit circumstances. Mayor Willson stated concern if the Charter Commission becomes involved in regulating the Council's ability to take certain actions. Mr. LeFevere explained that the provisions of the Charter have the same dignity as the State Laws and the provisions can interfere with the City's ability to govern and complete actions and /or developments. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES / MTC BUS SHELTERS Councilmember Kleven referenced a recent publication describing Robbinsdale's use of volunteers to type reports and suggested this option be considered by Brooklyn Center. Mr. Boganey described the City volunteer program and indicated he will provide that information. Councilmember Roche thanked the MTC for bus shelters being erected and its responsiveness. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Willson adjourned the Study Session at 6:43 p.m. 05/09/11 -2- 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 May 9, 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 May 23, 2011, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 05/09/11 -3-