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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 07-11 CCM Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION JULY 11, 2011 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session called to order by Mayor/President Tim Willson at 7:48 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Tim Willson and Councilmembers /Commissioners 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, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Carla Wirth, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. HIGHWAY 252 UPDATE The City Council/EDA continued its discussion and agreement that its members represent the entire City regardless of the location. Councilmember /Commissioner Ryan stated this is an example of a decision he struggles with and appreciates it is the City Council/EDA's consensus to not move forward with a Phase 1 study. He indicated he will support the City Council/EDA's decision and look forward to it being reconsidered in the near future. It was the majority consensus of the City Council/EDA that there is clearly a problem with the Highway 252 corridor; however, to not move forward with a Phase 1 study at this point due to Tack of funding partners and to revisit the issue in late - winter or early- spring. CONNECTIONS AT SHINGLE CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE Mr. Steve Lillehaug introduced the topic, noting that in 2009 Hennepin County, jointly with the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, and the Single Creek Watershed Commission, completed the Connections at Shingle Creek Corridor Study that assessed opportunities for ecological restoration of Shingle Creek from Regent Avenue to Noble Avenue. He described the current conditions of erosion, need for a buffer, and the improvements proposed to address these problems and impairments. The improvements will also create an educational component near Park Center High School where students can collect samples for monitoring. It was noted that a study has been developed for a Phase 1 project from Brooklyn Boulevard to about 700 feet east of Noble Avenue. This project is not currently identified in the City's CIP. 07/11/11 -1- Mr. Lillehaug presented a cost and funding summary for this $350,000 project, noting it is eligible for 25% funding from the Shingle Creek Watershed ($87,500) and the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park will each contribute 25 %. The project will also be submitted for possible Clean Water Legacy grant funding of 50% of the cost. Mr. Lillehaug advised that an easement for the identified creek improvement and to connect a trail segment will be needed at 7240 Brooklyn Boulevard. That property owner has indicated their willingness to work with the City in obtaining the easement but a cost has not yet been identified for acquisition. He asked the City Council /EDA if it supports pursuing funding opportunities for a Connection's project and to add it to the City's CIP. He also asked if the City Council/EDA supported obtaining the necessary easements for this project. The City Council/EDA discussed the proposed project, noting the northern half of the Creek is the "gateway" to the City. In particular, support was expressed for the proposed outdoor classroom at Park Center High School, the need to take responsibility for the City's waterway, and to address the "big picture" for the entire Creek through a holistic approach that includes parkland and trail connectivity. The City Council/EDA considered the benefit of addressing the quality of Palmer Lake since that impaired water runs into Shingle Creek. Mr. Lillehaug advised that the Watershed District engineer has applied for a grant to install solar powered aerators in Palmer Lake that incorporates an art form. In addition, the Watershed District engineer has done extensive modeling to identify problem areas. The majority consensus of the City Council/EDA was to support pursuing f indmg- opportunities for a Connection's project, to add the project to the City's CIP, and to obtain the necessary easements for this project. With regard to pedestrian signage at the Noble Avenue school crossing, Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman stated this is a problematic area for students because drivers' do not understand pedestrians have the right -of -way so she hoped crossing signage can remain as late in the season as possible to alert drivers of the need to yield. UPDATE ON TERM OF OFFICE — COUNCILMEMBER/COMMISSIONER ROCHE Councilmember /Commissioner Roche indicated he would like to update the City Council/EDA regarding his term of office; however, it was not an agenda item. The City Council/EDA agreed to revise the agenda to allow this update. Councilmember /Commissioner Roche explained he and his family are moving to the West Coast, regardless of whether his house sells, so he will be tendering his resignation. The City Council/EDA asked Councilmember /Commissioner Roche to work with staff to determine the best time to submit his formal resignation. 07/11/11 -2- Mr. Boganey stated he will ask City Clerk Sharon Knutson to provide the City Council /EDA with the options for appointment or special election. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember /Commissioner Roche moved and Councilmember /Commissioner Lasman seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 8:28 p.m. Motion p assed unanimously. 07/11/11 -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 Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on July 11, 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 July 25, 2011, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 07/11/11 -4-