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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 08-08 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 AUGUST 8, 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 (arrived at 6:07 p.m.), and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Police Chief Kevin Benner, EDA /HRA Specialist Bublitz, Police Commander Brian Peters, 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 Councilmember Ryan requested discussion on Consent Agenda Item 6f, Application and Permit q g for Temporary On -Sale Liquor License submitted by City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation, for an event to be held at Surly Brewing Company, 4811 Dusharme Drive, on September 10, 2011, specifically relating to an event held earlier that had attracted a large crowd. He asked whether there had been any public safety issues with that event. City Manager Curt Boganey stated he was unsure about the event mentioned but the feedback from the Police Department, historically, has indicated these activities are well controlled. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Lasman asked whether the Council had been invited to attend the Safety Camp graduation. Mr. Boganey stated the Council is always welcome and he will check to determine if an invitation was mailed. Councilmember Roche arrived at 6:07 p.m. Councilmember Ryan reported that he has two surgeries scheduled prior to the end of the year, which will necessitate missing some meetings but he will make every attempt to minimize his absences. Councilmember Roche announced his resignation from the Brooklyn Center City Council to pursue new opportunities. He thanked staff and the citizens for the opportunity to serve this community, which he has found rewarding. Councilmember Roche indicated that he is the last 08/08/11 4- Roche to live in Brooklyn Center but has every confidence the City will thrive and remain dynamic. He acknowledged the expertise of staff to further the City's progress and rebirth as evidenced by recent redevelopment projects. Mayor Willson noted Councilmember Roche had this dream for years and wished him well in his new ventures. He encouraged Councilmember Roche to make this announcement during Council Reports. Mr. Boganey indicated that in anticipation of this announcement,_ the City Clerk prepared a resolution that would declare the vacancy, specify the date of the vacancy, and the date of the special election. If desired, the Council could add this item to tonight's agenda. The Council discussed the process and indicated support to amend tonight's City Council agenda to consider that action since Councilmember Roche has made his decision and announcement. In addition, it would allow the Council to move forward to fill the vacancy. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS PUBLIC ART DISCUSSION Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel explained the Brooklyn Center School District, in conjunction with Mentoring Peace Through Art, has requested to paint an artistic mural along the sound wall between Highway 100 and Earle Brown Elementary School that has been subject to repeat graffiti and vandalism. To consider such an action, Mn/DOT requires a resolution from the City to allow painting the mural and a permit to work within the right -of- way. This permit would be submitted by the Brooklyn Center School District. He displayed slides depicting the location and alignment of the Highway 100 sound wall and location along the trail where the mural would be painted. Mr. Eitel advised that all associated costs including maintenance would be borne by the School District or others, not the City. He noted the City's Sign Ordinance does not address the painting of such a mural and reviewed policy issues related to public art for consideration by the City Council. Councilmember Kleven asked if the quilt mural design has been selected and if there was a safety issue such as distracted drivers. Mr. Eitel stated he is unsure if the pattern has been selected and clarified that the mural, if approved, cannot be viewed from Highway 100. Mr. Boganey stated the final design is an issue the Council can determine as part of its approval process. Councilmember Roche stated he would not consider the mural to be a sign but, rather, public art. He stated the City supports a corporate atmosphere on the freeway side of the sound wall, as exists, but on the other side is an elementary school with a diverse population and more aligned with this type of public art. He advocated for each request to be considered on its individual merits and indicated he would support this request because the location is appropriate and may stimulate creativity, especially during winter weather conditions. 08/08/11 -2- Councilmember Kleven supported a contest format to select the mural pattern and asked if each grade could be allowed to paint a portion of the wall so all participate. Mayor Willson suggested that decision be left up to the School District. Mayor Willson stated concern with the next mural request and stated support for the current restrictions against branding and trade names, or commercial promotion. He indicated he would not want the Council to act as the art critic. Councilmember Lasman indicated she would want the Council to see the design prior to implementation. She agreed the mural should have no advertisement or persuasion and be of a neutral nature so all can identify with no factions. Councilmember Lasman stated she likes the quilt pattern design with hand prints that could allow participation by each student in some form. She questioned the durability of the paint and whether it would withstand Minnesota's inclement weather conditions. Jimmy Longoria, representing Mentoring Peace Through Art, explained the paint is exterior grade and guaranteed for 20 years. To prepare the surface, all fissures are caulked and the area painted with two coats of primer. 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 Ryan seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6 :51 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC ART DISCUSSION — CONTINUED Mayor Willson stated he would not want the Council in a position to judge what "art" is and noted a segment of the population may not support this type of public art. He recommended the Council review the ordinance to determine if it should be amended and, if so, appropriate locations for murals. Mr. Boganey stated that Mr. Eitel had indicated the City does not believe the current ordinances address the issue of public art and the Sign Ordinance does not apply to public art. It is before the Council because a request was received from the School District and Mn/DOT that requires an approval by Council resolution. If the Council does not support this project, Mn/DOT would not allow this request. 08/08/11 -3- Councilmember Lasman supported consideration of public art requests to occur on a case-by- case basis with no area being generally open for this activity. She noted the requested location is isolated by a park, a school, and a trail which is an unusual circumstance. Councilmember Lasman felt that whether public art requests are considered via policy or ordinance, it needed to be specific to assure that approval of this request would not set precedence. Councilmember Roche stated his concurrence that it should be a case -by -case consideration based on the specific area and set of circumstances. Mayor Willson stated he is not suggesting the ordinance be changed for this particular request but to set parameters should future requests be received for consideration. Mr. Boganey advised that a policy would also be appropriate for this consideration. He presented options before the Council to adopt an ordinance addressing public art, to establish a policy in how to address public art requests in the future, and/or to approve this permit specifying the basis for that decision to assure it is not a precedence setting action. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Kleven seconded to close the Study Session at 6:59 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 08/08/11 -4- 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 August 8, 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 August 22, 2011, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 08/08/11 -5-