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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 09-26 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 SEPTEMBER 26, 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, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, EDA/HRA Specialist Tom Bublitz, Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe, Planning and Zoning Specialist Tim Benetti, Assistant City Manager /Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. E -MAIL RESPONSE REGARDING MEETING ITEMS Mayor Willson noted that during the weekend prior to the Monday Council meeting, there are oftentimes e -mails from staff that provide answers to Member's questions. He asked if the Council would like staff to provide copies of those e -mails for Council review. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to request staff to provide copies of those communications. REAR YARD SHEDS Councilmember Kleven referenced information from staff indicating some backyard sheds do not require a permit so some may be erected in residents' yards without the City's notice. City Manager Curt Boganey explained a permit is not required as long as the shed does not exceed Code restrictions. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Lasman requested discussion on Item 6d, Resolution Authorizing Funding for Centennial Park Ball Field Improvements, specifically related to the required balance of undesignated funds. Mr. Boganey explained it is 50% of the general fund budget, or in the range of $8 million. 09/26/11 -1- Councilmember Lasman requested discussion on Item 8a, Continued Special Assessments for Administrative Fines /Citation Costs for two properties: 5655 Brooklyn Boulevard and 2318 55 Avenue North. She asked how the City can be guaranteed payment through certification to the County unless the owner of the property receives the citation. Assistant City Manager /Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning explained that in this case the Code specifically states the notice goes to the tenant so collection could occur through a civil court action or collection agency. If the citation is dismissed, the amount would be removed from the assessment levy list and since the violation was corrected no other action is required at this point. Ms. Schleuning further explained that the property owner had appealed this citation at the September 12, 2011, Public Hearing so staff was directed to review the case history. It was noticed that the citation was issued to the wrong party (to the owner) so it is recommended this citation be dismissed. She indicated this is a unique case, but staff will be addressing this Code violation over the winter months and presenting a recommendation for Council consideration. The Council discussed the snow removal violation that resulted in this citation and an ordinance amendment, if needed, to assure the City receives payment. Mr. Boganey advised that the City's ordinance governs what the City can do and it is not bound by the lease agreement between the tenant and owner. The ordinance would prevail in terms of the City's ability to enforce. Mr. Boganey noted staff is simply applying the ordinance as it is written and the Council can amend the ordinance if it wants the property owner cited or both parties cited. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to direct staff to review the ordinance and research options for the Council to consider and discuss at a Work Session. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Kleven reported on the concern of resident Roger Kloster that while the Random Acts of Kindness recognition is a wonderful idea it may need new guidelines, definitions, and clarifications. She read the guidelines posted on the City's website and explained that Mr. Kloster felt the acts described are undertaken as a daily part of our lives. Councilmember Kleven stated she supported this recognition program and asked if the Council would be interested in revising its goals and, perhaps, refining the guidelines for nomination. Following discussion, it was the majority consensus of the City Council to support the Random Acts of Kindness recognition but the definition and guidelines for nomination could be refined so the recognition is more meaningful. Staff was directed to place this topic on a future Work Session agenda. 09/26/11 -2- Mr. Boganey reported that Mr. Bublitz has decided to retire after more than 25 years of service. EDA /HRA Specialist Tom Bublitz stated he will be retiring next Tuesday and has appreciated the opportunity to serve the residents of Brooklyn Center. The Council congratulated Mr. Bublitz on his upcoming retirement and thanked him for his service to Brooklyn Center. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE 5455 BROOKLYN BOULEVARD AS PART OF THE REIMAGING OF BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR Mr. Bublitz introduced the item, noting the property is located in the northwest quadrant of the 55 Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard intersection. This corner lot is 20,803 square feet with 145 feet of frontage on Brooklyn Boulevard and 150 feet of frontage on the Northport Elementary School entrance drive. Mr. Bublitz displayed aerial photographs of the subject site and asked the Council if it believed the acquisition and removal of this single - family residence would have a positive effect on the reimaging of Brooklyn Boulevard. It was noted the property is not foreclosed but vacant and marketed for sale. The City Council discussed options for redevelopment and recognized the potential for use of this property in the reconfiguration of the Northport Elementary School entrance and parking lot or to accommodate expansion of the North Memorial Clinic. Councilmember Lasman noted the list price is $115,000 yet neighboring property had sold at a much lower price. Mr. Bublitz stated if approved, staff would negotiate sale to the City's advantage. The City Council discussed its support for the purchase of 5455 Brooklyn Boulevard because it will improve the image of Brooklyn Boulevard, address the goal of the Comprehensive Plan to remove private residences from Brooklyn Boulevard, and offer redevelopment opportunities. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to direct staff to pursue negotiations for the purchase of 5455 Brooklyn Boulevard. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Willson adjourned the Study Session at 6:35 p.m. 09/26/11 -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 the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on September 26, 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 October 10, 2011, Regular Session. h114 rk City Clerk Mayor 09/26/11 -4-