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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 01-23 CCM Study/Work 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 /WORK SESSION JANUARY 23, 2012 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, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Police Chief Kevin Benner, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Lasman requested discussion of Item 6b, Licenses, and asked where the Brass Monkey is located. City Manager Curt Boganey stated the license is for Oak City at 2590 Freeway Boulevard. The City Council agreed with the request of Councilmember Lasman that Consent Agenda Item 6c, Approval of Site Performance Guarantee Reduction for 1501 Freeway Boulevard - FBI /GSA Headquarters, be removed from the Consent Agenda so staff can provide an update. The City Council indicated it would be interested in touring the new FBI /GSA Headquarters. Mr. Boganey stated he will contact FBI staff to determine when the FBI Headquarters will be opening and request a private tour for the City Council Members. The City Council agreed with the request of Councilmember Lasman that Agenda Item 6d, Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Proposed Use of the 2012 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Funds, be removed from the Consent Agenda so staff can present a report to assure the public is informed of this public hearing. Councilmember Ryan asked City staff to provide, during the CDBG public hearing, a review of fund use, history of funding levels, and if funding has been trending downward. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Ryan referenced the MPCA information relating to cleanup of the former Pilgrim Cleaners site and hope that the clean-up will be expedited. He noted this may have more significance to residents in the area than with the Luther development project. Councilmember 01/23/12 -1- Ryan stated it may be difficult to clearly communicate this technical information to residents and he looks forward to hearing more about this matter. Mr. Boganey explained that residents in this area are being asked if they have private wells and if so, to discontinue use of that water source. Mayor Willson reported on a call he received from a resident concerned about snowmobiles and ATVs cutting paths through Twin Lakes Island, which is posted as a wildlife sanctuary. Mr. Boganey stated he will follow up on this item and report back. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESSS Mr. Boganey presented the updated Random Acts of Kindness Program, letter to community members, and nomination form, noting the modifications requested by the City Council at its January 9, 2012, Study /Work Session have been incorporated. He noted the City Council indicated that a single individual nominated several times should receive only one certificate, and advised that is the current practice. However, the person is invited to come forward for each nomination. Mr. Boganey asked the City Council if it was comfortable with the list of examples. The City Council discussed the list of examples and consensus was reached to eliminate the following because they do not rise to a level for recognition: call a lonely person; open a door; give blood; and, pat someone on the back. The City Council discussed the intent of "random" acts, noting it should be spontaneous rather than planned. Councilmember Ryan suggested the title "Random Acts of Kindness" is a brand in being a program that is recognized by residents in promoting acts of kindness. The majority consensus of the City Council was to reword the draft letter to indicate: "You and your nominee are invited to attend the regularly scheduled televised City Council recognition on Monday.. . The majority consensus of the City Council was to approve the Random Acts of Kindness Program, letter to community members, and nomination form as revised. DISPATCH FUNDING The Council referenced the January 5, 2012, letter from Sheriff Stanek indicating Hennepin County will be undertaking a financial analysis including a review of the current policy of not charging cities for dispatch services provided by the Sheriff's Office. Mayor Willson stated he remembers when the City's dispatch service went to Hennepin County and an important factor in making that decision was the indication by Hennepin County that there would be no fees charged by the County to do so. 01/23/12 -2- Councilmember Lasman stated she served on the City Council when the decision was made to move dispatch services to Hennepin County and a lot of people were upset about that decision. She explained the City Council had made the decision after being convinced the service would not be compromised in any way and it would save the City money. She noted if the City is shown what the costs are, what it would cost the City to have its own dispatch service, and that the County service is cheaper, then that could be considered. However, she feels this is like a "bait and switch" based on the information that had been given to the City Council when it made that decision. Councilmember Lasman felt it sounded like Hennepin County was not following through with its original promise. Councilmember Ryan stated the City Council will probably receive more information about this issue. He asked the Police Department to provide input on whether the County dispatch center has worked so far and if there are advantages to the County service beyond money savings. Mayor Willson suggested staff be directed to draft a letter supporting Sheriff Stanek's position to not charge cities a fee for dispatch services. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:50 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. DISPATCH FUNDING The discussion continued on the matter of dispatch funding. Mr. Boganey stated he agrees with Sheriff Stanek and does not want the City to pay a fee for dispatch services. He also agreed it seems like a "bait and switch" if the County tries to charge a fee. However, there are a lot of things the City does not yet know, such as whether the new dispatching services would provide a higher service level than promised ten years ago at no charge. He noted there have been technical advances over the years, such as mapping capabilities, and it may be that the County is proposing significantly expanded dispatch operations that would enhance the operability of police and fire departments and EMTs to interact and coordinate. If that is the case, the question is whether the City is willing to pay to obtain far superior service to the current level of dispatch or is satisfied with the current level of service. Mr. Boganey recommended the City request more information before determining a response. 01/23/12 -3- Councilmember Lasman supported reminding Hennepin County of the promises it made, agreement reached, and ask where current dispatch services are inadequate and in need of improvement. She supported the City making a response so Hennepin County is informed of the City's concerns and that it feels a bit betrayed. Councilmember Kleven agreed with the comments of Councilmember Lasman and suggested such a letter be drafted by staff. The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct the City Manager to prepare a response letter for review by the City Council reminding Hennepin County of promises made, the agreement reached, and to request additional information on the enhancements being proposed. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Study Session at 6:58 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 01/23/12 -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 January 23, 2012. 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 February 13, 2012, Regular Session. j - 72;� - City Clerk Mayor 01/23/12 -5-