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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 03-26 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 MARCH 26, 2012 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 8:59 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Tim Willson and Councilmembers/Commissioners Carol Kleven, Kay Lasman, Lin Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Assistant City Manager/Director of Building & Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and Carla Wirth, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM FOR 2012 HAPPY HOLLOW NEIGHBORHOOD PARK Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel presented the 2012 Community Garden Program and potential site at Happy Hollow Neighborhood Park. He stated the proposal is to create 14 garden plots, a garden plot rental fee of$50/person ($700 seasonal revenues), program administration through CARS, initial site preparation by Public Works, and a water supply from the private well at Malmborg's Greenhouse. Mr. Eitel advised a satellite sanitation facility, waste containers, and weekly pickup are recommended as well as a capital expense for a perimeter fence. Mr. Eitel described the role of the Housing Commission and Park and Recreation Commission to provide operational assistance, guidance, and to continue opportunities to expand the Program. It is anticipated the program guidelines, gardening policies, and application format accepted by the City Council in 2010 would be used. Mr. Eitel indicated that should the program be approved by the City Council in April, it would allow gardening to start by mid-May. Mr. Eitel asked whether the City Council desires to have the Park and Recreation Commission and Housing Commission schedule a neighborhood informational meeting at the Happy Hollow Park to receive public input on the potential use of a portion of this Park for a community garden. He also asked if the City Council supports proceeding with a 2012 Community Garden Program and establishing a Community Garden Plot rental fee of$50 per season. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman asked how much staff time would be involved in operational assistance. Mr. Eitel explained the Housing Commission would assist staff to implement the program and mediate disputes between gardeners, if necessary. He stated staff 03/26/12 -1- met with a representative of Malmborg's Greenhouse, which supports community gardening and volunteered its well site and watering service. Malmborg's Greenhouse also volunteered some plant materials and perhaps coupons to foster and encourage gardening. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman suggested an agreement be drafted, similar to that used in the Hopkins gardening program detailing components and expectations, such as no excessive noise, that the gardener would sign. Housing Commission Chair Kris Lawrence-Anderson indicated Malmborg's Greenhouse staff has indicated it is looking to profit as well as volunteer. She suggested that after the first growing season, gardeners be provided educational information on composting to enhance the soil, which would also result in a cost savings. She advised that a fee of$50 is indicative of most neighboring communities. It is thought that if the price is too low, the gardener does not have a vested interest and some will sell produce at local farmer's markets. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman asked how parking will be accommodated if there are only eight parking spaces. Chair Lawrence-Anderson stated it is expected there will be more vehicles during the initial opening weekend but not likely that all 14 gardeners will be at the site at one time. She noted parking is available on the street but they could also look at the option of parking at Malmborg's Greenhouse. Chair Lawrence-Anderson indicated that a controversy amongst gardeners is not common because this type of program fosters a community atmosphere. Mr. Eitel indicated Public Works would mark the plot boundaries. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan thanked the Housing Commission for its efforts and stated he also appreciates the Welcome to Brooklyn Center program for new residents. He stated his main concern relates to parking but it appears the Housing Commission is addressing that matter. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he would support the Commissions meeting with area businesses and holding an informational meeting with residents to gain their input. Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven added her thanks to the Housing Commission and Park and Recreation Commission. She stated her support for this program, noting this is the people's park. She thanked staff for working on this program and Malmborg's Greenhouse for stepping forward to provide water. She advocated for placing this item on the City Council's agenda following the April 17, 2012, public informational meeting. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman stated her support to move forward as long as the neighbors have no serious concerns. She asked how this program will be marketed. Mr. Eitel stated once approved it would be promoted through the newspaper and other contacts such as Malmborg's Greenhouse and the church to the north. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski commented on her feeling of inclusion while attending two Housing Commission meetings and read the City Council's new mission statement that she felt this Program exemplified. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski stated she 03/26/12 -2- I was excited with this proposal for a public/private partnership with Malmborg's Greenhouse, which is important considering diminishing contributions from the County and State. Chair Lawrence-Anderson stated if this goes forward, she would like to schedule a ground breaking event and press coverage. Mayor/President Willson asked how water will be provided by Malmborg's Greenhouse. Mr. Eitel stated a well and garden hose will be used but as the program grows, it may be possible to look at an irrigation line with spigots. Mayor/President Willson stated he would support using City funds to install such an irrigation system and asked staff to provide a cost estimate for the City Council's consideration. Mayor/President Willson asked what type of additional fence is being proposed beyond chicken- wire fencing. Mr. Eitel stated a perimeter board/wire mesh fence is proposed that would look presentable and the interior fencing between plots may be chicken wire. He agreed with the need to assure the perimeter fence is nice looking so it is supported by the neighborhood. Mr. Eitel stated they will also look for partnerships to erect the fence, perhaps through a civic or non-profit organization. Mayor/President Willson expressed concern with how quickly the fence will come about and indicated he would not object to the City contributing some dollars. Mayor/President Willson asked about the potential to expand towards the east beyond plots 7 and 14, and down from plots 11, 12, and 13. Mr. Eitel stated the proposed garden placement avoids balls from the ballfield coming into the plots. Mayor/President Willson stated he thinks there will be requests for more plots than available, especially if there is irrigation and attractive fencing, and he would like to look ahead to areas that could be expanded next year. Chair Lawrence-Anderson stated they were thinking a white fence similar to the Earle Brown Center fence with chicken-wire fencing on the inside. The consensus of the City Council/EDA was to move forward with the public informational meeting, the City providing pizzas during that meeting, and placing this item on a City Council agenda following the public informational meeting. Staff was asked to provide cost estimates for exterior fencing and extending an irrigation system with spigots from Malmborg's Greenhouse well. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 9:40 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 03/26/12 -3- i 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 March 26, 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 April 9, 2012, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 03/26/12 -4-