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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 05-29 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 MAY 29, 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 8:53 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Tim Willson and Councilmembers/Commissioners Carol Kleven, Kay Lasman, Lin Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Also present were Assistant City Manager/Director of Building & Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, Finance Director Daniel Jordet, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe, and Carla Wirth, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. MISCELLANEOUS INCLUSIVENESS AND DIVERSITY—MAYOR/PRESIDENT WILLSON Mayor/President Willson indicated this item was scheduled for but not addressed at tonight's Study Session. He introduced the topic and explained that a constitutional marriage amendment has been proposed by the Legislature. He noted a constituent has raised the issue that if the City is going to continue to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness, it should consider going on record as opposing the marriage amendment to the State of Minnesota Constitution. Mayor/President Willson stated he thinks what is more paramount is the fact that it is being considered to put this legislation into the Constitution, a document used more for how the State is organized and operates. Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven stated she was not approached by a constituent about this nor was she ambivalent on this issue. She stated that while she loved them dearly and supports civil rights, if it came to a vote she would follow her religious beliefs, which is against same-sex marriage. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan noted the City Council/EDA has put forward resolutions in the past on items not strictly subject to its jurisdiction that state the will for the City Council/EDA or position on an issue. He also asked why this should be a constitutional amendment since there are specifics in State law that do not allow same-sex marriage. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he thinks the real issue ought to be how can the State protect the civil rights of all people. He indicated that while he would oppose a State 05/29/12 -1- constitutional amendment, out of respect for people with religious objections to allowing same- sex marriage, he would favor changing Statute to allow for domestic partnerships. This option would allow authority and privileges marriage partnership enjoy when a spouse is disabled, during life threatening or termination of life issues, which is currently denied to individuals in committed same-sex relationships. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski stated she is perplexed by how it is okay for a majority to deny a right others have enjoyed. She stated if the City is truly inclusive, that means for everybody including respect for all who abide by religious teachings that are not comfortable with same-sex marriage. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski stated she grew up in a conservative religious family but found that too many friends have had to go to other states to marry. She stated she stands opposed to this amendment, noting these constituents have been assets to their communities. Mayor/President Willson stated he believed the State should not legislate what people do in the privacy of their homes or choose as a life style. Mayor/President Willson stated he would lobby hard for the City to go on record to oppose a referendum for adding same-sex marriage to the Constitution on grounds of excluding part of our population from the Constitution and because the Constitution is not the proper place for such an amendment. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman noted the City Council/EDA has taken stands on items it does not legislate and philosophically weighed in; however, those issues pertained to the well being of all our citizens. In this case, the issue involves a personal choice and there are residents on opposite ends and in between. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman noted that while all have feelings on this issue, she is not sure a representative body of local government should draft legislation on this sensitive item. The City Council/EDA continued its discussion of the proposed marriage amendment to the State's Constitution and noted it has already legislated the fact that Brooklyn Center is a diverse community, striving to be inclusive and include all residents. It was agreed that all couples should have the same rights for filing of taxes and business-like benefits as a traditional married couple. The consensus of the City Council/EDA was to continue consideration to the June 11, 2012, Study Session. COUNCIL SALARIES—FINANCIAL COMMISSION Mayor/President Willson advised that a sitting City Council cannot decide its own salaries while serving in office, but during an election year the City Council can consider a recommendation of the Financial Commission relating to salaries. He presented the consideration of the Financial Commission and its unanimous recommendation that salaries for the Mayor/President and City Council increase 3.0% for 2013 and 3.0% for 2014. Councilmembers/Commissioners Lasman, Ryan, and Kleven, as well as Mayor/President Willson spoke in support of the recommendation, noting the City Council's/EDA's salary has 05/29/12 -2- been at the same level for four years, which was justifiable due to the downturn in the economy and requests that staff not take a salary increase. However, it is now appropriate to consider a modest increase since the economy is showing an upturn. It was noted the City has a$16 million budget and the recommended increase would result in a total difference of$2,763. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski agreed the City can afford to give,this raise; however, she was reluctant to support the recommendation in consideration of the City's many residents who are unemployed or under employed. The City Council/EDA discussed its commitment to serve the City and the number of meetings/ events members attend on the City's behalf, the costs of which continually increase. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski stated she will support the recommendation with the thought she has the option to donate the increase, if desired. The consensus of the City Council/EDA was to accept the Financial Commission's recommendation relating to a 3.0% increase in Mayor/President and City Council salaries for 2013 and 2014. FIREHOUSE PARK Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe introduced the item and reviewed the history of incidents at Firehouse Park and removal of basketball hoops as a result of multiple incidents. He reviewed the Council's past consideration and determination to reinstall one basketball hoop and direction for staff to continue to monitor activity at the Park. In 2010, the City Council/EDA revisited the issue and asked the Park and Recreation Commission to look at possible relocation of the court to other areas of the park and/or the Brooklyn Center High School property. However, it would cost $8,000 to $12,000 to relocate the court, so the Park and Recreation Commission asked staff to obtain quotes to install a camera on the East Fire Station to allow monitoring of the Park. Mr. Glasoe reported Police Chief Benner is a proponent of cameras but cautioned there would not be someone available to monitor this camera on a regular basis so it would be more of an after-the-fact monitoring. In addition, Police Chief Benner cited other higher priority locations to monitor than Firehouse Park. Mr. Glasoe advised of the number of service calls per month relating to Firehouse Park and indicated staff does not feel current activities or calls for service justify moving the basketball court. Staff recommended continued monitoring of activity and requested City Council/EDA input. The City Council/EDA discussed whether the basketball court should remain a half-court or be expanded to a full court. Mayor/President Willson spoke in support of expanding to a full basketball court because he believed the problem identified early on had been addressed on a permanent basis by the Police Department increasing patrols and park patrols. He noted it is a detriment to individuals who enjoy basketball to not have a full court. 05/29/12 -3- With regard to the number of calls for service for Firehouse Park, Mr. Glasoe advised the crime analyst indicated whereas the average may be lower at other parks, this number is consistent with destination parks. He also advised that nuisance activity such as tipping over benches or garbage cans is not unique to this park. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman stated that while she understands it is more fiui to have a full court, it brings in larger and older crowds to play basketball and results in nuisance issues. Therefore, she supported retaining the half basketball court. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan voiced support to retain the half basketball court and continue patrols, which were found to reduce calls for service. He asked about the option of relocating the basketball court to Brooklyn Center High School's detached athletic facility. Mr. Glasoe explained an outdoor basketball court was inserted into the plan as a placeholder to allow for potential relocation from Firehouse Park but there was no intent by the School District to construct that court at the current time. Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven supported retaining the half basketball court and asked if the camera can be used to revisit the scene should a serious incident occur. Mr. Glasoe responded the camera would be tied into the central system so the activity could be recalled for a period of time, about 30 days. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski asked if there are similar incidents at parks with full basketball courts. Mr. Glasoe answered in the affirmative, noting it is oftentimes cyclical and also involves baseball fields and football fields. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski asked if a larger court would draw a different Y g element. Mr. Glasoe indicated a full court heightens the level of competition. Councilmember/ Commissioner Myszkowski stated support to retain the half basketball court. Arvid Sorenson, Park and Recreation Commission Chair, explained the Commission had made the recommendation for a camera to open the basketball court to full size. He noted the cost to relocate the court is $10,000 and the cost for a camera is $5,000. Mr. Sorensen noted the Willow Lane court is a single hoop and directly adjacent to a house but at Firehouse Park the basketball court is about 35 feet from the residential property. It was the goal of the Park and Recreation Commission to reopen the full basketball court. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman stated she understands this desire and respects the work of the Park and Recreation Commission; however, it is not just an issue with distance from residences but problems with noise, drinking, garbage, and nuisance from large numbers of h ark. She noted children adults cumin to la and that activity spilling out to other areas oft e p g play Y g p are happy with a half court and that is who she wants to assure is served by the parks. Mayor/President Willson stated he does not think it is the full court that is the problem but the people using it and enforcement issue. 05/29/12 -4- The majority consensus of the City Council/EDA was to not expand the half basketball court and direct staff to continue patrol/monitoring activity at Firehouse Park. The City Council/EDA discussed the feasibility of installing a camera and consensus was reached that the price could not be justified given the fact it would not be monitored, the Police Station is at a distance, and even on zoom,the camera would provide only a broad image. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 10:01 P.M. Motion passed unanimously. 05/29/12 -5- 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 May 29, 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 June 11, 2012, Regular Session. JW4 City Clerk Mayor 05/29/12 -6-