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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 08-27 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 AUGUST 27, 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 8:08 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 Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe, Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and Carla Wirth, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. RESULTS OF CITY CODE RESIDENT SURVEY Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning concluded presentation of the results of the resident survey relating to parking, driveways, and waste containers and requested City Council/EDA input. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he has observed waste containers near the residence's front door and thinks requiring waste containers to be placed to the side of the structure is a straightforward regulation as a minimum standard. He noted that because of fences or other encumbrances, it may be difficult for some properties, but that would be an exceptional property. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman suggested providing clarity by drawing circles on the illustrations to identify locations where waste containers would be allowed. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan agreed with this suggestion and stated if the ordinance is moved forward, he would support enforcement in the form of warnings that include an illustration of the property configuration to identify where waste containers can be placed in conformance. Mayor/President Willson observed that of 12,200 surveys sent out, only 353 surveys were returned, which is a low volume. In addition, several hundred surveys were submitted through the City's website. He asked whether staff is tracking whether the website surveys were submitted by Brooklyn Center residents. Ms. Schleuning answered that staff is not. 08/27/12 -1- Mayor/President Willson noted some surveys were sent outside of Brooklyn Center. Due to the low volume (78% of 1%), he felt the City Council/EDA should take the survey with a "grain of salt." Ms. Schleuning indicated staff found the results not surprising because of the random sampling identifying that more properties than not are in compliance even if this is adopted. If properties are already in compliance without a requirement, those residents may be more likely to support the proposed regulation. In addition,those who submitted a survey cared enough to do so. City Manager Curt Boganey agreed this is not a scientific survey; however, 16% is a relatively good survey response rate. He pointed out that the primary reason for the survey was not to get scientific validated results to use in decision making but an opportunity to educate and share with residents what the City Council/EDA is thinking about doing and to request feedback. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman stated she likes the recommendations, which will result in an improved community. However, the City Council/EDA may need to consider grandfathering in properties that are out of compliance with the new regulations. She asked whether a one-foot wide space would be adequate, noting a three-foot wide space could be used as a parking space. In addition, if gravel is considered an improved surface, a maintenance requirement may be needed to address things like erosion and to avoid gravel from ending up as sediment in the storm sewer system. Since it is dark at 7 p.m. during winter months and people like to roll out the trash container when they come home, she suggested changing the time to roll out containers to 4 p.m. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski stated she does not receive a lot of complaints, but if she gets a compliant, it is about people parking on the lawn or landscaping and too many cars. Oftentimes she mentions the survey in the City Watch, but finds they did not fill it out. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski questioned how representative the survey results actually are. She stated she is not a fan of gravel driveways because they are not maintained well. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski asked if the City can do anything to help residents understand the importance of the City's efforts for continuing redevelopment and that hard-surfaced driveways are sort of an"insurance policy" on home value if all comply with these regulations. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan asked whether it would be possible to have a program that encourages residents to use permeable pavers (such as used in the Dupont Avenue boulevard) for driveways to improve the appearance, eliminate issues with gravel erosion, and further stormwater program. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated that while he likes a higher driveway standard, he struggles with considering this regulation given the level of underemployment in the City. Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven stated she agrees with the comments of the City Council/EDA that crushed rock/gravel is unsightly and not maintained. She asked whether there is a way to require future homes or major remodels to have a hard surfaced driveway (concrete or bituminous). 08/27/12 -2- Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman noted that even though there was a good response, the issue relating to the number of vehicles parked was not addressed. Ms. Schleuning stated restricting the number of parked vehicles is regulated by some communities; however, it is difficult to enforce. She described methods to restrict the number of vehicles. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he found several 1,000 sq. ft. single-family homes in Brooklyn Center that rent for $1,200, which may take three employed adults to cover the rent. He noted that adult children have vehicles and suggested perhaps the best way to address parking is to require vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces and to set a percentage of improved surface. Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven supported focusing on enforcement of vehicles and boats parking on grass surfaces. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman stated the work of staff has been good to address the issues of concern and she supports moving ahead with refinements as discussed. She asked about the ability to create a low-interest program for residents to improve parking surfaces. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan suggested requiring a hard surfaced driveway at the point of sale so those terms can be negotiated between the two parties. The majority consensus of the City Council/EDA was to move forward and direct staff to prepare an ordinance for first reading, and to also consider suggested approach for enforcement.. The City Council/EDA agreed to reorder the agenda to next consider Agenda Item No. 3. BROOKLYN CENTER YOUTH RECREATION CENTER FLOORING AND EQUIPMENT Director of Community Activities Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe introduced the item, noting that in January of 2011 Brooklyn Center School District #286 and City of Brooklyn Center and other partners were awarded a$304,000 grant from the Hennepin Youth Sports Grant Program to construct an indoor youth recreation facility. However, the project cost just over $650,000, so there is no money left to install an athletic floor or purchase equipment. Mr. Glasoe presented three flooring options based on 7,000 sq. ft.: interlocking tile ($4-7/sq. ft.); synthetic surface like commercial grade vinyl (($8-10/sq. ft.); or, wood floor($13-15/sq. ft.). He described the maintenance requirements for each option and indicated those in attendance at the user meeting supported a sport court of interlocking the ($28,000-49,000) since it would meet the needs of most facility users. In addition, it is estimated to cost $10-20,000 to equip the facility with sports equipment. Mr. Glasoe asked the City Council/EDA to provide direction to staff regarding the possibility of the City participation in the funding of flooring and equipment for the new Brooklyn Center Youth Recreational Facility. Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven stated her support to allow youth and facility users to participate in fundraising activities. She offered many suggestions in how to structure and promote fundraising events and volunteered her assistance as well. 08/27/12 -3- Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski asked about the cost overrun. Mr. Glasoe stated he was not involved with the construction process but understood it was significantly more expensive to extend utilities (water, sewer, gas lines) to the location. In addition, some soil issues needed remediation. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski asked who administers the building. Mr. Glasoe stated it is a Brooklyn Center Schools building and currently complete with a concrete floor so it is usable but somewhat limited. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski asked about a partner split to pay for the floor. Mr. Glasoe stated there was no discussion on a cost split. He noted that with fundraising, there are timing issues because the building is somewhat usable and events are planned. He noted the building is desperately needed, so he would not want the facility vacant for a period of time due to lack of flooring. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski stated she likes the fundraising ideas presented by Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven but agreed it would take time to do so. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he agreed with the recommendation for a sport court type of flooring and that it does not make sense to let this facility sit given the priority placed on youth programs. He asked whether this topic would be an appropriate subject for discussion at the August 30, 2012, Joint Budget Work Session, noting it seems the City would be the only stakeholder with ability to fund. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he would support fundraising for athletic equipment. Mr. Boganey indicated if the Council is supportive of the City making a contribution, there are sufficient funds available from the year-end increase in fund balance of about $400,000 that is not yet fully committed. He recommended the Council not consider funding from next year's operating fund. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman asked whether the Brooklyn Center High School could partner on the floor or had expended all of its funding for this project. Mr. Glasoe stated the School District covered the $300,000 difference between the loan and actual costs. Mr. Glasoe raised the option of considering wholesale or slightly used opportunities. He indicated he found a supplier of slightly used sports court flooring, estimated at $14,000 to $18,000 delivered to Brooklyn Center, not including labor. This option would provide an opportunity for facility users to volunteer to install the tiles. The City Council/EDA indicated support for this option and complimented staff on its ingenuity to explore lower-cost options for wholesale or used flooring systems. With regard to user fees associated with this facility, Mr. Glasoe stated that is yet to be determined, but if there is a fee it would be nominal to cover operational costs, not capital reimbursement. Councilmember/Commissioner Kleven supported approaching other groups, such as the Women's Club, to make a contribution. 08/27/12 -4- Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski questioned the County's requirements in how funds are used and impact should there be a delay in usability of the building. Mr. Boganey explained it would address the concern of the County as long as the building is being used in a manner consistent with the grant application. He noted the School District has been gracious in its acceptance that this facility is not only for Brooklyn Center schoolchildren but, rather, for all Brooklyn Center children. Mr. Glasoe stated the life expectancy of sports court flooring is 15-25 years based on usage and maintenance. The majority consensus of the City Council/EDA was to direct staff to prepare a resolution authorizing $50,000 funding for the flooring and athletic equipment for consideration at the August 30, 2012, meeting, and to prepare an appropriate press release. NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGNATION Ms. Schleunin resented a ma of proposed neighborhood designations, as reviewed b the gp p p p g g � Y Council at its December 12, 2011, Work Session, noting slight adjustments made to the areas and recommended names for the proposed neighborhoods. She advised of geographical P feedback from the Park and Recreation Commission and the Housing Commission. Ms. Schleuning asked the City Council/EDA to consider the benefits or drawbacks to officially identify neighborhoods and what level of resources should be allocated toward this effort. The City Council/EDA discussed the proposed neighborhood designations and stated support for identifying neighborhoods by its park and boundaries that coincide with police sectors. It was agreed that such designations result in residents feeling connected to their park, as shown by the successful neighborhood meetings that have been held. The City Council/EDA indicated it would not object to funding sign replacement if only several hundred dollars. Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman suggested staff research the City's past practice to have representative groups meet periodically to report in. She asked whether it would be useful to have one representative from each of the 17 neighborhoods meet periodically or if that was no longer needed due to the formation of Neighborhood Watch Groups. Mayor/President Willson relayed the change he noticed at this year's National Night Out events that comprised several smaller neighborhood groups into a larger event. He noted the Police Department has been meeting in each park for years, and he felt that was how to build a stronger organization from the top down. Mayor/President Willson suggested letting it take its natural course. The majority consensus of the City Council/EDA was to approve the recommended neighborhood designations, changing the "Riverdale" Neighborhood to the "Riverwood" neighborhood, and direct staff to prepare a resolution to officially adopt the neighborhoods at a future Council meeting. 08/27/12 -5- ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 9:56 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 08/27/12 -6- 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 August 27, 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 September 10, 2012, Regular Session. Uj City Clerk Mayor 08/27/12 -7-