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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 10-22 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 OCTOBER 22, 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 6:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Carol Kleven (arrived at 6:24 p.m.), Kay Lasman, Lin Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, Police Chief Kevin Benner, and Carla Wirth,Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Lasman stated she would like to comment, during the Consent Agenda approval, that Items 6d, Resolution Accepting Work Performed and Authorizing Final Payment, Project Nos. 2011-01, 02, 03, and 04, Palmer Lake East Neighborhood, and 6e, Resolution Approving Final Project Budget, Improvement Project Nos. 2010-05, 06, 07, 08, Contract 2010-B, Twin Lake Area Neighborhood Street and Utility Improvements, are both under budget. Councilmembers Ryan and Myszkowski stated their support to allow comment on those two items to call attention to the good work of staff and that the City is getting good bids. Mayor Willson advised of Charter Commission appointments. Councilmember Ryan stated he had asked Housing Commission Vice Chair Judy Thorbus to apply should another opening occur because she has demonstrated outstanding service to the City. Councilmember Ryan stated he had sent questions to Mr. Boganey about the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Brooklyn Bridge Alliance and the contribution of Hennepin County. He noted the County will contribute $25,000 this year and $50,000 in 2013 and 2014. Councilmember Ryan noted this funding commitment by Hennepin County during budget constraints indicates the City Council made a good decision to approve a larger contribution. Mayor Willson agreed the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance is a worthy cause that the City has been working on for a long time. Councilmember Myszkowski concurred. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Myszkowski reported that during the last Housing Commission meeting, the 10/22/12 -1- Chair asked if there are protocols around the Chairs being notified when a new member is appointed. The Chair would like to be in attendance at the City Council meeting so she can introduce herself and welcome the new appointee. Mayor Willson noted the Chairs are lettered and it is on the City Council's agenda. Councilmember Myszkowski stated in her capacity as City Council liaison she would notify the Chair when an appointment will be made. Councilmember Ryan asked whether the hours for voting will be the same as the City Hall service desk's business hours. City Manager Curt Boganey suggested City Clerk Knutson provide that information because there may be extended hours on certain days. Councilmember Lasman stated she observed sandwich signs at a Mexican restaurant and asked staff to remind the owners if that is a violation. Mr. Boganey stated staff will follow up on that situation, noting the ordinance does allow a certain number of days for a temporary permit. The City Council addressed an e-mail received from a constituent relating to on-going and questionable activities in a parking lot and suggested he continue to call the Police Department whenever that activity is observed. Mr. Boganey stated this matter will be referred to the Police Department, Police Chief Benner advised that an officer would be assigned to this issue if called into the Police Department. Councilmember Kleven arrived at 6:24 p.m. Councilmember Kleven asked to address Agenda Item l Ob, Resolution Authorizing Execution of the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth Joint Powers Agreement and Approving Allotment of Unassigned General Fund Net Assets. She thanked City Manager Boganey and all who worked on the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance and asked about the timing to hire an Executive Director. Mr. Boganey reported advertisement for that position will occur within the next few weeks with an expected hire date in December and start in January. He reported an application has been submitted for a$50,000 foundation grant. Mayor Willson noted the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance is the initiative of former Brooklyn Park Mayor Steve Lampi and work of City Managers, department heads, and Park & Recreation Departments of both cities. He extended his appreciation for the involvement of Mr. Boganey, staff, and Brooklyn Park City Manager Verbrugge. Mr. Boganey pointed out it is also important to make appointments from each elected body to comprise the voting board and actively engage in leadership going forward. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS LIMIT ON NUMBER OF DOGS City Manager Curt Boganey introduced the item, noting Andrea Knodel of 6030 Aldrich Ave. N. had presented the concern of her neighbor at 6036 Aldrich relating to the two dog restriction in City Ordinance 1-109. He indicated this is an issue that comes up with 11-12 calls per year and all get resolved voluntarily once residents are aware the City's limit is two dogs. It was noted 10/22/12 -2- the limit on dogs has been two for at least 30 years.Now a request has been made, once again, to modify that number. The City Council discussed its consistent enforcement of the City's ordinance that limits the maximum number of dogs at two, noting it is sometimes difficult and an emotional issue. It was noted that the City's ordinance is not offered in Spanish, as mentioned by Ms. Knodel, so some residents are not aware of this regulation. Mr. Boganey indicated staff is considering options to make the ordinance available in more languages and including it periodically in the City's newsletter. The City Council suggested a copy of this ordinance be included in new resident Welcome Bags. Councilmember Kleven presented her research of ordinances from ten other communities. Councilmember Lasman described the City's past issuance of kennel licenses and resulting exponential increase in dog related complaints that resulted in no longer granting kennel licenses and limiting the number of dogs. The unanimous consensus of the City Council was to not consider an amendment to Ordinance 1-109 and Mr. Boganey was asked to so notify Ms. Knodel. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to close the Study Session at 6:43 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Kleven moved and Councilmember Lasman seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:49 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. SUCCESS TARGET UPDATE Mr. Boganey introduced the item and reviewed that in March, the City Council had talked about success indicators related to Goal #1: Reduce violent crime by 10% or more each year; and, reduce property crimes by 10% or more each year. He noted that even though successful over the last several years to meet or exceed that reduction, the crime rate would get to a point of plateau. The City Council had discussed the fact that "Part 1 crimes" is such a broad term and covers a lot of different crimes so it may not be the best measure of success in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Boganey stated staff is suggesting the City look at the four Part 1 crimes that created the greatest impact on residents' and businesses' sense of safety and security and to develop success indicators that would be more reflective of success. 10/22/12 -3- Police Chief Kevin Benner stated the City Council discussed in March how to measure crime reductions and impact. Since 2007, Part 1 crimes have declined 40%, an outstanding number but to continue that decline is a challenge. Chief Benner reviewed current strategies in place for reduction of domestic aggravated assaults and difficulty in impacting non-domestic aggravated assaults. With regard to larceny, he explained that a large percentage relates to theft and shoplifting. The number of shoplifting arrests is up significantly, 36 in the last 30 days, at Walmart alone due to its aggressive loss prevention efforts. Chief Benner noted that while there has been a reduction in theft of automobiles, there is a spike in larceny crimes due to those increased shoplifting arrests. Chief Benner recommended reporting Part 1 crimes in a way that is easy to understand so residents can retain the message and asked the Council to consider expanding the measurable outcomes for Part 1 crimes to encompass specific crimes within that category: aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, and larceny. Mayor Willson stated he is not opposed to including values and refining goals based on general categories but does not want to lose sight of the Police Department's success in reducing Part 1 crimes by 40%. He agreed that a 10% per year reduction in Part 1 crimes is probably unrealistic across the board. Discussion on this item continued and reached conclusion at the October 22, 2012, Work Session. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Kleven seconded to close the Study Session at 6:59 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 10/22/12 -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/Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on October 22, 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 November 13, 2012, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 10/22/12 -5-