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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 12-10 CCM Study SessionMINUTES 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 DECEMBER 10, 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 6:15 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Carol Kleven, Kay Lasman (arrived at 6:30 p.m.), Lin Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan (arrived at 6:30 p.m.). Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Finance Director Dan Jordet, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. RECESS Councilmember Myszkowski moved and Councilmember Kleven seconded to recess the Study Session until 6:30 p.m. and move to the celebration for retiring Councilmember Kay Lasman. Motion passed unanimously. Councilmembers Lasman and Ryan arrived. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Mayor Willson reconvened the Study Session at 6:33 p.m. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Lasman requested discussion on Item 6g, Resolution Accepting a Feasibility Report Calling for a Public Hearing, Improvement Project Nos. 2013-01, 02, 03, and 04, Kylawn Park Area Street and Utility Improvement, in particular whether it should indicate 2013 instead of 2012. City Manager Curt Boganey indicated the wording is correct, as stated. Councilmember Kleven requested discussion on Item 10a, Resolution Establishing a Sister City Relationship Between the City of Brooklyn Center, Hennepin County, United States of America, and the City of Voinjama, Lofa County, Republic of Liberia, in particular clarification of disbursements brought before the City Council, when needed. Mr. Boganey referenced the last: "WHEREAS, except for staff time no expenditure of tax dollars is expected to occur in support of 12/10/12 -1- carrying out specific Sister City programs or activities but private donations to the City may be used in support of these Council approved activities." He explained this statement implies that any activities must be approved by the City Council. The City Council indicated that had been its unanimous consensus. Councilmember Lasman noted the response was thorough and she could now see the symbiotic relationship more clearly. She noted there are many Liberians living in our midst and while they love living in the United States, there is probably an attachment to their homeland. She stated she supported embracing a Liberian Sister City in this manner because it will bring a closeness between the two cities and may benefit in getting newcomers to participate in City activities. Councilmember Kleven stated she was not opposed to the Sister City Program but wished there had been an opportunity for the City Councilmembers to see the City of Voinjama for themselves, as the Brooklyn Park City Council had the opportunity to do with its Sister City. Councilmember Lasman asked if that visit was before or after Brooklyn Park adopted its Sister City Program. Mr. Boganey stated it occurred when the Vice President was in town and after Brooklyn Park had visited Liberia. Mayor Willson indicated the costs for travel might go down after the holidays. Councilmember Myszkowski presented a picture of the main highway in Lofa County, noting it is in poor condition. She indicated she had been impressed with the information on the International Sister City Program and risks, but thought teleconferencing may be an option and still enrich Brooklyn Center. Mayor Willson agreed the cultural exchange will be rewarding for the City's residents and joining the Sister City Program would not commit any tax dollars unless the City Council decided to do so at a future date. Mr. Boganey confirmed this resolution does not commit the City to join the International Sister City Program, which includes a fee. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:46 p.m. 12/10/12 -2- Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS — CONTINUED Councilmember Kleven requested discussion on Item 10e.4, Resolution Adopting the 2013 General Fund Budget, in particular the added funding to support the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth and the new Youth Gymnasium. She asked whether this is within the CARS budget. Mr. Boganey explained the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth is within the Joint Powers section of the Budget and the Gymnasium appropriation is an increase in staffing costs and within the General Fund CARS Budget. Councilmember Kleven asked if there would be funding in addition to the $1,468,000. Mr. Boganey read the first page of the Budget overview relating to this funding and explained the funding was inclusive. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Lasman stated she had talked with CEAP staff about the level of security at the Adult Education/Northwest Hennepin Health and Human Services parking ramp and learned it had 19 cameras that record live to Hennepin County. Should there be an irregularity, Hennepin County dispatches police to the area. There is also on-site security until 9 p.m. Councilmember Lasman stated she has been asked by constituents how the parking lot is being secured so she wanted to pass along this information. Councilmember Myszkowski asked if the cameras are Hennepin County owned. Councilmember Lasman stated she did not ask who was funding the cameras but assumed Hennepin County was a partner. Councilmember Kleven reviewed a discussion that occurred during the last MAC meeting that in the winter, cars are left running and unattended, which is illegal and an invitation to thieves. At that meeting, Councilmember Lasman had suggested including an article about this matter in City Watch and on the City's website. Councilmember Kleven stated she supported those suggestions and would also like an explanation of that ordinance inserted into the City's utility billing. She noted this method could also be used to communicate the community gardens program. Mayor Willson asked about the cost of that form of communication. Mr. Boganey advised it is labor intensive to stuff the utility bills, which he will calculate and report on at a future meeting. Councilmember Lasman stated she is delighted to say that the last newsletter contained an article covering that issue. Councilmember Ryan noted the City Council had inquired about Sun Post delivery to households because in January the City Council will designate the official newspaper of record. Mr. Boganey stated that circulation information had been included in a recent City Council update. 12/10/12 -3- He recalled the number reported was in the 6,000 range, which is higher than presumed, and comprised perhaps 80% or more of the City's single-family homes. Mr. Boganey stated the Sun Post exceeds the Statutory requirement so it then becomes a question of whether or not the City would prefer a different business. That decision will be made in January. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to close the Study Session at 7:01 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 12/10/12 -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 December 10, 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 January 14, 2013, Regular Session. ANculm /,[y\AAt/- (-1K .-e- Mayor City Clerk 12/10/12 -5-