HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 Edition 182 Spring
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CITY OFCITY OFCITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
A GREAT PLACE TO START, A GREAT PLACE TO STAY
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Inside this issue
Spring 2013 Edition 182 News for residents and News for residents and
the communitythe community
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Community Garden Plots Available
Would you like to grow your own food or flowers but do
not have the land to start a garden? Rent a garden plot
through the Brooklyn Center Community Garden
program. Gardeners can grow their own greenery, while
connecting with nature and other gardeners. In 2012,
eighteen garden plots were created in Centennial Park,
located behind City Hall and the Community Center.
Gardens will open by May 1 and will remain open through
October 31, depending upon weather.
The rental fee is $30.00 per plot. Priority will be given to
Brooklyn Center residents. Residents may apply
now; non-residents may apply starting May 1.
For more information and Community
Garden Applications, visit the Community
Center, call (763) 569-3400 or visit the City
website, Search Community Garden.
Garden Amenities
A 20-foot by 20-foot
garden plot, tilled and
ready to plant
City water source
located nearby for
watering
Fence for small animal
control
Managing and Paying Your Water Bill Is Now More
Convenient— Sign Up Online For eUtilityBilling
In January 2013, the eUtilityBilling system was implemented through the City website.
This highly requested service makes it more convenient for residents to manage their
utility bill accounts and make payments through a secure online system.
With eUtilityBilling you can:
Pay your utility bill any time of day, from anywhere with internet access.
Register and manage your utility bill account.
Receive an electronic copy of your bill instead of a paper copy.
View your billing history.
View your water consumption history.
For more information or to use eUtilityBilling, visit our website at
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org, Search eUtilityBilling.
Sign up to receive City news
through Be Notified on the
city website. Receive emails or
texts about current news, City
meetings, recreational
opportunities, police news and
more.
For articles that indicate
Website Search, you can
find more information on the
City website by using the
search function.
City Briefs
Calendar of Events
2013 Budget
Fix-Up Fund
Celebrate Ethnicity
Shingle Creek
Clean-Up
Adopt a Park, Garden
Critter Corner
City Contact
Information
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2 Brooklyn Center Spring 2013 City Watch
Brooklyn Center continues to move
forward with development,
construction, and various city
projects. City Briefs provides short
updates about city activities. For
more information, please visit the
City website or call City Hall.
Shingle Creek Crossing
Development
Development and construction
inside the Shingle Creek Crossing
Planned Unit Development site
continues, with four new multi-
tenant retail and restaurant service
buildings in different stages of
development. A preliminary plat of
the Shingle Creek Crossing 3rd
Addition will be reviewed by the
Planning Commission and City
Council in January.
Buildings currently in construction
are identified as:
Building G – an 8,420 sq. ft. multi-
tenant restaurant (end-cap designed)
building, located at 1180 Shingle
Creek Crossing (under
construction).
Building H – an 11,200 sq. ft. multi
-tenant building with a proposed end
-cap restaurant user, located at 1560
Shingle Creek Crossing (under
construction). Qdoba Mexican
Grill restaurant has submitted an
application to build in a portion of
Building H. This application is under
review by City staff.
Building K – a 9,500 sq. ft. multi-
tenant retail/service building,
located at 1580 Shingle Creek
Crossing (under construction).
Building L – a 12,600 sq. ft. multi-
tenant retail/service building,
located at 1150 Shingle Creek
Crossing (awaiting construction
Spring 2013).
A new 38,000 sq. ft. LA
Fitness facility, located at 1500
Shingle Creek Crossing, has been
approved and issued a building
permit for construction.
Construction will begin in Spring
and the facility is scheduled to open
Fall 2013.
A Site Plan application for a
new 2,500 sq. ft. building for Panda
Express restaurant in the Shingle
Creek Crossing site is being
reviewed by City staff. Presentation
before the City’s Planning
Commission is anticipated at the
January 31, 2013 meeting, with City
Council consideration in February
2013.
Other News
The new 7,000 sq. ft.
gymnasium/indoor recreation
building on the Brooklyn Center
High School campus, located at
6500 Humboldt Avenue, is open for
students and youth programs.
Slim’s Pizza restaurant,
located at 6901 Brooklyn Boulevard,
is nearing completion. The
restaurant will offer New York-style
pizza, hoagies, wings, gyros and
other specialty sandwiches.
Anticipated opening is early 2013.
Construction continues on
the Maranatha Care Center and
Senior Assisted Living and
Apartments campus, located at
5401 and 5415 69th Avenue North.
The parking and drainage areas were
finished late fall 2012 and the
construction of the 3-story care
center facility continues through the
winter.
City staff has been directed
by City Council to review options to
amend Chapter 34, the Sign Code.
“Dynamic Message Board” sign
standards are being studied for
possible allowance of such signs in
certain districts and specifically for
Public/Semi-Public uses, such as
churches, schools, libraries, public
buildings, etc.
The City Council approved a
Sister City relationship between
the City of Brooklyn Center and the
City of Voinjama, Lofa County,
Republic of Liberia. The Sister City
relationship will promote sharing of
information and enrich our cultural
understanding of our residents from
Liberia.
In 2013, utility rates will
increase slightly. The rate increase
means that a residential customer
using 18,000 gallons per quarter will
pay $130.37 in 2013 versus $124.52
in 2012, an additional $5.85 per
quarter.
LA Fitness Plan Rendering
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org 3
JANUARY
Wednesday, January 16
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program Annual
Meeting. Council Chambers. Learn about the City's Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Program and the status of
implementing storm water best management practices. Look for
the January 2014 meeting!
MARCH
Friday, March 15
St. Patrick’s Day Senior Luncheon. 11:15 am-1:30 pm.
Community Center. $11/person includes lunch of Corned Beef &
cabbage, potatoes, salad & dessert. Pre -register by March 11.
APRIL
Saturday, April 6
Northwest Suburban Remodeling Fair. 9 am-3 pm.
Crystal Community Center. Get inspired for home improvements
at this free fair. Watch demonstrations, ask the experts and meet
vendors.
Sunday, April 14 - Thursday, April 18
City Water Line Flushing. 9 pm-7 am. Flushing may loosen
rust in the pipes that could stain laundry. Delay doing laundry
until the process is completed in your area. For map, visit website
Search Flushing.
Monday, April 15
Summer Recreation Class Registration Begins. Online,
in person at Community Center or call (763) 569-3400.
Wednesday, April 17
Annual Police/Citizen Award Ceremony. 7-9 pm.
Community Center.
Saturday, April 20
Great Shingle Creek Clean-Up. 9 am-Noon. Community
Center. See newsletter article for more info.
Brooklyn Center EarthFest. Brooklyn Center High School,
6500 Humboldt Ave. Noon Keynote Speaker.
1-4 pm. The 4th Annual Brooklyn Center EarthFest includes
speakers, more than 60 educational exhibits, gardening
workshops, demonstrations and activities. City staff will
participate in this community-sponsored event. For updates check
the Brooklyn Center EarthFest Facebook page.
MAY
May 1 - September 30
Annual Odd-Even Water Sprinkling
Restrictions. Citywide.
May 1 - May 29
Step To It Challenge. If you live or
work in Hennepin County, you’re eligible
to participate. Record the number of steps you walk. Apply at the
Community Center.
Friday, May 10 - Sunday, May 12
Mother’s Day Golf Special. Centerbrook Golf Course.
Mom's round of golf is free when joined by 2 or 3!
Friday, May 17
Brooklyn Center Crime Prevention Golf Tournament.
Centerbrook Golf Course.
Monday, May 27
Memorial Day Family Golf Special. Centerbrook Golf
Course. With paid green fee, receive complimentary hotdog and
beverage (pop, water or Slushie).
JUNE
Friday, June 7 - Sunday, June 9
25th Anniversary Special. Centerbrook Golf Course. Watch
for exciting details in the summer brochure and on the City
website, or call (763) 549-3750 to sign up to receive our emails.
Friday, June 14 - Sunday, June 16
Father’s Day Golf Special. Centerbrook. Golf Course. Dad's
round of golf is free when joined by 2 or 3!
Tuesday, June 18 - Thursday, August 1
Puppet Playhouse. Various Brooklyn Center Parks on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. Puppet shows are 30
minutes. Free. (No shows July 2, 3 & 4.)
Friday, June 21 - Sunday, June 23
Dudley/Budweiser Minnesota Classic. Centennial Park.
Admission: $3/day. Watch state softball teams compete against
national powers for a berth in the USSSA World Series.
Thursday, June 27 - Saturday, June 29
Earle Brown Days Festival. Most events in Centennial Park.
Parade, Fireworks, Craft & Business Expo, Kids’ Fishing Contest,
Family Fun & Games, Honor Our Veterans, Golf Tournament,
Capri Big Band, and Petting Zoo.
Mark Your Calendar for Community Events!
A variety of activities are planned throughout
the year, a few are highlighted in this calendar.
Be sure to check future newsletters and the City website
for additional events and updates.
Sign up to receive emails or phone text messages about city
meetings, recreation activities, or other calendar items at
Be Notified on the City website.
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4 Brooklyn Center Spring 2013 City Watch
Friday, June 28
Earle Brown Days Golf Tournament.
Centerbrook Golf. Details in the summer brochure!
JULY
Thursday, July 4
4th of July Special. Centerbrook Golf Course.
Complimentary hot dog and beverage (pop, water or Slushie) with
paid green fee.
Thursday, July 4-Sunday, July 7
4th of July Family Golf Special. Centerbrook Golf Course.
$13.00/1st adult; $5.00/each additional golfer! Each group must
have at least one adult and one junior (ages 6-17).
Tuesday, July 9
Entertainment in the Park. 7:00 pm. Centennial Park.
Featuring the Reuben Ristrom Band performing Dixieland Jazz.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Tuesday, July 16
Entertainment in the Park. 7:00 pm. Centennial Park.
Featuring the Brooklyn Community Band. Since 1962, they have
been entertaining audiences with the finest band music. Bring a
lawn chair or blanket.
Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21
25th Anniversary Special. Centerbrook Golf Course.
Watch for exciting details in the summer brochure and on City
website, or call (736) 549-3750 to sign up to receive our emails.
Tuesday, July 23
Entertainment in the Park. 7:00 pm. Centennial Park.
Featuring the Brooklyn Center Puppet Playhouse performing
Spiderman and Little Red Riding Hood. Bring a lawn chair or
blanket.
AUGUST
Monday, August 5
National Night Out Kickoff Party. 6-8 pm. Centennial
Park.
Tuesday, August 6
National Night Out in your neighborhood. Sign up for
visits from the City.
Monday, August 12
Fall Recreation Class Registration Begins. Online, in
person at Community Center or call (763) 569-3400.
Friday, August 15
Landscape & Garden Spotlight Nominations Due.
Nominate exceptional properties online or through Public Works.
Friday, August 16 - Sunday, August 18
25th Anniversary Special. Centerbrook Golf. Watch for
exciting details in the summer brochure and on the City website,
or call (763) 549-3750 to sign up to receive our emails.
Friday, August 30 - Monday, September 2
Labor Day Weekend Family Golf Special. Centerbrook
Golf. $13.00/1st adult; $5.00/each additional golfer! Each group
must have at least one adult and one junior (ages 6-17).
SEPTEMBER
September 27
Random Acts of Kindness Nominations Due 4:30 pm.
Nominate someone for their kind act this past year. Nomination
form available online.
Saturday, September 28
Fire Department Open House. 10 am-2 pm. West Fire
Station. Free fire truck rides; view fire trucks, equipment, and
helicopter; visit booths; refreshments; and more.
OCTOBER
October 15, 2013 - April 15, 2014
MN Cold Weather Rule In Effect. Residents offered
certain protections from heat utility shut-offs due to inability to
pay. Visit www.puc.state.mn.us/puc/consumers/shut-off-
protection for more details.
Saturday, October 26
Halloween Party. 1-3 pm. Community Center. $5.00/child.
Ages 3-12. Pre-registration recommended.
DECEMBER
Sunday, December 8
Holly Sunday. 2-5 pm. Community Center. Hayrides, magic
show, Santa, refreshments, face painting, games. Free.
2013 Neighborhood Area Meetings
A great opportunity to meet City staff, learn about city
happenings, and mingle with neighbors. Each meeting is
held from 6:00-7:30 pm in a nearby city park. The following
locations have been chosen for this year.
May 2012 Grandview Park
June 2012 Garden City Park
July 2012 Kylawn Park
September 2012 East Palmer Lake Park
Specific dates and info will be available on the City website.
If you have questions, please contact the Crime Prevention
Specialist at (763) 503-3272.
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org 5
2013 Budget— Focusing on Core
Services and Sustainability
In 2013, Brooklyn Center residents with median valued homes of
$119,800 will see a reduction of $51.90 in City property taxes, paying
$734.27 in 2013 compared to $786.17 in 2012.
On Monday, December 10, 2012 the City Council adopted the
property tax levy payable in 2013 along with the operating budgets.
These items together comprise the 2013 Budget. This action followed
several months of development, discussion, and meetings among City
staff, Financial Commission, City Council and public hearings in order
to establish budget priorities and arrive at a final recommendation by
the City Manager.
This year the City started a two-year budget planning process for
general operations as part of the annual budget process. Some funds
such as capital improvement projects are planned and projected for 20
years. The City has used multi-year modeling and other strategies to
plan for fluctuations in the economy. As a result, the City has
obtained a “AA” financial rating with Standard and Poor’s.
“The budget is the financial plan that enables the City to work towards
the goals set by the City Council”, stated Dan Jordet, Finance
Director. The City Council has prioritized goals to include
commercial redevelopment, community safety and security,
neighborhood services, citizen engagement, and increased
environmental sustainability within the community.
What is the budget for 2013?
The overall City budget for 2013 is $46,014,790 and is comprised of
various funds such as general fund, enterprise funds, capital outlay and
debt service. The General Fund expenditure budget pays for most
basic City services and is $17,528,989. General fund revenues from
taxes, state funding, and fees pay for public service expenditures for
public safety, street maintenance, recreation and parks, redevelopment,
property maintenance, and general government activities.
What are some highlights of the 2013 general fund budget?
Some highlights in the 2013 general fund budget include:
Funding for the Brooklyn Bridge Youth Alliance project and
Community Gymnasium
Continuation of development at Shingle Creek Crossing
Continued programs to reduce domestic violence and youth crime
Continued next page…
How does the 2013 budget
affect property taxes?
Information gathered by Hennepin County
estimates that in Brooklyn Center, 97.7%
of single family properties will see a
decrease in taxes. The other 2.3% will see
increases. Part of the reason for the
decrease is because commercial/industrial
and apartment properties will pay a higher
portion of property taxes in 2013, 54%
compared to 50% in 2012.
Average Cost of City Service
Per Household
Per Month
Street Maintenance $ 4.47
Park Maintenance $ 3.05
Police Services $24.04
Fire Services $ 3.48
Recreation Services (adjusted
for revenues)
$ 2.75
Average Cost of Other
Household Items
Per Month
Internet $20-$50
Cell Phone $20-$200
Cable/Satellite TV $30-$100
Cigarettes– 1/2 pack per day @
$8 per pack
$112
Comparison of Average Household
Costs*
*Average City costs not adjusted for revenue (fees,
permits, grants, etc.) unless specified.
$119,800
Median Value House
$734.27 City Tax
($61.19 per month)
2013
$133,800
Median Value House
$786.17 City Tax
($63.25 per month)
2012
6 Brooklyn Center Spring 2013 City Watch
2013 Budget continued…
Addition of an Assistant City Engineer position and
additional part-time public works staff
Base wage increases of 2% for city staff
Other departmental expenses and services
maintained at or near 2012 levels
What are the sources of revenue for the 2013
general fund budget?
The majority of general fund revenue that pays for city
services comes from property taxes, which accounts for
78% of the general fund revenue. Other sources of
revenue include licenses and permits, service fees, grants,
local government aid and other sources as indicated in
the chart below.
How are City streets, buildings and other capital
items funded?
The 2013 capital improvement/street reconstruction
budget is set at $7,539,000 to be spent primarily on the
Kylawn Park Neighborhood reconstruction project.
These improvements will be paid for with a combination
of funds including utility revenues for the utility system
improvements, and assessments, State Aid and franchise
fees used for the balance.
The complete 2013 Budget may be viewed on the City
website, Search Budget.
The City of Brooklyn Center has partnered with the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to offer low
interest loans to qualified homeowners to help fund
home remodeling projects. The Fix-Up Fund Low
Interest Loan Program can be used for almost any
home improvement project including a new roof, new
siding, new windows, a new furnace, a kitchen remodel
or even an addition.
The Fix-Up Fund offers loans of $2,000 to $35,000,
with an interest rate of 3%. To qualify for this program
you must own and live in the home and have an annual
household income of less than $95,000. The loan can
be used regardless of whether you hire a contractor or
you do the work yourself.
For more information about home purchase programs,
please visit the City website Search Fix-up Fund or call
Greater Minnesota Housing Corporation at
(612) 588-3033.
Dreaming of a Home Makeover?
Fix-Up Home Loans Available
Proclaimed by the US Congress in 1995, we
remember Irish immigrant contributions
and Ireland’s struggle for independence.
Since our Nation’s founding, millions of Irish have
immigrated to this country for the opportunity that
America offers. Some came seeking the freedom to
worship. Others came in the wake of the devastating
Irish potato famine of 1845-1849, which caused 1
million deaths in Ireland and led nearly 1.5 million Irish
to emigrate. The Irish brought with them a spirit of life
and a work ethic that helped to enliven our culture.
Throughout our history, America has been
blessed by the contributions of Irish
Americans. This month we celebrate these
great people and the heritage of their beautiful
ancestral homeland, Ireland.
Celebrate Ethnicity
Irish-American Heritage Month
2013 General Fund Sources of Revenues
0.60%
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org 7
Take Out the Trash
Join The Great Shingle Creek
Watershed Clean Up
April 20 – April 27, 2013
Take out the trash this spring by joining the Brooklyn
Center Earth Day 2013 celebration with the 12th annual
Great Shingle Creek Watershed Clean Up. From
Saturday April 20 through Saturday April 27, Earth Day
heroes will line the banks of Shingle Creek and descend
on City parks to pick up litter and trash.
In 2012, 185 volunteers collected more than 124 bags of
debris, auto parts, tires, bikes, toys, and other junk along
the creek and in the parks in Brooklyn Center.
In 2013, many groups affiliated with the Brooklyn
Center Adopt-A-Park/Trail/Street Program will cleanup
their assigned sites during the week. Groups and
individuals not already connected with an area will be
assigned to a portion of Shingle Creek, nearby park,
open space, or parkway.
If you are interested in participating either as a group or
as an individual, call Jenny Whiting at (763) 585-7100.
Trash bags and cotton gloves will be provided on
April 20 at the Community Center, 6301 Shingle Creek
Parkway. The official clean up will take place from
9 am to Noon on Saturday, April 20 to celebrate Earth
Day.
Calling All Earth Day Heroes
Adopt a Park, Trail, Street or Garden
Individuals, businesses, organizations, and neighborhood
associations can adopt a park, street or garden to make
the community a better, more beautiful place to live.
To adopt a park-trail-street-flower garden-rain garden,
please contact Jenny Whiting at (763) 585-7100. To
adopt a flower garden or plant container at City Hall or
Community Center, please contact Kelly Mertes at
(763) 569-3405.
Thank you to all the volunteers who adopted parks,
trails, streets, flower gardens and rain gardens! We
appreciate the wonderful job you are doing, and look
forward to another great year.
T he Giddy Gobbler
Brooklyn Center residents
enjoy the best of both
worlds—the conveniences of
living in a first ring suburb
and the enjoyment of nature
with numerous parks and wildlife areas
in the city. However, proper care needs
to be taken when living with our furry
or feathered residents. Do not feed or
approach wild animals.
Brooklyn Center City Ordinances
prohibit the keeping of turkey, chickens
and other fowl on residential properties.
However, wild turkeys are occasionally
seen wandering through our
neighborhoods. This turkey was
probably relieved to have escaped
Thanksgiving dinner! While wild
turkeys are generally not dangerous,
always keep your distance from wild
animals.
Critter Corner— Living with Wildlife
Wild Turkey Photo by John Rued
Building/Housing Inspector
Did you know? Wild turkeys can run at speeds of up to 25 mph and fly as fast as 55 mph!
8 Brooklyn Center Spring 2013 City Watch
City Council Meetings
City Council Regular Session
meetings are held the 2nd and 4th
Monday of the month at
7 pm.
Informal Open Forum is held
at 6:45 pm before Council
meetings for persons who wish to
address the City Council about
issues not scheduled on the
agenda.
City Council Work Sessions are
held immediately following the
Regular Session City Council
meetings.
City Council Meetings are
broadcast live on cable Channel
16. Replays shown Tuesdays at
6:30 pm and Wednesdays at
2:30 am and 10:30 am. You may
also watch City Council meetings
on-line, on demand at your
convenience through a link on the
City website. Call City Hall to
verify meeting dates or visit the
City’s website at
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org.
Council Members
Mayor Tim Willson
Voicemail: (763) 569-3450
mayorwillson@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
Councilmember Carol Kleven
Voicemail: (763) 569-3446
councilmemberkleven@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson
Voicemail: (763) 569-3444
councilmemberlawrence-anderson@ci.brooklyn-
center.mn.us
Councilmember Lin Myszkowski
Voicemail: (763) 569-3447
councilmembermyszkowski@ci.brooklyn-
center.mn.us
Councilmember Dan Ryan
Voicemail: (763) 569-3445
councilmemberryan@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
City Manager
Curt Boganey
(763) 569-3300
Printed on Recycled Paper
If you have important community
news, an interesting story or ideas to
share, please contact the newsletter
editor at (763) 569-3300.
Brooklyn Center — A Great Place to Start, A Great Place to Stay
City Phone Numbers (763)
Administration 569-3300
Building/Community Stds 569-3330
Inspection Scheduling 569-3344
Code Enforcement 569-3473
Business & Development 569-3335
Assessing 569-3310
Public Works/Engineering 569-3340
Finance 569-3320
Utility Billing 569-3390
Community Center 569-3400
Activity Weather Line 569-3442
Earle Brown Heritage Center 569-6300
Centerbrook Golf 549-3750
Fire 549-3600
Police (General Info) 569-3333
Emergencies & Officer
Assistance 911
City of Brooklyn Center
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
e-mail: info@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
City Hall (763) 569-3300
Job Information Line (763) 569-3307
TTY MN Relay Service 711
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center MN 55430
PRSRT STD
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PAID
TWIN CITIES MN
PERMIT NO. 2170