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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 03-25 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 MARCH 25, 2013 CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Carol Kleven, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, 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, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Myszkowski requested discussion on Item 6e, Resolution Approving the Labor Agreement for Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local 82 (Police Officers and Detectives) and the City of Brooklyn Center for the Calendar Years 2012 and 2013, in particular the issue of retroactive pay. City Manager Curt Boganey indicated it would be based on a two percent increase. He explained that the City overpaying on the health coverage resulted in arbitration and the details regarding dollar amounts are being worked out by Human Resources. MISCELLANEOUS Property Damage Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson requested an update on the issue raised during last meeting's Informal Open Forum relating to cars crashing into homes. Mr. Boganey indicated that concern was referred to the Administrative Traffic Committee and will be considered at a specially scheduled meeting since they were not scheduled to meet until June 23, 2013. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson advised that Jean Hammerlund of 6437 Unity Avenue N. had provided copies of the Police incident reports. Mr. Boganey accepted the reports for staff review. The City Council discussed the unique situation with this neighborhood because the traffic signal at Zane Avenue is visible between these houses, giving the wrong impression that it is a through street. Should it be determined that is the cause, it was noted the City can consider options for shielding it from view. 03/25/13 -1- DRAFT Mr. Boganey clarified that no one on the Administrative Traffic Committee had formed an opinion on whether or not something should be done. He indicated that all of the necessary data will be gathered for their consideration. Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug explained it was initially thought the Administrative Traffic Committee would meet in June because tube counters could then be put down to check the traffic for volume and speed. However, in this case, the City had previous traffic data that can be considered so the meeting date was advanced. City Council support remained to refer this item to the Administrative Traffic Committee where it can be studied and the best solution determined. Financial Commission Report Councilmember Kleven reported on her attendance at the Financial Commission meeting. Consideration of Religious Holidays Councilmember Myszkowski noted tonight is the first day of Passover, which may impact the ability for residents to attend tonight's meeting. She suggested the City consider significant celebrations and/or religious holidays when addressing the meeting schedule to assure inclusivity. Mayor Willson indicated staff had looked into this matter before and it always came down to considering which religion or holiday should be addressed, noting there would be many holidays should all religions be taken into consideration. Rather, he supported maintaining the current Council meeting schedule, noting he had never heard from constituents that it was a problem. Councilmember Ryan stated while he would not be opposed to considering adjusting the meeting date for a significant religious observance of a major religion, property owners are given due notice of Public Hearings and if requested, the Council would make every effort to allow a change in date for the hearing. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated should there be a religious conflict that results in inability to attend a hearing, she hoped the item would be placed on the next meeting agenda. Mayor Willson stated there was not a clear consensus to direct staff to study the issue. Youth Center Update Councilmember Kleven asked for an update on the retractable screen at the Youth Center. Mr. Boganey stated his understanding is the purchase of a screen had been approved, but he does not know when it will occur. He stated he will provide an update on that matter. Howe Fertilizer Site Update Councilmember Ryan raised the issue of the Howe Fertilizer site and stated that someone had mentioned that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is holding up the grants. Mayor Willson stated his understanding was that there was a March deadline to secure those funds, which has expired. 03/25/13 -2- DRAFT Presentation of City Audit / LGA Update Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked whether a representative of Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich & Company (MMKR) will be in attendance when the audit is presented. Mr. Boganey answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Ryan reported that last Thursday, the League of Minnesota Cities Joint Legislative Conference indicated the prospects for LGA reform, as modified, had a chance of passing. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS RIVERWOOD TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Boganey introduced the topic, noting State law authorizes a city to establish a Housing Improvement Area (HIA) if petitioned by the owners of at least 50% of the housing units within the proposed area. The area is established by ordinance after the City Council holds a Public Hearing regarding the proposal and approves the Housing Improvement Area. He noted this would allow an option to finance improvements made to the townhomes. Mr. Boganey stated many of the City's townhomes are reaching an age where decline and deterioration are beginning to show and in many cases, it is difficult for these associations to obtain standard financing. He asked the Council whether it supported forming an HIA. It was noted if the City Council accepts this proposal, the next step in the process will be for the homeowner association to submit a petition signed by 56% of the residents. Then the City Council will be presented with the resident's petition and call for a Public Hearing to approve creation of the district. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Ryan 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. Motion passed unanimously. RIVERWOOD TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS — CONTINUED The discussion continued on the Riverwood Townhome Association Housing Improvements. 03/25/13 -3- DRAFT Mayor Willson stated the City already has many of the pieces in place and he would support looking at this option to assure maintenance of those properties. Councilmember Kleven asked if they would pay up front or if the costs would be assessed for collection through property taxes. Mr. Boganey clarified that if they had the ability to pay up front, they would not consider this process. This process is used when a townhome determines they do not have the cash to make the improvements and are looking at funding from a private source, the City, or some combination. Mr. Boganey indicated if the Council supports looking at this option, staff can provide assistance to help them find financing and if City money is included, it would have a lien on the property with the City being paid payment plus interest. Councilmember Kleven asked if the cost would be divided amongst the number of townhome units. Mr. Boganey stated the City does not assess individual unit owners but would assess the townhome association as a whole. Councilmembers Myszkowski and Ryan stated support to further this process. Councilmember Ryan asked that when providing a recommendation, staff provide additional information on the financing mechanism. Councilmember Kleven asked if the City can lose on this investment. Mr. Boganey stated it is as secure as any lien the City could have on the property and the chance of being paid is very high. Councilmember Kleven asked about the option of funding with grant money. Mr. Boganey indicated it may be more appropriate to consider use of other resources such as Housing TIF Funds. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson supported moving forward to improve the City's housing stock if there is no liability. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to support establishing a Housing Improvement Area. PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL TO BE EAT.TALK.CONNECT! MONTH Mayor Willson asked staff to conduct additional research on the Eat.Talk.Connect! Challenge and prepare a proclamation to declare Eat.Talk.Cormect! Day in Brooklyn Center. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to close the Study Session at 6:56 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 03/25/13 -4- DRAFT 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 March 25, 2013. 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 April 8, 2013, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 03/25/13 -5-