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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 08-26 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 AUGUST 26, 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 6:04 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, Interim Finance Director Greg Andrews, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inca CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS -None. MISCELLANEOUS World Wildlife Federation/Sustainability Measures Councilmember Myszkowski stated she received an e-mail from a constituent relating to the World Wildlife Federation and asked whether the City Council supported staff researching incentives to adapt to global climate change. She explained that if those rules are followed, you can make application for the Federation's three $30,000 grants. Councilmember Ryan stated he briefly reviewed the information and thinks it would be fine to do something that follows the Federation's program as long as it does not involve substantial staff time. He stated he has followed sustainability options and activities, from which the City may also be able to benefit. Councilmember Kleven stated Brooklyn Center had supported the event whereby residents turned out their lights for one hour. City Manager Curt Boganey indicated the City did participate in that activity last year; however, he cannot point to any specific result. Councilmember Myszkowski stated one example of adapting to global climate change would be to create green rooftops and another is to consider different species of trees that can survive higher temperatures. 08/26/13 -1- Mayor Willson stated promoting green rooftops could cause a conflict since the City has an effort underway to use rooftops for solar panels so a cooperative can be set up to provide power. In addition, there is legislation at the State level and benefits for citizens to look at such a solar cooperative. He noted another option is natural groundcover rather than expanses of green lawn that need higher levels of maintenance and watering. He stated he does not oppose those types of options if they can be worked into the City's process and show a benefit, rather than a cost, to residents. Mr. Boganey stated it may be helpful for staff to generate a list of things the City is already doing in terms of sustainability. In addition, staff can review the Federation's website. He stated the City has a roof garden at the Earle Brown Heritage Center where some, but not all, of the vegetables served are grown. Mr. Boganey stated staff will report additionally on this issue at a future Work Session. Recreational Fires Councilmember Myszkowski stated she was contacted by a constituent about her dislike of smoke from recreational fires. She asked if the City Council is interested in changing the timeframe for recreational fires. The City Council discussed the current timeline as being midnight and that the City offers an on- line form if you want to have a recreational fire. In addition, if a resident is uncomfortable with a recreational fire,they can call the Fire Department so the necessary action can be taken. Councilmember Myszkowski stated the resident indicated she did make that telephone call and was told the fire was in compliance. She noted the Fire Chief is authorized to require a recreational fire to be immediately extinguished if a dangerous situation or creating an undue hardship on residents. Councilmember Myszkowski stated the resident has asthma, as she does, and she is also bothered by the smoke from recreational fires. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated many on her block have fire pits, which also brings neighbors together but she understands the hardship issue and hopes the City Council can strike a balance for the benefit of the entire City. Mayor Willson stated he is unsure that changing the hours would be more beneficial than a public educational component. He noted that for a resident with asthma, smoke from a recreational fire coming into their windows creates an undue hardship and medical issue. He stated his neighborhood also has many fire rings and there are times, especially in early fall, when there is noticeable smoke. Mr. Boganey stated he will address this issue with the Fire Chief to assure the ordinance is being g Y g correctly enforced. Brooklyn Center Business Association Presentation Councilmember Ryan stated he had recently enjoyed a Brooklyn Center Business Association dinner and presentation by Mike Sims, Shingle Creek Crossing leasing agent, and Director of 08/26/13 -2- Business and Development Gary Eitel relating to redevelopment activities occurring in Brooklyn Center. He suggested Mr. Sims be invited to provide an update relating to Shingle Creek Crossing to keep the resident audience apprised. Councilmember Ryan offered the suggestion of creating a brochure that promotes/informs what the City is doing for development and redevelopment. Councilmember Myszkowski asked whether realtors/leasing agents have copies of City maps identifying available locations. Mr. Boganey stated he is unsure, noting such a map quickly becomes outdated. Mayor Willson stated he knows developers view the City's website to gain this type of information. Mr. Boganey stated that is the most efficient method for the City to disseminate that information. Mr. Boganey stated staff will schedule a formal development update before the City Council within the next 30 to 60 days. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS DISCUSSION ON AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE LOT 1,BLOCK 1,CHRYSLER ADDITION,FORMER CARS FOR HEART AUTO DEALERSHIP 6121 BROOKLYN BOULEVARD (REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR) Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel introduced the item and explained that in January of 2009, Bob Kagel, Kagel Acquisition Company, acquired Lot 1, Block 1, Chrysler Addition, for $1.5 million for the purpose of operating the Cars with Heart Auto Dealership. It opened in January of 2009 but closed the later part of 2012. Mr. Kagel contacted City staff to determine if the City/EDA had an interest in acquiring this property for$1,5 million. Mr. Eitel reviewed other properties the EDA had acquired in this area and areas of opportunity for renewal along Brooklyn Boulevard. He stated if not housing, an alternative is a planned commercial PUD for a larger area. Mr. Eitel reviewed the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 3 budget, noting there is an available revenue stream. He explained that when taxes are delinquent,taxes are not forgiven and will be paid at some point in the future. Mr. Eitel stated the property is being offered for $1.5 million, the same price it sold for in 2009, so he considered a budget of$1.665 million for land purchase debt service including demolition. Mayor Willson stated another option is the way the City leveraged the FBI property. Mr. Eitel stated the City missed this opportunity in 2008 because the price for this property started at $3.2 million. He asked whether the EDA feels that the acquisition of 6121 Brooklyn Boulevard meets the objectives of TIF District 3. He also asked whether the EDA supports the issuance of a Tax Increment Housing Bond to acquire 6121 Boulevard. 08/26/13 -3- Mayor Willson noted 6107 Brooklyn Boulevard is owned by the Luther organization. Mr. Eitel stated if this property is purchased and used for housing, he thinks Mr. Luther will work with the City as he has been a positive corporate citizen. Mayor Willson asked whether 3606 61St Avenue North and 3600 61s' Avenue North are residential properties. Mr. Eitel answered in the affirmative and stated they may be available at some point since the residents are aware that when the time is right, they should talk with the City. Mayor Willson stated 6121 Brooklyn Boulevard is a valuable opportunity but in looking at how it lays out, 6107 Brooklyn Boulevard and 3606 61St Avenue North and 3600 61st Avenue North would make a larger and more appealing site for elderly housing or a corporate setting. Councilmember Kleven asked whether the City has tried to negotiate a lower price. Mr. Eitel stated it is his understanding that it is the seller's firm position, as it was-appraised for $1,850,000. It was noted there is a discrepancy in ownership and this offer had been presented before a judge to reconcile those differences. Councilmember Kleven stated support to purchase this property and consider it for senior housing. She asked if it is purchased, would it be sold for $1 the same as the FBI building. Mayor Willson stated it is too early to consider those types of negotiations. Mr. Boganey stated the City would not assume that the property would be given away but once the proposal is received and the potential on investment is determined, the asking price can be considered. Mayor Willson stated this site used to be an automobile sales lot and asked if Mr. Kagel would agree to be responsible for any environmental mitigation that is necessary. Mr. Eitel stated the process has not reached that point and a purchase agreement has not yet been written. Discussion on this item continued and reached conclusion at the August 26 2013, Work Session. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to close the Study Session at 6:51 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 08/26/13 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 August 26, 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 September 9, 2013, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 08/26/13 -5-