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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 09-09 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 SEPTEMBER 9, 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 ouncilmem ers Carol Kleven Kris Lawrence-Anderson Lin Y C b , Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Interim Finance Director Greg Andrews, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, 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 Kleven requested discussion on Item 10.c.2, Resolution Adopting a Preliminary Budget for the 2014 Fiscal Year, in particular the e-mail from a resident relating to the Mayor Council budget expenditure line item. City Manager Curt Boganey stated the dollar numbers being referenced reflect the entire budget for the City Council including salaries, benefits, travel, retreat, annual audit, memberships, as well as other items. Councilmember Kleven noted under Teen Recreation and City gave $50,000 to Brooklyn Bridge Alliance and $50,000 for the gym floor. She asked where those dollars are reflected in the budget. Mr. Boganey stated the line item being referenced is for specific teen programs the City runs geared towards teens and does not include the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance or gym floor expenditures. He noted the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance contribution is shown under the Joint Powers Agreement line item. The City Council discussed the impact of the sub-ledger computer glitch that occurred in 2013 and supported the suggestion of Councilmember Ryan to ask staff to review the net support for teen recreation and after school programs including the CARS programs before responding to the resident's e-mail. Mayor Willson stated a bigger issue is that an the error in a line item had been noticed at a joint session with the Financial Commission and asked staff to verify all figures within the General Fund Budget Year 2013 information. He noted there may be other errors that have not yet been identified. 09/09/13 4- Mr. Boganey stated the 2014 numbers have been verified; however, the 2013 budget numbers had not been verified. He assured the City Council that he believed the 2014 budget numbers are correct. The City Council agreed that the books should be correct from year to year and since the errors are known at this time, the correction should be made. Mr. Boganey stated $37,313 was approved as the Teen Recreation 2013 budget line so the only way to make that correction is to amend the 2013 budget. The City Council asked staff to prepare a Resolution to amend the 2013 budget prior to the end of the year. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson requested discussion on Item 10.a., Consideration of a Type IV 6-Month Provisional Rental License for 5715 Emerson Avenue North, in particular the lack of meeting Code requirements that had resulted in payment of expensive fees. She asked how long the City Council will continue to approve a rental license to a property owner who is not following the Mitigation Plan or applicable Ordinances. The City Council discussed the history of Code and Mitigation Plan violations for 5715 Emerson Avenue North and expressed a reluctance to consider renewal of a Rental License for a property that is habitually out of compliance. Mr. Boganey agreed this property owner is a habitual violator of Code provisions and the City Council has options to consider. He noted this property now meets the requirements of a Type IV 6-month Provisional Rental License so under the Ordinance, the City Council can disapprove the Mitigation Plan or require changes/modifications to that Plan. Mr. Boganey explained that should a Rental License not be approved, the property owner still receives rent revenues as long as the same renter remains in the property. However, if the renter leaves the property, the property owner would not be able to re-rent the unit until a Rental License is approved. Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning explained the process that would be followed should the City Council direct staff it wants to deny the rental license. She indicated that if denied, the rental licensing process has to again be followed or the property owner would be cited in Hennepin County Court for operating without a rental license. That would involve a formal complaint process, spot check, and if the property owner is renting without a license, would be formally prosecuted through the Hennepin County Court process. She explained the current issue with this property is not Code violations, but monthly reporting. The City Council noted that in past similar circumstances, it has asked staff for a recommendation on whether or not the property owner is now on the right track. Ms. Schleuning stated this property owner was very concerned and the licensing process is making an impact. She indicated staff is spending less time because the violation involves the property owner not submitting the monthly e-mail/check, which is more of an administrative duty. Ms. Schleuning explained staff has met with this property owner many times and with a Type IV License, it 09/09/13 -2- requires constant follow-through with check-ins and providing feedback so the property owner needs to be organized to follow that process. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson requested discussion on Item 8.b., Proposed Special Assessments for Delinquent Public Utility Service Accounts, in particular whether additional information is available relating to the damage to Wilfried Zehourou's water sprinkler and resulting water bill. Mr. Boganey stated staff has additional information but it did not seem appropriate to bring forward this evening. He noted the City Council has received his written appeal and if desired, can direct staff to provide additional information and recommendation. MISCELLANEOUS WORK SESSION REQUEST REGARDING FINANCING TO COVER THE COST OF ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS—COUNCILMEMBER RYAN Councilmember Ryan reviewed the number of violations found during Code Enforcement sweeps focusing on the Lions Park Neighborhood. He stated he supports this initiative by staff as it meets the City Council's goals and resident's desire for the City to address messy yards. However, some of the fix up requirements are of a high-cost nature. Councilmember Ryan referenced a resident's letter relating to a paved driveway in poor condition and having no other option but to repave. He stated in this case, the property owner would like to make the improvement but it would be a financial hardship. Councilmember Ryan raised the option of offering low-interest loans through a Fix-Up Fund. He suggested it be determined how many properties have been cited for high-cost repairs and whether the Fix-Up Fund is sufficient to cover that number of projects. Mr. Boganey stated in 2013 the City issued 25 driveway repair orders City-wide with eight being in the Lions Park Neighborhood. He distributed information related to low-interest funding opportunities. Councilmember Kleven asked whether the City has issued loans. Mr. Boganey stated the City does not provide direct loans and reviewed the agencies that offer housing rehab loans. Councilmember Kleven asked about accountability to assure the funds are actually used to correct the Code violation. Mayor Willson stated the program may require submittal of invoices for work completed. Mayor Willson asked how that process works and if the City can partner to initiate the process. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Mayor Willson closed the Study Session at 6:46 p.m. 09/09/13 -3- RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Myszkowski moved and Councilmember Kleven seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:52 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. WORK SESSION REQUEST REGARDING FINANCING TO COVER THE COST OF ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS—COUNCILMEMBER RYAN—CONTINUED The City Council voiced its support to connect residents in need of financial assistance to gain Code compliance with those agencies that administer such programs. It was acknowledged that funds are limited through those agencies. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked if the Building and Community Standards letter can be incorporated into a form letter to inform residents of the opportunities for financial assistance and agencies that offer such assistance. Mayor Willson stated if a citation is issued, the property owner can attend the administrative hearing, so options for financial assistance can be discussed and considered as a mitigating circumstance. Mr. Boganey stated when property owners receive a citation, they often call staff and work together to consider options. The City Council asked Mr. Boganey to research financing options, the process for residents in need to contact those agencies, and how the City can work with residents to obtain low-cost loans to gain Code compliance. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Willson closed the Study Session at 7:00 p.m. 09/09/13 -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 September 9, 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 23, 2013, Regular Session. City Clerk M or 7r 09/09/13 -5-