Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 01-13 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 JANUARY 13, 2014 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, Finance Director Nate Reinhardt, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Director of Community Activities,Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe, and Mary Mullen,TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial,Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Kleven noted that pages 3 and 4 of the December 9, 2013, Study Session minutes were not included in the meeting packet and were not available on the City website. She noted these pages relate to the City Council's discussion regarding vaping devices. City Manager Curt Boganey apologized for this oversight and recommended that the minutes be removed from the January 13, 2014,Regular Session agenda and a complete set be brought back at the City Council's next meeting. The Council Members agreed. Mayor Willson stated there are many cities in the metropolitan area that are reviewing vaping lounges. Councilmember Kleven stated she visited a vaping lounge, "The Vapor Bunker," in Robbinsdale,to experience it firsthand. Councilmember Ryan stated this topic was discussed at the Crystal Legislative Breakfast meeting on January 9, 2013. He added he was pleased to report to the Association that the City Council is addressing the issue with the moratorium and ordinance amendment proposals. He noted there is a lot of uncertainty and questions surrounding this issue. Mayor Willson agreed, adding the long-term health effects related to the use of vaping devices use is not known. Councilmember Ryan stated he would like the opinion of the City Attorney on whether Charter Cities can regulate the use of vaping devices, based on authority granted by the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act with regard to secondhand smoke. Councilmember Kleven agreed, adding the BCBA was pleased that the City is taking a progressive stance on this issue. Mr. Boganey stated the proposed moratorium and ordinance are on the Regular Session agenda. 01/13/14 4- He added the proposed action precludes smoking lounges and hookah lounges, and the City has the ability to enact controls and regulations to prohibit on-site sampling. He noted the City Attorney could address the Council's questions during the Regular Session meeting. Councilmember Ryan stated there might be a subsequent action by the City Council that would further control and regulate the distribution and sale of vaping devices, but the proposed moratorium and ordinance are good first steps. He added it would be helpful to have information about future effects of vaping devices from the Minnesota Department of Health. Mr. Boganey stated there is little information currently available regarding the future impact of vaping devices, to determine whether they are a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the general public. He added, in that case, the City Council might have legal authority over regulation and sale of vaping devices. Mr. Boganey stated the proposed ordinance relates to all tobacco-related shops where sampling is allowed. He added the proposed ordinance closes that loophole in the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act,which does not regulate on-site sampling. Mayor Willson asked whether vaping devices can be considered"tobacco-related products". Mr. Boganey stated he is unsure. Councilmember Myszkowski stated vaping devices are being produced by the tobacco industry and contain nicotine. Councilmember Kleven requested clarification with regard to Regular Session Agenda Item 6i, Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Use of 2014 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Funds. She asked whether the public hearing will be printed in the Brooklyn Center Sun Post newspaper. Mr. Boganey stated public notice is a requirement,and it would be printed in the next upcoming issue. Councilmember Myszkowski presented a list of recommendations for Regular Session Agenda Item 10c, Mayoral Appointments. She requested feedback from the City Council. There was consensus among the Councilmembers that the recommendations were appropriate. Councilmember Ryan noted that Mayor Willson is listed as the new liaison to the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce. He stated Mayor Willson would receive information and updates from the Chamber via email, and he would need to contact them to provide his email address. Mayor Willson agreed. Councilmember Myszkzowski requested the following change to the Council Packet for January 13,2014, Regular Session Agenda Item 61, "Memorandum of Understanding": on page 1, fourth line from the bottom and page 2, fifth line from the top, replace "relation" with "relationship". MISCELLANEOUS 2014 Sales Tax Exemption Mayor Willson requested clarification regarding the sales tax break that Minnesota cities and 01/13/14 -2- counties will be getting in 2014. Mr. Boganey stated the savings will amount to approximately $100,000 and is predicated on 2013 sales tax. He added the funds have not been allocated, and they provide some flexibility with regard to the 2014 City Budget. Street Signage Request Councilmember Ryan stated he was contacted by a resident who lives near the intersection of 53rd and Dupont Avenues N, regarding new signage at that intersection which says "Crossing traffic Does Not Yield". He added the resident requested that a similar-sign be added to the approach on Dupont Avenue from the south, which is within the City of Minneapolis. Councilmember Ryan asked whether the City of Minneapolis would be adding a similar sign. Mr. Boganey stated they are not adding any signage at that location as far as he is aware. Mr.BBQ Restaurant—Update Councilmember Kleven asked whether staff had an update with regard to the sale of the Mr. BBQ restaurant. Mr. Boganey stated there are no new developments. He added there has been some interest expressed by the owner with regard to a zoning amendment for the property, which would suggest a new proposed use at the site,but no application has been submitted to the City. February 6,2014—Grand Opening Mayor Willson asked whether City staff had distributed invitations to the February 6, 2014, Grand Opening. Mr. Boganey confirmed that invitations were sent out. Weather-Related Concerns Regarding Mail Delivery Councilmember Kleven asked whether any Councilmembers had received questions from residents regarding mail that was not delivered during the recent cold weather. October 17,2013,Charter Commission Meeting Minutes Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson requested clarification regarding ordinance language amendments that have been proposed by the Charter Commission and included in their October 17, 2013, minutes. She added the City Council has requested a joint meeting with the Charter Commission to review these proposed changes. Mr. Boganey stated he would need to review the Charter Commission minutes before giving a definitive response. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated, according to the October 17, 2013, Charter Commission minutes, Charter Commission Chair Leino was asked whether the City has an application for vacancies on the City Council. She added that Chair Leino indicated there is no uniform application, and that he would talk to the City Clerk about this issue. Mr. Boganey stated applications are taken if there is a Council vacancy. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS REVIEW AND DISCUSSION ON ITEMS RELATING TO THE FUTURE REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE OPPORTUNITY SITE Mr. Boganey introduced the issue and presented background information regarding the potential 01/13/14 -3- redevelopment of the Opportunity Site, 32 acres now owned by the City. He noted the City Council should provide guidance and direction to City staff after reviewing the results of the market study and concept plan. Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel reviewed the planning and redevelopment strategy for the opportunity site. He requested the City Council's consideration of a residential market study conducted by the McComb Group, as well as redevelopment concept plan presented by ESG Architects, as the foundation for building an implementation strategy. PRESENTATION BY MCCOMB GROUP OF A RESIDENTIAL DEMAND STUDY 2015-2035 Mr. Eitel introduced Jim McComb of McComb Group, and invited him to address the Council. Mr. McComb reviewed a Residential Market Demand Study (2015-2035) for the Opportunity Area. He stated that the objective of the study was to determine appropriate and viable land uses for the Opportunity Area based on current residential market demand. Mr. McComb stated that Brooklyn Center, which is located within the I-94 growth corridor, can accommodate housing potential in the Opportunity Area. He added the average median income for Brooklyn Center residents was $49,327 in 2011 while the average median income for the metropolitan area for the same period was $62,465. He noted the proposed development would be suitable for all general occupancy and senior housing types, dependent upon future market conditions, and"workforce"and affordable units should also be included. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson 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 Kleven seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:47 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. PRESENTATION BY MCCOMB GROUP OF A RESIDENTIAL DEMAND STUDY 2015-2035—CONTINUED Mr. McComb continued his presentation of the Residential Market Demand Study. He stated that"workforce" housing - households with incomes over $51,550 and $64,400 for two and four person households, respectively — would be approximately 80%o of the Area Median Income (AMI). He added the recommended rental rates for the Opportunity Area range from$1,250 to 01/13/14 -4- $2,500. He noted this is a new market area that is untested, and lower rates are recommended to entice new residents. Mayor Willson stated the rental rates seem high, and asked how they compare with Brooklyn Center's current establishment. Mr. McComb stated the current maximum monthly rental rate is approximately $1,100. He added that Brooklyn Center has an aging rental population, and the Opportunity Area will be a unique site with attractive features close to the downtown area, pp tY q desirable to potential residents with household income of$50,000-100,000. Mr. McComb stated the majority of Brooklyn Center's apartment communities were developed prior to 1973,and this development opportunity would bring a whole new style of housing, and a different group of residents, to the community. He added the redevelopment would have a wide range of special amenities that can only be accommodated on a larger site with common areas. Councilmember Ryan stated Mr. McComb had referred to Tom Baxter, a local property investment manager, who provided positive feedback regarding the McComb Group's market study. He added investors who are looking for development and expansion opportunities rely upon such studies when making commitments related to property investment. He noted that he is pleased that the study appears to be complete and will be a useful resource for the City. Mayor Willson stated the City Council has discussed the issue of aging rental communities in the past, as they have become outdated, and are not as appealing to renters as new apartment or townhome complexes. He asked whether renters are interested in moving closer to the downtown area. He noted that such a growing trend might have an impact on the future development of the Opportunity Area. Mr. McComb stated that trend was considered in the market study, and assumes that 15% of the rental population want to live close to the downtown area. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Willson closed the Study Session at 6:58 p.m. 01/13/14 -5- 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 January 13, 2014. 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 27, 2014, Regular Session. row "—tjo T)w Ae4ov- City Clerk Mayol Pro Tem 01/13/14 -6-