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Home My WebLink About2014 Edition 186 Spring www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org | CITY OFCITY OFCITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER A GREAT PLACE TO START, A GREAT PLACE TO STAY www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org Spring 2014 Edition 186 News for the communityNews for the community 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. Inside this issue City Briefs Budget Utility Bill Info Be Green Volunteer Opportunities Celebrate Diversity Smoke Free Housing Spring Food Drives Healthy Home Grants Leaders Legacies Amphitheater Donators Public Meetings City Contacts Progress on the Centennial Civic and Veterans Memorial Amphitheater continues to move forward with $350,000 raised in donations so far. This amount includes a generous $150,000 donation from Luther Company LLLP accepted by the City Council at its December 9, 2013 meeting. The Amphitheater Committee has been fundraising since the city’s Centennial Celebration in 2011 and this donation brings the project closer to reality. According to Dr. Duane Orn, Chair of the Amphitheater Committee, “The amphitheater will be a memorial to all who have contributed to make our city and our nation great.” The amphitheater will be located in Centennial Park and replace an old trailer used as a stage for events each summer. The plans for the amphitheater include a storage room, changing room, as well as a plaza of honor. The plaza of honor will include a memorial wall and personalized brick pavers that can be purchased to recognize your family, friends, military service, or anyone of special meaning. The proceeds from the brick pavers will be used for construction and any additional project costs. A total of 500 pavers are available for purchase and the donation is tax-deductible. A list of those who donated $500 or more can be found on page 7. Your Legacy—Purchase Your Brick Pavers Today! For more information about the amphitheater or to purchase brick pavers, visit www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org or contact Sue LaCrosse at the Community Center at slacrosse@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us or call (763) 569-3406. Amphitheater Project Receives Big Donation Purchase Your Personalized Brick Pavers Today Amphitheater Architects Rendering The amphitheater will be a legacy and something that will be enjoyed by many, for many years to come. Mayor Tim Willson 2 4 5 3 6 7 8 2 | Brooklyn Center Spring 2014 City Watch These city briefs provide short updates about current city activities up to January 22 (print date). For more information about events or activities, visit the City website or call City Hall at (763) 569-3300. Shingle Creek Crossing Development Construction inside the Shingle Creek Crossing Development continues. Schlotzsky’s Bakery Deli celebrated their grand opening on January 17, 2014 with more than 100 people lined up as the store opened for their grand opening specials. T-Mobile opened in December 2013. Panda Express construction was delayed over the holidays, but plans to open end of January. Other Business News Restaurant Depot, primarily a wholesale equipment and food distributor, celebrated their grand opening on December 4, 2013. More Updates In January 2014, the City Economic Development Authority purchased the property adjacent to the City-owned property at the corner of Bass Lake Road and Shingle Creek Parkway. Staff is working with a consultant to develop a concept design for mixed- use housing and retail development. The concept will be discussed with the City Council, and Planning and Housing Commissions in January. The concept will be reviewed with potential developers in the future. The City Council enacted a moratorium on new tobacco shops, while considering an ordinance in February prohibiting tobacco sampling in order to fill a loophole in state law. Save the Dates Be sure to add these events to your calendar. More meetings and activities are listed on the City website calendar. New American’s Academy February 6 thru March 13, 2014 Six-week program for our New Americans discusses numerous local and national topics. Watch Captains Meeting February 18, 2014 Learn about crime prevention 101, what’s new in Brooklyn Center, how to report suspicious activity, ideas for National Night Out, and more. Centerbrook Golf Course Open House Saturday March 8 and Sunday March 9 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Sign up for leagues, receive discounts on new merchandise, door prizes & refreshments. Purchase your season pass & receive complimentary round. Police Citizen Award Ceremony April 16, 2014 Annual Police/Citizen Award Ceremony honors officers and citizens of Brooklyn Center. Brooklyn Center Crime Prevention Golf May 16, 2014 Fundraiser for Brooklyn Center Crime Prevention Program. Proceeds go to the reward fund, National Night Out, Explorer program, Safety Academy, and more. National Night Out Kickoff August 4, 2014 A fun filled evening with our residents to kickoff National Night Out. National Night Out August 5, 2014 A night to give “Crime a Going Away Party” and great opportunity to get out and meet your neighbors. Watch Captains Meeting November 13, 2014 A roundtable discussion on ways to help each other and stay active in our neighborhoods Neighborhood Area Meetings A great way to meet City staff, learn about city activities, and mingle with your neighbors. Lions Park May 20, 2014 Northport June 10, 2014 Willow Lane July 22, 2014 Firehouse Park September 18, 2014 Family opens Schlotzsky’s store in Brooklyn Center (Pictured from left) Ed & Kristen Orejel, Kathleen & Loren Fliflet, Mayor Willson Managers Steve DeWenter, Deanna Rodriguez, and Mike Rodriguez open Restaurant Depot www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org | 3 City Council Adopts 2014 Budget Focusing on City Priorities and Infrastructure On December 9, 2013 the City Council adopted the 2014 budget and tax levy. The total 2014 property tax levy adopted by the Council is $14,643,080, which is a $52,869 (0.36%) increase over the 2013 adopted tax levy. The action followed several months of planning, development, discussion, public hearings and review among staff, Financial Commission and City Council. Approximately 94% of homes in Brooklyn Center will see a decrease in their City property tax for 2014. Information provided by the Hennepin County’s Assessor’s Office shows that the Median Value Home in Brooklyn Center is $114,200 compared to $119,800 in 2013. For that home, the 2014 City property tax will be $661 in 2014 compared to $734 in 2013, a $73 (9.9%) decrease. Commercial market values continue to remain strong and will see a slight increase in the share of total City property taxes. In 2014, commercial/ industrial properties will pay 46% of property taxes compared to 42.8% in 2013. Infrastructure Investments The City continues to maintain a long-term perspective through continued investment in the City infrastructure. In 2014, the City has identified $30.8 million in capital improvement projects that include:  Construction of a Water Treatment Plant ($18.3 million) that will eliminate potential risks associated with manganese and allow the City to better address water supply contaminants that may arise in the future.  Reconstruction of Wangstad Park Area, a $7.2 million investment in new street and utilities west of Brooklyn Boulevard in a neighborhood of approximately 266 residential properties.  Community Center improvements and enhancements ($4.1 million) primarily related to building envelope and system replacements including demolition and reconstruction of west wall brick façade, demolition of mechanical penthouses, roof replacement, replacement of air handling units (including dedicated pool unit), boiler replacement, replacement of HVAC controls, and lighting improvements.  Construction of the Centennial Civic and Veterans Memorial Amphitheater (predominantly funded by private donations) that will serve as a community landmark for generations to come. Operations The General Fund is the primary operating fund of the City. The 2014 General Fund revenue/ expenditures budget for the City is $18,466,250, a 5.35% increase from 2013. For the complete budget, visit the City website Search Budget or contact the Finance Department at (763) 569-3320. 2014 General Fund Revenue Sources General Fund Revenues The majority, 74%, of General Fund revenues are derived from property taxes. Other sources of revenue are indicated in the chart below. Average Property Tax Price Per Household for Some City Services* Per Month Street Maintenance $ 5.51 Park Maintenance $ 3.58 Police Services $23.28 Fire Services $ 3.49 Recreation Services $ 2.71 Average Price of Some Private Service Household Items Per Month Internet $20-$75 Cell Phone $20-$200 Cable/Satellite TV $30-$100 Cigarettes– 1/2 pack per day @ $9.50 per pack $145 Comparison of Prices for Some General Household Services* *Estimated City price based on the portion of property taxes that pays for these services for a median value home $114,200 $661 City Tax ($55 per month) 2014 Median Value Home $119,800 $734 City Tax ($61 per month) 2013 Median Value Home 4 | Brooklyn Center Spring 2014 City Watch In 2013, the City implemented the eUtilityBilling system that provides customers a secure and convenient method to make payments to their utility accounts online through the City website. Residents can make online credit card payments, manage utility accounts, receive electronic bills, and view billing history. Currently, 829 customers have created an account, including 473 who have requested electronic bills. In addition to eUtilityBilling, customers may set-up an automatic payment plan that allows utility bills to be paid automatically from a checking or savings account. For more information or to enroll in payment options, visit www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org Search Utility Billing. For customers having difficulty paying the total amount due, partial payments are accepted. Accounts are charged a 10% late penalty on all unpaid balances. Partial payments are applied to the outstanding account balance, reducing those penalties. Each year, any remaining unpaid portion of utility bills are certified to the Hennepin County property taxes, with an additional $30 certification fee. 2014 Utility Rates Approved The City Council approved new 2014 utility rates to ensure service levels are maintained, and to provide adequate funding for operations and infrastructure improvements. The 2014 residential rates include a 6% base rate increase for water and sanitary sewer services, a 3% base rate increase for recycling, and a $0.60 quarterly increase for street lights. Commercial rates vary and can be found on the City website Search Water Rate. Residential Utility Rates (Based on 18,000 Gallons Water Per Quarter) Utility 2013 2014 Change Water $30.79 $32.68 $1.89 Sanitary Sewer 70.47 74.70 4.23 Storm Sewer 14.48 14.48 0 Street Lights 5.95 6.55 0.60 Recycling 8.68 8.94 0.26 Total $130.37 $137.35 $6.98 The Great Shingle Creek Clean Up Celebrate Earth Day and join hundreds of volunteers in the 13th annual Great Shingle Creek Watershed Clean Up beginning the week of Saturday, April 19, 2014. The official clean up will take place from 9 am to Noon on Saturday, April 26. For more information, visit the City website Search Clean Up or contact Jenny Whiting at (763) 585-7106. Adopt A Park, Street, Flower Garden Thank you to all the volunteers for your dedication and support in adopting a park, trail, street or flower garden! The Adopt-A Park, Trail, Street or Flower Garden is a program that provides businesses, organizations, neighborhood associations and individuals the opportunity to partner with the City to make the community a more beautiful place. For more information about:  Adopt a park, trail, street, rain garden, or flower garden in a City Park, contact Jenny Whiting at (763) 585-7100.  To adopt a flower garden or plant container at City Hall or the Community Center, contact Kelly Mertes at (763) 569-3405. Be Green This Spring Volunteer Opportunities 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. Continued next page... Celebrate Diversity Irish-American Heritage Month is March Options for Paying Your Utility Bill Pay Online with eUtilityBilling www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org | 5 Grants to remove health and safety hazards from homes are available to qualifying homeowners. Property owners below certain income levels may qualify for grants to make repairs on various hazards in the home like broken steps, moisture damage, pest control, and other hazards as determined by a Healthy Home Assessment. Rental property owners may apply for a 50 percent matching grant. This grant is administered by the Sustainable Resource Center in partnership with Hennepin County. More information about this program can be found at www.src-mn.org or by calling (612) 872-3281. Healthy Home Grants Make Your Home Safer The City of Brooklyn Center is joining Hennepin County and Live Smoke Free in actively promoting and supporting smoke-free housing. To date, ten multi-family properties in Brooklyn Center are among the 438 in the county that are smoke free. A Minnesota renter survey indicated that more than 70 percent of Minnesota renters are “extremely” or “very” interested in living in a smoke- free building. Owners of smoke-free facilities have reported decreases or no effect in turnover or vacancy rates, with 95 percent of those surveyed “very likely” to continue offering smoke-free buildings. The reasons for adopting such changes go beyond the health hazards posed by the more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals in secondhand smoke. Owners also recognize that smoking creates an increased fire risk, and ventilation is not effective in preventing secondhand smoke from traveling between units. Going smoke free also reduces maintenance costs, tenant complaints, and legal liabilities. While common areas in multi-unit facilities (hallways, exercise areas, laundry rooms, and enclosed garages) are required to be smoke free under the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, smoke-free policies for individual units can be implemented through a lease addendum and adopted policies. For more information about smoke-free housing, visit the Live Smoke Free website at www.mnsmokefreehousing.org or contact Kara Skahen at kara@ansrmn.org. These efforts are supported through funding provided by the Minnesota Department of Health Statewide Health Improvement Program and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Community Transformation Grant. Promoting Smoke Free Housing Benefits to Owners & Tenants Spring Food Drives From Gardens to Shelves Celebrate Diversity continued… 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. March FoodShare Your donations to Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) go farther in March! CEAP is partnering with the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC) to raise food and funds for local families in need. A portion of every dollar and pound of food donated to CEAP during the month is matched by GMCC. Stretch your dollar farther without any extra effort! You can schedule your March donation today by calling CEAP’s Business Manager at (763) 450-3661. In March, you can also donate online at www.ceap.org. Gardening for Good Did you know that our local food shelf accepts fresh fruits and vegetables? As part of the Garden Gleaning Project, CEAP is dedicated to bringing more fresh, nutritious food to the families who need it most. Share your harvest and donate your garden goods to CEAP at 7051 Brooklyn Boulevard. Donations are accepted Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm. You can also register your garden at gardengleaning.org/register to receive updates on the impact your gifts have on families in our community. For more information call CEAP’s Program Coordinator at (763) 450-3686 or email ceapgleaning@gmail.com. 6 | Brooklyn Center Spring 2014 City Watch Dean Nyquist Former Brooklyn Center mayor and state legislator Dean Nyquist passed away on January 1, 2014 at the age of 78. Dean Nyquist gave his time, energy, and leadership to the City of Brooklyn Center. Dean was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996 by the Brooklyn Historical Society. He was the Mayor for thirteen years and participated on many committees and civic functions. Dean was known for his creativeness and entrepreneur- ship qualities, and for his service on various boards and committees. Dean was a co-founder of Brooklyn Center Mediation Project, Founder of Brooklyn Peacemaker Center, Founder of Brooklyn Center Charitable Foundation, President of Chamber of Commerce, Charter member and two time president of Rotary Club, Board member of YMCA, Chair of Community Covenant Church and Neighborhood Center North Minneapolis, and Founder of Brooklyn Center Community Prayer Breakfast. Dean led the committee vying for and winning the distinguished award of All America City for Brooklyn Center. Henry Dorff Former Brooklyn Center Village Clerk and active community member Henry Dorff passed away on December 29, 2013 at the age of 91. Henry was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998 by the Brooklyn Historical Society. His service to the public began early as he served his country in World War II, 17th Airborne Division. He was active in guiding Brooklyn Center as the Village Clerk from 1961-1964, served 11 years on the Charter Commission during Brooklyn Center’s transition from village to city, served 10 years on the Conservation Commission, provided leadership for 16 years on School District #286 Community Education Advisory Council, chaired the Earle Brown Days Festival Committee for eight years, and was a member of Brooklyn Center Chamber of Commerce, Citizens for Better Government, Brooklyn Center Rotary, and Brooklyn Center Tennis Club. He also served as a member of Knights of Columbus Council #435; American Legion Post #0251; Cub Scout Troop #147; and North Suburban Kiwanis. Leone Howe Brooklyn Center Historian and community member Leone Howe passed away on December 1, 2013, at the age of 89 years. Leone was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008 by the Brooklyn Historical Society. Leone Howe’s extensive volunteer work as board member, historian and author of the Brooklyn Historical Society served a crucial role in preserving the history of Brooklyn Center and the community. She served for six years on the committee examining how to develop the Earle Brown Farm, and was an active life- long member of Brooklyn United Methodist Church. Her leadership benefited the League of Women Voters, Twin Lakes PTA and the Brooklyn Park Historical Eidem Farm. She was the author of “Album of Brooklyn Center” ( 1854 – 1954) that includes the history of Mound Cemetery and “Once Upon a Farm”. She also co-authored “History of Earle Brown Farm” and “A Church Grows in Brooklyn”. Her stories and information of the area’s past appear in “The Brooklyns”, by The Brooklyn Historical Society. A Legacy of Service to Brooklyn Center Remembering Hall of Fame Inductees Only a few individuals are inducted into the Brooklyn Center Hall of Fame for their extraordinary contributions and commitment to the community. Recently, some of these extraordinary people have passed, but their legacy of public service and goodwill will live on... www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org | 7 Rendition of Plaque for Wall of Amphitheater. (Subject to change.) CENTENNIAL CIVIC & VETERANS MEMORIAL AMPHITHEATER The Amphitheater is made possible by the generous contributions from the following benefactors as of January 2014. Their collective investment has built this lasting tribute to honor the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future. $150,000 Luther Company, LLLP Blumental’s Architecture, Inc. Gatlin Development Company $25,000 or More Anonymous Dale Greenwald Gateway Commons North Memorial Health Center $10,000 or More Anonymous Briggs & Morgan Brooklyn Center American Legion Brooklyn Center Lions Club Kraus-Anderson Robert Marvin Mid-America Real Estate-MN Soderberg Apartment Specialists $5,000 or More Brookdale Health Carson, Clelland & Schreder City of Brooklyn Center Employees Evans-Nordby Funeral Homes, Inc. Myrna Kragness Kauth Kennedy & Graven, Chartered Kimley-Horn & Associates $2,500 or More Brooklyn Center Rotary Club Foundation Phil & Bev Cohen Collins Electric Memory of Mary Jo Danielson Grand Casino - Mille Lacs Bill M. Howe Brett & Zoe Hildreth Joseph Lampe & Ernee McArthur Mavo Systems, Inc. Keith Nordby Dean & Marie Nyquist Dr. Duane & Karen Orn Park Dental Earl & Ruthanne Simons U.S. Bank Veit Companies Tim Willson & Chris Eaton $1,000 or More Gerald & Joann Anderson Brooklyn Center Business Association BC Legion SAL Henry & Emily Dorff Are Hansen, M.D. John Harlow Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Nancy & Michael W. Howe Doris, Sharon, & Ashlee Kephart Joanne & Tony Kuefler Sue LaCrosse Kay & Len Lasman Jerry & Sue Low Michael & Joanne Mercer Minneapolis Northwest Convention & Visitors Bureau Carl Orn Palmer Lake VFW Post 3915 Murisiju Raifu M.D. Surly Brewing Co. $500 or More We also appreciate and thank all those who purchased brick pavers or made other monetary or time donations for the amphitheater project. A complete list of donors can be found on the City website Search Amphitheater. Amphitheater Committee Members include Chair Dr. Duane Orn, Phil Cohen (posthumously), Brett Hildreth, Myrna Kauth, Sharon Kephart, Sue LaCrosse, Keith Lester, Sue Low, and Earl Simons. 8 | Brooklyn Center Spring 2014 City Watch City Council Meetings City Council Regular Session meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7:00 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) 569-3309. Brooklyn Center — A Great Place to Start, A Great Place to Stay City Phone Numbers (763) Administration 569-3300 Building/Community Standards 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 Emergency & Non-Emergency 911 Officer Assistance 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 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 2170 C IT Y OF B ROOK LY N CE NTE R A GREAT PL ACE TO START, A GREAT PLACE TO STAY 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Brooklyn Center, MN 55430