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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 04-09 CCM Joint Work Session with Commissions MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA RECEPTION AND JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY COMMISSIONS APRIL 9,2014 COMMUNITY CENTER—CONSTITUTION HALL RECEPTION A reception and general conversation period was held in Constitution Hall from 6:00 p.m. until 6:13 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Joint Work Session with the Charter, Housing, Financial, Park and Recreation, and Planning Commissions and was called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:13 p.m. INTRODUCTIONS Mayor Willson welcomed the commissioners and stated appreciation for staff and commissioners. City Manager Curt Boganey welcomed all those in attendance. IN ATTENDANCE Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Carol Kleven, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Lin Myszkowski,and Dan Ryan. City Staff present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, Police Chief Kevin Benner, Community Activities, Recreation and Services Director Jim Glasoe,Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Planning and Zoning Specialist Tim Benetti, and Finance Director Nate Reinhardt. Commissioners present were Charter Commissioners Myrna Kragness Kauth, Jody Brandvold, Judy Thorbus, Robert Marvin, Zachary Marko; Housing Commissioners Judy Thorbus, Zachary Marko, Dave Johnson, Kathie Amdahl, and Peggy Lynn; Planning Commissioners Ben Freedman, Randall Christensen, Steve Schonning, Scott Burfeind; Financial Commissioners Steve Landis, Dean Van Der Werf, Dan Schueller, Teneshia Kragness; and Park and Recreation Commissioners Jill Dalton,Jerry Witalka,Travis Bonovsky, Tom Shinnick. PRESENTATIONS BY CITY COMMISSIONS Financial Commission: Finance Director Nate Reinhardt provided an overview of the Commission activities. The primary goal is to work on the budget and work on the request for audit proposals. The Commission's number one priority is to help the City with the budget. 04/09/14 - 1 - Housing Commission: Housing Commission Chair Zackary Marko provided a PowerPoint overview of the Housing Commission activities. The New Neighbor Welcome Program continues to be very positive. The Commission also worked with the Park and Recreation Commission to assess Community Garden feasibility. They also toured the CEAP facilities. Several projects are planned for 2014. Park and Recreation Commission: Tom Schinnick provided a PowerPoint overview of Park and Recreation Commission activities. The Commission participated in several activities including reviewing capital improvements, park issues, and attended neighborhood area meetings. Several projects are planned for 2014. Planning Commission: Planning Commission Chair Scott Burfeind provided a PowerPoint overview of the Commission. The Commission is looking for two more members. Several projects were reviewed in 2013 including 23 land use applications and 2 general planning items. The regulations regarding dynamic signs were reviewed and the ordinance amended. Active Living principles by Hennepin County was also discussed. Charter Commission: Charter Commissioner Robert Marvin stated that the Commission is looking at ways to improve the Charter language and clarity. While some of the issues have been controversial,the Charter Commission is not proposing any major changes at this time. After the Commission reports, the floor was opened for comments. The Mayor stated it was good to have extra eyes in the community and thanked the Commissioners for all their work. The City Manager explained some of the City projects. He mentioned the Voinjama trip and delegation members. They are looking for volunteers to build upon the Sister City relationship and the strong multicultural presence in the city. Another project includes the water treatment plant, an $18 Million venture to address the manganese issue. The construction of the water treatment plant will begin in the fall. The City Council found solutions to the CIP hole and finances to provide funding for the CIP and high priority projects. We are also looking at Inclusion & Diversity and how our organization can better reflect the community. Another venture is to implement BC University and Citizens Academy. The amphitheater project is under review. We received high cost estimates and are working with the architect to reduce the costs. It is anticipated that the amphitheater can be built in 2014 or 2015. The Council is also considering a two-year agreement with Hennepin County for Assessing services. The City Manager also thanked the department heads. Discussion involved the image of the city which is getting better as indicated by the city survey. Several apartment owners have invested significantly in the city. New businesses love Brooklyn Center and the Council has been on the forefront of eCigarettes. The City has also been a leader on foreclosure issues and housing issues. The Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Plan is important where the City is buying properties. Image is who you are. Mayor Willson recognized the accomplishments of former Mayor Phil Cohen and laying the foundation for many initiatives, such as acquiring the land for the future water treatment plant. Some members mentioned they would like to see greater crime safety initiatives and neighborhood code enforcement. 04/09/14 - 2 - City Manager mentioned that there are vacancies on the Commissions and we should refer openings to people of a different country or perspective. Mayor Willson thanked everyone for their dedication and attendance. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Willson at 7:21 p.m. 04/09/14 - 3 - 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 the Special Session—Joint Session with Commissions of the City of Brooklyn Center held on April 9, 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 April 28, 2014, Regular Session. j'&.1 r i a City Clerk Mayor 04/09/14 -4-