HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 05-27 CCM Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
WORK SESSION
MAY 27, 2014
CITY HALL—COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work
Session called to order by Mayor/President Tim Willson at 7:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor/President Tim Willson and Councilmembers/Commissioners Carol Kleven, Kris
Lawrence-Anderson, Lin Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt
Boganey, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Assistant City Manager/Director of
Building & Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, Mary Mullen, TimeSaver Off Site
Secretarial, Inc.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY STUDY UPDATE
City Manager Curt Boganey reviewed a study completed by Inclusion, Inc., regarding inclusion
and diversity in Brooklyn Center, including cross-cultural communication and learning; diversity
on the City's Commissions; awareness of available translation services. He added a
recommended long-term goal is the development of a recruitment strategy focused on bi-lingual
talent and accountability for leaders.
Mayor/President Willson stated, with regard to the survey feedback, he was struck by the
difference between male and female respondents. He added less favorable responses were
received from women in many instances. He noted efforts should be made to recruit diverse
candidates for the City's Commissions to ensure fair representation of the community and its
residents.
Mr. Boganey requested the City Council/EDA's comments regarding continuation of this
diversity initiative considering the lack of sufficient resources. He added this effort will require
ongoing, regular attention, and could not be added to any City staff members' workload with
continued efficiency.
Mayor/President Willson stated this is an important initiative for the City, and resources should
be made available to ensure its success. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski agreed,
adding the cost will be greater for future community leaders if these issues are not addressed.
She stressed the importance of making people feel respected, valued and engaged. She added
extra effort is often required to make such a meaningful structural change. She noted she is
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concerned about the efficacy of online training, and also the perception of newcomers to the
community, and whether they feel welcomed and valued.
Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski expressed her excitement and trepidation regarding
this important effort. She added she feels it is important to address interactions between
community members and perceptions of the value of diversity rather than simply changing the
current language.
Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan requested clarification regarding a recommendation for an
Internal Diversity and Inclusion Council. Mr. Boganey stated that refers to an internal team of
staff that would provide oversight for the implementation of recommendations.
Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stressed the importance of equal investment in and support
of all of the City's population. He noted he would recommend that City staff should identify
items that will provide the most leverage for the cost.
Mayor/President Willson stated he supports reaching out to organizations within the community
to increase representation and involvement. He added he would be reluctant to hire an outside
consultant on a long-term basis, but he would support hiring a dedicated staff person to address
these issues.
Mr. Boganey stated a consultant could bring the expertise to implement a well-defined program,
identify priorities, and facilitate implementation. He indicated it would be helpful for the City
Council/EDA to review and participate in some of the online diversity training, and provide
feedback to City staff.
Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated the "accountability" section of the
poll had some positive responses, but could be improved. She added City administration should
provide open communication so residents know what has been done, and what is planned for the
future. Mayor/President Willson agreed, adding many communication issues have been
addressed in the past few years. Mr. Boganey agreed that accountability is important so there are
clear expectations across the organization.
Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated, with regard to artwork for City Hall,
students and teachers in art classes at local schools could be solicited for works of art that would
be special and personal. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski agreed, adding a rotation
of artwork would allow more students' work to be shown. She added it would be difficult for
teachers to focus on such a project when they have curriculum to follow.
Mayor/President Willson stated he recently saw a world map on display at Northview Junior
High School, on which students were able to write their name and put a mark next to their place
of origin. He added he thinks that would be nice in City Hall, to recognize the origins of
Brooklyn Center's diverse community.
Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he is pleased with the efforts of City staff with
regard to this audit. He added it will be important to get the best possible results with the
resources that are available. Mr. Boganey agreed, adding consistency is the most important
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factor, as even small changes can make an impact over time. Mayor/President Willson stated the
City's residents will be positively affected if the City's culture and government is welcoming and
enabling.
Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski thanked Mr. Boganey and City staff for their hard
work on this review. Mr. Boganey stated it is a worthwhile and important opportunity, and City
staff plans to keep the City Council/EDA informed of progress.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember/Commissioner
Kleven seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work
Session at 8:50 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
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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 Work
Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on May 27, 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 June 9,2014,Regular Session.
R
City Clerk Mayor
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