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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 07-14 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 JULY 14, 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, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Police Chief Kevin Benner,and Mary Mullen,TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial,Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Kleven reviewed copies of handwritten permit applications included in the Council packet pertaining to Regular Session Agenda Items 6d and 6e. She added the applications have not been completed correctly. She reviewed the fields that should be corrected, including the name of the insurance company and amount of coverage, the dates and times of the events, as well as referring to`Brooklyn Park"instead of`Brooklyn Center". Mayor Willson asked whether these items should be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion and vote. Councilmember Kleven stated applicants should submit complete applications, and the certificate of insurance should be attached to the application. City Manager Curt Boganey stated the applications have been reviewed by the City Clerk, and would not otherwise be submitted to the City Council for approval. He added that there is sufficient time to request that the applicants make the necessary corrections. Mayor Willson stated the applicants' intent is clear in both cases. Councilmember Kleven agreed, adding the corrections should be made. Councilmember Ryan stated he believes Councilmember Kleven makes a good point, that applications should be completed carefully with accurate information. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to leave Item 6d and 6e on the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Myszkowski stated, with regard to the Planning Commission meeting minutes of June 25, 2014, 3rd page, that Myrna Kragness Kauth's name is misspelled and should be 07/14/14 -1- corrected. Mr. Boganey stated it is probable that the draft minutes have not been reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Ryan requested the following correction to the June 23, 2014, Study Session minutes: Paae 4, 4th naraaranh. 1 st sentence: Replace with "Councilmember Ryan asked whether putting standing water on a flat roof is a bad idea. He asked if that would create inherent risk to the structure in terms of a leaking roof." Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson requested the following correction to the June 23, 2014, Study Session minutes: Page 4, 2"d naraeranh, 2"d sentence: Replace"a green roof with community gardens"with"community gardens on the site". MISCELLANEOUS Dangerous Dog Update—Poe Road Councilmember Myszkowski requested an update on the dangerous dog situation on Poe Road. Police Chief Kevin Benner stated the homeowner has a warrant for her arrest for not surrendering her dog as required by the Police Department. He added that neighbors are aware of the situation, and Brooklyn Center Police continue to monitor the home. Bus Shelters Councilmember Myszkowski stated she noticed recently that many bus shelters along Xerxes Avenue need to be cleaned up. She added the waste cans were overflowing, and there was refuse everywhere. She noted she emailed Mr. Boganey about this, and City staff took care of it immediately. She expressed her appreciation of Mr. Boganey's attention to this issue. Councilmember Myszkowski stated the condition of the bus shelters caused her to consider the importance of access to adequate public transport in the lives of Brooklyn Center's residents. She asked whether the current transit situation,including routes to and from the City, are an asset or a deficit, in terms of community image and development. She added she would like to have input from people in Brooklyn Center who use public transit regularly, to determine both effectiveness and problems, and how they are affected. Panhandling Councilmember Myszkowski expressed concern regarding panhandling in Brooklyn Center. She added this is a conflicting subject for her, as it would be inappropriate to expect residents to feel comfortable about panhandling. She noted she would like to look at ways to lessen the stress that residents feel about panhandling. Councilmember Ryan stated the moral imperative of helping our neighbors in need is an on- going issue and difficult to resolve. He added the presence of panhandlers tarnishes the City's 07/14/14 -2- reputation and appearance, and yet people are enduring the humiliation of having to beg for help. He stressed the importance of providing assistance to people in need, while also finding ways to get them off the streets of Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Kleven stated she does not give money to people, but buys gift cards to give out. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she is sympathetic to the needs of people who are panhandling, but she feels uncomfortable and unsafe when approached in a parking lot. She added she donates to organizations that directly provide assistance to people in need. Mayor Willson stated many cities across the country and in the metro area struggle with this problem. He added it has always proven difficult for communities to address this issue with an ordinance that stipulates panhandling restrictions. Mr. Boganey agreed, adding recent court decision established the rights of individuals to stand on a public right of way and ask for money. He added he believes the courts have found it to be a Constitutional right that cannot be prohibited. He added the City can become involved if they are doing something else instead of panhandling. City AttorneyCharlie LeFevere agreed. MN-DPS Grant for Police Department Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated the Police Department was recently recognized by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for demonstrating skills and success in fighting internet crimes against children. She added a grant was received by the Police Department as part of this recognition. Police Chief Benner stated the grant will be shared among several communities. Mayor Willson adjourned the Study Session to Informal Open Forum at 6:45 p.m. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Mayor Willson reconvened the Study Session at 6:47 p.m. Backyard Sinkhole at 5700 June Avenue North Councilmember Kleven requested an update on the sinking backyard at 5700 June Avenue N. Mr. Boganey stated City staff provided the owner with information regarding the property's ownership history, through Councilmember Ryan. Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel stated City staff has also consulted with the owner regarding ideas and suggestions for mitigating this problem. Speeding on Local Streets Councilmember Ryan stated he has received numerous complaints from residents regarding speeding on neighborhood streets. He requested that this issue be added to an upcoming City Council Study Session meeting agenda for discussion. Abandoned Shopping Carts Councilmember Ryan stated he has seen many shopping carts that are left at bus shelters and intersections around the City. He added a shopping cart requirement for retailers could be 07/14/14 -3- considered, or City staff might review this issue with local retailers. He noted this is another important issue affecting the community image that the City has worked so hard to improve. Mr. Boganey agreed to bring this issue to City staff for discussion. He added there might be ways to encourage retailers to ensure that their shopping carts are maintained within specific areas. Anonymous Letter to the City Council Councilmember Kleven stated the City Council had received copies of an anonymous letter, and requested that this issue be added to an upcoming Study Session agenda. Mayor Willson stated he already requested that the City Manager add it to the next agenda. Mr. Boganey agreed. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS WATER TREATMENT PLANT— ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OPTIONS UPDATE Mr. Boganey stated that City staff has prepared responses to the suggestions of the City Council regarding environmental sustainability measures for the new water treatment plant building. He added a majority consensus of present Councilmembers was reflected in the June 23, 2014, Study Session minutes, indicating an interest in the possibility of solar power as well as storm- water for irrigation purposes, but a consensus was not reached on the possibility of a green roof. He noted the City Council recognized the importance of having all Councilmembers present for a discussion on these recommendations. Mr. Lillehaug stated he would welcome questions or comments from the City Council related to any of the options that have been discussed. Mayor Willson stated, with regard to implementation of solar energy, that he was able to locate an assistance program for qualified municipalities through the Department of Commerce. He noted there has been recent legislation in Minnesota to provide funds for solar and wind energy initiatives. He asked whether City staff has researched such opportunities. Mr. Boganey stated preliminary research has been done. He added the City Council's consensus was based upon the estimated pay-back time on investments without subsidies. He noted solar panels can be added to the water plant in the future. Discussion of this item continued and reached conclusion at the July 14, 2014 Work Session. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Willson adjourned the Study Session at 6:59 p.m. 07/14/14 -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 July 14, 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 July 28, 2014, Regular Session, City Clerk Mayor 07/14/14 -5-