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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 11-10 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 NOVEMBER 10, 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 Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Lin Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Councilmember Carol Kleven was absent and excused. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and Mary Mullen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson requested clarification regarding Regular Session Agenda Item 6g, a Resolution in support of the Metro Transit C-Line Project. She asked whether the new bus line will have an impact on regular traffic patterns in Brooklyn Center, and whether the project will affect signal priorities. Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug stated there will not be any noticeable impact to roadways in the City, except for improvements to amenities, like bus shelters and ticket kiosks. He said traffic signal pre-emption is being considered for the project, similar to that for emergency vehicles. He noted this consideration will be negotiated with Hennepin County and Mn/DOT, as the City does not have jurisdictional authority. Mr. Lillehaug stated Hennepin County is not generally supportive of pre-emptive signals as they cause traffic cycle and congestion issues. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she_is concerned that will be a problem on Xerxes Avenue North if pre-emptive signals are used on the C-Line Project. Mr. Lillehaug agreed, adding pre-emptive signals are only a consideration item at this time. MISCELLANEOUS Shingle Creek Crossing—Abandoned Shopping Carts and Traffic Signals Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she frequently uses the interior drive at Shingle Creek Crossing, and Walmart shoppers abandon their shopping carts around the perimeter of the parking lot. She added it is unsightly and should be addressed by Walmart management. 11/10/14 -1- Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated that she has noticed a potentially dangerous traffic situation on Bass Lake Road at Northway Drive, as oncoming traffic on Bass Lake Road has the right of way, but most left-turning vehicles onto Northway Drive do not yield. Mr. Boganey agreed to review this, and look into the traffic signage at that intersection. Mr. Boganey stated, with regard to Walmart shopping carts in Shingle Creek Crossing, City staff has contacted the store's manager on many occasions about this issue. He added cart racks could be installed at the far ends of the lot, but there is no guarantee that people will use them. He noted City staff will contact Walmart's management again about this issue. Councilmember Ryan stated he has noticed abandoned Sun Foods shopping carts at nearby bus stops. He added he usually puts carts in the back of his truck and returns them. Councilmember Myszkowski stated she agrees that the traffic situation at the Northway Drive intersection is hazardous. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she uses the intersection a lot, so she anticipates that left-turning traffic will not yield. Apartment Building Fire—November 2,2014 Councilmember Myszkowski requested an update on the fire that occurred on November 2, 2014, at an apartment complex on 69th Avenue North. She asked whether protocols exist for such emergencies, with regard to assistance for displaced families. She asked how many units were destroyed in the fire and how many families were affected. Mayor Willson stated 6 units sustained fire damage, and 25 people were displaced. He added Brooklyn Center School District's Facebook page features an online fundraising effort by Brooklyn Center High School to help the families. Mr. Boganey stated it is his understanding that the Fire Department is first on the scene and makes initial contact. He added the Red Cross then serves as a coordinating agency. He agreed to follow up and provide further information for the City Council's review. Ban on Tobacco Related Products in City Parks Councilmember Myszkowski stated she attended a recent Park and Recreation Commission meeting, which included a discussion on a ban on all tobacco related products in the City's parks. She added the Commission was informed of the City Council's position on this issue, but the Commission did not recommend any changes to current policy. Councilmember Myszkowski stated the Brooklyns Youth Council (BYC) has expressed its support for a City-wide ban on tobacco related products in public parks. She added a statement written by BYC members has been given to City staff, which outlines their position on this issue in their own words. Mayor Willson stated that while he respects the opinion and recommendations of the Park and Recreation Commission, this is a significant issue that must be addressed. He added he supports continuing the discussion about an overall ban in City parks. Mr. Boganey stated this issue can 11/10/14 -2- be discussed at an upcoming City Council Work Session, at which representatives from both groups could be invited to present their opinions and have a discussion. Councilmember Myszkowski stated the BYC's written statements are heartfelt, and the issue is important to them. She added the BYC's document is a rough draft, and they have started to work on a revised version. ACLU Activist Mahad Olad Mayor Willson stated an article in a local Civil liberties newsletter featured ACLU activist Mahad Olad, a Brooklyn Center High School student who participated in Youth in Government Day. He requested that City staff draft a letter for him to sign and send to Mr. Olad, acknowledging his accomplishments. Mr. Boganey agreed. Street Improvements Proiect—Tree Preservation at 67th Avenue North Councilmember Ryan stated that he spoke recently with Ray Peterson, 6701 Drew Avenue North, who expressed concern that the three old oak trees on 67th Avenue North should not be destroyed as a result of road reconstruction. Mr. Boganey stated that Mr. Peterson should attend an upcoming Neighborhood Meeting if possible or submit his comments in writing to the Public Works Department. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS 63PD AVENUE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS— COMPLETE STREETS UPDATE Mr. Boganey introduced Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug and invited him to address the City Council on this item. Mr. Lillehaug introduced Mike Albers, Project Engineer, who has been spearheading this and other City projects. He added the Public Works Department is well aware of the need to preserve the three old oak trees at 67th Avenue North. He reviewed the 63rd Avenue roadway project timeline and components. He identified proposed improvements to the intersection and presented an overview of the roadway's existing condition identified proposed improvements to the intersection near Odyssey Academy. Mr. Lillehaug stated pedestrian counts were done at Odyssey school crosswalk, and City staff reviewed the travel shed which was identified through the Safe Routes to School partnership. He added there are generally no pedestrians or bicycles on the north side of 63rd Avenue. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to adjourn the Study Session to Informal Open Forum at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 11/10/14 -3- RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:47 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 63"AVENUE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS— COMPLETE STREETS UPDATE—CONTINUED Mr. Lillehaug stated the roadway improvement project includes proposed bump-outs,similar to those on Dupont Avenue North at Noble Avenue North, as well as improved signage throughout the corridor. Mayor Willson stated traffic will use the bike lane in the roadway because of its width, even though it is identified as a bike lane. Mr. Lillehaug stated the bike lane will be designated with a solid white line, but agreed it is a concern and may need to be mitigated if it proves to be a problem. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated cars pass on the right at this location all the time, to get around left-turning traffic. She added there are few pedestrians because of the speed of traffic. Councilmember Ryan stated there has been discussion about the possibility of increased bus service on this roadway, due to its proximity to the new light rail station at County Road 81. He asked whether it would be wise to narrow the road when an increased number of buses are anticipated. Discussion of this item continued and reached conclusion at the November 11, 2014 Work Session. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Myszkowski moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adjourn the Study Session at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 11/10/14 -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 November 10, 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 November 24, 2014, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 11/10/14 -5-