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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 12-08 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 DECEMBER 8, 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, Finance Director Nate Reinhardt, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Director of Community Activities, Recreation, and Services Jim Glasoe, Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and Megan Pace, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS There was discussion regarding the 63rd Avenue Street and Utility Improvements, as reviewed during the November 24, 2014, Study Session. Councilmember Myszkowski referred to a resident who is concerned about the proposed sidewalk on 63rd Avenue North. City Manager Curt Boganey asked whether the concerned resident lives near the Greenway, north of 68th Avenue N. He referred to a map included in the City Council packet depicting a proposed sidewalk on the west side of France Avenue near 69th Avenue. He added the sidewalk span is relatively short in this area due to the high traffic counts on northbound France Avenue. Councilmember Kleven stated, during the November 24, 2014, Study Session, she requested that the City Council review the issue of prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in public places. MISCELLANEOUS Reaction to Verdict in Ferijuson, MO Councilmember Myszkowski stated there have been protests and riots nationwide in the wake of the trial in Ferguson, Missouri, which did not result in a conviction. She added she believes many Brooklyn Center residents may feel a sense of despair. She requested that the City Council and City staff consider an open dialogue with the community as a whole regarding the philosophy and policies of the Brooklyn Center Police Department, to provide reassurance and build trust. 12/08/14 -1- Mayor Willson stated he spoke recently at a community meeting in North Minneapolis, at which this issue was raised. He added the City Council would need to determine who would host a public forum in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Myszkowski stated people need to have an opportunity to voice their questions and concerns. Mayor Willson stated this issue should be discussed, and recommended putting it on an upcoming Work Session agenda. Mr. Boganey agreed, stating that a public forum could be a way to provide information about the City of Brooklyn Center, and possibly take public comment. He added attracting the right audience would be a key component. Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates Mr. Boganey's observations on this issue, which the City Council should approach with well-defined objectives. Mayor Willson agreed. Councilmember Myszkowski stated it is worthwhile to be proactive, and she agreed there should be parameters and objectives. She added this is also a great opportunity to answer questions and address concerns. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stressed the importance of being mindful of the safety of the Police Department. She stated the comments of the Police Chief with regard to community outreach and Department practices should be included in a public forum. Mr. Boganey stated an upcoming Work Session could include a staff report providing the City Council with ideas and alternatives for weighing public opinion and sentiment. Holly Sunday Event - December 7, 2014 Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated Brooklyn Center's Holly Sunday event, held at the Community Center and hosted by the Lions Club, was a huge success. She added she has discussed with City staff the possibility of implementing a holiday weekend celebration instead of a single day event due to positive reaction and increased attendance. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson recommended a dedicated committee to review this issue and recommend changes. She added finding volunteers and obtaining funds as well as advanced planning should be considered. Councilmember Ryan stated the Lions Club supports the idea of a weekend celebration, but a broader base of support for planning and implementing the event will be necessary if it is expanded. He added the Lions Club would welcome discussion with regard to joining forces with other civic organizations to plan the Holly Sunday event. He noted he would raise this issue at the next business meeting of the Lions Club. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated the City could offer assistance and resources to ensure that the Holly Sunday is a huge success. She added the Lions Club does a great job planning the event. Councilmember Kleven stated the rooms and halls get very crowded, and if the event is expanded, space limitations will have to be considered. 12/08/14 -2- Mayor Willson stated he supports the idea of a weekend format. He added space constraints should be addressed. Mr. Boganey agreed to have City staff review potential issues and ways to expand the event for future review by the City Council. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Myszkowski moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adjourn the Study Session to Informal Open Forum at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:47 p.m. Motion .assed unanimously. Y DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS FROZEN PRIVATE WATER SERVICES EVALUATION Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug introduced this item and requested the City Council's review and consideration of a possible change in the City's services for residents whose pipes have frozen. Mr. Lillehaug stated last winter was a very severe winter, and one of the coldest on record. He noted this resulted in frozen water service for many cities, including many residents of Brooklyn Center. He added the same type of severe winter will happen again in the future, based on weather records, and the City should be proactive in preparing for future frozen pipes. Mr. Lillehaug stated frozen water lines are an emergency, and a serious inconvenience. He added sometimes it is possible to get temporary water hooked up from an adjacent neighbor. He noted water lines that are prone to freezing can be addressed within upcoming street reconstruction projects. Discussion of this item continued and reached conclusion at the December 8, 2014, Work Session. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Willson adjourned the Study Session at 6:58 p.m. 12/08/14 -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 a Study/Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on December 8, 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 January 12, 2015, Regular Session. A Al City Clerk Mayor 12/08/14 -4-