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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 06-08 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/WORK SESSION JUNE 8, 2015 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 April Graves, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Lin Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Finance Director Nate Reinhardt, 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, City Attorney Melissa Manderschied, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS City Manager Curt Boganey stated the items just distributed relate to updated bond amounts for Item 10b, Resolution Awarding the Sale of $6,900,000 General Obligation Utility Revenue Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 2015A; Fixing Their Form and Specifications; Directing Their Execution and Delivery; and, Providing for Their Payment; and, Item 10c, Resolution Awarding the Sale of $6,600,000 Taxable General Obligation Tax Increment Refunding Bonds, Series 2015B; Fixing Their Form and Specifications; Directing Their Execution and Delivery; and Providing for Their Payment. Councilmember Ryan referenced the estimated savings should both bond sales move forward. Finance Director Nate Reinhardt reviewed the number of bids opened this morning and an estimated savings of $495,000 (the Build America Bonds at $70,450; and, the tax increment bond at$424,000). Mr. Boganey pointed out the Standard & Poor's report also indicates the City retained its AA rating. Mayor Willson noted the bidder at 2.02%is not the lowest bidder. 06/08/15 -1- Doug Green, Springsted, explained the bids are awarded based on the true interest rate and described the calculation used to determine the net interest rate. He stated municipal bonds have been favorable over the past few years because of the lower interest rates and desire of investors for premium bonds to assure coupon protection. Mayor Willson asked if the federal government raising the interest rate will impact municipal bonds. Mr. Green stated in theory that could impact the yield curve but not necessarily, as it may already be built into the market. He noted there was an increase in interest rates and market impact as a result of the recent favorable jobs report. MISCELLANEOUS Community Garden Plots Councilmember Myszkowski stated it appears that only four community garden plots have been tilled. Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe stated 5 of the 18 garden plots have been rented and a newspaper article will be placed to increase interest. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked about connecting with the City's faith-based organizations to promote the community gardens. Mayor Willson stated that is an option but many are already promoting it. Mr. Glasoe stated last year all but one plot was rented. Status of Sears Building Councilmember Myszkowski asked if there are plans for the Sears building. Mr. Boganey stated the developer is in contact with Sears and they have been negotiating for a period of time. However, it appears that Sears has had some staffing turnover and broader corporate activities that have resulted in reduced communications with the developer. Councilmember Myszkowski stated she hopes it is resolved soon because the area has become very attractive with the exception of that one standalone building. Vacation Dates Councilmember Myszkowski stated she will be gone from June 11 to June 15 to attend her child's college graduation. 65th Avenue Traffic Concerns Councilmember Ryan stated traffic has significantly increased on 65th Avenue due to activity on 63rd Avenue. He asked staff to respond to complaints relating to speeding vehicles. Mr. Boganey stated he will refer this matter to the Police Department. Brooklyn Center Business Association Golf Tournament 06/08/15 -2- Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked whether the City Council would be interested in helping to sponsor a hole at the September 11, 2015, Brooklyn Center Business Association Golf Tournament. Following discussion, the City Council agreed to jointly sponsor a hole at $100. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS TOBACCO FREE PARKS Mr. Boganey introduced the item, reviewed the Council's discussion at its May 11, 2015, Work Session, and presented the draft Tobacco-Free Parks Policy and draft Ordinance revision for a complete ban of smoking and the use of tobacco and tobacco related products in all City parks and open spaces. Mayor Willson stated during the last discussion, a unanimous consensus was not reached on whether to regulate this issue through a Policy or Ordinance revision. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated after reading the Policy, her concern is in the statements that refer to `tobacco products' but do not include vaping. She suggested renaming the Policy to: `Tobacco Vaping-Free Parks Policy' and changing the language within the Policy to add clarity. Mayor Willson suggested using the Ordinance language reflected in Section 1 to add that clarity to the Policy. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she prefers to regulate this through an Ordinance amendment but if there are not adequate staffing resources to enforce an Ordinance, she is more inclined to consider a Policy with those language clarifications. Councilmember Ryan stated previously the City Council received information related to how many other communities in Hennepin County ban smoking in their parks. While the police may have other more important duties than enforcing a smoking ban in City parks, a smoking ban can be compared to a ban on littering, which should also be banned, and for good reason. Perfect enforcement may not be possible but the City has an interest in communicating that smoking (like littering in our parks) is unacceptable, and that perhaps a smoking ban through an Ordinance amendment might send a stronger message than a smoking ban in the form of a policy change. Councilmember Myszkowski stated after the last City Council discussion, she was sure an Ordinance amendment was the right way to go but after considering the comments of Councilmember Graves, she would support a Policy if clarified with the Ordinance language as suggested by Mayor Willson. 06/08/15 -3- Mr. Boganey stated with respect to the question of staffing levels, for the past several years the City has assigned Community Service Officers (CSOs) to conduct park patrol so there is sufficient staffing during the summer months as that is part of their expected duties. Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe stated the draft Ordinance includes the Hennepin County language from its Clean Indoor Air Act. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson noted that even with a Policy, the CSOs can still discourage the use of tobacco and vaping in City parks. Mayor Willson stated if a Policy is adopted, data can be generated and if found to be appropriate, an Ordinance can be considered by the City Council at a later date. Councilmember Graves stated she supports the stronger language and use of a Policy rather than an Ordinance. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to direct staff to revise the current Policy with the clarifying language as discussed for consideration at the next City Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to close the Study Session at 6:32 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 06/08/15 -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 June 8, 2015. 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 22, 2015, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 06/08/15 -5-