HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 08-17 CCM Joint Work Session with Financial Commission MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
JOINT WORK SESSION WITH FINANCIAL COMMISSION
AUGUST 17, 2015
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Joint Work Session with the Financial Commission
and the session was called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:31 p.m.
Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers April Graves, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Lin
Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Also present: City Manager Curt Boganey, Finance Director Nate
Reinhardt, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Interim Police Chief Tim Gannon,
Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, and
Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Others present were Financial Commissioners Anna Burke, Teneshia Kragness, Rex Newman,
and Dean Van Der Werf.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to approve the
agenda.
Motion passed unanimously.
III. 2016 GENERAL FUND DEPARTMENT BUDGET REQUESTS
City Manager Curt Boganey indicated each department would give a brief overview relating to
the 2016 budget.
a. ADMINISTRATION
City Council
Mr. Boganey provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining 2015 key initiatives; principle
spending areas; performance objectives; and, significant budget impact for the 2016 City Council
budget. Mr. Boganey answered questions relating to the difference between the Economic
Development Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority and funding formula for the
North Metro Mayor's Association.
The City Council reached consensus to discuss the option of starting a Brooklyn Center
University geared towards youth,to engage and educate that populous, at a future Study Session.
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Administration Department
Mr. Boganey provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the description of the Administration
Department; staffing; strategic functions; significant budget impacts for 2016; and, non-
departmental budget. Mr. Boganey answered questions relating to appropriate level of IT
staffing; percentage of IT hours spent reacting compared to proactive activities; computer
equipment replacement schedule; services provided by LOGIS; services provided by and
clientele of North Star Diversion; budget for Diversity and Inclusion Council; factors resulting in
cessation of the Senior Transportation Program; and, timing of the 10-year Embassy Suites tax
abatement.
b. BUILDING & COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Assistant City Manager/Director of Building and Community Standards Vickie Schleuning
provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Building and Community Standards Department
including its mission; activities and services offered; initiatives; staffing levels; strategic
functions; key initiatives to enhance community image; annual goal performance measures; and,
budget summary. Ms. Schleuning answered questions relating to seasonal and intern positions;
building inspection allocation for staffing; significant improvement in housing stock as a result
of the City's aggressive Code enforcement policies and low-interest improvement loans; level of
fees charged related to actual cost of services rendered unless involving a punitive process; and,
types of funding available for home renovations.
Discussion ensued relating to whether there was opportunity for joint collaboration with
communities offering similar initiatives. Mr. Boganey encouraged the Council and
Commissioners to inform staff if they hear of services needed in the City so it can be studied and
determined if it is a potential opportunity. Discussion occurred whether personnel should be
added with the sole purpose of engaging the community to address enhancing the City's image
and promoting parks and recreation programs.
C. BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT
Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel provided a PowerPoint presentation of the
Business and Development Department outlining its mission statement; staffing description,
responsibilities, and levels; strategic functions; key initiatives/targeted growth; annual goals/
strategies; and annual goal performance measures. Mr. Eitel answered questions relating to the
status of the Earle Brown Bowl property that is currently closed and listed for sale; potential
reuse for that site and the adjacent lot; request for coffee shop/cafe and meeting location near the
FBI building; rooms available to accommodate meeting space and food service; and, potential
reuse of the former Mr. BBQ and former K-Mart sites.
Discussion occurred relating to opportunities to attract non-big-box businesses to meet the needs
of the City's diverse population, perhaps in locations of lower rent vacant properties in need of
revitalization. Mr. Eitel stated that is a challenge and attracting that type of unique business
requires creative financing and a lot of subsidy. Mayor Willson stated he learned while in New
York City that 60% of its new jobs are from small diversity businesses with 20 employees or
fewer. Mr. Boganey indicated this remains on staff s `radar' and described those discussions of
staff. The City Council reached consensus to further discuss this topic at a future Study Session.
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d. POLICE
Interim Police Chief Tim Gannon provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the Police
Department's mission statement; description of services provided; staffing levels; strategic
functions by division; key initiatives; annual goals and strategies; annual goal performance
measures and operating performance objectives; budget deviations; and, challenges faced today.
Interim Chief Gannon answered questions relating to training to handle epidemic infections;
activities to improve community image of Brooklyn Center; investigation of crimes through new
technology; use of body cameras; privacy laws; challenge of enforcing laws indiscriminately
including trespass and loitering with intent; reduction in nuisance soliciting/panhandling; bicycle
patrol focused in the commercial area; use of best practices with the diversion program to assure
best outcomes; Brooklyn Center liaison; encouraging residents to share their positive experiences
with the Police Department; provide resources (such as Cornerstone) for youth and families to
tackle the problem of domestic violence; whether to consider permanent funding for forensic
training; and,the City Council's support of community policing.
There was discussion and recognition that the Police Department's proactive stance has resulted
in positive community interaction.
IV. PROPOSED RE-SCHEDULING OF AUGUST 31, 2015, BUDGET WORK
SESSION TO TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8,2015
Following discussion of availability, there was consensus to reschedule the August 31, 2015,
Budget Work Session to Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
V. FUTURE BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS
a. SEPTEMBER 14, 2015, (REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING) CITY
COUNCIL ADOPTS PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND LEVY
Mr. Boganey indicated the 2016 Budget and levy will be presented to the City Council at its
regular meeting of September 14, 2015, and recommended for adoption.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Myszkowski moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to
adjourn the Work Session at 9:32 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 the City
Council from the City of Brooklyn Center Joint Work Session with Financial
Commission held on August 17, 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 August 24, 2015, Regular Session.
City Clerk Mayor
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