Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 09-14 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 SEPTEMBER 14, 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 6:04 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, 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, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Denise Bosch, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Ryan requested item 6f Resolution Requesting and Supporting the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council to Update the State's Transportation Plan to Include a TH 252 Freeway Conversion Project and to Immediately Proceed with the Necessary Freeway Conversion Study, Planning, and Funding for this Project be moved from the consent agenda to the regular meeting agenda under item l Oc. Mr. Boganey pointed out that updated copies of the special assessment rolls removing those that have been paid since last week have been distributed to the Councilmembers. MISCELLANEOUS Brooklyn Center University for Youth Mr. Boganey stated that this item was brought forth by Councilmember Graves for discussion at a Work Session and that the City Council vets these items at its Study Session. He turned the discussion over to Councilmember Graves. Councilmember Graves stated that the City does have two similar programs in place and that her idea could be included in these programs by making space for youth to be involved. She suggested the possibility of having a university for adults and for youth. 09/14/15 -1- Mr. Boganey asked Councilmember Graves what ages she was thinking of targeting. Councilmember Graves replied that there was a need for a program for youth that are technically adults ages 18-23. She stated that there are not a lot of programming dollars for that age group. Mayor Willson asked Councilmember Graves if she was thinking of waiving an entrance fee. Councilmember Graves replied that participants should not have to pay a fee and this may be accomplished by connecting it to the work program already in place. Mayor Willson pointed out that the registration fees are not in place to make a profit but to offset program costs. Councilmember Myszkowski stated that she likes the idea of linking it to BCU and is intrigued by the idea of linking it to the STEP-UP program. She stated that the youth that participate tend to be representative of the community; there is really very little civic education in schools; and that there are young people that slip through the cracks because they have no connections. She stated that youth would be connected to people that have a knowledge of how to further their own ambitions and she agrees with Councilmember Graves' target age range. She stated that she is not sure how to find funding for this and doesn't know how much it would cost, but possibly it could be rolled into other programs and there may be community partners that would want to be involved. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson suggested implementing it into the community education program. Councilmember Myszkowski asked if she meant adult community education. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson replied that she was thinking about parks and recreation for the youth and a way in which to utilize the staff hours by putting it under an umbrella as opposed to creating another entity. Mayor Willson suggested civic credit for individuals that are in the schools; talked about BrookLynk; and suggested investigating if Yes, Inc. has candidates. He stated that he felt that Councilmembers should give staff direction to put this item on a Work Session. Councilmember Ryan stated that there is very strong motivation to look in this direction. He stated that Councilmember Graves had referred to programs with a broader scope and asked her to clarify her vision. Councilmember Graves stated that the STEP-UP program provided career development that is tailored by age and how long they have been in the program. Councilmember Ryan stated that he would not be opposed to bringing this item to a Work Session, but Councilmembers would have to be alert as to how it is focused and that it is not duplicating other programs. 09/14/15 -2- Mayor Willson asked if STEP-UP is something the City of Brooklyn Center can participate in. Councilmember Graves thought that it may be a possibility. Mayor Willson asked Councilmember Graves to approach them and Councilmember Graves agreed. Mr. Boganey stated that the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park participate in BrookLynk, which is similar to STEP-UP. He stated that the City could build this piece into that program. Mayor Willson stated that this is an option but that the goal is to reach out to youth that do not have ties or connections to programs. Mr. Boganey stated that the kids that would be involved in STEP-UP would be identical to the kids involved in BrookLynk. Councilmember Graves stated that if the STEP-UP program was willing to expand and take youth from Brooklyn Center, it would mean more jobs for the youth. She stated it wouldn't be a duplication because Minneapolis would be doing the advisory and it would be another opportunity for youth in Brooklyn Center. She stated that the Alliance could be strengthened by this and that her impression is that there still is a struggle to keep youth involved in the youth council. She sees this as an opportunity to get youth involved in leadership positions and it could be mutually beneficially. Mayor Willson stated the City may be able to piggy back on the STEP-UP program. Mr. Boganey stated that the City contracted with STEP-UP this year so there is already a relationship. Mayor Willson stated that there is a segment of youth that we are not reaching and that we are not looking for youth who are doing well in school and have the resources to move forward. There was consensus to bring this item to a Work Session. Opportunities for Small and Diverse Businesses Mr. Boganey stated that this issue was brought up by Councilmember Graves and asked that she explain it to Councilmembers. Councilmember Graves stated she knows that there has been research done by Mr. Boganey and she has had conversations with the Liberian community on this issue. She suggested providing an area of shops that business owners could lease collaboratively to make the City a destination place and to support small business. She stated that she felt there is a need for this in the community and in the community of color. She stated that there is a lot of talent that is untapped and this would make it more visible and accessible. Mayor Willson indicated he doesn't disagree and talked about examples he has been exposed to recently. He talked about an individual that was attempting to work with a City strip mall owner 09/14/15 -3- to bring this type of small business that never came to fruition. He stated his trepidation with the City acting as the lessor. Councilmember Ryan confirmed with Mr. Boganey that the Global Market on Lake Street was heavily subsidized. He spoke about the money needed for the vision. He stated that he appreciates Councilmember Graves bringing it up and that it should be looked into. He also stated that the Open for Business initiative does offer free consultant advice and helps small businesses set up a business plan and that it provides a great resource for diverse community members. Mayor Willson asked if Open for Business works with people on business models for free. Mr. Boganey stated he is not sure if there are more costs, but the initial discussion is free. Mr. Boganey talked about strategies to accomplish the City's economic stability initiatives that include a start-up strategy. It begins with a survey that analyzes the impediments and talking to small businesses. If the City decides to assist the small business, it determines the most beneficial strategy. He stated that December 15, 2015, is the target date for survey to be completed and the City hopes to have an implementation strategy by March of 2016. One of the specific items being looked at is creating a business incubator. This is not a new concept and it can work but it does have risks. He stated that Councilmembers have given staff this direction and if staff follows this direction they can give adequate information and responses to the concerns that have been raised. Councilmember Graves stated that these are good first steps and she is comfortable with waiting for results and for next steps. Councilmember Ryan suggesting comparing strategic goals to develop business opportunities with the City Brooklyn Park. Mr. Boganey stated that they may have a different strategy as their main focus is on new development. Councilmember Ryan commented on a conversation he had with Mike Sable, Brooklyn Park Interim City Manager, on this subject. Mayor Willson stated that 60% of New York City's growth came from start-ups and entrepreneurs. Mr. Boganey stated that most job creation comes from existing businesses as opposed to new businesses. There was consensus to bring this item to a Work Session. Councilmember Graves asked Mr. Boganey if he was planning to do quantitative or qualitative research. Mr. Boganey replied he planned to do both types of research. 09/14/15 -4- Mr. Boganey spoke about a study done by a local professor on the potential value of African immigrant businesses in the north metro area. Mr. Boganey did have a conversation with him and the professor feels there is a strong market and opportunities if the entrepreneurs can get the support they need. Mr. Boganey plans to meet with him in the future. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL The Study Session adjourned at 6:37 p.m. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION The Study Session reconvened at 6:47 p.m. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS AMPHITHEATER PAVER INSCRIPTION POLICY City Manager Curt Boganey asked the City Council to consider two drafts of the Civic and Veterans Memorial Amphitheater Paver Policy. He stated that questions have been raised about what is allowable under the policy currently in place. He stated that the City Attorney and staff have discussed the issue and concluded that the policy should be a policy of the City. They wanted to be as clear as possible in determining acceptable inscriptions and wanted to set forth the purpose of the pavers and also to specifically indicate what would be an unacceptable inscription on a paver. He stated that the first draft provides fairly broad messages and the second draft limits what can be inscribed so there is very little margin for error. He stated that once the City has established a policy and precedent,the broader it is,the more creative a person can be and the City cannot discriminate. Even with the various prohibitions outlined a person still has an ability to request an inscription that someone may not like even if the inscription complies with the limitations. He stated that the more limited approach really removes the flexibility and creativity. Mayor Willson commented that he felt that one draft is what one shalt not do and the second one is what one may be able to do. He wondered why they were not merged together. City Attorney Gilchrist stated that the drafts were meant to be separate approaches and they can be reworded. He stated that the broader the message you allow, the greater the chances are that someone will not be comfortable. He also stated that there are a surprising amount of litigations regarding paver inscriptions and they are trying to seek direction from the City Council and then make edits. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated that she hears the rationale but still supports draft number one. She stated that if the policy is too restrictive less pavers will sell and the most common sense issues are covered in draft one. Mr. Boganey stated that whatever policy was adopted would not affect previously paid for pavers. 09/14/15 -5- Mayor Willson stated that he is not opposed to draft one, but wants to see something that says this is what you can do. He stated that he wouldn't want to pick between them. Councilmember Graves stated she likes the creative draft better and feels that it will generate more interest. She stated that draft number two could be used as suggested messages. She asked about the pavers that have already been done. Mr. Boganey replied that all of the pavers would fit under draft one. Mayor Willson stated that he purchased pavers "In Memory of and did not provide his title as mayor. He stated that at some point someone will need to decide what can be and what cannot be and there is a need for guidelines. Mr. Gilchrist stated that staff can put that sort of message in draft one and flesh it out. Mr. Boganey stated that the intent behind draft one is you can say anything you want to say as long as it fits on the paver and doesn't violate the prohibitions. Draft two states you can only say these things. This discussion was suspended and continued at the Work Session. ADJOURNMENT The Study Session adjourned at 6:59 p.m. 09/14/15 -6- 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 September 14, 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 September 28, 2015, Regular Session. I(bvo City Clerk Mayor 09/14/15 -7-