HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 02-08 CCM Regular SessionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
FEBRUARY 8,2016
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor Tim
Willson at 6:45 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, Director of
Business and Development Gary Eitel, Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards
Jesse Anderson, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Denise Bosch, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial,
Inc.
Mayor Tim Willson opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum.
Jane Sandberg, 3413 Woodbine Lane, spoke regarding the proposed sidewalk at 72 n1 and
Woodbine. She stated that putting in the sidewalk creates a false sense of safety for children.
She stated that she has observed the corner for 40 years and feels that the two existing midblock
crossings are sufficient and that the sidewalks would steer children to the intersection and into
danger. She would like the vote to be re-addressed.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to close the
Informal Open Forum at 6:52 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2.INVOCATION
Councilmember Myszkowski offered the invocation.
3.CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson
at 7:00 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
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Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers April Graves, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Lin
Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of
Business and Development Gary Eitel, Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards
Jesse Anderson, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Denise Bosch, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial,
Inc.
5.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6.APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Myszkowski moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to
approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, and the following consent items were approved:
6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.January 25, 2016— Study Session
2.January 25, 2016 - Regular Session
3. January 25, 2016 - Work Session
6b. LICENSES
FIREWORKS PERMANENT
Diamond Lake 1994
dba Cub Foods
MECHANICAL
Aerostar Heating and Air, LLC
All Systems Mechanical, LLC
Comfort Matters Heating & Cooling
RENTAL
INITIAL (TYPE II— two-year license)
4806 Twin Lake Avenue
Passed w/weather deferral
RENEWAL (TYPE III— one-year license)
3613 47th Avenue North, Ryan Creek Manor
Passed w/weather deferral
320063 rd Avenue North
3901 Burquest Lane
6925 Regent Avenue North
Passed w/weather deferral
RENEWAL (TYPE II— two-year license)
3245 County Road No. 10
871 22nd Street SW. Buffalo
2282 Terminal Road, Roseville
11238 River Road NE, Hanover
Craig Muckenhirn
Drew Kabanuk
Adedamola Ogundipe
Edwin Ngang
Paul Cameron
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5327-29 Queen Avenue North
6337 Bryant Avenue North
4019 Joyce Lane
7030 Regent Avenue North
Passed w/weather deferral
4118 Woodbine Lane
5931 Zenith Avenue North
Passed w/weather deferral
RENEWAL (TYPE I— three-year license)
3305 53' Avenue North
4703 68th Avenue North
2741 Freeway Boulevard
6930 Newton Avenue North
6124 Scott Avenue North
Alvin Stachowski
My Truong
Invitation Homes
Douglas Allen Wahl
Ron & Jeanette Blasewitz
Invitation Homes
Lake Pointe Apartments, LLC
Bernard McDonough
Motel 6, 1460
Desra Widdel
Invitation Homes
6c.APPLICATION AND PERMIT FOR TEMPORARY ON-SALE LIQUOR
LICENSE SUBMITTED BY THE CHURCH OF ST. ALPHONSUS, 7025
HALIFAX AVENUE NORTH, FOR A SOCIAL EVENT TO BE HELD
MARCH 12, 2016
6d.RESOLUTION NO. 2016-25 CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR DISEASED TREE
REMOVAL COSTS AND DELINQUENT WEED REMOVAL COSTS
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
7a. RESOLUTION NO. 2016-26 EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND
APPRECIATION OF JUDY THORBUS FOR HER DEDICATED PUBLIC
SERVICE ON THE HOUSING COMMISSION
Mayor Willson read in full a Resolution expressing recognition and appreciation of Ms. Thorbus'
service on the Housing Commission.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to adopt RESOLUTION
NO. 2016-26 Expressing Recognition and Appreciation of Judy Thorbus for Her Dedicated
Public Service on the Housing Commission.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is getting a
really good Commissioner.
Mayor Willson commented that Ms. Thorbus has always been dedicated and done well on the
Housing Commission.
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Motion passed unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. PROPOSED USE OF 2016 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG) FUNDS
This item was first read on January 11, 2016; published in the official newspaper on January 21,
2016; and is offered this evening for Public Hearing.
City Manager Curt Boganey introduced Deputy Director/HRA Specialist Jesse Anderson.
Mr. Anderson provided background and an overview of the grant process; information on the
2015 and 2016 fund distributions; and census tracts. He requested direction from the City
Council regarding allocation of the CDBG funds.
The following agencies submitted for the CDBG Public Service Agency activities/program
funding:
Household Outside Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) (Senior Community Services)
• Requesting $10,000
• Has been a part of the City's CDBG program for 21 years.
Meals on Wheels (CEAP)
• Requesting $15,000
• Has been a part of the City's CDBG program for 16 years.
Tenant Advocacy Services (HOME Line)
• Requesting $8,122
• Has been apart of the City's CDBG program for 8 years.
Brooklyn Avenues (Avenues for Homeless Youth)
• Requesting $10,000
• Has been apart of the City's CDBG program for 2 years.
Food and Nutrition Services (CAPI USA)
• Requesting $3,684
• Has not received previous funding from the City's CDBG program.
Housing Counseling Services (Lao Assistance Center of MN)
• Requesting $5,000
• Has not received previous funding from the City's CDBG program.
Youth Success Coaching (Yes, Inc.)
• Requesting $10,000
• Has not received previous funding from the City's CDBG program.
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Student Afterschool Counseling and Activities (Brooklyn Center Timber Bay/Youth
Investment Foundation)
• Requesting $20,000
• Has not received previous funding from the City's CDBG program.
Mr. Boganey went over the two options available to the City Council.
Councilmember Myszkowski moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to open the Public
Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Household Outside Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) (Senior Community Services)
Representative Valerie Anderson spoke of the number of chore programs for seniors that have
been closing their doors in the last few years and that is why the H.O.M.E. program has
expanded. She stated that the support from local cities has provided them with a solid
foundation and she thanked the City Council for the financial support and partnership. She
stated that the number of seniors in Brooklyn Center stands at over 5,000 and the demand for
services is growing. She stated that they helped 68 Brooklyn Center seniors this year with the
help of volunteers and that volunteers are the backbone of the organization. She talked about the
continuing partnership with Brooklyn Center Fire Department assisting with smoke and CO2
detectors, etc. She stated that the services the organization provides help seniors to stay in their
homes and that seniors feel safe with their workers. She told a story of a senior that needed her
home's exterior painted and how thrilled she was and how she was no longer embarrassed by the
exterior of her home.
Councilmember Ryan asked if there is greater demand in the community for the services than
there are volunteers and money. Ms. Anderson answered affirmatively and will follow-up with
Councilmember Ryan with specific numbers.
Mayor Willson commented that seniors comprising one-sixth of the population of Brooklyn
Center is a high ratio.
Councilmember Graves asked about the services the organization provides. Ms. Anderson
replied that the organization has a home program, partners with senior centers, has social
workers and caregiver outreach, medical insurance counseling, and a variety of other services for
seniors and caregivers.
Mr. Boganey thanked the applicant for clarifying that the CO2 program with the Brooklyn
Center Fire Department would be continued.
Meals on Wheels (CEAP)
Representative Jill Pettit talked about the number of seniors they serve. She stated that
volunteers deliver hot and culturally appropriate meals directly to homes, interact with seniors
and do a health check. She stated that this program helps seniors stay in their homes and that
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CEAP is dedicated to the seniors in Brooklyn Center through their partnership with Hennepin
County and the Osseo School District. They will be piloting a frozen meal program to provide
additional meals and 120 seniors in Brooklyn Center use Meals on Wheels. Seniors can also get
weekend meals. Meals on Wheels has been serving meals for 30 years and the need will
continue to grow with the amount of seniors in Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Willson asked about the culturally appropriate meals. Ms. Petit replied that they serve
culturally and nutritionally appropriate meals based on a screening process.
Mayor Willson commented on the newer program that provides a meal on the weekends. He
stated that there is a huge need for seniors to be able to eat on the weekend.
Councilmember Ryan asked if CEAP has good connections with the County. Ms. Petit replied
affirmatively.
Councilmember Ryan asked if the organization had the capability to identify additional needs in
the community and if they can communicate them to the City and the County. Ms. Pettit replied
affirmatively and stated that they have a good relationship with the County.
Councilmember Ryan stated that he is pleased the City can contribute but it is a small player. As
local elected officials, we can communicate needs to the federal level.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson commented on her mother-in-law's recent passing and the
meals that were provided. She stated her support for the organization.
Ms. Pettit stated that the most common thank you note received at CEAP is from seniors
regarding the extra touches provided by the volunteers.
Tenant Advocacy Services (HOME Line)
Representative Mike Vraa stated that the organization provides services to renters in the entire
State. He stated that 173 Brooklyn Center residents contacted them last year. Their primary role
is to inform renters of their rights and responsibilities. They also do a series of speeches
regarding the roles of landlords. He stated that the organization has enjoyed long-term support
from the City.
Brooklyn Avenues (Avenues for Homeless Youth)
No representative in attendance.
Food and Nutrition Services (CAP! USA)
No representative in attendance.
Housing Counseling Services (Lao Assistance Center of MN)
Representative Sunny Chanthanouvong stated that there is a large population of Laotians in the
City and his organization provides direction and assistance with housing. He talked about the
work they do with clients that experience housing issues due to a crisis and the help they provide
to clients in navigating the MNsure program. He stated that the organization became a HUD
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certified agency in 2009. He stated that the organization plans to provide services to 120-130
clients and that the organization applied for funds from the City last year but did not receive
them.
Councilmember Ryan spoke about the worthiness of the organization providing assistance to
clients to navigate the MNsure system. He asked how many clients they have helped with that.
Mr. Chanthanouvong replied that they help people with as many issues as they can.
Councilmember Graves encouraged the organization to keep providing services. She asked them
not to give up even if they don't get the grant this year.
Youth Success Coaching (Yes, Inc.)
Representative Evan Reminick and (Yes, Inc.) founder Duannah Siryon addressed the City
Council. Mr. Reminick stated that they had requested funds last year and that there had been
some concern that their efforts were duplicative of those of the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance. He
reported that they have worked extensively with the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance on their
organization's planning and they have been mentored by them on best practices. They have
developed a model and have entered the grant and fundraising world. They have received a
block grant from the City of Brooklyn Park to do program planning and have recently received
some local TV coverage on a tutoring program they established in apartment complexes in
Brooklyn Park. Their main program of interest is overall success coaching for youth in the
communities and they see tutoring as a great way to start. Their ultimate destination is an overall
guide for youth on civic engagement, college admission, career paths and home ownership
within the communities they live. They hope to receive a CDBG grant allocation to plant seeds
for future success.
Mayor Willson commented he was given an iPad to donate at a mayors' conference and he
donated it to the Yes, Inc. organization.
Mr. Siryon thanked the Mayor for his donation.
Student Afterschool Counseling and Activities (Brooklyn Center Timber Bay/Youth
Investment Foundation)
Representative Wayne Thyren stated that his organization has been in the City of Brooklyn Park
and now he is exclusively working in the City of Brooklyn Center. He stated that Timber Bay
has been around since 1970 and does a lot of mentoring at schools and after school five days a
week. They offer support groups for teens and parents and operate Timber Bay Camp in Mille
Lacs. He talked about the Athletics to Academics program that improves how students do in
school. After their tutoring session, students can come to open gym. He talked about an app that
allows them to track students' success and reported that 27% of students involved in the program
have increased their math scores and 34% of students have increased their English scores. They
also provide transportation. He told a story of a student from Liberia who was offered a job and
then a scholarship by a volunteer mentor.
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Mr. Siryon talked about a mobile homework program that has been started by Yes, Inc. in
Brooklyn Park and duplicated in Brooklyn Center. He told the story of a child that received
failing grades on his homework when helped by his parent but when he was helped by a program
volunteer he passed. That child expressed his gratitude for their help. Mr. Siryon expressed his
hope that the City Council could help with funding.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Myszkowski seconded to close
the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves pointed out that the large population of youth and elderly in the City and
the added strategic goal to strengthen and empower youth. She talked about more support being
given to youth. She stated that she is not choosing one over the other but would like to see more
funding going towards younger residents, which is a larger population.
Councilmember Ryan confirmed with Mr. Boganey that the City currently grants out of its
general funds $50,000 to support the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance. Mr. Boganey confirmed this
amount.
Councilmember Ryan stated that he thinks that shows that within our limited resources we are
putting our money where our commitment is in a general sense. He stated that it is an anomaly
for the City Council to struggle with who they give the limited CDBG dollars to when this is
primarily a function of the State and administered through the County. He stated that under the
CDBG restrictions, they are only allowed to spend 15 percent of the total allotment on each
entity and the County prefers that they choose three providers and no more than four. They are
also supposed to make minimum allocations of $7,500. He stated his appreciation of
Councilmember Graves's comments about supporting youth and does not want to get in a
situation where we are choosing between demographics. He stated he felt it was necessary to
convey to the public that there is a limited amount that the City Council can distribute and there
are constraints on how it is distributed.
Councilmember Myszkowski stated she prefers Option Two, but her concern is that because we
are not to exceed three entities the County would say no and we would have to inform one of the
entities that they can't get the dollars. She stated that she completely agrees with
Councilmember Graves that we have to find more balance between the youth and the elderly.
Mr. Boganey stated that staff's view is that the County would approve awarding to four entities.
If the City Council decides to award to five entities, then staff would make direct contact with
Hennepin County to determine if there is an issue.
Councilmember Ryan emphasized that if he had the money to distribute he would like grant
funds to all applicants.
Councilmember Ryan moved to accept staff's Option One recommendation.
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There was no second to the motion. The motion failed.
Mayor Willson stated the City Council could direct staff to contact Hennepin County to see if
they would accept Option Two.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated that if youth is a priority, the City Council would
need to go with Option Two.
Mayor Willson stated that he struggles with awarding to four or five entities. He stated that
Timber Bay is providing a program that no one else is and to him that may be a good balance
with youth and elderly on the grant. He stated he wishes the City had more money to distribute.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to direct staff
to prepare allocation of the 2016 CDBG funds based on Option Two for formal approval at the
February 22, 2016, City Council meeting and to direct staff to check with Hennepin County on
the appropriate number of entities.
Councilmember Myszkowski disclosed that she sits on the board of CEAP.
Councilmember Ryan stated that his advocacy for Option One is purely tactical. The reason he
wants Option One is that the organizations under that option are quite stressed for funding. He
stated he would support the consensus but would be voting against Option Two.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated that we can push the limits and award funds to five
entities. She talked about past issues where the City Council has pushed the boundaries
including the rental ordinance, the Level III Sex Offender Moratorium, etc.
Councilmember Ryan stated that if staff gets feedback from the County that five entities are
acceptable, then he would support the resolution.
Mayor Willson stated that he has donated to Yes, Inc. and it is a very hard decision with the
small amount of CDBG dollars but he tends to lean towards Option Two as well. He wants to
hear about the conversation with the County. He stated he has read through the documentation
and a couple of the organizations would probably qualify for the minimum $3,500 grant and that
could be a possibility next year, but this year he would go with Option Two.
Councilmember Ryan voting against the same. Motion passed.
9.PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None
10.COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
lOa. CONSIDERATION OF TYPE IV 6-MONTH PROVISIONAL RENTAL
LICENSES
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Mayor Willson explained the streamlined process used to consider Type IV 6-Month Provisional
Rental Licenses.
Mayor Willson polled the audience and asked whether anyone was in attendance to provide
testimony on any of the rental licenses as listed on tonight's meeting agenda. Seeing no one
coming forward, Mayor Willson called for a motion on Agenda Items lOal through 10a7.
lOal. 5916 ALDRICH AVENUE NORTH
10a2. 5748 HUMBOLDT AVENUE NORTH
100. 3349 49TH AVENUE NORTH
10a4. 5332 LILAC DRIVE NORTH
10a5. RESOLUTION NO. 2016-27 APPROVING A TYPE IV RENTAL LICENSE
FOR 6319 BROOKLYN BOULEVARD
10a6. RESOLUTION NO. 2016-28 APPROVING A TYPE IV RENTAL LICENSE
FOR 5025 DREW AVENUE NORTH
10a7. RESOLUTION NO. 2016-29 APPROVING A TYPE IV RENTAL LICENSE
FOR 5333 DUPONT AVENUE NORTH
Councilmember Myszkowski moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to
approve the issuance of a Type IV six-month provisional rental license and mitigation plan for
the following: 5916 Aldrich Avenue North; 5748 Humboldt Avenue North; 3349 49 1h Avenue
North; 5332 Lilac Drive North; and to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2016-27 Approving a Type IV
Rental License for 6319 Brooklyn Boulevard, RESOLUTION NO. 2016-28 Approving a Type
IV Rental License for 5025 Drew Avenue North; and, RESOLUTION NO. 2016-29 Approving a
Type IV Rental License for 5333 Dupont Avenue North, with the requirement that the mitigation
plans and all applicable ordinances must be strictly adhered to before renewal licenses would be
considered.
Motion passed unanimously.
lOb. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO SERVE ON HOUSING
COMMISSION
Mayor Willson requested the City Council to consider ratification of the Mayoral appointment of
Tamika Baskin, 6042 Ewing Avenue North, to the Housing Commission with a term to expire
December 31, 2018.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to ratify the
Mayoral appointment of Tamika Baskin to the Housing Commission.
Motion passed unanimously.
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11. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmember Ryan reported on his attendance at the following and provided information on
the following upcoming events:
• January 26, 2016: Minneapolis Northwest Convention and Visitor's Bureau
• January 26, 27, 28, 2016: TH 252 Corridor Study Open House
• January 28, 2016: Brooklyn Center Business Association Luncheon
• January 30, 2016: Legislative Breakfast
• February 4, 2016: Former City Attorney Charlie LeFevere's Funeral
• February 7, 2016: Brooklyn Center Lions Club Waffle Breakfast
• February 9, 2016: Northwest Cities Program Interview
Councilmember Msyzkowski reported on her attendance at the following and provided
information on the following upcoming events:
• January 30, 2016: Asian New Year's Celebration at Park Center Senior High
• February 7, 2016: Brooklyn Center Lions Club Waffle Breakfast
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson reported on her attendance at the following and provided
information on the following upcoming events:
• January 26, 2016: Multicultural Advisory Committee Meeting
• January 30, 2016: Asian New Year's Celebration at Park Center Senior High
Councilmember Graves reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on
the following upcoming events:
• January 26, 2016: Multicultural Advisory Committee Meeting
• January 30, 2016: Legislative Breakfast
• January 30, 2016: Attended the Grand Opening of Savour Tea Lounge in Brooklyn Park
• February 9, 2016: Chaired the Northside Youth Collaborative Meeting
• February 16, 2016: Meeting with the Brooklyn Center School District Social Studies
Curriculum Design Committee
• February 18, 2016: Attending the Young Elected Officials Climate Justice Policy Academy
Councilmember Graves reported she had learned that the City has had a relationship with Flint,
Michigan, in the past concerning charter schools and it was suggested to her that it would nice
for the City to send a letter expressing support. She said if Council Members are interested, she
could provide a transcript of the voice mail she received from Barb Jensen.
Mayor Willson reported on his attendance at the following and provided information on the
following upcoming events:
• January 29, 2016: Cable 12 Mayor's Two Minute Program
• January 30, 2016: Legislative Breakfast
• January 30, 2016: Compassionate Care Bill Hearing
• February 7, 2016: Lions Club Waffle Breakfast
12. ADJOURNMENT
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Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded adjournment of the City
Council meeting at 8:33 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 a
Regular Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on
February 8, 2016.
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 February 22, 2016, Regular
Session.
City Clerk Mayor
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