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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 11-24 CCM Work SessionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 24, 2008 CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session called to order by Mayor/President Tim Willson at 8:13 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Tim Willson and Councilmembers/Commissioners Kay Lasman, Mary O'Connor, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Community Development Director Gary Eitel, Police Commander Kevin Benner, Assistant to the City Manager Vickie Schleuning, City Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Carol Hamer, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. DRUG FREE HOUSING LEASE ADDENDUM - COUNCILMEMBER YELICH Councilmember Yelich stated he has requested that the Crime-Free/Drug-Free Housing Lease Addendum be required for all rental license applicants in the City as part of their lease agreement. He has heard in the past that this has worked effectively for multi-housing units and it has been demonstrated around the country to be successful in reducing problematic behavior in rental units. He stated this provides a tool for rental property managers to manage in a more effective manner that is acceptable for the City of Brooklyn Center. He requested that the Council direct staff to prepare an ordinance amendment to add the Addendum to the City's existing rental licensing program. It was questioned whether the Crime-Free/Drug-Free Housing Addendum would be restrictive on single family homes where there may not be a lot of resources. Mr. LeFevere explained if there are provisions that do not particularly fit a single family home the Addendum could be adapted for that purpose. The idea is to ensure that the lease terms include provisions that allow landlords to get rid of problem tenants, which may be more important in the single family context than in multi-family units. He explained the Addendum gives the landlord the ability to evict, but it is not enforceable by the City. Commander Benner and Mr. LeFevere answered questions of the Council on the Crime- Free/Drug Free Housing Addendum. There was discussion on the following in relation to the Addendum: ■ The Addendum is currently provided as an informational piece to landlords ■ Item 2 of the Addendum, specifically in relation to difficulty of enforcement "near" single family homes 11/24/08 -1- ■ Providing the Addendum as a voluntary option for landlords ■ Ordinance amendment requiring the Addendum as part of the rental licensing program The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to draft an ordinance amendment to include the Crime-Free/Drug-Free Housing Addendum as part of the rental licensing program to be presented at a future work session with additional background information including the implications on staff resources and the experience of other cities that mandate or provide incentives for landlords to incorporate the Addendum SIDEWALK VACATION - HALIFAX AVENUE - COUNCILMEMBER YELICH Councilmember Yelich stated this item is a follow up to a previous meeting where a resident, Mr. Carlson, pointed out an ongoing problem with gang graffiti on his fence along a public sidewalk between residential properties. Mr. Carlson and the neighbor that adjoins that sidewalk have brought forward a suggestion about closing that sidewalk off as a possible solution for eliminating ongoing graffiti problems. There are four properties adjoining this sidewalk; three of them have solid wood fences which get tagged by gang graffiti on a regular basis. Councilmember Yelich stated he volunteered to bring this forward for Council consideration and has asked staff to provide the Council with some additional background information about the potential solution. Mr. Lillehaug provided an overview of the November 21, 2008, memorandum on the proposed sidewalk vacation of the midblock sidewalk between Halifax and Grimes Avenues between 69th Avenue North and 71St Avenue North. He outlined information and answered questions of the Council on the history, utilities, walkway characteristics, vacation of walkway and easement, and budget issues associated with the requested sidewalk vacation. Mr. Lillehaug suggested consideration of installation of a wrought iron fence with hedges and closely spaced shrubs which would not be tagged with graffiti and would provide screening for the residents. He explained typically if these items were to be installed it would be at the expense of the private property owner. Mr. Joel Cederholm, 7007 Grimes Avenue North, addressed the Council and stated when he purchased his house six to seven years ago the City had given over a large section of that land, and the property line is at the fence. He suggested the City consider putting up a fence similar to the fence running the length of 69th Avenue. Mr. Lillehaug stated as far as he is aware the 30 foot easement in this area is valid. It was noted that the fence on 69th Avenue was likely part of the agreement with the reconstruction of the road. Mr. Chris Carlson, 7000 Halifax Avenue North, addressed the Council and questioned why it would be a problem to move the fence, as the manhole access is already on his property. He stated he does not have a problem with the easement but would like the property owners to have the ability to put a fence or fences along the property line to cut off the traffic from Grimes Avenue to Halifax Avenue. He stated due to the changing demographics of the neighborhood he does not believe there are children living on Grimes Avenue who attend St. Alphonsus School. Visible access to the sidewalk only comes when you are standing at one end or the other; if you move three feet in either direction you cannot see to the middle of the block, let alone the other 11/24/08 -2- end. He stated blocking off the area with private residential fencing is the best answer to their particular problem in this area and the access to the sewer and the drain would still be available as it is right now. It was noted that the City would have the right to remove fencing impeding access in the easement. Mr. Lillehaug explained that an encroachment agreement would be an option if it were to be determined to allow fencing to be constructed in the easement. He stated he recommends that the Council not feel the utility issue is the dictating issue; he would recommend that the issue to consider is the idea of whether the sidewalk is a valuable part of the infrastructure for connectivity. There was discussion on an encroachment agreement and a mailing to determine if the sidewalk is being used by property owners in the area. It was suggested that cameras may be beneficial in identifying individuals involved with vandalism in the area. Mr. Boganey stated there is not any clear evidence that the Police Department has not been responsive to calls to this area. He believes the Police Department has had some contact with the residents and a meeting is being planned to meet with the property owners to discuss some possible things the Police Department can do to come to a better resolution. If the installation of cameras is something the Police Department suggests as a viable alternative it can be explored. The majority consensus of the City Council was that a formal request for vacation be submitted by the four Property owners along the midblock sidewalk between Halifax and Grimes Avenues between 69t Avenue North and 71St Avenue North in order to proceed with further consideration by the City. It was stressed that the property owners need to be aware of the costs that will be incurred if the sidewalk is vacated and potential problems, such as the removal of the fence for access to the utilities. Mr. Boganey suggested that Mr. Lillehaug work with the property owners to draft an appropriate petition that identifies possible future obligations of the property owners. EMPLOYEE USE OF COMMUNITY CENTER - CITY MANAGER Mr. Boganey introduced the item and stated the Council is being asked to consider the request of the City Wellness Committee to offer use of the Community Center to employees at no charge as a way of encouraging fitness and improved health which should contribute greater productivity and reduced health care expense. Mr. Boganey provided background information on the benefits for employers and employees in relation to employee fitness programs and answered questions of the Council on the proposed employee fitness program. The majority consensus of the City council was to direct staff to include adoption of the proposed employee use of the Community Center on a future agenda for Council consideration. 11/24/08 -3- COMMUNITY SURVEY - CITY MANAGER Mr. Boganey introduced the item and provided background information on the draft Community Survey prepared by Decision Resources. He requested discussion and feedback from the Council on the proposed survey. Mr. Eitel answered questions of the Council on the draft Community Survey and the process used by Decision Resources. It was noted that Decision Resources has indicated a 95% accuracy rate with surveys relating to bond issues. It was noted that it is important that there is not any bias included in the survey questions. Mr. Boganey requested that Council Members email him with any specific questions or concerns about specific questions, which will be forwarded to Decision Resources. He stated the preference would be to have the results from the survey prior to the Annual City Council Retreat scheduled in February. He stated he would be reluctant to suggest that the City decide what the questions would be or how to word them. However, if there is a concern on a question he will share that with the consultants. The majority consensus of the City Council was to authorize staff to proceed with the community survey with Decision Resources. Council Members are to email questions or concerns on specific questions to Mr. Boganey. The questions/concerns will be forwarded to Decision Resources for their consideration. VACANT BUILDING FEES Ms. Schleuning provided background information and provided an overview of fee comparisons for various cities for re-occupancy type services and the following proposed resolutions: ■ Re-inspection Fees and City-Facilitated Abatement Charges ■ Vacant Building Registration Fees Ms. Schleuning answered questions of the Council on the proposed resolutions and fee schedule. The majority consensus of the City Council was to direct staff to include the proposed resolutions to amend various fees related to building inspections and the new vacant property ordinance on the next regular City Council Meeting agenda for Council consideration. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Lasman moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 10:44 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 1 11/24/08 -4- STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) 1 1 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 Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on November 24, 2008. 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 December 8, 2008, Regular Session. ity Clerk Mayor 11/24/08 -5-