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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 03-26 CCM Legislative SessionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITH CONGRESSMAN ELLISON MARCH 26, 2018 CITY HALL - COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM The Brooklyn Center Legislative Meeting with Congressman Keith Ellison was called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 5:09 p.m. Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence- Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present: City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards, Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator Angel Smith, Finance Director Nate Reinhardt, Public Works Director Doran Cote, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, and Deputy City Clerk Rozlyn Tousignant. Others present were U.S. Representative Keith Ellison and District Director Jamie Long. 2.FEDERAL UPDATES & TOP PRIORITIES BY CONGRESSMAN KEITH ELLISON Congressman Ellison stated his appreciation for the City of Brooklyn Center's Council and Staff. Congressman Ellison addressed the $1.5 trillion spending bill in Washington, D.C., and addressed the $78 billion increase in military spending, and the $2.8 billion allocated to the Census. Worker tips have become a debate, whether tips belong to the server or the owner/establishment; tips have been ruled to be the property of the servers. Congressman Ellison also illustrated that $2.8 billion increase in funds to address the opioid crisis. Congressman Ellison addressed the issue of gun-control, and shared that the former ban against researching gun violence has been lifted. Opportunity Zones were discussed. Congressman Ellison explained that the Governor designates certain distressed areas to benefit from the program. Staff informed Congressman Ellison that the City of Brooklyn Center is working with Hennepin County to submit two census tracks within the City. Congressman Ellison brought up an event he is hosting on April 5th at 8:30 a.m. at 800 North Broadway; the event is focused around the eviction crisis. Congressman Ellison briefly mentioned the importance of affordable housing and transportation, college debt, and gun regulation. 3.CITY PRIORITIES BY MAYOR TIM WILLSON 03/26/18 -1- Mayor Willson addressed the issue of the funding and planning to work on TH 252. Mr. Boganey and Mr. Cote addressed the safety issues of TH 252 and the lack of funding to complete the project. Congressman Ellison stated his interest in helping to facilitate the project moving forward. Mayor Willson highlighted the work the City does every other year, to focus on shaping City Strategic Priorities and what areas will best benefit Brooklyn Center residents. Councilmember Ryan addressed the Congressman regarding the concern in regards to Highway 66 and the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Councilmember Graves brought up the LifeBOAT Act and the opioid crisis and whether there are any other efforts to address other types of substance abuse. Congressman Ellison discussed the "War on Drugs" and that many have considered it a failure, and how the conversation regarding addiction crisis has now changed. Councilmember Graves addressed naturally occurring affordable housing and asked the Congressman to share resources regarding the issues of affordable housing. Congressman Ellison shared some of the fallout that can happen when landlords evict and again mentioned the Summit to Address the Eviction Crisis. Mayor Willson shared that a Hennepin County judge is aiming to get a group together to try and help resolve some of these issues. Councilmember Butler stated that, as a Councilmember, she is limited in regards to changing the housing situation for residents. Councilmember Butler also shared that the City Staff does a good job at reaching out to landlords regarding issues there may be. Councilmember Ryan addressed Social Security and the concerns among the aging population in the country regarding the defunding of Medicaid and other programs that assist the elderly. 5.CLOSING REMARKS BY CONGRESSMAN KEITH ELLISON AND COUNCILMEMBERS Congressman Ellison stated his approval of the provided materials for the meeting, as well as his appreciation for the work that the City of Brooklyn Center's Council and staff do. 6.PRESENTATION OF A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION TO CONGRESSMAN ELLISON Congressman Ellison was presented with a City of Brooklyn Center "swag bag." 7. ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned with a photo at 6:01 p.m. 03/26/18 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 Legislative Session of the City of Brooklyn Center held on March 26, 2018. 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 April 23, 2018, Regular Session. 4d, &nt'w City drrk Mayor 03/26/18 -3-