HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 10-08 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
OCTOBER 8, 2018
CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. 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 Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence -
Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager
Reggie Edwards, Public Works Director Doran Cote, Community Development Director Meg
Beekman, Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, Business and Workforce
Development Specialist Brett Angell, Business and Workforce Development Specialist Brett
Angell, Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards Jesse Anderson, and Carla
Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Mayor Tim Willson opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum. He
announced the coming ordinance related to parking restrictions during snow events.
Honey Beekeeping
Sara Capers, 5218 70th Avenue, Willow Lane, Precinct 4, addressed the City Council. She stated
the reason the honey beekeeping issue was brought forward was because her neighbor received a
complaint and was told by Mr. Hartman she had two weeks to comply. Ms. Capers stated she
has been keeping bees in Brooklyn Center for seven years and had called City staff prior and
received verbal permission to keep bees. She noted the May 29 memorandum states clearly the
City does not have a City Code in place relating to beekeeping. Ms. Capers stated it seems there
was arbitrary enforcement even though, as she understands it, there is not actually a City
ordinance to enforce. She had shared the University of Minnesota opinion and staff explained
they sometimes get clarification on the phone. Ms. Capers stated in turn, she found a law firm
willing to pro bono assist her as their impression is that there is not something to enforce. She
stated she is happy this is moving forward but frustrated it is being enforced and moved forward
without due process.
Mayor Willson stated if there is a complaint, Code Enforcement will follow up but cannot go
into a back yard to see if there are bees. He stated he wished the threat of a lawyer had not been
brought up as it raises red flags for him.
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Mr. Boganey apologized if staff gave information in the past that was in error. He stated the
discussion tonight indicated the language was far from being clear so staff could have come to a
conclusion that was in error and passed it on to a resident but if so, it was done in good faith and
not arbitrarily. Ms. Capers stated she does not believe it was deliberate.
Mayor Willson supported a moratorium on enforcement until the City Council can make a
determination. Mr. Boganey stated staff will not enforce that section of the ordinance until that
time.
Pop Up Market
Lennie Chism, P.O. Box 581452, Minneapolis, congratulated Business and Workforce
Development Specialist Brett Angell for making the Pop Up Market a success. He stated the
Markets did well with over 100 vendors, food trucks, and even an 82 -year-old selling crochet
products. He stated there were no incidents, and next year they would like to use the Shingle
Creek and Bass Lake Road site that is owned by the City.
Mayor Willson apologized for a resident comment made to Mr. Chisolm as that was
inappropriate and is not supported by the City Council. He stated he looks forward to
conversations over the winter months on the plans for next summer. Mr. Boganey stated the
2019 budget does include this activity.
Mr. Boganey stated staff will present a report on the current program at an upcoming meeting
and entertain suggestions for an improved event next year.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to close the
Informal Open Forum at 6:54 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. INVOCATION
In recognition of Indigenous Day, Councilmember Graves read a quote from Winnona LaDuke
as the Invocation and requested a moment of silence.
3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson
at 7:02 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence -
Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager
Reggie Edwards, Assistant to the Community Development Director Michael Ericson,
Community Development Director Meg Beekman, Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny
McIntosh, Business and Workforce Development Specialist Brett Angell, Deputy Director of
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Building and Community Standards Jesse Anderson, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Carla
Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to approve the Agenda and
Consent Agenda, as amended, to remove Consent Item 6e, Resolution Declaring a Public
Nuisance and Ordering the Removal of Diseased Trees at Certain Properties in Brooklyn Center,
Minnesota, and with an amendment to the Regular Session minutes of September 24, 2018, and
the following consent items were approved;
6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. September 17, 2018 Joint City Council and Financial Commission
2. September 24, 2018 City Council Regular Session
3. September 24, 2018 City Council Work Session
6b. LICENSES
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR
Angell Aire, Inc.
12253 Nicollet Avenue S., Burnsville, MN 55337
Boiler Services, Inc.
10327 Flanders Street NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Preventative Mechanical Service
1875 Buerkle St. NW, White Bear Lk, MN 55110
Schuler Plumbing LLC
17850 Erkium Street NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
RENTAL
INITIAL (TYPE II — two-year license)
5731 Northport Drive Ross Herman
5312 Queen Avenue N. Renee Anoje
RENEWAL (TYPE III— one-year license)
5211 Xerxes Avenue N. Chad Johnson
RENEWAL (TYPE II — N,o year license)
Marvin Gardens Townhomes Redevco Mgmt. Co.
6710 Orchard Lane N.
5209 Xerxes Avenue N.
6813 Noble Avenue N.
6538 Ewing Avenue N.
7018 Irving Avenue N.
6424 Scott Avenue N.
819 Woodbine Lane
Chad Johnson
Brian Reese
TuUyen Tran
Omar Adams
Cosco Properties LLC
c/o MSP Home Rental
RHA 3, LLC
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RENEWAL (TYPE I— three-year license)
2307-0954 1h Avenue N.
James Johnson
5901 Aldrich Avenue N.
RHA 3, LLC
5956 Beard Avenue N.
Ann Cook
5501 Brooklyn Boulevard
Mains'l Properties
5432 Bryant Avenue N.
Christopher Michael Raisch
1537 Humboldt Place N.
ShoeMiller Properties LLC
7200 Morgan Avenue N.
Dwayne Holmstrom
3213 Quarles Road
Infinite Properties LLC
SIGN CONTRACTOR
Pajor Graphics, Inc. 1301 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., MN 55411
DBA: ASI Signage Innovations
6e. RESOLUTION NO. 2018-177 GRANTING THE APPROVAL OF PHASE II
PROJECT AT CARRINGTON DRIVE APARTMENT COMPLEX
6d. RESOLUTION NO. 2018-178 DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND
ORDERING THE REMOVAL OF DEAD TREES AT CERTAIN
PROPERTIES IN BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA
6e. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23 OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES REGARDING TOBACCO AND TOBACCO RELATED
PRODUCTS
6f. RESOLUTION DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING
THE REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES AT CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN
BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA This item was removed from the
agenda upon adoption
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
7a. PROCLAMATION FOR PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE
DAY
Mayor Willson read in full a Proclamation declaring October 15, 2018, as Pregnancy and Infant
Loss Remembrance Day.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt PROCLAMATION
declaring October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and October 15,
2018, as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
Mayor Willson stated a dear friend of his lost an infant to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
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and it was very devastating to that young family. He stated it also made an impact on him and he
is pleased to consider this Proclamation.
Motion passed unanimously.
7b. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL COMMUNITY PLANNING
MONTH
Mayor Willson read in full a Proclamation declaring October as National Cormnunity Planning
Month.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to adopt PROCLAMATION
declaring October as National Community Planning Month.
Motion passed unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. ORDINANCE NO. 2018-14 AMENDING CHAPTER 12 OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES REGARDING RENTAL LICENSING
City Manager Curt Boganey introduced Community Development Director Meg Beekman to
present this item.
Community Development Director Meg Beekinan reviewed the background and City Council's
past consideration of this ordinance amendment to modify the rental program to remove the
attendance at Association of Responsible Managers (ARM) meetings and the requirement for
monthly updates; to require an inspector consultation for repeat Type IV rental licenses that
repeat due to property Code violations; modify the ordinance to allow Mitigation Plans to be
approved by staff similar to how Type III Rental License Actions Plans are currently approved;
and, modify the Rental License Category Criterial Policy to increase the number of property
Code violations per category by one for one- and two-family dwellings. It was noted the
ordinance modification would allow the applicant to appeal staff's decision to the City Council,
if requested.
Ms. Beekman stated staff recommends the effective date of the ordinance be December 1, 2018.
After that date, any rental license that goes before the City Council for approval would not be
affected by a failure to attend ARM Meetings and/or submit monthly reports, as well as the other
provisions of the ordinance amendment.
Ms. Beekman explained if the ordinance amendment is approved, staff will begin working with
rental license applicants and upcoming renewals to ensure a fair process as the City transitions to
the new provisions. She noted there is also a proposed modification to the wording in the Rental
License Ordinance relating to the requirement for a Crime Fee Lease Addendum and the license
action sections. These changes are to clean up the wording in the ordinance and will not change
the requirement.
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Ms. Beekman explained that separate from these ordinance amendments, staff is proposing a
number of initiatives designed to improve communication with residents in the City who are
renters and provide resources about their rights and responsibilities as tenants. She stated staff
has drafted a rental resource booklet for renters that contains information about the City's rental
licensing program, what to do if renters feel their rights are infringed upon, and other resources
renters may find useful. In addition, staff proposes an annual mass mailing to all rental units to
provide useful information, similar to a welcome packet, to ensure every renter is welcomed and
provided information on how to engage with the City, coupon book, parks and trails map, snow
emergency, homeownership classes, as well as their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
Ms. Beekman reviewed next steps to hold a public hearing, take public comment, and consider
adoption of the ordinance.
Mayor Willson asked whether the mass mailing will go to every rental residence and rental unit
in the City. Ms. Beekman stated that is the intention and because of the licensing process, the
City knows which properties are rental. For multi -unit apartment buildings, staff will have to
determine the best process and how to do that in the most cost-effective method.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated it may be a good idea to also include School District
information as well as polling location for voting. Mayor Willson agreed and suggested the new
snow parking ordinance also be included.
Councilmember Graves stated her support for staff's suggestion to create a renter informational
packet and asked if the City Council will see that information. She also asked whether the City
tracks excessive complaints at any rental location and is aware of a potential situation from the
tenant's perspective.
Mayor Willson stated in giving this information to residents, they will know who to contact
should a situation arise. He chided a person who made comments at the last City Council
meeting for impeding a staff member and their vehicle from leaving the parking lot. Mayor
Willson emphasized that City Hall should be a safe place and intimidation and/or impeding
progress of an individual will not be allowed, he does not support that activity, and wants to look
for ways to alleviate that problem through citations or police citations.
Mr. Boganey stated staff will share the rental packet information with the City Council. With
regard to the question on excessive complaints, he is not sure how that would be defined but the
intent for the information to renters is to direct them to the correct location if they have a
complaint, which is not necessarily the City.
Councilmember Graves stated other cities have prohibited licensing to some companies because
of their practices. She asked about the City's process to identify those situations if they should
occur in Brooklyn Center. Mayor Willson stated Minneapolis took a license away from an
apartment owner who had not properly maintained their apartment and was not truthful with that
city. He stated the rental license is the key with apartment complexes and as for complaints, the
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City works within its ordinances and would not get involved in a complaint by an apartment
dweller per se unless it deals with the City's ordinances.
Ms. Beekman stated staff does track complaints about maintenance and repairs so from a
quantity standpoint and identifying patterns, that is done. The City's inspectors and staff are in
very frequent communication with problem properties and out doing inspections even within the
6 months for a Type IV. Ms. Beekman stated staff also has a good relationship with HOMELine
staff.
Mayor Willson stated there was also the sale of the Minneapolis property to another entity which
was actually a sham as the original owner remained in control. He stated the City has seen more
often when single-family residences are rented out, the license expires, and the rental license is
not renewed. In those cases, the City cannot do anything until the current renter leaves and a
new renter wants to move in.
Councilmember Graves thanked staff for the clarification.
Mr. Boganey stated the City has revoked rental licenses in the past, once with a very large
apartment after a long period of consistent repeated difficulties with the landlord where it was
known there was sufficient evidence to uphold the revocation when it went to court. That
authority exists in the current ordinance and can be used if the situation warrants.
Mayor Willson stated with the rental license that was revoked, there is now a new owner and
landlord who have turned around that apartment complex and rectified a number of concerns to
make it safer for renters.
Councilmember Ryan stated the purpose of revising the ordinance is to improve efficiency of the
enforcement process. Ms. Beelanan confirmed that was the case and stated more than 50% of
Type IV licenses are repeating license type due to logistics, not attending meetings or submitting
monthly reports. It has been found there is a need to recalibrate to better focus resources on
assuring the Code is being met and Type IV licenses are progressing. Then staff can also focus
on the real problem properties to get them to improve and not remain repeat Type IV licenses.
Mayor Willson stated the City Council had that conversation and the general consensus was to
implement the ordinance and then if it needs to be tweaked, there is not an issue as long as the
amendment is justified. He commented that when an ordinance is put into place, it may not be
perfect so a tweak may be justified.
Councilmember Butler asked for an explanation on the inspections, if there is a cost related, and
how often inspections would be done. Mayor Willson stated the intent is to provide a
consultation on what needs to be done before a citation is issued and additional costs are
incurred.
Ms. Beekman stated this would not be a full inspection but a walls through with the property
owner to explain the process and what items the inspector will be looking for when the formal
inspection is done. This would occur with repeat Type IV licenses where staff would become a
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resource for them. Ms. Beekman stated the current fee schedule does not include this service so
a fee is not proposed but it may be considered in January when the fee schedule is reviewed.
Councilmember Butler asked about the number of violations. Ms. Beekman explained the
number of violations determines license type and that is a policy consideration. She described
why inspections are more involved with a single-family home rental than with a multi -unit. Staff
found when looking through the data, the number of multi -unit apartment violations was
appropriate and Type IV are at that level because of legitimate Code violations. With single-
family housing rentals, it is difficult to get a Type I license type even by homeowners who are
trying very hard to attain that license type. Because of that, staff received complaints that it was
not fair to owners of single-family rental houses.
Mayor Willson stated he was asked by a homeowner to look at four homes on the block and
point out which one was a rental unit. He noted he could not tell because it was so well cared
for.
Councilmember Graves asked with an apartment building, what percentage are inspected. Ms.
Beekman answered 100 percent.
Councilmember Graves asked the reason why staff recommends the number of allowed Code
violations should change. She also asked whether staff tracks how long the property remains at a
Type IV license type. Mayor Willson stated that data is tracked and if a fee is to be charged for
inspector consultations, it would require an ordinance change.
Councilmember Graves stated she would not support that type of fee unless it was a very long-
term Type IV license type even after staff consultations. She stated she found mitigation plans to
be helpful at times. Mayor Willson stated if there are violations and recommendation for
revocation, the City Council will be provided with that information.
Mr. Boganey stated the City has an obligation to look at how effective it is with the ordinances
as adopted. If it is found the way the ordinance is written does not utilize staff resources in the
most effective manner, then an amendment should be considered to get the best out of the
resources the City has available. Mr. Boganey noted the recommended changes and providing
consultations to Type IV landlords is based on an analysis that a lot of the repeat Type IVs are
caused by things (did not submit report in time, did not attend an ARM meeting) that don't
necessarily improve the outcome of how the property is maintained. This amendment will
remove those obligations and allow staff to focus on Type IVs that are most important in terms
of having a livable environment for the tenants. This change will narrow the scope and put more
resources to work with those types of landlords and at a minimum, address landlords that lack
understanding of the City's expectations and requirements to move beyond a Type IV license
type.
Councilmember Graves stated she understands the intent but for the Type IVs that continue, she
would like access to information on those properties. Mr. Boganey stated staff can produce a
year end report to answer some of those questions if directed to do so by the City Council.
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Mayor Willson noted that would require staff time and effort. He did not think the City Council
should micromanage staff and should depend on staff to make the right decisions and
recommendations. Councilmember Graves stated she is not saying staff is not doing a good job
or trying to micromanage.
Mayor Willson stated a City Council consensus would be needed to go that route.
Councilmember Butler stated she appreciates the proposal for the rental informational booklet
and looks forward to reviewing it. She also likes homeowner educational classes so people
understand that home ownership is a possibility, noting that will improve resident economic
stability. Mr. Boganey stated staff is working on putting that type of program together.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson seconded to open the
Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
No one appeared to address this item.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the
Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves asked if anyone is interested in getting a year end report on Type IV
problem properties. Councilmembers Butler and Lawrence -Anderson answered in the
affirmative. Mr. Boganey stated with a majority consensus reached, staff will provide that
report.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt
ORDINANCE NO. 2018-14 Amending Chapter 12 of the City Code of Ordinances regarding
Rental Licensing.
Councilmember Ryan stated his appreciation to Mr. Boganey for his comments, noting this
action will improve the efficiency and fairness of the enforcement process and further the goals
of the City's excellent performance-based rental ordinance.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson commended staff for the well-written amendment.
Councilmember Ryan concurred.
Motion passed unanimously.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
- None.
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10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
10a. CONSIDERATION OF TYPE IV 6 -MONTH PROVISIONAL RENTAL
LICENSES
Mayor Willson explained the streamlined process that will now be 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 Item 10a.
10a. APPROVING A TYPE IV RENTAL LICENSE FOR 5331 70th CIRCLE AVENUE
NORTH
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson seconded to approve a
Type IV Rental License for 5331 701h Circle, with the requirement that the mitigation plan and
all applicable ordinances must be strictly adhered to before renewal licenses would be
considered.
Motion passed unanimously.
10b. RELEASE OF DRAFT 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND RELEASE IT FOR
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Manager Curt Boganey introduced Community Development Director Meg Beekman to
present this item.
Community Development Director Meg Beekman explained that over the past year, the City and
its consultant, Swanson Haskamp Consulting, have been working on the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan. The process has included extensive work by the Planning Commission as well as
significant engagement with the community and the City's other Commissions and Committees.
Ms. Beekman explained the 2040 Comprehensive Plan is in draft form and subject to further
revisions and public comment. It was noted that Chapter 8, Transportation, and Chapter 9,
Infrastructure, are placeholders while consultants work on those elements and will be added once
their work is completed.
Ms. Beekman described the public engagement process and areas in which the Planning
Commission is recommending more detail relating to economic development work in the City
and their unanimous recommendation to accept the 2040 Draft Comprehensive Plan and release
it for public comment.
Jennifer Haskamp, Swanson Haskamp Consulting, described their work to complete the final
2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. She provided a PowerPoint presentation explaining the
Comprehensive Plan is a long-range 10 -year plan with a 20 -year horizon that contains a unified
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vision, goals and strategies (but not the specificity), and addresses current and future planning.
Ms. Haskamp explained the Metropolitan Council requires a Plan update every ten years and
compliance with its 2015 System Statement and 15 -page checklist.
Ms. Haskamp explained the items specific to Brooklyn Center to add 2,250 new households by
2040. Mayor Willson noted the City is already moving in that direction with development of the
Opportunity Site. Ms. Haskamp stated the City has not seen that level of growth in quite some
time and the question is, how to plan for living in those new housing units.
Councilmember Ryan stated there is a misconception about the Metropolitan Council having too
much power, noting the Comprehensive Plan is a guide to be followed. Ms. Haskamp stated it is
a guide but if included in the Comprehensive Plan, the City is required to follow it and it can be
an expectation by a developer looking at Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Willson noted the Metropolitan Council has the power to approve or not approve the Plan
and also has control of federal government funding that may impact cities if their Plan is not
approved. Ms. Haskamp stated they also have control over the sanitary sewer system, which
impacts the density of development to assure that system is efficient. But, the Metropolitan
Council does not dictate where those housing units have to be placed. Mayor Willson stated in
the past, Brooklyn Center has been fully developed but now the City has property where it can
look at that to reach that density level.
Ms. Haskamp stated the City has an amazing opportunity right now to do it right and the market
is in a place it can respond. She noted the areas with planned transit, which is an amenity, and
plays to areas of higher density. In addition, employment is forecast to increase with
redevelopment so the City needs to plan for affordable housing. She explained a robust
Mississippi River Critical Corridor Access Plan (MRCCA) is included in the Plan, which is a
change from the 2030 Plan.
Ms. Haskamp read the chapter components within the 2040 Plan, noting they will be posted to
the City's website. She stated some engineering components remain to be developed. Ms.
Haskamp presented the background report that included key forecasts and findings for
Demographics: Population; Households & Family Type; Community Diversity; and, Median
Incomes & Poverty. She then displayed land use maps including the Metropolitan Council
Transit Market Area and explained why it needs to be addressed.
Mayor Willson stated he thinks the Metropolitan Council does not understand the level of
poverty in Brooklyn Center, which speaks to the image of the City.
Ms. Haskamp displayed maps showing areas of poverty, households with no vehicles which
means they need public transit, existing bus routes, and the C Line route that is planned to open
in 2019 and will be a huge opportunity as it is a dedicated bus route that will run more like light
rail.
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Mayor Willson commented on the unlikelihood that the Blue Line will receive funding. Ms.
Haskamp agreed and urged the City to embrace the C Line as it will be operational six to seven
years before the Blue Line receives funding.
Ms. Haskamp thanked the City's Commissions and all who were involved with the Plan
development process. She described public engagement events and upcoming public hearing
and on-line opportunities. She explained that the six-month agency review is a good time for the
City to reach out to constituents to gain input. Ms. Haskamp thanked City staff for their
assistance and input as well.
Ms. Haskamp described the process overview, noting tonight the consideration is to accept the
draft Plan and make it available for jurisdictional review. She provided background and market
context and steps taken in the Plan's development. Ms. Haskamp then reviewed the information
contained within each Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and presented next steps.
Mayor Willson referenced the housing data, noting that only 5% of the affordable housing is
subsidized.
Councilmember Graves stated that is because much is naturally occurring due to the age of the
structure. She asked where renewable or clean energy is addressed. Ms. Haskamp stated she has
not seen a lot of Sustainability chapters in this round of updates but has seen a lot of zoning
ordinances bring that into play. Those ordinances make sure it is easy to install those types of
systems so it is a permitted use and encouraged. She stated the City's Local Water Surface
Management Plan, which addresses ground water recharging and relationship between water
bodies, is currently out for review.
Councilmember Graves asked how the Upper Harbor Terminal interacts with the Mississippi
River Critical Corridor Area. Ms. Haskamp stated she has not been involved with those
meetings.
Councilmember Ryan stated the document considers 238 units of affordable housing and asked if
that ties the City into that number of affordable housing units. Ms. Haskamp stated when the
Metropolitan Council issues the System Statement, it indicated Brooklyn Center's share of
allocated affordable housing is 238 units. The Metropolitan Council cannot mandate it to be
provided or its location, but the 2,250 households has to be planned at a density to accommodate
238 affordable units.
Councilmember Ryan stated the typical model is to build a certain number of market rate units at
a mass so the development can subsidize a certain number of affordable housing units. Mayor
Willson stated that is one way to accomplish affordable housing but it can also be designated in
other areas, not necessarily new development. It was noted the Metropolitan Council wants
higher density and more affordable housing in Brooklyn Center but the City is 93% affordable
now.
Councilmember Ryan stated the Metropolitan Council assigned Brooklyn Center with a housing
performance score of 100 so it seems the City Council would have discretion to include a certain
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number of affordable housing units in a new development as long as the target housing is met.
Ms. Haskamp noted when looking at 238 affordable units, it is about 10% of the 2,250 projected
new households. The idea is to engage in discussion on how to incorporate legally defined
affordable housing units. That is not mandated, but a tool available if important. The other
philosophy is by increasing density, the more units, the more affordable they could become not
only when constructed but in ten years from now.
Councilmember Graves referenced the number of projected households and question about the
people who will live in them, noting the Plan needs to address who is here but also who is
coming to those new units. Ms. Haskamp agreed and stated the background reports include
market snapshot information. She explained that trends in the marketplace are known and there
was a big shift in how people think, about housing after the housing bust. Before, everyone
wanted to own but after the bust, people are deciding to rent even if they could own. She stated
who will come to Brooklyn Center will include young professionals, senior populations, and
Millennials. Ms. Haskamp relayed input provided by children on the need for more bedrooms in
rental units so perhaps that indicates there is a need for more diversity in rental housing.
Councilmember Graves asked how other communities meet their affordable housing requirement
when they are constructing higher rent units. Mayor Willson stated they may build up density by
including apartments with townhomes. Ms. Haskamp stated the Metropolitan Council can't
require affordable housing to be built so communities will look at regulatory measures to assure
there is affordable housing in new units. However, if the City does not institute that requirement,
it would be up to developers who find affordable housing to be of value to provide it.
Mr. Boganey stated there has been a recent change in tax deductibility of mortgage interest,
which has impact on decision making whether to acquire a mortgage. He noted the Metropolitan
Council has grant dollar incentives for cities that want to construct affordable housing and he
believes the answer comes down to the marketplace and values determined by elected officials,
including the State legislature.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to accept the draft 2040
Comprehensive Plan and approve release for public comment.
Motion passed unanimously.
11. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmember Ryan stated he would forgo his report in consideration of the late hour and
upcoming Work Session.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson reported on her attendance and provided information on the
following upcoming event:
• October 5, 2018: CEAP Farm Fresh and their next event will be on October 18, 2018.
Councilmember Graves reported on her attendance at the following:
• September 25, 2018: Safety Meeting held after the violent crime on Penn Avenue
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• Final Celebration of Slow Roll, a bicycle access program
• Day of Dignity Event
• October 6, 2018: Pop Up Market
Councilmember Butler reported on her attendance at the following:
• September 28, 2018: Meeting with Mr. Boganey and staff on the BrookLynk Program
• September 29, 2018: Minnesota Autism Awareness Walk
Mayor Willson reported on his attendance at the following events:
• October 5, 2018: American Institute for International Reporting Meeting
12. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded adjournment of the City
Council meeting at 9:15 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
October 8, 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 October 22, 2018, Regular
Session.
Barbara Suciu, City Clerk
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Tim Willson, Mayor