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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 10-22 CCM Study Session10/22/18 -1- 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/WORK SESSION OCTOBER 22, 2018 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study/Work Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Marquita Butler (arrived at 6:08 p.m.), April Graves (arrived at 6:03 p.m.), and Dan Ryan. Kris Lawrence-Anderson was absent. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards Jesse Anderson, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Hennepin County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan Councilmember Ryan requested discussion on Consent Agenda Item 6d, Resolution Adopting the Hennepin County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, in particular the spreadsheet of various costs associated with the mitigation and notation there was no budgetary implications. He asked whether those costs anticipated for the planning process for hazards and emergency planning would be undertaken with the anticipation that grant funding would cover those costs. City Manager Curt Boganey stated the amendment on tonight’s agenda does not commit the City to implementation or any costs. He explained the federal government requires those items to be identified in the plan to qualify for federal grants. If included in the plan, then the City is in a position to apply for grants, if appropriate. Councilmember Graves arrived at 6:03 p.m. Councilmember Ryan recalled that in the past, the Brooklyn Center Police Chief was responsible for emergency planning for the City and then subsequently, that responsibility was transferred to the Fire Chief. Mr. Boganey confirmed the Brooklyn Center Fire Chief is now the Emergency Manager for the City. Ordinance Regarding Chickens Mayor Willson requested discussion on Item 8a, An Ordinance Amending Chapters 1 and 19 of the City Code of Ordinances Regarding Chickens, in particular the backyard setbacks, noting 10/22/18 -2- Section g3 details setbacks for the side and rear lots and principal building but then requires 30 feet from all adjacent properties. Mr. Boganey noted with short lots, some residents could not raise chickens due to the 30-foot limitation. Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards Jesse Anderson explained how the setbacks were measured, noting if the living space is 10 feet away from the property line, it would allow enough room. The City Council and staff discussed setback scenarios. Mayor Willson stated if people are raising chickens on either side, then a 50-foot lot owner in the middle would have no space to raise chickens themselves. Mr. Anderson explained how they could move it ten feet farther back where there would be space. Mayor Willson stated he does not support that limitation considering the small lots some residents have in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember Butler arrived at 6:08 p.m. Mr. Boganey asked how staff arrived at the 30-foot setback requirement. Mr. Anderson explained it was taken from other city’s ordinances. The Housing Commission did not specifically ask to include it so there is not strong support. Correction to October 8, 2018, Regular Session Minutes Councilmember Graves requested the following correction to the Regular Session minutes of October 8, 2018: Page 8, 5th Paragraph, first sentence “Councilmember Graves asked the reason why staff recommends the number…” Page 8, 6th Paragraph, second sentence, replace with “She found mitigation plans to be helpful at times.” Councilmember Graves referenced the first sentence of the sixth paragraph, noting it does not correctly reflect the intent of her comment. Mayor Willson stated the meeting minutes are not intended to be a verbatim transcript; however, the meetings are recorded so the comment can be checked and verified by staff. Mr. Boganey recalled the intent was to capture Councilmember Grave’s comment that she would not support an additional fee for the consultation with staff. Councilmember Graves indicated she is not sure that is what she was talking about or responding to and does not remember the comment as reflected in the meeting minutes. She stated she is all right leaving that sentence as is and does not need to ask staff to review the meeting recording. 10/22/18 -3- It was the majority consensus of the City Council to accept the correction to the October 8, 2018 Regular Session minutes. Opportunity Site Proposals Mr. Boganey apologized for not including the discussion of Eastbrook Estates development proposals on the Work Session agenda as had been requested. He stated there is not a lot of new information but it can still be added to tonight’s Work Session agenda. Mayor Willson stated he will take his prerogative as Mayor to add that topic to tonight’s Work Session agenda. MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Willson stated he has no e-mails or text messages from Councilmember Lawrence- Anderson regarding her attendance at tonight’s meetings. Mr. Boganey stated he did not notice anything earlier today but has not recently checked his e-mail messages. Mr. Boganey announced the former Vice President of Liberia, who was instrumental in establishing Sister City relationships with the Cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, is currently in town. He invited the City Council to the former Vice President of Liberia’s reception that will be held next Friday at the Earle Brown Center, starting at 5:30 p.m. with a program at 7 p.m. He asked the City Council to inform him if they are able to attend. Mayor Willson confirmed his attendance. Councilmember Graves stated there is a strong possibility she can attend. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS CONSIDER AMENDING CHAPTER 12 OF THE CITY CODE ADOPTING THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE City Manager Curt Boganey introduced Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards Jesse Anderson to present this item. Deputy Director of Building and Community Standards Jesse Anderson presented the staff report, noting the City of Brooklyn Center has maintenance standards for all properties within the City, which are adopted as part of Chapter 12 of the City Code, Building Maintenance and occupancy Ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to regulate the maintenance of properties in the City in order to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City’s residents. He explained the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) is an international code that other cities have adopted for their maintenance standards. Mr. Anderson reviewed the positive aspects of adopting the IPMC as it has been nationally recognized as a uniform standard, been court tested, is written to address most property types, there are ongoing updates as housing standards change, and the maintenance codes tie in with the 10/22/18 -4- building and residential codes. He explained cities that have adopted the IPMC may adopt the regulations in their entirety or make amendments in order to address specific needs of the community. Mr. Anderson stated after an in-depth review to determine how the IPMC compares with the City’s current regulations and identify whether it would benefit Brooklyn Center, staff has determined the IPMC is a more thorough and detailed maintenance standard than existing regulations as it has specific maintenance standards addressed in each category. Mr. Anderson reviewed proposed amendments to Chapter 12 of the City Code to remove duplicative definitions. He noted Chapters 12-301 through 12-805 would be replaced by the adoption of the IPMC with the exception of Chapters 12-314 Snow Removal; 12-709 Facilities to Function; 12-711 Yard Cover; and, 12-713 Waste Container Screening. He asked whether the City Council wanted to adopt the IPMC, sees benefit in having a uniform maintenance code, or would like to refer it to the Housing Commission for review and recommendation. Councilmember Ryan asked whether the IPMC would require sprinkling (fire suppression) systems. Mr. Anderson explained it does not address new construction or require sprinklers but if the property already has sprinklers, it would require them to be maintained. Councilmember Butler asked if the City Council will see all of the proposed changes prior to adoption. Mr. Anderson answered in the affirmative and stated the City Council will see the full ordinance that reflects the changes, specifically adopts every section, and includes all of the amendments. Councilmember Butler stated her support to refer this ordinance amendment to the Housing Commission so they can be part of it. Councilmember Graves stated she noticed that Section 1 addressed enforcement and asked how it will affect current enforcement, whether it will it be accelerated or decreased, and how is it changing specifically. Mr. Anderson answered it will not affect enforcement as the language is similar to the current administrative process. Mr. Boganey confirmed it was Mr. Anderson’s opinion that the difference between the current ordinance and new ordinance is that the new language is more thorough. He asked for an example when comparing the language and who it benefits to have more thorough wording. Mr. Anderson provided an example of the current Code language and how the IPMC language would be more descriptive and thorough, which makes enforcement more consistent with other cities, is a stronger ordinance in court, and benefits tenants as it is easier for Code Enforcement Officers to enforce. Mr. Boganey asked if a more thorough and detailed definition and explanation will be beneficial to the property owner as well as inspectors because, as an example, there will be less argument about what ‘good condition’ means as inspectors may have different perspectives. Also, when an enforcement order is given to a property owner, it will be more specifically laid out and clear to the property owner what they have to do to gain compliance. 10/22/18 -5- Mr. Anderson agreed and stated for management companies with properties in multiple cities, it will make the process more similar. Mayor Willson stated in the past, the City Council had adopted something similar as an update to the City’s Code and this appears to be another update that is prudent to consider as there are changes from time to time. He stated he firmly believes it should be studied by the Housing Commission. The consensus of the City Council was reached to refer this matter to the Housing Commission for study and recommendation. EASTBROOK ESTATES DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS Community Development Director Meg Beekman reviewed at the last Work Session, the City Council/EDA looked at Opportunity Site proposals from three developers. Since then, the City Council toured one of the facilities and Pulte Homes submitted a brief letter and photographs of their townhomes in an attempt to address questions raised by the City Council at the Work Session. She distributed photocopies for the City Council’s review. Ms. Beekman explained a representative from Pulte Homes was present at the last Work Session and the information provided tonight addresses questions raised by the City Council. She asked the City Council if they would like additional information or are they ready to make a decision. Councilmember Graves stated she had asked about Centra and whether basements are constructed with some houses. Mr. Boganey stated Centra addressed that question and said they do have developments where some homes have basements and others do not. The determination of whether there is or is not a basement is a function of land elevations. There are some areas where basements are not appropriate or too expensive but other locations in the same development may have an elevation that allows basements. Mayor Willson stated developers are trying to hit a certain market value and basements would raise the price of the product so they may not include basements for marketing reasons. Mr. Boganey stated Centra also indicated that while leaning towards not providing basements, they are still open to considering it after further analysis of the property. Councilmember Butler stated at first, she did not favor townhouses but in thinking about the City’s aging population and that there are not many locations for housing after single-family, there may be a need. However, she does not know if these townhomes would be conducive for that aging population. Councilmember Butler stated she sees value of new single-family homes to allow residents to upgrade from an older home to a new home within Brooklyn Center, but she also sees need for townhomes for the City’s demographics. Mr. Boganey recalled a comment by Councilmember Ryan that whatever decision is made on this acreage, it is hopefully not last time the City has an opportunity for new home development. He noted that whatever is decided for the Opportunity Site does not mean that in the next 10/22/18 -6- iteration of new housing development, the City Council will not be in a position to consider another option. Mr. Boganey commented the City Council does not need to consider all housing needs in this first development but does need to determine which need they want to address first. Mayor Willson asked for a staff summary of the detached versus attached housing proposals. Ms. Beekman stated Centra proposed 35 single-family homes on 50-foot-wide lots, with multi- level and two-story homes. The layouts are not yet finalized and they have different models with three and four bedrooms. Centra is open to a conversation about basements but it would result in a significant increase to the cost. Ms. Beekman stated Pulte Homes proposed 56 attached single- family, two-story and three-story, townhomes on a private road system. They are constructing a similar townhome product in Plymouth and have submitted exterior and interior photographs. Councilmember Graves stated the Pulte Homes townhomes look nice and she is not opposed to them specifically but she did not like the street layout as it only had two entrances/exits. She felt the proposed street layout looked sort of like a trap, for lack of a better word. In addition, it seemed disconnected from the community around it. Councilmember Graves stated she likes the Centra street layout. She stated she is more interested in the townhome development if a different street layout was proposed that was more inclusive of the neighborhood around it. Councilmember Graves stated she would like to tour that as well as it would add clarity for her. Mayor Willson asked Councilmember Graves whether she was supportive of the detached or attached proposal, noting Centra had submitted two proposals, one with 40-foot lot widths and another with 50-foot lot widths. Councilmember Graves stated she is considering between the townhomes and the Centra proposal. Mayor Willson noted there were originally four proposals, but the City Council eliminated the Alatus proposal. Councilmember Graves stated she likes either of the Centra options, but remembers there was something the City had to do to get the extra homes. She is not talking about that proposal but the one that did not include that requirement of the City. She also supports the townhome proposal so she is comparing Centra to the townhomes and the street configurations. Mayor Willson explained he was trying to determine which Centra option Councilmember Graves supports so he can determine whether there is a consensus for staff to pursue. Councilmember Ryan stated of the four proposals, he feels the best is the Centra option for more narrow 40-foot wide lots and, as discussed previously, there is need to increase the range of housing types in Brooklyn Center. He stated the Centra proposal would afford that opportunity. Also, he thinks the Centra designs would be a nice blend with the existing newer homes on Aldrich Avenue. Councilmember Ryan noted this does not rule out other locations in the City to have townhomes, including life-cycle townhomes for seniors. He restated he supports the Centra option with 40-foot lots and detached homes. RECESS STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Mayor Willson recessed the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. 10/22/18 -7- RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:46 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. EASTBROOK ESTATES DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS (continued) Councilmember Graves asked if there is a deadline to make this decision. Ms. Beekman stated there is not a deadline from the perspective of the City. All three developers proposing are very interested in starting as soon as possible, complete platting this winter, grading in the spring, and sales in early fall. She estimated the City Council has one month before the developer needs to start in earnest with the platting process. Councilmember Graves stated she was impressed with the Centra proposal but would be interested in seeing if there is a better street layout for townhomes and tour them too. She stated she can make a more educated decision with more information. Councilmember Butler stated after thinking about it, she supports single-family homes because there is more need for a step-up option in housing. She supports Centra Option A with 40-foot wide lots and detached homes. Mayor Willson stated he agrees with Councilmember Graves about seeing more information before making a decision. He thinks the City Council should consider densities and what it does to the tax base. However, at least three members would rather see single-family detached homes rather than the Pulte Homes proposal. Mayor Willson stated the Centra proposal has consensus but several members would like more information. Mr. Boganey stated if there is consensus by a majority of the City Council to more forward the Centra development, then perhaps the City should not ask Pulte Homes to invest additional time and effort. Councilmember Graves asked about the price difference. Ms. Beekman stated the average price for the townhomes is $300,000 and the average price for the single-family homes is $332,000. Councilmember Graves asked if there is a difference in bedroom spaces. Ms. Beekman answered the number of bedrooms and square footage are comparable. She displayed a chart showing a comparison of the Eastbrook Estates proposals. 10/22/18 -8- Councilmember Graves stated she would like to get more information because she likes the idea of upgraded detached homes but likes the Centra proposal the best. She stated if the street layout with the townhomes was different, it may be a better investment, more accessible, more units, and comparable as far as the number of people living in the actual space. Councilmember Graves stated if the City is not in a hurry, she would like to spend another week or two to go on another tour. She noted the Opportunity Site is one of the last undeveloped pieces of land in the City. Mayor Willson stated the City Council has not yet reached consensus and asked staff to schedule this item for discussion at the next Work Session. Ms. Beekman stated Pulte Homes has offered to provide a tour of their townhomes in Plymouth if the City Council would like to see those units before the next meeting. Mayor Willson and Councilmember Graves expressed interest in seeing those townhome units. Councilmember Graves stated she would also like to know if Pulte Homes has other ideas about the street layout. Mr. Boganey stated he thinks this street layout is probably essential to their ability to get the narrow private roads they need and maximum density at a cost that they estimated. Mayor Willson asked staff to invite Pulte Homes to the next Work Session so they can answer that question. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Willson adjourned the Study/Work Session at 6:54 p.m.