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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 11-13 CCM Work Session11/13/18 -1- MINUTES 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 13, 2018 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 8:26 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Tim Willson and Councilmembers/Commissioners Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Finance Director Nate Reinhardt, Director of Public Works Doran Cote, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, Police Chief Tim Gannon, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Mary Mullen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. ADA TRANSITION PLAN FOR PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY Director of Public Works Doran Cote reviewed the City’s ADA transition plan for public rights of way, which is being developed in compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Completion of this plan will ensure safe and compliant pedestrian facilities as well as maintaining the City’s eligibility for federal funding. Mr. Cote presented photos and depictions of ADA-compliant curbs, pedestrian crossings and intersections. Implementation and construction costs can vary depending upon the condition of the existing intersection and necessary improvements. Mr. Boganey stated this initiative will involve significant cost to the City and represents an infrastructure investment that the City is committed to making that will improve accessibility for the residents of Brooklyn Center. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan asked where the required standards come from, and whether they could change in the future. Mr. Cote stated ADA-compliant standards are set by MnDOT. He added the City will be in compliance if improvements are made according to MnDOT’s standards. Mr. Cote stated City Staff plans to host an Open House in January or February 2019, encouraging participation from communities that have people with disabilities, to obtain their 11/13/18 -2- feedback and comment. This information will be included in the ADA transition plan that will be presented to the City Council for their approval in April 2019. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated she supports the ADA transition plan, although it is not optional. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan agreed, adding the City is compelled to comply with an unfunded mandate. He added he supports the general objective of universal accessibility for those who require it. He expressed concern about how the City can manage related costs. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves asked why some crosswalks were recently replaced. Mr. Boganey stated they were damaged and worn and needed to be repaired. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she is anxious to see crosswalk improvements at intersections on Brooklyn Boulevard, which are used by many elderly people. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to move forward with the ADA transition plan for intersections in Brooklyn Center. TENANT PROTECTION ORDINANCE Community Development Director Meg Beekman reviewed an Ordinance amendment that would protect tenants’ rights, ensure the legality of housing contracts, and preserve naturally occurring affordable housing. City Staff presented recommendations to the City Council at a recent Regular Meeting, and were directed to review a Minneapolis Ordinance related to Section 8 vouchers. The City Council requested that City Staff provide a draft Tenant Protection Ordinance. Ms. Beekman stated average vacancy rates in the metropolitan area are approximately 2.4%, which is very low. She added renters are at a disadvantage, as they are subject to increased rents, and landlords are in a position to be choosy about renters, and whether they will accept Section 8 vouchers for rent. She noted there has been growing interest in rental development from outside investors. Ms. Beekman stated the proposed Ordinance includes a requirement that landlords must give tenants three months’ notice to relocate. She added this requirement would mitigate tenant displacement and would apply to properties that have naturally occurring affordable units. She noted the proposed Ordinance restricts the type of non-renewals that have previously occurred during the tenant protection period. Ms. Beekman stated the process, including disputes, would be managed through the City’s existing rental license program. She added other cities in the metropolitan area have similar ordinances which were reviewed by City Staff. She noted, in these other ordinances, any 11/13/18 -3- changes made by the landlord, such as a rent increase, must be subject to a 90-day hold period to give the tenant the opportunity to move before the changes are implemented. Ms. Beekman stated there is a possibility that the proposed Ordinance could dissuade potential buyers from buying property in Brooklyn Center due to these restrictions. She added that is not something that can be easily measured. She noted the proposed Ordinance has been prepared for the City Council’s review, based on similar ordinances from St. Louis Park and Richfield. She requested feedback and comment from the City Council. She asked whether the City Council wants the Housing Commission to review the proposed Ordinance before the City Council takes any action. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated she would like to hear what the Housing Commission has to say about the proposed Ordinance. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan agreed, adding it would be helpful to have the Housing Commission’s input. He added he likes the additional requirement from HOME Line that the income requirement increase from 60% to 80% for rental properties with any number of units, not just properties with 20% or more affordable units. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan asked City Attorney Troy Gilchrist for his opinion regarding the dependability of the ordinance. Mr. Gilchrist stated he does not recommend City Council involvement in any area that is currently involved in litigation. He added the proposed Ordinance is not free from the potential of litigation. He added, however, other cities are also enacting similar ordinances. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated she is opposed to discriminating against renters who have Section 8. She added landlords should accept renters regardless of how they pay their rent. She noted she agrees that the Housing Commission should review this issue, and she is happy to see this proposed ordinance before the City Council. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she is curious about HOME Line’s recommendation and would like to have an understanding about why they made it. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to forward this issue to the Housing Commission. EASTBROOK ESTATES DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS Ms. Beekman presented an overview of the agenda item, which was discussed at an October 8, 2018, City Council Work Session. She added the Eastbrook Estates property was acquired by the Economic Development Association (EDA) and is proposed for development. City Staff have met with multiple developers and requested submission of proposals. The City Council 11/13/18 -4- expressed their preference for Centra Homes’ Option A proposal, and subsequently toured a Centra Homes development in Maple Grove. This development would not involve any financial contribution from the City of Brooklyn Center. Ms. Beekman requested feedback and comment from the City Council. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he likes the 50-foot wide single-family home lots in Centra’s proposal, which would mean fewer homes on the site. He added he would be supportive of either a letter of intent or preliminary development agreement. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated she is in favor of Centra Option A. She added she does not support townhomes. She noted this is an opportunity to give residents an upgraded housing option within the City of Brooklyn Center. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson agreed, adding she likes Centra’s proposal for single-family homes on individual lots. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she is curious about a different street layout. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she is willing to go along with the rest of the City Council and make a decision based on what is being presented tonight. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to choose Centra Homes Option A for the Eastbrook Estates housing development. YOUTH ART CONTEST UPDATE Ms. Beekman stated City Staff has recommended that framed artwork from the Youth Art Contest be exhibited on the Hall of Fame wall outside Council Chambers. She added the artwork would be displayed on a rotating basis and can be hung from a picture rail. She noted the existing Hall of Fame photos can be moved to the right, towards the Public Works Department. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan asked whether the Community Center would be a better location for the artwork to be displayed. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves requested clarification on the Hall of Fame. Ms. Beekman stated photos and descriptions of past community members are featured on the Hall of Fame, which is maintained by the Brooklyn Center Historical Society. She added it could be perceived as a negative move by residents and the Historical Society if the Hall of Fame were to be removed entirely. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves asked whether the Youth Art display would be temporary. Ms. Beekman stated the space would be permanent, and the art display would rotate 11/13/18 -5- on an annual basis. Community Schools will be doing an ongoing art contest throughout the school year, so a permanent space needs to be created. She added the Hall of Fame could be moved to the right, or across the hall, but not removed entirely. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves asked how long the Hall of Fame has been at its current location, and how people are chosen for inclusion. Ms. Beekman stated the Brooklyn Historical Society has managed the Hall of Fame, and the last nomination was in 2008. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she supports putting a spotlight on younger voices in the community. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated the City’s rebranding process included recommendations from a consultant. He added the Community Center would be a good location for the youth art display, as young people go there all the time, and walk around in the atrium where there is a big wall space that would be a good location for art. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to support the youth art display, but no consensus was reached regarding where to put the art display. Mr. Boganey stated the wall outside Council Chambers was chosen because of its prominent location within City Hall. He added, as indicated in the proposal, the space would not be reserved only for the youth art exhibit but for many other types of art as well. He noted the Wall of Fame was established by Resolution, and the Historical Society has been responsible for its maintenance. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she would support something different at that location, especially if there is no intention to add more photographs to the Hall of Fame. Mr. Boganey stated City Staff can review other locations for the Hall of Fame to be presented to the City Council for their consideration. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated the youth art could be displayed in Council Chambers temporarily using adhesive wall strips or easels. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated she is fine with moving the Hall of Fame photos down and displaying youth art outside Council Chambers. “It was the majority consensus of the City Council to temporarily locate the Youth Art display in the Council Chambers. UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT Mr. Boganey stated Bob Lux, Alatus LLC, would like to provide an update to the City Council on the opportunity site, including site planning, potential tenants and a tour of an apartment 11/13/18 -6- building similar to what is being proposed. He added the Planning Commission can be included and City Staff will arrange participation. He noted he hopes a majority of Councilmembers and Commissioners can attend and provided three possible dates, November 19, 25 or 26 at 4:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. It was the majority consensus of the City Council to visit and tour an Alatus LLC apartment complex with Bob Lux on November 26, 2018. Ms. Beekman provided an update on the Target site and presented a site plan and letter from the Mayor to the CEO of Target Corporation, indicating the City’s support of keeping Target in Brooklyn Center. City Staff had not received a response to that letter, and Target announced its plan to leave the facility soon after. Ms. Beekman stated Mr. Lux of Alatus is moving forward with an alternative plan associated with the Minnesota Opportunity Zone account, a pool of funds that have been they have identified for expenditure in Minnesota in 2019. She added interest is growing in the former Olive Garden/Cracker Barrel site, and the EDA site next to Top Golf. Mr. Boganey stated the Mayor and City Staff had been working diligently with Alatus to ensure that a new home for Target could be found if necessary, to keep it within Brooklyn Center. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan seconded to close the Study/Work Session at 10:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.