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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 01-28 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 JANUARY 28, 2019 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 Mike Elliott at 9:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Mike Elliott and Councilmembers/Commissioners Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence -Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards, 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. CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR 5801 XERXES AVENUE N. FROM REAL ESTATE EQUITIES (cont' d) Mayor/President Elliott asked whether the water table in this area is an issue for underground parking. Ms. Beekman stated the developer will conduct an analysis as part of the development agreement. She added other developers have not had an issue with the water table in this area, but there are ways to engineer around it. Mr. Bisanz stated a solar component is being added into existing REE developments, to fuel common areas and solar gardens with solar energy, with assistance from REE's partner company, Minnesota Solar Connection. He added solar energy will be considered for this project as well. He noted there could be a direct savings in the overall energy of the building, but it will not be used to provide energy for individual units. Patrick Ostium, REE Development Partner, stated the development will meet Minnesota Green Communities standards and the Energy Star rating, which is a significant upgrade from normal criteria, and goes above and beyond building and energy Code requirements. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves asked whether REE has other developments that are a mix of workforce and senior living. Mr. Bisanz stated an affordable campus in St. Paul that is partially owned by REE property is not age -regulated, and there is a mix of young people and continuing care seniors. 01/28/19 -1- Mr. Ostrum stated two separate buildings are planned as combining senior living and workforce housing in one building complicates financing. He added criteria is different for both types of housing, but each building will have community spaces and common areas. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he supports the development because of its mix of senior living and workforce housing. He added this is in keeping with the broad spectrum of housing choices in Brooklyn Center. He noted he was expecting a more upscale development since this parcel is in a prominent location. Mr. Ostium stated this area is perfect for the mixed housing due to its proximity to the public transit hub and commercial areas. Mr. Boganey asked whether the development will be pet-fiiendly. Mr. Bisanz confirmed this, adding all REE communities welcome pets. Mayor/President Elliott stated the proposed design offers the potential for multi -generational housing, which is not often a part of residential developments. He asked whether there might be an opportunity to connect the two buildings, which are separated by the large parking lot. Mr. Ostrum stated REE is willing to look into that possibility, but more research would be required to ensure parking counts are adequate. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated the location of the "tot lot" is not ideal, as it appears to be close to the pond. Mr. Ostrum stated that is a stormwater drainage pond that will not be filled all the time. He added the illustrations have not been finalized. Mayor/President Elliott asked whether REE can guarantee ownership for a minimum of 20 years. Mr. Ostrum confirmed this, adding it is a guarantee for their investor, and the tax credit requires it. Ms. Beekman requested feedback and comment from the City Council/EDA on this concept review, the proposed TIF financing and whether the land use is consistent with the desired use for the site. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves expressed her support of the proposed development. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he supports the development. He added the City will not receive revenue fiom this project. He noted market -rate housing has been discussed for the Opportunity Site, and this development fits well with that goal. Mr. Boganey stated the developer's financial information has not been reviewed by City Staff or the City's financial advisor. He added the amount of TIF financing is required to be consistent with the "But For" policy — that the project would not be feasible without the proposed TIF financing. 01/28/19 -2- Mayor/President Elliott thanked the REE representatives for their time as well as their informational presentation, and for considering potential investment in the City of Brooklyn Center. COUNCIL RETREAT Mr. Boganey stated City Staff compiled a list of potential City Council retreat topics. He reviewed seven concepts for possible retreats, as well as room for additional topics. He added he hopes to reach a consensus on the types of retreats the City Council would like to have. He noted the City Council should consider the best and most valuable use of time, as well as ways to promote personal and professional development. Retreat Focus Areas for discussion: 1. Professional Development (Myers Briggs) 2. Leadership Skills (Strength Finder) 3. Team Building (Problem Solving) 4. Strategic Direction (collaborative review) 5. Annual Council Goal Setting 6. Special/Hot Topics (poverty) 7. Skill Building (public speaking) 8. ? 9. ? 10. ? 11. ? Mayor/President Elliott stated all topic areas are pertinent and will provide an opportunity for the City Council to explore what it means to lead the City of Brooklyn Center. He added he spent time at the Mayor Conference considering livable communities and quality of life for residents, as well as new economies for America's mid-sized cities. He stressed the importance of consideration of measures that the City Council can take to ensure that the community is inclusive of the rich, diverse cultures present in Brooklyn Center. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she is willing to defer to Mayor/President Elliott on whatever topics he would find the most helpful, as he is the newest person on the City Council. She added she would like "team building" to include "trust", which also relates to leadership and strategic direction. She noted "hot topics" are important as they can inform strategic directions, and the City Council can collaborate with strategic partners in the community on issues related to "equity". Team activities can be interspersed with reviews and presentation on hot topics like livable communities and quality of life. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan agreed, adding team building is important to ensure best tactical approaches. He added he would like to see continuity in the City Council's existing ambitious goals as well. 01/28/19 -3- Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated the topic of "leadership skills" is an important one to explore, as it encourages each Councilmember/Commissioner to read and reflect on individual and collaborative goals. He added a facilitator would be helpful. Mayor/President Elliott stated quality of life and livable communities are especially important goals, and consideration of what kind of environment the City Council wants to shape for the community. He stressed the importance of addressing "inclusion". He noted Brooklyn Center is an ever -evolving community in terms of governance, economic development and diversity. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she would support a "team -building" workshop, and she believes the issue of community image is still relevant. She stated she likes the top 3 items, but "hot topics" is a huge discussion, and she is unsure how the City Council can be successful in addressing poverty/wealth issues. Mayor/President Elliott stated the City Council can focus on policy and governance that will create a more even playing field and have an impact on the diverse communities that live in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Boganey stated "special topics" sessions are helpful for identifying issues facing the community and its future. He added an expert could provide data and historical background to help in fully understanding whatever that issue might be. He noted Mayor/President Elliott makes an excellent point about the importance of determining how the City can respond to an issue through the implementation of policies and actions. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated a "special topic" session could be held to re-establish strategic proprieties. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated the City Council's initial retreat could incorporate team building, a review of strategic priorities, and how to meet goals and objectives. She added the concept of equity is expansive across all strategic priorities and can be considered in terms of how the City Council interacts with City Staff and residents. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler agreed that team building should be the focus of the first City Council retreat and should be a priority for the City Council as well as City Staff. There was majority consensus among the City Council/EDA to hold more than one retreat in 2019. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated the City Council retreats have been held on a Friday and Saturday. He added any upcoming weekend would be acceptable, except when Councilmember/Commissioner Graves is out of town, and when two upcoming League of Minnesota Cities events are being held. 01/28/19 -4- Mr. Boganey stated the first retreat could be held in March 2019, which gives City Staff time to identify a facilitator, and have them draft a proposal for City Council review. He added the first retreat would include team building work and identify important issues that the City Council would like to explore. He noted facilitators often have great ideas too. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated the City Council could do a skills inventory, like Myers -Briggs, that will give insight into profiles, problem -solving skills and individual styles. Mr. Boganey stated it would easy to incorporate that into the retreat session if desired by the Council. LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Mr. Boganey requested City Council/EDA consideration of issues and policies relevant to the City of Brooklyn Center, to be brought to the upcoming TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. He added City Staff recommends consideration of three policies in addition to those approved and incorporated in 2018: transportation funding using motor vehicle lease sales tax; group homes and housing services policy; and encouraging "Tobacco 21" legislation at the State level. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated there are unresolved issues related to sales tax and City purchases, which could result in a positive fiscal impact for the City. Mr. Boganey agreed, adding that item is listed as "Sales Tax Exemption" under "Financial". Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated there are many potential policy issues for consideration in the Metro Cities policies and resources guide. Mayor/President Elliott stated, regarding the youth tax credit, that the City of Brooklyn Center could partner with other cities to advocate for funding that would build out the capacity of the various communities within Brooklyn Center. He added there is State funding available for cultural centers and other community enhancement opportunities. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she has supported cultivating the idea of a cultural center. She added she would like to address immigration issues, and whether other cities view that as a legislative priority. She noted she would like to garner support for a resolution for the Liberian population. Mr. Boganey stated that is a federal issue but can be considered for advocacy at the State level if enough State legislators support these efforts. He agreed to provide some language regarding this and other issues, including cultural center funding, for City Council/EDA review, feedback and comment. 01/28/19 -5- CELL PHONE FOR MAYOR Mr. Boganey stated Mayor/President Elliott has requested a smart phone be purchased for his use. Mayor/President Elliott stated he has a cell phone for personal use but he would prefer to separate personal and City communication. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she does not have a problem with getting a cell phone for Mayor/President Elliott. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated it is an expense that no other mayors have had in the past. He added the addition of a 2nd landline is a cheaper option. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she would support a basic feature phone under Option B, but she does not believe the expense of a new smart phone for the Mayor/President is an acceptable use of taxpayer funds. Mayor/President Elliott stated other mayors might have had different communication needs. He added a smart phone would be better for him so he can access his City emails. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated the City purchased iPads for the City Council at considerable expense, to be used for City communication and emails. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated many City employees have cell phones issued to them and paid for by the City, for City business use. She added she would like to move away from comparing what has happened in the past with what is necessary for the Mayor/President to do an effective job of communicating with the community. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she is not opposed to change but rather unnecessary additional expenses. Mr. Boganey stated there is a majority consensus from the City Council/EDA to support purchase of a smart phone for Mayor/President Elliott. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Graves moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 11:00 P.M. Motion passed unanimously. 01/28/19 -6- 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 Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on January 28, 2019. 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 February 11, 2019, Regular Session. Barbara Suciu, ity Clerk 01/28/19 -7- Mike Elliott, Mayor