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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 02-11 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 FEBRUARY 11, 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 9:13 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, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, Business and Work Force Development Specialist Brett Angell, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Mary Mullen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CONCEPT PROPOSAL FOLLOW-UP 5801 XERXES AVENUE N Ms. Beekman stated representatives of Real Estate Equity, the project developer, attended the meeting earlier. She added a review of the concept proposal commenced during the Study Session. She requested feedback and comments from the City Council/EDA on the concept proposal. Mayor/President Elliott stated the developers had previously talked about energy efficiency, solar power, and other interesting potential features. He asked whether they are realistic. He expressed his interest in seeing more green space on the site plan. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson requested clarification regarding the Section 8 status of the proposed housing. Ms. Beekman stated the proposed development would not be a project -based Section 8 housing. She added the developers have not addressed the issue of Section 8 assistance. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated a concerned resident posted a lengthy comment on her Facebook page. She added the resident expressed concerns about the proposed development, including its Section 8 status, and why the City does not develop its own apartment complex. She noted she supports the project and would like it to move forward, although she is not thrilled with the layout. 02/11/19 4- Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he supports the concept. He added the 163 senior living units is a strong component of the plan. He expressed the importance of having options for the City's senior citizens, providing a broader spectrum of housing options as they transition into another stage of life. Mr. Boganey asked whether there are specific changes or amendments, or general comments, that the City Council/EDA would like to convey to the developer. Councilmember/ Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she would like to see more livable green space in the center, forming a central shared area, rather than just parking spaces. She noted it might be more suitable and convenient to have parking on the perimeter of the property. Ms. Beekman stated the developer maximized parking and reduced green space on the property at the request of City Staff, based on parking requirements. She asked whether the City Council/EDA would be okay with less parking if the developer can incorporate more green space. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated there could be some parking in the middle along with green space, but also parking on the outside of the buildings, along the main roads. Mayor/President Elliott agreed with this concept. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated this is not really a coherent neighborhood, with the bordering roadways of Xerxes Avenue and Bass Lake Road. She added there is not a public park close by. She stressed the importance of providing safe green space within the property, especially as the workforce housing component will draw families with children. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated less parking would be required if the entire development was senior living. He added there is only so much that can be done given the acreage, required architectural standards and required parking spaces. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson asked whether a development of only senior living would be a possibility. She added she likes the mix of senior living and workforce housing. She noted the central area needs to be utilized as a green space for the buildings' residents. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she had mentioned the lack of community space at a previous review, but she is not opposed to the concept. She added the property has been vacant for a long time, and it has been difficult to attract developers. She noted she would not be supportive of the project if it was all senior living. She stressed the importance of workforce housing in the community. 02/11/19 -2- Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he does not have a problem with the layout, which is due to the constraints of the parcel. He added he appreciates the comments of the other Councilmember/Commissioners. Ms. Beekman stated no formal action is required. She added the City Council/EDA has expressed general support for the project but also supports a review and adjustment of the development site plan to allow for more communal areas and green space in the central parking location. EDA -OWNED PROPERTY DISCUSSION Business and Work Force Development Specialist Brett Angell requested City Council/EDA discussion and feedback regarding desired uses for two EDA -owned parcels: 1601 James Circle and 6500 Camden Avenue. He stated both parcels are located within the Opportunity Zone, 1 of 128 such zones in economically -distressed communities nationwide that benefit fiom capital gains tax deferment, although regulations have been delayed at the Federal level. 6500 Camden Avenue North Mr. Angell stated 6500 Camden Avenue North is a 1.62 -acre tract that is zoned C2 Commerce, and currently serves as a Metro Transit Park & Ride location. He noted the presence of water line, sewer line and storm water storage on the site, which provides constraints regarding what can be developed there. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he is absolutely opposed to a storage facility. He added he would support something that would enhance Topgolf, that attracts a younger demographic. He added his first preference would be a regional restaurant or brewpub. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson she would support a sit-down restaurant, with a full menu and adult beverages that does not have a drive-through. She added potential development should comply with City Ordinances. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she agrees with Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson's comments. She asked how the Opportunity Site designation can be used to leverage small businesses within the City. Mr. Angell stated local and regional restaurants and small businesses can qualify for available Opportunity Zone funding. He added the City has partners that can be leveraged to help support small local businesses. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated she would not support a storage facility, but a brewery would be a good addition. 02/11/19 -3- Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he would support a brewpub or comedy club. Mr. Angell stated the State of Minnesota allows only one taproom per brewery, so taprooms are not generally a potential tenant for new development. He added he agrees that a brewpub would be a good option. He noted a potential project should be identified by the end of 2019 so investors can get the full benefit. Mr. Angell stated City Staff recommends hiring a broker to research and contact potential developers and market the development site. Mayor/President Elliott stated, in his opinion, potential development should take into consideration the City's diverse population. He stressed the importance of ensuring that development opportunities are mindful of the City's ethnicity in a meaningful and intentional way Mayor/President Elliott stated perhaps a group of smaller food establishments would be appropriate in this area. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated the City should focus on finding a developer. He added generating a critical mass of development features and amenities that appeal to a broad demographic will create more opportunities and interest, as well as a demand for start-ups. Mayor/President Elliott stressed the importance of being intentional and inclusive. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated any potential new development should be geared toward the demographic that is drawn by Topgolf. She added a potential development in this high -visibility location should be universal in appeal regardless of ethnicity, as Topgolf draws from a very large area. Mr. Boganey stated the market will indicate what will work financial in this location, and the assistance of a broker will help formulate issues, concerns and interests, and provide potential alternate proposals. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she would like to focus on the "opportunity" that this area is supposed to provide. She added it would be beneficial to have an open space where pop-up markets, or similar events, could be held year-round. Mr. Angell stated there is great advantage in the amount of land in the Opportunity Zone that can be developed. He added hopefully these ideas can be incorporated into the site. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she understands the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship but she does not think this particular location is good for that type of business. 02/11/19 -4- Mayor/President Elliott stressed the importance of being intentional about what the City Council/EDA would like to see at this location. He suggested an indoor market or international food court would build upon the City's unconventional and diverse backgrounds. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated a portion of Shingle Creels Crossing is within the Opportunity Zone. He added Phase 2 of Shingle Creels Crossing may drive development in this area as there is ample space within the Opportunity Zone. 1601 James Circle North Mr. Angell stated 1601 James Circle North, a 4.93 -acre vacant parcel, is zoned C2 Commerce and is the former site of two restaurants — Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel. He added three parties have expressed an interest in the property: an office use developer, from whom an offer has been received; a tech incubator; and a warehouse. He noted site access is a problem, and the property has a unique shape. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves requested clarification regarding the tech incubator use, which sounds very interesting. She stated a she does not like the idea of a warehouse, but that type of use might result in local jobs. She added office space seems redundant, as there is a lot of unused office space in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Angell stated the warehouse is a local company that would generate approximately 70 jobs. He added the tech incubator is a business that purchases and develops unused patents for patent owners. He noted this type of use would spur investment and increase interest in other nearby sites. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated this high-value real estate property is located on the I-694/494 ring. He added other high-value developments, like the FBI building, would be suitable for this corridor. He noted there are currently a lot of substandard uses in this area, and this property should receive the highest value and best use. Mr. Angell stated City Staff will meet with the office use developer from whom an offer was received today. He added the offer and related information will be brought forward to the EDA. Mayor/President Elliott stated he agrees that it is a high-value property. He asked whether any corporate or educational use campuses might be pursued. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated this is not a good location for multi- family housing. She added she would not support another hotel, nor storage facility, as this is a highly visible location. She noted the concept of a tech incubator is interesting. She stressed the importance of attracting a skilled work force. She asked what type of office use is being proposed. 02/11/19 -5- Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated she is opposed to a self -storage facility, multi- family housing and hotel development. She added she is not opposed to a warehouse, depending upon the building's appearance. She noted she is also interested in a tech incubator and the offer from an office use developer. Mayor/President Elliott stated again that he would support a business campus. He added there may be companies looking for a location for a campus or office park. He noted he would not support another self -storage facility. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan asked if City Staff does not recommend the use of a broker in this case, due to the high level of interest in the property. Mr. Angell confirmed this. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler asked whether the bowling alley development fell through. Mr. Angell stated a possible event center is still being discussed by the property owner and other developers. He added there is water damage in the building that required mitigation. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she would support a development that has synergy with the FBI building, and an area that would be a destination for business professionals. She added she supports businesses that will generate higher paying jobs. She noted she is intrigued by the concept of a tech incubator. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated this property may not be appropriate for a tech incubator, as that type of business would not require such a prime location to be successful. 2019 SATURDAY MARKET DISCUSSION Mr. Angell stated the City Council/EDA had been discussing potential changes to the Saturday Pop -Up Market format for 2019. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated Mr. Angell had mentioned that there was not enough staff for the events in 2018. She asked whether the City's Community Liaison staff can be available during these events, which would also give them an opportunity for community interaction. She asked whether the markets will be held on the same site that was used in 2018. She asked whether it would be cost effective to purchase inflatables that could be used for other events as well. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler added she noticed there were not many healthy food options, and healthier food vendors could be sought for 2019. She noticed faith - based organizations and school classrooms could be a good way to get the word out about the Saturday Markets, to find vendors as well as participants. Mr. Angell stated the City's Community Liaison staff were actively involved in the 3rd and 4th events in 2018. He added the 2018 markets will probably not occur at the same location due to potential development. He noted a new potential location for 2019 is a topic for discussion. 02/11/19 -6- Mr. Angell stated many residents indicated that they were drawn to the Saturday markets by the food vendors. He agreed a wider range of healthy food options could be considered. Mr. Angell stated the rented inflatables were very good quality, and they are expensive to purchase. He added the inflatables were a big traffic generator. Mr. Angell stated church congregations and schools would be a good place to find event participants and planners. He added there is a very short time in which to plan the 2019 summer events. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she agrees with Councilmember/ Commissioner Butler's comments regarding school and church participation. She added flyers could be sent out to the schools before summer break, as well as notification on the School District website. She expressed her agreement that healthy food choices should be an option. Mr. Angell agreed to get something out to the schools regarding the Saturday markets. He added City Staff is considering the Opportunity Site as the location for 2019 Saturday markets. He noted the 2nd Saturday of the monthly is being considered instead of 1St Saturdays, as the summer national holidays fall on the 1 St weekend of the month. He added Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) vendors were not available for the 1St Saturdays due to a night market in St. Paul. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated the local farmers market can sell food and produce as well as goods. Mr. Angell stated farmer's market items could be sold if the Saturday market is moved to the Opportunity Site. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she believes farmer's market items would be a good fit for the pop-up markets. Mr. Boganey stated there is a Saturday farmer's market on Brooklyn Boulevard. He expressed concern that having farmer's market items at the pop-up market might be seen as direct competition. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated farmer's market vendors could be given an option to participate. Mr. Angell stated the Liberian Business Association has also expressed an interest in getting involved in the Saturday markets. He added City Staff hopes to involve multiple groups. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler expressed her support of moving forward with 2019 Saturday Pop-up Markets in a new location on the 2nd Saturdays, and to include healthy food options. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler left meeting at 10:23 p.m. 02/11/19 -7- Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated Centennial Park would be a great place to hold the Saturday markets. She added it is an under-utilized, beautiful public space, with its own stage, open space, and parking area for food trucks, as well as access to neighborhoods and the Community Center. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson agreed, adding it is something that is worth exploring. Mr. Boganey stated City Staff will consider the Centennial Park location. He added its greatest deterrent is a lack of visibility. MAYOR'S REQUEST TO TRAVEL Mayor/President Elliott stated he received an invitation to attend a reception at the White House on February 21, 2019, hosted by the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, in commemoration of African American History Month. He added it is an honor to be invited, and he hopes that if he attends the reception, he can leverage his attendance to advocate for Liberians with Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated it is appropriate that Mayor/President Elliott should attend the reception and he supports it. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson and Councilmember/Commissioner Graves agreed. City Attorney Gilchrist stated no formal action can be taken, but a majority consensus of the City Council/EDA supports the request. He noted a resolution can be added to the City Council/EDA's next Regular Session Meeting Consent Agenda. MAYOR'S REQUEST FOR OFFICE SPACE Mayor/President Elliott stated he would like to have an office space at City Hall where he can store files and meet with residents and other officials. He requested the City Council/EDA's feedback and comment. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan asked whether Mayor/President Elliott spends a lot of time at City Hall. Mayor/President Elliott stated he has been spending at least 1 day per week at City Hall. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated, under the City's Charter and institutional arrangements, there is a distinct separation between elected policy makers and City administration. He expressed concern that, by officing at City Hall during working hours, an elected official could become involved in the administrative functions of the City. He added it is not acceptable for the Mayor/President to communicate with City Department heads in the absence of the City Manager. He noted it would be inappropriate for Mayor/President Elliott to have an office at City Hall according to the City Charter. 02/11/19 -8- Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated Mayor/President Elliott can reserve a conference room if he has appointments or meetings. He added no other Brooklyn Center Mayor has had office space at City Hall. Mayor/President Elliott stated, according to the City Charter, one of the mayor's responsibilities is to study the operations of City government. He added the Charter specifies that the Mayor should not interfere with administration, except for the purposes of inquiry. He agreed that the City Council/EDA should deal with and control administrative services solely through the City Manager. Mayor/President Elliott stated he understands that he cannot direct City Staff, but he can ask questions, according to the Charter. He added there is no reason not to change something, just because it was not done that way in the past. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated, in his opinion, it would be better to respect existing institutional arrangements than to interject a personal leadership style. He added the City Council/EDA should defer to the opinion of the City Attorney. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated the issue is whether City employees might feel uncomfortable if Mayor/President Elliott had a regular work space at City Hall. Mr. Gilchrist reviewed three sections of the City Charter pertaining to this issue, that must be reviewed as a whole. He added, in his opinion, the role of the Mayor is investigatory in nature, and as Mayor/President Elliott stated, he can review the operation of government and reporting for the purposes of inquiry. He noted control of City Administration should be solely through the City Manager. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she does not support Mayor/President Elliott's request. She added the Mayor's presence in City Hall would be disruptive to City Staff. She noted a meeting space or conference room could be reserved for Mayor/President Elliott's use, and storage space set aside for his files. Mr. Boganey stated the City Staff office area is behind secured doors with no public access. He added creation of an office space where Mayor/President Elliott could receive the public would be problematic. He noted it would also create issues for City Staff to set aside a conference room strictly for the Mayor's use. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated, according to the City Charter, an investigation of City Staff to be undertaken by the Mayor requires City Council/EDA consensus. Mr. Gilchrist stated there are provisions in the City Charter for investigations and the authority of the Mayor. He agreed that the City Council/EDA can step in if an investigation is required. 02/11/19 -9- Mayor/President Elliott stated the City's Charter is similar to Brooklyn Paries Charter, and their Councilmember/Commissioners go to City Hall to interact with City Staff. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she is most concerned with the reaction of City Staff to having the Mayor in City Hall on a regular basis. Mayor/President Elliott stated there was some concern from City Staff about it, because he is a new mayor, and they would be under scrutiny. He added, however, it would not be his intention to interfere. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated an office or conference space could be reserved for the Mayor so City Staff will be aware that he will be there that day. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she strongly opposes the Mayor having an office at City Hall. She added it would undermine the role of the City Council/EDA as well as the City Manager. Mayor/President Elliott stated the issue should be tabled until further notice. Mr. Boganey agreed, adding there is no consensus to establish an office at City Hall for the Mayor. 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. 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 February 11, 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 25, 2019, Regular Session. Barbara Suci, 'ty Cleric Mike Elliott, Mayor 02/11/19 -10-