HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Edition 204 Summer■ City of Brooklyn Center
:VIEWS
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Celebrating the news, events & cultures that connect us
Community Dialogue Sessions
Come sit down, eat a snack, and share
your thoughts!
The Brooklyn Center Community School
District and the City of Brooklyn Center
will be co -hosting two community
dialogue sessions on:
Community Art
June 27th, 6 — 8 PM (Location TBD)
Community Health
June 28th, 6 — 8 PM (Location TBD)
Visit cityofbrooklyncenter.org or
brooklyncenterschools.org for more.
IN THIS ISSUE
Community Engagement
Election 2018
BC Counts
Save the Date
Online Billing
Multicultural Advisory
Committee
BC Buck$
2017 City Reports
Earl Brown Days
Development Updates
Improvements
Police & Fire News
Water Quality Update
Wellhead Protection
O O K ( Y
CENTER
AT THE CENTER
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Greetings! Summer is upon us and
the sun has finally emerged! Summer
for the City means that residents are
actively walking and recreating outside,
construction projects are underway and
the fairways of the City's Centerbrook
golf course are clear for golfers.
Summer also means increased activity
for developers throughout the City.
Development activities could range
from sprucing up a building for a grand
opening or putting the final plans
together to construct a new building.
There are several exciting development
activities happening at several sites
SUMMER 2018, Edition 204
throughout the City, which you can
learn more about as you read this issue
of our newsletter. One example of a
recent development is the Sanctuary
at Brooklyn Center, located at 6121
Brooklyn Boulevard. The Sanctuary
at Brooklyn Center is one of a few
businesses that opened its doors this
past spring.
As you walk, run, bike, or drive through
the City, lookout for the exciting City
developments. We hope you enjoy the
summer and sunshine!
Curt Boganey, City Manager
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER WELCOMES THE
SANCTUARY
11 AVIP Preview Party was held on March 8 forThe Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center, a new
12 $35 -million development. This event gave guests their first look at the affordable
assisted living and memory care community for Minnesota seniors.
14
Ribbon -Cutting Ceremony participants included: Councilmember Dan Ryan (Brooklyn
15 Center), Rod Burkett, CEO (Gardant Management Solutions), Lisa Toms, Community
Administrator (The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center), Curt Boganey, City Manager (Brooklyn
Center), Peter Cooper, Attorneyand Bonny McIntyre Director ofOperations, (North Hennepin
Area Chamber of Commerce).
• 0o 10
MORE THAN 200 ATTEND
BROOKLYN CENTER'S 40TH ANNUAL
COMMUNITY PRAYER BREAKFAST
Mayor Tim Willson, City Council Members and staff joined more
than 200 community members of all faiths at the 40th Annual
Community Prayer Breakfast. This year's breakfast was held on
Saturday, May 5 at Embassy Suites Hotel in Brooklyn Center.
Pictured left to right: Mayor Tim Willson (Brooklyn Center), Senator Chris
Eaton, Pastor Richard Zeck (Brooklyn United Methodist Church), Council
Member Marquita Butler (Brooklyn Center), Pastor McKinley Moore
(BCCPBC Chairman) and Council Member Dan Ryan (Brooklyn Center).
HIGHWAY 252/1-94
ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW
COMMUNITY
WORKSHOPS
= Hennepin County, the Minnesota
Department of Transportation and
the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis are
developing solutions to lessen congestion and improve safety and
reliability along Highway 252 between Highway 610 in Brooklyn
Park and 1-694 in Brooklyn Center and on 1-94 from 1-694 in
Brooklyn Center to downtown Minneapolis. These solutions will
be evaluated in an environmental process and then will move
forward into preliminary design. On Thursday, May 31, 2018 a
Community Workshop was held in Brooklyn Center to discuss this
project. We would like to thank everyone who was able to attend.
The next engagement opportunity for our community will be held
during the Earle Brown Heritage Days Celebration on Saturday,
June 23 from 5-8pm. Community workshop materials and projects
updates may be found at the website: www.dot.state.mmus/
metro/projects/hwy252study
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION WITH
BROOKLYN CENTER ROTARY
On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 the City of Brooklyn Center
teamed up with the Brooklyn Center Rotary to plant four
trees along a pond in Centennial Park. The event included a
tree education presentation and the reading of the Council
Proclamation followed by a short lunch provided by a
donation from the Sons of the American Legion. This event
marked the City's 26th year of Arbor Day Celebrations and
being a 'Tree City USA'. Brooklyn Center is making strides
to better the environment in many ways.
C LINE GROUNDBREAKING
On Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Mayor Tim Willson and
Council Member Dan Ryan joined other project partners
at the C Line Groundbreaking. Mayor Willson also spoke
about the City's role in the Penn Avenue Improvements
Project.
NATIONAL SCHOOL
WALKOUT
READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY AT EVERGREEN
ELEMENTARY
Pictured above, Brooklyn Center students On Friday, March 2, 2018 several Brooklyn Center employees participated in
have a moment of silence to protest gun the Read Across America program at Evergreen Elementary School. Read Across
violence at City Hall during the National America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for
School Walkout in March. every child in every community to celebrate reading on the birthday of Dr. Seuss.
k
Pictured left to right: Dr. Angel Smith, Communications Coordinator and Tony
Gruenig, Police Commander reading o book to students.
ANNouN�INg: youth Art
ffir %0000or
CoNteSt!
Do you know a young person in the community that has artistic talent?
f✓
The City of Brooklyn Center is updating its plan for the future. This is a document that lays out the vision, goals, and
policies that will carry the City forward over the next 20 years.
We want to know how young people living in the community today want to see their community in 2040.
Imagine it is 2040, what is Brooklyn Center Like? What kind of community do you want it to be? What
are its values? What do you love about it? What makes it better than today? What does it mean to
be a member of this community in 2040? These are the questions we want you to answer through art.
R4eS:
• Create a piece of original art. It must be able to hang on a wall. It must be 2 Dimensional.
• Participants must be exiting 6th through 12th grade and be a Brooklyn Center resident, or attend school in
Brooklyn Center
• Submit your piece, along with an artist statement and application form, by July 9th at noon.
• Drop your work off at City Hall, Brooklyn Center High School, or email it to: mbeekman@ci.brooklyn-center.
mn.us. If you are located in Brooklyn Center, we can also arrange to pick-up the artwork. -w
For additioNa� rLAM, detai�S aNd app�icatioN vjSjt www.cit/of brooktyNoet4ter.org
/IV
r'0
ELECTION
2018
THINGS YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Election Judges Needed
August 14 and November 6
The City of Brooklyn Center is still in need
of election judges for the upcoming
primary and general elections.
Election judges play a vital role in the
administration of election procedures
and assist in guaranteeing the rights of
voters are protected.
Residents interested in becoming
an election judge please contact the
City Clerk at (763) 569-3306 or email
cityclerk@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us to
learn more about becoming involved.
Primary Election, Tuesday,
August 14
Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm.
Offices that are on the primary ballot:
U. S. Senator
Special election for U. S. Senator
U. S. Representative District 5
Governor & Lt Governor
Attorney General
State Representative District 40B
County Sheriff
Ci•0 •
Registering to Vote
All residents of Brooklyn Center that are
not registered to vote are encouraged
to pre -register. Pre -registration must
be completed at least 20 days prior
to an election. You can register to
vote online at https://mnvotes.
sos.state.mn.us/VoterRegistration/
VoterRegistrationMain.aspx
To register to vote, the resident must
be:
If you need to register on Election Day,
be sure to bring proper identification to
provide proof of residence.
Absentee Voting
Absentee votingforthe primary election
begins Friday, June 29th and continues
through Monday, August 6th. This will
take place at the Brooklyn Center city
offices Monday through Friday, 8:00 am
to 4:30 pm.
• 18 years of age or older;
• U.S. Citizen; I Direct Balloting
• A resident of Minnesota t Direct balloting is the process
for 20 days immediately Ik_ € �' where voters can cast their
preceding Election Day, VOTE 1o1 ballot directly into the ballot
and maintain residence at the tabulator. Direct balloting begins
address given on the registration on Tuesday, August 7th through
form; Monday, August 13th. During this time
• Discharged, expired or completed period there will be additional hours on
from any felony conviction record; Saturday, August 11th from 10:00 am to
3:00 pm and on Monday, August 13th
Not under court-ordered the office will be open until 5:00 pm.
guardianship where a court has
revoked voting rights; and
• Not been ruled legally incompetent
by a court of law.
If you have questions regarding absentee
voting or direct balloting, please contact
the City Clerk at (763) 569-3306 or email
cityclerk@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
The polling places for 2018 are as follows:
Precinct 1
Earle Brown Elementary School
1500 59th Avenue North
Precinct 2
Brooklyn Center High School
6500 Humboldt Avenue North
Precinct 3
Evergreen Park Elementary School
7020 Dupont Avenue North
Precinct 4
Spiritual Life Church
6865 Shingle Creek Parkway
Precinct 5
Garden City Elementary School
3501 65th Avenue North
Precinct 6
Northport Elementary School
5421 Brooklyn Boulevard
Precinct 7
Brooklyn Center West Fire Station
6250 Brooklyn Boulevard
As we get closer to the primary
election, please refer to the City's
website, www.cityofbrooklyncenter.
org for information.
BC COUNTS
y� (CENSUS)
!1
Brooklyn Center will
�! soon kick-off its "BC
' Count" campaign for
R� the 2020 Census. A
community group called
"Brooklyn Center Census
Count Committee" is
being formed to communicate with the residents on
2020 Census related information and updates. The BC
Census Count Committee will also advise the US Census
Office on strategies to engage residents in the Census
count. Here are a few 2020 Census goals:
2018
• Establish a Brooklyn Center Census Count Committee
• Create strategies to communicate with every
resident and family in the City
• Develop and Implement the BC Count Campaign
2019
• Post and market employment opportunities for the
Census Bureau
• Start Census Count (online, phone and door-to-door)
2020
• Conclude 2020 Census Count
• Report results to the President by December 31,
2020
• Release results to the public by April 1, 2020 (Census
Day)
Stay tuned and look for more information on the 2020
Census in the coming months!
t.cr.
:%
JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY
In observance of Independence Day, City Hall is
closed on Wednesday, July 4.
TELL US WHY YOU
LOVE BROOKLYN
CENTER
C What does Brooklyn Center offer
that keeps you happy? Where's your
favorite spot and why do you love it?
Maybe there's something about Brooklyn
Center that makes it stand out at certain times of the year? What
are your top tips for others visiting Brooklyn Center to make the
most of it? The hidden gems or traditions only locals may know
about?
Come visit the City of Brooklyn Center's "I Love BC" booth during
the Earle Brown Heritage Days Celebration on Saturday, June 23.
There you will have photo and or video opportunities to show
your BC pride. We will also have limited merchandise available for
purchase.
Q SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
Z FOOD TRUCKS
Z LIVE MUSIC
)NLINE
31LLING AND
PAYMENT
Easy as1-2-3
%W
• _ The City of Brooklyn
• , • Center offers residents
an easy and secure way
to view, print and pay their
utility bills online. We support electronic bill
presentment (viewing) and payment because it is
more convenient for residents and better for the
environment.
• Easy to use- No registration required
• Access, view and pay your bills online, at your
convenience
• You have the option to pay immediately or
schedule a payment
• Enroll in Auto -Pay
• Enroll in Pay by Text
• Receive an immediate emailed confirmation
of payment or print a receipt
• Go Green — sign up for e -billing
• Save a stamp — it's free to pay online!
Payments Accepted
Electronic checks using a checking or savings
account or the following card types are accepted
for payment.
Service Fees
There are no additional fees to pay online with
e -check or credit/debit card.
If you need help using online bill pay or you
have a question about your account, please call
763-569-3390 or send an email to bcutilities@
ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MULTICULTURAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MAC)?
The Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) is a multi- and inter-
agency effort of Hennepin County's Human Services and Public
Health Department. Brooklyn Center is one of seven JCPP cities in
Hennepin County. The mission of JCPP is to enhance communication
and understanding between law enforcement and multi -cultural
communities. This is done by embedding community liaisons in the
police departments, creation of multicultural -oriented cadet positions,
and establishing a Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC).
The community liaison (Miamon Queeglay) acts as the bridge between
the police department and the community. This is done by facilitating
community meetings, providing resources around health and human
services (aligning with the Brooklyn Center Community Schools model),
and organizing events and trainings for both the police department
and the community on topics such as; community policing, adverse
childhood experiences (ACEs), the impact of changing immigration
policies, and (intersectional) racial equity.
MAC members are also a vital part of JCPP. MAC members live, work,
or worship in the community and provide a diverse professional and
personal (racial, cultural) backgrounds. The MAC meets monthly, host's
community meetings, assists officers with community engagement and
developing cultural trainings, advises police on issues in the community,
and ensure that community members are informed about their police
department. The MAC also act as personal "ambassadors/eyes/ears"
to and for community groups. BCPD is currently looking for community
members to join our MAC if you're interested please contact our
community liaison (Miamon Queeglay) or Commander Tony Gruenig.
TO BUSINESS
Is buying property
the right move
for your business?
Open to Business can help!
Our free, confidential advisors can assist
you in evaluating a purchase price,
comparing ownership vs. leasing costs, and
connecting you to financing resources.
Open to Business can also often provide
gap financing to keep equity requirements
manageable. Whether you are negotiating
a purchase, refinancing a contract for
deed, or just exploring your options, Open
to Business can help.
o*I.Y N Co
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4%0 _6i j ! j W!-0
LIQUOR
Celebrate Responsibly at the Center
INTRODUCING BC BUCK$
Collect Points. Redeem Rewards!
We are launching a rewards program at BC
Liquors as a way to say thanks for shopping at
our stores. Beginning in July, customers will be
able to collect points on purchases.
It could not be easier to participate, visit either
of our store locations and ask one of our
cashiers to enroll you in BC Buck$. Enrollment
in the program is completely free.
Participants will be provided an account and
begin building points immediately. You will
collect a point for every qualifying dollar spent
at either of our stores or double the points by
purchasing selected promotional items.
Earn 200 Points and receive a $10 credit on your
next transaction. Free money! The full details
of the program are available on our website.
We look forward to this new way of serving
our fine customers. Come in today and start
collecting your BC Buck$.
2017 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
The Brooklyn Center 2017 Consumer Confidence Report is now
available. This report contains results of the monitoring performed of
the drinking water for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2017.
The purpose of this report is to advance consumers' understanding
of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect
precious water resources.
In orderto ensure that tap water issafetodrink, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount
of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems.
The Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for
contaminants in bottled water, which provide the same protection
for public health.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected
to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence
of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses
a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential
health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water
Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
The full 2017 Consumer Confidence Report for Brooklyn Center
is available at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org/DocumentCenter/
View/6236 or search Consumer Confidence Report on the City's
website. If you do not have access to a computer or would like a paper
copy, please call (763) 585-7100 or email publicworks@ci.brooklyn-
center.mn.us. A computer kiosk is also available at City Hall.
2017 CITY FINANCIAL AUDIT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW
The City of Brooklyn Center released for public review the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
(CAFR) for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2017. The CAFR contains audited financial statements,
management's discussion and analysis, statistics, and other financial information. The CAFR's Letter of
Transmittal section provides citizens with a summary of the City's economic and financial outlook, long
financial planning, and relevant financial policies. It is used by financial organizations to assess the City's
financial health.
The City, once again, received a clean opinion from independent auditors. A clean opinion provides the public
with the confidence that the City's financial reporting is accurate, reliable and transparent. The annual financial
report shows how taxpayer money and other funds are received and spent. For the fiscal year that ended
December 31, 2017, revenues for all funds totaled $52.1 million while expenditures totaled $47.8 million.
The complete CAFR is available on the Fiscal & Support Services
page on the City of Brooklyn Center's website. As
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GET TOGETHER with
family, friends and neighbors to
celebrate the Brooklyn Center
community. With a grand
parade, golf festival, wine and
craft beer tasting, a 5k race,
local food trucks, community
market, entertainment,
fireworks and more, there is
something for everyone!
0
M
M
U
N
E
LE
BRAT
1
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 6:30PM
Dupont Ave, Free!
Cheer for your local bands,
entertainers, businesses, politicians
and more as they march, drive and
dance down Dupont Avenue! Parade
route: Dupont & 59th Ave N to Dupont
& 69th Ave N.
1
FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 10AM
Centerbrook Golf Course, $25
Experience 9 unique holes of golf
followed by lunch in the clubhouse.
There is a shotgun start at 10am.
Register by calling 763-549-3750.
I T Y
ON
FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 6-9PM
Centerbrook Golf Course, $20
Adults night out! One ticket includes
dinner and dueling pianos while
tasting a variety of wine and craft
beer. Tickets available in advance at
Centerbrook Golf, BC Liquor Stores &
Brooklyn Center Community Center.
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 9AM
West Palmer Lake Park, $30/12
Race your family around Palmer
Lake, Kids 1k Fun Run begins
at 8:30am. Information and
registration at cityofbooklyncenter
org/5k. Proceeds benefit Special
Olympics Minnesota and Earle
If available, tickets will be sold at the Brown Days.
gate. Limited to those ages 21+.
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 5-10PM
Centennial Park, Free*
Join your neighbors at Centennial
Park for non-stop entertainment,
food trucks, youth activities, market,
fireworks and more!
Food Trucks, 5-10pm
Brooklyn Center Community Band, 5-6pm
Community Market, 5-8pm
Youth Activities, 5-8pm
Kidsdance DJ, 6-8pm
Belladiva Show Band, 8-10pm
Fireworks, 10pm
Under Construction
• Tim Horton's Coffee Shop (5500 Brooklyn
Blvd) – Opening Summer 2018
• TopGolf (6420 Camden Ave N) – Opening
Summer 2018
• Bank of America (2545 County Rd 10) –
Opening Winter 2018
• HOM Furniture (2501 County Rd 10) –
Opening 2019
Approved Plans
• Luther Mazda/Mitsubishi Dealership (4435
68th Ave N) –Anticipated Construction
Start: Summer 2018
• Indoor Commercial Storage Facility (1950
57th Ave N) –Anticipated Construction
Start: Summer 2018
• Event Center (6440 James Circle N) –
Anticipated Construction Start: Summer
2018
• Medtronic–Addition (6800 Shingle Creek
Pkwy)—Anticipated Construction Start:
Summer 2018
• Fairfield Inn and Suites (6250 Earle Brown
Drive)— Anticipated Construction Start:
Summer 2018
DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT: TOPGOLF
TopGolf (which stands for "Target Oriented Practice Golf") will be
opening up its doors on the former Regal Theatre site (6420 Camden
Avenue North) this summer. Construction has been underway for
months now and although the originally anticipated opening date was
set for early fall 2018, TopGolf now has plans for the public to begin
tee-ing off and enjoying all of its amenities by the beginning of August!
Rather than walking a golf course, players at TopGolf hit outfield targets
from one of over 100 climate -controlled hitting bays by using golf clubs
and micro -chipped golf balls. Not a golfer? You're in good company, as
over half of visitors to TopGolf consider themselves to be "non -golfers"
The three-story, approximately 65,000 -square foot entertainment
facility will also feature a full-service restaurant and bar, private event
spaces and meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace.
Those interested in keeping up-to-date on TopGolf's anticipated
opening date, or who may have an interest in working one of the
anticipated 450 jobs can visit TopGolf's Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center
page at: topgolf.com/us/minneapolis/
Now Open
• The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center (6121
Brooklyn Blvd) – Opened April 2018
• CAPI—Headquarters (5930 Brooklyn Blvd) –
Opened April 2018
• Jambo Africa Restaurant #2 (1601 Freeway
Boulevard)-- Opened April 2018
• Sprint Store (5500 Brooklyn Blvd) – Opened
May 2018
no. Fr,
..t
NW METRO DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE
INAUGURAL EVENT HELD IN MAY
On May 15, the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce,
coordinated the area first "Northwest Metro Development Showcase."
Community and business leaders from four dynamic northwest Twin
Cities metro cities (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Osseo and Maple
Grove) attended. This event provided realtors, prospective developers
and companies considering expansion or transfer an opportunity to see
why companies are moving here.
\ b\,. •." -- Pictured left to right: Meg Beekman, Community Development Director
+ (Brooklyn Center), Mayor Tim Willson (Brooklyn Center), Linda McGinty (Luther
_ Auto) and Curt Boganey, City Manager (Brooklyn Center)
TREE MAINTENANCE
TI PS
' Hiring a tree maintenance service
.. deserves careful consideration
and caution. While City staff is not
' authorized to recommend a specific
contractor, residents are urged to
consider the following when selecting a service:
• Most reputable companies have all the work they can
handle without going door-to-door and generally, door -
knockers are looking to earn quick money. Beware!
• Verify the company is registered with the City. All tree
maintenance service providers in Brooklyn Center must
be registered. Registration requires specific insurance
requirements including proof of liability for personal
and property damage (such as your house and your
neighbor's) and workers' compensation.
• Don't be rushed to make a decision, never pay in advance.
• Obtain multiple bids, compare estimates and always ask
for references. You can also contact the Better Business
Bureau to check the company's reputation.
• Make sure you receive a written contract that outlines
expectations such as dates, work to be performed, clean-
up details, total cost, etc.
Visit the City's website at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org and
Search tree for a list of registered tree contractors or call the
Public Works Department at (763) 585-7100 for information.
"USY AS A BEE?
SHOW OFF YOUR
HARD WORK
Do you have a beautiful or
+s +' unique garden or landscaping
(front or side yard); or do you
know of a neighbor deserving
recognition? If so, please contact
the Engineering Division at (763)
569-3340 or email us as we would
like to recognize you or your neighbor! More information is
available on the City's website at: www.cityofbrooklyncenter.
org. If your garden/landscaping is identified, you will be
contacted for permission prior to taking and publishing any
photographs.
REMOVE AND REBUILD PROGRAM
The Remove and Rebuild program was started over 10 years
ago with the goal of purchasing and removing blighted
vacant properties. The city purchased and demolished a few
homes on residential lots. With the strong housing market
in Brooklyn Center some of those lots have been sold and
new homes built. Recently homes at 5301 James Ave N, 5315
James Ave N and 5801 Ewing Ave N have been built. The
homes on James Ave N sold for approximately $260,000 and
were 3 bedroom 2 bathroom homes with over 1,900 finished
square feet. The home on 5801 Ewing is near completion and
is expected to be listed for sale shortly.
WATER TOWER NO. 2
REHABILITATION PROJECT
6900 Dupont Avenue N
Brooklyn Center has three water towers which provide
water pressure throughout the City and also water for fire
suppression. Watertowers are typically inspected everyfive
years with full rehabilitations performed every 15-20 years.
Water Tower No. 3 was partially completed in 2017 and
recently received the final painting with the new City logo.
The City has hired TMI Coatings to complete the remainder
of Tower No. 3. TMI Coatings will also be rehabilitating
Tower No. 2 which will be fully contained for painting and
sand blasting. Residents in the immediate �y
area of the towers will experience noise
from machinery, compressors and other
miscellaneous equipment. Hours of
operation are Monday -Saturday, 7 a.m. i
to 7 p.m. We are sorry if you experience
inconvenience during this important
project. If you have any questions please
call Public Works at 763-585-7100.
Firefighter
Recruitment
yI- The Brooklyn Center Fire
\ Department (BCFD) will
be actively recruiting for
firefighter paid -on-call
positions in 2018. Applicants must be over 18
years old, have a high school diploma or GED and
currently live within a six -minute response area
to one of our two fire stations, as determined by
BCFD. To learn more visit the Fire Department
website at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org/fire.
2018 Recruitment Timeline
• Applications open January, 2018
• Active recruiting: January through August,
2018
• Becoming a Firefighter Informational
Meetings: Thursday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. &
6:30 p.m.
• Application Deadline: Monday, August 13 at
11:29 p.m.
• Written Exam: Thursday, August 23, 6:30 p.m.
• Interviews: Wednesday, September 5, 6 p.m.
to 9 P.M.
• Interviews: Thursday, September 6, 6 p.m. to
9 P.M.
• Physical Ability Testing: September
• Background Checks: October
• Conditional offer of employment made
following successful passing of driving and
criminal history checks
• Medical Evaluation: Scheduled with
conditional offer
• Psychological Assessment: Scheduled
following successful medical evaluation
• Confirmation of Employment by October -
November
• Start in November
NEIGHBORHOOD
WATCH PROGRAM
The Neighborhood Watch r,.;7;,
SL��•
Program was started in 1978 by -
the National Sheriffs Association in
response to an increase in business
burglaries. The program originally
focused on methods of getting
business owners involved with helping c u r b
the ongoing burglaries. The National Sheriffs Association invited
businesses owners to assist the police in the crime fighting efforts by
becoming the extra eyes and ears of their communities. From that
point the program has grown to include residential neighborhoods.
In 1983, the program was in full swing nationwide with citizen's
participating in the Neighborhood Watch Program.
In 1984, the City of Brooklyn Center was quick to jump on board
to give the new program a try. With a one officer and a handful
of neighbors, the program has grown to include over 43% of the
neighborhoods within the confines of the city participating in the
Neighborhood Watch Program. It is one of the most recognized
programs. The program continues to grow, not only in Brooklyn
Center, but nationally.
The primary goal of the Neighborhood Watch Program is for
neighbors to get to know each and other and become the "eyes
and ears" of their community.
The focus of this program and within each group is to encourage
them to "know their surroundings" and report any suspicious
activity. The police department stresses the importance of neighbors
knowing who does and doesn't belong in the neighborhoods.
There are many benefits of the Neighborhood Watch Program.
Neighbors that participate feel more at ease when calling the
police. It offers them a sense of ownership in their communities.
Most importantly, it does work on reducing/deterring crimes within
a community.
-----------------------------------------------
2018 POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEIGHBORHOOD AREA MEETINGS
July 19 1 Bellvue Park 1 6:00-7:30 PM ;
September 11 1 West Palmer Lake Park 1 6:00-7:30 PM
For more information contact 763-503-3272
HOME BURGLARY PREVENTION
Tips from the BCPD
How are homes targeted?
• Simple selection process, crime of opportunity
What can you do to prevent becoming a victim?
• Make your home less inviting to a burglar; by installing good locks,
trimming landscape and making good use of exterior lighting
Doors and Locks
• Use a heavy duty strike plate with a minimum of four 3 inch screws
that go into the frame of the door
Sliding Glass Doors
• Security can be increased by inserting a thick wooden dowel or stick
into the door track to prevent movement or by using a "charley bar"
Windows (the most frequent point of entry during warm weather
months)
• Windows are left unlocked at a much higher rate than doors
• For ventilation, leave no more than a 4 – 6 inch window opening
• Make sure that opening is not large enough to allow someone to
reach through to unlock the door or remove window lock
Identification
• Photograph your valuables, especially jewelry and electronics.
Be a Good Neighbor
• Get to know your neighbors
• Agree to watch each other's home
• While on vacation, pick up mail, newspapers, packages and flyers;
put out their trash on day (and return empty barrels)
• Start a Neighborhood Watch Group
What if you see something or someone acting suspicious?
• If your house is broken into, call police immediately. Don't touch
anything that the criminal may have touched
• Don't go in ... wait outside for police to arrive
If you see anyone acting suspicious around your house or a neighbor's
house, call 911 immediately!
For a complete list of Home Burglary prevention tips please go to the
city's website.
SCAMS TARGETING THE
ELDERLY
Con artists and swindlers use many different ploys
to separate you from your money.
Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can
do to protect yourself.
• Always be careful about giving out personal
information, especially financial information,
to someone you don't know—whether you
are approached at your front door, on the
street, at the shopping center, or on the
telephone.
• If someone calls you on the phone and asks
for your social security, credit card or bank
account number, do not give it to them.
When someone calls, you have no sure way of
verifying who they say they are.
• Be wary of anyone who calls or approaches
you and asks that you produce cash for any
reason. People posing as law enforcement
officials, bank examiners and others bilk
unsuspecting victims out of millions of dollars
each year. No legitimate police officer, bank
official, or government agency will ever
ask you to provide cash to help them in an
investigation. Legitimate sweepstakes and
contest operators never require the "winner"
to produce payment to collect their prize.
Another sample of a scam may be faking an injury
scenario. In this situation, a scammer claims to
have a connection to law enforcement and tells
an elder that a child or other close family member
has been seriously injured or is in jail. The
scammer then convinces the senior to give him or
her money for medical treatment or bail.
If you or a loved one suspects, or is a victim, of
a scam please contact 911 immediately. If you
would like more information please contact Crime
Prevention Specialist Becky Boie at 763-503-3272.
Informotion provided by the Notionol Crime
Prevention Council and AARP.
:M"61 MaTivre
PLEDGE TO PLANT FOR CLEAN WATER
Stormwater runoff is the leading water quality threat to our urban lakes and streams.
Turf grass and impervious surfaces such as streets and parking lots prevent water from
infiltrating into the ground, which results in increased polluted stormwater runoff reaching
lakes and streams. By changing what we plant, we can make a difference in improving water
quality. Native plants, or plants indigenous to the region, are well -adapted to local conditions.-:
They also generally have longer root systems- sometimes up to 16 -feet- so they absorb and filter
water running off the land and mimic pre -settlement landscapes. These long -rooted plants can even break up clay soils and
improve drainage. And even better, these deeply rooted plants don't need as much water after they are established.
Besides protecting and conserving water, native plants support pollinators. Native wildflowers provide higher quality nectar and
pollen to insects than cultivated varieties ("cultivars") that are most popular at nurseries. Planting natives not only helps protect
water quality, it helps to restore lost pollinator habitat.
Visit the Blue Thumb website to make your pledge at www.blue-thumb.org/pledge. There you will find all the resources needed
to plan, purchase and plant a water -friendly garden. The plant selector allows you to search by color, sun requirements, time of
bloom, height and more. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, Blue Thumb has partners that are native plant nurseries, landscapers,
designers, installers and hardscape producers committed to using native plants. There are also how-to videos, cost -calculators,
workshops, available speakers, grants and more.
WATER QUALITY
UPDATE
To improve water quality and
consistency, the City of Brooklyn
Center commissioned an independent
consultant to review well water quality,
operations and finished water quality.
Analysis in this study included:
• Identifying causes of consumer
water quality complaints over the
last two years
• Providing insight on City's well water
characteristics and disinfection
strategy
• Assessing operating procedures
that can improve water quality
- consistency
• Testing to minimize objectionable
odor and .recommend a chlorination
strategy
The new treatment plant was
commissioned in 2016 to remove
manganese in compliance with the
Minnesota Department of Health
(MDH) recommendations. It has been
successful in removing manganese to
consistently low levels. In changing
from localized treatment, with chemical
doses tailored to each well, to central
treatment with multiple wells with
different water characteristics, there
has been a transition and adjustment
period.
Chlorine and other chemical application
rates have been adjusted to produce
consistent water quality, especially when
new wells are placed in service. Staff
collects well water and treated water
samples and analyzes them manually
to determine the appropriate chemical
doses and adjust doses manually.
Consumers notice changes in the taste
of water and there have been occasional
incidents of sediment appearing in
tap water. These taste and sediment
complaints occurred throughout the
distribution system.
Several actions have been taken to
improve water quality and consistency.
Adjustments to plant chlorine analyzers
provided staff with more accurate
chlorine dose measurement. Chlorine
injection and mixing were made more
efficient through a combination of
design and operating changes. Changing
which wells were in service less
frequently reduced the need to realign
the chemical dosing to the right levels.
Additional instrumentation and controls
have helped automate adjustments for
more consistent water quality.
Water leaving the treatment plant now
has the optimum chemical doses and
water in the system is generally taste and
odor free. Most of the sediment issues
have also been resolved and are most
often a product of the homes plumbing
a
system. If you have questions regarding
your water quality or if you have issues
with the water in your home please
contact Public Works at 763-585-7100.
WELLHEAD PROTECTION - KEEPING THE GROUNDWATER CLEAN
What is Wellhead Protection?
Wellhead protection is a program
to protect the public water supply
by preventing contaminants from
entering public supply wells. The area
surrounding the public wells is called
the wellhead, which contributes water
to the well or well field over time. The
wellhead protection area is determined
by using technical criteria, such as the
physical characteristics of the aquifer
and the effects which pumping has on
the rate and direction of groundwater
movement.
Why is Protecting
Groundwater Important?
Groundwater may be contaminated
by surface contaminants such as
microorganisms and chemicals.
Although the City's wells are 300 -feet
deep, contamination of groundwater
could eventually affect the water quality.
Because we use it for drinking water,
if it is contaminated we would need to
find alternative sources for drinking.
Cleaning up the groundwater is very
expensive and inefficient. Therefore, it
is better to prevent the pollution in the
first place!
Why is Wellhead Protection
Required and Who
Administers It?
The 1986 Amendments of the Federal
Safe Drinking Water Act requires states
to implement drinking water protection
programs for public water wells. The
Minnesota Groundwater Protection
Act of 1989 designated the Minnesota
Department of Health (MDH) as the
lead agency for wellhead protection.
What is the City Doing to
Protect Groundwater?
The City's Wellhead Protection Plan was
reviewed and approved by the MDH in
2015. The plan focuses on preventing
contamination through the following
actions:
• Determining where the drinking
water comes from, how vulnerable
it is to potential contamination and
establishing wellhead protection
zones. The plan also focuses on the
ongoing initiatives of protecting the
wellhead area.
• Complying with state and federal
requirements.
• Educating residents and businesses
about our water supply and
management of hazardous
materials.
• Monitoring drinking water and
routinely testing for contaminants.
• Watching for illegal activities that
may pose a significant hazard to
groundwater.
• Monitoring environmental
investigations, cleanups and
construction activities to minimize
impact to groundwater.
Sealing Unused Wells
Unused or "abandoned" wells must be
sealed according to Minnesota State
Law. Sealing is the process of filling the
well with a special grout. Well sealing
work must be completed by a well
contractor licensed by the State of
Minnesota. Unused wells can become a
direct "pipeline" for contamination into
the groundwater system. Although most
wells in Brooklyn Center are four inches
or smaller in diameter, larger -diameter
wells can also pose a safety hazard for
children and animals that may fall into
them.
By Minnesota State Law, a Well Must:
• Be in use and operating properly; or
• Have a Maintenance Permit from
the MDH if it will be used in the
future. The well must meet sanitary
requirements and an annual fee is
required; or
• Be properly sealed.
The complete "Drinking Water Quality
Report- Consumer Confidence Report"
can be viewed on the City's website
(Search Consumer Confidence) or at
the Public Works Engineering Division at
City Hall.
For more information, please call:
Brooklyn Center Public Utilities at (763)
585-7100
MDH Drinking Water Protection at (651)
201-4700 or visit the MDH website at
www.health.state.mn.us.
• City's source water assessment
• Well management and sealing
• Wellhead protection
O O K I Y
CE R
AT THE CENTER
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199
www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
e-mail: info@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
City Hall (763) 569-3300
Job Information Line (763) 569-3307
City CONTACTS
Council Members
Mayor Tim Willson
Voicemail: (763) 569-3450
mayorwillson@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
Councilmember Marquita Butler
Voicemail: (763) 569-3446
councilmemberbutler@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
Councilmember April Graves
Voicemail: (763) 569-3448
councilmembergraves@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
Councilmember Kris Lawrence -Anderson
Voicemail: (763) 569-3444
councilmemberlawrence-anderson@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
Councilmember Dan Ryan
Voicemail: (763) 569-3445
councilmemberryan@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
City Manager
Curt Boganey (763) 569-3300
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
TWIN CITIES MN
PERMIT NO. 2170
City PHONE NUMBERS
Administration ..............................................(763)
569-3300
Community Development ............................(763)
569-3330
Inspections, Code Enforcement, Ownership Services
Public Works/Engineering ............................(763)
569-3340
Parks, Streets, Utilities...............................(763)
569-7100
Finance..........................................................
(763) 569-3320
Utility Billing .............................................(763)
569-3390
Community Center .......................................(763)
569-3400
Activity Weather Line ...............................(763)
569-3442
Earle Brown Heritage Center .......................(763)
569-6300
Centerbrook Golf Course ..............................(763)
549-3750
Fire................................................................(763)
549-3600
Police (General Info) .....................................(763)
569-3333
Emergency & Non -Emergency Officer Assistance...... 911
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City COUNCIL MEETINGS
City Council Regular Session meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7 pm.
Informal Open Forum is held at 6:45 pm before Council meetings for persons who wish to address the City Council about issues
not scheduled on the agenda.
City Council Work Sessions are held immediately following the Regular Session City Council meetings.
City Council Meetings are broadcast live on cable Channel 16. Replays shown Tuesdays at 6:30 pm and Wednesdays at 2:30 am
and 10:30 am. You may also watch City Council meetings on-line, on demand at your convenience through a link on the City
website. Call City Hall to verify meeting dates or visit the City's website at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org.