HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 Edition 211 Fall IN THIS ISSUE
Development Updates 2
Becoming Brooklyn Center 3
Rental Licensing Program 3
Volunteer Opportunity 4
BC Liquor Receives Award 4
Shingle Creek Clean-up 4
Thank You
Upcoming Events 5-6
Brooklyn Center Heart Safe 6
Fire, Smoke and Co Alarms 6
Hands-Free Law 7
Brooklyn Center Water 8-9
Neighborhood Engagement 10
Team (N.E.T.)
NEWSCi
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City of Brooklyn Center
Celebrating the news, events & cultures that connect us AUGUST 2019, Edition 211
BROOKLYNS CENSUS
2020 COALITION
SELECTS LOGO
The Brooklyns Census 2020 Coalition
held a meeting on Wednesday, July
10th, from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the
Brooklyn Park Community Activity
Center (Gardenview Room). During the
meeting, coalition members selected a
logo to support the tagline, “Brooklyns
Count 2020” which was selected in
April. Annastacia, Belladonna-Carrera from
Common Cause gave a brief overview of the
importance of the census and an update on the citizenship question. Afterwards,
coalition members participated in a messaging workshop where they wrote and
practiced their own Census 2020 message preparing them for door knocking and
hosting gatherings. Visit us at cityofbrooklyncenter.org for more information.
Pictured above, Annastacia, Belladonna-Carrera (Common Cause) provides overview of importance of
Census. Photo Credit, City of Brooklyn Center.
WE’RE HIRING
Bilingual? Do you live in Brooklyn Center? Looking for part-time employment?
Join our team as a Neighborhood Engagement Liaison. This could be a great opportunity
for students interested in an internship.
Learn more about this position and other city jobs at cityofbrooklyncenter.org
2 AUGUST 2019, Edition 211
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Community Engagement
SATURDAY MARKET
The Saturday Pop-Up Market is a city-sponsored event that takes
place one Saturday of each month from June through October. The
event features local vendors selling various goods, food tents, food
trucks, live entertainment, and a family fun zone.
Admission to the event is free and open to the public and is Located
at 2500 County Road 10 (Across from HOM Furniture). Hours of
the event are 11am to 5pm and the event takes place rain or shine.
Free parking available on-site.
Additional information regarding the event can be found at:
popupsaturday.com. If you are interested in becoming a vendor
at a future event, please contact Brett Angell, Business and
Workforce Development Specialist, at (763)569-3301 or bangell@
ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us.
Under Construction/Coming Soon
• Casey’s Gas Station and Convenience
Store (2101 Freeway Blvd) – Anticipated
Completion Date: Fall 2019
• Unity Place Modernization and Community
Building Construction Project (7256 Unity
Ave N) – Anticipated Completion Date: Fall
2019
• New Luther Mazda/Mitsubishi Dealership
(4435 68th Ave N) – Anticipated Completion
Date: Fall 2019
• New Brooklyn Center Liquor Store #1
(1350 Shingle Creek Crossing) – Anticipated
Completion Date: Winter 2019/2020
• Earle Brown Elementary School Renovations
and Expansion Project (1500 59th Ave N) –
Anticipated Completion Date: Summer
2020
• Brooklyn Center Secondary School
Renovations and Expansion Project (6500
Humboldt Ave N) – Anticipated Completion
Date: Summer 2020
• Fairfield Inn and Suites (6250 Earle Brown
Dr) – Anticipated Completion Date: Summer
2020
Approved Plans
• Redevelopment of Former Jerry’s Food
Site—270-Unit Senior and Multi-Family
Housing Project (5801 Xerxes Avenue
North) – Anticipated Construction Start: Fall
2019
• Centra Homes –30 Lot Subdivision (South of
69th Avenue North, West of Highway 252) –
Anticipated Construction Start: Fall 2019
Now Open
• Extra Space Storage Facility (5721 Logan
Avenue North) – Opened June 2019
• Helena Therapy Autism Center (5637
Brooklyn Boulevard) – Opened July 2019
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
BROOKLYN CENTER’S RENTAL
LICENSING PROGRAM RECOGNIZED
The City received attention for its rental licensing program
at the National American Planning Association in San
Francisco. A legal session entitled: Effective Legal Tools for
Problem Properties included Brooklyn Center’s program
as a case study. The case study was presented by Jessica
Bacher, Executive Director of the Land Use Law Center at
Pace Law School in White Plains, NY.
BECOMING BROOKLYN CENTER
CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY
The Becoming Brooklyn Center website is now up and
running. Becoming Brooklyn Center is the branding campaign
that has been developed to encompass the multifaceted
scope of work being undertaken to implement the 2040
Comprehensive Plan. This includes the Opportunity Site
master planning effort, the zoning code update, Brooklyn
Boulevard corridor study, and development strategies on
the 57th and Logan and former Sears sites.
The term 'Becoming' is intended to capture the sense that all
places, and individuals, are on a path of evolution. The 2040
Comprehensive Plan process identified a vision for where
the community wanted to be in the future, and this project
represents the first actions towards becoming that vision.
For more information, visit BecomingBrooklynCenter.com.
3 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
2019 HERITAGE CELEBRATION FILM
AND DISCUSSION SERIES
The City of Brooklyn Center is collaborating with Hennepin
County Public Library (Brookdale) to host a film and
discussion series. Join us monthly as we celebrate and
learn about the history of ethnic populations and how
they have contributed to the culture and heritage of
various communities.
Remember to mark your calendar for upcoming film and
discussions to be held at Brookdale Library room ABC or
Creekside*, 1:30-3:30pm.
Saturday, September 28*: Selena
Saturday, October 26: Roman Holiday
Saturday, November 23*: Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale
Visit cityofbrooklyncenter.org for upcoming films.
Thanks to everyone who is planning to join us.
SHARE YOUR COMMUNITY
EVENTS ONLINE
Need a place to share your public event
with the community? The Community
Bulletin Board is offered as a free
public service. For more information
regarding eligibility or to see the latest
updates visit cityofbrooklyncenter.
org/BulletinBoard.
Volunteer Opportunity
BROOKLYN CENTER CHARTER
COMMISSION
The Brooklyn Center Charter Commission has three member
vacancies. This is a voluntary position of civic participation. The
qualifications for membership require that the individual be
a qualified voter in Brooklyn Center. The Charter Commission
generally meets quarterly at City Hall. The meeting dates are
usually set at the first meeting of each year.
The Charter Commission reviews the existing charter, considers
proposed changes and makes recommendations to the City
Council, and safeguards the concept of Home-Rule under the
existing charter and Home Rule provisions in the state statutes.
Commissioners serve a four-year term. The Charter Commission
consists of fifteen members, duly appointed and certified by the
Chief Judge of Fourth Judicial District Court.
Interested persons can call City Clerk Barb Suciu at 763-569-3306
for information or visit the City’s web site at cityofbrooklyncenter.
org. Final appointment will be made by the Chief Judge of Fourth
Judicial District Court.
BC LIQUOR AWARDED 2019
MMBA FACILITY OF THE YEAR
BC Liquor has been awarded a 2019 MMBA Facility of
the Year award for Best Business Development from the
Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association (MMBA) for its
“BC Buck$” rewards program. Customers can be quickly
enrolled in the program at the point of sale and begin
collecting points from each purchase, which are tracked
by customer name. When a customer accumulates 200
points ($1 in sales = 1 point), they can redeem for a $10
reward on their next purchase. In addition to a plaque,
the City of Brooklyn Center will receive a $250 award that
may be used by the City for a community project. Winners
are business owners who take pride in their store, care
about their customers and employees and stay involved
in the community and the industry at large.
Pictured above, L to R, Tom Agnes, Liquor Operations Manager
(Brooklyn Center), Chris Arnold, President (Minnesota Municipal
Beverage Association), Paul Angeles, Store Manager (Brooklyn Center),
Andrew DeLong, Store Manager (Brooklyn Center).
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In the News
SHINGLE CREEK CLEAN UP 2019
Thank you to the volunteers who participated in the Shingle Creek Clean Up in Brooklyn Center on
Saturday, April 27, as well as those who volunteered throughout the entire cleanup week!
This year, about 20 volunteers collected around 30 bags of trash during the cleanup week. In addition
to removing garbage and debris from open spaces along the creek and some of our roads, many City
parks and trails were also cleaned. Keeping the land clean helps keep the rivers clean as well.
The City of Brooklyn Center proudly salutes you! Thanks for making this community a better place
to live, work, and play.
Upcoming Heritage
Celebrations 2019
Take time to learn more about the history
of ethnic populations and how they have
contributed to the culture and heritage of
our community. Here are upcoming Heritage
Celebrations.
SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
OCTOBER ITALIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
OCTOBER 6 GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY
NOVEMBER INDIGENOUS AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
CITY OFFICES CLOSED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 LABOR DAY
HOMEOWNERSHIP
SEMINAR
The City of Brooklyn Center in partnership with Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency, Alerus Financial, Edina Realty and PRG, Inc. will
be hosting a Homeownership Seminar on Wednesday, August
28 from 6 to 7:30pm at the Brookdale Library (6125 Shingle Creek
Parkway). Come learn from industry professionals about the
successful path to homeownership, the mortgage process, and first
time homebuyer programs. The seminar is free to the public and no
RSVP is required. Additional information can be found on the City of
Brooklyn Center website and social media pages.
SAVE
THE DATE
5 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Save the Date
Do you know someone whose compassionate deed has made
Brooklyn Center a great place to live and work? The City Council
wants to hear these stories.
To nominate someone who has performed an act of kindness in the
past year, you may send a card or letter, drawings or photographs of
people performing kind acts, or use the City’s nomination form which
can be found on the City’s website search Random Acts of Kindness.
Please submit your Random Acts of Kindness nominations by
Thursday, September 19. The City Council will recognize Random
Acts of Kindness nominees at an October meeting and present each
recipient with a certificate acknowledging their kind act.
EVENT
August 5 NNO Kickoff Party | 6:00-8:00pm (CC)
August 6 NNO | 5:30-9:00pm (Citywide)
August 13/14 Safety Academy | 8:30-4:30pm(CC)
September 17 Happy Hollow Park* | 6:00-7:30pm
CC: Community Center
Neighborhood Area Meeting*
Notifications for the Neighborhood Area Meeting are
in with the utility billings.
SAVE THE DATE
BROOKLYN CENTER FIRE
SMOKE AND CO ALARM
PROGRAM
Did you know that 60% percent of fire related deaths
occur in homes without a working smoke alarm and
having even one working smoke alarm in your home can
reduce your chances of dying in a fire by half?
The Brooklyn Center Fire Department wants to help the
citizens of Brooklyn Center in having safer homes by
providing a Smoke and CO Alarm Program.
With this program a Firefighter will come to your home
and access your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
needs. We will replace expired batteries, provide and
install alarms as needed to provide a basic level of smoke
and CO protection at no charge to the citizen.
For more information and to set up an appointment
please contact Fire Inspector Brandon Gautsch at 763-
549-3642 or by email bgautsch@ci.brooklyn-center.
mn.us Request forms are also available online on the
City webpage.
BROOKLYN CENTER HEART SAFE
Are you a Business, School, Church, Organization or even have a
group of friends in Brooklyn Center that would like to be trained
in Hands Only CPR and AED?
The Brooklyn Center Fire and Police Department have come
together and formed Brooklyn Center Heart Safe. This program
is a free of charge program that will train you in Hands Only CPR
and AED use.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the number one killer in the workplace
and happens about 70% at home. We want as many people
trained out in the communities in this life saving skill as it could be
a friend, family member, co-worker or even a complete stranger
that may rely on your help and training to save their life.
To date we have trained over 4,000 people since 2016 and want
your help in continuing to grow this number.
For more information and to set up a training class please contact
Fire Inspector/Heart Safe Coordinator Brandon Gautsch at 763-
549-3642 or email bgautsch@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
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Safer Communities
STREET LIGHT OUTAGES
There are over 1,600 street and park lights located in Brooklyn
Center. Some lights are City owned and operated and some are
owned and operated by Xcel Energy.
To report that a street light is out, please see the City’s Website
at: www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org and search Keywords: street
lighting.
You can also access Xcel’s Website at: odl.xcelenergy.com/ODL/
OUTAGEREPORT/. Follow the link to the webpage which has a
map regarding City owned versus Xcel Energy owned street light
locations, or call the Public Works Department at 763-585-7100
for assistance.
Pictured, Caribou Coffee Support Center (Brooklyn Center) received the Heart
Safe Campus Designation February 2019. Over half of their employees have
received training in CPR and AED use.
7 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
Did You Know?
EFFECTIVE August 1, 2019 Hands-Free
Law, frequently asked questions
What can I do under the
new law?
The new law allows a driver to
use their cell phone to make
calls, text, listen to music or
podcasts and get directions,
but only by voice commands
or single-touch activation
without holding the phone.
Remember, hands-free is not
necessarily distraction-free.
What can’t I do with
my phone under the
new law?
You may not hold your phone
in your hand. Also, a driver
may not use their phone at
any time for video calling, video
live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming,
looking at video or photos stored
on the phone, using non-
navigation apps, reading texts
and scrolling or typing on the
phone.
Can I ever hold my
phone?
Yes. Hand-held phone use
is allowed to obtain emergency
assistance, if there is an immediate
threat to life and safety, or when in an
authorized emergency vehicle while
performing official duties.
Can I use a GPS navigation
device?
Yes. GPS and other systems that can
only be used for navigation are exempt
from the Hands-Free law. In-car screens
and systems are also exempt. In both
cases, most of these systems lock when
the vehicle is moving.
Is it against the new
law to hold a
phone in a hijab
or other type
of headscarf or
wrap?
Having a cell
phone tucked into a
headscarf or head wrap
is not against the hands-
free cell phone law.
The phone must be
securely situated to
remain hands-free
and must not block
the driver’s vision in
any way.
What would be
against the new
law is if the driver
removed the
phone and held
it in their hand
while in traffic.
At no time may a
driver hold the phone
in their hand unless
it’s to obtain emergency
assistance, if there is an
immediate threat to life and safety,
or when in an authorized emergency
vehicle while performing official duties.
The new law does allow a driver to use
their cell phone to make calls, text, listen
to music or podcasts and get directions,
but only by voice commands or single-
touch activation without holding the
phone.
Can teens under 18 years
old with a driver’s permit or
provisional driver’s license,
use their phone in hands-free
mode?
The new hands-free law does not
change anything for teens under 18
with a driver’s permit or provisional
driver’s license: They cannot make or
answer calls while driving (hand-held or
hands-free). They may use their phone
in hands-free mode if they are:
• Using their phone as a GPS device,
but only in hands-free or voice-
activated mode. They must set their
destination before driving. They
can’t hold their phone at any time.
• Listening to music or podcasts
in hands-free or voice-activated
mode is OK, but hand-held scrolling
through playlists or channels is not
allowed under the law.
• Calling 911 in an emergency
situation. If there’s an immediate
threat to life and safety, they can
use the phone in either hand-held
or hands-free mode.
Couldn’t I get distracted by
my in-car screen or other
distractions like eating,
passengers or reading a book?
Why aren’t they covered?
Yes, there are many possible distractions
when driving, but cell phone use presents
a unique and complex challenge and
is addressed by the hands-free law. A
driver is still expected to avoid other
distractions and drive with due care
under other Minnesota traffic laws.
Are there penalties?
Yes. The first ticket is $50 plus court fees
and the second and later tickets are
$275 plus court fees.
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Healthy Communities
WHERE DOES YOUR DRINKING WATER COME FROM?
Brooklyn Center relies on groundwater for providing drinking
water to the residents. The City owns and operates ten
wells; these wells draw water from an aquifer located several
hundred feet underground. Groundwater aquifers are
vulnerable to contamination from human activities on the
surface.
The City is working with their citizens to protect drinking
water supplies by implementing a Wellhead Protection
Plan. This plan was prepared in conjunction with
several local, county and state agencies. The Minnesota
Department of Health is the lead agency for the State’s
program, and will assist communities with defining wellhead
protection areas and developing plans to protect wells.
Minnesota Rural Water Association, in cooperation with the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides technical
assistance to public water suppliers to help meet the system’s
wellhead protection goals.
For more wellhead protection information, contact
Minnesota Rural Water Association or the City’s Public Works
Department.
What is groundwater?
Groundwater is the water that fills the small spaces between
rock particles (sand, gravel, etc.) or cracks in solid rock. Rain,
melting snow, or surface water becomes groundwater by
seeping into the ground and filling these spaces. The top of
the water-saturated zone is called the “water table”.
When water seeps in from the surface and reaches the water
table, it begins moving toward points where it can escape,
such as wells, rivers, or lakes.
An aquifer is any type of geologic material, such as sand or
sandstone, which can supply water wells or springs.
The groundwater, which supplies wells, often comes from
within a short distance (a few miles) of the well. How fast
the groundwater moves depends on how much the
well is pumped and the type of rock particles or
bedrock through which it is moving.
Most Minnesotans get drinking
water from wells.
Wellhead protection is a way to prevent
drinking water from becoming polluted by
managing possible sources of contamination
in the area which supplies water to the
public well. Wellhead protection will be
an ongoing need for communities, and
everyone plays a part in protecting
drinking water wells; today as well as for
the future.
How wells become polluted.
Wells become polluted when substances
that are harmful to human health get into the
groundwater. Water from these wells can be dangerous to
drink when the level of pollution rises above health standards.
Many of our everyday activities can cause pollution. However,
much can be done to prevent pollution, such as wise use of
land and chemicals. The expense of treating polluted water
or drilling new wells can also be avoided. Help avoid drinking
water contamination by being an environmentally aware
citizen.
How to protect your local groundwater.
Recognize and manage possible sources of contamination
on your property or in your neighborhood. Use hazardous
products as directed, be mindful of proper disposal of these
products, and conserve water whenever possible.
LAWN AND GARDEN WATER
CONSERVATION TIPS
A single lawn sprinkler spraying five gallons per minute uses 50% more
water in just one house than a combination of 10 toilet flushes, two 5
minute showers, two dishwasher loads, and a full load of clothes. So be
sensible and remember these tips:
• Morning is the best time to water most lawn areas. After about 10
a.m. heat steals moisture from your lawn by evaporation. Water
EARLY and you can water LESS because more of the water is absorbed
into your lawn.
• Don’t water out of habit. Water only when your lawn needs it. To
test if your lawn needs a soaking, step on the grass. If it springs back
up, you don’t need to water. If it stays flat, it’s time to water.
• Let water sink in slowly. Lots of water applied fast mostly runs off.
Let water sink in deep, to encourage deep roots. Lawns with deeper
roots won’t need watering as often.
Other tips:
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow evaporation of
moisture and discourage weed growth.
• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings.
• Don’t run the hose while washing your car. Use the hose just to rinse
the car off.
Odd-Even Restrictions
It is an odd-even ban based on house number. For example, if your street
address is an odd number (5917, 4501); you may water your lawn and
garden on the odd numbered days of the month (ex: August 11, 13, etc.).
If your street address is an even number (4500, 7212), you may water
your lawn and garden on the even days of the month (ex: August 2, 4,
etc.).
9 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org
CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR
DOG!
Dog poop is a major contributor to stormwater
pollution. Rain and melting snow flows across yards,
dog parks, down trails, etc. on its way to creeks via
our streets and storm drains. Dog poop contains
bacteria and is high in nitrogen and phosphorus.
Leaving dog poop on the ground allows harmful
bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain
and eventually into local water bodies.
In Minnesota your best bet is to:
• Trash it. Seal the pet waste in a plastic bag and
dispose of it in your trash can. Biodegradable
bags are fine, but they won’t break down in a
landfill so our vote is to go reused, rather than
new and biodegradable.
• Flush it. You can flush plain dog poop down
the toilet and it will be treated at a waste water
facility or septic system. If you do this, never
include a bag or any other materials with the
poop.
• Do NOT put dog or cat poop in your backyard
compost pile. The temperatures in backyard
compost piles do not get high enough to kill
the bacteria that can make humans sick.
Neighborhood Engagement Team (N.E.T.) Update
Residents from the Bellvue Neighborhood gather during their first
Neighborhood Engagement Team event. Bellvue’s Neighborhood Ice
Cream Social was held at Bellvue Park on Saturday, July 20. Despite the
rain, residents cooled off with a scoop of ice cream while getting to know
neighbors. If you are Interested in participating in upcoming Neighborhood
Engagement Team events, visit us on the web.
City CONTACTS
Council Members
Mayor Mike Elliott
Voicemail: (763) 569-3449
mayorelliott@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
Printed on
recycled paper
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) 585-7100
Finance .......................................................... (763) 569-3320
Utility Billing .............................................(763) 569-3390
Recreation & 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
City COUNCIL MEETINGS
City Council Regular Session meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7pm.
Informal Open Forum is held at 6:45pm 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 6:30pm and Wednesdays at 2:30am
and 10:30am. 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 cityofbrooklyncenter.org.
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199
cityofbrooklyncenter.org
e-mail: info@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us
City Hall (763) 569-3300
Job Information Line (763) 569-3307