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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 10-14 CCM EDA 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 OCTOBER 14, 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 9:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Mike Elliott and Councilmembers/Commissioners Marquita Butler, April Graves. Councilmembers/Commissioners Kris Lawrence -Anderson and Dan Ryan were absent and excused. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Business and Workforce Development Specialist Brett Angell, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Mary Mullen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. SEWER AVAILABILITY CHARGE (SAC) CREDIT POLICY (cont'd) Workforce Development Specialist Brett Angell stated the City accumulates SAC credits due to demolition projects. He added, for example, the former Mr. BBQ site had 36 SAC credits, of which the City took back a portion to be put toward other projects. He requested the City Council/EDA's approval of the proposed policy to formalize the SAC Credit process and provide direction for City Staff. He requested the City Council/EDA's consideration of whether the credits should be placed into the Economic Development Authority budget. Mr. Angell reviewed four proposed options: placement of some funds into a revolving loan fund; funds for a small matching grant for safety or security upgrades; small and micro -business outreach and support; and SAC Reduction Public Subsidy. Mayor/President Elliott stated he would support the allocation of funds to support Brooklyn Center residents who want to grow a business within the community. He added, for instance, residents have expressed an interest in having a locally owned restaurant. Mr. Angell agreed, stating the primary focus and priority is on small businesses and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn Center. He added a restaurant is a good example because they have high SAC charges, so credits could go toward attracting a new locally owned restaurant. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves requested clarification regarding revolving loan funds. Mr. Angell stated that type of fund is designed for small, emerging entrepreneurs, but programs can be designed to fit other types of businesses. 10/14/19 -1- Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she supports using funds for outreach but should also be used for the implementation of the City Council/EDA's identified priorities. Mayor/President Elliott asked whether the revolving loan fund can only be applied toward businesses owned by Brooklyn Center residents. Mr. Angell stated he does not believe there is a requirement that the business owner must be a resident. Mayor/President Elliott expressed interest in having funds set aside for Brooklyn Center entrepreneurs. Mr. Angell stated he would review this issue with City Staff and report back to the City Council/EDA. LIQUOR LICENSE UPDATES City Clerk Barb Suciu reviewed proposed updates to the Liquor Ordinance. She added some definitions from State Statute are being added to the City Code for consistency and transparency. She added additional language is being proposed for Section 11-118, "Conditions," to clarify that liquor must be "removed from display and inaccessible to the public." She added some establishments want to stay open to serve food, but they are not putting liquor away. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves asked whether this would still be an issue if 2:00 a.m. liquor is approved. Ms. Suciu confirmed this. Mayor/President Elliott stated it would be difficult to put some liquor bottles away, and some establishments have hundreds of bottles. Mr. Boganey stated, if this amendment is approved, the owner would be required to modify or adjust their displays to ensure compliance. Mayor/President Elliott stated restaurants could be fined if they violate the Code, which would be easier than putting all their liquor away. Mr. Boganey stated it is a question of resources, when Police enforcement is required for compliance, requiring a change in business practices. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated it would be onerous. She added it seems to be a management issue on the part of the business. Mayor/President Elliott agreed. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler agreed, adding it would not be fair to penalize all businesses. Mr. Boganey stated most Cities' ordinance requires businesses to close when liquor sales are over. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated that it is a good reason to have the option to stay open until 2:00 a.m. Mr. Boganey agreed, adding ancillary activities have been occurring after 1:00 a.m., but not necessarily liquor license violations. 10/14/19 -2- Mr. Gilchrist stressed the importance of creating a clear limit, so all liquor is removed by a specific time after-sales are allowed. Ms. Suciu stated reviewed a language amendment to the Liquor Ordinance that prohibits businesses from obtaining a liquor license if they are near certain uses. She added this restriction would be limited to "school, daycare center, and religious institution." She noted this would narrow the scope of availability of liquor within 300 feet of these uses. Ms. Suciu stated the other option is not to limit the type of liquor license. Mr. Boganey stated a liquor license could be approved if the licensed premise and listed uses are within the same zoning district, regardless of distance. Mr. Boganey stated the proposed language is similar to that used in Brooklyn Park. Ms. Suciu agreed. Mr. Boganey stated the proposed changes would put Brooklyn Center on equal footing with Brooklyn Park in terms of the policy. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she supports option two as it is easier to understand. Mayor/President Elliott agreed. There was a majority Consensus of the City Council/EDA to support Option 2 related to Liquor Ordinance. There was a majority Consensus of the City Council/EDA to continue Work Session Agenda Item 3 related to Public Dance Ordinance and Agenda Item 4 related to Council Retreat until the City Council/EDA's next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Graves moved, and Councilmember/Commissioner Butler seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 10:23 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: 10/14/19 -3- 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 October 14, 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 October 28, 2019, Regular Session. CAI - Barbara 10/14/19 -4- Mike Elliott, Mayor