HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 02-24 CCM Regular SessionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
FEBRUARY 24, 2020
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1.INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor Mike
Elliott at 6:45 p.m.
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-
Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager
Reggie Edwards, City Engineer Mike Albers, Community Development Director Meg Beekman,
Community Development Deputy Director/HRA Specialist Jesse Anderson, Police Chief Tim
Gannon, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
Mayor Mike Elliott opened the meeting for the purpose of the Informal Open Forum.
No one wished to address the City Council.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Informal Open
Forum at 6:58 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2.INVOCATION
Mayor Elliott read an excerpt from "Factors Affecting Your Health" from Derbyshire County
Council in the UK:
There are many factors that can affect your health. These include things like
housing, financial security, community safety, employment, education, and the
environment. These are known as the wider determinants of health.
Not all of these factors are directly under your control but are part of the place
you grow up, live and work.
It is widely accepted that these factors contribute to significant levels of health
inequality.
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3.CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott
at 7:00 p.m.
4.ROLL CALL
Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence-
Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager
Reggie Edwards, City Engineer Mike Albers, Community Development Director Meg Beekman,
Community Development Deputy Director/HRA Specialist Jesse Anderson, Police Chief Tim
Gannon, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
5.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
6.APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to approve the
Agenda and Consent Agenda, and the following consent items were approved:
6a. LICENSES
MECHANICAL
Pro Master Plumbing, Inc.
SIGN HANGER
Digital Billboard, Inc.
9007 Jane Road
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
16101 Ramsey Blvd NW
Ramsey MN 55303
RENTAL
RENEWAL (T)PE IV— one-year license)
1425 55th Ave N Trung Duong
5510 France Ave N Kin Chew / Urban Enterprises
7100 Lee Ave N Selene Avendamo
RENEWAL (TYPE III— one-year license)
1300 67th Ave N Roger & Elizabeth Family Properties LLC -
Brookside Manor Met Mitigation Plan
3224 67th Ave N Haymat Dasrath
3800 66th Ave N Nancy Yang / Kayo Investments -
Met Mitigation Plan
7012 Unity Ave N Shuxing
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RENEWAL (T)PE II— iwo-year license)
5420 Emerson Ave N Christopher Raisch -
met action plan
RENEWAL (T)'PE I— three-year license)
5344 Twin Lake Blvd E Takasi Sibuya / John Johansson
4118 Woodbine Lane Ron & Jeanette Blasewitz
6b.RESOLUTION NO. 2020-24 AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF CONDUIT
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS
RELATING TO THE REE XERXES AVENUE SENIOR HOUSING
PROJECT
6c.RESOLUTION NO. 2020-25 ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING A
CONTRACT, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 2018-04, 2018 BRIDGE
REHABILITATION PHASE 2
6d.RESOLUTION NO. 2020-26 APPROVING PURCHASE AGREEMENT
FOR 6000 EWING AVENUE AS PART OF THE BROOKLYN
BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PROJECT PHASE 2
6e.RESOLUTION NO. 2020-27 ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING A
CONTRACT, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 2020-01, 02, 03 AND 04,
GRANDVIEW NORTH AREA STREET, STORM DRAINAGE, AND
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS
61. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-28 ELIMINATING THE PURCHASE OF ONE
TIME USE PLASTIC AND STYROFOAM PLATES, UTENSILS, CUPS,
AND STRAWS WITH CITY FUNDS FOR ALL BUILDINGS
6g. NORTH METRO MAYORS ASSOCIATION JOINT POWERS
AGREEMENT REVISED
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONSJPROCLAMATIONSIRECOGNITIONSIDONATIONS
7a. HENNEPIN COUNTY SHERIFF DAVID HUTCHINSON
City Manager Curt Boganey welcomed Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson and invited
him to address the City Council.
Sheriff Dave Hutchinson gave a presentation on the work and activities of the Hennepin County
Sheriff's Department. He thanked Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon for his partnership
and support. He reviewed 2019 requests for service from Brooklyn Center, including 114
requests for information, 20 jail calls, 15 subject workups, and 2 drug trafficking analysis
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reports. He stated the jail system is one of Hennepin county's biggest divisions and one of the
biggest jails and court systems in the Midwest. He added County Sheriff's Office staff include
innovators in medical treatment for opioid addiction and mental health care workers who provide
mental health screenings of inmates.
Sheriff Hutchinson stated a trial Wellness Program has been initiated, which has resulted in
deputies that are happier and more satisfied which will have a positive effect on their work. The
Hennepin County Dispatch Center is the largest in the State of Minnesota, and in the top 15 in
the nation, dispatching to 7 different cities. A social worker has been added to Dispatch Center
staff to bridge the gap between mental health calls and the Sheriff's Department, providing
support and information.
Sheriff Hutchinson stated he is proud of the work of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department.
He invited the Councilmembers to tour the Hennepin County Jail and Communications Center.
He noted he hopes to continue to grow the positive relationship that has been fostered between
Hennepin County and the Brooklyn Center Police Department and Chief Gannon.
Mayor Elliott thanked Sheriff Hutchinson for attending the meeting and giving his presentation.
He asked whether the total number of calls for service includes 911 calls. Sheriff Hutchinson
confirmed this, adding the Call Center receives calls for everything from 911 to general non-
emergency calls.
Councilmember Ryan asked whether the Sheriff's office still supplements the police force as
needed during the busy months from May - September. Sheriff Hutchinson confirmed this,
adding the Sheriff's Office will make every attempt to respond to requests for help and provide
needed support to the Police Department.
Councilmember Graves asked whether there are plans to increase the number of mental health
professionals. Sheriff Hutchinson confirmed that the mental health worker is very busy and
needs additional support. He added the Sheriff's Department will have 2 interns from the
University of Minnesota who are working on their doctorate to assist with mental health issues.
He noted he would like to hire a part-time secondary therapist to support solutions for a diverse
group of people, and the Sheriff's Department hopes to diversify in other ways as well, including
hiring an African American female Police Officer.
Sheriff Hutchinson stated one of the County Commissioners is working on a plan to provide
additional social workers at the Dispatch Center.
Councilmember Graves asked whether Sheriff's Department officers question people about their
immigration status and share information with Immigration officials. Sheriff Hutchinson stated
officers do not request immigration status information. He added an Advisory Committee works
with an immigration group to resolve issues related to immigrants and residency status.
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Councilmember Butler asked whether Sheriffs Department employees do unconscious bias
training. Sheriff Hutchinson confirmed this, adding he attended training as well. He added a
new training program is being developed in partnership with the YWCA to provide better, more
thoughtful training.
Mayor Elliott asked whether there are opportunities for cities like Brooklyn Center to share
resources for the County's co-responder model. Sheriff Hutchinson stated there is a Health &
Human Services Department program that is working on providing a co-responder initiative for
cities. He added it is difficult to come up with a basic level of service, as no two cities are the
same, and some do not want much help.
Mayor Elliott asked whether social workers joining on calls is something that can be provided
for cities. Sheriff Hutchinson stated that is already in place, as the County does dispatch for
Brooklyn Center. He added he would like to increase this program, but it comes down to
funding.
Mayor Elliott asked whether there are wellness programs in the Sheriffs Department. Sheriff
Hutchinson stated Hennepin County is the first Sheriffs Department in Minnesota to provide the
services of a full-time mental health worker to support Sheriffs Department staff.
Mayor Elliott asked about the rate of recidivism in the Hennepin County Jail. Sheriff
Hutchinson stated the Department's goal is to provide support and services while individuals are
in jail, to help reduce crime and costs in the long run. He added the rate of recidivism in
Hennepin County is one of the lowest in the nation although he did not have the data with him at
the meeting. He agreed to provide that information for Mayor Elliott.
Mayor Elliott asked whether steps are being taken to provide training to Officers who may have
encounters with new Americans, who are not totally aware of all the local laws and connect with
communities to disseminate information. Sheriff Hutchinson stated the goal of the Sheriffs
Department is to provide guidance and engagement for citizens and youth to improve
relationships with the Police in the long term. He added an aspect of this is the recruitment of
Sheriffs Department employees, as they are always hiring, and
Councilmember Graves asked whether the Sheriffs Department has plans to initiate a program
like the Minneapolis Community Navigators, who provide support at calls for service. Sheriff
Hutchinson stated there are efforts through the Chaplain's Office to provide support and advice
to high-risk people who need it.
Mayor Elliott thanked Sheriff Hutchinson for his service to the community. Sheriff Hutchinson
stated he looks forward to a continuation of the City's partnership with the Hennepin County
Sheriffs Department.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to receive the report of
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Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson.
Motion passed unanimously.
7b.RESOLUTION NO. 2020-29 RECOGNIZING SUE FOGAL FOR 39 YEARS OF
SERVICE TO THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Mayor Elliott read in full a Proclamation recognizing Sue Fogal for 39 years of service to the
City of Brooklyn Center.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO.
2020-29 Recognizing Accounting Technician Sue Fogal for 39 Years of Service with the City of
Brooklyn Center.
Motion passed unanimously.
7c.METRO TRANSIT PRESENTATION ON BROOKLYN CENTER TRANSIT
CENTER IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Boganey welcomed Alicia Vap, Metro Transit Project Manager, Joanna Hubbard-Rivera,
Metro Transit Customer Advocate, and invited them to address the City Council.
Ms. Vap stated Metro Transit's Brooklyn Center Transit Center, located at Bass Lake Road and
Northway Drive, has been scheduled for renovations due to safety concerns and operational
issues at the facility. She added this is an opportunity to reprogram the space to support
increased ridership and daily use by Metro Transit Police.
Ms. Hubbard-Rivera stated hours for restrooms and general facilities are planned to be extended,
as surveys have shown that 30% of riders have a desire for increased staff presence at the transit
Station. She added the majority of customers identified the buses they take often 1 or more per
day, with the greatest number of riders commuting from Brooklyn Center to Minneapolis and
back.
Ms. Vap stated many exciting changes are planned at the Transit Center, including replacement
of plaza concrete; addition of exterior canopies and landscaping; renovation of public waiting
areas and restrooms; and additional space for bus operations and more space for Metro Transit
Police staff. She added a consult room is planned that can be shared between the Metro Transit
Police and the City's Police Department. She noted a public artwork display is planned for the
lobby area.
Ms. Vap stated the design phase is nearing completion, and construction is planned to be
completed by the end of 2020. She added transit operations will be impacted as concrete plazas
are to be replaced, and 4 gates relocated to Northway Drive. She noted the interior facility will
be closed during construction.
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Mayor Elliott thanked the Metro Transit representatives for their presentation. He stated the
Metro Transit Station is incredibly important to the community, and investments and
improvements are extremely welcome. He added he supports the assignment of Metro Transit
Police Officers to be at the Transit Station 7 days a week.
Ms. Yap agreed, adding there will be Metro Transit Police presence at the facility every day from
2:00 p.m. to midnight.
Mayor Elliott asked where the City of Brooklyn Center ranks in terms of ridership. Ms.
Hubbard-Rivera stated Brooklyn Center is the second-highest initial ridership and transfer point
within the Metro Transit system. Ms. Vap agreed, adding only the Mall of America Transit
Center has higher numbers.
Mayor Elliott asked whether there are opportunities for providing amenities to riders, like the
Bruegger' s Bagels store at the Eagan Transit Station. Ms. Hubbard-Rivera stated the focus has
been a transit hub with Metro Transit Police presence as opposed to a retail space. Ms. Yap
agreed, adding the Metro Transit has a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) office, that looks at
partnerships and opportunities for development at transit locations. She added the Brooklyn
Center facility is limited in size.
Councilmember Graves asked whether the Transit Station's limited size will be sufficient to
handle future growth in ridership, based on the current high levels of ridership. Ms. Yap
confirmed that Metro Transit takes into consideration current peak loads and future projections,
and future potential utilization. She added the intention is that passengers will be in the Transit
Station for a short period of time, and Metro Transit is confident that the size of the Station is
sufficient.
Councilmember Graves asked whether a gender-neutral restroom is being considered. Ms. Yap
stated that the issue has been discussed. She added, in discussions with Metro Transit Police and
Brooklyn Center Police, it was agreed that restrooms doors should not be able to be locked, and
the decision was made that there will be no doors on restrooms. She added a gender-neutral
restroom was not a possible option.
Councilmember Graves asked whether Metro Transit staff is responsible for maintaining and
cleaning the Transit Center. Ms. Yap stated Metro Transit Facilities staff visits the Transit
Center daily to do cleaning and maintenance. She added exterior water faucets are planned to
facilitate power washing the plazas.
Councilmember Ryan stated Metro Transit has taken efforts to make improvements in
environmental design while enhancing public safety. He requested additional information from
Ms. Yap via email that he can review, in the interests of time. Ms. Yap agreed.
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Mayor Elliott asked whether information on ridership demographics is available. Ms. Ms.
Hubbard-Rivera stated a poll was conducted before the start of the C-line, and 60% of those
polled identified as African American. She added post-C-line polling has indicated that this has
not changed.
Mayor Elliott asked whether there is an opportunity to partner with community organizations and
the City to provide opportunities at the transit center or nearby. He added he hopes there can be
programs initiated, such as workforce training, and other opportunities considered to engage
youth in the area.
Ms. Ms. Hubbard-Rivera stated Metro Transit hosts tabling information sessions at the Brooklyn
Center Transit Center, with materials regarding Metro Transit employment and transit assistance
passes for qualified riders. Ms. Alicia agreed, adding there are a lot of opportunities for shared
outreach.
Mr. Boganey stated City Staff have had conversations with Metro Transit regarding possible
activities that could be programmed in the space to engage riders in a positive way without being
distracting.
Mayor Elliott asked whether there is data regarding gender and age of riders. Ms. Hubbard-
Rivera stated gender was not on the survey. She added she does not have survey data related to
age, but the majority of riders were 28-40 years.
Mayor Elliott thanked the Metro Transit representatives for their presentation.
Mayor Elliott called for a recess.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-01 VACATING A PORTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY:
BROOKLYN BOULEVARD
City Engineer Mike Albers reviewed improvements to Brooklyn Boulevard and vacation of a
portion of the right of way near the intersection with Highway 100. He added the 2013 Brooklyn
Boulevard Corridor Study recommended improvements along Brooklyn Boulevard, including
this unused portion of a right of way.
Mr. Albers stated a new right in, right out access to the frontage road has been built, and the
Lilac Drive portion of the roadway have be acquired from Brookdale Covenant Church. He
added, if adopted, the Ordinance would go into effect 30 days following publication, and all
parties involved have been notified. He noted City Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance
amendment.
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Recommend hold a public hearing for the right of way vacation, and approval of the proposed
Ordinance.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to open the
Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
No one appeared to address this item.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to close the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve Second Reading
and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 2020-01 Vacating a Portion of Right-Of-Way: Brooklyn
Boulevard.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt RESOLUTION
NO. 2020-30 for Summary Publication of Ordinance NO. 2020-01.
Motion passed unanimously.
8b. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-31 APPROVING THE PROJECTED USE OF FUNDS
FOR THE 2020 URBAN HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE OF A
SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY
Deputy Director of Community Development Jesse Anderson reviewed the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocation of $258,000 to be received by the City of
Brooklyn Center, provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and
administered by Hennepin County. He added funds are required to be used for activities that
benefit low- and moderate-income persons. He noted the City Council had requested additional
information when this issue was discussed at their recent Work Session.
Mr. Anderson stated the down payment assistance program if increased to $100,000, would
benefit 13-14 households.
Mr. Anderson stated the City of Richfield has a similar program with the same requirements and
a recommendation of $110,000 for 2020. He added, however, Richfield has had difficulty
expending funds, as they do not have enough houses for sale that meet the requirements. He
noted they are removing requirements for 2020, and down payment assistance will be available
by application for anyone buying a home in Richfield.
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Mr. Anderson reviewed the proposed home rehab program, with 5 loans in process. Anticipated
proposed funds of $158,000 would benefit 9-10 households, with 61 households on the waiting
list.
Mr. Anderson stated Brooklyn Park's home rehab program provided a single allocation of
$207,000 in CDBG funds to renovate a 4-unit apartment building to provide housing for
homeless people. He added, in 2003, Brooklyn Center allocated $175,000 in CDBG funding to
renovate Shingle Creek Towers, which is now The Crest. He added CDBG funding was
combined with other affordable housing funds, for a total of $4.9 million in rehab at the property.
He noted 96 of the 122 units affordable at or below 60% of the Average Median Income.
Mr. Anderson stated City Staff recommends 2020 CDBG funding of $258,000, with the removal
of funding for Code Enforcement and added allocation of $100,000 for the homeownership
assistance program, as well as $158,000 for the home rehab program.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to open the
Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
No one appeared to address this item.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to close the
Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves asked whether the resident requirement is recommended for removal,
similar to the City of Richfield. Mr. Anderson stated that is not necessary at this point, as it is
hoped that projects for current residents will be within funding parameters, and funding can be
expended until December 2020.
Mayor Elliott asked how the programs are advertised. Mr. Anderson stated the contract with the
Center for Energy and the Environment has been signed, and they have provided an
informational flyer that has been added to the City website and social media sites. He added
information will be available at the Home Buying Seminar this week, and he plans to reach out
to realtors and homeowners with homes for sale, as well as the local Realtors Association, local
banks, and current renters.
Mayor Elliott asked whether the flyer is available in multiple languages? Mr. Anderson stated
City Staff can get it translated.
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Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt RESOLUTION
NO. 2020-31 Approving the Projected Use of Funds for the 2020 Urban Hennepin County
Community Development Block Grant Program and Authorizing Signature of a Subrecipient
Agreement with Hennepin County.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Elliott thanked Mr. Anderson for his hard work and efforts, including extensive research
on this issue.
8c.ORDINANCE NO. 2020-03 AMENDING CHAPTER 12 OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES REGARDING ACCESS TO MULTI-UNIT HOUSING
STRUCTURES BY THE UNITED STATES CENSUS BUREAU EMPLOYEES
Deputy City Manager Dr. Reggie Edwards reviewed the Census Complete Count, a Coalition
with the City of Brooklyn Park for the 2020 Census, which starts on April 1, 2020, with counts
made by December 31, 2020. A State Ordinance was approved in 2019 that provides access to
multi-unit housing structures by U.S. Census Bureau employees. The primary focus of the
Census is to reach under-counted or hard-to-count populations.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to open the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
No one appeared to address this item.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the
Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve Second Reading
and adopt ORDINANCE NO. 2020-03 Amending Chapter 12 of the City Code of Ordinances
Regarding Access to Multi-Unit Housing Structures by the United States Census Bureau
Employees.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-32 for Summary Publication of ORDINANCE NO. 2020-03.
Motion passed unanimously.
8d.RESOLUTION NO. 2020-33 ADOPTING A BUSINESS SUBSIDY POLICY
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Community Development Director Meg Beekman introduced Jason Aarsvold, Ehlers, who
provided an overview of the Business Subsidy Policy structure, required by State Statute, with
proposed amendments. He added the Business Subsidy Policy provides City Council direction to
City Staff and developers regarding priorities for development and redevelopment.
Mr. Aarsvold stated the City Council was asked to identify key policy objectives, after which a
draft policy was reviewed, and feedback received. He added the final policy is presented at
tonight's meeting for consideration with some additions to the Qualifying Projects section, to
ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, and fulfills workforce needs by hiring local
residents through targeted recruitment.
Mr. Aarsvold requested that the City Council consider the adoption of the final Business Subsidy
and Public Financing Policy.
Mayor Elliott stated Section 4.2, "Desired Qualifications" includes a statement regarding multi-
family housing with high amenities that are considered luxury amenities. He added the language
is problematic as the City should not invest in luxury apartments that would not be accessible to
residents in the community. He noted the City should not subsidize luxury apartments and he
will not support the language.
Councilmember Graves stated Item 5 refers to the promotion of investment of City Goals and
providing options that currently do not exist. She added having the language is not an indication
that the City Council would be required to approve a luxury development proposal. She noted
that the Policy is not saying the facility or physical location would be luxury, but rather that the
amenities inside the units would be high-end.
Councilmember Graves stated any project that requires a subsidy would have to be reviewed and
approved by the Consensus of the City Council. She added there are a number of positive
requirements on the same list, and owner-desired qualifications. She added the City would not
be obligated to accept a proposal if the desired qualifications were not provided.
Mr. Aarsvold agreed, adding the City Council would have wide latitude regarding what projects
will or will not receive assistance. He added the Policy document does not obligate the City or
put it at risk for not providing subsidy.
City Attorney Troy Gilchrist stated this seems to be a language issue, and the item in question
could be re-worded to read, "multi-family housing with high-quality amenities". Mayor Elliott
stated he would like to add "accessible to working-class families.
Mayor Elliott stated he does not support the proposed language, as the City should not be
funding luxury housing for wealthier people. He added there should be language to reflect that
working-class residents can afford to live in this type of housing. He noted the amendment
should include "of various income levels".
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Councilmember Ryan stated the 2040 Comprehensive Plan states that the City's objective is to
provide a broad spectrum of housing choices across the market. He added the language could be
more open, to include high amenities rather than luxury amenities. He requested that the City
Council should move on from the contentious issue regarding what should or should not be
subsidized. He noted he has voted in favor of every affordable housing proposal that has come
before the City Council. He stressed the importance of looking at all kinds of projects that will
address other styles and price points, including higher amenities, in the marketplace.
Councilmember Graves stated the language is not exclusive, as Item 5b refers to the provision of
clean, safe and affordable housing units.
Mayor Elliott stated he would support an amendment to make the language more inclusive. He
added the City should not be in the business of the transfer of wealth. He noted the City must
provide access to luxury housing for residents if the intention is to subsidize luxury housing.
Councilmember Graves stated the policy agreement states that the individual amenities are
considered luxury items, not the apartments themselves nor the provision of subsidies.
Mayor Elliott stated multi-family housing with luxury amenities is the same as luxury
apartments, and he cannot support it. He added the City should not participate in providing
luxury apartments without providing access for working-class families.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to open the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
A resident stated she lives in Brooklyn Center and works for a housing program for people with
disabilities who have been homeless for over a year. She added her clients are unable to find
housing or afford rent and require financial assistance. She added the word "luxury" is not
appropriate. She stressed the importance of being careful with the language that is used, which
could be misunderstood.
The resident stated there should be an amendment to the policy agreement that provides
protections for low-income renters.
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Butler stated luxury amenities come with a luxury price tag, which should be
acknowledged. She added she is not opposed to a wide range of housing in Brooklyn Center, but
stressed the importance of not displacing current residents. She noted she agrees with Mayor
Elliott, and she will not support the agreement unless the language is amended.
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Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she appreciates all the comments that have been
offered. She thanked the resident who came forward for the work that she does within the
community. She added she is amenable to replacing the word "luxury" with "quality" amenities,
as "luxury" can have a connotation that could jeopardize the cost of rents. She noted she
supports the provision of good quality housing for people of varying income levels, regardless of
where they live in Brooklyn Center, and she supports the policy with the language amendment as
noted.
Mayor Elliott stated the City Council should have a more detailed discussion regarding subsidies
and accessibility for residents.
Councilmember Ryan stated Councilmember Butler is correct in pointing out that offering
additional amenities will affect the price of rental units. He added the City of Brooklyn Center
has a clear objective to provide a broad range of housing styles and price points. He noted, as a
general guide, the City Council will be reviewing development projects and receive information
and guidance regarding financials that would be necessary to make it happen.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to amend
Section 4.2, Item 5d, to read, "Multi-family housing with high-quality amenities."
Mayor Elliott requested a friendly amendment to the motion to add the words "and
affordability".
Councilmember Ryan stated affordability is addressed in other policy requirements. He added
the City Council will address these types of issues on a project-by-project basis. He noted the
policy provides clear guidelines related to possible financial assistance for any given project.
Mr. Gilchrist stated a motion to amend the policy was made and seconded. He added Mayor
Elliott may pursue his amendment, but an additional motion would be required.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to amend the amendment to read,
"Multi-family housing with high-quality amenities and affordability."
Councilmembers Graves, Lawrence-Anderson and Ryan voted against the same. Motion to
amend did not pass.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence Anderson seconded to amend
Section 4.2, Item D of the Business Subsidy Policy to read, "Multi-family housing with high-
quality amenities."
Mayor Elliott and Councilmember Butler voted against the same. Motion to amend passed.
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Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to adopt
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-33 Adopting a Policy and Criteria for Granting Business Subsidies, as
amended.
Mayor Elliott and Councilmember Butler voted against the same. Motion passed.
9.PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
-None.
10.COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
-None.
11.COUNCIL REPORT
-None.
12.ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded adjournment of the City
Council meeting at 9:40 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 Regular
Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on February 24, 2020.
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 March 9, 2020, Regular Session.
&^w&4UM
Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Mill ^eliott, Mayor
02/24/20 -15-