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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 08-24 CCM Work SessionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION AUGUST 24, 2020 The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Work Session called to order by Mayor/President Mike Elliott at 8:46 p.m. The meeting was conducted via Webex. ROLL CALL Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, and Dan Ryan. Councilmember Kris Lawrence -Anderson was absent and excused. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist. HIGHWAY 252 PROJECT UPDATE (CONT'D) Mr. Boganey stated Minnesota Department of Transportation staff were in the process of giving a presentation to the City Council regarding the Highway 252 project during the Study Session. He invited MnDOT staff to continue their presentation. April Crockett, MnDOT, stated a Policy Advisory Committee meeting was held in June 2020, and the Mayor and City Council provided comments and feedback on project goals established a few years ago, as well as community engagement. She requested the City Council's feedback regarding the EIS phase. Councilmember Graves stated she looks forward to hearing more about the first goal, or updated vision, to see what changes were made. She added it is important to focus the transit -related community engagement on the people who need it, like the multi -family residential buildings along Highway 252. She noted there may not have been many residents from those communities who attended the initial outreach and engagement efforts. She stressed the importance of going out to the apartments to get feedback and input. Councilmember Graves stated she would support ensuring that impacts are equitable, rather than "balanced". She added an equity lens should be used to ensure that residents are impacted by the project in an equitable way. Councilmember Ryan expressed his fiirn support for the draft goals, related to improving safety and mobility, as well as pedestrian and bicycle access for crossing both Highways 252 and I-94. He stated the agreement is far more consistent than what future specifics might be in disagreement, 08/24/20 -1- as everyone works together toward developing a vision for the future of Brooklyn Center that is less auto centric and addresses health and safety issues. Councilmember Ryan stated the proposed solutions are consistent with planning and are compatible with improvements to existing roadways. He added the purchase of additional property for the project must be minimized as the City evaluates environmental, economic and social impacts. He noted 66t11 Avenue was being considered for a proposed interchange, with alternative interchanges at 70th Avenue or 73`d Avenue, and planning reviews have shown there would be serious and negative impacts in those 2 alternatives. He noted it would be fine to amplify or enhance the initial goals of the project, although he feels they have been well-defined from the beginning. Mayor Elliott asked whether the City Council would support the addition of a goal of reducing pollution and health impacts on Brooklyn Center, and doing this work through an equity lens. Councilmember Graves stated she is not opposed to adding new goals, but perhaps they could be covered under "health and safety". She stressed the importance of ensuring that impacts to the connnunity are "equitable" instead of balanced. She added she is not opposed to additional goals, but they are not necessary if they are included in the scope of the original goals. Mayor Elliott agreed that "balance" should be changed to "equitable", and that the work must be done through an equity lens. He stated he would support proposing that language. He added it is important to focus on the environmental impact, and keep the word "environmental", as the highway results in high levels of pollution. He noted, as mentioned by Councilmember Ryan, car emissions will hopefully be less of a problem in the future, but right now it needs to be a primary objective in the project because people are dying because of it. He asked whether the City Council supports adding environmental impact as one of the goals. Councilmember Ryan stated it is hoped that society will move toward a less auto centric economy and culture, but these outcomes are ultimately based on individual decisions and choices. He added it is unrealistic to think that a mandate based on project design will yield those kinds of benefits; however, laudable the objective may be. He noted the modifications that will be made to Highway 252 will be driven in part by the configuration of the metropolitan freeway system as it has evolved, and to believe otherwise is to disregard that geography. Councilmember Graves stated she agrees it is difficult to guide what is in some ways an organic output of the growth of society and population. She added she supports the addition of specific criteria related to pollution and its effects on the environment and on people, when considering whether to convert to an expressway. She noted the importance of thinking about the effects of pollution on communities of color, and the health and safety aspects that go along with it and ensuring that Highway 252 is not simply a conduit through Brooklyn Center for wealthy white suburbanites. Councilmember Graves stated she understands the Mayor's concerns, and she shares them. But providing transparency by providing data regarding pollution, what happens when cars idle, and 08/24/20 -2- what happens if we do nothing, that is important for building understanding and consensus around the issue. Councilmember Butler stressed the importance of making sure that all residents are being engaged in the process, and more specifically residents who will be the most impacted. She added she likes Councilmember Grave's suggestion about going to the apartment complexes along Highway 252 to do outreach and engagement. She noted she agrees that equity should be made clear in the project goals, and she supports the mayor's suggestion of adding a health component. Councilmember Ryan stated all potentially affected neighborhoods should be included in community engagement efforts. He added one neighborhood has been well -engaged and represented by a professional advocate, but that has not been the case for residents on the west side of Highway 252, who will be heavily impacted if the proposed interchange is moved from 66rn Avenue to 70"' Avenue or 73ra Avenue. He noted health and safety impacts are of great concern for everyone, and it is not realistic to dictate or mandate that fewer people will drive than use transit. Councilmember Ryan stated the best way forward is to offer better options for transit along the corridor, and hope to provide incentives for people who seek other transportation methods. He added the traffic volume will increase, whether Highway 252 is improved or not, and the longer the improvements are delayed, the greater the safety risks will be to all those who use the corridor. Mayor Elliott invited the MnDOT presenters to come back address the City Council again at another meeting. He requested that any new information be made available to the Task Force. Mr. Adams confirmed that any new information that is distributed to the City Councils will also be distributed to the Task I, orce. Mr. Holberg stated, as a community engagement process is begun, it is necessary to understand that the pandemic is affecting the way business is one. Hea e ey were hopeful to be having meetings and pop-up events, but opportunities for engagement will not involve face-to-face or in - person meetings. Mr. Holberg stated he has heard the City Council mention proactive engagement at the multi -unit housing along the Highway 252 corridor, in communities that may not use the Internet, or other traditional means of communication. He asked whether the City Council has ideas or suggestions for how to meet their expectations about engaging constituents. Councilmember Graves stated it might be best to utilize the different partnerships that the City already has in place to do community outreach. She added obviously it will be necessary to use best practices and do outreach in a safe way due to the pandemic. She noted there are ways of doing outreach and engagement in Covid times, as long as they are well -organized. Mr. Adams stated the Governor's mandates stipulates that State employees may not meet face to face. He added this is definitely a roadblock. He noted the MnDOT team have taken notes throughout this session regarding ideas for engaging Brooklyn Center's residents. 08/24/20 -3- Councilmember Butler stated she would support utilizing the City's current partnerships, including faith -based partners, as they have different ways of getting messages out to their congregations. Councilmember Ryan stated he is always interested in engaging other citizens and residents in this dialogue to the greatest extent possible. He added it is important to remember the large numbers of people who have already participated in this process. He noted he has heard resident concerns about why this project is not moving forward, why safety improvements have not been designed, and when a construction schedule will be made available. Councilmember Ryan stated he hopes that voices that have already expressed ideas and opinions will not be left behind as the engagement process is expanded. Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates the hard work of everyone involved in the Highway 252 corridor planning process. She added she hopes people can be included who have not been a part of the process so far. Mr. Adams stated the City Council mentioned the issue of old vs. new information. He added the environmental assessment process was concluded and presented to the City Council in February 2020. He added, as the schedule shows, there are still 2 years to work through the process, review alternatives and vet them. He stressed the critical importance of creating a project that works for Brooklyn Center's residents, and not a project that is good for non -Brooklyn Center residents driving through. Mr. Adams stated the goals should be multi -modal, and the project team has had progress making the argument in purpose that pedestrian and bike safety and access is a primary need that is at least equal with vehicles. He added the project team heard about respiratory issues from the Mayor. He noted data and information will be reviewed to make comparisons between the alternatives, and how they would impact health issues. Mr. Adams stated the City Council mentioned using the equity lens. He stressed the importance of considering equity in every aspect of this project and reviewing definons of equity in future sessions with the City Council. He stressed the importance of looking through an equity lens based on what equity means to the City Council. Councilmember Elliott asked whether MnDOT's Department of Civil Rights is involved in this project. Mr. Adams confirmed this, adding that department focuses on contracts for predesign and construction for the project, and how to employ people. He added the alternative projects should be reviewed with equity in mind. Mr. Adams stated, with regard to engagement, the MnDOT representatives want to work with the City Council to ensure that they are engaging the population. He added outreach and direct engagement with apartment complexes along Highway 252 is important, even though it is not possible to meet face-to-face right now, this is a two-year process. 08/24/20 -4- Mr. Adams stated the MnDOT team wants to ensure that impacts are equitable but not necessarily balanced, and that the whole community is engaged. He added residents at the alternative intersection locations will be contacted to provide information and get feedback and comments. He noted input will be from residents as far away as Humboldt and Dupont Avenues, Mr. Adams stated the City Council discussed utzing community partnerships to get information out to residents. He added MnDOT representatives would like to understand how they can use those same contacts, and faith -based organizations. He noted there are two churches at the intersection with 73`d Avenue which could be impacted by the project. Mr. Adams stated the Office of Civil Rights is working on figuring out how to hire citizens who would be able to help get the message out and do community outreach. Mayor Elliott stressed the importance of understanding the entire region feeding into Highway 252, and how that will impact equity in Brooklyn Center, and the amount of transit the community bears in comparison to other communities. He added the consideration of equity in the connection between increased cars and increased negative health effects is incredibly important. He thanked the MnDOT representatives for their presentation. WI-FI IN THE PARKS Dr. Edwards stated City Staff is requesting City Council consideration of a Wi-Fi in the Parks initiative, to be undertaken with CARES Act funding. He introduced Carissa Goebel and invited her to address the City Council. Carissa Goebel stated City Staff have reviewed the Wi-Fi in the Parlcs initiative, which would provide internet access for residents during park hours, fiom 5:00 a.m. — 10:00 p.m. every day. She added there will be challenges in the winter months, and City Staff is determined to solve those issues. She noted this initiative will help residents overcome social isolation, use the City's pars for enjoyment, and increase visits to City parks, as well as increasi kng connectivity between residents. She added the proposal includes charging stations for devices, and lighting for safety. Dr. Edwards stated City Staff wanted to pursue the idea of using CARES Act funding to expand internet access for residents of Brooklyn Center. The pilot project would be at Fire House Park due to its proximity to several apartment complexes and the high school. Additional locations for consideration are Centennial Park, Northport Park, Lions Park and Willow Lane Park. City Staff sought quotes from two companies who would provide equipment and maintenance, at an estimated cost of $70,000-85,000, to be covered by CARES Act funding, the deadline for which is November 15, 2020. Dr. Edwards stated, with regard to health risks associated with SG internet access, opponents cite research claiming that high levels of use can cause cancer or brain damage through exposure to radioactive waves. He added City Staff is not proposing a significant installment in the parks, but rather a pilot project in one park to see if the needs of residents can be addressed. He noted it will not make a difference whether internet access is available in the parks or the parking lots, in terms of impact or damage. 08/24/20 -5- Dr. Edwards stated there are many who believe technology should not be allowed in the natural environment. He added national research has shown that internet access, when used wisely and with great intent, can create value and add to the park experience. Councilmember Graves stated she needed to leave the meeting. She added she is in favor of moving this pilot project forward. She noted City Staff has indicated they intend to use community engagement as part of the process, and she would like to hear what the community has to say. Councilmember Graves left the meeting at 9:45 p.m. Councilmember Butler asked whether the City Council's approval is needed to do community engagement. Dr. Edwards stated the intent is to do the Wi-Fi in the Parks as a pilot, and City Staff would gather information during the pilot project. Councilmember Butler stated she is concerned about whether Internet access in the parks will be utilized. She added she understands internet access is a significant issue for distance learning, especially for families with low income, but she is not sure that putting internet in the parks is the right idea. She noted a resident came forward and expressed concern about disrupting the peace and nature in parks with technology, and health concerns related to internet access. Councilmember Butler stated it is unclear whether this is the best way to get Internet access to the residents who need it. She added people will not be interested in going to the park in the middle of winter when it gets cold. She noted she is not favor of this pilot project at this time, and she would support spending the funds to assist people get access to Wi-Fi rather than put it in the parks. Mayor Elliott stated it might be more effective, as suggested by Councilmember Butler, to help people buy Internet access in their homes, and maybe there is a way the costs can be offset by the City. Mr. Boganey stated one advantage to Wi-Fi in the Parks is that City Staff believes it will be possible to implement this strategy within the CARES funding deadline, as opposed to creating a subsidy for residents on a year-round basis, which would require a different source of funding. Mayor Elliott stated he would like to apportion some of this funding for issues related to homelessness in the community. He added he would leave it up to City Staff to come up with some ideas. Dr. Edwards stated the parks pilot program would get the City started toward finding a solution and address the issue of how to create ayear-round program. He added City Staff have met with many different groups, including the School District and internet providers, but many families have indicated that they cannot afford discounted rates. 08/24/20 -6- Mayor Elliott thanked Dr. Edwards and City Staff for their hard work on these initiatives. He added the greenhouse idea is innovative and urged City Staff to continue working on that concept. He noted additional solutions should be sought for providing internet access in people's homes. Dr. Edwards asked whether the City Council would be amenable to internet access in parking lots at City facilities. Mayor Elliott stated he believes the City Council is open to that. He added what he is interested in, and what Councilmember Butler has expressed an interest in, is how to help people get Wi-Fi in their homes, which is the better solution because it would be easier for residents. He noted he would like to see that option explored by City Staff, in terms internet access in residents' homes. Mr. Boganey agreed that would be the ideal solution and City Staff did do some exploration but did not make the progress that they hoped for. He added City Staff can look into these options, but he hopes the choice to do one would not preclude the City's ability to do the other. He noted the City Council's points are well taken, but internet access in residents' homes will not be achievable by November 15, 2020, which is the CARES funding deadline. Mr. Boganey stated the City could pursue the original concept of a pilot project in a single City park, to learn as much as possible from the experience, and it does not require four parks to do that. Councilmember Butler stated she understands the spending deadline. She asked whether the City could use the CARES funding to purchase hot spots that would be made available for resident who have demonstrated need and could apply for them. Mayor Elliot stated City Staff could contact internet providers about bulk purchase of internet access before the November 15, 2020 deadline. Mr. Boganey stated he is concerned about CARES funding limitations, but City Staff can look into it. Councilmember Ryan stated he would be interested in pursuing the pilot project in the park and see what can be learned fiom it. He added City Staff can continue to look at other options that would be available to the City's households in terms of internet access. He noted he would like to see a solution that provides maximum flexibility for the City's residents. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded adjournment of the City Council Worlc Session at 10:05 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 08/24/20 -7- 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$ l . 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 August 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 September 14, 2020 Regular Session. Wit </jf� Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Elliott, Mayor 08/24/20 -8-