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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 08-17 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 17, 2020 The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Work Session called to order by Mayor Milce Elliott at 5o30 p.m. The meeting was conducted via Webex. ROLL CALL Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, Aprii Graves, Kris Lawrence - Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Clerlc Barb Suciu, CARES ACT FUNDING APPROPRIATIONS Mayor Elliott stated this meeting is to review appropriation of federal funding that the City of Brooklyn Center will receive through the CARES Act. He added funding is proposed to be used to reach residents to provide much -needed health information related to Covid-19. He added the Brooklyn Center community is one of the few that have been the most impacted by Covid-19, and it is necessary to act to protect the public health. City Manager Curt Boganey thanked the City Council for joining the meeting. He added this meeting is an opportunity for City Staff to gauge the City Council's reactions to CARES funding allocations, which is time -sensitive, and offer modifications or suggestions. Mr. Boganey stated City Staff did a lot of brainstorming, connecting with community partners and reviewing survey data and information from the "Beyond Covid-19" project. He added City Staff are mandated to recommend only initiatives that meet statutory requirements. He noted the City of Brooklyn Center has been allocated $2.433 million of the $841 million allocated to the State of Minnesota. Mr. Boganey stated CARES funding can be used for necessary expenditures incurred between March 1-December 30, 2020, due the Covid-19 health emergency and not accounted for in the previously approved budget. He added cities are required to complete incurrence of funds by November 15, 2020. He noted federal legislation may result in an extension of this date. Funds that are not spent by November 15, 2020, must be returned to a medical facility located in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Boganey stated City expenses to date include personnel costs, unemployment costs, forgivable loans to date, the nonprofits grant program, food shelf contributions, supply costs/equipment costs 08/17/20 -1- and other supplies. He added City Staff estimates that the City has incurred $1.2 million in costs that may be reimbursed through CARES funding. He noted the City Council has supported prioritization of federal funding to help cover the anticipated General Fund deficit. Mr. Boganey stated City Staff have identified estimates in broad categories related to anticipated emergency response and health -related costs. He added, if the City Council supports these recommendations, City Staff will come back to the City Council with specific resolutions for actual spending within these categories. He noted City Staff has determined that these costs would be eligible for CARES funding. Mr. Boganey reviewed the categories for consideration for application of CARES funding, including $50,000 for food security, as well as small business forgivable loan program, for which $96,000 has already been set aside, as well as an estimated $200,000. He added funds could be used to cover health -related facility upgrades and improvements, IT system upgrades and equipment; emergency response systems upgrade; and personal protective supplies and equipment. He noted the issue is whether the City can accomplish these things by mid -November, and whether what is proposed meets federal regulations. Mr. Boganey stated the "Beyond Covid-19" initiative identified projects related to Covid-19, including iPads or tablets for seniors and Wi-Fi in neighborhood parks. He added Deputy City Manager Dr. Reggie Edwards has reviewed the criteria and projects related to Covid4 9, and it is believed that these projects fit into the federal guidelines. He added ipads would be distributed to seniors on which apps are installed to help them connect with services they need as well as community and family. He noted Wi-Fi in the parks has been suggested to provide internet access to students and their families in Brooklyn Center who do not have it at home, for school, work and socialization. Mr. Boganey stated recommended programs for CARES funding would address health, education and economic impacts. These include food security and the EDA-funded community service grants. Dr. Edwards reviewed recommended programs that maybe eligible for CARES funding: -Health-on-the-Go, a mobile health response unit to get services out to the community, engage residents that are hard to reach and that have been most affected by the pandemic. This initiative, which would be a partnership between Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, in cooperation with Hennepin County and the School District, would be staffed by County health officials and the bus would be shared by the two cities. -Back to school safety kits, providing school supplies for the City's most economically challenged students, as well as safety items. -Public art transit/mental health initiative. A partnership with the Metro Transit hub is being pursued. They have allocated two monitors in the transit hub ongoing messaging related to Covid- 19, public health, and art in general, and conveying the message of working together as a community. City Staff applied for a national grant, competing with over 100 communities, to address the juxtaposition of art, artists and transit, proposing that local artists would work with 08/17/20 -2- local youth to provide public art in transportation areas. This initiative would be a partnership with Metro Transit, local School Districts, private and charter schools, and artists in the community. This partnership can also be utilized to address the City's recently reviewed trash issue. Mr. Boganey stated community partners are also being sought who may have an identified need that can be met between now and November 15, 2020. He added some City -related projects may come in less than that which is allocated. He noted City Staff are open to discussing partnerships with community colleges, schools, churches and other non -profits, to find meaningful projects that can be completed within the limited time frame. Mr. Boganey stated the proposals that City Staff have are recommending would result in total estimated CARES spending of $2,433,415, with no remaining balance. Mr. Boganey requested feedback and comment from the City Council regarding the proposed plan for utilizing CARES funding. Mayor Elliott stated it is a big opportunity for the City to have this amount of money to be able to reduce the effects of the pandemic on the community. He added the City should be looking at maximum funding for direct impact items, like food security, as residents have been hit hard by the pandemic. He noted his initial reaction was that $250,000 should be allocated to food security and community service grants, as those are the highest need areas. He noted, if the City is getting $2 million and only spending $50,000 on food security and community service grants, then he does not know what we are doing, and he feels strongly there should be a more significant investment in that area. Mayor Elliott stated the forgivable loan program for businesses and nonprofits should be increased from $96,000 to $500,000, to sustain small businesses. He added his thought was to have a big impact in these areas first, and then determine where the remaining funds can be allocated. He added he would like to increase allocations for additional partnerships to $100,000. Mayor Elliott stated he is interested in hearing what Councilmember Graves has to say about the Health -on -the -Go initiative, as the City does not have a Health Department. He added this initiative could be a health connectors program, connecting residents with the support they need. He stressed the importance of reaching communities that are heavily impacted by the pandemic and may not have the ability to get support and information. Mayor Elliott asked whether there would be a separate bus for each City, or if it would be a shared bus. He added he would like to see more information and assessments about the impact that this spending will have on the community. Councilmember Ryan stated he is confident that City Staff has worked through the prioritization process, loolung at the needs of the community, how to better identify them, and balancing that with the requirements of the CARES funding. He asked whether the proposal has been guided by the strategic goals of the City Council, in light of the Mayor's funding suggestions. 08/17/20 -3- Mr. Boganey stated the categories for funding that were selected are based on the City Council's strategic priorities, specifically resident economic stability and the use of CARES funding to address the anticipated General Fund deficit. He added the proposal addresses City expenses incurred due to the pandemic and utilizing federal guidelines for the funding. He stressed the importance of funding initiatives or uses that would be accepted by the federal auditor, and in line with changing federal requirements. He noted the funding must be clearly eligible, reimbursing the City for unexpected costs and supporting resident economic stability as a broad strategic .goal. Mr. Boganey stated, unless the deadline is extended, the most significant hurdle is to ensure that the funds are distributed and spent by November 15, 2020. He added the money must be spent by that date to meet federal guidelines. He noted that might help to explain why City Staff is not recommending larger amounts of funding for some of the partnerships. Councilmember Ryan asked whether City Staff has determined which actions can be initiated and implemented by the deadline. He added to arbitrarily load up funds into a certain category might not be prudent in light of limited capacity. Mr. Boganey stated the funds must be distributed and used by that date, and not simply allocated. Councilmember Ryan stated, as indicated on federal websites, the City will be responsible for returning the funds if the federal guidelines are not met. Mr. Boganey agreed, adding the City will be held accountable for how the funds are used. He added if an allocation does not meet federal criteria, the City is responsible. Councilmember Ryan stated, however worthy our aspirations might be, under the determined constraints, Inc allocations could widely miss the marls. Mayor Elliott stated the point of this evening's meeting is to give feedback and direction on these items. Councilmember Graves stated the comments from Mayor Elliott and Councilmember Ryan are in alignment with the thoughts she has had on this issue. She added she is intrigued with some of the newer programs. She asked how often Health -on -the -Go would take place, which communities would they interact with, and how initiatives could collaborate with each other and other organizations. She added she is happy to hear that there will be collaboration with local schools. She noted organizations could be included, like adult group homes, who might be interested in additional touchpoints around their well-being. She noted the Health -on -the -Go initiative could also be tailored to groups like immigrant communities and senior communities, through collaboration with the County and School District. Councilmember Graves stated she is confident that City Staff is providing sufficient guidance with consideration for federal criteria and realistic funding amounts. Councilmember Graves stated everything on the list is important, although she is on the fence about facilities upgrades, although some are important for Covid-19 prevention. She added there are a few areas that could be readjusted if a greater community need is realized, and it is determined 08/17/20 -4- that funding should be made available. She expressed the importance of being smart stewards of this funding, to best serve the City of Brooklyn Center within the time frame and federal guidelines. Mr. Boganey stated, with respect to Health -on -the -Go, the way Councilmember Graves has described it is exactly how City Staff would like it to work. He added Brooklyn Bridge Alliance is coordinating the design. The capital cost of buying a bus is a high cost item, and something that can be implemented in relatively short order. He added Brooklyn Park is committing $300,000, and Brooklyn Center's share is $100,000. He noted it is anticipated that partnerships with the School District and County, as well as Brooklyn Park, will be necessary to get programming up and running fairly quickly. Dr. Edwards stated he believes the funding is for one bus, but he would have to confirm. Mr. Boganey stated his recollection is that it is one bus. Councilmember Graves stated the Health -on -the -Go initiative could expand on the city's community engagement and outreach, as there are not a lot of community engagement staff out there right now. She added the mayor mentioned community health connectors, but that level of case work is handled at the County level. Councilmember Graves stated she would support doing Health -on -the -Go as a pilot, to determine how it can be incorporated into the City's ongoing community engagement and outreach strategy, in terms of case management or tailored outreach workers in the community. Mayor Elliott stated he would support consideration of having a second bus as it will be difficult to share one bus between two cities. He added, to Councilmember Graves' point, this initiative could be incorporated into the City's community outreach efforts. He noted having a bus would be a way to make a greater positive impact on the community in terms of programming. Councilmember Graves stated Mr. Boganey mentioned that the Health -on -the -Go program is being designed by the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance and Youth Council, and she trusts in the Alliance's ability to be a truly youth -led organization. She added she does not want to impose on their decisions or have the City Council's comments overshadow what they think is the best approach. She noted this is a unique opportunity to reach some of the City's most vulnerable and marginalized community members, with the potential to have a larger impact. Councilmember Graves stated she would support having the Health -on -the -Go program go to the transit center, to connect with people there. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated she is grateful that these funds are available, and City Staff have done a nice job of spreading the funding across various programs. She added she concurs that an additional Health -on -the -Go bus would be helpful as it will be difficult to share one bus with Brooklyn Park. She noted she agrees with the idea of putting more funding into basic needs like food security. She asked about the greenhouse food collective, as no details were provided. She thanked City Staff for their time and efforts in putting this information together, and additional information would be beneficial. 08/17/20 -5- Mr. Boganey stated the food collective and greenhouse was determined to be ineligible for CARES funding. He added it is hoped that project may be eligible for EDA funding. Mr. Boganey stated guidance fiom the federal government changes from day to day. He added the legislative timelines may be extended, which would open up additional funding opportunities. Mayor Elliott asked why the November 15, 2020 deadline was decided upon. Mr. Boganey stated the CARES Act was focused on economic stimulus, so he speculates that the tight deadlines are an attempt to get funding out quickly and stimulate the economy. Councilmember Graves stated she would like to acknowledge the difficult position that the City Council and City Staff find themselves in, coping with uncertainty and responsibility, and ever - changing dynamics. She thanked City Staff and expressed her appreciation, along with the City Council, and other community members who are listening and supporting, but also questioning and challenging. She added she feels blessed to share this space with the City Council, as they strive to do their best day by day. She noted it is not an easy place to be, but everyone is doing their best during difficult times. Councilmember Ryan echoed the sentiments expressed by Councilmember Graves, expressing appreciation for the efforts of City Staff during a difficult time filled with uncertainty. He stated a principle goal of the CARES Act is to ensure health and safety in communities with an emphasis on improvements in public spaces operated by the City. He added this is the beginning of a very difficult decision -making process that will continue to evolve and change, depending upon how long the pandemic continues. He noted, if there is additional federal funding, that could open up a greater discussion, but at this point he has faith in City Staff to bring back recommendations moving forward, and he supports the plan put forward by City Staff at this meeting. Mayor Elliott stated the purpose of tonight's conversation is to provide feedback and comment so City Staff can come back with recommendations. He added having money to spend is a good problem, and the City Council does a good job of balancing the work that has already been done by City Staff. He noted he supports reviewing the recommendations and identifying ways that the funding can be better used to help the community. Mr. Boganey stated the City Council has indicated an interest inputting as much funding directly into the community as possible, including food security. He added City Staff are seeking community partners who will be able to work within the CARES funding parameters. He added there are ways to do that without significantly diminishing the City's need for reimbursement and improvements. Mayor Elliott asked whether the City Council is willing to hold off on deciding about Wi-Fi in the parks, to honor the comments that have been received. He added ways to increase available Wi- Fi in public spaces can be explored until this can be discussed further. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated that can be discussed further, and the validity of the resident's concerns reviewed. She added she supports supplying internet access in City parking lots, at the community center, library, and Earle Brown Heritage Center (EBHC). She stressed the 08/17/20 -6- importance of finding out whether the resident's concerns are valid, and now they compare to the sentiments of other residents. Councilmember Graves stated she has power lines on three sides of her home on Brooklyn Boulevard. She added she does not know if there is a scientific basis or not, but there is some reality, both scientifically and spiritually, related to the potential effects of frequencies. She noted, however, access to reliable Wi-Fi is especially important right now, and the City has an obligation to provide some Wi-Fi for residents who do not have internet access. Councilmember Graves stated she supports expansion of Wi-Fi in the conununity center parking lot, in Centennial Park, by the amphitheater and surrounding areas, which are a beautiful yet under- utilized space. She added it would be a good idea to talk to residents who live near the City's parks to get their opinions. Mr. Boganey requested the City Council's input on using CARES funding to acquire equipment For Wi-Fi in parking lots and external City spaces. He stated some CARES funding should be available for that, and the General Fund would not bear the burden. He added this equipment would need to be ordered as soon as possible, due to the November 15, 2020 deadline, as there is some lead time required in terms of acquiring equipment. He noted this would not cover Wi-Fi in City parks. Mayor Elliott agreed. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson concurred. Councilmember Ryan stated he concurs that CARES Act funding should be leveraged for Wi-Fi. e added, in terms of in cluding ncluding Wi-Fi in the parks, it could create a logistical opportunity to get Internet access out to the community. He noted environmental factors can be considered, as requested by a resident at a recent City Council meeting, but added it is important to remember that there could be other residents who probably do not share that opinion. Councilmember Graves stated this has been a very productive meeting. She added she is supportive of moving forward with internet access in more easily expandable, places like parking lots and Centennial Park and being more inclusive about deciding on Wi-Fi in City parks. She noted she would not want to see too much CARES funding go into that process. Mr. Boganey requested consideration of a date next week to hold the budget meeting that was cancelled in lieu of tonight's work session. There was a majority Consensus to hold the Budget Work, Session on August 27, 2020, with an alternative date of August 255 2020. Mayor Elliott stated there seemed to be a consensus to reevaluate funding to see if there should be two buses. Mayor Elliott asked whether there is consensus on getting safety kits out to the School District right away. The City Council agreed. Councilmember Ryan stated he would be interested in seeing a follow-up on that item. 08/17/20 -7- Mr. Boganey stated he is unsure, due to the funding restraints, whether there will be enough money for a second bus. Mayor Elliott stated the proposed $400,000 covers much more than just the cost of the bus, and there may be other proposed costs that can be leveraged. Mr. Boganey agreed the memo states that the cost of the bus will be $150,000-2005000. Councilmember Ryan stated a second bus should only be considered if there is additional outside funding, considering all the other stresses on City funds. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson seconded adjournment of the City Council at 8:15 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 Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on August 17, 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. Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Elliott, Mayor 08/17/20 -8-