HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 10-12 CCM Study Session10/12/20 -1-
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
STUDY SESSION
OCTOBER 12, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott at
6:05 p.m. The meeting was conducted via Webex.
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, Community Development Deputy Director/HRA Specialist Jesse Anderson, City
Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS
Mayor Elliott stated he may need to leave tonight’s meeting between 8:30-9:00 p.m. He added,
if necessary, Councilmember Butler can continue the meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
WEBEX CHAT
Mayor Elliott stated he contacted the City Clerk to request that the Webex chat feature be turned
off, as people continue to make comments during meetings but are not being recognized. He added
he would like to turn the chat feature off and have people raise their voice if they wish to speak.
He noted that will make it easier to manage and fair for people who are asking to be recognized.
Councilmember Ryan stated he supports anything that will facilitate a smooth flow of the meeting
and allow public input at the appropriate point. He added it is appropriate for the public to wait
until the end of a work session to give public comment, under Council procedure.
Councilmember Graves stated she is reluctant to take away the chat feature, which is a good way
to consider other ideas, even if people are not speaking up. She added she feels the chat feature is
helpful, and she would miss it if it wasn’t there. She noted the chat feature can spur deeper thought
on the part of someone who is listening, watching or reading, and she does not see an issue with
it. She asked whether Mayor Elliott had received a complaint.
Mayor Elliott stated he received feedback that it seems like some people are commenting on an
ongoing basis, and there were other people waiting to speak. He added it was distracting and unfair
10/12/20 -2-
to have a running commentary as the meeting is going on. He noted he favors more citizen input
and wants folks to participate in the meeting.
Councilmember Graves stated she does not think it is necessary to take away the chat feature, but
she will go with the will of the City Council.
Councilmember Ryan requested clarification regarding the chat feature, and whether that is when
it appears that people are texting. Mayor Elliott confirmed this. Councilmember Ryan stated he
does not have a problem with the chat feature, because he can read it or ignore it.
Councilmember Butler stated the City Council can choose to look at it or ignore it, but she was
caught off guard by it. She added there are no regulations around virtual meetings, and in a regular
meeting people would not be allowed to make comments throughout the meeting. She noted,
however, it’s a chat feature so it is not disruptive.
Councilmember Butler stated she does not feel strongly either way, but if the chat feature remains,
there should be some regulation around it.
Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she is neutral and would go wherever the consensus
may lie.
Mayor Elliott stated he is okay with leaving the chat feature for now and addressing it if it comes
up again.
It was the general consensus of the City Council to retain the Webex chat feature.
ADJOURNMENT
The Study Session was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
10/12/20 -3-
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 Study Session
of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on October 12, 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 October 26, 2020, Regular Session.
Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Mike Elliott, Mayor