HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 10-26 CCM Regular Session10/26/20 -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
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 26, 2020
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. 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, Finance Director Mark
Ebensteiner, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, City Engineer Mike Albers,
Police Chief Tim Gannon, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist.
Mayor Mike Elliott opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum.
Hookah License
Simone Chamblish, Jambo Africa, requested consideration of getting a hookah license for her
restaurant. She stated she would like to be included on a City Council agenda to talk about this
issue, which is something that could help her restaurant and other local restaurants stay in business.
She added she has heard the City has too many licenses, and the City Council has said that they
oppose it, but other restaurants like Jammin Wings have it. She noted she wants to be able to talk
to the City Council about it.
Mayor Elliott requested clarification regarding hookah licenses. Mr. Boganey stated hookah
licenses fall under the City’s tobacco Ordinance, which sets a limit on the number of tobacco
licenses that can be issued. He added the City is well above the limit and no additional tobacco or
hookah licenses can currently be issued.
Mayor Elliott requested clarification regarding the current number of tobacco licenses in Brooklyn
Center.
City Clerk Barb Suciu stated the tobacco license limit is 14, and the City is currently at 20 licenses
as all license-holders were grandfathered in at the time that the Ordinance was passed. She added
there are 2 less licenses than when the Ordinance went into effect.
Mayor Elliott stated the City Council should grant Ms. Chamblish’s request to have a discussion
on this issue during a Work Session.
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Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson stated she would welcome a Work Session discussion on this
issue. She requested that an invitation be extended to a representative of Association for Non-
Smokers Minnesota to attend this discussion as well. She noted she can provide contact
information to City Staff to contact the Association. She stressed the importance of hearing both
sides of the issue.
Mayor Elliott agreed.
Renaming of Earle Brown Buildings and Streets
Randy Christensen requested City Council consideration of costs and expenses related to changing
the name of the City’s Earle Brown buildings and streets. He added there are City buildings, signs,
social media and events tied to the name, as well as taxpayer owned neighborhoods. He asked
whether there has been sufficient independent review of the disputed allegations against Earle
Brown and his reputation. He expressed his opinion that it is disingenuous for elected
Councilmembers to make such a decision without an impartial review. He urged the City Council
to lead the City’s residents to the same conclusions that they have arrived at, so the City can rally
around the City Council to strip the City of Brooklyn Center of the name of Earle Brown.
Arvid Sorenson stated he agrees this issue should be reviewed before a decision is made. He added
these changes would cost a lot of money, which would be better spent on other projects in the
community.
Opportunity Site Survey and Community Engagement
Alfreda Daniels stated she would like to speak about the Opportunity Site survey, and the
community engagement process. She added she served on the committee that was formed to advise
City Staff on how to engage the community. She noted the City needs to invest more effort on
how to engage the diverse community. She noted the majority of community members have no
idea about the Opportunity Site. She requested that the City Council hold City Staff accountable
to properly engage residents on this project, which will impact all residents, positively or
negatively, and every resident deserves a seat at the table and their voice heard.
Mayor Elliott stated it is incredibly important to engage the community in ways that are
meaningful. He added the Opportunity Site is the single biggest project the City will have,
probably in the next several decades.
Mayor Elliott thanked all the residents who joined the meeting to speak today.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to close the Informal Open Forum at
6:58 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. INVOCATION
Councilmember Dan Ryan read the following quotes as an Invocation:
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“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of
our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”
-John Adams
“When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in
the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of
legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people.”
-Edmund Burke
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, Finance Director Mark
Ebensteiner, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, City Engineer Mike Albers,
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
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent
Agenda, and the following consent items were approved:
6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. September 22, 2020 Work Session with MnDOT
2. October 12, 2020 Study Session
3. October 12, 2020 Regular Session
4. October 12, 2020 Work Session
6b. LICENSES
Mechanical Licenses
C&M Heating and Air Conditioning Inc 13862 Wintergreen St.
Andover 55304
JayHawk Mechanical, Inc. 3307 N 2nd Street
Minneapolis 55412
Owens Companies Inc 930 E. 80th St.
Bloomington 55420
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Riccar Heating & A/C 2387 Station Parkway NW
Andover 55304
Stafford Home Service 6225 Cambridge Street
St. Louis Park, 55416
Stern Heating & Cooling, Inc 34181 180th Ave
Red Wing 55066
Twin City Fireplace & Stone 6521 Cecilia Circle
Edina 55439
United Heating & A/C Inc 1295 Hackamore Road
Medina 55340
Wencl Services, Inc 8148 Pillsbury Ave S
Bloomington 55420
Westair Corporation 11184 River Rd NE
Hanover 55341
Tobacco Related Product
Patrick Awad / Premier Tobacco
6930 Brooklyn Blvd
10501 Van Buren Circle NE
Blaine, 55434
RENTAL
INITIAL (TYPE IV – one-year license)
2606 65th Ave N HPA USA 1 LLC
INITIAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
4213 63rd Ave N Buster Fallah/
Angels Health & Home Care Services
4811 Lakeview Ave N Eileen Booker
INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
3300 65th Ave N Elizabeth Dolomengi
4506 71st Ave N Obafemi Oladeji / Koladex Venture
6430 June Ave N Euphemia Brewer
RENEWAL (TYPE IV – one-year license)
5642 Logan Ave N MNSF II W1 LLC ‐
Missing CPTED Follow Up
RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license)
6200 Brooklyn Blvd Hayder Albatushi ‐
Met Requirements
5827 Ewing Ave N Juan Carlos Quito Villa
5408 Girard Ave N Michael Gardner ‐ Met Requirements
5618 Hillsview Rd Nita Morlock ‐ met requirements
5443 Logan Ave N Alfred Apata /
Ultimate Care Group ‐ Missing CPTED
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6807 Quail Ave N Paul Pham ‐ met requirements
6936 Unity Ave N Paul Johnson ‐ Met Requirements
RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license)
5337 ‐39 Queen Ave N Thanh Kim Oan
1300 68th Ln N Grant & Pam Osgood
2912 69th Ln N Lydia Kim
5333 Dupont Ave N FYR SFR Borrower LLC
5250 Great View Ave Chen Zhou
5302 Humboldt Ave N MNSF II W1 LLC
5419 Humboldt Ave N Cecilia Pineda
6765 Humboldt Ave N Loan Nguyen
4201 Lakeside Ave #201 Justin Frederick
6400 Noble Ave N Zam Zama Gesaade
6424 Scott Ave N Chen Zhou
RENEWAL (TYPE I – three-year license)
4201 Lakeside Ave #209 Robert Morgan
3301 Mumford Rd Danny Vo
6c. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-094 ESTABLISHING IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 2021-06, NORTHWEST AREA MILL AND OVERLAY
6d. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-095 ESTABLISHING IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 2021-07, LYNDALE AVENUE AREA PAVEMENT
REHABILITATION
6e. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-096 ESTABLISHING IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NOS. 2021-08, 09, 010 AND 11, RYAN LAKE INDUSTRIAL
PARK AREA STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS
6f. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-097 AUTHORIZING A SEWER AVAILABILITY
CHARGE (SAC) REDUCTION POLICY
6g. FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE EASEMENT WITH COVENANTS AND
RESTRICTIONS AFFECTIG LAND WITHIN SHINGLE CREEK
CROSSING
6h. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-098 ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CITY COUNCIL CODE OF POLICIES REGARDING ACCESSING CITY
ATTORNEY SERVICES FOR COUNCIL POLICY DEVELOPMENT
6i. AMEND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR
Motion passed unanimously.
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7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
7a. MULTI-CULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MAC) QUESTIONNAIRE
Police Chief Tim Gannon reviewed the results of the recent Multicultural Advisory Committee
(MAC) survey. He added the MAC survey, conducted in June 2020, included questions related to
MAC functions, and members were asked to provide suggestions for ways to make the MAC more
user-friendly and accessible to citizens. He noted responses were received from 9 of the 15 MAC
members who were surveyed.
Chief Gannon stated the MAC was developed 15 years ago as a joint police partnership between
Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, and has since extended to 6 cities, each with their own MAC.
Chief Gannon reviewed the questions and responses on the survey:
1. Do you feel the Police Department is a safe and comfortable location for MAC meetings?
Responses: 86% - Yes, 14% - No
Chief Gannon stated the meeting usually includes a meal, so the location must be big enough to
accommodate the MAC members as well as several staff for dinner.
2. Have others in the community indicated that the meeting location is a concern? Responses:
29% - Yes, 71% No
Chief Gannon stated he thinks 30% is a large number, so that should be reviewed as a possible
barrier.
3. Possible alternative locations – Responses: library meeting rooms; community center; city
hall; church buildings; council chambers.
4. What topics regarding police procedures and activities would you like to receive
information on? Responses: training regarding black humans; police reform; cultural
differences; school safety; hiring, and others.
5. The MAC application process includes a background check; would you like to see any
improvements to this process? Is it a barrier to join? Answers: many come and leave
without notice, difficult to know where they are; background checks are a barrier as people
that are undocumented or with past criminal records may not want to join; add a class on
racism and barriers; it was never explained to MAC members why they need a background
check.
Chief Gannon stated the MAC has changed in the last few years, and the background check can
be eliminated as long as applicants must be aware of the purpose and objectives of MAC. He
added the only real requirement is that an applicant must live, work, worship or learn in Brooklyn
Center. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the MAC is a Brooklyn Center-specific body
with ties to the City.
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6. Suggestions for how MAC could play a bigger role in improving multi-cultural awareness
in Brooklyn Center – Responses: Build trust by allowing community agencies to be at the
police table to talk; more multicultural awareness is important.
7. Describe the level of communication from the Police Department regarding Department
updates and significant events – Responses – we should have a MAC “What’s Up”;
communication is great; let everyone play a role and communicate effectively; seems to be
working well.
Chief Gannon stated the Police Department provides advanced information to the City Council
and the MAC when there is an incident, in the interests of transparency. He added MAC members
have ties within the community and can provide communication and information.
8. Do you feel the MAC adequately represents the different cultures in Brooklyn Center?
Responses: 43% - Yes, 57% - no; need more youth; LGBTQ; Southeast Asian, minority
business owners.
9. Do you feel comfortable attending MAC meetings with police officers in uniform? 86% -
yes, 14% - no
10. Do you feel there should be additional officers present? Responses: 86% yes, 14% no
Chief Gannon stated MAC members are encouraged to bring information to their neighborhoods,
and police officers are encouraged to show vulnerability and concern for residents.
Chief Gannon stated, in terms of next steps, a MAC meeting is scheduled for October 27, 2020, to
review answers and remedies on the survey. He stressed the importance of making the MAC more
approachable, make it easy to join, and remove any obstacles for citizen engagement and
involvement. He noted MAC members are volunteers and a great resource for the City.
Councilmember Butler stated she agrees with comments that the meetings should not be held in
the police station, and background checks should be removed. She added, moving forward, the
lack of diversity on the MAC should be reviewed, as it is not representative of the community.
She noted there should be more Latino, Asian and African American representation, and the Police
Department should do a better job of recruiting.
Chief Gannon stated, while he respects the Councilmember’s comments, the advisory committee
has unprecedented diversity in terms of gender and race. He added that is why the group was
formed in the first place. He noted he is the only white male in attendance at MAC meetings. He
invited Councilmembers to attend the MAC meetings and be involved in decision-making.
Councilmember Butler stated she was not speaking of Caucasian representation, and her comments
are based on input from MAC members and the community. She added the MAC is primarily
made up of African immigrants, and there is no Latino or Asian presence. She noted the City
Council has had discussions about creating an oversight committee.
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Councilmember Graves stated she agrees with Councilmember Butler’s statements. She added
there are diverse MAC members, but it is not a good representative mix of different diverse
communities. She noted she appreciates the dedication of MAC members who have served for a
long time. She stressed the importance of inviting new people; consideration of monopolization;
and appropriate MAC term length.
Councilmember Graves stated three of the survey questions had the same percentage of responses,
86% to 14%. She added there might be some conclusions that could be drawn from those
responses. She noted the ultimate goal is that everyone who serves on the MAC feels that it is a
safe and comfortable space.
Chief Gannon stated it is absolutely acceptable to consider opening the MAC up to members from
diverse backgrounds. He added, from a historical standpoint, the MAC was formed due to the
influx of African immigrants in the community. He noted, as diversity changes in Brooklyn
Center, the MAC can embrace that as well.
7b. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-101 EXPRESSING RECOGNITION AND
APPRECIATION TO JIM GLASOE FOR OVER 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED
PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Mr. Boganey stated retired Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services (CARS)
Jim Glasoe has recently retired after 26 years of service to the City of Brooklyn Center. He added
Mr. Glasoe was not able to join tonight’s meeting. He read a letter from Mr. Glasoe expressing
his immense gratitude for the City’s support throughout his career, and for the relationships and
people he will miss the most.
Mr. Boganey stated Mr. Glasoe was a good person as well as a great team member and manager,
and he served the City of Brooklyn Center well.
Councilmember Butler stated she would like to pass on her congratulations and best wishes to Mr.
Glasoe. She added she enjoyed interacting with him in her four years on the City Council.
Councilmember Graves agreed, adding she had the pleasure of working with Mr. Glasoe through
her role as City Council Liaison to the CARS Commission. She added Mr. Glasoe always worked
to ensure that Commission members had ownership of the meetings; he is a good listener, and she
appreciates his sense of humor. She wished him well in his retirement.
Councilmember Ryan stated he echoes the sentiments of Councilmember Graves, as he saw many
examples of Mr. Glasoe’s outstanding service during his time as Liaison to the Parks & Recreation
Commission. He added he appreciates Mr. Glasoe’s many years of service and dedication to the
City of Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Elliott read in full a Resolution expressing recognition and appreciation to Jim Glasoe for
25 years of public service to the City of Brooklyn center.
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Mayor Elliott stated he came to know Mr. Glasoe many years ago, when he was Mayor Elliott’s
point of contact and supervisor while working on the Brooklyns Youth Council. He added he is a
very good guy, and he has no recollection of any time where anybody had anything bad or negative
to say about Mr. Glasoe, which is saying a lot for someone in that position. He added he is honored
to have the opportunity to recognize Mr. Glasoe for his leadership and hard work.
Arvid Sorensen stated he worked with Jim Glasoe through his role on the Parks & Recreation
Commission. He added Mr. Glasoe would always listen to suggestions, take advice, and provide
any information that was requested. He noted he was pleased to have known Mr. Glasoe for most
of his career in Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2020-
101 Recognizing and Demonstrating Appreciation of 25 Years of Service to the City of Brooklyn
Center by Mr. James Glasoe.
Motion passed unanimously.
7c. PROCLAMATION DECLARING OCTOBER 26, 2020 TO BE DESIGNATED AS
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY
Elliott read in full a Proclamation declaring October 26, 2020 to be Random Acts of Kindness
Day.
Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson seconded to adopt a
Proclamation Declaring October 26, 2020 to be Designated as Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Elliott presented each Random Act of Kindness nomination.
Pang Yang, Park Center Senior High School teacher, nominated by Darryl Sannes, organized a
community-wide event in October 2019, hosting Brooklyn Center youth authors and Hmong
authors from across the country. Mayor Elliott stated he attended this wonderful event.
Darnell Hancock, nominated by Allan Hancock, shared vegetables from her garden with her
neighbors, and visits with them observing social distancing guidelines. She notifies neighbors
when there is a package left on their doorstep and will collect and deliver packages if needed.
Mike White, CEAP volunteer, nominated by Sophie Ball, took on the additional role of helping
with curbside food distribution during Covid-19. He has been a role model and serves the
community with his whole heart.
Darryl Sannes and Arlene Swanson, nominated by Diane Sannes, in celebration of Earth Day’s
50th Anniversary, they put stickers on storm drains along Willow Lane with the important message
“Do Not Pollute”.
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Cathy Cartalucca, CEAP volunteer, nominated by Sophie Ball, does a fabulous job and takes on
extra roles to help the community by hand-sewing cloth bags to give to families to carry their food
more easily. She goes above and beyond in serving the community.
Yong Cheng Yang, Park Center High School student, nominated by Diane Sannes, was accepted
to the 2020 Minnesota House of Representatives High School Page Program. She experienced the
legislative process firsthand assisting members during first week of the legislative session.
Allan Hancock, nominated by Darnell Hancock, helps with garbage pick-up at the Metro Transit
Station once a month, and helped a neighbor replace their kitchen sink and leaking pipe connection.
Diane Sannes, nominated by Darryl Sannes, volunteered for Hennepin County’s Annual Bike and
Pedestrian Survey near Brooklyn Center Transit Center, to do counts for the last several years,
including this year on September 9, 2020 in the rain.
Diane and Darryl Sannes, nominated by Allen Hancock, organized a monthly trash pick-up event
at the Metro Transit Station every last Saturday of the month. They encouraged others to join them
in this important effort.
Tom Green, nominated by Jerrold Keller, pulls a wagon around Brooklyn Center, cleaning the
parks and trails.
Pam and John Solomon, nominated by Marquita Butler, they are welcoming and inviting to all of
their neighbors, including their next-door neighbor who in his 90s. Pam often brings over dinner,
banana bread and groceries; they fix things in the house and help with snow in the winter. We
need more neighbors like John and Pam!
Aurelius Butler III, nominated by Marquita Butler, cleaned up several bags of trash in his
neighborhood in commemoration of Earth Day.
Steve Schonning, former Planning Commissioner, nominated by Jack MacMillan, joined the
Planning Commission in 2010 to be a part of the re-growth of Brooklyn Center. He worked to
ensure that redevelopment proposals, including Shingle Creek Crossing, were reviewed with the
City’s best interests in mind. He was always out visiting locations of proposed redevelopment
projects, and always came to meetings well-prepared, with good questions and comments. Steve
Schonning was honored to serve the City, and he served it well beyond expectations.
Tom Green, nominated by Dan Ryan, has been picking up trash daily in City parks for 5 years.
He says it is therapeutic and helps him stay connected to the parks. He encourages people to take
pride in their surroundings and take better care of the City’s parks.
Randy Christensen, former Planning Commission Chair, nominated by Jack MacMillan, joined
the Planning Commission in 2015 and was elected Chair in 2016. Randy, a professional property
manager and licensed real estate agent, was an ideal Planning Commissioner, with leadership skills
that made him a great Chair. He always came to meetings prepared, ran a professional meeting,
and encouraged citizens to come forward and speak up about proposed projects, but also kept the
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meetings moving forward smoothly. Mr. Christensen devoted his time in selfless service to the
City of Brooklyn Center.
Moria Knutson, nominated by Molly Faul, made masks and gave them to kids that needed them
so they could go to school.
Osseo School Enrollment Center, nominated by Diane Sannes, with its amazing enrollment team
who provide support to local families, including a family with 8 children who moved to the School
District from Wisconsin. Thank you for working every day to make tough jobs go smoothly.
Tom Green, nominated by Marquita Butler, went above and beyond this summer to keep the City’s
parks clean. He put in several hours a day, used his own supplies, and encouraged and invited
others to get involved. He inspired us all to do more to keep our community clean.
Mayor Elliott stated this is Tom Green’s third nomination this evening.
Women of Brooklyn United Methodist Church, nominated by Diane Sannes, provided dinner for
over 200 students for the Garden City Elementary School Fair. The BUMC Women were Linda
Browning, Sheila Weber, Carol Foster, Arlene Swanson and Jill Michael.
Linda Browning expressed recognition for Diane and Darryl Sannes, who recruit volunteers and
take the lead on volunteer projects. Diane has a very deep loyalty to Garden City Elementary
School, and BUMC support her volunteer efforts.
Mayor Elliott asked if Pamela wished to speak. Pamela Solomon stated it is important for residents
to get to know their neighbors and provide support and assistance when needed. She added the
youth of the community should be lifted up and supported as much as possible, especially now.
She added it is in her heart and soul as a therapist, mom, sister and daughter, to help as much as
she can within the community.
Mayor Elliott thanked Pamela for her support over the years, to him personally and many other
Brooklyn Center residents. He thanked her for all she does for the community.
Paul Jackson, Cub Foods Manager, nominated by Darryl Sannes, worked with Cub to donate much
needed back-to-school supplies to Brooklyn Center schools and students in October 2019.
Kendra Deschler, TCF Bank - Brooklyn Center, nominated by Darryl Sannes, along with TEAM
TCF, provided snacks for a School Fair and supported Back-To-School efforts.
Councilmember Butler thanked the nominees, and also those who recognized their efforts and
submitted nominations. She added she nominated her son as he wanted to pick up trash in their
neighborhood, and she encouraged him to volunteer. She stressed the importance of setting an
example and encouraging young people, and all residents, to volunteer and get involved in the
community in various ways. She noted there are many other residents who were not nominated
for all the work they do, but who should also be recognized.
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Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates Councilmember Butler’s comments. He added small
things can add up, when people step up and make a personal effort to improve their community.
He stressed the importance of public recognition of the efforts of people who take the initiative to
get things done, and Random Acts of Kindness is a great way to acknowledge the importance of
community service. He noted local neighborhood engagement can make every block a better place
to live.
Mayor Elliott called for a five-minute recess at 8:22 p.m.
The City Council returned from recess at 8:27 p.m.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8a. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-099 ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS AND
AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS. 2021-01, 02, 03 AND 04, GRANDVIEW SOUTH
AREA STREET, STORM DRAINAGE AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS
City Engineer Mike Albers reviewed the proposed Grandview South Area Street and Utility
Improvements for 2021, to include roadways, storm drainage and utility improvements in the south
half of the neighborhood. All potentially affected property owners have been notified of tonight’s
public hearing as well as assessment amounts. The assessment hearing has been scheduled for
December 14, 2020 and separate notice will be sent to property owners.
Mr. Albers stated the project is a planned continuation of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan,
initiated in the early 1990s to reconstruct the City’s aging public streets and utilities. He added
2021 will be 28th year of the project, and approximately 95% of the City, or 101 miles of roadways,
have been reconstructed. The project evaluation includes sanitary sewer, water main, drainage,
streets, sidewalks and trails, and streetlights. City Staff will coordinate with private utility to
review their infrastructure needs.
Mr. Albers stated the project budget of $11.8 million is proposed to be funded through a variety
of sources, including $1.5 million from special assessments, or 13.2% of project cost. He added
a total assessment per property of $6,149 is proposed, which is an estimated 1.5% increase over
the established 2020 assessment rate, with a tentative interest rate of 3.5%. Residents can pay the
assessment amount in full or choose from other payment options. An assessment reminder will be
mailed to property owners if the project is approved.
Mr. Albers stated City Staff recommends City Council adoption of a Resolution ordering
improvements and authorization preparation of plans and specifications for the 2021 Grandview
South Area Street and Utility Improvements.
Councilmember Ryan moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to open the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
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Randy Christensen thanked Mr. Albers for his presentation. He added he understood exactly what
Mr. Albers was talking about.
Renee Anderson stated she is a resident but also works in the Public Works Department. She
added she understands residents’ concerns regarding assessments. She noted she and her husband
fully support the Grandview project moving forward as planned.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Public Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Elliott stated he lives on 57th Avenue. He asked whether that is a County road, with shared
responsibility.
Mr. Albers stated no improvements are proposed for 57th Avenue as it is not included in the project
area. He added most of the sanitary sewer on 57th Avenue runs north/south with very little pipe in
the actual roadway.
Councilmember Ryan stated 57th Avenue is an MSA road, and as such, any improvements would
receive additional State Aid assistance. Mr. Albers confirmed this.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2020-099
Ordering Improvements and Authorizing Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Improvement
Project Nos. 2021-01, 02, 03 and 04, Grandview South Area Street, Storm Drainage and Utility
Improvements
Motion passed unanimously.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
-None.
10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
10a. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-100 AWARDING THE SALE OF $5,005,000 GENERAL
OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT AND UTILITY REVENUE BONDS, SERIES
2020A FIXING THEIR FORM AND SPECIFICATIONS; DIRECTING THEIR
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY; AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR PAYMENT.
Mr. Ebensteiner reviewed the sale of General Obligation Improvement Utility Revenue Bonds.
He added the City’s long-range street and utility improvement program consists of systematic
replacement of the City’s aging streets, water, sanitary sewer, sidewalks and streetlights. The
Grandview neighborhood was identified as the 2020 project, which includes roadway and utility
improvements for 110 homes, 32 townhomes, 2 senior living facilities and 1 church. The bid was
awarded to the lowest responsible bidder for approximately $850,000, and bonds issued will fund
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approximately 80% of the project cost, with the remainder covered by available cash balances.
The total proposed bond issue is $4,785,000.
Doug Green, Baker Tilly, stated five bids were received that morning on behalf of the City, and
the winning bid was Northland Securities, Inc. He added bids are awarded based on true interest
cost, which was .96%, and the average maturity is approximately 6 years. He noted the principal
amount was adjusted from $5,005,000 to $4,785,000.
Mr. Ebensteiner reviewed the repayment summary, including property tax levy for 2021 of
$83,472 or 0.42% of the levy increase, which will increase by $155,000 for 2022; and utility
revenues including water annual payments of $200,000 and sanitary sewer annual payments of
$123,000.
Mr. Green reviewed the last 5 years of bond issues for the street projects, adding the City’s credit
rating is AA, based on a very strong financial position and annual budget performance. He stated
the City has a stable outlook despite the pandemic and budget pressures at the State level. He
added the decertification of TIF District #3, scheduled for December 31, 2021, will increase market
value in the future.
Mr. Ebensteiner stated City Staff recommends City Council adoption of a Resolution awarding the
sale of $4,785,000 General Obligation Improvement and Utility Revenues Bonds.
Mr. Boganey congratulated the City Council and Financial Commission, with special thanks to
Mr. Ebensteiner and Doug, for the implementation of forward-thinking financial planning and
policies that have allowed the City to maintain an extraordinary AA bond rating.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2020-100
Awarding the Sale of $4,785,000 General Obligation Improvement and Utility Revenue Bonds,
Series 2020A, Fixing their Form and Specifications; Directing their Execution and Delivery; and
Providing for their Payment.
Motion passed 4-0 (Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson did not respond).
11. COUNCIL REPORT
-None.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded adjournment of the City Council
meeting at 9:16 p.m.
Motion passed 3-0 (Councilmembers Ryan and Lawrence-Anderson did not respond).
10/26/20 -15-
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 October 26, 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 November 9, 2020, Regular Session.
Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Mike Elliott, Mayor