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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 09-18 CCM Joint Financial Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/FINANCIAL COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Financial Commission Joint Work Session was called to order by Mayor Elliott at 6:30 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 Financial Commission Chair Taneshia Kragness Commissioner Dean Van Der Werf, and Commissioner Kpaleh. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Dr. Reggie Edwards, Public Works Director Doran Cote, Police Chief Tim Gannon, and City Clerk Barb Suciu. BUDGET REVIEW BY DEPARTMENT Public Works Department Public Works Director Doran Cote reviewed the proposed budget for the Public Works Department, which is responsible for maintenance and operations of the city’s infrastructure and facilities. He added departmental divisions include Administration and Engineering; Street and Park Maintenance and Forestry; Public Utilities; and Central Garage. He noted 1 FTE position, Deputy Director of Public Works, is currently housed in the Street Maintenance budget but is proposed to be moved to the Central Garage budget. Mr. Cote stated budget highlights include implementation of Brooklyn Boulevard Phase 2 project in 2021; collaboration with partners on the Highway 252 Impact Statement; and completion of the Street Utilities Replacement Project. The budget is showing a significant decrease of 7% due to the FTE position that will move to the Central Garage, as well as the elimination of the street seal probe which is proposed to be replaced with a new maintenance program that is currently being evaluated. A modest increase under Traffic Control is related to sign replacements to satisfy federal requirements. Mr. Cote stated a 7% increase under Park Facilities is related to new load-rated trailer is proposed to be purchased for transporting equipment, and an increase under Forestry is related to emerald ash borer treatment. Mayor Elliott asked what the biggest challenge is facing the Public Works Department in 2021. Mr. Cote stated the biggest challenge is implementation of street and utility projects in the capital improvements program. He added that is a challenge every year, but the Public Works Department has been successful at surmounting any issues in the past. He noted, from a regulatory perspective, no new challenges are expected. Mayor Elliott asked whether Mr. Cote could speak to metrics around prioritization of capital improvement projects. Mr. Cote stated a detailed report on 2021 capital improvement projects was provided for the City council at their August 3, 2021 meeting, along with Department recommendations. He added he would be able to supply that report again. Mayor Elliott asked whether the Public Works Department has identified a path to making cost adjustments and prioritizing budget items based on changing economic conditions. He added this is a question that would apply to all City Departments. Mr. Cote stated he provided the August 3, 2020 report identified areas where adjustments could be made if necessary. He added one departmental priority is considering changes in the way projects are funded, so they are more equitable and financially compatible with economic conditions. Mr. Boganey stated, with regard to Mayor Elliott’s question about changing economic conditions, every operating department knows their priorities and understands which operations will have the least direct impact on residents and could be delayed depending upon unforeseen economic conditions. He added typically it is possible for departments to make adjustments. He noted most department budgets are largely made up of personnel costs. Police Department Police Chief Tim Gannon stated the Police Department’s mission is to protect and serve in a manner that preserves the public trust. He added the Department is comprised of 5 divisions: Administrative; Investigative; Patrol; Community Services; and Support Services. He noted he oversees the Administrative division, preparing the budget and providing leadership and management oversight. He added the Patrol Officers are the most visible division, and they handle approximately 37,000-3,8000 calls for service per year. Chief Gannon stated no budget additions or reductions are requested. He added an Auto Theft Officer is mostly grant-funded, and the grant will be up for renewal in 2021. He added it is anticipated that the grant will be renewed. Chief Gannon reviewed budget highlights for 2021, including meeting training mandates as required by POST; increased availability of mental health services after critical incidents; review and update the Department complaint process; completion of an annual report process for the City Council regarding police citizen complaints; and an embedded Hennepin County Social Worker. He added the social worker would work in Brooklyn Center. He noted he will be learning more about this initiative from other cities that have similar programs. Chief Gannon stated the budget reflects a 14% increase in Investigations, as a School Resource Officer position will be moved to that division. He added the vast majority of the budget is related to Personnel Services. 09/18/2020 Page 2 Councilmember Graves requested an update on how many rape kits have been processed. She asked how the proposed increased training costs will be reflected in the budget. Chief Gannon stated, unlike other agencies, Brooklyn Center Police Department does not keep the rape kits, which are processed and sent to the BCA for evaluation. He added a notification is received from hospitals when a rape kit is turned in, but there are no details or other information. He noted information is gathered if the victim is assisted or transported by the Police Department, and turned over to investigators, and he can provide information related to case closure percentages. Chief Gannon stated, with regard to training, some officer training is adjusted in the overtime budget. He added it can be a challenge as officers are not on the street when they are in training, but the Department is able to make the necessary adjustments. He noted officers want to receive additional training, and the Department can accommodate that within the existing budget. Councilmember Butler asked whether community engagement is included in the budget, and how the Department will do that with Covid-related restrictions. Chief Gannon stated they are prepared to move forward with community engagement and outreach, although Covid has been a challenge. He added it is also a challenge having the community willing to engage with the officers, and the Department works with schools and churches to do the necessary outreach. He noted, with regard to engagement, expenses are shared as part of City-wide initiatives, and can be continued without budget disruptions. A resident, Melissa, expressed her thanks for considering an embedded mental health worker within the Police Department. She added that is a great idea and she is pleased the City is moving forward with that. Mayor Elliott asked how the recent officer shootings and all the high-profile police cases have impacted the City’s Police Officers Chief Gannon stated it is affecting the Police Department in the same way as other cities. He added community outreach in Brooklyn Center has been done for many years, and that has had benefits for the City and the Police Department. He noted there is some trust from residents, but it has been difficult, as the Police Department works to provide the best services possible throughout this difficult time. Mayor Elliott asked for Chief Gannon’s feedback and comment regarding changes in law enforcement and policing, with the pandemic and the killing of George Floyd and other high- profile cases as well as widespread acknowledgement and recognition of systemic racism and calls for change in law enforcement. He asked how the Police Department is reacting to these calls for change in policing to improve overall safety. Chief Gannon stated the Police Department is not perfect and there are areas to improve. He added the officers have the ability to get better and improve their services, as law enforcement continues to evolve. He noted the required training will provide an understanding of historical implications 09/18/2020 Page 3 of racial trauma, which may not have been recognized by some officers until now. He expressed his belief that the Department is on a good path, and always open to new ideas and ways to improve. He noted the Department is open to what the citizens of Brooklyn Center want them to be. Mayor Elliott stated he is encouraged to hear that Chief Gannon is open to change, and hearing what the citizens want to see, and that no organization is perfect. He added safety is the most important issue, and everyone needs to work together. He noted sometimes change is hard. Mayor Elliott asked, given the current changing economic conditions, whether Chief Gannon has identified areas that could be adjusted or cut if necessary. Chief Gannon stated there are different challenges and opportunities every year, and potential reductions have been reviewed. He added the challenge in 2021 will be to reduce the budget if needed, and the Department is open to that. Councilmember Ryan stated the recession, which occurred earlier in his time on the City Council, was the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. He added the City Manager and City Staff did a remarkable job of being flexible and responding to the unique set of challenges that came with the recession. He noted there were 1,000 vacant residential properties at one point, and the City worked to preserve the properties through a Vacant Properties Ordinance, mitigating what could have had a more devastating effect on the community. He expressed his confidence City Staff and their response to this type of situation. Mayor Elliott stressed the importance of working proactively with City Staff to ensure that the City stays out in front of economic conditions. Mr. Boganey stated, in his experience, an important lesson that he has learned is that businesses, residents, taxpayers like to save their tax dollars, but they also want value for the taxes that they pay. He added he worked in a community where leadership was overly fiscally conservative, and would not invest in infrastructure, which ultimately led to a lack of citizen confidence in their management of community assets. He noted keeping an eye on value is equally as important as lowering taxes. BUDGET REVIEW BY COUNCIL PRIORITY - MULTI-DISCIPLINARY Mayor Elliott interrupted the meeting to acknowledge that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has passed. He stated Justice Ginsburg played an important role in American society, as the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court, and a pioneering advocate for women’s rights. He noted she has recently become a cultural icon for a younger generation. He requested a moment of silence in honor of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Accountability Mr. Boganey stated Accountability for Policing Activities has been expressed as a goal of the City Council, and an area of great importance. The City Council has indicated the need to be able to demonstrate that the City’s Police Officers serve with fairness, dignity, and respect for all, without 09/18/2020 Page 4 equivocation. A City Council priority is to increase accountability through community engagement, so the voice of the community is heard at the policy-making table as it occurs, while improving the effectiveness and value of the MAC. Mr. Boganey stated a recent survey was completed of MAC members, who provided suggestions and ideas for making MAC more effective, and these will be presented to the City Council. He added the regular reporting of critical information to the City Council and community will be undertaken not less than semi-annually. He noted the establishment of a Civilian Review Board is being considered by December 31, 2020, and funds are available for that initiative which has been budgeted for $10,000. Mr. Boganey stated implementation of policing policies and practices will be updated and expanded, to be consistent with Minnesota police reform laws. He added updates will be consistent with the State Attorney General’s report on preventing excessive use of force, as approved by the City Council, not later than December 31, 2020. Transparency Mr. Boganey stated transparency is essential to building trust, and City Staff plans to meet this goal of the City Council. He added more reporting is planned regarding use of force in policing; discretionary stops; citizen complaints; and other issues. He noted citizen input will be essential in implementing reporting processes that are valuable, and feedback and comment from the MAC will be sought on this issue. Mr. Boganey stated increased transparency is proposed related to City spending and budgets. He added implementation of new software will make it easier for residents to get information about the City, such as financial data, capital projects, and performance guidelines. He noted an estimated $10,000 is being set aside to fund the initial version of this software. Preservation and Environmental Protections Mr. Boganey stated City Staff intends to achieve GreenStep Level 5 status within three years, for which $10,000 has been allocated in the General Fund. Mr. Cote stated GreenStep is a voluntary program for cities for measuring and achieving sustainability and quality of life goals. He added the program consists of 29 best practices in 5 different categories. He added City Staff are very close to achieving level 3 in 2021. He stressed the importance of focusing on green development, education and outreach. Engagement Mr. Boganey stated engagement must be inclusive and authentic as it is essential to the development of quality programs and equitable policies. He added effective community engagement tracking and reporting will be important to improving engagement possibilities and efforts. He added the mobile “Health on the Go” initiative is an example of a new resource that will allow the City to reach into the community and expand engagement efforts. He noted the Engagement Specialist position has been filled, which will increase momentum. An additional $15,000 is proposed to expand programs and activities. 09/18/2020 Page 5 Mr. Boganey stated $25,000 in General Fund support is proposed for the “Health on the Go” initiative. Mr. Boganey stated it is hoped that the BrookLynk Internship program will continue next year. He added City Staff will continue to look for additional ways to engage the City’s youth. Commissioner Kpaleh thanked the Police Chief for all his hard work and efforts. He asked how changes in policing would affect the City’s police recruitment process. He asked what the recruitment policy is, and how transparent is the process. He asked how the transparency is reflected in recruitment in terms of ratio among people of color and white police. Chief Gannon stated the Police Department has a cadet program, which brings people of color into the candidate pool. He stressed the difficulty of having a diverse candidate pool. He added the cadet program provides great benefits for the Police Department, in terms of recruitment. He noted Brooklyn Center’s police force is small, and there are not a lot of opportunities. Chief Gannon stated the Police Department has looked at different ways of recruiting new officers, including doing interviews but bypassing the testing process. He added it is hoped that the cadet program can grow, since it has been very successful. He agreed to provide the resident with information regarding the cadet program and recruitment process. Chief Gannon stated the application process includes a blind review of the application, so there is no bias. He agreed to provide the resident with additional information regarding the application process. Mayor Elliott asked whether information regarding the Police Department’s best practices is available online. Chief Gannon confirmed the Department Policy documents has been available on the City website for many years. Councilmember Ryan stated the cadet program has been focused for many years on Brooklyn Center youth, but also cadets from adjacent communities. Chief Gannon confirmed this, adding there is a joint partnership through which information regarding openings and opportunities is shared between agencies. Councilmember Ryan stated it is encouraging to know there is a recruitment channel to encourage kids from the City’s diverse community to join the cadet program. He added that is a reason for optimism. Mayor Elliott asked what the Police Department’s current diversity numbers are. Chief Gannon stated he does not have that data at this meeting, but he can provide additional information. He added he believes the Department is 15-18% people of color, and a few female officers. Mayor Elliott stated the City Council has historically had responsibility over all City operations, initiating and leading through the creation of City Council policy initiatives. He asked how receptive Mr. Boganey is to the a more active role in legislating and policy-making on the part of the City Council. 09/18/2020 Page 6 Mr. Boganey stated, under the City’s Charter, the City Council is responsible for ensuring that the City departments are functioning appropriately by holding the City Manager accountable for those results. He added he is 100% in favor of the City Council exercising that authority and responsibility through the City Manager, as prescribed in the City Charter. Mr. Boganey stated the City Council has the final authority for adoption of all legislation. He added City Staff support the City Council with regard to its role for adopting legislation, and can provide input or recommendations, research or analysis. He noted the role of City Staff is to provide advice and carry out the policies and goals of the City Council, to the extent that legislation is necessary. Mayor Elliott stated his question was about the practice of formulating and writing legislation, which is something the City Council does not do, but rather reviews and approves or disapproves that which has already been formulated by City Staff. Councilmember Ryan stated, as the City Council has changed and evolved, the focused attention and policy directions shift have shifted from time to time, and City Staff has responded and provided the necessary support. He added it is necessary to leave out important information when drafting an Ordinance which can cause difficulties to develop. He noted the City Council presents goals and objectives, and City Staff assists with setting goals and drafting documents. Councilmember Ryan stated there is a Revisor of Statutes office at the State level. He added, while he appreciates the Mayor’s interest and energy, the City Council is better served by running within its own lane. He noted the City Attorney is available for ensuring that new policies are sound and within the boundaries of the law. He expressed his appreciation for the important questions raised by Mayor Elliott. Council/Commission Feedback and Questions Mr. Boganey reviewed the recommended General Fund Preliminary Budget with expenditures of $23,799,570 including supplemental budgets for strategic initiatives of $466,000. He asked whether the City Council has received sufficient information to give direction to City Staff at this point regarding the preliminary budget and levy. Mr. Boganey stated the levy impact on the median value home would be an additional $26 in 2021, or $66 if supplemental initiatives are included. He requested the City Council’s consideration of providing direction for the budget and levy. He noted the preliminary budget and levy can decrease, but they cannot increase. Mayor Elliott stated he would like to see if the budget can be decreased. He added there are a number of metro area cities that have a 0% increase. He noted times are hard right now, and adjustments should be made to have a lower impact for residents. He noted he is not comfortable proceeding with the proposed base budget, and some of the supplemental amounts. Chair Kragness stated she agrees with Mayor Elliott that the impact on residents at this time should be reduced. She added it is not appropriate to increase taxes at all right now. 09/18/2020 Page 7 Councilmember Ryan stressed the importance of being mindful that 75% of the budget is based on property taxes, which falls most heavily on those who are the least able to pay it. He stated some items in the supplemental budget could be set aside to be addressed at the right time. He added it will be difficult to reduce the operational and base budgets due to potential negative impacts on operations. Councilmember Butler stated she agrees with the comments that have been made, adding it is a difficult time to increase taxes. She added she does not agree with the $64 increase, and the City Council should revisit the supplemental initiatives. She noted she is not prepared to vote at this time. Mr. Boganey stated a preliminary budget must be approved by September 28, 2020. He added that is not to say it will be the final budget. Mayor Elliott requested that another meeting be scheduled next week. There was discussion regarding a potential date and time during the week of September 21, 2020. It was decided that the meeting would be held Monday, September 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Boganey stated a 72-hour meeting notice is required. Mayor Elliott stated this meeting can go into recess. Commissioner Kragness stated she is will not be available on Monday September 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. She added she is the only attendee who cannot join the meeting, so she will try to work something out. Mr. Boganey requested consideration of approval of the maximum preliminary levy and budget with the understanding that it will be reduced before December 31, 2020. Mayor Elliott stated he would not want the notice to go into the paper, and have residents get anxious about increased taxes. He added he would prefer to do the work now. Councilmember Ryan stated the preliminary budget can be approved and the notice in the paper would reflect the City Council’s reservations about the budget amount, and that the intention is that it would be reduced. He added this has been done by previous City Councils. Mayor Elliott suggest that people who are not able to join the meeting could submit their comments in writing beforehand. Mayor Elliott stated the meeting would be held on Monday September 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. UPCOMING BUDGET MEETING -Monday, September 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. -Monday, September 28, 2020 - Preliminary Budget Adoption 09/18/2020 Page 8 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Elliott stated the Work Session stands in recess until Monday, September 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. 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 the City Council from the City of Brooklyn Center Joint Work Session with Financial Commission held on September 18, 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 12, 2020, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 09/18/2020 Page 9