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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 02-09 CCM Study SessionMINUTES 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 FEBRUARY 9, 2009 CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Director of Fiscal & Support Services Dan Jordet, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Community Development Director Gary Eitel, Director of Community Activities, Recreation and Services Jim Glasoe, Fire Chief Lee Gatlin, Assistant to the City Manager Vickie Schleuning, and Carol Hamer, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Councilmember Yelich requested discussion on agenda items 10e and 10f, specifically in relation to the request that the City Council approve the contractual obligations of the labor agreements while the financial future for 2009 is ambiguous due to anticipated budget shortfalls. Mr. Boganey noted this was discussed when the Council approved adjustments at the beginning of the year for non-union employees. The salary amounts being recommended are the amounts that are covered in the approved 2009 budget. He stated it is fair to assume that the City's budget will be cut; the difficulty today is that they do not know how much the cut will be. He outlined the likelihood of going through an arbitration process if these agreements are not approved in light of the fact that similar agreements have been approved and the decision would be predicated on financial situations that may or may not happen. He stated that disapproval of the labor agreements would likely result in an increase in City costs in terms of going forward with mediation and arbitration. Mr. Boganey stated the City Council retreat is scheduled for February 28, 2009. The objective at that retreat is to discuss the various scenarios for potential changes in the budget with the Council to provide policy direction. Staff will then present budget alternatives based on that Council direction. Mr. Boganey stated he is confident that the City will be able to have a balanced budget in 2009 if the Council approves these agreements this evening. There was discussion on the process involved with labor union negotiations. Councilmember Roche requested discussion on agenda item 10g, specifically in relation to previous discussions on the City Manager salary increase. It was noted that the employment agreement with the City Manager provides that the City Manager salary shall be reviewed and 02/09/09 -1- considered at the same time as salary consideration for other non-union employees. The City recently approved salary increases for non-union employees effective January 1, 2009. Councilmember Roche requested discussion on work session agenda item 2. He clarified that his intent for requesting the topic to be included on the agenda is to look for active discussion from the Council on how to market the Earle Brown Heritage Center with the Embassy Suites and how to better brand the City. MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Lasman asked whether legislation that has been passed requiring utility companies to notify cities about shutoffs has been effective in preventing frozen pipes. Mr. Boganey responded in the affirmative. He explained that under the legislation the utility companies are obligated to inform the City of shutoffs. Staff is often aware of these units before being notified by the utility companies, but they double check the City's records to ensure that it is addressed. The notification has been a resource in addition to the other things staff is doing. It was noted that the automated meter reading system is helping to identify occasional properties that have fallen through the cracks with regards to notification of utility shutoffs to prevent freezing pipes. Mayor Willson noted that Saturday at 10:00 a.m. WCCO had a discussion on Brooklyn Center's efforts to address the foreclosure issue with pricing and incentives and the first time buyers program. It was noted that other communities have indicated they are watching the things being done in Brooklyn Center in this regard. Councilmember Roche noted the Star Tribune article in the Saturday Metro Section included a quote from Mayor Willson in regards to the 3M material and drinking water. Mr. Boganey stated information will be included in the Sun Post in order to provide the most accurate information possible. It is important for people to know that there is no implication that there is any problem with the City's drinking water, but testing will be done as a precautionary measure. Evidence suggests that it is very unlikely that use of the foam would be enough to cause a problem with the drinking water. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS PUBLIC SAFETY ANNUAL REPORTS - POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS Mr. Gatlin provided a PowerPoint presentation of the 2008 Brooklyn Center Fire Department Annual Statistical Report and answered questions of the City Council. The presentation included the following information: • Vision statement • Core Values BCFD Organizational Chart • 2008 Incidents (Includes Mutual Aids) • Response Times 02/09/09 -2- There was discussion on the arrangement between EMS and the Fire Department in responding to calls. ADJOURN STUDY SESSION TO INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to close the Study Session at 6:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. RECONVENE STUDY SESSION Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to reconvene the Study Session at 6:54 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. The discussion continued on the 2008 Brooklyn Center Fire Department Annual Statistical Report and the arrangement between EMS and the Fire Department in responding to calls. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lasman moved and Councilmember Roche seconded to close the Study Session at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 02/09/09 -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 February 9, 2009. 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 February 23, 2009, Regular Session. ~SYI~b11/aYl i"1/Yu~~~ City Clerk A Cx- ✓ Mayor 1 02/09/09 -4-