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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 02-08 CCM Regular SessionMINUTES 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 FEBRUARY 8, 2021 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 6:51 p.m. The meeting was conducted via Zoom. 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 Director Meg Beekman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist. Mayor Mike Elliott opened the meeting for the purpose of Informal Open Forum. Alfreda Daniels requested an update on the Code of Conduct for City Councilmembers. She added this issue is important to her and her neighbors when they are participating in meetings. Mayor Elliott stated the City Council is working through this process with a consultant. Mr. Boganey stated the City Council has committed to a process, working with Common Sense consultants over the next few months in a variety of areas including a discussion regarding Code of Conduct. Councilmembers are making individual appointments with the consultants, and the City Council's February 22, 2021 meeting will include a discussion with the consultants. Ms. Daniels stated she would like to receive updates on that since that is something the community has requested. Randy Christensen stated he has faith in the City Council and City Staff to ensure that the proper decisions are made, and there should not be a quick decision on a Code of Conduct. He requested that the Code of Conduct should include guidelines for the City's Commissions as well as the City Council. Mayor Elliott stated his view is that the Commissions can set up their own Code of Conduct. Mr. Christensen stated he does not believe it should be a Commission function, but rather direction should be given by the City Council. 02/08/21 -1- Ms. Daniels stated, as a current Commission member, she believes the Commissioners should create their own Code of Conduct. She added she is committed to holding the Commission accountable. Melissa Carey stated there has been discussion about how information is not getting out to residents, and the City's neighborhood engagement liaison should be paid more than $11/hour. She added they should be required to provide something tangible back to whoever they report to. She noted another language is considered a plus for the position, and $11/hour for someone who speaks another language is laughable. Mayor Elliott stated he agrees with the residents' comments about compensating people for their skills. He added a living wage for City staff is being reviewed. 2. INVOCATION Councilmember Butler read a poem, "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou, to recognize and honor Black History Month. She added the theme this year is "Black Family Representation, Identity and Diversity." Still I Rise You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries? Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own backyard. You may shoot me with your words, 02/08/21 -2- You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise. 3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott at 7:13 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, Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, 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 Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, and the following consent items were approved: 02/08/21 -3- 6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. January 25, 2021 — Study Session 2. January 25, 2021 — Regular Session 3. January 25, 2021 — Work Session 6b. LICENSES Mechanical Licenses Carlson Plumbing Endless Quality and Comfort McQuillan Brothers Ron's Heating & A/C RENTAL INITIAL (TYPE IV — one-year license) 5661 Northport Dr INITIAL (TYPE III — one-year license) 4522 Kathrene Dr INITIAL (TYPE II — two year license) 5627 Knox Ave N 5415 Penn Ave N RENEWAL (TYPE IV— one-year license) 5700 Camden Ave N RENEWAL (TYPE III — one year license) 5330 Girard Ave N 7024 Oliver Cir RENEWAL (TYPE II — two year license) 2833 67th Ln N RENEWAL (TYPE I — three-year license) 1308 68th Ln N 16440 7th St Ln S Lakeland MN 55043 1010 Newton Ave N Minneapolis MN 55411 1711 Highway 36 Maplewood MN 55109 2747 Garfield St NE Minneapolis MN 55418 Allan Kemboi Evanstus Ejimadu / Motivate Home Services Ross Herman / Prop Operam Sub XI1I LLC Paul Leintz Quality Residences / Danmark Properties LLC - met requirements Charles Jing Bright/Wagner Property Rentals Juliana Koe Konrad Wagner/Wagner Property Rentals II Konrad Wagner/Wagner Property Rentals — 02/08/21 -4- met requirements 6107 Emerson Ave N Lydia Yeboah - met requirements 6c. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-34 AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF EASEMENTS FOR BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PROJECT PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. 2021-05 - This item was considered as Agenda Item 10a. 6d. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-35 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF LIMITED USE PERMIT AGREEMENT FOR BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PROJECT PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN STATE RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER AND MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 6e. RESOLUTION NO.2021-36 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2021-05, BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PROJECT PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS 6f. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-37 APPOINTING COUNCIL MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS 6g. LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES UPDATE Motion passed unanimously. 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 7a. PRESENTATION FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEFF LUNDE Mayor Elliott introduced newly elected Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde stated, as former Mayor of Brooklyn Park, he is very familiar with Brooklyn Center but still has lots to learn. He added he is chairing the Public Safety Committee for Hennepin County, and co-chairing IGR, to move the County's mission forward. He introduced his team and invited them to address the City Council. Vicky Soukaseum, Policy Aide to Commissioner Lunde, stated she comes from the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, with a background in affordable housing and housing and redevelopment. She added she looks forward to serving the City of Brooklyn Center. Anna Schmiel, Policy Aide to Commissioner Lunde, stated she comes to the Commissioner's office from the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) in North Minneapolis, a small business incubator. She added she helped small businesses access CARES funding during the first part of the pandemic. She noted she is excited to work with the City of Brooklyn Center. 02/08/21 -5- Commissioner Lunde stated he and his team have begun to meet with City Staff and schedule meetings with Councilmembers, to provide his support and assistance, and put the resources of the County behind the City of Brooklyn Center. He noted the real focus right now is Covid, and the next few months will be the worst, in terms of mental and financial stress. He added a goal is to help businesses thrive through the pandemic. He noted helping people survive Covid is the number one priority. Commissioner Lund stated, as Chair of Public Safety, he works with all aspects of County law enforcement and the criminal justice system. He added Public Safety is moving forward in preparation for the trials of the four officers accused of killing George Floyd, with jury selection to begin on March 8, 2021. He noted Public Safety is committed to protecting court proceedings and First Amendment rights, as well as property and safety, and to ensure the court system delivers justice. Commissioner Lunde stated, with regard to Highway 252, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has ordered an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and the results are still forthcoming. He added this will restart the process, which is being led by the State. Mayor Elliott thanked Commissioner Lunde and his team for their presentation. He asked what role they will play in the Highway 252 planning process. Commissioner Lunde stated the process will be run by MnDOT, with processes in place to involve different agencies. He added engagement work will begin after the EIS is complete. Mayor Elliott asked what the EIS study will entail. Commissioner Lunde stated the full statement will be completed from the beginning, and everyone will be involved. He added it is possible that the EIS process will result in different recommendations or amendments. Mayor Elliott stated MnDOT's data has shown traffic will increase in Brooklyn Center but decrease everywhere else. He added Brooklyn Center has the highest rates of respiratory illness, including asthma, as well as hospitalization and Emergency Room visits, and is consistently in the top 5 communities for Covid cases. He noted there is a correlation between pre-existing conditions and the virus, and communities along Highway 252 are situated differently. He asked whether these issues will be considered. Commissioner Lunde stated he plans to bring in County representatives with experience in these types of health concerns to look at root causes and bring their expertise to bear. He added a role of the County Commissioners is to provide access to resources to support solutions. Councilmember Graves congratulated Commissioner Lunde. She added Brooklyn Center will take him up on his offer of providing resources at the County level to help move the City's initiatives forward. Commissioner Lunde agreed. Councilmember Ryan welcomed Commissioner Lunde and thanked him for his presentation. He added he echoes the sentiments of Councilmember Graves. He noted the cities of Brooklyn Center 02/08/21 -6- and Brooklyn Park have a long-standing working relationship, and he looks forward to Commissioner Lunde's commitment to continuing that connection in his new role. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson congratulated Commissioner Lunde and his staff. She added she looks forward to working with him, and especially the one-on-one meetings that Commissioner Lund has offered, to discuss each of our personal priorities. She expressed his appreciation of his efforts in reaching out in that way. Mayor Elliott asked what the priorities of the Public Safety Committee are, especially as it relates to black and hispanic communities. Commissioner Lunde stated, during Covid, the County made every effort to keep people out of jail, which has resulted in successful efforts and reduced jail occupancy. He added his office has been focused on foster care and maintaining parents' rights, and providing support so parents are less likely to lose their kids. Mayor Elliott stated recent studies have shown that racism has cost the United States $16 trillion over the past 2 decades. He asked what initiatives or efforts the Commissioner plans to undertake to address systemic racism. Commissioner Lunde stated the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is imbedded in the legislative platform, to evaluate disparities and impacts; review barriers; and work with non-profit partners to create easier processes and systems for residents. Mayor Elliott stated $13 trillion was lost because of discriminatory practices and 6.1 million jobs were not generated as a result. He asked whether the County has a program in place to fill gaps related to lending. Commissioner Lunde stated a program is in the works to bridge the gap and provide support for funding for down payments. He added the evictions moratorium will expire, and evictions and foreclosures will happen. He noted the County is working to have a plan in place for when the moratorium is removed. Mayor Elliott asked about programs for entrepreneurs. Commissioner Lunde stated Ms. Schmiel has a background in entrepreneurship and providing support to small businesses. Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson seconded to receive the presentation from Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde. Motion passed unanimously. 7b. PRESENTATION FROM CATRICE O'NEAL ON BROOKLYNK Brooklynk Program Manager Catrice O'Neal gave a presentation on 2020 program highlights and the 2021 adopted budget. She added Brooklynk seeks to create partnerships for youth to develop pathways to college and career. She noted Brooklynk welcomed a new staff over the past year, and tackled many challenges related to the pandemic. Ms. O'Neal stated Brooklynk delivers "Get Ready" youth training; hosts a regional youth job fair and job board; provides summer internships; and maintains an alumni network. "Get Ready" was 02/08/21 -7- shifted to an online hybrid format, with in -person and virtual internships, as well as newly - designed 6-week paid training. The youth represent 20 different cultural backgrounds, with 96% students of color. In 2019-20, programming was funded by the city of Brooklyn Park with three State grants, and 224 youth completed "Get Ready" training. In the summer, 112 youth applied for summer opportunities with 20 business partners, and $50,000 in additional funding was secured to support Covid-related work activities. Ms. O'Neal stated Brooklynk adopted its 2021 budget and anticipates new revenues this year. A Work Force Innovations and Opportunities grant of $150,000 is being sought. If the grant is received, expenditures will include one full-time program staff. Councilmember Graves thanked Ms. O'Neal for her report. She added she is happy to see new staff at Brooklynk and see so many young people engaging in its offerings, despite the pandemic. She asked whether youth are compensated for training. Ms. O'Neal stated youth were paid a $600 stipend for full participation in the 6-week online training. Councilmember Graves asked how relationships with different schools has been going. Ms. O'Neal stated Brooklynk has a network of about 40 partners, including school districts, with whom they have an excellent relationship. She added the "Get Ready" training has been made available to both school districts via Google classroom to prepare students for potential summer internships. Mayor Elliott asked what the breakdown is of youth that are served in the program, between the two cities. Ms. O'Neal stated Brooklynk's strategic priority is 50150 split for summer interns, with 300 students completing the program. She added the current participation is about 40% of students from Brooklyn Center. Mayor Elliott thanked Ms. O'Neal for her presentation. He asked her to make her presentation available to City Staff. Ms. O'Neal agreed. Mr. Boganey stated City Staff recommends that the City Council make a motion to receive the presentation. Mayor Elliott requested that Ms. Beekman's presentation be made available to the City Council. Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Elliott seconded to receive the Brooklynk Presentation from Catrice O'Neal. Motion passed unanimously. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None. 9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS 02/08/21 -8- -None. 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 10a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-34 AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF EASEMENTS FOR BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PROJECT PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO.2021-05 Councilmember Graves stated she would abstain from voting as her home address is within the project area. Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2021-34 Authorizing Acquisition of Easements for Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Project Phase 2 Improvements Project No. 2021-05. Councilmember Graves abstained from the same. Motion passed. 11. COUNCIL REPORT -None. 12. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Graves seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 8:26 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 02/08/21 -9- 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 February 8, 2021. 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 March 8, 2021, Regular Session. &k4A��W_ City Clerk Mayor 02/08/21 -10-