Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 02-08 CCM Work SessionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 8, 2021 CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session called to order by Mayor/President Mike Elliott at 8:27 p.m. The meeting was conducted via Zoom. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Mike Elliott and Councilmembers/Commissioners 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, Police Chief Tim Gannon, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist. CHAPTER 27 OF CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING PARKING — SNOW EVENT PARKING Mayor/President Elliott stated many Brooklyn Center families are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. He added he imposed a temporary suspension on towing of vehicles during snow events, and the City took administrative steps to allow people to spread the cost of reclaiming their vehicles over several months. He noted Public Safety has made efforts to remind people to remove their vehicles. City Manager Curt Boganey stated a 2018 amendment to Chapter 27 of the City Code of Ordinances allows towing of cars that are parked illegally after declaration of a snow emergency. The goal of this Ordinance was to allow for more efficient, timely and safe snow removal, improve driving conditions, and increase resident satisfaction with snow removal efforts. Concerns were raised at that time regarding the potential inconvenience and financial costs that car owners would experience if their car were to be impounded. Mitigation strategies were put in place, to notify residents in advance of a declared emergency, giving them time to move their cars and limit the number of cars that were towed. Mr. Boganey stated, in the first season, there were 156 citations issued; 122 impounds; and 214 saves, or cars that were removed in advance; and 10 unclaimed impounded vehicles. In the second season, there were 151 citations; 33 impounds; 31 saves; and 10 unclaimed impounds. Entering the third season, City Staff developed a pilot Impound Vehicle Release Payment Agreement, which allows residents to retrieve their car with a $50 down payment and the balance to be paid over time. There were fewer citations and no impounds, due to the Mayor's Proclamations. 02/08/21 -1- Mr. Boganey requested City Council feedback and recommendations on this issue. He added City Staff goes out into the community to notify residents to move their car and avoid impound in case of a snow emergency. He noted this is a use of staff resources and, due to the Mayor's Proclamations, there is minimal effect because there are no impounds. Mr. Boganey stated there is an expectation among residents that vehicles can and will be impounded under certain circumstances. He added City Staff are unable to communicate clearly to the community whether there will be impounds due to the indefinite nature of the Mayor's Proclamations. He noted City Staff continues to receive resident complaints regarding snow plowing efforts, and the snow removal process is less efficient and more costly. Mr. Boganey stated City Staff requests direction from the City Council regarding possible action related to the amended Ordinance, including temporary support for the Mayor's Proclamations; an Ordinance amendment prohibiting impound of vehicles; a Resolution prohibiting the issuance of further Proclamations that may interfere with the enforcement of City Ordinances; or other City Council direction. Mayor/President Elliott stated he issued the Proclamations to halt the towing of vehicles, which places a financial burden on families, and exacerbates the effects of the pandemic. He added, at the time of the Proclamations, he went door-to-door to notify residents, and people were grateful for the information. He noted he feels very strongly that the Proclamations were issued to support resident economic stability. Mayor/President Elliott stated a neighboring city had a similar ordinance, and prior to the pandemic, they decided not to support the Ordinance because certain areas of the city were more affected than others. He added this is the type of law that predominantly affects lower income people. He noted he believes the City Council should move in the direction of lifting this Ordinance. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she strongly agrees with most everything that was said by Mayor/President Elliott. She added she voted against the Ordinance amendment in 2018, and she wanted to discuss the City's parking Ordinances in general, related to equity. She noted she would support removing the Ordinance and having a deeper conversation about equity in some of the City's other Ordinances. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated she voted against the Ordinance as well, and she agrees with Councilmember/Commissioner Graves' statements of support for removing the Ordinance. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she has mixed feelings about the Ordinance. She added, due to the pandemic, she would support a no -tow amendment to the Ordinance. She noted she understands the financial hardship, but residents appreciate when the streets are plowed curb to curb. She noted further discussion would be valuable going forward, to determine whether the City Council supports a complete revision of the Ordinance. 02/08/21 -2- Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he concurs with the remarks of Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson. He added, in spite of safety and convenience considerations, he understands that the current health crisis has created a unique situation, and many residents are in a difficult financial place. He noted residents have always had high expectations of plowed streets following a snow fall. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues while recognizing the hardship which many households are experiencing. Mayor/President Elliott stated the City Council's comments indicate that they are in favor of moving forward with alleviating issues caused by this Ordinance. Mr. Boganey stated the City Council has expressed a consensus to eliminate the towing provision, and City Staff can provide amended language to be reviewed at an upcoming Work Session. He added a Resolution could be drafted to place a moratorium on impounding cars for the balance of the winter season. He noted this would preclude the necessity of issuing new proclamations. Mayor/President Elliott asked how many parking tickets were issued, and the amount of the tickets. Mr. Boganey stated there were 116 citations, as referenced in the presentation. He added he does not know the dollar amount, but he can get that information. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated, to be clear, he supports a moratorium on towing and impounding cars that would apply for the remainder of the pandemic, for a specific period of time, until it is lifted. He added he does not support a moratorium that would remain in place for an indefinite period of time. EARLE BROWN NAME DISCUSSION Mr. Boganey stated the City Council has had discussions regarding changing the City's properties that bear the `Earle Brown" name. Questions have arisen about Earle Brown and his involvement in illegal activities, and the City Council directed City Staff to find out more information. On January 25, 2021, the City Council agreed to change the name of the community celebration to "Brooklyn Center Days". City Staff was unable to contact the author of a book on Earle Brown, and no other verifiable information was available to aid in deliberation on this issue. Mr. Boganey stated requested City Council feedback and comment regarding whether the name of the convention center should be changed. He added City Staff can provide the City Council with cogent facts and potential options for consideration. Mayor/President Elliott stated the City Council, by changing the name of the City celebration to Brooklyn Center Days, has indicated that continuing to name properties after Earle Brown is problematic. He added it makes sense to consider new names for the conference center and City streets to ensure that the correct message is being sent, and that Brooklyn Center is an inclusive community. He noted the school district took steps last year to rename an elementary school. He expressed his support for moving forward with name changes and adding this item to an upcoming City Council agenda to make formal changes to the names of City property. 02/08/21 -3- Mayor/President Elliott stated community members have joined the meeting n g and may wish to Melissa Carey stated she appreciates the thoughtful dialogue, and she supports changing the name. She added Councilmember/Commissioner Graves had suggested honoring native lands g with input from communities that have been displaced. She noted she has the book about Earle at a minimum, his inaction is enough to disqualify him from being honored. Brown, and Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she supports any name change. She added, however, the reality is that it was his farm, on land that he owned and donated University of Minnesota before it was purchased by the City of Brooklyn Center. Sheo to the supports changing the name of the City celebration to Brooklyn Center Days. noted she Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson stated she would welcome input Staff as well as information related to costs associated with the change. She added there may be repeat customers of the conference center who are unable to P from City like to receive more information from City Staff. find it again. She noted she would Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated he supports changing the name of the c center. He added City Staff and the City Council can consider ways to come up with a name conference resonates for the community, and given public perception, there is no way the original name should be retained, due to the perception it entails. He noted a city like Brooklyn Center c d accept a name that is in the most remote way associated with such an odious past. an in no way Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated historians and others may argue about the of Sheriff Earle Brown and what he did or did not do, but that is not the point. He add actual role important consideration is the public perception of what he might have been, and whether the City added the most wants to be affiliated with that. He noted the name can be changed and there are marketing mechanisms to overcome obstacles related to changing the name, in terms of onli repeat patronage. ne searches and Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan reiterated his support for changingthe n conference center as well as any streets. He added we want to be who we are ame of the Mayor/President Elliott stated City Staff can provide a list of streets and facilities o City that will require name changes, to be considered all at once. caned by the Mr. Boganey stated a list of properties and streets can be provided, but he is unsure about Council's direction. He added City Staff can provide a broad analysis with multiple the City regarding how to address the question of changing the names. He noted this would the City Council something to discuss and reach a consensus. g he City Mayor/President Elliott stated the City Council would like a list of places and locations that will need a name change and costs associated with name changes, especially the conferenc He added there is a City Council consensus in favor of moving forward with name changese center. streets and buildings that were named after Mr. Brown by the City of Brooklyn Center. Hfor all He noted 02/08/21 -4- a presentation and Resolution could be included in an upcoming City Council meeting, including ideas for names, and potential community engagement opportunities. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson agreed that community input is necessary for changing the name. She added she would like to have community feedback, input and recommendations. She noted maybe a survey could be placed on the City website. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated the recent revision of the City's logo could be a model for proceeding with the name changes. He added the community was engaged, and a number of different logo ideas presented. He noted the name and logo should be something that is emblematic of the City, that would resonate with the City's diverse communities, as well as customers coming into Brooklyn Center. Mayor/President Elliott stated he is excited to hear input from the community on this issue. He added he supports Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson's idea of a website survey, but a broader reach should be considered. PARKING ORDINANCE DISCUSSION (CONT'D) Mr. Boganey stated, with regard to the Parking Ordinance Discussion, Police Chief Tim Gannon has expressed concerns about overnight parking provision. He added he is concerned that the provision may not be equitable in its implementation within different areas of the City. Police Chief Tim Gannon stated, with regard to a statement he made regarding parking restrictions, he brought forward an Ordinance amendment to the 2:00-6:00 a.m. parking restriction, based on the fact that a year -found Ordinance has a negative impact on the community and is not equitable, and should be a seasonal prohibition. He added the Public Safety Department is very proud of its snow parking efforts for the past four years, including knocking on doors and warning people to move their cars. He noted he understands the compassionate view of the City Council, and cars will not be towed. Chief Gannon stated he wanted to clarify that the City is not able to put the same effort and energy into a 2:00-6:00 a.m. restriction as they would with a restriction based on weather events. Mr. Boganey stated he and Chief Gannon agree that the 2:00-6:00 a.m. parking restriction, which is enforced on a complaint basis, is not inequitable. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated it was not her intention to misinterpret Chief Gannon's statements regarding whether the City's parking Ordinances were equitable or not. She added she supports removing the snow parking Ordinance. She noted she hopes through this conversation that other Ordinances can be reviewed, like overnight parking. POLICE CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD Mayor/President Elliott stated he scheduled a Work Session to discuss the potential establishment of a Civilian Review Board, soon after the killing of George Floyd. He added he invited several 02/08/21 -5- experts who have experience with civilian review commissions, including a former St. Paul Review Commission Member. He suggested the following dates for a Work Session for a discussion regarding a potential Civilian Review Board: February 24, March 1, March 3, or March 4, 2021. It was agreed that the Work Session would be scheduled for March 1, 2021. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated she is unable to attend the February 22, 2021 City Council meeting. Councilmember/Commissioner Butler stated she is also unable to attend the February 22, 2021 City Council meeting. She added she sent an email a few weeks ago. Mayor/President Elliott stated it may be necessary to reschedule the February 22, 2021 meeting to ensure a quorum is present. Councilmember/Commissioner Graves stated it is not necessary to reschedule the February 22, 2021 meeting as there will be a quorum. She added a lighter agenda would be appropriate. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence -Anderson moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 9:37 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 02/08/21 -6- 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 Work 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. City Clerk C - - Mayor 02/08/21 -7-