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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 03-08 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 MARCH 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 6:54 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, Director of Public Works Doran Cote, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist. Mayor Mike Elliott opened the meeting for the purpose of the Informal Open Forum. He added the Informal Open Forum would be extended until 7410 P.M. Dr. Stephanie Barrage, Interim Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools, stated she wanted to join the meeting to greet Brooklyn Center City Councilmembers, to let them know they have her full support, and to make a connection as partners. She stressed the importance of ensuring that families and students have all the information they need. Mayor Elliott welcomed Dr. Burrage and thanked her for j oining the meeting. Councilmember Butler thanked Dr. Burrage for joining the meeting and for all the work she is doing in navigating Covid and educating our children. She added she has noticed the food distribution efforts have been successful. Dr. Barrage stated over 1.5 million meals have been provided to families in the last year. She added the School District spent $1.6 million in technology to ensure that students have access to technology and the internet, so they can be successful during the pandemic. Councilmember Graves thanked Dr. Barrage for joining the meeting. She stated she recently heard about the vaccine clinic hosted by the School District over the weekend, and she appreciates these efforts in the ongoing fight against the pandemic. She added she goes into Cooper High School once a week to provide a curriculum through the Minneapolis Health Department on violence prevention for student -athletes. She noted she is pleased to meet Dr. Burrage and hopes to work with her more in the future. 03/08/21 -1- Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson expressed her appreciation of Dr. Burrage for joining tonight's meeting. She added she appreciates all educators and everything Dr. Burrage is doing for the community. X. Burrage stated she plans to attend meetings from time to time to ensure that everyone stays connected. Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates that Dr. Burrage tools the time to join the meeting. He added, years ago, he participated in the downsizing of properties in the Robbinsdale School District. He noted as the community has changed and grown, he appreciates how well the leaders of the Robbinsdale District have always been forward -looking. Mayor Elliott invited Dr. Bm7age to come back and be on the City Council agenda. He thanked her for her hard work. Kamate Diem, Executive Director of Liberians in Minnesota, stated the organization has approximately 15,000 members in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. He thanked the City and Councilmembers for their cooperation and looks forward to continuing the relationship. He reviewed various programs offered by the Liberian organization: senior programs, after -school and youth programs, online tutorials, and in-service navigation. Many members have been in great need of support due to the impact of the pandemic. He expressed the importance of the sustainability of services. Arvid Sorensen stated, regarding the Assistant Policy Aide position, the duties of the Mayor and City Council have increased over the past few years, and it would be better to add a person to City Staff that would support the entire City Council. He added the Mayor would not have to manage the position. Alfred Daniels stated she has not received an update from City Staff on the issue of accountability foCity ming that residentsiiShdddsheiscommittedtoensur who attend meetings are comfortable, and to ensure there are steps to hold City Councilmembers accountable. She asked whether there are any updates. Mayor Elliott stated this is an important issue for the City Council, and they are engaging with a consulting team, Common Sense, to address how the City Council will accelerate its ability to work together and deliver results, as well as how to be held accountable and interact with the public during meetings. He noted this continues to be on the City Council's agenda. Ms. Daniels asked whether there are any updates. She added the City Manager had indicated that other options were being considered. Mayor Elliott stated City Staff are putting together some dates for a possible meeting with the consulting team, and the meeting will hopefully be scheduled at tonight's meeting. Mr. Boganey stated, since the City Council's last meeting, Common Sense consultants have met with almost every Councilmember individually, gathering feedback on this and other issues. He added a meeting will be scheduled with the City Council as soon as it can be scheduled. 03/08/21 -2- Ms. Daniels stated she had hoped that individual citizens could receive updates on these types of matters, but she will continue to attend meetings and ask for updates. Mohammed Dukuly thanked the City Council, City Manager, and City Staff, especially Community Development Director Meg Beekman, for their support for the acquisition of the property on France Avenue. He added it is truly an exercise inequity and fair play. He noted they are currently engaging an architect to review design and construction for submittal to the City for approval. Mr. Dukuly stated, about the Policy Aide position, if the workload is heavy, it is important to find someone to be responsible for those issues, enhance the work of the City, and increase productivity. He reiterated his thanks and gratitude. Shantel stated she has been a resident of Brooklyn Center for over 20 years. She added she would like to speak about the Senior Aide Policy position. During the pandemic, residents have found it very difficult to connect with each other and with City Hall. There has been a major communication gap, although she was finally able to speak with the Mayor, and learned that this was not a full-time position. Whatever the role of that position will be, the City needs someone to make connections and to be of service to people who do not know how to reach out. If this new position will help bridge that gap then she highly recommends hiring someone for this position, and she is sure other residents would want it to. She offered her help and support to get a petition going, or whatever other help is needed. Ms. Daniels stated, about the chat room issue, she understands there are challenges with managing the chat room. She added when residents go to City Council meetings in person, they have the opportunity to meet each other and speak in private. She noted, in the chat room, residents are not even allowed to send private messages to one another. She requested that this issue be addressed so residents can speak to each other in private chat. Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson seconded to close the Informal Open Forum at 7:20 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 2. INVOCATION Councilmember Graves read an article, "Our Desperate Need for Reviving the Divine Feminine" by Deepalc Chopra as an Invocation, in commemoration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day. She wished everyone a Happy International Women's Day and expressed her hope that all will recognize the divine feminine within themselves. 3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott at 7:30 p.m. 03/08/21 -3- 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, Director of Public Works Doran Cote, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, City Cleric 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 Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, with Consent Agenda Item 6g to be addressed under Council Consideration Items, and the following consent items were approved: 6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. February 1—Work Session 2. February 8 - Study Session 3. February 8 — Regular Session 4. February 8 — Work Session 5. February 22 — Regular Session 6b. LICENSES Gasoline Service Station Licenses Boulevard Enterprises Inc )BA Christy's Auto Service Mechanical Licenses Aqualine Mechanical Endless Quality and Comfort Ilce's Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, Inc Perfection Heating &Air Si�nhan�er's Licenses Spectrum Systems 5300 Dupont Ave N Brooklyn center MN 55430 20785 Idlewild Path Shorewood MN 55331 1010 Newton Ave N Minneapolis MN 55411 9046 North Highway Dr Lexington MN 55014 1770 Gervais Ave Minneapolis MN 55109 8786 W. 35th Service Rd Blaine MN 55449 03/OS/21 -4- Rental Licenses INITIAL (TYPE III — one-year license) 5357 71st Cir Randy E White 6804 Fremont PI Michelle Shaffer INITIAL (TYPE II — ttivo year license) 1600 Amy La HPA US2 LLC / Pathlight Mgt RENEWAL (TYPE III —one yeas° license) 2318 55th Ave N Helen Osonowo 819 Woodbine La FYR SFR Borrow LLC 6116 Aldrich Ave N MNSF II LLC -met requirements RENEWAL (TYPE II — tt-vo year° license) 4201 Winchester La Theresa Burns & Eric Poehler 2100 55th Ave N Raymond & Cindy Scherbing - met requirements RENEWAL (TYPE I —three year license) 6907 Logan Ave N Paul Gathumbi - Met Requirements 541 Lyndale Ave N Brett Hildreth/Dragon Properties Mgt - met requirements 3312 65th Ave N Charles E Kaatz 5549 Brooklyn Blvd Mike L Pederson 6915 Logan Ave N ATV LLC 6c. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-39 ESTABLISHING A PARKING MORATORIUM ON TOWING DURING SNOW EVENTS 6d. AMENDMENT TO THE 2021 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE 6e. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-40 ACCEPTING WORK PERFORMED AND AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2018409 LIFT STATION 2 REHABILITATION 6f. RESOLUTION NO. 202141 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER FOR FEDERAL PARTICIPATION IN ADVANCE CONSTRUCTION — MNDOT AGREEMENT NO* 1046069 6g. RESOLUTION NO. 202142 APPROVING THE LABOR AGREEMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES (EELS) LOCAL 82 03/08/21 -5- (POLICE OFFICERS AND DETECTIVES) AND THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2021) — This item was considered as Agenda Item 1 Ob. 6h. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-43 ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING A CONTRACT, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS, 2021-015 029 03,04 AND 129 GRANDVIEW SOUTH AREA STREET, STORM DRAINAGE, AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS AND 53" AVENUE UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS 6i. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-44 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF COOPERATIVE CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT FOR BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR PROJECT PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS (BASS LAKE ROAD TO INTERSTATE 94), PROJECT NO. 2021-055 BETWEEN HENNEPIN COUNTY AND CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER 6j. RESOLUTION N0.2021-45 APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NOS, 2021-06, 075 08, 09,10 AND 11, RYAN LAKE INDUSTRIAL PARK AREA STREET, STORM DRAINAGE, AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS AND NORTHWEST AREA AND LYNDALE AVENUE AREA MILL AND OVERLAY Motion passed unanimously. 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 7a. BBA YOUTH SURVEY REPORT Ivan Lui, the Data and Quality Coordinator for Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth, gave a presentation on the results of the Alliance's 2020 Youth Survey Report. He introduced two members of the Youth Data Squad. Tiffany Nyamao stated she is a senior at Osseo High School and lives in Brooklyn Park, Alex Garduno Garcia stated he is a junior at Brooklyn Center High School and lives in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Lui stated there are three other members of the Youth Data Squad who represent local schools. The Survey was completed with generous grant support from the Forum for Youth Investment. The Alliance has received recognition from national organizations for their work on the Youth Survey. W. Lui stated the Data Squad surveyed 766 youth residents from both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Parlc, which provided a good sample of what youth are thinlung about in the community. The survey then moved into peer interviews, an online survey, adult staff interviews, and interpretation and reporting. The data were interpreted to determine survey results. The surveyed youth were asked about their lives in the current environment. A full report and executive summary are available on the Alliance website. 03/08/21 -6- Mr. Lui, Ms. Nyamao, and Mr. Garduno Garcia reviewed the research findings: the survey showed local youth want an increase in youth -led research and engagement, to be centered in education and programs; prepare for young adulthood; create belonging in spaces for youth; maintain mental health, and combat systemic racism. Mr. Lui stated the findings were shared at an online event on December 11, 2020, that included Alliance staff and members, community partners, and youth. They were asked to think about the survey results and what actions the Alliance should take. The results were shared with Board Members, City Councilmembers, City Managers, Parks & Recreation Directors, Police Chiefs, and others. Mr. Luis stated a short -terra strategic plan was created, which includes priorities to help partners respond to the survey results; continue to work to increase student -centered pathways to college and careers; amplify youth voices through youth boards, leadership, and engagement; and accelerate equity by addressing disparities in hiring, retention, and results for youth -serving programs. Councilmember Graves complimented the youth leaders for their hard work on the survey, in coming up with questions and compiling results. She added it will take some time for her to digest all the information contained in the report. She noted youth are tuned in to what is happening and are tuned in to social and racial justice. She expressed her appreciation for the successful survey, which shows a statistically significant number of young people in the community who are saying the same thing about what they want. Mr. Garduno Garcia thanked Councilmember Graves for the compliment. He asked what ways the City of Brooklyn Center may want to respond to the key findings of the 2020 youth to youth survey. Councilmember Graves stated the City must continue to support the Youth Council and find new ways to engage, collaborate and cooperate with them while continuing to build the partnership. The survey shows that the community has many young leaders, who are ready to take the reins. Councilmember Butler thanked Alliance representatives for their presentation. She added she is very impressed that they were able to get over 700 respondents to the survey. She noted she echoes Councilmember Graves' comments about being intentional in engaging the City's youth, which needs to be an ongoing thing, to ensure that young people are at the table for relevant discussions. Councilmember Ryan expressed his appreciation for all the hard work that the young folks have done. He echoed the previous comments of his colleagues. He stated this has been a terrific learning experience, by being engaged and completing this work for the community and lay the groundwork for future community leaders. He commended the Youth Data Squad and expressed his support for them in the future. Mr. Boganey stated the recently approved budget includes funding for a pilot with the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth to elevate youth voices. He added the newly created Office of Anti - Racist Policies practice staff when hired will collaborate with the Alliance to improve equity and combat racism. 03/08/21 -7- Mayor Elliott thanked the Alliance representatives for the presentation and interesting information. He added the young people are demonstrating leadership skills and will someday be community leaders. He urged them to keep up the good work. Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to receive the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance Youth Survey Report and Presentation. Motion passed unanimously. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-38 APPROVING THE PROJECTED USE OF FUNDS FOR THE 2021 URBAN HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE OF A SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY Community Development Director Meg Beelunan provided an overview of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocation from the Department of Housing and Urban evelopment (HUD) administered by Hennepin County, through which Brooklyn Center will D receive an estimated $258,000. This funding is used to support down payment assistance and home rehab programs. The City Council and Hennepin County are comfortable with proposed changes expanding eligibility to those who work, go to school, or own a business in Brooklyn Center. The minimum debt and citizenship requirements were eliminated. Ms. Beekman stated City Staff are requesting City Council feedback and comment regarding the homeownership requirement, and whether 2°a or 3rd time home buyers will be eligible for these funds. This discussion can be deferred but the allocation decision requires attention. Ms. Beekman stated City Staff recommends the continuation of existing programs with $100,000 For homeownership assistance and $158,000 for the home rehab program. The City's Housing Study that is currently underway may identify potential areas of need. Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to open the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Zarita asked a question in the chat function: "Is there any thought to raising the grant amount for the homeownership program? Is the maximum amount $10,000?" Ms. Beekman stated the current cap is $7,500 and the intention is to increase that amount to $10,000. Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. 03/08/21 -8- Mayor Elliott stated Councilmember Ryan had indicated that he wanted to have a robust discussion on this issue. Councilmember Ryan stated he was pleased to hear the City would have the option to reallocate between the down payment assistance fund and home rehab fund, depending upon demand. Ms. Beekman confirmed this, stating the City Council can choose to reallocate funds at any time. Councilmember Ryan stated he was concerned about ensuring that the most efficient application of these limited resources is determined. Over the last year, there has been limited success with the down payment assistance program, with only a few loans closed, but there are over 100 parties on the waiting list for home rehab funds. The City Council should have a discussion when there is more information from the Housing Study. Mayor Elliott agreed, adding rehab grants helps residents who already have homes build additional wealth. He added the results of the Housing Study should be reviewed before a decision is made. He asked that Ms. Beekman communicates to Dr. Lewis that the City Council hopes the Housing Study will inform this policy. Councilmember Graves stated she agrees with Councilmember Ryan, to reassess the program when more information is available from the Housing Study. Councilmember Ryan stated the down payment assistance program has relatively narrow eligibility in terms of applicant income. The market can be a positive or negative aspect related to down payment assistance, and the City should do whatever possible for hardworking families that want to own a home and start to build equity and wealth. Mayor Elliott stressed the importance of getting the word out to people who need these programs the most, which will have the biggest impact on whether the policy works and now it affects the community. Councilmember Ryan moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2021-38 Approving the Projected Use of Funds for the 2021 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Program and Authorizing Signature of a Subrecipient Agreement with Hennepin County. Motion passed unanimously. 9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS -None. 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 10a. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS Mayor Elliott reviewed three proposed Commission appointments: 03/08/21 -9- Housing Commission — Deja Carter is a 4-year resident of Brooklyn Center, interested in serving on the Housing Commission. She believes the city needs more diversity and inclusion in leadership. She has a passion for equitable housing and wants to be a positive change for the City of Brooklyn Center. Housing Commission — Michael Dumey has lived in Brooklyn Center for 15 years and has worked in the mortgage and title n, stiy. He wants to serve and be more involved in the City government and seethe City improve. He would like to see vacant lots be filled more quickly. He would like to bring in more middle-class families to support retail. Parks &Recreation Commission —Natalie Branch offers a new and innovative voice. She is a 5- year resident and mother of 3, looking for ways to get involved with the community and set an example for her daughters while bringing about change that will impact them. Councilmember Graves thanked Mayor Elliott for his efforts to add diversity to the City's Commission. She asked that outgoing Commissioners are acknowledged and thanked appropriately for their contributions. She stated Jill Delton served on the Parks & Recreation Commission for several years and added an important voice to the Commission. She was instrumental in the implementation of Earth Day celebrations, Spring Clean -Up, and advocating for expanded recycling bins. Councilmember Graves expressed her appreciation for Ms. Delton and requested that City Staff follow up with some sort of recognition. Mayor Elliott stated the work that Commissioners have done cannot be overstated. He added he is grateful for their work and dedication. Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to ratify the Mayoral Reappointments to City Advisory Commissions as presented Motion passed unanimously. lOb. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-42 APPROVING THE LABOR AGREEMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES (EELS) LOCAL 82 (POLICE OFFICERS AND DETECTIVES) AND THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2021) Mr. Boganey stated City Staff negotiated a 2-year agreement in 2019 with Patrol Officers and Detectives Union. Due to the pandemic, a decision was agreed upon to consider only the first year of that agreement, through December 2020. Another 1-year agreement is proposed for 2021 that provides vacation time for instructors for the additional use of force training as required. Health insurance will be the same as all other employees, and wages will be adjusted 2.75% as of January 1, 2021, effective July 1, 2021, with an additional .25% increase at that time. The full cost of these changes is covered under the Police Department budget allocation. Councilmember Graves thanked Mr. Boganey for the additional information, adding she is satisfied. Mayor Elliott stated it is helpful for the public to hear about the agreement. 03/08/21 -10- Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO 2021-42 Approving the Labor Agreement for Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local 82 (Police Officers and Detectives) and the City of Brooklyn Center for the Calendar Year 2021). Motion passed unanimously. 11. COUNCIL REPORT Mayor Elliott stated he is attending the National League of Cities conference this week, March 7- 10, 2021. He added he is involved inequity work with the Regional Council of Mayors, and he is honored to help lead that process. 12. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Butler seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 8955 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 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 an. 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 22, 2021, Regular Session. Barbara Suciu, City Clerk Mike Elliott, Mayor 03/08/21 -11-