HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 03-22 CCM Regular SessionMINUTES UPIHE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
MARCH 22, 2021
1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in the Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor Milce
Elliott at 6:45 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 Milce Elliott opened the meeting for Informal Open Forum.
Barb Suciu, City Cleric indicated there was one email submission but it was related to an agenda
item.
Mayor Elliott called for a recess at 6:48 p.m.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated the Study Session was not adjourned. The agenda
calls for an adjournment.
Mayor Elliott stated we can do that when we come back.
Mayor Elliott resumed the Infoi�al Open Forum at
No one wished to address the City Council.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the
Informal Open Forum at 6:57 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. INVOCATION
Mayor Elliott read a quote from Nelson Mandela when he came out of retirement in 2005 to give
a speech as part of the "Make Poverty History" campaign.
03/22/21 -1-
"In this new century, millions of people in the world's poorest countries remain
imprisoned, enslaved, and in chains. They are trapped in the prison of poverty. It
is time to set them free.
Lilce slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be
overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty
is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental
human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is
no true freedom."
3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Milce Elliott
at 7*00 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, Director of Public Works Doran Cote, 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 Ryan moved and Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson seconded to approve the
Agenda and Consent Agenda, and the following consent items were approved:
6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. March 8, 2021—Study Session
2. March 8, 2021 —Regular Session
3. March 8, 2021 — Work Session
6b. LICENSES
Hospitality Accommodations License
Brooklyn Center Hotel Group
)BA Fairfield Inn & Suites
Liquor -Intoxicating
Jammin' Wings
6250 Earle Brown Dr
Brooklyn Center 55430
2590 Freeway Blvd
Brooklyn Center 55430
03/22/21 -2-
Liauor-Sundav Sales
Jammin' Wings 2590 Freeway Blvd
Brooklyn Center 55430
Mechanical Licenses
Hertz Mechanical Inc. 19561 Vernon St.
Elk River 55303
Milce's Custom Mechanical, Inc. PO Box 171
Champlin 55316
Sign Hangers License
Albrecht Sign Company Inc. 7775 Main Street NE
Fridley 55432
Twin Cities Sign Installations 8889 140th St N
Hugo 55038
Tobacco
Jammin' Wings 2590 Freeway Blvd
Brooklyn Center 55430
RENTAL
INITIAL (TYPE III — oneyear license)
5209 Xerxes Ave N BMW Holdings c/o Halverson Blaiser Group
RENEWAL (TYPE III —one year license)
610943 Beard
1605 56th Ave N
6930 Halifax Ave N
James
&Bobbie Simons
FYR SFR Borrower LLC
Eli Egal
RENEWAL (TYPE II — ttvo year license)
4500 58th Ave N Twin Lalce North Apartments TLN LN NEL
- Met Requirements
RENEWAL (TYPE I —three year license)
1100 69th Ave N Evangelical Church of the Master -Met Require
6821 Noble Ave N
Reuben &Diane Ristrom
Dolores Fischer
7045 Unity Ave N AMAS Investments LLC
6c. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION 2021-046 CALLING FOR A
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ISSUANCE OF CONDUIT REVENUE
03/22/21 -3-
BONDS AND AUTHORIZING THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE OF
HEARING (TESFA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PROJECT)
Motion passed unanimously.
7. PRESENTATIONS!PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS
7a. JO COMPANIES PROJECT UPDATE
Community Development Director Meg Beekman stated the purpose of this presentation is to give
the City Council an update on a development project with JO Companies. The City of Brooklyn
Center entered into a Preliminary Development Agreement (PDA) with JO Companies last year
for the development of four EDA-owned parcels on the northwest corner of 61" Avenue and
Brooklyn Boulevard, immediately south of the Sanctuary. The developer initially proposed 88
units of multi -family affordable housing and has been working with consultants to refine their plan
in preparation for an application for low-income tax credits.
Ms. Beekman stated no City Council action is required this evening.
Johnny Opara, CEO of JO Companies, thanked Ms. Beekman and the City Council. He stated he
has been working with Balser Tilly for the past year to refine the budget, ensure that the project is
feasible, and move forward with a competitive application for Minnesota Housing. He added Dorn
Companies has come on board as the general contractor. He noted the project, which originally
had 88 proposed units, has been resealed to 54 units to apply for tax credits, with 1, 2, and 3
bedroom units as well as supportive housing, which is a priority for Minnesota Housing,
Mr. Opara stated the building is proposed to have 10 1-bedroom units of supportive housing, and
the balance is proposed for the general population at 30%-60% Area Median Income (AMI). He
added the proposal includes an opportunity to connect with Wangstad Park as a grant opportunity
with City support is being considered.
Mr. Opara stated, in terms of potential partnerships, JO Companies is working with LISC and
Simpson supportive housing, as well as Poe Architects and Baker Tilly.
The project architect reviewed the proposed site plan, including connections to Brooklyn
Boulevard and 61 sc Avenue; bus transit; and Wangstad Parlc, which is a great benefit of this housing
project. Outdoor community spaces are planned on the corner of the building closest to the park,
with several different connections planned as you move toward the park. The outdoor areas will
feature exterior tapestries, potentially in partnership with a local artist, to assist with pattern and
design that reflects the diversity of the community.
Mr. Opara stated the proposed plans could change after the community engagement process is
completed. He added the biggest changes are the update from 88 units to 54 units, and the potential
connection to the park.
03/22/21 -4-
A representative of Baker Tilly stated the City's willingness to work with the developer and
support for the project has had an impact. He added the development team appreciates the City's
support and partnership and looks forward to future collaboration.
Mayor Elliott stated Mr. Opara indicated there would be a reduction in housing units from 88 units
to 54 units, and that 1-bedroom units would be reserved for high priority residents with disabilities,
and those that meet lower income thresholds. He asked whether there would still be a mix of 1-
3-bedroom units.
Mr. Opara stated 30-60% AMI is the focus, with the homeless and people with disabilities a
priority for Minnesota housing. He added 3-bedroom units make up about 26% of the unit mix,
and 25% would be 2-bedroom units.
Mayor Elliott stated the rates are affordable, but they are still a lot of money to be paying for your
house. He asked what the annual salary of someone who is at 50% AMI is. Ms. Beekman stated
she would have to look it up.
Mayor Elliott stated housing is incredibly expensive for families, even when they are looking at
affordable housing. He thanked the development team for all their hard work in creating something
in Brooklyn Center that will house people at affordable rates. He noted it is still very costly.
Councilmember Graves thanked the Mayor for his comments, and Mr. Opara for his update. She
added she is glad he is working with consultants to be competitive in the process of securing low-
income financing Minnesota Housing, which is very difficult. She noted the Mayor commented
earlier on the City's procurement process, and Mr. Opara fits well within the parameters of those
proposed guidelines.
Councilmember Graves stated she likes the incorporation of public ai-t into the plans, and
supportive housing is a welcome addition. She added the rates presented here are not accessible
for some families, but they are better and more reachable than others that she has seen. She
expressed her appreciation for their diligent work and thanked City Staff for being supportive.
Councilmember Ryan thanked Mr. Opara for his presentation. He added he is pleased to see the
project will be reduced to 54 units, as he has heard fiom nearby single-family residential
homeowners who are concerned about the scale. He added the new proposal is of a more
reasonable scale.
Councilmember Butler thanked Mr. Opara for his presentation. She added she is glad to receive
an update. She thanked Mr. Opara for all the thorough infoirnation. She wished him the best of
luck in his future efforts.
Mayor Elliott thanked Mr. Opara for his presentation. He added he looks forward to working with
Mr. Opara and hopes the application process goes well.
7b. OPPORTUNITY SITE PRESENTATION SERIES: PROCESS AND MILESTONES
03/22/21 -5-
Ms. Beekman stated, at its last meeting, the City Council directed City Staff to begin the
community engagement process for the Opportunity Site. She added City Staff intend to provide
Frequent regular updates on progress, including topics and questions raised by the community. She
noted the goal is to increase the transparency of the project.
Ms. Beekman gave a brief background of the Opportunity Site project, an approximately 80-acre
site. Several development concepts have been considered. In 2018, the City invited master
developers to propose concepts for 35 acres of contiguous City -owned land in the Opportunity
Site, and Alatus was selected. The City entered into a Preliminary Development Agreement (PDA)
with Alatus, which was renewed in 2019, for the proposed development of 35 acres, or 1/3 of the
entire site. Preliminary plans include laying out the implementation framework and zoning plan;
downtown master plan; principles for future development; and benefits the City might get out of
development. The PDA does not grant permission for any particular project or development.
Ms. Beelanan stated Alatus has partnered with Project in Pride and Living and Resurrection World
Faith Ministries and is focused on the development of the 15-acre southwest corner of the property,
including housing, community -directed incubator space, or public market with entrepreneurs. The
City has engaged with NEOO Partners and ACER to consult on the project and provide the
feasibility study, to be presented to the City Council at a future meeting.
Ms. Beekman stated community engagement will start in spring 2021, as well as work on due
diligence for predevelopment issues and review of the early development program and feasibility
of the proposed incubator/public market. Representatives from Alatus and PPL will be invited to
a City Council meeting to receive feedback and direction from the City Council.
Ms. Beekman stated the City Council would receive engagement reports and Task Force
recommendations in Fall 2021, and approvals would be requested for land use entitlements and
the development agreement. The equity development scorecard will be used to ensure
accountability over future development projects, and to measure how well it performs in terms of
the goals of the master plan. There are existing properties within the site that are not owned by
the City, so a regulatory frameworks is essential.
Mayor Elliott stated he thinks this is a very ambitious timeline, and he has some questions. He
asked why this would be done before the housing study is completed since the proposal is primarily
housing. He asked what percentage of the apartments in this development would be about the total
number of units in Brooklyn Center. Ms. Beekman stated she does not have that information.
Mayor Elliott requested that Ms. Beekman find out and let him know.
Mayor Elliott stated it is striking to him that City Staff is proposing all of this gets done before the
results of the housing study are released. He added the impact of this project is rather substantial.
Mayor Elliott stated the time frame seems ambitious for a citizen task force to provide
recommendations and opinions so soon. He added he believes this should go into next year.
Mayor Elliott stated this proposal is about building a lot of housing. He added over 90 new housing
units are proposed in the heart of the City. He noted the critical question is what the fundamental
03/22/21 -6-
needs of the community are, and whether we are solving those needs through this proposed
development.
Mayor Elliott stated people have approached him asking for an arts center, or a technology -based
high school. He requested that the City Council host a visioning session with the community. He
added he would like to talk about what are the City's needs and what will improve the lives of the
community beyond just building what is proposed here. He noted, in terms of what he has seen so
far, that question has not been answered.
Mayor Elliott asked about the Environmental Worlcsheet (EAW). He added this is for the benefit
of residents watching the meeting tonight.
Ms. Beekman stated the Environmental Quality Board has requirements for environmental
assessments related to various types of development to determine impacts, and the City oversees
that process. She added data is collected and reviewed, and there is a public comment period. She
noted the goal is to identify where there will be impacts, and what features can be added to
minimize the impacts. A mitigation strategy is developed that is reviewed by and ultimately
approved by the City Council.
Mayor Elliott asked who reviews the EAW. Ms. Beekman stated the EAW is prepared by Braun
Intertech and reviewed by the City.
Mayor Elliott asked whether any state agencies are involved. Ms. Beekman stated this is a process
required by the Environmental Quality Board.
Mayor Elliott asked what is that process. He asked what the importance of the EAW is. Ms.
Beekman stated the purpose is to determine the potential environmental impacts of a project and
identify mitigation strategies.
Mayor Elliott asked whether there are any other steps after the development is reviewed by the
Environmental Quality Board. Ms. Beekman stated the Board would review it and then defer to
the responsible governmental unit on the scope and findings. She added the Board provides
oversight but generally defers to the City's determination.
Mayor Elliottasked, in teens of the scope of the review, whether any implications determine scope.
Ms. Beekman stated she is unable to answer that question right now.
Mayor Elliott asked whether the environmental worksheet determines whether an EAW is
required. Ms. Beekman confitrned this. She showed a document that lays out the EAW process.
Mayor Elliott asked who determines whether the EAW is needed. Ms. Beekman stated the City
makes that determination.
Mayor Elliott stated he felt there was a disconnect. He thought he understood there was a potential
step after the environmental assessment worksheet to determine whether the statement is needed.
03/22/21 -7-
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson thanked Ms. Beekman for her very thorough presentation.
She added she looks forward to future updates.
Councilmember Graves stated she appreciated the presentation, and she is pleased there will be
regular updates and that the meeting recording can be referenced to answer questions and
comments from the community and clear up commonly asked questions. She added the context is
very helpful and important so that the public can give informed feedback. She noted she looks
forward to the next update.
7c. CITY BEAUTIFICATION AND STEWARDSHIP (LITTER UPDATE)
City Manager Curt Boganey stated, at its last meeting, the City Council requested an update on
efforts to keep the City clean and free of the trash. He added the City Council has identified this
as one of its highest priorities, and City Staff have been working toward the achievement of that
goal.
Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards reviewed City Staff s efforts to date on this issue, including
a presentation to the City Council in July 2020 of potential strategies for beautification,
stewardship, and litter control. He stated many efforts were placed on hold during Covid49 due
to reduced hours and lack of staff. Dr. Edwards added City Staff have recently initiated clean-up
actions, which will be reviewed tonight by department heads.
Ms. Beekman stated the Community Development Department is involved in City clean-up actions
through additional Code Enforcement staff; meetings with property managers and business
owners; use of an evaluation matrix; Code Enforcement meetings with Walmart, Cub Foods, and
Sun Foods to discuss cart storage and clean-up. The new Economic Development Coordinator,
Vong Thao, has been instrumental in building relationships and listening to the concerns of local
businesses, as well as raising the City's concerns to businesses.
Ms. Beekman stated Mr. Thao is working on programs to support small businesses, including a
matching grant program of up to $5,000 to provide support for exterior maintenance, security, and
beautification efforts.
Public Worlcs Director Doran Cote stated the City has entered into a contract for trash pick-up and
hauling, and shopping carts pick up on Bass Lalce Road and Brooklyn Boulevard. The City
Council recently approved the purchase of a MadVac trash collector, which will not be delivered
until late April due to Covid restrictions. Daily street sweeping began last week, and trash pick-
up will continue at bus stops and in parks. Shingle Creek Clean-up is scheduled for April 24, 2021.
Janelle Crossfield stated City Staff are meeting with Shingle Creels Crossing management to
initiate a stormwater drain art initiative.
Dr. Edwards stated the goal of this program is to provide solutions that will address the litter issue
in the City, which rests on residents, visitors, business owners to be accountable for stewardship.
Councilmember Butler thanked Dr. Edwards and Mr. Cote for the presentation and update. She
added she appreciates the infoi�nation regarding delays due to Covid. She asked how success will
03/22/21 -0-
be measured, and whether there will be a benchmark to measure initiatives and pivot if they are
not working.
Dr. Edwards stated the evaluation tool will allow City Staff to develop analyLies and assess and
determine which areas require trash pick-up more frequently. He added City Staff will meet
regularly to review progress. He added there is no analytics developed yet, but it is obvious that
other areas are cleaner, and litter has been picked up.
Mr. Boganey stated City Staff are reviewing several different models for measuring progress.
Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates the presentation, and she likes that public art is
being incorporated in some of the ideas. She asked whether any other businesses have been
contacted about trying to encourage people to clean up after themselves. She suggested signage
or better disposals, or a park ambassador to go into the parks and remind people.
Councilmember Graves asked whether the trash picked up by the MadVac machine can be
recycled. Mr. Cote stated the machine does not distinguish between trash and recyclables, but it
can be hand sorted.
Councilmember Graves stated some businesses were beginning to work together and encourage
other businesses to work with them to keep the area brighter and cleaner.
Ms. Beekman stated City Staff are working with local businesses, but compliance is not the issue.
She added, for instance, Sun Foods has employees clean the parking lot twice a day. She noted
this is an ongoing and constant problem and not something that is easily addressed.
Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates the efforts of the City Staff. She added it is more
of a cultural and societal problem, and the City and community will have to do whatever we can.
Dr. Edwards stated City employees and business employees picking up trash now is not the long-
term solution to this problem. He stressed the importance of engaging in strategies that will change
people's behavior so that they stop littering and throwing their trash on the ground.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated she appreciates Councilmember Butler's efforts in
making this issue a priority for the City Council. She also thanked City Staff for their support and
hard work on this issue.
Councilmember Ryan stated he would like to acknowledge that Councilmember Butler has
brought this issue to the forefi•ont and made it a real priority. He added he appreciates the
comments of his colleagues and concurs.
Mayor Elliott asked whether there will be another update at the next meeting. Mr. Boganey stated
that can be provided but not much will have changed in 2 weeks. Mayor Elliott stated an update
could be provided in 1 month. Mr. Boganey agreed.
03/22/21 -9-
Mr. Boganey stated Councilmember Butler had asked a critical question regarding now the City
will measure success. He added success will be achieved when people decide not to throw their
trash in public or private places, eliminating longer a need for extensive clean-up efforts.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
None.
10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
10a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-47 CONDEMNING THE USE OF DISCRIMINATORY
COVENANTS, DISCHARGING DISCRIMINATORY COVENANTS ON CITY -
OWNED PROPERTY, AND APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE JUST
DEEDS COALITION
Mayor Elliott stated discriminatory racial covenants are found on properties throughout the region,
causing segregation in communities. He added this has occurred in black communities and
communities of color. He noted language preventing black people from owning, renting, or
occupying property may still exist on covenants in Brooklyn Center.
Mayor Elliott dropped off the call at 8:51 p.m.
Councilmember Graves asked Mayor Pro Tem Butler to run the meeting.
Mayor Elliott rejoined the meeting at 8:52 p.m. but asked Mayor Pro Tem Butler to continue
running the meeting.
Dr. Edwards gave a presentation on the use of discriminatory covenants and racially restrictive
deeds. The first evidence of this practice in Minnesota occurred in 1910. He added City Staff has
been researching deeds in Brooklyn Center to determine whether there are any such covenants.
Mayor Elliott rejoined the meeting.
Dr. Edwards stated, in 2019, the Minnesota legislature allowed property owners to individually
discharge or renounce discriminatory covenants. In March 2020, City Staff met with the Mapping
Prejudice Project co-founders Mr. Bill Wells and Dr. Kirsten Delegard. The Mapping Prejudice
Project provided evidence that structural barriers stopped many people who were not white from
owning property and building wealth for most of the last century. The City hopes to join the Just
Deeds Coalition, which is committed to addressing systemic racism in housing in Minnesota. The
coalition seeks to educate Minnesotans about historically racist practices like discriminatory
covenants.
03/22/21 -10-
jr, Edwards stated City Staff recommends the adoption of a Resolution committing the City of
Brooklyn Center to join the Just Deeds Coalition. City Staff continues to research restrictive
covenants in the City of Brooklyn Center and can provide communication to residents who may
desire to remove restrictive covenants. The City's Housing Study will provide recommendations
of strategies to eliminate racist and discriminatory practices in housing.
Mayor Elliott thanked Dr. Edwards for his presentation. He asked whether City Staff has
additional information on City -owned properties that have been identified as having racial
covenants and whether these can be provided to the City Council at a later date. He stated the
people of Brooklyn Center want to know if there are properties in Brooklyn Center that have a
restriction on the deed that is purely based on the color of someone's skin. He added the people
of Brooklyn Center would be eager to discharge those covenants, to ensure that racism is not
perpetrated against anyone either purposefully or inadvertently through actions and policies. He
noted this is a very important step to take as a City, and it is more than just symbolic. He expressed
his appreciation for the City Staffs recommendations in moving this issue forward.
Mayor Elliott read in full a Resolution condemning the use of discriminatory covenants,
discharging discriminatory Covenants on City -owned property, and approving participation in the
Just Deeds Coalition,
Mayor Elliott stated he has reached out to Mapping Prejudice Project to invite them to present to
the City Council on their work related to the discriminatory practices and how they continue to
shape our modern cities.
Councilmember Ryan stated the Resolution allows the City Council to condemn the history of
these odious covenants, which are no longer legal nor enforceable. He added this symbolic gesture
is a statement that reinforces the values of the City of Brooklyn Center. He expressed his
appreciation for Mayor Elliott in bringing this Resolution before the City Council.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to adopt RESOLUTION N0.2021-XX
Condemning the Use of Discriminatory Covenants, Discharging Discriminatory Covenants on
City -Owned Property and Approving Participation in the Just Deeds Coalition.
Motion passed unanimously.
Comments on Timing and Lengthy Commentary
Councilmember Graves called for an adjourmnent. She stated she would like to comment about
timing and trying not to talk longer than necessary, to ensure that the City Council can move
through its agendas at a reasonable pace.
Councilmember Graves stated the Regular Session Agenda Item related to "Council Reports" is
an important portion of the Agenda. She added the City Council has been foregoing the Council
Reports in the interests of time, but it is important to share the work of different Commissions and
other issues with each other.
03/22/21 -11-
Mayor Elliott stated there is still another Regular Session Agenda item to address, related to
Commission Appointments.
lOb. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS TO CITY COMMISSIONS
Mayor Elliott reviewed two Housing Commission applicants that he is recommending for City
Council approval.
Johnson Yang is a 4-year resident of Brooklyn Center and has been a real estate agent since 2017.
He added Mr. Yang is active in the community and is interested in serving on the Housing
Commission.
Zarita Hester is a 2-year resident of Brooklyn Center and has worked at St. Stephens Human
Services as a Housing Counsellor, and a crisis clinic. He added she looks forward to working with
the Housing Commission to develop better housing options.
Mayor Elliott stated these appointees will provide insight based on their lived experiences and
professional backgrounds. He added they will help develop comprehensive housing policies and
strategies.
Mayor Elliott stated there will be Commission appointments at every upcoming City Council
meeting. He added he is aware that there are still some Commission vacancies. He added his goal
is to ensure that the Commissions are representative of the community.
Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to ratify Mayoral Appointments to City
Commissions as presented.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates Mayor Elliott's efforts in continuing to find diverse
representation on the City's Commissions. She asked whether these new appointees went through
the typical process and submitted an application to the City Cleric. Mayor Elliott confirmed this.
Mayor Elliott stated he wants to be thoughtful about Commission appointments. He added he saw
a comment on social media from someone who said that he was appointing his friends. He added,
in the interests of transparency, the appointees are not his friends.
Councilmember Ryan stated it would help if the City Council could review the Commission
applications before the meeting at which the appointees will be approved. He added this gives the
Councilmembers confidence that appointees have related experience and education.
11. COUNCIL REPORT
This Agenda Item was not addressed.
12. ADJOURNMENT
03/22/21 -12-
Mayor Elliott asked Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson if she wanted to close the Study Session.
Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson moved and Mayor Elliott seconded adj ournment of the Study
Session at 9:27 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Elliott stated Councilmember Graves indicated that she would like to move to adjourn the
Council meeting. He added there are still Work Session agenda items to address.
Councilmember Graves stated she intended to adjourn the Regular Session and move into the
Work Session.
By consensus, Mayor Elliott adj ourned the Regular Session and the City Council moved into Work
Session at 9:28 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 a Regular
Session Meeting of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on March 22,
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 Apri126, 2021, Regular Session.
City Clerk
03/22/21 -13-