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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 04-26 CCM Regular Session MINUTES 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 APRIL 26, 2021 CITY HALL—COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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 Mike Elliott at 6:48 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, and Dan Ryan. Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson was excused. Also present were Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards, Finance Director Mark Ebensteiner, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Fire Chief Todd Berg, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist. Councilmember Graves moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to open the Informal Open Forum at 6:48 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Mike Elliott opened the meeting for Informal Open Forum. Diane Sannes reported on April 24, 2021, Earth Day Clean-Up that occurred along the Mississippi River, 694, and Mn/DOT bridge, noting this trail is a major recreation and community path. She stated earlier in April, Brooklyn Center children from Park Center High School who are part of the National Honor Society volunteered to clean up a large area of Palmer Lake Park. Ms. Sannes noted a lot of residents have been cleaning all around Brooklyn Center this week but there is always more to do so pick up a bag and pitch in. Mayor Elliott thanked Ms. Sannes and all involved in the Earth Day Clean-Up. Lori Bordahl stated she wanted to go back to the Listening Session on Wednesday and recommend that the Brooklyn Center Police Department not be present at the first session, just to make it focused on the community. With tensions running so high now, she thinks that would be a good idea. She stated if there are questions for them later on Saturday, that would be a better time to open it to the police but also making a firm statement that tensions are high. She does not want to see tear gas or rubber bullets because people are angry. She stated we have the right to be angry and just because people are angry, it does not mean they are not being peaceful. 04/26/21 -1- Mayor Elliott stated there are no plans to have law enforcement at the meeting on Wednesday as that will be community-focused to come together and talk about what they have experienced and solutions to help us move forward. Joy A., a resident of Brooklyn Center, stated she is glad to hear about the Listening Session and hopes the City gets the word out so people can participate. She has one topic to bring up, which is an issue she heard about two years ago during a City Council meeting and decided to involve herself by following up on it. The issue is the status of Brooklyn Center rape kits and that it's been over two years since Councilmember Graves and Mayor Elliott had asked the former Police Chief to report on the status of this critical evidence. She wondered if there can be a yes or no answer as to whether this has been resolved. If not resolved, she has a few more things to say. Councilmember Graves stated she was engaged in e-mails with Joy and the City Manager at the time and they did get some data but it was very minimal and some had to do with other State agencies and follow-up on the part of our Police Department to get more specific numbers. So, there was some follow-up but certainly not the kind she would like to see in the case of rape. Joy stated because she has been thinking about this and it has been going on for a long period, she has six questions to pose. She asked has the evidence been withheld from the victims? Why over two years and no response to the leadership inquiry? She thinks there should be an investigation into this. She asked how many kits are there? How many have been processed? How many resulted in prosecution? Were the victims referred to support services at the time of their assault? Has anyone followed up with the victims on the status of their evidence? She stated she has taken it upon herself to keep pursuing this as rape is a serious assault, she does not want to see it ignored, and there needs to be accountability. She stated shc will pursue this until she is satisfied on behalf of all the people that this has happened to. Mayor Elliott asked Joy to e-mail the six questions so staff can work with the Department to get those answers. Joy noted this is the perfect time with Mayor Elliott being the oversight to the Police Department right now. Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards asked Ms. Joy to forward that information to him so he can make sure it gets to appropriate staff and back to the City Council. Joy stated she will send a group e-mail to Councilmember Graves and Mayor Elliott and Dr. Edwards. Alfreda Daniels acknowledged that what Joy said is important. She stated with everything that has been happening in the City over the last week and that will happen, she wanted to highlight the work of residents of Brooklyn Center over the last two weeks to heal itsel£ She stated even before the City stepped in or other non-profit organizations,community leaders and residents have stepped up to the plate to do a lot of great work to heal the community,to have bonded, and people canvassing and asking their neighbors about their needs. She stated we have been at the table, working with police departments to ensure our community members are safe, and have been out there boarding our businesses as well. She stated that is important work to highlight, to know that at times like this,the community takes care of the community, and that is why it is so important to have communities at the table moving forward. She referenced what Councilmember Graves said 04/26/21 '2' earlier, that the answers that we need to help move our community forward are within our community. Mr. Koenig stated the concept presented for Crest Apartments reminds him, and perhaps it already is done but if not, the City Council looks at the empty seat on the Planning Commission. He encouraged the City Council to do as it has been to fill it with diversity representing the entirety of Brooklyn Center as it appears development projects will begin as the pandemic ends. Mayor Elliott thanked Mr. Koenig for his comments, which he appreciated. No one else wished to address the City Council. Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Graves seconded to close the Informal Open Forum at 7:01 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 2. INVOCATION Councilmember Butler stated she appreciates Ms. Daniels pointing out all that was done to bring the community together because it goes along with the quote she wants to share tonight. She stated she too was extremely impressed but not surprised by how the community came together and was there for those who needed assistance immediately with everything that transpired over the past couple of weeks. She publicly thanked everyone whether they dropped off, financially gave,rolled up their sleeves, and helped with cleaning up the community, or whatever they did. Councilmember Butler shared a quote from Cornel West: "None of us alone can save the nation or the world. But, each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so." Councilmember Butler again thanked all those who have done that over the past couple of weeks. Mayor Elliott thanked Councilmember Butler and agreed that over the past couple of weeks we've had perhaps the most difficult time in our history and are still dealing with the aftermath of that. 3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott at 7:04 p.m. WELCOME AND UPDATE Mayor Elliott noted tonight's agenda is very full and thanked the Council Members and staff far the work done to prepare materials for the meeting today. He also welcomed residents who are joining the meeting by Zoom. Mayor Elliott explained that to effectively complete the City's business,he is asking that all respect the rules of order and stated he will assure regularly scheduled sessions have specific opportunities for discussions and public comments. He stated he will do his best to assure all can participate fully. Mayor Elliott stated he and Acting City Manager Edwards 04/26/21 _3_ think it is essential to briefly address the story in yesterday's StarTribune about the potential financial consequences to the City for legal claims related to the shooting death of Daunte Wright and the civil unrest following that tragedy. He asked the Acting City Manager to provide a brief update for the City Council on that matter. He assured the City Council that there will be a thoughtful and thorough process involving the City Council as we navigate these challenging issues. Dr. Edwards stated he has two points to share at this time. The City was aware there could be potential litigation related to this so staff has been in discussion with the City's attorneys and the League of Minnesota Cities about that since a week and a half ago. Staff is also in consultation with financial staff to assess the capacity and issues related to the City's financial standing. Staff will be in a position, as we go forward, to provide a scenario on what potential implications could be as it relates to that issue. He explained that staff believes the possibility of a civil lawsuit may come about following the criminal case with Ms. Potter,which begins May 16, 2021. At this time, the staff is not releasing any information or discussing this as it is premature this time but the staff is assessing the City's financial situation and multiple strategies that may be coming forth as it relates to this case. Dr. Edwards stated the City Council will be kept posted as staff prepares for the event of a settlement or something else coming forth so the City Council is apprised of all issues. Mayor Elliott stated future discussions on this matter will be held in Closed Session according to Minnesota State Statutes. Mayor Elliott announced that a public Listening Session will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Earle Brown Heritage Center from 5-8 p.m. Notice of that meeting will be posted online and further questions can be directed to the City Clerk. Mayor Elliott stated this meeting is being conducted electronically under Minnesota Statute Section 13D.021 due to pandemic. He asked that those connected to this meeting keep their microphone muted,noting there is an opportunity for public comment when called upon. He asked those speaking not to talk over one another or be disruptive during the meeting. Mayor Elliott stated information about this meeting and the packet of information is available on the City Council section of the website and the home page. 4. ROLL CALL Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, and Dan Ryan. Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson was excused. Also present were Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards, Finance Director Mark Ebensteiner, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Fire Chief Todd Berg, and City Attorney Troy Gilchrist. 5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA 04/26/21 -4- Mayor Elliott stated there is one modification to the agenda to add Item l 0a,Resolution Approving Emergency Assistance to Residents Affected by Civil Unrest Fund. He explained this fund will be for folks near the Police Department, particularly in the apartments impacted who suffered a loss due to the unrest. Councilmember Graves moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, to add Item 10a, Resolution Approving Emergency Assistance to Residents Affected by Civil Unrest, and the following consent items were approved: 6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 15, 2021 — City Council Town Hall Meeting 2. March 22, 2021 — Study Session 3. March 22, 2021 —Regular Session 4. March 22, 2021 Work Session 5. April 5, 2021 —Local Board Appeals & Equalization 6b. LICENSES HOSPITALITY ACCOMMODATIONS LICENSE Extended Stay America 2701 Freeway Blvd Brooklyn Center, 55430 Kaswa Hospitality 6445 James Cir Super 8 Brooklyn Center 55430 Faraz Enterprises 6415 James Cir Travelodge Brooklyn Center 55430 Seth Oliver Brooklyn Hotel Partners 6300 Earle Brown Dr Embassy Suites Brooklyn Center 55430 MECHANICAL LICENSES Affordable Comfort Mechanical 1167 Viking Dr. E dba Apollo Maplewood 55109 Avid Heating & Cooling 7700 Cty Rd 110 W Minnetrista 55364 Blue Rain Plumbing gg21 Woodland Rd Bloomington 55437 Bonfe's Plumbing Htg & Air Service 455 Harman Ave So. St. Paul 55075 CenterPoint Energy 6161 Golden Valley Rd Golden Valley 55422 Centraire Htg &AC, Inc. 68ll Washington Ave N Edina 55439 Deans Professional Plumbing Inc. 7400 Kirkwood Ct N Maple Grove 55369 04/26/21 -5- Hearth & Home Technologies LLC 7571 215th Street W Lakeville MN 55044 Homeworks Services Co 1230 Eagan Industrial Rd. #117 Eagan MN 55121 Horowitz Inc 7400 49th Ave N New Hope MN 55428 J-Berd Mechanical Contractors, Inc. 1 Industrial Blvd Sauk Rapids MN 56379 Larson Plumbing Inc PO Box 459 Isanti MN 55040 Majestic Custom Heating &Air Cond gg00 Royal Ct NW Anoka MN 55303 Major Mechanical Inc 11202 86th Ave N Maple Grove MN 55369 Mike's Custom Mechanical Inc PO Box 171 Champlin MN 55316 Northland Mechanical Contr 9001 Science Center D New Hope MN 55428 Ridler Heating & Cooling Inc. 3110 Washington Ave N Minneapolis MN 55411 Standard Heating & AC 130 Plymouth Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411 WJW Company 10600 University Ave NW Coon Rapids MN 55448 RENTAL LICENSES INITIAL (TYPE IV—one year license) 3012 Thurber Rd Angelique Kapila/Risen Home Care INITIAL (TYPE III—one year license) 6800 Scott Ave N Emmanuel Williams INITIAL (TYPE II—two year license) 7013 Knox Ave N HPA USA 1/Pathlight Management 4207 Lakeside Ave #124 Perry Lensing RENEWAL (TYPE IV—one year license) 3601 47th Ave N 8411 Balboa LLGMatthew Wallman Ryan Creek Manor 4 - met requirements 2606 64th Ave N Abdirashid Arab—missing action plan, CPTED follow up, CFH cert RENEWAL (TYPE III—one year license) 700 66th N Georgetown Park Wensch Construction/Scott Gann 04/26/21 -6- Townhouses —met requirements 1217 54th Avenue N Jay Moua—missing CPTED follow up 2018 SSth Avenue N Chen Zhou/Lancelot Properties—met requirements 3912 61 St Avenue N Nazeem Khatoon—met requirements 4101 70th Ave N Paul Pham—met requirements 6724 France Ave N Jessica Stoll Van Elson—met requirements 6051 Halifax Ave N Oyewale Ilesammi/Supreme Living Homes —met requirements—missing CFH cert 5631 Hillsview Rd Kent LeFevre 7243 Riverdale Rd IH3 Property Illinois/Mai Thao - met requirements 4200 Winchester LA Obafemi Oladeji —missing CPTED and CFH 4506 65th Ave N Virginia Lazo 7101 Girard Ave N EE & J Investment LLC —missing CPTED 2718 Ohenry Rd Wade Klick/5118 66th Ave N LLC RENEWAL (TYPE II—two year license) 5200 Drew Ave N Morris Matthews 5636 Fremont Ave N Alice Isatu Mansaray 7013 Fremont Avenue N IH3 Property Illinois/Mai Thao 6809 Fremont Pl Ali Sajjad/786 Homes LLC 5713 Humboldt Ave N Janice Bjorn 5500 Knox Ave N MNSF II W1/Marc Silverstein 6661 Xerxes Pl N Ashwin Goel 6131 Bryant Ave N Jun Wang 6611 Camden Dr. Jenn-Yuan Chen/Shin Chiang 5530 James Ave N Ross Herman 5524 Logan Ave N Mark Olson/Avalon Homes missing CPTED follow up & CFH cert RENEWAL (TYPE I—three year license) 5200 63rd Avenue N Roger Bonny 2900 67th La Dolores Fischer 1600 69th Ave N Hieu Vo 5350 71St Cir Ali Sajjad/786 Homes LLC 5943 Colfax Ave N Juliana Koe 6018 Kyle Ave N Danny Vo 7200 Morgan Ave N Dwayne Holmstrom 3300 67t" Ave N Sergey Kunin 1344 68th Ln Syewon Sez Weah/Ducor Home Solution—met requirements 1807 70th Ave N Rebecca Thomley 7215 Girard Ave N Rebecca Thomley 6424 Scott Ave N Chen Zhou/Godiva Properties—met requirements 5913 Washburn Ave N Robert E Lindahl 04/26/21 -7- 6c. AN ORDINANCE 2021-01 AMENDING CHAPTERS 7 AND 19 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCF.S REGARDING WASTE AND ORGANICS RECYCLING BY HAULERS 6d. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-59 RECOGNIZING BROOKLYN CENTER AS A TREE CITY USA FOR THE TWENTY-NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR 6e. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-60 DESIGNATING 2021 PLANTING LIST OF ALLOWABLE BOULEVARD TREE SPECIES 6f. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-61 ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT, PROJECT NO. 2021-15, 2021 PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS 6g. RESOLUTION No. 2021-62 AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR THE TAX BASE REVITALIZATION ACCOUNT 6h. RESOLUTION No. 2021-63 SETTING FEE SCHEDULE FOR DISASTER RECOVERY REPAIR PERMITS Motion passed unanimously. 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 7a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-64 EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR THE DONATION OF A PALLET OF BOTTLED DRINHING WATER TO THE BROOKLYN CENTER FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Chief Todd Berg explained this resolution expresses appreciation for the donation of a pallet of bottled drinking water to the Brooklyn Center Fire Department from the Brooklyn Center Wal- Mart store. He explained the Fire Department uses bottled water often at scenes where they are doing strenuous work with extra heavy gear and often in hot environments to keep themselves hydrated. Councilmember Graves thanked the Fire Chief for bringing forward this resolution of appreciation. She stated it is great that Wal-Mart, an area business, is contributing to the volunteer firefighters. She asked whether it is a practice of the firefighters to recycle empty water bottles. Fire Chief Berg stated the firefighter's bag and return all garbage and recycling to the Fire Department. Councilmember Graves encouraged all to take the time to recycle plastics and thanked the Fire Chief, noting it was good to see him the other day. Mayor Elliott stated there was a prior discussion on moving away from single-use plastics City wide but there are some situations where it is unavoidable. 04/26/21 -g- Councilmember Graves moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2021- 64 Expressing Appreciation for the Donation of a Pallet of Bottled Drinking Water to the Brooklyn Center Fire Department. Motion passed unanimously. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-65 AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE, SALE, AND DELIVERY OF ITS CONDUIT REVENUE BONDS RELATING TO THE TESFA INTERNATIONAL SCI�OOL PROJECT Dr. Edwards introduced the item and stated this relates to authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of conduit revenue bonds for the Tesfa International School project. He noted this item did come before the City Council and the bids were left open. Finance Director Mark Ebensteiner introduced Jenny Boulton with Kennedy and Graven who would provide a summary of the project. Jenny Boulton explained Kennedy and Graven is the bond counsel and after the public hearing, the City Council is being asked to consider a resolution to authorize the issuance of conduit revenue bonds,the proceeds of which would be used by Tesfa International School, which is in the process of changing its name to STEM Academy. They will use those proceeds to acquire the building that was previously used by Noble Academy and before that by Odyssey Academy. The City previously issued bonds in connection with the acquisition of that building by the Odyssey Charter School and those bonds will be paid of£ She advised they are completely separate borrowers and completely separate financings so only one will be outstanding at a time. Ms. Boulton explained the resolution would authorize up to $10 million of conduit revenue bonds. The City is not obligated to make any payments on those bonds,even in the event of default. There is no taxing authority that is pledged to the payment and there is no City property or other assets that would be pledged to the payment of those bonds, even in the event of default. She explained the bonds are secured by the building and the charter school's revenues, which are payments they receive through the State of Minnesota. Ms. Boulton offered to answer questions, noting Mr. Kou Vang is working with the school on the acquisition of the building and also available if there are project-specific questions. Councilmember Ryan moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to reopen the Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Kou Vang, owners' representative for Tesfa International School, noted that along with himself, Jonas Beugen, the Executive Director, is available. He thanked the staff for the presentation and stated they do not have anything to add but are available to answer questions of the City Council. 04/26/21 -9- Mayor Elliott asked about the conduit bond itself and how the City can facilitate the bonds if the City does not have any liability or exposure in the event of a default. Ms. Boulton explained that local government entities are given the authority to issue conduit revenue bonds that give non- profit corporations and other entities, like affordable housing developers, access to tax-exempt financing. This is a program under the federal tax law that allows the borrowers to borrow their funds at a lower interest cost because the investors who are loaning them the money do not pay income taxes on their interest income. So, it is a lower-cost method of financing to make certain types of development more affordable, including non-profits and affordable housing. This is a tool the City has used several times for affordable housing projects in the last couple of years. Ms. Boulton stated the investors, the holders of the bonds, are looking directly at the property, the building itself, and the land, as collateral under a mortgage. That is what provides security. She explained there are two tiers of entities in the case of charter schools. A building company owns the property and leases it to the school entity itself. The school entity makes lease payments and those regular monthly payments are used to pay the principal and interest on the bonds. The school receives those revenues because charter schools are public schools and receive funding primarily through payments from the State. Ms. Boulton stated the bondholders are only looking at those revenues as the source of payment but the City is involved because that is a requirement under the federal tax law to have access to these tax-exempt financing mechanisms. Ms. Boulton advised that no one has called into her conference line, which was provided as a toll- free number. Diane Sannes noted Brooklyn Center has ten school buildings, eight school boards, and three charter schools currently and it is her understanding this school would replace Noble Academy. She stated there is a high turnover rate in our charter schools, sometimes they last one year, and sometimes they last two years. She asked who is the authorizer of this new charter school. Mr. Kou Vang answered the authorizer for Tesla International School is Volunteers of America. He explained the school has been around for five years and enrollment has been steady. They would move from Columbia Heights into this Brooklyn Center area and in talking with parents, the current student body will be following into this location. Ms. Sannes asked if a school is moving from Columbia Heights to Brooklyn Center. Mr. Kou Vang stated that is correct,they are moving an existing school into this facility. Ms. Sannes stated she is glad to hear they are under Volunteers of America, which is a good authorizer. Mayor Elliott thanked Ms. Sannes for her well-informed questions. He stated to Mr. Kou Vang that if he has not yet met Ms. Sannes, he can assure him that he will as she will be a good partner for their school since she connects with all the schools and is an asset to the community. Ms. Sannes thanked Mayor Elliott and welcomed Mr. Kou Vang. No one else appeared to address this item. Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Ryan seconded to close the Public Hearing. 04/26/21 -10- Motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Ryan moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2021-65 Authorizing Issuance of Conduit Charter School Lease Revenue Bonds for Tesfa International School Project under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.152 through 469.1655 and Approving Related Documents. Motion passed unanimously. 9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS None. 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 10a. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-66 APPROVING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY CIVIL UNREST Dr. Edwards stated this resolution would establish emergency assistance to residents affected by the civil unrest. He noted there has been testimony from residents who live in apartments in and around the police station, and over 114 were relocated by Red Cross assistance to provide some sense of safety. Dr. Edwards noted some residents have reached out to the City as it relates to covering expenses lost through no fault of their own and primarily due to the civil unrest that was going on around them. The residents have gone through significant hardships whether physical, mental, or economic, and asked the City for some type of assistance in those cases. Dr. Edwards explained the City currently does not have a mechanism that would address such issues because this is an unprecedented event. The staff has been in communication with other entities, County and State,relating to this issue and desire to provide some type of assistance or develop a program where the City can help. Dr. Edwards stated staff anticipates the City may be able to leverage and match funds. He relayed his communication today with a foundation that may be willing to match the City's funding to assist residents during these times of hardship and particular crises. Dr. Edwards explained that Community Development Director Beekman is the primary author of the resolution and would be the City point person to help and coordinate with others in the community. Also, Ms. Daniels has spoken to some organizations that stepped up and helped residents during this difficult time. Community Development Director Meg Beekman stated she had nothing to add to Dr. Edwards' presentation. Dr. Edwards stated staff does not yet have all of the criteria in place but is asking the City Council to authorize staff to proceed. He stated staff does know there is a demand today. Councilmember Ryan commended staff and the County Commissioner and his staff for engaging the Red Cross to do a rapid response for folks living across the street in apartment buildings opposite the police station on Humboldt Avenue who experienced hardship because of civil unrest. 04/26/21 -11- He noted the County Commissioner recognized the County itself was too slow to respond in many cases to those in distress but by engaging the Red Cross, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, folk were able to get relief much faster. Councilmember Ryan stated he appreciates the work of City staff to coordinate that effort, identify needs, and act quickly. He offered an example of Ms. Barnes who lives in one of the buildings just opposite the police station who contacted him by e-mail. He forwarded that e-mail to both County staff and City staff and the response was prompt. Councilmember Ryan stated that is only one example, and there are others, of prompt response which speaks very well for Dr. Edwards and Community Development Director Beekman for being flexible and doing what needs to be done in these hard times. Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates that staff brought this forward. She recently saw an e-mail to the effect that a resident had been displaced from her home and had additional costs. Councilmember Graves stated she felt disappointed that the resident didn't know about some of the other resources and is sure others were not looped in or got contacted early enough. Councilmember Graves acknowledged that staff and the City as a whole, the City Council included, could have been more prepared. She hoped in the future they are more prepared and working with community members who showed up right away from Day 1, showed her around, and showed her what the community had done and pulled together. Councilmember Graves stated she wants everyone to know that this is exactly the kind of support we need to have in place both in good times and in difficult times. She stated she is doing her best as a Council Member to make sure we have that and the City is even more responsive than it has been. Councilmember Graves asked Dr. Edwards to quantify the demand being presented as of right now as far as families who are looking to the City to help with costs incurred through the crisis. Dr. Edwards stated staff does not have a running list but some estimate there may be up to 50 impacted families. Councilmember Graves stated in addition to whatever staff recommends as a possible reimbursement fund, she thinks the City also needs to make sure they are connected to local food distributions, an entry point to mental health resources, and transitional resources. She does not know if these families are now unhoused or temporarily unhoused, but that is something the City should care about. Councilmember Graves thanked Dr. Edwards and the staff for their work on this matter. Mayor Elliott stated the City will be working to relocate several families as some indicated they have been traumatized and no longer want to live in their apartment or come outside. He stated for a lot of families, serious and intense counseling needs to be made available for the adults and kids and for some, assistance in relocating. He mentioned the down payment assistance program, noting staff will look at helping these families to stay in Brooklyn Center. He also noted that for many of them, a permanent relocation is probably what they are going to need. Mayor Elliott stated he wanted to re-underscore that the community played a crucial role in all of this work and responses. Councilmember Ryan moved and Mayor Elliott seconded to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2021-66 Approving Emergency Assistance to Residents Affected by Civil Unrest. 04/26/21 -12- Motion passed unanimously. 11. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Graves reported on her attendance at the following: • Brooklyn Youth Council Healing Session • Meeting with representatives from the Department of Justice and Community Relation Services • Marshal Event Training • Attended various vigils and visited the Distribution Center • Attended BIPOC Neighborhood Meetings Councilmember Butler reported on her attendance at the following: • Met with Councilmember Graves relating to meeting with BIPOC Leaders • Met with US Representative Ilhan Omar • Volunteered at the Distribution Center • Worked with Mental Relief Services to bring food to volunteers • Helped to organize the vaccine clinic • Held conversations at the local Mosque • Visited the memorial site Councilmember Ryan stated his appreciation for the involvement and commitment of his fellow Council Members. He stated the City needed to speak with one voice and that's the job of the Mayor who represents the City, noting it was a rather thankless task in such a difficult and trying situation. Councilmember Ryan reported on his work on the following: • Followed several bills in the State legislature that potentially have significance on the City's financial capacity to respond to this crisis • Will be contacting federal representatives relating to federal outcomes • Answered virtually all the e-mail he has received Councilmember Graves noted there are several bills currently in front of Congress related to reform and the George Floyd Act. She has been signing onto some letters from other leaders and encouraged all as community leaders and others to look at reform acts and encourage State and Federal representatives to move those issues forward. Councilmember Ryan stated his understanding that Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson had contacted the Acting City Manager to inform him that she was not able to attend tonight's meetings because her mother is gravely ill and in intensive care. Mayor Elliott stated he is sorry to hear that and will pray and hope for the best for Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson's mother. Mayor Elliott reported on his attendance at the following: 04/26/21 -13- • Worked closely with Council Members and staff to address the emergency including working with the community, folks present at the protest, trying to build bridges with law enforcement, and strategies being implemented • Participated in communication with local, State, federal elected officials, and law enforcement partners including the Governor's office and White House • Worked with communication folks to speak on behalf of the City with various media outlets • Kept in contact with Daunte's family • Attended Daunte's funeral along with many other representatives from the community and governmental agencies • Currently engaged in trying to figure out the way forward and to recover from this tragedy in ways that are going to build the community stronger than before, grow from this, and be united as one. Mayor Elliott noted it has been daunting several weeks and sad for Daunte's family and all of us. He has been amazed at how many people have reached out and the community has mobilized and come together. He knew it was always possible but this has brought out the best in us as a Brooklyn Center community. Mayor Elliott stated we have much to be thankful for even amid this tragedy and we will build in more thoughtful ways that make sure everyone is included, count, and their needs are met. He stated all he has spoken with have expressed a commitment to that and it gives him chills to talk about. Mayor Elliott stated he is honored to be in this servant capacity to share this leadership role with his fellow Council Members and City staff to build the best city to live in Minnesota and a City that's an example to the rest of the State and maybe even the country. He appreciates being able to share what he has been working on and noted it will take everyone working very closely, putting aside differences, and digging in with each playing their roles to make what they know is possible into a reality. 12. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Elliott moved and Councilmember Butler seconded adjournment of the City Council meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. 04/26/21 -14- STATE OF MINNESOTA) COiJNTY 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 April 26, 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 May 10, 2021, Regular Session. , � .G(.��I��� �` City Clerk Mayor 04/26/21 -15-