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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 06-28 CCM Study SessionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA STUDY SESSION DUNE 28, 2021 VIA ZOOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Study Session called to order by Mayor Mike Elliott at 6607 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Mike Elliott and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence - Anderson, and Dan Ryan. Also present were Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and City Clerk Barb Suciu, CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS AND QUESTIONS Mayor Elliott announced he had to leave the meeting at about 8 p.m. and at that point, Councilmember Graves will take over. Councilmember Graves asked whether Mayor Pro Tem Butler is not present tonight. Mayor Elliott apologized and corrected that Mayor Pro Tem Butler will preside upon his departure. City Clerlc Barb Suciu noted an added agenda item related to a Presentation from Hennepin County Regarding Civil Unrest. Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards explained that Commissioner Lunde intended to make a presentation of support from Hennepin County as it pertains to civil unrest. But, due to a family event, Commissioner Lunde is unable to be present tonight so it will be rescheduled for July. Dr. Edwards asked Mayor Elliott about EDA/Worlc Session item. Mayor Elliott thanked Dr. Elliott for the reminder and removed EDA/Work Session Agenda Item 3, Mayor's Senior Policy Aide Position, for presentation at an upcoming meeting. Later in the meeting, it was agreed to switch Council Consideration Items 10.a., Resolution Authorizing a Community Engagement Pilot Program with Community Partners for the Opportunity Site, and 10.b., City Manager Appointment, MISCELLANEOUS 06/28/21 -1- Mayor Elliott stated the City Council had the chat feature before, then discussed it, and turned it off. He stated he likes having the chat feature on to increase participation and asked for City Council input. Councilmember Graves stated she appreciates additional ideas brought forward by the chat feature as well but also sees how sometimes it is a bit of a distraction and space where, if not well facilitated, could be hostile because it is hard to control what people decide to say digitally. She noted even something meaning to come from a good place can be interpreted and received negatively. Councilmember Graves stated, first of all, she looks forward to being able to meet back in person again, which she prefers although it is nice to have the option for virtual should she be out of town or not feeling well. She prefers an in -person connection with Council Members, staff, and community members who attend. She suggested between now and when resuming in -person meetings, the chat feature is open during Work Sessions and Informal Open Formal and closed when not during that time. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson concurred with Councilmember Graves that during the Work Session and Informal Open Forum are a perfect opportunity for the chat feature. Yet during the meeting, she believes it is a distraction, noting in Chambers, public comment is not typically allowed unless a Public Hearing. She stated if the chat feature is used as if an in -person meeting, it would be perfectly fine if facilitated well, which may be an obstacle for the City Clerk who is the host. Councilmember Ryan stated he generally concurs with his colleagues and thinks the chat feature is a distraction and can be used or misused. But if acceptable to most of his colleagues to have the chat feature enabled during a Work Session or Informal Open Forum, he can live with it. But, would just as soon have the chat feature disabled. Councilmember Butler stated she is fine with the suggestions of Councilmember Graves, though the chat feature does not bother her either way. She thinks it is'a good compromise for those who do not want it versus those who do. Mayor Elliott asked the City Clerk whether it is technologically feasible to enable the chat feature during the Worlc Sessions and disable it during the Regular Sessions. Msu . Sucistated she is not 100% sure and will check into that capability. Mayor Elliott asked for City Council input in the event the chat feature needs to be all or nothing, Councilmember Graves stated even if it has to be enabled at the beginning, the City Clerk could enable it just for herself and not for everyone. Then she could present comments or questions based upon the chats she received. Councilmember Graves stated this is the same as when people try to comment coming off mute. 06/28/21 -2- Mayor Elliott stated he is interested in using the chat feature because it adds another dimension to the meeting that allows for remote participation we haven't had before so he would hate to lose that feature completely. He stated before he wanted it off but as he thinks about it, would like to have it available. For him, the question, as mentioned by Councilmember Graves, is folks commenting in ways that are abusive or offensive and he does not know how to monitor that. Mayor Elliott asked the City Clerk to find an answer to that issue, perhaps saying that bullying is not allowed and shutting off that person's chat. He stated he has heard fiom the community about this and the consensus seems to be that they want the ability to be able to comment. Ms. Suciu stated she could enable the chat feature at the start of the Informal Open forum, turn the chat feature to host only during the Regular Session, and then enable the chat feature again during the EDA/Work Session. She explained this feature has to be set up when the meeting is set up so tonight, she is not able to do that. It was the City Council consensus to enable the chat feature during Informal Open Forum, turn the chat feature to host only during the Regular Session and enable the chat feature during the EDA/ Work Sessions. RESUME IN -PERSON COUNCIL MEETINGS Dr. Edwards stated that staff is looking to open City Hall to the public on Monday, July 12, 2021, For regular business. At the last City Council meetings, it was indicated that if going back to regular meetings they would seek to provide technology so people can access public meetings as they do now virtually but that would pertain to the public and not the Council Members. Council Members would still be obligated by law to participate at City Council meetings in person and cannot use virtual meetings as a proxy or to vote via virtual meeting. Mayor Elliott stated all have become more adept with virtual meetings and asked whether there are any discussions to change the rule so city councils can meet remotely. City Attorney Troy Gilchrist advised he is not aware of a general legislative effort to allow that. He explained that currently, Brooklyn Center is operating under an emergency authority in the face of a health pandemic or emergency declaration to meet electronically. Also, the City would have to find it is not practical or prudent, because of one of those criteria, to meet in person. Once that goes away, the City has to default back to the general rule of having to meet in person. Mr. Gilchrist stated about Councilmember Graves' earlier comment, there is a current Statute that allows a member to participate electronically. But, there are several `hoops to be jumped through for that person to do that. The member has to be at a public place remotely, everyone has to be able to hear everyone, so it is somewhat like the rules for these meetings. Once we are beyond the emergency electronic meeting format and go back into the normal format, there is a limited exception that allows members to participate remotely if, as Councilmember Graves mentioned, they are traveling for work or not feeling well. Mayor Elliott asked whether there is a limit on the number of times an individual could meet remotely with those special exceptions. Mr. Gilchrist advised an amendment was made to that law 06/28/21 -3- during the last Legislative Session that gave three opportunities to meet without being in a public forum but they were COVID related to a doctor's stay at home order, or military service. He recalled the Statute does not have a general cap on how often you can do that but each time, you have to satisfy the criterion including providing notice that `member x will be participating from this remote location.' Mayor Elliott asked about the timeline for going back to in -person meetings. Dr. Edwards stated it is at the City Council's discretion and nothing is preventing the City Council from starting to meet in person at this time. Mr. Gilchrist asked the City Council to keep in mind this is the exception, not the rule, due to the pandemic emergency allowing an electronic meeting format. Even then, it is only if you find it is not practical or prudent to meet in person. Once the City Council determines, as the presiding officer, that there is no reason the City Council can't meet in person, then he would sign a statement to that effect and everything goes back to normal, meeting in person. Mr. Gilchrist advised that as the restrictions associated with the pandemic have lessened and the Governor's emergency order may come to an end in August, there will be a point where Brooklyn Center can no longer justify having electronic meetings anymore. He noted some cities have already gone back to in -person meetings and others have done so while keeping the public portal open for the public to participate remotely. Councilmember Graves explained that in her full-time job with the City of Minneapolis, they sent a survey to employees to gauge their interest or non -interest in flexible work locations and times. She likes to work on the ground in the community and it is nice she has a desk space downtown but also nice to be able to call into some meetings or work from home on certain days. She stated this is an opportunity to try and adapt and be flexible to everyone's lives and help people find a work/life balance. But, at the same time, she does not want to lose the in -person aspect because that is when the most authentic energy comes through to build relationships, which is what we are doing every day. Councilmember Graves stated she is anxious to get back to in -person meetings in alignment with what the Governor does, it makes sense and gives the City time to prepare emotionally and physically the spaces they share. Ms. Suciu stated she talked with the cable provider and if going with a hybrid format, some work will need to be done so the sooner date is decided, that work can progress so they are ready by the meeting date. Mayor Elliott stated he will work on this with Dr. Edwards and Mr. Gilchrist to determine a date this fall to start in -person meetings. He asked Council Members what that should look like, noting Are should think about ways in which we will share that space and how it will aid or negatively impact our ability to do the work we're doing. Councilmember Butler stated she thinks about spacing for the Council and the Chambers, noting it cannot be assumed that everyone is or is not vaccinated. She asked if the meetings will take place in the Council Chambers or move to a larger space, such as done for a few public meetings 06/28/21 -4- in April and May. Councilmember Butler stated in terms of going back, she has enjoyed attending virtual meetings from home but, like Councilmember Graves stated, she understands it is important to meet in person to develop those relationships with the community. She stated August would be a great timeline and give people time to work out the issues over the next few meetings. Mayor Elliott stated that is a good point and we cannot assume everyone who comes to the meetings is vaccinated so we need to assure there is enough space. REVIEW DATES FOR COUNCIL RETREAT Dr. Edwards introduced the item, noting the City Council is being asked to consider dates for a meeting with Common Sense. He explained that the consultant prefers the date of July 24 or July 10 and July 31 is no longer an option. He stated there are several issues the City Council wants to address: the development the City Council has been working on; issues coming out of the Listening Sessions; and, work around engagement and building consensus with Council on engagement. He explained that if held on July 24, there would be additional time, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If meeting on July 10, there is only a 2-hour block of time available, from 8-10 a.m. Dr. Edwards stated weekdays were not considered but if the City Council is open to that, he can ask Common Sense for additional dates. Mayor Elliott asked if this will be an in -person retreat. Dr. Edwards answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson noted according to the Friday update, this meeting was to be July 26. Dr. Edwards apologized for the error and clarified July 26 is the date for the regular City Council meetings. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated July 24 works for her. Councilmember Butler stated July 24 is the only day that does not work for her. Councilmember Ryan stated he is fine with either date so whatever works for the balance of the membership. Councilmember Graves stated it is the same for her. Mayor Elliott stated July 10 does not work for him and July 24 does not work for Councilmember Butler. Councilmember Butler stated if it works for everyone else, she maybe able to change her schedule. Dr. Edward stated it would be 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. but that it can be shortened to assure Councilmember Butler's participation. Councilmember Butler stated she will be out of town hosting an event and can make it work but maybe not until 12:30 p.m. She stated she should be available from 8:30 to 11 a.m. However, if in -person attendance is required, she would not be available. 06/28/21 -5- Mayor Elliott asked if there will be a remote option. Dr. Edwards stated it is an in -person meeting but remote virtual attendance can be made available if needed. Mayor Elliott asked Dr. Edwards to check with Common Sense about one member attending remotely to assure it can be facilitated. If that works, then the meeting will be held on July 24 with Councilmember Butler attending virtually. If it does not work, he suggested Dr. Edwards ask about August 7. Councilmember Graves stated August 7 is her daughter's birthday but if the meeting is held earlier during the day, she could make it work. Councilmember Butler stated August 7 works for her. Mayor Elliott asked about August 14. Councilmember Butler stated she has a work event starting at 1 p.m. on August 14 so for her, it would work until about noon. Councilmember Graves stated she thinks August 14 will work for her. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated either August 7 or 14 will work for her. Councilmember Ryan stated August 7 or 14 will possibly work but he is planning a trip and will have to check the dates. Mayor Elliott asked Dr. Edwards to also check on the dates of August 7 and 14 if they prefer to have the full City Council attend in person. REGULAR SESSION AGENDA MODIFICATION Mayor Elliott switched the order of Council Consideration Items 10.a., Resolution Authorizing a Community Engagement Pilot Program with Community Partners for the Opportunity Site, and 10.b., City Manager Appointment. DISCUSSION OF WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS AS TIME PERMITS CKA7►i lu 1 GX4 [A]Ar\071] 1►QM 1NAK Mayor Elliott reported that since the last meeting, progress has been made in recruiting to assure more applications are received. He stated they have made a lot of headway and at the next meeting, he will bring forward more reappointments and appointments. He thanked Silas' Means who just started as an intern and is actively working with him on recruiting for the commissions including meeting with Hmong pastors, visiting apartments, and working with their management, and the barbershop. Mayor Elliott stated they now have a few names of people interested in joining commissions. He stated they are also working on a plan for when applications are made, when appointments are 06/28/21 -6- made, and reviewing formats from other cities in terms of having an appointment form to assure a clear record. Mayor Elliott stated he may not be attending tonight's Work Session so he wanted to open this item to get Council Member's input. Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson stated she is pleased that progress has been made and there will be new appointments coming forth, noting it is important to maintain the integrity of our legacy partners who can mentor new individuals as well as recruiting people from diverse backgrounds. She stated there needs to be a good balance between existing long-term members who bring experience and also new people with fresh ideas. Councilmember Graves agreed with Councilmember Lawrence -Anderson and stated she is excited to see what applications and applicants will come before the City Council. She stated we need to make sure the commissions are as full as possible so engagement and work are completed and staff can get their work done. Councilmember Graves stated the City Council participated in the Listening Sessions and that was something that came up so she is excited about the recruitment that has been happening, seeing which applications will come before the City Council, and considering approval at the next meeting. Mayor Elliott adjourned the Study Session at 6:48 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: l . That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on June 28, 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 July 12, 2021, Regular Session. City Cleric 06/28/21 -7-