Brooklyn Center public meetings in 2022
20 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Brooklyn Center City Council held a joint work session to review the purchasing policy, discuss the audit committee's recommendation to hire Abdo as the city's auditor, and deliberate on the 2023 budget, particularly whether to unfreeze three police officer positions. The budget includes a 6.9% levy increase and a 3% salary adjustment. No final decisions were made; the audit item was added to the consent agenda for the next meeting.
- Purchasing policy review: thresholds for approvals, including $175,000 formal bidding requirement
- Audit committee recommends Abdo for audit services; item added to consent agenda
- 2023 budget includes 6.9% levy increase and 3% salary adjustment
- Discussion on unfreezing three police positions, with $150,000 proposed to fund them
- Police Chief notes 40 officers currently, with capacity for up to 49
City Council
The City Council and Financial Commission held a joint work session to review the 2019 Purchasing Policy and discuss the selection of a new auditing firm. The body also discussed the 2023 budget, specifically regarding the funding and unfreezing of Police Department positions.
- Review of Purchasing Policy 2019, including spending thresholds for approvals
- Recommendation to contract with Abdo for auditing services
- Discussion on unfreezing three Police Department positions
- Review of 2023 budget allocations and a 6.9 percent levy
- Discussion on funding for a Fire Inspector position
City Council
The Brooklyn Center City Council discussed updates to its purchasing policy, including whether to lower the contract review threshold and pause certain 2023 contracts until the budget is adopted. The council also heard public comments about code enforcement, a rental property dispute, and police department fencing. The meeting included a study session and regular session with roll call and agenda approval.
- Discussion of purchasing policy with proposed contract review threshold of $10,000 or $100,000
- State raised City Manager purchasing power from $100,000 to $175,000
- Public comment about code enforcement at 58th and Logan
- Allegations of tenant harassment at Sterling Square Apartments
- Discussion of grant policy and police department fence
City Council
The City Council discussed proposed updates to the Zoning Code and Unified Development Ordinance to simplify subdivision and permit processes. The body also approved a consent agenda including a bond sale for Woodbine Area construction and various rental and mechanical licenses.
- Resolution 2022-108: Set Nov. 14, 2022, as the sale date for $4,670,000 in general obligation improvement and utility revenue bonds for Woodbine Area construction
- Proposed Zoning Code/UDO updates to allow administrative approval for 'minor amendments' and 'minor subdivisions'
- Ordinance 2022-07: Amending Mayor and Council salaries for 2023 and 2024
- Resolution 2022-106: Final payment for Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Project Phase 1 and 51st Avenue/Frontage Improvements
- Resolution 2022-103: Declaring a public nuisance and ordering removal of dead trees at certain properties
City Council
The City Council held a study session and regular meeting to discuss policy recommendations for traffic stops and consent searches. The body also addressed the timeline for the Community Safety and Violence Prevention Implementation Committee and approved several road improvement feasibility reports.
- Resolution 2022-93: Feasibility report and public hearing for Knox, James, and 54th Area Improvements
- Resolution 2022-94: Feasibility report and public hearing for 50th Avenue Improvements
- Resolution 2022-95: Feasibility report and public hearing for 51st Avenue Improvements
- Resolution 2022-97: Contract award for Lift Station 4 Rehabilitation Project
- Resolution 2022-92: Declaration of public nuisance for removal of dead trees at certain properties
City Council
The City Council and Economic Development Authority held a work session to review a proposed Zoning Code update intended to align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The discussion focused on addressing historical exclusionary zoning, improving walkability, and updating outdated 1960s-era regulations.
- Proposed consolidation of zoning districts into a single Unified Development Ordinance
- Introduction of new shoreline protections to comply with State laws
- Proposed allowance for one commercial vehicle per lot for home-based businesses
- Review of an unmodified financial audit report with no findings for internal controls
- Discussion of federal funds used for the Brooklyn Bridge project
City Council
The City Council and Economic Development Authority held a work session to discuss a comprehensive update to the city's Zoning Code to align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Staff and consultants presented a new framework intended to reduce racial disparities, improve walkability, and consolidate existing codes.
- Proposed consolidation of three standalone codes into one Unified Development Ordinance
- New state-mandated shoreline protections for properties near bodies of water
- Proposed allowance for one commercial vehicle per lot for home-based businesses
- Review of an unmodified financial audit report
- Discussion of federal funds used for the Brooklyn Bridge project
City Council
The Brooklyn Center City Council and Financial Commission held a joint work session on July 18, 2022, to review the draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2023-2037, covering street, utility, park, and building projects. The agenda also lists commission seats with expired terms and vacancies across the Financial, Housing, Park & Recreation, Planning, and Sister City commissions, along with applications received. No final decisions or votes on the CIP or appointments are recorded in the provided text.
- Capital Improvement Plan 2023-2037 reviewed, including 2023 projects: Knox, James, and 54th Avenue area improvements
- New 2023 line items: Park Capital Planning Study at $300,000 and CMBP Evaluation Study at $150,000
- Hazardous tree management and reforestation proposed as a ten-year plan starting 2023 at about $150,000 per year
- Commission vacancies and expired terms listed for Financial (2 vacancies + 2 expired), Housing (2 + 2), Park & Recreation (1 + 3), Planning (1 + 3), and Sister City (0 + 4)
- Applications received for multiple commissions, including Kia Welsch for Financial, Housing, Park & Recreation, Planning, and Sister City
City Council
The City Council held a study session to discuss the future direction and governance of the Implementation Committee following reports of a hostile work environment. Members also reviewed lists of expired terms and vacancies for several city commissions.
- Discussion of Planning Commission Application No. 2022-004 for the redevelopment of the former Sears site at 1297 Shingle Creek Crossing
- Review of vacancies and expired terms for Financial, Housing, Park & Recreation, Planning, and Sister City Commissions
- Discussion regarding city code enforcement violations at 3321 50th Avenue North
- Presentation on crime statistics and strategies to address gun violence
- Discussion of semi-truck parking near the new Heritage Center
City Council
The City Council received a final report from the University of Minnesota's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs regarding housing stock, affordability, and gentrification. The body also discussed the potential for hybrid meeting formats and the maintenance of city rain gardens.
- Discussion on renaming the Earle Brown Heritage Center to the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
- Resolution approving membership to the Fencing Consortium Joint Powers for temporary fencing
- Approval of final payment for Grandview North Area street, storm drainage, and utility improvements
- Adoption of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021
- Approval of multiple rental licenses (Type I, II, III, and IV) and garbage hauler/mechanical licenses
City Council
The City Council reviewed options for updating overnight parking ordinances and received a presentation on rising violent crime and staffing shortages in the police department. The body also approved several mechanical licenses and resolutions regarding federal program policies and transportation contracts.
- Discussion of three overnight parking options: maintaining current rules, seasonal restrictions, or eliminating restrictions
- Police Department report noting a 900% increase in carjackings from 2017 to 2021
- Resolution No. 2022-57: Master partnership contract between MN Department of Transportation and the City
- Resolution No. 2022-58: Change orders 8-12 for Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Project Phase 2
- Approval of 14 mechanical and signhanger licenses
City Council
The City Council discussed the legality and expectations for hybrid meeting attendance for commissions and committees. The body also reviewed various business and rental licenses, with one specific property moved for further consideration.
- Discussion of rental license for 5421 Twin Lake Boulevard East
- Approval of amusement, garbage hauler, and hospitality accommodation licenses
- Approval of mechanical licenses for multiple vendors
- Approval of rental license renewals and initials for various residential addresses
- Special events license for National MS Society Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride
City Council
The City Council held a study session to review a proposed mixed-use international food village and discussed returning to in-person meetings. The body also heard public comments regarding the city's government structure and memorials.
- Concept review for International Food Village at 6100 Shingle Creek Parkway (9.01 acres)
- Proposed development including a 10,000+ sq ft grocery store and 175-200 housing units
- Discussion on repealing remote meeting statements to return to in-person sessions
- First reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, Section 2.08 of the City Charter
- Resolution Amending Precinct 4 and Absentee Voting Polling Places
City Council
The City Council discussed a concept for a mixed-use international food village on a 9.01-acre site formerly occupied by Target. The body also reviewed commission vacancies and discussed returning to in-person meetings.
- Concept review for International Food Village at 6100 Shingle Creek Parkway including a grocery store, 175-200 housing units, and a parking ramp
- Review of vacancies and expired terms for Financial, Housing, Park & Recreation, Planning, and Sister City Commissions
- Discussion on repealing remote meeting statements to return to in-person City Council meetings
City Council
The City Council discussed the transition back to in-person meetings and scheduled a closed session for April 4 to address legal complaints from the MDHA and HUD. The body also approved several business licenses and a road improvement contract.
- Contract awarded for Improvement Project No. 2021-12: 53rd Avenue Mill and Overlay (Penn Avenue North to Lyndale Avenue North)
- Discussion of MDHA complaint involving Michael’s store and Brooklyn Center Police Department
- Discussion of 2015 HUD Housing Complaint
- Approval of multiple rental, mechanical, and hospitality licenses
- Resolution No. 2022-40 declaring a public nuisance
City Council
The City Council reviewed a proposed investment plan for $3.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. The plan prioritizes workforce development, youth engagement, and small business support. The Council also discussed returning to in-person meetings and a potential mask mandate rescission.
- Proposed ARPA Investment Plan allocating 75% of funds externally and 25% internally
- Proposed Commercial Property Development Fund for small business real estate acquisition
- Proposed creation of a Daunte Wright Memorial
- Discussion on establishing a Community Safety and Violence Prevention Implementation Committee
- Proposed mobile food distribution program in partnership with CEAP and CAPI
City Council
The City Council reviewed the allocation of 2022-2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Staff recommended redirecting funds from the Down Payment Assistance Program to the Home Rehab Program to address a growing waitlist.
- Proposed allocation of estimated $258,000 in CDBG funds to the Hennepin County Home Rehab Program
- Discussion of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 12 regarding Tenant Protections
- Lease agreement with Phu Bia Produce LLC for city-owned property at 1350B Shingle Creek Crossing
- Proposed retreat dates with Common Sense: March 12, May 7, August 6, and November 5, 2022
City Council
The City Council discussed a development plan for the former Brookdale Square and Brookdale Ford sites. The proposal includes a mix of market-rate, mixed-income, and affordable housing, as well as a childcare center and event center.
- Proposed 250 affordable residential units and 64 units for 60-80% area median income
- Plan for childcare center and event center to be owned by Resurrecting Faith Ministries
- Discussion of $158,000 in legal spending from January to September 2021
- Proposed application for $40,000,000 in State of Minnesota General Obligation Bonds for Community Wealth Creation through Acquisition Program
- Allocation of $3,200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
City Council
The City Council is authorizing the expenditure of up to $3,264,133 in American Rescue Plan Act funds through 2024 for COVID-19 response and infrastructure. The meeting also includes the adoption of minutes from a January 10 Economic Development Authority (EDA) session.
- Resolution to spend up to $3,264,133 in American Rescue Plan Act funds through 2024
- Proposed $70,000 loan at 1.25% interest to Phu Bia Produce LLC for improvements at 1350 Shingle Creek Crossing
- EDA Resolution 2022-02: Lease agreement and relocation assistance for Ocean Buffet and Alatus Brooklyn Center
- EDA Resolution 2022-03: Land exchange agreement for property in Brooklyn Center
- EDA Resolution 2022-01: Decision not to waive limited tort liability for 2022
City Council
The Brooklyn Center City Council is discussing a proposed 2022 budget compromise that would freeze three Police Department positions and add $366,957 in each of 2022 and 2023 to fund alternative public safety responses. The plan aims to close an approximately $267,000 gap between the adopted preliminary budget and a community response model presented by Communities United Against Police Brutality. The council also heard from law enforcement representatives and Hennepin County officials about different response models, with costs ranging from $500,000 to $800,000. No final budget decision was made at this meeting.
- Proposed budget compromise includes freezing three Police Department positions and increasing funding by $366,957 for 2022 and 2023
- Adopted preliminary budget allocated $250,000 each for a community response unit and civilian traffic response unit in 2022, with an additional $250,000 each for 2023
- Communities United Against Police Brutality presented a potential cost of $517,000 for a community response unit and $251,000 for a civilian traffic response unit
- LEAP representative proposed a 24/7 responder model costing $800,000, compared to the adjusted proposal of $500,000
- Hennepin County is launching a program with seven embedded social workers, with funding for 36 social workers countywide