HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-2017 Work SessionMeeting of:
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COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
March 13, 2017
6:00 PM
Council Chambers
WORKSESSION
CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM
Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Williams and Buesgens
Also Present: Walt Fehst, City Manager and Katie Bruno; City Clerk
1. Discussion related to interviews for council vacancy
Mayor Schmitt asked each of the council members what they are looking for in a council member.
Councilmember Williams indicated he would like someone who has experience with the City, who would
fit in well with the current council, and who shares his same vision of economic development and of
maintaining low taxes.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. indicated he would like to see someone who has a feeling for Columbia
Heights, who listens to the residents and the staff, who is aware of the City's past accomplishments, and
someone who can get along well with the current council.
Councilmember Buesgens indicated she is looking for someone who can bring a balance of perspectives
and a younger voice to the council. Buesgens also would like to see them have varied experience and an
educational background.
Mayor Schmitt indicated she would like to see a "younger thinking" person with fresh new ideas,
someone with a servant's heart, and who has a history of working in the community. Schmitt also
indicated she would like to see someone who is proactive, passionate, and prepared for meetings.
Schmitt asked each of the council members to list their top three choices of the candidates, not
necessarily in order.
Councilmember Williams stated Tami Diehm has served on the council, she is young, she knows the City,
and she is a good moderator. Williams stated Nick Novitsky knows the City, he's a hard worker, he has
done a lot of good work with the Lions Club, and he is able to get things done. Williams stated Stan
Hoium is a great man who is very active in the community and the Lions Club.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. stated Nick Novitsky is an outstanding Lions Club Member, school volunteer,
and he worked hard to take third place in the November election. Murzyn, Jr. stated Tami Diehm was
reasonable and fair while she served on the City Council. Murzyn, Jr. stated Stan Hoium is outspoken,
hardworking, and has served on various City commissions.
Williams
Murzyn, Jr.
Buesgens
Schmitt
First Choice
Tami Diehm
Nick Novitsky
Sean Broom
Sean Broom
Second Choice
Nick Novitsky
Tami Diehm
Frost Simula
Frost Simula
Third Choice
Stan Hoium
Stan Hoium
Did not provide
Nick Novitsky
Councilmember Williams stated Tami Diehm has served on the council, she is young, she knows the City,
and she is a good moderator. Williams stated Nick Novitsky knows the City, he's a hard worker, he has
done a lot of good work with the Lions Club, and he is able to get things done. Williams stated Stan
Hoium is a great man who is very active in the community and the Lions Club.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. stated Nick Novitsky is an outstanding Lions Club Member, school volunteer,
and he worked hard to take third place in the November election. Murzyn, Jr. stated Tami Diehm was
reasonable and fair while she served on the City Council. Murzyn, Jr. stated Stan Hoium is outspoken,
hardworking, and has served on various City commissions.
City Council Worksession
March 13, 2017
Page 2 of 2
Councilmember Buesgens stated Sean Broom ran an impressive campaign, and he has an outstanding
background both in education and in the workplace. Buesgens indicated Frost Simula has strength in
communication, has new ideas, has been a volunteer, and has a servant's heart.
Mayor Schmitt reported she has met with Sean Broom several times, and he has good experience and a
vision for planning. He is an active volunteer in both Columbia Heights and Minneapolis. Schmitt stated
she is very impressed with Frost Simula; he is dedicated and he has followed and attended many City
Council meetings. Schmitt stated Nick Novitsky is active in the community, and he would be a good
connection to the schools. Schmitt said Nick has worked hard to bring young people into the Lions Club,
and she also did express concern with possibly having three Lions Club members on the council.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. questioned the concern with having three Lions Club members on the
council. Mayor Schmitt stated there is a risk of violating the open meeting laws. Councilmember
Buesgens agreed with Schmitt. Councilmember Williams stated he would resign from the Lions if
necessary.
Councilmember Buesgens asked councilmembers Williams and Murzyn Jr. why they are not considering
a candidate that could offer a newer perspective. Williams responded Nick Novitsky was 100 votes
behind in the November election. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. agreed with Williams.
Mayor Schmitt summarized that two of the strong candidates also received votes in the recent election,
and she recommends they be interviewed again.
Mayor Schmitt asked if the council would be interested in interviewing four candidates. It was decided to
interview two: Sean Broom and Nick Novitsky.
The council agreed to video and broadcast the interviews live on March 27th beginning at 6:00 pm.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:53 PM
Respectively Submitted,
Katie Bruno,
Council Secretary /City Clerk