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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-2017 ContinuationMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Date of Meeting: April 3, 2017 Time of Meeting: 4:00 PM Location of Meeting: Council Chambers Purpose of Meeting: Continuation of Item 9A1 from the March 27th City Council Meeting. CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 4:10 PM Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Williams and Buesgens Also Present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Jim Hoeft; City Attorney and Katie Bruno; City Clerk Mayor Schmitt announced this is the continuation of the item tabled at the March 27th meeting, Consideration of Resolution 2017 -20, Appointment to fill City Council Vacancy, and the council would be calling specific candidates to the podium to answer questions. Tim Fitz was called to the podium at 4:11 Councilmember Buesgens asked the following questions: Does our city need bike paths? If so, how would you convince NIMFY's to allow them? Who do you see as the voiceless in our community? Councilmember Williams asked the following question: What do you enjoy about coaching? Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked the following questions: What would you do if you didn't agree with a decision the City Council made (you voted against it but were the only "no" vote)? What if you didn't agree with a decision a staff person made? Do you plan on running for City Council or Mayor once the term of this appointed position is up? Mayor Schmitt asked the following questions: How many ideas can you come up with in three minutes for improving Central Avenue? Let's say you have an 8- year -old living in your household. Ten years from now they will be 18. What would you like to see done in the city in the next 10 years that could benefit them as they grow and prepare for their future? Frost Simula was called to the podium at 4:20 Councilmember Buesgens asked the following questions: Now that we have accomplished our number one priority, obtaining a grocery store, what do see, based on your knowledge of the town and its people as the next logical priority? What role could the council plan in attracting new and innovative tech companies to our industrial park or in our business districts? Councilmember Williams asked the following question: What would you do to address the problem of predatory remodeling on the City? City Council Interviews April 3, 2017 Page 2 of 5 Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked the following questions: • What would you do if you didn't agree with a decision the City Council made (you voted against it but were the only "no" vote)? What if you didn't agree with a decision a staff person made? • Do you plan on running for City Council or Mayor once the term of this appointed position is up? Mayor Schmitt asked the following question: • We are a Charter City. If you could change anything in our charter, what would it be? • How many ideas can you come up with in three minutes for improving 40th Avenue? Denelle Bing was called to the podium at 4:27 Councilmember Buesgens asked the following questions: • What area of the city would you focus on 1St for improving walkability? • How would you define a sustainable city? Councilmember Williams asked the following questions: • What does the All America City Award mean to you? • What does being named a City of Peace mean to you? Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked the following questions: • What would you do if you didn't agree with a decision the City Council made (you voted against it but were the only "no" vote)? What if you didn't agree with a decision a staff person made? • Do you plan on running for City Council or Mayor once the term of this appointed position is up? Mayor Schmitt asked the following question: How many ideas can you come up with in three minutes for improving 40th Avenue? Let's say you have an 8- year -old living in your household. Ten years from now they will be 18. What would you like to see done in the city in the next 10 years that could benefit them as they grow and prepare for their future? Christine Nelson was called to the podium at 4:37 Councilmember Buesgens asked the following questions: • What pedestrian crossing concerns you the most? • Why do you consider our "rich immigrant city" as a strength? Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked the following questions: • What would you do if you didn't agree with a decision the City Council made (you voted against it but were the only "no" vote)? What if you didn't agree with a decision a staff person made? • Do you plan on running for City Council or Mayor once the term of this appointed position is up? Mayor Schmitt asked the following questions: • When I say we are subject to "Open Meeting Law ", what does that mean to you? Do you think that we have failed in following Open Meeting Law? If so, where? • We are a Charter City. If you could change anything in our charter, what would it be? City Council Interviews April 3, 2017 Page 3 of 5 Councilmember Williams asked the following questions: • What does the All America City Award mean to you? • What does being named a City of Peace mean to you? Ted Landwehr was called to the podium at 4:45 Councilmember Buesgens asked the following questions: • Given the fact that our city's budget is very tight. Can you give mean example of what you mean by maximizing the efficiency of our resources which you talked about in your application. • Are discussions important when topics are brought before the city council? Councilmember Williams asked the following questions: • What does the All America City Award mean to you? • What does being named a City of Peace mean to you? • What wisdom have you gained from experience? Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked the following questions: • What would you do if you didn't agree with a decision the City Council made (you voted against it but were the only "no" vote)? What if you didn't agree with a decision a staff person made? • Do you plan on running for City Council or Mayor once the term of this appointed position is up? Mayor Schmitt asked the following questions: How many ideas can you come up with in three minutes for improving University Avenue? We are a Charter City. If you could change anything in our charter, what would it be? Jerry Klein was called to the podium at 4:53 Councilmember Buesgens asked the following questions: • You stated at your last interview and your application that you would like to see more housing for seniors. What do you see are the needs for our younger people? • Now that we have accomplished our first priority of a grocery store /library. What do you think the city's next priority needs to be? Councilmember Williams asked the following questions: • What does the All America City Award mean to you? • What do you think of the youth movement in our City? Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked the following questions: • What would you do if you didn't agree with a decision the City Council made (you voted against it but were the only "no" vote)? What if you didn't agree with a decision a staff person made? • Do you plan on running for City Council or Mayor once the term of this appointed position is up? Mayor Schmitt asked the following questions: • When I say we are subject to "Open Meeting Law ", what does that mean to you? Do you think that we have failed in following Open Meeting Law? If so, where? City Council Interviews April 3, 2017 Page 4 of 5 • How many ideas can you come up with in three minutes for improving Central Avenue? Bruce Nawrocki was called to the podium at 5:11 Councilmember Williams asked the following questions: • What does the All America City Award mean to you? • What do you think of the new library? • What does being named a City of Peace mean to you? Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked the following questions: • What would you do if you didn't agree with a decision a staff person made? Councilmember Buesgens asked the following questions: • Now that we have accomplished our number one priority, obtaining a grocery store, what do see, based on your knowledge of the town and its people as the next logical priority? Mayor Schmitt asked the following questions: When I say we are subject to "Open Meeting Law ", what does that mean to you? Do you think that we have failed in following Open Meeting Law? If so, where? We are a Charter City. If you could change anything in our charter, what would it be? Stan Hoium was called to the podium at 5:24 Councilmember Williams asked the following questions: • Do you see a conflict with the possibility of having three councilmembers as Lion's Club members? • What does the All America City Award mean to you? Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked the following questions: • What would you do if you didn't agree with a decision the City Council made (you voted against it but were the only "no" vote)? What if you didn't agree with a decision a staff person made? • Do you plan on running for City Council or Mayor once the term of this appointed position is up? Councilmember Buesgens asked the following questions: • Last summer you told me that you disagreed with Planning and Zoning's request for a moratorium on auto repair shops in Columbia Heights. You said "Let them sue us! " Do you still stand by that comment? • Now that we have accomplished our number one priority, obtaining a grocery store, what do see, based on your knowledge of the town and its people as the next logical priority? Mayor Schmitt asked the following questions: • How many ideas can you come up with in three minutes for improving 40th Avenue? • What does a successful council member look like? Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to recess for five minutes. All Ayes, Motion Carried. The council recessed at 5:35. City Council Interviews April 3, 2017 Page 5 of 5 The Council reconvened at 5:44. Councilmember Buesgens clarified she is basing her criteria on what she heard from residents when she was campaigning. Councilmember Williams indicated he is in favor of videotaping the meetings and clarified that the original request was not brought before the whole council for a decision. Mayor Schmitt asked the council if there is any interest in considering Sean Broom or Nick Novitsky. The members all indicated they would not change their vote from March 27tH Mayor Schmitt asked the members to write down the name of one person they think world get three votes. Councilmember Buesgens chose Tim Fitze. Councilmember Williams chose Bruce Nawrocki. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. chose Bruce Nawrocki. Mayor Schmitt chose Ted Landwehr. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens to appoint Tim Fitze to the City Council vacant seat, with the term expiring when their successor is elected and qualified in January, 2019. Motion died for lack of a second. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to appoint Bruce Nawrocki to the City Council vacant seat, with the term expiring when their successor is elected and qualified in January, 2019. 2 Ayes; 2 Nays, Motion failed. Ayes: Williams, Murzyn, Jr. Nays: Schmitt, Buesgens. Motion by Mayor Schmitt, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens to appoint Ted Landwehr to the City Council vacant seat, with the term expiring when their successor is elected and qualified in January, 2019. 2 Ayes; 2 Nays, Motion failed. Ayes: Schmitt, Buesgens. Nays: Williams, Murzyn, Jr. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Williams to appoint Tami ©iehm to the City Council vacant seat, with the term expiring when their successor is elected and qualified in January, 2019. 2 Ayes; 2 Nays, Motion failed. Ayes: Williams, Murzyn, Jr. Nays: Schmitt, Buesgens. Councilmember Buesgens said she could not support Tami Diehm because she is not interested in continuing on the council, and the residents have indicated they want change on the council. Motion by Mayor Schmitt, seconded by Councilmember Williams to table the item until the April 10`" City Council meeting. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Meeting Adjourned at 6:00 PM Respectively Submitted, �ata &WO- Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk