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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-01-2017 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL Date of Meeting: May 1, 2017 Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting) Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1 Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 8:15 PM Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Williams, Buesgens and Novitsky Also Present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Kevin Hansen; Public Works Director, Keith Dahl; Economic Development Manager, and Katie Bruno; City Clerk JPA agreement with Anoka County for 40th Ave. Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported staff has been in discussions with Anoka County to develop a cost sharing agreement for the street rehabilitation and storm sewer improvements on 40th Avenue from Central Avenue to Reservoir Boulevard. This section of 40th Avenue was originally scheduled to be milled and overlayed by the County as part of their countywide program. City staff asked the County to delay for a year so that the City water main could be cleaned and lined. Due to repeated flooding in this area, the City conducted a storm water model and found that flood protection could be significantly improved by adding a parallel storm line on the north side of the roadway. This new storm sewer is included in the City's Infrastructure CIP and was funded for in our last bond issue. Mayor Schmitt questioned if the intersection of 40th Avenue and Reservoir can be improved. Hansen indicated new signage and stop bars will be added at the intersection. Hansen reported the item will be brought to the council at either the May 8th or 22nd meeting. Advisory Commission Liaison discussion Keith Dahl, Economic Development Manager requested direction from the council regarding the EDA vacancy. Mayor Schmitt recommended Councilmember Novitsky be appointed to the EDA. The other council members agreed. Katie Bruno, City Clerk reported the council made liaison appointments earlier in the year, with the knowledge that assignments may change when the 5th councilmember was appointed. Mayor Schmitt requested Councilmember Novitsky serve as liaison to the Traffic Commission. City Manager Fehst suggested delegates be assigned to the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities. Councilmember Buesgens agreed to serve as the delegate to both the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities. Councilmember Novitsky agreed to serve as the alternate to both the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities. Mayor Schmitt encouraged council and staff to participate in some of the policy committees. _Liquor Licensing Change — 2:00 AM Bar Close City Manager Walt Fehst reported the City has received a request from a restaurant owner requesting a 2:00 AM bar closing. Chief Nadeau, Director Hogeboom and Community Development Staff have researched the request. Fehst indicated the requester has been diligent in working with the City, and is a good corporate citizen. Councilmember Buesgens had questions on the proposed ordinance, Section 4M. Manager Fehst stated he will clarify that with the Community Development Department, Mayor Schmitt questioned if this would apply to all businesses city -wide. Manager Fehst indicated applications would be reviewed on a case -by -case basis. Central Avenue Beautification Discussion Councilmember Buesgens reported the City has requested to adopt Central Avenue form 43rd -37th Avenues, It was reported we cannot officially adopt the area, but can still obtain materials to complete the cleanup. City Council Worksession May 1, 2017 Page 2 of 2 Councilmember Buesgens suggested a few ideas to promote cleanliness throughout the City, including a contest for businesses, installing "do not litter" signs along Central Ave and hanging a banner "Let Heights Shine" on the pedestrian bridge at 49th Ave. Mayor Schmitt suggested making "grabbers" available for the citizens. Schmitt suggested using Survey Monkey to conduct a community survey to recognize businesses that work towards keeping up their property. Manger Fehst stated he will look into it. Discussion of Housing Point of Sale Program City Manager Walt Fehst suggested Frost Simula share with the council his ideas for a Housing Point of Sale program, and continue the discussion at a future meeting with Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom. Simula provided the council with a draft ordinance he prepared, based on programs in place in Minneapolis and St. Louis Park. Fehst indicated he could support an advisory program over a mandatory program, and likes the idea of protecting the city's housing stock. Councilmember Buesgens agreed, stating this is a good way to upgrade housing in the city. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. suggested home buyers be careful to hire a qualified inspector. Councilmember Novitsky indicated currently the market is strong in Columbia Heights, and an inspection program could devalue the housing market. Novitsky stated he thinks the buyer could be responsible to hire a contractor, suggesting the city could provide a list of recommended inspectors. Manager Fehst stated the City does not recommend contactors, stating a list of all licensed contractors could be provided. City Manager Walt Fehst indicated the council will be responsible to make the final decision, and suggested discussing with Community Development staff at the June worksession. The following two items were not discussed, and will be discussed at a future date. • Public Art Standards and Guidelines Discussion ® City Logos and Taglines Usage Guidelines Discussion Other Items Mayor Schmitt requested the 2016 Annual Report be discussed at the June worksession. City Manager Walt Fehst reported he has been researching facilitators for a council Goal Setting meeting. Mayor Schmitt suggested holding off on the Goal Setting Meeting, and focusing on the comp plan. It was determined it would be beneficial to hold a Goal Setting meeting, and the council agreed to schedule a meeting on Wednesday May 31St from 3:00 -7:00 PM. Mayor Schmitt indicated she would like to schedule the City Manager's review on June 12th, prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting. Meeting Adjourned at 9:51 PM Respectively Submitted, r I t, Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk