HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-2017 WSMayor
Donna Schmitt
Councilmembers
Robert A. Williams
John Murzyn, Jr.
Connie Buesgens
Nick Novitsky
City Manager
Walter R. Fehst
City of Columbia Heights
590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (763) 706-3600
Visit our website at: www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for disabled persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 48 hours in advance.
Please contact the City Clerk at 763-706-3611 or kbruno@columbiaheightsmn.gov, to make arrangements.
NOTICE OF
WORK SESSION
Meeting of: Columbia Heights City Council
Date of Meeting: Monday October 2, 2017
Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM (Following the Assessment Hearings)
Location of Meeting: City Hall-Conference Room No. 1
Purpose of Meeting: Worksession
•HeightsNEXT’s HeightsFEST discussion
•2018 Budget Discussion
•Recreation
•Community Development
•Library
•Administration
•Finance/IS
•Liquor
•General Government (if time allows)
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION
ITEM NO. WS1
MEETING DATE OCTOBER 2, 2017
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER
ITEM: HeightsFEST Proposal
DEPARTMENT: Community Development CITY MANAGER’S APPROVAL:
BY/DATE: Joe Hogeboom/ 9-14-17 BY/DATE:
CITY STRATEGY: #4: Opportunities for Play and Learning
Additional Strategy? #5: Diverse, Welcoming "Small-Town" Feel
SHORT TERM GOAL (IF APPLICABLE): N/A
Additional Goal? N/A
BACKGROUND:
HeightsNEXT, a local resident-based group whose mission is to make Columbia Heights a better community for
all, has proposed to create a weekly gathering that would include farmers’ stands, local non-food items, and
educations events. The proposed name of the events is “HeightsFEST”. HeightsNEXT would like to begin
holding the HeightsFEST events in June, 2018 and has proposed to use either the Public Library parking lot or
the grassy space adjacent to the parking lot as the event location. HeightsNEXT proposes to hold the events on
Thursday afternoons and evenings during summer months.
Staff seeks direction from the City Council in moving forward with plans for this event. If the Council wishes to
proceed, the following items must be considered:
•Is the Library location the best location for this event, or would an alternate location better serve the
need?
•Day of the week and hours of operation.
•How bathroom facilities would be provided.
•How waste and recycling collection will be handled.
•Wayfinding signage to and within the event.
•Whether or not City services are to be provided; if they are to be provided, will there be fees?
•Public safety considerations.
If the Council wishes to move forward and allow HeightsNEXT to operate the festivals, a location must be
determined. Then, the City Attorney advises entering into an agreement with HeightsNEXT that addresses the
above considerations. In addition, the City would need to obtain proof of liability insurance from HeightsNEXT.
Staff seeks direction from the City Council regarding moving forward with this request.