HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2018 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: January 8, 2018
Time of Meeting: 6:00 PM
Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1
Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION
CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM
Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Williams, Murzyn Jr., Buesgens and Novitsky
Also Present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Keith Dahl; Economic Development Manager,
and Katie Bruno; City Clerk
Anoka County Economic Development Plan update
Keith Dahl, Economic Development Manager gave an overview of the Economic
Development Business Recruitment Roadmap for Anoka County. He explained the
objective of the project is to make Anoka County more competitive, and promote a
positive image. Ady Advantage was hired to assist with the process. Early discussions
indicate target industries for Columbia Heights include Data Centers and Call Centers.
Dahl indicated the group hopes to have their brand developed within 90 days, and will get
materials to the cities shortly after.
Discuss Apmointment of Council Liaisons & Staff Assignments to City Boards &
Commissions and External Boards.
The council members all indicated their preferences. The following appointments were
agreed upon;
Library Board; Bobby Williams, Park & Recreation Commission; Nick Novitsky, Planning &
Zoning Commission; John Murzyn, Jr., Traffic Commission; Connie Buesgens, Charter
Commission; Connie Buesgens. For external boards; LMC; Buesgens /Novitsky, Metro
Cities; Buesgens /Novitsky, MWMO; Schmitt, RCW Advisory Board; Williams /Director
Hansen, The Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council; Schmitt /Chief Austin, Anoka
County Fire Protection Council; Murzyn, Jr. /Bourgeois, and Columbia Heights School
District Liaison; Novitsky.
Discuss Appointment of Council President
The council agreed the Nick Novitsky would serve as Council President for 2018.
Discuss Appointment to Columbia Heights Volunteer Firefighters Relief Assn. Board of
Trustees for 2018.
The council agreed that John Murzyn, Jr. would continue on the Volunteer Firefighters
Relief Assn. Board of Trustees, and Kelli Bourgeois would serve as well for 2018.
City Council Worksession
January 8, 2018
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Discuss EDA Appointments
Mayor Schmitt noted in the past, the Planning & Zoning Commission President has been
appointed to the EDA. City Manager Fehst suggested that was by happenstance. The
council agreed to reappoint Gerry Herringer and Marlaine Szurek, each for a six year term.
Discuss Legal Newspaper for 2018
Mayor Schmitt reported the proposal from Sun Focus did not reflect the adjusted rate due
to an error on their part in 2016. Manager Fehst indicated he would follow -up with the
Finance Director. The council agreed to designate the Sun Focus as the Legal Newspaper.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:37 PM
Respectively Submitted,
Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk