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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2017 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL Date of Meeting: March 6, 2017 Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting) Location of Meeting: Council Chambers Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 7:14 PM Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Williams and Buesgens Also Present: Kelli Bourgeois; Human Resource Director /Assistant to the City Manager, Joe Kloiber; Finance Director, Jackie Zillmer; Assistant Finance Director and Katie Bruno; City Clerk Mayor Schmitt indicated staff has recommended amending the order of the agenda. Motion by Mayor Schmitt, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to amend the agenda as follows. All Ayes, Motion Carried. 1. Discussion related to interviews for Council vacancy Judy Clerkin, 509 Mill St NE extended her support for Nick Novitsky. Clerkin indicated Novitsky was "nothing but greatness." Michael Novitsky, 5252 5t" St NE described Nick Novitsky as a great asset. Ann Novitsky, 5252 5t" St NE described Nick Novitsky as very dedicated. Jane Halek, 4602 Fillmore St NE described Nick Novitsky as kind and considerate, indicating his character speaks for itself. Jenny Ketchum, 4600 Fillmore St NE stated that Nick Novitsky is good at connecting people and helping to get them involved. Adam Davis, 3932 Central Ave NE #3 offered his support for Tim Utz, indicating he will work to find common ground. Raquel Tabor, escribed Nick Novitsky as civic minded and possessing good moral character. David Mitchell Shrauner, 4319 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis offered support for Tim Utz, stating he is a well- informed, family, Godly man. Nelson M.L. Moore, Sr., 1323 41St Ave NE described Nick Novitsky as a stand -up guy. Stan Hoium, 1105 42 % Ave NE expressed concern with the process. Hoium indicated the Public Comment portion of the meeting was not included on the agenda, but was announced via Facebook. A video taken at the recent interview with a cell phone was also included on the internet. City Council Worksession March 6, 2017 Page 2 of 5 Adrian Durand, 2127 Forest Dr NE described Sean Broom as energetic, creative and hardworking. Andrew Macko, 4424 2% St NE described Nick Novitsky as family and community minded. Jared Hendrickson, 4340 Jefferson St NE stated he grew up with Nick Novitsky, and that he is involved and helpful. Sean Broom, 4117 5th St NE indicated he is concerned with the lack of transparency in the appointment process. Julienne Wyckoff, 789 Parkside Lane indicated she finds out her information from Facebook and thanked Mayor Schmitt for posting this meeting on Facebook. Mayor Schmitt indicated the council will go through the 17 applicants and make comments as desired. A straw poll will take place following the council comment period. Timothy Fitze Councilmember Williams indicated he was impressed with Fitze, and would rate him high. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. agreed Fitze was a good candidate. Councilmember Buesgens liked the fact that he has a background in working with youth as a teacher. Mayor Schmitt indicated she would like to learn more about Fitze. Tim Utz There were no comments. Stan Hoium Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. indicated he has known Hoium awhile, he interviewed well, and would like to see him considered. Councilmember Williams also felt Hoium should be considered. Denelle Bing Councilmember Buesgens appreciated her new perspectives. Jerome Klein Councilmember Williams rated him high, as he seems to know the City well. Frost Simula Councilmember Buesgens stated she thinks Simula is a great candidate, he attends meetings regularly, and has great ideas of where the City should go in the future. Tammera Diehm Councilmember Williams indicated he served with Diehm for several years on the council, and thinks she could bring the council together. Christine Nelson Councilmember Buesgens liked that Nelson has experience in working at the Capitol, and her interest in diversity and family first values. City Council Worksession March 6, 2017 Page 3 of S Catherine Vesley Councilmember Buesgens stated Vesley is very forward thinking and tenacious. Councilmember Williams agreed that Vesley would be a strong candidate. Ted Landwehr Councilmember Buesgens liked the fact that Landwehr has works for several years in the community. Councilmember Williams agreed, and pointed out he served on the School Board for many years. Julienne Wyckoff Councilmember Buesgens shared Wyckoff has a lot of energy and insight to the needs of the young families. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. agreed that Wyckoff would be good for the community. Melinda Bak Councilmember Williams stated she was well spoken, and knowledgeable about the City. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. indicated he was impressed with Bak. Councilmember Buesgens indicated she seems very organized and seems to be a good strategic thinker. Barb Gertsema There were no comments. Missy Lee Councilmember Williams indicated Lee served on the School Board. Nick Novitsky Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. stated Novitsky is a hard worker and devoted member of the Lions Club. Councilmember Williams shard Novitsky is one his favorites, and is impressed with his tenacity and leadership skills. Councilmember Buesgens indicated Novitsky is good at getting things done. Sean Broom Councilmember Buesgens has been amazed at the energy Broom has, as well as his knowledge and background. Bruce Nawrocki (Phone interview) Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. stated it would be nice to have him back on the council. Councilmember Williams stated Nawrocki is Mr. Columbia Heights, and has served the City for a long time. Mayor Schmitt asked the councilmembers to indicate whether they think each candidate should move forward in the process. Murzyn, Jr Williams Buesgens Schmitt Nick Novitsky Yes Yes Yes Yes Timothy Fitze Yes Yes Yes Yes City Council Worksession March 6, 2017 Page 4 of 5 Melinda Bak Yes Yes Yes No Sean Broom No No Yes Yes Tammera Diehm Yes Yes No No Jerome Klein Yes Yes No No Ted Landwehr No No Yes Yes Bruce Nawrocki Yes Yes No No Frost Simula No No Yes Yes Catherine Vesley No Yes Yes No Stan Hoium Yes Yes No No Denelle Bing No No Yes No Tim Utz No No No Yes Julienne Wyckoff Yes No No No Christine Nelson No No Yes No Barbara Gertsema No No No No Missy Lee No No No No Nelson M.L. Moore, Sr., 1323 41St Ave NE commented that the Council has narrowed the pool down to the top two candidates, and should focus on the top two. Councilmember Buesgens reported the Charter has specific guidelines regarding the appointment process, and an appointment cannot take place earlier than March 27th. Mayor Schmitt indicated the Council will continue to discuss the applicants at future meetings. 2. Continued discussion of options for refinancing the 2007 and 2008 bonds Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported the Council will need to make decisions regarding the refinancing of the Liquor Store and Public Safety Center bonds; whether or not to use the general obligation pledge. Kloiber suggested the council may want to coordinate long term goals with the EDA. At this point the goal is to obtain information and direction, and not use time and money preparing documents that the council would have no intention of approving. Mayor Schmitt asked for a timeline. Kloiber indicated he will work with the City Manager and Bond Attorney to create a rough schedule. Kloiber stated he wouldn't expect to see a dramatic change in interest rates. Kloiber reported the City's credit rating (AA +) is as good as it can be, due to property values related to population; noting values are increasing. Councilmember Buesgens requested a copy of the Anoka Country Property Value report. 3. Information on the 2017 effects of not assessing delinquent utility bills in 2016 Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported that because the Sun Focus failed to publish a required Public Hearing Notice the City was unable to levy special assessments to 2017 taxes, including delinquent utility bills. Staff is under the assumption Council's intent was not to include the prior year delinquent accounts when calculating the decision making process of shutting water off. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. questioned how many shut -offs are possible, and if there are repeat offenders. Klaiber indicted there are about 140; some residents have figured out the system, and are deliberate. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. reported that many cities no longer do shut -offs, as it is a long process. Jackie Zillmer, Assistant Finance Director explained collections are time consuming, and customer relations are easier when dealing with current cycles. Zillmer gave an overview of the collection process, indicating there are 4 -5 steps involved. City Council Worksession March 6, 2017 Page 5 of 5 Mayor Schmitt stated she would like to see information from other cities regarding their policies. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. requested the policy be discussed at an upcoming worksession. Kloiber suggested asking neighboring communities details regarding the terms of assessments as well as any narrative feedback regarding unintended consequences when the policy was implemented. Mayor Schmitt asked if there are financial assistance opportunities for residents. Zilimer stated that residents are referred to Anoka County for assistance. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Suesgens adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried. Meeting Adjourned at 9:07 PM Respectively Submitted, yke' 6"U'lot� Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk