HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-2018 WS
Mayor
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
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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 May 7, 2018
Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting)
Location of Meeting: City Hall-Conference Room No. 1
Purpose of Meeting: Worksession
1. Circle Terrace Park
a. Facilities Policy
b. Naming of building
2. Planned Unit Development (PUD) Ordinance
3. Welcome Signs
4. On-Street Parking Issues
5. Public Safety Staffing discussion
6. Advisory Commission Terms
7. Council Travel policy
8. Discussion re: Welcome Wagon
9. Townhall meeting
10. Jamboree Marketing discussion
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION
ITEM NO.
MEETING DATE MAY 7, 2018
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER
ITEM: CIRCLE TERRACE COMMUNITY BUILDING FACILITY USE POLICY
DEPARTMENT: Public Works CITY MANAGER’S APPROVAL:
BY/DATE: Kevin Hansen / May 3, 2018 BY/DATE:
BACKGROUND:
The Circle Terrace Community Building (CTCB) was completed at the end of 2017 with a soft opening on
January 17, 2018. The building is a moderate size room with seating capacity of 26 and total capacity of 64. It
has interior restrooms and an attached covered picnic area with three large picnic tables. The building is
heated and cooled and is access controlled with video monitoring. The space also has a small office that is
intended for staff use only as it houses a computer linked to the Police network and IT systems.
The building is intended to serve the needs of a broad range of users from the Recreation Department, School
District, Police outreach and neighborhood wide activities.
ANALYSIS/CONCLUSIONS:
Staff is recommending a policy that guides the community usage of the building. The basis is similar to usage
of the Library Community Room and Recreation picnic shelters. A few key points to note:
The primary purpose of the space within the Circle Terrace Community Building is to support City
programs and services.
Scheduling is performed by the Recreation Department on a calendar.
An hourly rental fee and a key/security deposit are applied as part of the reservation.
The building is not intended for commercial use.
Reservations may not be made more than 30 days in advance.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Users are responsible for leaving the room as they found it, including picking up any trash.
It should be noted that this facility does not have a building custodian. Users will be required to pick up and
straighten up after meetings.
There are no setup services (room arrangements).
Parking is very limited and is on-street only.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Public Works recommends approval of the CTCB Facility Use Policy, following
Council feedback.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): Review and discussion.
ATTACHMENT(S): CTCB Facility Use Policy
WS1a
Circle Terrace Community Building
1311 Circle Terrace Boulevard NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 • Phone: 763-706-3730
FACILITY USE POLICY
PURPOSE: To list requirements for use of the Circle Terrace Community Building by individuals and
organizations.
GUIDELINES:
1. The primary purpose of the space within the Circle Terrace Community Building is to support
City programs and services. Activities, meeting, exhibits and programs sponsored, co-sponsored
or otherwise provided by the Circle Terrace Community Building will have priority for the use of
all rooms.
2. The Circle Terrace Community Building makes meeting space available to the public regardless
of beliefs or affiliation of the individuals or groups requesting their use.
3. Scheduling for rooms will be handled by the Recreation Department or designated staff.
a.All reservations are placed on the calendar. The phone number and name of the person
assuming responsibility for the use of the Circle Terrace Community Building, and name of
the group are needed to reserve a room.
b.Those reserving Circle Terrace Community Building must complete and sign a "Facility Use
Responsibility Agreement" and will receive a copy of this policy. The person must be of legal
age.
c. The Circle Terrace Community Building may be rented for a fee of $25 per hour. The room
may be rented when not being used for City programs between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10
p.m., Monday through Saturday. A completed "Facility Use Responsibility Agreement" and
all rental fees are due in full before the scheduled meeting.
d.Lessee should notify the Recreation Department of cancellations as soon as possible so that
the space may be used by others. Rental fees may be refundable with a forty-eight hour
notice of cancellation. Three no-shows for a reservation will result in loss of rental
privileges for one year.
4. The Circle Terrace Community Building may be scheduled by Columbia Heights residents or non-
profit groups that are open to the general public and appropriate to the facility.
a.Appropriate use would not include activities that might damage the facilities, and those
which may interfere with the regular use of the Circle Terrace Community Building.
5. The rooms may not be used for commercial purposes or functions.
a.No fees may be charged to individuals attending meetings or programs.
b.Exceptions may be made for recreation or law-related activities and materials required for
training.
6. Approval to use the Circle Terrace Community Building room does not constitute an endorsement by the
City of any beliefs, policies, information, or programs of the user. All advertisements, press releases;
announcements, and posters must list the individual or organization responsible for the event and include
the following statement: "This event is NOT sponsored by the City of Columbia Heights."
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
7. The number of persons using a room must not exceed the legal capacity of the room. Persons
reserving the room must sign a responsibility form and agree to leave the room in good condition.
Person reserving the room will be responsible for any damage incurred.
8. Reservations will not be accepted more than thirty (30) days in advance of meetings. Rooms are
available on a first-come, first-served basis. No provision will be made to reserve rooms on a
constant or re-occurring basis-rooms will be booked for each meeting as appropriate.
9. Rooms are intended for the use of local residents/organizations. They will receive priority over
non- residents.
10. No cooking will be allowed; no small appliances may be used; no meals will be served; no
alcoholic beverages will be allowed.
11. State and local fire codes apply to use of Circle Terrace Community Building spaces.
12. Storage of equipment or supplies for groups using the room will not be allowed.
13. The Circle Terrace Community Building room includes a screen and HDMI or USB connections.
Presenters must bring their own laptops.
14. Nothing may be affixed to the walls (e.g. tape, tacks, putty, temporary hangers, etc.)
15. Furniture must remain in the space. No other items may be brought into the room without
prior permission of the City.
16. Rooms are to be in the good order in which they are found. Chairs and tables will be returned to
the original places. The room must be vacant by the hour specified on the application or 15
minutes before closing time. The Circle Terrace Community Building may be rented between the
hours of 7 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. User will be responsible for any
damage to room, furniture, or equipment.
17. Smoking is NOT allowed anywhere in the Circle Terrace Community Building.
18. The City reserves the right to revoke a reservation to use the meeting room if the room is needed
for City purposes at the specified time. A two-week notice of cancellation will be given.
Approved:
City Council
Adopted May 14, 2018
City of Columbia Heights / Circle Terrace Community Building
www.columbiaheightsmn.gov 1311 Circle Terrace Boulevard NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
FACILITY USE POLICY
RESPONSIBILITY FORM
I, the undersigned, as a representative of the following named organization, do hereby
understand that I and my group are to leave the meeting room of the Columbia Heights Circle
Terrace Community Building in good condition after our use of it. Trash will be picked up and
the room will be left as it was found. Any damage incurred as a result of our use of the room
will be the responsibility of myself and the group.
I understand that the City of Columbia Heights is not a sponsor of my program or meeting and
that it assumes no responsibility for the program or its contents. Notices and advertisements
may list the Circle Terrace Community Building as the location but will clearly identify the
program sponsor and will not imply either City of Columbia Heights endorsement or
sponsorship.
I further guarantee that the room will no be used for a profit-making enterprise either by
myself or the group.
Group name and address:
Group representative:
Signature
Print name
Phone number
Date
$100 key/security deposit received
ROOM CAPACITY IS LIMITED TO 64 PEOPLE
AGENDA SECTION
ITEM NO.
MEETING DATE MAY 7, 2018
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER
ITEM: Ordinance No. 1647, Planned Unit Development District Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Community Development CITY MANAGER’S APPROVAL:
BY/DATE: Keith M. Dahl, April 25, 2018 BY/DATE:
CITY STRATEGY: #6: Excellent Housing/Neighborhoods
Additional Strategy? #7: Strong Infastructure/Public Services
SHORT TERM GOAL (IF APPLICABLE): N/A
Additional Goal? N/A
BACKGROUND:
The City of Columbia Heights (the “City”) has had an extensive history with respect to Planned Unit
Development (Commonly referred to as “PUD”) Districts since 1974. Nevertheless, on May 29, 2001, the City
Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1428, an ordinance which effectively repealed and replaced the
previous Zoning Ordinance of the City, but subsequently eliminated the PUD District.
The intent behind the elimination of the PUD District was for the newly created Mixed Use Development
(Commonly referred to as “MXD”) District to replace the traditional PUD District. However, over the years,
staff has determined that the MXD District is not adequately functioning how it was intended to function as a
strategy for the City to encourage flexible high-quality design for development and redevelopment projects.
Therefore, staff has drafted a proposed ordinance which would re-establish the PUD District so that the City
may attain a higher quality of design for future development and redevelopment projects throughout the
community.
A PUD District is generally described as a type of development or redevelopment that follows a separate
regulatory approval process, which results in a development outcome that exceeds the typical development
achievable through the standard requirements of the primary zoning district.
The proposed ordinance attached was drafted to reflect the previous format of the PUD District eliminated by
Ordinance No. 1428, as well as to incorporate several new provisions that were identified by staff to be
applicable based on an evaluation of other PUD Districts in ten (10) different cities, specifically Brooklyn
Center, Fridley, Golden Valley, Hopkins, North St. Paul, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Roseville, St. Louis Park, and
West St. Paul.
Staff would like to facilitate a discussion in regards to the re-establishment of the PUD District and review the
proposed ordinance to obtain direction, feedback and comments from the City Council members.
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Ordinance No. 1647 (5 Pages)
Work Session
WS2
Ordinance No. 1647
ORDINANCE NO. 1647
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE OF 2005 RELATING TO ZONING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT,
AND ESTABLISHING A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the “City”) does ordain:
SECTION I: That Chapter 9, Article 1: Zoning and Land Development of City Code is hereby amended to read as
follows, to wit:
§9.113 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.
§9.113 9.114 OVERLAY DISTRICTS.
§9.114 9.115 PUBLIC AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT.
§9.115 9.116 SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS.
SECTION II: That Chapter 9, Article 1, Section 9.113: Planned Unit Development District shall hereafter read as
follows, to wit:
§9.113 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.
(A)Purpose. The purpose of the PUD, Planned Unit Development District is to provide greater flexibility
with development and redevelopment; preserve historical, environmental, and aesthetically significant
features; promote a high quality of design; and encourage more technological and energy efficient
developments. This is achieved by undertaking a process that results in a development outcome that
exceeds the typical development achievable through standard zoning controls.
(B)General Provisions.
(1)Relationship to other applicable regulations.
(a)Property located within a PUD District shall be subject to the land use controls described in the
primary zoning district, as well as the rules and regulations prescribed in the PUD District plan.
Where the provisions of the primary zoning district and the PUD District plan are in conflict, the PUD
District plan shall govern.
(b)The PUD District plan review process, in accordance with the provisions of this section,
constitute and supersede the requirements set forth in §9.104, subdivision (N)(2).
(2)Right of application. Any person having a legal interest in the property may file an application for
the establishment of a PUD District to the Zoning Administrator.
(3)Authority. The City retains absolute authority and discretion to establish a PUD District, and
reserves the right to deny the establishment of a PUD District if the City Council determines that the
proposed benefits of the development do not justify the requested flexibilities of a PUD District.
(4)Administration. The administration and enforcement of this section shall be in accordance with the
provisions of §9.104.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance 1647 Page 2
(5)Application. An application for establishment of a PUD District shall be filed with the Zoning
Administrator on the approved form and shall be accompanied by an application fee as set forth in
§9.104, subdivision (C)(5). An application shall include a narrative; a vicinity map; an accurately scaled
site plan showing the locations of proposed and existing buildings, existing and proposed topography,
vehicular access and parking areas, landscaping, and other site features; a stormwater management
plan; elevation views of all proposed buildings and structures; and any other information determined
by the Zoning Administrator to be necessary.
(6)Approval. Approval of a PUD District plan shall be by ordinance, a simple majority vote, and in full
force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage.
(7)Physical Development Contract. After City Council approval of a PUD District plan, a Physical
Development Contract shall be required prior to site development. The Physical Development Contract
shall reference all the approved plans and specify permitted uses; allowable densities; development
phasing if applicable; required public improvements; construction commencement and completion
dates of the minimum improvements; an irrevocable letter of credit, or cash deposit in an amount
sufficient to ensure the provision or development of public improvements; and any other requirements
determined by the Zoning Administrator to be necessary. The Physical Development Contract shall be
signed by the applicant or an authorized representative within sixty (60) days after its approval by City
Council.
(8)Time Limits. An established PUD District shall be validated by the construction commencement of
the minimum improvements pursuant to the Physical Development Contract. If the construction
commencement fails to meet the deadline specified in the Physical Development Contract, the
approval of the PUD District plan by the City Council shall be rendered invalid and void.
Notwithstanding the construction commencement time limitations, the City Council may, at its own
discretion, approve an extension by approval of an Amendment to the Physical Development Contract
if requested by the applicant in writing.
(C)Areas of Flexibility. Development flexibility provided through the establishment of a PUD District will
not be approved in avoidance of the regulations set forth by the primary zoning district. However, if a
development is able to achieve a higher quality of design, efficiency, and technology than what current
market conditions allow, the establishment of a PUD District will provide flexibility to the following areas:
(1)Building Heights.
(2)Building Materials
(3)Building and Parking Setbacks.
(4)Landscaping Requirements.
(5)Multiple Building Placement.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance 1647 Page 3
(6)Parking and Vehicular Requirements.
(7)Public Art Requirements.
(8)Public Spaces.
(9)Signage Requirements.
(10)Site Density.
(D)Review Procedure.
(1)Pre-application meeting. Prior to filing an application to the Zoning Administrator for the
establishment of a PUD District, the applicant shall meet with City staff for a pre-application meeting.
The primary purpose of the pre-application meeting is to allow the applicant and City staff to discuss
land use controls, appropriate uses of the site, specific development design standards, the application
process, and required information that shall be submitted with an application, as well as evaluate how
the development will achieve a higher quality of design, efficiency and technology.
(2)Development Review Committee. After filing a completed application, the Development Review
Committee, comprised of the Zoning Administrator, Building Official, Fire Chief, City Engineer, and
his/her appointee, shall conduct an administrative review of the application. All findings and
determinations by the Development Review Committee shall be forwarded to the Planning
Commission.
(3)Neighborhood Meeting. Prior to the consideration of a PUD District plan or a major amendment to
a PUD District plan by the Planning Commission, the applicant shall hold a Neighborhood Meeting
within City limits, and mail a notification of the Neighborhood Meeting to all property owners within
three hundred and fifty (350) feet surrounding the proposed PUD District. The purpose of the meeting
is to inform the neighborhood of the proposed development and obtain input from the affected
property owners.
(4)Planning Commission.
(a)Informal Public Hearing. The Planning Commission shall hold an informal public hearing for the
consideration of a completed application for the establishment of a PUD District in accordance with
the requirements of this section. The Planning Commission shall make the following findings of fact
before approving the establishment of a PUD District:
(i)The PUD District plan conforms to all applicable requirements of this article.
(ii)The PUD District plan is consistent with the applicable provisions of the Comprehensive Plan.
(iii)The PUD District plan is consistent with any applicable area plan.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance 1647 Page 4
(iv)The PUD District plan minimizes any adverse impacts on property in the immediate vicinity
and the public right-of-way.
(b)Recommendation. The findings and recommendation of the Planning Commission shall be
forwarded to the City Council. The Planning Commission may impose conditions of recommended
approval or modifications to any PUD District plan, and require guarantees deemed necessary to
ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.
(5)City Council.
(a)Formal Public Hearing. The City Council shall hold a formal public hearing for the consideration
of a completed application for the establishment of a PUD District in accordance with the
requirements of this section.
(b)Action. The City Council shall review and consider the recommendations of the Planning
Commission, the Development Review Committee, and the public before approval or denial, in
whole or in part, is made for establishment of the PUD District. A denial shall only be based on
findings of fact that the PUD District plan is not in substantial compliance with the provisions of this
section or City Council determines that the proposed benefits of the development do not justify the
requested flexibilities of a PUD District.
(E)Amendments. An approved PUD District plan may not be changed or modified without prior approval
by City Council. A request for an amendment to an approved PUD District plan shall be submitted and
reviewed by the Zoning Administrator to determine if it is a minor or major amendment.
(a)Minor Amendments.
(i)An amendment shall be deemed minor in nature if a change or modification to the approved
PUD District plan increases or decreases a provision to be in conformance with the primary
zoning district; increases the density of units per acre or gross floor area in any structure by less
than equal to ten percent (10%); demolishes or adds an accessory structure; significantly alters
the original intent of the landscape plans or elevation views; or is not determined by the Zoning
Administrator to be major in nature.
(ii)A minor amendment shall be placed on the Consent Agenda of City Council without the
review by the Planning Commission. The City Council may remove the minor amendment from
the Consent Agenda for discussion before approval or denial.
(b)Major Amendments.
(i)An amendment shall be deemed major in nature if a change or modification to the approved
PUD District plan increases or decreases a provision to not be in conformance with the primary
zoning district; increases the density of units per acre or gross floor area in any structure by more
than ten percent (10%); demolishes or adds a principle structure; alters the placement of
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance 1647 Page 5
buildings or roads; introduces a new use; decreases the amount of public spaces by more than
equal to three percent (3%) or alter it in such a way to change its original intent; creates a conflict
with the original conditions of recommended approval; eliminates, substantially diminishes, or
compromises the original intent of the PUD District as prescribed in subdivision (A) of this section;
or is not determined by the Zoning Administrator to be minor in nature.
(ii)A major amendment shall require the submittal of a revised PUD District plan to the Zoning
Administrator for full review and approval in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(F)Cancellations. An approved PUD District plan shall be cancelled and revoked only upon City Council
approving a resolution rescinding the PUD District. Cancellation of a PUD District plan shall include findings
of fact that demonstrate that the district is no longer necessary due to changes in local regulations;
becomes inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City; threatens public safety, health, or welfare;
or at the request of the applicant or assignee in writing.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage.
First Reading:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Second Reading:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Date of Passage:
Donna Schmitt, Mayor
Attest:
Katie Bruno, City Clerk/Council Secretary
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION
ITEM NO.
MEETING DATE MAY 7, 2018
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER
ITEM: Welcome Sign Installation Program
DEPARTMENT: Community Development CITY MANAGER’S APPROVAL:
BY/DATE: Joe Hogeboom, May 1, 2018 BY/DATE:
CITY STRATEGY: #5: Diverse, Welcoming "Small-Town" Feel
Additional Strategy? N/A
SHORT TERM GOAL (IF APPLICABLE): N/A
Additional Goal? N/A
BACKGROUND:
Many cities in Minnesota place signs along higher-traffic roads that indicate when you enter the city limits.
Currently, Columbia Heights only has “welcome” signs on University Avenue (a MnDOT sign to the north and a
monument sign to the south) and on Central Avenue (a MnDOT sign to the north and a monument sign to the
south). Staff has researched installing metal “welcome” signs at fifteen different entrance points to the City. A
list of the proposed locations is attached.
Staff proposes that the signs include the City’s logo and name, as well as the official tagline “Rediscover the
Heights”. Staff also recommends utilizing black lettering on a white background to remain consistent with the
branding color scheme. In all but three locations, signs would be added to existing metal poles.
In addition to the “welcome” signs, staff proposes to replace signs at the two municipal parking ramps and the
municipal parking lot near Central Avenue to better advertise the free parking options to patrons of local
businesses. Staff also proposes installing several directional signs in the downtown area that will serve to
better guide motorists to the ramp.
Staff estimates the total cost to have all of the signs formally designed and installed will be approximately
$300-$500, which would be taken from the “Special Projects Fund – 226”. Staff seeks the support of the City
Council in this endeavor prior to ordering and installing the new signage.
WS3
Location Sufficient
ROW
Existing
Pole
AAC Sign
Needed
Notes
1
Main St. / 44th Ave.
SE Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
Remove “City of Peace” sign.
2
49th Ave. / University Ave.
SE Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
3
53rd Ave. / University Ave.
SE Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
4
53rd Ave. / Washington St.
SW Corner Yes No Yes
Install pole.
Put “welcome” sign on top.
Put “AAC” sign underneath.
5
Central Ave. / 45th Ave.
SW Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top of no parking sign.
6
Matterhorn Dr.
S Entry Yes No Yes
Install pole at tree/ hedge line.
Put “welcome” sign on top.
Put “AAC” sign on underneath.
7
Fairway Dr. / Stinson Blvd.
NW Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
8
45th Ave. / Stinson Blvd.
NW Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
9
40th Ave. / Stinson Blvd.
NW Corner Yes Yes
Straighten pole.
Put “welcome” sign on top.
10
37th Ave. / Stinson Blvd.
NW Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
11
37th Ave. / Johnson St.
NE Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
12
37th Ave. / Madison Pl.
NE Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
13
37th Ave. / Main St.
NE Corner Yes Yes
Put “welcome” sign on top.
14
40th Ave. / Main St.
SE Corner Yes Yes
Remove “neighborhood watch” sign.
Put “welcome” sign on top.
Put “AAC” sign underneath “welcome”.
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53rd Ave. / Washington St.
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WELCOME SIGN LOCATIONS
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Central Ave. / 45th Ave.
45th Ave. / Stinson Blvd.
Fairway Dr. / Stinson Blvd.
37th Ave. / Stinson Blvd.
40th Ave. / Stinson Blvd.
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37th Ave. / Main St.
37th Ave. / Madison Pl.
40th Ave. / Main St.
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AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION
ITEM NO.
MEETING DATE MAY 7, 2018
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER
ITEM: On-Street Parking Issues
DEPARTMENT: Community Development CITY MANAGER’S APPROVAL:
BY/DATE: Joe Hogeboom, May 1, 2018 BY/DATE:
CITY STRATEGY: #5: Diverse, Welcoming "Small-Town" Feel
Additional Strategy? #6: Excellent Housing/Neighborhoods
SHORT TERM GOAL (IF APPLICABLE): N/A
Additional Goal? N/A
BACKGROUND:
The Heights Event Center, a private banquet facility, recently opened in the former Public Library building.
Since its opening, the City has received numerous complaints regarding the number of cars parked on streets
adjacent to the business during times that the business is in use. The City Manager, as well as staff from the
Public Works Department, the Police Department and the Community Development Department have met to
discuss potential ways to mitigate the situation. We are currently taking the following action steps:
•We have reached out to the business owner to inform him that there is a problem, and ask that he
help to direct visitors to use the municipal parking ramp and lot. We have assisted in making a
flier/map that the business owner can distribute to his patrons that advertises where free municipal
parking is available. We have stressed to the owner that if excessive on-street parking continues, we
will evaluate additional options that would include on-street parking restrictions.
•We will post signs in this area helping to direct traffic to the free municipal parking options. The signs
are currently being designed, and will likely be installed in the coming month.
•We have reached out to neighboring properties, including Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and
Greater Life Tabernacle, to see if we can help facilitate potential shared parking arrangements.
Unfortunately, the Parish Trustees at Immaculate Conception have elected not to pursue leasing space
to the Heights Event Center at this time. Further, unfortunately Greater Life Tabernacle staff has not
responded to our attempted communication.
•The Police Department has been monitoring this area on nights and weekends to help give us a better
understanding of the scope and intensity of the situation. So far, there have been no excessive parking
issues reported since the monitoring began on April 6th.
We will continue to monitor the situation, and if excessive parking continues to occur even after the above
measures are taken, we will reassess whether or not some sort of parking restrictions should be
recommended in the area. One option would be to create a “Critical Parking Zone”, similar to what is done in
certain parts of Minneapolis, where residents would receive sticker permits to place on their vehicles that
would allow them to park on the residential streets. Under this scenario, vehicles parked in this area without
the appropriate permit could be subject to receiving a citation.
Staff seeks feedback from the City Council concerning our approach to resolving this situation.
WS4
HUSET PARK
HUSET PARK
City of Columbia Heights |Proposed Critical Parking Zone
590 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3600 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
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40th Ave. NE
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