HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-2018 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: June 4, 2018
Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM
Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1
Purpose of Meeting: Work Session
CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM
Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Williams, Novitsky and Buesgens
Also present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Kelli Bourgeois; Human Resources Director /Assistant to the City
Manager, Lenny Austin; Police Chief, Kevin Hansen; Public Works Director, Joe Hogeboom; Community
Development Director, Keith Dahl; Economic Development Manager, Akua Opoku; Housing & Economic
Development Intern, and Katie Bruno; City Clerk.
Discussion regarding Pathwa s Program
Police Chief Lenny Austin reported the City has had two police officers successfully participate in the
Pathways Program. Currently the City has a CSO that would be an excellent candidate for the program.
Hennepin County Technical College has lengthened the course to 22 weeks, based on feedback from
participating agencies. With the additional instruction time, the cost has increased from $7,000 to
approximately $12,000 per candidate; there may be grant funds available. The hope is to move this
candidate into one of the two open positions within the police department. Austin indicated that this is
an unbudgeted expense, noting that with the current vacancies some of the costs will be offset.
Kelli Bourgeois, Human Resources Director /Assistant to the City Manager indicated that this will allow
the City to attract high quality CSO candidates, and to give the City the advantage of working with the
CSO, prior to them being hired as an officer. Chief Austin indicated the item will be brought to a future
council meeting for consideration.
City Hall Master Plan
Cindy McCleary, representing Leo A. Daly gave an overview of a proposed plan to build a new City Hall,
with a connection to Murzyn Hall. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. suggested an expansion to the main hall
at Murzyn Hall be considered along with the new construction.
Councilmember Buesgens agreed that expanding Murzyn Hall is a good idea. Community Development
Director Joe Hogeboom stated that while he likes the Farmers Market, he questioned if that space could
be used as a viable development site, and find an alternate location for a Farmers Market. Hogeboom
also stated that this option would allow for Mill Street to become a Parkway, with access to Huset Park.
Hansen suggested incorporating the Huset Park Master Plan, along with the project.
Councilmember Buesgens requested the additional plaza areas be included in the costs, not be priced
separately. Councilmember Williams suggested focusing on the improvements to Murzyn Hall and the
construction of a new City Hall.
Director Hansen reported modifications will be made to the presented concept, and requested the
Council provide any additional comments, stating the final costs will be determined following council
direction. McCleary suggested pricing the public space separately. The council all agreed that this is the
preferred site.
City Council Work Session
June 4, 2018
Page 2 of 2
Columbia Heights Design Guidelines
Akua Opoku; Housing & Economic Development Intern shared Staff's recommendation that the Design
Guidelines be updated every 8 -10 years, in order to follow along with the Comprehensive Plan. Another
recommendation is to establish a clear facade for city buildings.
Mayor Schmitt indicated there are numerous ethnic restaurants in the City, who's decor preferences
may not fit into our guidelines. Director Hogeboom stated that the design guidelines apply to new
commercial development, and new residential development (other than single family and twin homes).
Hogeboom clarified that the guidelines are not required, and developers are encouraged to consider the
guidelines when possible.
Councilmember Buesgens indicated that the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee requested the
Design Guidelines be updated.
Councilmember Williams suggested the City discuss height restrictions as part of the design guidelines.
Mayor Schmitt stated that the Fire Department may not be replacing their ladder truck, and that may be
a factor when considering building height.
Keith Dahl; Economic Development Manager asked for direction from the council regarding next steps.
Dahl indicated he will budget accordingly to bring in a consultant for Community Engagement events in
2019. Mayor Schmitt asked for a timeline. Director Hogeboom explained the Comprehensive Plan
review process can take up to six months. Following approval of the Comp Plan, the Zoning Code will
need to be updated. The Design Guidelines will follow the 2040 Comp Plan.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:08 PM
Respectively Submitted,
& b&uk
Katie Bruno,
Council Secretary /City Clerk