HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2018 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: August 6, 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, Novitsky, Williams, and Buesgens
Also present: Walt Fehst; City Manager, Lenny Austin; Police Chief, Gary Gorman; Fire Chief, John Larkin;
Assistant Fire Chief, Kelli Bourgeois; Human Resources Director /Assistant City Manager, Joe Hogeboom;
Community Development Director, Matt Markham; Police Captain, Joe Kloiber; Finance Director, Jason
Schulz; Liquor Operations Manager, and Katie Bruno; City Clerk.
Public Safety Staffing Study
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Kelli Bourgeois Human Resources Director /Assistant to the City Manager reported that three proposals
were received for the Public Safety Staffing Study. After reviewing the proposals, McGrath was the
choice. Staff received positive feedback after reaching out to other cities that have experience with
them.
Snow Removal
Kelli Bourgeois Human Resources Director /Assistant to the City Manager acknowledged the fact that
snow removal on Central Ave sidewalks has been problematic. Options discussed included hiring a
contractor and establishing a Special Service District, which would require support from the majority of
commercial property owners. The council agreed that enforcement needs to increase, and letters
should be sent out in advance to commercial property owners letting them know that enforcement will
be stepped up.
Public Hearing Notification process
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom reported that he has received a request to notify
tenants as well as property owners for Public Hearings. Software limitations as well as increased costs in
mailing would make that process difficult. Other ideas include signage and posting Public Hearings on
the city's website.
On- Street Parking discussion.
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom reported that there have been complaints from the
residents near the Heights Event Center. Vehicles are parked along both sides of the residential streets,
causing concern for emergency vehicle access. Hogeboom has ordered new signs directing patrons to
the city's free municipal parking lots.
Other options included implementing no parking on one side of the street, issuing parking permits to
residents, or requesting the Heights Event Center offer valet parking for their patrons.
Update on citywide street rehabilitation program
Public Works Director Kevin Hansen gave an overview of the city's street rehabilitation program, and
gave a recap of the 2018 projects. It was reported that the alleys in the city are in rough shape, and the
worst will be reconstructed in the next four years.
City Council Work Session
August 6, 2018
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Plan for customers that do not comply with notice of a non - working water meter
Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported that occasionally the city is unable to obtain a reading from a
meter, and the bill is estimated. If a second reading cannot be obtained, the customer is issued a letter.
Some residents do not respond for multiple years. The Finance Department is proposing to model the
Fire Decrement's abatement procedure for those non - responsive property owners.
Plan for Liquor Store #3
Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported that the tire store next to Top Valu Store 3 has requested a new
sign. Community Development staff suggested that a shared sign with the liquor store be considered.
Liquor Operations Manager Jason Schulz speculated that the store is missing out on the many
commuters traveling along University Avenue. Schulz indicated that he would like to improve the
exterior of the store, in addition to some cosmetic improvements on the inside. The estimated cost of
the improvements would be between 60,000 and $100,000. Kloiber indicated that the store does pretty
well from a financial aspect. The council agreed the updates would be a benefit.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:47 PM
Respectively Submitted,
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Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk