HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-05-2015 Work Session
Meeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: January 5, 2015
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 7:55 PM
Present: Mayor Peterson, Council Member Nawrocki, Council Member Schmitt, Council Member
Williams, Council Member Murzyn, City Manager Walt Fehst, Public Works Director Kevin Hansen,
HR Director/Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois, Library Director Renee Dougherty,
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom, Assistant Community Development Director Loren
Wickham, and City Clerk/Council Secretary Katie Bruno
Administer Oaths of Office to Mayor Peterson and Councilmembers Schmitt and Murzyn
Katie Bruno, City Clerk reported that Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Schmitt and Murzyn were
sworn in prior to the meeting.
Discuss Recommendations for Appointment to the HRA and EDA
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom reported that Tami Diehm had expressed interest in
continuing on the HRA. Director Hogeboom explained that the by-laws require a majority of the
members be councilmembers. Mayor Peterson reported that Councilmember Williams had indicated that
he would be willing to resign from the HRA, making his spot available for Tami Diehm. The council
agreed to appoint Councilmember Schmitt, Councilmember Murzyn and Tami Diehm to the HRA, and
to appoint Councilmember Schmitt, Councilmember Murzyn and Mayor Peterson to the EDA.
Discuss Recommendations for Appointment to the to the Columbia Heights Volunteer Firefighters
Relief Association Board of Trustees for 2015
Mayor Peterson suggested that Councilmember Murzyn and City Manager Fehst serve on the Board.
Manager Fehst stated that he will confirm that the Mayor is not required to serve.
Discuss Nomination of Council President for 2015
Mayor Peterson nominated Councilmember Williams for Council President. Councilmember Nawrocki
stated that in the past; the councilmember with the most years of service was appointed as president.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated that he would be honored to hold the position of Council President.
Mayor Peterson suggested the council forward any suggestions to the City Manager or City Clerk, and
the item will be considered under Council Business at the January 12th Council meeting.
Discuss Various Appointments of Council Liaisons and Staff Assignments to City Boards &
Commissions and External Boards
The council discussed and agreed upon the following appointments:
City Boards and Commissions:
Library Board Council Liaison Mayor Peterson
Park & Recreation Commission Council Liaison Councilmember Schmitt
Planning & Zoning Commission Council Liaison Councilmember Murzyn
Traffic Commission Council Liaison Councilmember Schmitt
Charter Commission Council Liaison Councilmember Nawrocki
(Alternate) Councilmember Williams
External Boards:
The League of Minnesota Cities Delegate Councilmember Nawrocki
Alternate City Manager Fehst
Mississippi Water Management Organization Delegate Councilmember Schmitt
Alternate Linda Johnson
(City of Hilltop)
Rice Creek Watershed Advisory Board Delegate Councilmember Williams
Alternate Kevin Hansen
North Star Corridor Development Authority Delegate Councilmember Nawrocki
Alternate City Manager Fehst
The Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council Delegate Mayor Peterson
Alternate Scott Nadeau
Anoka County Fire Protection Council Delegate Councilmember Murzyn
Alternate Gary Gorman
School Board Liaison
Councilmember Schmitt suggested that the City consider appointing a School Board Liaison, and that
she would be interested in being the liaison. Mayor Peterson reported that he will check with the school
board.
Public Arts Commission Liaison
Councilmember Schmitt expressed concern with the commission, and questioned what the City’s role is
regarding the commission. Mayor Peterson stated he will plan to attend a meeting to get their feedback.
City NCDA Membership
City Manager Fehst reported that the NCDA has requested that some cities withdraw their membership,
as they have been unsuccessful in achieving a quorum. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that he is on the
Board and would not support terminating the City’s membership.
Discuss Designation of Legal Newspaper
City Manager Fehst explained that the Sun Focus is the only option for the City. It was reported that the
City has received complaints regarding delivery issues. Both the HR Director/Assistant to the City
manager Kelli Bourgeois and Manager Fehst have contacted the Sun Focus seeking a resolution to the
delivery issues. Manager Fehst said he will follow up with the publisher.
Review/Discuss Applicants for Library Design Task Force
City Manager Walt Fehst explained this group would meet with the architect every 4-6 weeks, and
conduct Public Hearings to obtain public input regarding the design of the library. Councilmember
Schmitt suggested the council consider applicants other than those that served on the Library Task
Force. In addition to the nine applicants recommended by the Mayor (Jennifer Blake, Tricia Conway,
Tami Diehm, Adrian Durand, William Hugo, David Larson, Tom Letness, Charlie Oribamise, Catherine
Vesley) the council agreed to appoint Emily Spiteri and Rachel Schwankl.
Discuss MS 4 (Stormwater) Ordinance Amendment
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that The MNPCA accepted our Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Program (SWPPP) plan in April of 2014. Under our new permit, the MNPCA provided 12
months from the date of acceptance to come into compliance with the statewide regulations. Staff has
prepared amendments to our existing Stormwater Management Ordinance specific to erosion control as
well as our Zoning and Land Development Ordinance specific to illicit discharges. A copy of the City’s
updated ordinances was distributed noting the changes to meet the requirements of the new permit.
Discuss Green Steps City-Step 2
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that the City will be recognized at the 2015 League of
MN Cities Annual Conference as a Step Two GreenStep City. Hansen explained the criteria for meeting
the Best Practice activities. This item was for information purposes only; no action by the council will
be taken.
Overview of Composting Pilot Program
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that the City has received $8,000 from the SCORE
grant received from Anoka Co. to initiate countywide organic composting.
Hansen explained that the cost to residents to have a composting cart is high, so the City will be making
it available at our recycling center. Hansen reported that there would be savings in tipping costs, as well
as reducing air space at the recovery center. This item was for information purposes only; no action by
the council will be taken.
Discussion related to proposed St. Anthony street project-Stinson Blvd.
Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that the this item was not on the agenda, but wanted to
make the council aware. The City of St. Anthony plans to do a full reconstruction, with replacement of
watermain and sanitary sewer of Stinson Blvd from 37th Ave. to 40th Ave. Hansen reported that the City
of Columbia Heights has watermain, storm sewer and sanitary sewer on Stinson Blvd. The City plans to
work in this zone in 2016.
Mayor Peterson suggested the City consider opening up visual access to Hart Lake. City Manager Fehst
suggested that City Staff look into it in 2015.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:20 PM