HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-07-2015 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: December 7, 2015
Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting)
Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1
Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:11 PM
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Williams, Nawrocki and Schmitt
Also Present: City Manager Walt Fehst, City Attorney Jim Hoeft, Finance Director Joe Kloiber,
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom, Police Chief Scott Nadeau, Police Captain
Lenny Austin, Human Resources Director/Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois,
Council Secretary Katie Bruno
1. Discussion regarding Auto Moratorium / Proposed Development
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom reported the council recently adopted an Ordinance
placing a six month moratorium on auto related businesses along Central Ave. Recently staff was
approached by Venture Pass Partners, LLC inquiring about the site at Central Ave. & 47th Ave.
Venture Pass would like to propose a Jiffy Lube service center to the north, and a retail pad to the
south. Director Hogeboom introduced Dave Carland and Randy Rauwerdink from Venture Pass
Partners, LLC. Mr. Carland noted the challenge with the area is its proximity to I694, and the
expectation of lower rent costs. Mr. Carland indicated that a Jiffy Lube would subsidize the project as
well as making the project smaller; less space to lease. Mr. Carland noted they could construct the
retail pad first, and the Jiffy Lube as a “phase 2”, allowing time for the moratorium to expire.
Director Hogeboom indicated the moratorium may not have to last the entire six months, staff can
address issues sooner. Hogeboom also noted we will have controls in place through the site plan
process to mitigate potential problems.
Mayor Peterson stated he thinks the City should pursue the project. Councilmember Nawrocki
commented that this is significantly smaller than the original plans for this site. Director Hogeboom
indicated that the market has changed, and the larger-scale plans are no longer marketable.
Councilmember Schmitt, Williams and Murzyn, Jr. were in favor of the proposal.
Director Hogeboom indicated he will likely bring the proposed code changes to the council in
early 2016.
2. Discussion regarding Predatory Offender Moratorium
Police Chief Scott Nadeau explained that Columbia Heights has a high level of level 3 offenders, and is
requesting the Council consider adopting an Emergency Ordinance regulating the residency location of
predatory offenders. Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center and Hilltop have imposed residency limitations.
Chief Nadeau also noted that the community has expressed safety concerns with the number of level 3
offenders that have moved to the City. The police department feels they have reached the saturation
level recently.
City Attorney Jim Hoeft reviewed the proposed Emergency Ordinance with the council, as well as the
process for approving an Emergency Ordinance. By putting the Emergency Ordinance in place, this will
give staff adequate time to study and research the issue. Mr. Hoeft explained that the ordinance will
not affect those currently living in the City.
3. Discussion regarding 2016 Budget
Finance Director Joe Kloiber explained that the gross levy has not changed. The change is due to less
than expected fiscal disparities funds. It was explained that by cutting the budget, and using some LGA
funds, the difference can be made up.
Councilmember Nawrocki asked why there was a decrease in fiscal disparities. It was explained that
the market value of homes throughout the city have increased, resulting in a lower subsidy. Director
Kloiber explained the pattern tends to be a roller coaster, and will likely come back somewhat in the
next few years. City Manager Fehst explained that the Council will need to take action on the item at
their December meeting, or the property owners taxes will be higher than expected. Fehst
commented that the council has been diligent in setting LGA monies aside for such a time as this.
A chart was distributed showing various reductions and deferments that will help to bring the local
taxpayer’s portion back in line with the earlier anticipated amount. Many of these items only offer a
one year deferment, if fiscal disparities do not increase, a more permanent solution will be looked at.
Director Kloiber reported that in 2018 the City will be able to refinance the Public Safety building bonds
at a lower rate, which will provide a longer term solution.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated he would like to see more reductions, and fewer deferments. Director
Kloiber indicated he will send an updated chart out, indicating the reductions and deferments.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:53 PM
Respectively Submitted,
_________________________________
Katie Bruno, Council Secretary/City Clerk