HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-2019 CC MinutesOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 14, 2019
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 pm on Monday,
October 14, 2019, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights,
Minnesota.
1.CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Schmitt called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: Mayor Schmitt; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Murzyn, Jr.; Councilmember
Novitsky; Councilmember Williams
Also Present: Gloria Bergstrom; Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Maria Davis; Mark Dillon; Elizabeth
Hammond, City Planner; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Rachel James;
Joseph Kloiber, Finance Director; Gregory Logacz; Reverend Bob Lyndes; Justin Pletcher, Police Sergeant;
Ben Sandell, Communications Coordinator; Patty Sweep, Human Resources Manager; Nicole Tingley, City
Clerk; Jackie Zillmer, Assistant Finance Director
2.INVOCATION
Invocation provided by Reverend Bob Lyndes, Crest View Senior Communities.
3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.MISSION STATEMENT, Read by Mayor Schmitt
Our mission is to provide the highest quality public services. Services will be provided in a fair, respectful
and professional manner that effectively address changing citizen and community needs in a fiscally
responsible manner.
5.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Schmitt announced amendments to the Consent Agenda, being the addition of Item 6A, “Terry
Nightingale Community Service Award, Truck or Treat Announcements and Teen Academy,” the addition
of Item 6B, “Lee Carlson Center Gala,” renaming to Item 6C “Polish American Heritage Month
Proclamation,” and a correction to $335,500 from $295,500 under Item 6G, “Approve City Hall
Architectural Services Contract.”
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to approve the agenda as
amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
6.PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A.Terry Nightingale Community Service Award, Truck or Treat Announcements and Teen Academy
Sergeant Pletcher read the nomination criteria for the annual Terry Nightingale Community Service
Award. Nominations may be directed to Captain Erik Johnston (ejohnston@columbiaheightsmn.gov or
763-706-8131) and will be accepted until October 31.
The second annual Truck or Treat will be held 1:00-4:00 pm on Saturday, October 26, at Huset Park East,
3965 Jefferson Street NE. There will be free coffee, hot chocolate, cider and food for sale by the Boosters
Club. HeightsNEXT will be having a bonfire and offering free smores, and the Lions Club will be
distributing candy.
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October 14, 2019 Page 2
A highlight will be vehicles on hand to explore from the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Swat Team, Army
National Guard, Police Department, Fire Department and Allina as well as tow, mail and dump trucks, a
school bus and State Patrol helicopter. Entertainment will be the Puppet Wagon, a dog costume contest
and St. Matthews fishpond. Children are welcome to wear costumes and visit vehicle stations to get
stamps on their postcards to turn in for bags of candy.
The annual Teen Academy will be held on Thursday and Friday, October 17 and 18, for Columbia Heights
High School students who are interested in law enforcement. Registration is not closed, and those
interested may contact Officer J.P. at the school.
B.Lee Carlson Center Gala
Maria Davis, a Columbia Heights resident, announced the 40th Anniversary of the annual Lee Carlson
Center Gala that will be held 5:30-8:00 pm on Thursday, October 17, at the Grand Olympian Ballroom,
6310 Highway 65 in Fridley. Tickets are $100 per person, and more information may be obtained at
leecarlson.org/gala or by contacting Kate King (kking@leecarlsoncenter.org or 763-230-7836). Proceeds
will be directed to Bridgeview vans, which assist adults living at the Drop-In Center.
C.Polish American Heritage Month Proclamation
Mayor Schmitt read the Columbia Heights proclamation declaring October 2019 at Polish American
Heritage Month and presented a certificate to Gloria Bergstrom, Columbia Heights Sister Cities
Committee, who accepted it and then delivered to Mayor Schmitt on behalf of Columbia Heights a
medallion from officials in Lomiaki, Poland.
Ms. Bergstrom then introduced Mark Dillon, a new member of the Committee and Minnesota Bureau
Chief Columnist for the Polish American Journal, who reported he is writing an article on the Committee’s
recent visit to Lomiaki, Poland, and will be featured in the journal’s November issue. Ms. Bergstrom then
stated that there is an established English learner’s library in one of the Lomiaki schools and was very
pleased to learn on the Committee’s visit that Columbia Heights is very much recognized as a Sister City.
Gregory Logacz of the Columbia Heights Sister Cities Committee spoke on behalf of the Columbia Heights
Sister City in Poland, who thanked the City Council “for their affirmation and countless contributions
Polish Americans are making.” He said the Columbia Heights proclamation will be presented to Lomiaki,
Poland, representatives.
7.CONSENT AGENDA
(These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent
Agenda by one motion. Items removed from consent agenda approval will be taken up as the next order
of business.)
A.Approve Minutes of the City Council
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Work Session of October 3, 2016.
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Work Session of November 7, 2016.
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Work Session of October 22, 2018.
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Work Session of November 5, 2018.
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Executive Session of November 26, 2018.
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 23, 2019.
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October 14, 2019 Page 3
B.Accept Board and Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the Traffic Commission meeting of June 3, 2019.
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the EDA meeting of June 24, 2019.
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the EDA meeting of July 22, 2019.
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the EDA meeting of September 3, 2019.
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of September 4, 2019.
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the Library Board meeting of September 4, 2019.
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the EDA meeting of September 23, 2019.
C.Entering into a Contract with Medica for Employee Health Insurance and Entering into a Contract
with NICE Healthcare for Home Health Care Services
MOTION: Move to approve Medica as the City’s health insurance provider for 2020 and authorizing the
City Manager to sign the contract.
MOTION: Move to approve contracting with NICE Health Care for 2020 for home health care services and
authorizing the City Manager to sign the contract.
D.Approve a Purchase Agreement with Albrecht Sign Company for Up to $18,000 Plus Electrical Work
and Authorize Staff to Enter into a Related Lease Agreement with Heartland Tire Company for a
Shared Pylon Sign
MOTION: Move to approve a purchase agreement with Albrecht Sign Company for up to $18,000 plus
electrical work and authorize staff to enter into a related lease agreement with Heartland Tire Company
for a shared pylon sign.
E.Approve DNR Contract for the Silver Lake Boat Launch
MOTION: Move to accept the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Contract for the Silver Lake Boat Landing
Reconstruction and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for
the same.
F.Approve Resolution 2019-78 Authorizing Execution of an I/I Grant Agreement
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2019-78, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2019-78 authorizing the City of Columbia Heights to execute an
agreement with Metropolitan Council Environment Services (MCE) for reimbursement of I/I reduction
costs in the amount of $50,000 and, furthermore, to authorize the City Engineer to act as the designated
representative.
G.Approve City Hall Architectural Services Contract
MOTION: Move to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Leo A. Daly for Architectural
consultant services for the new City Hall design and construction administration in an amount not to
exceed $335,500, appropriated from Fund 411-51911-3050, and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
enter into a contract for the same.
H.Approve Resolution 2019-79, Development Contract for Friends of Prodeo, Inc.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2019-79, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2019-79, being a resolution authorizing the execution of the
Development Contract between Friends of Prodeo Academy, Inc. and the City of Columbia Heights.
City Council Minutes
October 14, 2019 Page 4
I.Approve Business License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the Business License Agenda for October 14, 2019, as
presented.
J.Review of Bills
MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8, the City Council has
reviewed the enclosed list of claims paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of
$1,489,171.43.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve the Consent
Agenda as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
8.PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.Resolution 2019-75, Approving the Zoning Amendment (Rezoning) for the Property Located at 4230
Central Avenue NE (PID 35-30-24-14-0075)
Planner Hammond provided specifics and reported that Tapia Investments, LLC is requesting a rezoning of
its property located at 4230 Central Avenue NE, from Limited Business Commercial zoning to General
Business Commercial zoning, which would allow for the property to accommodate additional types of
uses in the future. The Planning Commission reviewed the request at their October 1, 2019, meeting and
voted unanimously to recommend approval.
Mayor Schmitt opened the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to close the public hearing
and waive the reading of Resolution Number 2019-75, there being ample copies available to the public. All
Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to adopt Resolution Number
2019-75, being a resolution approving a zoning amendment for the property located at 4230 Central
Avenue NE. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
B.Resolution 2019-76, Adopt an Assessment Roll and Levy a Special Assessment for Delinquent
Accounts
Assistant Director Zillmer reported on the Finance Staff’s annual recommendation to the City Council to
adopt a special assessment levy to collect miscellaneous charges on customer accounts that reached
delinquent status within the previous year. The noted charges are for City services required to maintain
property conditions in accordance with City ordinances. The Finance Department recommends a
resolution to adopt an assessment roll and levy a special assessment with a one-year term for certain
delinquent accounts.
Responding to a City Council concern, it was recommended that the interest rate be cited at 3%, a
reduction from 4% the previous year. Current delinquent property owners may make their outstanding
payments up to 4:15 pm on November 14 at City Hall, to avoid the special assessment being added to
their taxes.
Mayor Schmitt opened the public hearing.
City Council Minutes
October 14, 2019 Page 5
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to close the public hearing
and to waive the reading of Resolution 2019-76, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to adopt Resolution 2019-76,
being a resolution to adopt an assessment roll and levy a special assessment with a one-year term for
certain delinquent accounts at a 3% interest rate. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
9.ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A.Other Ordinances and Resolutions
a.Resolution 2019-77, Adopt Rates for Water, Sewer and Refuse Services Billed on or after
January 1, 2020
Director Kloiber provided specifics and reported that the combined effect, if approved, of raising the
billing for the three utilities would be averaged for a homeowner to 4-1/2%, or $13 per quarter. He
noted that some of the main costs in utilities are those that the City has no control over, such as
buying water from the City of Minneapolis and being required to dispose of sanitary sewage through
the Metropolitan Council’s Environment Service. The primary cost driver in the Storm Sewer Fund is
the need to either replace or improve infrastructure and meet newer levels of storm water standards
that didn’t exist a decade ago.
Director Hansen stated that after the end of 2019, three years remain of a five-year refuse contract.
Mayor Schmitt expressed concern regarding a discount for senior income-qualified homeowners, and
Director Kloiber said discount applications are available and questions may be directed to the Utility
Department.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to waive the reading of
Resolution 2019-77, there being ample copies available to the public.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to adopt Resolution
2019-77, being a resolution adopting rates for water, sewer and refuse services billed on or after
January 1, 2020.
B.Bid Considerations
None
C.New Business and Reports
None
10. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Councilmember Buesgens had accompanied Sergeant Justin Pletcher and Police Officer Darry Jones on a
recent Police Ride-Along, which was interesting and quite busy, and complimented the Department on
their great staff and thorough work. She volunteered for the HeightsNEXT Annual Fall Plant Exchange at
Lomianki Park, which received a good turnout; volunteered at the Fix-It Clinic (hosted by HeightsNEXT,
Anoka County and Community United Methodist Church), which 41 people attended and over 200 pounds
were saved from the landfill, and she thanked all the volunteers and sponsors.
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October 14, 2019 Page 6
She attended the Fire Department Open House; the Library Board Meeting and Strategic Planning
Meeting, where significant progress was made creating their vision and mission statements and future
plans for the Library. She’s also attending the October 14-15 Recycle Conference in Brooklyn Park, where
there will be discussion on circular economies. She noted that only 35.5% of items are currently recycled
in the United States and recycling centers do not want cans or cartons crushed because their robotic
machines do not pick up two-dimensional items.
Responding to the water rate increase just approved, Councilmember Williams stated that he believes
Columbia Heights has some of the purist water in the United States due to the Minneapolis filtration
system. He attended the Traffic Commission Meeting, where two cases were discussed (one approved for
limited parking and another regarding stop signs, which was not approved) and said he enjoyed the
meeting and recommended the Commission to anyone interested in participating on it and moving up
into a future City Council position.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. reported there were great turnouts for the Fire Department Open House and
the VFW Flag Retirement. He commended Scotty Rockstad on his retirement after 40 years of dedicated
service at Murzyn Hall.
Councilmember Novitsky also attended the Fire Department Open House as well as the Columbia Heights
Homecoming game and tailgating and thanked everyone who attended. He participated in the Lions
Clean-up on University (which included assistance from the Kiwanis Key Club and ICS eighth graders),
when 20-25 bags were picked up, and the City’s paper shredding event, when 30 garbage cans were
emptied into the truck.
Mayor Schmitt attended the “Bricks to Broadway” musical at St. Matthew; the Fire Department Open
House; and the Mississippi Watershed bus tour, which she found interesting and showed different
projects over the years such as bump-outs, traffic slowdowns, plantings, underground water basins,
unique handicapped parking signage, water treatments and island overlook. She and Manager Bourgeois
met with staff from Representative Ilhan Omar’s office to see how their office might assist in different
ways for Columbia Heights.
Manager Bourgeois reported that MEA will occur the week of October 14, so there will be additional
programming at the Library and Recreation Center for children. She thanked the City Council and all the
groups, noting those that were cited during the evening’s meeting, that do much on behalf of the City of
Columbia Heights.
11.COMMUNITY FORUM
Rachel James, Columbia Heights resident, requested that, in the future, the City recognize Indigenous
People’s Day, noting that there are numerous Native American veterans and citizens living in Columbia
Heights. She said City sixth-grade students have learned about the traditions of the Dakota people, State
Representative Mary Kunesh-Podein recently spoke at a HeightsNEXT First Lutheran event about her work
in the State Legislature regarding a bill for murdered and missing indigenous women, and there is a lot
that can be done to help lift up those residents of the City.
Mayor Schmitt recommended that Ms. James inquire whether some local students would like to write up
a proclamation for next year.
City Council Minutes
October 14, 2019 Page 7
12.ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.
___________________________________
Respectfully Submitted,
Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Council Secretary