HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-03-2020 City Council Work Session MinutesMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: February 3, 2020
Time of Meeting: 7 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 Novitsky, Williams, and Buesgens
Absent: Councilmember Murzyn, Jr.
Staff Present: Kevin Hansen-Acting City Manager/Public Works Director/City Engineer, Lenny Austin-Police
Chief, Nicole Tingley-City Clerk/Council Secretary.
Others Present: Kt Jacobs-resident and Amada Marquez Simula- resident
1. Rental Property Update
Police Chief Austin provided an update to the City Council on the Property Management Company Invitation
Homes. Austin stated that in 2017, there were issues with the company concerning one of their properties on
Polk Place. As a result the City Council had a meeting with Invitation Homes to set expectations. Until last
month there were not any issues. On January 3rd, there was a search warrant on their property at 401 42nd Avenue resulting in finding drugs and stolen property. Austin shared that Invitation Homes had provided an
action plan within 24 hours and within 48 hours they had sent a 10 day notice to vacate. Additionally,
Invitation Homes has started renovation on the property.
Chief Austin thanked the City Council for their quick action back in 2017 and stated that it has made a
difference. He noted that Invitation Homes owns between 17 and 19 properties in Columbia Heights.
2. Board & Commission Interview Questions
City Clerk Tingley stated that the proposed Board & Commission Interview questions are from the January
Work Session. She asked the City Council for feedback and direction on using these questions for the
interviews.
Councilmember Buesgens requested that descriptions of each of the boards and commissions be included
with their interview packets. Tingley shared that she drafted a document that is available on the City’s
website that has descriptions and the general expectations of board or commission members. Tingley stated
that she would have this available for the City Council.
Mayor Schmitt asked if the same application was being used. Tingley responded yes. Resident Amada
Marquez Simula asked if the application was electronic. Tingley answered that the application it is a fillable
PDF that can be sent by email.
Mayor Schmitt asked if any applications have been received. Tingley stated that she has received one
application and requests from residents for the application to be sent to them. The City Council provided
direction to try the proposed questions for interviews this year.
3. MWMO Grant Agreement
City Council Work Session
February 3, 2020 Page 2 of 2
Public Works Director Hansen stated that the water used at splash pad at Huset Park flows out of the pad
area and is discharged into to Zurek pond. Following the completion of the splash pad, staff had discussions
with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) staff regarding potential water quality
projects in the City. City Staff had suggested an analysis of irrigation as a possible water reuse project with
Huset Park next to Zurek Pond. Hansen explained how the irrigation system would work and noted that it
would be a portable above ground system to water the fields.
Hansen then stated that in order to move forward with this a feasibility study would have to be completed. In
addition to water reuse, the study would also include a water quality and flood control evaluation. He shared
that the City has received a $40,000 grant from MWMO for this study. The consulting engineering firm
Stantec has submitted a proposal to prepare the feasibility report. It was noted Stantec was the original
design engineer of Zurek pond.
Councilmember Buesgens positively commented on the project stating that reusing water for irrigation at
Huset Park would be of benefit for the fields, flood prevention, and saving water.
Director Hansen stated that approval of the grant agreement and feasibility study proposal would be on a
future City Council meeting agenda.
4.Pumps for Silver Lake Lift Station
Public Works Director Hansen stated that staff is requesting authority for a single source purchase of two 10
HP pumps from Smith & Loveless to replace the current pump station at the Silver Lake Lift Station. Hansen
stated that the City has Smith & Loveless pumps installed at other lift stations. From a maintenance
perspective this is beneficial as public works staff is already familiar with the pump operations, the design of
the system, the maintenance would be the same, and can have replacement parts on hand. Councilmembers
agreed with single source purchasing for this instance. Hansen noted that the approval to make this purchase
would be on the City Council agenda at either the February 10th or February 24th meetings.
Hansen shared that the Advertisements for Bids for the Silver Lake Boat Landing and Site Improvement
Project have been advertised in the newspaper. Additionally, he showed the City Council the map/plans for
the construction project.
Hansen pointed out the areas that are going to be seeded and the area with a landscape plan. He noted that
there is also a tree planting plan. Councilmember Buesgens inquired if the grasses were native grasses that
require less maintenance, mowing, and water. Hansen stated that they only mow the flat areas and use a
specific mixture for areas with steep slopes. He did not know if the proposed seeding was native grasses, but
would be open to exploring suggestions. Councilmember Buesgens stated she would send information to
Hansen.
Mayor Schmitt adjourned the work session at 7:25 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Council Secretary