HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-03-2020 Special City Council Work Session MinutesMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
Date of Meeting: June 3, 2020
Time of Meeting: 3:00 pm
Location of Meeting: Council Chambers
Purpose of Meeting: Special Work Session
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL - The meeting was called to order at 3:00 pm
Present: Mayor Schmitt, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Novitsky, Williams (arrived at 3:09 pm), and Buesgens
Staff Present: Kelli Bourgeois- City Manager, Aaron Chirpich- Community Development Director, Elizabeth
Hammond- City Planner, Ryan Smith- Building Code Official, Lenny Austin- Police Chief, Charlie Thompson-
Fire Chief, Nicole Tingley- City Clerk.
Mayor Schmitt recommended adding three items to the agenda as follows: Discuss Council Meeting Times,
Designate Delegate to League of Minnesota Cities Virtual Business meeting, and Reaffirm Dates and Times for
Upcoming Meetings.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. to approve the agenda as
amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried, 4-0 (Councilmember Williams Absent).
1. Development Concept for Public Safety Remnant Parcel
Community Development Director Chirpich provided background information on the development
concept by Reuter Walton for a 58 unit income restricted affordable apartment building and space
for a 12,000 square foot building which could serve as a future home for SACA food shelf and thrift
store.
Chirpich stated that the during the last work session on May 4, the City Council expressed concern
regarding parking management for affordable housing. Since the work session, Reuter Walton has
indicated that they could find a solution to the parking concerns and provide free underground
parking to all of the residents.
Chirpich indicated that if the City Council approved of the revisions, site control would have to be
obtained either by a purchase agreement or preliminary development agreement would have to be
obtained before June 18th so that Reuter Walton can submit their application for low income
housing tax credits (LIHTC) to support the project.
Kyle Brasser, Developer with Reuter Walton, explained that the overall proposal has not changed
from the May 4th work session. Brasser shared that the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has
alternate sources of funds that can go to further support affordable housing projects. He indicated
that this resource in combination with a reduction in the purchase price of the land could be used
to support parking for this project.
Councilmember Novitsky thanked Mr. Brasser for finding a potential solution to include parking in
the rent and stated he liked the concept.
City Council Special Work Session
June 3, 2020 Page 2 of 6
Councilmember Buesgens thanked Mr. Brasser for exploring alternative funding sources. She noted
she does not think parking demands will be reduced in the future as she learned in a seminar at the
National League of Cities conference, it is predicted people will own their own autonomous cars.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked if the number of parking spots would be sufficient so that there
would not be any street parking. Brasser responded that there would be 111 parking stalls for 58
units (variety of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units), which is 1.9 stalls per unit. Chirpich clarified that the
number of total spots provided meets city code, but there would have to be some flexibility
provided in regards to ratio of covered versus uncovered spots. By code more covered spots would
be required, but overall there would be enough parking provided.
Mayor Schmitt asked what the partial land write-down price would be. Chirpich stated that the land
value is either $650,000 or $695,000 based off a valuation completed in 2018. Brasser added that
the purchase price would be $450,000 resulting in an approximate $200,000 to $250,000 write-
down.
The City Council indicated that $450,000 would be an agreeable purchase price in exchange for
parking included in the rent.
Brasser thanked the City Council for their support. He stated that the site control is required to be
submitted a month before the application deadline of July 18th and that the exact form either a
purchase agreement or preliminary development agreement would be worked through with
Chirpich.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked if this requires any EDA approval. Chirpich answered that it would
not as it is a City-owned parcel.
Chirpich added that the purchase agreement or preliminary development agreement would be very
broad to include many contingencies including land-use approvals and site considerations.
Mayor Schmitt inquired who would own the portion of the land that SACA could potentially
relocate to. Chirpich responded that that would have to be discussed further with Reuter Walton.
2. Auto Business Code Violations
City Planner Hammond stated that City staff have been working together to review commercial and
industrial properties where property maintenance issues are present and have found that primary
violations relate to storage of junk and inoperable vehicles. She stated that staff would like to work
with addressing these widespread auto related code violations by dividing the city into four primary
areas and then focus on one area at a time. City Staff would like to start with area 1 as shown in the
map below.
City Council Special Work Session
June 3, 2020 Page 3 of 6
Hammond asked the City Council for their direction and feedback on this approach.
Mayor Schmitt clarified that Councilmember Williams owns property in area 1. Since there is not a
decision being made today all councilmembers will be allowed to participate.
Councilmember Buesgens expressed that she is happy to see this as there should not be junkyards
due to oils and chemicals that may cause brown sites that the city may have to pay to clean-up in
the future.
Mayor Schmitt noted one concern that she has heard is that there is not enough space for the Fire
Department to get through if there were a fire.
It was clarified that this would not be going on a regular City Council meeting agenda. Since the
violations are of different natures, there is not an estimated start time.
3. Business Use Certificate of Occupancy Permit
Building Code Official Smith provided an overview of the proposed Business Use Certificate of
Occupancy (BUCO) permit noting it would allow himself and the Fire Department to help prevent
violations of fire and building codes for new businesses.
Councilmember Buesgens asked how these violations would be prevented noting an example of
someone who made renovations to turn a property into a senior daycare when it did not meet the
requirements. Smith stated that education is needed. Chirpich added that this program update
would need to be sent to all of the commercial properties in the City. Chirpich noted that an
additional benefit of the program would be that it helps keeps a more accurate business registry.
City Council Special Work Session
June 3, 2020 Page 4 of 6
Mayor Schmitt asked for further clarification on prevention of violations. Smith stated that currently
many violations are discovered due to a fire code inspection. It was noted that to an extent this
would still likely occur, but the BUCO permit would reduce instances. The BUCO permit would be
communicated through ways such as newsletters and mailings.
Councilmember Buesgens commented that the $50 fee seemed low. Mayor Schmitt commented
that there are other fees collected by the City.
Mayor Schmitt asked if the Building Official has ever taught a class on how to legally start a
business. Smith stated he has not. Councilmember Buesgens added that it would be a great idea to
have a video online about this program. The City Council concluded that the program was a good
idea.
4. Recognition of Departing Board & Commission Members
City Clerk Tingley asked for feedback from the City on how and if we should recognize departing
Board & Commission members. The City Council provided direction to order plaques with years of
service for each departing member and recognize them publicly at an upcoming City Council
meeting. If individuals are not comfortable attending plaques can be delivered to their homes.
Councilmember Novitsky also noted that it will have to be determined if plaques are just for this
group of departing Board & Commission members since they have served many years or for all
moving forward. Tingley suggested that giving plaques to those that have served multiple terms is
an option.
5. COVID-19 Operational Status Update
City Manager Bourgeois stated that the City had originally planned to have all buildings open to the
public on Monday, June 1 with social distancing, regulating numbers of people, increased cleaning,
shifts, and masks mandatory for those interacting with the public.
Bourgeois stated that the Library brought back their part-time staff on June 3 and also resumed
curbside pick-up due to the events of the previous week. The Library is also hoping to start taking
appointments for computer use only starting mid-month. She noted that they are also are
coordinating with Anoka County on opening as the systems are very integrated, but also for
concerns of having too many visitors if Columbia Heights is the only library open.
Bourgeois stated that the Public Safety building will not be opening until Monday, June 8 due to the
activities over the last week for safety precautions.
She also noted that generally all staff are back working in the office with some accommodations
made for those with medical conditions.
The City Council thanked the Police and Fire Chiefs for all of their work over the past week and
complimented them.
City Council Special Work Session
June 3, 2020 Page 5 of 6
Police Chief Austin provided an update of last week’s events. He stated that they increased staffing
mid-week. He noted that the Anoka County wide curfew established for Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday was helpful and complimented the Anoka County Board for their quick action.
Austin shared how they coordinated with the Fire Department and worked to ensure availability of
fire services as well. Austin noted that Friday and Saturday night were busy with increased activity
and traffic, but it decreased on Sunday. He reported approximately 60 people were cited for curfew
violations, 40 warnings issued, and some custodial arrests on Saturday.
Austin explained how they made the decision not to enact a city curfew after the Anoka County
wide curfew expired on Sunday. He noted that they were continuing to take proactive actions
without a curfew.
Chief Austin thanked the Fire Chief, City Manager, and Division Heads for their quick actions.
6. Council Meeting Times
Mayor Schmitt asked the City Council consider changing the meeting time for City Council to earlier
so City staff does not have to leave late. She asked for the Councilmembers to think about it for
discussion at a future meeting.
Councilmember Buesgens commented that the Traffic Commission meeting time would have to
change. She also noted that making the meeting times earlier would be a conflict for members who
work during the day.
Councilmember Novitsky noted that he would ask for feedback from residents as they would also
have to be available to attend meetings earlier.
Mayor Schmitt noted that she is concerned about staff driving home late in bad weather conditions.
She noted that she asked the City Manager to check when other cities are meeting.
City Manager Bourgeois noted that City staff understands that night meetings are a part of the work
in public service and requested that the decision not be made just for staff. She noted that one time
to consider may be the work session time as they tend to go longer. Additionally work sessions are
intended for a more informal staff and City Council dialogue and less of a public format with
comments and interaction.
7. Designate Delegate to League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Virtual Business Meeting
Mayor Schmitt asked Councilmember Buesgens if she was available to attend the LMC Virtual
Business Meeting on June 25th from 1:00-2:30 pm as she is the alternate for being the liaison for
LMC. Councilmember Buesgens confirmed she will attend.
8. Reaffirm Dates and Times for Upcoming Meetings
Councilmember Bourgeois provided an overview of upcoming meetings as follows:
City Council Special Work Session
June 3, 2020 Page 6 of 6
• EDA Public Hearing on Monday, June 8th at 6:00 pm. This is a public hearing for the
development agreement with Alatus and the finalization of the TIF agreement. The public
hearing needs to opened and continued as the agreements are not ready. The public
hearing still needs to be held as it was noticed. It can be held by phone.
• Regular City Council meeting on Monday, June 8th cancelled. Originally, Representative
Omar was supposed to meet with the City Council prior to the meeting from 6:30-7:00 pm.
City Manager Bourgeois will request they meet with Council before or after special meeting
Wednesday, June 10th.
• Special City Council on Wednesday, June 10th at 4:00 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to
hold a public hearing for the refinancing of the bond for the Grand Central Flats project and
potentially the Reuter Walton remnant parcel development proposal.
City Manager Bourgeois noted that she signed a contracted bill from Xcel Energy for $18,702 for the power to
the Silver Lake lift station as it had to get sent to them immediately. It will go to City Council as a part of the
overall change order package.
Meeting adjourned at 3:57 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Council Secretary