HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-2020 City Council Meeting MinutesOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 10, 2020
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 pm on Monday,
August 10, 2020, 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: Christy Bennett, Council Secretary Pro Tem; Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Katie Elliott;
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; James Hoeft, City Attorney; Erik Johnston, Police Captain; Phil
Kern; Christy Reece
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. 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.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to approve the agenda as
presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Presentation of 2020 Goal Setting Final Report
Phil Kern, goal setting facilitator, described the process and outlines used for 2020 goal setting and
complimented the Council on ”keeping its focus on the big picture.” The process consisted of three
major components: 1) long-term direction, 2) current conditions and 3) developing the goals plan.
The Vision Statement remained the same: “Columbia Heights is a thriving historic, diverse and
eclectic community. The City offers housing and business opportunities for all while providing
small-town charm combined with all the advantages of big-city living. Columbia Heights is a
destination that maintains a balance of urban style and suburban pace. We welcome everyone to
rediscover the Heights, an All-American City.”
Core long-term strategies include:
1. safe community (community-based policing; safe, multi-modal streets, highly-skilled public
safety staff);
2. diverse, welcoming small-town feel (family friendliness; forward-thinking organization;
progressive, positive, connected energy; integrated community);
3. economic strength (positive marketing for the City; self-sustaining businesses – jobs, services;
Central Avenue – vibrant destination; maximize land use opportunities);
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August 10, 2020 Page 2
4. excellent housing/neighborhoods (strong, connected neighborhoods; stable/rising property
values; remodel/redevelop aging housing stock; balanced approach to housing);
5. equity and affordability (maintain equitable access to services; sustainable in many aspects;
strong City financial position neighbors; stay resourceful);
6. strong infrastructure/public services (maintain talented, skilled public servants; well-planned
and maintained infrastructure; partnerships with school, County, neighbors, City Hall/Public
Facilities updated; eliminate duplicative geographic serv ices; embrace technology);
7. opportunities for play and learning (well-rounded recreation services; Library – community
focal point, learning; quality park network; pet-friendly community; vibrant community
events); and
8. engaged, multi-generational, multi-cultural population (positive community, working
together; workforce, committees reflect community; community cohesion – organizations;
complete, open access to information; engage younger generations).
2020 Primary Goals:
1. Expand and promote events, activities and organization behaviors that encourage
engagements and interaction of multicultural populations;
2. Enhance and strengthen community/police relations;
3. Strengthen housing options through the City;
4. Complete construction of the new City Hall at corner of 40th and Central;
5. Develop funding mechanism and take action on key capital projects, specifically alley
improvements and park projects;
6. Develop a Master Plan for Murzyn Hall and the Public Works Building;
7. Drive redevelopment of key sites in town, including the HyVee site, Public Safety facility and
City Hall site;
8. Implement and complete projects identified in Parks Master Plan;
9. Schedule regular review of goals, including department updates and status sharing with the
Council; and
10. Implement technological innovations into organizational processes.
2020 Secondary Goals:
1. Expand training and development for staff;
2. Develop a Central Avenue Right-of-Way and Streetscape Plan;
3. Explore and promote emotional community infrastructure, including art interactions;
4. Expand collaborations with other public entities, specifically the school district;
5. Develop a phased plan for municipal code updates;
6. Review and amend policies and procedures for Commissions, including terms and types of
Commissions;
7. Implement the 40th Avenue Parkway Plan; and
8. Develop Sister City Exchange.
All Councilmembers thanked Mr. Kern for being their facilitator, which enabled the Council and City
to identify their goals. Mayor Schmitt noted that, due to Covid-19, there has been significant
increases in IT use, such as Library e-book utilization, and said City staff has also done a remarkable
job.
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6. 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.)
Mayor Schmitt requested that Item E be pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.
A. Approve Minutes of the City Council
MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of July 27, 2020.
B. Accept Board and Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to accept the minutes of the Library Board Meeting of June 3, 2020.
C. Approval of Environmental Services and Vibration Monitoring Contract for the Demolition of
Office Building and Parking Ramp at 3989 Central Avenue
MOTION: Move to approve the environmental services and vibration monitoring contract with Braun
Intertec for the demolition of the office building at 3989 Central Avenue and parking ramp at 950 40th
Avenue, City Project 2011, in the amount of $19,819.00 and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
enter into a contract for the same.
D. Award of Professional Services for Preliminary Surveying and Design for 2021 State Aid Street
Rehabilitation Project
MOTION: Move to approve the proposal for Construction Surveying and Design for 2021 State Aid
Street Rehabilitation – Zone 4B and 5 with Bolton & Menck Inc. based on an estimated cost of
$24,572.00 appropriated from Fund 402-52105 (44th Avenue).
E. Authorization to Enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Fridley for 53rd Avenue
Street Improvements from Central Avenue to 1,100 Feet West
Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.
F. Establish Date for 2020 Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for MSAS Mill and Overlay/Trail,
Curb and Gutter Construction, Street Reconstruction, Alley Construction, Seal Coat, Petition and
Waiver and Delinquent Accounts
MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 5, 2020, at 6:00 pm at the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for City Project No. 1907 MSAS Mill and Overlay/Trail, to be held in the City Council
Chambers.
MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 5, 2020, at 6:15 pm as the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for City Project No. 1902 Zone 7 Curb and Gutter, to be held in the City Council
Chambers.
MOTION: Moe to establish Monday, October 5, 2020, at 6:30 pm at the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for City Project No 1802 Zone 4A Full Street Reconstruction, to be held in the City
Council Chambers.
MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 5, 2020, at 6:45 pm as the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for City Project No. 1906 Concrete Alley, to be held in the City Council Chambers.
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MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 5, 2020, at 7:00 pm as the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for City Project No 1801 Zone 3A Seal Coat, to be held in the City Council Chambers.
MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 5, 2020, at 7:15 pm as the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing for Delinquent Accounts, to be held in the City Council Chambers.
G. Authorization to Enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Minneapolis for 37th
Avenue Improvements from Central Avenue to Stinson Boulevard
MOTION: Move to approve a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Minneapolis to provide cost
share for surveying and engineering design services to the 30% plan stage for street rehabilitation on
37th Avenue from Central Avenue to Stinson Boulevard, City Project No. 1702.
H. Approval of Purchase Using Coronavirus Relief Funds
MOTION: Move to accept the proposal from Yale Mechanical in the amount of $51,750.00 for the
installation of GPS bipolar ionization systems at the following public buildings: Public Safety, Murzyn
Hall, Library, Public Works, City Hall, Liquor Stores (3) using CARES ACT funding.
I. Approve an Agreement with Nyotron for Protection Software and Services at $15,000.00 for
Three Years
MOTION: Move to approve an agreement with Nyotron for protection software and services at
$15,000.00 for three years.
J. Approve an Agreement with Comcasts for Internet and Managed Network Services at
$161,000.00 for Five Years
MOTION: Move to approve an agreement with Comcast for internet and managed network services
at $161,000.00 for five years.
K. Resolution 2020-56 to Appropriate $12,000.00 from the Fund Balance of the General Fund to
the 2020 Budget of the Information Systems Fund
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No 2020-56, there being ample copies available to
the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Resolution No. 2020-56 to appropriate $12,000.00 from the fund balance
of the General Fund to the 2020 Budget of the Information Systems Fund.
L. Approve Business License Applications
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the Business License Agenda for August 10, 2020, as
presented.
M. 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
$1,404,220.50.
Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve the Consent
Agenda items as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
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E. Authorization to Enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Fridley for 53rd Avenue
Street Improvements from Central Avenue to 1,100 Feet West
Director Hansen stated that the Joint Powers Agreement is with the City of Fridley and details the
responsibilities of each city as it relates to traffic safety improvements on 53rd Avenue from Central
Avenue to the Medtronic entrances. Improvements include a raised center intermedium and
turnabout. The project is 90% funded through a MNDOT grant and construction would begin in 2022.
Mayor Schmitt noted that several City businesses have expressed concern about a turnabout and
asked when the public hearing would occur. Director Hansen said a specific date has yet to be
determined, which would follow after the design consultant’s work. He added that a lane
configuration will change slightly with the turnabout, but the timing of the signal needs to be
improved to avoid backups in the afternoon.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to approve a Joint
Powers Agreement with the City of Fridley to provide cost share for Engineering Design and
Construction Administrative Services for Street Rehabilitation on 53rd Avenue from Central Avenue to
1,100 feet west, City Project 2007. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Rental License for 5049-5051 Jackson Street NE
Captain Johnson reported that there has been a lot of activity with this property over the last few
years, including 262 calls for service.
Attorney Hoeft stated the Council, prior to opening the public hearing, could hear from the license
holder only in regards to the provisional or nonprovisional license and, if the matter can be resolved
with that information, then the full public hearing could be tabled and placed on an upcoming Council
meeting agenda to determine whether action has occurred as needed; and if the license holder
makes their request for a full license, then the Council needs to decide whether to issue the full
license or open the public hearing, conduct the public hearing and have the Council make a
determination, which is not restricted to staff recommendation.
Katie Elliott, attorney for Haelen House and Bridges Minnesota, introduced Christy Reece, a Bridges
Minnesota representative. She stated their wish is that the license not be provisional, noting that the
current tenant (and others who may follow) has disabilities and so the call volume would be more
than normal. If agreed to the provisions, Ms. Elliott said, more likely than not, it would be breached
fairly quickly. She said over the last two years they have worked with the City trying to find a solution
and the current tenant will be moving out on August 20.
Ms. Reece said the person responsible for a lot of the calls for service has significant mental-health
needs and is not under State guardianship but has been deemed by the County able to live in a
community. Several attempts have been made with various organizations to seek ways that would
reduce the amount of calls, realizing that the tenant’s behavior is very taxying for City Police.
Councilmember Buesgens asked whether there any conditions attached to the provisional license.
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Captain Johnston cited the conditions: 1) the current resident of 5049 Jackson Street relocate within
30 days of the Resolution; 2) the resident have monthly contact with the City Police Department and
Haelen House; 3) reduce calls for service at this property to reflect average calls for service from
previous years and compared to similar properties; and 4) fulfill all requests to meet with the City
Police Department and/or City Fire Department during the provisional licensing period.
Councilmember Buesgens said she supports a provisional rental license because of the two-year
behavior issues and Bridges Minnesota’s inability to deal properly with the tenant’s behavior and
would prefer the next tenant work with the Police Department for monitoring. She also requested an
addition to the provisional license, that any outstanding fees and fines be paid within a reasonable
period of time.
Attorney Hoeft stated that some fees have been paid and that he and the City Police Chief had a
discussion on the subject and the Chief would be amenable that any remaining fees be waived if the
provisional rental license is approved, as a sign of good faith that the next tenant(s) would not make
excessive service calls. He then informed the Council of action options it could take.
Councilmember Novitsky said he favors a provisional rental license to ensure Bridges Minnesota is
able to communicate and provide updates to the City and that the tenant is being maintained
properly, as 262 service calls are significant.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., favors a 12-month provisional rental license to see how it works out.
Councilmember Williams also favors a provisional rental license.
Mayor Schmitt said it appears the Council consensus is to approve a provisional rental license.
Attorney Hoeft then asked the license holder to tell the Council whether they wish to agree to the
limited license, with further discussion or not regarding the outstanding fees, or to have a public
hearing, for the Council to determine whether they wish to revoke, provide a provisional license or
provide a full license.
Ms. Elliott said, given the consensus of the Council, her organizations will not fight the provisional
licensing, which would affect both duplex properties.
Councilmember Buesgens said she would like to have further discussion at a Council work session
regarding the outstanding fees.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to waive the reading of
Resolution No. 2020-57, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried
5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution No.
2020-57 to modify the rental license held by Haelen House, LLC to a 12-month provisional license. All
Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
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8. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Bid Considerations
a. Adopt Resolution No. 2020-58, Being a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding the
Contract for the Demolition of Office Building and Parking Ramp at 3989 Central Avenue and
950 40th Avenue, City Project 2011
Director Hansen provided background information regarding the bid process for the above
demolition, having held a pre-demo site inspection for both general contractors and
environmental abatement contractors. Follow-up bids ranged from around $664,000.00 to
$1,425,000.00, and City staff recommend awarding the work to the low bidder, in line with the
City’s estimate of $670,000.00.
Councilmember Williams expressed concern about Alatus’ agreement regarding the property
(that the City was told it would be paid once it was purchased), to which Director Hansen said
Alatus agreed to pay for the demolition. Attorney Hoeft said that the demolition is the
responsibility of Alatus and, should the project “go sour,” the fact that Alatus will pay upfront for
the demolition will only add value for the City. He said the developer is not the party holding up
the project, rather the City’s inability to get clear title.
Mayor Schmitt said there is a current safety issue with the vacant property and supports the
demolition. Councilmember Buesgens agreed that the demolition move forward.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., has faith that Alatus will “come through.”
Director Hansen said he would keep the Council informed of the demolition progress, expecting
completion in late October.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to waive the reading
of Resolution No. 2020-58, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution
No. 2020-58, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding the contract for the demolition of
office building and parking ramp at 3989 Central Avenue and 950 40th Avenue, City Project 2011,
to Rachel Contracting, LLC of St. Michael, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible
bid in the amount of $664,371.00 with funds to be appropriated from 408-52011-5185; and,
furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same.
4 Ayes (Buesgens; Murzyn, Jr; Novitsky; Schmitt), 1 Abstained (Williams). Motion Carried 4-1.
9. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Councilmember Buesgens said she watched online the School Board meeting and there will be a
four-level start for students, attended a Boosters Bingo on their patio and volunteered at Blooming
Sunshine Garden at Lomiaki Park. She added that the League of Cities gave Columbia Heights a
Sustainable Award and thanked Public Works and Director Hansen for their composting and recycling
achievements; Manager Bourgeois added that a formal presentation of that award will be made at an
upcoming Council Meeting.
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Councilmember Williams encouraged everyone to vote Tuesday on Primary Day. He also reported his
company has been incredibly lucky concerning Covid-19, though one employee may now have come
in contact with it.
Mayor Schmitt said she received several emails regarding school reopenings: Prodeo Academy will
offer full-time distance learning for students for all grades when they begin September 8 and will
reassess on October 5 for a hybrid plan, which is what Columbia Heights School District is
implementing; and Immaculate Conception will utilize full in-person reopening of their schools pre-K
through 8th grade on September 8. She then encouraged all residents to complete their Census
forms, as they are needed for school and federal funding, congressional seats and voting districts; the
U.S. Census Bureau sent an announcement that they are doing an acceleration of the field data
collection, which means door knocking and phone calling will end September 30, a month earlier than
originally scheduled, and additional self-response options are also ending September 30.
Manager Bourgeois said she is “catching up” after her recent vacation.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adjourn. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Council Secretary