Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-08-2021 City Council Meeting Minutes CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers John Murzyn, Jr. Connie Buesgens Nick Novitsky Kt Jacobs City Manager Kelli Bourgeois City Hall—Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE Monday, March 08, 2021 7:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 pm on Monday, March 8, 2021 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hybrid meeting was held both virtually and in-person. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Márquez Simula called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember Murzyn, Jr.; Councilmember Novitsky Also Present: Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; John Connelly; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; James Hoeft, City Attorney; Steve Johnson; Nicolet Tingley, City Clerk; Phuntsok Tsawog PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to provide the highest quality public services. Services will be provided in a fair, respectful and professional manner that effectively addresses changing citizen and community needs in a fiscally- responsible and customer-friendly manner. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Manager Bourgeois requested the addition of Item C, “Steve Johnson,” under “Proclamations, Presentations, Recognition, Announcements, Guests” to the agenda. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve the agenda as amended. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Tibet Day Proclamation Mayor Márquez Simula read the City’s Proclamation designating March 10, 1021 as “Tibet Day in the City of Columbia Heights” to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising against the occupation of Tibet and to honor more than one million Tibetans who have died in this struggle. Phuntsok Tsawog, a Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota Board Member, accepted the Proclamation and expressed appreciation on behalf of all Tibetans living in Columbia Heights. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 08, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 2 B. Twin Cities North Chamber Update John Connelly expressed appreciation, on behalf of the business community, for the City’s allocation of some select funding from the Cares Act dollars for small business grants, as well as flexibility for licensing, restrictions on signage, outdoor dining, etc. and giving business owners the opportunity to operate in some capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the façade improvement grant program has been helpful, and he anticipates that more business will seek for that type of funding in matching grants. He then reaffirmed the Twin Cities North Chamber’s vision, which is to promote business and develop leaders in communities. One of the things that the organization tries to do on a local level is connect those communities with stakeholders, whether it be in schools that have career pathways or manufacturers to small businesses. He said the economic development component that a Chamber of Commerce provides at a local level is so important. In addition to the information cited on the organization’s one-page handout he displayed, Mr. Connelly emphasized such benefits as certificates of origin for area companies, handling inquiries and providing local solutions and communications for companies to connect. The organization tries to be a source for local information for small businesses, funneling through the City and Anoka County. Pipeline of communication is through business councils, which is a great opportunity for stakeholders to share updates. Through print formats and Google Maps, the Twin Cities North Chamber tries to direct commerce to businesses, and every Friday at 11:30 am they have a Facebook Live program called “Chamber Check-In,” produced by CTV North Suburbs. Legislative breakfasts have been on hiatus due to the pandemic, but it is hoped that they will resume in the fall of 2021. The organization’s annual Gala will be free and held virtually in three weeks (further information can be accessed at twincitiesnorth.org), and last year’s annual holiday social generated over $3,000.00 for two area food shelves, Ralph Reeder and SACA. Mr. Connelly stated that the organization has great relationships with institutions such as Bethel, Northwestern University, Century College and Anoka Tech. There is much uncertainty ahead in commercial real estate, and he anticipates a lot of movement in the upcoming years. He encouraged the City to continue its participation in assisting local businesses and expressed thanks for the opportunity to represent Columbia Heights, adding that the Chamber board is committed to making the City and its neighboring communities an excellent place to do business and start a business. Lastly, he announced the addition of another business member in Columbia Heights: Giga-Green Technologies, Inc. C. Steve Johnson City resident Steve Johnson said he has enjoyed living in Columbia Heights for the past eight years and said “it is a very special place,” adding that the recent newsletter was “an excellent piece, full of information.” He then thanked Officer Justin Pletcher, who was featured on the “Today Show,” was “an excellent spokesperson,” and made him proud to be a citizen of the City. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 08, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 3 CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Jacobs requested the removal of Item 5, “Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval,” from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Consent Agenda items as amended. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve February 18, 2021 Special City Council Meeting Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of February 18, 2021 2. Approve February 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of February 22, 2021 3. Final Payment for 3989 Structure Demolition, Project No. 2011 MOTION: Move to accept the work for the 3989 Structure Demolition, City Project No. 2011, and authorize final payment of $23,726.55 to Rachel Contracting, LLC of St. Michael, Minnesota. 4. Resolution 2021-21 Amending Resolution 2020-112 Approving the City of Columbia Heights Fee Schedule. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-21, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2021-21, being a resolution amending resolution 2020-112 approving the City of Columbia Heights Fee Schedule. 5. PULLED FROM THE AGENDA 6. License Agenda MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for March 08, 2021 as presented. 7. Review of Bills MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City Council has reviewed the enclosed list of clams paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of $736,324.29. ITEM PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 5. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval Councilmember Jacobs inquired as to whether a method is available where landlord or management companies that have multiple locations (not necessarily a duplex) could be grouped under the licensee name rather than by address, and Manager Bourgeois said it should possible under the record management system. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 08, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 4 Councilmember Jacobs then asked whether it would be possible to identify on the reports whether they are new licenses or renewals, and Manager Bourgeois said it is likely possible but will follow up to ensure it is possible. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for March 8, 2021, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. Adopt Resolution 2021-22 being a Resolution Levying and Adopting the Assessment for One Mid-Block Street Light, Area No. 677-49 Director Hansen reported that four properties signed a petition in favor of installing a street light on an existing pole on Polk Street between 4212 and 4218 Arthur Street. Staff recommends proceeding with the installation. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2021-22, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-22, being a Resolution levying and adopting the assessment for a mid- block street light, area no. 677-49. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Bid Considerations 9. Adopt Resolution 2021-23 Being a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding the Contract for 2021 Sanitary Sewer Lining, City Project No. 2104 Director Hansen reported that sanitary sewer lining is an annual project that the City runs to extend the life of the system and address problems within the sanitary sewer mains. He said plans were prepared and publicly advertised and seven bids were received. The City Engineer’s estimate was $175,000.00 and the lowest bid came in from Hydro-Klean in the amount of $153,648.00. Staff recommends awarding the contract to Hydro-Klean. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-23, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adopt Resolution 2021-23, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding the contract for 2021 Sanitary Sewer Lining, City Project No. 2104, to Hydro-Klean LLC based on their low, City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 08, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 5 qualified, responsible base bid for lining in the amount of $153,648, with funds to be appropriated from Fund 652-52104-5185; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 10. Adopt Resolution 2021-24 Being a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for the 2021 Water Main Improvements, Project 2103 Director Hansen reported that Project 2103 is for complete replacement of three segments of water main on Buchanan Street from 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue, 39th Avenue from Buchanan Street to Johnson Street, and Johnston Street from 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue. The bid advertising process was completed and six bids were received, with the lowest submitted by Northdale Construction Company, Inc. of Albertville, Minnesota, in the amount of $880,446.29, consistent with the Engineer’s estimate of $885,000.00. Staff recommends awarding the contract to Northdale Construction Company, Inc. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-24, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adopt Resolution 2021-24, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding the 2021 Water Main Improvements, City Project No. 2103, to Northdale Construction Company, Inc. of Albertville, Minnesota based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $880,446.29 from Fund 651-52103-5185; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Jacobs attended a Transit Alliance / Met Council update; attended an NIH presentation by Dr. Marie Bernard for workforce diversity, antiracist resolutions in the community; multicultural presentations on trafficking; and facilitated three residential reach-outs. She also attended Officer Tony Miller’s and Officer Samuel Foy’s oaths as they became official members of the Police Department and moved up in rank, congratulated both of them, and said it was encouraging to see the full Council attending in-person at that function and hoped that their full in-person attendance would continue in the future. Councilmember Buesgens also attended the swearing-in ceremonies for both Officer Tony Miller and Officer Samuel Foy; attended the MAC sex trafficking public forum put on by the City Police Department; attended the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge meeting – and said those interested in assisting may contact Mayor Márquez Simula; and listened to a Minnesota Clean Car Emission information session and the Next Generation Takes Charge presentation about three young individuals’ involvement in fighting climate change and how it affects communities. She said she loved the Park City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 08, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 6 and Recreation’s “Easter Egg Hunt,” where residents can have eggs planted in their yards for children to find. Mayor Márquez Simula also attended the swearing-in ceremonies for Officer Tony Miller and Officer Samuel Foy; hosted the Monarch Pledge meeting and said she was excited to move forward with the assistance of experts in the community to help ensure wonderful habitat spaces are available for monarchs and pollinators; finished her League of Minnesota training; attended the public forum on human trafficking; attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting with the Police; donated blood at the Public Safety Building; attended a meeting with Resilient Cities as a BIPOC-elected official as week as a Regional Council of Mayors meeting; attended Mandy Meisner’s “Ethnics at the County Level” meeting; attended Conservation Minnesota’s Clean Cars Initiative meeting; and received her first vaccine shot, as a member of the School District. Report of the City Manager Manager Bourgeois reported that the new City Planner, Minerva Harks, began work on March 8; City Police have been meeting with community groups in preparation for the Chauvin trial, including Neighborhood Watch block captains, the Business Watch group, ministerial group; and reminded residents to sign up for Code Red on the City website. Lastly, it was determined that the Council will meet Monday, March 15, for discussion regarding board and commission applicants; and the one applicant who would be unable to participate on that date will be contacted by the City Clerk about another option to serve. Report of the City Attorney Attorney Hoeft had no update. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ___________________________________ Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Council Secretary