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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-2021 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 22, 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 22, 2021 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue NE, 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 Novitsky Absent: Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director; Laura Dorle; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director and Acting City Manager; James Hoeft, City Attorney; Joseph Kloiber, Finance Director; Lorien Mueller; Dan O’Brien, Assistant Fire Chief; Degha Shabbeleh; Nicole Tingley, City Clerk 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 Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve the agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. School Board Liaison Update Lorien Mueller, member of Columbia Heights Public School Board and Liaison to the City Council, provided an update to the Council. There will be no high school classes on Friday, March 26, as it is a planning day for teachers to prepare for the change to in-person learning models; no school for all schools the week of Monday, March 29, through Friday, April 2, for spring break; no school on Thursday, April 8, and Friday, April 9, for end-of-quarter grading day and teacher in-service day. As of Monday, March 15, there are in-person learning options for all grade levels pre-K through 12, with third grade through grade 12 having started their in-person learning models on March 15. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 2 The “Heights from Home” online distance learning option is still available for families who feel that is the better option for their students. Elementary schools have distributed surveys regarding quarter four learning options, and they are in progress for upper levels. Great opportunities are available for students who wish to participate in spring activities, including baseball, softball, tennis, swimming, synchronized swimming and musicals. Ms. Mueller reported that two Columbia Heights District students competed in Minnesota’s 2021 Poetry Out Loud competition and congratulated resident Sophie Kuether, who won the competition. Community Education offers adult enrichment activities, such as Instant Pot meals, defensive driving, yoga, meditation and art. Mayor Márquez Simula congratulated Sophie Kuether on behalf of the City and said she wished to pass onto the School Board the City’s appreciation for sharing the vaccination abilities for the Library and Parks and Recreation staffs. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Buesgens requested the removal of Item 5, “Consideration of Appointments to Advisory Commissions.” Councilmember Jacobs requested the removal of Item 9, “Approve Subordination of Mortgage in Connection with the City’s Single Family Deferred Loan Program” and Item 11, “License Agenda.” Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 1. Approve March 1, 2021 City Council Work Session Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Work Session of March 1, 2021 2. Approve March 8, 2021 City Council Special Work Session Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Special Work Session of March 8, 2021. 3. Approve March 8, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 8, 2021. 4. Approve March 15, 2021 City Council Special Work Session Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the City Council Special Work Session of March 15, 2021. 5. Consideration of Appointments to Advisory Commissions Removed for discussion. 6. Award General Construction Contract for Liquor Store 3 Improvements MOTION: Motion to the accept the lowest responsible bid of $79,280.00 from CM Construction Company for the general construction contract for improvements to liquor store 3, and to authorize the City Manager to enter into the related agreement. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 3 7. Authorization to Seek Bids for the 2021 Miscellaneous Concrete Replacement and Installation Project MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2021 Miscellaneous Concrete Replacement and Installation Project. 8. Adopt Resolution 2021-25 Concurring with Award of Seal Coating, Resolution 2021-26 Award of Street Striping, Resolution 2021-27 Award of Crack Sealing, and Resolution 2021-28 Award of Fog Sealing All as Part of JPA Contract MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-25, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2021-25, being a resolution concurring with award of the Joint Powers Agreement Contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2021 Seal Coating Project to Pearson Bros. Inc. based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $0.28 per gallon of emulsion and $1.15 per square yard of FA-2 aggregate with an estimated cost of $51,983.00 to be appropriated from Fund 415-52101-4000. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-26, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2021-26, being a resolution concurring with award of the Joint Powers Agreement Contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2021 Street Striping Project to Sir Lines-A-Lot, Inc. based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $26.00 per gallon for Street Markings and $115.00 per gallon for Street Symbol Markings with an estimated cost of $5,760.00 to be appropriated from Fund 212-43190-4000 and $850.00 to be appropriated from Fund 101-43170-4000. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-27, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2021-27, being a resolution concurring with award of the Joint Powers Agreement Contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2021 Crack Sealing Project to Northwest Asphalt and Maintenance based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $0.44 per lineal foot for rout and seal crack sealing with an estimated cost of $7,555.00 to be appropriated from Fund 212-43190-4000 and $233.00 from Fund 101-45200-4000. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-28, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2021-28, being a resolution concurring with award of the Joint Powers Agreement Contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2021 Fog Sealing Project to Allied Blacktop Co. based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $3.12 per gallon of emulsion for Fire Department parking lot with an estimated cost of $936.00 to be appropriated from Fund 411-42200-4000. 9. Approve Subordination of Mortgage in Connection with the City’s Single Family Deferred Loan Program Removed for discussion. 10. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 4 March 22, 2021, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 11. License Agenda Removed for discussion. 12. 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 $1,094,199.70. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 5. Consideration of Appointments to Advisory Commissions Councilmember Buesgens thanked everyone who applied and interviewed for the openings of the various commissions and boards, adding that there were 26 people who applied just for the commissions and Library Board and three for the Charter. She said with the great variety of candidates, it was difficult to choose, and she appreciated the interviews because it was an opportunity to see how the City is so varied and eclectic. Also, of note, she added that a person who was voted onto a commission had a family member on that commission and she protested because she thought it was wrong to have two people from the same family and unfair to the rest of the applicants, though she is not aware of any rules now to prevent such occurrences from happening. Mayor Márquez Simula said when she campaigned last year, one of her clear goals was “to make Columbia Heights more inclusive and diversified, including boards and commissions, which are now almost entirely white, because representation matters.” She said during the recent board and commission interviews, a very qualified gentleman from the Somali community was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission; and she hoped next year even more people of color would apply for commissions, reflecting more of what Columbia Heights looks like. Councilmember Jacobs said she voted for a white person during the interview for that commission based on qualifications and would stand by her selection, adding that he was the only current commission member who had reached his term limits and wished to serve the City further. And though she appreciated the experience the chosen member would bring to the group, she said she did not appreciate the terminology Mayor Márquez Simula used in her comment and thought it best to be careful about labeling in the future. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to appoint volunteers to serve on various commissions as recommended. A roll call vote was taken. 3 Ayes (Buesgens, Novitsky, Jacobs), 1 Nay (Márquez Simula), Motion Carried 3-1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 5 9. Approve Subordination of Mortgage in Connection with the City’s Single Family Deferred Loan Program Councilmember Jacobs asked whether the City incurs any expenses in the subordination of Mortgage in connection with the City’s Single Family Deferred Loan Program. Director Chirpich stated that the City does not incur any costs. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-38, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-38, being a resolution approving a subordination of Mortgage in connection with the City’s Single Family Deferred Loan Program. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 11. License Agenda Councilmember Jacobs requested that new applications and renewals be identified in the business license agenda and, on the rare occasion, that multiple businesses cited under one name for a new application or renewal be grouped together. Director Hansen said he would refer that onto the City Manager to address for future Council items. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for March 22, 2021 as presented. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13. Consideration of Resolution 2021-29, Revocation of the License to Operate a Rental Unit within the City of Columbia Heights against the Rental Property at 952 44 ½ Avenue for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes Assistant Chief O’Brien reported that all of the properties for revocation before the Council this evening are 2020 licensees that have not yet renewed, so they have been sent notice, the City followed up, and these properties are the first batch of such properties from last year. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2021-29, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adopt Resolution 2021-29, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of the rental license listed. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 6 14. Consideration of Resolution 2021-30, Revocation of the License to Operate a Rental Unit within the City of Columbia Heights against the Rental Property at 4145 5th Street NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes As noted previously, Assistant Chief O’Brien reported that all of the properties for revocation before the Council this evening are 2020 licensees that have not yet renewed, so they have been sent notice, the City followed up, and these properties are the first batch of such properties from last year. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2021-30, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-30, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of the rental license listed. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 15. Consideration of Resolution 2021-31, Revocation of the License to Operate a Rental Unit within the City of Columbia Heights against the Rental Property at 4806 Madison Street NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes As noted previously, Assistant Chief O’Brien reported that all of the properties for revocation before the Council this evening are 2020 licensees that have not yet renewed, so they have been sent notice, the City followed up, and these properties are the first batch of such properties from last year. Councilmember Buesgens asked for clarification that it is the first time for consideration of revocation of rental licenses for all of the properties identified at the Council meeting. Assistant Chief O’Brien confirmed such, adding that should any of these properties decide to renew their licenses, they have to start from the beginning, though it would be five times the license fee after revocation. Councilmember Jacobs asked whether there is a method in place to identify if those units are being occupied and possibly as a rental without a license. Assistant Chief O’Brien said it depends on the different sources of information, sometimes found on an incident, after a phone call or complaint, or random checks by the City for properties that should be vacant – but most often identified by the tenants themselves. If a property is being occupied and not licensed, after revocation, the City will post “45 days to vacate” and, after that, “unlawful to occupy.” Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Degha Shabbeleh, a City resident, inquired about revocation during COVID-19 and how pertinent property owners would be contacted by the City in the event of their possible City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 7 hospitalization or death and any aftereffects, financially or otherwise, for affected renters. Assistant Chief O’Brien said property owners have been contacted by mail and their listed emergency contacts, so over the past year they have received probably three to four different notices to renew, including their initial one, their extension one, then a reminder. Action is not being taken now to evict anyone due to Governor Walz’s executive order. Mayor Márquez Simula asked for clarification as to when eviction action would be taken on a 45-day notice should Governor Walz lift his executive order. Assistant Chief O’Brien stated that it would be on day 45, not 45 days after the 45-day notice. Councilmember Jacobs asked whether the process through the court system would begin on day 45 or the evacuation of the property. Attorney Hoeft responded that if a tenant in a revoked property is contesting the eviction, it would be at least another month before the issue would be addressed by a judge. He said the City does not evict anyone now, that eviction is a landlord’s responsibility. But once Governor Walz’s executive order is lifted, if a rental property is not in compliance with the City’s licensing code and if the property owner does not have a license because it has been revoked, the owner has an obligation under the City’s code to remove those tenants from the property. If they do not remove the tenants from the property, the owner is subject to criminal citation, as well as the tenants. He added that the 45 days is the time period in the code that the City waits to allow the landlord to take any action that they are required to take, typically called an “unlawful detainer action” for people who over holding or have not paid their rent. So, the 45 days means that nothing can happen before that time period. Once that time period is run, then the landlord will exercise whatever rights he or she has. As noted above, the City cannot cite the landlord for not taking any eviction action because Governor Walz has placed the restriction. Once that restriction is lifted, then landlords will do whatever they see fit in order to respond to where they are at with the City. And again, as noted previously, if they do not have a license and have tenants in there, then they will need to remove them or be subject to citation, as well as the tenants. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2021-31, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-31, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of the rental license listed. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 16. Consideration of Resolution 2021-32, Revocation of the License to Operate a Rental Unit within the City of Columbia Heights against the Rental Property at 5103 6th Street NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes As noted previously, Assistant Chief O’Brien reported that all of the properties for revocation before the Council this evening are 2020 licensees that have not yet renewed, so they have been sent notice, the City followed up, and these properties are the first City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 8 batch of such properties from last year. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Laura Dorle, a City resident, said the property in question is in relatively close proximity to her residence and inquired as to whether there a status of tenant occupancy for this property and other properties being considered for revocation at the meeting. Assistant Chief O’Brien stated that he was unaware of the current status of properties being occupied but said it was irrelevant right now for the City’s licensing. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2021-32, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adopt Resolution 2021-32, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of the rental license listed. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 17. Consideration of Resolution 2021-33, Revocation of the License to Operate a Rental Unit within the City of Columbia Heights against the Rental Property at 4008/4010 Cleveland Street NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes As noted previously, Assistant Chief O’Brien reported that all of the properties for revocation before the Council this evening are 2020 licensees that have not yet renewed, so they have been sent notice, the City followed up, and these properties are the first batch of such properties from last year. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2021-33, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-33, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of the rental license listed. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 18. Consideration of Resolution 2021-34, Revocation of the License to Operate a Rental Unit within the City of Columbia Heights against the Rental Property at 5118 4th Street NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes Assistant Chief O’Brien reported that the property owner for 5118 4th Street NE emailed the City the morning of March 22, said she lives out of state, and asked what options would be available for her to renew her rental license. He said she is aware that after any revocation the cost would be five times and said she was sorry for the procrastination. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 9 Councilmember Buesgens asked for clarification that the first letter was sent to the owner in May of 2020, and Assistant Chief O’Brien confirmed the date. Councilmember Buesgens said that is a long time and the owner had plenty notice to renew; and all Councilmembers agreed. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2021-34, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-34, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to City Code, Chapter 5A, Article IV, Section 5A.408(A) of the rental license listed. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 19. Resolution 2021-35, Funding an Evaluation and Strategic Plan for The City's Information Systems Director Kloiber reported there are a number of information system needs that are not yet included in the 2021 budget, as some arose late in the 2021 budgeting process. Staff recommends contracting for an independent overall evaluation plan for what services and features stakeholders want the City’s information systems to provide over the next several years and obtained referrals to four firms qualified to perform this work. Of the four, two firms responded, Mel Bunt and Sciens Consulting. Sciens Consulting has significantly more experience providing this type of analysis for local governments and their proposal has a detailed time budget with a not-to-exceed price, whereas the Mel Bunt proposal is open- ended at a stated hourly rate. Staff recommends contracting Sciens Consulting, with the source funding coming from excess funds in the General Fund. Both Councilmember Buesgens and Councilmember Jacobs said they fully support the plan and have no problem with the funds transfer. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-35, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-35, being a Resolution amending the 2021 budget to transfer $40,000.00 of fund balance from the General Fund to the Information Systems Fund, funding an evaluation and strategic plan for the City’s information systems; and to authorize the City City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 10 Manager to enter into the related agreement with Sciens Consulting. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Bid Considerations 20. Adopt Resolution 2021-36, Being a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for the 3939 Central Avenue Monopole Telecommunication Tower, City Project 2014 Director Hansen reported that staff went through the bidding and public advertising processes for the monopole telecommunication tower at 3939 Central Avenue, the vacant Library lot. Based on those, six bids were received, with the low bid coming in from Vinco Inc. in the amount of $257,300.00; the City Engineer’s estimate for the work was $275,000.00. Both the City’s telecommunications consultant and the City have experience with Vinco, as it has worked on the City’s water tower and is fairly well known in this area as a telecommunications erector. Staff recommends a contract award to Vinco Inc. from Forest Lake, Minnesota, in the amount of $257,300.00. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-36, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-36, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding the 3939 Central Avenue Monopole Telecommunication Tower, City Project 2014, to Vinco Inc. of Forest Lake, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $257,300.00, appropriated from Fund 408-52014; 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 4-0. 21. Adopt Resolution 2021-37, Being a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for the 2021 Street Rehabilitation Program, Projects 2002 and 2005 Director Hansen reported that the area for the 2021 street program is in Zone 4 and Zone 5, between Central and University Avenues, north of 44th and south of 43rd. The bidding package was broken into three separate areas: street rehabilitation Zone 4B and Zone 5, State Aid roadway on 44th Avenue from University over to Jefferson, and an alternate was residential construction. It was offered to any resident within the street program work area if they wanted to redo their driveway and/or sidewalk for both bituminous or concrete construction, and some property owners have accepted. Engineering estimates were provided for both the State Aid work and then also on the street rehabilitation work, with the street rehabilitation broken between mill overlay and partial reconstruction. The partial reconstruction bid came in under 20% under the City Engineer’s estimate and the mill and overlay came in about 10% under. Depending on how construction goes, staff would anticipate passing on the savings through the proposed assessments to this program year, which is good news for residents. Staff recommends awarding a contract to Bituminous Roadways, Inc. in the total amount of $1,580,783.42. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 11 Councilmember Jacobs asked if residents are able to include their work as part of their tax bill. Director Hansen said no, that typically it is a contract between the contractor and the homeowner. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-37, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution 2021-37 being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding the 2021 Street Rehabilitation Program, consisting of Bid A: Street Rehabilitation – Zone 4B and Zone 5, Project 2002, Bid B: Municipal State Aid – 44th Avenue Mill and Overlay, Project 2005, and Alternate 1: Residential Construction, to Bituminous Roadways, Inc. of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $1,580,783.42, appropriated from the following funds: $1,194,618.00 appropriated from Fund 415-52002, $251,534.00 from Fund 415-52005, $53,442.00 from Fund 601-49430, and $81,190.00 from Fund 604-49650; 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 4-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Jacobs attended the ISD-13 work session and “Racing through Revolving Doors,” a seminar presented by PhD Anthony Andrews. The Lions hosted the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on last Saturday, and it was very successful. She gave special thanks to Chief Lenny Austin and the Police Department, as the problems on 47th have been ongoing, and she was able to work with him this past week. She said real headway has been made with the number of trucks and vehicles parked and the Department also reached out with information to tenants but, unfortunately, some street damage has occurred because of the weight of the vehicles as they have sat on the roadway for extended periods of time. She also facilitated four resident reach-outs. Councilmember Buesgens attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting for notification of a sex offender at Hilltop, watched the School Board meeting via Zoom, and attended the Domestic Terrorism Forum. She also attended the Booster meeting and said they have made more money this year in some of their activities than they did last year, which is good news in spite of restaurant restrictions. She said she loves Park and Recreation’s new senior program at Murzyn, called “300 Piece Puzzle Smackdown.” Councilmember Novitsky said he was able to work the reverse Irish parade and attended the predator from Hilltop meeting, which he said is important in order to help keep children safe. Mayor Márquez Simula said she and Police Chief Austin created a statement about public safety during this difficult time with the Derek Chauvin trial and attended a Rice Creek flood planning meeting with City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 12 the City’s new Community Development Planner, Minerva Hark. She met with principals separately of Prodeo Schools and of Immaculate Conception and attended an Anoka County grants meeting for putting in pollinator gardens. She had a community meeting with the East African community, which City Manager Kelli Bourgeois and local government representatives attended to get feedback about what has been happening since the election (another meeting is scheduled in May). She delivered groceries with SACA and attended the St. Patrick’s Day reverse parade. She reminded residents that Columbia Heights will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2021 and many have work on the 100-year quilt, which was recently completed and its preview was featured at Murzyn Hall a few weeks ago; she thanked all who worked on it over the past year. Report of the Acting City Manager Director Hansen reported that street sweeping is being done in the City and watershed areas will be focused on first. He added, referring to Councilmember Jacobs’ earlier comment, that 47th area is within the City’s five-year State Aid CIP and the City will keep an eye on that area. Report of the City Attorney Attorney Hoeft had no update. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adjourn. A roll call vote was taken. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________ Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Council Secretary