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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-2015 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL Date of Meeting: February 2, 2015 Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM Location of Meeting: CONFERENCE ROOM 1 Purpose of Meeting: WORK SESSION CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM Present: Mayor Peterson, Council Member Nawrocki, Council Member Schmitt, Council Member Williams, Council Member Murzyn, Jr. HR Director/Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois, Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom, Assistant Community Development Director Loren Wickham, City Clerk/Council Secretary Katie Bruno 1. Proposed Amendments to Article V Liquor and Beer Assistant Director of Community Development Loren Wickham reported that brewer/tap room’s have gained popularity in recent years. The City is considering amending its ordinance to address brew rooms and brew pubs. Wickham reported that fees have not yet been established. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the need. Assistant Director Wickham reported that the popularity has increased, and it could be beneficial from an economic and redevelopment perspective. Councilmember Schmitt asked about the theater liquor license provision. Assistant Director Wickham explained that the city would issue a full liquor license, with the option to limit. Director of Community Development Joe Hogeboom explained that his department was approached by the one of the starters of the 612 Brewery, looking to start his own, in a building on 40th Ave. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that he would not be in favor of the amendment, as he does not see the need to expand liquor availability. Mayor Peterson suggested the City may have to do so in order to keep up with trends. Mayor Peterson asked Assistant Director Wickham to research fees established in neighboring communities. Assistant Director Wickham explained this would require public hearings in the future. Councilmember Murzyn stated that he has heard positive feedback from many people. Councilmember Williams asked what impact this could have on our liquor stores, and other small restaurants, and also if they would be allowed to operate on Sundays. Assistant Director Wickham noted the council could limit Sunday sales in the language of the amendments, if desired. Human Resources Director/Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois commented that some of the smaller home-owned local restaurants could benefit with the addition of a brewpub. Councilmember Nawrocki suggested that some restaurants may be interested in expanding. Mayor Peterson announced an upcoming Bluegrass night at Murzyn Hall 7-10, on March 11th. Director Hogeboom will report back to the council following the pricing research in neighboring communities. 2. Discussion related to Orange County Chopper as a feature at City Events. Councilmember Schmitt reported that she tried to secure them for last year’s gateway event, but they were unavailable. We’re tentatively scheduled for last Saturday in September, for our Fire Department open House. Councilmember Schmitt thinks this would be awesome for city, noting we would have to coordinate with Jim McAlpine. Councilmember Schmitt stated it is used for fundraising. Councilmember Murzyn shared it is a great attraction, with a great purpose with money going to make-a-wish. Ms. Bourgeois reported that Chief Nadeau commented that if it remains part of the Fire Department open house, this is typically a kid centered event. There would also be concern with any insurance advertisement. Mayor Peterson thought this is something worth following up with. 3. Century Link Franchise Discussion Human Resource Director/Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois reported that Century Link is interested in obtaining a franchise agreement with Columbia Heights. State statute requires a provider to provide service to the entire city, at this time Century Link could provide service to up to ½ of the residents. Century link has indicated they feel federal regulations would supersede State regulations. If Comcast sues the city, Century link has agreed to assume all legal costs. Bourgeois asked the council if they are interested in pursuing, understanding Century Link would not provide service to every property right away; they could possibly serve 1/3 to ½ of the City. The city’s next step would be to call for a public hearing, and send a notice of intent, allowing other interested parties to apply. Bourgeois commented that the City can use the collected PEG fees for system upgrades, noting that the current software needs to be updated, as our operating system is no longer supported by Microsoft. Councilmember Schmitt suggested possibly working with the school district, to partner in the purchasing of new equipment. Councilmember Nawrocki commented that Channel 16 comes over pretty good. Bourgeois suggested it would be good to have both options; standard definition and high definition. Mayor Peterson suggested the council proceed with the notice. 4. Discussion regarding Massage Therapy License- could a comparison be done with Minneapolis requirements. Councilmember Schmitt noticed that the City of Minneapolis fees seems closer to what would be expected. Joe Hogeboom, explained he was contacted by licensee, feeling our structure was different. Hogeboom noted that it can be frustrating for those in field, as many cities vary in license fees. Most cities do not allow in home massage business, Columbia Heights is the only City in the local area that allows in-home option. Columbia Heights charges $500 annually, plus an additional $100 per therapist. Business pay $500 annually, plus $100 for each therapist. There is also a one-time investigation fee of $250 per therapist. Director Hogeboom stated that he sees our pricing structure on-par, however; he will look at Minneapolis’ pricing. Director Hogeboom reported the City does not have a licensing requirement, unless you are operating a home business. Councilmember Schmitt asked if we could verify certification, as part of the background check/licensing process. Director Hogeboom will look into the request and report back to the council. 5. Discussing delaying the moratorium for marijuana as long as possible, so we can see what other cities come up with. Director Hogeboom reported that the City would propose a one year moratorium to allow the Council time to review. Medical marijuana will become legal in July 2015 in pill and vapor form, with a selective list for use. The issue of concern is where it is produced and sold. Director Hogeboom would like council to consider one year moratorium in March, as some manufacturing companies are already looking for places to do business. 6. Why we designating a Newspaper but used Anoka County Record for the annual salary notice instead of the Focus? Councilmember Schmitt asked why we posted salaries in the Anoka County Record. Ms. Bourgeois reported that we did not provide the information; they obtained it from our website, along with employment ads. Ms. Bourgeois reported that state statute requires posting the top 3 salaries on the City’s website. Councilmember Nawrocki reported that Anoka Co. is changing from the Sun Focus to the Anoka Co. Record. Councilmember Nawrocki asked Bryan Olson to have papers available at library, as he would like to review on occasion, especially now since Anoka Co. is using at their legal publication. It was reported that Bryan Olson leaves a supply at the library; however they are not there very long. 7. Discussion regarding Citizen Forum at Council Meeting. A resident recently asked if the Council would consider moving the citizen forum to the beginning of the meeting. Mayor Peterson expressed concern with delaying the items on the agenda. It was noted that they could set a time, however that was difficult in the past. It was shared that by having the Citizen Forum at the end of the meeting, it allows an open end time frame. 8. Other Items Harold Hoium reported icy conditions at 40th and 4th . Councilmember Nawrocki had questions regarding recently received bond documents. Mayor Peterson stated that he would prefer Joe Kloiber be present for that discussion. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM. Respectively Submitted, _________________________ Katie Bruno, City Clerk