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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-2021 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, June 28, 2021 7:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 pm on Monday, June 28, 2021 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. 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: Ruqia Aden Samatar; Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director; Linda Fowler; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Veronica Johnson; Jacqueline Mulder and family; Will Rottler, Community and Events Specialist; Drake Pham; Ben Sandell, Communications Coordinator; Nicole Tingley, City Clerk CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 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 Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. 2021 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award Presentation The Outstanding Citizen Award annually recognizes residents who have selflessly contributed their time and effort to helping people, the environment, the City and the community. These are residents who have made a positive and noteworthy impact but who have not otherwise been publicly recognized for their contributions. Mayor Márquez Simula reported that last December the City recognized Patricia Sowada for the “2020 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award” but, due to the pandemic, was unable to present the plaque to her family. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 28, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 2 She then presented the award plaque to Jacqueline Mulder, Patricia’s daughter, who accepted it on behalf of attending family members, who then introduced themselves, and she then described the numerous contributions made by her mother. Mayor Márquez Simula then announced Linda Fowler as recipient of the “2021 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award” and said Ms. Fowler’s late father had received the award six years earlier, which was then identified as the “Columbia Heights Humanitarian Award.” She then described the contributions made by Ms. Fowler as a volunteer at SACA and First Lutheran Church and taking part in the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge effort. Ms. Fowler thanked the City for the award and accepted the plaque. B. 2021 Outstanding Citizen of the Year – Youth Award Presentation Mayor Márquez Simula announced Drake Pham as recipient of the “2021 Outstanding Citizen of the Year – Youth Award,” the first year of the award, and described his volunteer efforts in the Loaves and Fishes program and SACA and served as president of the Key Club in his junior year. She reported that Drake plans to study sports management after graduation and had said he got involved in the programs because he admired the way people in the community look out for each other and protect one another, and he wanted to be a part of that. He accepted the plaque and thanked the City, Dale and Veronica Johnson of Kiwanis, his family and the “great high school volunteers.” Note: Nominations for the “2022 Outstanding Citizen of the Year” awards are now being accepted, and forms can be obtained online at “columbiaheights.mn.gov/outstanding.” C. Somali American Day Proclamation Mayor Márquez Simula read the proclamation naming July 1, 2021 as the first “Somali American Day in Columbia Heights.” Ruqia Aden Samatar accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Somali community. D. Centennial Celebration Update Specialist Rottler thanked the Somali Museum for their assistance in enabling the Somali dance troupe to be highlighted in last week’s Community Art and Info Fair. 500 people attended the event, which included 34 info booths and 32 art booths. The next “Music in the Park” on July 7 will feature “Wander North” from 6:30-8:30 pm, with the next scheduled for August 4. Ice cream and taco food trucks will be onsite for the event. The “Community Birthday Party” will be held on July 17, with over 20 organizations helping out and there will be a couple bands, free cake, free carnival and games. On July 21, a “Community Dinner” will be held, where residents may bring their own food, meet other residents and have a good time. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 28, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 3 CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve June 7, 2021 City Council Work Session Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the City Council Work Session minutes of June 7, 2021 2. Approve June 9, 2021 City Council Special Work Session Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the City Council Special Work Session minutes of June 9, 2021 3. Approve June 14, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the City Council Meeting minutes of June 14, 2021 4. Approve June 22, 2021 Special City Council Meeting Minutes MOTION: Move to approve the Special City Council Meeting minutes of June 22, 2021 5. Accept June 2, 2021 Library Board Minutes MOTION: Move to accept the Library Board Minutes of June 2, 2021. 6. Authorize Agreement with Xcel Energy for Replacement of Lighting at Public Safety Building with LED Lighting MOTION: Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Xcel Energy for the installation of lighting upgrades at the Public Safety Building based on their bid of $79,289 with a utility rebate of $18,466.67. Final cost of project will be $60,822.33, with install to be done by Aid Electric. 7. Resolution Authorizing Rebuilding American Infrastructure With Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Transportation Grant Application for the Central Avenue Improvements Study MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-55, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2021-55, being a Resolution Authorizing Rebuilding American Infrastructure With Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Transportation Grant Application for the Central Avenue Improvements Study 8. Resolution 2021-56, A Resolution to Accept Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Established Under the American Rescue Plan Act MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-56, there being ample copies available to the public MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2021-56, a Resolution to Accept Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Established Under the American Rescue Plan Act. 9. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for June 28, 2021, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 28, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 4 10. License Agenda MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for June 28, 2021 as presented. 11. Review of Bills MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City Council has reviewed the enclosed list to claims paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of $1,375,322.84. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 12. Approve Loan Agreement and Related Documents for the Acquisition of 4300 Central Avenue NE by Alatus LLC Director Chirpich explained that Alatus LLC has requested that the City facilitate the acquisition of 4300 Central Avenue NE by providing a bridge loan to purchase of the property, demolish the existing buildings, and cover costs associated with environmental testing and clearance. The request for funding by Alatus was reviewed by the Council at the February 1, 2021 EDA meeting where the Council expressed support for providing a loan to Alatus for acquisition of the property for redevelopment purposes. At that meeting, the Council directed staff to pursue bond funding for the loan rather than funding the loan through reserve cash resources. Since that meeting, the City has taken the necessary steps to prepare for the issuance of taxable general obligation temporary tax increment bonds in the principal amount of $6,000,000 to fund the acquisition and predevelopment costs listed above. The proposed uses of the loan are as follows: • Land Acquisition - $4,500,000 • Property Taxes (3 years) - $395,957 • Closing Costs - $105,200 • City Fees - $50,000 • Demolition - $671,686 • Environmental Testing and Reports - $42,156 • Geotechnical Testing and Reports – 35,000 The bond sale and acceptance of bids by the Council is scheduled for July 12, 2021. Before the bonds are issued, the City needs to approve and execute a loan agreement and related contracts with Alatus to specify the terms and obligations of both parties as it relates to the proposed financing. The key provisions of the loan agreement are as follows: • The loan must be repaid in full by July 31, 2023. The City’s bridge loan is meant to provide time for Alatus to complete their redevelopment plans and secure construction financing for the project that will allow them to repay the City. If Alatus and City fail to negotiate the terms of a redevelopment contract for the site, Alatus will convey the property to the City. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 28, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 5 • There are no interest or principal payments due in the interim period between closing and the repayment deadline for the loan. Interest will accrue during the loan term and be paid when Alatus closes on their permanent financing. • The funds will be held in escrow by a third party title company. The funds will be disbursed as needed and in accordance with the terms stipulated in the attached escrow agreement. Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2021-54, where the City would facilitate the acquisition of 4300 Central Avenue NE by providing a bridge loan to purchase of the property, demolish the existing buildings, and cover costs associated with environmental testing and clearance. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to waive the reading of Resolution 2021-54, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve Resolution 2021-54, a resolution approving loan documents with Alatus LLC. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Mayor Márquez Simula attended a Senior Consortium meeting in Columbia Heights, which featured a tour of the Blooming Heights Garden for the “Mayor’s Monarch Pledge” lead by the agriculture specialist. The Multi-Cultural Heritage Festival will be held on September 25. Work continues on the Pride Festival. She took a vacation and visited Nisswa for the first time. Celebrated Juneteenth, attended the Art and Info Fair, enjoyed the Waffle Breakfast, thanked the Lions for the Jamboree and said, unfortunately, the Car Show was rained out. Councilmember Novitsky thanked all who attended and helped with the Jamboree this week and said everyone worked well together. Though the Car Show was rained out, the Jamboree went very well and was incident free. He said he hoped the City would be able to have another successful Jamboree next year. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. said the Jamboree, including the Waffle Breakfast, was a good success. The Car Show was rained out, but plans are being made for it to be held on August 21 at the warming house, east side of Huset Park, 4:00-8:00 pm. Councilmember Jacobs attended the Art and Info Fair and joined five children from the Kiwanis Key Kids in painting the Jefferson Building, which was completed in about two hours, and said the children did a great job, no paint was spilled and was a lot of fun. She volunteered four days at the Jamboree, attended the Waffle Breakfast and continues to volunteer at SACA. Mentioned that June is month that locally and internally all members and their families and friends of the LGBTQ community are honored, and there are many media sites that explain the history and struggles of that community. She said she had a quiet week with resident reach-outs, with only four phone calls. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 28, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 6 She announced that SACA is in the process of returning to inside accessibility for clients, and it is hoped that everything will be in place by the end of July and will continue to offer curbside service for those who request it. It is anticipated that the Thrift Store will open by the end of summer; and because of that, it will be in “desperate need” of contributions for small appliances, household goods and clothing items, all in good and working condition. For further information, SACA can be reached directly at 763-789-2444. Councilmember Buesgens attended via Zoom an Adaptation and Natural Climate Solutions for Minnesota meeting, where they discussed looking for the ability of forests, grasslands and wetlands to draw down carbon and restoring forests, as a change is needed because the canopy of the type of trees that are being grown up north are changing. Attended the Effective City Green Teams Commissions, which focused on equity training and low-income energy savings; the League of Cities Conference via Zoom. She continues to volunteer at the Blooming Sunshine Garden and things are starting to grow; she encouraged people to come out and check it out when things are ready to harvest in July and August. Attended the Park & Recreation Commission meeting, where they discussed the possibility of new rules for the Senior Center and will have future conversations on the use of herbicides in City parks for anyone interested. Attended the Arts and Info gathering, which was a great time and volunteered at a table, the Jamboree parade and helped the Lions at the admissions gate for the first time. She thanked the City for the spectacular fireworks show. She reported that, looking through the vendor packet, there are some credits showing up from the solar garden. Thanked the Lions and all the volunteers that helped make the Jamboree a very successful weekend. Report of the City Manager Manager Bourgeois noted that the Council approved changing over to LEDs for the Public Safety Building, and she just signed a purchase authorization for the Liquor Stores to switch over as well for energy efficiency and cost savings. She echoed Councilmembers’ comments about the week being busy and wonderful to see residents back out and enjoying things. She thanked City staff who worked behind the scenes for all of the noted recent events, specifically citing Public Works doing street sweeping afterwards and the Police, Fire and the Recreation Departments. Report of the City Attorney Attorney Hoeft had no update. COMMUNITY FORUM Veronica Johnson thanked everyone in the community who volunteered this week and the Lions for having Kiwanis be the grand marshal of the parade, which was so much fun, and also the Council and Mayor for making it a great week. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 28, 2021 City Council Meeting Page 7 Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Nicole Tingley, City Clerk/Council Secretary