HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-2021 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Hall —Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE
Monday, October 25, 2021
7:00 PM
CORRECTED
MINUTES
Mayor
Amada Marquez Simula
Councilmembers
John Murzyn, Jr.
Connie Buesgens
Nick Novitsky
Kt Jacobs
City Manager
Kelli Bourgeois
The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 pm on Monday,
October 25, 2021 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 401" 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 Marquez Simula called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Present: Mayor Marquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember
Murzyn, Jr.; Councilmember Novitsky.
Also Present: Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council
Secretary; Clifford Johnson; Hussain Khan; Shah Khan; Ashlie LeGrande; Lorien Mueller; Dan O'Brien,
Assistant Fire Chief; Ben Sandell, Communications Coordinator.
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.
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Motion by Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All
Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
Lorien Mueller, Vice Chair of Columbia Heights Public School Board and Liaison to the City Council,
shared an update: Interviews are being conducted for a mid-term School Board vacancy; two students
will join the School Board on Policy and Community Engagement subcommittees; the Scholarship
Foundation Dinner and Fundraiser will be held this week; first quarter ends November 10, and there
will be no school on November 11-12; choir concert will be held at 7:00 pm on November 16 at the
High School, and a band concert will be held at 7:00 pm on November 18 at the High School; the fall
play, "Clue on Stage," will be held at 7:00 pm on November 12 and 13 and 2:00 pm on November 14;
fall sport season is wrapping up this week for adapted soccer, varsity football section, volleyball
section, swim team, JV champs in sections and robotics team is performing; winter sports and activities
City of Columbia Heights
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are open for registration. For those interested in upcoming information and events, access the
Columbia Heights Public Schools website and click on the trophy, "Activities and Athletics," at the top
of the page, which also provides links to some live streaming.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
1. Approve October 4, 2021 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the City Council Works Session Meeting minutes of October 4, 2021.
2. Approve October 4, 2021 Special Assessment Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the Special Assessment Meeting minutes of October 4, 2021.
3. Approve October 11, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the City Council Meeting minutes of October 11, 2021.
4. Accept September 21, 2021 Traffic Commission Minutes.
MOTION: Move to accept the Traffic Commission Meeting minutes of September 21, 2021.
S. Accept the Receipt of DOJ Grant Monies to Fund Social Worker Presence at CHPD.
MOTION: Move to accept the receipt of $207,849 in U.S. Department of Justice, Office of
Community Oriented Policing Services grant funds to fund a full-time social worker to work with
the Police Department for the next two years.
6. Authorize Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Central Avenue Sanitary Sewer
Rehabilitation.
MOTION: Move to authorize the preparation of Final Plans and Specifications for the Central
Avenue Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation from 37th to 45th Avenues, City Project 2204.
7. Accept Proposal from Bolton & Menk for Design Services for Central Avenue Sanitary Sewer
Rehabilitation.
MOTION: Move to accept the proposal from Bolton & Menk in the amount of $69,910 for design
services through bidding for the Central Avenue Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation, City Project 2204.
8. Request for Stop Signs at the Intersection Of 6th Street and 41st Avenue.
MOTION: Move to recommend the City Council install stop signs at the intersection of 6th Street
and 415t Avenue stopping traffic on 6th Street.
9. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for October
25, 2021, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code.
10. License Agenda.
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for October 25,
2021 as presented.
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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 $952,856.09.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-82, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 98143-% Avenue NE for
Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Chief O'Brien's report stated City inspectors performed an inspection of 98143-1/2
Avenue NE on August 6, 2021 and noted violations of the City's Property Maintenance Code and
informed the owner via mail. A re -inspection was performed on September 15 and violations
remained uncorrected, so a statement of cause was mailed to the owner. Because City
inspectors checked records for the property on October 15 and noted corrections still had not
been made (repair/replace burnt areas of walls next to the stove in Unit 2 and repair/replace
missing cabinetry, drawer fronts and hardware in the kitchens of Units 2 and 3), staff
recommends that the City Council approve revocation of the Rental license.
Mayor Marquez Simula opened the public hearing.
Shah Khan, owner of the property, said he went to school and has lived in Columbia Heights for
several years, and all four of his children have been born in the City. He bought a four-plex unit
in the City and has tenants living there, some good and some bad, and he received the City's list
of things which need to be corrected (replacing kitchen doorknobs and repairing brown wall
spots due to nearby cooking on stove). Mr. Khan apologized for not fixing them sooner but said
both violations have been fixed and he is ready to pay the $150 fine. His request is that the
rental license not be revoked.
He added further that he is blamed often for things his tenants do (such as trash not being
disposed of properly in the dumpster and interiors being damaged due to larger tenant families)
and he tries to educate them as best he can. Mr. Khan realizes the four-plex unit is his property
but he is seeking assistance from the City Council to help landlords such as himself in these
circumstances, to make the tenants responsible for their actions.
Councilmember Buesgens said that, unfortunately, being a landlord is a lot of work, having family
members who are landlords, and is part of the job. She does not support Council doing anything
for tenants fan4erds but suggested Mr. Khan review his leases and tighten those up if he can.
Councilmember Buesgens asked whether a follow-up inspection had been completed to ensure
the violations have been done. Assistant Chief O'Brien said they had not been completed at the
time of the October 15 inspection.
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. asked how much interaction the City has had with the property in
question. Assistant Chief O'Brien said 36 times on inspection mostly for outside storage and
lawn grass complaints, with total abatements of $2,059.95; relating to the licensing inspections,
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the City has been there three times and one pending due to inability to access one of the units,
which is due at the end of October to complete cited violations.
Councilmember Jacobs asked Assistant Chief O'Brien whether he was made aware before the
evening's meeting of the violation repair completions Mr. Khan referenced in his statement.
Assistant Chief O'Brien said 26 violations were found on the first inspection (including not having
access to one unit), repairs to 24 of them were completed on re -inspection, and ten violations
were found in the unit that earlier had not been able to be accessed. So, the City has not done a
final inspection related to the remaining violations.
Mayor Marquez Simula asked if there was an itemized list available of the cited violations, and
Assistant Chief O'Brien said he did not have one available at this evening's meeting. Mayor
Marquez Simula said the first inspection was August 6 and that it has only been a short while for
this process.
Councilmember Jacobs asked whether new violations were found with each of the 36
inspections, and Assistant Chief O'Brien said he would be about 18.
Councilmember Novitsky asked how long Mr. Khan has had a Rental license for the building, and
he said about 18 years. Mr. Khan said he believes the set of tenants he has been the problem,
leaving chairs and mattresses outside, and the biggest problem with his property is that it is at
the turning point of two streets so a lot of people drop things off. He has installed cameras
because of that problem and is trying to monitor activities. Councilmember Novitsky said, after
18 years as a landlord, that he would expect those things don't happen routinely. Mr. Khan said
he can understand his concern and is fed up with it as well, noting the remaining ten violations
that he has or is addressing that includes a refrigerator that cannot close because the tenant has
jammed it too full (Unit 3). Councilmember Novitsky asked how many grass offenses have been
noted, and Assistant Chief O'Brien said only one and all the others were outside storage.
Mayor Marquez Simula asked what constitutes the term "outside storage," and Assistant Chief
O'Brien said it means dumping trash, furniture, etc. Mayor Marquez Simula said those calls to
the City would be from neighbors, and Assistant Chief O'Brien confirmed.
Councilmember Novitsky asked for confirmation that the City was picking up the outside storage
(abatement costs) rather than the landlord, and Mr. Khan said he would call for garbage pickup
when he became aware of those items.
Councilmember Novitksy asked, being abatement takes some time, how often Mr. Khan checks
on his rental property. He said he has a full-time job as a scientist, has four children, and goes
there every weekend and, as well, has asked the tenants living near the dumpsters to give him a
call when they become aware of issues.
Councilmember Buesgens said she knows the property in question and it has been an issue for
the past 20 years. She has received a lot of complaints and has called the City herself on it and
said it is Mr. Khan's responsibility to take care of his property. She doesn't want to hear from
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him that it is the tenants' fault to keep it clean and maintained. If he has issues with the tenants,
she said that is his problem.
Councilmember Jacobs said Mr. Khan continues to make excuses and it is his responsibility as a
business owner to take care of his business and to make sure that he has good, qualified tenants
and they will take good care of his property -- and it if doesn't happen, it is on his shoulders.
There have been enough incidences that this is a problematic property, and she said he has had
plenty of time to bring it into compliance.
Clifford Johnson, resident 1027 43-1/2 Avenue, said he has been monitoring the garbage issue at
the property being discussed for about five years. He said it has been a constant problem, with
overstuffed dumpsters; and if others are dumping their garbage there, that would be a problem,
though he not aware of that occurring. The solution he believes is for the landlord to call Waste
Management and request more bins; though it would be more cost, it would beat having to pay
the City to clean it up. Other than the corner property, he doesn't see any problem with two
other nearby properties.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution No. 2021-82, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adopt
Resolution No. 2021-82, 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. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
13. Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-83, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 4609 Polk Street NE for
Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes
Assistant Chief O'Brien's report stated City Inspection staff sent a letter on July 1, 2021 to the
owner of 4609 Polk Street NE that a Rental license application be submitted. Staff reviewed the
property file on October 4, noted that the property remained unlicensed and sent a Statement of
Cause to the owner. Because of the failure to submit the application and fees for the Rental
license, staff recommends that the City Council approve revocation of a Rental license.
He updated the City Council that on October 21 the owner submitted the application and
licensing fees but have yet to schedule the inspection and pay the late fees.
Mayor Marquez Simula opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution No. 2021-83, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
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Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adopt Resolution
No. 2021-83, 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. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Mayor Marquez Simula requested Assistant Chief O'Brien to explain the next process when the
City Council has voted for revocation of a rental license. He said, after a license has been
revoked, the property gets posted with a 45-day notice to vacate, tenants receive copies of the
posting letter, and then it becomes unlawful to occupy after 45 days. After that, citations can be
written up to the landlord and any occupants for allowing it to be occupied or accepting rent.
14. Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-84, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 966/968 44% Avenue NE for
Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Chief O'Brien's report stated City Inspection staff sent a letter on August 1, 2021 to the
owner of 966/968 44-1/2 Avenue NE that a Rental license application be submitted. Staff
reviewed the property file on October 6, noted that the property remained unlicensed and sent a
Statement of Cause to the owner. Because of the failure to submit the application and fees for
the Rental license, staff recommends that the City Council approve revocation of a Rental license.
He updated the City Council that on October 22 the owner submitted the renewal rental license
application, paid all fees and scheduled the inspection for October 25 at 3:00 pm. The results of
that inspection resulted in 23 violations on the property, seven on the 966 side, five on the 968
side, and 11 in the common areas or exterior.
Mayor Marquez Simula opened the public hearing.
Hussain Khan, property manager for 966/968 44% Avenue NE, asked that the City Council table
the revocation hearing to the next meeting. He cited the federal moratorium and said there is a
three- to five -month processing time for applications for funding and a lot of issues in not getting
monies into landlord hands. As a property manager, he has not taken any action against tenants
in other properties with outstanding balances; but regarding this property, he has had a problem
with the recent revenue issues "caused by an unconstitutional restrictions."
Mayor Marquez Simula asked how those "revenues" would prevent the cited violations from
being corrected. Mr. Khan agreed that the City Charter has precedence; however, he said special
discretion should be given consideration because landlords have had their rights stripped. He
added that there are no life -safety violations and a lot of them can be easily remedied, as he now
has the funds (from his first "renthelpmn" check) to complete the necessary corrections. He also
cited further defenses from 504(B) statute 415.
Councilmember Novitsky commented that Mr. Khan could have at least completed the rental
license application and taken care of those fees, to which he responded that his funds have not
been so depleted and he didn't have them to pay those fees. Councilmember Novitsky said the
application could have been submitted, and Mr. Khan said he was not aware that an application
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could be submitted without accompanying fees. Mr. Khan added that some pending rents
cannot be legally secured until June 2022, that landlords are still limited.
Councilmember Jacobs asked how long Mr. Khan has been a manager at the property in
question, and he said over a decade. She asked for confirmation from him that he didn't
understand that one of the biggest priorities is to get the renewal executed; because, without a
license, you cannot legally rent in the City of Columbia Heights — and that has nothing to do with
evictions. It is a responsibility of the property manager and/or the landlord.
Councilmember Buesgens said it is Mr. Khan's responsibility to keep the property up, to have the
funds to keep it up, agrees with Councilmember Novitksy that there has been plenty of time
since the emergencies have been lifted, and 23 violations is too many.
Assistant Chief O'Brien cited a few of the violations: leaking lavatory faucet, a couple broken
window locks, tub surround seal, broken living room window, malfunctioning GFCI in the
bathroom outlet, nonfunctioning range -hood fan, hole in the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs,
water damage to ceiling and mold in the breezeway, smoke alarm in the common area, hole in
the drywall in the breezeway, delaminating garage door, broken glass from the front door side
light, sagging roof and hole in south side soffit. He said this was the first interior inspection in
two years due to the pandemic.
Mr. Khan added that any outside nuisance -related violations have been corrected.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution No. 2021-84, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adopt Resolution
No. 2021-84, 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. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
15. Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-85, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights against the Rental Property at 3927 Reservoir Boulevard
NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Chief O'Brien's report stated City Inspection staff sent a letter on July 1, 2021 to the
owner of 3927 Reservoir Boulevard NE that a Rental license application be submitted. Staff
reviewed the property file on October 5, noted that the property remained unlicensed and sent a
Statement of Cause to the owner. Because of the failure to submit the application and fees for
the Rental license, staff recommends that the City Council approve revocation of a rental license.
He updated the City Council that on October 22 the owner of the property, which is currently
vacant, called the City to request a copy of the license renewal application and scheduled an
inspection. The application was sent and the owner scheduled an inspection for October 25 at
3:30 pm; the results of that inspection resulted in no violations. The owner called Assistant Chief
O'Brien after that and told him she would attend this evening's meeting.
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Mayor Marquez Simula opened the public hearing.
Ashlie LeGrande, owner of the property, said her family moved out of the City four years ago
after the birth of her fourth child and has been renting it out since then. Her renters vacated in
July and she and her husband decided to sell the property because of the current good sellers'
market. They remain good friends with neighbors there, have kept the property up as well as
maintaining a current rental license. The reason they did not renew in July was because she and
her husband planned to sell the property; however, she was contacted by a City family who
needs a place to live for six to nine months as a result of some fire damage. Though previously
unaware, she said they now know that they need to inform the City when their rental license
won't be renewed. Ms. LeGrande has in hand this evening the check and application to hand
over to Assistant Chief O'Brien, which he said was satisfactory.
Councilmember Jacobs asked whether Assistant Chief O'Brien had a recommendation for action,
and he said he would leave it up to the City Council to determine but the owner's negligence was
only to fail to notify the City of the intention not to renew the rental license.
Councilmember Novitsky asked for confirmation that the property remained vacated after the
renters left in July, and Ms. LeGrande confirmed and said her husband has been monitoring the
property to ensure the grass has been cut, etc.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution No. 2021-85, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution
No. 2021-85, 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. All Nays, Motion Failed 5-0.
16. Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-86, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 4632 6th Street NE for
Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Chief O'Brien's report stated City inspectors performed an inspection of 4632 6t" Street
NE on July 8, 2021 and noted violations of the City's Property Maintenance Code and informed
the owner via mail. A re -inspection was performed on August 19 and violations remained
uncorrected, so a statement of cause was mailed to the owner.
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Because City inspectors checked records for the property on October 12 and noted corrections
still had not been made (repair/replace missing siding on garage, repair/replace boarded -up
garage window, scrape/paint windows and reglaze west side, repair/replace broken/uncapped
gutter on south side), staff recommends that the City Council approve revocation of the Rental
license.
Mayor Marquez Simula opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution No. 2021-86, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to adopt Resolution No.
2021-86, 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. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
17. Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-87, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights against the Rental Property at 4959 5th Street NE for
Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Chief O'Brien's report stated City inspectors performed an inspection of 4959 5t" Street
NE on June 17, 2021 and noted violations of the City's Property Maintenance Code and informed
the owner via mail. A re -inspection was performed on July 26 and violations remained
uncorrected, so a statement of cause was mailed to the owner. Because City inspectors checked
records for the property on September 27 and October 19 and noted corrections still had not
been made (repair/replace south storm door to close and latch property, replace doors and
assemblies due to damage or deterioration with doors and assemblies that meet the intended
rating, repair/replace deteriorated corrugated roof on south side to maintain it in a sound and
tight condition free of defects that admit rain, and replace roofing materials that have
deteriorated or are damaged), staff recommends that the City Council approve revocation of the
Rental license.
Mayor MArquez Simula opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution No. 2021-87, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
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Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution
No. 2021-87, 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. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
18. Consideration of Resolution No. 2021-88, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 1010 42nd Avenue NE for
Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Chief O'Brien's report stated City Inspection staff sent a letter on August 1, 2021 to the
owner of 1010 42nd Avenue NE that a Rental license application be submitted. Staff reviewed the
property file on October 7, noted that the property remained unlicensed and sent a Statement of
Cause to the owner. Because of the failure to schedule an interior/exterior rental property
inspection, staff recommends that the City Council approve revocation of a Rental license.
He updated the City Council that on October 21 the owner scheduled the inspection for October
25 and paid the late fee. The inspection was performed and a total of five violations were found,
one in the upper unit and four in the lower.
Mayor Marquez Simula opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution No. 2021-88, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adopt Resolution
No. 2021-88, 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. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Ordinances and Resolutions
19. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1671, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3, Article 3 of the
Columbia Heights City Code Relating to the Addition of a Youth Commission.
Manager Bourgeois' report provided background information regarding the establishment of a
Columbia Heights Youth Commission. Staff developed ordinance language and the first reading
of Columbia Heights City Code Ordinance No. 1671 amending Chapter 3, Article 3 occurred on
October 11, 2021 with the second reading scheduled for this evening's City Council Meeting. She
added that the bylaws are not being adopted by the Ordinance Amendment but will be reviewed
by the City Council once finalized. If approved, the application process will begin.
Councilmember Jacobs commented that it is fantastic moving forward with the Youth
Commission. Manager Bourgeois said staff is very excited as well.
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Mayor Marquez Simula added that she was glad Ms. Mueller was on hand at this evening's
meeting to see another connection between the City and School Board.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to waive the
reading of Ordinance No. 1671, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve
Ordinance No. 1671, being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3, Article 3 of the Columbia Heights
City Code relating to the addition of a Youth Commission, and direct staff to send a summary of
the ordinance, as presented, for publication in the legal newspaper. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. reported that the Lions Club will have its Halloween Bash on October 30 at
Murzyn Hall, with City Knights playing, and doors open at 6:30 pm. There a $10 entrance cover charge
for 21 years of age and older, and the best costume winner will receive $1,000.
Councilmember Novitsky reminded everyone to be safe, watching out for the Trick or Treaters, and
have a great time during the holiday weekend.
Councilmember Jacobs attended a seminar on "How to Combat Vacant Property Blight" and another
one on "Code Enforcement Made Simple"; observed the Traffic Commission meeting; attended the
Tibetan community's 14t" celebration of the Dalai Lama being awarded the Congressional Medal of
Honor, "which was a fantastic and fascinating experience," has been up to their new place in Isanti, "is
always a joy, and you can't help but walk of there in a very peaceful place"; Charter Commission voted
8-6 in favor of replacing the current appointment process with special elections, which are governed by
State statutes, and the Commission will move their decision forward in the January 2022 meeting and
will bring it to the Council once their work has been completed.
Councilmember Buesgens attended the School Board meeting. She listened to the informational
hearing on violent crime in Minnesota with the Minnesota Senate, "which was very interesting" and
several police chiefs across the State talked about the need for behavioral mental health, social
services or multidisciplinary teams for their police to work within their communities; and St. Cloud
Police Chief Anderson shared an example of one individual who had over 140 encounters with their
police department one year and the next year had zero calls after meeting with the multidisciplinary
team, and she feels very lucky that Columbia Heights was able to obtain the grant money to help the
Police Department and residents.
Mayor Marquez Simula attended the Regional Council of Mayors meeting in person in St. Louis Park at
their first Net Zero building, which was exciting, and saw a presentation from MnDOT; attended the
Fridley -Columbia Heights football game, which was a good game; attended Alexandra House
committee meeting — and reminded residents that this is "Domestic Awareness Month"; attended the
MAC meeting last week; did the HeightsNEXT street cleanup, when 210 pounds of trash on Central
Avenue were collected.
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As a member of HeightsNEXT, Mayor Marquez Simula taught a class of "Dia de los Muertos" at the
Library and did a pickup craft activity; supported the Community United Methodist Church at their
annual lasagna sale fundraiser. She said HeightsNEXT has put out a Halloween map on their website
for residents to identify their addresses as COVID-safe Trick or Treats.
Report of the City Manager
Manager Bourgeois reported "Truck or Treat" will be held on Saturday, October 30, 1:00-5:00 pm at
Huset Park, where there will be candy for the kids, free hot beverages, a puppet show at 2:00 pm and
4:00 pm, a pet costume contest at 3:00 pm and an expanded assortment of vehicles to explore. The
"Pets of Columbia Heights" photo submission deadline for the 2022 Community Calendar is Monday,
November 1, and more information can be accessed at columbiaheightsmn.gov/photos. The last
Centennial Celebration is "Trivia Night" on Tuesday, November 23, 7:00-9:00 pm at Murzyn Hall, and
team registration can be made at columbiaheightsmn.gov/trivia. The Mayor's Book Club will be held
on Tuesday, October 26, at 6:00 pm via Zoom, and the book is Flight Behavior.
Report of the City Attorney
Attorney Hoeft had no update.
COMMUNITY FORUM
No one wished to speak.
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Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., to adjourn. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
-24,- 111�
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary