HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2022 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, October 24, 2022
6:00 PM
MINUTES
The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday,
October 24, 2022, 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 6:00 pm.
Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember
Murzyn, Jr.; Councilmember Novitsky
Also Present: Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Jim Hoeft, City
Attorney; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Erik Johnston, Police Captain; Charlie Thompson, Fire Chief; Jack
Isrealson, Youth Commissioner; Mary Kunesh, State Senator; Renee Dougherty, Library Director; Eliza
Pope, Youth Librarian; Paul Edner, City Resident; Mark Veronicas, City Resident; Aza Donnelly, City
Resident; K Meyers, City Resident
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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Murzyn Jr., to approve the Agenda as
presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Todd Estrem Day Proclamation
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed October 19, 2022, as “Todd Estrem Day” and read the
City’s proclamation.
B. Native American Heritage Month Proclamation
Youth Commissioner Isrealson read the City’s proclamation for “Native American Heritage
Month” for November 2022.
Senator Kunesh accepted the proclamation and stated she is a proud decent of the
Standing Rock Lakota Nation. She said on behalf on the diverse number of members of
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Indigenous people across the community and state, she accepts the proclamation and
thanked the Council for the recognition of the indigenous people and the land they walk
on.
C. Introduction of Eliza Pope, Youth Librarian
Library Director Dougherty introduced Youth Librarian Pope. She stated that Pope earned
her Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Alabama; she brings
work experience from Tuscaloosa and Saint Louis public libraries. Dougherty added that
most recently she was a Teen Specialist and the manager at the Createch Lab at the Saint
Paul Public Library.
Youth Librarian Pope said she has enjoyed getting to know the families and youth within
the City. She updated the Council on the summer reading program that happened, and said
that they had 302 youth register and they read a combined 1,889 hours. She stated that
the “Volun-teen” program returned, they had 16 volunteers and they volunteered 95 hours
in total. Pope said they hosted a variety of art programs with their 21 st Century grant,
which encouraged youth to learn new skills with new mediums. The library also hosted a
screen-printing class which was led by resident and MCAD Professor Natasha Pestich.
D. Citizens Justice Academy Update
Police Captain Johnston said the idea of the Citizens Justice Academy began in July of this
year and is going to be a broader overview of the criminal justice system from beginning to
end. He said that it is five sessions and free to attend on Thursday nights beginning
November 3, 2022; a meal will be provided. He stated that interested participants can sign
up by contact Officer Monberg or calling the police department directly.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn Jr., seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
1. Approve October 3, 2022 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the October 3, 2022 City Council Work Session meeting
minutes.
2. Approve October 10, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the October 10, 2022 City Council meeting minutes.
3. Railroad Agreement for 37th Avenue Reconstruction Project
MOTION: Move to approve an agreement with Soo Line Railroad (CP Rail) for right of entry
and a construction agreement for the reconstruction of 37th Avenue; and authorize the
Director of Public Works to sign the agreements.
4. Adopt Resolution 2022-97, Accepting the Feasibility Report for 37th Avenue and 37th
Place Street Reconstruction and Multi-use Trail and Ordering the Public Improvement
Hearing, City Project Nos. 2110 and 2306
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2022-97, there being ample copies
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available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2022-97, being a resolution accepting the Feasibility
Report for 2023 Street Reconstruction – 37th Avenue and 37th Place, City Project Nos.
2110 and 2306, and ordering the Public Improvement Hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m. on
January 10, 2023.
5. License Agenda
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for October
24, 2022 as presented.
6. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for
October 24, 2022, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance
Code.
7. 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 $1,282,813.33.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
8. Refuse Service Contract with Walters/Haul Star
Director Hansen reported that the current refuse hauling contract ends December 31,
2022. Although a two-year extension is provided in the contract, Staff notified the current
hauler, Waste Management, that a new RFP will be issued early in 2022. The first step was
to review and update the Solid Waste Operating Policy (SWOP), as it is the primary
document that provides policy guidance for creating service vendor RFPs to perform the
work as directed. The SWOP was reviewed and approved by the Council in February 2022.
Director Hansen stated that an RFP was prepared by Staff for trash, recycling, yard waste,
organics, and bulk services for the City. The RFP was prepared so vendors could respond to
a single service or any one of the services for the city. Two vendors provided responses to
the RFP: Waste Management and Walters Recycling & Refuse. Over the past year Waste
Management has failed to perform the contract standards for trash collection, as well as
other services, causing delays in service almost weekly. Staff asked Walters Recycling &
Refuse to attend the June 27, 2022, Council meeting to review their proposal, provide
company information, and be available for any qu estions from the Council. The Council
then directed Staff to prepare a contract with Walters.
Director Hansen said that on July 28, 2022, Walters informed the City Manager and Staff
that they were withdrawing their proposal due to worker shortages and ina bility to hire
drivers. Staff then contacted other vendors, including Waste Management and Republic for
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providing City refuse services. Both contractors indicated interest in providing services to
the City, but were specific in that they would not pick up in alleys.
Director Hansen explained that due to ongoing service issues with Waste Management,
Staff was able to find other contractors to perform other refuse services such as yard waste
(Better Futures), bulky materials (College Hunks), and compost cart s (Haul Star). In our
review of the work by Haul Star, they were providing a high level of service using rear load
trucks, which are necessary to service our alleys. Staff inquired if Haul Star had an interest
in or would consider providing trash and recycling service in our alleys, as the alleys require
rear load packer trucks.
Director Hansen said that on September 30, 2022, a proposal from Walters and Haul Star
was received. They are proposing to team up on providing services to the community. Haul
Star will provide services to properties collected in the alleys and Walters will provide
services to all other areas. This is for trash and recycling only. Staff has prepared a contract
for the Walters and Haul Star team, which has been reviewed by the City Attorney and
Walters and is included. The contract is for a 4-year term, with a 1-year extension option.
The pricing sheet was provided to the Council at the meeting; Director Hansen mentioned
that prices in total, were going up by 24% and tipping fees increase for waste are about
34%. Staff is reviewing a contract for dumpster services and that will be presented to the
Council at a future meeting. Additionally, the phased replacement of City carts will be
presented at a future Council meeting for consideration.
Staff recommends approving the contract with Walters Recycling & Refuse/Haul Star
Sanitation for providing trash and recycling services to the City.
Councilmember Buesgens thanked Director Hansen and his Staff for their work on this
issue.
Director Hansen recognized Public Works Refuse Coordinator Jesse Davies for his work.
Councilmember Jacobs stated she was thankful that Walters came back with a proposal.
Councilmember Murzyn Jr. thanked Director Hansen and Refuse Coordinator Davies for
their work and that there will be a reliable hauler.
Mayor Márquez Simula said that she has heard from the community about the issue
throughout the last three months but there was also concern about what would happen
come January 1, 2023. She thanked Director Hansen and Refuse Coordinator Davies.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn. Jr., seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to approve a
refuse service contract with Walters/Haul Star; and authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to enter into a contract for the same. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
9. Amend 2022 Budget for $2,300,000 and Award Related Purchase Agreement(s) to
MacQueen Equipment Through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) Consortium
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Pricing Contract, for One Impel Pumper and One Impel 110’ Platform Bid # 989 & 990
Fire Chief Thompson reported that during the October 3, 2022, Council work session, Chief
Thompson gave his budget presentation followed by a detailed capital equipment purchase
presentation. The capital equipment presentation provided details on past equipment
purchases and the current needs for replacement. Chief Thompson shared NFPA 1901
Annex D for replacement guidelines as outlined in the 2018 Staffing study.
Chief Thompson explained that the discussion focused on two pieces of apparatus needing
replacement. The aerial has failed several times in the past two years; it has failed
completely at two fire scenes and had to be towed back to the fire station. This truck will
reach its recommended replacement time in 2024. The current third out engine was also
mentioned. It is a 1995 general safety pumper, and it has already exceeded the
recommended replacement date. Cost savings was a second major cause for action
presented to the Council for consideration. The replacement cost for these trucks has risen
around 28% in just under two years. Effective November 1, 2022, the price will increase
another 6.5%. This increase alone will raise the purchase price of both trucks $167,000.00.
The third consideration for replacement is that it now takes t hree times longer to build
these trucks than in the past; current timeline is 30 to 34 months.
Chief Thompson stated that after reviewing this information with the Council, Chief
Thompson and Director Klobier were given very specific direction. The Council wanted the
2022 budget amended to include the purchase of both pieces of apparatus in 2022 versus
2023. The Council directed the Chief Thompson and Director Klobier to present the
required documents necessary to approve these trucks at the October 24, 2022, Council
meeting.
Chief Thompson and Director Klobier prepared several documents for the Council to
approve at the Council meeting. These include a resolution amending the 2022 budget and
the Council letter detailing the agreement with MacQueen Emergency group through an
agreement with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) at Consortium Pricing for one
Impel Pumper at a total cost of $828,574.00 and one Impel 110’ Platform at a cost of
$1,436,255.00 for a total purchase price of $2,264,829.00.
Director Klobier made note that this item was proposed for the 2023 budget so therefore it
would be pulled from that budget and added to the 2022 budget with this action.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2022-96, 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. 2022-96 amending the 2022 budget to appropriate $2,300,000 from the
fund balance of Government Equipment Fund 431 and authorize the city manager to enter
into the related vehicle purchase agreement(s) with MacQueen Emergency Group unde r a
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cooperative purchasing contract with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC.) All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Mayor Márquez Simula said that she set up a display about Poland at the library for Polish Heritage
Month; she attended the Booster dinner with other Councilmembers; attended the Youth Commission
meeting; she continues to make an art piece with the MWMO; toured the personal care facility open
house; she taught a class on Día de los Muertos with HeightsNext at the library. She volunteered with
the Every Meal program at Valleyview School; she attended the fire department open house; spoke at
a Minnesota Healthcare Forum at the library; and attended the ribbon cutting at the high school for
the gym that the Boosters purchased for them.
Councilmember Novitsky said he attended the Booster dinner and thanked the Boosters for donating
the gym floors. He said the Adopt-a-Highway was held a few weeks ago and he thanked everyone who
helped for the event or donated hygiene items.
Councilmember Murzyn Jr. said the fire department open house was well attended; he attended the
Booster banquet; attended Todd Estrem’s 60th birthday and that a lot of people attended in support;
he said the shredding event did alright. He added that the Lions Club was having their Halloween Bash
Saturday, October 29, 2022, which opens at 6:30 pm; City Nights will be playing and there will be a
costume contest with cash prizes.
Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the Minnesota Climate Adaption Partnership monthly
webinar; she thanked Public Works for adding more ADA corners to the intersections in the City; she
thanked the high school for joining the effort in recycling plastic bags and wraps; she attended the
Boosters’ awards dinner; attended the high school ribbon cutting ceremony; attended the fire
department open house; attended Tom Estrem’s birthday party; and attended the open house for the
personal care senior living.
Councilmember Jacobs said she attended Tom Estrem's celebration; attended the fire house open
house; attended the open house for the personal care facility; participated in the Adopt -a-Highway;
and she said that the Trunk-or-Treat will be held that weekend. She made a statement regarding the
last three months and the impact to all involved; she said that “the time has come and it is her intent
to return her focus to the tasks and responsibilities that over 4,200 voters elected her to.” She said that
the mayor previously stated that they may not all agree with each other, but it should not prevent
them from fulfilling their roles on the Council. She asked that with that in mind, that the efforts of the
Council be received appropriately on behalf of the residents and not disregarded because of personal
prejudice toward her.
Report of the City Manager
Manager Bourgeois said that Trunk-or-Treat will be held October 29, 2022, from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm at
Huset Park East and listed all the activities that will take place. She said that the pet costume contest
will be sponsored by Healing Hearts Rescue and the winn er will receive an exam from Pet Central and
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Puppet Wagon will have shows in the afternoon. She said that November 1, 2022, is the deadline for
the art submissions for the City wall calendar; the City is looking for art from residents or of City
landmarks, events, or performers or photos of an artistic nature. Submissions can be emailed to
photos@columbiaheights.gov, there is a maximum of three submissions and more information can be
found at www.columbiaheights.gov/photos.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Mayor Márquez Simula opened the community forum.
Paul Edner, City Resident, spoke regarding the new City Hall and apartments construction impact ing
the roads. He said he was concerned that taxpayers may need to pay for resurfacing due to d amage to
the roads during construction. He also expressed concern about the new parking and said that typically
families have more than one vehicle and with guests additional parking will be needed; he doesn’t
believe there will be enough parking, especially during the winter season when parking restrictions are
in place.
Mark Veronicas, City Resident, said he was also concerned about the roads near the new construction.
He stated he previously spoke to someone in Public Works and that they were going to tar further up
on Peters Place NE and Gould Avenue NE but they still stopped in the same spot. He added that they
were also going to put up a “no parking” sign at the bottom of his alleyway so the garbage trucks could
get in and out. He expressed concerns about what the end result may be because neither of these
things happened, and he said that the entrances near the Heights Theater, Dairy Queen, and the
church isn’t where the old ones were. Veronicas said that there hasn’t been enough communication
about the changes and some of the changes don’t make sense. He also made comments regarding if
residents will be having a special assessment in the future for the roads.
Aza Donnelly, City Resident, thanked the mayor and the Council for their professionalism throughout
the last three months while the investigation took place and said it impacted both the Council and
those within the City. She said that although the censure took place, residents are distressed that there
is someone sitting on the Council who has treated members of the community with some distain, and
they are waiting for her to resign so they can put this behind them. Donnelly stated that it is “not over”
until Councilmember Jacobs resigns.
K Meyers, City Resident, stated that she is just learning about what happened with Councilmember
Jacobs from the newspapers and she said that in respect to all of the Councilmember , to “grow up”.
She said that she is tired of the political climate, where it is all about them; she said it’s time to move
on and no one is perfect, we’ve all made mistakes or said things that we regret.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Murzyn Jr., seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:54 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
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______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary