Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-11-2022 Special City Council Meeting MinutesSPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING City Hall —Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE Monday, July 11, 2022 6:00 PM MINUTES Mayor Amado Mdrquez Simulo Councilmembers John Murzyn, Jr. Connie Buesgens Nick Novitsky KtJocobs City Manager Kelli Bourgeois The following are the minutes for the Special Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 11, 2022, 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 6:00 pm. Present: Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember Murzyn, Jr.; Councilmember Novitsky, Mayor Marquez Simula Also Present: Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Wold Architects Staff Members John McNamara, Matt Eftland and Andy Dahlquist. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 1. JPM Facility Assessment. Public Works Director Kevin Hansen introduced Wold Architects John McNamara and Matt Eftland to present information related to the recent facility assessment related to Murzyn Hall. Andy Dahlquist was also present to answer questions as well. Mr. McNamara stated that overall, there was a deep dive conducted off all the spaces of the facility. There was an assessment of what project goals and expectations were. The assessment is split into a few categories: Building Exterior, Building Interior, Accessibility, Mechanical Systems, Electrical System. Overall the team wants to focus on the preservation of the building and the priority one items that need to be repaired along with the Priority 2 items that need to be repaired. There are 7.5 million dollars in items that need to be repaired. They reviewed the facility condition index, as well as what the replacement of the facility would be. Ideally the facility condition index would be in the 0 to 10 percent. Currently Murzyn Hall is in the 22% range. If all the repairs were completed it would be like the clock would be reset. One of the questions that is often asked is replacement vs. repair, currently it is a better value to correct the problems with the water intrusion and mechanical issues. To make sure that the building does not continue to deteriorate. They are looking for feedback and continued partnership from Council. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 11, 2022 Special City Council Meeting Page 2 Councilmember Buesgens asked what the value of the building was, and also what issues were tied to the foundation? Councilmember Buesgens also inquired if there could be more damage to the foundation as well as mold concerns. Mr. McNamara stated that there was not an appraised value. He also stated that based on observations there is water damage in the mechanical room and there has been standing water in some of the rooms. They are not sure what water damage there is to the insulation and thermal imaging is the best way to assess this. The thermal imaging assessment would allow us to see what if any issues ongoing issues there are with water damage and mold issues. Councilmember Jacobs is concerned that the assessment amount for repair is low. She also asked if we have considered lost revenues from rental income and if many rentals use the kitchen? Mr. McNamara feels that this assessment has been completed square foot per square foot based on the information we have on "today's dollars" and it is relative to when work will occur and there are always escalation numbers to be considered. Recreation Director Windschitl recommended that we downsize the kitchen because many rentals are not using the kitchen in its full capacity. We do not need to have the kitchen that currently have. Mayor Marquez Simula wanted to note the rainbow outside the window of council chambers. Councilmember Buesgens would like to move forward with the thermal imaging. Director Hansen stated that he would like to speak with the City Manager and Wold about the best process for moving forward. Mr. McNamara stated that the thermal imaging work would need to occur in the fall when there is a better temperature differential. 2. Consideration of Condemnation of Certain Property for Public Purposes, City Project 2110 (S.A.P. 113-101-013), 37th Avenue. Director Hansen leadthe presentation of the Consideration of condemnation of certain property for public purpose, City Project 2110 (S.A.P. 113-101- 013), under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act and the current State -Aid Manual. The City of Columbia Heights has received funding for the 37th Avenue Reconstruction in the amount of $7,000,000 through Regional Solicitation Funds. The 30 percent plans have City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 11, 2022 Special City Council Meeting Page 3 detailed that temporary easements will be required on both sides of the roadway to facilitate the work, such as retaining wall installation and establishing mowable slopes. As project lead, the City of Minneapolis hired the professional firm of Henning Professional Services (HPS) for the easement acquisition process. A prescriptive road easement is also included in the acquisition. Work on the easement acquisition began in March with information being sent to the property owners informing them of the Federal process and providing them with information regarding their rights in acquisitions. Appraisals were performed (this also must meet established Federal and State rules) and offer letters were sent out. Out of 15 original parcels identified for easements, only 4 remain. Timing is critical for agency approvals necessary to meet Federal and State requirements. With the Federal process, a minimum of 120 days to acquire is estimated, which represents an accelerated process. The Right of Way acquisition process follows Federal and State requirements, with work completed through the appraisal and review appraisal process At the regular meeting they are asking permission to move forward with the process. The value of the easements is very low. We must follow the state and federal process. Councilmember Buesgens clarified that the condemnation process was for when we cannot get ahold of people. Director Hansen confirmed that this was correct, and that we must follow the correct process and procedure. There will be further review of this process during the regular city council meeting this evening. City Staff will continue to work with property owners to successfully obtain the easements, but we need to have the process in place is condemnation is needed. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:43 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary