HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2022 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Hall —Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE
Monday, August 22, 2022
6:00 PM
MINUTES
Mayor
Amdda Mdrquez 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,
August 22, 2022, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40t" Avenue NE, Columbia Heights,
Minnesota.
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
Novitsky
Absent: Councilmember Murzyn, Jr.
Also Present: Lenny Austin, Police Chief; Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Erin Butler, Social Worker;
Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Ben
Sandell, Communications Coordinator; Dan O'Brien, Assistant Fire Chief; Nicky Bohm, City Resident;
Kyle Bohm, City Resident; Anja Bohm, City Resident; Veronica Johnson, City Resident; Rachel James,
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.
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve the Agenda as
amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation
Mayor Marquez Simula proclaimed September 2022, "Childhood Cancer Awareness
Month" and read the City's proclamation.
Nicky Bohm, Kyle Bohm, and Anja Bohm accepted the proclamation. Ms. Bohm stated that
in 2020 they were devasted to hear that their child, Anja, had cancer. She said they have a
lot of support in their lives but those within the community has also stepped up to help
and thanked them for their support. She stated that there are several people who do not
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have support like they have had, and this proclamation honors every child that is living,
going through treatment, or has passed away. She thanked the Council for the
proclamation.
B. Constitution Week Proclamation
Mayor Marquez Simula proclaimed September 17-23, 2022, "Constitution Week" and read
the City's proclamation.
Police Chief Austin accepted the proclamation. He stated that he was thankful the U.S.
Government set forth the proclamation. He encouraged everyone to go to the National
Constitution Center website for resources on government processes and structure. He
stated that the police department has used some of their resources to develop initiatives
to include the work within the adult education center.
C. Recognition of the 2022 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Veronica Johnson
Mayor Marquez Simula stated that when Veronica Johnson heard she was named the 2022
Columbia Heights Outstanding Citizen of the Year, her first thought was of all the other
people in town just as, if not more, deserving of the honor as she is.
Mayor Marquez Simula read a quote from Johnson: "There are so many people more
worthy of this title. It's so easy to volunteer in this town. I'm just one of the many people
who show up."
Johnson wanted her selection and recognition to be an opportunity to remind her fellow
residents of all the ways they can get involved in the community. The City keeps a running
list of volunteer and service opportunities on its website at
www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/volunteer where information can be found about: Adopt -a -
Drain, Anoka County Community Action, Athletic Boosters, the City Beautification
Committee, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bitty Kitty Brigade, Community Farmers Market, First
Lutheran Church, Friends of the Library, HeightsNEXT, Kiwanis, Key Club, Lions Club, the
City's Multicultural Advisory Committee, the Monarch Pledge, Neighborhood Watch,
Rotary, the Sister Cities Committee, Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA),
Government Advisory Commissions, City events and sponsorship opportunities, and
Toastmasters, as well as a few paying public service opportunities like working as an
election judge or being an on -call firefighter. Community organization or non -profits that
would like to be added to the list can email details to bsandell@columbiaheightsmn.gov.
As for Johnson, she is the current president of the local Kiwanis Club, a longtime member
of the Sister Cities group and American Association of University Women, a regular
volunteer at SACA, Community United Methodist Church, and the League of Women
Voters, an Anoka County Recycling Ambassador, a regular Adopt -a -Drain participant, a
dependable election judge, member of the Community Centennial Committee, and regular
volunteer at City events.
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She was nominated by Dolores Strand and Karen Karkula and selected by the Mayor in
consultation with last year's Outstanding Citizen winners. The Council and audience
applauded.
Johnson accepted the proclamation. She stated she honored, she lives in a wonderful
community and loves the City. She said if anyone wants to volunteer to look on the City
website or reach out to any organizations or even her. She thanked the Council for the
recognition and her family for being in attendance.
Coordinator Sandell encouraged the community to think about 2023 nominations.
Applications are available online at www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/outstanding and they are
due on April 24, 2023. He stated that Drake Pham won the youth award last year, but no
nominations were received for 2022. He further said that they are also accepting
nominations for 14-18 year olds within the City for youth nominees. He added that the
youth commission deadline is September 9, 2022.
Mayor Marquez Simula stated that being a recipient of this in the past, it is an honor, and
encouraged the community to submit nominees; former recipients Drake Pham and
Delores Strand who were in attendance agreed.
D. Police Staff Introduction: Erin Butler, Social Worker
Chief Austin introduced Social Worker Butler and stated that having these now two social
worker positions have had an immediate impact; he thanked the Council for their support.
He stated that Butler has a bachelor's in political science and English, a Master of Social
Work and Mental Health, a Master of Jurisprudence and Family Law. Her work experience
includes serving as a Crisis Clinician with Anoka County Mobile Crisis Response and working
as an Embedded Social Worker at the City of Brooklyn Park, where she received an award
for assisting police negotiators in a crisis situation. Chief Austin continued, she's been a
Hennepin County Long Term Services and Support Assessor, worked with Mental Health
Resources Inc. as a Housing First Case Manager and volunteered with Tugman Legal Clinics,
worked as a Social Worker at Edward Hines V.A. Hospital and been a Social Work Intern at
American Red Cross.
Social Worker Butler stated she is grateful to be there and to be working on this program;
she's passionate about working with mental health and law enforcement. She added that
this is a fantastic opportunity, and she is looking forward to working in the community.
E. Annual Report Presentation
Communications Coordinator Ben Sandell stated that every year, the City of Columbia
Heights produces an annual report compiled by administration Staff using information
submitted from all departments summarizing activities and major accomplishments from
the year. The Annual Report is useful as an informational resource for the public, a
reference for Staff and the City Council, a historical record, a research guide, and a
snapshot of the City and its employees at a specific period.
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Coordinator Sandell presented printed documents of the 112-page 2021 Annual Report to
the City Council and gave a brief overview of what the report includes. The Annual Report
is composed of two forms of information: overview and detailed. It includes photos,
summaries, feature stories, and information graphs for casual readers. It also includes
more detailed and technical information from each department for readers looking for
specific reference points or who want to take a deeper dive into the workings of the City in
2021.
The report will be made available online on August 22, 2022, at
www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/reports. Sandell added that there are also additional reports
from prior years, up to nine years. Additional print copies will be available to view at City
Hall and the Library in early September. It will also be added to the Laserfiche archives.
Mayor Marquez Simula stated that the report looks fantastic and is easy to navigate and
understand the information.
Councilmember Buesgens said she likes all the photos and that Sandell is making it a
"historical document".
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
1. Approve August 1, 2022 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the August 1, 2022 Special City Council meeting minutes.
2. Approve August 1, 2022 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the August 1, 2022 City Council Work Session meeting minutes.
3. Approve August 8, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to approve August 8, 2022 City Council meeting minutes.
4. Approve August 12, 2022 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to approve the August 12, 2022 Special City Council Canvassing meeting
minutes.
5. Accept April 21, 2022 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: Move to Accept the April 21, 2022 Charter Commission meeting minutes.
6. Second Reading of Ordinance 1678, Establishing a Single -Family Rental Moratorium
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1678, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No. 1678, being an interim ordinance establishing a
moratorium within the city on new rental license applications for single family homes, and
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direct staff to send a summary of the ordinance, as presented, for publication in the legal
newspaper.
7. Second Reading of Ordinance 1679, Establishing a Moratorium on the Production and
Sale of Edible Cannabinoid Products Containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1679, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No. 1679, being an interim ordinance establishing a
moratorium on the production and sale of edible cannabinoid products containing
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and direct staff to send a summary of the ordinance, as
presented, for publication in the legal newspaper.
8. Second Reading of Zoning Ordinance 1680 (Map Amendment) Rezoning of Property
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1680, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No. 1680, being a zoning ordinance (map)
amendment pertaining to the rezoning of the City's municipal liquor store sites from GB,
General Business to PO, Public and Open Space, and direct staff to send the summary
ordinance as presented to the City's legal newspaper for publication.
9. Approval of TK Elevator's Bid to Complete the Elevator Modernization at the 4025 Van
Buren Municipal Parking Ramp
MOTION: Move to accept the proposal from TK Elevator, in the amount of $144,339, for
the modernization of the elevator equipment in the municipal parking ramp located at
4025 Van Buren St; and furthermore, to authorize the City Manager to enter into an
agreement for the same.
10. Approve Purchase of New Public Access Computers and Related Software
MOTION: Move to approve the purchase of Dell computers and monitors from Everyday
Technology in the amount of $29,280.00, Windows Enterprise and Microsoft Office from
TechSoup in the amount of $2,712.00 and DeepFreeze from Faronics in the amount of
$1,580.16.
11. Approve Change Order for Gould Avenue Concrete Curb and Gutter and Storm Sewer,
Project 2208
MOTION: Move to approve Change Order amending the Transfer Agreement with Alatus in
the amount of $44,642 for concrete curb and gutter, driveway aprons and sidewalk, and
$16,177 for storm sewer, to be funded through the City's Infrastructure Fund 430 and the
City's Storm Water Fund 604, respectively.
12. Approve Change Order No. 2 to Meyer Contracting for Central Avenue Sanitary Sewer
Improvements, City Project 2204
MOTION: Move to approve Change Order No. 2 to Meyer Contracting, Inc. in the amount
of ($25,893.35) deduction, for a revised contract amount of $1,793,701.94, for Central
Avenue Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Project 2204.
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13. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for
August 22, 2022, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance
Code.
14. License Agenda
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for August
22, 2022 as presented.
15. 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 $1,173,593.12.
16. Proposed Rental License Revocation for the Property at 4610/4612 Washington Street NE
Assistant Fire Chief O'Brien reported that this item is for consideration of revocation of the
rental license for the property at 4610/4612 Washington Street NE, as property code
violations remain uncorrected.
He stated that on June 27, 2022, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights, inspected the
property described above and noted violations. A compliance letter listing the violations
was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the address listed on the Rental Housing
License Application. That on July 29, 2022, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights
performed a re -inspection and noted that violations remained uncorrected. A Statement of
Cause was mailed via regular mail to the owner at the address listed on the rental housing
license application. That on August 12, 20222, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights
checked records for this property and noted that the violations remained uncorrected.
That based upon said records of the Enforcement Office, the following conditions and
violations of the City's Property Maintenance Code were found to exist, to -wit:
a. Shall repair/replace non-functioning carbon monoxide detector in 4610 main floor
common area.
b. Shall investigate electrical issues in 4610 kitchen and laundry room to include non-
functioning electrical outlets, refrigerator plugged in with extension cord, fuses blowing,
etc. All electrical equipment, wiring, and appliances shall be installed and maintained to
the Minnesota State Building Code.
c. Shall grant access to 4612 for inspection.
d. This property is licensed as a duplex rental property. Inspectors have noted that a third
unit has been added and multiple families are occupying the property. Owner has 30 days
to contact the city of Columbia Heights Building Official at (763) 706-3670 and obtain the
permits and inspections to make this property a legal triplex or the third illegal unit must
be removed to bring the property into compliance.
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Assistant Fire Chief O'Brien stated that the owner asked for an extension on one of the
items, but it was on the condition that the other items were completed, which they were
not.
Mayor Marquez Simula asked if it had three units and if the third unit has been removed.
Assistant Fire Chief O'Brien stated it is built as a duplex and the third unit is currently
illegal, so it is a condition.
Mayor Marquez Simula opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2022-75 there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adopt
Resolution 2022-75 being a resolution of the Council revoking the rental license for
461014612 Washington Street NE, in that the property has not met the requirements of the
Property Maintenance Code. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
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17. Conditional Use Permit for Dynamic LED Sign at Municipal Liquor Store #3
Chirpich reported that the City of Columbia Heights has requested approval of a conditional
use permit (CUP) to allow the installation of a dynamic LED sign upon its Top Valu
municipal liquor store #3 site located at 5225 University Avenue NE. The LED sign is
proposed to comprise the bottom one-half of an existing pylon sign which presently exists
upon the site. The existing sign measures 100 square feet in area (per side) and 25 feet in
height. Currently, the pylon sign advertises the former Goodyear tire store and municipal
liquor store #3. This conditional use permit request coincides with the planned expansion
of the liquor store to include the former Goodyear tire store space.
Chirpich stated that as a result of the liquor store expansion, the pylon sign will advertise
the sole occupant of the building, that being Top Valu Liquor. The current, "Top Valu
Liquor" sign will be removed to comprise the top one-half of the pylon sign. The subject
site was recently rezoned from General Business (GB) to Public and Open Space (PO).
Within the PO District, dynamic signs which are utilized on existing pylon signs are allowed
by conditional use permit (per Section 9.106(P)(8) of the Sign Code). The GB only allows
dynamic LED signs on monument signs (by CUP).
Chirpich noted that the CUP meets the goals of the comprehensive plan and zoning
ordinance. In review of the City's application, and other relevant materials, Staff finds the
request to be reasonable and believe the proposed sign will not negatively impact the
health, safety, or welfare of the City, its residents, and property owners. On August 3,
2022, the Planning Commission voted 3-1 (three members were absent) to recommend
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approval to the City Council on this matter. During their deliberations, the commission
members requested that Staff add a condition of approval to ensure that the sign will be
used to convey general City messaging and announcements, and not just be used for liquor
store advertising. This condition has been added to the resolution.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the conditional use permit as presented,
subject to the conditions listed:
1. The dynamic LED sign shall not occupy no more than 60 percent of the actual copy and
graphic area. The remainder of the sign shall not have the capability to have dynamic LED
signs, even if not used. Only one, contiguous dynamic display area shall be allowed on a
sign face.
2. The dynamic LED sign shall not change or move more often than once every ten seconds,
except for when changes are necessary to correct hour and minute, date, or temperature
information.
3. A display of time, date or temperature information may change as frequently as once
every five seconds, however information displayed not relating to the date, time or
temperature shall not change or move more often than once every ten seconds.
4. The images and messages displayed shall be static, and the transition from one static
display to another shall be instantaneous without any special effects. Motion, animation
and video images shall be prohibited.
5. The images and messages displayed on the LED sign shall be complete in themselves,
without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other sign.
6. The LED sign shall be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one position if a
malfunction shall occur. The displays shall also be equipped with a means to immediately
discontinue the display if it malfunctions.
7. The dynamic LED sign shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 5,000 nits (candelas
per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 500 nits (candelas
per square meter) between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum
brightness.
8. The dynamic LED sign shall have an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct
illumination change from a higher illumination level to a lower level for the time period
between one-half hour before sunset and one half-hour after sunrise.
9. To ensure "public use" of the dynamic LED sign, the City shall use the sign to display
messaging and announcements of importance and general concern to the residents of
Columbia Heights in addition to advertising for the liquor store.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if the signage is consistent with the other liquor stores, the
library, and city hall. Chirpich stated that the purpose is to convey message general to the
City, but all the signs at the other locations, besides the one at City Hall, are monument
signs versus this one is a pylon sign.
Mayor Marquez Simula asked how the public had an opportunity to express concerns and
referred to the signs at the high school and the changes that had been made to turning it
off at night. Chirpich stated that residents could voice a concern, but the nits are listed in
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the conditions, but they could be adjusted if needed. He said that there was a public
hearing at the planning commission and there were some calls received in regard to the
sign but they were addressed; there were no major concerns expressed.
Mayor Marquez Simula asked why it is not a monument sign and why a pylon wasn't
requested at other locations. Chirpich said that the allowance for pylon signs in the PO
district predates his time with the City but it allows for city messaging; it's a higher speed
road so having a higher sign makes sense in that vicinity and it already exists so it can be
utilized in this way per City code.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2022-68, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt
Resolution 2022-68, a resolution approving a conditional use permit for a dynamic LED sign
for a municipal liquor store within the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, subject to
conditions outlined within the resolution. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
Ordinances and Resolutions
18. Approval of Resolution 2022-76, a resolution approving the Declaration, The Heights, CIC
#342, Anoka County, Minnesota which recites ownership rights, responsibilities,
easements, restrictions and conditions between BPOZ Columbia Heights, LLC and the City
of Columbia Heights
Manager Bourgeois reported that they are nearing the final steps to close on the new city
hall condominium space and there are two final documents needing Council approval
before closing can occur. She added that she understands they are lengthy documents and
gave the Council the opportunity to go over them more in detail at a special meeting
before final action if needed.
Manager Bourgeois stated the first document is the Condominium Declaration. This
document provides details regarding ownership rights and responsibilities for all of the
property including the City's space, the multi -family and cafe space, areas that will be
under common use, such as hallways, and areas that are under common ownership but
with restricted use. The document establishes that the City will have 6% ownership of the
total facility with BPOZ, LLC retaining ownership of the remaining 94% of the facility. This is
the calculation that will be used to determine maintenance and depreciation costs as well
as insurance and other common expenses. This is consistent with the original discussions
with those estimates being 95/5%.
Manager Bourgeois added that the attorneys and Staff are continuing to work through
some minor edits to the document but do not anticipate any further substantive changes
at this point. Therefore, Staff is comfortable bringing the document forward for your
approval with a condition in the resolution that states the document may yet be subject to
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modifications that do not alter the substance of the transaction and that are approved by
the Mayor and the City Manager. Given this, Staff recommends approval of the Declaration
as presented.
Councilmember Jacobs stated she would like to have time to read through it.
Councilmembers Buesgens and Novitsky stated they were fine moving forward with the
documents. Mayor Marquez Simula agreed.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2022-76, there being ample copies available to the public. A roll call
vote was taken. 3 Ayes, 1 Nay (Jacobs opposed). Motion Carried 3-1.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Novitsky, to approve
Resolution 2022-76, a resolution approving the Declaration, The Heights, CIC #342, Anoka
County, Minnesota which recites ownership rights and responsibilities, easements,
restrictions and conditions between BPOZ, LLC. and the City of Columbia Heights. A role
vote was taken. 3 Ayes, 1 Nay (Jacobs opposed). Motion Carried 3-1.
19. Approval of Resolution 2022-77, a resolution approving the Bylaws, The Heights, CIC
#342, Anoka County, Minnesota which establishes the operations of the Board of
Directors of the Heights Owners Association
Manager Bourgeois stated that as with the previous Declaration agenda item, the second
document is the Condominium Bylaws. This document establishes the operations and
governance of the Board of Directors for the Owners Association. This document has been
complete for a period of time but is the last piece to the process and therefore is the last
for Staff to bring to the Council for approval.
Manager Bourgeois noted that there should be no additional edits to this document
however the same condition language was retained as was in the Declaration to allow for
grammatical modifications provided they do not alter the substance of the transaction and
they are approved by the Mayor and the City Manager. Staff recommends approval of the
Bylaws as presented.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2022-77, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Novitsky, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to approve
Resolution 2022-77, a resolution approving the Bylaws, as pertaining to The Heights, CIC
#342, Anoka County, Minnesota which establishes the operations of the Board of Directors
of the Heights Owners Association. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
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Report of the City Council
Councilmember Buesgens reported that she still volunteers at the Blooming Sunshine Gardens; they
harvested some corn and are waiting on tomatoes; she attended the police "Eat -and -Greet" at Huset
Park; attended SACA's open house; attended the City's employee picnic; she continues to water the
City Hall and Murzyn Hall flower pots; attended the Mayor's Monarch Festival where it was busy, and
the taco truck had to bring in another truck to keep up with demand; she picked up peaches from the
local Kiwanas Club and made several dishes with them; and attended "Cone with a Cop". She looked to
Staff in regard to rumors that there is a pickleball court being installed at Prestemon Park and hoped to
have an update at the next meeting for the public to when it may open. She acknowledged several of
the kids that are part of the soccer program since 2014 that Mr. Guyed runs, Strikers Sports Academy,
which trains students within the City: Mohamed Qaid, current Anoka College soccer player and former
Minnesota United youth player, he traveled to Canada and Germany to represent Minnesota United
Soccer Club; Anas Mohamed, current Anoka College soccer player, who was a Columbia Heights varsity
player in 2022; Mahad Qaid, currently on St. Croix ECNL team and was a Columbia Heights varsity
player in 2022; Amjad Mohamed, currently on St. Croix ECNL team and Columbia Heights varsity
player, he's a state ODP soccer program, Amjad is being selected to represent Minnesota's 2007 boys'
soccer in 2022. She stated that the City doesn't have a permanent soccer field within the City and
thanked Mr. Guyed that he is doing this and hoped that soccer fields could be added in the future.
Councilmember Jacobs apologized for missing the recent events as she was out of town. She stated she
attended a non -city related conference in Washington and spoke to the Secretary of Labor, Marty
Walsh, regarding the new state legislation that is being passed around the country regarding THC
products. She said she continues to volunteer weekly at SACA and they are in need of volunteers; food
shortages and cost continue to rise so donations are needed more than ever; she had five resident
reach outs this week.
Councilmember Novitsky stated they he attended the police "Eat -and -Greet" at Huset Park; attended
the Movie in the Park and worked at the Lions beer garden; he said there is another this coming week
on Wednesday which he will be there again, at the Harry Potter movie. He added that with school
starting, and talking about soccer, he knows from being at the last Booster meeting that the soccer
teams are full, and he agreed with Councilmember Buesgens that a soccer field is needed with the City.
Mayor Marquez Simula stated she chaired and attended the bilingual Monarch Festival at Sullivan Park
where 350 people attended; attended the SACA open house; she said she is a monthly donor and that
$40 a month will feed a family of four, with the buying power that SACA has. She attended the League
of Women Voters summer picnic and meeting; attended the rotary's "Operation Pollination" meeting;
she received peaches from the Kiwanis and made peach bread. She stated that the Harry Potter movie
that is coming up is sponsored by the Sister Cities group and that she attended the City employee
picnic.
Report of the City Manager
Manager Bourgeois said that youth commission applications are being accepted, the deadline is
September 9, 2022. Movie in the Park last week was well attended, and the next one is Harry Potter's
Goblets of Fire, at Huset Park at 8:00 pm and sponsored by the Sister Cities Group.
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20. 2023 Budget Book Distribution
She added that the draft of the City Manager's budget for 2023 was distributed to the
Council per the Charter and will be discussed further at upcoming meetings.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Mayor Marquez Simula opened the community forum.
Rachel James, City resident, stated that the community is waiting to hear the progress on the
investigation that the Council has voted for and what the status is. She said that there has been a lot of
recent negative press of the City and its made people wonder if it's a welcoming community to
residents of color. She stated she is thankful for the code of conduct for the Council and wasn't aware
of it until this incident; she cited Chapter 13: "the professional and personal conduct of
Councilmembers must be above reproach and avoid the appearance of impropriety. Members should
refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of
other members of the Council, boards, commissions, Staff, or the public intended to disrupt, not
further, the City's business". She stated she appreciates the code and hopes the results will be shared
with the community.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary