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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-2023 City Council Meeting CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers Connie Buesgens Kt Jacobs Rachel James Justice Spriggs City Manager Kelli Bourgeois City Hall—Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE Monday, February 27, 2023 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Márquez Simula called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember James; Councilmember Spriggs Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director; Kevin Hanson, Public Works Director; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Bob Kirmis, Consultant Planner; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Will Rottler, Community Engagement Specialist; Jessen Como, Ruff Dog Loves Owner; Silvia Hernandez-Monroy, Youth Commission Member; Molly Nelson, Rice Creek Watershed District; Abbey Shay, Engagement Specialist at the Coon Creek Watershed District; Mary Yang, Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization; Veronica Johnson, Columbia Heights Kiwanis; Katie Landwehr, Columbia Heights Kiwanis 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 Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Developmental Disability Awareness Month Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed March 2023 as Developmental Disability Awareness Month and read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that City Resident and Youth Commissioner Jack Israelson was supposed to accept the proclamation but was ill. B. International Women's Day Proclamation. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 2 Youth Commissioner Silvia Hernandez-Monroy read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed March 8, 2023 as International Women’s Day. She gave the proclamation to Silvia Hernandez-Monroy. Ms. Hernandez-Monroy explained how much it meant to her since she is a woman of color and thanked the Council. C. Adopt a Drain Presentation. Community Engagement Specialist Will Rottler mentioned Molly Nelson, Abbey Shay and Mary Yang were with him to go through the presentation. He added that Columbia Heights competes with Andover, Fridley and Blaine in the “adopt a drain challenge”. Columbia Heights won the challenge in 2022. Ms. Shay stated she is the Community Engagement Specialist at the Coon Creek Watershed District. She explained “adopt a drain” is a volunteer program where residents can sign up online and commit to keeping one or more local storm drains clear of leaves, trash and other debris. The program allows residents to opt in or out at any time. They recommend clearing storm drains once a month or after a large rain fall in the summer and a bit more frequent in the fall in order to clear the leaves. She noted it is important to clean the top of the grate instead of reaching into the storm drain. Ms. Shay explained the work is important since storm drains can flow directly into local lakes, rivers and wetlands. Keeping debris off storm drains keeps it from getting into the local waterbodies and polluting them. In addition, adopting a drain can also help present local street flooding. Those who are interested can go to mn.adopt -a-drain.org and see which drains are available and encouraged residents to do it as a group. She mentioned those who adopt a drain get their name on the drain and be a part of a community o f people who are interested in helping their local waters. Ms. Shay reviewed how Columbia Heights did in 2022 adopt a drain challenge. She noted the City adopted 66 new drains, had 16 new individuals adopt a drain, 421 reported cleanings, 2,032 pounds of debris collected (self-reported by adopters), and 3,923 minutes/over 65 hours spent cleaning (self-reported by adopters). She added Columbia Heights had 3 times the amount of cleanings than the following City who participated in the challenges. She noted with the cities combined, they had 115 new adopted drains and 3,000 pounds of debris removed. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if Ms. Shay could explain the award. Ms. Shay explained there was a golden garbage grabber and a plaque with 2021 and 2022 memorialized with Columbia Heights as the winner. She stated the 2023 adopt a drain challenge would begin on March 1, 2023. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the drains were supposed to be cleared in the winter. Ms. Shay noted they are and that it is important to make sure excess salt does not go down the drains and to chop up any ice and snow build up. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 3 Mayor Márquez Simula asked the Council if they have adopted a drain and what they named their drain. Councilmember Jacobs stated her drain is called “Marilyn Monroe and President Monroe.” Mayor Márquez Simula stated hers are called “Tony” and “Tina”. Councilmember Buesgens mentioned she has 7, but cannot remember the names. Mayor Márquez Simula noted the Columbia Heights Kiwanis club was at the meeting and asked if they would like to speak. Katie Landwehr, President of Columbia Heights and Fridley Kiwanis club, noted they have 2 drains they regularly clean. She encouraged other organizations who have drains in front of their meeting places to take up the responsibility. She thanked the Council and expressed how proud she was to be a part of the City. Ms. Shay noted the feature adopter was Gary who was present at the meeting. Mayor Márquez Simula added he was featured in the City Green CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve January 25, 2023 City Council Corner Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the January 25, 2023 City Council Corner meeting minutes. 2. Approve February 13, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion: Move to approve the February 13, 2023 City Council meeting minutes. 3. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1682, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 9.111 of the City Code of 2005 to Establish Animal Kennels and Shelters as a Conditional Use in the City's I-1 Light Industrial zoning district. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1682, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No. 1682, an ordinance amending chapter 9.111 of the City Code of 2005 to establish animal kennels and shelters as a conditional use in the City’s I-1, Light Industrial zoning district, and direct staff to send a copy of the ordinance as presented for publication in the legal newspaper. 4. Resolution 2023-15 Authorizing the City of Columbia Heights to Enter into Agreement No. 1052155 with MnDOT to Act as the City's Agent in Accepting Federal Funds. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2023-15, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 2023-15, being a resolution authorizing the City of Columbia Heights to enter into Agreement No. 1052155 authorizing MnDOT t o act as the City's Agent in accepting federal funds for federal aid projects initiated by the City. 5. Resolution 2023-16 Declaring the Intent to Bond for 53rd Avenue Reconstruction, Trail, and Sidewalk, and 53rd Avenue Turnabout and Trail, City Projects 2305 and 2007. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-16, there being ample copies available to the public. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 4 MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2023-16 being a resolution approving the declaration for the official intent of the City of Columbia Heights to bond for 53rd Avenue Reconstruction, Trail, and Sidewalk from University Avenue to Sullivan Lake Park and 53 rd Avenue Turnabout and Trail from Sullivan Lake Park to Central Avenue, City Projects 2305 and 2007. 6. Resolution 2023-17 Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Advertisement for Bids for 53rd Avenue Reconstruction, Trail, and Sidewalk, and 53rd Avenue Turnabout and Trail, City Projects 2305 and 2007. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-17, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2023-17 approving Plans and Specifications and ordering Advertisement for Bids for 53rd Avenue Reconstruction, Trail, and Sidewalk, and 53rd Avenue Turnabout and Trail, City Projects 2305 and 2007. 7. Capital Equipment Replacement: #9A-C Henke Front and Rear Wing Snow Plows. MOTION: Move to authorize the purchase of one (1) 2023 Metal Pless 1248 -20LE Snow Plow from Lano Equipment Inc. of Shakopee, MN in the amount of $43,598 funded from the Streets Capital Equipment Replacement fund number 431.3121.45180. 8. Approve Purchase of Office Chairs for New City Hall, Project 1911. MOTION: Move to approve the remaining furniture purchase for the new City Hall from Intereum in the amount of $26,545.87 from Fund 411.9999.45180.1911. 9. Contract for Yard Waste Collection and Hauling Services. MOTION: Move to approve a contract with Shoreview Hunks LLC (a franchise of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving) for yard waste collection services; and, authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. 10. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for February 27, 2023, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 11. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 27, 2023 as presented. 12. 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 $1,762,467.80. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 5 13. Request for No Parking on the North Side of 42nd Avenue from University Avenue Service Road to 4th Street Public Works Director Kevin Hanson stated in January 2023, concerns about safety on 42nd Avenue from University Avenue Service Drive to 4th Street just north of Prodeo Academy were brought to the attention of City Councilmembers. This stretch of 42nd Avenue is a 24’ wide roadway from back of curb to back of curb which is narrower than other surrounding streets. Due to vehicles either parked or waiting for student pickup on this stretch of 42nd Avenue, the ability of emergency vehicles to pass by during an emergency event is sometimes restricted. The south side of 42nd Avenue from University Avenue Service Drive to 4th Street currently has a “No Parking” restriction in place. In order to prevent vehicles from parking on the north side of 42nd Avenue, a “No Parking” restriction is being proposed for Monday through Friday 7 am-4 pm during school hours. He noted the adjacent property owners along with Prodeo Academy have been notified by mail to have an opportunity to comment on the proposed parking restrictions at the scheduled City Council meeting. Councilmember Jacobs asked where vehicles will be located in order for children to be picked up and dropped off safely. Director Hanson explained vehicles have the opportunity to go to 4th Street and added from their observation, children are typically escorted by parents or school staff out to the vehicles. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James to designate “No Parking Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM” on the north side of 42nd Avenue from University Avenue Service Drive to 4th Street. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Ordinances and Resolutions 14. Approval of Resolution 2023-09, a Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Animal Kennel (Dog Daycare and Boarding Facility) Within the I-1, Light Industrial District to be Located at 3801 3rd Street NE. Community Development Director Aaron Chirpich introduced Consultant Planner Bob Kirmis. Planner Kirmis noted it was a Conditional Use Permit for 3801 3rd Street NE. He added it is a follow up from the previous City Council meeting. He explained the conditions are site specific. He stated Ruff Love, LLC, on behalf of LOC and KEA Holdings, LLC, has requested approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment and Conditional Use Permit to accommodate the establishment of dog daycare and boarding facility upon a 10,890 square foot site located at 3801 3rd Street NE (north of 38th Avenue NE between 3rd Street NE and University Avenue NE). The applicant plans to convert an existing 6,300 square foot industrial building located on the site (previously occupied by “Paddle North”) into a dog daycare and boarding facility. The proposed use would occupy the entire building. Planner Kirmis added, if approved, the dog daycare and boarding facility will be relocated from its current location in northeast Minneapolis. According to the applicant, the new, City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 6 Columbia Heights location will accept up to 100 dogs a day and will have a maximum of six employees on-site at one time. Except for a new dog run area on the east side of the building, no exterior modifications to the existing site and building are proposed. The site is zoned I-1, Light Industrial which presently does not make an allowance for dog daycares and boarding facilities. As a result, the approval of a zoning ordinance amendment to allow the use in the district must precede action on the requested condition al use permit. Planner Kirmis explained the submitted site plan illustrates a total of 10 off-street parking stalls. The Zoning Ordinance does not include a specific off-street parking supply requirement for “animal kennels.” Rather, the Ordinance states t hat supply requirements are to be determined by Staff. In researching parking supply requirements for animal daycare/kennel uses, the most common city standard applies an office supply standard to that area of a kennel devoted to office use and a warehouse standard to that area of the building devoted to kennel uses. Using this standard, a total of 5 off-street parking stalls would be required of the proposed animal kennel use. Planner Kirmis stated the applicant has indicated that a maximum of six employees will be on-site at one time. With this in mind, an off-street parking supply requirement of five stalls is considered deficient. Staff does, however, consider the 10 spaces provided on site to be adequate to accommodate expectant parking demand (six spaces for employees and four spaces for customers). As a condition of conditional use permit approval, it is recommended that a minimum of 10 off-street parking stalls be provided to accommodate the proposed use. Appropriately, one off-street parking space on the site has been designated as a disability stall (in accordance with the American Disability Act). Planner Kirmis noted within I-1 zoning districts, the following parking area setbacks are imposed: Front Yard: 20 feet Corner Side Yard: 5 feet Rear Yard: 5 feet The existing parking area upon the subject site extends to side (south) and rear (east) lot lines with no setback. In this regard, the existing parking area is considered a legally nonconforming condition as it fails to meet the City’s current parking area setback requirements. Planner Kirmis mentioned as shown on the submitted site plan, an approximate 1,300 square foot outdoor dog run area is proposed on the east side of the building. The dog run area is considered well-placed in terms of minimizing impacts upon residential uses in the area. The run area abuts industrial buildings to the north and west and faces an indust rial use to the south (along 38th Avenue NE). The outdoor run area will be screened from view of homes located along the east side of University Avenue NE via a six-foot-high wood panel fence. The proposed fence meets applicable requirements of Section 9.106(E)(3) of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to nonresidential fences. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 7 Planner Kirmis noted it is understood that dog daycare and boarding activities on the site will be conducted on a 24- hour basis. It has not, however, been indicated what, if any, business hours for customer drop-off and pick-up activities are proposed. To ensure land use compatibility, it is recommended that customer business hours, as deemed appropriate by the City, be established. He explained the Planning Commission discussed this matter during their February 7, 2023 meeting. He added that the applicant is requesting current hours of operation to be applied to the site which Staff are comfortable with. Planner Kirmis explained the hours would be Monday-Friday 6:30 am-8 pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm. He noted the resolution differs from the draft version since the Planning Commission discussed it. Planner Kirmis commented that if trash is to be stored outdoors, Staff is suggesting the location be noted on the site plan. The objective is that it does not absorb a parking space and it would provide screening from the trash. He added as a condition of conditional use permit approval, the kennel must be appropriately licensed in accordance with Section 5.607 of the City Code. Planner Kirmis noted Staff and the Planning Commission recommend City Council to approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment which makes an allowance for animal kennels and/or shelters as a conditional use in the City’s I-1, Light Industrial District. Mayor Márquez Simula asked how long a typical drop off and pick up is. Ruff Dog Loves Owner, Jessen Como, stated 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if there was quick turn around since there are 4 parking spots with the 6 staff members. Mr. Como explained most of his staff come by bus. He noted he is speaking with the business across the street about renting some of their parking spaces and sharing a trash container. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if he believed the 10 parking spots were sufficient. Mr. Como agreed. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-09, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember James to adopt Resolution 2023-09, a resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, approving a Conditional Use Permit for an animal kennel (dog daycare and boarding facility) within the I-1, Light Industrial District to be located at 3801, 3rd Street NE, subject to the conditions listed in the resolution. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 15. Resolution 2023-14, Adopting Rates for Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and Refuse Services, Provided After February 28, 2023. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 8 Finance Director Joe Kloiber gave an update on the proposed resolution to cover utility rates through 2027. He noted during the January 2023 workshop, he projected the increase for a family of 4 would be about $10, but has realized it will be an $11.50 increase instead. He explained the extra $1.50 covers damaged trash carts throughout the City. As described in the 2023 budget narrative, most residential water meters in Columbia Heights are well beyond their 20-year useful life. Therefore, a City-wide residential meter replacement program will begin in 2024. Currently, residential customers are charged $1 per month for the meter replacement program based on 1999 prices. The attached resolution increases that meter fee to $2 per month effective 1/1/2024. Director Kloiber explained it would be an increase of 7% from previous years. In 2024, projections show residents should see a typical increase of 3-4.4% instead of a larger increase like in 2023. Mayor Márquez Simula noted how difficult it is to see the cart replacement fee. Director Kloiber explained each cart is roughly $60 to replace a cart. He added the plan to replace trash carts that are in bad shape in 2023 and 2024 and then take a year off and then spread it out moving forward. Councilmember James asked what the process was for residents seeing the increase on their bills. Director Kloiber stated the bill will be in effect based on service rendered instead of a specific date. Residents will see the new increase phased in their bill. Mayor Márquez Simula asked who residents should contact if they have questions. Director Kloiber mentioned the Utility Billing Department is currently being trained on the new resolution and can handle questions. He noted there have been questions regarding the difference between weekly pick up and quarterly rates and will clarify that on the website. Councilmember Spriggs asked if the carts to be replaced have been identified yet and what the replacement process is. Director Hanson explained they did not want to release that information until they had the carts. He added the first shipment of carts were received that day. They are working with the communications department on how residents can report a damaged cart and request a new one. The Refuse Coordinator does audits in the field to verify cart information. He noted his department will be managing the project and that there will be a replacement process in place but they are not there yet. Mayor Márquez Simula requested for the replacement process to be added to the next City Council meeting in order to explain to residents how they could make a request on the website and find the information. Director Hanson agreed and explained they would roll out the process Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-14, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 9 Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs to adopt Resolution 2023-14, being a resolution adopting rates for water, sewer, storm water, and refuse services, provided after February 28, 2023. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the State Aid Reconstruction Project for 5 3rd Avenue Northeast at the library, the second Council vision session where they plan to share the goals for the next couple of years with the public, and attended the MCAP meeting via zoom to discuss Governor Walz’s Climate Change Program. She highlighted some of the plans in the program:  Increase the capacity of green step cities  In 2030 all cities will have a climate action plan  Increase forest canopy in the State by 30% in 2030 and 40% in 2050  By 2020 they want to implement 25 on the ground adaptation projects and plan to provide $174 million in grants in the next 10 years with a bill that could potentially provide money to cities that will help them create a climate action plan.  Help residents harden their homes against extreme weather by working with insurance companies to lower the premiums on homeowners who have hardened their homes against extreme weather.  Provide assistance to cities to apply for federal funds when working to adapt projects for climate action plans Councilmember Buesgens noted she is excited about the potential changes. She mentioned she attended the MWMO board meeting, the Lion King play at the middle school, and gathered with gardens for the Blooming Sunshine Garden. She gave a shout out to Columbia Heights for adopting storm drains and added she would like to see all 2,000 storm drains adopted. Councilmember James noted she attended the Council vision session, League of Women voters in New Brighton, League of Minnesota Cities Elected Leaders Institute and attended workshops on core competencies, good governance, open meeting law, public finance risk and legal applications. She added she communicated with the State Representative, Sandra Feist , and State Senator, Mary Kunesh about a funding bill before them (House file 2030 and Senate file 677) allocating $20 million towards Skate Parks in Minnesota. She added one of the projects could potentially be in Columbia Heights. Both Representative Feist and Senator Kunesh are supporting the bill. She stated she attended the Lion King performance as well. Councilmember Spriggs mentioned he had an opportunity to speak about the importance of physicians and medical students being active in government wit h medical students at the University of Minnesota. He attended the Elected Leaders Institute conference hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities. He signed a letter to the legislator advocating to increase appropriations for clean energy resource. He attended the monthly meeting of the Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition to discuss the climate and clean energy on the Governor’s budget. He attended the second Council vision session, City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 10 two assessment hearings regarding 53rd Avenue and will be speaking to the school board at the next meeting as the school board liaison. Councilmember Jacobs stated she attended the firefighter’s association meeting, the Council vision session, and did 9 resident reach outs. Mayor Márquez Simula noted the City received a thank you for opening up the parking ramp during the snow storm. She encouraged residents to sign up for Code Red in order to receive communication and information from the City. She met with the Anoka County Economic Development Director to discuss ways Columbia Heights can partner with other cities across Anoka County to further Economic Development plans. She noted she had monthly meetings with the Chief, City Manager, and attending the special assessment meeting with the Council. She explained she is wor king with HeightsNEXT on a science fiction gaming convention called CoHigh Con which will take place at Murzyn Hall on Saturday March 4, 2023 from 10 am – 11 pm. She added anyone is welcomed who enjoys board games, Dungeon and Dragons, making puzzles, etc. She noted in the evening there will be a 21+ karaoke event. She stated she did her first plow ride along and shared a video on Facebook live. She noted there would be a Council Corner on Wednesday at 3 pm. She attended the Blooming Sunshine Garden meeting. She also was a signer on the clean energy resource team. Report of the City Manager Director Chirpich explained February 28, 2023 is the last day to submit an application to serve on a Columbia Heights board of commission. He added there is a Planning Commission, Library Board, Parks and Recreation and the Chart of Commission seats available and can find the application online at columbiaheightsmn.gov/boardsandcommissions. He noted completed applications can also be sent into the City Clerk, Sara Ion at sion@columbiaheightsmn.gov. Director Chirpich stated the annual tree sale would begin March 1, 2023 and residents could go to www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/trees for more information. He noted the monthly e-newsletter would go out on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 and residents can find it online at www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/enewsletter. Director Chirpich mentioned the Columbia Heights snowplow naming competition will end on Friday, March 3, 2023 and residents can go to the City’s Facebook to cast votes. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 11