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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2023 City Council Minutes 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, March 27, 2023 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm. on Monday, March 27, 2023, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. 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 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 Spriggs; Councilmember James Also Present: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police; Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Zaheer Babar Khan, President of the Islamic Center of Minnesota; Phil Kern, Strategic Planning Facilitator; Jane Polley, City Resident; Degha Shabbele, City Resident; Shireen Karim, Social Director of the Islamic Center of Minnesota; John Abeler, City Resident APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Ramadan Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula recognized the holy month of Ramadan 2023 and read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula introduced Zaheer Barbar Khan who is the president of the Islamic Center of Minnesota and received the proclamation. Mr. Barbar Khan thanked Mayor Márquez Simula, the Council and the City Manager for the proclamation. He explained the first mosque recognized in Minneapolis was near City Hall. He added there are between 70 - 90 mosques across Minneapolis with 200,000 Muslims living in Minneapolis. He noted they would share the proclamation throughout the various mosques in order to illustrate that City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 2 the good relationship between Columbia Heights officials exists and how they can get along well. He thanked the Council. Mayor Márquez Simula introduced Shireen Karim. Ms. Karim thanked the Council for the proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that Ms. Karim is the Social Director for the Islamic Center of Minnesota. Mayor Márquez Simula introduced City Resident Degha Shabbeleh and offered a time to speak. Ms. Shabbeleh expressed what an honor it was to receive the proclamation. She reiterated Mr. Barbar Khan’s comment about the first recognized Minneapolis mosque being close to City Hall and added it was the first in the State. She stated that being acknowledged, seen heard, loved and protected is something that makes her love the City and the Mayor. She stated the City has continued to show that it is warm, welcoming and accepting. She expressed her hope in the City and Councilmembers would host an Iftar. She thanked the Council on behalf of the Somali community. Mayor Márquez Simula explained she loved Sesame Street as a child because of the diversity and feels like Columbia Heights is its own Sesame Street and noted the Muslim community adds to the beautiful mosaic. B. Earth Day Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed April 22, 2023 as Earth Day and read the City’s proclamation. City Resident Jane Polley accepted the proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula explained Ms. Polley has done several efforts of clean-ups in the City. Ms. Polley thanked the Council and explained her first clean-up in the City was with Councilmember Buesgens through HeightsNext on Central Avenue. Since then, she has been committed to help Columbia Heights be more proactive in the community with Central Avenue being a large part of that since it is a highway that goes through the City. It is critical to present a clean picture to the rest of the City and those who pass through. Ms. Polley explained Earth Day falls on April 22, 2023 and there will be various activities that will take place around the community. She commended the City for its efforts such as promoting people to watch what is going in their sewers and lakes and rivers and explained a situation with her neighbor becoming active in helping clean the streets to prevent any gasoline going down the storm drains. Ms. Polley stated she has had conversations with Zara about promoting composting in her school. She referenced an article she read in the paper that explained the butterfly environment is getting smaller and explained everyone needs to do what they can to keep City, State and Country as environmentally friendly as possible. Mayor Márquez Simula thanked Ms. Polley. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 3 C. Final Strategic Plan Report Presented by Phil Kern. Facilitator Kern expressed his excitement of witnesses the two proclamations since he has been working with the City to develop the strategic plan and seeing how the City is aligning with the objectives that were set out to accomplish as well as the long -term vision for the community. Facilitator Kern reviewed the outcomes of the strategic planning work that was conducted over two workshops in February 2023. He explained the purpose of the strategic planning process is to develop a short-term work plan and to base it on a long-term vision the City has for the community and the organization. This is necessary for peak performance and for focus during uncertain times. Many matters that are brought before the City are urgent and important details but keeping a long-term eye on the long-term vision, direction and organizational goals helps overall performance. Facilitator Kern explained there were four items to accomplish: Update the mission statement, develop a long-term direction, discuss and evaluate current conditions in the community and create a development of goals to guide the City for the next two years. Facilitator Kern noted the draft mission statement encompasses the elements that came out of the mission statement discussion. He worked with City staff to take various principles to develop a mission statement draft and expressed the desire to receive any feedback that Council had. Facilitator Kern read the recommended draft statement as “Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy and connected City. We are here to actively support the community, deliver equitable services, reinforce existing and build new connections, improve upon our past and uphold our successes. Above all, we will always strive to be better and make Columbia Heights a great place for everyone, today and in the future.” The mission statement is supported by six core strategies which are a statement for the long-term vision. Facilitator Kern mentioned they worked through a process where they identified what is important to the Council, what they would like to see in the long run and the tenets that the organization is built upon. He added the six core strategies are recommended as a health and safe community; equitable, diverse, inclusive and friendly; sustainable; strong infrastructure and public services; trusted and engaged leadership; and thriving and vibrant destination community. Each of the strategies are supported by strategic objectives. He read the strategic objectives associated with each core strategy. Facilitator Kern noted a health and safe community would accomplish: a. Prioritization of well-being of community and citizens - mentally and physically b. Accessible and resilient community resources for health, wellness, and safety c. Community-based policing focused on prevention and reinforced by neighborly relationships d. Healthy and intentional social and physical infrastructure and public spaces where residents feel safe City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 4 e. Engaged citizens interacting with a shared purpose Facilitator Kern added the second core strategy of equitable, diverse, inclusive and friendly is supported by statements such as: a. Emotionally connected - sense of strong community and relationships b. Strong sense of familiarity and close-knit relationships c. Progressive, positive, cohesive energy d. Active, unified, and welcoming community e. Embracing of all cultures f. Vibrant community events and cultural activities Facilitator Kern explained the third core strategy of being an organization with trusted and engaged leadership means: a. Intentionally working to create an equitable and socially just city b. Caring and responsive culture of working together to address community needs c. Transparent, trusted, dependable, and accountable d. Workforce and commissions that truly reflect the community e. Innovative, future-focused organization f. Highly-skilled and well-trained staff g. Effective, engaged, efficient, and service-focused throughout the organization h. Proactively striving to connect and inform through a variety of timely, reliable, and creative channels of communication Facilitator Kern mentioned the fourth core strategy of thriving in vibrant destination community would accomplish: a. Flourishing business districts, restaurants, and entertainment b. Redevelopment to meet community needs c. Stable/rising property values d. Revitalize existing housing e. Recognize and support small businesses and incubators f. Attainable housing for all stages of life g. Promoting public art and supporting artists h. Welcomed, engaged, and connected rental community Facilitator Kern noted the fifth core strategy of strong infrastructure and public services would provide: a. Well-planned, modernized, and maintained infrastructure b. Physically connected - equitable, accessible, and inviting to pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles c. Implementing state-of-the-art technology d. Strengthening partnerships with schools, county, and neighboring communities e. All-inclusive, well-rounded, community-driven recreation services, programs, parks, trails, and native areas f. Promote the Library as a community focal point and learning hub City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 5 Facilitator Kern stated the sixth core strategy of sustainable would accomplish: a. Make plans with the next seven generations in mind b. Open-minded approach and evolve with climate-friendly and green best practices c. Built to last d. Maintain and implement a long-term Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for buildings e. Seek energy-efficient solutions f. Conservation and preservation - not just with environment and climate but also of knowledge, institutional wisdom, and current culture (City staff) g. Retention - lower turnover of staff and residents h. Revising codes geared toward above values i. Clear messaging and strong education Facilitator Kern noted the six core strategies provide vision in the long-term direction for the organization. With the long-term in mind, they spent time developing short-term goals which could be accomplished in the next two to three years . The processing included a time to brainstorm many potential goals as a group and prioritized identifying the ones that were most important to the organization. There ended up being seven primary goals which include: 1. Develop architectural and financial plan for replacement of the Publi c Works building, especially as it relates to other priorities (before structural failure) 2. Update Parks Master Plan, develop financing plan, and establish interactive communications about the plans with the community 3. Develop Murzyn Hall renovation plan or identify an alternative new community center plan 4. Prepare long-term, comprehensive plans for single family homes transitioning to rental, including increased tenant/renter protections and new rental licensing program (following moratorium) 5. Update the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) focusing on long term maintenance and replacement of existing facilities 6. Finalize plans for Central Avenue improvements 7. Establish/Re-Establish the City Art Commission and invest in Public Art Facilitator Kern explained they came up with a list of goals that were also important as a strategic planning goal-setting process and recommended keeping the primary goals to six to eight goals and include opportunity goals. Opportunity goals may not be at the forefront in terms of resource allocation but still beneficial to accomplish them if the opportunity presents itself. These goals include: 1. Find external grants and evaluate establishing a city grant program for Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) properties 2. Develop a formal process to review goals, develop a system of accountability, and communicate with the public regarding the City Council’s goals and strategic plan 3. Build End-to-End communications infrastructure for City buildings and sites 4. Educate staff and elected officials on National Incident Management System (NIMS) 5. Develop and implement integrated online services 6. Complete 43rd and Central PUD approval and initiate construction City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 6 7. Improve and expand code enforcement, evaluate point-of-sale program 8. Continue working towards creating a City workforce that accurately represents the community 9. Establish centralized translation services for all departments and provide language support services at all public meetings 10. Strengthen brand awareness across projects, activities, goals, and at the liquor store Facilitator Kern recommended linking the long-term direction with the short-term action plans to state the process of developing action plans. Typically a good action plan will contain three areas: measurables, identifying action steps and identifying resource needs. He noted he has been in touch with City Manager Bourgeois about sharing some resources and ideas on how to accomplish that. He noted the purpose of the strategic plan and the goals program is to maintain consistency and to keep priorities and values front and center. He expressed his gratitude to community the strategic plan and hoped the community would be excited about it. He opened the opportunity for questions. Mayor Márquez Simula commented that it was a joy to work with Staff and the Council to come up with the goals and objectives and reminded her why she loves the community and why she joined the Council. She explained as the Council they represent the community and hearing how the Council reached out to the community to listen to how they want to move forward was enjoyable for her. She asked if the Council had anything to add. Councilmember Buesgens noted how much she loved the process and enjoyed hearing the different ideas and various backgrounds. She likes the mission statement , particularly the statement “we are here to actively support the community to deliver equitable services.” Facilitator Kern gave credit to City Manager Bourgeois and Communications Coordinator Ben Sandell. Councilmember James thanked Facilitator Kern for his presentation and the work he put into helping create the goals. She expressed her excitement in linking the mission statement and the six core strategies with the goals since the goals are practical and the six core strategies are aspirational. Councilmember Jacobs explained the joy it was to participate in the process and believes it is an achievable plan. She noted she looks forward to seeing the pieces come together. Councilmember Spriggs stated it was a great process to go through in order to hear what others goals and hopes and dreams are for the City. He expressed his excitement to see a guiding document that will help the City for the following years. City Manager Bourgeois thanked Facilitator Kern for facilitating the Council and the Staff. She noted how energizing it is for the Staff to be a part of the process of setting goals and visions. She added how inspiring it was to see how the daily tasks fit together in the larger picture. She agreed that the mission statement better articulates the goals and purpose are in a simple and digestible way. She thanked the Council, Staff and Facilitator Kern for going through the process. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 7 Councilmember Buesgens asked if the mission statement, pillars and goals would be on the City’s Facebook page and City website so residents can see it. City Manager Bourgeois stated it will be when the Council adopts them. She added they will also incorporate them in other applicable documents as well. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Buesgens requested that item 6, “Appointing Board and Commission Members” be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with Item 6 removed for further discussion. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve February 9, and February 16, 2023 City Council Goal Setting Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the February 9, and February 16, 2023 City Council Goal Setting meeting minutes. 2. Approve March 6, 2023 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the March 6, 2023 City Council Work Session meeting minutes. 3. Approve March 7, 2023 Joint School Board and City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion: Move to approve the March 7, 2023 Joint School Board and City Counci l meeting minutes. 4. Approve March 13, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the March 13, 2023 City Council meeting minutes. 5. Approve March 13 and 14, 2023 Special City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve March 13 and 14, 2023 Special City Council Work Session meeting minutes. 6. Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion “Appointing Board and Commission Members.” 7. Resolution 2023-23, Awarding A Copier Contract To Coordinated Business Systems, Ltd. and Appropriating a Budget Of $60,000 from the Fund Balance of Governmental Equipment Fund 431. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-23, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2023-23, being a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement with Coordinated Business Systems, Ltd. for the purchase of seven Kyocera brand copy machines for up to $60,000 combined, plus maintenance costs; and to appropriate a related budget of $60,000 from the fund balance of the City’s Governmental Equipment Fund 431. 8. Resolution 2023-24 Amending Resolution 2023-001 Designating Depositories and Signatories. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 8 MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-24, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2023-24, being a resolution amending Resolution 2023-001 designating depositories and signatories. 9. Change Order 1 for 37th Avenue Design. MOTION: Move to approve Change Order 1 totaling $72,383 for final design work on 37th Avenue from Central Avenue to Stinson Boulevard, including 37th Place from 37th Avenue to Stinson Boulevard, City Projects 2110 and 2306. 10. Capital Equipment Replacement: MT Trackless Sidewalk Machine. MOTION: Move to authorize the purchase of one (1) 2023 MT Trackless Sidewalk Machine from MacQueen Equipment, Inc. of St. Paul, MN in the amount of 195,610 less trade -in value of $2,500 for Unit #296 for a total of $193,110 funded from the Parks Capital Equipment Replacement fund number 431.5200.45180. 11. Service Flex Contract with Primex for SCADA Upgrades. MOTION: Move to authorize the purchase of one (1) Service Flex Plan in the amount of $25,000 with SJE (dba Primex) with the effective date of April 1st, 2023 – March 31st, 2024. 12. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for March 27, 2023 as presented. 13. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for March 27, 2023, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 14. 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 $909,860.34. RECESS AND RECONVENE Mayor Márquez Simula recessed the regular meeting at 6:34 pm. The regular meeting reconvened at 6:37 pm. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 6. Adopt Resolution 2023-21, Appointing Board and Commission Members. City Manager Bourgeois explained the resolution appoints Board and Commission members for the 2023 term. The City Council received 13 Board and Commission applications and completed interviews of the candidates during City Council Work Sessions on March 13 and March 14, 2023. The proposed Library Board member to be appointed is City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 9 Melanie Magidow. The recommendation for the Parks and Recreation Commission was to appoint Taher Herzallah, and Andrea Ostergaard. She noted at the last Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Brian Clerkin verbally gave his resignation. Applicant Teresa Eisenbise expressed interest in joining the Parks and Recreation Commission and is added as the third appointment for the Parks and Recreation Commission. The proposed Planning Commission member to be appointed is John Gianoulis. Councilmember Buesgens welcomed the new Commissioners to their posts and stated she looked forward to seeing the work they will bring to the Council. She thanked previous Commissioners for their service and noted the hope that they will have a recognition plaque soon. City Manager Bourgeois agreed, noting it would be during the next or following meeting. Councilmember James thanked those who served and those who applied and explained the difficulty in choosing since there were 13 great candidates and wished there was enough space for everyone. She expressed her gratitude for the new members being appointed as well as the new Charter Commission member. Councilmember Jacobs explained she has seen at least three or four different processes of commission appointments and noted the field of applicants this time was extraordinary. She thanked those who applied with the desire to serve their community. Councilmember Spriggs thanked everyone who applied and stated he was excited for them to get started. He noted the Sustainability Commission would be coming soon for those who are interested in getting involved. Mayor Márquez Simula agreed and expressed her appreciation to the community members and residents who applied. She mentioned that she telephoned everyone who applied to thank them for applying and gave them other opportunities on how to stay involved in the community such as volunteering at the library. She noted for those interested, they will be looking for new Commission members in 12 months. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-21, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens to adopt Resolution 2023-21, appointing City of Columbia Heights Board and Commission Members. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Mayor Márquez Simula noted Taher Herzallah was present at the meeting with his family to receive the commission. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 15. Interim City Manager Appointment. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 10 City Manager Bourgeois stated as has been discussed, she has resigned her position as City Manager effective April 13, 2023. In providing for continuity of operations it is necessary for City Council to appoint an Interim City Manager. This appointment is anticipated to extend through December 31, 2023 at which time the City Council can either appoint Mr. Hansen to the position permanently via a negotiated employment agreement, or the City Council can hire a city manager through an external search either internally through the Human Resources Director or by contracting with an external search firm. City Manager Bourgeois explained the Interim City Manager appointment details are outlined within the resolution and will also be incorporated into a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Public Manager’s Association, the collective bargaining agreement representing the Division Heads, including Mr. Hansen in his current position. The annual salary for the Interim City Manager position is proposed to be $161,491.20, step 4 of the current wage scale, with all other benefits and leave accruals being consistent with those currently outlined in the PMA collective bargaining agreement. City Manager Bourgeois noted Staff recommends the City Council appoint Kevin Hansen to the position of Interim City Manager at the rate and benefits outline above and in Resolution 2023-22 until such time as he is either made the City Manager via a fully executed employment agreement or he is returned to his prior position as Public Works Director/City Engineer. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-22, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens to approve Resolution 2023-22 appointing Kevin Hansen as the Interim City Manager. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. The Council congratulated Kevin Hansen on his appointment as Interim City Manager. Mayor Márquez Simula stated they went through an in-depth meeting with City Manager Bourgeois on her transition. She noted the City is in good hands with Kevin Hansen and that the Council and Staff supports the choice. She added that much thought and work has been done to make it a smooth transition. 16. Approval of Agreement for Building Official Services Between the City of Columbia Heights and Rum River Ventures, LLC. City Manager Bourgeois explained the Building Official will be taking an extended medical leave in April that is expected to last between two and three weeks. During this leave period, the Community Development Department will require professional building inspection services from an outside consulting firm. Rum River Ventures, LLC is being recommended to provide these services during the leave period. Inspection services will be provided as needed at an hourly rate. Rum River currently provides building inspection City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 11 services for the City of Hilltop and several other small communities in the state of Minnesota. City Manager Bourgeois noted the City currently has one building inspector, making it difficult to provide essential building inspection services during leave periods of any length. Providers of intermittent inspection services are limited in the region. Previously, the City has relied on help from neighboring jurisdictions to help fill in when necessary. Staff reached out to past partners at the cities of Fridley and White Bear Lake, n either partner could provide the help needed at this time. The contract before the Council has a term that runs through 2023. This will allow the City to utilize Rum River inspection services intermittently if needed for the rest of the year Councilmember James stated she appreciates the contract rate and explained the location gives an opportunity to share someone for the quick service which will save the City money and provide flexibility. She thanked Staff for working it out to have a contracted building official. She noted from speaking with cohorts in other cities, they do not anyone when their building inspector is gone or need to hire two people. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-25, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens to adopt Resolution 2023-25, a resolution approving an agreement for building official services between the City of Columbia Heights and Rum River Ventures, LLC. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Bid Considerations 17. Accept Bids and Award Contract for Sanitary Sewer Lining, City Project 2304. Public Works Director Hansen explained sanitary sewer lining helps extend the life of the sewers and helps with certain issues within the sanitary sewer system for root intrusion and also for INI. He noted it is an annual program they typically do but did not do sanitary sewer lines in 2022 since the work effort was focused on Central Avenue with manhole and other structural replacements. He stated it is a two-year combination to take care of 2022 and 2023. The work will be done primarily on Central Avenue from 37th Avenue to 44th Avenue and also on 40th Avenue. He noted the goal is to get through Central Avenue for work that is anticipated to occur on Central Avenue in the future. He noted they have been working with the County on 40th Avenue to develop plans for the future. Public Works Director Kevin Hansen noted they have received three bids for the work with the low bid from Hydro-Klean Solutions Group who has previously done the City’s sanitary sewer lining program. He explained the bid pricing is higher than what they have s een in previous years due to inflation. Staff recommends awarding the bid to Hydro-Klean Solutions Group in the amount of $486,657. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 12 Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs to accept bids and award the contract for Sanitary Sewer Lining, City Project 2304, to Hydro-Klean Solutions Group based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $486,657 with funds to be appropriated from Fund 652.9999.45185.2304, and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember James stated on March 14, 2023 she visited the Capitol with the ISAIAH Group of Interfaith Clergy to advocate on behalf of paid family medical leave. She spoke with the City’s representatives and noted if it goes through it will impact the City. On March 13 and 14, 2023 she was part of interviewing the candidates for the Boards and Commissions. She attended the Police Department neighborhood watch meeting via zoom and noted they are 30 minutes long. She attended the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and thanked the Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day parade organization, local family the Clerkin’s, the VFM, and the Lion’s Club for co-sponsoring the parade. She was a signor on a local government support for climate legislation through the Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition. She attended the zoom meeting for the MnDOT and Metro Transit for the Central University Avenue Study and noted there is an online survey that can be taken for those who could not attend the meeting. She mentioned she went to the library to do the puzzle competition and thanked the Adult Librarian, Courtni. Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization Board meeting, a Mini Roundabout webinar, and the open house hosted by MnDOT which laid out four different concepts for Central Avenue and University Avenue. She noted they will do another round of speaking with the public in a year before it goes to the engineers. She filled in for Mayor Márquez Simula and attended the Park and Recreation Commission meeting where they reviewed the capital improvements needed for the parks. Councilmember Jacobs noted she attended the Commission appointments. She expressed her disappointment in not being able to attend Central Avenue meetings but thanked Councilmember Buesgens for keeping her informed. She attended the Firefighters for Healing Open House and was a guest of the Mayor’s for the Rotary breakfast. She noted Kiwanis is selling banners to honor loved ones who have served in the military. The banners incorporate a red, white and blue design and include a photo, and branches and services dates of the loved one and will cost $150. Orders are due April 15, 2023. For those who are interested they can contact Councilmember Jacobs or Julie Foster for more information. All proceeds will go to the Key Club kids. She noted many Key Club kids are seen around the community helping at various events. Councilmember Spriggs noted on March 13 and 14, 2023 he attended the Commission interviews with the other Councilmembers. He stated he went to the Capitol with Mayor Márquez Simula and the residents from the Legends to talk about their concerns regarding Dominium, the maintenance of the building and the proposed increase in rent. He noted a couple of State legislators spoke and it was nice City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 13 to have their voices heard. In addition, he was asked to forward the letter that was signed to the other cities that were independent. He emailed the letter to ot her mayors and councilmembers and has received a number of responses back. He explained that he attended the MnDOT meeting in Northeast Minneapolis about the reconstruction of Central Avenue and University Avenue and noted there was a strong showing of people from Columbia Heights. He signed onto the Minnesota Climate Coalition letter for climate legislation at the Capitol and attended the last meeting with a presentation from the Metropolitan Council and the Center for Energy and Environment for planning f or the next two years. He added they asked for Councils to stay informed and engaged as they continue to work. He explained there will be a meeting at the Legends with the residents to express concerns and ask questions. He noted a tour at City Hall on Tue sday, March 28, 2023. He commented how heartbroken he is over the events that happened in Nashville , that it is unacceptable, and we need to do better. Mayor Márquez Simula stated she has many duplicates that the other Councilmembers have already mentioned but expressed her excitement of the Council being invested in the community together. She noted she read in the Life newspaper about the Legends meeting at the Capitol and noted there were about seven different cities that were listed and added there two pages covering the story. She referenced an article in the Northeaster regarding the Northern Lights Express (NLX) and how people can help with jobs and transportation to Duluth and can find more information at northernlightsexpress.org. She attended the Commission interviews with the other Councilmembers and thanked those who applied. She noted City Clerk Ion worked hard to schedule appointments with all of the applicants. She attended a planning meeting for the garden at the Blooming Sunshine Lomianki Garden and a City Manager transition meeting. She explained the Council had an opportunity to vote in the Columbia Heights bake-off and thanked the Parks and Recreation department for their work. Report of the City Manager City Manager Bourgeois stated the Parks and Recreation Department sent her a list of upcoming events and activities with most them having registration open. Kindergarten to first grade T-ball and second and third grade squirts baseball have openings at most park locations. Ladies night basketball is Monday nights from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Highlander Center until May 22, 2023 and is opened for ladies 13 years and older, both resident and non-resident and can pay $2 at the door to get in. There is a volleyball class for sixth to eighth graders with experience in volleyball beginning in May with space still available. There are spot available for co-ed softball for Friday nights and are looking for a team for men’s Thursday night softball. For those interested information can be found on the City’s website or can call the Parks and Recreation department. City Manager Bourgeois noted she was the grand marshal at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and added the new fire engine was at the parade. She expressed her appreciate for the fire guard walking in the parade. She noted it was the deadline for the business of the year nominations and could submit nominations until midnight. She added Doug Ohman would be doing a presentation call Urban Gems of St. Paul at the library on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 am; RSVPs are not required but are appreciated. She noted in order to report a pothole, call Public Works or fill out a form for the pothole notifications on the front page of the City website. She added Public Works received all of the reports and prioritizes based on travel volumes and how impactful the roads are for the community. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 14 City Manager Bourgeois explained the Council passed a resolution in 2016 that discontinued doing water shut offs for the most part. She noted they recently assessed delinquent water bills and have one property they are going to move forward with on water shut-off. She wanted to inform the Council on that. She added it is a single-family owner-occupied home. They have sent several notices and Public Works Staff have gone to the property to talk with the residents but have not made contact. The owners currently have a $14,000 water bill with an addition of $7,000 that was converted to special assessments and seems like there is no concern or intent to correct it. She stated there will be a noticed sent to the property owner and Staff hopes to get them engaged and the situation corrected before the City shuts off the water. She explained the ordinance includes the option for unusual situations. COMMUNITY FORUM City Resident John Abeler stated he owns a rental property at 4033 Arthur Street Northeast. He expressed his concerns over the increase in rental licensure over the last three years with it being $300 a year currently with a $160 inspection fee while in previous years it used to be free. He spoke with City Manager Bourgeois and she explained there are some real estate matters being considered regarding the quota on the number of rental licensures of single-family homes. Mr. Abeler explained the City is currently at 5.6% as investor-owned and 7% as a rental. He noted the inspection lasted 10 minutes and the property passed with no deficiencies. He suggested the City follows suit with other cities and switch to a multiple year license which could be more affordable and relieve Staff requirements. He referenced one of his properties in Anoka that was inspected in 2019 for $330 and which equals $110 a year. His rental property in South St. Paul recently received a renewal application for $30 with the next inspection on August 11, 2024. He noted Columbia Heights is ten times the amount of other cities. Mr. Abeler explained that he and his wife are hard working. He added the rental property in Anoka is $3,100 a year in taxes while Columbia Heights is $3,600 a year despite being assessed for $30,000 less. He noted the City component is $1,784 for a property as sessed $30,000 less than Anoka with Anoka’s component at $1,000. He noted it has been difficult to continue to afford everything. Mr. Abeler expressed his disappointment in putting a quota on the number of rental properties , which would impact the ability to convey rental properties to heirs and be in violation of the Fifth Amendment by taking private property without compensation. Mr. Abeler did not encourage the Council to follow everything in Anoka’s ordinances. He described a situation that happened during an Anoka inspection and the difficulties of speaking with the Senior City Planner over an accused violation. He expressed his desire to provide a fair and honest value to the housing needs and noted how blessed he is by his renters and wants to take good care of his investment. He noted while it is a business, he has a desire to serve his renters. He suggested a scoring system where an inspector would score, one out of five, with the score reflecting the term of the rental license. He encouraged the Council to consider doing that, noting he included his contact information and would be happy to get together for a work session if anyone else was interested. Mayor Márquez Simula thanked Mr. Abeler and stated the Council has notes and a question from a Councilmember. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES March 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 15 Councilmember Jacobs asked if Mr. Abeler attended the landlord meetings. Mr. Abeler stated he has not attended lately but had attended roughly ten in the last ten years. Councilmember Jacobs suggested that Mr. Abeler consider attending them. He noted there was a time when the meetings were on hiatus when the Officer who facilitated them retired. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary