HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-28-2023 City Council Minutes
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor
Amáda Márquez Simula
Councilmembers
Connie Buesgens
Kt Jacobs
Rachel James
Justice Spriggs
Interim City Manager
Kevin Hansen
City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE
Monday, August 28, 2023
6:00 PM
MINUTES
The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday,
August 28, 2023, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights,
Minnesota.
WELCOME/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
Not Present: Councilmember James
Also Present: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police; Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director/
Assistant City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Sulmaan Khan, City Engineer; Joe
Kloiber, Finance Director; Dan O’Brien, Assistant Fire Chief; Barbra DeLaria, City resident; Chad Findell,
City resident; Julie Findell, City resident; Cathy Gomez, City resident; Kay Handley, City resident;
Kempton Jackson, City resident; Shanna Knight, City resident; Diane Meyer, City resident; Dewayne
Morrell, City resident; Morgan Smith, City resident; Catherine Vesley, City resident;
MISSION STATEMENT
Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy and connected City. We are here to actively support the
community, deliver equitable services, build and strengthen connections, improve upon our past, and
uphold our successes. We strive to be better and ensure Columbia Heights is a great place for everyone,
today and in the future.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/RECESS AND RECONVENE
Mayor Márquez Simula recessed the regular meeting at 6:01 pm. The regular meeting reconvened at
6:05 pm.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as
presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Constitution Week Proclamation.
B. Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation.
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Mayor Márquez Simula noted that items A and B “Constitution Week Proclamation” and
“Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation” under Proclamations, Presentations, Recognition,
Announcements, Guests, would be moved to a different meeting.
C. Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation.
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed September 2023 as Suicide Prevention Month and read the
City’s proclamation.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Jacobs requested Item 1 “Approve the August 7, 2023 City Council Work Session
Meeting Minutes” and Item 7 “Approval of Professional Services Agreement Between the City of
Columbia Heights and Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.” be removed from the Consent Agenda for
further discussion.
Mayor Márquez Simula requested Item 5 “Adopt Resolution 2023-45 Accepting Safe Streets for All
(SS4A) Grant Agreement for Development of a Citywide Safety Action Plan” 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 items 1, 5, and 7 removed for further discussion. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-
0.
1. Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion “Approve the August 7, 2023 City
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes.”
2. Approve the August 14, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the August 14, 2023 City Council Meeting minutes.
3. Approval of Premises Permit Application for Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters to
Conduct Charitable Gambling at Jimmy’s Pro Billiards, 4040 Central Avenue NE.
MOTION: Move to approve the Premises Permit application for the Columbia Heights
Athletic Boosters to conduct legal gambling activities at Jimmy’s Pro Billiards, 4040 Central
Avenue NE, and to direct the City Manager to sign the Premises Permit Application
verifying the City’s approval.
4. Establish Date for 2023 Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for 2023 Street
Rehabilitation-37th Avenue, Project 2110, 37th Place, Project 2306, and 53rd Avenue,
Projects 2007 and 2305
MOTION: Move to establish Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. as the Public Special
Assessment Levy Hearing for City Projects 2110 and 2306 State Aid Street Rehabilitation, to
be held in the City Council Chambers.
MOTION: Move to establish Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 6:15 p.m. as the Public Special
Assessment Levy Hearing for City Projects 2305 and 2007 State Aid Street Rehabilitation, to
be held in the City Council Chambers.
MOTION: Move to establish Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. as the Public Special
Assessment Levy Hearing for Delinquent Accounts, to be held in the City Council Chambers.
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5. Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion “Adopt Resolution 2023-45
Accepting Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Agreement for Development of a Citywide
Safety Action Plan.”
6. Approve Resolution 2023-46, Authorizing Acceptance of Predevelopment Grant Funds
From Anoka County Regional Economic Development and Execution of Predevelopment
Activities.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-46, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2023-46, a resolution to accept up to $15,000.00 in
Predevelopment Grant funds from the Anoka County Regional Economic Development
program and authorize the execution of the Grant Agreement development site.
7. Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion “Approval of Professional Services
Agreement Between the City of Columbia Heights and Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.”
8. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for
August 28, 2023, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance
Code.
9. License Agenda.
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for August
28, 2023, as presented.
10. 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 $1,402,091.32.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approve the August 7, 2023 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes.
Councilmember Jacobs referenced paragraph 8 and requested to include that Councilmember
Buesgens and Councilmember Jacobs opposed having an outside firm look for a new City Manager. She
also requested that Councilmembers be named in a vote.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to approve the August 7,
2023 City Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
5. Adopt Resolution 2023-45 Accepting Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Agreement for
Development of a Citywide Safety Action Plan.
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Mayor Márquez Simula stated she wanted to remove this item from the Consent Agenda because the
Council has been asking about this item for the last 18 months and wanted the community to know
about it.
City Engineer Khan explained the grant agreement for the Safe Streets for All is before the Council. The
agreement could take 1-2 months until the agreement is ready. He added Staff would like to gather
ideas from the Council on the Request For Proposal (RFP) in order to solicit proposals. Public
engagement will be a key element in this process. The City is 1 of 12 organizations who have been
awarded this grant in Minnesota.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to waive the reading of
Resolution 2023-45, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adopt Resolution 2023-45,
being a resolution accepting SS4A grant funding in the amount of $200,000, with a $50,000 match from
the City, from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for development of a citywide safety action
plan. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
7. Approval of Professional Services Agreement Between the City of Columbia Heights and
Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
Councilmember Jacobs asked for additional background to be provided.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich stated the agreement is for the
Medtronic site, which is currently up for sale publicly and there is significant interest in redevelopment
by many developers. The City has amended its Comprehensive Plan since it does not specify the use
except for commercial. The redevelopment plan is for the City to expan d uses beyond commercial use.
The contract proposes to use the same consulting firm that just completed the City’s most resent
update to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and would take the City through an amendment process. The
process is expected to take about 6 months.
Mayor Márquez Simula noted it is a significant property and the City does not typically change the
Comprehensive Plan. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich agreed and
added that Staff meet with the Metropolitan Council staff to discuss what triggers an amendment.
Staff agree that this is the correct way to move forward.
Councilmember Jacobs stated she wanted to make sure the public knew that this was a research effort
and not a purchasing scenario.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to waive the reading of
Resolution 2023-47, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adopt Resolution 2023-
47, a resolution approving Professional Services Agreement with HKGi for up to $25,000.00 in funds
from the City’s Planning and Inspections Fund 201 and authorize the execution of the agreement for the
associated project costs. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Consideration of Resolution 2023-44, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the city of Columbia Heights against the rental property at 4522 Tyler Street NE
for failure to meet the requirements of the Residential Property Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien explained the revocation is for the incomplete repair of
violations for the property. There are electrical hazards, missing switch plate covers,
missing smoke covers, infestation of mice, and the sewage pump found in the sump pump
system with a backup of sewage. There was a small extension with a re-inspection on July
28, 2023 and nothing was fixed.
Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing.
Julie Findell, property owner, explained that she and her husband have not been able to fix
the issues with the house because her husband had two surgeries. She added that she has
been in pain over the last three months. She had a pet control company come out and fix
the mouse infestation. She asked for an extension and stated she would hire someone to
start working.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked how long Ms. Findell has owned the property. Ms. Findell
replied that it has been a number of years.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if there has been an extension granted to the property in the
past. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien stated an extension has not been requested in the past
and has not needed to use an extension. Councilmember Jacobs asked if the property
owners were compliant to inspections in the past. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that
they have been compliant.
Chad Findell, City resident, explained that his parents have been going through a difficult
time and do not typically hire out companies to help since they are usually able to fix items
on their own. He added that he is able to help his parents with the rental properties.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien would be interested in looking
into an extension. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that the request is granted by the
Council.
City Attorney Hoeft explained that typically, the Council would table the item and keep the
public hearing opened so that Staff does not need to notify the public again about the
public hearing.
Councilmember Jacobs asked Ms. Findell how much reasonable time she would need for an
extension. Mr. Findell replied 45 days.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to table
consideration of Resolution 2023-44 being a Resolution of the city council of the city of
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Columbia Heights approving revocation, pursuant to city code, of the rental license listed,
until October 9, 2023. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
Mayor Márquez Simula reordered the agenda to next consider Item 14.
14. First Reading of Ordinance 1688, Prohibiting Smoking Within Parks and Amending the
Definition of Public Place.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich noted at the last City
Council work session, the Council discussed a variety of issues regarding the use of
cannabinoids within public spaces. From this discussion came the Council’s guidance to
prohibit smoking within City parks. Ordinance 1688 prohibits the smoking of tobacco,
marijuana, and other plants natural and synthetic within City parks. Smoking is already
defined in City code as: Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar,
cigarette, or pipe, or any other lighted or heated product containing, made, or derived
from nicotine, tobacco, marijuana, or other plant, whether natural or synthetic, that is
intended for inhalation. SMOKING also includes carrying or using an activat ed electronic
delivery device. With smoking already defined and already including electronic delivery
devices, Ordinance 1688 would also prohibit the use of electronic delivery devices on park
property. Ordinance 1688 also amends the City’s definition of p ublic place to make it a
more comprehensive definition. Last, Staff have utilized this opportunity to update the
pronouns in the related sections.
Councilmember Jacobs noted Item S in the ordinance includes parking lots adjacent to
public parks.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned she was in favor of this. She added Item I in the
ordinance could be adjusted to be more forward facing and inclusive. Councilmember
Spriggs agreed.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich asked the City Attorney
if the change could be made in between the first and second reading of the ordinance. City
Attorney Hoeft replied that the provision could be included in the reading of the motion.
Mayor Márquez Simula declared the public hearing opened. There were no public
comments.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to close the
hearing and waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1688, there being ample copies available
to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to revise the
language for item I to be more forward facing and inclusive and set the second reading of
Ordinance No. 1688, being an ordinance amending chapter 10, article II, of the Columbia
Heights City Code to prohibit smoking within City parks and amending the Columbia Heights
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City Code to update the definition of public place, for September 11, 2023. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 4-0.
12. Appeal #1 of Rental License Revocation Resolution 2023-35 for 1000 Peters Pl NE.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien stated the revocation is based on the property owner feeling as
if the issues have been addressed. He introduced the property owner and their attorney.
Morgan Smith, attorney of KSR Investments LLC, which is the registered owner of 1000
Peters Place NE, stated the owner submitted photos illustrating that the required repairs
were completed on July 10, 2023. The repairs included a new fire door, new concrete work
on the foundation, and an exterminator. The fire door repair was delayed due to ordering
issues. The concrete work was not done to the satisfaction of the City but was done a
second time and completed by July 10, 2023.
Mr. Smith felt there was a lot of prejudgment from Councilmembers regarding the
revocation. A number of Councilmembers had mentioned they spoke with many of the
tenants but none of the tenants were available for the meeting to speak. He noted his
client does not babysit the tenants for repair. If there is a need for a repair, tenants are
required to write in and explain the issue so it can be repaired. The client has a one-year
contract with a rodent exterminator and has resolved the issue. He noted a
Councilmember told the client that he did not have the right to be ther e and explained that
his client had every right to be there. He asked the Council to give his client another chance
to pass the inspection.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if the infractions were building issues or in specified units.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that the mice infestation is building wide and the
concrete work is exterior.
Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing.
Shanna Knight, City resident, stated have been ongoing mice issues even after the one year
exterminator. She added there are roaches crawling in her apartment and it has been
horrible to speak with management. She mentioned homeless people sleep in the
stairwells, there are no cameras, or snow plows. The toilet does not work and she did not
receive communication after it continued to not be fixed.
Kemtpon Jackson, City resident, stated the apartment above him flooded so there is now
mold on his ceiling and he would like to have his bathroom fixed.
Mr. Smith stated he had not heard from Mr. Jackson or Ms. Knight before and suggested
they write a letter to his client regarding the repair issues. He added that the address for
the notice is incorrect. He noted that he was not able to complete the repair items on time
because it had to wait until after winter weather to fix the exterior repairs. He asked the
Council to review their decision, stating that it was premade, and to reverse the revocation.
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Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien mentioned that the initial inspection was on August 19 th for the
infestation. In December 2022, there was a proposal given to the City on what they would
complete. He noted the City has not received documentation on what was being worked
on throughout the process and the inspectors still found signs of infestation when they did
the inspection. In May 2023 they sent a notice saying they were doing a final inspection
and if it fails, it would go to the Council for revocation. No additional information was
provided at that time and the door and concrete work was also not completed at the time.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to close the
public hearing. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to deny the
appeal. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0.
13. Appeal #2 of Rental License Revocation Resolution 2023-35 for 966-968 44 ½ Ave NE.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien stated Penrod Lane LLC owns the rental property. In May of
2023, three separate revocation hearings were sent to the addresses associated with the
property and ended up with eight notices total. He feels confident that the notices were
received since none of them were returned and it is the LLC’s responsibility to notify City
Staff if any addresses change.
Mr. Smith stated he represented MSA properties and noted that Mr. Khan also represented
MSA properties. He added the first time MSA properties was notified about a revocation
was on July 11, 2023 regarding Peters Place. The standard in the ordinance is “an interest
in” and noted that MSA does not have interest in Peters Place. Mr. Khan does not own any
interest in the properties because he works for them and is not an owner.
Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing.
City Attorney Hoeft stated the Council is speaking on the interest of the rental license not
the property ownership, noting 1000 Peters Place was listed as a related property which
makes it a common interest.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to close the public
hearing. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to deny the appeal.
All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
New Business and Reports
15. School Resource Officer Discussion.
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Police Chief Austin stated a new law prohibits physical restraints. There are several law
enforcement agencies in the process of cancelling their contract with various schools due
to the new law and Columbia Heights is in the process of waiting to hear more information
from the League of Minnesota Cities before coming back to the Council with a decision on
how to best proceed with the current SRO contract . In the meantime, SRO’s will be
temporarily reassigned. The police department will continue to collaborate with the school
district and hope to have clarification in the next couple of weeks.
Mayor Márquez Simula noted that the Council did not vote on this item and thanked Chief
Austin for providing an update to the Council.
Councilmember Jacobs expressed her gratitude for Chief Austin’s work and noted that
police officers should not be put in a position where they cannot do their job effectively.
Councilmember Spriggs asked if there is a process for pulling out of the contract. Chief
Austin stated the contract allows for a temporary reassignment for SROs which will provide
the police department additional time for a recommendation. A cancellation of the
contract would be a Council decision.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Councilmember Spriggs stated he attended the open house for the new City Hall.
Councilmember Jacobs noted she attended the City Hall celebration, Officer Baumgardner’s Swearing
in Ceremony, and announced the Kiwanis club is celebrating 40 years of recycling on September 16
from 9 am to 12 noon at the Columbia Heights Recycling Center (3801 Madison). She thanked Staff for
getting the Shellito banner back up. She read a statement about the Council Corner and highlighted
that the Council Corner meeting had the topic of hiring a City Manager. She added that she objected to
having the discussion about a new City Manager on a work session agenda since it should remain on a
regularly scheduled agenda for a City Council meeting. She noted a 3 pm start time may not encourage
residents to attend these meetings. She added that the notice of the discussion was never announced
but simply posted on the City’s webpage and she felt it was the Council’s failure to be transparent with
the community. The Council Corner is held on the second Wednesday of the month at City Hall from 3 -
4 pm. She encouraged residents to attend and to check the calendar to make sure a meeting has not
been cancelled.
Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the employee’s picnic and takes care of the Murzyn Hall
flower pots. She attended Cone with a Cop, friends of Kordiak Potluck, the City Hall open house, and
Officer Baumgardner’s swearing in.
Mayor Márquez Simula reported she attended the employee picnic, senior painting class, and swearing
in for Baumgardner. She mentioned several events that were canceled due to the heat i ndex and
concern for volunteers safety. She attended the school districts luncheon, Metro Cities transportation
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and general governance meeting, open house at City Hall, Friends of Kordiak meeting, and movie in the
park.
Report of the City Manager
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich asked Finance Director Joe Kloiber
to share the budget process since the Charter requires a summary of the budget before the end of
August.
Finance Director Kloiber stated the City website has the City Manager’s proposed budget for 2024. The
budget will go through a variety of updates for the remainder of the budget season until the public
hearing in December. The information under the Charter for the proposed budget is by fund for 2024
and includes the detail of the components of the propo sed levy for 2024. Additional details will be
included by department in about a week.
Mayor Márquez Simula invited the community to the budget work session next Tuesday.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich thanked everyone who was
involved in making the grand opening of the new City Hall a success. He noted that about 50 people
attended the past movie in the park. The last movie in the park event will be on September 5, 2023 and
will show Trolls World Tour and is sponsored by New Horizon Academy. The movie will take place at
McKenna Park at 7:30 pm with free popcorn.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich mentioned that the board and
commission applications are on the City’s website with 10 positions opened on the Youth Commission,
two positions opened on the Economic Development Authority and one open position for the Charter
Commission. The deadline to apply is September 29, 2023.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Barbara DeLaria, City resident, stated she was at the meeting two weeks ago and still has not heard
back from anyone from the City.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich provided a brief update and stated
there have been several exchanges between the fire department and Staff. He added that someone
will be reaching out to Ms. DeLaria soon.
Cathy Gomez, City resident, noted she was at a meeting a month ago regarding the fence in her
backyard and she had not heard anything yet. She also has not heard back about the blacktop in the
alley. She asked why vents by the building are so loud by her house.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich replied that all of the items she
mentioned have been brought up to the developer of the project to bring resolution to it. He added all
of the issues were happening on the east side of the City Hall project and Ms. Gomez’s property is right
next to the Ratio Apartment property. An exterior walkthrough is scheduled for September to address
all of the issues that have been mentioned. The fence will be removed and the blacktop for the alley is
still being looked at.
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Ms. Gomez asked in the winter, could the plow clear the area like they used to so residents do not
have to do it. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich agreed and indicated
he would work with Public Works to make sure it is plowed correctly.
Diane Meyer, City resident, stated she would like to have more people trained in the City to figure out
what is happening in her neighborhood regarding traffic in the area as well as rentals in the area. She
noted the more rentals that go in without hiring more people , the more issues there are going to be.
Catherine Vesley, City resident, explained she would like to make some comments regarding an outside
search for a City Manager. She has been a part of many outside searches and asked the Council not to
do a national search but to focus on the five state area and the metro area. She added the wider the
search, the more expensive it is. She stated the person that is hired should have a mind to serve 22,000
people, which is a smaller community. She noted the reality is that the new hire may stay for only a
couple of years and then move on. She wished the Council good luck.
Dewayne Morrell, City resident, asked if the SROs would be at the school or not. Chief Austin replied as
of now, they will be reassigned and not at the school. Mr. Morrell asked who could talk to bus drivers
because they are driving 50 miles an hour down residential streets. He stated if a police officer is in
continual contact with the bus drivers, it may help enforce better driving. Chief Austin encouraged Mr.
Morrell to speak with the school district as well.
Mr. Morrell asked if the police department had an all-black Dodge Charger. Chief Austin replied that
they do not have an all-black Dodge Charger.
Mr. Morell noted there is no signage for the new City Hall. Community Development Director/Assistant
City Manager Chirpich replied that the signs are on order, will be received in the next week, and then
will be put up. Mr. Morell asked where the Mayor’s office is located. Mayor Márquez Simula replied
there are two spaces that can be used as a Mayor and Council office. Mr. Morell stated the plants are
inappropriate out front because they are arborvitaes that will grow to be 16 to 20 feet tall, and the
branches will end up encroaching on the sidewalk. He asked the City to reconsider their yard waste
container program and suggested having a one-time processing fee for anyone who would like to
purchase the yard waste container. He added the college students who are involved are getting tired
and a vehicle could be helpful for them.
Mr. Morell asked if Kevin Hansen was still in the running for the City Manager position. Mayor Márquez
Simula replied that he is currently the Interim City Manager until a decision is made. Mr. Morell noted
he has seven points on why Kevin Hansen should not be the next City Manager. He added that the
height of the podium all of the Councilmembers are sitting at is too high.
Kay Handley, City resident, stated on July 15 she wrote a letter to the Council and Mayor. She read the
letter she wrote and highlighted her acknowledgement of Kevin Hansen as the City Man ager for 2023,
and that he should continue in the position as he has done a great job serving the city. She added that
he was professional and knowledgeable when she spoke with him in his roles with the city. She
believes that Kevin Hansen should become the City Manager instead of spending the money to search
for a new City Manager. She reviewed various ways her family has been involved in the community for
the past 50 years.
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ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary