HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-2023 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, September 25, 2023
6:00 PM
MINUTES
The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday,
September 25, 2023, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia
Heights, Minnesota
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Council President Buesgens called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm
Present: Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember
James
Not Present: Mayor Márquez Simula
Also Present: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police; Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director/
Assistant City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Interim City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Sara Ion, City
Clerk; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Dan O’Brien, Assistant Fire Chief; Renee Dougherty; Library
Director; Connie Moore, Executive Director at Alexandra House
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
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Agenda as
presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Recognition of Library Volunteers.
Library Director Renee Dougherty recognized the library volunteers. She explained all of the
volunteer’s desire to make a difference in others and to make the community a better place. She noted
the volunteers make a difference in the quality of the library in City. As of August 23, 2023, volunteers
have worked 330 hours. She mentioned how each volunteer has helped the library through mentoring
adults who are learning English, providing puzzle contests, making sure books are where they should
be, and run bike fix it programs. Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian stated she worked with 16 youth
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volunteers. She explained that volunteers complete a wide range of tasks such as preparing youth
materials, pulling books for holds, creating book displays, checking in youth and families into programs,
etc. She mentioned how each of the youth volunteers helped the library and thanked them for their
service over the summer.
Ms. Dougherty asked the Council to recognize the work of the library volunteers.
Council President Buesgens thanked the volunteers at the library. A photo was taken with the Council.
B. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation.
Council President Buesgens proclaimed October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and
read the City’s proclamation.
Connie Moore, Executive Director at Alexandra House, received the proclamation and thanked the
Council for the recognition and for their commitment to end violence in the community. She noted
that more than 250 Minnesotans have been lost to domestic violence. In 2022 , there were 26 domestic
related homicides in Minnesota. There have already been 24 lives lost to domestic violence this year. In
Columbia Heights in 2022, Alexandra House provided 3,560 services to 82 individuals. 148 crisis calls
were received and they provided emergency shelter for 12 households. In 2023, they have provided
1,124 services to 59 individuals and have received 98 crisis calls and provided emergency shelter for 7
households. She explained the community must stand against violence and provide needs for the
neighbors. She asked all to join Alexandra House in building a violence free future by attending the
Hope Fest event on September 30, 2023. She added that community members can display a domestic
violence awareness sign in a yard or window or illuminating homes in purple. She encouraged
community members to wear purple on #purplethursday on October 19, 2023 to show the
commitment to end violence. More information can be found on the website at
www.alexandrahouse.org.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council President Buesgens requested item 5 “Award of Professional Services for Engineering Design
and Construction Services of 2024 Safe Routes to School, City Project 1807” be removed from the
Consent Agenda for further discussion.
Councilmember James requested item 10 “Review of Bills” be removed from the Consent Agenda for
further discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Consent
Agenda as revised. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
1. Approve the September 11, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the September 11, 2023 City Council Meeting minutes.
2. Approve the September 13, 2023 City Council Corner Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the September 13, 2023 City Council Corner Meeting minutes.
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3. Accept the August 8, 2023 Sustainability Commission Minutes.
MOTION: Move to accept the August 8, 2023 Sustainability Commission minutes.
4. Approval of Application for Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters to Conduct Off -Site
Charitable Gambling at Murzyn Hall.
MOTION: Move to approve the Off-Site Gambling application for the Columbia Heights
Athletic Boosters to conduct a bingo event at Murzyn Hall,530 Mill Street NE, on October
15,2023, and to direct the City Manager to sign the Off-Site Gambling Permit Application
verifying the City's approval.
5. Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion “Award of Professional Services for
Engineering Design and Construction Services for 2024 Safe Routes to School, City Project
1807.”
6. Second Reading of Centerpointe Franchise Agreement.
MOTION: Move to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1689,
there being ample copied available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance 1689, an Ordinance granting Centerpoint Energy a
non exclusive franchise to operate, repair and maintain natural gas distribution.
Additionally, direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal
newspaper.
7. Rescission of the Single-Family Rental Moratorium
MOTION: Move to rescind the moratorium on the issuance of single-family rental licenses
established by Ordinance 1687, seeing as the moratorium has achieved its expressed goals
of researching and establishing a single-family rental density cap within Columbia Heights.
8. License Agenda.
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for
September 25, 2023 as presented.
9. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applic ations for
September 25, 2023, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance
Code.
10. Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion “Review of Bills.”
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
5. Award of Professional Services for Engineering Design and Construction Services for 2024
Safe Routes to School, City Project 1807.
Council President Buesgens asked if Staff could display the map to show community members
where improvements would be made. Interim City Manager Hansen expl ained that the City
received grant funding to do work in 2020. The work is scheduled for 2024. The item is for the
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engineering design and construction services. He added that the work will include sidewalks and
either moving or creating crosswalks in the area. The focused work will be on 49th Avenue and
with the center being at Central Avenue. Madison Street will have a cross walk added to it and a
few sidewalks will be installed on Monroe. He pointed out that this is a shared project with the
City and Hilltop. A crosswalk will be added at Jackson Street NE and 49th Avenue. A sidewalk will
be added to Grand Avenue and 49th Avenue and 47th Avenue and will go from Fillmore Street to
and existing sidewalk is to the school. The last improvement is moving the existing crosswalk
from the east side of Johnson Street over to the west side.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the proposal
for engineering design and construction services for 2024 Safe Routes to School, City Project 1807
with SRF Consulting for an estimated cost of $148,830 appropriated from Fund
430.6323.43050.1807. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
10. Review of Bills
Councilmember James asked what the first item on page 60 “Ethical Leaders in Action in
Leadership Development Phase IV” was for.
Chief Austin replied that the Police Department has worked with Leaders in Action for a number
of years. They provide leadership training and will have a training tailored to first lin e supervisors
or sergeants to continue with their growth over the next year.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, 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 $1,543,902.46. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Consideration of Resolution 2023-051, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 677/679 43rd Avenue
NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien stated the property is owned by David Glass of Glass Holdings
LLC. The property owner is listed in residing in North Carolina and the property is managed
by Renter Warehouse. On August 3, 2023, a life safety violation was written up during the
annual rental license inspection. The inspection was overdue by over a month and a $150
late fee was assessed.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien explained that the violation was for a missing smoke alarm in
the common area stairwell. On September 5, 2023 a re-inspection was performed and the
life safety violation was not corrected. A statement of cause and a notice of public hearing
was sent to the owner and the tenants. On September 14, 2023 the Fire Department was
included in an email chain between the property owner and Jacob Coke of Renters
Warehouse stating the smoke alarm had been replaced by their vendor. On September 15,
2023 the inspectors attempted to perform a pre -council inspection but was unable to gain
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access because the property representative did not have keys to the property. An
additional $150 was assessed for the inspection. On September 20, 2023 a second pre-
council inspection was performed and the inspectors found that the smoke alarm violation
had not been corrected and a $150 inspection fee was assessed for the inspection.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien noted that they received an email from the property
management company with a photo showing a smoke alarm installation but has not yet
visited the property to verify the installation. He added that Mr. Glass was on Zoom to be
able to speak.
Mr. Glass stated he was aware that a smoke alarm needed to be installed in the common
area and paid under $400 to have a vendor install the fire alarm. The vendor installed it
with a hard wire in the wrong room. Therefore, when the fire inspector came out, the
alarm was incorrectly installed. He noted that he was made aware of the issue at 4 pm
Eastern Time. He added that he has been trying to resolve the issue and apologized for the
inconvenience. He assured the Council that the fire alarm is installed and he would do what
he needed to make sure the work is done properly and that the duplex meets City code. He
mentioned that he would be flying to Minnesota on October 2, 2023 and will go to the
property to validate that the alarm is there.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if the fire alarm is in the area that it was supposed to be in.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that he is unsure since they have not gone back to
inspect it.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if the fire alarm was installed in a different area than the
public area. Mr. Glass replied that the new alarm is installed in the correct area.
Councilmember Jacobs asked when the process began. Assistant Chief O’Brien replied
August 3, 2023.
Council President Buesgens opened the public hearing. There were no comments.
Council President Buesgens asked if the Council was interested in tabling the item until the
fire alarm was verified.
Councilmember James suggested closing the public hearing and discussing as a Council.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs close the public
hearing. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
Council President Buesgens opened discussion for the Council.
Councilmember James stated she would be willing to table the item because she takes
removing people’s housing away seriously. She added that the property owner has paid for
three inspections.
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Councilmember Spriggs agreed with Councilmember Jacobs comments. He noted it would
be extreme for people to lose their housing over a smoke detector that is being corrected.
Councilmember Jacobs stated that she would be in favor of giving them more time but
noted that a smoke detector is a major issue for the safety of the tenants. She added that
she would like an inspection date set that works for the inspector and is no later than
October 2, 2023 when Mr. Glass is in town.
Councilmember James noted the next Council meeting is October 9, 2023 and would like to
table the item until then.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to table item
“Consideration of Resolution 2023-051, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 677/679 43rd Avenue
NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes” until
October 9, 2023. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
12. Resolution 2023-048 Adopting a Proposed Budget for the Year 2024, Setting the
Proposed City Levy, Approving the HRA Levy, Approving a Tax Rate Increase, and
Establishing a Budget Hearing Date For Property Taxes Payable In 2024.
Finance Director Kloiber stated the resolution establishes the maximum level of property
taxes possible for 2024 and provides a basis to certify to Anoka County a breakdown of the
amount on each property that will be listed in the 2024 taxes that will be mailed out.
Finance Director Kloiber noted that there would be an 8.5% increase in the tax levy to due
to increases in proposed operating costs. There is an area decrease in fiscal disparities
subsidy. The resulting net effect on local property owners will be an average of 14%.
Finance Director Kloiber explained that following the Anoka County notices that will be
sent to residents, the City Council will convene a public hearing on December 11, 2023 to
make a final decision about the 2024 budget and tax levy. There are two additional bu dget
work sessions until then and encouraged residents to attend to provide feedback and
concerns.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2023-048, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt
Resolution 2023-048, being a resolution adopting a proposed budget for the year 2023,
setting the proposed city levy, approving the HRA levy, approving a tax rate increase, and
establishing a budget hearing date for property taxes payable in 2024 of December 11,
2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the city council chambers. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
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CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Councilmember Jacobs stated she met with Chief Austin to discuss the SRO issue. She attended Donuts
with a Cop, Council Corner, and facilitated five resident reach outs.
Councilmember Spriggs mentioned he attended the Council Corner and met with a few residents.
Councilmember James noted she attended the Council Corner and met with the Chief regarding the
SRO’s. She added she attended the recycling at Kiwanis event with Councilmember Jacobs and visited
Silverwood Park for the 10th anniversary field trip organization. She attended the police neighborhood
watch meeting with the Chief. She volunteered with the Columbia Heights pride festival. She shared
there is a buy nothing event on Saturday at First Lutheran Church from 10 am to 1 pm. She gave her
best wishes for the schools attending home coming on Friday. She invited the community to attend on
October 7, 2023 a Heights Next event, a cleanup on Central Avenue. She encouraged residents to meet
at the library parking lot at 9 am for Heights Bakery donuts and community service.
Council President Buesgens stated she met with the Chief of Police regarding the SRO program. She
added that she attended the Sustainability Commission as a liaison and noted they are writing a letter
to MnDOT about their Central Avenue concerns and have asked if the Council would be interested in
signing the letter. She noted she volunteered at the Blooming Sun shine Garden and the pride festival
and attended the MWM Board meeting and the Columbia Heights boys’ soccer game.
Report of the City Manager
Interim City Manager Hansen stated due to the rain, the 37 th Avenue and 53rd Avenue projects have
some delays. There are seats and applications open for the EDA, Charter and Youth Commission, which
will close on Friday. The application can be found online. He noted that adopt-a-tree volunteers are
needed to help with watering new trees. Applications to apply are available online.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Dewayne Morrell, City resident, asked if Interim City Manager Hansen and Community Development
Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich were in a dual role. Council President Buesgens explained
that Mr. Hansen is the Interim City Manager while Mr. Chirpich is the Assistant City Manager.
Councilmember Jacobs added that Mr. Chirpich is still the Community Development Director and has a
second responsibility as Assistant City Manager and it is a permanent position for him. Interim City
Manager Hansen noted that the Street and Park Superintendent is the Interim Public Works Director.
Mr. Morell asked if there was extra compensation for the dual role and if so, how much. Interim City
Manager replied that his compensation was changed for the Interim City Manager and Community
Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich fell into a different category in terms of
compensation but does not know what it is.
Mr. Morell expressed his concern about how the City has $780,000 for two properties with no
development projects in mind. He noted there is a levy increase while there seems to be money for
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special projects. He asked when the levies would go down. Interim City Manager Hansen replied that
the acquisition of the properties along Central Avenue fit with a prior Council goal of acquiring
residential properties and removing them for a future redevelopment. The funding is not the general
tax and is funded from the tax that is levied from one of two sources, either from the EDA tax or an
Anoka County tax.
Mr. Morell suggested offering the property to a developer who does the tear down and rebuild. He
asked how the City can justify using money to tear down and have a vacant lot.
Councilmember Jacobs reminded the Council President that during the Community Forum, the Council
can ask clarifying questions instead of responding so that they have enough time to research the
questions being raised.
Jack Israelson, City resident, stated he was aware of the lawsuit filed against the City by
Councilmember Jacobs. He had read that the Councilmember stated that she only represented the
people who voted for her. He mentioned that the Councilmembers represent the people of the City
and recommended not running for Council if the mindset was to represent only the people who voted
for the Councilmember.
Councilmember Jacobs clarified that she had said if the voters who voted her in chose to vote her out,
she would respect it. She added that she did not say that she only represented those who voted for
her.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:59 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary