HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-23-2023 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, October 23, 2023
6:00 PM
MINUTES
The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday,
October 23, 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; Councilmember James
Also Present: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police; Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Direct or/
Assistant City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Erik Johnston, Police Captain; Joe Kloiber, Finance
Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Dan O’Brien, Assistant Fire Chief; Naomi Tombers, CSO; Dewayne
Morerell, Resident; Kathy Cooper, Resident; Scott Skaya, Resident; Ken, 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
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as
presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Police Department Staff Introductions.
Police Captain Johnston introduced the new CSO Naomi Tombers.
Police Chief Austin shared that it has been a challenge for police officers to deal with mental
health calls. A few years ago, the police department began working with Canvas Health and
developed a crisis intervention plan. He noted the Police Executive Research Form IPERF) is a
great resource for police departments. The police department was contacted by PERF because
they were working on a piece of development on responding to behavioral health calls and
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wanted information on the City’s program. The publication was released and talks about the
challenges and best practices.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the publication was shared on social media. Chief Austin replied
that it would go out this week.
B. October 2023 Pedestrian Safety Proclamation.
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed October 2023 as Pedestrian Safety month and
Councilmember Spriggs read the City’s proclamation.
Scott Skaya accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council.
C. November 11, 2023 Veterans Day Proclamation.
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed November 11, 2023 as Veterans Day and read the City’s
proclamation.
Ken accepted the proclamation, explained that he was in the Navy, and shared about other
veterans that live in Columbia Heights.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Márquez Simula requested that Item 2 “Approve the October 9, 2023 City Council Meeting
Minutes” be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented with item 2 removed for further discussion. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
1. Approve the October 3, 2023 City Council Special Assessment Hearing Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the October 3, 2023 City Council Special Assessment Hearing
meeting minutes.
2. Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion “Approve the October 9, 2023 City
Council Meeting Minutes.”
3. Accept September 12, 2023 Sustainability Commission Minutes.
MOTION: Move to accept the September 12, 2023 Sustainability Commission minutes.
4. Accept September 13, 2023 Youth Commission Minutes.
MOTION: Move to accept the September 13, 2023 Youth Commission minutes.
5. Approval of Premises Permit Application for Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters to
conduct Charitable Gambling at Rail Werks Brewing Depot, 4055 Central Avenue NE.
MOTION: Move to approve the Premises Permit application for the Columbia Heights
Athletic Boosters to conduct legal gambling activities at Rail Werks Brewing Depot, 4055
Central Avenue NE, and to direct the City Manager to sign the Premises Permit Application
verifying the City’s approval.
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6. Approve Purchase of Computers, Monitors and Peripherals for City Wide Usage.
MOTION: Move to approve the purchase of Dell computers, monitors and peripherals from
Dell Marketing in the amount of $29,842.00.
7. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for
October 23, 2023, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance
Code.
8. 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 $1,094,897.54.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
2. Approve the October 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes.
Mayor Márquez Simula noted that under the Polish Heritage Month Proclamation the minutes
state that “Mayor Márquez Simula made Columbia Heights proud on the trip to Poland” and
stated that she believes Gloria Bergstrom mentioned that and asked for the minutes to be
amended to reflect that.
Councilmember James suggested it reads “…read the City’s proclamation. Gloria Bergstrom
accepted the proclamation and shared…”
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the October
9, 2023 City Council meeting minutes as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. Consideration of Resolution 2023-60, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 4411 6th Street NE for
Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien stated the revocation is for failure to renew the rental
occupancy license for the property. In May 2023, the City sent the license holder a notice
to renew the rental license. The notice stated that the property owner would need to
reapply, pay the license fee and set up an inspection prior to the expiration of the license
on May 30, 2023. The property owner has failed to take any of the necessary steps. He
noted that he drove by the property and it looks like it is being occupied and has not been
sold. If the revocation is approved, it will be the only revocation the property owner has in
the past five years which makes them eligible for reapplication.
Councilmember James asked how long the property has been licensed prior. Assistant Fire
Chief O’Brien replied that the property was purchased in November 2019. A complaint was
received of illegal rental property in August 2020 and it was licensed on July 2021. The
property owner has had eight inspections to get the property satisfactory.
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Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to close the
public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2023-60, there being ample copies
available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt
Resolution 2023-60, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights
approving revocation, pursuant to City Code, of the rental license listed. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 5-0.
10. Consideration of Resolution 2023-61, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 838 41st Avenue NE
for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien stated the revocation is due to failure to correct violations on
the property. The outstanding violation was originally one of five violations written up on
the properties exterior license renewal inspection that was performed on June 8, 2023. The
violation is a rotting deteriorating single glass window frame that has not been repaired in
a workman-like fashion. There were several inspections and extensions on the property.
The property owner has made progress but it has not passed inspection.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if the owner was present. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied
that he was not.
Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. There were no public comments.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2023-61, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adopt
Resolution 2023-61, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights
approving revocation, pursuant to City Code, of the rental license listed. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 5-0.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Ordinances and Resolutions
11. Adopt Resolutions 2023-56 and 2023-62 Setting the Sale of Bond Series 2023A and
2023B.
Finance Director Kloiber explained that there are two proposed bond issues. Neither of
them are repaid with property taxes. The first one is an extension of existing financing to a
private developer and the second one is a tax exempt general obligation bond. The
resolution is an optional best practice for financial transparency. The taxable financin g for
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the extension of the private developers arrangement is a 5.95% estimated interest rate.
The special assessment bond is estimated at 4.6% interest rate.
Councilmember James noted that the estimated closing date is December 14, 2023. She
asked the term of the bonds were the same and what the term was on the second set of
bonds. Finance Director Kloiber replied that it was ten years.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2023-56, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution
2023-56, being a resolution providing for the issuance and sale of taxable general
obligation temporary tax increment refunding bonds, series 2023A, in the proposed
aggregate principal amount of $6,675,000. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2023-62, 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 2023-62, being a resolution providing for the issuance and sale of general
obligation improvement bonds, series 2023B, in the proposed aggregate principal amount
of $2,895,000. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the Sustainability Commission as the Council liaison.
She added that she cleaned HeightsNext storm drains and encouraged those who have adopted a
storm drain to clean them out. She mentioned she attended the Fire Department open house, purse
bingo for an animal shelter, and is continuing to work on the Blooming Sunshine Garden. She attended
the Spooktacular event.
Councilmember James noted that she had a meeting with Captain Markham regarding the Police
Department’s strategic plan. She added that she attended the Fire Department’s open house, and the
Charter Commission meeting as the Council liaison. She thanked the Recreation Department for all of
the activities provided for children during MEA break. She mentioned that the next election is coming
up for the School District on November 7, 2023.
Councilmember Jacobs stated she observed the Charter Commission and attended a carpenter’s
workshop against wage theft. She met with Captain Markham and attended the Fire Department’s
open house. She acknowledged the civilians who are suffering from military impact of the actions in
Israel, Palestine, and Gaza. She did five resident reach outs.
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Councilmember Spriggs noted he attended the Fire Department’s open house, met with Captain
Markham about the Police Department strategic plan, and attended a couple of webinars through the
League of Minnesota Cities. He mentioned that he is connecting with the residents of the Legends as
they are pushing for safer and more sustainable living wages. He noted that the Council attended the
EDA meeting.
Mayor Márquez Simula explained that she attended the community senior consortium meeting, and a
meeting with the police. She noted that she had a call last week with the staff from Senator Smith’s
office to discuss items for the economic development for the community. She has not spoken with the
residents from the Legend but is excited to do so. She added that she attended the Columbia
Heights/Fridley Rotary meeting and the Rotary board meeting, the Regional Council of Mayors social
event, and a community meeting with the Police and Fire Departments, and the Fire Department Open
House. She noted that she has been welcoming community members at City Hall and providing small
tours. She attended the Charter Commission meeting, the Alexandra House meeting, the Police Teen
Academy, and the Spooktacular event.
Report of the City Manager
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich stated the City’s annual trunk-or-
treat will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 1-4 pm at Huset Park. Children and their parents can
explore a variety of City vehicles including police cars, fire truck, tow truck, dump trucks, garbage
trucks, mail trucks and a school bus. Each vehicle station will hand out candy for kids middle-school age
or younger. There will be free hot beverages and hot dogs while supplies last. A pet costume contest
will take place at 2:30 pm. More information can be found on the City’s website.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich mentioned that parking restrictions
will begin on November 15th instead of November 1st like in previous years. Residents can request a
temporary parking permit which is available at the Police Department.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich noted that the 40th Avenue open
house is November 2, 2023 from 5-7 pm at City Hall. The City and Anoka County are inviting the public
to an open house for the 40th Avenue corridor study.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich stated the drug take back and
Coffee with a Cop is on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm at Public Safety where
unwanted or unused prescription drugs can be returned.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Dewayne Morerell, City resident, stated he would like to discuss the qualifications of Interim City
Manager Kevin Hansen but would like to suspend his request since he was not in attendance. He
mentioned he would like to comment on the Pedestrian Proclamation as he notices many people
violate the traffic laws while crossing Central Avenue and often skip going to the bridge to cross. He
asked that something be done since it is dangerous. He explained the College Hunk hauling trucks need
something to make their pick-ups more efficient and effective. He suggested the City provide funding
or support to help make it more effective for the residents. He mentioned to the Police Chief that one
of the school buses has significantly dropped their speeding. He asked how the City handles
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unprofessional, unethical and legal issues. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that residents can contact
the City Manager.
Mr. Morerell asked who to contact if it involves the City Manager. Mayor Márquez Simula replied to
contact the Assistant City Manager and the Councilmembers. Mr. Morerell asked who to contact if it
involved the Assistant City Manager. Mayor Márquez Simula replied he would still need to contact the
City Manager and Assistant City Manager directly and then the Council.
Councilmember Jacobs added if it is something confidential, the best approach is to go to the HR
Director.
Kathy Copper, City resident, asked what the ordinance was for garbage trucks to begin working.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich replied that he would need to
research the ordinance, but he did not believe it addressed operational hours for garbage trucks.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary