HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-05-2023 City Council Work Session Packet
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Mayor
Amáda Márquez Simula
Councilmembers
Connie Buesgens
Kt Jacobs
Rachel James
Justice Spriggs
Interim City Manager
Kevin Hansen
Public Safety Bldg—Training Room, 825 41st Ave NE
Wednesday, July 05, 2023
6:00 PM
AGENDA
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering
meeting ID 861 4690 4172 or by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86146904172. For questions
please call the Administration Department at 763-706-3610.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
WORK SESSION ITEMS
1. Update on Upcoming Potential Revocations. (30 Minutes)
2. PEL Update. (15 Minutes)
3. Parks Capital Improvement Plan: Review and Update / Plan Moving Forward. (45
Minutes)
4. City Hall - Update. (10 Minutes)
5. 24-30 Month Looking Forward Plan of Projects and Activities. (90 Minutes)
6. THC Legalization, Registration, and Zoning Update. (30 Minutes)
7. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 101 and TIF Status Report. (30 Minutes)
8. Single Family Rental Density Cap Discussion. (30 Minutes)
9. City Council. (30 Minutes)
*National League of Cities Membership.
*Outdoor Activities During Weather Advisory.
*City Manager Search and City Manager Job Description.
*Community Forum Update.
ADJOURNMENT
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is
made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements.
1
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEMS
MEETING DATE
ITEM: Update on Upcoming Potential Revocations.
DEPARTMENT: Fire BY/DATE: Daniel O’Brien 7/5/2023
CITY STRATEGY: (please indicate areas that apply by adding a bold “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Safe Community _Diverse, Welcoming “Small-Town” Feel
_Economic Strength X Excellent Housing/Neighborhoods
_Equity and Affordability _Strong Infrastructure/Public Services
_Opportunities for Play and Learning _Engaged, Multi-Generational, Multi-Cultural Population
BACKGROUND:
Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien will present an update on the status of each of the rental licenses posted for
revocation.
A status update will be provided for the following rental licenses:
1206-1208 Circle Terrace Blvd NE
1853 39th Ave NE
3809 Reservoir Blvd NE
1000 Peters Pl NE
940 39th Ave NE
3806 Stinson Blvd NE
Specific information is not included in this document as many of the inspections are scheduled following the
deadline submission for council documents.
ATTACHMENT(S): None
2
Item 1.
ITEM: PEL - update
DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Kevin Hansen / June 28, 2023
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
X Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
X Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_ Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
City staff has been part of the Technical Advisory Committee, or TAC, of the MnDOT PEL Study along TH 47
and TH 65 over the last couple of years. A PEL study follows a federally established process evaluating current
transportation conditions and problems, is safety focused, and presents the likely future needs for the next 20
or more years, based on data and community input. The process of the PEL does not conclude with a
recommended option, but eliminates alternatives that are not feasible, so more than one alternative will likely
be included.
The PEL study is now in phase 2 and is anticipated to be completed at the end of 2023. The last TAC meeting
presentation from MnDOT is attached. Staff will review the presentation from MnDOT, focusing on where the
PEL is at and what is next. The PEL is advancing in a different process than originally envisioned, largely due to
major construction projects planned by MnDOT, Met Council (the BRT), Minneapolis and Columbia Heights.
Staff will review this schedule and potential impacts for the Central Avenue corridor.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
None = informational update and discussion.
ATTACHMENT:
TAC Meeting #12 presentation slides, updated 6/30/2023
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE JULY 5, 2023
3
Item 2.
Hwy 47/Hwy 65 PEL Study
Columbia Heights Council Update
SP 0205-109 MnDOT Metro District
June 30, 2023
1
4
Item 2.
Engagement Overview
•2 public meetings: ~75 attendees
•1 virtual meeting: ~30 attendees
•1,584 online survey participants (76% completion rate)
•>100 reached via multiple pop-ups and targeted
engagement opportunities
•Success reaching underrepresented users
•Broad public engagement now complete
6/30/2023 2
5
Item 2.
Survey Preliminary Findings
General support for all 4 Corridor Visions vs. Existing Conditions
•Central from 37th to I-694: 4-lane Pkwy rated most highly
•University from 27th to I-694: 4-lane Pkwy rated most highly
Some questions/concerns for future project development:
•Mixed feedback on roundabouts
•Concerns about any potential loss of on-street parking
(especially in Minneapolis)
6/30/2023 3
6
Item 2.
What’s Next?
•PEL will likely conclude with all 4 build alternatives in play
–PEL will not pick one option
•MnDOT is now transitioning from PEL into preliminary
design to pick one option for the following areas:
•University Ave. in Minneapolis (Central Ave. to 27th Ave.)
•University Ave. in Anoka County (40th Ave. to Highway 10)
•Central Ave. in Minneapolis and Columbia Heights
6/30/2023 4
7
Item 2.
What’s Next?
•PEL improvements not currently funded, however,
Highway 65 in Blaine (below) is an example of how a
major project could be funded post-PEL
6/30/2023 5
8
Item 2.
PEL Implementation Plan on University Ave
•2023/2024 –MnDOT works to narrow down PEL alternatives
to a single preferred alternative and develop preliminary plans.
•2025/2026 –Metro Transit F Line construction (53rd Ave. to
85th Ave.). Metro Transit can build bus stops “PEL-ready” based
on MnDOT preliminary plans.
•2030 –Planned MnDOT resurfacing project (40th Ave. to US 10)
Goal could be to construct PEL improvements with resurfacing
project –or sooner –if funding can be secured
6/30/2023 6
9
Item 2.
PEL Implementation Plan on Central Ave
•2023/2024 –MnDOT works to narrow down PEL alternatives
to a single preferred alternative and develop preliminary plans.
•2025/2026 –Metro Transit F Line construction (Minneapolis
through 53rd Ave). Metro Transit can build bus stops “PEL-
ready” based on MnDOT preliminary plans.
•Early 2030s –Multiple planned MnDOT resurfacing projects
from Mississippi River through Moore Lake Road
Goal could be to construct PEL improvements with resurfacing
projects –or sooner –if funding can be secured
6/30/2023 7
10
Item 2.
Funding opportunities
•Blaine/Anoka County secured funding through a variety of
sources that could also apply to 47/65:
•Competitive federal grants/programs -MnDOT may be able to
assist with writing applications
•Local road improvement program
•Federal congressional directed funds
•State bonding
6/30/2023 8
11
Item 2.
Next Steps
•MnDOT is advancing preliminary design for both Central
and University Ave in Columbia Heights –expect more
public engagement to pick a single option late 2023/2024
•City/County leadership essential to securing funding.
MnDOT can support engineering and assist with grant
writing.
6/30/2023 9
12
Item 2.
Challenges
•Costs for PEL will be significant –MnDOT refining cost
estimates, but expect costs to exceed $100 million each
for all of University and Central (65 in Blaine is estimated
at $165 million)
•Funding is not currently allocated for PEL improvements
•Multiple projects in the corridor require close
coordination
6/30/2023 10
13
Item 2.
Thank you!
Christopher Bower, Metro North Area Engineer, Project Manager
Christopher.Bower@state.mn.us
6/30/2023 mndot.gov 11
14
Item 2.
Discussion
126/30/2023
•
Northtown Mall Transit Center Central Ave at Lowry Ave Columbia Heights: Central Ave at 49th Ave
15
Item 2.
ITEM: Parks CIP - update
DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Kevin Hansen / June 27, 2023
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
X Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
X Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_ Sustainable
BACKGROUND: (continued from June 5th Work Session)
Over the last fifteen years, the Park and Recreation Commission has completed the Master Planning of six 6
Parks, culminating in the reconstruction of each of these parks. The intent of a Master Plan process (initial
concepts, public engagement, Commission recommendation, Council approval) is to provide an overall plan of
the entire park to work from for design and construction. Therefore, it is the desire of the Park and Recreation
Commission and City Staff to have a detailed working plan to rehabilitate or reconstruct elements of the park
in phases, as funding becomes available. The Master Plan also provides cost estimates of each park element or
amenity and provide an evaluation of financing options for the short and long term redevelopment plan.
Master Plans and years developed are:
2003: Huset Park
2008: Sullivan Lake Park
2008: Silver Lake Beach
2011: Ramsdell Park
2012: Labelle Park
2014: Huset West (playground, shelter)
2015: Huset West (Splash Pad)
2016: Keyes Park
2018: Silver Lake Boat Landing
2019 - Current: Wargo Court
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS:
For reference, the Master Planning leading to redevelopment at each park has resulted in investing $450,000
to $650,000 at each park.
In 2018 and 2019, the Park and Recreation Commission reviewed each park for updating the Parks CIP. Over
the last 2-1/2 years, material and construction costs have experienced significant price increases. To provide
the best information to evaluate funding alternatives, the consulting firm of WSB was contracted to review
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE JULY 5, 2023
16
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
and provide updated cost estimates using the most recent Parks CIP updated by the Park & Recreation
Commission in 2020, summary attached.
In April of 2023, the Park & Recreation Commission reviewed the WSB cost updates. Those cost updates (WSB)
are also attached on a park by park basis.
One of the high priority goals established in the 2023 Strategic Planning and Goal Setting report was updating
the Parks Master Plan and Parks financing plan. Traditional funding for parks improvements has been through
the park redevelopment fund, general fund, and DNR or MWMO grants which have funded related
development improvements such as storm water. The Park Development Fund is sourced through residential
redevelopment activities. Grants funding large scale park redevelopment are limited. Staff will be engaging
our Legislators to discuss funding through the State – but this funding, when available, is most often directed
toward projects having regional significance or outside the Metro. Parks bonding is the more common funding
tool used by Cities when funding large scale or multiple park projects. Recent examples are the Cities of Fridley
and Coon Rapids. Fridley issued $20 million in bonds for a $30,000 Parks redevelopment program.
Options the Council may consider are:
Do nothing
Redevelop as funding becomes available through traditional methods.
Redevelopment of specific parks (Partial system redevelopment)
Redevelopment of all remaining parks (Complete system redevelopment)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
While doing nothing is always an option, the condition and needs of our park system is significant.
Reinvestment in our Park System will require bonding. Considering other City needs that will also require
bonding, such as facilities (Public Works and Murzyn Hall) and current and future infrastructure (37th Avenue,
Water Meter replacement, Central Avenue, sidewalks), the Council may want to consider funding a phased
approach. Choosing to redevelop smaller to medium parks could be accomplished in the near term. Delaying
redevelopment of larger parks such as Huset would allow us to explore other funding sources such as State
requests or other grant opportunities. It would also allow us to update the Master Plans for larger parks as the
athletic field needs facilitated in these parks have changed (such as soccer fields or pickleball).
Staff has provided a suggested plan under this funding scenario, attached. This approach would redevelop
identified parks in 2024 and 2025. I should also note that any park redevelopment authorized by the Council
would include public engagement and communications with the community as established in the Council
goals.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Updated Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Summary
Updated Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Park by Park
Phased funding scenario
17
Item 3.
Park Redevelopment
Phased Approach
2024:
Hilltop Park: $165,000
Labelle Park: $110,000
Prestemon Park: $825,000
2025:
Edgemoor Park: $165,000
Lomianki Park: $475,000
Keyes Park: $850,000
Wargo Court: $425,000
Total 2023 Bonding: $3,025,000
Future Years:
Sullivan Lake Park: $600,000*
Ostrander Park: $550,000
McKenna Park: $1,350,000
Ramsdell Park: $800,000
Gauvitte Park: $1,675,000 (Storm water funding)
$250,000 (Parks)
Huset Park West $3,950,000
Huset Park East $3,750,000
Total Future Funding: $12,925,000
* Medtronic Redevelopment (timing)
18
Item 3.
2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan
Parks Department
412-5200
Project 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Total Cost Notes
Huset Park **
Implement Master Plan including: $3,000,000 $3,000,000 Master Plan includes east and west
Site Grading, EC, landscaping and restoration $400,000
Contaminated soils (export - landfill) $225,000 1990 report
Pinwheel Ballfields (west), fencing and irrigation $800,000 3 or 4 fields in a pinwheel design
Remove block garage / Install concession & restroom bldg $825,000 and storage
Remove Jefferson bld & new picnic shelter $215,000
Install Baseball and Soccer Fields (East) $400,000 1 each
Playground Replacement (east) $135,000
JPM Parking lot and access drive Mill to Huset Prkwy $475,000 $475,000 Recon of lower JPM lot, add access dr
Gauvitte Park $1,045,000 $1,045,000 Cost share MWMO - TBD
Develop Master Plan / SWIA $25,000 $25,000 MWMO funded
Construct storm water infiltration area (SWIA) * $400,000 MWMO watershed funding (tbd)
Purchase property for pipe access to (SWIA) $250,000 MWMO watershed funding (tbd)
Replace playground equipment $115,000
Building demolition / new picnic shelter $145,000
Site Grading, EC, landscaping and restoration $135,000 Eval for soccer field
McKenna Park $640,000 $640,000
Develop Master Plan $18,000 $18,000
Remove wading pool $25,000 maintain only 2 water features
Remodel parkhouse $225,000
Reconstruct Athletic Fields $175,000 (?) Maintain 1 or 2 fields
Site Grading, Parking lot, EC, landscaping and restoration $215,000 new parking lot off 48th Ave
Sullivan Park **$450,000 $450,000
Rehab park storage building $50,000 Masonry, Doors, windows, locks
Reconstruct tennis courts $275,000 full reconstruction, poor soils
Inclusive Play area $125,000 Add to existing play area
53rd & Central
Construct entrance sign to city - yr TBD $40,000 $40,000 ~$10k from former CH chamber
Ramsdall Park **$525,000 $525,000
Remove wading pool / construct splash pad $415,000 smaller than Huset SP
Complete trail (shown in Master Plan) $25,000 City Staff
Trail Lighting $85,000 LED ~ 10 lights
Skate Park (Johnson & 49th Ave - ISD 13 property)$165,000 evaluate need (not in budget), cost can vary
Hilltop Park
Replace playground equipment $75,000 $75,000 no Master Plan - equip only
Silver Lake Park **
Construct pathway from Stinson Blvd to Benjamin St $165,000 $165,000 difficult install - ADA issues, reevaluate need
Keyes Park **$550,000
Reconstruction based on Master Plan $550,000 $0 completed
Building remodel / addition $400,000 $400,000 Remodel interior / add covered picnic area
North Sidewalk (46th and Reservoir) $125,000 $125,000
19
Item 3.
Complete trail (shown in Master Plan) $25,000 $25,000 City Staff install (materials cost only)
Ostrander Park $600,000 $600,000
Develop Master Plan $20,000 $20,000
Site Grading, ponding, EC, landscaping and restoration $180,000 serve as area storm WQ (underground)
Replace playground equipment $115,000
Remove Park Building $30,000
New Picnic Shelter $115,000
Reconstruct Hockey Rink $95,000 requires commission review (or demolish)
Paved Trail $65,000 Perimeter only
La Belle Park **
Retrofit existing and add Lighting for walking trail $135,000 $135,000 LED lighting east side, LED fixtures
Silver Lake Boat Landing **
Reconstruct boat landing $550,000 $0 completed, partial grant funded
Reconstruct stormwater retention pond * $347,000 $0 completed, partial grant funded
Prestemon Park $477,500 $477,500 rehabbed in 1999
Reconstruct basketball court $75,000
Reconstruct Parking lots $100,000
Remove Park Building $22,500
Construct Picnic Shelter $165,000
Construct Dog Park $115,000 requires commission review
Lomianki Park $235,000
Replace playground equipment $85,000 $85,000
Rehabilitate Park Building / Grounds $150,000 $150,000 Refresh, not a major recon
Edgemoor Park
Replace playground equipment $85,000 $85,000 No Master Plan - equip only
Wargo Court **
Develop Master Plan $5,000 $5,000 Complete Master Plan
Park Reconstruction based on Master Plan $385,000 $385,000 Wargo Estate funds (~150k)
Hart Lake $280,000
Install Trail west side of Hart Blvd $235,000 $235,000 ? State Aid, if available
Replace ped lighting west side of Hart Blvd $45,000 $45,000 5 LED lights
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
ANNUALLY: $0 $25,000 $0 $5,000 $793,000 $995,000 $1,500,000 $3,420,000 $1,892,500 $450,000 $9,080,500
Contingency $908,050 10%
TOTAL $9,988,550
* Project budgeted in Storm Sewer CIP
** Park Master Plan
Costs are construction estimates only and do not include soft costs such as architectural, testing, and inspection.
Costs estimates are 2022 basis
20
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
2 LS
4 SF
5 LS
6 LS
7 LS
8 LS
Opinion of Probable Cost
Hilltop Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
$6,0004" THICK STANDARD
CONCRETE WALK
400 $15
REMOVE AMENITIES 1 $1,500 $1,500
SITE AMENITIES 1 $10,000 $10,000
PLAY AREA 1 $125,000 $125,000
EROSION CONTROL 2 $1,000 $2,000
SEED RESTORATION AND
PLANTING
1 $5,000 $5,000
Contingency (10%)$14,950
PROJECT TOTAL $164,450
SUBTOTAL $149,500
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $149,500
21
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 LS
3 SF
4 LS
5 LS
6 LS
7 LS
PROJECT TOTAL $850,000
CONTINGENCY (10%)$77,200
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $849,200
SEED RESTORATION
AND LANDSCAPING
1 $20,000 $20,000
SUBTOTAL $772,000
RESTROOM
RENOVATION /
1 $450,000 $450,000
EROSION CONTROL 1 $10,000 $10,000
6' CONCRETE WALK 13800 $15 $207,000
SITE AMENITITIES 1 $25,000 $25,000
MOBILIZATION 1 $15,000 $15,000
EARTHWORK 1 $45,000 $45,000
Opinion of Probable Cost
Keyes Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
22
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 EA
3 EA
Opinion of Probable Cost
La Belle Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
CostMOBILIZATION1$5,000 $5,000
UPGRADE LIGHTS TO LED 8 $2,500 $20,000
NEW LIGHTS 8 $9,000 $72,000
SUBTOTAL $97,000
PROJECT TOTAL $110,000
CONTINGENCY (10%)$9,700
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $106,700
23
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 LS
3 SY
4 SY
5 LS
6 LS
7 SF
8 SY
9 LS
10 EA
11 LS
12 LS
13 LS
14 LS
PROJECT TOTAL $550,000
SUBTOTAL $497,600
CONTINGENCY (10%)$49,760
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $547,360
EROSION CONTROL 1 $5,000 $5,000
SEED RESTORATION
AND LANDSCAPING
1 $20,000 $20,000
PLAY AREA 1 $150,000 $150,000
PLANTINGS 1 $10,000 $10,000
SITE FURNISHINGS 1 $25,000 $25,000
24'x24' SHELTER 1 $100,000 $100,000
4" THICK STANDARD
CONCRETE
150 $15 $2,250
BITUMINOUS
W/AGGREGATE BASE
(RINK AND TRAIL)
2600 $30 $78,000
REMOVE PLAY AREA 1 $15,000 $15,000
EARTHWORK 1 $50,000 $50,000
REMOVE CONCRETE 120 $12 $1,440
REMOVE BITUMINOUS
PAVEMENT
650 $10 $6,500
MOBILIZATION 1 $24,410 $24,410
REMOVE AND GRUB
TREES/STUMPS
1 $10,000 $10,000
Opinion of Probable Cost
Ostrander Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
24
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 LS
3 LF
4 LS
7 SY
8 LS
9 LS
10 LS
11 LS
12 LS
13 LS
14 LS
15 LF
16 SF
17 SY
18 LS
19 LS
20 LS
21 LS
22 LS
23 LS
PROJECT TOTAL $3,950,000
CONTINGENCY (10%)$358,830
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $3,947,130
SEED RESTORATION
AND LANDSCAPING
1.00 $120,000 $120,000
SUBTOTAL $3,588,300
RESTROOM/
CONCESSIONS
1 $850,000 $850,000
EROSION CONTROL 1 $12,000 $12,000
SOFTBALL FIELD,
IRRIGATION, FENCING
3 $300,000 $900,000
SITE FURNISHINGS 1 $50,000 $50,000
BITUMINOUS TRAIL
W/AGGREGATE BASE
3850 $30 $115,500
PARKING LOT 100
SPACES
1 $345,000 $345,000
CURB AND GUTTER 1,080 $30 $32,400
4" THICK STANDARD
CONCRETE WALK
4500 $15 $67,500
STORMWATER
IMPROVEMENTS
1 $50,000 $50,000
EARTHWORK 1 $300,000 $300,000
WATER
IMPROVEMENTS
1 $50,000 $50,000
SANITARY
IMPROVEMENTS
1 $40,000 $40,000
REMOVE BALLFIELDS 4 $15,000 $60,000
ELECTRICAL
IMPROVEMENTS
1 $95,000 $95,000
REMOVE BITUMINOUS
PAVEMENT
8,950 $10 $89,500
REMOVE BLOCK SHED 1 $22,500 $22,500
REMOVE CURB 1,575 $12 $18,900
REMOVE/REPLACE
CONTAMINATED
1 $250,000 $250,000
MOBILIZATION 1 $95,000 $95,000
REMOVE AND GRUB
TREES/STUMPS
1 $25,000 $25,000
Opinion of Probable Cost
Huset West Park West
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
25
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 LS
3 SY
4 LS
5 LS
6 LS
7 LS
8 LF
9 SF
10 SY
11 SY
12 SY
13 LS
14 LS
15 LS
16 LS
17 EA
18 LS
19 LS
20 LS
Opinion of Probable Cost
McKenna Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
EARTHWORK 1 $110,000 $110,000
$15,000
REMOVE AND GRUB
TREES/STUMPS
1 $10,000 $10,000
REMOVE BITUMINOUS
PAVEMENT
2,850 $10 $28,500
MOBILIZATION 1 $15,000
BITUMINOUS
W/AGGREGATE BASE
2100 $30 $63,000
REMOVE PARK BUILDING 1 $20,000 $20,000
REMOVE WADING
POOL/BLDG
1 $15,000 $15,000
STORMWATER
IMPROVEMENTS
1 $95,000 $95,000
SOFTBALL FIELD,
BACKSTOP FENCING,
1 $150,000 $150,000
CURB AND GUTTER 800 $30 $24,000
4" THICK STANDARD
CONCRETE WALK
3000 $15 $45,000
BITUMINOUS
W/AGGREGATE BASE (NEW
1800 $30 $54,000
IRRIGATION 1 $50,000 $50,000
BITUMINOUS TRAIL
W/AGGREGATE BASE
2500 $30 $75,000
PARKING LOT 35 SPACES 1 $225,000 $225,000
SOCCER FIELD,
IRRIGATION
1 $75,000 $75,000
PROJECT TOTAL $1,350,000
SUBTOTAL $1,227,500
Contingency (10%)$122,750
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $1,350,250
$35,000 $35,000
SITE FURNISHINGS 1 $30,000 $30,000
SILT FENCE 1 $8,000 $8,000
SEED RESTORATION &
PLANTINGS
1
24'x24' SHELTER 1 $100,000 $100,000
26
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 LS
3 LF
7 SY
8 LS
9 LS
10 LS
11 LS
12 LS
13 LS
14 LS
15 LS
16 LF
17 SY
18 SF
19 SY
20 LS
21 LS
22 LS
23 LS
24 LS
25 LS
26 LF
27 LS
PROJECT TOTAL $3,750,000
SUBTOTAL $3,404,400
CONTINGENCY (10%)$340,440
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $3,744,840
EROSION CONTROL 1 $12,000 $12,000
SEED RESTORATION/ LANDSCAPE 1.00 $125,000 $125,000
SHELTER 1 $150,000 $150,000
PLAY AREA 1 $150,000 $150,000
BASEBALL FIELD, IRRIGATION, FENCING,
LIGHTING,DUGOUT CANOPIES
1 $500,000 $500,000
SITE FURNISHINGS 1 $50,000 $50,000
PARKING LOT (40 SPACES)1 $125,000 $125,000
SOCCER FIELD W/ IRRIGATION 1 $100,000 $100,000
4" THICK STANDARD CONCRETE WALK 10500 $15 $157,500
BITUMINOUS TRAIL W/AGGREGATE
BASE
3400 $30 $102,000
CURB AND GUTTER 1,400 $30 $42,000
BITUMINOUS DRIVE 22,800 $35 $798,000
STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS 1 $100,000 $100,000
EARTHWORK 1 $300,000 $300,000
ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS 1 $75,000 $75,000
WATER IMPROVEMENTS 1 $15,000 $15,000
REMOVE BALLFIELD 1 $15,000 $15,000
REMOVE HUSET BUILDING 1 $17,500 $17,500
REMOVE/REPLACE CONTAMINATED
SOILS
1 $250,000 $250,000
REMOVE BASKETBALL COURTS &
VOLLEYBALL AREA
1 $20,000 $20,000
REMOVE CURB 3,200 $12 $38,400
REMOVE BITUMINOUS 14,200 $10 $142,000
MOBILIZATION 1 $95,000 $95,000
REMOVE AND GRUB TREES/STUMPS 1 $25,000 $25,000
Opinion of Probable Cost
Huset Park East & Huset Parkway
Description Estimated Quantity Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
27
Item 3.
Estimated
Quantity
1
1
1
1
1600
1
1
1
1
1
Estimated
Quantity
1
1
400
835
1
1
1
1
1
1
900
3000
3100
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Opinion of Probable Cost
Park Improvements
Item No.Description Unit Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
2 REMOVE AND GRUB TREES/STUMPS LS $2,500 $2,500
1 MOBILIZATION LS $10,000 $10,000
4 EARTHWORK LS $35,000 $35,000
3 REMOVE HOCKEY RINK LS $3,000 $3,000
6 SOCCER FIELD, GRADING, LANDSCAPING LS $50,000 $50,000
5 BITUMINOUS TRAILS (SOUTH) W/AGGREGATE BASE SY $30 $48,000
8 EROSION CONTROL LS $4,000 $4,000
7 AMENITIES (INCLUDING DISC GOLF)LS $15,000 $15,000
10 SITE RESTORATION LS $50,000 $50,000
9 PLANTINGS LS $10,000 $10,000
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE
TOTAL (PARK)
$250,250
SUBTOTAL $227,500
CONTINGENCY (10%)$22,750
Item No.Description Unit Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
PROJECT TOTAL (PARK)$250,000
1 MOBILIZATION LS $50,000 $50,000
Stormwater Improvements
3 REMOVE CURB LF $12 $4,800
2 REMOVE AND GRUB TREES/STUMPS LS $10,000 $10,000
5 REMOVE BASKETBALL COURTS LS $2,500 $250,000
4 REMOVE BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT SY $8 $6,680
7 REMOVE BUILDING LS $25,000 $25,000
6 REMOVE AMENITIES LS $5,000 $5,000
9 STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS (LAND PURCHASE)LS $350,000 $350,000
8 STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS (INF BASIN / POND)LS $435,000 $435,000
11 CURB AND GUTTER LF $30 $27,000
10 EARTHWORK LS $40,000 $40,000
13 BITUMINOUS W/AGG BASE (N. TRAILS / PARKING)SY $30 $93,000
12 4" THICK STANDARD CONCRETE SF $15 $45,000
15 BASKETBALL COURT LS $70,000 $70,000
14 PARKING LOT STRIPING LS $2,000 $2,000
17 PORTABLE RESTROOM & ENCLOSURE LS $10,000 $10,000
16 AMENITIES LS $25,000 $25,000
19 PLAY AREA LS $125,000 $125,000
18 24'x24' SHELTER EA $100,000 $100,000
LS $35,000 $35,000
20 EROSION CONTROL LS $3,500 $3,500
PROJECT TOTAL $1,675,000
Gauvitte Park
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL
(STORMWATER)
$1,932,678
SUBTOTAL $1,756,980
CONTINGENCY (10%)$175,698
22 SITE RESTORATION LS $45,000 $45,000
21 PLANTINGS
28
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 LS
3 SF
4 LS
5 LS
6 LS
7 LS
8 LS
9 SF
10 SY
11 LS
12 LS
13 LS
14 LS
15 EA
16 LS
17 LS
18 LS
PROJECT TOTAL $475,000
SUBTOTAL $431,750
CONTINGENCY (10%)$43,175
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $474,925
EROSION CONTROL 1 $2,500 $2,500
SEED RESTORATION AND
EROSION CONTROL
1 $17,500 $17,500
24'x24' SHELTER 1 $100,000 $100,000
PLAY AREA 1 $125,000 $125,000
PORTABLE RESTROOM
ENCLOSURE
1 $10,000 $10,000
SHED 1 $10,000 $10,000
PARKING LOT (6-8 STALLS)1 $25,000 $25,000
SITE AMENITIES 1 $15,000 $15,000
4" THICK STANDARD
CONCRETE
150 $15 $2,250
BITUMINOUS TRAIL
W/AGGREGATE BASE
800 $30 $24,000
WATER IMPROVEMENTS 1 $10,000 $10,000
EARTHWORK 1 $30,000 $30,000
REMOVE AMENITIES 1 $12,500 $12,500
ELECTRICAL
IMPROVEMENTS
1 $5,000 $5,000
REMOVE CONCRETE 250 $12 $3,000
REMOVE BUILDING 1 $15,000 $15,000
MOBILIZATION 1 $20,000 $20,000
REMOVE AND GRUB
TREES/STUMPS
1 $5,000 $5,000
Opinion of Probable Cost
Lomianki Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
29
Item 3.
PROJECT TOTAL $575,000
SUBTOTAL $520,250
CONTINGENCY (10%)$52,025
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $572,275
$15,000
C BITUMINOUS W/AGGREGATE BASE SY 450 $35
$4,500
3 Remove wading pool and pool bldg LS 1 $12,500 $12,500
6 Trail Lighting EA 6 $7500 $45,000
LS 1 $22,500 $22,500
8 PLANTINGS LS 1 $15,000
$25,000
PROJECT TOTAL $800,000
D SITE AMENITIES (Skate Park)LS 1 $25,000
B SKATE PARK LS 1 $475,000 $475,000
SKATE PARK (Grant Funded)
$15,750
1 $550000 $550,000
5 BITUMINOUS TRAIL SY 1,525 $35
4 EARTHWORK
7 Splash Pad (2,500 SF), w/ control building,
Fencing
EA
2 REMOVE AND GRUB TREES/STUMPS LS 1 $4,500 $4,500
A REMOVE BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT SY 450 $10
SUBTOTAL $727,875
CONTINGENCY (10%)$72,788
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $800,663
9 SITE RESTORATION / EROSION CONTROL LS 1 $10,000 $10,000
$53,375
Opinion of Probable Cost
1 MOBILIZATION LS 1 $15,000 $15,000
Item No.Description Unit Estimated Estimated Unit Estimated Total
Ramsdell Park
30
Item 3.
PROJECT TOTAL $825,000
Prestemon Park
SUBTOTAL $750,000
CONTINGENCY (10%)$75,000
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $825,000
17 SITE RESTORATION LS 1 $50,000 $50,000
16 PLANTINGS LS 1 $10,000 $10,000
15 EROSION CONTROL LS 1 $10,000 $10,000
14 24'x24' SHELTER EA 1 $125,000 $125,000
13 SITE AMENITIES LS 1 $10,000 $10,000
12 PLAY AREA LS 1 $150,000 $150,000
11 DOG PARK (0.8 - 1 ACRE)LS 1 $75,000 $75,000
10 COLOR COATING BASKETBALL COURT LS 1 $8,500 $8,500
9 PARKING LOT STRIPING LS 1 $5,000 $5,000
8 BITUMINOUS TRAIL SY 2,700 $35 $94,500
7 BITUMINOUS W/AGGREGATE BASE SY 2,000 $35 $70,000
6 EARTHWORK LS 1 $20,000 $20,000
5 REMOVE PLAY AREA LS 1 $15,000 $15,000
4 REMOVE BUILDING LS 1 $15,000 $15,000
3 REMOVE BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT SY 4,700 $10 $47,000
2 REMOVE AND GRUB TREES/STUMPS LS 1 $20,000 $20,000
Opinion of Probable Cost
1 MOBILIZATION LS 1 $25,000 $25,000
Item No.Description Unit Estimated Estimated Unit Estimated Total
31
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 LS
3 SY
4 LS
5 LS
6 LS
7 SF
8 LS
9 LS
10 LS
11 LS
12 LS
SUBTOTAL $380,680
PROJECT TOTAL $425,000
CONTINGENCY (10%)$40,000
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $420,680
SILT FENCE 1 $5,000 $5,000
SEED RESTORATION AND
PLANTING
1 $50,000 $50,000
SITE AMENITIES 1 $25,000 $25,000
GATEWAY MONUMENT 1 $50,000 $50,000
EARTHWORK 1 $15,000 $15,000
4" THICK STANDARD
CONCRETE
2000 $15 $30,000
REMOVE AMENITIES 1 $6,000.00 $6,000
WATER FEATURE 1 $125,000 $125,000
1 $5,000 $5,000
REMOVE CONCRETE 390 $12 $4,680
SITE LANDSCAPING 1 $50,000$50,000
Opinion of Probable Cost
Wargo Court Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
CostMOBILIZATION1$15,000 $15,000
REMOVE AND GRUB
TREES/STUMPS
32
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 SF
3 LS
4 LS
5 LS
6 LS
Opinion of Probable Cost
Edgemoor Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
$6,0004" THICK STANDARD
CONCRETE WALK
400 $15
REMOVE AMENITIES 1 $1,500 $1,500
SITE AMENITIES 1 $10,000 $10,000
PLAY AREA 1 $125,000 $125,000
EROSION CONTROL 2 $1,000 $2,000
SEED RESTORATION AND
PLANTING
1 $5,000 $5,000
Contingency (10%)$14,950
PROJECT TOTAL $164,450
SUBTOTAL $149,500
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $149,500
33
Item 3.
Item No.Unit
1 LS
2 LS
3 SF
4 LS
5 LS
6 LS
7 LS
8 SF
9 SY
10 EA
11 LS
12 LS
13 LSSEED RESTORATION
AND EROSION
CONTROL BLANKET
1 $10,000 $10,000
PROJECT TOTAL $600,000
SUBTOTAL $544,150
CONTINGENCY (10%)$54,415
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE TOTAL $598,565
INCLUSIVE PLAY AREA 1 $145,000 $145,000
PLANTINGS 1 $5,000 $5,000
BITUMINOUS TRAIL
W/AGGREGATE BASE
1100 $30 $33,000
TENNIS COURTS,
FENCING, NETS,
SURFACING
2 $125,000 $250,000
EARTHWORK / SOIL
CORRECTIONS
1 $45,000 $45,000
4" THICK STANDARD
CONCRETE
250 $15 $3,750
REMOVE AMENITIES 1 $5,000 $5,000
ELECTRICAL
IMPROVEMENTS
1 $5,000 $5,000
REMOVE CONCRETE 200 $12 $2,400
REMOVE TENNIS
COURT
1 $15,000 $15,000
MOBILIZATION 1 $20,000 $20,000
REMOVE AND GRUB
TREES/STUMPS
1 $5,000 $5,000
Opinion of Probable Cost
Sullivan Lake Park
Description Estimated
Quantity
Estimated Unit
Price
Estimated Total
Cost
34
Item 3.
ITEM: City Hall - update
DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Kevin Hansen / June 28, 2023
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
X Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
X Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_ Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
Work on the buildout of our new City Hall is wrapping up. Furniture is being delivered and installed with the final
truckload scheduled for Monday, July 3rd. The wood panel ceiling tiles are being installed and should be complete on
Friday, June 30th. The electrician will be on site into the week of July 3rd finishing both the furniture and ceiling tile
installs and miscellaneous electrical. Work in the Council chambers will also be wrapped up the week of July 3rd.
The permanent backup generator is out until December for delivery and install so a temporary generator will be
installed to provide emergency backup power and is one of the final element to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy on
July 7th. Our IT department is also installing computers as the desks and workstations are completed. They have also
been testing the network and will be working with Granicus (former Swagit) July 19-22 for the Council Chambers
broadcast installation and testing.
The current timeline has Doran final cleanup and turning the building over July 10th. Staff will start bringing over files and
office items July 11-21. The current City Hall will shut down July 21 to facilitate final transfer of systems and plan to be
operational in the new building July 24th. It is also expected that the first council meeting will take place on the 24th.
I should note that exterior signage is behind in production and will be installed in August.
And please mark your calendars - the Grand Opening is currently scheduled for Thursday, August 17th, from 5:00 to 7:30.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
None = informational update
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE JUNE 5, 2023
35
Item 4.
ITEM: 24 – 36 months – Projects and Activities / Goal Setting update
DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Kevin Hansen & Aaron Chirpich -
6/29/2023
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
X Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
X Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
Phil Kern presented the 2023 Strategic Planning and Goal Setting Report to Council at the March 27, 2023
meeting, which was then approved by the Council at their April 10th regular meeting. The 2023-24 Short Term
Goals are attached. In addition to the goals established, staff is working on several projects and activities at
different levels of development. A listing of those is also attached.
Staff will provide an update on the projects/activities at the work session. A primary consideration for the
Council is to recognize the resources (funding and staff) necessary to complete and/or implement these
projects and activities. It will become necessary to establish clear priorities for the work from a resource
perspective – both our ability to fund them, and staff time necessary for development and implementation. It
will be critical to focus staff time and investigate funding alternatives.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Discussion of projects and activities / update on goals / Develop priorities
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): Informational Purposes Only
MOTION: No Motion – Information and Discussion
ATTACHMENT(S):
2023 Short Term Goals
Project and Activity Listing
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE 7/5/2023
36
Item 5.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
37
Item 5.
SHORT-TERM GOALS
The third portion of the Strategic Planning process was to develop a short-term goals platform and workplan to guide the
organization in the coming years. Participants were offered the opportunity to present draft goals that addressed any of
the following objectives - short-term actions that lead to a core strategy or strategic objective, goals to address
weaknesses, opportunities, or potential impacts discussed during the assessment process, or other goals that individual
members viewed to be important for the City. The process encouraged the brainstorming of SMART goals - specific,
measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (1-2 years) - and objectives that would support the core strategies and
vision.
Following the brainstorming process, a prioritization process was used to develop the following list of high priority and
priority goals. Participants were given the ability to choose a limited number of brainstormed goals as their top priorities.
As each participant ’s choices were collected, the draft goals were bunched into three categories. The categories and
prioritization followed these guidelines:
●High Priority Goals - goals that were identified by a majority of the Council as top priority and also received
support from City Staff.
●Opportunity Goals - goals that fell short of a Council majority but were identified as a top priority by at least two
members of the Council or one Council member and two or more staff members.
●Other Goals - goals that did not have an initial priority ranking by more than one member. (Included as an
appendix to the report.)
Proposed 2023-24 Short-Term Goals
High Priority - goals that are the top priority of the organization in the coming two-year period.
1.Develop architectural and financial plan for replacement of the Public 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
Opportunity - goals that have organizational support,to be pursued when opportunity is available.
8.Find external grants and evaluate establishing a city grant program for Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing
(NOAH) properties
9.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
10.Build End-to-End communications infrastructure for City buildings and sites
11.Educate staff and elected officials on National Incident Management System (NIMS)
12.Develop and implement integrated online services
38
Item 5.
13.Complete 43rd and Central PUD approval and initiate construction
14.Improve and expand code enforcement, evaluate point-of-sale program
15.Continue working towards creating a City workforce that accurately represents the community
16.Establish centralized translation services for all departments and provide language support services at all public
meetings
17.Strengthen brand awareness across projects, activities, goals, and at the liquor store
NEXT STEPS
The next step in the goal setting process is to work within each of these short-term goals to develop action plans and the
establishment of benchmarks to measure progress. One of the discussion items during the workshop involved the
identification of measurables, or benchmarks, to effectively evaluate the City’s accomplishment of each goal. Developing
measurable outcomes for each goal will also help in the development of action plans to reach the desired outcome. The
goals should then be revisited from time-to-time as an accountability measure for both the Council and staff.
Additionally, finding ways to integrate the goals into the organizational processes also helps to develop success. Building
on the methods in which Columbia Heights has been successful in the past is recommended, along with exploring new
methods of keeping the goals on the forefront of the leadership team’s efforts.It was an honor to assist your team in the
process of establishing its Strategic Plan for the coming years.
Respectfully submitted,
Phil Kern
Facilitator
39
Item 5.
PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Development/Project Activities
a) Alatus CH2 (old Rainbow Site).
i. Entitlements
ii. Preliminary Plans
iii. Sanitary Sewer Capacity
iv. 44th Avenue Rehabilitation
Trail (grant application)
b) Medtronic Site
i. Comp Plan
c) City Hall / Ratio (Alatus)
i. Move-in / Facility orientation
d) Major State/Federal Aid Program – 2023
i. 37th Avenue: Central to Stinson; 37th Place: 37th Avenue to Stinson Blvd
ii. 53rd Avenue Turnabout: Central to Medtronic
iii. 53rd Avenue Trail and Street: Medtronic to University (water main rplmnt)
e) Street Rehabilitation Program: Zone 1 Street Rehab (2026/27)
i. 3 yr Suspension (temporary) of Street Zone Work beginning in 2023
f) Alley Program: recon to concrete
i. 2024 & 2025: 5-6 alleys each year
g) Park Redevelopment
i. CIP update (Staff CIP; WSB update)
ii. Funding plan
iii. Phased implementation
h) MSC Master Plan / Costs / Funding
i. State Bonding Request
ii. Preliminary Design
i) JPM Facility Analysis
i. Facility Condition Analysis
ii. Community Center Discussion
j) MNDOT 2023 Central Avenue Demonstration Project (pedestrian safety)
k) MNDOT PEL Study on Central and University (Phase II by end of year)
l) Metro Transit – BRT Line, 2025/26 construction
m) TH 65 (Central Avenue) 2025 HSIP Safety Improvements: Lighting and sidewalks
n) Store #3 Remodeling
2. Anoka County
a) 40th Avenue Full Reconstruction: Main to Central (Joint w/ Anoka County)
a. CSAH 2 Corridor Study
b. Turnback (potential)
3. Departmental
a) SS4A Federal Grant – Safety Action Plan
b) Sustainability Commission
c) Pedestrian/mobility Plan
i. Sidewalks
ii. Trails
iii. funding
40
Item 5.
d) Water Meter Replacement Program
i. 6,000+ new meters and data collection system
ii. Lead Service Lines
iii. I/I inspection
e) Rental Density Cap
f) Cannabis
g) Property Maintenance Code updates / License Fee
h) City-wide speed limit change
i) Update 5-year Capital Improvement Plan
j) Point of Sale Program
k) DEI Plan
41
Item 5.
ITEM: THC Legalization, Registration, and Zoning Update
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Mitchell Forney, 6/30/23
CORE CITY STRATEGIES:
XHealthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
In July of 2022, a Hemp Derived Edibles law passed by the state of Minnesota officially went into effect. In
response to the new law, the City of Columbia Heights put a moratorium on the creation of new hemp -derived
THC businesses, to create a license structure and implement zoning regulations. Earlier this year staff brought
the draft ordinance back to the council but recommended that the city wait to see what happened with the
full legalization of marijuana during the 2023 legislative session. Toward the end of the session, the state
officially legalized THC in various forms. The law that passed is approximately 320 pages long and many of the
city's representatives, LMC and Metro Cities, are still working to dissect the new regulations. As part of the
new law, the state is creating a new department the Office of Cannabis Management. This office will license
and regulate everything cannabis and has been tasked with assisting cities in creating ordinances in response
to the new law.
Because the moratorium is set to expire on August 22nd, Community Development staff wanted to bring
forward the possibility of extending the moratorium. Local regulations are limited to zoning limitations,
limiting the number of dispensaries, and creating a business registration program, similar to our current
licensing. The zoning limitations that can be considered include how close businesses can be to schools,
playgrounds, etc., and which zones certain businesses are allowed, manufacturers in industrial , retail in
general business. State law only allows the city to extend the moratorium for 6 months. Staff are requesting
an extension to give us space to properly establish basic zoning regulations in order to keep businesses from
being established in unwanted areas, next to schools, playgrounds, Churches, etc. In general, the next steps in
the process are listed below:
- Extension of the moratorium must be completed at the Jully 24th council meeting.
- Work session discussion on a draft zoning ordinance regarding how many dispensaries are allowed,
how close to a school can a business sell THC.
- First reading of the zoning ordinance.
- Second reading of the ordinance.
- The ordinance goes into effect 30 days after the second reading.
- Remove the moratorium after the ordinance goes into place.
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE 07/05/2023
42
Item 6.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. League of MN Cities Adult Use Cannabis FAQ
43
Item 6.
6/30/23, 9:22 AM Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know - League of Minnesota Cities
https://www.lmc.org/resources/adult-use-cannabis-what-cities-need-to-know/1/19
Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities
Need to Know
Published: June 12, 2023
A new law enacted at the end of the 2023 legislative session legalizes adult–use cannabis in
Minnesota and establishes a regulatory framework over the cannabis industry. Since the
enactment of the law, the League of Minnesota Cities has been researching and collecting
information from state agencies and stakeholders to answer questions pertaining to local
regulatory authority, law enforcement, taxing, and employment.
Read the full bill
The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) aim to provide information to cities about the
new law to assist local governments in making decisions related to the law. The League will
continually update this information as necessary.
Get answers to FAQs regarding the new
law on adul t-use cannabis
General information
Q1. What does the new law do?
Q2. How much cannabis can a person legally possess?
Q3. Are cannabis products legal under federal regulations?
Q4. Can a person grow their own cannabis?
Q5. Does the Clean Indoor Air Act apply to cannabis products?
Q6. What types of licenses will the OCM issue?
Q7. Can cannabis start to be sold now?
Q8. Under the new law, where can adult-use cannabis be sold?
Q9. Could my cityʼs municipal liquor store sell adult-use cannabis?
Q10. Can my city have a municipal cannabis retail store?
Taxation and revenue
Q11. How will these new products be taxed?
44
Item 6.
6/30/23, 9:22 AM Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know - League of Minnesota Cities
https://www.lmc.org/resources/adult-use-cannabis-what-cities-need-to-know/2/19
Q12. Can our city impose its own cannabis tax?
Q13. Do sales taxes apply?
Q14. Who receives taxes collected from the sale of cannabis products?
Q15. What is considered a “taxable cannabis product retailer?”
Q16. How much revenue will cities receive from the local government cannabis aid fund?
Q17. When will cities receive revenue from the local government cannabis aid account?
Enforcement and public safety
Q18. How is the new law enforced?
Q19. What are penalties for someone selling edible cannabis products that do not meet the
stateʼs requirements?
Q20. Can a person still be charged with possession of cannabis products?
Q21. Can a person still be charged with sale of cannabis products?
Q22. Can a person be charged with a crime for cultivating cannabis?
Q23. Can a person be charged with a crime for using cannabis in public?
Q24. How do our officers determine if a driver is under the influence of adult-use cannabis?
Q25. Is it a crime to use cannabis products while operating a motor vehicle?
Q26. Is it a crime to possess cannabis products in a motor vehicle?
Q27. Could cities prohibit the sale of adult-use cannabis entirely?
Q28. Is our city required to adopt regulations under the new law?
Q29. Are prior convictions for cannabis use expunged and what is the cityʼs role in that process?
City regulation
Q30. Can the city require sellers to have a city-issued license?
Q31. When is our city required to issue retail registration to a cannabis retail business?
Q32. Can a retail registration issued by our city be transferred?
Q33. Is our city required to conduct compliance checks on businesses with a cannabis retail
registration?
Q34. Can our city charge a fee for a cannabis retail registration?
Q35. Can my city limit the number of cannabis retailer licenses issued in our city?
Q36. How does this impact my cityʼs existing license for THC products?
Q37. Which state agency is charged with regulating edible cannabinoid products until the OCM
begins licensing cannabis products?
45
Item 6.
6/30/23, 9:22 AM Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know - League of Minnesota Cities
https://www.lmc.org/resources/adult-use-cannabis-what-cities-need-to-know/3/19
Q38. What changes have been made to the edible cannabinoid law adopted in 2022?
Q39. Can edible cannabinoid products be sold for on-site consumption?
Q40. Will I be able to prohibit cannabis events in my city?
Q41. How does this impact my cityʼs existing THC license program?
Q42. How does the new law impact my cityʼs existing THC moratorium?
Q43. Can the cityʼs zoning regulation restrict where a business can operate?
Q44. Can cities adopt a moratorium prohibiting the sale, manufacturing, or distribution of
adult-use cannabis to study the issue?
Q45: What if my city has complaints about a licensed cannabis business?
Q46: Can a city deny a liquor license if they find that the business is selling cannabis or low-
potency hemp products without a license?
Q47. Can a city suspend or revoke a tobacco license if they find that they are selling cannabis or
low-potency hemp products without a license?
City employment and personnel issues
Q48. Does the new law allowing adult-use cannabis change anything about how we do drug
testing for CDL holders?
Q49. Does the new law change anything related to employees who carry a firearm?
Q50. Besides positions requiring a CDL or carrying a firearm, are there any other positions
which are not affected by the new law?
Q51. Can we still prohibit employees from being under the influence of cannabis while at
work? Does the League have a model policy with updated language?
Q52. If an employee is injured while being under the influence of cannabis at work, are they
still entitled to workersʼ compensation benefits?
Q53. Can employees be in possession of edibles or other cannabis products while at work?
Q54. Do we need to change anything in our collective bargaining agreement (CBA) regarding
discipline of employees who use cannabis products?
Q55. Can employees use cannabis products off-duty?
Q56. How does this impact the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act?
Q57. Should my city continue to include cannabis as a pre-employment panel screen for my
non-DOT/safety-sensitive employees?
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General information
Q1. What does the new law do?
A1. The new law legalizes the possession, use, manufacturing, and sale of certain cannabis
products within the state. It establishes the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which is
charged with, among other things, enforcing an organized system of regulation for the
cannabis industry and the hemp consumer industry. The law also:
Establishes labor standards for the use of cannabis and hemp products by employees and
testing of employees.
Establishes expungement procedures for certain individuals previously convicted of a crime
related to cannabis.
Possession, use, and home growth under this new law will be legal beginning Aug. 1, 2023, and
legal sales are expected to begin in January of 2025. Various other effective dates are noted
throughout these FAQs as they apply.
Access the Office of Cannabis Managementʼs website
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Q2. How much cannabis can a person legally possess?
A2. This law allows a person of 21 years of age or older to:
Use, possess, or transport cannabis paraphernalia.
Possess 2 ounces or less of cannabis flower in a public place.
Possess 2 pounds or less of cannabis flower in a personʼs residence.
Possess or transport 8 grams or less of adult-use cannabis concentrate.
Possess or transport edible products infused with a total of 800 milligrams or less of
tetrahydrocannabinol.
Give away cannabis flower and products in an amount that is legal for a person to possess in
public.
The law authorizes an individual to use adult-use cannabis flower and adult-use cannabis
products:
In a private residence including the individualʼs curtilage or yard.
On private property, unless the owner of the property prohibits the use of the products.
On the premises of an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption.
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Q3. Are cannabis products legal under federal regulations?
A3. Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, meaning it is illegal, with limited
exceptions, to grow, process, sell or possess marijuana from a federal standpoint.
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Q4. Can a person grow their own cannabis?
A4. The law authorizes a person to cultivate up to eight cannabis plants, of which four or fewer
may be mature, flowering plants provided that it is in an enclosed, locked space that is not
open to public view.
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Q5. Does the Clean Indoor Air Act apply to cannabis products?
A5. A person may not use cannabis flower, cannabis products, or hemp-derived consumer
products in a manner that involves the inhalation of smokes, aerosol, or vapor at any location
where smoking is prohibited under the Clean Indoor Air Act.
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Q6. What types of licenses will the OCM issue?
A6. The OCM will issue the following types of licenses:
Cannabis microbusiness.
Cannabis mezzobusiness.
Cannabis cultivator.
Cannabis manufacturer.
Cannabis retailer.
Cannabis wholesaler.
Cannabis transporter.
Cannabis testing facility.
Cannabis event organizer.
Cannabis delivery service.
Lower-potency hemp edible manufacturer.
Medical cannabis cultivator.
Medical cannabis processor.
Medical cannabis retailer.
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Q7. Can cannabis start to be sold now?
A7. Cannabis will not be able to be sold until the Office of Cannabis Management is established
and able to issue licenses. Communication from state agencies indicate an intended timeline of
January 2025 for when sales will be live to the public. Before beginning sales, a cannabis
retailer must obtain a local retail registration. Any business attempting to sell cannabis
products before licenses are issued should be reported to the Department of Health.
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Q8. Under the new law, where can adult-use cannabis be sold?
A8. Cannabis products and hemp derived consumer products may only be sold in business
with a license issued by the OCM.
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Q9. Could my city’s municipal liquor store sell adult-use cannabis?
A9. The law adds edible cannabinoid products as an item allowed to be sold at exclusive liquor
stores, including municipal liquor stores. The ability of cities to sell cannabinoid products at a
liquor store is unique to Minnesota and may create new and complex coverage and liability
questions around these products. The League and the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance
Trust (LMCIT) are working on guidance for cities considering selling cannabinoid products at
their municipal liquor stores. This information will be updated when such guidance is dra ed.
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Q10. Can my city have a municipal cannabis retail store?
A10. The new law authorizes cities to operate a municipal cannabis retail store. This is a unique
opportunity for Minnesota cities and more research is needed to determine the legal
ramifications of such an operation.
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Taxation and revenue
Q11. How will these new products be taxed?
A11. A tax equal to 10% of gross receipts from retail sales of taxable cannabis products will be
imposed on any taxable cannabis product retailer that sells cannabis products to customers.
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Q12. Can our city impose its own cannabis tax?
A12. Cities are prohibited from imposing a tax solely on the sale of taxable cannabis products.
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Q13. Do sales taxes apply ?
A13. The state sales tax and local sales taxes apply to cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoid
products.
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Q14. Who receives taxes collected f rom the sale of cannabis
products?
A14. Revenues from the retail sales of cannabis products will be divided, with 80% going to the
general fund and 20% to the local government cannabis aid account. Cities will receive 50% of
the amount certified to the local government cannabis aid account.
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Q15. What is considered a “taxable cannabis product retailer?”
A15. A taxable cannabis product retailer is a retailer that sells any taxable cannabis products.
This includes a cannabis retailer, cannabis microbusiness, cannabis mezzobusiness, and lower-
potency hemp edible retailer. Minn. Stat § 295.81, subd. 1(s).
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Q16. How much revenue will cities receive f rom the local
government cannabis aid fund?
A16. Half of the amount certified in the cannabis local government aid fund will go to cities.
Cities will receive a distribution proportional to the number of cannabis businesses located in
the city as compared to the number of cannabis businesses in all cities.
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Q17. When will cities receive revenue f rom the local government
cannabis aid account?
A17. The gross receipts tax goes is effective for gross receipts received a er June 30, 2023. The
law requires the Department of Revenue to certify the amount to be paid to each city by Sept. 1,
2024, and every year a er, and the full amount must be paid on Dec. 26, 2024, and every year
a er.
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Enforcement and public safety
Q18. How is the new law enforced?
A18. All licensing issues will be enforced by the Office of Cannabis Management. Until the
OCM is up and running, the currently legal hemp-derived edible products under Minn. Stat. §
151.72 will be temporarily regulated by the Department of Health, which is taking over the
enforcement of edible cannabis products previously done by the Board of Pharmacy. Local law
enforcement may still enforce illegal possession or use crimes where applicable.
Access the Department of Healthʼs site on the temporary regulation of lower-potency hemp
edibles
Return to top of page
Q19. What are penalties for someone selling edible cannabis
products that do not meet the state’s requirements?
A19. If a retailer is found to be selling edible cannabis products that do not meet state
requirements, the Department of Health may embargo the products and potentially destroy the
products with the retailer paying for all court costs and fees, storage, and other proper
expenses.
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Q20. Can a person still be charged with possession of cannabis
products?
A20. Beginning Aug. 1, 2023, the following actions are considered cannabis possession crimes:
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Possession of cannabis in the first degree. (Punishable by imprisonment for not more than five
years or payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both).
More than 2 pounds but not more than 10 kilograms of cannabis flower.
More than 160 grams but not more than 2 kilograms of cannabis concentrate.
Edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer
products infused with more than 16 grams but not more than 200 grams of THC.
Possession of cannabis in the second degree. (Punishable by imprisonment for not more than
one year or payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both).
More than 1 pound but not more than 2 pounds of cannabis flower in any place other than
the personʼs residence.
More than 80 grams but not more than 160 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer
products infused with more than 8 grams but not more than 16 grams of THC.
Possession of cannabis in the third degree. (Punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90
days or payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both).
More than 4 ounces but not more than 1 pound of cannabis flower in any place other than
the personʼs residence.
More than 16 grams but not more than 80 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer
products infused with more than 1,600 milligrams but not more than 8 grams of THC.
Possession of cannabis in the fourth degree. (Punishable as a petty misdemeanor).
More than 2 ounces but not more than 4 ounces of cannabis flower in any place other than
the personʼs residence.
More than 8 grams but not more than 16 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Edible cannabinoid products infused with more than 800 milligrams but not more than
1,600 milligrams of THC.
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Q21. Can a person still be charged with sale of cannabis products?
A21. Beginning Aug. 1, 2023, the following actions are considered cannabis sale crimes:
Sale of cannabis in the first degree. Punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years or
to a payment of a fine of not more than $10,000 or both if a person unlawfully sells more
than 2 ounces of cannabis flower; more than 8 grams of cannabis concentrate; or edible
cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products
infused with more than 800 milligrams of THC:
To a minor and the defendant is more than 36 months older than the minor.
Within 10 years of two or more convictions of sale in the second or third degree.
Within 10 years of a conviction of first degree
Sale of cannabis in the second degree. May be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than
one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both if an adult:
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Unlawfully sells more than 2 ounces of cannabis flower; more than 8 grams of cannabis
concentrate; or edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived
consumer products infused with more than 800 milligrams of THC:
In a school zone, a park zone, or a drug treatment facility; or
Within 10 years of a conviction of sale of cannabis in the first, second, or third degree.
Unlawfully sells cannabis flower, cannabis concentrate, edible cannabis products, lower-
potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products to a minor.
Sale of cannabis in the third degree. An adult may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more
than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both, if the adult unlawfully
sells:
More than 2 ounces of cannabis flower.
More than 8 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer
products infused with more than 800 milligrams of THC.
Sale of cannabis in the fourth degree. An adult is guilty of a petty misdemeanor if they
unlawfully sell:
Not more than 2 ounces of cannabis flower.
Not more than 8 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer
products infused with not more than 800 milligrams of THC.
A sale for no remuneration by an individual over the age of 21 to another individual over
the age of 21 is not unlawful as cannabis sale in the fourth degree.
Sale of cannabis by a minor. A minor is guilty of a petty misdemeanor if the minor unlawfully
sells:
Not more than 2 ounces of cannabis flower.
Not more than 8 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer
products infused with not more than 800 milligrams of THC.
A minor is guilty of a misdemeanor if the minor unlawfully sells:
More than 2 ounces of cannabis flower.
More than 8 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Edible cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer
products infused with more than 800 milligrams of THC.
Return to top of page
Q22. Can a person be charged with a crime for cultivating cannabis?
A22. Beginning Aug. 1, 2023, the following are crimes related to the cultivation of cannabis.
Cultivation of cannabis in the first degree. A person is guilty of cultivation of cannabis in the
first degree and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to
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payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if the person unlawfully cultivates more
than 23 cannabis plants.
Cultivation of cannabis in the second degree. A person is guilty of cultivation of cannabis in the
second degree and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to
payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both, if the person unlawfully cultivates more
than 16 cannabis plants but not more than 23 cannabis plants.
Return to top of page
Q23. Can a person be charged with a crime for using cannabis in
public?
A23. Beginning Aug. 1, 2023, a city may adopt an ordinance establishing a petty misdemeanor
offense for a person who unlawfully uses cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency
hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in a public place other than the following.
A private residence including the personʼs curtilage or yard.
Private property not generally accessible by the public, unless the person is explicitly
prohibited from consuming cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp
edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products on the property by the owner of the property.
The premises of an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption.
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Q24 . How do our of cers determine if a driver is under the in uence
of adult-use cannabis?
A24. Officers will need to use the same process for determining if a person is under the
influence of cannabis while operating a vehicle as they would have prior to the new law being
enacted.
Return to top of page
Q25. Is it a crime to use cannabis products while operating a motor
vehicle?
A25. It is a misdemeanor for a person to use cannabis flower, a cannabis product, a lower-
potency hemp edible, a hemp-derived consumer product, or any other product containing an
artificially derived cannabinoid in a motor vehicle when the vehicle is on a street or highway.
Return to top of page
Q26. Is it a crime to possess cannabis products in a motor vehicle?
A26. Beginning Aug. 1, 2023, a person may be charged with a misdemeanor if they possess
cannabis products in a motor vehicle on a street or highway if the products meet any of the
following conditions:
Do not meet the packaging requirements set in statute.
Have been removed from the packaging in which they were sold.
Are in packaging that has been opened, or the seal has been broken.
Are in packaging in which the contents have been partially removed.
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It is not considered a crime if the cannabis products are in the trunk of the vehicle or in
another area of the vehicle not normally occupied by the driver and passengers if the vehicle is
not equipped with a trunk. A utility compartment or glove compartment is deemed to be within
the area occupied by the driver and passengers.
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Q27. Could cities prohibit the sale of adult-use cannabis entirely ?
A27. Cities may not prohibit the possession, transportation, or use of cannabis flower, cannabis
products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products authorized by the
new law.
Return to top of page
Q28. Is our city required to adopt regulations under the new law ?
A28. Cities are not required to adopt any new regulations under the new law. However, they
will be required to register retail sellers and perform compliance checks.
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Q29. Are prior convictions for cannabis use expunged and what is
the city’s role in that process?
A29. Certain cannabis-related convictions will be expunged by the Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension. Upon receipt of a notice of expungement, cities are required to seal all records
related to the expungement, including the records of the personʼs arrest, indictment, trial
verdict, and dismissal or discharge of the case.
Certain felony convictions will be reviewed by the Cannabis Expungement Board to determine
what, if any, action should be taken related to a prior conviction. Cities will be required to
provide the Cannabis Expungement Board free access to records held by law enforcement
agencies or prosecuting authorities.
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City regulation
Q30. Can the city require sellers to have a city-issued license?
A30. A city may not require additional licenses other than the cannabis licenses issued by the
OCM. However, the OCM will forward applications to cities for them to certify whether the
proposed cannabis business complies with local zoning ordinance and, if applicable whether
the proposed business complies with the state fire and building code. The OCM may not issue a
license to a cannabis business that does not meet local zoning and land use laws.
In addition, upon receipt of an application for a cannabis license, the OCM will contact the city
in which the business would be located and provide the city with 30 days in which to provide
input on the application. This is the cityʼs opportunity to provide the OCM with any additional
information it believes is relevant to the OCMʼs decision on whether to issue a license,
including but not limited to identifying concerns about the proposed location of a cannabis
business, or sharing public information about the applicant.
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Before a cannabis business begins making retails sales, it will be required to register with the
city in which it is located.
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Q31. When is our city required to issue retail registration to a
cannabis retail business?
A31. A city is required to issue a retail registration to a cannabis microbusiness with a retail
operations endorsement, cannabis mezzobusiness with a retail operations endorsement,
cannabis retailer, medical cannabis retailer, or lower-potency hemp edible retailer that:
Has a valid license issued by the OCM.
Has paid the registration fee.
Is found to be in compliance with the requirements of the applicable state laws through a
preliminary compliance check performed by the city.
Is current on all property taxes and assessments at the location where the retail
establishment is located.
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Q32. Can a retail registration issued by our city be transferred?
A32. Retail registration may not be transferred.
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Q33. Is our city required to conduct compliance checks on
businesses with a cannabis retail registration?
A33. Cities will be required to conduct compliance checks on retail cannabis businesses with a
retail registration by the city. The OCM will develop standardized forms and procedures for
these compliance checks.
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Q34. Can our city charge a fee for a cannabis retail registration?
A34. city may impose an initial retail fee of $500 or up to half the amount of the applicable
initial license fee charged by the OCM, whichever is less. The city may also charge a renewal
retail registration fee of $1,000 or up to half the amount of the applicable renewal license fee
charged by the OCM, whichever is less.
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Q35. Can my city limit the number of cannabis retailer licenses
issued in our city ?
A35. A city that issues cannabis retailer registrations may, by ordinance, limit the number of
licensed cannabis retailers, cannabis mezzobusinesses with a retail operations endorsement,
and cannabis microbusinesses with a retail operations endorsement to no fewer than one
registration for every 12,500 residents. In addition, if a county has one active registration for
every 12,500 residents, a city within the county is not obligated to register any additional
cannabis businesses.
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Q36. How does this impact my city’s existing license for THC
products?
A36. It appears that cities may continue to license edible cannabinoid products until the OCM
begins issuing licenses. Those businesses that sell edible cannabinoid products to consumers
must register with the Minnesota Department of Health by Oct. 1, 2023. However, once the
OCM begins issuing lower-potency hemp edible retailer licenses, cities are likely preempted
from continuing to issue their own licenses and would begin registering retailers through the
cityʼs cannabis retailer registration process.
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Q37. Which state agency is charged with regulating edible
cannabinoid products until the OCM begins licensing cannabis
products?
A37. The Minnesota Department of Health is now charged with the regulations of edible
cannabinoid products until the OCM begins issuing licenses. Learn more on the Minnesota
Department of Health website.
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Q38. What changes have been made to the edible cannabinoid law
adopted in 2022?
A38. The new law allows for the continued sale of certain edible cannabinoid products with
new limitations including:
Manufacturers must have each batch of products tested to certify they comply with the
standards adopted by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Manufacturers must disclose information regarding foreign materials applied or added to
the products.
Labels must contain a batch number.
Beverages cannot contain more than two servings per container.
Edible cannabinoid products may not contain artificially derived or synthetic cannabinoids.
Edible cannabinoid products, other than beverages, must be displayed behind a checkout
counter.
Retailers must verify age of purchaser.
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Q39. Can edible cannabinoid products be sold for on-site
consumption?
A39. Until the OCM begins issuing licenses, the on-site consumption of edible cannabinoid
products is limited to those businesses with an on-sale liquor license issued under Minnesota
Statutes, Chapter 340A. In addition, the following conditions must be met:
Products must be served in original.
Products may not be sold to an intoxicated customer.
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Products must not be permitted to be mixed with alcoholic beverages.
Products removed from packaging must remain on premises.
A er the OCM is set up, it will issue on-site consumption endorsements for cannabis license
holders.
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Q40. Will I be able to prohibit cannabis events in my city ?
A40. The new law authorizes temporary cannabis events lasting no more than four days. To be
approved for a cannabis event license, applicants must obtain any necessary permits or
licenses issued by a local unit of government. Cities may not prohibit cannabis events, but they
may set standards which the event organizer must meet. Cities may also permit on-site
consumption for events but are not required to.
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Q41. How does this impact my city’s existing THC license program?
A41. Local THC licenses may continue until the OCM begins issuing its own licenses, which
state agencies anticipate beginning in January of 2025. When the OCM licensing begins, cities
will need to follow the retail registration procedures outlined in the law.
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Q42. How does the new law impact my city’s existing THC
moratorium?
A42. The new law does not affect a current moratorium. If a city adopted a moratorium on low-
potency edibles, it remains in place and will expire as noted when it was adopted.
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Q43. Can the city’s zoning regulation restrict where a business can
operate?
A43. Cities are allowed to adopt reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of the
operations of a cannabis business provided that such restrictions do not prohibit the
establishment or operation of cannabis businesses. Cities may prohibit the operations of a
cannabis business within 1,000 feet of a school, or 500 feet of a day care, residential treatment
facility, or an attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors, including a
playground or athletic field.
The OCM will develop model ordinances for reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and
manner of a cannabis business.
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Q44. Can cities adopt a moratorium prohibiting the sale,
manufacturing, or distribution of adult-use cannabis to study the
issue?
A44. Cities may adopt an interim ordinance if:
It is conducting studies.
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Has authorized a study to be conducted.
Has held or has scheduled a hearing for the purpose of considering adoption or amendment
of reasonable restriction on the time, place, and manner of the operation of a cannabis
business as defined in the new law.
Before adopting an interim ordinance, the city must hold a public hearing on the issue. The
interim ordinance may be in place until Jan. 1, 2025. The authority for an extended
moratorium does not apply to the sale or production of low-potency hemp edible products.
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Q45: What if my city has complaints about a licensed cannabis
business?
A45. The OCM will establish an expedited complaint process to receive, review, and respond to
complaints made by cities about a cannabis business. The OCM will be required to respond to
the complaint within seven days and perform any necessary inspections within 30 days. If
certain cannabis businesses are deemed by the city to pose an immediate threat to the health
or safety of the public, the OCM must respond within one business day.
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Q46: Can a city deny a liquor license if they nd that the business is
selling cannabis or low-potency hemp products without a license?
A46. Yes. The new law prohibits a retail license from being issued to a person who has had a
license or registration issued under ch. 342 or Minn. Stat. § 151.72, subd. 5b revoked; has been
convicted of an offense under Minn. Stat. § 151.72, subd. 7; or has been convicted under any
other statute for the illegal sale of marijuana, cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-
potency hemp edibles, hemp-derived consumer products, or edible cannabinoid products and
the sale took place on the premises of a business that sells intoxicating liquor or 3.2% malt
liquor.
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Q47. Can a city suspend or revoke a tobacco license if they nd that
they are selling cannabis or low-potency hemp products without a
license?
A47. Yes. The new law allows a tobacco license to be suspended or revoked if the licensee has a
registration or licensed under ch. 342 or Minn. Stat. § 151.72, subd. 5b revoked; is convicted of
an offense under Minn. Stat. § 151.72, subd. 7; or has been convicted under any other statute
for the illegal sale of marijuana, cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp
edibles, hemp-derived consumer products, or edible cannabinoid products and the sale took
place on the premises of a business that sells tobacco. A city must provide notice and an
opportunity for a hearing before suspension or revocation.
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City employment and personnel issues
Q48. Does the new law allowing adult-use cannabis change
anything about how we do drug testing for CDL holders?
A48. No, cities with positions requiring an employee to hold a commercial driverʼs license
(CDL) will recall these positions are regulated by federal law, and those regulations are
supervised by the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT). Federal law preempts state law
related to cannabinoid use; in fact, the DOT states in its DOT Recreational Marijuana Notice
that it does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason. As a
result, cities should continue to follow their drug-testing procedures related to CDL holders and
may enforce prohibitions against any use of cannabinoids for CDL holders, regardless of state
law protections.
Cities can find more information on existing drug testing policies in the LMC Drug and Alcohol
Testing Toolkit, starting on page 22. An updated model Non-DOT Drug, Alcohol and Cannabis
Policies will be available once legal consultants have reviewed.
Return to top of page
Q49. Does the new law change anything related to employees who
carry a rearm?
A49. No. Public safety employees who carry a firearm cannot lawfully use marijuana under
federal law. Federal law prohibits cities from providing firearms or ammunition to an employee
it knows or has reason to think is using marijuana. Although there is a legal difference between
marijuana products and hemp products, it may not be possible to differentiate the products in a
drug test. Officers should be mindful of any substance they ingest because they are ultimately
responsible if those products lead to a positive marijuana test.
Return to top of page
Q50. Besides positions requiring a CDL or carrying a rearm, are
there any other positions which are not affected by the new law ?
A50. Yes. The law excludes the following seven position classes from the lawʼs changes:
1. A safety-sensitive position, as defined in as defined in Minn. Stat. § 181.950, subd. 13.
2. A peace officer position, as defined in Minn. Stat. § 626.84, subd. 1.
3. A firefighter position, as defined in Minn. Stat. § 299N.01, subd. 3.
4. A position requiring face-to-face care, training, education, supervision, counseling,
consultation, or medical assistance to:
1. Children.
2. Vulnerable adults, as defined in Minn. Stat. § 626.5572, subd. 21.
3. Patients who receive health care services from a provider for the treatment, examination,
or emergency care of a medical, psychiatric, or mental condition.
5. A position funded by a federal grant.
6. Any other position for which state or federal law requires testing of a job applicant or
employee for cannabis.
59
Item 6.
6/30/23, 9:22 AM Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know - League of Minnesota Cities
https://www.lmc.org/resources/adult-use-cannabis-what-cities-need-to-know/17/19
7. A position requiring a commercial driverʼs license or requiring an employee to operate a
motor vehicle for which state or federal law requires drug or alcohol testing of a job
applicant or employee.
Return to top of page
Q51. Can we still prohibit employees f rom being under the in uence
of cannabis while at work? Does the League have a model policy
with updated language?
A51. Yes, employers can continue to prohibit employees from being under the influence of
cannabis products, while at work. For employers, a key focus will be workplace safety with the
consideration that cannabis is more difficult to detect and test than alcohol. Employers may
continue to maintain drug-free policies at the workplace and discipline employees who use
cannabis during working hours or who report to work impaired.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administrationʼs (OSHA) General Duty Clause of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are required to furnish a workplace free from
recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious physical harm. This provision of the Act is
typically used in accident cases where toxicology screens are positive. OSHAʼs new electronic
recordkeeping rule, clarified on Oct. 11, 2018, states “If the employer chooses to use drug
testing to investigate the incident, the employer should test all employees whose conduct could
have contributed to the incident, not just employees who reported injuries,” with respect to
using drug testing to evaluate the root cause of a workplace incident that harmed or could have
harmed employees. Thus, a non-DOT drug and cannabis-city testing policy with protocols
following this guidance is important.
Under the new law, employers can enact and enforce work policies prohibiting the use,
possession, and impairment of cannabis while at work or operating employer vehicles,
equipment, and machinery. It is difficult to test for cannabis to determine if an employee is
currently under the influence due to the drugʼs ability to be detectable for weeks a er it is used.
With the prohibitions on disciplining employees other than those listed in Q3, employers will
be in a difficult position to take action against an employee who tests positive for cannabis. A
best practice is for cities to train supervisors about the behavioral signs and symptoms of drug
and cannabis use as well as how to document observations of potential impairment so should a
situation occur in the workplace, supervisors can effectively respond and document what they
observed leading to the situation.
An updated model Non-DOT Drug, Alcohol and Cannabis Policies will be available once legal
consultants have reviewed.
Return to top of page
Q52. If an employee is injured while being under the in uence of
cannabis at work, are they still entitled to workers’ compensation
bene ts?
A52. While each case is very fact-specific, the general rule is that if the injury was intentionally
self-inflicted or the intoxication of the employee is the proximate cause of the injury, then the
employer is not liable for compensation. The burden of proof of these facts is upon the
employer.
Return to top of page
60
Item 6.
6/30/23, 9:22 AM Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know - League of Minnesota Cities
https://www.lmc.org/resources/adult-use-cannabis-what-cities-need-to-know/18/19
Q53. Can employees be in possession of edibles or other cannabis
products while at work?
A53. Cities may enact policies prohibiting employees from bringing cannabis products,
including edibles, to work. A best practice is for cities to train supervisors about the behavioral
signs and symptoms of drug and cannabis use as well as documenting observations of potential
impairment so should a situation occur in the workplace, supervisors can effectively respond
and document what they observed leading to the situation.
Return to top of page
Q54. Do we need to change anything in our collective bargaining
agreement (CBA) regarding discipline of employees who use
cannabis products?
A54. Maybe. If cities have policies within their CBAs that relate to cannabis use and discipline,
cities should consult with their city attorney to determine if any changes are needed. CBAs may
address cannabis and cannabis testing, but the CBAs must at least meet the minimum
employee rights guaranteed by the statute.
Ensure your cityʼs drug and cannabis-testing policies have been updated and your supervisors
are trained on the behavioral signs and symptoms associated with impairment as well as
documenting observations of potential impairment. If the CBA includes language that policy
changes need to be negotiated, then there would need to be a meeting with the union if the
cityʼs policy changes.
Return to top of page
Q55. Can employees use cannabis products off-duty ?
A55. It depends. See Q1, Q2, and Q3 for a list of employees who can be prohibited from using
cannabis products both on and off duty due to federal or state regulations. Other employees
would be able to use cannabis products while they are off duty, if they are not impaired at
work. If there are any questions regarding whether an employee could be prevented from using
cannabis products while off-duty, please consult your city attorney before any action is taken.
In addition, the law prohibits an employer from taking adverse employment action against an
employee who is a patient in the stateʼs medical cannabis program unless a failure to do so
would violate federal or state law or regulations, or cause an employer to lose a monetary or
incensing-related benefit under federal law or regulations.
Return to top of page
Q56. How does this impact the requirements of the Drug-Free
Workplace Act?
A56. It does not. The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (DFWA) requires federal grantees and
contractors to implement a drug-free workplace policy and establish a drug-free awareness
program as a precondition for receiving a federal grant or a contract. However, the DFWA does
not require covered employers to test employees for drugs or terminate them for drug-related
violations, so the new Minnesota state law does not impact the DFWA directly. Minnesota law
allows employers to prohibit employees from bringing legal cannabis products to work and
permits employers to prohibit employees from being under the influence while at work. It
would be best practice for cities with drug-free work policies to keep those in effect. If a city
wishes to do so, it can update its policy to include lawful cannabis products within its scope.
61
Item 6.
6/30/23, 9:22 AM Adult-Use Cannabis: What Cities Need to Know - League of Minnesota Cities
https://www.lmc.org/resources/adult-use-cannabis-what-cities-need-to-know/19/19
An updated model Non-DOT Drug, Alcohol and Cannabis Policies will be available once legal
consultants have reviewed.
Return to top of page
Q57. Should my city continue to include cannabis as a pre-
employment panel screen for my non-DOT/safety-sensitive
employees?
A57. The new Minnesota law prohibits an employer from refusing to hire an applicant simply
because of a positive cannabis drug test. There are exceptions for positions where such testing
and denial of job offer is required under applicable federal or state law. Cities will want to refer
to the Q3, which provides a list of positions excepted from cannabis testing prohibitions.
Practically speaking, if a position is not excepted, cities will need to determine whether they
want to continue to test for cannabis in light of the limitation of the testing and confer with
their city attorney before taking an action as a result of a positive test.
Return to top of page
Your LMC Resource
Research & Information Service staff members are ready to help you apply their broad
knowledge to the issues youʼre dealing with today.
Access online form to submit a question, or call us: (651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-1122
62
Item 6.
ITEM: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 101 and TIF Status Report
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Director/Assistant City
Manager/June 28, 2023.
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
X Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
Staff have received questions from various Council members regarding the status and history of the City’s
various tax increment financing (TIF) districts. Staff will present an overview of the mechanics of TIF and
provide a status report for the City’s active TIF districts. Please see the attached presentation for further
detail.
ATTACHMENT(S):
TIF Presentation
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE JULY 5, 2023
63
Item 7.
TIF 101 AND & STATUS REPORT
64
Item 7.
What is TIF?
TIF = The ability to capture the increased portion of
the local property tax revenues within a defined
geographic area to assist with redevelopment and
development.
TIF BASIC CONCEPT S
65
Item 7.
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
66
Item 7.
Without TIF, the development would not happen as
proposed. (But -for test)
A.The development would not happen solely through private
investment in the "reasonably foreseeable future .“
B.The induced development will yield a net increase in market value
for the site compared to the likely development that would occur
without TIF .
C.Pro -forma Review is completed to help make these determinations.
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
67
Item 7.
Forms of Financing
1.Pay -as-you -go (PAYGO)
▪Developer funds TIF -eligible expenses
▪No risk to the City
▪Interest rate is tied to developer financing
2.GO TIF Bonds
▪Risk to the City
▪If TIF is inadequate, the City will levy taxes to pay debt service
▪Carries lowest interest rat e
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
68
Item 7.
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
69
Item 7.
Types of TIF Districts:
1.Redevelopment
▪Redevelopment TIF District (26 year maximum)
▪Renewal and Renovation TIF District (16 year maximum)
2.Affordable Housing
▪Housing TIF District (26 year maximum)
3.Job and Tax Base Creation
▪Economic Development TIF Distric t (9 year maximum)
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
70
Item 7.
Redevelopment Districts
Coverage requirements
•70 percent of the area of the district must be occupied by buildings, streets, utilities, or
other similar structures, and
•More than 50 percent of the buildings must be structurally substandard
Substandard building requirements
D efects in structural elements must exist to justify substantial renovation or clearance. The
cost to bring into compliance must exceed 15 percent of the cost of building a new building of
the same type.
Permitted Uses of Increment (eligible expenditures)
•Site acquisition of blighted sites or sites requiring pollution cleanup
•Acquisition of an adjacent parcel or parcels to assemble a site large enough to redevelop
•Cleanup of hazardous substances, pollution, or contaminants
•Site preparation, such as clearing the land and installation of utilities, roads, sidewalks
•Providing parking facilities for the site.
•Administrative expenses of the TIF authority (EDA)(up to 10% of available increment)
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
71
Item 7.
Housing Districts
Income test is the main qualification
•20-50 test : 20 percent of the units must be occupied by individuals whose incomes are
50 percent or less of the area median income.
•40-60 test: 40 percent of the units must be occupied by individuals whose incomes are
60 percent or less of the area median income.
Can include market rate housing in the project
Can be a greenfield development site
Permitted Uses of Increment (eligible expenditures)
Increments from a housing district may only be used to finance a "housing project" or
public improvements that are directly related to the project, as well as the authority's
administrative expenses. The cost of a project includes items such as acquisition,
construction, or rehabilitation of the housing, planning, engineering, and architectural
services, and related financing costs. Public improvement or infrastructure costs must be
directly related to the project.
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
72
Item 7.
Geographic Area s
The district must be in a project area, (entire City),
which sets boundaries for expenditures.
District boundary defines parcels that determine the
capture of value.
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
73
Item 7.
Approval Process
Preparation of a TIF Plan
Notification to County and School District but does
not require consent.
City hold public hearing and adopts resolution with
findings and approves the TIF Plan.
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
74
Item 7.
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions on use depending on the type of district.
General governmental use is prohibited (City Hall
Example).
Recreational use is prohibited (no community centers,
parks, etc.)
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
75
Item 7.
Use of TIF Administrative Dollars (10% of increment)
Administrative Costs
Staff time related to redevelopment
Consultant fees (finance, attorneys, etc.)
Redevelopment Costs
Acquisition of blighted property
Rehabilitation of blighted property
Environmental remediation and demolition
Public improvements related to redevelopment
Affordable Housing Costs
Anything related to studies, program development, development or rehabilitation of
affordable housing.
TIF BASIC CONCEPTS
76
Item 7.
ACTIVE DISTRICTS IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
6 Active TIF Districts
•3 Redevelopment
•3 Housing
District
Name/Identification
Huset Park Area
T6
(multiple
developers)
Scattered Site
Housing
W3,W4
Grand Central
Flats- Z6
(Dominion)
40th and Central
BB2-Ratio
(Alatus)
4300 Central-
Rainbow Site
(Alatus)
Reuter Walton
Development
District Type Redevelopment Housing Housing Redevelopment Redevelopment Housing
Project Description
Huset Park
townhomes, The
Legends
affordable senior,
and the Personal
Care Assisted
Living facility
Multiple
single-family
site locations
across the City.
Redevelopmen
t initiative
created in
response to
2008 housing
crisis
152-unit
affordable
housing
apartment
community
developed by
Dominium
Vertical mixed-
use development
with 266 market-
rate apartments,
new City Hall,
and 3,000 square
foot retail/café
space
Expected mixed-
use development
with 600-700
market-rate
apartments,
75,000+- square
feet of
commercial or
retail space, and
low density
residential
62-unit
affordable
housing
apartment
community
developed by
Reuter Walton
Certification
Date 1/20/2006 3/29/2012 5/15/2018 8/18/2020 8/31/21 9/31/22
Maximum
Decertification Date 12/31/2031 12/31/2040 12/31/2045 12/31/2047 12/31/2049 12/31/2050
77
Item 7.
ACTIVE DISTRICTS IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Tax Capacity (2021 Values – Pre 4D Law Changes)
District
Name/Identification
Huset Park Area
T6
(multiple
developers)
Scattered Site
Housing
W3,W4
Grand Central
Flats- Z6
(Dominion)
40th and Central
BB2-Ratio
(Alatus)
4300 Central-
Rainbow Site
(Alatus)
Reuter Walton
Development
District Type Redevelopment Housing Housing Redevelopment Redevelopment Housing
Original Net Tax
Capacity (Base Taxes
Generated)
$16,866 $4,303 $6,052 $57,120 TBD $0 (City
Owned-Tax
Exempt)
Current Net Tax
Capacity (Current
Taxes Generated)
$780,934 $36,967 $197,898 TBD TBD TBD
Captured Net Tax
Capacity (Increment)$764,068*$32,644 $191,846*TBD TBD TBD
*subject to changes related to 4D legislation
78
Item 7.
ACTIVE DISTRICTS IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Obligations
District
Name/Identification
Huset Park Area
T6
(multiple
developers)
Scattered Site
Housing
W3,W4
Grand Central
Flats- Z6
(Dominion)
40th and Central
BB2-Ratio
(Alatus)
4300 Central-
Rainbow Site
(Alatus)
Reuter Walton
Development
District Type Redevelopment Housing Housing Redevelopment Redevelopment Housing
Pay-as-you-go and
Interfund Loan
Obligations
Interfund loan for
TIF Admin
$80,000
$6,650,000* TIF
note to Dominion
Interfund
loans made for
acquisition of
various single-
family homes
Interfund loan
for TIF Admin
$1,042
$1,170,000* TIF
note to
Dominion
$1,300,000
Interfund loan to
EDA to recover
cell antenna
relocation costs
$9,550,000 TIF
note to Alatus
Pay-as-you-go
note amount TBD
based on project
costs, potential
for long-term GO
bonds to fund
infrastructure
$732,000* TIF
note to Reuter
Walton
Bonds
$2,890,000 TIF
Revenue Bonds,
site preparation
and
infrastructure
None None None
$5,935,000 GO
Temporary Tax
Increment Bonds
to pay for
acquisition,
clean-up and
demolition
None
*subject to changes related to 4D legislation 79
Item 7.
ITEM: Single Family Rental Density Cap Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Mitchell Forney, 6/30/2023
CORE CITY STRATEGIES:
_Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
X Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
Introduction
With the recent addition of new Council members, Community Development staff thought it was important to
review the rental density cap conversation before moving an ordinance forward for approval. The rental
density cap discussion has been an ongoing interest of the Council for over five years. It originally began in
2019 when the Council at that time had Community Development staff start researching how other cities had
handled putting in place rental density caps. After the initial review by staff, the issue was not brought up
again until 2022. According to Council direction, Community Development staff presented research
recommendations regarding a rental density cap at the March 7th, 2022, Council work session. At the time, the
Council was interested in proceeding with a density cap prompting staff to draft the attached rental density
cap ordinance and initiate the process, while also conducting additional housing related research. At the July
5th, 2022, council work session Community Development staff presented the first draft ordinance and policy
with the caveat that a comprehensive single-family home analysis would have to take place before the policy
could be established. Staff explained that the comprehensive study could take substantial staff time to
complete. At the July 5th, 2022 meeting, Council member Buesgens brought forth a point that Maple Grove
had recently established a single-family rental moratorium and that it would be beneficial for Columbia
Heights to do the same while conducting its single-family home research. As a result, the City passed a single-
family home rental moratorium which went into effect on August 22nd, 2022. The rental moratorium is set to
expire August 22, 2023.
If the Council remains committed to moving forward with a rental density ordinance , approval of such an
ordinance will require notice of a public hearing along with two readings of the ordinance. This schedule
causes overlap with the end of the current rental moratorium which may require the Council to grant an
extension, as it will take the ordinance 30 days after approval to be in full effect. The original goals of the
rental density cap, as articulated by the Council, were to limit concentrations of single-family rentals, limit
corporate investor ownership, and to promote opportunities for homeownership.
Community development staff thought it best to bring forward a variety of statistics that would give the
Council a better idea of where the community is at with regards to housing. The statistics listed below are
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE 07/05/2023
80
Item 8.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
intended to inform the Council’s discussion on the future of housing within the City of Columbia Heights.
Statistics referenced in this report can also be fou nd in the excel share point link listed below.
- As of the 2021 American Community Survey Columbia Heights had 5,568 owner occupied units and
3,016 renter occupied units with 35.1% of the cities total units being rental. (Table 1 Housing Tenure)
- As of the 2021 American Community Survey Columbia Heights had 4,711 1-unit detached structures
(single family homes) and 562 rental 1 unit detached structures, for a single-family home rental
percentage of 10.7%. (Table 2 Units in Occupied Housing)
- According to the Minneapolis Feds new interactive property data tool: 5.6% of the Cities single family
homes are considered investor owned if an investor owns 2 or more homes in the City. This number
has increased from 2.3% in 2010 to 5.6% in 2022, whereas the Twin Cities average increased from 2.4%
to 3.4% over the same period.
- In their Comprehensive plan, the Metropolitan council allocates affordable housing needs throughout
the 7-county metro. The council gave Columbia heights an Affordable Housing Need Allocation of 133
units by 2030. Consisting of 71 units of 51% to 80% AMI and 62 units at or below 30%AMI. Due to the
new apartments at the Col and Ratio, Columbia Heights has already achieved its goal for 51-80% AMI.
(https://lphonline.metc.state.mn.us/CommPage?ctu=2393607&applicant=Columbia%20Heights )
Colu-
mbia
Heights
Robbin-
sdale
St.
Louis
Park
Hopkins Rich-
field
West
St.
Paul
South
St.
Paul
Fridley Brooklyn
Center
Anoka Cha-
mplin
1-unit
Detach
59.4%
63.6%
48.7%
27.9%
60.4%
50.6%
67.9%
55%
59.6%
50.4%
76.4%
1-unit
Attach
10.7%
7.5%
5.6%
9.1%
2.5%
4.0%
5.1%
8.2%
8.1%
9.5%
13.7%
2 units 4.2% 4.2% 1.1% 2.4% 1.3% .9% 5.5% 2.1% 0.5% 2.4% .7%
3 or 4
units
1.1%
.7%
.8%
3.3%
1.9%
2.0%
3.2%
2.0%
1.3%
2.6%
.7%
5 to 9
units
6.1%
3.6%
3.7%
11.7%
2.2%
1.8%
2.5%
2.7%
3.3%
5.0%
.4%
10 to
19
units
6.1%
2.9%
7.7%
5.4%
7.5%
8.1%
4.5%
6.0%
8.2%
6.9%
.5%
20 or
more
units
12.3%
16.6%
32.2%
40.0%
23.2%
32.6%
10.3%
20.9%
18.7%
23.0%
7.0%
Percentage of total units by # of units in structure (Table 3)
81
Item 8.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 3
Columbia Heights 10.7% Columbia Heights $ 215,600
Robbinsdale 7.7% Robbinsdale $ 229,700
St. Louis Park 6.2% St. Louis Park $ 312,900
Hopkins 22.3% Hopkins $ 265,900
Richfield 7.1% Richfield $ 262,700
West St. Paul 6.6% West St. Paul $ 228,300
South St. Paul 9.0% South St. Paul $ 221,000
Fridley 7.1% Fridley $ 229,000
Brooklyn Center 10.0% Brooklyn Center $ 205,800
Anoka 9.5% Anoka $ 230,000
Champlin 2.9% Champlin $ 271,500
Arden Hills 2.8% Arden Hills $ 332,200
Crystal 5.8% Crystal $ 229,800
Edina 4.1% Edina $ 580,000
Golden Valley 4.2% Golden Valley $ 357,000
Maple Grove 2.2% Maple Grove $ 328,300
Maplewood 6.9% Maplewood $ 247,500
New Hope 5.0% New Hope $ 245,900
Roseville 4.1% Roseville $ 291,600
St Anthony 1.0% St Anthony $ 315,300
Percentage of single-family rentals (Table 4) Median value of housing units with a mortgage
Percentage of all unit’s rental and ownership priced below income limits for 80% AMI. (Table 7)
75
%
31
%
90
%
56
%
81
%
81
%
28
%
75
%
30
%
63
%
34
%
62
%
68
%
64
%
75
%
53
%
76
%
48
%
43
%
74
%
80% AMI OR BELOW ALL UNITS
82
Item 8.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 4
Percentage of ownership occupied units valued below 80% AMI requirements. (Table 7)
From the data above, staff would like to highlight a few conclusions. In comparison to the other cities
identified, Columbia Heights is a more affordable City to own or rent a home, including other first ring
suburbs. Columbia Heights ranks second in affordable homeownership with the second lowest median home
value, and second best for the number of owner-occupied units that qualify as affordable at the 80% AMI or
below threshold. With regards to rentals, Columbia Heights is on par with other first ring suburbs. Columbia
Heights still ranks second with regards to having the highest percentage of single-family rentals, only behind
Hopkins which has double the percentage of single-family rentals compared to the City of Columbia Heights.
As for general housing makeup, Columbia Heights is fairly average when it comes to the percentage of single-
family homes. Columbia Heights is tied for 2nd when it comes to the percentage of duplexes, or two-family
homes in the city. While Columbia Heights is clearly lacking high density residential housing (20 units and
above. Also attached are a few maps of how the rental density cap would work if altered from 10%.
Staff also thought it relevant to include a variety of studies that speak directly to the Council’s discussion.
There are a wide range of articles and studies that speak to the hazards of concentrated rentals, the Twin
Cities lack of affordable housing, and racial segregation in housing policies. Staff have included a few sample
articles that seek to inform the work sessions discussion.
The majority of cities that have enacted rental density caps, cite studies conducted by North Mankato and
Winona. While specific to each community, these studies provide a good reference to research the effects of
concentrated rental properties. In North Mankato’s Rental Density study (attachment 3), they identify an
article entitled “Homeownership and Neighborhood Stability” (attachment 4). This article delves into the idea
that home ownership leads to greater neighborhood stability. Identifying two processes at work one being
natural economic selection. While the other boils down a wide array of social and socioeconomic causes.
Within their property value model, the authors find that changes in the home ownership rate have a positive
association with changes in property value. It is important to note that the authors recommend that home
ownership programs should “focus on current renters who are both capable of and interested in buying a
home.” As a means to stabilize a neighborhood but not at the expense of former low-income residents.
75
%
31
%
95
%
54
%
85
%
80
%
20
%
76
%
27
%
46
%
31
%
62
%
61
%
58
%
81
%
43
%
79
%
24
%
32
%
68
%
80% AMI OR BELOW OWNERSHIP
83
Item 8.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 5
There are many articles regarding the housing issues currently plaguing the Twin Cities. In 2021 the Star
Tribune released a commonly overlooked article with regards to the effects of zoning in the Twin Cities
suburbs. Listed Below as attachment 5, this article dives into how local zoning ordinances have led to the Twin
Cities becoming one of the most racially segregated metropolitan areas throughout the twin cities. This article
specifically hammers down on outer ring suburbs that have a history of limiting the number of multifamily
developments in their communities. The authors of this article also do a great job highlighting the racial
disparities in homeownership that plague the Twin Cities metropolitan Area . The other attached article from
the MinnPost delves into the same issues (Attachment 6).
Staff would also like to highlight an article from the Mitchell Hamline Law Review (Attachment 7), titled Why
Are the Twin Cities so Segregated. In brief, this article finds that past public policies while mostly well
meaning, have led to concentrations of poverty along with the segregation of many racial communities. This
study also finds that by integrating housing and the production of affordable housing throughout the Twin
Cities rather than just the first ring suburbs, the region would see a decrease in general inequality.
Finally, Staff wanted to bring forth an article from Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center
(Attachment 8). Who Owns the Twin Cities? This article highlights the dichotomy of the housing situation
within metro. The included research backs their findings that the home ownership gap continues to grow.
Both in areas of gentrification but also areas of low income where investor landlords have replaced home
ownership with single-family home rentals. This study defines these issues while also suggesting a variety of
solutions policy makers may be able to execute.
At this point in time, the City of Columbia Heights is in a good spot when it comes to housing. The community
has a diverse makeup in both population and housing. Like many other cities, Columbia Heights struggles with
equitable home ownership where only 24% of owner-occupied units are minority owned while 47% of renter
occupied units are minority rented. Unlike other cities, Columbia heights has a good mix of single and multi-
family zones throughout the city. After the completion of our upcoming multifamily projects (if built as
contemplated) over 50% of the City’s housing units will be rental. This does not include possible future
redevelopments at the Root Property, the city owned property at 37 th and Main Street, the empty lots at 47th
and central, and possibly the Fairview building. As found in the studies above, high concentrations of rental
homes in neighborhoods and within low-income communities, reduces neighborhood stabilization, removes
affordable home ownership opportunities, and limits lower income individuals from building intergenerational
wealth. With Columbia Heights being one of the most affordable communities to live in , the City is uniquely
suited to tackle current housing issues in ways other communities can’t. With 85% of Columbia Heights homes
valued at or below levels accessible to families that are at or below the 80% AMI threshold, Columbia Heights
can continue to provide affordable home ownership opportunities while building on the City’s current
multifamily housing stock to provide housing opportunities for everyone. There are many issues, points, and
counter points to the entire housing discussion. In no way can staff definitively state that the only solution is
to limit single family rentals, nor can staff say that a certain percentage of single-family rentals represents
perfect balance. At this time, staff believe that expanding on the City’s multifamily housing stock while setting
a cap on single family rentals achieves this while also ensuring home owner ship opportunities for families that
may have always been renting.
If the council decides to move forward with the current version of the rental density cap, or an amended
version, staff are prepared to move the ordinance forward. If a density cap is enacted, current and available
single-family rental licenses will be tracked with a GIS mapping application monitored by Community 84
Item 8.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 6
Development and the Fire Department. Every month the Fire Department will send an updated list to the GIS
Technician to maintain an up-to-date data base. Staff will have an example of the map at the work session.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend moving forward with approval of the 10% rental density cap ordinance as presented.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Rental Density Maps
2. Rental Density Ordinance Draft
Rental Density Data Excel Sheet Rental Density Work Session.xlsx
3. North Mankato’s Rental Density Study
4. Homeownership and Neighborhood Stability
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56b161a622482e966ff4db63/t/59e1207f32601e172d4ec1f4/1507926
144073/homeownership-and-neighborhood-stability.pdf
5. Star Tribune Article
https://www.startribune.com/how-twin-cities-housing-rules-keep-the-metro-
segregated/600081529/?refresh=true
6. MinnPost Article
https://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2022/11/zoning-changes-are-the-easiest-way-to-reduce-segregation-
in-the-twin-cities-suburbs/
7. Hamline Law Review Article
https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1062&context=mhlr
8. Who Owns the Twin Cities-Urban Institute Report
https://www.urban.org/research/publication/who -owns-twin-cities
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Pr estem on P a r k
Esri Community Maps Contributors, City of Minneapolis, Metropolitan
Council, MetroGIS, Three Rivers Park District, Esri, HERE, Garmin,
SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census
Bureau, USDA, Maxar
Single Family Rentals
<10%
10%
>10%
Date Created: June 27, 2023
At 10% of units allowed for rental
86
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Bureau, USDA, Maxar
Single Family Rentals
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Date Created: June 27, 2023
At 15% of units allowed for rental
87
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Pr estem on P a r k
Esri Community Maps Contributors, City of Minneapolis, Metropolitan
Council, MetroGIS, Three Rivers Park District, Esri, HERE, Garmin,
SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census
Bureau, USDA, Maxar
Single Family Rentals
<20%
20
>20%
Date Created: June 27, 2023
At 20% of units allowed for rental
88
Item 8.
Sullivan
Lake4
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Esri Community Maps Contributors, City of Minneapolis, Metropolitan
Council, MetroGIS, Three Rivers Park District, Esri, HERE, Garmin,
SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US Census
Bureau, USDA, Maxar
Single Family Rentals
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89
Item 8.
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Bureau, USDA, Maxar
Single Family Rentals
0-30%
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At 30% of units allowed for rental >30%
90
Item 8.
ORDINANCE NO. XXXX
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5A ARTICLE IV OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY CODE TO
REGULATE RENTAL DENSITY FOR DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY RENTAL DWELLINGS
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1
5A.401 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit:
5A.401 OCCUPANCY LICENSE REQUIRED.
(A) No person, firm, government agency or corporation shall own a premises that is rented, leased, let, or
used for any type of occupancy in the city City without having first obtained an occupancy license (license)
as hereinafter provided and outlined in the Property Maintenance Inspection Policy. Each such license
shall register annually with the city City. If the license is denied, no occupancy of a premises, then vacant
or which become vacant, is permitted until a license has been issued. Apartment units within an
unlicensed apartment building for which a license application has been made and which units are in
compliance with this chapter may be occupied provided that the unlicensed units within the apartment
building do not create a hazard to the health and safety of persons in occupied units.
(B) Rental Density for Detached Single-Family Rental Dwellings.
(1) In any R-1, R-2A, R-3, or R-4 zoning district, no more than ten percent of the single-family lots on
any block shall be eligible to obtain a rental license, unless a temporary license is granted by the
City Council as provided herein. Table 1 indicates how many single-family lots per block are able
to be licensed as a rental property based on the number of lots that exist in a block.
TABLE 1
Lots/Block Rental Units Allowed
1-14 1
15-24 2
25-34 3
35-44 4
45-54 5
55-64 6
65-74 7
75-84 8
85-94 9
(2) The following guidelines shall apply to determine eligible blocks and lots:
(a) For the purposes of this section, a BLOCK shall be defined as an area of land enclosed
within the perimeter of streets, watercourses, public parks, municipally owned lots, and
City boundaries and further defined by an official map maintained by the City.
(b) This section shall apply to legally conforming lots of record and legally nonconforming lots
of record. For the purposes of this section, lots of record may also be referred to as
PROPERTIES, PROPERTY, or LOTS.
91
Item 8.
(c) If a block contains more than one type of zoning district, only R-1, R-2A, R-3, and R-4
zoning district lots shall be included in the calculation of the total number of lots per block.
(d) Two-family residential, townhome/twinhome residential, multiple family residential,
commercial, public, institutional, and industrial uses located in an R-1, R-2A, R-3, or R-4
zoning district shall not be included in the calculation of the total number of lots per block.
(3) If the number of rental properties meets or exceeds the permitted number of rental properties
per defined block on the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived, no
additional rental licenses shall be approved for the block, unless a temporary license is granted
by the City Council as provided herein. Existing rental licenses may be renewed; however, should
a rental license not be renewed, terminated due to the sale of a property by the current license
holder, transfer of property ownership occurs, or if the rental license is revoked or lapses, the
rental license shall not be reinstated unless it is in conformance with this section and other
applicable sections of the City Code.
(4) If the number of rental properties meets or exceeds the permitted number of rental properties
per defined block on the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived, a
property owner may request a temporary license to allow an additional rental property for that
block. The property owner must hire a licensed professional property management company to
manage the property. The City Council may grant or deny a temporary license in its sole discretion.
Persons requesting a temporary license must make an annual application to the City. No property
owner shall hold a temporary rental license for the same property for more than two consecutive
years.
(C) Exception. Owner occupied Single-family home occupancies.
(Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07; Ord. XXXX, passed XX-XX-XX)
Section 2
This ordinance shall be in full force and effective from and after 30 days after its passage.
First Reading:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Second Reading:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Date of Passage:
______________________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
92
Item 8.
Attest:
___________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
93
Item 8.
ITEM: National League of Cities - Membership
DEPARTMENT: Urban Forestry BY/DATE: Kevin Hansen - 6/27/2023
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
X Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
X Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
Within the last several years, the Council and staff has discussed becoming a member of the National League
of Cities, or NLC. The Mayor and Interim City Manager attended membership consultation with the NLC
regional representative, Katie Colten a few weeks ago to review and discuss Columbia Heights membership.
Membership is for both city staff and local elected officials and everyone is entitled to benefits such as
conference discounts, participating as members on committees and groups, members only events (such as
sustainability office hours), etc. Dues are on a 12 month calendar and based on 2010 census population; dues
for Columbia Heights would be $1652 per year.
The National League of Cities serves as a resource and advocate for city leaders from communities large and
small. We offer training for local elected officials and staff via NLC University. NLC members are eligible to
serve as members of a federal advocacy committee, along with member council and constituency groups. I
have listed the FA committees below, along with our member councils and constituency groups.
NLC was committed to fighting to secure critical federal resources for communities of all size s through
our Cities Are Essential campaign and celebrated the signing of the American Recovery Plan, delivering
$65 billion of aid to America’s cities, towns and villages. NLC is here to help local leaders learn more about the
provisions of this critical funding, and what comes next for America’s communities as local leaders are on the
frontlines of recovery after the pandemic. We are here to continue building the tools and resources you need
to help your community.
NLC hosts two in person events- each March in Washington, DC our Congressional Cities Conference and our
annual conference, City Summit, which rotates each year. Members are eligible to get heavily discounted rate
for these conferences. Registration for 2023 City Summit in Atlanta is now open.
NLC has robust programming and work ranging from housing and homelessness to race and equity to
community and economic development to early childhood education. A list of our current focus areas is on
our website here: https://www.nlc.org/initiatives/
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE 7/5/2023
94
Item 9.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
With membership, every employee of the city is entitled to member benefits - conference discounts, serving as
member to various groups, etc. At times, there are often technical assistance cohorts available for members to
participate in such as disaster resiliency, census outreach and voter engagement; members are able to serve in
these groups to network with peers, receive guidance from NLC staff and experts and grant money to fund
specific initiatives.
NLC members are able to participate in savings and solutions p rograms which are offered to municipalities and
their residents at no cost. A few of our more popular programs include:
Grant Access: database with over 10,000 federal, state and foundati on grant opportunities; each
municipality is given one log-in.
NLC Prescription Discount Program: helps residents save on average 24% off the cost of prescription
medication for those who lack insurance or insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the medicine that they
need, there are more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide that participate in the program. Medicine for
pets is also covered.
NLC Service Line Warranty Program: offers homeowners affordable coverage options for emergency
home repairs and is an educational tool for cities to inform residents about their service li ne
responsibilities and provide a resource to cope with emergency repairs when they crop up.
Finally, here is the listing of our committees and groups that members are able to engage and serve as
member of. Leadership applications (for the Board of Directors, chair/vice chair of committees, councils and
groups) opens in August 2023.
Federal Advocacy Committees: https://www.nlc.org/advocacy/federal-advocacy-committees/
Community and Economic Development
Energy, Environment and Natural Resources
Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations
Human Development
Information Technology and Communications
Public Safety and Crime Prevention
Transportation and Infrastructure Services
Member Councils: https://www.nlc.org/current-initiatives/member-councils-2/
Large Cities
Small Cities (under 50k)
Military Communities
University Communities
First Tier Suburbs
Council on Youth, Education and Families
Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council
Constituency Groups: https://www.nlc.org/current-initiatives/constituency-groups-2/
Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO)
Hispanic Local Elected Officials (HELO)
95
Item 9.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 3
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Local Officials (LGBTLO)
Women in Municipal Government (WIMG)
National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO)
Local Indigenous Leaders (LIL)
Member Cities from MN:
Cities of Apple Valley, Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Duluth, Eagan,
Eden Prairie, Edina, Hawley, Hopkins, Independence, Kandiyohi, Kenyon, Mankato, Minneapolis, Minnetonka,
Moorhead, New Brighton, New Ulm, North Mankato, Northfield, Oak Park Heights, Ramsey, Red Wing,
Richfield, Robbinsdale, Rochester, Rosemount, St. Michael, St. Paul, St. Anthony Village, St. Louis Park, Victoria
and Willmar.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Complete membership with the National League of Cities.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): Informational Purposes Only
MOTION: No Motion – Information and Discussion
ATTACHMENT(S):
NLC Advance Your Community sheet
96
Item 9.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 4
97
Item 9.
Achieve your policy agenda in
Washington with NLC as your
advocate. NLC is your voice on issues
impacting cities, towns, and villages.2,000+
ATTENDEES
Congressional City
Conference
250+
MEETINGS
From peer networking to technical
assistance and their national lobbying,
NLC helps to leverage the collective
power of cities across America.
JOHN GOODHOUSE | COUNCILOR
Tigard, OR
NLC Member
Advance your community.Enhance your leadership.
Community &
Economic Development
Energy, Environment
& Natural Resources
Finance, Administration &
Intergovernmental Relations
Human Development
Information Technology &
Communications
Public Safety & Crime Prevention
Transportation & Infrastructure
Services
Federal Advocacy Committees
Join a Federal Advocacy Committee and help shape NLC’s priorities
for cities, towns, and villages.
2
Find innovative solutions to emerging challenges, access resources and best
practices that compliments your work in your community and helps you serve
your residents better. NLC connects you with grant funding, case studies, and
technical assistance.
ACCESS CASE STUDIES, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE,
BEST PRACTICES, RESEARCH, AND FUNDINGSolve
10,000+
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
AVAILABLE ONLINE
NLC Grant Access
JOIN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES
1 ACHIEVE YOUR POLICY AGENDA
IN WASHINGTON, DCAdvocate
98
Item 9.
CONNECT TO THOUSANDS OF PEERSNetwork
Take the next step, contact your NLC representative:
4
Participate in skills building and knowledge workshops created specifically for
local leaders. From NLC University to our annual City Summit, strengthen your
leadership skills in a variety of learning environments.
3 Learn BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE
AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
3,500+
ATTENDEES
200+
EXHIBITORS
NLC City Summit
From our member councils to our constituency groups, NLC is the place to
connect and network with other municipal leaders facing similar challenges.
KATIE COLTEN
Midwest Region
(202) 626-3160
kcolten@nlc.org
EBONE CLIFTON
South Region
(202) 626-3153
clifton@nlc.org
KIRK ROSS
West Region
(202) 626-3093
ross@nlc.org
ALEJANDRA PIERS-TORRES
Northeast/
Mid-Atlantic Region
(202) 626-3058
piers-torres@nlc.org
BRYAN GRIFFITH
Member Services &
Engagement Director
(202) 626-3174
griffithb@nlc.org
100+
WORKSHOPS
• Asian Pacific American
Municipal Officials
• Hispanic Elected Local Officials
• LGBTQ+ Local Officials
• Local Indigenous Leaders
• National Black Caucus
of Local Elected Officials
• Women in Municipal Government
Constituency Groups
• First Tier Suburbs Council
• Large Cities Council
• Military Communities Council
• Small Cities Council
• University Communities Council
• Council on Youth, Education,
and Families
• Race, Equity and Leadership
(REAL) Council
Member Councils
I have been a member of the NLC for
16 years. It was obvious that the Small
Cities Council had a direct correlation
to my hometown of Camden, S.C.
From lessons learned, to innovative
projects, to the way ahead, it provided
me much inspiration and material to
lead Camden.
ALFRED MAE DRAKEFORD | MAYOR
Camden, SC
Small Cities Council
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Item 9.
ITEM: Outdoor Activities – Weather Policy
DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Kevin Hansen / June 27, 2023
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
X Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_ Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_ Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
At this year’s Community Art and Information Fair, the weather had a significant impact on our residents
attending the events, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions such as lung / respiration issues.
With the changing climate, we have seen impacts from wildfires across the country and from Canada (this
event). I’ve had conversations with both Council members and staff regarding a policy to more clearly define
when activities should be suspended.
In Minnesota, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is based on measurements of six pollutants: fine particles (PM 2.5),
course particles (PM10), ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Each hour, the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) converts measurements to an AQI value based on health
standards established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The data is collected by the MNPCA and is
provided in a numeric Air Quality Index, or AQI for fine particle pollution. This was developed to provide a
simple, uniform way to report air quality conditions. The AQI ranges from 1-500. Wildfires pushed the AQI
above 200 for the first time in 2021. A range of 201 – 300 is considered very unhealthy, and a number of 301
or above is hazardous. The MNPCA has extensive information on their website for wildfire caused air
pollution, attached.
The City of Minneapolis is also evaluating a policy related to air quality issues. They are considering an advisory
when the AQI reaches 150 and closely watching the air quality and consider cancellation or other options such
as moving inside. At an AQI levels above 200 (201) the advisory would shift to cancelling outdoor programs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Establish an AQI of 200 (or 210) will be the point where city sponsored outdoor activities are moved inside or
cancelled.
ATTACHMENT(S):
EPA AQI Fact Sheet
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE JULY 5, 2023
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What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The AQI is a nationally uniform color-coded index for reporting and forecasting daily
air quality. It is used to report on the most common ambient air pollutants that are
regulated under the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (PM10 and
PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The
AQI tells the public how clean or polluted the air is and how to avoid health effects
associated with poor air quality.
The AQI focuses on health effects that may be experienced within a few hours or
days after breathing polluted air and uses a normalized scale from 0 to 500; the
higher the AQI value, the greater the level of pollution and the greater the health
concern. An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the level of the short-
term National Ambient Air Quality Standard for the pollutant. AQI values at and
below 100 are generally considered to be satisfactory. When AQI values are above
100, air quality is considered to be unhealthy, at first for members of populations at
greatest risk of a health effect, then for the entire population as AQI values get
higher (greater than 150).
The AQI is divided into six categories that correspond to different levels of health
concern. The breakpoints between these categories are selected based on a review
of the health effects evidence. For particle pollution, the evidence largely consists of
epidemiology studies that evaluate the morbidity and mortality effects of acute and
chronic exposures to particle pollution.
For particle pollution, epidemiological studies show little evidence of a population
threshold, or level below which particle pollution-associated effects are unlikely to
occur. Even serious effects, such as mortality, can occur at low levels. Some
individuals are much more sensitive to air pollution than others. Checking the AQI
each day will help these people notice at what levels they begin to experience
effects. The levels of health concern listed below are general guidelines to be used
as a reference so that people can figure out their own sensitivity to air pollution.
Good: Air quality is good and poses little or no risk.
Moderate: Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be some health
concern for a small number of unusually sensitive people. While EPA cannot
identify these people, studies indicate that there are people who experience
health effects when air quality is in the moderate range.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: When air quality is in this range, people
who are in sensitive groups, whether the increased risk is due to medical
conditions, exposure conditions, or innate susceptibility, may experience
health effects when engaged in outdoor activities. However, exposures to
ambient concentrations in this range are not likely to result in effects in the
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general population. For particle pollution, the sensitive groups include people
with heart and lung disease, older adults, children, people with diabetes, and
people of lower SES.
Unhealthy: When air quality is in this range, everyone who is active outdoors
may experience effects. Members of sensitive groups are likely to experience
more serious effects.
Very Unhealthy: When air quality is in this range, it is expected that there will
be widespread effects among the general population and more serious effects
in members of sensitive groups.
Hazardous: Air quality in this range triggers health warnings of emergency
conditions by media outlets. The entire population is more likely to be affected
by serious health effects.
The AQI levels of health concern correlate with pollutant-specific health and
cautionary statements that suggest simple measures people can take to reduce their
exposure to air pollution (Figure 9). For example, when the AQI value for particle
pollution is between 101 and 150, or Code Orange, air quality is considered
“unhealthy for sensitive groups.” In this range, people with heart or lung disease,
older adults, children, people with diabetes, and people of lower SES are advised to
reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
For most adults, activities that involve moderate physical exertion (i.e., minute
ventilation rates ranging from 25 to 45 liters per minute) include climbing stairs,
playing tennis or baseball, simple garden or construction work, and light jogging,
cycling, or hiking. Activities that involve heavy physical exertion, with minute
ventilation rates greater than 45 liters per minute, typically include playing basketball
or soccer, chopping wood, heavy manual labor, and vigorous running, cycling, or
hiking. Because fitness levels vary widely among individuals, what is moderate
exertion for one person may be heavy exertion for another. No matter how fit a
person is, cutting back on the level and/or duration of exertion when particle levels
are unhealthy will reduce the inhaled dose and help protect against the harmful
effects of particle pollution.
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Figure 9. The Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution includes cautionary statements
and actions people can take to reduce their risk from exposure to a ir pollution at
different levels of health concern.
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From:Rachel James
To:Sara Ion
Subject:Resource for the Council in regards to hiring City Manager
Date:Monday, May 8, 2023 6:32:15 PM
Hello Sara,
Please forward this to the council.
The League of MN Cities produced this very helpful 14 page PDF, along with a list of sample
documents. They also have information about how to best use the interim time and create the
best job description. I think this information will help us all as we move forward with either an
internal candidate or engage a search firm.
https://www.lmc.org/resources/hiring-a-city-manager-or-administrator-toolkit/
"Learn the steps to take in hiring a city manager or administrator, including how to
manage interim time, whether or not to use a search consultant, setting position
qualifications and creating a position profile, attracting, interviewing and offering
positions to candidates."
Rachel James | City Council Member
City of Columbia Heights | Mayor/Council
590 40th Avenue NE | Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Rjames@columbiaheightsmn.gov
Direct: 763-706-3618| Main: 763-706-3600
Disclaimer: Information in this message or attachment may be government data and thereby subject to the
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act; may be subject to attorney-client or work product privilege; may be
Hiring a City Manager orAdministrator Toolkit - Leagueof Minnesota Cities
Learn the steps to take in hiring a city manageror administrator including attracting, interviewingand offering positions to candidates
www.lmc.org
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confidential, privileged, proprietary, or otherwise protected. The unauthorized review, copying, retransmission, or
other use or disclosure of the information is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this message,
please immediately notify the sender of the transmission error and then promptly delete this message from your
computer system.
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CITY MANAGER
SUMMARY
This is highly responsible administrative and supervisory work in the management of city
governmental activities. Work involves planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating city
finance, public works, fire, library, and a variety of other services as provided for in the City Charter
and authorized by the City Council. Work includes executing the citywide budget, interpreting and
executing ordinances and other directives of the City Council, and representing the City in local,
metropolitan, and state activities of interest to the community. Work is performed with
considerable latitude for independent action and decision making under the broad policy guidance
of the City Council and is reviewed through meetings, reports, and observation of results obtained.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Within broad policy guidelines established by the City Council, coordinates and administers a
wide variety of requests and problems of municipal concern; researches and assists in
developing and recommending solutions; interprets ordinances and directives to other
departments, other agencies, and the general public.
2. Develops and implements administrative policies and guidelines in cooperation with the City
Council; advises department heads and other employees as to administrative procedures and
policies; evaluates performance and results in accordance with overall city objectives and
makes appropriate recommendations.
3. Represents the City Council and Mayor in regard to local, metropolitan, and state activity of
concern to the community.
4. Supervises and participates in collective bargaining matters; acts as the lead negotiator in
negotiating with representatives of employee organizations.
5. Supervises and participates in the development of the annual budget; prepares supporting
information and presents at council meetings.
6. Supervises and participates in administering appropriations; reviews and approves major
purchases.
7. Advises the City Council as to the financial status and needs of city government; supervises and
participates in projecting needs for funding and investment; meets with auditors and
investment advisors.
8. Prepares agenda for council meetings; supervises and participates in the development of
supporting information; presents City Council agenda and attends other meetings as required.
9. Oversees the administration of personnel matters; approves all new hires and promotions,
excluding police department personnel.
10. Serves as the City's public information representative; confers with media; speaks to schools,
civic groups, and other organizations.
11. Performs other work as required.
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• A combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to a master's degree in
public administration or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years in a managerial role in local government.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• One or more year of experience as a city manager.
KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of public administration.
• Considerable knowledge of standard principles and practices in the field of personnel
administration, budgeting, and purchasing.
• Considerable knowledge of the organization and functions of city government and
ordinances, regulations, and policies controlling its operation.
• Ability to assemble, organize, and present in oral or written form statistical, financial, and
factual information derived from a variety of original and secondary sources.
• Ability to exercise resourcefulness in solving new problems in accordance with established
ordinances, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected
officials, peers, and the general public.
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Community Forum
City of “EDINA”
During "Community Comment," the Mayor will invite residents to share issues or concerns that are not
scheduled for a future public hearing. Items that are on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during
Community Comment. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Mayor may limit the
number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of �me and topic. Individuals should not expect the
Mayor or Council to respond to their comments tonight. The City Manager will respond to ques�ons
raised during Community Comments at the next mee�ng.
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