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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers Connie Buesgens Kt Jacobs Rachel James Justice Spriggs Interim City Manager Kevin Hansen City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE Tuesday, May 28, 2024 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, May 28, 2024, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Márquez Simula called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that the Anoka County Commissioner, Mandy Meisner, was in attendance and would be a guest speaker. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember James Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director/ Assistant City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Interim City Manager; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Ryan Smith, Building Official; Brandon Gilbert, Property owner; Jack Israelson, City resident; Denise Johnson, City resident; Mandy Meisner, Anoka County Commissioner; Mohamed Mohamed, City resident MISSION STATEMENT Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy and connected City. We are here to actively support the community, deliver equitable services, build and strengthen connections, improve upon our past, and uphold our successes. We strive to be better and ensure Columbia Heights is a great place for everyone, today and in the future. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Márquez Simula noted that Anoka County Commissioner Mandy Meisner would be speaking and included in the Agenda as item F under Proclamations, Presentations, Recognition, Announcements, Guests. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by CouncilmemberJacobs, to approve the Agenda as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 2 A. Presentation of 2024 Outstanding Citizen and Business Award. Mayor Márquez Simula recognized the contributions of Jack Israelson and noted that he is a high school senior, a Youth Commission member and a volunteer photographer for HeightsNext. In addition to his volunteer work in the City, he is a writer for the Heights Herald which focuses on stories about the Columbia Heights community and local government. Jack plans to attend the University of Minnesota in the fall and hopes to study geography or urban studies. Mayor Márquez Simula announced Jack Israelson as the 2024 Outstanding Citizen of the year. City resident Jack Israelson thanked the City and the local school district for providing him the opportunity to get into local government. Mayor Márquez Simula highlighted Denise Johnson as the adult 2024 Outstanding Citizen. She explained that Denise watched her mother volunteer at the Southern Anoka County Assistance (SACA) every week for 20 years. Denise became a second-generation volunteer at SACA. In 2021, Denise began volunteering at Reach Out and Read which provides books to children during their annual checkups. Denise enjoys working alongside young adults from Columbia Heights who volunteer with the organization as part of their career pathways program. In 2023, Denise was appointed one of the first commissioners for the Sustainability Commission. City resident Denise Johnson thanked the City for the recognition. She explained that her parents instilled the importance of being involved in volunteerism and the community. Mayor Márquez Simula recognized Brian “Beany” Drews as an Outstanding Citizen and noted that his son Connor Drews would be accepting the award on his behalf. Beanie spent many years as an assistant coach for youth sports and would help get kids to practice and fundraise so that every kid could play. Since Beanie's passing last November, Connor has been touched by how many people recognize him because of his father. Beanie helped fundraise at the local church and stayed active in the community through softball and the Italian American club. Connor Drews thanked the City for honoring his father with the 2024 Outstanding Citizen Award. He also thanked the community for their support of him after his father passed away. Karen Drews thanked the City and noted what an honor it was for their family. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that the Business of the Year recognition would be postponed until the next City Council meeting. The award will be for Heights Pizza Man but the business owner was not able to attend tonight’s meeting. B. Arbor Month Proclamation. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 3 Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed April 26, 2024, as Arbor Day and May 2024 as Arbor Month, and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. C. May Public Works Week Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed the week of May 19 through May 25, 2024, as National Public Works Week and read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that she worked in Public Works before running for Mayor. Interim City Manager Hansen added that Public Works does a lot of work behind the scenes such as making sure water systems are online when there are power outages. D. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed the month of May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month and Councilmember Spriggs read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that the proclamation was requested by a resident who has ALS. E. National Cities, Towns and Villages Month Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed the month of May 2024 as National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month and Councilmember Buesgens read the City’s proclamation. F. Anoka County Commissioner Mandy Meisner Anoka County Commissioner Mandy Meisner explained that she represents Fridley, Columbia Heights and Hilltop. There is a building identified in the City that the County will be closing the purchase for on Friday. $2 million in ARPA funds will be used to renovate the building to transform it into permanent affordable housing. The building will be dedicated to families and include about 20 units. The renovation is predicted to begin after the closing on Friday. She explained that there is a 25-cent sales tax that is dedicated to affordable housing and will come through the County. Anoka County will get the local funding as well as State funding. It is predicted that the County will have between $8-$10 million a year and $10-$12 million every year dedicated to developing affordable housing. The funds are currently being housed in the HRA County fund. She added that she believes some of the funding will be allocated towards grants. The County does not have a desire to become a developer but would like to allocate the funds to those who are doing the developing. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Márquez Simula pointed out that item 7 of the Consent Agenda has been removed due to a language change. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 4 Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve the May 6, 2024, City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the May 6, 2024, City Council Work Session Meeting minutes. 2. Approve the May 13, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the May 13, 2024, City Council Meeting minutes. 3. Accept January 18, 2024, Charter Commission Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the January 18, 2024, Charter Commission Meeting minutes. 4. Accept April 1st, 2024, Regular EDA Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the April 1st, 2024, EDA Meeting Minutes. 5. Accept April 3, 2024, Library Board Minutes MOTION: Move to Accept the Library Board minutes from April 3, 2024 6. Accept April 9, 2024, Sustainability Commission Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the April 9, 2024 Sustainability Commission minutes. 7. Removed from the Consent Agenda. (Postponed to June 10, 2024) Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1696, an Ordinance amending Chapter 9.106 General Development Standards (M) to establish Tree Preservation and Planting Standards. 8. Second Reading of Ordinance 1698, Creating a Housing Trust Fund Within the City of Columbia Heights, and Designating the EDA as the Fund’s Administrator. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No.1698, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No.1698, being an ordinance establishing a Housing Trust Fund, and designating the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority as the administrator of the fund, and direct staff to send a summary of the ordinance as presented, for publication in the legal newspaper. 9. Approve Permits for the 2024 Jamboree. MOTION: Move to authorize staff to close Huset Parkway from 39th to 40th Avenues beginning Tuesday afternoon, June 25, through Sunday, June 30, 2024. MOTION: Move to authorize the Police Department to issue a parade permit for the Jamboree Parade to be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM for the following streets: 45th Avenue to Quincy Street, south to 40th Avenue, west to 5th Street. MOTION: Move to authorize fireworks at dusk on Saturday, June 29, 2024, and to waive the Fire Department fireworks display permit fee. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 5 10. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 28th 2024, as presented. 11. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for May 28, 2024, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 12. Review of Bills. MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City Council has reviewed the enclosed list to claims paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of $1,415,322.85. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13. Adopt Resolution 2024-44 for Abatement. Community Development Director/ Assistant City Manager Chirpich stated the abatement is of a non-permitted, non-code-compliant structure. The resolution would require the removal of a structure from the property. In August of 2023, following a complaint to the City, the City’s Building Official identified an unpermitted, non-code-compliant structure under construction at 1041 43 ½ Avenue NE, a licensed single-family rental property. The Building Official issued a stop work order on site, at the initial inspection. After posting the stop work order, the property owner did not contact the City and the stop work order was removed. Shortly after the first stop work order was removed, a second stop work order was posted on the property and a notice was mailed on 10/4/23 to the owner regarding the need to secure a building permit for the structure or to remove the structure, giving a 30-day timeline for compliance. Community Development Director/ Assistant City Manager Chirpich mentioned that on 9/1/23/ the property owner pulled an online permit for roofing and siding, which requires no review by City staff. This permit was pulled without contacting City staff to discuss the stop work order and the scope of corrections needed. The roofing and siding permit was insufficient to cover the scope of work for the structure, as the structure in question is actually a porch-like structure that was built by the property owner to cover an exterior stairwell that enters the basement. The property owner was informed that the permit pulled for the project was insufficient and that a building permit for an addition to the home would be required. Additionally, the owner was informed that building plans would be required with the permit application. On 10/19/23, the property owner submitted an online application for an addition but did not include any plans. During the week of 11/17/23, the owner brought plans to City Hall representing what had been built on the property. The City’s Building Official informed the owner that the plans, and thereby the existing structure, were deficient and that they would have to be amended to comply with the building code. The owner was also informed that the existing structure had no path to compliance with the building code and that it would have to be deconstructed. The Building Official gave directions to the owner on what revised plans would need to include City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 6 and general guidance on how a code-compliant structure similar to the one that had been built could be designed. Community Development Director/ Assistant City Manager Chirpich explained that the City offered to secure an engineer or design firm that could substantiate the design as built. Staff need to find a way to move on from this and abatement is the last resort that the City wants to take but in some instances, it is required to do so. On 5/2/24, the property owner was mailed a Statement of Cause and Notice of Public Hearing informing the owner of the City’s intent to pursue a nuisance abatement (removal) of the unpermitted, non-compliant structure. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Brandon Gilbert, property owner, explained that if the structure is torn down, the basement will flood. He pointed out that the trim does not cover the stairwell. He stated he had attempted to worked with the City to figure out how to be compliant while also making sure the basement did not flood and create mold. He pulled a permit but was not contacted on whether it was correct or not. He noted that he is being held to deck code but it is not a part of the awning. The house does not have a door that goes to the backyard or the sides of the yard. If deck code was met, the awning could be about three feet off the ground and attached to a rim joist. He explained that even if they wanted to meet the requirement, it would be impossible to do so. Mr. Gilbert mentioned that he felt that he has not been able to have discussions with the City Staff on how to become compliant. He noted that he has had helpful discussions with City Planner Boucher. He added that he was turned down with other solutions when he had the City Inspector come to the property. He explained that the structure is 84 square feet and that a permit is required for 200 square feet structures. He wondered why the structure would not be able to meet some sort of code to solve the purpose of deflecting water from the basement. Mr. Gilbert stated that he would be happy to apply for a variance but does not want to spend $200 each time without knowing what he is applying for or having a discussion with the City first. Councilmember Jacobs asked Mr. Gilbert if he had any background in State Statues or Ordinances. Mr. Gilbert replied that he did not. Councilmember Jacobs asked if he had a background in construction or engineering. Mr. Gilbert replied that he did not. Councilmember Buesgens asked if the City Inspector would provide more details. Councilmember James asked if Mr. Gilbert had architecture or engineering plans and if they had been submitted to the Building Official. Mr. Gilbert explained that he had two quotes. The first quote is for a sump pump and the second quote is to remove the side wall of the building and rebuild the wall. One quote is for $35,000 and the other is for $41,000, which is something that he cannot afford. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 7 Councilmember Buesgens asked Building Official Smith how the structure is unsafe with how it is built now. City Building Official Smith explained that when there is a situation like this one, an engineer is required to design the structure and submit the plans. The structure is constructed similarly to a deck. A deck would be designed to accommodate a total of 50 pounds per square foot. He added that he spoke with the State’s Building Official and he agreed it would be a fair alternative to use the deck code guidance to design the structure instead of hiring an engineer. Councilmember Buesgens stated the support posts need to be below the frost line and asked why that was the case. City Building Official Smith replied that Mr. Gilberts submitted plans showed the footings only 36 inches deep. The requirement for footings in the State is 42 inches deep. Frost can push the footings up if they are not deep enough. Councilmember Buesgens explained that the City provided Mr. Gilbert with what the revised plans would need to include and general guidance on how code compliance for the structure could be designed. She asked if they had received the plans. City Building Official Smith replied that he has not received it. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that City Staff provide flexibility on timing for property owners so they have ample time to ask questions. She added that is evident that there have been discussions between the property owner and City Staff based on the documents submitted for Council review. Mr. Gilbert stated that the footing issue would be no problem to fix. He added that if they cannot meet the ledger board, there is no point in doing the post since it does not meet code requirements. He mentioned that he was not given additional options except to meet the deck code or to hire someone to advise on how to build the structure to meet deck code. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if Mr. Gilbert had an issue with meeting deck code or to take the structure down. Mr. Gilbert replied that he agreed with it all except for the ledger board due to how it was built and attached to the house. He added that since there is no clarity, there is the possibility of spending a lot of money to hire someone to advise on a solution but it could not be approved by the City. Councilmember Jacobs mentioned her understanding on Mr. Gilbert’s comments is that he would like the City to approve something before they have seen it and that he wants to move forward his way. Mr. Gilbert explained that he wants to be compliant. He has an issue with one aspect of compliance because it would cost so much money. Councilmember Jacobs pointed out that it seems like the quotes Mr. Gilbert has are not consistent with what the City Building Official has asked him to do. Councilmember Jacobs noted that City Building Official Smith provided Mr. Gilbert with specific instructions on how he could be compliant. Mr. Gilbert explained that he was not clear on what the instructions were. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 8 Councilmember Jacobs asked Mr. Gilbert what he was unclear on. Mr. Gilbert replied that he was unclear on how the building would meet the requirements without spending $41,000. Councilmember Jacobs replied that the quote is “erroneous” because City Building Official Smith has come up with a solution that is less than $41,000. She asked what else Mr. Gilbert did not understand. Mr. Gilbert replied that if the deck code is going to be met, the ledger board needs to be tied by leg bolts to something. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that when someone applies for a permit, City Staff are not going to sit down and design and do the solution for them. Councilmember Buesgens stated that it seems like Mr. Gilbert does not want to follow the code and comply since he has a lot of reasons why he cannot do it. She added that it is about safety and that Mr. Gilbert did not follow the instructions of the City Building Official or get a permit to see what is allowed and not allowed. She mentioned that a sump pump may be a viable option to avoid flooding in the basement. Mr. Gilbert explained if the awning was detached from the building, it would fall under a different build category and not need to be attached to the building to enforce the code. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that the City’s Building Official has the authority to decide what it needs to be. It is irrelevant to mention what it could be since it has already been determined what the safest option would be. Mr. Gilbert asked what was so “criminal” to ask to explore additional options so he does not have to spend a lot of money on the project. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that it was not impossible to explore additional options. Councilmember Buesgens expressed that it was an unfortunate thing that has happened but it is still Mr. Gilbert’s responsibility to fix anything that needs to be fixed since he is the property owner. Mr. Gilbert explained that the house across the street meets a completely different code which is not deck code and it is unfair for him to have to meet the deck code. There are other solutions that are easy but there is discussion to further the solutions. He added that he wanted to be compliant and find a solution but since no one is required to talk about it, there were no additional solutions. Councilmember James encouraged Mr. Gilbert to utilize the opportunity to hire an engineering firm to look at the code. She asked what the quote was for the engineering firm instead of the work. Mr. Gilbert asked if the engineer could find a different solution if it would be allowed. Councilmember James replied that the engineer would make it compliant with the code and be responsible for making sure they are researching to see if it is compliant. Mr. Gilbert asked where he would go to make sure other awnings in the neighborhood were code compliant. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that the engineer would make sure Mr. Gilbert’s is code compliant. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 9 Mayor Márquez Simula asked if there were any other comments on the item. There were no additional comments. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2024-44, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 2024-44, a Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property a nuisance and approving abatement of ordinance violations pursuant to City Code of the property owned by Brandon Gilbert (hereinafter "Owner of Record"). All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 14. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1697, an Ordinance amending Chapter 9.107 Specific Development Standards (16) Day Care Centers. Community Development Director/ Assistant City Manager Chirpich noted this consideration was the second reading of the Ordinance. It is under “Items for Consideration” due to the abstention vote at the last hearing and therefore, Staff did not want to put it under the Consent Agenda. The Ordinance is proposing to allow City park use for the outdoor play area that is required for daycares by State Statute rather than daycare facilities putting in their own play area. Councilmember Jacobs stated that she was the abstention vote in the previous meeting and would be abstaining from the vote again due to a personal situation with her son and does not think she could be fair on either side. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1697, there being ample copies available to the public. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Abstain, Motion Carried 4-0-1. Ayes: James, Buesgens, Spriggs, Márquez Simula. Nays: none. Abstain: Jacobs. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve Ordinance Amendment No. 1697, an Ordinance amending chapter 9.107 Specific Development Standards (16) of the City Code of 2005 to amend the on-site outdoor play area requirement for child day care centers, and direct staff to send a copy of the ordinance as presented for publication in the legal newspaper. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Abstain, Motion Carried 3-0-1. Ayes: James, Buesgens, Spriggs, Márquez Simula. Nays: none. Abstain: Jacobs. Bid Considerations City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 10 15. Adopt Resolution 2024-42 Being A Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract For 2024 Concrete Alley Construction, City Project 2406. Interim City Manager Hansen stated on April 8, 2024, the City Council authorized Staff to advertise the 2024 Concrete Alley Construction project for bids. In April, plans and specifications were advertised for bids in the LIFE newspaper and electronically on the City website and through Quest Construction Data Network. Eleven contractors (7 prime bidders and 4 subcontractors) requested a copy of the bidding documents. Two bids were received and publicly read aloud at the May 6, 2024, bid opening. The low bid was submitted by IDC Automatic of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, in the amount of $1,016,455.59. The bid is approximately 15% lower than the Engineer’s Estimate. Funding will be provided by assessments, Infrastructure, General, and Storm Sewer funds. Interim City Manager Hansen mentioned that during the last two weeks, Staff have reviewed the references for IDC and met with their management team. Staff feel confident in recommending an award of the bid to IDC. Mayor Márquez Simula expressed her excitement about the City working on more alleys. She noted that there are alleys that cannot be even repaired anymore since they are so deteriorated. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-42, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adopt Resolution 2024-42 being a Resolution on the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights accepting bids and awarding the 2024 Concrete Alley Construction, City Project 2406 to IDC Automatic of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $1,016,455.59 with $996,455.59 from Fund 415.6400 and $20,000 from Fund 653.9699; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember James stated she visited the open house for the meet and greet for the new Chief of Police. She brought teenagers from the church she serves to SACA to sort out food. She attended the school district band, choir and art show, and the Rail Werks Brewery soft opening. She congratulated those who set up Pets at the Park. She attended a police and school and City Council task force to look at how to keep students safe. She met with a resident to talk about guardianship laws and then later let with State Representative Sandra Feist. She went to the Crestview CEO, Shirley Barnes, retirement party with Mayor Márquez Simula. She noted that since Columbia Heights talked about the temporary protected status for Ecuador, the Minneapolis and St. Paul city councils have supported the Resolution as well. She honored those who have sacrificed for our Country. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 11 Councilmember Jacobs stated she met with 18 residents to discuss a variety of concerns. She attended Chief Markham’s meet and greet, Shirley Barnes’ retirement party, and the Rail Werk’s soft opening. She also facilitated five resident reach outs. Councilmember Buesgens mentioned that she attended the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization board meeting and the meet and greet for Matt Markham. She has been volunteering at Blooming Sunshine Garden. She attended the Sustainability Commission meeting as well as the school band, and the choir and art show at Silverwood Park. She attended the soft opening for Rail Werks Brewery and the Park and Recreation open house. She volunteered with the Daughters of the Revolution at Blooming Sunshine Garden. She attended Pets in the Park. She added that she planted flowers in the pots at Murzyn Hall and put down mulch at the Memorial site. She went to Shirley Barnes’ retirement party. She noted that the senior Parks and Recreation program has fun activities. She also went to the St. Paul Cathedral with the program. Councilmember Spriggs stated he had a few meetings with Commission members about various ideas. He also had a meeting with someone from Blue Zones about bringing some of their ideas to the City. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that she attended a Sister City meeting about the upcoming sculpture installation at Huset Park. Polish dignitaries and other VIPs will be invited to the City on September 21, 2024, at West Huset Park. She attended the meet and greet for the new Police Chief, and the Sustainability Commission meeting. She is working with two Bethel students who are interning with her and working to connect more with businesses in the City. On May 15, 2024, she attended the Police Memorial Day in St. Paul. She attended the Fire Association meeting, and Pets in the Park. She also met with students from the Capitol Pathways Organization as well as met with local art enthusiasts, on their vision for an art studio space in the City. There was a meeting with the School District, the police and the School Board to discuss the SRO’s in the schools and how that is evolving. She attended Shirley Barnes’ retirement, and a teacher appreciation at Valley View School. The Columbia Heights Pride Festival planning is underway and will be on September 21, 2024, at Kodiak Park. There is a Gay Straight Alliance prom on June 7, 2024, at Murzyn Hall at 7 pm and will cost $10. She expressed her gratitude for having the banners up on Central Avenue to honor veterans and those who serve the Country and thanked the Staff for their work in putting the banners up. She stated spoke with Valley View School on how to collaborate and build relationships with the Spanish-speaking community. Councilmember Jacobs added that the banners are a fundraiser for Kiwanis and the funds go towards the high school students and help the community. She thanked the Staff for getting the banners up. She mentioned that Beany deserved to be honored. She stated that Rail Werks started the project before Covid and they have stayed on the path for the last few years. Report of the City Manager Interim City Manager Hansen stated that it is the last week for residents to register for the Citywide garage sale. The benefit of registering for the Citywide garage sale is to be included on a printable map. The community art and info fair will be held at Huset Park on June 20, 2024, and is an opportunity to meet City Staff and various departments. Food will be provided at the event. Interim City Manager City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 12 Hansen stated a City Charter Commission position is open. Applications can be found on the City’s website and must be submitted by June 14, 2024. COMMUNITY FORUM Mohamed Mohamed, City resident, thanked the Council for providing information and to City Building Official Smith for being helpful as he was building a house in the City. He noted that he would be attending the City Council meetings moving forward to listen. He explained that he recently submitted a rental license permit application, and it was supposed to be addressed in the City Council meeting so he is assuming that everything has been approved. Councilmember James noted item 10 under the Consent Agenda and mentioned that it was approved. Community Development Director/ Assistant City Manager Chirpich added that the rental license was fully approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:44 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary