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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-2024 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 Monday, February 26, 2024 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 26, 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 Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember James Also Present: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police; Andrew Boucher, City Planner; Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director/ Assistant City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Interim City Manager; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Sherri Brown, City resident; Chrisma McIntire, City resident; Connie Morre, Alexandra House Representative; Jennifer Pyper Muno, City resident; Salam Sabha, Business owner; Dirk Schmitz, 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 ev eryone, 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 justi ce for all." APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Alexandra House. Connie Moore stated that the Alexandra House provides services for families escaping domestic violence or sexual assault. There are elder abuse services or individuals who are being neglected or abused by an intimate partner or an adult caretaker. Alexandra House is in all of the school districts in Anoka County where they provide education, one-on-one City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 2 support, and support groups. Legal advocacy is provided for anyone who needs to file an order of protection, a harassment restraining order, or whose perpetrator has been arrested and is being charged. They respond 24/7 to Mercy Hospital and Unity Campus. Support groups are held for sexual assault victims and elder victims. They also take referrals for therapy and have a partnership with Conscious Healing. She noted that they provide community education and training for law enforcement, schools, health care, etc. There are several volunteer opportunities at Alexandra House such as working directly with people who come for services, helping with donations, facility maintenance, and others. All information can be found at alexandrahouse.org. Ms. Moore noted that there was an increase in 2023 in requests for services. There was a 19% increase in the emergency shelter services and a 38% increase in housing and supportive services. There was a 50% increase in youth services, a 13% increase in hospital based advocacy services, and a 4% increase in legal advocacy services. The Alexandra House is looking into funding at the next legislative session since they did not get the funding they were hoping for last year. Ms. Moore explained that the Hope Gala will have a masquerade ball theme this year and take place on March 23, 2024 from 5:30-9:00 pm. It will take place at Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens. She invited community members to attend as well as purchase raffle tickets on their website. Raffle winners do not need to be present at the Gala and are able to pick between four dream vacations. Ms. Moore mentioned that in 2023, Alexandra House provided 86 separate households in Columbia Heights with their services and received 129 calls on their crisis line from residents. Councilmember Jacobs asked what the cost was for the Gala. Ms. Moore replied that the tickets are $175. Mayor Márquez Simula added that there is a silent auction and a dinner and encouraged anyone who needs services to reach out. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Jacobs asked if the date in Item 2 was a typo. Interim City Manager Hansen replied that it was not a typo because it was in the previous year. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve the February 12, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the February 12, 2024 City Council Meeting minutes. 2. Accept February 27, 2023 HRA Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the February 27, 2023 HRA Meeting minutes. 3. Accept December 12, 2023 Sustainability Commission Minutes. MOTION: Move to Accept December 12, 2023 Sustainability Commission Minutes. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 3 4. Approve Permit for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. MOTION: Move to authorize the Police Department to issue a parade permit for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, contingent on the above conditions, to be held on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for the following streets: 40th Avenue at Van Buren Street; west on 40th Avenue to 5th Street; south on 5th Street; end at 5th Street/Mill Street. 5. Adopt Resolution 2024-19 Accepting The Feasibility Report For Concrete Alley Reconstruction And Ordering The Public Improvement Hearing, City Project No. 2406. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-19, there being ample copies available for the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-19, being a resolution accepting the Feasibility Report for Concrete Alley Reconstruction, City Project No. 2406, and ordering the Public Improvement Hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m. on March 26, 2024. 6. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 26th 2024, as presented. 7. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for February 26, 2024, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 8. Review of Bills. MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City Council has reviewed the enclosed list to claims paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of $927,869.33. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 9. Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid in Gaza. Mayor Márquez Simula read a statement before reading the Resolution. The statement highlighted that the Resolution was created with collective voices from the community. She added that she pledged her support for a ceasefire which laid the groundwork for the Resolution brought forth to the City. She thanked the community members who shared their stories and helped shape the Resolution. She noted that there have been automated emails sent, potentially originating from non-local sources that underscore the complexities inherent in engaging community sentiment. She reaffirmed her commitment to amplify the authentic voices of the constituents. She invited Councilmembers to share their perspectives. Councilmember James thanked those who have reached out to her and noted that she has received 118 calls and emails with 50 people identifying themselves as Columbia Heights residents with all of them expressing their support for the Resolution . She added that personally she believes that the Council needs to vote in favor of the Resolution. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 4 Councilmember Jacobs read a statement that highlighted her support for the humanitarian efforts for all those involved in the conflict and how she was moved by listening to the stories of those effected. She expressed her concern regarding the Mayor’s recorded video statement at the February 12, 2024 meeting since the Mayor noted that the Council had been working on the Resolution for weeks but it was not presented to the Council until February 5, 2024. In order to get the item on the next Council meeting, the Council had to meet at 9:30 pm in order to make edits. She stated it felt like a rushed process. She noted that not many cities have participated in the cease fire resolution and that San Francisco’s mayor had explained the cease fire resolution has left the city angrier and more divided. Out of the 70 emails and phone calls she received, only three identified themselves as City residents. She noted that those who have expressed support for the cease fire resolution are not in the majority of the residents and the Council was not elected to represent and address State or Federal issues. She encouraged the community to engage in a letter writing campaign to State and Federal representatives in order to come together to achieve a common goal. She added that she cannot put her name on a document that is not clearly supported by the residents of the community. She asked that the Council table the item until the Council has enough time for discussion. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs to table Resolution 2024-20, a resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, calling for ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. Motion failed for a lack of a second. Councilmember Jacobs stated that she would provide City Clerk Ion with her statement so that it could be included into the minutes. Councilmember Buesgens noted that this has been a journey for her. She researched cease fire resolutions that have been done in other cities and read comments from other councilmembers that had voted yes in their cities where councilmembers explained they voted yes to give a voice to their constituents. She stated as a Councilmember, she is responsible to her constituents and would not be bullied into not doing her job of giving a voice. Councilmember Spriggs read a written statement expressing his support for the cease fire Resolution. He noted that all politics are local and he has received the most emails regarding this topic. He highlighted that the fighting needs to stop on all sides and that it has been difficult to hear about the 31,000 Palestinian lives that have been taken. This is about humanity. Hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are without basic human necessities. He added that the acts of Hamas on October 7, 2023 were horrific and unjustifiable but recognized that the people of Palestine are not Hamas. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that she is part of the Regional Council of Mayors and recently had a meeting with the U.S. Department of State regarding international affairs and helping economic growth in the City. She expressed her appreciation for the Council speaking up. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 5 Councilmember Jacobs mentioned that she had shared her statement with her State and Federal Representatives. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that during the Council work session, she brought a few versions of the Resolution to the Council to see if there was any interest in voting and discussing it. Four of the Councilmembers expressed their interest during the work session. It was decided that Councilmember Buesgens and Mayor Márquez Simula would work with the Interim City Manager and City Attorney to create the final Resolution. Mayor Márquez Simula read Resolution 2024-20. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to read and adopt Resolution 2024-20, a resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, calling for ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. A roll call vote was taken. 4 Ayes, 1 Nay, Motion Carried 4-1. Ayes: Buesgens, Márquez Simula, Spriggs, James. Nay: Jacobs. Mayor Márquez Simula thanked those who attended the meetings and entrusted the Council with their stories. She added that her role is to elevate the voice of the community. 10. Review and Authorization of an Amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. City Planner Boucher stated in late 2022, staff were informed that Medtronic intended to vacate their Columbia Heights campus located at 800 53rd Avenue NE. The property was listed for sale in December of 2022, and staff collaborated with the listing broker to provide guidance on potential parameters for redevelopment of the site. Currently, the entire 11.74-acre site is fully within the Shoreland Overlay District and zoned GB-General Business which allows for a variety of commercial uses but does not include provisions to allow residential development. Given the large size of the property and its desirable location, staff believe that a variety of uses could be considered at this location, including high - density residential. Despite the redevelopment potential for the site, there is no specific guidance in the City’s Comprehensive Plan to direct a different use of the property. The current plan simply guides the site for commercial use under the assumption that Medtronic will remain the primary user. City Planner Boucher noted following the listing of the property, Staff received a handful of inquiries from redevelopers over the course of a few months. Staff advised interested developers that the City viewed the site as a p rime prospect for redevelopment, but specific guidance for the site has not been developed at this time. Therefore, additional planning must be undertaken to start creating parameters for the potential rezoning/re- guiding of the site before redevelopment can occur. HKGi, who prepared the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, was contracted to develop a design framework and conduct engagement activities including evaluating the redevelopment site and the neighborhood context, facilitating meetings and workshops with Staff, City Council and Planning Commission, and the neighborhood to establish redevelopment goals with a focus on land use and design elements. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 6 City Planner Boucher explained Initial work has included evaluating the redevelopment site and neighborhood context through internal Staff meetings and workshops in the form of a Joint Session of the Planning Commission and City Council on November 16, 2023. The Joint Session allowed for some consensus to be reached regarding the core land use and design elements that have been established thus far, these core elements include the following:  Scale high density residential towards Central Avenue and lower density housing such as townhomes near Sullivan Lake  Street designs that incorporate stormwater management features  Integrate public/private spaces  Focus on Sullivan Lake and expansion of Sullivan Lake Park as existing community assets  Improve Sullivan Lake water quality  Targeted residential density of 450-600 units  Limited commercial/retail development City Planner Boucher mentioned these land use and design frameworks were refined into two concepts which were presented to the public at an Open House engagement event held on January 9, 2024. The event was extremely well attended and served as the beginning of a two-week online public engagement period from January 9th through January 24th where community members provided feedback on the concepts presented. City Planner Boucher stated HKGi has provided a summary report that documents the proposed changes to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The primary Changes that are proposed are as follows:  Transit Oriented Development (TOD) land use text description  Implementation chapter update to reflect the need for r ezoning of the site  Adding to the Opportunity areas with an Area 5 section describing the new site and changing the site’s future land use designation from Commercial to TOD.  Technical tables will be adjusted based on projections changing and forecasts for additional population and housing units: o Regional Setting o Socioeconomic (Household and Employment) o Sewer o Transportation Analysis Zones o Transportation demand City Planner Boucher noted that the Planning Commission has reviewed the item and has recommended approval. Councilmember Jacobs asked where the proposed commercial space was located. City Planner Boucher replied that it is in the building located on 53rd Avenue. Councilmember James stated she thought it was a wonderful plan and was happy to see the expansion of the park. She noted there was still only one access point and asked if it was adjustable. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich replied that there are two access points off of 53rd Avenue. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 7 Mayor Márquez Simula noted that these are simply concepts and not something that is currently being built. The examples show the Council and the public that there are options for what could happen but if the Comprehensive Plan is not changed, then the options are more limited. Tonight’s meeting is to specifically vote on the recommendation to the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich explained that this item was not intended to be a public hearing and does not need a motion to close the public hearing. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to waive the reading of draft Resolution No. 2024-013, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-013, a resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, authorizing the proposed amendment of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan per the staff report and recommending the City proceed with sending the amendment to the Metropolitan Council. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1691, an Ordinance proposing vacation of roadway, alley, and right-of-way easements serving 1650 40th Avenue NE. City Planner Boucher mentioned that the City was the applicant for this item. The City is vacating these easements because the current configuration does not accurately reflect the right-of-way that was constructed and is proposing new easements to serve these properties. There are three proposed roadway easements that are to be vacated. Exhibit A and B show the existing roadway easements per Document No. 217962 and 727283 as well as all of the alley per Waltons 1st Subdivision of Reservoir Hills which are all subjects of this roadway easement vacation and Exhibit C shows the new proposed easement. City Planner Boucher noted Section 9.104 (J) of the Zoning Ordinance and Section 111 of the City Charter outlines certain findings of fact that must be met in order for the City Council to grant approval for an easement vacation. The findings are as follows: The City Council shall make each of the following findings before vacating a street, alley, or other public right-of-way: a) No private rights will be injured or endangered as a result of the vacation. Th is is correct. b) The public will not suffer loss or inconvenience as a result of the vacation. This is correct. City Planner Boucher explained Staff has coordinated with the City Engineer who has been provided copies of the application materials and had no concerns with the easement City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 8 vacation and proposed easements ensuring that the City will maintain the appropriate access necessary for the right-of-way. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to close the hearing and waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1691, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1691, an Ordinance proposing vacation of roadway, alley, and right-of-way easements serving 1650 40th Avenue NE, for March 11, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 12. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1692, an Ordinance proposing a new roadway, alley, and right-of-way easement serving 1650 40th Avenue NE. City Planner Boucher stated that the City is the applicant since it is the City’s easement. Since the previous roadway easements were vacated, the City needs to a new easement to reflect the accurate location of the right-of-way. Typically this would be done through a plat, but since there are no additional lots it was not appropriate. City Planner Boucher explained the City Council shall make each of the following findings before vacating a street, alley, or other public right-of-way: a) No private rights will be injured or endangered as a result of the vacation. This is correct. b) The public will not suffer loss or inconvenience as a result of the vacation. This is correct. City Planner Boucher added that Staff has coordinated with the City Engineer who has been provided copies of the application materials and had no concerns with the easement vacation and proposed easements ensuring that the City will maintain the appropriate access necessary for the right-of-way. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to close the hearing and waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1692, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1692, an Ordinance proposing new roadway, alley, and right-of- way easement to serve 1650 40th Avenue NE, for March 11, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 9 Report of the City Council Councilmember Spriggs noted that he signed a letter to end the sale of all commercial flavored tobacco products in the State as well as a letter for supporting local control regarding plastic bag policy. He attended a virtual Minnesota Healthy Meeting. He added that he continues to work with the residents at the Legends to help keep their rent affordable. He noted that a couple of bills were introduced at the legislature that will need local support to help with rent at the Leg ends. He mentioned that he spoke with a group of medical students at the University of Minnesota regarding different paths for advocacy. Councilmember Jacobs stated she attended the ISD 13 five -year plan meeting with Councilmember Buesgens where she learned there is a gap of activity through the District and the Parks and Recreation Department for ages 3-5 years. Councilmember James thanked the Council, Staff, and those who attended the meeting for helping deal with such a heartfelt issue. She attended Coffee with a Cop at the Legends, a meeting with several local Oromo business leaders, and the Buy Nothing giveaway event. She hosted a meeting with the League of Women Voters, New Brighton Area Chapter. She added that she attended the Climate Coalition meeting, a policy primer with a local progress organization , and signed a letter for Clean Water Action Minnesota. Councilmember Buesgens reminded the community to keep storm drains clean. She added that she attended Coffee with a Cop at the Legends, the Sustainability Commission meeting, the School District’s strategic planning meeting, and a Smart Salting Community leaders online workshop. She encouraged the community to check out the University of Minnesota’s extension services because they are using alternative turfs that do not require fertilizer and are low maintenance. She had the opportunity to tour the career and technical education classrooms and had watched the neighborhood watch meeting via zoom. She stated she read in the Northeast paper about bills in the making that would prohibit plastic packaging from containing toxic chemicals as well as a bill where cities would be able to decide if they want to ban plastic bags. She explained that plastic itself is not the problem, it is the chemicals that plastic absorbs. She encouraged the community to call or write to representatives to support the proposed bills. Councilmember Jacobs added that she went on her first plow ride of the season and applauded those who got their cars off the street. She noted that garbage and recycling cans need to be on the edge of the curb instead of in the street so plows can get by. Mayor Márquez Simula stated that she attended the Sister City meeting, the Youth Commission meeting, Coffee with a Cop at the Legends, the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MNCFIA) meeting, US Department of State meeting with the Regional Council of Mayors, the Buy Nothing event, the League of Women’s Voters meeting with Councilmember James, the Parkview Villa Black History Celebration, the HeightsNext pet bed workshop, and the Islamic Cultural Center Bazaar in Fridley. She explained that the watermelon symbol has meaning in Palestine. The Palestine flag has historically been banned at times in Israel when, and in an act of rebellion, people would wear the symbol of a watermelon to represent the flags colors. She also attended the neighborhood watch meeting. She mentioned there the broken trees outside of City Hall will be replaced. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 10 Report of the City Manager Interim City Manager Hansen stated the City provides two newsletters which focus on City news and activities coming up. One newsletter is mailed quarterly and the other one is electronic and sent monthly. Community members need to sign up in order to receive the enewsletter and can do that on the City’s website. Interim City Manager Hansen stated there would be an open house on March 7, 2024 from 5:30-7 pm at City Hall in regard to the 40th Avenue planning efforts for the eventual reconstruction of 40th Avenue. Interim City Manager Hansen noted that the warmer and drier weather has allowed the City to do things that typically cannot be done in the winter. A part of the projects being completed is improving the conditions round the trail near the Medtronic site, Public Works Staff have been able to go out and clean that trail. He mentioned that the union for the water treatment plant in Minneapolis have decided to go on strike. It has been reassured there will be staff available to continue service for the water and treatment so there is a plan in place for Columbia Heights to continue to get water from Minneapolis. Interim City Manager Hansen stated that applications for commissions close on February 29, 2024. He encouraged those who were interested in joining a commission to apply. The openings include the Planning, Parks and Recreation, Library, and Sustainability Commissions. Police Chief Austin stated he has submitted his letter of retirement from the Columbia Heights Police Department and will be on April 26, 2024. He shared that it has been one of the greatest jobs he has held. He has been in this occupation for 35 years and with the City for 29 years. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that in two weeks there will be a community survey and the City will conduct an internal search for Chief Austin’s replacement. She noted that she would like to hear from the community on what they would like to see in a Police Chief. COMMUNITY FORUM Sherri Brown, City resident, thanked the Council and Staff for their work. She expressed her concern that there is a proposed demolition of 3851 and 3853 on Central Avenue. She noted that one of the buildings is old but the other one is newly remodeled and wondered if there was a way to salvage some of the newer material. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that she has received emails with similar concerns. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich replied that Staff recognize the concerns and agree that if there is a way to recycle some those materials, they would like to do that. The owner has interest in recycling some of the windows. The City has worked with Habitat for Humanity in the past, but they do not have crews that can help deconstruct. There are other avenues that Staff would like to pursue to deconstruct before demolition. Ms. Brown asked what would be happening in the area. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich replied that there are no immediate plans but the land would be assem bled for a larger redevelopment effort. It has been an ongoing effort of the City’s Economic Development Authority to acquire the single-family homes along Central Avenue for redevelopment efforts. Ms. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 11 Brown asked what the best way to receive additional information was. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich replied to sign up for the electronic newsletter. Dirk Schmitz, City resident, thanked Police Chief Austin for his years of service. He noted that according to the Comprehensive Plan, there are roughly 6,000 residential units in the City. The City has a limit on rental units for single-family homes per neighborhood. He asked what the reason was for the number and wondered if there should be the same ratio of owner-occupied units as compared to rental units for the same reason that there is a rental cap. He added his belief that there should be more owner-occupied units in the City. He suggested finding an architect to design a development that is unique to the City. This could include smaller units for new couples as well as nicer condominiums and townhouses. He stated the City should help people have pride in owning their own home instead of funding multimillion dollar corporations that are from out of town. Chrisma McIntire, City resident, shared that she was surprised Columbia Heights is called the City of Peace. She thanked Police Chief Austin for his service. She noted that the fabric of our society is collapsing globally but offers an opportunity to rebuild in a positive manner. She added that global issues are not being published. She emphasized the importance of fixing the problems that are near and have the power to fix. She added “let us learn to listen to one another.” She thanked the Council for their service. Jennifer Pyper Muno, City resident, inquired as to the City Attorneys role in assisting the City Charter Commission. She noted that while she worked with the recall committee and the team did their best to ask questions in order to be prepared and ready in the 30 day window to collect signatures. She felt that the recall committee may have received incorrect information from the previous City Attorney and asked how it could have been avoided and if the City was doing anything to fix the Charter language or to hold the previous City Attorney accountable. Additionally, she thanked the Council for voting in favor of the ceasefire resolution. Salam Sabha, business owner, thanked the Council for passing the cease fire resolution. He noted that he has a business on University Avenue and 50th Avenue and on the frontage road of University Avenue, there is a bus line and apartment buildings but no sidewalk or lights. He mentioned that the City should consider placing a sidewalk on the frontage road. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that Staff will provide an answer to this at the next Council meeting. Kiki Latham, City resident, thanked the Council for the diversity that has been brought forth in the past year. She added that she is proud of the Mayor for bringing forth the ceasefire. She expressed her understanding that Councilmember Jacobs may have felt that the item was not brought up correctly, but she did not think that mattered since what mattered was BIPOC people are being heard and seen. She added that the focus should be to help the City. She mentioned that Councilmember Jacobs had stated that the ceasefire was an international matter, yet she went to the Minnesota Supreme Court in order to stay in her chair. In the same way, people need to do everything they can to help those in the community and sometimes that means it is an international issue. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 12 Meeting adjourned at 7:56 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary