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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-2024 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, January 22, 2024 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, January 22, 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 and noted that Items A and B would be switched in the Agenda. 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; Erik Johnston, Police Captain; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Dan O’Brien, Assistant Fire Chief; Clifford Rude, City resident; Dirk Schmitz, City resident; Wilson Zhina, City resident; Laureen St. Gabriel Dargay, City resident; Laurel Deneen, 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 Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS Mayor Márquez Simula reordered the agenda to first consider Item B. B. Introduction of Police Department Staff. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 2 Captain Johnston introduced the four new Police Department staff. He introduced Joseph Boublanc who is from Louisiana and has a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He also recently completed the Pathways Program. Mr. Boublanc explained that it has been a long journey and he has a desire to be a positive asset to the community and bring about positive change. He added that he is hoping to continue to learn and grow a nd create solutions for the community. Captain Johnston introduced Jennifer Cortez who was recently hired as a community service officer and has a Bachelor’s Degree from Hamline University in Criminal Justice. She is currently enrolled at Rasmussen University where she is finishing up her law enforcement certification and degree program. She has served six years in the National Guard and was recently a correctional officer for Scott County. She accepted a conditional offer for police officer and will begin field training after she has completed her law enforcement degree and gets her certificate. Ms. Cortez expressed her appreciation to the Council. Captain Johnston introduced Troy Vaughn who previously work for the City’s Police Department, moved to Florida and has now returned to the department. He is taking over a new assignment as the Community Policing Coordinator. This position is one of the key organizers for outreach and community activity events. Mr. Vaughn stated that he is glad to be back in Columbia Heights. He has his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and his Master’s Degree in Education. He expressed his excitement of the Community Policing role. Captain Johnston introduced Manny Alvarez who has an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Hennepin Tech and has recently completed the Pathways Program. Mr. Alarez stated that he is excited to give back to the community that he grew up in. A. Introduction of Elected Officials. Mayor Márquez Simula stated she was happy to introduce the elected officials. MN State Senator Mary Kunesh Senator Kunesh stated that she has been the City’s State Senator for three years and the State Representative for four years before that. She provided the Staff and Council with a handout of legislative wins. She expressed her pride of all that was accomplished with the strong focus on community and getting resources to communities. She noted that Columbia Heights received $9 million for repairs on Central Avenue and Highway 65 improvements. The City also received $2.5 million for the Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA). The City’s Public Safety Department received $956,556, which goes towards the local public safety initiatives and $14.1 million goes towards the Anoka County Public Safety. She added that they were able to allocate $625 million to help hold down property taxes and provide quality tax services. Anoka County received $5.8 million to help hold down taxes. Senator Kunesh explained that she is the Chair of Education Finance in the Minnesota Senate. $1.36 million was added to the general formula increase, $3 million was added to ELL and the Special Education Cross Subsidy increase, and almost $100,000 was allocated to student support City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 3 personnel and library aid. She noted if there are any questions or comments, people can reach out to her at the legislature and she would be happy to help. MN State House of Representatives Sandra Feist and Erin Koegel Representative Feist expressed her excitement over the funding for SACA. She noted that she is the Vice Chair for the Public Safety Committee and worked specifically in the area of juvenile justice and youth justice. She is excited to partner with the City to make sure that the City receives funding for the new Public Works building. Last legislative session, she worked closely with nurses and will be coming back next session in order to protect nurses. As an immigration attorney, she is focused on supporting immigrants in the City. One of the bills that she is working on would insure that State dollars are being spent where most needed. Representative Koegel noted that most of what has been accomplished last year has been covered already. She explained that she works with infrastructure and transportation. She expressed her excitement over the F-line for bus rapid transit, and the safety projects on University Avenue and Central Avenue. She is chairing a task force for the Resiliency Advisory Task Force Council for Minnesota. They work to coordinate different assets and cities are getting the resources they need. She encouraged people to reach out with any questions or concerns. Councilmember Buesgens expressed her appreciation for all three women coming to the meeting, providing updates, and supporting the City. B. Introduction of Police Department Staff. This item was considered prior to Item A. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve the January 2, 2024 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the January 2, 2024 City Council Work Session Meeting minutes. 2. Approve the January 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the January 8, 2024 City Council Meeting minutes. 3. Accept the January 19, 2023 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the January 19, 2023 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes. 4. Accept the April 20, 2023 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the April 20, 2023 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes. 5. Accept the December 13, 2023 Youth Commission Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the December 13, 2023 Youth Commission meeting minutes. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 4 6. Adopt Resolution 2024-08, Designating Election Judges and Election Judge Salaries for 2024 Elections. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2024 -08, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-08, approving the designation of elections judges and election judge salaries for the 2024 Presidential Primary. 7. Resolution 2024-09 to Amend the 2024 Fund 411 Budget to Authorize Conference Room and Sound Masking Updates for the Public Safety Building. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-09, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to the adopt Resolution No. 2024-09 amending the Fund 411 budget to authorize the technology updates at the Public Safety Building and approving the purchase of equipment and services through Bluum Technology. 8. Authorization to Purchase and Outfit Police Vehicles. MOTION: Move to authorize the purchase of four 2024 Ford SUV patrol vehicles and one 2024 Chevrolet Traverse to be used as an unmarked squad car; all vehicles to be purchased under the State of MN Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV) at a total cost of $212,477. MOTION: Move to authorize an expenditure of up to $167,547 to set up and outfit the police vehicles to be purchased, in addition to the two Dodge Chargers that were purchased in December 2023. 9. Authorize Sergeant Jackie Urbaniak’s attendance at Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. MOTION: Move to authorize the attendance of Sergeant Jackie Urbaniak at the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command being held in the City of Eagan from September 23 through December 6, 2024. 10. Authorize the Acquisition of Miscellaneous Equipment for the New Aerial Apparatus. MOTION: Authorize the fire department to purchase loose equipment for the new Aerial with 2024 Capital funds, not to exceed the budgeted amount of $74,000. 11. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for January 22, 2024, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 12. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for January 22nd 2024, as presented. 13. 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 $950,751.96. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 5 PUBLIC HEARINGS 14. Consideration of Resolution 2024-07, Declaration of a Public Nuisance in the City of Columbia Heights is Requested Against the Property at 4411 3rd Street NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien provided background and noted in July 2022, the City’s seasonal inspector performed a complaint inspection and found several dead, diseased, hazardous tree violations. Compliance orders were sent and a follow-up inspection was conducted on September 6, 2022 where the inspectors found that one of the large dead tree branches had fallen onto the house. A seasonal extension was granted to allow the homeowner time to create and finance a mitigation plan. On June 1, 2023 a second notice of violations was sent as a reminder. After there was no response, the violations were sent to the City’s forester on July 19, 2023 for an abatement by his contractor. He received bids for the abatement and removal of the trees and found that the bids exceeded his allowed spending limit. It was decided with the City Attorney that the matter should come before the Council for declaration as a public nuisance. A statement of cause and notice of the public hearing was sent to the property owners. A final pre-Council inspection was performed on January 11, 2024 and it was determined that progress towards the code violations listed in the initial compliance order had not taken place. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. Councilmember James asked if there was a range that was given for the quotes. Fire Chief O’Brien replied that he did not have the bids since they went to the City ’s forester but knows that they were above $3,000. Clifford Rude, property owner, asked for an extension. He added that he was not aware of the initial grants of extension. He explained that from what he knows, he is expected to pay $4,500 out of pocket and he is not be able to afford that. He stated that there was no mention of the disease tree removal program initially. Mayor Márquez Simula provided an opportunity for the Council to ask questions Councilmember Jacobs noted this started in July 2022 and asked if Mr. Rude was claiming that he had received no notices since that time. Mr. Rude replied that he has no recollection of receiving the notices from July 2022 and June 2023. Councilmember Jacobs asked Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien who the notices would have been sent to. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that that initial notice of violation was sent on July 5, 2022. The copy was sent to Clifford Rude at 2638 Oakland Avenue South in Minneapolis which is the owner of record on County records. Another copy was sent to Clifford and Jennifer Rude at the property address and for Clifford A. and Jennifer Rude at the property address. There were three total notices that were sent on July 5, 2022 as well as three notices with the statement of cause that were sent in December. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 6 Councilmember Jacobs asked if there were copies of the notices sent to all possible addresses. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that was correct. Mr. Rude asked if they were sent as certified mail. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that the City is not required to do that and added that they were not returned undeliverable. Councilmember Jacobs pointed out that it establishes the City has used proper notification methods. Mr. Rude stated that the Minneapolis address would have been invalid. Councilmember Jacobs mentioned that other notices were sent and he should have received them. Mr. Rude replied that he has no recollection of receiving them. Councilmember Jacobs stated that Mr. Rude has had ample time to reach out for an extension and to talk to the City about what needed to be done. She asked Mr. Rude if he has reached out to anyone in the City. Mr. Rude replied that he has not and he is looking for an explanation and not to get out of removing the trees. Councilmember Buesgens asked Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien to explain how the abatement works. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that typically if the abatement is approved, the City can work with the homeowner to give them a little compliance timeline to work on and if it is still not completed within the timeline, then abate it. Declaring and abatement does not necessarily mean that the City will do the abatement immediately. Mayor Márquez Simula asked for more of an explanation on what an abatement means. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that it means a correction. In this case, it would b e removal of the trees and correction of any damage that they’ve caused to the structure. If the abatement is approved, the City hires a contractor to remove the tree. The City would be billed for the removal and then would bill the homeowner. If the fee i s not paid, it gets assessed to the property taxes for the following year. He added that he believes it could be spread out over several years. Councilmember Jacobs asked if the fallen tree branch had damaged the roof. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied it appears that it damaged part of the eave. Councilmember Spriggs asked Mr. Rude how long of an extension he was looking for. Mr. Rude replied a month or two for when the tax return comes in. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if Mr. Rude was hoping to take down the tree himself. Mr. Rude replied that he was not. He added that there is an oak tree in the alley that was never removed and wanted to make sure that he was not on the hook for it since it was determined that it was on the easement. Councilmember James stated that it makes sense to go ahead with the abatement process . She encouraged citizens to reach out if they have any issues and need help. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2024-07, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 7 Mayor Márquez Simula noted there is room to work with Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien on any other things that need to be cleared out so that Mr. Rude is not responsible financially. She added that the City has a desire to work with citizens. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution 2024-07, being a Resolution of the City Council of the city of Columbia Heights approving declaration of a public nuisance, pursuant to City Code, of the property listed. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 15. Approve Joint Powers Agreement with MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for Columbia Heights’ Participation in Violent Crime Reduction Unit Police Chief Austin mentioned in November 2023, BCA Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller provided a presentation about the BCA’s violent crime reduction unit and what it has been doing to combat some of the violent crime issues within the Twin Cities. Part of that plan is so expand it and offer additional positions with the BCA Violent Crime Unit. Agencies of first ring suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul will have the opportunity to assign officers to the Violent Crime Unit. In this case, one officer from Columbia Heights will be assigned to the BCA Violent Crime Reduction Unit. He noted that this would be reimbursed through State dollars back to the City. It is the Police Department’s recommendation to enter into the JPA with the BCA and be part of the BCA Violent Crime Reduction Unit. Councilmember James asked which violent crimes this would address. Police Chief Austin replied that the main focus would be on robberies and car jackings. The focus is on the Twin Cities metro but if there was a need in northern Minnesota, it is possible that the unit would assist agencies up there. By being a part of the BCA Violent Crime Reduction Unit, it would provide the City with additional support. Mayor Márquez Simula stated this is a great opportunity for the Department to be a part of and a good move for the City. She asked how many officers were interested in joining the unit. Police Chief Austin replied five officers were interested. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to Authorize the Mayor, Interim City Manager, and Police Chief to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to participate in its Violent Crime Reduction Unit. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Ordinances and Resolutions 16. Consideration of a Rental License Exemption for 4411 6th Street NE. City Planner Boucher stated on January 18, 2024, the owner of 4411 6th Street NE, reached out to the Community Development Department requesting an exemption from the single - family rental density cap. Section 1 of Ordinance 1685, which esta blished the single-family rental density cap, states that: “If the number of detached single-family dwellings rental City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 8 properties meets or exceeds the permitted number of rental properties per defined block on the effective date of the ordinance from which t his section is derived, a property owner may request a temporary license to allow an additional rental property for that block. 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.” As it is the homeowners’ right to appeal to the Council. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien provided additional information and history. The property owner purchased the property in November 2019. The City received a complaint about the property being illegally rented in August 2020. The City sent a notice of rental license required which contained instructions for licensing the property or if the property was occupied by the owner, an affidavit of non-rental for the owner to complete and returned to the City. The property owner did not attempt to begin the licensing process or return the affidavit to the City. Inspectors posted the property as unlawful to occupy for not having a rental license in January of 2021 and again in June 2021. The property passed an initial rental inspection by the Community Development Department and the Council approved a rental license for the property on August 23, 2021. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien added that the 2022 exterior license inspection found a simple storm door violation for a door closure on June 20, 20222 and it took the property owner until November 21, 2022 to correct the violation. There were eight inspections until it was completed. In May 2023, a notice was sent to the license holder to renew the rental license. The notice stated that the license holder had to complete an application, pay the licensing fees and call to schedule an interior inspection of the property prior the expiration of the license on June 30, 2023. The property owner failed to take any of the necessary steps to license the property prior to the deadline and was given notice of the public hearing for the revocation of the rental license on September 26, 2023. The statement of cause and notice of the public hearing stated that if he could complete the items prior to October 11, 2023, the license would not go to revocation. The property owner failed to take any of the necessary steps. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien explained that the Council voted to revoke the license in October 2023. Notice was sent to the property owner and tenants. The property was posted with a license revocation notice and on January 9, 2024 the property became unlawful to occupy for not having a rental license. The property owner emailed a request for exemption on January 18, 2024. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien performed an occupancy check of the property on January 22, 2024 and found that the property was currently unoccupied. City Planner Boucher explained that if approved, Resolution 2024-10 would grant a temporary rental license exemption to the homeowner with a few additional requirements. The homeowner is required to complete the license application process within three months from the passage of the resolution. This puts a limit on how long they can take to bring the house into rental compliance if needed. The temporary rental license City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 9 will be valid for one year from the date that the license is approved. This provides the homeowner and tenant the ability to rent the home for a full one -year lease. After the term of the temporary license, the 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. Staff recommends adopting Resolution 2024-10, a resolution approving the single-family rental exemption request for the rental application at 4411 6th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421. Mayor Márquez Simula asked the Council if they had any questions. Councilmember Buesgens expressed her concerns about the property owner not being in compliance since 2019 and that they did not follow through with the items needed to have a rental license. She noted if the property owner had done what was required, then they would have had a license at this time and there would not have been any issues. Wilson Zhina, applicant, stated he understood Councilmember Buesgens’ concerns. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that it was Mr. Zhina’s chance to share his point of view and if he would be able to handle having a rental license. Mr. Zhina explained that there were issues with the home in the past. The home has been vacant in the last two to three months. He added that he is unable to occupy the home because he has a lease at a different place until December and is unsure what to do with the home since he cannot pay for the mortgage on the home and the rent where he is currently living. Mayor Márquez Simula asked Mr. Zhina if he understood all of the items that would be needed to bring it into compliance. Mr. Zhina replied that during the exterior in spection they needed to fix a storm door, which has already been fixed. He noted they have made the interior of the house nicer but would need an interior inspection to understand what else would be required to fix. Councilmember Jacobs asked Mr. Zhina to be specific on what he has done to upgrade or correct anything that needs to be corrected at this time. Mr. Zhina replied that he hired a dumpster due to overflowing trash and trash in the yard. He has replaced the flooring in the house because the carpet was destroyed. In addition, they have painted the upstairs and lower level of the house. He noted that he will still need to replace switches. Councilmember Jacobs asked if there were major expenses in order to get the house rentable. Mr. Zhina replied that there was not because it was only minor items. Councilmember Jacobs agreed with Councilmember Buesgens’ concerns. She noted that there have been a lot of issues for many years and the Council has not heard from Mr. Zhina about how he will specifically change the pattern of issues. She asked Mr. Zhina what he would do specifically that would be different from the last three years. Mr. Zhina replied that he has been having his eyes opened and was not aware of all that was happenin g over City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 10 the last three years with the property. He added a lot of the notices were going to an old address and would take the responsibility of making sure he would receive notices in the future. Councilmember Buesgens explained that being a landlord is a business and that Mr. Zhina has not been able to run this business well so far. She added that another option is to sell the property. Mr. Zhina asked the Council if it would give them more trust in him if he hired out a property management company to help assist with everything that needs to be completed. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that he could offer it and the Council would think about it. Councilmember Jacobs asked if Mr. Zhina still had to execute the license since he was the homeowner. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that Mr. Zhina would be responsible for the license. Councilmember Jacobs noted that it would not be a workable option for Mr. Zhina since he would still be responsible for getting the rental license and added that she has concerns about issuing another license to him. Mr. Zhina asked if there was anything he could do. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that he can offer additional ideas and the Council will listen and offer opinions. She added that she believes the Council has heard enough. City Planner Boucher reviewed the exemption process and which properties have been approved or denied for a rental license. Mr. Zhina added that he is hoping to prove and show that he will follow all of the steps with the City. Councilmember James asked Mr. Zhina if the goal is to ultimately live in the home or to live in it temporarily. Mr. Zhina replied that the goal was to live in it temporarily in order to make a decision for the future and get through this hardship. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that the rental license would be for a year, then he would need to go through the rental license process again, after two years would not be able to rent the property again, and would then have to live on the property or sell it. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-10, 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 2024-10, a resolution approving the single-family rental exemption request for the rental application at 4411 6th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421. Councilmember Spriggs commented that he is in favor of giving the homeowner an opportunity to prove himself and bring this up to code. He added that vacant houses come with their own issues such as vandalism. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 11 3 Ayes, 2 Nays, Motion Carried 3-2. Ayes Spriggs, James, Márquez Simula. Nays: Buesgens, Jacobs. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Jacobs stated she attended the awards program for the Police Department, participated in the interview process for the search for the next city manager, observed the Charter Commission meeting, attended the ISD 13 community feedback meeting, and attended the annual Housing Redevelopment Authority meeting. She added that she attended the Medtronic meeting and facilitated eight resident reach outs. Councilmember Spriggs mentioned that he attended the beginning of the Medtronic presentat ion, and is continuing to work with the residents at the Legends. He added that he did a couple of League of Minnesota Cities’ trainings and met with a board member from the Bakken Museum. Councilmember James noted that she attended the community feedback meeting for the Medtronic site, and taught a civics class for ninth graders at the high school about local government. She attended the Charter Commission as the Council liaison, and a training through the League of Minnesota Cities. She also attended a webinar put on by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. She mentioned that volunteers are needed for the upcoming SnowBLAST event. On February 19, 2024 there will be an event for the public called “What’s Happening with the Equal Rights Amendment?” at 7 pm at the New Brighton Community Center and will be hosted by the League of Women Voters New Brighton area. Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) board meeting and announced Sarah Evanson’s appointment to the citizen advisory who will be the representative for the City. She added that she attended the Medtronic open house, and the police awards ceremony. She suggested that the police awards ceremony be recorded in the future. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that she attended the police awards ceremony and expressed her pride in the Police Department and the community. She attended the school district strategic planning meeting with Councilmember Jacobs and also attended the local rotary meeting. She met with the Anoka County Workforce Development and learned about their program and invited them to join the Youth Commission. She attended the Sister City meeting and discussed the World War II sculpture that will be coming to Columbia Heights this summer. She also attended the Medtronic open house, the Youth Commission meeting, the Joint Law Enforcement meeting, the Senior Consortium meeting for Anoka County, and the Development Committee meeting for Alexander House. She volunteered at Valley View School for the every meal program and met with residents from Park View Villa and the Legends. She observed the Charter Commission meeting and has been donating plasma. Report of the City Manager Interim City Manager Hansen stated SnowBLAST is on February 3, 2024 from 4-7 pm. The list of activities can be found on the City’s website. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 12 COMMUNITY FORUM Dirk Schmitz, City resident, stated that at the February 2023 Planning Commission meeting, it was noted that a developer was interested in the Medtronic site. During the May 2, 2023 Planning Commission meeting, it was mentioned that the Medtronic site has a multifamily developer with a letter of intent and it was also mentioned that the Rainbow site is currently up to 700 units. In the June 5, 2023 work session minutes, it mentions a three-year business company named LS Black that gave a sales pitch about having a letter of intent and a potential agreement to build in three phases with tax increment financing for a 600-unit complex. He noted that in the minutes, the Interim City Manager said that the City needs to push the envelope and asked what that meant. During the August 28, 2023 Council meeting, it was approved to have HKGI Professional Service contract with Columbia Heights. He also found in a December meeting, that HKGI gave a presentation to the City Staff and the Council. He asked what the Councilmembers learned about rental and high density housing, commercial enterprise hiring opportunities, and tax allocations in the City during the moving upstream presentation. He also asked why the City was showing citizens the two 400-unit concept plans of HKGI and not the developers LS Black 600-unit plan. He asked what the timeline would be for a three-phase development. He asked if 53rd Avenue would be torn up during the development. He asked what recourse the City has if the young development company cannot finish the project. He asked why the City Staff are pushing to rezone this site for the first residential developer that makes an offer instead of giving time for a commercial developer to redesign the site. He asked what the tax cost difference was between the 600 units of low income housing compared to the 12 acres of job producing commercial buildings. He asked what is stopping a developer from putting residential units in the Fairview Clinic site. He noted he has other questions and concerns that he would like to discuss with City Staff at a later date. He asked the Council to listen to the citizens of the City and consider what is best for the future of the City. He ended by asking where the “ample copies” are. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that the Interim City Manager will be writing down all of the questions and will address them for the resident. Councilmember Buesgens stated that the Medtronic site currently brings in $385,000 in taxes that are divided by the County, schools, and the City. Fridley built two brand new market rate and 180% AMI buildings that are similar to the units the City has in the City Hall building. Three buildings in Fridley bring in $1.275 million in taxes. She noted that the commercial buildings that are going in around the area are shovel ready instead of cleanup sites. Larene St. Gabriel-Dargay, City resident, stated she would like to bring forth a proposal for an art center to be established and entered into the plans for the City’s development. She suggested calling it “The Columbia Heights Center for the Arts.” The development would be to benefit all people of t he community as well as surrounding cities. She believes that the Center for the Arts needs to be established as a fine arts center that would have the same kind of integrity as those that already exist in other cities. She added that an arts center would raise the bar in the City in developing the integrity culturally and promote growth and true awareness of the arts as an integral part of each individual’s lives. She mentioned an executive art director could be hired to manage the art center and fundraise while volunteers could help in areas that are fun and fulfilling. A board could be developed to help schedule exhibits and plan events. She explained that she grew up going to art centers and is also a member of the Minnesota Artist Association and sees a need for an art center. She stated the project City of Columbia Heights MINUTES January 22, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 13 would begin with the proposal to add the plans into the scheme of what is happening in the City. She asked the Council to look at other art centers in the Twin Cities and see how Columbia Heights could make improvements to embracing the arts. Interim City Manager Hansen noted that he would give the Council a copy of Ms. St. Gabriel-Dargay letter that she had read for the Council. Councilmember Buesgens asked if Ms. St. Gabriel-Dargay knew how the other cities started their art centers. St. Gabriel-Dargay replied that she did not know if the other cities went through other organization or through their city, but noted that anything was possible. Laurel Deneen, City resident, stated she would like to see the City create a community center where people could come together for events, such as having after school activities for youth. She is on the Planning Commission and would like the City to consider art throughout the parks, which she would like to see. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary