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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-2024 City Council Meeting Minutes CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers Connie Buesgens Kt Jacobs Rachel James Justice Spriggs City Manager Aaron Chirpich City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, September 09, 2024 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 09, 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: Andrew Boucher, City Planner; Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Matt Markham, Police Chief; Kay Carlson, Associate Manager of Labelle Park Condos; Edyta Dudek, City resident; Veronica Johnson, City resident; Angie Nielson, City resident; Dave Rudolf, SACA Representative; Caleigh Gumbiner, Second Harvest Representative 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 Councilmember James requested Item B “Latine Heritage Month Proclamation” under Proclamations, Presentations, Recognition, Announcements, Guests, be moved to Item F. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0 Mayor Márquez Simula explained the amendment to the agenda was due to the recipients of the proclamation not yet being present at the meeting. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 2 A. Recognition of Recycling Champions. Councilmember Buesgens read the background on page 6 of the Agenda Packet which states: Columbia Heights and Anoka County want to recognize Labelle Park Condos management, residents, and community board/groups for showing how a teamwork approach can improve recycling in multifamily buildings. In addition to the recognition received this evening, the City also offers a one-month discount on City recycling charges for multifamily properties that complete the program. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that Kay Carlson, Associate Manager of Labelle Park Condos, was in the audience to accept the certificate. Ms. Carlson thanked the Council and encouraged people to continue to recycle. B. Constitution Week Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed September 17, 2024 – September 23, 2024, as Constitution Week and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. Police Chief Markham accepted the proclamation and noted that law enforcement is about protecting the Constitution. He added his appreciation for the proclamation. C. Hunger Action Day Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed September 2024 as Hunger Action Month and Councilmember Spriggs read the City’s proclamation. Dave Rudolf, SACA representative, and Caleigh Gumbiner, Second Harvest Heartland representative, accepted the proclamation. Ms. Gumbiner thanked the Council and explained that her work is to connect the network to opportunities to end hunger together. Second Harvest Heartland is the second-largest food banks in the Country. In 2023, they provided nearly 128 million meals to hunger relief programs. They are a proud partner of SACA. In 2023, SACA distributed almost 1 million pounds of food. Due to the increase in cost of food and other household items, food shelves have seen a record number of visits. In 2023, there were 7.5 million food shelf visits in Minnesota. She added that there needs to be policies in place to reduce and prevent hunger. She explained that they are increasing awareness of hunger and are encouraging Minnesotans to vote to reduce hunger. Mr. Rudolf explained that hunger is a huge problem and mentioned that it meant a lot that the City acknowledged that. SACA has been around for almost 50 years. In 2023, they served about 55,000 people. SACA provides a number of programs such as a client choice food shelf, a senior delivery service, a thrift store, fresh produce distributions, and holiday meals and toys. He mentioned that ways to get involve include donating financially, host a City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 3 food drive, and donate food and unopened toiletries and personal care items. He thanked the City for the proclamation. D. Columbia Heights Pride Day Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed September 21, 2024, as Columbia Heights Pride Day and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. Angie Nielson, member of the Pride Committee, accepted the proclamation and mentioned that it was the sixth year of the Pride Festival. The festival will include a full stage of entertainment, 40-plus vendors, and free Dilly bars. E. The 1944 Warsaw Uprising US Airlift Day of Remembrance Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed September 21, 2024, as Warsaw Uprising US Airlift Day of Remembrance and read the City’s proclamation. Edyta Dudek and Veronica Johnson accepted the proclamation. Ms. Dudek thanked Mayor Márquez Simula for bringing the mayor of Warsaw to Minnesota. She explained that she was emotional when she saw the monument. She added that she is arranging a fly over the park where the monument is and welcomed any help in arranging the flyover. Mayor Márquez Simula invited residents to the unveiling ceremony and Remembrance Day of the monument on September 21, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Murzyn Hall. She added that it will be an all-day event with people from the community going to Fort Snelling in the morning and ending the day with a dinner at Holy Cross Church. She thanked Public Works Director Hansen for his work in making the event possible. Public Works Director Hansen thanked the Public Works crew for their work in landscaping. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that the City donated the land that the monument would be on as well as the lights. There are no costs for the residents. F. Latine Heritage Month Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed September 15, 2024 – October 15, 2024, as Latine Heritage Month and read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the pastors at Iglesia Casa de Dios was supposed to accept the proclamation but were unable to attend the meeting and would get the proclamation to them at a later date. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 4 1. Approve the August 26, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the August 26, 2024 City Council Meeting minutes. 2. Approve the September 3, 2024 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the September 3, 2024 City Council Work Session Meeting minutes. 3. Accept January 24, February 28, & March 27, 2024 Park & Recreation Commission Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the January 24, February 28, & March 27, 2024 Park & Recreations Commission Meeting minutes. 4. Accept August 5th, 2024 Regular EDA Meeting Minutes. Motion: Move to accept the August 5th, 2024 Regular EDA Meeting minutes. 5. Accept August 7, 2024 Library Board Minutes. MOTION: Move to Accept the Library Board minutes from August 7, 2024 6. Approve Actions of the Columbia Heights Volunteer Relief Association. MOTION: Move to approve the changes to the Columbia Heights Volunteer Relief Association Bylaws and compensation policy as approved by the Columbia Heights Volunteer Relief Association Board of Trustees and general membership. 7. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1701, an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 5.607 Pet Shops and Commercial Kennels. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1701, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance 1701, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 5.607 Pet Shops and Commercial Kennels, and direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 8. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1704, an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12, Article IV – 1583: Granting a Franchise to Comcast Of Minnesota, Inc. to Construct, Operate and Maintain a Cable System in The City Of Columbia Heights. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1704, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No. 1704, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 12, Article IV – 1583: Granting a Franchise to Comcast Of Minnesota, Inc. to Construct, Operate and Maintain a Cable System in The City Of Columbia Heights and to direct staff to send a summary of the ordinance as presented, for publication in the legal newspaper. 9. Resolution 2024-060 to Accept MN Department of Public Safety DWI Traffic Safety Officer Grant. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-060, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-060 accepting the Minnesota Department of City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 5 Public Safety grant for the DWI Traffic Safety Officer of up to $150,000, and authorize and direct the execution of the grant agreements. 10. Authorize the Purchase a Fitness Court Studio from the National Fitness Campaign. Move to Approve the purchase of a Fitness Court Studio from the National Fitness Campaign in the amount of $135,000, and authorize the City Manager to execute contract for the same. 11. Establish Date for 2024 Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for 2024 Concrete Alley Construction, Project 2406, and Delinquent Accounts. MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 7, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. as the Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for City Project 2406, to be held in the City Council Chambers. MOTION: Move to establish Monday, October 7, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. as the Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing for Delinquent Accounts, to be held in the City Council Chambers. 12. Approve Final Payment for Zone 6 & 7 Street Rehabilitation, MSA 47th Avenue Mill and Overlay, and Gould Avenue Reconstruction, City Projects 2202, 2206, And 2208. MOTION: Move to accept the work for 2022 Street Rehabilitation, City Projects 2202, 2206, and 2208, and authorize final payment of $44,215.14 to Valley Paving Inc. of Shakopee, Minnesota. 13. Approval of Purchase of Refuse Carts. MOTION: Move to approve the purchase of 2,200 carts through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract at a price of $116,064 with funding from the Refuse Fund 603 and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. 14. Capital Equipment Replacement of Central Garage Band Saw. MOTION: Move to approve the acquisition of a DoALL 400-S purchased from Sawing Products located at 7916 Kerber Blvd in Chanhassen, Minnesota, for $25,240 through competitive alternate quotes, with funding provided by Central Garage fund 701.9950.42010 15. Approval of Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit #280: Caterpillar Model 247B2 Compact Track Loader with Attachments and Trailer. MOTION: Move to approve the acquisition of a 2024 Caterpillar 249D3 Compact Track Loader with attachments from Zeigler Cat in the amount of $54,811 including trade in; and a Felling FT14I-16T Trailer from Lano Equipment in the amount of $15,121 from the State of Minnesota Cooperative Purchase Contract, for a total expenditure of $69,932. Funding is provided from the Streets and Parks Capital Equipment Replacement Funds 431-3121 & 431-5200. 16. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business agenda for September 9th, 2024, as presented. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 6 17. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for September 9, 2024, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 18. 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 $1,870,591.96. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 19. Consideration of a Rental License Exemption for 4421 5th Street NE City Planner Boucher stated On September 4th, 2024, the owner of 4421 5th Street NE, reached out to the Community Development Department requesting an exemption from the single-family rental density cap. The property is located on Block 56 with four single- family rentals out of 25 total single-family units and an allotment of three single-family rentals. City Planner Boucher referenced the letter that staff received, noting Section 1 of Ordinance 1685, established the single-family rental density cap. City Planner Boucher explained if approved, Resolution 2024-062 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 3 months from the passage of the resolution. This puts a limit on how long it can take to bring the house into rental compliance if needed. The temporary rental license 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. The property owner, Rolando Bustamante, has multiple properties that are the subject of illegal rental cases including at the 4421 5th Street NE property. Councilmember Jacobs asked what the allotment was for the block. City Planner Boucher replied that there are three allotted and four existing rentals. Alma Bustamante, property owner, explained that they purchased the property before they understood that there was a limit to rental properties in the area. She asked for an exemption and noted that they have three daughters that need to be fed. Ms. Bustamante asked if the Council would be voting on the item during the meeting. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that they would be. Ms. Bustamante asked if they would receive an email with the information included. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that she would have City Planner Boucher explain the process. City Planner Boucher explained that he would let the applicant know what the Council’s decision would be and would begin the rental application process if they allow an exemption. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 7 Councilmember Jacobs asked when the property was purchased. Rolando Bustamante, property owner, replied two to three years ago. He added that he owns one other property but he offices out of it. City Planner Boucher noted that even if the property owner does not reside on the property, a rental license is still required if people are inhabiting the property. Mr. Bustamante explained that the additional property will help grow his business. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if Mr. Bustamante’s other properties were zoned commercial or residential. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the properties were for people to live in or if it was for storage. Mr. Bustamante replied that one property was where he lived and the second property was where he parked his trailers. Mayor Márquez Simula explained there are many rules to make sure that properties are safe to live in. Mr. Bustamante mentioned that he works in construction and is familiar with the rules. Councilmember Buesgens asked if the 4420 5th Street property was used for storage. Mr. Bustamante replied that it was. Councilmember Buesgens asked if it was legal to do that. City Manager Chirpich replied that it is difficult for the City to be able to tell if a home is used for storage. There were outside storage violations on the property. Councilmember Buesgens asked if anyone was living on the property for the last two to three years. Mr. Bustamante replied there was not. Councilmember Jacobs asked Mr. Bustamante what type of business he owned. Mr. Bustamante replied flooring. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the 4420 5th Street property would be the fifth rental property in the block. Community Development Director Forney replied that the block allows for three rental properties but 4420 5th Street would be the fifth property. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that if the property owners had not applied for the rental license then the City did not know if the property was ready to be rented. Community Development Director Forney agreed and added that there has not been an inspection done on the property. City Planner Boucher explained that the property owners were asking for an exemption because the block is over the limit for the number of single-family rentals. The Fire Department provided information that mentioned that Francisco Gomez had been paying the utility bills since May 2024. Mayor Márquez Simula asked who Francisco Gomez was. Mr. Bustamante replied he was someone who worked for him and that he and his son have been living there. Mayor Márquez Simula asked why Mr. Gomez was paying for the utility bills. Mr. Bustamante replied because he was allowing Mr. Gomez to live in the house. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 8 Mayor Márquez Simula expressed her concern that someone was living on the property without a rental license. Councilmember Jacobs asked how long Mr. Gomez has been living on the property. Mr. Bustamante replied nine months. Councilmember Jacobs noted that for nine months, Mr. Bustamante has been collecting rent without a rental license. Mr. Bustamante explained that it is difficult to say because Mr. Gomez works for him and he provides housing. Councilmember Jacobs asked for clarity on the additional properties. Community Development Director Forney replied that he received information from Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien that mentioned the property at 1221 45th Avenue was purchased in 2022 and applied for a license in June 2024 and achieved it. There is an additional property at 4552 Heights Drive that is for sale. Mr. Bustamante noted that his brother was selling the house. Community Development Director Forney mentioned the property at 9448 4th Street is in a block with a density cap. The property owners have asked for an exception in the future for the property. The property at 5240 7th Street had a license through the City since 2021. The home address is in Fridley. Councilmember Jacobs noted that one property achieved a rental license and asked if the 5240 7th Street property had a rental license under the current property owners. Community Development Director Forney replied that the license was under Alma. Councilmember Jacobs explained that the property owners knew that a rental license was required in 2021. Mayor Márquez Simula asked what the history has been of the property owners as landlords. Community Development Director Forney replied that he would need a moment to look into it. Councilmember James explained that the rental density cap is an important part of the process of preserving homes for sale. She added that it seems that the property was purchased as a business and a way to make money. She mentioned that exemptions for rental density caps are for circumstances beyond wanting to make more money. She expressed her understanding of not knowing if a rental license was required if an employee was living in the home and not paying rent. She noted that if someone is living in a property owner’s home, they need to go through the rental licensing process. She stated that this would not meet her reasoning for an exemption. Community Development Director Forney explained the property at 1221 45th Avenue has received a rental license and has not had any violations. The property at 5240 7th Avenue has three violations for scrub, brush, and outside storage. Mayor Márquez Simula thanked the property owners for explaining their point of view. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-062, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 9 Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to deny Resolution 2024-062, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving the single-family rental exemption request for the rental application at 4421 5th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421. 4 Ayes, 1 Nay, Motion Carried 4-1. Ayes: Spriggs, Jacobs, James, Buesgens. Nay: Márquez Simula Mayor Márquez Simula explained to the property owners that they would not be able to apply for the rental license and that City Planner Boucher would be reaching out to them to explain the process. Community Development Director Forney added that City Planner Boucher would provide any clarification the property owners would need. He noted that Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien is a good representative to go to with questions since he is in charge of rental licenses. Ordinances and Resolutions 20. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1702, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Administrative Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses. City Planner Boucher noted at the August Council work session, the Council discussed an Administrative Citation ordinance. Staff responded to feedback regarding usage of criminal citations and examined Administrative Citation processes and fines ordinances to provide an alternative means to achieve compliance with code enforcement cases in a more informal, less intimidating, and more effective method than the Anoka County Court System. Minnesota Statute 462.362 – Enforcement and Penalty enables a municipality to, by ordinance, provide for the enforcement of ordinances or regulations adopted; Chapter 6 – Administration of City Affairs in the City Charter explicitly states that the City Manager has the authority to prepare and submit to the Council for adoption an administrative code incorporating the details of administrative procedure and suggest amendments to the same. City Planner Boucher mentioned The Cities of Crystal, Fridley, Hopkins, New Hope, and Richfield, and their administrative enforcement processes were examined. Each of these cities that have implemented administrative enforcement of ordinance violations have several common components that the City Council should address in a draft ordinance such as: purpose; general provisions defining an administrative offense, exemptions, civil penalties, and schedule of fines and fees; procedures for administrative citations and hearings, and payments/recovery of civil penalties. The City Manager will need to provide a list of lawyers for the City Council to approve as hearing officers, these officers cannot be City employees, and the fee schedule will need to either address fines based on the type of offense or whether a flat consistent fee is desired. City Planner Boucher stated current city code Chapter 3 – Administrative Code addressing administrative citations through Article V: Administrative Offenses; this section of code contains a definition for administrative offense, noticing, payment, failure to pay, disposition of penalties, powers and duties of finance director, and scheduled penalties. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 10 However, the existing code does not establish a procedure for noticing, nor does it set compliance deadlines, or include a procedure for appealing the citation. City Planner Boucher explained Staff proposes updating the existing ordinance, Chapter 3 – Administrative Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses with the following amendments: 1. Adding a purpose section to 3.501 identifying that the City Council has the ability to provide an alternative means for the enforcement of ordinances or regulations adopted through Minnesota Statute 462.362 and Chapter 6 of the City Charter. 2. Removing the Definitions section from 3.502 and establishing General Provisions for Administrative offenses including exemptions, civil penalties, schedule of fines and fees, and abatement procedures. 3. Revising 3.503 to read as Administrative Citation Application specifying who may conduct enforcement; set procedures for how to issue citations; the required contents of a citation including the nature, date, and time of the violation, name of the official issuing the notice, amount of the scheduled initial penalty, and the right of the recipient to contest the citation. The City shall appoint a neutral third party to hear and rule on such challenges. Additional items are the failure to pay and administration of any fines assessed pursuant to Minnesota Statute 169.999. 4. Amending 3.504 to read as Administrative Hearing detailing the necessary components to a lawful administrative hearing including: requesting a hearing, confirmation of the hearing, extensions, file transmittal requirements, presentation of the case, decision, right to appeal, failure to appeal, and means for judicial review as provided in state law and administrative review before the City Council. 5. Amending 3.503 Payment to 3.505 and establishing payment requirement 14 business days from the time of issuance of the notice. 6. Amending 3.504 to 3.506 to Failure to Pay and Recovery of Civil Penalties and establishing procedures for imposing penalties for nonpayment such as liens, personal obligations, late fees and charges, license revocation or suspension, criminal penalties, and abatement. City Planner Boucher mentioned other items that will require future City Council action in relation to this proposed ordinance include: 1. Amending Chapter 5A Property Maintenance Code section on remedies to include administrative citations. 2. Amending the fee schedule to reflect fines and fees for violations. 3. Approving a list of qualified Hearing Examiners and a procedure for appointing and evaluating examiners. Councilmember James asked if the hearing would be in person or if the petitioner could request a virtual option. City Attorney Lepak replied if there is a need for a virtual option it will be available. Councilmember Buesgens expressed her excitement about the item. She explained that most people in the City follow the rules and codes. However, there are a few that do not City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 11 and it is helpful to have something to keep people accountable. She thanked the Staff for their work. City Planner Boucher added that it is a next step since typically the City will send letters to notify someone of a violation. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that a lot of Staff time goes into researching and communicating violations. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1702, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to set the second reading of Ordinance 1702, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Administrative Code, Article V – Administrative Offenses in the City of Columbia Heights for September 23, 2024 at approximately 6:00pm. Councilmember James suggested including the virtual hearing option in the second reading. City Attorney Lepak confirmed that it would be included in the second reading. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Spriggs mentioned he attended the EDA meeting and the Council work session. He provided an update from the Library Board and noted that they are seeking to have a “maker space” which would be an opportunity for people to come in for discussions. They are updating policies in terms of borrowing in order to reflect the changes to Anoka County libraries. Councilmember Jacobs explained that she did not have a report. Councilmember James noted she attended the Metro Cities Housing Policy Committee with Councilmember Buesgens. She mentioned that some metro cities are hoping to make payments in lieu of building the affordable housing that is required. She explained that she wants affordable housing in the City so she voted no. She stated she attended the EDA meeting, the work session, the Columbia Heights/Fridley Business Council, and Movie in the Park. She mentioned she is working with the League of Women Voters on September 17th for National Voter Registration Day. Councilmember Buesgens announced that on September 21st, from 1:00-4:00 pm, the VFW would be hosting a Rib Fest. She explained she volunteered at Blooming Sunshine Garden and reminded community members that people can pick what they need but asked that people leave produce for others. She added that she attended the Metro Council Housing and supported Councilmember James’ vote. She stated she attended Music in the Park, a St. Croix River cruise with seniors, and the Art Fair at Key’s Park. Mayor Márquez Simula stated she attended the Regional Council of Mayors meeting, the work session, the EDA meeting, the Park and Recreation meeting, and the OutFront Gala. She mentioned that City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 12 community members have questions about the property on 43rd Avenue and Central Avenue (the Rainbow site) and asked City Manager Chirpich for an update. Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich explained that the Rainbow site is anticipated to have a groundbreaking date in the spring of 2025. The plans that the community is familiar with are still intact which include 75,000 square feet of commercial and retail with space for a grocer partner, a hardware store, and a fitness center. Apartments would be included above the grocer and hardware store. There will be several public hearings where the community can provide feedback. City Manager Chirpich stated that the City is recruiting members for the Multicultural Advisory Committee. They meet on the third Tuesday at 6:00 pm at the Public Safety building. Those who are interested can contact Officer Wood. Youth Commissioner applications are due September 13th. There are opportunities to sit on the Library Board, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, or the Sustainability Commission. Applications can be found online or at City Hall. City Manager Chirpich announced that the final Movie in the Park would be on September 13th and will be showing Shrek with Spanish subtitles. It will be at McKenna Park at 7:30 pm. There will be free popcorn, provided by Magnify Financial. In addition, there will be an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the redesign effort for University Avenue. There is a meeting on September 17th at the Fridley City Hall from 5:00-7:00 pm. The Police Department will be hosting Kunafa with a Cop on September 17th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Golden Nuts. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary