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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-2024 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 23, 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 23, 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; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Gloria Bergstrom, President of the City’s Sister City Organization; Joe Schluender, City resident; Linda Stage, Resident from Parkview 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 Colum bia 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 Buesgens, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Polish American Heritage Month Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed October 2024 as Polish American Heritage Month and read the City’s proclamation. Gloria Bergstrom, President of the City’s Sister City Organization, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 2 B. Pedestrian Safety (Walktober) Month Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed October 2024 as Pedestrian Safety (Walktober) Month and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. Joe Schluender, City resident, accepted the proclamation and expressed his appreciation for the City for bringing attention to pedestrian safety. He encouraged community members to walk and respond to the transportation action plan questionnaire. C. Recognition of Recycling Champions. Mayor Márquez Simula stated Anoka County provides grants, education, and technical assistance to help multi-unit properties start or enhance their recycling program. Recently, Parkview Villa (965 40th Ave) utilized these program resources and successfully completed the Anoka County multifamily recycling program. Parkview Villa has a team of management and community board members/owners who assisted in implementing the recommended improvements. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned to achieve success with the program, Parkview Villa used grant money from Anoka County to assist with improving and increasing recycling. All residents received recycling training and a recycling guide. Additionally, they implemented a program utilizing residential and common area sorting containers and recycling signage. Parkview Villa also purchased (with grant money) reusable food service supplies for the community room so they could stop using paper cups and plates. Columbia Heights and Anoka County want to recognize Parkview Villa 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 Linda Stage, a resident and board member, as well as number of Parkview residents, would accept the recognition. Mayor Márquez Simula expressed her appreciation for the hard work Parkview Villa residents put in. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs , to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve the September 9, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the September 9, 2024 City Council Meeting minutes. 2. Approve the September 16, 2024 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the September 16, 2024 City Council Work Session Meeting minutes. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 3 3. Accept April 24, June 26, & July 24, 2024 Park & Recreation Commission Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the April 24, June 26, & July 24, 2024 Park & Recreations Commission minutes. 4. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1702, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Administrative Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1702, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance 1702, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Administrative Code, Article V – Administrative Offenses, and direct Staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 5. Adopt Resolution 2024-61, Designating Election Judges and Election Judge Salaries for the November 5, 2024 General Election. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2024 -61, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-61, approving the designation of elections judges and election judge salaries for the 2024 General Election. 6. Adopt Resolution 2024-65 Being A Resolution Establishing Amount of City Share and Amount of Special Assessments On Projects To Be Levied. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-65, there being ample copies available for the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-65 being a resolution establishing amount of City share and amount of special assessments on projects to be le vied. 7. Change Order to Current Purchase Order for Hylander Center Gym Maintenance. MOTION: Move to approve the change order to add the additional $20,099.08 to the current Purchase Order 24-1656 making the total amount $62,812.20 for Hylander Center Gym maintenance for 2024. 8. Renew Annual Audit Contract with Redpath and Company for 2024 at $59,000. MOTION: Move to renew the annual audit contract with Redpath and Company for 2024 at $59,000. 9. Award Contract to PayProTec for Credit Card Processing of Liquor Store Sales. Motion: Move to award a contract to PayProTec for credit card processing at each of the City’s three liquor stores, at the terms referenced in the related Staff report. 10. Police Department Purchase and Installation of CradlePoints in Squad Cars. MOTION: Move to authorize the Police Chief to purchase CradlePoints and installation from Guardian Fleet Safety in the amount of $18,879.70 as quoted. 11. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business agenda for September 23rd, 2024, as presented. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 4 12. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for September 23, 2024, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 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 $1,727,762.81. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 14. Winter Parking Ordinance No. 1705, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 3 – Administrative Code: 3.203 Police Department; and Chapter 7 – Traffic Code: 7.202 Parking and Stopping Zones; 7.205 Prohibited non-moving violations; and 7.301 Authority for Impoundment. Public Works Director Hansen explained the relationship between snow plowing, snow removal, and winter parking has come up in discussions with the Council from time to time. In 2023 changes were made at an administrative level to the beginning and ending times shortening the time period for enforcement for the 2023/24 snow season. As this was the first year – Staff suggested this be done on a pilot project basis and evaluate the effectiveness of the change. This was reviewed and discussed with the Council at the April 2024 work session. At the August 2024 Council Corner and September 2024 work session, the Council discussed changes to the amount of snow triggering our plowing activities and making the time change above permanent. Public Works Director Hansen mentioned that the Ordinance would have changes such as changing the date from November 1 – April 1, to November 15 – March 15. As well as to amend the triggering snowfall amount of three and a half inches to two inches. The amendment would allow consistency of the date changes in four sections of the Ordinance. Public Works Director stated the amendment to Chapter 3 – Administrative Code: 3.203 Police Department would be to remove section 7.205(N) and amend it to “No Parking March 16 to May 1 when 2 inches or more of snow on the street” Public Works Director mentioned that the amendment to Chapter 7 – Traffic Code: 7.202 Parking and Stopping Zones would be to remove section h and amend it to say “No permit shall be valid except between November 15 of any year and March 15 of the next succeeding year” and to remove section j and amend it to say “All permits shall expire on March 15 of each year”. Public Works Director explained the amendments to 7.205 Prohibited non-moving violations would include removing section 8 and amending it to say “All permits granted hereunder shall expire on March 15 of each year.” In addition, it would remove section N City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 5 Division M and amend it to say “(N) Division (M) of this section shall not be effective between the dates of March 16 of each year and November 14 of the same year, said dates being inclusive; provided, however, that division (M) of this section shall be applicable between March 16 of each year and May 1 of each year, said dates being inclusive, to any subject vehicle when snow has accumulated to a depth of two inches or more within the traveled portion of any roadway that lies within six feet of the said vehicle.” Public Works Director Hansen noted the amendments to 7.301 Authority for Impoundment would not remove item B “No vehicle shall be impounded unless a tag is affixed to the windshield ordering that said vehicle be towed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.” He explained that the agenda packet mentions that it will be removed but it is a statutory issue and cannot be removed. He added that items 1 and 2 would be removed and amended it to say “(1) Between 2:00 a.m. on November 15 and 6:00 a.m. on March 15 of the next succeeding year; and, (2) At least two inches of snow has accumulated within the traveled portion of any roadway at any point not greater than 15 feet from any part of the subject vehicle.” Councilmember Buesgens asked about page 129, Item C, in the agenda packet when it refers to the permitting process of parked vehicles. City Manager Chirpich explained that there are several reasons a car can be impounded and that it must meet the requirements to do so. Councilmember James noted the top of page 127 of the agenda packet and asked why the amendment was to change the date to March 16 when the previous section had the date of April 1. Public Works Director Hansen replied that it was to account for late snowfalls. Councilmember James expressed her excitement over the changes. She mentioned that community members will need to remember to move their cars at the two -inch marker. Councilmember Jacobs asked if the information would be included on the electric sign. Public Works Hansen replied that it was the plan if the Council passed the Ordinance. They would also include the information on social media and the newsletter. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that there has been a lot of collaboration in order to get the Ordinance to where it is. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1705, there be ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember James, to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1705, being an Ordinance to amend Chapter 3 – Administrative Code: 3.203 Police Department; and Chapter 7 – Traffic Code: 7.202 Parking and Stopping Zones; 7.205 Prohibited non-moving violations; and 7.301 Authority for Impoundment in the City of Columbia Heights for October 14th, 2024 at approximately 6:00 pm. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 6 15. First Reading of Ordinance 1706 Being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5 Article vii of the Columbia Heights City Code to Establish the Regulation and Registration of Cannabis- Related Businesses. City Manager Chirpich stated at the July work session, City Staff presented new rules and regulations regarding the local control of cannabis businesses. During this meeting, the City Council reviewed the latest laws and recommendations from the Office of Cannabis Management and directed Staff to develop an ordinance to establish cannabis business registration and regulations. Following this discussion, Staff worked with the City Attorney to draft Ordinance 1706. City Manager Chirpich summarized that Ordinance 1706 amends Chapter 5, Article 7, of the City Code to establish registration procedures for cannabis retail businesses and create regulations for cannabis businesses as permitted by the State. A key feature of Ordinance 1706 is the introduction of the City's registration process for cannabis retail businesses. Like other city licenses, the ordinance outlines application procedures and requirements, grounds for denial, compliance checks, and penalties. Most of these aspects are strictly governed by State law. Two significant provisions in this section include the limitation of only two cannabis retail businesses within the City and specific hours of operation (5.705 C- D). Otherwise, the application process follows the same structure as other City licenses. City Manager Chirpich added that the Ordinance also addresses temporary cannabis events, which are required to be allowed by the State but can be regulated locally. These regulations, detailed in Section 5.709 F, reflect Council feedback—such as the prohibition of smoking or vaping at temporary cannabis events—and establishing the permitting process for such events. Additionally, the Ordinance permits municipal liquor stores to sell low-potency cannabis products. However, the low-potency section of State law provides less local control, limiting the City's ability to impose further regulations in this area. City Manager Chirpich explained that Ordinance 1706 represents the beginning of the City's response to this new industry. As the Office of Cannabis Management rolls out additional rules and the City encounters new challenges, Staff anticipate making adjustments to this section of the code. Ordinance 1706 effectively lays the groundwork for regulating cannabis businesses in Columbia Heights. Staff will also collaborate with the Planning Commission to assess whether any Zoning Code updates are necessary to align with the new law. The State has recommended that cities treat cannabis businesses like any other type of business in terms of zoning. So far, Columbia Heights has responded accordingly, treating cannabis retailers as retailers and manufacturers as manufacturers. Staff do not foresee significant changes to the Zoning Code but will explore potential impacts with the Planning Commission. Councilmember Buesgens pointed out page 154 of the agenda packet which mentions Minnesota’s new adult use cannabis law permits. She added that there are possession and consumption limits. She asked if there would be smoke lounges for THC or marijuana. City Manager Chirpich replied that there would not be because smoking and vaping are covered in the Clean Indoor Air Act. She noted that there are consumption limits for the public and City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 7 asked if it was similar to not allowing the consumption of an open bottle of liquor in public. City Attorney Lepak replied that Councilmember Buesgens was generally correct. Councilmember Jacobs noted that there would be two retail locations allowed and asked if they would be privately owned. City Manager Chirpich replied that it is anticipated that they would be private locations. He explained that the City has agreed to be flexible in order to wait and see how the initial rollout goes. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1706, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to set the second reading of Ordinance 1706, being an ordinance amending chapter 5 article vii of the Columbia Heights City Code to establish the regulation and registration of cannabis related businesses, for October 14th, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 16. Approval of Resolution 2024-63 Authorizing an Increase to the Economic Development Authorities Tax Levy. Finance Director Kloiber explained at the September 3rd EDA meeting, the EDA discussed and passed Resolutions setting its budget for 2025. EDA Resolution 2024-22 requests that the City, on behalf of the EDA, raise the EDA tax levy from $310,000 in 2024 to $375,000 in 2025. Since the EDA tax levy is under the administration of the City Council, the City must annually approve the EDA tax levy. During review of State statute, Staff identified an additional public hearing process which is required when a city increases its EDA levy. Resolution 2024-63 is the first step in this process which is highlighted in section 469.107 sub. 2 of State statute. Finance Director Kloiber mentioned the EDA has requested the levy increase to add additional funds to its current and possible future initiatives. Since the EDA levy is a City tax levy the increase is added onto the City’s overall budget. The $65,000 increase in the EDA levy contributes .4% to the recommended 8.4% overall increase in the City’s gross tax levy for 2025. These additional funds will be utilized by the EDA in 2025 to directly invest in economic and housing development projects throughout the City. Contributing to the direct reinvestment of the funds into the City. The EDA will distribute the funds to various programs and initiatives through its goal setting in 2025. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs , to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-63, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs , to approve Resolution 2024-63, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights authorizing a tax levy increase by the City for economic development purposes. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 8 17. Resolution 2024-66 Adopting A Proposed Budget For The Year 2025, Setting The Proposed City Levy, Approving The HRA Levy, Approving A Tax Rate Increase, And Establishing A Budget Hearing Date For Property Taxes Payable In 2025. Finance Director Kloiber explained as required under the City Charter, the City Manager provided the City Council with a proposed 2025 budget and tax levy on August 26, 2024. This was also published to the City’s website the next day. At the EDA’s meeting on September 2, 2024, the EDA proposed an additional increase to the EDA levy of $58,000 and an additional increase to the HRA levy of $25,000, beyond the amounts in the August 26th version of the City Manager’s proposed 2025 budget. Finance Director Kloiber noted the principal factors influencing the 2025 budget, described in the three-page summary narrative within the City Manager’s Proposed 2025 Budget, were reviewed with the City Council at the September 2, 2024, work session. That review also considered the effect of the additional increases proposed by the EDA at their September 2, 2024, meeting. The enclosed resolution 2024-66 incorporates the EDA’s proposed changes into the August 26th version of the City Manager’s proposed 2025 budget. No other changes from the August 26th version of the City Manager’s proposed 2025 budget are included in this resolution. The resolution provides an 8.4% increase in the City’s gross tax levy. Finance Director Kloiber stated by statute, the City Council must adopt a proposed budget and tax levy Resolution by September 30th. The tax levy within that preliminary Resolution will be used by Anoka County to prepare the Truth-In-Taxation Notice of Proposed 2024 Property Taxes that will be mailed to each property owner in late November. The City Council must also adopt a final version of the budget and tax levy Resolution at a budget hearing in December. The final tax levy can be less than, but not gre ater than, the proposed levy adopted in September. Staff are currently updating the various tables and graphs within the August 26th version of the City Manager’s proposed 2025 budget to reflect the additional increases proposed by the EDA. This revised version City Manager’s proposed 2025 budget is expected to be published on the City website on approximately September 23, 2024. Mayor Márquez Simula thanked Finance Director Kloiber and Staff for their work. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-66, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adopt Resolution 2024-66, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights adopting a proposed budget for the year 2025, setting the proposed city levy, approving the HRA levy, approving a tax rate increase, and establishing a budget hearing date for property taxes payable in 2025 of December 9, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 9 18. Consideration of a Rental License Exemption for 4948 4th Street NE. City Planner Boucher stated on September 17, 2024, the owner of 4948 4th 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 27 with two single- family rentals out of 16 total single-family units and an allotment of two single-family rentals. City Planner Boucher explained if approved, Resolution 2024- 067 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 they 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 homeown er 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. City Planner Boucher noted the property owner, Rolando Bustamante, owns multiple properties within the City and has been the subject of several illegal rental evaluations at the 4948 4th Street NE property since it was purchased on March 7, 2023. The owner has a homesteaded property in Fridley and submitted an affidavit of non-rental for the 4948 4th Street property on September 21, 2023. However, the utility billing for this address is still under the owner's name and appears to show a pattern of three-four people living at the property, based on water consumption. The owner has previously submitted a rental exemption request, as three of his properties had been rentals without a license. Of the 4 other properties owned throughout the City, one has been a licensed rental since 2021, one is for sale, one was denied an exemption at the last Council meeting, and one received a rental license in 2024 after notice of illegal rental. Councilmember Spriggs asked if there were any violations on the property that has been renting since 2021. City Planner Boucher replied that he did not believe there were any. Councilmember Buesgens expressed her concerns that this is the second time the property owner has been before the Council. She explained that she expects rental property owners to know what they are doing. She added that there are many courses available for property owners to be successful as business owners. She told the property owner that it bothers her that the property owner has not done her homework. Councilmember Spriggs mentioned that he is leaning towards being in favor of providing the rental density exemption to the property since the property has been active since 2021 with no violations. He added that the property owner would still need to go through the licensing process and have to go through an inspection before receiving a rental license. City Planner Boucher clarified that the property that is being discussed is not the one that has been licensed since 2021. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 10 Councilmember Jacobs expressed her concerns that there have been multiple violations and non-compliance on other properties that the property owner has owned. She thanked Councilmember Buesgens for her comments and agreed with them. Councilmember James mentioned that there was an affidavit for non -rental at the address and asked what the precipitating incident that led to a signed affidavit for a non -rental. City Manager Chirpich replied that it was the subject of an investigation for being an unlicensed rental property. The affidavit was signed by the owner. The Fire Department had concerns that the property was still operating as a rental despite the affidavit. The affidavit was used to pledge residency in the house. Councilmember James expressed her understanding that the density cap law was new and could be confusing but explained that it seemed like the property owner did understand the law. She added that the Staff’s recommendation made sense to her. Mayor Márquez Simula agreed with Councilmember Spriggs’ comments about the property owner still going through the rental license process. She agreed with Councilmember James’ comments regarding the property owners knowing the density cap and process ahead of time. She added that the City desires people to be forthcoming in providing information and the stories seem to differentiate. She mentioned that she would not be supporting the exemption. Councilmember Buesgens explained she understood Councilmember Spriggs’ comments but noted that the property owner would have known to get a rental license three years ago for the other properties and chose not to for the other properties. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-067, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to deny Resolution 2024-067, 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 4948 4th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421. 4 Ayes, 1 Nay, Motion Carried 4-1. Ayes: Márquez Simula, James, Jacobs, Buesgens. Nay: Spriggs CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Jacobs mentioned she attended the dedication and ribbon cutting for the 37 th Avenue project and the Commission coffee. She met with the City Manager, the Police Chief, and the Gould and Peter’s Place residence. She added her hope to resolve the Ratio parking issues that homeowners have faced for more than a year. She maintained that it is not a City issue but it is a Ratio and Alatus issue and did not believe that the City should be spending money and Staff time to correct the problems. The City is willing to issue a parking permit for themselves and their guests and hire a towing City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 11 company to remove problem vehicles associated with Ratio. She asked City Manager Chirpich to provide additional details about how it is going to be achieved. City Manager Chirpich noted that parking on Gould Avenue is a mess with people parking where they should not be parking. Despite the City working with Ratio, there will always be new tenants coming and going. The Police Chief proposed having a regional loc alized permitting system for the residents of Peter’s Place and Gould. The City would rely on a towing company to enforce anyone who does not have a permit. He mentioned that the City still needs to work through the details with the City Attorney and will bring the completed plan to the Council when it is ready. Councilmember James explained she attended the opening of 37th Avenue, and a meeting with the Anoka County engineer, the school district, Hilltop, and Columbia Heights regarding 49th Avenue, school safety, and Reservoir Boulevard. She mentioned she participated in National Voter Registration Day and encouraged community members to check their voter registration. She added that she attended the Columbia Heights School Board meeting with Police Chief Markham, the Boards and Commissions social, the Columbia Heights Pride Festival, and the program portion of I’ll Be Seeing You B-17 Memorial unveiling. She mentioned she voted and explained that people can do early voting in person at City Hall. Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the Excel’s Partner to Energy Committee with the Sustainability Commission, the MWMO Board meeting, a meeting with the City’s Forester, the School Board candidate forum, and continues to volunteer at Blooming Sunshine Garden. Along with the other Councilmembers, she attended the Anoka County meeting to discuss safety on County roads and the City. She attended Kunafa with a Cop, the social for the commissioners, friends of Kordiak Park, the Polish Memorial event, the Rib Fest at VFW, and the Pride Festival. She noted that a resident reached out to her asking for examples of the administrative offenses that were approved during the meeting. She explained that if there is a Code violation, the City sends out a letter and the person who received the letter needs to fix the problem within 14 days. If the problem is not resolved, they will be issued a fine. They are supposed to pay the fine and correct the violation or request an extension, or an administrative hearing, or proceed through the Anoka County court system. There are various levels of violations. Level one violations have a $100 fine if the issue is not fixed within two weeks and can include issues such as failing to obtain a certificate of property maintenance, unapproved home occupation, improperly stored trash container, weeds, or, failure to remove graffiti. She added that the rest of the list is included in the agenda packet. Level two violations have a $140 fine if the issues are not fixed within two weeks and include vacated building, failure to obtain required rental registration permit or complete required inspection, unlicensed or operable vehicles left, storing junk vehicles, and parking a vehicle or recreational vehicle on an unimproved surface. Level three violations have a $200 fine and include a major infraction that involves unsafe conditions, constitutes a blighting influence on surrounding properties or neighborhoods, and involves neglected property maintenance. Level four violation is an immediate life and safety matter supported by the enforcement officers with a fine of $280. The fines will continue to go up if there is no compliance. Councilmember Spriggs noted he attended the Anoka County meeting with the County engineer. He gave a shout out to Councilmember Buesgens for proposing an increase in funding for the EDA. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 12 Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned she provided a tour of the City to the previous mayor of Lomianki, Poland and current Councilmember. She thanked Staff for the weekend for hosting the Sister City members. She explained that there were a number of people visiting for the memorial event , adding that there were over 200 people in attendance. She mentioned that she went to the Pride Festival and was happy that there was a good turnout. She attended a retirement party for Pastor Bonnie at First Lutheran Church, the Freshwater Society event, the County school route safety meeting, the boards and commissions social event, the HeightsNext board meeting, the Friends of Kordiak Park meeting, and Kunafa with a Cop. She stated she received her flu and Covid vaccine shot, participated in the Mayoral Forum, and listened to the Council Forum that is on YouTube. Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich explained that residents of Columbia Heights can come to City Hall through November 4th for absentee voting. City Hall is open 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The recording of the candidate forum is on the City’s YouTube channel and on the City’s channel at 10:30 am and 4:00 pm daily. Coffee with a Cop will be on October 1, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Jeff Bobby and Steve’s restaurant within their gas station. MnDOT will be in attendance to discuss the Highway 65 Central Avenue safety improvements. The deadline to provide feedback for the Transportation Safety Action Plan is September and more information can be found on the City’s website. There is also an open house on October 10th from 5:00-7:00 pm at City Hall. The Fire Department is hosting an open house on October 12th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Public Safety Building Fire Station. Kids can spray a fire hose, meet Dalmatian dogs, watch a fire demonstration , and meet local firefighters. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary