HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-25-2024 City Council Meeting Packet
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, November 25, 2024
6:00 PM
AGENDA
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, or by using Microsoft TeamsMeeting at
columbiaheightsmn.gov/joinameeting: ID 287 822 303 488, Passcode MGP9KV. Additionally, members
of the public may view the meeting live at columbiaheightsmn.gov/watch. For questions, please call the
Administration Department at 763-706-3610.
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when
the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763 -706-3610 to
make arrangements.
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
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
(The Council, upon majority vote of its members, may make additions and deletions to the agenda.
These may be items submitted after the agenda preparation deadline.)
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Transgender Day of Remembrance Proclamation.
B. Happy Holidays Proclamation.
C. School District Update.
School Board Member Michelle Pettway.
CONSENT AGENDA
These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent
Agenda by one motion. Items removed from consent agenda approval will be taken up as the next
1
City of Columbia Heights AGENDA November 25, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 2
order of business. (The City Council will make motion to approve the Consent Agenda following the
statement of all items.)
1. Approve the November 4, 2024 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the November 4, 2024 City Council Work Session Meeting
minutes.
2. Approve the November 12, 2024 Special City Council Meeting Minutes and City Council
Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the November 12, 2024 Special City Council Meeting and City
Council Meeting minutes.
3. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1707, an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 3 Administrative
Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1707, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance 1707, 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.
4. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1708, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 9 – Land Use:
9.104 Administration and Enforcement.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1708, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1708, being an ordinance to
amend Chapter 9 Land Use, 9.104 Administration and Enforcement, and direct staff to send
the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper.
5. Approval of Resolution 2024-81, Adopting Rates for Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and
Refuse Services, Provided After March 31, 2024.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-81, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-81, being a resolution adopting rates for water,
sewer, storm water, and refuse services, provided after March 31, 2024.
6. Consideration of Resolution 2024-85, Updating Income Limit for Senior Citizen Utility
Rates.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-85, being a resolution to update the income limit
for Senior Citizen Utility Rates.
7. Approval of Resolution 2024-86 to Transfer Funds to the Fire Department 2024 Budget.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2024-86 there being ample copies
to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-86, being a resolution amending the 2024 Fire
Department budget.
2
City of Columbia Heights AGENDA November 25, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 3
8. Adopt Resolution 2024-88, Approving LELS Labor Agreement.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-88, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-88, approving the City of Columbia Heights LELS
Labor Agreement.
9. Resolution 202-91; Non-Union Employee Wages and Benefit Adjustments for 2025
through 2027.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-91, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-91, approving 2025 through 2027 cost of living
and fringe benefit adjustments for non-union supervisory and confidential/essential
employees, insurance benefit and adjustments for City Council members.
10. Approval of City-wide Computer Replacements.
MOTION: Approve purchase of City-wide computers and peripherals from Dell Marketing in
the amount of $27,561.47.
11. License Agenda.
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for
November 25, 2024, as presented.
12. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for
November 25, 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 $1,442,211.23.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
This is the public’s opportunity to speak regarding this matter. Speakers that are in-person are asked to
complete a Speaker Form and submit it to the City Clerk. Speakers attending virtually should send a
request to speak with this information to the moderator using the chat function and wait to be called
on to speak. When speaking, virtual attendees should turn their camera on. Any comments made after
the public hearing is closed will not be considered by the City Council and will not be included as part
of the formal record for this matter as the item will have been v oted on and the item formally closed
by the Council.
No Public Hearings.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
3
City of Columbia Heights AGENDA November 25, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 4
Ordinances and Resolutions
14. Consideration of a Rental License Exemption for 4933 6th Street NE.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-089, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-089, a resolution approving the single-family
rental exemption request for the rental application at 4933 6th Street NE, Columbia
Heights, MN 55421.
15. Authorization of SolSmart Participation.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-087, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2024-087, being a resolution authorizing the City of
Columbia Heights’ participation in the SolSmart Designation Program, and direct staff to
complete the actions described above.
Bid Considerations
No Bid Considerations.
New Business and Reports
No New Business or Reports.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Report of the City Manager
COMMUNITY FORUM
The Community Forum is the public’s opportunity to address the Council regarding any matter that has
not had a public hearing earlier in the meeting.
Speakers that are in-person are asked to complete a Speaker Form and submit it to the City Clerk.
Once called to the podium, the speaker should state their name and connection to Columbia
Heights.
Speakers attending virtually should send a request to speak as well as their address and connection
to Columbia Heights to the moderator using the chat function and wait to be called on to speak.
When speaking, virtual attendees should turn their camera on.
All speakers should limit their comments to five (5) minutes.
Personal attacks, threats, the use of profanity, and other disrespectful comments are prohibited.
4
City of Columbia Heights AGENDA November 25, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 5
The City Council will listen to the public comments, ask clarifying questions, and if needed, request staff
to follow up or direct the matter to be added to an upcoming agenda. Generally, the City Council will
not take official action on items raised at the Community Forum at the meeting on which they are
raised.
ADJOURNMENT
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is
made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements.
5
PROCLAMATION
Transgender Day of Remembrance: November 20, 2024
Transgender Day of Remembrance was established in 1999 as a vigil to honor the memory of
Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett, two Black transgender women whose lives were tragically
taken due to anti-transgender violence. This day has since grown into an annual observance in
November to honor the memories of transgender people worldwide whose lives have been cut
short by acts of violence.
This day serves as a vital platform for transgender communities and their allies to bring
awareness to the ongoing threat of violence faced by transgender, non-binary, gender non-
conforming, and two-spirit individuals. It also highlights the pervasive anti-transgender
prejudice and bias present in our society. Transgender individuals face disproportionate levels
of hate crimes and violence, compounded by daily challenges such as discrimination, high
levels of unemployment, and limited access to essential health care.
We recognize and celebrate the transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-
spirit members of our families, friends, and neighbors. Our commitment is to ensure Columbia
Heights is a community where everyone can access the support they need to live their fullest
lives. Together, we honor the resilience, strength, and dedication of those working tirelessly
for equity and justice for all transgender individuals. We also solemnly remember and
commemorate the lives of transgender people lost to violence, reaffirming our commitment to
creating a safer and more inclusive society.
As Mayor of Columbia Heights, I, Amáda Márquez Simula, proclaim November 20, 2024 as
Transgender Day of Remembrance.
_______________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
November 25, 2024
6
Item A.
PROCLAMATION
Happy Holidays in Columbia Heights: November 25, 2024
The City of Columbia Heights is home to a vibrant and diverse community of
individuals, families, and neighbors who celebrate a rich array of holidays,
traditions, and cultures during the winter season.
Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day, Hanukkah,
Kwanzaa, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Las Posadas, Diwali, and Lunar New Year,
among others, bring joy, unity, and warmth to the hearts of our residents.
The greeting "Happy Holidays" has a rich history as an inclusive way to embrace the
many traditions of the winter season. It gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s as
a welcoming message that respects the diversity of holidays, fostering a warm and
inclusive environment for all.
Columbia Heights encourages residents to share kindness and compassion as we
begin this festive season. Consider donating to the Police Department’s annual Shop
with a Cop program, contributing to the SACA Food Shelf, shoveling neighbors’
sidewalks, inviting neighbors for cocoa, and reaching out to those in need. These
acts of generosity reflect the true spirit of the holidays.
As Mayor of Columbia Heights, I, Amáda Márquez Simula, proclaim November 25,
2024 as the beginning of the holiday season in Columbia Heights and extend my
best wishes to all residents for a joyous and meaningful celebration
________________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
November 25, 2024
7
Item B.
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Mayor
Amáda Márquez Simula
Councilmembers
Connie Buesgens
Kt Jacobs
Rachel James
Justice Spriggs
City Manager
Aaron Chirpich
City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE
Monday, November 04, 2024
6:00 PM
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Márquez Simula at approximately 6:30 pm.
Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember
Spriggs
Absent: Councilmember James
Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; David Cullen; Street and Park Superintendent; Mitchell
Forney, Community Development Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Sulmaan Khan,
Assistant City Engineer; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director
WORK SESSION ITEMS
1. 2025 Budget Presentations by Division.
Community Development
Community Development Director Forney led the presentation on the Community
Development Department Budget. The information will be available online on the Finance
page on the City website.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked why there was a jump in downtown parking expenses from
2023 to 2024.
City Manager Chirpich replied it was due to a contract cleaning service that had a
contractor who did not show up. Community Development Director Forney added that
snow removal was not included since there was not a harsh winter.
Mayor Márquez Simula noted that businesses have requested directional signage in the
parking ramp and asked if it would be something the City could look into. She added that
there are some bushes by the ramp that needs “sprucing up”.
Finance Director Kloiber provided more information regarding the increase in expenses for
downtown parking. He mentioned that contracted maintenance went down in 2023.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the downtown parking budget would be consistent
throughout the years.
8
Item 1.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 04, 2024
City Council Work Session Page 2
Finance Director Kloiber replied that it should be and that it is annual operating costs.
Public Works
Public Works Director Hansen led the presentation on the Public Works Department
Budget with the assistance of Assistant City Engineer Khan and Street and Park
Superintendent Cullen. The information will be available online on the Finance page on the
City website.
Mayor Márquez Simula noted she prefers the street light tone to be consistent. Public
Works Director Hansen replied that Xcel changed most of the street lights to LED in the
City.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned there was a street sign that was deteriorating on
Central Avenue and asked if the City would need to replace it.
Public Works Director Hansen replied that the City would be responsible but suggested
waiting until the Central Avenue reconstruction. He noted that the current signs are
florescent and would need to be replaced with LED which can be expensive.
Councilmember Buesgens asked if the Urban Forester position was salaried or hourly.
Public Works Director Hansen replied that he was hourly.
Councilmember Buesgens mentioned that there is a different increase from the previous
year due to water usage, sewer increase, and the amount of garbage that is getting picked
up. She asked why there was an increase in water flow for the sewer.
Public Works Director Hansen replied it is due to inflation, and an increase in the measure
of the flow in the system. He added that he could find the Met Council letter to get a full
understanding of why there is an increase.
Councilmember Buesgens asked if the anticipated increase for the Refuse collection is
where it is now. Public Works Director Hansen replied that he would be coming back to the
Council during the second meeting in November to review the utility rates.
Councilmember Buesgens asked if the City would be affected by Walters having concerns
expanding their temporary disposal site.
Public Works Director Hansen replied that they had not been notified by Walters that it
would affect the City and should not affect the ability to serve Columbia Heights.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked if there was a dumpster on-site at the Public Works building.
Street and Park Superintendent Cullen replied that there was.
Councilmember Buesgens noted that the City will be adding machinery throughout the
years and will need to be mindful of making sure there will be enough space at the new
Public Works building.
9
Item 1.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 04, 2024
City Council Work Session Page 3
Councilmember Buesgens asked if the Public Works Department would begin budgeting for
the bonding for the first phase of the new Public Works building for the next budget in
April.
City Manager Chirpich replied that if the City is unsuccessful, then the City would need to
consider alternative phase options.
Councilmember Buesgens asked if the new Public Works building construction would be
broken into phases.
Public Works Director Hansen replied that it depends on the cost of building, and if the City
receives the funding.
Councilmember Buesgens explained that she thinks the City should continue moving
forward regardless of if the funding from the State comes through, and break up the
project in phases.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned she noticed some piles of rock-like material in the
library parking lot and asked what it was.
Assistant City Engineer Khan replied that it was material that the contractor used for the
lot.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the contractors were storing the material in the parking
lot. Assistant City Engineer Khan replied they were.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked Assistant City Engineer Khan if the parking lot would still
have the hill.
Assistant City Engineer Khan replied that the entrance to the lot would be on the south
end. The hills going into the existing parking lot will still be there.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked if there would be more landscaping on the hill.
Assistant City Engineer Khan replied that there would be a rain garden installed on the
north side of the lot.
Councilmember Buesgens wondered if the City could still bond for the projects in the same
year as receiving the $12 million bond. She asked if the Council would need to discuss the
matter by April. City Manager Chirpich agreed.
Councilmember Spriggs asked if the City could request more than the $12.5 million since
the City may not receive the full amount.
Public Works Director Hansen replied that the City has received guidance from the lobbyist
to limit the ask to half of the project costs because it will be better received.
10
Item 1.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 04, 2024
City Council Work Session Page 4
Mayor Márquez Simula stated she would like to have the budget presentations available in
order to follow along during the presentation and process after.
Finance / General Government / Liquor
Finance Director Kloiber led the presentation regarding the Finance Division 2025 Proposed
Budget. He noted that there are four separate divisions which include the Finance
Department, the General Government, Utility Billing, and Municipal Liquor. The
information will be available online on the Finance page on the City website.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that she likes that the Finance Department will be
allocating IT funds to each department in order for there to be more transparency and
accuracy. She asked if the goal was to start the process during the next budget year.
Finance Director Kloiber replied that it was the goal.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if the old City Hall building would be maintained so that
Public Works employees could work there during the construction of the new Public Works
building.
Finance Director Kloiber replied that it would be maintained. HVAC, electricity, and alarms
are on in the building. City Manager Chirpich added that the boxing gym is occupying the
building. The Public Works Department may be able to rely on the old City Hall because of
the acquisition of the JBS lot that has now allowed the existing building to remain in place.
Finance Director Kloiber reviewed the debt service payments. Councilmember Buesgens
asked if money would be taken out of other accounts since the residential water meters
were being funded internally.
Finance Director Kloiber replied that the utility fund s would be able to cover the project
and no money would be moved between accounts.
Councilmember Buesgens asked if the bond was paid out of the liquor service. Finance
Director Kloiber agreed and noted it was about $475,000.
Mayor Márquez Simula noted that only $10,000 from the municipal liquor services went
towards the Police Community Program and added she thought it would be higher.
Finance Director Kloiber explained that the origin of the $10,000 towards the Police
Community Program was originally to get the DARE program restarted. He added that the
figure should be reviewed in the future.
Councilmember Buesgens mentioned there needs to be a balance between the percentage
of the debt and the value of the City.
Finance Director Kloiber pointed out that there is a statutory limit. Councilmember
Buesgens asked what the limit was. Finance Director Kloiber replied that the State and
11
Item 1.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 04, 2024
City Council Work Session Page 5
Charter language does not count all of the debt against the limit. If there is a dedicated
revenue source to pay for it is excluded from the calculation of the debt limit. He
mentioned that the audited financial statement is on the City’s website. He showed the
Council the Legal Debt Margin Calculation for Fiscal Year 2023 from the audited financial
statement.
Councilmember Buesgens inquired about the unemployment rate during 2020 in the
audited financial statement. Finance Director Kloiber replied that he wou ld follow up with
Councilmember Buesgens.
Finance Director Kloiber stated that there is a possibility that a liquor store will be included
in the redevelopment of 43rd Avenue and Central Avenue. He reviewed the 2028
reconstruction of the Central Avenue project, and store 3.
Councilmember Jacobs asked if there was a way to make the liquor store with store 3 more
unique from the other liquor stores in the area.
Finance Director Kloiber added that during the Central Avenue construction, there could
potentially be a warehouse sale arrangement since an additional staff person would be
available. Councilmember Buesgens mentioned that a cannabis dispensary would add a
unique value to liquor store 3.
The Council discussed whether or not the City relies on a surge of customers from store
one in 2028 due to the construction on Central Avenue, or making liquor store 3 a
dispensary.
Administration
City Manager Chirpich led the presentation regarding the Administration Department 2025
proposed Budget. The information will be available online on the Finance page on the City
website.
Councilmember Buesgens mentioned negotiations with other cities for employees and
asked if there would be an increase beyond 3%.
City Manager Chirpich replied that he cou ld not disclose the information at the time.
Finance Director Kloiber explained this was the last scheduled budget work session before
the public hearing on December 9th when the 2025 budget would be adopted. Staff do not
have any changes to make to the preliminary budget. He asked that the Council provide
City Manager Chirpich, the City Clerk, or Finance Director Kloiber with any proposed
amendments to the budget before the Resolution is brought to the Council on December
9th.
2. Council Corner. (15 Minutes)
12
Item 1.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 04, 2024
City Council Work Session Page 6
Councilmember Buesgens stated she would not be able to attend the December Council
work session.
Councilmember Buesgens reminded the Council about Chris Bower’s meeting with
residents on Thursday at 4:00 pm in the community room at City Hall.
Councilmember Buesgens shared that she asked Chris about the two-way round-a-bouts
and was able to observe at 66th Avenue and Portland Avenue during rush hour and noted
that it flowed well.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the Parks and Recreation Commission asked about
ordering books. She asked for a status update from City Manager Chirpich. City Manager
Chirpich replied that he had not heard an update, but he left his card with one of the
commissioners.
Councilmember Jacobs asked what the Council would consider in the future aging in place.
Other communities have grant programs that revamp bathrooms for accessory use, and
various projects around Columbia Heights focuses on affordable housing, and young people
moving to the community. An aging-in-place program could benefit the community. Many
older people are not able to afford to move to a place like the Legends, so having a
program could help people remain in their homes.
3. Old Business.
There was no old business to discuss.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Márquez Simula adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:55 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
13
Item 1.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING -
CANVASS OF ELECTIONS RESULTS
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
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
5:30 PM
MINUTES
The following are the minutes for the Special Meeting of the City Council held at 5:30 pm on Tuesday,
November 12, 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 5:32 pm.
Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember
James
Absent: Councilmember Buesgens
Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Andrew Boucher, City Planner.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Ordinances and Resolutions
1. Adopt Resolution 2024-079, Canvassing General Election Returns of November 5, 2024.
City Manager Aaron Chirpich stated that this resolution was a routine item for the Council
to review and approve.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs to waive the reading
of Resolution No. 2024-079, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 4-0.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs to adopt Resolution
2024-079, being a Resolution Canvassing Municipal General Election Returns and approving
the signing of the Abstract. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:36pm.
14
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
Special City Council Meeting - Canvass of Elections Results
Page 2
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
15
Item 2.
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
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
6:00 PM
MINUTES
The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday,
November 12, 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 Jacobs (left at 6:28 pm); Councilmember Spriggs;
Councilmember James
Absent: Councilmember Buesgens
Also Present: Andrew Boucher, City Planner; Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Mitchell Forney,
Community Development Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Dan O’Brien, Fire
Chief; Sarah Bush, Outreach Manager at Missions Inc.; Quita Curtis, Salvation Army Representative;
Sarie Erickson, Program Manager at Missions Inc.; Andrew, Resident of Columbia Heights Missions Inc.;
Bryan Jon, Elder from Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
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, indivisib le, with liberty and justice for
all."
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Márquez Simula noted Item D under Proclamations, Presentations, Recognition,
Announcements, Guests would be moved to the November 25th meeting since School Board Member
Michelle Pettway was at the School Board Meeting.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as
amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
16
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 2
A. Sarie Erickson
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned Missions Inc. Programs provide housing, emergency
shelter, and supportive services to domestic abuse survivors and those seeking recovery
from substance use disorders. They offer a collaborative and safe community for clients to
heal and transform their lives. She invited Sarie Erickson up to speak.
Sarah Bush, Community Engagement and Outreach Manager for Missions Inc. Programs,
mentioned that their organization is a non-profit that was funded in 1895 to address the
growing issue of men who were working out of State in the spring and summer, and would
end up homeless in Minneapolis in the winter. The organization was founded to provide
them with housing, meals, and support. They are located primarily in Plymouth and have
eight programs around housing, domestic violence, and substance use disorder. They have
a domestic abuse shelter and a legal advocacy program. They also have a detox and drug
management center and a permanent supportive housing program for women and
children. She added they recently opened four supportive housing programs for adults in
recovery from substance use disorder. She introduced Sarie and Andrew.
Sarie Erickson, Program Manager at Missions Inc. Programs, stated they have a 14-
bedroom, single-bed facility. They have 14 residents with backgrounds such as mental
health, and/or substance abuse disorder. While residents are in the program, they are
asked to do at least five meetings or activities that are important for their recovery. She
introduced Andrew who is a resident.
Andrew explained that before he was at Missions Inc. Programs he lost his children due to
his alcoholism and his mental health. He was able to get sober with the help of a stable
living situation at Missions Heights. He added that he attends AA every day. The stability he
received at Mission Heights is what has made a big difference. He explained that he has a
regular routine of therapy and medicine, and a care program to help with his mental
health. He is on his way to reunite with his children.
Mayor Márquez Simula thanked Andrew for sharing and mentioned that a lot of people
were nodding along with him. She added her gratitude for Mission Heights being in the
community.
Councilmember Jacobs expressed how proud she was of Andrew and added she works in
the substance use field and understood how difficult it could be.
B. Homelessness Awareness Month Proclamation.
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed November 2024 as Homeless Awareness Month and
read the City’s proclamation.
Quita Curtis with the Salvation Army accepted the proclamation. She explained that she
meets homeless people where they are at. She added that she has a mental health
background. She expressed her gratitude to her coworkers and those who experience
unstable housing. She explained that she offers people tangible items such as hot food. She
introduced Roy Magnuson who was her high school teacher.
17
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 3
Mr. Magnuson explained he taught African American history to high school students. He
explained that he started working for Ramsey County Sherriff Bob Fletcher as his public
information officer and community engagement. During Covid, many people had issues
with housing. His crew of community engagement was able to work with various
organizations to provide meals on a regular basis. He explained that he has spent a lot of
time in encampments and around people experiencing homelessness that he understands
how hard it is for people to get off of the street, into a program, and into housing. He
noted that Ms. Curtis has been able to get people into Section 8 housing within nine
months to a year. He added that she started Frogtown Recovery Café and helps provide
stability to those in need.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that Ms. Curtis was on the news. Ms. Curtis thanked the
Council and mentioned it was a pleasure to work in the community.
C. Native American Heritage Proclamation.
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed November 2024 as Native American Heritage Month,
and November 29, 2024 as Native American Heritage Day, and read the City’s
proclamation.
Elder Bryan Jon from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa accepted the
proclamation. He explained when Indian people come into a community they introduce
their name, the clan, and where they are from. He mentioned he is Bryan Jon from the
Bear Clan in Fond du Lac Reservation in northern Minnesota. He stated it was an honor to
receive the proclamation.
D. School District Update.
This item was removed and will be addressed during the November 25th meeting.
Councilmember Jacobs left the meeting at 6:28 pm.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0.
1. Approve the October 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the October 28, 2024, City Council Meeting minutes.
2. Accept October 2, 2024 Library Board Minutes.
MOTION: Move to Accept the Library Board minutes from October 2, 2024.
3. Approval of Access Agreement with the City of Hilltop for Water Tower AMI Installation.
MOTION: Move to enter into a Water Tower Access Agreement with the City of Hilltop for
the installation and maintenance of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) equipment on
the Hilltop Water Tower.
18
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 4
4. Adopt Resolution 2024-80 being a Resolution Ordering Preparation of a Report for 2025
Alley Reconstruction.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-80, there being ample copies
available for the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-80, being a Resolution ordering preparation of a
feasibility report for 2025 Alley Reconstruction, Project 2506.
5. Corrective Resolution of a Minor Subdivision at 5085 Central Avenue NE.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-084, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-084, a resolution approving a Minor Subdivision
for the property located at 5085 Central Avenue NE, within the City of Columbia Heights,
Minnesota, subject to certain conditions stated in the resolution.
6. License Agenda.
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for
November 12, 2024, as presented.
7. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for
November 12, 2024, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance
Code.
8. Review of Bills.
MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City
Council has reviewed the enclosed list of claims paid by check and by electronic funds
transfer in the amount of $2,623,192.90.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. Consideration of Resolution 2024-82, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units
Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 4308 4th Street NE for
Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes.
Fire Chief O’Brien stated this property is non-compliant due to non-renewal of the rental
license, including failure to schedule and pass an interior/exterior inspection and submit
the rental renewal application and fee. This will be the owner’s first rental license
revocation. He mentioned that there is a copy of the renewal notice that was sent to the
license holder, Mr. James Kortas, included in the Agenda Packet. The inspection office staff
sent a Notice of License Renewal on July 30, 2024. On September 20, 2024, the owner
stated that the property was occupied solely by family members and was presented with
the option of converting the property to family-exempt status. He noted that he explained
to the owner that he could convert the rental license to an exempt rental license. He
provided the owner with instructions for a family-exempt rental license. Mr. Kortas did not
apply for the application, or schedule the inspection, or pay the licensing fees. On October
16, 2024, inspection office Staff reviewed the property file and noted that the property
remained unlicensed. A Statement of Cause was mailed by regular mail to the owner at the
19
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 5
address listed in the property records. On November 1, 2024, inspection Staff reviewed the
property file and noted that the property remained unlicensed.
Councilmember Spriggs asked if family-exempt licenses go through annual inspections. Fire
Chief O’Brien replied that they do.
Councilmember James asked if the property lost the rental license if the owner could still
occupy the property. Fire Chief O’Brien replied that the owner could occupy the property
on-site, but no one else could. The property owner’s children who are occupying other
units would not be allowed to continue to occupy the units.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked if there was any additional information. Fire Chief O’Brien
replied that the owner had not contacted their office. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that
the owner was not in attendance.
Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. She noted that there was no one
physically in the Council Chamber. There were no public comments.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to close the public
hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2024-82, there being ample copies available to
the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adopt Resolution
2024-82, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving
revocation, pursuant to City Code, of the rental license listed. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Ordinances and Resolutions
10. Consideration of a Rental License Exemption for 4302 2nd Street NE.
City Planner Boucher explained that on July 22, 2024, the owner of 4302 2nd Street NE,
received a rental density exemption from the City Council and required additional time
beyond the three-month period to finish cleaning and emptying out the house as well as
replacing the furnace and air conditioner before beginning the rental licensing process. The
property owner reached out to the Community Development Department requesting an
exemption from the single-family rental density cap on October 29, 2024. The previous
rental exemption has expired and the property owner requires City Council approval of an
additional exemption. The property is located on Block 19 with three single-family rentals
out of 24 total single-family units and an allotment of two single-family rentals. As it is the
homeowners’ right to appeal to the Council. Staff brought forth the appeal along with
supporting documents for discussion and review.
City Planner Boucher mentioned if approved, Resolution 2024- 083 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
20
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 6
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.
Mayor Márquez Simula invited the homeowner to speak. Due to technical difficulties, the
Council was unable to hear the homeowner via Teams.
City Planner Boucher explained that the homeowners need additional time to bring the
property up to code. The work they had conducted has passed inspections.
Councilmember James asked if the process for the short -term rental license was the same
as a long-term rental license. City Planner Boucher replied that it was the same. He added
that the City typically does not allow short-term rentals.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2024-083, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 3-0.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution
2024-083, 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 4302 2nd Street NE,
Columbia Heights, MN 55421. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0.
11. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1707, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Administrative
Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses.
City Planner Boucher stated at the August Council work session, the Council discussed an
Administrative Citation Ordinance. Staff responded to feedback regarding usage of criminal
citations and Council passed an amendment of Chapter 3: Article V – Administrative
Offenses enacting an Administrative Citation program by Ordinance during the September
9th and 23rd Council meetings. This is one of two code amendments that are to be
considered at the November 12, 2024 meeting, with the second item being a zoning text
amendment to Chapter 9 Land Use, Section 9.104 Administration and Enforcement to
allow for the Zoning Administrator to use administrative citations.
City Planner Boucher reviewed Chapter 6 which reads 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 to set a procedure for evaluating and
presenting a list of qualified individuals for the City Council to consider before approving
selected people to serve as Hearing Examiners. These individuals shall be trained in law or
familiar with these settings but are not required to be currently licensed to practice law in
the State of Minnesota. These individuals cannot be city employees or have any other
connection to the City other than to serve as a Hearing Examiner and shall be compensated
21
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 7
on a per-case basis pursuant to the City’s fee schedule. The existing code does not establish
a procedure for evaluating and approving individuals to serve as Hearing Examiners, which
needs to be included as part of the proposed Ordinance.
City Planner Boucher explained Staff proposes updating the existing ordinance, Chapter 3 –
Administrative Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses with the following amendments:
1. Number set of Chapter 3, Article V – Administrative Offenses shall be reorganized to
reflect the inclusion of 3.505 Hearing Examiner Evaluation Procedure and the
subsequent sections read as: 3.506 Payment and 3.507 Failure to Pay/Recovery of Civil
Penalties.
2. Amend 3.504 Administrative Hearings to allow for electronic communication to satisfy
written communication requirements except for the Notice of Scheduled Hearing and
Notice of Hearing Examiner Decision. Other amendments include changing the Hearing
Examiner from being assigned randomly to determining the best-suited examiner to
hear a case, setting the meeting schedule to Monday – Friday during business hours,
and allowing the City Clerk’s designee to fulfill certain responsibilities as necessary.
3. Establishing 3.505 as Hearing Examiner Evaluation Procedure and including specific
requirements, general and desired qualifications, a procedure for evaluating and
approving individuals as Hearing Examiners, and how the City can take steps to ensure
the program reflects the needs of the residents by prioritizing accessibility to non-
English speaking residents through interpreters and translated materials along with
utilizing community channels, organizations, and trusted community members as well
as hosting forums and meetings to provide an outlet for participants and residents to
comment on the process
` Other items that will require future City Council action in relation to this proposed
ordinance include:
1. Evaluating and approving a list of qualified Hearing Examiners after a solicitation and
interview process similar to how Board and Commission vacancies are filled.
Councilmember James asked who was doing the assessment for the evaluation procedure.
City Planner Boucher replied the City Council would be responsible for approving and
evaluating individuals. Councilmember James asked about the assessment side of the
process. City Planner Boucher replied it would be a combination of the City Council and
Administration Staff. He added it would be similar to the Boards and Commissions
applications.
Councilmember James pointed out page 97, letter E, “Evaluated Metrics to Assess
Performance” and wondered who would be looking at the metrics. The City Planner replied
that it would be a combination of the City Manager, City Attorney, and the City Council.
Councilmember James wondered if it would be helpful to designate who would evaluate
the individuals and suggested that it be the City Manager and City Attorney. She added that
it should be clarified who is doing the assessment.
22
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 8
Councilmember Spriggs agreed with Councilmember James’ comments regarding having
the policy lay out who would be responsible for the evaluations.
Mayor Márquez Simula asked the City Manager and City Attorney if they had anything to
add to the suggestion. City Manager Chirpich replied that he was fine with the designation.
He asked the City Attorney if there would be a need to separate the City Manager from the
selection process of the examiners. City Attorney Lepak replied that the City has got a
pretty robust effort at finding hearing officers. The available pool may not be as broad as
they might hope for due to the qualifications. He added that he thinks it would be
something the City Attorney and City Manager would review. It will be subject to defined
metrics. The City Council would have the final authority.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to amend
Ordinance 1707 and add the language on letter E on page 97 “Performances of these
hearing examiners shall be evaluated by the City Manager and City Attorney”. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 3-0.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the
reading of Ordinance No. 1707, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 3-0.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to set the second
reading of Ordinance 1707 as amended, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 3
Administrative Code, Article V – Administrative Offenses in the City of Columbia Heights for
November 25, 2024, at approximately 6:00 pm. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0.
12. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1708, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 9 – Land Use: 9.104
Administration and Enforcement.
City Planner Boucher stated at the August Work Session, City Council discussed code
enforcements and updates to City Code to allow for administrative code enforcement. This
is based on observations, feedback, and recommendations from staff and community
members to provide a more timely and informal Resolution to code enforcement violations
of the Zoning Code. 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 at the first and second meetings in September 2024, the
City Council approved the readings of an amendment to Chapter 3: Administrative Code to
allow for administrative citations and at the first meeting in October 2024, the City Council
approved an amendment to the fee schedule setting the fees for the levels of citation and
Hearing Examiner compensation. The Zoning Text Amendment is required in order to allow
the Zoning Administrator to issue administrative citations as part of the Violations and
Penalties section of code.
23
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 9
City Planner Boucher noted Staff proposes updating the existing Ordinance, Chapter 9 –
Land Use: 9.104 Administration and Enforcement (P)(3) Violations and penalties with the
following amendment:
1. Amend (P)(3) to allow for the use of administrative citations as an alternative to
enforcement of a misdemeanor processed through the Anoka County Criminal Court
System.
Other items that will require future City Council action in relation to this proposed
ordinance include:
1. Chapter 3 Administrative Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses amendment to
create the process for evaluating and approving individuals to serve as Hearing
Examiners. 2. Approving a list of qualified Hearing Examiners.
Councilmember James expressed her support for the Ordinance. She mentioned that
individual rights are not being removed, but instead, the Ordinance provides an additional
option. She added that it provides an opportunity for Staff to work with people who would
like to get things resolved quickly.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to waive the
reading of Ordinance No. 1708, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 3-0.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to set the second
reading of Ordinance 1708, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 9 Land Use, 9.104
Administration and Enforcement in the City of Columbia Heights for November 25, 2024, at
approximately 6:00 pm. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Councilmember Spriggs mentioned that he attended the Library Board meeting. He commented that
they have been working on the new website for a few months and it is now live. He added that he
attended the EDA and Council work session with the rest of the Cou ncil. He mentioned he attended a
meeting at City Hall regarding Central Avenue.
Councilmember James congratulated the local elected officials including Mayor Márquez Simula,
Councilmember Buesgens, and the new Councilmember who would be coming on. She thanked City
Clerk Ion and other election Staff for their work. She mentioned that she had a discussion with the
former Hennepin County Commissioner regarding affordable housing. She explained she was at the
MnDOT meeting, and attended a meeting with the City Manager and the Community Development
Director. She spoke with a resident who has had target vandalism at their home. She encouraged the
community to look out for each other. She signed a letter petition with the National League of Cities by
24
Item 2.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES November 12, 2024
City Council Meeting Page 10
State and local elected officials to urge Congress to swiftly pass the Emergency Disaster Supplemental
Appropriations bill.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned she has received messages that residents are experiencing
threatening activities at their homes as well as via phone and text messages. She encouraged residents
to report any vandalism or issues occurring to the Police Department. She thanked the community for
the election process. She added she looks forward to being the Mayor for the next couple of years. She
added that she has received multiple emails about the City Clerk, and other election judges for their
good work. She noted that she attended the Operation Pollination meeting with the rotary, the
MnDOT meeting, and an art class at the senior center. She added she volunteered at the Every Meal
program at Valley View School. There was a Veteran’s Day celebration at the new World War II
memorial at West Huset Park. The Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota placed a wretch at
the memorial. She attended a Sister’s City meeting and a meeting with the Police Chief and City
Manager. She noted that she checked out the new library website and liked the new search feature.
The past City Manager, Malcolm Watson, is being recognized with Silver Lake Beach being named after
him and also mentioned that he served in World War II. The area will now be called Malcolm Watson
Beach. She mentioned she attended a Dia de Los Muertos event at the high school, as well as the EDA
and work session meeting. She explained she attended a Bible study class at Saint Matthew’s Church
where she was able to share how people can serve the City.
Report of the City Manager
City Manager Chirpich recognized and celebrated the new Fire Captain Emily Kosman, noting that
throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, skill, and
commitment. She is the first female Fire Captain in City history.
City Manager Chirpich gave a reminder about winter parking rules which will begin November 15th. The
City’s winter parking rules will be in effect from November 15 th until March 15th. A snow event will be
triggered at 2 inches of snow.
City Manager Chirpich mentioned that the City’s newsletter would be hitting mailboxes soon. It will
include information regarding the City’s water meter replacement project. The administrative fines will
be highlighted in the newsletter as well as the 2025 proposed budget.
City Manager Chirpich reviewed the certification of election results. The City’s local election results
were certified and the Resolution will be sent to the County for final approval.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
25
Item 2.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA
MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 25, 2024
ITEM: Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1707, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Administrative
Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Andrew Boucher, City Planner,
November 18, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
X Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_ Sustainable
BACKGROUND
At the November 12, City Council meeting, the Council approved the First Reading of an Administrative
Citation ordinance to establish a process for evaluating and approving Hearing Examiners.
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 to set a procedure for
evaluating and presenting a list of qualified individuals for the City Council to consider before approving
selected people to serve as Hearing Examiners. These individuals shall be trained in law or familiar with these
settings but is not required to be currently licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota. These individuals
cannot be city employees or have any other connection to the City other than to serve as a Hearing Examiner
and shall be compensated on a per case basis pursuant to the City’s fee schedule.
The existing code does not establish a procedure for evaluating and approving individuals to serve as Hea ring
Examiners, which needs to be included as part of this proposed ordinance.
Staff proposes updating the existing ordinance, Chapter 3 – Administrative Code: Article V – Administrative
Offenses with the following amendment from the First Reading:
1. Amend 3.505 Hearing Examiner Evaluation Procedure (e) to require performance evaluation of the
Hearing Examiners to be reviewed by the City Manager and City Attorney.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 1707, on first consideration:
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1707, there being ample copies available to the
public.
26
Item 3.
Page 2
MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance 1707, 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.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ordinance No. 1707
1707 Summary Ordinance
27
Item 3.
Ordinance No.1707
ORDINANCE NO. 1707
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3: ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, ARTICLE V – ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES
OF THE CITY CODE OF 2005
TO AMEND:
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1
§ 3.504 ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING.
(1) Request for Hearing. Anyone in violation of any section of the City Code may either pay the
Administrative Penalty, as defined by Section 3.505, or petition the City for an Administrative Hearing
pursuant to Section 3.504(5). Electronic communication should be considered and encouraged
whenever possible to ensure timely coordination and communications unless there are specific
sections that require mailings.
(2) Hearing Examiner. The position of Hearing Examiner is hereby created.
a. The City Manager, or their designee, may, at their discretion, contract with third parties for the
furnishing of all services of the Hearing Examiner as contained in this chapter and set the rate of
compensation therefor.
b. The City Council will periodically approve a list of qualified individuals, from which the City Clerk
will select a Hearing Examiner best suited to hear and determine a matter for which a hearing is
requested.
c. The Hearing Examiner must not be a city employee and the City Clerk must establish a
procedure for evaluating the competency of the Hearing Examiner, including comments from
accused violators and city staff. These reports must be provided to the City Council.
d. Removal of the Hearing Examiner. No later than five days before the date of the hearing, the
violator may make a written request during business hours that the assigned hearing examiner
be removed from the case. The City Clerk will automatically grant one request for removal. A
subsequent request must be directed to the assigned hearing examiner who will decide
whether they can fairly and objectively review the case. If the Hearing Examiner determines
they cannot fairly and objectively review the case, the Hearing Examiner shall notify the city
clerk in writing at least one business day before the scheduled hearing date. The City Clerk will
then assign another Hearing Examiner.
(3) Qualifications. The Hearing Examiner shall be an individual trained in law; however, it shall not be
required that the Hearing Examiner be currently licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
(4) Duties. The Hearing Examiner shall have the following duties:
a. Set dates and hear all contested cases;
b. Take testimony from all interested parties;
c. Examine all facts, evidence and testimony presented;
d. Make a complete record of all proceedings including findings of fact and conclusions of law; and
28
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance No. 1707 Page 2
e. Affirm, dismiss, or modify the Administrative Citation and/or the Administrative Penalty.
(5) Hearing Procedure. Any person issued an Administrative Citation within the City of Columbia Heights
may petition the City, in writing and during business hours, for an Administrative hearing before a
Hearing Examiner. All Administrative Hearings will take place at the Columbia Heights City Council
Chambers within City Hall or other administrative room within the building if Chambers are not
available (3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421) between business hours as needed
Monday through Friday; the hearings may be in-person or virtual. The Hearing Examiner may schedule
an alternative date and time upon the written consent of all parties subject to the administrative
hearing.
a. All such petitions shall identify with specificity the basis for the objection to the Administrative
Citation and the interpretation of the City Code, as well as summarizing any evidence the
petitioner intends to present. Such requests shall be filed in w riting to the City Manager, or
their designee, within 14 business days after the ordinance violation citation is issued.
b. The City will confirm request of an Administrative Hearing and include information on the
Administrative Citation Hearing Fee as outlined in this ordinance. This fee will be refunded if
the Administrative Citation is dismissed, but not if affirmed or modified. The City Clerk or their
designee will schedule the hearing and will notify the violator and involved city staff, of the
date, time and location of the hearing. Parties are expected to be available at the hearing for a
minimum of two hours. Notice of the hearing must be mailed to the violator and the Hearing
Examiner at least ten days in advance of the scheduled hearing, unless a shorter time is
accepted by all parties. The notice must contain the name of the parties, the identity of the
Hearing Examiner, the location of the alleged violation and the type of violation alleged.
c. Continuance. A request for a continuance must be made to the City Clerk during business hours
at least five days prior to the scheduled hearing date. The City Clerk may grant a continuance at
the request of the violator or the city staff member only for go od cause shown and for no more
than ten days from the original assigned date.
d. File transmittal. Upon receipt of any request for a hearing, the City Clerk’s office will compile a
summary report detailing the facts in support of any determination that the offense constitutes
a violation. The summary report must be ready for the hearing officer to pick up on the
business day preceding the scheduled hearing and shall include the following information:
i. Copy of the citation issued;
ii. Copy of the administrative notice, which preceded the citation;
iii. Copy of any case history in the issuing employee’s department;
iv. Photographs and/or videotape of property where available;
v. Proof of mailing and/or posting of notice on the property if the citation was not
personally served on the violator.
29
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance No. 1707 Page 3
e. Presentation of case. At the hearing, the parties will have the opportunity to present testimony
and question any witnesses, but strict rules of evidence will not apply and the Hearing Examiner
will determine the admissibility of any evidence and/or testimony. All Administrative Hearings
will be recorded with an audio recording device. A transcript of the Administrative Hearing will
be transcribed and retained pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The
Hearing Examiner will take testimony from the petitioner and any corroborating witnesses who
wish to testify. The Hearing Examiner will then take testimony from the City. Both the
petitioner and the City may appear with legal counsel.
f. Decision.
i. The Hearing Examiner must issue a written decision containing findings of fact,
conclusions of law and an order. The decision will be mailed to the parties within ten
days after the hearing. The Hearing Examiner has the authority to determine that a
violation occurred, to dismiss a citation, to impose the scheduled fine, and to reduce,
stay, or waive a scheduled fine either unconditionally or upon compliance with
appropriate conditions. When imposing a penalty for a violation, the Hearing Examiner
may consider any or all of the following factors:
1. Duration of the violation;
2. Frequency of reoccurrence of the violation;
3. Seriousness of the violation;
4. History of the violation;
5. Violator’s conduct after issuance of the administrative notice and citation;
6. Violator’s conduct after issuance of the notice of hearing;
7. Good faith effort by the violator to comply;
8. Impact of the violation upon the community;
9. Prior record of city code violations; and
10. Any other factors appropriate to a just result.
ii. The Hearing Examiner may not impose a fine greater than the established fine, except
that the Hearing Examiner may impose a fine for each week that the violation continues
if:
1. The violation caused or is causing a serious threat of harm to the public health,
safety, or welfare; or
2. The violator intentionally and unreasonably refused or refuses to comply with
the code requirement.
g. Right of appeal. Except as provided in subsections (i) and (j) of this section, the decision of the
Hearing Examiner is final without any further right of appeal.
h. Failure to appear. The failure to attend the hearing constitutes a waiver of the violator’s rights
to an administrative hearing and an admission of the violation. A Hearing Examiner may waive
this result upon good cause shown. Examples of “good cause” are: death in the immediate
family or documented incapacitating illness of the violator; a court order requiring the violator
to appear for another hearing at the same time; and lack of proper service of the citation or
notice of the hearing. “Good cause” does not include: forgetfulness; lack of transportation or
30
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance No. 1707 Page 4
child care; and intentional delay.
i. Judicial review. An aggrieved party may obtain judicial review of the decision of the Hearing
Examiner or the City Council as provided in state law.
j. Administrative review.
i. Appeal. A violator may appeal the Hearing Examiner’s decision in any of the following
matters to the City Council for administrative review:
1. An alleged failure to obtain a permit, license or other approval from the City
council as required by this Code, county ordinance or state law;
2. An alleged violation of a permit, license, other approval, or the conditions
attached to the permit, license, or approval that was granted by the City Council;
or
3. An alleged violation of regulations governing a person or entity who has received
a license granted by the City Council.
ii. Notice. The appeal under this section will be heard by the City council. Notice of the
hearing must be delivered to the alleged violator or property owner and involved city
staff, in person or by mail at least ten days in advance of the hearing. The partie s to the
hearing will have an opportunity to present oral or written arguments regarding the
Hearing Examiner’s decision.
iii. Decisions. The City Council must consider the record, the Hearing Examiner’s decision,
and any additional arguments before making a determination. The City Council is not
bound by the Hearing examiner’s decision, but may adopt all or part of the Examiner’s
decision. The Council’s decision must be in writing.
iv. Suspension or revocation. In addition to imposing a civil penalty, the Council may
suspend or revoke a city-issued license, permit, or other approval associated with the
violation.
§ 3.505 HEARING EXAMINER EVALUATION PROCEDURE
By implementing a structured approach, the City of Columbia Heights can establish an effective and equitable
process for approving and evaluating hearing examiners, ultimately enhancing community trust and ensuring
fair treatment for all residents.
When evaluating and approving an individual to serve as a Hearing Examiner for the City of Columbia Heights,
there shall be specific requirements such as that the individual shall not be a city employee and have no
connection to the City beyond serving as a Hearing Examiner. The individual shall be trained in law or at least
have a familiar understanding of legal proceedings, but it is not required that they be currently licensed to
practice law in the State of Minnesota.
31
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance No. 1707 Page 5
The City Council receive a report for evaluation purposes to include comments from accused violators and city
staff as well as the following criteria that should be considered prior to approving an individual to serve as
Hearing Examiner in accordance with the provisions of this section:
(1) Qualifications may include but are not limited to:
a. Experience in legal settings, code enforcement, and understanding of municipal laws;
b. Familiarity and comfort engaging and communicating with diverse communities as well as an
understanding of language access issues;
c. The ability to communicate in multiple languages should be considered a desired qualification.
(2) Evaluation and approval of Hearing Examiner applicants for new and continued service shall include
the following processes and procedures:
a. A standardized application that includes questions on experience, qualifications, and
approaches to working with diverse populations as well as establishing whether the applicant
has a connection to Columbia Heights;
b. A review committee composed of the City Council and the Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee
shall review applications and evaluate the qualifications of the applicants before selecting
individuals to move forward with an official interview.
c. City Council shall conduct interviews to assess candidates’ abilities to handle sensitive situations
and their understanding of cultural nuances.
d. The City Manager and City Clerk shall periodically provide the City Council with a list of
individuals given positive recommendations to approve.
e. The performance of these Hearing Examiners shall be evaluated by the City Manager and City
Attorney using developed metrics to assess performance and ensure that an effective and
equitable process is established to provide fair and equal treatment to residents:
i. Legal accuracy and adherence to procedures.
ii. Ability to engage with diverse community members and staff.
iii. Fairness and impartiality in decision-making.
iv. Consideration of feedback from community members, especially those who have
participated in hearings, as well as incorporating self-assessments.
§ 3.5056 PAYMENT.
32
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance No. 1707 Page 6
Once such notice is given, the person responsible for the violation shall, within 14 business days of the time
of issuance of the notice, pay full satisfaction of the stated violation scheduled to the City Finance
Department. The penalty may be paid in person or by mail and payment shall be admission of the violation.
§ 3.507 FAILURE TO PAY AND RECOVERY OF CIVIL PENALTIES. If a violator fails to pay the penalty imposed by
this article, the matter may be processed as a code violation through the Anoka County Court System or in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
(1) Nonpayment. If a civil penalty is not paid within the time specified:
a. It may constitute a lien on the real property upon which the violation occurred if the property
or improvements on the property was the subject of the violation and the property owner was
found responsible for that violation; or
b. It will be a personal obligation of the violator in all situations.
(2) Lien. A lien may be assessed against the property and collected in the same manner as real taxes as
authorized by state law.
(3) Personal obligation. A personal obligation may be collected by appropriate legal means.
(4) Late fees/charges.
a. If after 30 days the fine has not been paid or a hearing requested, a late fee will be applied, the
total bill will be assessed to the property taxes and all city licenses will be revoked. Fees are
established by the city’s fee schedule. For continued violations, the city will correct or abate the
violation and assess the charges for doing so onto the property taxes and/or file criminal
charges.
b. If the same property and property owner are charged with a subsequent violation(s) within a
12-month period for the same, or substantially similar offense, the offense will be considered a
repeat violation and fined accordingly, per the city’s fee schedule.
(5) License revocation or suspension. Failure to pay a fine or any associated late fees are grounds for
suspending or revoking a license related to the violation.
(6) Criminal penalties.
a. The following are misdemeanors, punishable in accordance with state law:
i. Failure, without good cause, to pay a fine or request a hearing within 30 days after
issuance of an administrative citation;
ii. Failure, without good cause, to appear at a hearing that was scheduled under 3.504 of
this section;
33
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance No. 1707 Page 7
iii. Failure to pay a fine imposed by a Hearing Examiner within 30 days after it was imposed,
or such other time as may be established by the Hearing Examiner.
b. If the final adjudication in the administrative penalty procedure is a finding of no violation, then
the City may not prosecute a criminal violation in district court based on the same set of facts.
This does not preclude the city from pursuing a criminal conviction for a violation of the same
provisions based on a different set of facts. A different date of violation will constitute a
different set of facts.
(7) Abatement
a. The City may pursue abatement in accordance with Chapter 8.206 and the established noticing
procedure. Whenever the officer charged with enforcement determines that a public nuisance
is present, the officer shall provide notice thereof, and that such nuisance be terminated or
abated. The notice of violation shall specific corrective actions to abate the nuisance and the
deadline for compliance. If the notice of violation is not complied within the time specified, the
enforcing officer shall report that fact to the City Council. Thereafter, the City Council may, after
notice as provided herein, and an opportunity to be heard, determine that the condition
identified in the notice of violation is a nuisance and further order the nuisance be abated
within the provisions identified in emergency or immediate abatement.
§ 3.508 DISPOSTION OF PENALTIES.
All penalties collected shall be paid over to the City finance Department. The Finance Director or his designee
may receive negotiable instruments in payment of penalties as a conditional payment and shall not be held
accountable therefor. Receipt shall be issued for cash payment.
§ 3.509 POWERS AND DUTIES OF FINANCE DIRECTOR.
In addition to all other duties set forth in the code, the Finance Director may delegate and supervise the work
of city employees implementing and administering this article. The Finance Director shall make and have
custody of all records necessary and shall keep proper accounts of the proceeds received.
§ 3.5010 SCHEDULED PENALTIES.
Penalties shall be imposed for violation of the scheduled administrative offenses according to a schedule duly
established and adopted from time to time by resolution of the City Council. Any person violating a section of
this code shall be subject to the scheduled penalty.
34
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance No. 1707 Page 8
Section 2
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage.
First Reading: November 12, 2024
Offered by: Spriggs
Seconded by: James
Roll Call: All Ayes; Buesgens and Jacobs absent
Second Reading:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Date of Passage:
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
35
Item 3.
Ordinance No.1707
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1707
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3: ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF THE CITY CODE OF 2005 TO
AMEND ARTICLE V – ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES.
The City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota adopted Ordinance No. 1707 on November 25,
2024.
The purpose of this ordinance is to update, upon passage, Chapter 3 Administrative Code of Columbia Heights
City Code – Article V: Administrative Offenses. These updates include the introduction of a process to evaluate
and approve Hearing Examiners and include specific requirements that the individuals are not city employees
or have any connection to the City beyond serving as a Hearing Examiner. These individuals shall be trained in
law or at least have familiar understanding of legal proceedings, but it is not required that they be currently
licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota. These individuals shall have experience in legal settings,
code enforcement, and understanding of municipal laws; familiarity and comfort engaging and communicating
with diverse communities as well as an understanding of language access issues and an ability to communicate
in multiple languages.
This is a summary of Ordinance No. 1707. A copy of the entire text of the Ordinance is available for public
inspection during regular office hours at City Hall, by standard or electronic mail, or at
www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
36
Item 3.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA
MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 25, 2024
ITEM: Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1708, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 9 – Land Use: 9.104
Administration and Enforcement
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Andrew Boucher, City Planner,
November 18, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
X Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_ Sustainable
BACKGROUND
At the August Work Session, City Council discussed code enforcements and updates to City Code to allow for
administrative code enforcement. The First Reading of the Zoning Text Amendment was approved at the
November 12, 2024 City Council and is required in order to allow the Zoning Administrator to issue
administrative citations as part of the Violations and Penalties section of code.
Staff proposes updating the existing ordinance, Chapter 9 – Land Use: 9.104 Administration and Enforcement
(P)(3) Violations and penalties with the following amendment:
1. Amend (P)(3) to allow for the use of administrative citations as an alternative to enforcement of a
misdemeanor processed through the Anoka County Criminal Court System.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 1708, on first consideration:
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1708, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1708, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 9
Land Use, 9.104 Administration and Enforcement, and direct staff to send the summary ordinance for
publication in the legal newspaper.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Ordinance No. 1708
Summary Ordinance No. 1708
37
Item 4.
Ordinance No.1708
ORDINANCE NO. 1708
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9 – LAND USE OF THE CITY CODE OF 2005
TO AMEND 9.104 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT.
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1
The following administrative processes are amended or deleted as provided in Section 9.104 of the City
Code of 2005, is hereby established to read as follows:
(P) Enforcement.
(1) Complaints. The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to investigate any complaint alleging a
violation of this article or the conditions of any zoning or plat approval, and take such action as is warranted in
accordance with the provisions set forth in this article.
(2) Procedure.
(a) Notice of violation. The Zoning Administrator shall provide a written notice to the property owner or
to any person responsible for such violation, identifying the property in question, indicating the nature of the
violation, and ordering the action necessary to remedy the violation, including a reasonable time period for
action. Additional written notices may be provided at the Zoning Administrator’s discretion.
(b) Enforcement without notice. Whenever the Zoning Administrator finds that an emergency exists in
relation to the enforcement of the provisions of this article, which requires immediate action to protect the
health, safety or welfare of the occupants of any structure, or the public, the Zoning Administrator may seek
immediate enforcement without prior written notice.
(3) Violation and penalties. Any person, firm or corporation determined to be in violation any of the
provisions of this article or any amendments may be subject to penalties such as liens, personal obligations,
late fees and charges, administrative citations, abatement, and found guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day that a
violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
Section 2
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage.
38
Item 4.
City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance No. 1708 Page 2
First Reading: November 13, 2024
Offered by: James
Seconded by: Spriggs
Roll Call: All Ayes; Buesgens and Jacobs absent.
Second Reading:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Date of Passage:
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
39
Item 4.
Ordinance No.1708
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1708
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9: LAND USE OF THE CITY CODE OF 2005 TO AMEND 9.104 –
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT.
The City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota adopted Ordinance No. 1708 on November 25,
2024.
The purpose of this ordinance is to update, upon passage, Chapter 9 Land Use of Columbia Heights City Code,
9.104 Administration and Enforcement. Section (P) (3) Violations and penalties is amended to include the use
of liens, personal obligations, late fees and charges, administrative citations, and abatement as alternative
means to conduct enforcement of the Zoning Code.
This is a summary of Ordinance No. 1708. A copy of the entire text of the Ordinance is available for public
inspection during regular office hours at City Hall, by standard or electronic mail, or at
www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
40
Item 4.
ITEM: Resolution 2024-81, Adopting Rates for Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and Refuse Services,
Provided After March 31, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Finance BY/DATE: Joseph Kloiber, Finance Director /
November 12, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_ Healthy and Safe Community
_ Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_ Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
X Sustainable
BACKGROUND
The existing utility rate resolution 2024-25 is on the City’s website. The only changes from resolution 2024-25
in the attached resolution 2024-81 are:
The refuse rates for 2025 will increase by 11.5% over 2024, rather than the 8% increase used in the
existing resolution.
The refuse rates for 2026 and 2027 still use the 8% annual increases from the existing resolution but
they are calculated using the now higher base year rates of 2025, so the dollar amounts shown in the
2026 and 2027 refuse columns are greater than the existing resolution.
This additional refuse rate increase in Resolution 2024-81 is necessary to achieve the breakeven Refuse Fund
budget assumption included within the Proposed 2025 City Budget approved by the City Council September
23, 2024. This pattern of having to annually update the refuse rates within the published rate resolution to
match the next year’s Refuse Fund budget is expected to continue, because the inflation factor in the current
hauling contract is pegged to annual changes in the refuse component of the Consumer Price Index.
By adopting this resolution, the resulting trend in annual refuse rate increases is 2023 = 45%, 2024 =15%,
2025=11.5%, 2026=8% (so far), 2027=8% (so far). In terms of the total quarterly utility bill for water, sewer,
and refuse, for the typical single-family home with four occupants, the existing resolution 2024-25 had a 2025
increase of 4.3% or $17.43 per quarter. The attached draft resolution 2024 -81 instead increases that typical
quarterly bill by 5.4% or $21.96.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-81, there being ample copies available to the
public.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA
MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 25, 2024
41
Item 5.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-81, being a resolution adopting rates for water, sewer, storm
water, and refuse services, provided after March 31, 2024.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution 2024-81
42
Item 5.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-81
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, adopting rates for water, sewer,
storm water, and refuse services, provided after March 31, 2024
Whereas, city staff performed a utility rate study analyzing past, current, and future financial health of the City of
Columbia Heights’ Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Water and Refuse Funds, including the operating costs to be paid
by the City of Columbia Heights to the Minneapolis Water Department, Metropolitan Council Environmental
Services, hauling contractors, and other primary vendors;
Now, therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, and M.S. 103G.29, and all ordinances and regulations of the
City of Columbia Heights, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following:
ORDER OF COUNCIL
The following quarterly rates shall be effective for all services provided after adoption of this resolution,
superseding all previously established rates:
Quarterly Rates Effective:
Apr 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1
Water Customer Classification 2024 2025 2026 2027
Residential Single Family
Fixed Fee Per Dwelling Unit
38.16 39.11 40.09 41.09
Tier 1 per 1000 gallons under 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling unit
5.71 5.85 6.00 6.15
Tier 2 per 1000 gallons over 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling unit
7.15 7.33 7.51 7.70
Water meter surcharge
6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00
State water connection fee (safety testing)
-.passed through at current state rate -
Residential Multi-Family
Fixed Fee Per Dwelling Unit
38.16 39.11 40.09 41.09
Tier 1 per 1000 gallons under 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling unit
5.71 5.85 6.00 6.15
Tier 2 per 1000 gallons over 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling unit
7.15 7.33 7.51 7.70
State water connection fee (safety testing)
-.passed through at current state rate -
Non-Residential
Fixed fee - Based on Meter Size
Less than 1" meter
38.16 39.11 40.09 41.09
1" meter
76.34 78.25 80.21 82.22
1.5" meter
95.44 97.83 100.28
100.28
102.79
2" meter
152.68
152.68
156.50 160.41 164.42
3" meter
343.52
343.52
352.11 360.91 369.93
4" or larger meter
610.70
610.70
625.97 641.62 657.66
Tier 1 per 1000 gallons and under 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling
unit
5.71 5.85 6.00 6.15
Tier 2 per 1000 gallons and over 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling unit
7.15 7.33 7.51 7.70
State water connection fee (safety testing)
-.passed through at current state rate -
Irrigation Meters
All volume billed at tier 2 rate per 1000 gallons
7.15 7.33 7.51 7.70
43
Item 5.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-81
Quarterly Rates Effective:
Apr 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1
Sewer Customer Classification 2024 2025 2026 2027
Residential Single Family
Fixed Fee Per Dwelling Unit
31.66 32.45 33.26 34.09
Tier 1 per 1000 gallons under 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling
unit
3.43 3.52 3.61 3.70
Tier 2 per 1000 gallons over 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling
unit
- no additional charge -
Residential Multi-Family
Fixed Fee Per Dwelling Unit
31.66 32.45 33.26 34.09
Tier 1 per 1000 gallons under 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling
unit
3.43 3.52 3.61 3.70
Tier 2 per 1000 gallons over 25,000 gal/qtr/dwelling
unit
- no additional charge -
Non-Residential Commercial
Fixed Fee (Based on Meter Size)
Less than 1" Meter
31.66 32.45 33.26 34.09
1" Meter
63.30 64.88 66.50 68.16
1.5" Meter
79.14 81.12 83.15 85.23
2" Meter
126.62 129.79 133.03 136.36
3" Meter
284.87 291.99 299.29 306.77
4" or Larger Meter
506.46 519.12 532.10 545.40
All volume billed at tier 1 rate per 1000 gallons
3.43 3.52 3.61 3.70
Irrigation Meters
Sewer not applicable to irrigation
- not applicable to irrigation -
Quarterly Rates Effective:
Apr 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1
Storm Customer Classification 2024 2025 2026 2027
Single Family Residential R-1 18.22 19.13 20.09 21.09
One and Two Family Residential R-2 18.22 19.13 20.09 21.09
Multi-Family Residential R-3 120.17 126.18 132.49 139.11
Multi-Family Residential R-4 120.17 126.18 132.49 139.11
Residential Business RB 233.95 245.65 257.93 270.83
Limited Business District LB 233.95 245.65 257.93 270.83
General Business District GB 264.43 277.65 291.53 306.11
Central Business District CBD 264.43 277.65 291.53 306.11
Light Industrial I 206.46 216.78 227.62 239.00
Heavy Industrial I-1 233.95 245.65 257.93 270.83
Minneapolis Water Works MWW 29.04 30.49 32.01 33.61
44
Item 5.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-81
Quarterly Rates Effective:
Apr 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1
Refuse Residential Service Only 2024 2025 2026 2027
30 Gallon Container - every other week, requires: 46.92 52.32 56.51 61.03
Completion of class to reduce trash & increase recycling
Organics collection service (see below)
30 Gallon Container - weekly pickup 69.15 77.10 83.27 89.93
60 Gallon Container - weekly pickup 72.44 80.77 87.23 94.21
90 Gallon Container - weekly pickup:
Allows additional bags up to program limits 90.34 100.73 108.79 117.49
1 Cubic Yard Service - weekly pickup 253.48 282.63 305.24 329.66
1.5 Cubic Yard Service - weekly pickup 345.89 385.67 416.52 449.84
2 Cubic Yard Service - weekly pickup 403.90 450.35 486.38 525.29
3 Cubic Yard Service - weekly pickup 486.39 542.32 585.71 632.57
4 Cubic Yard Service - weekly pickup 594.94 663.36 716.43 773.74
6 Cubic Yard Service - weekly pickup 812.02 905.40 977.83 1056.06
8 Cubic Yard Service - weekly pickup 894.64 997.52 1077.32 1163.51
Recycling for 4 or more dwelling units - weekly
per dwelling unit 15.09 16.83 18.18 19.63
Recycling for 1 to 3 dwelling units - every other week,
with yard waste April through November
per dwelling unit 29.03 32.37 34.96 37.76
Optional Organics collection service with 7-gallon pail:
Weekly pickup 12.00 13.38 14.45 15.61
Optional Yard Waste Cart
April through November - weekly pickup 39.30 43.82 47.33 51.12
Quarterly Rates Effective:
Apr 1 Jan 1 Jan 1 Jan 1
Senior Income-qualified owner-occupied 2024 2025 2026 2027
Water - Fixed Fee 29.66 30.40 31.16 31.94
Sanitary Sewer - Fixed Fee 23.30 23.88 24.48 25.09
Refuse - Any Container Up to 90 Gallons 69.15 77.10 83.27 89.93
Senior discounts require an annual verification of income eligibility. Standard rates apply for all other utility
charges.
45
Item 5.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-81
Passed this 25th day of November 25, 2024
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
46
Item 5.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION PUBLIC HEARING
MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 25, 2024
ITEM: Consideration of Resolution 2024-85, Updating Income Limit for Senior Citizen Utility Rates
DEPARTMENT: Finance BY/DATE: Andrew Splinter, November 13, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding a bold “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community _Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership _Sustainable
BACKGROUND: For many years, the City Council has annually updated the income eligibility limit for reduced
senior citizen utility rates. The City Council can set any formula or amount for income eligibility. If the City
establishes the income eligibility guideline at a higher level, more people will qualify. As more people qualify
for reduced rates, the rates for non-qualifying people will have to be raised to ensure adequate revenue in the
utility fund. For many years, the number of seniors receiving the reduced rate has remained relatively
constant at approximately 120 residents.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS
The formula the City has used for this limit is the maximum current year (202 5) Social Security benefit for an
individual at full retirement age, plus 4%, rounded to the next even $100 increment. This limit is then
compared to applicants' prior year (2024) income. This formula is intended to allow for a modest amount of
income beyond the maximum Social Security benefit possible. The maximum Social Security benefit for an
individual at full retirement age for 2025 is $48,216.
Currently, the income limit for reduced senior citizen rates is set at $4 7,700. Attached is a resolution raising
the income limit, beginning in 2025, to $50,200 for reduced senior citizen rates.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Please consider adopting the following motions to authorize levying of the assessments for the stated
purposes.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-85, being a resolution to update the income limit for Senior Citizen
Utility Rates.
ATTACHMENT(S): Resolution 2024-85
47
Item 6.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-85
A resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, establishing eligibility standards
for senior citizen utility rates.
Now, therefore, in accordance with all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City
Council of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following:
ORDER OF COUNCIL
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously established eligibility standards for senior citizen rates for refuse
service, sewage disposal and water supply; and
WHERAS, it has been the City’s practice to maintain uniform eligibility standards whenever possible:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Columbia Heights as follows:
That anyone over 62 years of age with a maximum household income of $50,200 will be eligible for
reduced rates.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above eligibility standard is effective January 1, 2025.
Passed this _________ day of ______________________, 2024
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
48
Item 6.
ITEM: Approval Resolution 2024-86 Transfer funds to the Fire Department 2024 Budget.
DEPARTMENT: Fire BY/DATE: Chief O’Brien / November 25, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND
The Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) offers reimbursements for the expenses
related to firefighter training and certifications. These funds, allocated by the State Legislature from the Fire
Safety Account, are distributed through an application process. In 202 4, a total of $10,947.00 was awarded to
CHFD. Additionally, a refund of $645.00 was awarded to CHFD to cover the cost of lodging for one at the 2024
Association of MN Emergency Managers Conference.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS
In 2024, a total of $10,947.00 was awarded by MBFTE for training and certification costs. A refund of $645.00
was awarded to CHFD to cover the cost of lodging for one at the 2024 Association of MN Emergency Managers
Conference.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve the transfer of reimbursed funds from the general Fund to the Fire Department 202 4 Budget.
Breakdown of Reimbursements:
Source Amount
MBFTE $3,562.50
MBFTE $126.00
MBFTE $3,000.00
MBFTE $2,223.50
MBFTE $737.50
MBFTE $1,297.50
Anoka County $645.00
________
Total $11,592.00
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT
MEETING DATE 25 NOVEMBER 2024
49
Item 7.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2024-86 there being ample copies to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-86, being a resolution amending the 2024 Fire Department
budget
ATTACHMENT(S):
Fire Department Resolution No 2024-86
50
Item 7.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-86
A resolution of the city council for the city of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, amending the 2024 budget to
use certain additional revenue:
Whereas, the city has contracted for or received the following revenue:
Source Amount
MBFTE $3,562.50
MBFTE $126.00
MBFTE $3,000.00
MBFTE $2,223.50
MBFTE $737.50
MBFTE $1,297.50
Anoka County $645.00
__________________________________________
Total $11,592.00
Whereas, this revenue was not included in the initial 2024 budget adopted by Resolution 2023-083, nor in any
subsequent amendments to that budget; and
Whereas, accordingly, the expense necessary to earn this revenue was also not previously included in the
2024 budget; and
Whereas, the activity related to this revenue and expense is consistent with the goals and objectives of the
city of Columbia Heights Fire Department;
Now, therefore, in accordance with all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the city
council of the city of Columbia Heights makes the following:
ORDER OF COUNCIL
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the 2024 budget for general fund fire department expense is amended for an
increase of $11,592.00, and by a corresponding amount for budgeted revenue.
Passed this 25th day of November, 2024
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
51
Item 7.
ITEM: Adopt Resolution 2024-88, Approving LELS Labor Agreement.
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION BY/DATE: KELLI WICK, Nov. 19, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
X_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND
The labor agreement between the City and the Law Enforcement Labor Services, Local 311 representing police
officers will terminate on December 31, 2024. Negotiations between the City and LELS Local 311 have resulted
in a mutually acceptable labor agreement for calendar years 202 5, 2026 and 2027. Please see Attachment “A”
for more detail on the proposed contract changes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council accept and approve the LELS Officers Labor Agreement for years 2025,
2026 and 2027.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-88, there being ample copies available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-88, approving the City of Columbia Heights LELS Labor Agreement.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution 2024-88
Attachment “A”
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT
MEETING DATE 11/25/2024
52
Item 8.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-088
A Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, approving a collective
bargaining agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Local
#311
Whereas, negotiations have proceeded between Law Enforcement Labor Services, Local #311, representing
full time Police Officers, and members of the City’s negotiation team; and
Whereas, said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable collective bargaining agreement for
calendar years 2025, 2026 and 2027; and
Whereas, changes to the current agreement are hereby attached as Exhibit A, and a copy of said collective
bargaining agreement is available for inspection at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by
reference.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that the collective bargaining agreement as negotiated, be and is hereby
established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 20 25, 2026 and 2027 for Law
Enforcement Labor Services, Local #311 bargaining unit employees of the City; and
Be It Further Resolved that the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to execute this collective
bargaining agreement.
Passed November 25, 2024
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula
Sara Ion, City Clerk
53
Item 8.
The City of Columbia Heights reserves the right to add to, modify, delete, and/or change any portion of this proposal at any time throughout the negotiation process.
ATTACHMENT “A”
LELS-POLICE OFFICERS and CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
RESPONSE AND PROPOSAL
11/15/2024
1) Article 17 – Insurance
The City proposes the following for insurance:
a. 1/1/25: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1075
1/1/25: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1525
b. 1/1/26: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1105
1/1/26: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1615
c. 1/1/27: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1135
1/1/27: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1705
2) Appendix A - Compensation
a. COLA increases:
a. 4% effective 1/1/25
b. 4% effective 1/1/26
c. 4% effective 1/1/27
3) Article 21 – Longevity
Increase in Longevity Pay and reworking of the steps.
o After two (2) years of continuous employment $168.00
o After four (4) years of continuous employment $252.00
o After eight (8) years of continuous employment $420.00
o After ten (10) years of continuous employment $588.00
o After twelve (12) years of continuous employment $756.00
4) Appendix A, 2(d) – Position Differential
Employees with multilingual skills (i.e. speak English and at least one other language fluently as determined by
the City) shall receive $150 per month incentive.
5) Appendix A, 2(e) – Position Differential
Employees assigned by the Police Chief to serve as training instructors in Use of Force or Firearms will receive
$100 per month while on such assignment. Employees serving as instructor in multiple areas will not be eligible
for more than one differential pursuant to this section.
6) Article 29 - Duration
The City agrees to a 3 year contract.
54
Item 8.
LABOR AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
AND
LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES, INC.
(LOCAL NO. 311)
POLICE OFFICERS
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027
55
Item 8.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE Page
1 PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT ................................................................................................ 3
2 RECOGNITION ................................................................................................................... 3
3 DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................... 3
4 EMPLOYER SECURITY ........................................................................................................ 3
5 EMPLOYER AUTHORITY .................................................................................................... 4
6 UNION SECURITY .............................................................................................................. 4
7 EMPLOYEE RIGHTS - GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ................................................................. 4
8 SAVINGS CLAUSE .............................................................................................................. 6
9 SENIORITY ......................................................................................................................... 6
10 DISCIPLINE ........................................................................................................................ 7
11 CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION ....................................................................................... 7
12 WORK SCHEDULES ............................................................................................................ 7
13 OVERTIME ......................................................................................................................... 7
14 COURT TIME ..................................................................................................................... 8
15 CALL BACK TIME ............................................................................................................... 8
16 WORKING OUT OF CLASSIFICATION ................................................................................. 8
17 INSURANCE ....................................................................................................................... 8
18 STANDBY PAY .................................................................................................................... 9
19 UNIFORMS ........................................................................................................................ 9
20 INJURY ON DUTY ............................................................................................................... 9
21 LONGEVITY ........................................................................................................................ 9
22 HOLIDAYS .......................................................................................................................... 9
23 SICK LEAVE ........................................................................................................................ 10
24 FUNERAL LEAVE ................................................................................................................ 10
25 VACATION ......................................................................................................................... 11
26 FALSE ARREST INSURANCE ............................................................................................... 11
27 P.O.S.T. LICENSE ................................................................................................................ 11
28 WAIVER ............................................................................................................................. 11
29 WAGES .............................................................................................................................. 12
29 DURATION ........................................................................................................................ 12
APPENDIX A, WAGE SCHEDULE ........................................................................................ 13
56
Item 8.
3
LABOR AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
AND
LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES, INC.
(LOCAL NO. 311)
ARTICLE 1 PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT is entered into between the CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, hereinafter called the EMPLOYER,
and the LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES, INC. UNION (LOCAL NO. 311), hereinafter called the UNION.
It is the intent and purpose of this AGREEMENT to:
1.1 Establish procedures for the resolution of disputes concerning this AGREEMENT'S interpretation
and/or application; and,
1.2 Place in written form the parties' agreement upon terms and conditions of employment for the
duration of this AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 2 RECOGNITION
2.1 The EMPLOYER recognizes the UNION as the exclusive representative, under Minnesota Statutes,
Chapter 179A, for all police personnel in the following job classifications:
Police Officer
2.2 In the event the EMPLOYER and the UNION are unable to agree as to the inclusion or exclusion of
a new or modified job class, the issue shall be submitted to the Bureau of Mediation Services for
determination.
ARTICLE 3 DEFINITIONS
3.1 UNION: Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (Local No. 311).
3.2 UNION MEMBER: A member of the Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Union (Local No. 311).
3.3 EMPLOYEE: A member of the exclusively recognized bargaining unit.
3.4 DEPARTMENT: The Columbia Heights Police Department.
3.5 EMPLOYER: The City of Columbia Heights.
3.6 CHIEF: The Chief of the Columbia Heights Police Department.
3.7 UNION OFFICER: Officer elected or appointed by the Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Union
(Local No. 311).
3.8 INVESTIGATOR/DETECTIVE: An employee specifically assigned or classified by the EMPLOYER to
the job classification and/or job position of INVESTIGATOR/DETECTIVE.
3.9 OVERTIME: Work performed at the express authorization of the EMPLOYER in excess of the
employee's scheduled shift.
3.10 SCHEDULED SHIFT: A consecutive work period including rest breaks and a lunch break.
3.11 REST BREAKS: Periods during the SCHEDULED SHIFT during which the employee remains on
continual duty and is responsible for assigned duties.
3.12 LUNCH BREAK: A period during the SCHEDULED SHIFT during which the employee remains on
continual duty and is responsible for assigned duties.
3.13 STRIKE: Concerted action in failing to report for duty, the willful absence from one's position, the
stoppage of work, slowdown, or abstinence in whole or in part from the full, faithful and proper
performance of the duties of employment for the purposes of inducing, influencing or coercing a
change in the conditions or compensation or the rights, privileges or obligations of employment.
ARTICLE 4 EMPLOYER SECURITY
The UNION agrees that during the life of this AGREEMENT that the UNION will not cause, encourage,
57
Item 8.
4
participate in or support any strike, slowdown or other interruption of or interference with the normal
functions of the EMPLOYER.
ARTICLE 5 EMPLOYER AUTHORITY
5.1 The EMPLOYER retains the full and unrestricted right to operate and manage all manpowe r,
facilities, and equipment; to establish functions and programs; to set and amend budgets; to
determine the utilization of technology; to establish and modify the organizational structure; to
select, direct, and determine the number of personnel; to establish work schedules, and to
perform any inherent managerial function not specifically limited by this AGREEMENT.
5.2 Any term and condition of employment not specifically established or modified by this
AGREEMENT shall remain solely within the discretion of the EMPLOYER to modify, establish, or
eliminate.
ARTICLE 6 UNION SECURITY
6.1 The EMPLOYER shall deduct from the wages of employees who authorize such a deduction in
writing an amount necessary to cover monthly UNION dues. Such monies shall be remitted as
directed by the UNION.
6.2 The UNION may designate employees from the bargaining unit to act as a steward and an alternate
and shall inform the EMPLOYER in writing of such choice and changes in the position of steward
and/or alternate.
6.3 The EMPLOYER shall make space available on the employee bulletin board for posting UNION
notice(s) and announcement(s).
6.4 The UNION agrees to indemnify and hold the EMPLOYER harmless against any and all claims,
suits, orders, or judgments brought or issued against the EMPLOYER as a result of any action
taken or not taken by the EMPLOYER under the provisions of this article.
ARTICLE 7 EMPLOYEE RIGHTS - GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
7.1 DEFINITION OF A GRIEVANCE
A grievance is defined as a dispute or disagreement as to the interpretation or application of the
specific terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT.
7.2 UNION REPRESENTATIVES
The EMPLOYER will recognize REPRESENTATIVES designated by the UNION as the grievance
representatives of the bargaining unit having the duties and responsibilities established by this
article. The UNION shall notify the EMPLOYER in writing of the names of such UNION
REPRESENTATIVES and of their successors when so designated as provided by 6.2 of this
AGREEMENT.
7.3 PROCESSING OF A GRIEVANCE
It is recognized and accepted by the UNION and the EMPLOYER that the processing of grievances
as hereinafter provided is limited by the job duties and responsibilities of the EMPLOYEES and shall
therefore be accomplished during normal working hours only when consistent with such
EMPLOYEE duties and responsibilities. The aggrieved EMPLOYEE and a UNION REPRESENTATIVE
shall be allowed a reasonable amount of time without loss in pay when a grievance is investigated
and presented to the EMPLOYER during normal working hours provided that the EMPLOYEE and
the UNION REPRESENTATIVE have notified and received the approval of the designated supervisor
who has determined that such absence is reasonable and would not be detrimental to the work
programs of the EMPLOYER.
7.4 PROCEDURE
Grievances, as defined by Section 7.1, shall be resolved in conformance with the following
procedure:
58
Item 8.
5
Step 1. An EMPLOYEE claiming a violation concerning the interpretation or application of this
AGREEMENT shall, within twenty-one (21) calendar days after such alleged violation has occurred,
present such grievance to the EMPLOYEE'S supervisor as designated by the EMPLOYER. The
EMPLOYER-designated representative will discuss and give an answer to such Step 1 grievance
within ten (10) calendar days after receipt. A grievance not resolved in Step 1 and appealed to
Step 2 shall be placed in writing setting forth the nature of the grievance, the facts on which it is
based, the provision or provisions of the AGREEMENT allegedly violated, the remedy requested,
and shall be appealed to Step 2 within ten (10) calendar days after the EMPLOYER-designated
representative's final answer in Step 1. Any grievance not appealed in writing to Step 2 by the
UNION within ten (10) calendar days shall be considered waived.
Step 2. If appealed, the written grievance shall be presented by the UNION and discussed with
the EMPLOYER-designated Step 2 representative. The EMPLOYER-designated representative shall
give the UNION the EMPLOYER'S Step 2 answer in writing within ten (10) calendar days after
receipt of such Step 2 grievance. A grievance not resolved in Step 2 may be appealed to Step 3
within ten (10) calendar days following the EMPLOYER-designated representative's final Step 2
answer. Any grievance not appealed in writing to Step 3 by the UNION within ten (10) calendar
days shall be considered waived.
Step 3. If appealed, the written grievance shall be presented by the UNION and discussed with
the EMPLOYER-designated Step 3 representative. The EMPLOYER-designated representative shall
give the UNION the EMPLOYER'S answer in writing within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of
such Step 3 grievance. A grievance not resolved in Step 3 may be appealed to Step 4 within ten
(10) calendar days following the EMPLOYER-designated representative's final answer in Step 3.
Any grievance not appealed in writing to Step 4 by the UNION within ten (10) calendar days shall
be considered waived.
Step 4. A grievance unresolved in Step 3 and appealed to Step 4 by the UNION shall be submitted
to arbitration subject to the provisions of the Public Employment Labor Relations Act of 1971. The
selection of an arbitrator shall be made in accordance with the "Rules Governing the Arbitration
of Grievances" as established by the Public Employment Relations Board. For grievance matters
involving written disciplinary action, discharge, or termination, the assignment of an arbitrator
shall be in accordance with Minnesota Statute 626.892.
7.5 ARBITRATOR'S AUTHORITY
A. The arbitrator shall have no right to amend, modify, nullify, ignore, add to, or subtract from
the terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT. The arbitrator shall consider and decide only
the specific issue(s) submitted in writing by the EMPLOYER and the UNION and shall have no
authority to make a decision on any other issue not so submitted.
B. The arbitrator shall be without power to make decisions contrary to, or inconsistent with, or
modifying or varying in any way the application of laws, rules, or regulations having the force
and effect of law. The arbitrator's decision shall be submitted in writing within thirty (30)
days following close of the hearing or the submission of briefs by the parties, whichever be
later, unless the parties agree to an extension. The decision shall be binding on both the
EMPLOYER and the UNION and shall be based solely on the arbitrator's interpretation or
application of the express terms of this AGREEMENT and to the facts of the grievance
presented.
C. The fees and expenses for the arbitrator's services and proceedings shall be borne equally
by the EMPLOYER and the UNION provided that each party shall be responsible for
compensating its own representatives and witnesses. If either party desires a verbatim
record of the proceedings, it may cause such a record to be made, providing it pays for the
record. If both parties desire a verbatim record of the proceedings the cost shall be shared
equally.
59
Item 8.
6
D. WAIVER
If a grievance is not presented within the time limits set forth above, it shall be considered
"waived". If a grievance is not appealed to the next step within the specified time limit or
any agreed extension thereof, it shall be considered settled on the basis of the EMPLOYER'S
last answer. If the EMPLOYER does not answer a grievance or an appeal thereof within the
specified time limits, the UNION may elect to treat the grievance as denied at that step and
immediately appeal the grievance to the next step. The time limit in each step may be
extended by mutual written agreement of the EMPLOYER and the UNION in each step.
7.6 CHOICE OF REMEDY
If, as a result of the written EMPLOYER response in Step 3, the grievance remains unresolved, and
if the grievance involves the suspension, demotion, or discharge of an employee who has
completed the required probationary period, the grievance may be appealed either to Step 4 of
Article 7 or a procedure such as: Civil Service, Veteran's Preference, or Fair Employment. If
appealed to any procedure other than Step 4 of Article VII, the grievance is not subject to the
arbitration procedure as provided in Step 4 of Article VII. The aggrieved employee shall indicate
in writing which procedure is to be utilized--Step 4 of Article 7 or another appeal procedure--and
shall sign a statement to the effect that the choice of any other hearing precludes the aggrieved
employee from making a subsequent appeal through Step 4 of Article 7, except that with respect
to statutes under the jurisdiction of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission, an employee pursuing a statutory remedy is not precluded from also pursuing an
appeal under this grievance procedure.
ARTICLE 8 SAVINGS CLAUSE
This AGREEMENT is subject to the laws of the United States, the State of Minnesota and the City of Columbia
Heights. In the event any provision of this AGREEMENT shall be held to be contrary to law by a court of
competent jurisdiction from whose final judgment or decree no appeal has been taken within the time
provided, such provisions shall be voided. All other provisions of this AGREEMENT shall continue in full force
and effect. The voided provision may be renegotiated at the written request of either party.
ARTICLE 9 SENIORITY
9.1 Seniority shall be determined by the employee's length of continuous employment with the Police
Department and posted in an appropriate location. Seniority rosters may be maintained by the
Chief on the basis of time in grade and time within specific classifications.
9.2 During the probationary period a newly hired or rehired employee may be discharged at the sole
discretion of the EMPLOYER. During the probationary period a promoted or reassigned employee
may be replaced in his/her previous position at the sole discretion of the EMPLOYER.
9.3 A reduction of work force will be accomplished on the basis of seniority. Employees shall be
recalled from layoff on the basis of seniority. An employee on layoff shall have an opportunity to
return to work within two years of the time of his/her layoff before any new employee is hired.
9.4 Senior employees will be given preference with regard to transfer, job classification assignments
and promotions when the job-relevant qualifications of employees are equal.
9.5 Senior qualified employees shall be given shift assignment preference after eighteen (18) months
of continuous full-time employment.
9.6 One continuous vacation period shall be selected on the basis of seniority between November 1
to November 30 of each calendar year for vacations to be taken in the following calendar year. A
second continuous vacation period shall be selected on the basis of seniority between December
1 and December 31 of each calendar year for vacations to be taken in the following calendar year.
A continuous vacation period is defined as three or six consecutive workdays.
60
Item 8.
7
ARTICLE 10 DISCIPLINE
10.1 The EMPLOYER will discipline employees for just cause only. Discipline will be in one or more of
the following forms:
a) oral reprimand;
b) written reprimand;
c) suspension;
d) demotion, or
e) discharge.
10.2 Suspensions, demotions and discharges will be in written form.
10.3 Written reprimands, notices of suspensions, and notices of discharge which are to become part of
an employee's personnel file shall be read and acknowledged by signature of the employee.
Employees and the UNION will receive a copy of such reprimands and/or notices.
10.4 Employees may examine their own individual personnel files at reasonable times under the direct
supervision of the EMPLOYER.
10.5 Discharges of non-probationary employees will be preceded by a five (5) day suspension without
pay.
10.6 Employees will not be questioned concerning an investigation of disciplinary action unless the
employee has been given an opportunity to have a UNION representative present at such
questioning.
10.7 Grievances relating to suspensions, demotions, and discharges shall be initiated by the Union in
Step 3 of the grievance procedure under ARTICLE 7.
ARTICLE 11 CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION
Employees shall have the rights granted to all citizens by the United States and Minnesota State Constitution.
ARTICLE 12 WORK SCHEDULES
12.1 The normal work year is two thousand and eighty hours (2,080) to be accounted for by each
employee through:
a) hours worked on assigned shifts;
b) assigned training;
c) authorized leave time.
12.2 Authorized leave time (sick leave and vacation) is to be calculated on the basis of the actual length
of the assigned shifts.
12.3 Nothing contained in this or any other article shall be interpreted to be a guarantee of a minimum
or maximum number of hours the EMPLOYER may assign employees.
ARTICLE 13 OVERTIME
13.1 Employees will be compensated at one and one-half (1 1/2) times the employee's regular base pay
rate for hours worked in excess of the employee's regularly scheduled shift. Changes of shifts do
not qualify an employee for overtime under this Article.
13.2 Overtime will be distributed as equally as practicable.
13.3 Overtime offered to employees and not worked will for record purposes under Article 13.2 be
considered as unpaid overtime worked. For purposes of this article, the inability of the Employer
to make contact with the employee and/or the non-response of the employee will be considered
overtime offered.
13.4 For the purpose of computing overtime compensation, overtime hours worked shall not be
pyramided, compounded or paid twice for the same hours worked.
13.5 Overtime will be calculated to the nearest fifteen (15) minutes.
13.6 Employees have the obligation to work overtime or call backs if requested by the EMPLOYER unless
unusual circumstances prevent the employee from so working.
61
Item 8.
8
13.7 Training and/or department meetings scheduled during an employee’s scheduled off-duty hours
shall be paid at one and one-half (1 ½) times the employee’s regular base pay rate.
A change to an employee’s scheduled shift to attend trainings and/or department meetings
does not qualify an employee for time and one-half.
13.8 An Employee may choose to receive compensatory time in lieu of monetary payment for overtime
hours worked. Compensatory time may be accumulated to a maximum of 48 hours.
ARTICLE 14 COURT TIME
An employee who is required to appear in Court during his/her scheduled off-duty time shall receive time and
one-half (1½) for all hours spent making the Court appearance with a minimum of three (3) hours pay at one
and one-half times (1½) the employee’s base pay rate. An extension or early report to a regularly scheduled
shift for Court appearance does not qualify the employee for the three (3) hour minimum.
For Anoka County Attorney’s Office cases, when a Police Officer is off duty and has been notified that his or
her testimony may be necessary, the Police Officer shall receive a minimum of two hours of standby
compensation at straight time (to be paid or taken as compensatory time at the Officer’s election) for each day
that he or she is to continue calling for instructions.
ARTICLE 15 CALL BACK TIME
An employee who is called back to duty during his/her scheduled off-duty time shall receive a minimum of two
(2) hours' pay at one and one-half times the employee's base pay rate. An extension or early report to a
regularly scheduled shift for duty does not qualify the employee for the two (2) hour minimum.
ARTICLE 16 WORKING OUT OF CLASSIFICATION, OFFICER IN CHARGE (OIC)
16.1 Employees assigned by the EMPLOYER to assume the full responsibilities and authority of a higher
job classification shall receive the salary schedule of the higher classification for the duration of the
assignment.
16.2 In the case where no sergeant is on duty due to vacation, sick leave, holiday or other similar off-duty
scheduling, a patrol officer will be scheduled to assume the Officer in Charge (IC) duties. Eligibility
and scheduling of Officers in Charge will be made at the sole determinations of the Chief or Captain
and will not be based solely on seniority. Officer in Charge assignments made by the Chief or Captains
are not subject to the grievance process outlined in this Agreement.
When there is no supervisor on duty, the assigned officer will complete documentation for working out of
classification to the nearest quarter hour. A patrol officer assigned to work as Officer in Charge will be paid at
the rate established in Appendix A, 2(c).
ARTICLE 17 INSURANCE
In 2025-2027 the EMPLOYER will contribute up to a maximum of the amounts listed below to make the
following contributions towards group health and group dental, including dependent coverage, life, and
long-term disability insurance coverages.
17.1 2025
$30 increase for single coverage ($1,075/per month)
$90 increase for family coverage ($1,525/per month)
17.2 2026
$30 increase for single coverage ($1,105/per month)
$90 increase for family coverage ($1,615/per month)
62
Item 8.
9
17.3 2027
$30 increase for single coverage ($1,135/per month)
$90 increase for family coverage ($1,705/per month)
17.4 The EMPLOYER will allow (permanent and probationary full time) employees who are covered by a
group plan elsewhere to waive City health insurance coverage and receive $250 per month to be paid
into a deferred compensation plan.
17.5 All (permanent and probationary full-time) employees will be provided long term disability insurance,
the premiums for which will be deducted from the monthly EMPLOYER contribution outlined in 17.1
through 17.3 above.
17.6 Effective for the term of the AGREEMENT, the EMPLOYER will contribute sixty dollars ($60) per
month per (permanent and probationary full-time) employee into a City designated health savings
account for all employees enrolled in an IRS qualified high deductible health plan.
Employees moving from the discontinued co-pay plan for 2025 will have the City’s contribution to
the 2025 health savings account outlined above advanced as a single amount in January 2025. The
City will not make a further contribution to that employee’s health savings account for the balance
of 2025.
ARTICLE 18 STANDBY PAY
Employees required by the EMPLOYER to standby shall be paid for such standby time at the rate of one hour's
pay for each hour on standby.
ARTICLE 19 UNIFORMS
The EMPLOYER shall provide required uniform and equipment items.
ARTICLE 20 INJURY ON DUTY
Employees injured during the performance of their duties for the EMPLOYER and thereby rendered unable
to work for the EMPLOYER will be paid the difference between the employee's regular pay and Workers'
Compensation insurance payments for a period not to exceed ninety (90) working days per injury, not
charged to the employee's vacation, sick leave or other accumulated paid benefits, after a forty (40) working
hour initial waiting period per injury. The forty (40) working hour waiting period shall be charged to the
employee's sick leave account less Workers' Compensation insurance payments.
ARTICLE 21 LONGEVITY
Employees with continuous employment shall receive a supplementary pay in the amount set forth below:
Effective 1-1-25
After two (2) years of continuous employment $168.00/mo.
After four (4) years of continuous employment $252/mo.
After eight (8) years of continuous employment $420.00/mo.
After twelve (10) years of continuous employment $588.00/mo.
After sixteen (12) years of continuous employment $756.00/mo.
ARTICLE 22 HOLIDAYS
In lieu of holidays, employees shall be paid thirteen (13) eight-hour days per year. Employees required to
work on any of the following twelve holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day,
[Easter or EID Al-Adha (to be selected by 1/1 of the year)], Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor
Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day shall
63
Item 8.
10
receive an additional one-half time for each hour they work on such holiday.
ARTICLE 23 SICK LEAVE
23.1 Sick leave shall be earned by all permanent and probationary employees who are not advanced
sick leave pursuant to Section 23.6 at the rate of one (1) working day for each calendar month of
full-time service or major fraction thereof. Sick leave shall be available for use as it is accrued.
Promotional probationary employees may make use of sick leave; however, the probationary
period may be extended a like period of time at the discretion of the EMPLOYER.
23.2 Sick leave may be accumulated to a maximum of 960 hours. One-half (1/2) of the sick leave in
excess of 960 hours shall be granted as additional vacation leave the calendar year after such
surplus is earned.
23.3 Sick leave may be granted only for absence from duty as outlined in the City’s Earned Sick and Safe
Time (ESST) policy. Such time will also be considered as time used under the City’s ESST policy
The parties agree that the weather event provision in the statutory ESST law outlined in Minnesota
Statute Section 181.9447, subdivision 1, clause (4) is waived as to its application for all positions
in the bargaining unit.
23.4 Any employee leaving the municipal service in good standing after giving proper notice of such
termination of employment shall receive severance payment based on their most recent salary
level for earned and unused sick leave based on the following schedule. Advanced sick leave
pursuant to Section 23.6 will not be considered for purposes of sick leave payout. Proper notice is
written notice provided to the employee’s supervisor at least fourteen calendar days prior to the
effective date of resignation.
During employment year 1 - 5: 20%
During employment year 6 - 10: 33%
During employment year 11 - 19: 40%
During employment years 20+: 50%
All such sick leave severance pay will be placed into the employee’s Post Employment Health
Care Savings Plan on a mandatory basis, in accordance with IRS regulations.
23.5 Except as limited by the City’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Policy, the EMPLOYER retains the
right to request an employee to present written verification from a medical doctor after the use of
three consecutive days of sick leave, or sooner if the EMPLOYER
has reason to believe an employee is abusing sick leave.
23.6 The City Manager may advance 96 hours of sick leave to newly hired employees. Employees who are
on advanced sick leave pursuant to this Section will not accrue sick leave during the 12 months of
initial employment as outlined in 23.1. In addition, advanced sick leave pursuant to this Section will
not be considered as part of any severance payment pursuant to Section 23.4. Advanced sick leave
will be considered used prior to use of accrued sick leave.
ARTICLE 24 FUNERAL LEAVE
An employee may be entitled to a maximum of forty hours with pay, at the sole discretion of the City
Manager, for death in the immediate family, Immediate family is defined as follows: spouse/significant other
and the following of either the employee or the employee’s spouse/significant other: mother, father,
children, sister, brother, grandparents, grandchildren, or dependents. That time is not chargeable against any
accrued vacation or sick leave provided pursuant to this AGREEMENT but will be considered as time used
pursuant to the City’s ESST policy
64
Item 8.
11
ARTICLE 25 VACATION
25.1 Each permanent and probationary employee shall accrue vacation time on the following basis:
New employees will start employment with 40 hours of advanced vacation and accrue an
additional two weeks during the first year. Vacation leave may be used as it is accrued, at the
discretion of the supervisor. See schedule below:
During employment year 2 through 5 ............................................. 15 days per year
During employment year 6 through 10 ........................................... 20 days per year
During employment year 11 ............................................................ 21 days per year
During employment year 12 ............................................................ 22 days per year
During employment year 13 ............................................................ 23 days per year
During employment year 14 ............................................................ 24 days per year
During employment year 15 ............................................................ 25 days per year
During employment year 16 ............................................................ 26 days per year
During employment year 17 ............................................................ 27 days per year
During employment year 18 ............................................................ 28 days per year
During employment year 19 ............................................................ 29 days per year
During employment year 20 plus .................................................... 30 days per year
Individuals with prior service as a police officer or deputy in another jurisdiction who are hired
into the bargaining unit from and after July 1, 2018, may be initially placed at the vacation
accrual level equivalent to their prior service in law enforcement as determined by the Police
Chief. Thereafter movement through the vacation accrual levels will be based upon the
individual’s service with the City.
25.2 Any employee leaving the municipal service in good standing after giving proper notice of such
termination of employment shall be compensated for vacation leave accrued to the date of
separation. Advanced vacation as outlined in Section 25.1 will not be eligible for payout. Proper
notice is written notice provided to the employee’s supervisor at least fourteen calendar days prior
to the effective date of resignation.
25.3 Vacation leave is intended as a period of rest and relaxation and may not be waived by an
employee for the purpose of receiving double pay.
25.4 Vacation leave may not be accumulated to any amount greater than one and one -half times an
employee’s annual earned vacation.
ARTICLE 26 FALSE ARREST INSURANCE
False arrest insurance will be provided for all employees by the EMPLOYER.
ARTICLE 27 P.O.S.T. LICENSE
The Employer shall pay the P.O.S.T. license fee for each Police Officer and Corporal when due.
ARTICLE 28 WAIVER
28.1 Any and all prior agreements, resolutions, practices, policies, rules and regulations regarding terms
and conditions of employment, to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of this AGREEMENT,
are hereby superseded.
28.2 The parties mutually acknowledge that during the negotiations which resulted in this AGREEMENT,
each had the unlimited right and opportunity to make demands and proposals with respect to any
term or condition of employment not removed by law from bargaining. All agreements and
understandings arrived at by the parties are set forth in writing in this AGREEMENT for the
stipulated duration of this AGREEMENT. The EMPLOYER and the UNION each voluntarily and
unqualifiedly waives the right to meet and negotiate regarding any and all terms and conditions
of employment referred to or covered in this AGREEMENT or with respect to any term or condition
65
Item 8.
12
of employment not specifically referred to or covered by this AGREEMENT, even though such
terms or conditions may not have been within the knowledge or contemplation of either or both
of the parties at the time this contract was negotiated or executed.
ARTICLE 29 WAGES
See Appendix A for 2025, 2026 and 2027 wage rates. As a form of additional compensation, the City will
contribute $1 per permanent and probationary full-time employee toward a City-sponsored deferred
compensation program for every $1 contributed by such employee toward a City -sponsored deferred
compensation program. Such contribution will not exceed $450 for calendar years 2025 through 2027.
ARTICLE 30 DURATION
This AGREEMENT shall be effective as of January 1, 2025, except as herein noted, and shall remain in full
force and effect until the thirty-first day of December 2027.
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS L.E.L.S. (LOCAL 311)
______________________________ __________________________________
Mayor, Amada Marquez Simula Business Agent, Brian Bone
______________________________ __________________________________
City Manager, Aaron Chirpich Union Steward,
66
Item 8.
13
APPENDIX A
1. WAGE RATES
2025 LELS Police Officers Pay Plan
Job Title
Job
Grade Start One Year Two Year
After 36
mos
Police Officer 160 $43.33 $44.66 $47.44 $50.42
2026 LELS Police Officers Pay Plan
Job Title
Job
Grade Start One Year Two Year
After 36
mos
Police Officer 160 $45.06 $46.45 $49.34 $52.4
2027 LELS Police Officers Pay Plan
Job Title
Job
Grade One Year Two Year
After 36
mos
Police Officer 160 $46.86 $48.31 $51.31 $54.54
Based on previous experience and training, and at the sole discretion of the EMPLOYER, newly hired
employees may be started at up to the three-year rate of pay.
All Officers will move through the steps annually on their anniversaries until they reach step 4, assuming
satisfactory performance.
2. a. Employees classified or assigned full time by the EMPLOYER at its sole discretion to the following
job positions, will receive per month the amounts set forth below opposite the assignment or such
amount pro-rated for less than a full month in addition to their regular wage rate:
Investigator (Detective) $250
School Liaison Officer $250
Drug Task Force Officer $250
Street Crimes Officer $250
Community Oriented Policing Coordinator (Effective 1/1/20) $250
67
Item 8.
14
b. Employees assigned as Field Training Officers shall receive $4.00 per hour for each hour of their
shift spent performing Field Training Officer duties.
c. Officers assigned as Officer in Charge (OIC) under Article 16 shall be paid an additional $4.00/hour
while acting as OIC.
d. Employees with multilingual skills (i.e. speak English and at least one other language fluently as
determined by the City) shall receive $150 per month incentive.
e. Employees assigned by the Police Chief to serve as training instructors in Use of Force or Firearms
will receive one hundred dollars ($100) per month while on such assignment. Employees serving as
instructor in multiple areas will not be eligible for more than one differential pursuant to this
section.
68
Item 8.
ITEM: Resolution 202-91; Non-Union Employee Wages and Benefit Adjustments for 2025 through
2027.
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION BY/DATE: KELLI WICK, November 20, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND
With the tentative settlement of one of the City’s collective bargaining agreements staff feels it is appropriate
to bring the cost of living and fringe benefit adjustments for the non -union supervisory and
confidential/essential staff to the City Council for action at this time. In addition, because the City Council
insurance benefits typically mirror the insurance benefits of the non-union full time employees staff
recommends those changes be made at this time as well.
In addition, non-union part time wages will be established by the City Manager on an as needed basis.
Attached please find Resolution 2024-91 which adopts and establishes the above changes for calendar years
2025-2027.
NON-UNION SUPERVISORY AND ESSENTIAL/CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES AND CITY MANAGER:
Wages:
1) Cost of Living Adjustments for Non-Union Supervisory and Confidential/Essential Employees:
1/1/25: 4% Increase
1/1/26: 4% Increase
1/1/27: 4% Increase
Insurance:
a. 1/1/25: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1075
1/1/25: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1525
b. 1/1/26: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1105
1/1/26: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1615
c. 1/1/27: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1 135
1/1/27: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1705
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT
MEETING DATE 11/25/2024
69
Item 9.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
a. 1/1/25: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1075
1/1/25: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1525
b. 1/1/26: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1105
1/1/26: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1615
c. 1/1/27: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1 135
1/1/27: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1705
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve the attached Resolution 2024-91 which adopts and establishes the above changes for calendar years
2025 through 2027.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-91, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-91, approving 2025 through 2027 cost of living and fringe benefit
adjustments for non-union supervisory and confidential/essential employees, insurance benefit and
adjustments for City Council members.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution 2024-91
70
Item 9.
Resolution 2024-91
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-091
A Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, approving 2025, 2026 and 2027
wage, cost of living and fringe benefit adjustments for non-union supervisory and confidential/essential
employees, and City Council
Whereas, the City of Columbia Heights annually reviews the Employer’s share for various insurance programs
and other benefits for its non-unionized supervisory and confidential/essential employees to compare what is
provided to other employee groups in the City; and
Whereas, the City of Columbia Heights provides health and dental insurance to its Mayor and City Council in
the same contribution amounts and it provides full time non -union employees.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that the City of Columbia Heights hereby establishes cost of living adjustments
and fringe benefits adjustments to all non -union supervisory and confidential/essential salary ranges, City
Council as shown:
1) Implement cost of living adjustments for Non-Union Supervisory and Confidential/Essential Employees
and the City Manager as shown:
1/1/25: 4% Increase
1/1/26: 4% Increase
1/1/27: 4% Increase
2) Allow Employees to select Good Friday or EID Al-Adha, This selection must be made by the first of each
year.
3) Implement the following insurance contributions for benefit eligible non-union employees and City
Council members:
a. 1/1/25: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1075
1/1/25: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1525
b. 1/1/26: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1105
1/1/26: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1616
c. 1/1/27: Increase City Contribution to Single Coverage by $30 to total $1 135
1/1/27: Increase City Contribution to Family Coverage by $90 to total $1705
Be It Further Resolved, non-union part time wages will be established by the City Manager.
Passed this 25th day of November, 2024
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
71
Item 9.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Resolution Page 2
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
72
Item 9.
ITEM: Approval of City-wide Computer Replacements
DEPARTMENT: Information Technology BY/DATE: IT Director / November 19, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND
This item addresses the routine replacement of computers used by City staff across various departments.
Most computers are replaced on a 4- to 5-year cycle to ensure optimal performance and reliability. In some
cases, departmental needs necessitate earlier replacements, with viable devices often repurposed within the
department or other areas of the City. The primary driver for computer replacement is d eclining performance,
as modern software and internet applications place increasing demands on aging hardware. Upgrading to
newer technology is essential to meet the requirements of software updates and maintain operational
efficiency.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS
Cost is $27,561.41 which has been budgeted for 2024 within the individual departmental budgets as follows:
$5,196 Fire Watch room and paid on call desktop. Office staff laptop and dock
$2,980 Library Office staff laptop
$7,868 Police Records department laptops and docks
$11,534 Public Works Desktops for Streets, Utilities and Parks Forepersons. Refuse and utilities
staff. Laptop and dock for conference room
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve purchase of computers and peripherals from Dell Marketing in the amount of $27,578.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Approve purchase of City-wide computers and peripherals from Dell Marketing in the amount of
$27,561.47.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA
MEETING DATE 11/25/2024
73
Item 10.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
ATTACHMENT(S):
Dell Marketing Quote
74
Item 10.
Your quote is ready for purchase.
Complete the purchase of your personalized quote through our secure online checkout before
the quote expires on Dec. 05, 2024.
You can download a copy of this quote during checkout.
Place your order
Quote No.3000182935320.4
Total $27,561.41
Customer #95886199
Quoted On Nov. 19, 2024
Expires by Dec. 05, 2024
Contract Name Dell NASPO Computer
Equipment PA - Minnesota
Contract Code C000001145017
Customer Agreement #23026 / 236465
Deal ID 28416715
Sales Rep Sam Kempf
Phone 1(800) 4563355, 6182807
Email Sam_Kempf@Dell.com
Billing To ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
3989 CENTRAL AVE NE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55421
Message from your Sales Rep
Please use the Order button to securely place the order with your preferred payment method online. You may contact
your Dell sales team if you have any questions. Thank you for shopping with Dell.
Regards,
Sam Kempf
Additional Comments
Sam Kempf - (737) 279-9429 - sam.kempf@dell.com - 8-5 CST, M-F
Shipping Group
Shipping To
JESSE HAUF
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
3989 CENTRAL AVE NE
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421
(763) 706-3639
Shipping Method
Standard Delivery
Product Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
XPS 16 9640 $1,992.99 5 $9,964.95
OptiPlex Small Form Factor (Plus 7020)$1,456.80 8 $11,654.40
Dell Thunderbolt 4 Dock- WD22TB4 $219.37 6 $1,316.22
Page 1
Dell Marketing LP. U.S. only. Dell Marketing LP. is located at One Dell Way, Mail Stop 8129, Round Rock, TX 78682
75
Item 10.
Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard & Mouse -
KM7321W
$69.06 5 $345.30
Dell Premier Rechargeable Wireless Mouse (Graphite Black)
- MS7421W
$54.24 1 $54.24
Dell 27 Monitor - P2723D, 68.6cm (27")$255.84 6 $1,535.04
XPS 16 9640 $2,691.26 1 $2,691.26
Subtotal:
Shipping:
Non-Taxable Amount:
Taxable Amount:
Estimated Tax:
Total:
$27,561.41
$0.00
$27,561.41
$0.00
$0.00
$27,561.41
Page 2
Dell Marketing LP. U.S. only. Dell Marketing LP. is located at One Dell Way, Mail Stop 8129, Round Rock, TX 78682
76
Item 10.
Shipping Group Details
Shipping To
JESSE HAUF
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
3989 CENTRAL AVE NE
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421
(763) 706-3639
Shipping Method
Standard Delivery
Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
XPS 16 9640
Estimated delivery if purchased today:
Dec. 03, 2024
Contract # C000001145017
Customer Agreement # 23026 / 236465
$1,992.99 5 $9,964.95
Description SKU Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
XPS 16 9640 210-BLFZ -5 -
Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 Processor 155H (24MB Cache, 16
cores, up to 4.8 GHz)338-CNHW -5 -
Graphite 320-BFQX -5 -
Windows 11 Pro, English, French, Spanish 619-AQLP -5 -
16GB, LPDDR5X, 6400MT/s 370-BBZC -5 -
Graphite Backlit English Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader 583-BKVY -5 -
16.3" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Infinity Edge, Non-Touch, Anti-
Glare, 500-nits 391-BHWM -5 -
512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive 400-BQVJ -5 -
Intel(R) Killer(TM) Wi-Fi 7 1750 (BE200) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.4
Wireless Card 555-BKVB -5 -
Intel(R) Arc(TM) graphics 490-BKDC -5 -
US Power Cord (Grey)450-BCPP -5 -
Documentation 340-DNBV -5 -
Energy Star Label 389-DOVG -5 -
No vPro - No Out of Band Systems Management 631-BBSN -5 -
6-Cell, 99.5Whr 451-BDGK -5 -
Shipping Material 328-BGJB -5 -
Custom Configuration 817-BBBB -5 -
Intel Core Ultra Processor Label 389-FGVN -5 -
Additional Software 658-BFRD -5 -
130W Type-C Adapter 450-BCPY -5 -
Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Initial Year 801-0978 -5 -
1Y ProSupport for PCs NextBusinessDay OnsiteService after
RemoteDiagonsis - for business 801-0993 -5 -
2Y ProSupport for PCs NextBusinessDay OnsiteService after
RemoteDiagonsis - for business,Extended 801-1015 -5 -
ProSupport: 7x24 Technical Support, 3 Years 801-1064 -5 -
Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Extended Year(s)975-3461 -5 -
Page 3
Dell Marketing LP. U.S. only. Dell Marketing LP. is located at One Dell Way, Mail Stop 8129, Round Rock, TX 78682
77
Item 10.
Thank you choosing Dell ProSupport. For tech support, visit
//support.dell.com/ProSupport 989-3449 -5 -
Activate Your Microsoft 365 For A 30 Day Trial 658-BCSB -5 -
Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
OptiPlex Small Form Factor (Plus 7020)
Estimated delivery if purchased today:
Dec. 03, 2024
Contract # C000001145017
Customer Agreement # 23026 / 236465
$1,456.80 8 $11,654.40
Description SKU Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
OptiPlex Small Form Factor Plus 7020 XCTO 210-BKWN -8 -
Intel Core i7 processor 14700 vPro (33 MB cache, 20 cores,
28 threads, up to 5.4 GHz Turbo, 65W)338-CNCK -8 -
Windows 11 Pro, English, Brazilian Portuguese PT-BR,
French, Spanish 619-ARSB -8 -
Activate Your Microsoft 365 For A 30 Day Trial 658-BCSB -8 -
16 GB: 1 x 16 GB, DDR5 370-BBPY -8 -
M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe Class 40 Solid State Drive as Boot
Drive 400-BOTB -8 -
M.2 2280 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD Class 40 400-BPGY -8 -
M.2 22x30 Thermal Pad 412-AAQT -8 -
M2X3.5 Screw for SSD/DDPE 773-BBBC -8 -
NO RAID 817-BBBN -8 -
AMD Radeon™ RX 6500 4GB GDDR6,Half Height,2xDP 490-BJWX -8 -
OptiPlex SFF Plus with 300W Platinum Power Supply 329-BJWK -8 -
System Power Cord (Philipine/TH/US)450-AAOJ -8 -
No Optical Drive 429-ABKF -8 -
CMS Software not included 632-BBBJ -8 -
No Media Card Reader 379-BBHM -8 -
Internal Antenna, SFF 555-BHDX -8 -
Realtek 8852BE Wi-Fi 6 2x2 (80MHz) and Bluetooth 555-BIGO -8 -
Wireless Driver, Realtek 8852BE Wi-Fi 6 2x2 and Bluetooth
wireless card 555-BKJF -8 -
No Additional Video Ports 492-BCKH -8 -
Dell Pro Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - KM5221W - English -
Black 580-AJJG -8 -
Mouse included with Keyboard 570-AADI -8 -
No Cover Selected 325-BCZQ -8 -
Dell Additional Software 634-CHFP -8 -
ENERGY STAR Qualified 387-BBLW -8 -
SERI Guide (ENG/FR/Multi)340-AGIK -8 -
Watch Dog SRV 379-BFMR -8 -
Quick Start Guide, OptiPlex SFF Plus 340-DMJC -8 -
Trusted Platform Module (Discrete TPM Enabled)329-BBJL -8 -
Shipping Material 340-CQYR -8 -
Shipping Label 389-BBUU -8 -
Page 4
Dell Marketing LP. U.S. only. Dell Marketing LP. is located at One Dell Way, Mail Stop 8129, Round Rock, TX 78682
78
Item 10.
Regulatory Label for OptiPlex SFF Plus PSU DAO 389-FFZD -8 -
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver 658-BFSK -8 -
Intel Core i7 Processor Label 340-CUEQ -8 -
Desktop BTO Standard shipment 800-BBIO -8 -
No Additional Add In Cards 382-BBHX -8 -
No Additional Network Card Selected (Integrated NIC
included)555-BBJO -8 -
Custom Configuration 817-BBBB -8 -
EPEAT 2018 Registered (Silver)379-BDTO -8 -
Internal Speaker 520-AARD -8 -
No vPro® support 631-BBQQ -8 -
Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus Service 812-3886 -8 -
ProSupport: 7x24 Technical Support, 3 Years 812-3894 -8 -
ProSupport: Next Business Day Onsite 3 Years 812-3908 -8 -
Thank you choosing Dell ProSupport. For tech support, visit
//support.dell.com/ProSupport 989-3449 -8 -
Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
Dell Thunderbolt 4 Dock- WD22TB4
Estimated delivery if purchased today:
Nov. 22, 2024
Contract # C000001145017
Customer Agreement # 23026 / 236465
$219.37 6 $1,316.22
Description SKU Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock – WD22TB4 210-BDQH -6 -
Advanced Exchange Service, 3 Years 872-8550 -6 -
Dell Limited Hardware Warranty 872-8557 -6 -
Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard & Mouse - KM7321W
Estimated delivery if purchased today:
Nov. 22, 2024
Contract # C000001145017
Customer Agreement # 23026 / 236465
$69.06 5 $345.30
Description SKU Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard & Mouse -
KM7321W 580-AJIX -5 -
Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
Dell Premier Rechargeable Wireless Mouse (Graphite Black) - MS7421W
Estimated delivery if purchased today:
Nov. 22, 2024
Contract # C000001145017
Customer Agreement # 23026 / 236465
$54.24 1 $54.24
Description SKU Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
Dell Premier Rechargeable Wireless Mouse (Graphite Black) -
MS7421W 570-BBDP -1 -
Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
Dell 27 Monitor - P2723D, 68.6cm (27")
Estimated delivery if purchased today:
Nov. 22, 2024
Contract # C000001145017
Customer Agreement # 23026 / 236465
$255.84 6 $1,535.04
Page 5
Dell Marketing LP. U.S. only. Dell Marketing LP. is located at One Dell Way, Mail Stop 8129, Round Rock, TX 78682
79
Item 10.
Description SKU Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
Dell 27 Monitor - P2723D, 68.6cm (27")210-BDKG -6 -
Dell Limited Hardware Warranty 814-5380 -6 -
Advanced Exchange Service, 3 Years 814-5381 -6 -
Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
XPS 16 9640
Estimated delivery if purchased today:
Dec. 03, 2024
Contract # C000001145017
Customer Agreement # 23026 / 236465
$2,691.26 1 $2,691.26
Description SKU Unit Price Quantity Subtotal
XPS 16 9640 210-BLFZ -1 -
Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 Processor 155H (24MB Cache, 16
cores, up to 4.8 GHz)338-CNJG -1 -
Graphite 320-BFQX -1 -
Windows 11 Pro, English, French, Spanish 619-AQLP -1 -
32GB, LPDDR5X, 6400MT/s 370-BBZB -1 -
Graphite Backlit English Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader 583-BKVY -1 -
16.3" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Infinity Edge, Non-Touch, Anti-
Glare, 500-nits 391-BHWM -1 -
1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive 400-BQVK -1 -
Intel(R) Killer(TM) Wi-Fi 7 1750 (BE200) 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.4
Wireless Card 555-BKVB -1 -
NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) RTX(TM) 4050 with 6GB GDDR6, 50W 490-BKGB -1 -
US Power Cord (Grey)450-BCPP -1 -
Documentation 340-DNBV -1 -
Energy Star Label 389-DOVG -1 -
No vPro - No Out of Band Systems Management 631-BBSN -1 -
6-Cell, 99.5Whr 451-BDGK -1 -
Shipping Material 328-BGJB -1 -
Custom Configuration 817-BBBB -1 -
Intel Core Ultra Processor Label 389-FGVL -1 -
Additional Software 658-BFRD -1 -
130W Type-C Adapter 450-BCPY -1 -
Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Initial Year 801-0978 -1 -
1Y ProSupport for PCs NextBusinessDay OnsiteService after
RemoteDiagonsis - for business 801-0993 -1 -
2Y ProSupport for PCs NextBusinessDay OnsiteService after
RemoteDiagonsis - for business,Extended 801-1015 -1 -
ProSupport: 7x24 Technical Support, 3 Years 801-1064 -1 -
Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Extended Year(s)975-3461 -1 -
Thank you choosing Dell ProSupport. For tech support, visit
//support.dell.com/ProSupport 989-3449 -1 -
Activate Your Microsoft 365 For A 30 Day Trial 658-BCSB -1 -
Page 6
Dell Marketing LP. U.S. only. Dell Marketing LP. is located at One Dell Way, Mail Stop 8129, Round Rock, TX 78682
80
Item 10.
Subtotal:
Shipping:
Estimated Tax:
Total:
$27,561.41
$0.00
$0.00
$27,561.41
Page 7
Dell Marketing LP. U.S. only. Dell Marketing LP. is located at One Dell Way, Mail Stop 8129, Round Rock, TX 78682
81
Item 10.
Important Notes
Terms of Sale
This Quote will, if Customer issues a purchase order for the quoted items that is accepted by Supplier, constitute a contract between the
entity issuing this Quote (“Supplier”) and the entity to whom this Quote was issued (“Customer”). Unless otherwise stated herein, pricing is
valid for thirty days from the date of this Quote. All product, pricing and other information is based on the latest information available and is
subject to change. Supplier reserves the right to cancel this Quote and Customer purchase orders arising from pricing errors. Taxes and/or
freight charges listed on this Quote are only estimates. The final amounts shall be stated on the relevant invoice. Additional freight charges
will be applied if Customer requests expedited shipping. Please indicate any tax exemption status on your purchase order and send your tax
exemption certificate to Tax_Department@dell.com or ARSalesTax@emc.com, as applicable.
Governing Terms: This Quote is subject to: (a) a separate written agreement between Customer or Customer’s affiliate and Supplier or a
Supplier´s affiliate to the extent that it expressly applies to the products and/or services in this Quote or, to the extent there is no such
agreement, to the applicable set of Dell’s Terms of Sale (available at www.dell.com/terms or www.dell.com/oemterms), or for cloud/as-a-
Service offerings, the applicable cloud terms of service (identified on the Offer Specific Terms referenced below); and (b) the terms
referenced herein (collectively, the “Governing Terms”). Different Governing Terms may apply to different products and services on this
Quote. The Governing Terms apply to the exclusion of all terms and conditions incorporated in or referred to in any documentation submitted
by Customer to Supplier.
Supplier Software Licenses and Services Descriptions: Customer’s use of any Supplier software is subject to the license terms
accompanying the software, or in the absence of accompanying terms, the applicable terms posted on www.Dell.com/eula. Descriptions and
terms for Supplier-branded standard services are stated at www.dell.com/servicecontracts/global or for certain infrastructure products at
www.dellemc.com/en-us/customer-services/product-warranty-and-service-descriptions.htm.
Offer-Specific, Third Party and Program Specific Terms: Customer’s use of third-party software is subject to the license terms that
accompany the software. Certain Supplier-branded and third-party products and services listed on this Quote are subject to additional,
specific terms stated on www.dell.com/offeringspecificterms (“Offer Specific Terms”).
In case of Resale only: Should Customer procure any products or services for resale, whether on standalone basis or as part of a solution,
Customer shall include the applicable software license terms, services terms, and/or offer-specific terms in a written agreement with the end-
user and provide written evidence of doing so upon receipt of request from Supplier.
In case of Financing only: If Customer intends to enter into a financing arrangement (“Financing Agreement”) for the products and/or
services on this Quote with Dell Financial Services LLC or other funding source pre-approved by Supplier (“FS”), Customer may issue its
purchase order to Supplier or to FS. If issued to FS, Supplier will fulfill and invoice FS upon confirmation that: (a) FS intends to enter into a
Financing Agreement with Customer for this order; and (b) FS agrees to procure these items from Supplier. Notwithstanding the Financing
Agreement, Customer’s use (and Customer’s resale of and the end-user’s use) of these items in the order is subject to the applicable
governing agreement between Customer and Supplier, except that title shall transfer from Supplier to FS instead of to Customer. If FS
notifies Supplier after shipment that Customer is no longer pursuing a Financing Agreement for these items, or if Customer fails to enter into
such Financing Agreement within 120 days after shipment by Supplier, Customer shall promptly pay the Supplier invoice amounts directly to
Supplier.
Customer represents that this transaction does not involve: (a) use of U.S. Government funds; (b) use by or resale to the U.S. Government;
or (c) maintenance and support of the product(s) listed in this document within classified spaces. Customer further represents that this
transaction does not require Supplier’s compliance with any statute, regulation or information technology standard applicable to a U.S.
Government procurement.
For certain products shipped to end users in California, a State Environmental Fee will be applied to Customer’s invoice. Supplier
encourages customers to dispose of electronic equipment properly.
Electronically linked terms and descriptions are available in hard copy upon request.
^DELL BUSINESS CREDIT (DBC): Offered to business customers by WebBank, who determines qualifications for and terms of credit.
Taxes, shipping and other charges are extra and vary. The Total Minimum Payment Due is the greater of either $20 or 3% of the New
Balance shown on the statement rounded up to the next dollar, plus all past due amounts. Dell and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.
Page 8
Dell Marketing LP. U.S. only. Dell Marketing LP. is located at One Dell Way, Mail Stop 8129, Round Rock, TX 78682
82
Item 10.
ITEM: License Agenda.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Sarah LaVoie 11/06/2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND
Attached is the business license agenda for the November 12th, 2024, City Council meeting. This agenda
consists of applications for 2024: Tree service, Motor Vehicle Sales, Massage therapist, Games of skill, Billiard
Hall, Contractor license, Tobacco, and Alcohol and or Beer License.
At the top of the license agenda there is a phrase stating "*Signed Waiver Form accompanied application",
noting that the data privacy form has been submitted as required. If not submitted, certain information
cannot be released to the public.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for November 25, 2024, as
presented.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. License Agenda 11/25/2024
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA
MEETING DATE 11/20/2024
83
Item 11.
TO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 25TH.
*Signed Waiver Form accompanied application
TREE SERVICES – 2025
*SHADYWOOD TREE
EXPERTS
402 11TH AVE S HOPKINS MN 55343 $80
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES-2025
*CAPITAL FLEET 5009 UNIVERSITY AVE NE
COLUMBIAHEIGHTS MN 55421
$300
MASSAGE – 2025
*JENNIFER PYPER-MUNO/
HART LAKE MASSAGE
3813 HAYES ST NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
MN 55421
$100
GAMES OF SKILL-2025
*BREAKTIME BILLIARDS 4040 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HIEGHTSMN 55421
$45
BILLIARDS-2025
*BREAKTIME BILLIARDS 4040 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HIEGHTSMN 55421
$200
CONTRACTORS LICENSES- 2024
*SPECTRUM SIGNS 8786 W 35W SERVICE DRIVE NE BLAINE
MN 55449
$80
*SIGNART CO INC 2170 DODD RD MENDOTA HEIGHTS MN
55120
$80
84
Item 11.
CONTRACTOR-2025
*FASTSIGNS 300 CENTRAL AVE OSSEO MN 55369 $80
CONTRACTORS LICENSES- 2025
*SPECTRUM SIGNS 8786 W 35W SERVICE DRIVE NE BLAINE
MN 55449
$80
TOBACCO-2025
*FMY LLC COLUMBIA
MARKET
4901 UNIVERSITY AVE NE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS MN 55421
$500
*CENTRAL SUPRETTE 4635 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS MN 55421
$500
*FAMILY DOLLAR 4037 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS MN 55421
$500
ALCOHOL/LIQUOR/BEER-2025
*JEFFS BOBBY AND
STEVES
3701 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS MN 55421
$450
*EL TACO LOCO 4220 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS MN 55421
$650
*VFW 4446 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS MN 55421
$1200
*LA CASITA/SAH INC 5085 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS MN 55421
$7200
*EL TEQUILA/LATIN
KITCHEN
4005 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS MN 55421
$7200
*BIG STOP 334 40TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MN
55421
$450
*PHS/CENTRAL MIX 4030 CENTRAL AVE NE
COLUMBIAHIEGHTS MN
$7200
85
Item 11.
55421
86
Item 11.
ITEM: Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval
DEPARTMENT: Fire Department BY/DATE: Fire Chief Dan O’Brien / Nov. 25, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
X Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND:
Consideration of approval of attached list of rental housing license applications.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for November 25, 2024,
in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code.
ATTACHMENT:
Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval – 11-25-24
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT
MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 25, 2024
87
Item 12.
88
Item 12.
ITEM: Review of Bills.
DEPARTMENT: Finance Department BY/DATE: November 25, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
X Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND
The Finance Department prepares a list of all payments made for approval of the Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve payments since previous City Council Meeting.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
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 $1,442,211.23.
ATTACHMENT(S):
List of Claims
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA
MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 25, 2024
89
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
2,037.65 609.0000.14500102524 INVARTISAN BEER COMPANY37221391768(A)MAIN11/14/2024
1,960.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV37234141768(A)
229.20 609.0000.14500110124 INV37238411768(A)
1,681.45 609.0000.14500110124 INV37238401768(A)
147.60 609.0000.14500103024 INV37231281768(A)
72.40 609.0000.14500100424 INV37171661768(A)
166.20 609.0000.14500110824 INV37254381768(A)
2,437.60 609.0000.14500110824 INV37254371768(A)
920.75 609.0000.14500110524 INV37242611768(A)
9,652.85
261.12 609.0000.14500103024 INVBELLBOY BAR SUPPLY01090612001769(A)MAIN11/14/2024
149.20 609.0000.14500103024 INV01090651001769(A)
51.90 609.0000.14500103024 INV01090614001769(A)
321.25 609.9791.42171110124 INV01090805001769(A)
136.00 609.9792.42171103024 INV01090614001769(A)
177.75 609.9793.42171103024 INV01090651001769(A)
1,097.22
5,067.00 609.0000.14500103024 INVBELLBOY CORPORATION02055679001770(A)MAIN11/14/2024
1,248.75 609.0000.14500103024 INV02055680001770(A)
3,801.75 609.0000.14500103024 INV02055678001770(A)
60.00 609.9792.42199103024 INV02055678001770(A)
24.00 609.9793.42199103024 INV02055680001770(A)
10,201.50
24,547.00 609.0000.14500100824 INV 700297717BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE MN BEER LLC1180590621771(A)MAIN11/14/2024
315.90 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184706841771(A)
499.60 609.0000.14500102924 INV 7002977171183811931771(A)
9,876.30 609.0000.14500102924 INV 7002977171183798721771(A)
149.35 609.0000.14500102924 INV 7002977821183793581771(A)
187.75 609.0000.14500103024 INV 7002977361184065981771(A)
(30.00)609.0000.14500101124 INV 7002977174128221561771(A)
(124.40)609.0000.14500101824 INV 7002977174128516191771(A)
(30.00)609.0000.14500101724 INV 7002977174128418821771(A)
(13.60)609.0000.14500101824 INV 7002977174128516211771(A)
(7.70)609.0000.14500101824 INV 7002977174128516201771(A)
(12.80)609.0000.14500101824 INV 7002977174128516221771(A)
(2.06)609.0000.14500101824 INV 7002977174128516231771(A)
35,355.34
602.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV 700297736BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE MN W&S LLC1184722991772(A)MAIN11/14/2024
192.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977361184722951772(A)
90
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
192.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184722881772(A)
530.91 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184722941772(A)
53.99 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184722901772(A)
1,116.15 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184722911772(A)
774.59 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184722931772(A)
1,528.35 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184722871772(A)
537.50 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977821184723011772(A)
716.09 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977361184722981772(A)
6.90 609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977171184722881772(A)
8.05 609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977171184722941772(A)
1.15 609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977171184722901772(A)
11.50 609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977171184722911772(A)
12.65 609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977171184722931772(A)
7.67 609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977171184722871772(A)
28.75 609.9792.42199110124 INV 7002977361184722991772(A)
6.90 609.9792.42199110124 INV 7002977361184722951772(A)
11.50 609.9792.42199110124 INV 7002977361184722981772(A)
28.75 609.9793.42199110124 INV 7002977821184723011772(A)
6,367.40
8,396.10 609.0000.14500103124 INVCAPITOL BEVERAGE SALES LP30566311773(A)MAIN11/14/2024
4,338.75 609.0000.14500103024 INV30561241773(A)
5,541.90 609.0000.14500103024 INV30560541773(A)
5,263.53 609.0000.14500110624 INV30589111773(A)
(161.50)609.0000.14500103024 INV30560521773(A)
23,378.78
270.00 609.0000.14500103024 INVJOHNSON BROTHERS LIQUOR CO.26559491774(A)MAIN11/14/2024
688.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV26571621774(A)
392.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV26571591774(A)
84.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV26571611774(A)
192.50 609.0000.14500103124 INV26571601774(A)
2,404.50 609.0000.14500103024 INV26559501774(A)
1,060.00 609.0000.14500103024 INV26559471774(A)
440.00 609.0000.14500102524 INV26534201774(A)
420.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585661774(A)
184.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585631774(A)
112.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585621774(A)
44.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585641774(A)
216.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585671774(A)
96.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585651774(A)
415.00 609.0000.14500103024 INV26559511774(A)
2,080.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585481774(A)
91
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
615.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585471774(A)
336.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585611774(A)
200.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585601774(A)
80.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585591774(A)
259.10 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585581774(A)
1,620.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585561774(A)
224.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585541774(A)
1,835.40 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585531774(A)
405.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585521774(A)
353.40 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585511774(A)
102.05 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585501774(A)
164.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585491774(A)
996.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585461774(A)
90.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585451774(A)
354.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585441774(A)
157.50 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585731774(A)
40.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585771774(A)
33.50 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585741774(A)
252.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585721774(A)
135.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585761774(A)
2,080.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585711774(A)
504.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585701774(A)
1,521.00 609.0000.14500103024 INV26559541774(A)
270.00 609.0000.14500103024 INV26559531774(A)
1,580.00 609.0000.14500103024 INV26559521774(A)
828.00 609.0000.14500111224 INV26585691774(A)
237.20 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585681774(A)
248.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585551774(A)
1,620.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585571774(A)
112.50 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585431774(A)
688.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV26571671774(A)
376.75 609.0000.14500103124 INV26571661774(A)
691.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV26571651774(A)
1,945.44 609.0000.14500110124 INV26585751774(A)
558.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV26588941774(A)
(271.90)609.0000.14500102424 INV1129271774(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199103024 INV26559491774(A)
3.50 609.9791.42199103124 INV26571621774(A)
9.80 609.9791.42199103124 INV26571591774(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199103124 INV26571611774(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199103124 INV26571601774(A)
21.00 609.9791.42199103024 INV26559501774(A)92
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 4/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
28.00 609.9791.42199103024 INV26559471774(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199103024 DEL26559481774(A)
63.00 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585481774(A)
16.40 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585471774(A)
5.60 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585611774(A)
7.00 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585601774(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585591774(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585581774(A)
18.20 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585561774(A)
3.38 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585541774(A)
19.60 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585531774(A)
8.40 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585521774(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585511774(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585501774(A)
4.20 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585491774(A)
16.80 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585461774(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585451774(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110124 INV26585441774(A)
8.40 609.9791.42199110124 INV26588941774(A)
8.40 609.9792.42199102524 INV26534201774(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585731774(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585771774(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585741774(A)
2.80 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585721774(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585761774(A)
63.00 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585711774(A)
12.60 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585701774(A)
15.40 609.9792.42199103024 INV26559541774(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199103024 INV26559531774(A)
42.00 609.9792.42199103024 INV26559521774(A)
14.00 609.9792.42199111224 INV26585691774(A)
7.00 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585681774(A)
3.38 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585551774(A)
18.20 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585571774(A)
1.63 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585431774(A)
2.80 609.9792.42199103124 INV26571671774(A)
0.70 609.9792.42199103124 DEL26571631774(A)
12.60 609.9792.42199103124 INV26571661774(A)
11.20 609.9792.42199103124 INV26571651774(A)
19.60 609.9792.42199110124 INV26585751774(A)
7.70 609.9793.42199110124 INV26585661774(A)
4.20 609.9793.42199110124 INV26585631774(A)93
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 5/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
1.40 609.9793.42199110124 INV26585621774(A)
1.40 609.9793.42199110124 INV26585641774(A)
4.20 609.9793.42199110124 INV26585671774(A)
1.40 609.9793.42199110124 INV26585651774(A)
10.50 609.9793.42199103024 INV26559511774(A)
30,865.33
308.00 609.0000.14500110124 INVPHILLIPS WINE & SPIRITS INC68744291775(A)MAIN11/14/2024
440.00 609.0000.14500102524 INV68704461775(A)
154.35 609.0000.14500102524 INV68704471775(A)
115.00 609.0000.14500102524 INV68704481775(A)
404.45 609.0000.14500102524 INV68704491775(A)
179.00 609.0000.14500101124 INV68628241775(A)
44.75 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744401775(A)
58.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744431775(A)
1,341.20 609.0000.14500102524 INV68704501775(A)
99.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744351775(A)
51.45 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744341775(A)
880.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744271775(A)
72.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744281775(A)
339.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744311775(A)
60.55 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744321775(A)
248.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744301775(A)
120.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744421775(A)
459.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744381775(A)
51.45 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744391775(A)
990.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV66744371775(A)
572.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744361775(A)
339.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV68744411775(A)
35.00 609.9791.42199110124 INV68744271775(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110124 INV68744281775(A)
18.20 609.9791.42199110124 INV68744311775(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199110124 INV68744321775(A)
8.40 609.9791.42199110124 INV68744301775(A)
14.00 609.9792.42199102524 INV68704461775(A)
4.20 609.9792.42199102524 INV68704471775(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199102524 INV68704481775(A)
4.20 609.9792.42199102524 INV68704491775(A)
5.60 609.9792.42199101124 INV68628241775(A)
2.80 609.9792.42199110124 INV68744401775(A)
4.20 609.9792.42199110124 INV68744431775(A)
39.20 609.9792.42199102524 INV68704501775(A)94
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 6/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
1.40 609.9792.42199110124 INV68744421775(A)
4.20 609.9792.42199110124 INV68744381775(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199110124 INV68744391775(A)
8.40 609.9792.42199110124 INV66744371775(A)
25.20 609.9792.42199110124 INV68744361775(A)
16.80 609.9792.42199110124 INV68744411775(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199110124 DEL68744331775(A)
2.80 609.9793.42199110124 INV68744351775(A)
1.40 609.9793.42199110124 INV68744341775(A)
7,530.60
927.72 609.0000.14500103124 INVSOUTHERN GLAZER'S25479931776(A)MAIN11/14/2024
764.92 609.0000.14500103124 INV25479941776(A)
527.20 609.0000.14500103124 INV25479951776(A)
81.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV25479981776(A)
642.15 609.0000.14500103124 INV25479991776(A)
607.38 609.0000.14500103124 INV25479971776(A)
470.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480041776(A)
1,384.15 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480011776(A)
911.82 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480001776(A)
1,284.75 609.0000.14500102424 INV25451531776(A)
1,209.00 609.0000.14500102424 INV25451461776(A)
584.75 609.0000.14500102424 INV25451421776(A)
469.55 609.0000.14500102424 INV25451451776(A)
989.10 609.0000.14500102424 INV25451371776(A)
84.50 609.0000.14500101724 INV25423351776(A)
464.19 609.0000.14500103124 INV25481741776(A)
202.46 609.0000.14500103124 INV25481731776(A)
268.56 609.0000.14500103124 INV25481721776(A)
486.00 609.0000.14500102424 INV25451561776(A)
989.10 609.0000.14500102424 INV25451521776(A)
1,234.50 609.0000.14500102424 INV25451571776(A)
955.60 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480141776(A)
814.08 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480131776(A)
536.70 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480091776(A)
300.25 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480161776(A)
455.91 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480151776(A)
404.92 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480121776(A)
1,980.60 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480111776(A)
340.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480101776(A)
499.10 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480081776(A)
271.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV25480071776(A)95
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 7/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
25.60 609.9791.42199103124 INV25479931776(A)
4.48 609.9791.42199103124 INV25479951776(A)
0.64 609.9791.42199103124 INV25479981776(A)
6.40 609.9791.42199103124 INV25479991776(A)
3.84 609.9791.42199103124 INV25479971776(A)
7.68 609.9791.42199103124 INV25480041776(A)
7.04 609.9791.42199103124 INV25480011776(A)
2.56 609.9791.42199103124 INV25480001776(A)
6.40 609.9791.42199103124 DEL25479921776(A)
6.40 609.9791.42199102424 INV25451461776(A)
6.40 609.9791.42199102424 INV25451421776(A)
6.40 609.9791.42199102424 INV25451451776(A)
12.80 609.9791.42199102424 INV25451371776(A)
0.43 609.9791.42199101724 INV25423351776(A)
0.21 609.9791.42199103124 DEL25480051776(A)
14.08 609.9792.42199102424 INV25451531776(A)
10.24 609.9792.42199102424 INV25451561776(A)
12.80 609.9792.42199102424 INV25451521776(A)
6.40 609.9792.42199103124 DEL25480061776(A)
6.40 609.9792.42199102424 INV25451571776(A)
10.24 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480141776(A)
8.96 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480131776(A)
4.48 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480091776(A)
2.56 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480161776(A)
1.28 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480151776(A)
2.56 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480121776(A)
8.96 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480111776(A)
7.68 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480101776(A)
2.56 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480081776(A)
6.40 609.9792.42199103124 INV25480071776(A)
8.32 609.9793.42199103124 INV25481741776(A)
1.28 609.9793.42199103124 INV25481731776(A)
6.61 609.9793.42199103124 INV25481721776(A)
21,360.05
184.00 609.0000.14500102824 INV56 BREWING LLC5627590200973MAIN11/14/2024
20.00 609.9791.443902025 RETAILER CARDALCOHOL & GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT6482-2025200974MAIN11/14/2024
20.00 609.9792.443902025 RETAILER CARD7710-2025200974
20.00 609.9793.443902025 RETAILER CARD6248-2025200974
60.00
462.00 101.5001.43050TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING 100224-102324ALFERNESS/DONNA M102324200975MAIN11/14/2024
96
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 8/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
375.00 101.5130.44020ICE MACHINE CLEANING 110424ALTEMP MECHANICAL, INC.268730200976MAIN11/14/2024
474.71 609.0000.14500110524 INVAMERICAN BOTTLING COMPANY4849601983200977MAIN11/14/2024
508.81 609.0000.14500102824 INV4849901525200977
983.52
1,442.49 101.2100.42172PANTS, SHIRTS, TIE, PATCHES, JACKETSASPEN MILLS, INC.341718200978MAIN11/14/2024
95.00 101.2100.42172BOOTS342089200978
1,537.49
382.00 609.0000.14500103024 INVBAUHAUS BREW LABS LLC15169200979MAIN11/14/2024
400.00 609.0000.14500102824 INVBERGMAN LEDGE LLCE-16729200980MAIN11/14/2024
975.00 101.2100.43050EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUNDCARDINAL INVESTIGATIONSCHPD24-7200981MAIN11/14/2024
68.99 609.9791.43210763 572-2695CENTURYLINK7635722695200982MAIN11/14/2024
42.88 101.5129.44020MOPS JPM 110524CINTAS INC4210451632200983MAIN11/14/2024
48.85 701.9950.42172UNIFORM RENTAL 1104244210375193200983
91.73
100.00 603.9530.42920PLASTIC BAGS & STYROFOAM RECYCLE 1124CITY OF COON RAPIDSAR-0000014500200984MAIN11/14/2024
387.65 609.0000.14500103024 INVCRYSTAL SPRINGS ICE LLC1509200985MAIN11/14/2024
111.44 609.0000.14500103024 INV1507200985
160.38 609.0000.14500103024 INV1511200985
(4.52)609.0000.14500103024 INV1503200985
4.00 609.9791.42199103024 INV1509200985
4.00 609.9792.42199103024 INV1511200985
4.00 609.9793.42199103024 INV1507200985
666.95
90.82 701.0000.14120THERMOSTATS, HOSESCUSHMAN MOTOR CO INC210708200986MAIN11/14/2024
11.88 701.0000.14120BOLTS, NUTS210727200986
102.70
696.00 609.0000.14500110124 INVDANGEROUS MAN BREWING CO LLCIN-5767200987MAIN11/14/2024
441.00 609.0000.14500110124 INVIN-5712200987
1,137.00
132.47 701.9950.42171FUNNELSDELEGARD TOOL CO INC428671/1200988MAIN11/14/2024
819.40 212.3190.42171STREET NAME SIGNS, SIGN POSTSEARL F ANDERSEN INC0137920-IN200989MAIN11/14/2024
206.25 101.1410.43500PHN-GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE 102524ECM PUBLISHERS INC1021411200990MAIN11/14/2024
97
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 9/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
57.50 201.2400.43500PHN NOV 6 ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 1018241020293200990
69.00 201.2400.43500PHN ORD #1706 1018241020295200990
63.25 201.2400.43500PHN NOV 6 PH SITE PLAN REVIEW 1018241020292200990
235.00 609.9791.43420STREAMING AUDIO 1101241023067200990
799.00 609.9791.43420DISPLAY/GEOFENCE/PREROLL 1101241023066200990
185.00 609.9792.43420STREAMING AUDIO 1101241023067200990
629.00 609.9792.43420DISPLAY/GEOFENCE/PREROLL 1101241023066200990
80.00 609.9793.43420STREAMING AUDIO 1101241023067200990
272.00 609.9793.43420DISPLAY/GEOFENCE/PREROLL 1101241023066200990
2,596.00
1,169.75 101.2200.43050TURNOUT GEAR CLEANINGEMERGENCY TECHNICAL DECON1661200991MAIN11/14/2024
724.82 609.0000.14500102924 INVGLOBAL RESERVE LLCORD-12700200992MAIN11/14/2024
558.00 609.0000.14500110624 INVGRAPE BEGINNINGS INCMN00156959200993MAIN11/14/2024
252.00 609.0000.14500110124 INVMN00156750200993
1.00 609.9791.42199110124 INVMN00156750200993
811.00
728.84 609.0000.14500110424 INVGREAT LAKES COCA-COLA DISTRBTN11099491021200994MAIN11/14/2024
1,298.00 101.1320.43050PRE-EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 1024GROUP HEALTH PLAN INC16823200995MAIN11/14/2024
16,029.70 101.2100.42012CRADLEPOINT, ANTENNAGUARDIAN FLEET SAFETY, LLC301177200996MAIN11/14/2024
51.78 101.2100.44300CRADLEPOINT, ANTENNA301177200996
16,081.48
4,906.40 609.0000.14500102524 INVHOHENSTEINS INC764781200997MAIN11/14/2024
72.00 609.0000.14500102524 INV765047200997
3,342.90 609.0000.14500110124 INV767061200997
4,016.90 609.0000.14500110824 INV769211200997
5,822.35 609.0000.14500110124 INV766979200997
18,160.55
249.00 101.2100.42171FAUCETHOME DEPOT #28028519230200998MAIN11/14/2024
(249.00)101.2100.42171RETURN FAUCET7224800200998
230.43 601.9600.42171SEARCH LIGHT, BATTERY, FASTENERS6031074200998
230.43
133.39 101.2100.42171HAND TWLS, TP, DISINF, SOAP, LNRSIMPERIAL DADE4303698200999MAIN11/14/2024
133.40 101.2200.42171HAND TWLS, TP, DISINF, SOAP, LNRS4303698200999
266.79
(1.17)101.0000.20815TONERINNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS LLCIN4679573201000MAIN11/14/2024
98
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 10/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
4.04 101.1940.42171DISHWAND REFILLIN4677126201000
9.59 101.3100.42000COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
1.10 101.3100.42171COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
9.60 101.3121.42000COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
1.09 101.3121.42171COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
9.60 101.5200.42000COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
1.10 101.5200.42171COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
9.60 602.9600.42000COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
1.09 602.9600.42171COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
62.38 609.9792.42000TONERIN4679573201000
63.55 609.9793.42000TONERIN4679573201000
9.59 701.9950.42000COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
1.10 701.9950.42171COPIER PAPER, NAPKINSIN4680607201000
182.26
321.53 101.5200.42171AUTO GATE CLOSERINTERNATIONAL SECURITY PRODUCTS156012201001MAIN11/14/2024
12.99 101.5040.42170POTATOES, STOCK, BUTTER, COFFEEMATELACK/CANDACE102924201002MAIN11/14/2024
23.98 101.5040.42175POTATOES, STOCK, BUTTER, COFFEEMATE102924201002
86.78 101.5040.44200POTATOES, STOCK, BUTTER, COFFEEMATE102924201002
123.75
137.56 101.3100.44000COPY MAINT 102524-012425MARCO, INCINV13095199201003MAIN11/14/2024
137.56 101.3121.44000COPY MAINT 102524-012425INV13095199201003
137.56 101.5200.44000COPY MAINT 102524-012425INV13095199201003
137.56 601.9600.44000COPY MAINT 102524-012425INV13095199201003
137.56 602.9600.44000COPY MAINT 102524-012425INV13095199201003
687.80
46.74 101.1110.42175MILEAGE, LUNCH REIMBURSEMENT 081924-102124MARQUEZ SIMULA/AMADA110724201004MAIN11/14/2024
62.85 101.1110.43310MILEAGE, LUNCH REIMBURSEMENT 081924-102124110724201004
109.59
15,509.34 609.0000.14500110724 INVMAVERICK BEVERAGE COMPANY MINNESOTAINV1412583201005MAIN11/14/2024
49.50 609.9791.42199110724 INVINV1412583201005
15,558.84
249.75 609.0000.14500102524 INVMCDONALD DISTRIBUTING CO774620201006MAIN11/14/2024
933.01 609.0000.14500110124 INV776015201006
(7.67)609.0000.14500110124 INV776130201006
1,175.09
3.49 101.2100.42171HITCH PIN CLIPSMENARDS CASHWAY LUMBER-FRIDLEY17766201007MAIN11/14/2024 99
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 11/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
38.28 101.2100.42175BOTTLED WATER17175201007
41.77
9,989.70 201.0000.20830SAC 3RD QTR 2024METRO COUNCIL ENVIROMENTAL SER2024 QTR 4201008MAIN11/14/2024
1,075.00 101.3100.44000DRIVEWAY REPAIR 2217 40TH AVE - CITY PORTIONMETRO PAVING12555201009MAIN11/14/2024
500.00 101.1110.44376MONARCH FESTIVAL DANCE PERFORMANCE 080824MEXICO AZTECA INC241037201010MAIN11/14/2024
340.67 701.0000.14120BEARING/HUB ASSEMBLYMIDWAY FORD855198201011MAIN11/14/2024
303.54 701.0000.14120SENSORS855599201011
226.53 884.2100.42281BUMPER854827201011
870.74
156,894.76 601.9400.42990WATER PURCHASE 1024MINNEAPOLIS FINANCE DEPT.110624201012MAIN11/14/2024
62.49 701.0000.14120CARBURETORMINNEAPOLIS SAW CO INC1087081201013MAIN11/14/2024
228.00 609.0000.14500110124 INVNEW FRANCE WINE COMPANY231221201014MAIN11/14/2024
2.50 609.9791.42199110124 INV231221201014
230.50
55.00 101.3121.431052025 EXPO T.LUND, FETZER, NORDLUND, SANDQUIST, PERKINS, CULLENNORTHERN GREEN EXPO110424201015MAIN11/14/2024
1,385.00 101.5200.431052025 EXPO T.LUND, FETZER, NORDLUND, SANDQUIST, PERKINS, CULLEN110424201015
1,440.00
311.76 101.1940.44020REPLACE DRAFT DAMPER-590 40TH AVENORTHLAND REFRIGERATION INCORPORATE5375201016MAIN11/14/2024
2,263.00 101.1940.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
1,029.00 101.2100.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
1,029.00 101.2200.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
1,623.00 101.5129.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
229.00 101.5200.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
2,492.00 240.5500.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
23.00 601.9600.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
69.00 602.9600.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
313.78 609.9791.44020REPLACE COOLER TEMP PROBE-TV15377201016
754.00 609.9791.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
663.00 609.9792.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
252.00 609.9793.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
984.00 701.9950.44020BUILDING MAINTENANCE 20245379201016
12,035.54
(0.38)101.0000.20815TRASH BAGSOFFICE DEPOT383879016001201017MAIN11/14/2024
15.26 609.9791.42000LINERS, PAPER PAD, PENS, 409, DAWN, PAPER TOWELS383866851001201017
24.82 609.9791.42171TRASH BAGS383879016001201017 100
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 12/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
26.35 609.9791.42171LINERS, PAPER PAD, PENS, 409, DAWN, PAPER TOWELS383866851001201017
25.19 609.9792.42171TRASH BAGS383879016001201017
76.14 609.9792.42171LINERS, PAPER PAD, PENS, 409, DAWN, PAPER TOWELS383866851001201017
23.16 609.9793.42000LINERS, PAPER PAD, PENS, 409, DAWN, PAPER TOWELS383866851001201017
190.54
222.00 101.5129.44100SATELLITE RENT-MCKENNA RINKON SITE SANITATION INC0001805205201018MAIN11/14/2024
74.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-KEYES0001805194201018
74.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-LABELLE0001805195201018
74.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-MCKENNA0001805196201018
220.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-SULLIVAN0001805197201018
146.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-HUSET0001805193201018
74.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-PRESTEMON0001805199201018
74.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-GAUVITTE0001805200201018
220.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-HUSET0001805201201018
146.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-SILVER LAKE0001805202201018
220.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-RAMSDELL0001805203201018
74.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-LOMIANKI0001805204201018
74.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-OSTRANDER0001805206201018
74.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-HUSET0001805198201018
127.00 101.5200.44100SATELLITE RENT-HUSET CYCLE CROSS0001798883201018
1,893.00
1,813.00 609.0000.14500103124 INVPAUSTIS & SONS WINE COMPANY250714201019MAIN11/14/2024
445.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV250721201019
30.00 609.9791.42199103124 INV250714201019
12.50 609.9792.42199103124 INV250721201019
2,300.50
(7.06)101.0000.20815102624 - 10013121 POPP.COM INC992853579201020MAIN11/14/2024
8.89 101.1110.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
13.85 101.1110.43210103124 -10010429992854609201020
16.03 101.1320.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
13.85 101.1320.43210103124 -10010429992854609201020
46.21 101.1510.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
13.85 101.1510.43210103124 -10010429992854609201020
3.79 101.1940.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
102.13 101.1940.43210103124 -10010429992854609201020
144.48 101.2100.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
61.73 101.2200.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
77.03 101.3100.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
1.24 101.3121.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
43.66 101.5000.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
101
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 13/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
12.91 101.5000.43210103124 -10010429992854609201020
1.36 101.5129.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
57.06 101.5129.43210103124 -10010429992854609201020
4.88 101.5200.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
1,341.03 101.9200.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
17.90 201.2400.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
48.82 204.6314.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
13.85 204.6314.43210103124 -10010429992854609201020
3.51 601.9600.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
51.75 609.9791.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
31.40 609.9792.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
10.90 609.9793.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
3.54 701.9950.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
9.99 720.9980.43210102624 - 10013121 992853579201020
13.85 720.9980.43210103124 -10010429992854609201020
2,162.43
60.12 101.0000.20810REFUND DAMAGE DEPOSIT LESS RENTAL FEE & TAX POST/SARAH ANN100524201021MAIN11/14/2024
227.38 101.0000.34781REFUND DAMAGE DEPOSIT LESS RENTAL FEE & TAX 100524201021
287.50
(0.30)101.0000.20815103124 COOLER RENTALPREMIUM WATERS INC310429093201022MAIN11/14/2024
(0.59)101.0000.20815103124 COOLER RENTALS310429091201022
(0.30)101.0000.20815103124 COOLER RENTAL310429092201022
9.72 609.9791.42171102924 WATER310421185201022
9.23 609.9791.42171103124 COOLER RENTALS310429091201022
4.62 609.9792.42171103124 COOLER RENTAL310429092201022
9.72 609.9793.42171102924 WATER310421183201022
4.62 609.9793.42171103124 COOLER RENTAL310429093201022
36.72
559.00 101.5200.4216022 YDS PULVERIZED BLACK DIRTREHBEINS BLACK DIRT14604201023MAIN11/14/2024
18.85 101.1410.44000SHREDDING 102124ROHN INDUSTRIES INC0034872201024MAIN11/14/2024
258.50 609.9791.434201/4 PAGE AD OCTOBER 2024SAVE ON EVERYTHING INC2024CI-91597201025MAIN11/14/2024
203.50 609.9792.434201/4 PAGE AD OCTOBER 20242024CI-91597201025
88.00 609.9793.434201/4 PAGE AD OCTOBER 20242024CI-91597201025
550.00
79.96 101.1940.44020PREVENT MAINT 1024-590 40TH AVESCHINDLER ELEVATOR CORP INC8106727566201026MAIN11/14/2024
74.37 101.2100.44020PREVENT MAINT 1124-PSB8106733043201026
74.37 101.2100.44020PREVENT MAINT 0824-PSB8106671615201026
74.36 101.2200.44020PREVENT MAINT 1124-PSB8106733043201026
102
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 14/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
74.36 101.2200.44020PREVENT MAINT 0824-PSB8106671615201026
79.96 101.5129.44020PREVENT MAINT 1024-JPM8106727567201026
185.22 609.9791.44020PREVENT MAINT 1024-TV18106725554201026
642.60
24.82 601.9600.43250110124 0318950-3SPOK INCH0318950W201027MAIN11/14/2024
24.82 602.9600.43250110124 0318950-3H0318950W201027
49.64
(0.87)101.0000.20815KLEENEX, SOAP, COPY PAPER, CLOROX WIPES, BATTERIESSTAPLES ADVANTAGE6012989572201028MAIN11/14/2024
169.96 101.1940.42000COPY PAPER6015347812201028
172.97 101.1940.42000TONER, CUPS, FORKS, SPOONS6014668665201028
71.54 101.1940.42171TONER, CUPS, FORKS, SPOONS6014668665201028
43.55 609.9791.42000KLEENEX, SOAP, COPY PAPER, CLOROX WIPES, BATTERIES6012989572201028
40.41 609.9791.42171KLEENEX, SOAP, COPY PAPER, CLOROX WIPES, BATTERIES6012989572201028
38.79 609.9792.42171KLEENEX, SOAP, COPY PAPER, CLOROX WIPES, BATTERIES6012989572201028
49.13 609.9793.42171KLEENEX, SOAP, COPY PAPER, CLOROX WIPES, BATTERIES6012989572201028
585.48
227.00 609.0000.14500102924 INVSTEEL TOE BREWING LLC57692201029MAIN11/14/2024
74.09 101.2100.44300OVERNIGHT SHIPPINGTHADDEUS NEWBY JR.101424201030MAIN11/14/2024
90.20 101.1320.43050BACKGROUND CHECKS 1024THE MCDOWELL AGENCY, INC.157885201031MAIN11/14/2024
334.00 609.0000.14500110624 INVVENN BREWING COMPANY7486201032MAIN11/14/2024
(7.64)101.0000.20815BALE STRAPPINGVER-TECH INCINV510683201033MAIN11/14/2024
104.66 609.9791.42171BALE STRAPPINGINV510683201033
97.02
120.67 609.9791.44020110524 MOPS,MATS,TOWELSVESTIS SERVICES. LLC2500550403201034MAIN11/14/2024
120.67 609.9791.44020102924 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500547092201034
156.17 609.9792.44020110724 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500551931201034
156.17 609.9792.44020103124 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500548238201034
77.91 609.9793.44020110724 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500551866201034
77.91 609.9793.44020103124 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500548176201034
709.50
588.50 609.0000.14500103024 INVVINOCOPIA INC0361089-IN201035MAIN11/14/2024
450.00 609.0000.14500103024 INV0361087-IN201035
7.50 609.9791.42199103024 INV0361089-IN201035
7.50 609.9792.42199103024 INV0361087-IN201035
1,053.50 103
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 15/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
81.00 609.0000.14500103124 INVVIP WINE & SPIRITS, LTD1288201036MAIN11/14/2024
7.00 609.9792.42199103124 INV1288201036
88.00
1,034.29 240.5500.4381051-0011136455-0XCEL ENERGY (N S P)1142461984201037MAIN11/14/2024
9.17 701.0000.14120WASHER FLUID CAPZIEGLER INCIN001684354201038MAIN11/14/2024
80.39 701.0000.14120HEAT/AC SWITCHIN001685994201038
89.56
6.00 101.0000.11500FRAUD CHARGE HOLZNAGEL CC 10/09/24WELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD101424 KH CC1777(E)MAIN11/20/2024
(1.24)101.0000.20815SNACKS & DRINKS-LEGISLATORS TOUR OF PW8370118450011777(E)
(3.78)101.0000.20815SNACKS-RECRUITMENT & SCHOOL PROGRAMS207433633800991238951777(E)
(0.77)101.0000.20815ROASTER STICKS,CPCKS,JUICE,SNACKS00580Q1777(E)
(14.29)101.0000.20815CANDY-OUTREACH EVENTS & TRUCK OR TREAT 01093Q1777(E)
15.64 101.1110.42000COUNCIL, CITY SEALS,FRONT COUNTER CLINGS114-7185827-00410091777(E)
30.00 101.1110.42171OBRIEN AND VOIGHT COUNCIL NAMEPLATES000000011777(E)
295.30 101.1110.42175DINNER-10/7/24 COUNCIL WORK SESSION 0189471777(E)
19.68 101.1110.44375DRINKS,PITCHER-BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS SOCIAL01838Q1777(E)
289.20 101.1110.44375SNACKS-BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS SOCIAL000251777(E)
23.32 101.1320.44374FRUIT-NEW STAFF BREAKFAST00324Q1777(E)
110.82 101.1320.44374DONUTS-NEW STAFF BREAKFAST10-0581777(E)
120.00 101.1320.44390NOTARY COMMISSION RENEWAL N BECKERMN8OSS0036101971777(E)
313.66 101.1410.42000ELECTION SUPPLIES 114-5091003-82514241777(E)
30.99 101.1410.42030PRINTING SUPPLIES FOR ELECTIONS 114-0593676-86610221777(E)
184.00 101.1410.42030INK-OMNIBALLOTS 2024 ELECTIONS SUPPLIES26408591777(E)
120.00 101.1410.44330MN NOTARY RENEWAL-IONMN8OSS0036208541777(E)
16.98 101.1510.42000LAMINATOR, COFFEE SYRUP, HANGERS, 3 RING DIV PAGES, FORCEPS113-2100633-61890391777(E)
39.99 101.1510.42171INTERCOM SYSTEM, INDEX TABS113-8441320-29762081777(E)
150.00 101.1510.431056TH ANNUAL MINI MUNI CONFERENCE 31624001777(E)
135.00 101.1510.43105ANNUAL GOVT GAAP UPDATE-KLOIBER31630561777(E)
58.98 101.1940.42000LAMINATOR, COFFEE SYRUP, HANGERS, 3 RING DIV PAGES, FORCEPS113-2100633-61890391777(E)
10.48 101.1940.42000PLASTIC BIN-MAIL MACHINE113-2109072-94722131777(E)
8.80 101.1940.42000INTERCOM SYSTEM, INDEX TABS113-8441320-29762081777(E)
(11.98)101.1940.42000RETURN PAGE TABS & PAPER CLIPS113-0113716-23418461777(E)
91.98 101.1940.42171WATER FILTER REPLACEMENTS113-1113778-88370581777(E)
17.99 101.1940.42175LAMINATOR, COFFEE SYRUP, HANGERS, 3 RING DIV PAGES, FORCEPS113-2100633-61890391777(E)
16.98 101.1940.42175TEA113-3844256-33514171777(E)
99.99 101.2100.42000NESPRESSO VERTUO-PD BREAK ROOM112-0390158-43874491777(E)
87.98 101.2100.42000OFFICE COPY ROOM PAPER 111-1142682-30818051777(E)
1.65 101.2100.42000STAMP FOR OFFICE 7091777(E)
30.77 101.2100.42000BATTERY-S TOMBERS FLASHLIGHT112-3773121-68578651777(E)
235.51 101.2100.42010DOUGLAS 1 & 2-SWITCH MODULE 24V 12-12145-404511777(E)
104
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 16/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
7.99 101.2100.42011USB-C ADAPTERS-SQUAD PRINTERS111-3159854-22242271777(E)
53.99 101.2100.42011PRIVACY SCREENS-RECORDS TECH111-4205259-10010241777(E)
179.80 101.2100.42011IPHONE 15 CASES111-9338856-72842461777(E)
120.99 101.2100.42171TACTICAL TRIGGER AR-A5 #1636373111777(E)
166.70 101.2100.42171KNIFE BOXES FOR PROPERTY ROOM # 1001840194411777(E)
207.60 101.2100.42171RECHARGEABLE SPARE RIFLE GUN BATTERIES112-0756316-02794361777(E)
99.95 101.2100.42171WIRELESS TWO MICROPHONE SYSTEM112-6289461-49082291777(E)
21.99 101.2100.42171WIRELESS MICROPHONE CASE112-7758778-27914601777(E)
115.15 101.2100.42172WORK PANTS-PARRA, OKERSTROM, PLIEGO1JG3Y7M1777(E)
180.41 101.2100.42172WORK PANTS-PARRA, OKERSTROM, PILEGO80955651777(E)
58.72 101.2100.42175SNACKS-RECRUITMENT & SCHOOL PROGRAMS207433633800991238951777(E)
119.49 101.2100.42175MEAL-SERGEANT CONSULTANTS301718381291274261777(E)
148.48 101.2100.42175PIZZA -ADULT BASIC EDU COURSE798411777(E)
284.71 101.2100.42175PIZZA-BASIC EDUCATION COURSE81777(E)
20.00 101.2100.43050SHARPENING PAPER CUTTER BLADE65061777(E)
50.00 101.2100.43050APPLICATION-THERAPY DOG PROGRAM01362Q1777(E)
375.00 101.2100.43105DMT-G TRAINING-VAUGHN494401777(E)
175.00 101.2100.43105FAA EXAM-A NIGHTINGALEDWGDKC391777(E)
127.69 101.2100.43105INTRO TO DATA PRACTICES TRNG-C OKERSTROM022XRLG77N1777(E)
127.69 101.2100.43105INTRO TO DATA PRACTICES TRNG-PLIEGO022XRLG7X51777(E)
995.00 101.2100.43105LPO TRAINING-M FARAH02676Q1777(E)
995.00 101.2100.43105LPO TRAINING-T VAUGHN373191777(E)
11.66 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK1181777(E)
12.23 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK1141777(E)
13.87 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF AND COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK3394231777(E)
10.59 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK30355611777(E)
11.13 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF AND COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK30235191777(E)
10.59 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK30355611777(E)
10.15 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK40001777(E)
14.03 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK4555061777(E)
15.11 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK092424 SUBWAY1777(E)
14.03 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK4561091777(E)
11.19 101.2100.43310LUNCH-STAFF & COMMAND TRNG URBANIAK1181777(E)
74.00 101.2100.44030SUBSCRIPTION 100624-11052420241006-0007231777(E)
856.35 101.2100.44030ADOBE SUBSCRIPTION 1 YEAR 20083632586591777(E)
560.00 101.2100.44030YEARLY SUBSC-KEY SYSTEMS CLOUD SRVCS5383111777(E)
0.35 101.2100.44310LICENSE TABS #8166034490551777(E)
0.04 101.2100.44310TITLE, REGISTRATION CHEV TRAVERSE #8245034387941777(E)
50.00 101.2100.44330ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES 101324 SAMS1777(E)
167.00 101.2100.44330DUES Q1 2024-3025 E.JOHNSTON10341777(E)
16.25 101.2100.44390LICENSE TABS #8166034490551777(E)
2.00 101.2100.44390TITLE, REGISTRATION CHEV TRAVERSE #8245034387941777(E)105
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 17/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
5.99 101.2200.42000SHARPIES113-2778736-67642591777(E)
29.40 101.2200.42000GREEN PRINTER PAPER114-1900965-71450271777(E)
54.43 101.2200.42010BLACK RUBBER MAT FOR DOOR PROPMB68608741777(E)
235.51 101.2200.42010DOUGLAS 1 & 2-SWITCH MODULE 24V 12-12145-404511777(E)
35.96 101.2200.42011IPHONE 15 CASES111-9338856-72842461777(E)
45.42 101.2200.42170FACE PAINT,STENCILS,FACE PAINT KIT112-6376963-26002021777(E)
428.50 101.2200.42170PLASTIC FIRE HATS, ASST PENCILSW400491777(E)
23.99 101.2200.42171TV STAND114-1633105-22642071777(E)
6.99 101.2200.42171MICROFIBER CLEANING CLOTHS114-8875057-55290491777(E)
62.83 101.2200.42175LUNCH MEETING -THOMPSON, O'BRIEN, SIMULA B31777(E)
654.00 101.2200.43050FDIC INTERNATIONAL 2025 REGISTRATION TM2018801777(E)
131.00 101.2200.43105MFSCB TEST REGISTRATION-REYNOLDS806332965441777(E)
131.00 101.2200.43105MFSCB TEST REGISTRATION-ALLEN806332994261777(E)
654.00 101.2200.431052025 FDIC INTL REGISTRATION FEE-PYKA316441777(E)
548.58 101.2200.43320LODGING-HEART OF THE LAKES CONF-TM,MP,JA4311241777(E)
49.80 101.2200.43830FUEL - AMEM CONFERENCE R490750611777(E)
31.30 101.2200.43830FUEL - AMEM CONFERENCE CHIEF 1 100702531777(E)
659.88 101.2200.44030CREATIVE CLOUD SUBSC 1YR28888667961777(E)
25.00 101.2200.44330EMT RECERT APP FEE-REYNOLDS11499671777(E)
8.65 101.3100.42000PICTURE FRAME,BATHROOM CUPS,SCISSORS 112-2636184-95834261777(E)
17.96 101.3100.42010CHARGERS,PENS,DISH CLTH,SLVRWRE114-2036997-26546321777(E)
21.00 101.3100.42010MILWAUKEE CUT OFF TOOL, 12V114-2554488-11946671777(E)
558.98 101.3100.42011DELL 27" MONITOR-ASSESS CLERK20083626492961777(E)
22.20 101.3100.42171CREAMER FOR COFFEE112-5257466-80610651777(E)
11.25 101.3100.42171USB FLSH DRIVE,WORK GLOVES,DISHWAND KIT 114-3934728-14482231777(E)
77.21 101.3100.42171MCRPHN,GLVS,DISH RCK,GLSS,HDMI CORD,DISHES114-2554488-11946671777(E)
9.32 101.3100.42175SNACKS & DRINKS-LEGISLATORS TOUR OF PW8370118450011777(E)
258.47 101.3100.440301 YR SUBSCRIPTION ADOBE ACROBAT-PW-KH28843720331777(E)
8.65 101.3121.42000PICTURE FRAME,BATHROOM CUPS,SCISSORS 112-2636184-95834261777(E)
17.96 101.3121.42010CHARGERS,PENS,DISH CLTH,SLVRWRE114-2036997-26546321777(E)
21.00 101.3121.42010MILWAUKEE CUT OFF TOOL, 12V114-2554488-11946671777(E)
11.25 101.3121.42171USB FLSH DRIVE,WORK GLOVES,DISHWAND KIT 114-3934728-14482231777(E)
77.21 101.3121.42171MCRPHN,GLVS,DISH RCK,GLSS,HDMI CORD,DISHES114-2554488-11946671777(E)
9.87 101.3121.42175TREATS-BRANDON'S B FIRST DAY8361632740011777(E)
9.32 101.3121.42175SNACKS & DRINKS-LEGISLATORS TOUR OF PW8370118450011777(E)
900.00 101.3121.44330CHATGPT PLUS YRLY SUBSC 091724-091725093BA36A-0011777(E)
20.00 101.3121.44330CHATGPT SUBSC 1007-11042487A891F4-00141777(E)
76.46 101.3160.42010HANSON PLUNGE T-55-1 BARREL MIXER114-4582971-32242261777(E)
22.99 101.5000.42010ELEC WHISTLES,VACUUM MOTOR FAN 114-0590283-38250641777(E)
15.99 101.5000.42010WASHER LIDLOCK 114-7294217-72034271777(E)
141.93 101.5001.42170SPORTS CONES,DISC CONES,SOCCER GOALS114-9191529-28274671777(E)
180.19 101.5001.42170SOCCER BALLS, CLASS CARPET CIRCLES 114-0468387-94194581777(E)106
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 18/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
53.74 101.5001.42170GOALIE GLOVES 114-3311689-29186291777(E)
22.79 101.5001.42171ELEC WHISTLES,VACUUM MOTOR FAN 114-0590283-38250641777(E)
8.94 101.5004.42170ROASTER STICKS,CPCKS,JUICE,SNACKS00580Q1777(E)
38.40 101.5004.42175ROASTER STICKS,CPCKS,JUICE,SNACKS00580Q1777(E)
110.00 101.5004.44200ROYALTY FEE-MOONSHOE SHOW 1001654291777(E)
71.28 101.5040.42170EXERCISE EQUIPMENT111-8719449-12562441777(E)
19.96 101.5040.42170DUMBBELLS-ACTIVE AGERS111-3480642-74450191777(E)
45.55 101.5040.42170QUILT BARN CLASS SUPPLIES00597Q1777(E)
184.11 101.5040.42175SNACKS & TREATS-IN HOUSE ACTIVITIES00500Q1777(E)
25.94 101.5040.42175COFFEE & SNACKS-IN HOUSE ACTIVITIES02684Q1777(E)
4.49 101.5040.42175SNACKS- BOOK CLUB02601Q1777(E)
8.99 101.5040.42175COFFEE-IN HOUSE PROGRAMS00831777(E)
23.97 101.5040.44200RICE-HARVEST DINNER111-4368853-72874171777(E)
17.12 101.5040.44200LUNCH OUTING WITH ACTIVE AGERSBT1-21777(E)
18.74 101.5040.44200LUNCH OUTING WITH ACTIVE AGERS23-31777(E)
5.18 101.5040.44200PARKING LOT FEE141777(E)
25.30 101.5040.44200LUNCH OUTING WITH ACTIVE AGERS211777(E)
17.12 101.5040.44200LUNCH OUTING WITH ACTIVE AGERS14-81777(E)
12.00 101.5040.44200MUSEUM OF RUSSIAN ART ADMISSION3006391777(E)
(8.54)101.5040.44200REFUND FOR ART SUPPLIES111-6181197-63202461777(E)
(8.54)101.5040.44200ART SUPPLIES REFUND111-6181197-63202461777(E)
8.65 101.5200.42000PICTURE FRAME,BATHROOM CUPS,SCISSORS 112-2636184-95834261777(E)
1,499.99 101.5200.42010DR TOW-BEHIND TRIMMER MOWER798987771777(E)
17.96 101.5200.42010CHARGERS,PENS,DISH CLTH,SLVRWRE114-2036997-26546321777(E)
21.00 101.5200.42010MILWAUKEE CUT OFF TOOL, 12V114-2554488-11946671777(E)
47.80 101.5200.42171TRIMMER CORD114-0093986-88970261777(E)
11.25 101.5200.42171USB FLSH DRIVE,WORK GLOVES,DISHWAND KIT 114-3934728-14482231777(E)
77.21 101.5200.42171MCRPHN,GLVS,DISH RCK,GLSS,HDMI CORD,DISHES114-2554488-11946671777(E)
9.87 101.5200.42175TREATS-BRANDON'S B FIRST DAY8361632740011777(E)
9.32 101.5200.42175SNACKS & DRINKS-LEGISLATORS TOUR OF PW8370118450011777(E)
144.22 101.6102.42171SOIL MOIST JCD, WATER STORING CRYS-PLANTS113-9449092-11970451777(E)
29.32 101.6102.42171PLIERS HOLSTER, GARDEN PRUNER SHEATH113-9449092-11970451777(E)
14.05 101.6102.44030LIAM G - ACROBAT STANDARD28770470811777(E)
52.81 204.6314.42011DELL MULTI-DEVICE KEYBOARD-COORDINATOR20081511761961777(E)
1,868.99 204.6314.42011XPS 16 LAPTOP-COORDINATOR20081511761961777(E)
13.45 225.9844.42171AUDIO CORD113-5618630-48034501777(E)
9.79 225.9844.42171CAMERA SENSORS CLEANING SUPPLIES113-9578822-90890641777(E)
26.50 225.9844.44030SUBSC-SEP 2024MC201565581777(E)
344.00 225.9844.44330ROTARY DUES-ROTTLER10361777(E)
44.47 240.5500.42170SEED MIX,PIE TINS,NYLONS,SANDPAPER BLOCKS113-2534428-41394481777(E)
11.99 240.5500.42170POLLINATOR SEED MIX113-7277771-10434221777(E)
9.59 240.5500.42171SEED MIX,PIE TINS,NYLONS,SANDPAPER BLOCKS113-2534428-41394481777(E)107
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 19/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
480.00 261.5029.44200DEPOSIT-YOUTH HORSEBACK RIDING TRIP 392201777(E)
360.00 261.5029.44200FINAL PMT-YOUTH HORSEBACK RIDING TRIP 395811777(E)
8.65 601.9600.42000PICTURE FRAME,BATHROOM CUPS,SCISSORS 112-2636184-95834261777(E)
17.98 601.9600.42010CHARGERS,PENS,DISH CLTH,SLVRWRE114-2036997-26546321777(E)
20.99 601.9600.42010MILWAUKEE CUT OFF TOOL, 12V114-2554488-11946671777(E)
11.23 601.9600.42171USB FLSH DRIVE,WORK GLOVES,DISHWAND KIT 114-3934728-14482231777(E)
77.19 601.9600.42171MCRPHN,GLVS,DISH RCK,GLSS,HDMI CORD,DISHES114-2554488-11946671777(E)
9.88 601.9600.42175TREATS-BRANDON'S B FIRST DAY8361632740011777(E)
10.56 601.9600.42175SNACKS & DRINKS-LEGISLATORS TOUR OF PW8370118450011777(E)
8.63 602.9600.42000PICTURE FRAME,BATHROOM CUPS,SCISSORS 112-2636184-95834261777(E)
17.96 602.9600.42010CHARGERS,PENS,DISH CLTH,SLVRWRE114-2036997-26546321777(E)
21.00 602.9600.42010MILWAUKEE CUT OFF TOOL, 12V114-2554488-11946671777(E)
11.25 602.9600.42171USB FLSH DRIVE,WORK GLOVES,DISHWAND KIT 114-3934728-14482231777(E)
77.21 602.9600.42171MCRPHN,GLVS,DISH RCK,GLSS,HDMI CORD,DISHES114-2554488-11946671777(E)
9.32 602.9600.42175SNACKS & DRINKS-LEGISLATORS TOUR OF PW8370118450011777(E)
33.45 609.9791.42010CASH DRAWERS FOR LIQUOR STORES1544221777(E)
459.00 609.9791.42011COMM MONITOR,HDMI CONVRTR-TV1 ENTRY11108828801777(E)
30.00 609.9791.44390AMEND MN ASSUMED NAME FILING-TOP VALU LIQUOR149910591777(E)
33.45 609.9792.42010CASH DRAWERS FOR LIQUOR STORES1544221777(E)
15.00 609.9792.44390AMEND MN ASSUMED NAME FILING-TOP VALU LIQUOR149910591777(E)
33.45 609.9793.42010CASH DRAWERS FOR LIQUOR STORES1544221777(E)
5.00 609.9793.44390AMEND MN ASSUMED NAME FILING-TOP VALU LIQUOR149910591777(E)
9.87 701.9950.42175TREATS-BRANDON'S B FIRST DAY8361632740011777(E)
9.32 701.9950.42175SNACKS & DRINKS-LEGISLATORS TOUR OF PW8370118450011777(E)
1,083.24 720.9980.42011DELL MONITORS-IT TECHNICIANS111-5768720-62682221777(E)
34.94 720.9980.42011PIXEL 9 CASE-IT DIRECTOR111-2660183-47570141777(E)
31.81 720.9980.42171STORAGE BINS,HXCAP BOLT,CLNING CLOTH671570989141777(E)
8.10 720.9980.42171SURFACE MOUNT CAT5E928050247581777(E)
10.00 720.9980.43105PARKING BCA CONVENTION 10022451931777(E)
10.00 720.9980.43105PARKING BCA CONVENTION 10012451801777(E)
300.00 720.9980.431052024 BCA TRAINING-SECURITY ANALYST SLATER495661777(E)
1,445.00 720.9980.44030PASSWORD/DATA VAULT-22 USERSFWTUL-0843807381777(E)
60.00 720.9980.44030CHATGPT SUBSC 2 SEATS 0924-10232469ACA837-00031777(E)
49.00 720.9980.44030THREAT INTELLIGENCE SUBSCRIPTION 1010-111024974023A5-00011777(E)
222.21 881.5050.42175CANDY-OUTREACH EVENTS & TRUCK OR TREAT 01093Q1777(E)
105.26 883.5500.42170CRAFT PROGRAM SUPPLIES114-0336513-43258511777(E)
25,431.71
988.05 609.0000.14500110624 INVBELLBOY CORPORATION02056481001778(A)MAIN11/21/2024
1,015.00 609.0000.14500111324 INV02057356001778(A)
2,181.10 609.0000.14500110624 INV02056480001778(A)
26.16 609.9791.42199110624 INV02056480001778(A)108
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 20/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
14.00 609.9792.42199110624 INV02056481001778(A)
18.00 609.9793.42199111324 INV02057356001778(A)
4,242.31
6,574.50 603.9510.42930ORGANICS 1024BETTER FUTURES MNINV16871779(A)MAIN11/21/2024
10,896.21 609.0000.14500111224 INV 7000297782BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE MN BEER LLC1186044941780(A)MAIN11/21/2024
4,526.20 609.0000.14500110524 INV 7002977821184935041780(A)
58.70 609.0000.14500110524 INV 7002977821184911261780(A)
15,481.11
252.00 609.0000.14500102524 INV 700297736BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE MN W&S LLC1183545781781(A)MAIN11/21/2024
405.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184722921781(A)
2,108.01 609.0000.14500102524 INV1183546741781(A)
208.00 609.0000.14500102524 INV 7002977171183546731781(A)
168.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977171184722891781(A)
912.25 609.0000.14500110824 INV1185794871781(A)
448.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV1185794881781(A)
4,206.89 609.0000.14500110824 INV 7002977171185794791781(A)
329.34 609.0000.14500110824 INV 7002977171185794781781(A)
180.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV 7002977171185794811781(A)
336.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV 7002977171185794821781(A)
848.00 609.0000.14500103124 INV 7002977171184582351781(A)
2,308.31 609.0000.14500110824 INV 7002977171185794801781(A)
(36.00)609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977364128989541781(A)
(108.00)609.0000.14500110124 INV 7002977174128989531781(A)
(60.00)609.0000.14500111124 INV4129303381781(A)
4.60 609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977171184722921781(A)
35.65 609.9791.42199102524 INV1183546741781(A)
2.30 609.9791.42199102524 INV 7002977171183546731781(A)
3.45 609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977171184722891781(A)
21.85 609.9791.42199110824 INV 7002977171185794791781(A)
1.83 609.9791.42199110824 INV 7002977171185794781781(A)
5.75 609.9791.42199110824 INV 7002977171185794811781(A)
3.45 609.9791.42199110824 INV 7002977171185794821781(A)
6.90 609.9791.42199103124 INV 7002977171184582351781(A)
7.48 609.9791.42199110824 INV 7002977171185794801781(A)
(3.45)609.9791.42199110124 INV 7002977174128989531781(A)
4.60 609.9792.42199102524 INV 7002977361183545781781(A)
(1.15)609.9792.42199110124 INV 7002977364128989541781(A)
4.60 609.9793.42199110824 INV1185794871781(A)
4.60 609.9793.42199110824 INV1185794881781(A)
12,608.26
109
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 21/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
785.20 609.0000.14500111324 INVCAPITOL BEVERAGE SALES LP30618901782(A)MAIN11/21/2024
3,389.55 609.0000.14500110624 INV30589531782(A)
4,174.75
935.95 101.1940.44000MAINT 111624-121524COORDINATED BUSINESS SYSTEMS, LTD.INV4213891783(A)MAIN11/21/2024
488.40 101.1940.42175COFFEE SUPPLIES 110624FIRST CHOICE COFFEE SERVICE0297601784(A)MAIN11/21/2024
136.78 101.2100.42175COFFEE SUPPLIES 1106240297611784(A)
136.78 101.2200.42175COFFEE SUPPLIES 1106240297611784(A)
761.96
180.00 609.0000.14500110824 INVJOHNSON BROTHERS LIQUOR CO.26632591785(A)MAIN11/21/2024
1,407.40 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632581785(A)
1,065.45 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632571785(A)
764.78 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632561785(A)
700.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632551785(A)
88.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632541785(A)
213.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632531785(A)
81.45 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632521785(A)
247.45 609.0000.14500110724 INV26621971785(A)
2,928.40 609.0000.14500110624 INV26610671785(A)
225.00 609.0000.14500110624 INV26610661785(A)
308.00 609.0000.14500110624 INV26610701785(A)
629.50 609.0000.14500110624 INV26610691785(A)
225.00 609.0000.14500110624 INV26610711785(A)
308.00 609.0000.14500110624 INV26610731785(A)
1,871.00 609.0000.14500110624 INV26610721785(A)
1,120.50 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632641785(A)
362.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632631785(A)
380.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV26632621785(A)
1.28 609.9791.42199110724 DEL26621981785(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199110824 INV26632591785(A)
16.80 609.9791.42199110824 INV26632581785(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110824 DEL26632601785(A)
9.10 609.9791.42199110824 INV26632571785(A)
15.40 609.9791.42199110824 INV26632561785(A)
10.50 609.9791.42199110824 INV26632551785(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110824 INV26632541785(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110824 INV26632531785(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110824 INV26632521785(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110724 INV26621971785(A)
19.60 609.9791.42199110624 INV26610671785(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199110624 INV26610661785(A)
110
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 22/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
11.20 609.9791.42199110624 INV26610701785(A)
16.80 609.9791.42199110624 INV26610691785(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199110624 INV26610711785(A)
11.20 609.9792.42199110624 INV26610731785(A)
8.40 609.9792.42199110624 INV26610721785(A)
8.40 609.9792.42199110824 INV26632641785(A)
2.80 609.9792.42199110824 INV26632631785(A)
7.00 609.9792.42199110824 INV26632621785(A)
13,261.61
122,362.06 602.9480.42900DECEMBER 2024 WASTEWATERMETROPOLITAN COUNCIL WASTEWATER00011790971786(A)MAIN11/21/2024
164.00 609.0000.14500110824 INVPHILLIPS WINE & SPIRITS INC68781421787(A)MAIN11/21/2024
529.20 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781411787(A)
51.45 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781401787(A)
198.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781391787(A)
280.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781381787(A)
108.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781371787(A)
176.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781361787(A)
248.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781351787(A)
292.50 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781341787(A)
388.00 609.0000.14500110724 INV68772591787(A)
166.45 609.0000.14500110724 INV68772581787(A)
88.00 609.0000.14500111324 INV68799901787(A)
46.16 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781451787(A)
484.00 609.0000.14500110824 INV68781441787(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781421787(A)
6.30 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781411787(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781401787(A)
5.60 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781391787(A)
4.20 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781381787(A)
4.20 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781371787(A)
5.60 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781361787(A)
8.40 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781351787(A)
1.40 609.9791.42199110824 INV68781341787(A)
11.20 609.9791.42199110724 INV68772591787(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110724 INV68772581787(A)
1.40 609.9792.42199110824 INV68781451787(A)
15.40 609.9792.42199110824 INV68781441787(A)
10.50 609.9793.42199111324 INV68799901787(A)
3,300.96
532.76 609.0000.14500110724 INVSOUTHERN GLAZER'S25508491788(A)MAIN11/21/2024
111
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 23/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
99.00 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508511788(A)
1,608.55 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508531788(A)
266.35 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508541788(A)
42.00 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508581788(A)
53.00 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508591788(A)
355.50 609.0000.14500110724 INV51181591788(A)
1,173.98 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508551788(A)
133.49 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508381788(A)
101.25 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508411788(A)
1,102.50 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508421788(A)
319.45 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508441788(A)
812.50 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508471788(A)
63.96 609.0000.14500110724 INV25508481788(A)
157.46 609.0000.14500110724 INV51181571788(A)
6,292.75 609.0000.14500110724 INV51181581788(A)
0.43 609.9791.42199110724 INV25508381788(A)
0.75 609.9791.42199110724 INV25508411788(A)
7.68 609.9791.42199110724 INV25508421788(A)
2.56 609.9791.42199110724 INV25508441788(A)
21.76 609.9791.42199110724 INV25508471788(A)
1.28 609.9791.42199110724 INV25508481788(A)
1.28 609.9791.42199110724 INV51181571788(A)
64.00 609.9791.42199110724 INV51181581788(A)
5.97 609.9792.42199110724 INV25508491788(A)
1.28 609.9792.42199110724 DEL25508501788(A)
0.85 609.9792.42199110724 INV25508511788(A)
7.68 609.9792.42199110724 INV25508531788(A)
3.84 609.9792.42199110724 INV25508541788(A)
1.28 609.9792.42199110724 INV25508581788(A)
1.28 609.9792.42199110724 INV25508591788(A)
1.28 609.9792.42199110724 INV51181591788(A)
24.53 609.9792.42199110724 INV25508551788(A)
13,262.23
48.00 609.0000.14500110724 INVWINE MERCHANTS74956291789(A)MAIN11/21/2024
500.00 609.0000.14500110724 INV74956281789(A)
2.80 609.9791.42199110724 INV74956291789(A)
15.40 609.9791.42199110724 INV74956281789(A)
566.20
83,020.00 609.0000.20810OCTOBER LIQUOR SALES TAXMINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE0-596-007-1361790(E)MAIN11/21/2024
294.00 101.0000.20810OCTOBER SALES/USE TAXMINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE0-596-457-6961791(E)MAIN11/21/2024
112
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 24/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
5.00 101.0000.20815OCTOBER SALES/USE TAX0-596-457-6961791(E)
299.00
25,586.00 601.0000.20810OCTOBER UB SALES TAX 2024MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE0-413-776-0961792(E)MAIN11/21/2024
39.67 609.0000.14500111224 INV56 BREWING LLC5627736201039MAIN11/21/2024
9.25 101.3121.42171GASKET CAM & GROOVEABLE HOSE & RUBBER INC235664-001201040MAIN11/21/2024
90.00 101.1940.43050PEST CONTROL-CH 110524ADAM'S PEST CONTROL, INC4025980201041MAIN11/21/2024
786.72 101.1320.43050BSWIFT 1124AI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.10024112024201042MAIN11/21/2024
662.15 609.0000.14500100724 INVAMERICAN BOTTLING COMPANY4849901223201043MAIN11/21/2024
22.00 101.1110.42175MEETING MEALSANOKA COUNTY TREASURER130862201044MAIN11/21/2024
6,100.56 101.2100.43250ENCRYPTED REMOTE MOUNTED MOBILE RADIOAR022541201044
6,122.56
37.70 101.2200.42172COLLAR BUGLES ASPEN MILLS, INC.342202201045MAIN11/21/2024
1,729.00 101.2200.42173BODY ARMOR 342163201045
1,729.00 101.2200.42173BODY ARMOR 342166201045
83.95 101.2300.42172ALTERATIONS 342149201045
3,579.65
865.00 609.9793.44020REPAIR MAIN ENTRY DOOR-TV3ASSURED SECURITY INC239250201046MAIN11/21/2024
356.00 609.9793.44020REPAIR NORTH ENTRY DOOR-TV3239298201046
1,221.00
11.39 601.9600.43211102524 287307857001AT&T MOBILITY II, LLC28730785700111032024201047MAIN11/21/2024
11.40 602.9600.43211102524 28730785700128730785700111032024201047
11.40 604.9600.43211102524 28730785700128730785700111032024201047
34.19
465.00 411.9999.43050.19113989 CENTRAL LEGAL SERVICES 0924BARNA GUZY & STEFFEN LTD288416201048MAIN11/21/2024
1,170.00 411.9999.43050.19113989 CENTRAL LEGAL SERVICES 0524283180201048
300.00 411.9999.43050.19113989 CENTRAL LEGAL SERVICES 0624284367201048
1,500.00 411.9999.43050.19113989 CENTRAL LEGAL SERVICES 0724285631201048
420.00 411.9999.43050.19113989 CENTRAL LEGAL SERVICES 0824268076201048
825.00 411.9999.43050.19113989 CENTRAL LEGAL SERVICES 0824287169201048
4,680.00
293.75 101.1320.43050COBRA ADMIN 1024; RETIREE BILLING 1024; PARTICIPATION FEE 1124BENEFIT EXTRAS, INC.125356201049MAIN11/21/2024
43.65 887.9250.43050COBRA ADMIN 1024; RETIREE BILLING 1024; PARTICIPATION FEE 1124125356201049
337.40 113
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 25/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
256.00 609.0000.14500110624 INVBOURGET IMPORTS LLC212099201050MAIN11/21/2024
6.00 609.9791.42199110624 INV212099201050
262.00
505.87 701.0000.14120STRUTS, ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, STABILIZER BARBRAKE & EQUIPMENT WAREHOUSE01LK6763201051MAIN11/21/2024
75.56 212.3190.42171FASTENERSBUILDING FASTENERS INC10358816-01201052MAIN11/21/2024
82.50 212.3190.42171FASTENERS10358816-02201052
158.06
134.01 101.9200.43810SOLAR POWERCARLSON COMMUNITY SOLAR LLC18246201053MAIN11/21/2024
80.60 602.9600.43810SOLAR POWER18246201053
756.47 701.9950.43810SOLAR POWER18246201053
971.08
17.10 101.1940.438306403204114-3CENTERPOINT ENERGY6403204114-3201054MAIN11/21/2024
88.49 101.2100.438308268239-48268239-4201054
88.48 101.2200.438308268239-48268239-4201054
459.88 101.5129.438308000014661-58000014661-5201054
21.21 101.5200.4383010802324-310802324-3201054
17.10 101.5200.438305467671-35467671-3201054
17.10 101.5200.438305452216-45452216-4201054
124.50 101.5200.438308000014661-58000014661-5201054
260.95 101.9200.438308000014661-58000014661-5201054
563.53 240.5500.4383010570341-710570341-7201054
102.91 601.9600.438308000014661-58000014661-5201054
17.10 602.9600.438309644621-69644621-6201054
27.35 602.9600.4383011299887-711299887-7201054
293.43 609.9791.438308000014661-58000014661-5201054
282.94 609.9792.438308000014661-58000014661-5201054
22.67 609.9793.438306402970054-56402970054-5201054
23.78 609.9793.438308000014661-58000014661-5201054
299.53 701.9950.438308000014661-58000014661-5201054
2,728.05
1,221.00 609.9791.44020ROOF REPAIRS-TV1CENTRAL ROOFING CO INC37379201055MAIN11/21/2024
2,640.50 609.9792.44020ROOF REPAIRS-TV237392201055
3,861.50
111.40 701.0000.14120PURUSCHAMBERLAIN OIL COMPANY INC491089-00201056MAIN11/21/2024
174.84 701.9950.42171FIRST AID SUPPLIES PW 110524CINTAS FIRST AID-SAFETY5238190004201057MAIN11/21/2024
42.88 101.5129.44020MOPS JPM 111224CINTAS INC4211154880201058MAIN11/21/2024 114
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 26/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
40.65 701.9950.42172RUGS, SHOP TOWELS, UNIFORM RENTAL 1111244211074840201058
42.28 701.9950.44020RUGS, SHOP TOWELS, UNIFORM RENTAL 1111244211074840201058
125.81
48.66 609.9791.44020WINDOW CLEANING 1024CITY WIDE WINDOW SERVICE INC739591201059MAIN11/21/2024
27.09 609.9792.44020WINDOW CLEANING 1024739582201059
75.75
5,000.00 101.1410.43050MUNICODE 100124-093025CIVICPLUS LLC311523201060MAIN11/21/2024
164,585.32 101.2200.41240FIRE STATE AID AND SUPPLEMENTAL STATE AID REMITCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER2024 AID201061MAIN11/21/2024
1,411.05 101.5129.43810SOLAR POWERCORNILLIE 2 COMMUNITY SOLAR18247201062MAIN11/21/2024
58.49 604.9600.43810SOLAR POWER18247201062
1,469.54
350.00 609.0000.14500110624 INVDANGEROUS MAN BREWING CO LLCIN-5766201063MAIN11/21/2024
625.79 701.9950.42010FLOOR JACKDELEGARD TOOL CO INC430338/1201064MAIN11/21/2024
9,940.00 201.0000.36293REFUND OVERCHARGE OF SAC - CHASE BANKDORAN SPECIAL PROJECTS2024-00848201065MAIN11/21/2024
171.00 101.3121.42171STREET NAME SIGNS, BOLLARD SLEEVESEARL F ANDERSEN INC0138027-IN201066MAIN11/21/2024
129.95 101.5200.42171DOG WASTE SIGNS0138012-IN201066
515.20 212.3190.42171STREET NAME SIGNS, BOLLARD SLEEVES0138027-IN201066
160.95 212.3190.42171YIELD SIGNS0138011-IN201066
977.10
35.63 701.0000.14120EYE BOLTENVIRONMENTAL EQUIP & SVCS INC24404201067MAIN11/21/2024
2,757.00 604.9600.42160STORM GRATES, STORM LIDSESS BROTHERS & SONS INCEE9138201068MAIN11/21/2024
325.80 701.0000.14120FILTERSFLEETPRIDE INC121180583201069MAIN11/21/2024
50.46 701.0000.14120FILTERS121180653201069
376.26
111.96 101.5200.42160FLOWER BULBSGERTENS GREENHOUSE439392/1201070MAIN11/21/2024
102.15 601.9600.43050CALL OUT TICKETSGOPHER STATE ONE CALL INC4100310201071MAIN11/21/2024
102.15 602.9600.43050CALL OUT TICKETS4100310201071
102.15 604.9600.43050CALL OUT TICKETS4100310201071
306.45
552.00 609.0000.14500110624 INVGRAPE BEGINNINGS INCMN00156960201072MAIN11/21/2024
6.00 609.9792.42199110624 INVMN00156960201072
558.00 115
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 27/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
1,072.85 609.0000.14500110124 INVHOHENSTEINS INC767060201073MAIN11/21/2024
145.35 609.0000.14500110824 INV769210201073
1,218.20
820.00 101.5001.43050SOCCER REFEREE FEES 2024IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH110524201074MAIN11/21/2024
17,503.14 101.5130.44020GYM MAINT 070124-093024INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DIST #132518201075MAIN11/21/2024
(0.91)101.0000.20815DIPPED GLOVESINNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS LLCIN4652555201076MAIN11/21/2024
(1.79)101.0000.20815GLOVES, AIR FRESHENER, TAPE, CLEANERS, LOTIONIN4649476201076
49.78 101.1940.42000PENS, COPY PAPER, WALL CLIPS, SOAPIN4676864201076
72.04 101.1940.42000PENS, HILIGHTERS, BINDER CLIPS, STENO PADSIN4684739201076
8.85 101.1940.42171PENS, COPY PAPER, WALL CLIPS, SOAPIN4676864201076
7.12 101.5000.42000DESKPAD CALENDARSIN4684779201076
98.25 609.9791.42171DIPPED GLOVESIN4652555201076
70.23 609.9791.42171GLOVES, AIR FRESHENER, TAPE, CLEANERS, LOTIONIN4649476201076
109.76 609.9792.42171GLOVES, AIR FRESHENER, TAPE, CLEANERS, LOTIONIN4649476201076
11.81 609.9793.42171GLOVES, AIR FRESHENER, TAPE, CLEANERS, LOTIONIN4649476201076
425.14
852.95 609.0000.14500111324 INVINSIGHT BREWING COMPANY, LLC19816201077MAIN11/21/2024
251.65 101.2100.44020REPLACE SENSOR-POLICE EVIDENCE ROOMJ. BECHER & ASSOC INC2413083-F201078MAIN11/21/2024
552.94 228.6317.44000LED LIGHT REPAIR2413082-F201078
76.46 701.9950.44020REPLACE LIGHT FIXTURE-MSC 2413078-F201078
881.05
520.00 204.6314.43050CL162-00031 GENERAL, CL162-00066 ALATUSKENNEDY & GRAVEN184194201079MAIN11/21/2024
162.50 393.7000.43050CL162-00031 GENERAL, CL162-00066 ALATUS184194201079
682.50
295.00 101.2100.43105FTO TRAINING 120424-120624KEVIN J KELLEHER LLC9977201080MAIN11/21/2024
52.90 101.2200.43320MSFCA CONF MEALS 101624-101724KOSMAN/EMILY101724201081MAIN11/21/2024
775.00 604.9600.44000STORMWATER POND VEGETATION MGMTLANDBRIDGE ECOLOGICAL, INC.2910201082MAIN11/21/2024
118.45 101.2100.43250LANGUAGE LINE 1024LANGUAGELINE SOLUTIONS11437155201083MAIN11/21/2024
92,413.00 884.0000.15510COMMERCIAL INSURANCE 2024-2025LEAGUE OF MN CITIES INS TRUST110424201084MAIN11/21/2024
5,845.88 884.2300.44349CLAIM GL319286 COPAY & DEDUCTIBLE102924201084
98,258.88
733.62 101.2100.44020REPLACE 1064 RELAY BOARDLVC COMPANIES INC154559201085MAIN11/21/2024
304.62 701.0000.1412012 VOLT BATTERIESMAGNACHARGE BATTERY USA72IA308115201086MAIN11/21/2024 116
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 28/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
685.80 609.0000.14500110824 INVMCDONALD DISTRIBUTING CO777112201087MAIN11/21/2024
340.00 609.0000.14500110124 INV775796201087
1,025.80
58.92 101.3121.42171SPRAY PAINT, HAMPER, IMPACT SOCKETMENARDS CASHWAY LUMBER-FRIDLEY17593201088MAIN11/21/2024
14.89 101.3121.42171CHAIN17538201088
196.89 603.9530.42171ORGANICS BUCKETS, CABLE LOCK18166201088
36.75 701.9950.42171VINYL TUBING18150201088
33.00 701.9950.42171WATER FILTER18149201088
340.45
37.50 101.1320.43105LUNCHEON A.CHIRPICH 103124METRO AREA MANAGEMENT ASSOC1955201089MAIN11/21/2024
263.60 701.0000.14120CUT KEYSMIDWAY FORD857137201090MAIN11/21/2024
23.00 601.9600.44390CLASS B LICENSE B. LUNDMN DEPT OF HEALTH110424201091MAIN11/21/2024
1,280.00 101.5200.42160COMPOSTMN MULCH & SOIL, LLCX31168201092MAIN11/21/2024
328.65 701.0000.14120ATOMIC BLADESMTI DISTRIBUTING1454686-00201093MAIN11/21/2024
530.55 101.2100.43810SOLAR POWERONSITE PARTNERS PROJECTCO, LLC1024-00015201094MAIN11/21/2024
530.54 101.2200.43810SOLAR POWER1024-00015201094
2,387.74 240.5500.43810SOLAR POWER1024-00015201094
1,216.56 701.9950.43810SOLAR POWER1024-00015201094
4,665.39
15.39 601.9600.43210110424 10013125POPP.COM INC992855472201095MAIN11/21/2024
15.40 602.9600.43210110424 10013125992855472201095
15.40 604.9600.43210110424 10013125992855472201095
46.19
9.72 609.9791.42171111224 WATERPREMIUM WATERS INC310454101201096MAIN11/21/2024
731.60 609.0000.14500110724 INVRED BULL DISTRIBUTION CO INC2021476355201097MAIN11/21/2024
1,396.00 228.6317.44000SWEEPING - VAN BUREN RAMPRTD POWER WASHING, INC9-VB201098MAIN11/21/2024
326.04 201.0000.3219280% REFUND 5219 6TH ST RUSCIANO HYLAND/SERVICE MASTER2024-00551201099MAIN11/21/2024
180.00 101.5040.43050ACTIVE AGERS 100224-103024SCHAFFER/PATRICIA ANNETTE111324201100MAIN11/21/2024
15,027.70 603.9510.42930YARD WASTE PICKUP 102824-110124SHOREVIEW HUNKS LLCYW031-2024201101MAIN11/21/2024
104.04 609.0000.14500110524 INVSMALL LOT MNMN83673201102MAIN11/21/2024
300.06 609.0000.14500110524 INVMN83672201102
5.00 609.9791.42199110524 INVMN83672201102 117
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 29/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
5.00 609.9792.42199110524 INVMN83673201102
414.10
189.00 609.9792.44020REPAIR MAIN ENTRY DOOR-TV2STANLEY ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES LLC0907253843201103MAIN11/21/2024
11.09 101.1940.42000NAPKINS, WRIST CUSHION, BIC WITE-OUTSTAPLES ADVANTAGE6016248464201104MAIN11/21/2024
25.25 101.1940.42171NAPKINS, WRIST CUSHION, BIC WITE-OUT6016248464201104
36.34
162.75 101.2100.42172CANCER AWARENESS BADGESUN BADGE COMPANY INC420823201105MAIN11/21/2024
25.00 101.3121.44300DUMP RUBBLE 102124SUPERIOR SAND AND GRAVEL, INC.25795201106MAIN11/21/2024
75.00 101.5200.44300DUMP RUBBLE 10182425405201106
100.00
1,053.00 101.3121.42160AC 3/8" AGGREGATE MIXEST A SCHIFSKY & SONS INC70686201107MAIN11/21/2024
238.14 101.3121.42160AC SAND MIX70710201107
1,621.62 101.3121.42160AC 3/8" AGGREGATE MIXES70731201107
2,912.76
423.25 101.1410.43050COUNCIL MINUTES 101424, 102824TIMESAVER OFF SITE SECRETR INCM29590201108MAIN11/21/2024
220.00 601.9600.43050COLIFORM TESTING 1024TWIN CITY WATER CLINIC INC21320201109MAIN11/21/2024
980.58 101.5001.43050TAE KWON DO & LITTLE TIGERS FALL 091224-101724ULTIMATE MARTIAL ARTS INC110724201110MAIN11/21/2024
545.14 101.2200.43210102524 586753132-00001 VERIZON WIRELESS9977213998201111MAIN11/21/2024
120.67 609.9791.44020111224 MOPS,MATS,TOWELSVESTIS SERVICES. LLC2500554066201112MAIN11/21/2024
396.50 609.0000.14500110824 INVVINOCOPIA INC0362006-IN201113MAIN11/21/2024
12.00 609.9791.42199110824 INV0362006-IN201113
408.50
735.09 603.9530.42920RECYCLE ROLLOFF 103124WASTE MANAGEMENT OF WI-MN INC9882694-0500-3201114MAIN11/21/2024
1,040.25 101.2100.4381051-5047554-2XCEL ENERGY (N S P)1142389242201115MAIN11/21/2024
1,040.25 101.2200.4381051-5047554-21142389242201115
45.28 101.2200.4381051-4217828-31143629275201115
10.48 101.3160.4381051-4174399-11142089565201115
10.50 101.3160.4381051-4941920-11141833789201115
13.33 101.3160.4381051-7867950-21142431880201115
123.78 101.3160.4381051-0014819919-21142730917201115
158.65 101.3160.4381051-7867659-81142861406201115
174.96 101.5129.4381051-4697130-61142622676201115
59.50 101.5200.4381051-0012266105-31142483368201115 118
Item 13.
CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 30/30Page
:
11/21/2024 11:13 AM
User: heathers
DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 11/08/2024 - 11/21/2024
AmountGL #DescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date
390.43 101.5200.4381051-8042065-31142424515201115
169.28 101.5200.4381051-0010057576-71142668046201115
38.95 101.5200.4381051-0011039127-71142700020201115
13.03 101.5200.4381051-9597586-91142440891201115
131.35 101.5200.4381051-5950185-01143645019201115
55.79 212.3190.4381051-9893848-41142443405201115
188.35 212.3190.4381051-0011980129-41142481065201115
659.16 228.6317.4381051-0013059132-81142693997201115
161.07 602.9600.4381051-0013099828-31142499406201115
38.04 604.9600.4381051-0010836533-81142670209201115
197.04 609.9792.4381051-8335212-31143098880201115
101.25 609.9793.4381051-0014068181-71142717976201115
612.14 609.9793.4381051-4436024-51142625568201115
5,432.86
196.00 701.0000.14120PUMP REPAIR KITZAHL-PETROLEUM MAINTENANCE CO0213840201116MAIN11/21/2024
27,405.53 431.3121.45150COMPACT TRACK LOADER #0288ZIEGLER INCIN001691119201117MAIN11/21/2024
27,405.53 431.5200.45150COMPACT TRACK LOADER #0288IN001691119201117
3,637.92 701.0000.14120HYDRAULIC CYLINDERIN001698103201117
58,448.98
1,176,155.48 TOTAL OF 170 CHECKSTOTAL - ALL FUNDS
119
Item 13.
StatusDepositCheck AmountGrossNameCheck NumberBankCheck Date
DirectPhysicalCheck
For Check Dates 11/08/2024 to 11/21/2024
11/20/2024 10:45 AM Check Register Report For City Of Columbia Heights Page 1 of 1
Open0.00665.00665.00UNION 49 100762PR11/15/2024
Open0.005,848.925,848.92SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - DENTAL INSURANCE 100763PR11/15/2024
Open0.00640.00640.00NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS C/O MBR BEN 100764PR11/15/2024
Open0.002,205.932,205.93SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - LONG TERM DISABILI 100765PR11/15/2024
Open0.002,009.402,009.40SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - LIFE INSURANCE 100766PR11/15/2024
Open0.001,400.501,400.50SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - SHORT TERM DISABIL 100767PR11/15/2024
Open0.00558.19558.19FIDELITY SECURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPAN 100768PR11/15/2024
Open0.00200.00200.00COL HTS LOCAL 1216 EFT1401PR11/15/2024
Open0.00720.26720.26AFSCME COUNCIL 5 EFT1402PR11/15/2024
Open0.00160.00160.00COLHTS FIREFIGHTER ASSN EFT1403PR11/15/2024
Open0.001,488.761,488.76MSRS MNDCP PLAN 650251 EFT1404PR11/15/2024
Open0.008,185.058,185.05HSA BANK EFT1405PR11/15/2024
Open0.00130.00130.00COL HGTS POLICE ASSN EFT1406PR11/15/2024
Open0.00105,004.46105,004.46IRS EFT1407PR11/15/2024
Open0.002,559.762,559.76MISSION SQUARE 401 (ROTH) EFT1408PR11/15/2024
Open0.0018,183.1018,183.10MISSION SQUARE 457(B) EFT1409PR11/15/2024
Open0.00762.34762.34MISSION SQUARE RHS EFT1410PR11/15/2024
Open0.0092,175.0892,175.08PERA 397400 EFT1411PR11/15/2024
Open0.0021,605.6921,605.69STATE OF MN TAX EFT1412PR11/15/2024
Open0.001,553.311,553.31PROXIMAL EFT1413PR11/15/2024
13
7
Total Check Stubs:
Total Physical Checks:
0.00266,055.75266,055.75Number of Checks: 020Totals:
120
Item 13.
ITEM: Consideration of a Rental License Exemption for 4933 6th Street NE
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Andrew Boucher, City Planner,
November 19, 2024
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
X Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
_ Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
_Sustainable
BACKGROUND
On November 19, 2024, the owner of 4933 6th Street NE, reached out to the Community Development
Department requesting an exemption from the single-family rental density cap. Attached is the letter that
staff received. Section 1 of Ordinance 1685, which established the single-family rental density cap, states that
a property owner may request a temporary license to allow an additional rental property for that block. The
property is located on Block 64 which has a total of 23 single family houses and an allotment of two (2) rentals
with the block being at the capacity containing two (2) existing rentals. The City Council may grant or deny a
temporary license in its sole discretion.
As it is the homeowners’ right to appeal to the Council. Staff brought forth the appeal along with supporting
documents for discussion and review.
If approved, Resolution 2024-089 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 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 temp orary 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 RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approving resolution 2024-089, a resolution approving the single-family rental exemption
request for the rental application at 4933 6th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 25, 2024
121
Item 14.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-089, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-089, a resolution approving the single-family rental exemption
request for the rental application at 4933 6th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Letter from the Homeowner
2. Resolution 2024-089
3. Location of the property image
4. Ordinance 1685
122
Item 14.
City Council Resolution 2024-089
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-089
A RESOLUTION APPROVING SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL EXEMPTION REQUEST FOR THE RENTAL APPLICATION
AT 4933 6th STREET NE, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421
BE IT RESOLVED BY the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Columba Heights, Minnesota (the “City”) as
follows:
WHEREAS, on August 14, 2023, the Council approved ordinance 1685 which established a rental density limit
for detached single-family rental dwellings by splitting the city into blocks and capping the number of rentals
per that block; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1685 establishes that applicants that are not allowed to obtain a single-family rental
license because of the density limits will be able to request an exemption and the Council has sole discretion to
grant the exemption requests for a span of one year, if the situation lasts longer than a year, the applicant can
re-apply for the temporary license but a property owner is only allowed a temporary license for no more than
two years; and,
WHEREAS, the City has received a request from the owner of 4933 6th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
to make an exception for the property and allow a new rental license to be issued.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City does hereby approve the exemption request for 4933 6th Street
NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421, allowing the homeowner to apply for a temporary one -year rental license,
with the addition of the following requirements.
1. The owner of 4933 6th Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 must apply for and complete the licensing
process, to receive the temporary license, within 3 months of the passage of this resolution.
2. The temporary rental license shall be valid for the period of one year after the date that the license has
been approved.
3. After the one-year term of the temporary license, the rental license will be revoked, and the property
owner may re-apply for the temporary license again for no more than a period of two years for the
same property.
123
Item 14.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Resolution 2024-089 Page 2
ORDER OF COUNCIL
Passed this _________ day of ______________________, 2024
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
________________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
124
Item 14.
1
Andrew Boucher
From:Mr. DANG <artaladang@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 12:11 PM
To:Andrew Boucher
Subject:Re: 4933 6th Street NE - Rental Density Exemption
Attachments:image001.png
Yes please, I would like to apply for the exemption. I unfortunately bought during the housing bubble of
2006, where I lived with my second wife. Currently, I have 2 friends living in the unit. One has a dog and
the other is recovering from an assault about a month ago and it would be very hard for them to move
abruptly. I had not received any notice prior to the unlawful occupancy declaration or I would have surely
acted much sooner. Please allow me the opportunity to become compliant, and I welcome whatever the
inspectors recommend.
I have read the minutes you recommended and realize that this is a temporary exemption, lasting no
more than 2 years(filed annually). Let it be known that I do intend to sell within the next two years as I'm
finally a bit above water on my mortgage.
Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me at this time.Thank you so much for your
help and consideration.
Mark Stelmach
6122420412
On Tue, Nov 19, 2024, 11:29 AM Andrew Boucher <ABoucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov> wrote:
Mark,
Your property at 4933 6th Street NE is on a block that is at the single-family rental density capacity, so the City
would not be able to accept your rental license application at this time. If you are interested in pursuing a single-
family rental density exemption, please see the information below and attached ordinance No. 1685.
125
Item 14.
2
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.
Please review the attached ordinance No. 1685 for the Single-Family Rental Density Limit and submit a written
narrative if you are interested in pursuing a rental density exemption.
If you look on the City of Columbia Heights’ website, under Agendas and Minutes you can find the packets for the
following meetings where single-family rental density exemptions were considered;
• October 9 , 2023 (rental exemption was approved)
126
Item 14.
3
• November 13, 2023 (rental exemption was denied)
• January 8, 2024 (rental exemption was approved)
• January 22, 2024 (rental exemption was approved)
If the number of detached single-family dwelling rental properties meets or exceeds the permitted number of
rental properties per defined block on the effective date of the ordinance from which this 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 and no property owner shall hold a temporary rental license for the
same property for more than two consecutive years.
You can include your narrative as a response to this email if you are interested in pursuing the rental density
exemption. If you can get it to me before the end of business today, then I can get it on the agenda for the Monday,
November 25, 2024 City Council meeting otherwise the next available Council meeting would be Monday,
December 9, 2024.
Let me know if you have any questions,
Thanks,
Andrew
From: Mr. DANG <artaladang@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:21 AM
To: Andrew Boucher <ABoucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject:
Andrew,
127
Item 14.
4
Hello, I was referred to you regarding the rental density cap in Columbia heights. My property is 4933 6th
St,and I was notified that I need to get a rental property license, but was told my area may already be at
capacity.
Unfortunately, I am playing catch-up since I already have a few friends in the house that I was helping
out, which I now realize is not allowed without the rental property license. I was told by someone at the
inspection office that you would be the next step to verify whether or not I could still apply for the
license/inspection/ect .
Please let me know your thoughts so I can get compliant, and/or a possible exemption. Thank you for
your time.
Mark Stelmach
612-242-0412
Disclaimer: Information in this message or attachment may be government data and thereby subject to the Minnesota Government
Data Practices Act; may be subject to attorney-client or work product privilege; may be confidential, privileged, proprietary, or
otherwise protected. The unauthorized review, copying, retransmission, or other use or disclosure of the information is strictly
prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please immediately notify the sender of the transmission error
and then promptly delete this message from your computer system.
128
Item 14.
³
An oka County Parcel Viewer
Owner Information:
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data are believ ed to be acc urate, b ut accura cy is not gu aran teed. This is not a legal docume nt and sho uld not besubstituted for a title searc h, apprais al, survey, or for zoning verification.
Date: 11/19/20241:600Anoka County GIS
STELMACH MARK T
1424 WHITE BE A R AVE
SAINT PAUL
MN
55106
Parce l Information:
26-3 0-24-2 4-0189
4933 6TH ST NE
MN
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
55421
MANDY MEISNER
0.11Approx. Acres:
ROSLYN PARK
Commissioner:
Plat:
129
Item 14.
130
Item 14.
131
Item 14.
132
Item 14.
133
Item 14.
134
Item 14.
ITEM: Authorization of SolSmart Participation
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Andrew Boucher – City Planner
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Healthy and Safe Community
_Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Friendly
_Trusted and Engaged Leadership
_Thriving and Vibrant Destination Community
X Strong Infrastructure and Public Services
X Sustainable
BACKGROUND
SolSmart is a program designed to provide no-cost technical assistance to help local governments identify
barriers to renewable energy and implement national best practices to expand solar energy use in
jurisdictions. Communities are recognized and celebrated through a SolSmart designation of Bronze, Silver,
Gold, or Platinum through actions, outreach, and education in a series of categories such as: Permitting and
Inspection, Planning and Zoning, Government Operations, Community Engagement, and Market Development.
The City will work in partnership with the SolSmart Team and Metropolitan Council to improve solar market
conditions, making it faster, easier, and more affordable for residents and businesses to install solar energy
systems along with increasing the efficiency of local processes related to solar development. The City intends
to leverage SolSmart to achieve the solar goals defined in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Partners in
Energy participation to increase access to renewable energy and expand on energy conservation goals.
To begin the process, the City needs to meet a few prerequisite criteria before the Bronze Designation can be
achieved including specific actions such as:
Provide a Solar Statement demonstrating the City’s commitment to pursue SolSmart Designation.
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittal s, and steps of the permitting
process for residential rooftop solar PV.
Review zoning requirements and identify restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar
PV development such as height restrictions, setback requirements, screening a nd visibility, etc. and
have these compiled in a memo.
The Sustainability Commission reviewed the Solar Statement and the program guide including a variety of
actions in the categories mentioned above at the November 20, 2024 meeting and gave a positive
recommendation in support of participation.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve Resolution 2024 – 087 authorizing staff to submit the Solar
Statement letter and begin participation in SolSmart.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA SECTION ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
MEETING DATE NOVEMBER 25, 2024
135
Item 15.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024 – 087, there being ample copies available to the
public.
MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2024 – 087, being a resolution authorizing the City of Columbia
Heights’ participation in the SolSmart Designation Program, and direct staff to complete the actions
described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution 2024-087
Solar Statement
Solar Permit Checklist
SolSmart Program Guide
136
Item 15.
City Council Resolution 2024-087
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-087
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SOLSMART
DESIGNATION PROGRAM AND APPROVE THE SOLAR STATEMENT
BE IT RESOLVED BY the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Columba Heights, Minnesota (the “City”) as
follows:
WHEREAS, on November 20, 2024, the Sustainability Commission heard a presentation on SolSmart and
reviewed the City’s statement to participate in the program before giving a positive recommendation to the
Council Liaison to introduce the proposal at the next City Council meeting; and
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2024, the City Council reviewed the solar statement, online checklist for permitting
and inspection information, and the program guide identifying various actions that are recognized and
celebrated by Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Designations after achieving a number of points in Permitting
and Inspection, Planning and Zoning, Government Operations, Community Engagement, and Market
Development, and provided staff with direction to authorize participation in the SolSmart Designation Program;
and
WHEREAS, the City has indicated interest in Solsmart’s program to make progress on the goals identified in
Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework, expand the services and programs available to commercial and
residential tenants and property owners, and enhance the overall health of the built community; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that participation in SolSmart will advance goals of the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan and Partners in Energy as well as core city strategies such as healthy and safe communities, strong
infrastructure and public services, sustainable, and trusted and engaged leadership ; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City does hereby approve Resolution No. 2024 – 087 authorizing the
participation in the SolSmart Designation Program with the following requirements:
1. Provide a Solar Statement demonstrating the City’s commitment to pursue SolSmart Designation.
2. Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of the permitting
process for residential rooftop solar PV.
3. Review zoning requirements and identify restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar
PV development such as height restrictions, setback requirements, screening and visibility, etc. and
have these compiled in a memo.
137
Item 15.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Resolution Page 2
ORDER OF COUNCIL
Passed this _________ day of ______________________, 2024
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
________________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
138
Item 15.
City of Columbia Heights | Community Development
3989 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3670 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
SolSmart – Solar Statement
November 25, 2024
Debra Perry: International City/County
Management Association
777 North Capitol St. NE, Ste. 500
Washington, DC 20002
Brandy O’Quinn: Interstate Renewable
Energy Council
125 Wolf Road, Suite 100
Albany, NY 12205
Dear Debra Perry and Brandy O’Quinn:
On behalf of (the City of Columbia Heights) I am proud to announce our commitment to become
a SolSmart-designated community. In partnership with the SolSmart team, our dedicated staff
members will work to improve solar market conditions, making it faster, easier, and more
affordable for our residents and businesses to install solar energy systems. These efforts will also
increase the efficiency of local processes related to solar development, which may save our local
government time and money.
The City of Columbia Heights seeks to leverage SolSmart to achieve the following solar goals:
Increase access to solar energy and expand on the City’s energy conversation goals,
policies, and implementation strategies identified in the 2040 and 2050 Comprehensive
Plan as well as Partners in Energy to identify barriers and adding beneficial language to
renewable energy within the zoning code, and improving participation in energy program
participation throughout the community.
The City of Columbia Heights intends to implement SolSmart best practices to continue
further encourage public and private partnerships and investment in solar energy
resources such as energy procurement, installation of solar systems and beneficial
electrification within public buildings or properties, and providing resources for
businessowners, homeowners, and landlords in purchasing renewable energy or installing
systems.
These goals demonstrate that our community is committed to making continual improvement in
our solar market. This includes ensuring solar development is inclusive and equitable. We’re
looking forward to learning more from the SolSmart program how to expand access to solar for
all our residents and support solar energy adoption for those that are under resourced or
underserved.
To measure progress along the way, we will track key metrics related to solar energy
deployment, such as installed solar, permitting processing time, and growth in residential
installations
139
Item 15.
November 25, 2024
Page 2 Page 2
We understand that the SolSmart program has criteria and point requirements as outlined in the
SolSmart Program Guide needed to achieve each tier of designation. We’re excited to submit this
solar statement to complete the first requirement of the program.
Inquiries related to our SolSmart participation can be directed to (Andrew Boucher – City
Planner) at (aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov) or 763-706-3673.
Sincerely,
Andrew Boucher, AICP | City Planner (he/him)
City of Columbia Heights | Community Development Department
3989 Central Avenue NE | Columbia Heights, MN 55421
aboucher@columbiaheightsmn.gov
Direct: 763-706-3673 | Main: 763-706-3670
140
Item 15.
City of Columbia Heights | Community Development
3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3670 ▪ www.columbiaheightsmn.gov
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permitting Checklist
The pre-submittal checklist below contains the minimum information and project plan details required
to be submitted to the City of Columbia Heights when applying for a permit to install a residential or
commercial/non-residential solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The intent of using the checklist is to provide
transparent and well-defined information to minimize the number of required revisions, improve permit
application quality, and accelerate the application and review process.
Codes and Design Criteria
The City of Columbia Heights has adopted the following codes: [2020 Minnesota Residential Code, 2020
Minnesota Building Code, 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code, 2020 Minnesota Accessibility Code,
2020 Minnesota Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code, 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code, 2020 Minnesota
Conservation Code for Existing Buildings, 2020 Minnesota Fire Code, Minnesota Electrical Code.
The following local design criteria should be used: [max wind speed 115mph, ground snow load is 50psf,
frost depth is 42”, maximum assumable soil bearing capacity can vary from location to location. In the
absence of soil data we use 2500psf,.
Required Permits
A permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work. Complete the following permit application
form(s) and submit any additional required documents. We require engineering for all solar installations.
This is mainly because of the nature of our housing stock.
Residential Solar PV System:
Electrical Permit
Building Permit
Commercial/non-residential Solar PV System:
Electrical Permit
Building Permit
Solar PV System Plus Technologies:
Electrical Permit
Building Permit
Primary Use Ground-mounted Solar PV System:
Electrical Permit
Building Permit
Additional Required Documents
Site Plan
Site plan should show the location of major components on the property. The site plan
drawing need not be exactly to scale, but it should represent relative location of
components at site (see supplied example site plan).
Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements do not be provided as our fire
department does not deploy rooftop operations.
Electrical Diagram
Commented [ZW1]: Include all relevant information for
small rooftop solar PV systems in this checklist. Optional to
include relevant information for small ground mounted and/or
commercial/non-residential solar PV systems.
Commented [ZW2]: Criteria PI-9 if only 1 permit is
required for small rooftop solar PV.
Criteria PI-7 if a standard PV permit is used.
Commented [ZW3]: Optional information to include.
Commented [ZW4]: Optional information to include.
Commented [ZW5]: Optional information to include.
Commented [ZW6]: Criteria PI-17 if the community
chooses to include details on the required permit(s),
submittals, and steps of your community’s permitting process
for primary use ground mount solar. Details should be
introduced here and in each subsequent section as applicable,
including any additional state required permits. Conversely,
communities can have one permitting checklist that covers
residential solar PV systems (PI-1 requirement) and another
that speaks to alternative project types.
Commented [ZW7]: Edit the following information as
necessary. Please make a note which, if any, documents need
to be engineer stamped, how many copies of the documents
are needed, and what other additional documents are required
for a completed permit application. Include any additional
diagrams, plans, forms, or signatures that might be required.
Source: SolSmart Simplified Solar Permitting Process.
Commented [ZW8R7]: If applicable, please be sure to
differentiate what information is required for Residential Solar
PV Systems vs the optional system types the community
chooses to include details on. For example, it should be clear in
the “Additional Required Documents” section and throughout
the PI-1 permitting checklist what is required for a residential
solar PV system and a primary use ground-mounted solar PV
system, if the community opts to include information on both.
141
Item 15.
Page 2 Page 2
Electrical permits are issued through the MN Department of Labor and Industry.
Specification sheets and installation manuals (if available)
Provide spec sheets and manuals for all manufactured components including, but no
limited to, PV modules, inverter(s), combiner box, disconnects, and mounting system
Contractor Requirements
[If applicable, indicate any certifications and/or registrations that are required.]
Permit Fees
Permit fees are valuation based on a sliding scale. For a $20,000 residential installation the permit fee
would be $422, plan review would be $274.30, and a state surcharge of $10
Complete fee information can be found in [chapter, section, etc.] of the [community name] Code of
Ordinances or in the [fee schedule link to fee schedule].
Submit Permit Application
Permits may be submitted in person, online, or via mail. Online is likely the easiest option.
Review Process Timeline
The Building Safety Department is committed to providing a timely review of solar PV permit
applications. Best efforts are made to review completed residential solar permit applications within 7
business days and commercial/non-residential solar permit applications within 7 business days. These
turnaround times are typical, not guaranteed. Columbia Heights has a staff of dedicated individuals, but
workloads, vacations, and sick leave can cause unforeseen delays that may impact turnaround time.
Certain circumstances can prolong the permit turnaround time including:
Applicant does not submit all required information
Contractor applying for permit is not a licensed contractor
Equipment is not listed
Permit Status
To check your permit status please 763-706-3670
Permit Expiration
All permits expire six (6) months after date of issue. Failure to start the work authorized by a permit
within this six-month period renders the permit invalid and a new permit must be obtained. Once work
begins, noticeable progress must continue until completion. All work must be complete within eighteen
(18) months of a permit issue date.
Scheduling an Inspection and the Inspection Process
To schedule an inspection please call 763-706-3670. Typically, inspections are completed within 3 days.
Inspections are scheduled for a specific time.
A residential solar PV system typically requires one inspection unless roof modifications are needed.
Framing (for roof modifications only)
Final building inspection after the state electrical inspection has been completed.
Review solar PV system inspection requirements here.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact us at:
Commented [ZW9]: Criteria PI-12 if community exempts
or waives fees for residential PV
Criteria PI-13 if community exempts or waives fees for
residential PV for LMI customers
Criteria PI-14 if residential fees are less than $500.
Criteria PI-15 if commercial/non-residential fees are
reasonable and not a revenue source.
Commented [ZW10]: If applicable information is found in
the Code of Ordinances you can link to that information here.
Commented [ZW11]: Criteria PI-10 if solar PV permits and
plans can be submitted and approved online.
Commented [ZW12]: Criteria PI-4 if the turnaround time
is less than 3 business days for residential solar permits.
Commented [ZW13]: Edit as necessary.
Commented [ZW14]: Please add information about how
an applicant can check on their permit status.
Commented [ZW15]: Edit as necessary.
Commented [ZW16]: Criteria PI-20 if appointment times
are offered in lieu of appointment windows.
Criteria PI-21 if an inspection can be scheduled online or via
email.
Commented [ZW17]: Criteria PI-19 if the number of
inspections is no more than 1.
Commented [ZW18]: Criteria PI-18 if inspection
requirements are posted online.
Link to inspection requirements.
Commented [ZW19]: Edit as necessary.
142
Item 15.
Page 3 Page 3
Inspections@columbiaheightsmn.gov
Office Phone Number: 763-706-3670
Address:
Hours of Operation
Office: Mon – Fri 8 am to 4:30 pm
Permit Counter: Mon – Fri from 8 am to 4:30 pm
143
Item 15.
JUNE 2024
144
Item 15.
Update June 2024
SolSmart – Standard Pathway Program Guide
Welcome to SolSmart!
Congratulations on taking action to expand opportunities for solar
in your community! In the next ten years, the amount of solar energy
in the U.S. is expected grow dramatically- by 2033 there is likely to
be five times more solar installed than there is today!1 By
implementing solar-friendly policies, not only can you help
accelerate this transition to clean energy, but you can also ensure
your community is poised to take advantage of the many benefits.
Becoming SolSmart-designated means you are helping your
residents save money, protecting natural resources, bolstering local
resilience and increasing job opportunities in the clean energy
sector. Through SolSmart, your community will get access to free
technical assistance and learn how to implement strategies that
make solar more affordable and accessible to all residents and
businesses. Your SolSmart designation will send a signal that your
community is “open for solar business,” encouraging growth of local
solar companies and other sustainability-minded businesses.
This guide is a comprehensive resource to help you implement solar best practices in your community and
gain national recognition by earning SolSmart designation! This guide will help you to navigate the “Standard
Pathway,” which is applicable to most local governments that have authority over permitting, planning, zoning
and/or inspection processes. Local governments that do not control these processes should refer to the
SolSmart Modified Pathway Program Guide. Regional Organizations, including Regional Planning
Commissions and Councils of Governments, should refer to the Regional Organization Program Guide.
The SolSmart program will connect you with solar best practices from across the country and provide clear
guidance on how to implement these actions. Along the way you will receive points for the actions you take
and achieve recognition as a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum SolSmart-designated community! Throughout
this process, our technical assistance providers are available to provide support at no cost. Please complete
this form to connect with a technical assistance provider and get started on the path to SolSmart designation.
Contents
I. SolSmart Overview, pg. 2
An introduction to the SolSmart Program and the designation process.
II. Criteria Overview, pg. 5
A list of SolSmart criteria organized by category.
III. SolSmart Technical Assistance and Designation Process, pg. 11
A summary of the designation process and how to use the information in the guide to achieve
designation.
IV. Criteria Detail and Verification Guidance, pg. 12
A detailed description of each SolSmart criteria with guidance and examples to assist you in
implementing solar best practices and achieving points toward designation.
1 Solar Energy Industries Association, Solar Market Insight Report 2022 Year in Review, March 2023, available at https://www.seia.org/research-
resources/solar-market-insight-report-2022-year-review
1
Since 2016, over 500 communities
across the U.S. have received
SolSmart designation. Together, we
are making solar more affordable,
attaining local clean energy goals
and creating jobs and opportunities
for all Americans to share in the
benefits of clean, renewable energy!
145
Item 15.
2
I. SolSmart Overview
Across the United States, communities are increasingly using solar energy to power their homes and
businesses and enjoying the benefits of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. Rapidly declining prices for
solar and related technologies have brought vast amounts of solar energy into the mainstream within a few
short years. Homeowners, businesses, schools and local governments are using solar energy to drastically
reduce their utility costs, while also reducing the environmental impact of their energy use. As natural disasters
become more frequent and intense, distributed solar and energy storage is also bolstering energy resilience.
Local and regional governments play an important role in establishing policies, procedures and programs
that impact solar deployment in communities. When local governments create barriers to solar in their local
plans, permitting and other policies, either intentionally or unintentionally, they can hinder solar development.
Alternately, when local governments provide a supportive environment for solar energy and take steps to
streamline permitting, inspection and zoning processes, they expedite the installation of solar PV systems
and help make it more affordable for residents and businesses.
Action at the local level is also fundamental to ensuring that solar programs are equitable and inclusive and
ultimately deliver shared benefits to all Americans. SolSmart is committed to the goals of the federal Justice40
initiative to provide equitable opportunities for underserved communities which face barriers including fossil
fuel dependence, energy burden, environmental and climate hazards, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
SolSmart criteria reflect the importance of developing equitable and inclusive solar policies and programs.
The SolSmart program has two key components. First, the program provides no-cost technical assistance to
help local governments follow national best practices to expand solar energy use in their jurisdictions.
Second, it recognizes and celebrates these communities with SolSmart designations of Bronze, Silver, Gold
or Platinum. SolSmart is led by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy
Technologies Office (SETO).
Local Policies are Important to Reducing Cost
While the cost of solar panels and equipment has decreased considerably, there are still significant
opportunities to reduce “soft costs.” “Soft costs” refer to business or administrative processes that
increase the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system — costs that are then passed on to
customers. These include costs associated with sales and marketing, permitting processes, planning,
zoning considerations, financing and a wide variety of other factors. Overall, these soft costs represent
about 65% of the total cost of a solar energy system.1
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds SolSmart, to help
communities remove administrative barriers, streamline processes and improve local policies in ways
that further local goals and reduce solar soft costs.
1 U.S. Department of Energy, Soft Costs Webpage, available at https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-soft-costs-basics
146
Item 15.
3
Designation Levels
The SolSmart program has developed a set of designation criteria based on established best practices that
encourage the growth of solar energy at the local level. The criteria for the Standard Pathway are organized
into five categories – Permitting and Inspection, Planning and Zoning, Government Operations, Community
Engagement and Market Development. Within each category, SolSmart provides clear guidance and
templates to help communities put these practices into action. Some of the criteria are prerequisites, while
others are elective. Each criterion has a corresponding point value. Upon meeting the prerequisites and
reaching a sufficient number of points in each category, a participant qualifies for SolSmart designation.
There are four levels of SolSmart designation for local governments. Below are the requirements for each
level. Communities that earn 60% of the available points in a category are additionally eligible for a special
recognition award.
Communities may achieve a designation and then continue to work toward higher designation levels by
implementing more actions. SolSmart technical assistance is available to help communities “level up.”
Bronze 60 Total Points 3 Prerequisite Criteria
◻ 20 Points in Permitting
& Inspection ◻ 20 Points in Planning
& Zoning ◻ 20 Points from any
other category
◻ Solar Statement (PR-1) ◻ Solar permitting checklist (PI-1) ◻ Zoning review (PZ-1)
Silver 100 Total Points 4 Prerequisite Criteria
◻ Complete bronze designation
requirements*
◻ Permit staff training (PI-2) ◻ Inspection staff training (PI-3) ◻ Zoning clarification (PZ-4) ◻ Solar landing page (CE-1)
Gold 200 Total Points 3 Prerequisite Criteria
◻ Complete silver designation
requirements*
◻ Permit turnaround time (PI-4) ◻ Zoning accessory use (PZ-5) ◻ Zoning barrier removal (PZ-6)
Platinum 350 Total Points 4 Prerequisite Criteria
◻ Complete gold designation
requirements*
◻ Instant permitting (PI-5) ◻ Post metrics (PI-6) ◻ Install solar (GO-1) ◻ Community partnerships (CE-2)
* If you are leveling-up to the next designation level, and your previous designation was completed more than two years ago, you may be asked to confirm
that prior completed actions and prerequisites are still current.
147
Item 15.
4
Criteria Categories
Below is a summary of each category and the types of actions that are recognized as best practices in each.
Permitting and Inspection (PI) | 28 Criteria | 275 Points
Most local governments have direct oversight of the permitting and inspection policies and procedures within
their jurisdiction. Communities that implement permitting best practices provide solar developers and installers
with a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective approval process. Well-trained staff and simplified permit
applications can reduce staff time needed to review permits which allows them to focus on other priorities.
Clear inspection procedures ensure compliance with applicable state and local codes while protecting public
health and safety. Many of the criteria in the permitting and inspection category can be verified by providing
information in a detailed permitting checklist made publicly available on a local government website.
Verification of trainings for permitting and inspection staff and documented improvements to inspection
processes are also part of ensuring a transparent and efficient permitting and inspection process.
Planning and Zoning (PZ) | 26 Criteria | 215 Points
Local government planning and zoning regulations can help facilitate the rapid expansion of solar energy and
associated technologies, including energy storage and electric vehicles, within a community. Communities
can utilize planning and zoning regulations to increase opportunities for rooftop and ground-mounted solar
energy while also advancing other community goals including affordable housing, economic development,
clean transportation and the protection of natural and cultural resources. Plans should set forth a vision for
the community’s clean energy future, while zoning codes should provide clear and transparent regulations on
the development and use of solar energy within the jurisdiction. Many of the criteria in the planning and zoning
category can be verified by providing a link to a community’s codes, ordinances, and community plans.
Government Operations (GO) | 14 Criteria | 185 Points
Local governments can lead the way by installing solar energy on public facilities and land. Communities can
engage with their local utility to discuss goals for solar energy, net metering, interconnection, and community
solar. These actions are high impact and can directly lead to an increase in solar energy deployment. Many
of the criteria in the government operations category can be verified by providing documents demonstrating
installed solar capacity such as news articles about solar installations, dashboards/metrics showing solar
production, and contracts that demonstrate solar project construction.
Community Engagement (CE) | 13 Criteria | 90 Points
Local governments can be an important and trusted source of information for residents, businesses, and solar
installers. Providing clear, high-quality information, public education and inclusive engagement opportunities
can help residents and businesses interested in solar energy make informed decisions. Local governments
can support more equitable outcomes by partnering with community organizations and developing goals and
strategies that meet the needs of disadvantaged communities. Many of the criteria in the community
engagement category can be verified by providing information about a community’s solar energy goals,
strategies and partnerships on a local government’s solar webpage.
Market Development (MD) | 10 Criteria | 155 Points
Local governments can collaborate and partner with organizations to promote solar development within their
jurisdiction. Supporting a community solar program, promoting a solarize group-buy campaign, or partnering
with a local financial institution can make solar energy more affordable and accessible for homes and
148
Item 15.
5
businesses while improving business opportunities for solar installers. Many of the criteria in the market
development category can be verified by providing news articles about the local government’s role in
supporting solar development or by providing official documents that established policies or programs.
II. Criteria Overview
The SolSmart Standard Pathway contains 92 criteria, each of which is a specific action that local governments
can implement to encourage solar energy development in their community. Each criterion has a corresponding
point value of 5, 10, or 20. A detailed description with relevant templates, examples and resources to help you
achieve each criterion is available in Section IV.
Criteria
Identifier
Criteria
Points Program Participation Prerequisite Criteria
PR-1 Req'd Provide a document that demonstrates your local government’s commitment to
pursue SolSmart designation.
Criteria
Identifier
Criteria
Points
Permitting and Inspection Criteria
PI-1 Req'd
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of
your community’s permitting process for residential rooftop solar PV. (Required
for Bronze)
PI-2 10
Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and
storage systems. Training must have occurred in the past two years. (Required for Silver)
PI-3
10
Train inspection staff on best practices for inspecting solar PV and/or solar and
storage systems. Training must have occurred within the past two years.
(Required for Silver)
PI-4 20 Post an online statement confirming a three-business day turnaround time for
residential rooftop solar PV. (Required for Gold)
PI-5 20 Demonstrate pathway for instant/automatic approval of residential rooftop solar
PV systems (e.g., using SolarAPP+). (Required for Platinum)
PI-6
10
Post community metrics related to the number of solar PV and solar + storage
permits & inspections processed by the community annually, average annual
permitting & inspection timelines. (Required for Platinum)
PI-7 5 Adopt a standard solar PV permit application form aligned with best practices.
PI-8 5 Distinguish between solar PV systems qualifying for streamlined and standard
permit review.
PI-9 5 Require no more than one permit application form for a small rooftop solar PV
system.
PI-10 20 Provide an online process for solar PV permit submission and approval.
PI-11 5 Receive a demonstration of an instant or automated platform (e.g., SolarAPP+)
and discuss how it might be implemented in the permitting process.
PI-12 20 Exempt or waive fees for residential solar PV permit applications.
PI-13 5 Exempt or waive fees for residential solar PV permit applications for LMI
customers.
PI-14 5 Demonstrate that residential permit fees for solar PV are $500 or less.
PI-15
10
Demonstrate that commercial permit fees for solar PV are based on cost-recovery
and capped at a reasonable level so fees do not become a net revenue source.
(e.g., fees cover the cost of the staff time required to review and process the
permit application).
149
Item 15.
6
PI-16
10
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of
your community’s solar plus (e.g., battery storage, and/or electric vehicle
charging) permitting process.
PI-17 10
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of
your community’s permitting process for primary use ground-mount solar and
include any additional state required permits.
PI-18 10 Post solar PV inspection requirements online, including the inspection process
and what details inspectors will review.
PI-19 10 Require no more than one inspection for small rooftop solar PV.
PI-20 10 Offer inspection appointment times in lieu of appointment windows for solar PV.
PI-21 10 Provide an online process for solar PV inspection scheduling.
PI-22 10 Show that the community has implemented virtual, photo, or another innovative
inspection practice with solar and/or solar plus storage.
PI-23
10
Post solar plus (e.g., battery storage and/or electric vehicle charging) inspection
requirements online, including the inspection process and what details inspectors will review.
PI-24 10 Train fire and safety staff on solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. Training
must have occurred in the past two years.
PI-25
10
Train fire and safety staff on specific plans and procedures for responding to an
emergency at a large-scale solar PV system within the jurisdiction. (This may
include a walk-through of the site, coordinated with the project’s owner/operator).
Training must have occurred in the past two years.
PI-26
10
Share site specific solar PV and/or solar and storage permit data, including
addresses, with first responders and their departments. (e.g., through software
that allows users to view searchable, filterable data about a specific site and
system).
PI-27 5
Clearly identify all local amendments to model codes where local code deviates
from model code for solar and solar plus storage. Summarize those local amendments on a public webpage.
PI-28
10
Demonstrate that current model code (IRC, IBC, and NEC) cycle is implemented
in the community for solar and solar plus storage (codes must be the most recent
editions (or penultimate edition).
Criteria
Identifier
Criteria
Points
Planning and Zoning Criteria
PZ-1
Req'd
Review zoning requirements and identify restrictions that intentionally or
unintentionally prohibit solar PV development. Compile findings in a memo.
(Required for Bronze).
Examples include: height restrictions, set-back requirements, screening
requirements, visibility restrictions, etc.
PZ-2 5 Present PZ-1 memo findings to planning commission or relevant body.
PZ-3
5
Draft proposed language for changes to zoning code based on PZ-1 memo and
PZ-2 dialogue. Involve planners and/or local zoning experts and/or the public
(e.g., through community-based organizations) in the creation of the draft
language.
PZ-4
0
Post an online document from the Planning/Zoning Department that states
accessory use solar PV is allowed by-right in all major zones. (e.g., via a zoning
determination letter). (Required for Silver unless Gold Requirement PZ-5 is
achieved. If PZ-5 is achieved, PZ-4 is not necessary.)
150
Item 15.
7
PZ-5 10 Codify in the zoning ordinance that accessory use rooftop solar PV is explicitly
allowed by-right in all major zones. (Required for Gold, PZ-4 is optional)
PZ-6
10
Ensure the zoning ordinance language does not include intentional or
unintentional barriers to accessory use rooftop solar PV, including but not limited
to aesthetic or performance standards, screening requirements, limits to visibility,
excessive restrictions to system size or rooftop coverage, glare or glint
regulations, and subjective design reviews. (Required for Gold, PZ-4 is optional)
PZ-7 5 Ensure the zoning ordinance permits small ground-mounted solar PV as an
accessory use in at least one zoning district.
PZ-8
5
Ensure the zoning ordinance exempts small ground-mounted solar PV from
certain restrictions on accessory uses (e.g., setbacks, coverage or impervious
surface calculations, or other restrictions).
PZ-9 5
Ensure the zoning ordinance establishes a clear regulatory pathway for large-
scale solar PV (e.g., through a special use permit or through inclusion among
allowed conditional uses).
PZ-10 10 Ensure the zoning ordinance includes a native perennial vegetation and/or
habitat-friendly ground cover standard for large-scale solar PV.
PZ-11 5 Ensure the zoning ordinance enables co-location of solar PV with an agricultural
use such as grazing, apiaries, or crops (agrivoltaics).
PZ-12
5
Ensure the zoning ordinance requires a decommissioning plan that outlines the
terms and conditions for a large-scale solar PV system’s proper removal at the
end of its useful life cycle or in the event of cessation of operation. (The
decommissioning plan may include steps to remove the system, requirements for
disposal and/or recycling of system components, and restoration as needed to
allow for return to agriculture or other land use).
PZ-13 5 Ensure the zoning ordinance establishes solar energy zones and/or solar
overlays for large-scale solar PV.
PZ-14
10
Require new construction to be solar ready in at least one zoning district by
adopting Appendix U (International Code Council), Appendix RB (International
Energy Conservation Code), or another mechanism.
PZ-15 20 Codify a solar requirement for new construction and/or retrofits meeting a specific
threshold, in at least one zoning district.
PZ-16 10 Require new construction affordable housing and multifamily housing to be solar ready.
PZ-17 10 Provide clear guidance for the installation of solar PV in areas such as historic
properties, flood zones or special overlay districts.
PZ-18 10 Train planning and zoning staff on best practices in planning and zoning for solar
PV. Training must have occurred in the past two years.
PZ-19 5
Post an online fact sheet that provides an overview of what zoning allows for
solar PV under what conditions and in which districts (e.g., types and sizes of
solar systems permitted, the processes required, and other relevant information).
PZ-20
10
Include specific solar PV goals, metrics, and strategies in the most current
published version of relevant local plans (e.g., energy plan, climate plan, comprehensive plan).
PZ-21 5 Draft new or updated language and provide a timeline for the inclusion of specific
solar PV goals, metrics, and/or strategies into existing and/or future plans.
PZ-22 5 Share solar PV progress towards achieving targets or metrics from PZ-20 on the
solar landing page.
PZ-23 10
Include specific large-scale solar PV goals, metrics, and strategies in the most
current published version of relevant local plans (e.g., energy plan, climate plan, comprehensive plan).
PZ-24
20
Develop a solar PV assessment that identifies community-wide feasibility for solar
PV development within a jurisdiction (differentiate between large-scale, municipal,
etc.)
151
Item 15.
8
PZ-25 10 Enable solar rights through a local solar access ordinance.
PZ-26 20 Codify in the zoning ordinance that accessory use energy storage systems are
explicitly allowed by-right in all major zones.
Criteria
Identifier
Criteria
Points
Government Operations Criteria
GO-1 20 Install solar PV on local government facilities and/or local government-controlled
land. (Required for Platinum)
GO-2 10
Discuss community goals for solar PV, net metering, community solar, and/or
interconnection processes with the local utility and explore areas for future
collaboration.
GO-3
10
Coordinate with regional organizations and/or local governments to engage
utilities on advancing solar policies such as utility procurement of solar PV, green tariffs, and/or interconnection process improvements.
GO-4 20 Demonstrate coordination between local government inspectors and utility staff to
reduce Permission to Operate timeline for solar PV.
GO-5 10 Conduct feasibility analysis for solar PV on local government facilities and/or local
government-controlled land.
GO-6 20
Install solar PV integrated with other technologies such as battery storage or
electric vehicle charging on local government facilities and/or local government- controlled land.
GO-7 20 Install solar PV on local government-controlled brownfields and/or under-utilized
properties.
GO-8 10 Require new local government facilities and/or facility retrofits meeting a specific
threshold to be solar ready.
GO-9 20 Procure solar energy for municipal operations through an offsite physical power purchase agreement (PPA), virtual PPA, green tariff or similar structure.
GO-10 5 Obtain a Community Benefits Agreement with solar developer for solar
installation.
GO-11
10
Post metrics related to the number of municipal solar PV or solar PV plus
storage/EV installations and installed capacity, municipal solar PV energy
procured (ownership, PPAs, community solar offtake), and percent (%) of
municipal energy usage offset by renewable energy.
GO-12 10
Directly install or provide technical or financial support for the installation of solar
PV on affordable housing, multifamily housing, community-based organizations, and/or resilience hubs.
GO-13
10
Train local government staff on regulatory and (where applicable) wholesale
market barriers to solar deployment and potential engagement pathways to
address these barriers. Training must have occurred in the past two years.
GO-14 10
Train local government staff on best practices and issues regarding solar
interconnection with the local utility. Training must have occurred within the past
two years.
152
Item 15.
9
Criteria
Identifier
Criteria
Points Community Engagement Criteria
CE-1
10
Post a solar landing page on local government’s website with information that
may include the community’s solar goals, educational materials and tools that
promote solar, and resources for solar development (e.g., permitting checklist,
application forms, zoning regulations, etc.). (Required for Silver)
CE-2
20
Establish partnerships with local community-based organizations or other
organizations focused on serving disadvantaged communities within your
community to define your community’s solar equity goals, develop implementation
strategies, and establish a plan for tracking and reporting on progress. (Required
for Platinum)
CE-3 5 Post online resources about residential and commercial solar PV financing
options and incentives.
CE-4 5 Post online resources about consumer protection and solar PV.
CE-5 5 Post an online summary of state policies related to a property owner’s solar
access and solar rights, including links to state-level policy.
CE-6 5
Post an online summary of state policies related to Homeowner Associations
(HOAs) ability to regulate and/or restrict solar PV, including links to state-level
policy.
CE-7 5 Post online resources about solar installers and/or solar quote platforms for solar
PV.
CE-8 5 Post an online solar map for your community.
CE-9
5
Post an online dashboard or summary of solar PV metrics for your community,
including total installed solar PV capacity, solar PV + storage installations, and
community solar and/or solarize subscribers (if applicable). Metrics should identify
solar PV adoption in disadvantaged communities as well.
CE-10 5 Distribute solar job training and career opportunities in coordination with local
colleges and/or workforce development organizations.
CE-11 5 Demonstrate local government support for local solar projects through speeches,
press releases, opinion articles, etc.
CE-12
10
Discuss solar PV goals and/or strategies for increasing solar PV development,
including large-scale solar plans, solar access, and/or solar adoption in
disadvantaged communities, within an appropriate committee, commission,
taskforce, and/or working group. (e.g., solar is a recurring agenda item during
monthly sustainability commission meetings).
CE-13
5
Support a solar informational session and/or solar tour explaining solar PV
opportunities and policies. Show that session/tour was made accessible to all
members of the community including those in disadvantaged communities. Session/Tour must have occurred within the last 2 years.
Criteria
Identifier
Criteria
Points Market Development Criteria
MD-1 20 Demonstrate activity in state regulatory and/or legislative proceedings regarding
solar PV.
MD-2 20 Support a community-wide group purchase program (e.g., Solarize). Program
must have occurred within the last 2 years.
MD-3
10
Define and implement a pathway specifically for low-to-moderate income (LMI)
residents to participate in a community-wide group purchase program through
program design and/or financing support options.
MD-4 20 Support a community solar program.
153
Item 15.
10
MD-5
10
Define and implement a pathway specifically for low-to-moderate income (LMI)
residents to participate in a community solar program through program design
and/or financing support options.
MD-6 20 Provide residents with Community Choice Aggregation/Energy that includes solar
PV as a power generation source.
MD-7 10 Provide a PACE financing program that includes solar PV as an eligible
technology.
MD-8
20
Provide local incentives or locally-enabled finance (e.g., a revolving loan fund) for
solar PV and/or solar PV + technologies (e.g., battery storage and/or electric
vehicle charging).
MD-9
5
Provide local incentives for solar PV to low-to-moderate income (LMI)
households, disadvantaged communities, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
(DBEs), Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and/or non-profit organizations that provide community services.
MD-10
20
Partner with financial institutions and/or foundations to offer loans, rebates,
grants, or other incentives for solar PV projects. (Financial institutions could
include entities such as a local or regional bank, CDFI, or credit union).
Criteria
Identifier
Criteria
Points Innovative Action Criteria
IA-1
Varies
The actions identified in the categories above represent many of the most
common and impactful efforts communities are taking to make going solar easier
and more affordable for residents and businesses. However, we know that
communities across the country are developing innovative ways to promote and
deploy solar energy. If your community has taken action that was not captured in any of the criteria above, please share it with us.
154
Item 15.
11
III. SolSmart Technical Assistance and Designation Process
Any local government, regardless of previous solar experience, is eligible for SolSmart designation and
associated technical assistance. To request a call with a member of the SolSmart program, please complete
the contact form on SolSmart.org.
Once the local government decides to pursue SolSmart designation,
they need to complete a Solar Statement and submit it to the
SolSmart team. The Solar Statement demonstrates the community’s
commitment to work with the SolSmart program and achieve
designation. The local government will be connected with one of our
technical assistance providers who will work with the community to
review the community’s solar goals and processes. This review helps
determine how close the community is to designation and helps
identify any additional technical assistance needed to achieve
designation. The local government will work with their technical
assistance provider to develop a plan, identify which criteria they will
meet to achieve their desired designation level, and implement best
practices in the community. Once they have completed the required
actions, the local government can submit for designation with support
from their technical assistance provider.
To earn national recognition from the SolSmart Program, a
community must provide documentation of the actions it has
implemented. This may include a combination of signed memos, web
links, program materials, policy documents, etc. as appropriate.
Section IV of this Program Guide provides a detailed description of
each SolSmart criterion with resources to support implementation
and guidance on documentation and verification that will be required
by SolSmart.
Once the local government is ready for designation review, the submission is reviewed by the Designation
Program Administrator within two weeks and the local government is notified of their designation by email.
Local governments are encouraged to celebrate and publicize their designations and to post information about
SolSmart on their own websites. Many SolSmart designees have held events, shared photos and videos, and
taken other actions to publicize their achievements. The designation email contains a Designation Toolkit with
template press release, sample social media, and SolSmart Designation logos. SolSmart will also recognize
local governments on the SolSmart website, on social media, and in the SolSmart newsletter.
Designation Pathways
There are three pathways to
SolSmart designation:
Local governments that control
permitting, inspection, planning,
and zoning use the Standard
Pathway (as summarized in this
guide).
Local governments that do not
control permitting, inspection,
planning, and/or zoning use the
Modified/County Pathway. This
pathway is appropriate for certain
counties that do not have control
over one or more of those
processes.
Regional organizations such as
regional councils or councils of
government use the Regional
Organization Pathway.
155
Item 15.
12
IV. Criteria Detail and Verification Guidance
The SolSmart criteria are based on specific best practices that local governments and community
stakeholders can implement to encourage solar energy development in their community. This section
provides a detailed description of each criterion, recommended verification for designation review,
community examples, templates, and/or resources.
The following provides an overview of the information that is provided for each SolSmart criterion:
Criterion
Identifier
Criterion
Points Criterion Language ☐
Objective and description.
Recommended Verification:
● Suggested options to verify how the community has achieved the criterion.
Community Examples:
● Examples of how other communities have completed the criterion.
Templates:
● Links to a template(s) that can help complete a criterion.
Resources:
● Links to useful websites, reports, guidebooks, etc. that provide guidance related to the criterion.
Solar Statement
PR-1 Req’d Provide a document that demonstrates your local government’s commitment to
pursue SolSmart designation. ☐
Local governments interested in pursuing SolSmart designation must indicate their commitment to supporting solar
development in their community by completing the PR-1 Solar Statement Prerequisite. The solar statement should
be signed by a representative of the local government. It is preferred that the statement is signed by a department
executive or an elected official, but it does not need to go through an official approval process. The solar statement
demonstrates your community’s commitment to pursue SolSmart designation. If possible, please place the solar
statement on your local government’s letterhead. While the PR-1 is a commitment to the program, the best
practices included in the template provided are goals to strive for and non-binding to the criteria you can pursue.
The solar statement should address the items listed in the bullets below. The statement does not need to be more
than one page in length.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed solar statement that includes:
● A commitment to participate in the SolSmart designation process
● A statement of solar goals, areas of focus or community priorities (e.g., streamlining the permitting
processor supporting a non-profit led solar initiative)
● A statement of support for solar development to be inclusive and equitable for all residents
● Past achievements or programs related to solar PV and/or renewable energy
● A commitment to tracking metrics related to solar PV and/or provide a benchmark of available solar metrics
(e.g., the number of installed systems, capacity, growth in residential installations, etc.)
● A commitment of staff time and resources to improve the local market for solar PV
Community Examples:
● Hilliard, OH | SolSmart Silver
● Hopkins, MN | SolSmart Bronze
● Madison, NJ | SolSmart Bronze
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Statement Template | SolSmart
156
Item 15.
13
Permitting and Inspection
PI-1 Req’d
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your
community’s permitting process for residential rooftop solar PV. (Required for Bronze) ☐
Providing a set of requirements for the local solar permitting process (for both residential and commercial solar) on
an easy-to-find local government webpage represents a major step toward overcoming informational barriers. An
online solar permit checklist can be a simple way for a community to accelerate permit approval timelines and save
staff time by reducing the number of inquiries received from solar installers and requests for additional information
associated with incomplete permit applications. Such checklists typically detail all the plans and forms required for
approval and system design requirements.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the online solar PV permitting checklist.
Community Examples:
● Chapel Hill, NC | SolSmart Gold
● Philadelphia, PA | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Solar PV Systems: Job Aids for a Consistent Plan Review Process | Interstate Renewable Energy Council
(IREC)
● California Solar Permitting Guidebook (4th Edition) (pg. 22-24)
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-2 10
Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and
storage systems. Training must have occurred in the past two years. (Required for
Silver) ☐
Regular solar PV training, completed every few years, is a best practice to ensure permit technicians and plan
reviewers are up-to-date on new procedures, codes, and products within the solar industry. Trainings increase staff
knowledge of solar energy systems and ensures they know the best procedures for permit application review and
processing to ensure applications and supporting documents are compliant with building and electrical codes.
Increased staff knowledge can improve processing efficiency, thereby reducing demands on staff time and
resources. Local governments can require staff, including contracted staff through third party permitting companies,
to attend full or half-day workshops (either live or online) and provide resources designed to help keep staff
informed about advances in solar and storage technologies.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo with details about the permit training including name of training, name of trainer,
attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location, agenda, and presentation/slides.
Templates
● SolSmart Training Verification Memo | SolSmart
Resources:
● Permitting Training Module 1 | IREC Solar PV Structural Plan Review – Primary Resource
● Permitting Training Module 2 | IREC Solar PV Electrical Plan Review– Primary Resource
● Permitting Training Module 3 | IREC Solar PV Plan Review Test– Primary Resource
● SolSmart Training Videos Catalog | SolSmart
157
Item 15.
14
PI-3 10
Train inspection staff on best practices for inspecting solar PV and/or solar and
storage systems. Training must have occurred within the past two years. (Required for
Silver) ☐
Regular solar PV training, completed every few years, is a best practice to ensure field inspectors are up-to-date on
new procedures, codes, and products within the solar industry. Trainings increase staff knowledge of solar energy
systems and ensures they know the best procedures for field inspections to ensure compliance with applicable
state and local building and electrical codes. Increased staff knowledge can improve inspection efficiency, thereby
reducing demands on staff time and resources. Local governments can require staff, including contracted staff
through third-party inspection companies, to attend full or half-day workshops (either live or online) and provide
resources designed to help keep staff informed about advances in solar and storage technologies.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo with details about the inspection training including name of training, name of
trainer, attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location, agenda, and presentation/slides.
Templates:
● SolSmart Training Verification Memo | SolSmart
Resources:
● Solar PV Field Inspection Basics – Series | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● SolSmart Training Videos Catalog | SolSmart
PI-4 20 Post an online statement confirming a three-business day turnaround time for
residential rooftop solar PV. (Required for Gold) ☐
Implementing a streamlined permitting process for small-scale solar PV systems (≤10-15 kW) along with other
efforts increase process efficiency and reduce permit turnaround times can result in significant time and cost
savings for staff, solar installers, and solar customers.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to a webpage outlining a permitting pathway for small PV systems of less than three days.
Community Examples:
● Alexandria, VA | SolSmart Gold
● Roseville, MN | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● California Solar Permitting Guidebook (4th Edition) (pg. 22-24)
● National Simplified Residential PV and Energy Storage Permit Guidelines | Interstate Renewable Energy
Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● SolarTRACE | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
PI-5 20 Demonstrate pathway for instant/automatic approval of residential rooftop solar PV
systems (e.g., using SolarAPP+). (Required for Platinum) ☐
Most residential solar systems are simple and standardized, but the high volume of applications can be time
consuming for local permitting departments. Online automated platforms (e.g., SolarAPP+) offer a convenient and
efficient way to manage solar permitting. These platforms can help local governments to stay up to date with
relevant codes, catch errors, improve communication with applicants, accelerate approval for standardized PV
systems, and improve record keeping. Adopting SolarAPP+ may also enable a community to meet several other
SolSmart criteria (see resource below entitled “Moving from Gold to Platinum Designation with SolarAPP+ for more
information).
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the online automated platform
● Utilize SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist (see PI-1) to summarize instructions for using the automated
platform
Community Examples:
● Pima County, AZ | SolSmart Gold
● Sacramento County, CA | SolSmart Gold
● Sonoma County, CA | SolSmart Gold
158
Item 15.
15
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Moving from Gold to Platinum Designation with SolarAPP+ | SolSmart
● SolarAPP+ Benefits National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Register for SolarAPP+ | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● SolarAPP+ Communities | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● SolarAPP+ Performance Case Studies | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
PI-6 10
Post community metrics related to the number of solar PV and solar + storage permits
& inspections processed by the community annually, average annual permitting &
inspection timelines. (Required for Platinum)
☐
Posting metrics publicly provides transparency and allows community members to understand how the community
is progressing toward its goals. This is an important way to create accountability and will help identify the need to
implement further actions if goals are not being met. Metrics must be updated annually at a minimum, but
communities should strive for quarterly updates.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to this information posted on the community’s website or solar landing page. Include date
when the information was last updated and when tracking began.
Community Examples:
● Natick, MA | SolSmart Gold
● Fremont, CA | SolSmart Platinum
Resources:
● SolarTRACE | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
PI-7 5 Adopt a standard solar PV permit application form aligned with best practices. ☐
Developing a solar-specific permit (or combining building and electrical permits with revisions to collect information
unique to solar energy systems) and posting application materials online can save time and money for those
completing the forms (and their customers) and the local government staff reviewing and approving these
applications.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the standard solar PV permit application form.
Community Examples:
● Evanston, IL | SolSmart Gold
● Salt Lake City, UT | SolSmart Bronze
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Permit Application Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● New York State Unified Solar Permit Application| New York State Energy and Research Development
Authority (NYSERDA)
● Simplified Solar Permitting Process | SolSmart
● National Simplified Residential PV and Energy Storage Permit Guidelines | Interstate Renewable Energy
Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-8 5 Distinguish between solar PV systems qualifying for streamlined and standard permit
review. ☐
Recognizing the relative simplicity and similarities of small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (≤10-15 kW in
size) can allow local jurisdictions to establish processes to expedite review and approval of these systems while
maintaining its commitment to ensuring public safety. Establishing a separate, streamlined process for small-scale
PV systems based on proven national best practices can reduce the time required to review and approve qualifying
applications, saving time and money both for the local government and the solar customer.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to a document or web page outlining a streamlined and standard permit review policy.
● Provide details in an e-mail or other written documentation from a permitting official or staff member
describing the policy is also acceptable.
159
Item 15.
16
Community Examples:
● Philadelphia, PA | SolSmart Gold
● Putnam County, GA | SolSmart Silver
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● National Simplified Residential PV and Energy Storage Permit Guidelines | Interstate Renewable Energy
Council (IREC)
PI-9 5 Require no more than one permit application form for a small rooftop solar PV system. ☐
Since rooftop solar energy systems impact both the structural and electrical aspects of the buildings on which they
are installed, many local jurisdictions require both building and electrical permits. However, residential rooftop
systems with minimal structural impacts can be safely permitted without a building permit application. Relevant
design aspects for systems qualifying for only one application form include (but are not limited to): mounting system
features, static and dynamic loads of the system, type of roofing material and waterproofing methods, and
compliance with zoning and fire codes.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the permit application form used for small rooftop solar PV systems.
Community Examples:
● Berkeley, CA | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● New York State Unified Solar Permit Application | New York State Energy and Research Development
Authority (NYSERDA)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-10 20 Provide an online process for solar PV permit submission and approval. ☐
Online permit submittal, review, and approval can eliminate solar installer trips to the permitting office and reduce
the amount of time permitting staff need to spend entering information from paper application forms into an online
database. Online systems can also ensure all required information is submitted prior to any review, saving staff time
by ensuring only completed applications are reviewed. Online permit platforms can allow for multiple staff to review
materials at the same time and to track progress in the review and approval process.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the online platform and instructions for submission and approval.
● If an email-based online process is used:
1) Provide details from building officials or staff describing the process; and
2) Provide a copy of a sample email with personal and confidential information removed.
Community Examples:
● Madison, WI | SolSmart Gold
● Missoula County, MT | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● National Simplified Residential PV and Energy Storage Permit Guidelines | Interstate Renewable Energy
Council (IREC)
● Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP+) | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
160
Item 15.
17
PI-11 5 Receive a demonstration of an instant or automated platform (e.g., SolarAPP+) and
discuss how it might be implemented in the permitting process. ☐
Online automated platforms (e.g., SolarAPP+) offer a convenient and efficient way to manage solar permitting.
Receiving a demonstration of a platform is an opportunity to learn how it can help local governments to stay up to
date with relevant codes, catch errors, improve communication with applicants, accelerate approval for
standardized PV systems, and improve record keeping. Communities can join NREL’s Live Standing Demos to
meet these criteria (see link below under Resources).
Recommended Verification:
● Signed memo that includes date, attendees, presenter, summary of discussion topics and next steps
Resources:
● Live Standing Demos | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Automated Permitting Flyer | SolSmart
● Register for SolarAPP+ | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● SolarAPP+ Communities | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● SolarAPP+ Performance Case Studies | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
PI-12 20 Exempt or waive fees for residential solar PV permit applications. ☐
In addition to state and federal incentives, local governments can also incentivize solar development within their
jurisdictions. Exempting or waiving permit fees for solar energy systems can incentivize community members to
install solar by lowering the overall cost of the system. Communities that receive PI-12 also receive PI-14 (but do
not also receive PI-13).
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the permit fee schedule or other officially approved document that shows solar PV permit
fees are exempt or waived.
Community Example:
● Superior, CO | SolSmart Bronze
● Boone, NC | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-13 5 Exempt or waive fees for residential solar PV permit applications for LMI customers. ☐
One way to further reduce the barriers for LMI residents to install solar PV systems, is to exempt or waive permit
fees. Communities that receive points for PI-12 cannot also receive points for PI-13.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the permit fee schedule or other officially approved document that shows solar PV permit
fees are exempt or waived with detail on the income qualifications.
Resources:
● Rooftop Solar Incentives Remain Effective For Low- And Moderate-Income Adoption | National Renewable
Energy Lab (NREL)
PI-14 5 Demonstrate that residential permit fees for solar PV are $500 or less. ☐
Many local governments permit solar systems through existing permitting processes and permit fees for solar are
often calculated according to value-based methods typically associated with building permits (where the fee is a
certain percentage of the overall project cost). Due to the higher cost of solar installations relative to comparable
projects, fees calculated by a value-based method can become expensive and exceed the cost of the staff time
required to review and issue the permits. For residential systems, capping solar permit fees under $500 or
establishing a flat fee, can ensure permit fees cover staff costs without unnecessarily increasing project costs.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the permit fee schedule or a document that outlines the permit fees applied to a solar
installation.
Community Examples:
● Naperville, IL | SolSmart Silver
● Sacramento, CA | SolSmart Gold
161
Item 15.
18
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Residential Fees Template Memo | SolSmart
● SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● National Simplified Residential PV and Energy Storage Permit Guidelines | Interstate Renewable Energy
Council (IREC)
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-15 10
Demonstrate that commercial permit fees for solar PV are based on cost-recovery and
capped at a reasonable level so fees do not become a net revenue source. (e.g., fees
cover the cost of the staff time required to review and process the permit application).
☐
Many local governments permit solar systems through existing permitting processes and permit fees for solar are
often calculated according to value-based methods typically associated with building permits (where the fee is a
certain percentage of the overall project cost). Due to the higher cost of solar installations relative to comparable
projects, fees calculated by a value-based method can become expensive and exceed the cost of the staff time
required to review and issue the permits. For commercial systems, basing fees on a cost-recovery method can
ensure permit fees cover staff costs without unnecessarily increasing project costs.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the permit fee schedule or a document that outlines the permit fees applied to a solar
installation.
● Provide a narrative that explains the costs incurred in processing the permits (this should include estimates
of the amount of staff hours for each stage of the process and the hourly cost of staff time). This narrative
should show that the fee is not significantly higher than these costs.
Community Examples:
● Naperville, IL | SolSmart Silver
● Sacramento, CA | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Commercial Fees Template Memo | SolSmart
● SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-16
10
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your
community’s solar plus (e.g., battery storage and/or electric vehicle charging)
permitting process.
☐
Local governments can support “solar plus” technologies, including energy storage and electric vehicle charging, by
providing clear information about permitting. An online permit checklist can be a simple way for a community to
accelerate permit approval timelines and save staff time by reducing the number of inquiries received from installers
and requests for additional information associated with incomplete permit applications. Such checklists typically
detail all the plans and forms required for approval and system design requirements.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide link to online permitting checklist for solar plus, EV charging or other “solar plus” technologies.
Community Examples:
● Rocklin, CA | Not Designated
● Sonoma, CA | Not Designated
● Orlando, FL | SolSmart Gold
● Windsor, CA | Not Designated
162
Item 15.
19
Resources:
● Battery Energy Storage System Model Permit | New York State Energy and Research Development
Authority (NYSERDA)
● National Simplified Residential PV and Energy Storage Permit Guidelines | Interstate Renewable Energy
Council (IREC)
● Solar + Storage, A Guide for Local Governments | SolSmart Webinar
● Storage Permitting Resources | Sustainable CUNY Smart Distributed Generation Hub
● EVSE Permitting and Inspection Guidelines | New Buildings Institute
PI-17 10
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your
community’s permitting process for primary use ground-mount solar and include any
additional state required permits.
☐
Providing a set of requirements for the local solar permitting process for primary use ground-mount solar on an
easy-to-find local government webpage represents a major step toward overcoming informational barriers. An
online solar permit checklist can be a simple way for a community to accelerate permit approval timelines and save
staff time by reducing the number of inquiries received from solar installers and requests for additional information
associated with incomplete permit applications. Such checklists typically detail all the plans and forms required for
approval and system design requirements.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the online ground-mount solar PV permitting checklist.
Community Examples:
● Town of Hollis, NH | Not Designated
● Orange County, CA | Not Designated
Resources:
● Solar@Scale Guidebook (pg. 88-100) | ICMA and APA
PI-18 10 Post solar PV inspection requirements online, including the inspection process and
what details inspectors will review. ☐
Providing an online list of inspection requirements will reduce informational barriers between inspectors and solar
installers, helping to ensure that all items in the inspection process have been adequately addressed before
inspectors arrive on site. These checklists can be used to highlight “common mistakes” made by installers.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the online document outlining the inspection process and requirements.
Community Example:
● Harrisonburg, VA | SolSmart Silver
● Ramsey County, MN | SolSmart Bronze
Templates:
● SolSmart Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Field Inspection Checklist | SolSmart
Resources:
● Model Inspection Checklist for Residential Rooftop PV | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Job Aids for a Consistent Plan Review Process | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
PI-19 10 Require no more than one inspection for small rooftop solar PV. ☐
Inspections of standard rooftop solar energy systems installed on existing homes should be consolidated into a
single inspection trip. Any inspections should be limited to the electrical, structural, and fire safety aspects of the
system; excessive reviews add to the time and cost of the inspection process while doing little to ensure system
efficiency or further protect public health or safety. Building and Fire Authorities can enter into agreements allowing
for a single agency to conduct all inspections for systems meeting certain design standards.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide details about the solar PV inspection process that includes information on the type of inspections
(and which departments are involved) and total number inspection trips required.
Community Examples:
● Lake in the Hills, IL | SolSmart Gold
● South St. Paul, MN | SolSmart Bronze
163
Item 15.
20
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Job Aids for a Consistent Plan Review Process | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-20 10 Offer inspection appointment times in lieu of appointment windows for solar PV. ☐
Though inspections of standard rooftop solar PV systems can take as little as 30 minutes to complete, inspection
appointment windows can be up to four or more hours long. Replacing appointment windows with scheduled
appointment times will ensure the inspector and installer are both prepared for the inspection to occur when they
arrive on site. This can save time and money for both the local government and the installer (and for solar
customers as well).
Recommended Verification:
● Provide details about the solar PV inspection process that includes information on inspection appointment
times and how to request an appointment.
Community Examples:
● Coventry, CT | SolSmart Gold
● Pulaski County, VA | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-21 10 Provide an online process for solar PV inspection scheduling. ☐
Similar to online permit submittal, review, and approval processes, an online option for scheduling and managing
inspection requests can promote process efficiency and reduce demands on time and resources for local
government staff.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the online platform for inspection scheduling.
● If an email-based online process is used:
1) Provide details from building official or staff describing the process.
2) Provide a copy of a sample email with personal and confidential information removed.
Community Examples:
● San Leandro, CA | SolSmart Silver
● Raleigh, NC | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Simplifying the Solar Permitting Process: Residential Solar Permitting Best Practices Explained | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PI-22 10 Show that the community has implemented virtual, photo, or another innovative
inspection practice with solar and/or solar plus storage. ☐
Innovations that help to streamline the inspection process can ensure that systems are properly installed while
reducing time and expense. Communities may utilize these practices for systems of a certain type (i.e., residential)
or size.
Recommended Verification:
● Include details on virtual, photo, or another innovative inspection practice in the community’s Inspection
Checklist (PI-1); or
● Describe the innovative practices in a signed memo.
164
Item 15.
21
Community Examples:
● Tampa, FL | SolSmart Bronze
● Pima County, AZ | SolSmart Gold
● County of Los Angeles | Not designated
Resources:
● Construction Photo Resource | NY- Sun
● Inspection Guide for PV Systems For One- and Two- Family Dwellings | County of Los Angeles
PI-23 10
Post solar plus (e.g., battery storage and/or electric vehicle charging) inspection
requirements online, including the inspection process and what details inspectors will
review.
☐
Providing an online list of inspection requirements will reduce informational barriers between inspectors and energy
storage installers, helping to ensure that all items in the inspection process have been adequately addressed before
inspectors arrive on site. These checklists can be used to highlight “common mistakes” made by installers.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the online document outlining the inspection process and requirements.
Community Examples:
● Palo Alto, CA | Not Designated
Templates:
● SolSmart Energy Storage Field Inspection Checklist Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Battery Energy Storage System Electrical Checklist | New York State Energy and Research Development
Authority (NYSERDA)
● Solar + Storage, A Guide for Local Governments | SolSmart Webinar
● EVSE Permitting and Inspection Guidelines | New Buildings Institute
PI-24 10 Train fire and safety staff on solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. Training must
have occurred in the past two years. ☐
Regular solar PV training, completed every few years, is a best practice to ensure firefighters and first responders
are up-to-date on new procedures, codes, and products within the solar industry. Though fires caused by rooftop
solar PV systems are extremely rare, firefighters responding to fires caused by other means need to take special
precautions when a solar PV system is present. Training fire safety staff on how to identify and avoid potential
hazards can help ensure the safety of first responders and reduce misconceptions or discomfort around increased
solar deployment.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo with details about the fire and safety staff training including name of training, name
of trainer, attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location.
Templates:
● SolSmart Training Verification Memo | SolSmart
Resources:
● Firefighter Safety and Photovoltaic Systems (Training Course) | UL
● Photovoltaic (PV) Systems | National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
● Solar + Storage, A Guide for Local Governments | SolSmart Webinar
● Solar PV Safety for Firefighters | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Fire Safety for Solar PV | SolSmart Webinar
● Fire Safety for Solar PV | SolSmart Slide Deck
PI-25
10
Train fire and safety staff on specific plans and procedures for responding to an
emergency at a large-scale solar PV system within the jurisdiction. (This may include a
walk-through of the site, coordinated with the project’s owner/operator). Training must
have occurred in the past two years.
☐
Though fires and other emergencies at large-scale solar PV systems are extremely rare, fire and safety staff should
partner with a large-scale solar system owner/operator to ensure first responders have a standard operating
procedure (SOP) outlining how to address a fire or rescue operation at the large-scale solar project. The solar
system owner/operator should work with fire responder to ensure SOPs are established and that the fire and safety
staff have received any necessary training. Along with a basic understanding of solar PV and fire safety, firefighters
and safety staff should be familiar with the project site and characteristics, including where to enter the site, location
165
Item 15.
22
of system components, if battery storage is present at the site, and proper shutdown procedures. First responders
should also know key points of contact for the project in case of an emergency.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo with details about emergency response plans and procedures.
● Provide a link to the requirement in the community’s code of ordinances.
Community Examples:
● Putnam County, GA (e,9) | SolSmart Silver
● York, ME (pg. 178 – f,3) | Not Designated
Templates:
● SolSmart Training Verification Memo | SolSmart
Resources:
● Fire Fighter Safety and Emergency Response for Solar Power Systems | The Fire Protection Research
Foundation
● Solar PV Safety for Firefighters | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
PI-26 10
Share site specific solar PV and/or solar and storage permit data, including addresses,
with first responders and their departments. (e.g., through software that allows users
to view searchable, filterable data about a specific site and system).
☐
Fire and safety staff can benefit from having access to the locations of permitted solar PV systems. This gives fire
departments advanced knowledge about homes or businesses that have on-site solar and allows them to develop a
plan before arriving onsite.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide details about the process for information sharing, including how fire and safety staff received the
data.
● Provide a link to the platform that allows fire and safety staff to access the data.
Community Examples:
● Adams County, CO | SolSmart Gold
● Freeport, IL | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Solar PV Construction: Codes, Permitting, and Inspection | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Solar PV Safety for Firefighters | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
PI-27 5
Clearly identify all local amendments to model codes where local code deviates from
model code for solar and solar plus storage. Summarize those local amendments on a
public webpage.
☐
Sometimes local codes must deviate from model codes for reasons specific to that community. Informing the public
which local codes differ and why increases transparency and trust. Post on the community’s website or solar
landing page a table summarizing the current model code adopted by the community and list amendments relevant
to solar PV and energy storage.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to this information posted on the community’s website or solar landing page.
PI-28 10
Demonstrate that current model code (IRC, IBC, and NEC) cycle is implemented in the
community for solar and solar plus storage (codes must be the most recent editions
(or penultimate edition)).
☐
The safe and reliable installation of solar PV systems and their integration with the nation’s electric grid requires
timely implementation of the foundational codes and standards governing solar deployment. The codes, which are
typically updated every three years, are not necessarily adopted as soon as they are published. State and local
governments generally adopt the codes on schedules related to state and local governmental processes. This
variability makes it more difficult (and costly) for a solar installer to operate across multiple jurisdictions. Therefore,
states and localities are encouraged to update their codes to more effectively regulate solar development.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to this information posted on the community’s website or solar landing page.
166
Item 15.
23
Planning and Zoning
PZ-1
Req’d
Review zoning requirements and identify restrictions that intentionally or
unintentionally prohibit solar PV development. Compile findings in a memo. (Required
for Bronze). Examples include: height restrictions, set-back requirements, screening
requirements, visibility restrictions, etc.
☐
A community’s zoning ordinance and land use regulations create statutory limits on what individuals may do with
their property as a matter of right and often provides additional processes to consider special exceptions. Land use
regulations often contain use standards that provide additional requirements for certain types of development. Local
governments should be aware of any restrictions that could intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar energy
development within their community and consider removing those barriers to promote easier and more equitable
solar deployment. Often, removing restrictive zoning language can save property owners time and money because
they can avoid going through a more extensive process to have their solar system considered.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed SolSmart Zoning Review Memo.
Community Examples:
• Gurnee, IL | SolSmart
Resources:
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-2 5 Present PZ-1 memo findings to planning commission or relevant body. ☐
The zoning ordinance review memo can be the starting point for ordinance amendments to remove barriers to solar
or add language that could promote development. Presenting the findings of the memo to a relevant commission or
body can start conversations about updates to solar energy regulations within the community. If the relevant
commission or body is interested in updating the zoning ordinance, they can direct staff to draft recommendations.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide meeting minutes, meeting agenda, or materials prepared for the meeting (e.g., handouts and
slides) that demonstrate a discussion about the zoning review.
Community Examples:
● Council Bluffs, IA | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-3 5
Draft proposed language for changes to zoning code based on PZ-1 memo and PZ-2
dialogue. Involve planners and/or local zoning experts and/or the public (e.g., through
community-based organizations) in the creation of the draft language.
☐
A local government interested in enabling solar energy development should consider including basic solar
information in the zoning ordinance such as a purpose, definitions, clarification on accessory use and primary use
solar, and use standards. Zoning codes that contain no or little information about solar energy can complicate the
process for homes and businesses that want to install a solar energy system. Including basic information about
solar energy improves transparency of processes and clarity of development requirements and can enhance the
growth of the local solar market in an organized and efficient manner. The local government should provide
education to the public about the drafted changes to the zoning code and how that impacts residents.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide draft language of the proposed zoning ordinance changes that clarify solar energy requirements,
address gaps identified by PZ-1 memo, and remove barriers to solar development.
Community Examples:
● Sun Prairie, WI |SolSmart Platinum
Resources:
● Renewable Energy Ordinance Framework: Solar PV | Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
(DVRPC)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
167
Item 15.
24
PZ-4
0
Post an online document from the Planning/Zoning Department that states accessory
use solar PV is allowed by-right in all major zones. (e.g., via a zoning determination
letter). (Required for Silver unless Gold Requirement PZ-5 is achieved. If PZ-5 is
achieved, PZ-4 is not necessary.)
☐
Including solar energy in the zoning ordinance provides the highest level of policy certainty and clarity. A zoning
ordinance change that codifies accessory use solar as an allowed or by-right use is a best-case scenario. However,
this may be impractical or politically difficult to achieve in the short term, or outside of a zoning update cycle.
Instead of an ordinance change, local governments may write and publish a zoning determination letter clarifying
that accessory use solar is an allowed or by-right use in all major zones. This clarification removes uncertainty and
can increase solar adoption and lower costs for residents and businesses.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to an online document (and the parent webpage) that clarifies that accessory solar PV is an
allowed or by-right use in all major zones.
● This document should:
1) show that the process does not involve staff discretion, special permits, conditional permits, use
permits, or variances
2) have language that demonstrates its applicability in all major zones
3) be made public; and
4) be dated and signed by a Department or Committee head.
Community Examples:
● Egg Harbor, WI | SolSmart Silver
● South Miami, FL | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-5 10 Codify in the zoning ordinance that accessory use rooftop solar PV is explicitly
allowed by-right in all major zones. (Required for Gold, PZ-4 is optional) ☐
A community’s zoning ordinance and land use regulations create statutory limits on what individuals may do with
their property as a matter of right. Zoning often provides additional processes, which can be long and costly, to
consider special exceptions when a proposal is inconsistent with current land use regulations. Codifying solar as an
accessory use and as an allowed or by-right use in all major zoning categories provides policy certainty and clarity
which can promote easier and more equitable solar deployment. It can increase solar development and save
property owners time and money because they can avoid going through a more extensive process to have their
solar system considered.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance, use table, and/or land use regulations that codify solar as an
accessory use and is an allowed, permitted or by-right use. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Lansing, MI (pg. 36) | SolSmart Silver
● Philadelphia, PA (Section 14-604.7.a) | SolSmart Gold
● Pepperell, MA | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Best Practice Guidance for Solar and Zoning – Accessory Use | SolSmart
● Georgia’s Model Solar Ordinance | Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute
● Model Solar Energy Local Law (NY) | New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA)
● Model Zoning for the Regulation of Solar Energy Systems | Massachusetts Department of Energy
Resources
● Renewable Energy Ordinance Framework: Solar PV | Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
● Solar Model Ordinance | Grow Solar Toolkit
● Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance for North Carolina | North Carolina Clean Energy
Technology Center (NCCETC)
● Are You Solar Ready? | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Best Practices in Zoning for Solar | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
168
Item 15.
25
PZ-6
10
Ensure the zoning ordinance language does not include intentional or unintentional
barriers to accessory use rooftop solar PV, including but not limited to aesthetic or
performance standards, screening requirements, limits to visibility, excessive
restrictions to system size or rooftop coverage, glare or glint regulations, and subjective design reviews. (Required for Gold, PZ-4 is optional)
☐
While communities may set standards to further regulate the design, size, use, and placement of rooftop solar PV
systems, it is important to ensure these do not intentionally or unintentionally impose barriers to accessory use
rooftop solar. For example, such standards can increase system costs/reduce production (e.g., screening, visibility
limits), go beyond a local government’s jurisdiction (e.g., limits on electricity production/ consumption), perpetuate
myths about solar PV (e.g., glare, aesthetics), be subjective (e.g., glare, aesthetics, design reviews), and/or open
up the community to legal battles.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations regarding accessory use rooftop solar.
Please indicate the relevant section(s) that describe the review process, standards, or related exemptions
applicable to accessory use rooftop solar.
Community Examples:
● Brownsville, TX | SolSmart Silver
● Plymouth, IN (pg. 204, 210 D.2.a) | SolSmart Gold
● Philadelphia, PA | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Best Practice Guidance for Solar and Zoning – Accessory Use | SolSmart
● Model Zoning for the Regulation of Solar Energy Systems | Massachusetts Department of Energy
Resources
● Renewable Energy Ordinance Framework: Solar PV | Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
(DVRPC)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-7 5 Ensure the zoning ordinance permits small ground-mounted solar PV as an accessory
use in at least one zoning district. ☐
Sometimes a property is not suitable for rooftop solar because the building has structural limitations, or the rooftop
is shaded. In this case, a small ground-mounted solar PV system can still allow the property owner to install solar
and enjoy the benefits. Permitting or allowing small ground-mounted solar PV as an accessory use in at least one
zoning district can promote easier and more equitable solar deployment. It can increase solar development and
save property owners time and money because they can avoid going through a more extensive process to have
their solar system considered.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that allows small ground-mounted solar PV
as an accessory use. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Philadelphia, PA | SolSmart Gold
● La Crescent, MN | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Best Practice Guidance for Solar and Zoning – Accessory Use | SolSmart
● Model Zoning for the Regulation of Solar Energy Systems | Massachusetts Department of Energy
Resources
● Renewable Energy Ordinance Framework: Solar PV | Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
(DVRPC)
● Best Practices in Zoning for Solar | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
169
Item 15.
26
PZ-8 5
Ensure the zoning ordinance exempts small ground-mounted solar PV from certain
restrictions on accessory uses (e.g., setbacks, coverage or impervious surface
calculations, or other restrictions).
☐
Opportunities for small ground-mounted PV may be limited if they are subjected to certain restrictions such as
setbacks, lot coverage, and impervious surface ratios. These types of regulations are normally applied to accessory
structures like sheds, garages, or accessory dwelling units which can have a greater impact on neighbors when
built up against a lot line or covering a larger percentage of the lot. Solar is less obtrusive and contains pervious
surfaces underneath the panels and it can be exempted from certain restrictions to promote easier and more
equitable solar deployment.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that exempts small ground-mounted solar PV
from certain restrictions on accessory uses. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Edina, MN | SolSmart Gold
● Swarthmore, PA | SolSmart Bronze
Resources:
● Best Practice Guidance for Solar and Zoning – Accessory Use | SolSmart
● NREL Analysis Quantifies Impacts of Setback Ordinances on Land Available for Renewable Energy
Deployment | National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
● Model Zoning for the Regulation of Solar Energy Systems | Massachusetts Department of Energy
Resources
● Renewable Energy Ordinance Framework: Solar PV | Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
(DVRPC)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-9 5
Ensure the zoning ordinance establishes a clear regulatory pathway for large-scale
solar PV (e.g., through a special use permit or through inclusion among allowed
conditional uses).
☐
A local government should consider including large-scale solar regulations in their zoning ordinance or land use
regulations to provide clarity and consistency to the development process. Including the type of district (e.g.,
commercial, industrial, low productivity agricultural land) where development is allowed, the type of applicable
permit(s) (e.g., conditional use permits, use permits), and use standards or special regulations provide solar
developers with a clear set of guidelines and a more predictable approval process.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that establishes a regulatory pathway for
large-scale solar PV development. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Freeport, IL | SolSmart Gold
● La Crosse, WI | SolSmart Gold
● Chisago County, MN | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Model Zoning for the Regulation of Solar Energy Systems | Massachusetts Department of Energy
Resources
● Renewable Energy Ordinance Framework: Solar PV | Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
(DVRPC)
● Are You Solar Ready? | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Land Use Considerations for Large-scale Solar | SolSmart Issue Brief
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Solar@Scale Guidebook | ICMA and APA
● Top Five Large-scale Solar Myths | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
PZ-10 10 Ensure the zoning ordinance includes a native perennial vegetation and/or habitat-
friendly ground cover standard for large-scale solar PV. ☐
Large-scale solar projects cover many acres that can be used for the dual purpose of providing clean, renewable
energy and growing native perennial vegetation or habitat-friendly ground cover. Planting native perennial
vegetation under solar PV systems can improve soil health and water retention, while providing habitat for
pollinators and native species.
170
Item 15.
27
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that includes language about native perennial
vegetation and/or habitat-friendly ground cover requirement or standard. Please indicate the relevant
section(s).
Community Examples:
● Stearns County, MN (6.54.1 H) | SolSmart Silver
● St. Joseph County, IN | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance | Great Plains Institute (GPI)
● Land Use Considerations for Large-scale Solar | SolSmart Issue Brief
● State Pollinator-friendly Scorecards | Fresh Energy
● Pollinator Habitat Aligned with Solar Energy (PHASE) | University of Illinois
● Innovative Solar Practices Integrated with Rural Economies and Ecosystems (InSPIRE) | National
Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
● Solar Pollinator Habitat Resources | AgriSolar Clearinghouse
PZ-11 5 Ensure the zoning ordinance enables co-location of solar PV with an agricultural use
such as grazing, apiaries, or crops (agrivoltaics). ☐
Large-scale solar projects cover many acres that can be used for the dual purpose of providing clean, renewable
energy and co-locating with forms of agriculture. Co-locating solar PV with agriculture creates an additional revenue
stream for farmers and can enhance yields, soil health, and water retention while improving system efficiency by
reducing air temperature near the panels. Allowing co-location of solar PV with agricultural land use can also
increase resident support of renewable energy in regions where agriculture is a primary source of income.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that includes language enabling the co-
location of solar with agricultural use. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Leon County, FL | SolSmart Gold
● San Luis Obispo County, CA (D.9) | Not Designated
Resources:
● Illinois Solar Model Ordinance | Great Plains Institute (GPI)
● Indiana Solar Model Ordinance | Great Plains Institute (GPI)
● AgriSolar Clearinghouse Information Library | National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
● Case Studies | National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
● Co-Location of Solar and Agriculture Webinar | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Land Use Considerations for Large-scale Solar | SolSmart Issue Brief
● Center for Pollinators in Energy | Fresh Energy
● Innovative Solar Practices Integrated with Rural Economies and Ecosystems (InSPIRE) | National
Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
● Dual-Use Solar and Agriculture | University of Massachusetts Amherst
PZ-12
5
Ensure the zoning ordinance requires a decommissioning plan that outlines the terms
and conditions for a large-scale solar PV system’s proper removal at the end of its
useful life cycle or in the event of cessation of operation. (The decommissioning plan
may include steps to remove the system, requirements for disposal and/or recycling of
system components, and restoration as needed to allow for return to agriculture or
other land use).
☐
A community’s zoning ordinance can require a decommissioning plan that clearly outlines the roles, responsibilities,
terms, and conditions to ensure the local government will not be responsible for the removal of a large-scale solar
PV system. Decommissioning is the responsibility of the system owner and requiring a plan can alleviate concerns
that a local government will be unnecessarily burdened with system removal.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that includes language about a
decommissioning plan for large-scale solar PV. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● La Crosse, WI | SolSmart Gold
● McFarland, WI | SolSmart Gold
171
Item 15.
28
Resources:
● Template Solar Energy Development Ordinance for North Carolina | North Carolina Clean Energy
Technology Center (NCCETC)
● A Survey of Federal and State-Level Solar System Decommissioning Policies in the United States |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Land Use Considerations for Large-scale Solar | SolSmart Issue Brief
PZ-13 5 Ensure the zoning ordinance establishes solar energy zones and/or solar overlays for
large-scale solar PV. ☐
A community’s zoning ordinance and land use regulations could establish a solar energy zone or overlay. This
strategy can encourage solar development on favorable sites and reduce the project development timeline by
streamlining permitting and zoning requirements.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that establish solar energy zones and/or solar
overlays for large-scale solar PV. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Framingham, MA (pg. 96) | SolSmart Silver
● Wellesley, MA (pg. 101) | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-14 10
Require new construction to be solar ready in at least one zoning district by adopting
Appendix U (International Code Council), Appendix RB (International Energy
Conservation Code), or another mechanism.
☐
Local governments can proactively plan for increased solar deployment by requiring new construction to be solar
ready which can reduce the installation costs if a solar system will be installed at some point in the future. Solar
ready buildings are designed and engineered in such a way that allows for the easy installation of a future solar
system. The International Code Council (ICC) has developed model codes and standards for solar ready
construction.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the adopted code(s) or language that requires new construction to be solar ready.
Community Examples:
● El Paso, TX | SolSmart Gold
● Warrenville, IL | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-15 20 Codify a solar requirement for new construction and/or retrofits meeting a specific
threshold, in at least one zoning district. ☐
Local governments can proactively promote solar development by requiring a solar installation on new construction,
and/or retrofits. Installing solar on new construction is cost-effective and can rapidly increase solar deployment in a
community. A solar requirement can be mandated at a local level in the code of ordinances or, as in the case of
California, at the state level.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the adopted code(s) or language that requires solar on new construction or retrofits.
Community Examples:
● Santa Monica, CA | SolSmart Gold
● South Miami, FL (Section W) | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Better Roofs Ordinance | San Francisco Planning Department
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
172
Item 15.
29
PZ-16 10 Require new construction affordable housing and multifamily housing to be solar
ready. ☐
While affordable housing and multi-family housing projects may not be able to install solar at the time of
construction due to upfront costs or other challenges, they can be designed and built to ensure they are ready to
support solar in the future. Local governments can require these buildings to be designed and engineered in such a
way that reduces the cost and complexity of solar installation. The International Code Council (ICC) has developed
model codes and standards for solar ready construction.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the adopted code(s) or language that requires new construction to be solar ready.
Community Examples:
● Austin, TX (pg 4) | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Appendix U | International Residential Code (IRC)
● Appendix RB | International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-17 10 Provide clear guidance for the installation of solar PV in areas such as historic
properties, flood zones or special overlay districts. ☐
Many communities contain historic properties or historic districts that aim to preserve a community’s character and
heritage. These properties and districts are often regulated by specific design guidelines that outline how a historic
property may be modified. These guidelines can include the best methods to incorporate a solar energy installation
while maintaining the historical nature of the structure and surrounding neighborhood and provide a clear review
process.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that includes guidance on the installation of
solar PV on historic properties and in special overlay districts. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
● Provide a link to guidance for the installation of solar PV on historic properties and in special overlay
districts.
Community Examples:
● Ann Arbor, MI | SolSmart Silver
● Park City, UT | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Best Practice Guidance for Solar and Zoning – Accessory Use | SolSmart
● Implementing Solar PV Projects on Historic Buildings and in Historic Districts | National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL)
● Installing Solar Panels on Historic Buildings | North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-18 10 Train planning and zoning staff on best practices in planning and zoning for solar PV.
Training must have occurred in the past two years. ☐
Regular solar PV training, at least every two years, is a best practice to ensure planning and zoning staff are up-to-
date on strategies for incorporating solar into plans, ordinances, and development regulations. Training staff in
planning and zoning best practices for solar can help them to evaluate the options available for reducing barriers to
solar and enable them to customize these best practices to their local context. Training can help staff develop clear,
transparent, well-defined, and consistent planning and zoning regulations and processes that provide certainty for
property owners and solar developers. Local governments can require staff to attend full or half-day workshops
(either live or online) and provide or create resources designed to help staff keep up with advances in solar
planning and zoning best practices.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo with details about the planning and zoning training including name of training,
name of trainer, attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location, agenda, and
presentation/slides.
173
Item 15.
30
Templates:
● SolSmart Training Verification Memo | SolSmart
Resources:
● Best Practices in Solar Planning and Zoning | SolSmart Webinar
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Solar@Scale Webinar Series, Session 5 | ICMA and APA
PZ-19 5
Post an online fact sheet that provides an overview of what zoning allows for solar PV
under what conditions and in which districts (e.g., types and sizes of solar systems
permitted, the processes required, and other relevant information).
☐
A community’s zoning ordinance and land use regulations create statutory limits on what individuals may do with
their property as a matter of right and often provides additional processes to consider special exceptions. Land use
regulations often contain use standards that provide additional requirements for certain types of development.
However, these regulations can sometimes be unclear and difficult to access, especially for topics like solar PV.
Posting an online fact sheet that summarizes zoning regulations for solar represents a major step toward
overcoming informational barriers.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the fact sheet, zoning determination letter, or other online document that clarifies and
summarizes how the zoning ordinance and land use regulations regulate solar energy.
Community Examples:
● San Diego County, CA | SolSmart Gold
● Sedona, AZ | SolSmart Bronze
Resources:
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-20 10 Include specific solar PV goals, metrics, and strategies in the most current published
version of relevant local plans (e.g., energy plan, climate plan, comprehensive plan). ☐
Planning documents provide the foundation for a community’s vision for how and where it would like future
development to occur. Development is governed largely by the components of the comprehensive plan and guided
by the policies and strategies outlined in other functional plans such as a Climate Action Plan or Sustainability Plan.
These planning documents should align to have solar energy goals, metrics, and strategies that promote solar
development in an organized and efficient manner.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the relevant plans that incorporate solar PV goals, metrics, and/or strategies. Please
indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Ann Arbor, MI | SolSmart Silver
● Philadelphia, PA | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Integrating Solar Energy into Local Plans | American Planning Association (APA)
● Solar Power in Your Community | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
● Energy Transitions Playbook | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
● Local Government Strategies for 100% Clean Energy | SolSmart Webinar
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-21 5 Draft new or updated language and provide a timeline for the inclusion of specific solar
PV goals, metrics, and/or strategies into existing and/or future plans. ☐
Planning documents provide the foundation for a community’s vision for how and where it would like future
development to occur. Comprehensive, sub-area, and functional plans also provide policy guidance to the local
government as it weighs how future development aligns with other objectives. Communities that would like to
promote solar development in an organized and efficient manner should draft solar energy goals, metrics, or
strategies for inclusion in new or updated plans.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide draft language of the proposed plan changes that relate to solar energy and a timeline for inclusion
in future plans.
174
Item 15.
31
Community Examples:
● Chatham County, NC | SolSmart Gold
● South St. Paul, MN | SolSmart Bronze
Resources:
● Solar Resource Development Requirement | Metropolitan Council (Met Council)
● Integrating Solar Energy into Local Plans | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-22 5 Share solar PV progress towards achieving targets or metrics from PZ-20 on the solar
landing page. ☐
Publicly reporting progress toward solar goals helps to create transparency and accountability. These metrics allow
local governments to see the impacts of their policies and identify the need to adjust their strategies. To be
meaningful, metrics should be updated annually at a minimum, but communities should strive for quarterly updates.
Please specify the reporting period for which the reported metrics apply.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the relevant information on the solar landing page. Include date when the information was
last updated.
Community Examples:
● Cambridge, MA | SolSmart Bronze
● Madison, NJ | Not designated
Resources:
● State and Local Planning for Energy (SLOPE) | National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
PZ-23 10
Include specific large-scale solar PV goals, metrics, and strategies in the most current
published version of relevant local plans (e.g., energy plan, climate plan,
comprehensive plan).
☐
Planning documents provide the foundation for a community’s vision for how and where it would like future
development to occur. Development is governed largely by the components of the comprehensive plan and guided
by the policies and strategies outlined in other functional plans such as a Climate Action Plan or Sustainability Plan.
These planning documents should align to have large-scale solar energy goals, metrics, and strategies that
promote solar development in an organized and efficient manner.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the relevant plans that incorporate large-scale solar PV goals, metrics, and/or strategies.
Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Stearns County, MN | SolSmart Silver
● Santa Barbara County, CA | SolSmart Bronze
● City of Boise, ID | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Solar@Scale Guidebook | ICMA and APA
● Planning for Utility Scale Solar Energy Facilities | American Planning Association (APA)
● Mapping Opportunities for land based renewable energy generation in Ontario: a guidebook for local
planners and analysts | Community Energy Knowledge-Action Partnership
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-24 20 Develop a solar PV assessment that identifies community-wide feasibility for solar PV
development within a jurisdiction (differentiate between large-scale, municipal, etc.) ☐
Local governments can proactively identify sites that are favorable for solar PV projects. Identifying sites that have
high solar potential and the best characteristics for large-scale solar development can reduce potential conflicts
between solar and other land uses and speed up the project development timeline.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the PV assessment.
Community Examples:
● Mountain Iron, MN | SolSmart Bronze
● Santa Clara County, CA | Not Designated
175
Item 15.
32
Resources:
● Solar Development on Public Facilities and Under-Utilized Land | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Decision Support Tools for Local Solar Planning and Development | Solsmart Webinar
● Solar Project Development Pathway- Site and Opportunity Assessment | U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)
● System Advisor Model (SAM) | National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
PZ-25 10 Enable solar rights through a local solar access ordinance. ☐
In some states, local governments have jurisdiction to enable solar rights through an ordinance. A solar rights or
access ordinance protects a property owner ‘s right to sunlight, ensuring a solar installation has access to the
sunlight it needs to generate electricity. A solar access ordinance can also remove restrictive covenants for solar
PV in relevant zones.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that protects solar rights and access. Please
indicate the relevant section(s).
Community Examples:
● Ashland, OR | Not Designated
● Freeport, IL | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Best Practices in Zoning for Solar | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Planning for Solar Energy | American Planning Association (APA)
● Planning, Zoning & Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
PZ-26 20 Codify in the zoning ordinance that accessory use energy storage systems are
explicitly allowed by-right in all major zones. ☐
A community’s zoning ordinance and land use regulations create statutory limits on what individuals may do with
their property as a matter of right. Zoning often provides additional processes, which can be long and costly, to
consider special exceptions when a proposal is inconsistent with current land use regulations. Codifying residential
energy storage as an accessory use and allowed or by-right use in all major zoning categories provides policy
certainty and clarity which can promote easier and more equitable energy storage deployment. It can increase
energy storage development and save property owners time and money because they can avoid going through a
more extensive process to have their energy storage system considered.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the zoning ordinance or land use regulations that codify energy storage as an accessory
use and allowed or by-right use. Please indicate the relevant section(s).
Resources:
● Battery Energy Storage Model Law | New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA)
● NYC Energy Storage Systems Zoning Guide | Sustainable CUNY Smart Distributed Generation Hub
176
Item 15.
33
Government Operations
GO-1 20 Install solar PV on local government facilities and/or local government-controlled land
(Required for Platinum) ☐
Local governments can lead by example and install solar on their facilities and/or land to achieve clean energy
goals. Solar installations can generate revenue for local governments, deliver electricity cost savings, and serve as
an educational tool for community members. Local governments are encouraged to install solar at highly visible
locations to maximize the educational value.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide news articles, a press release announcing the commissioned system, or webpage that summarizes
the details of the installation(s) including total number of systems, size, location, visibility and photos. A
signed contract for project installation is also an acceptable form of verification.
Community Examples:
● Johnson County, IA | SolSmart Gold
● New York City, NY | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Procurement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Solar Decision Support and Resources for Local Governments | National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL)
● Solar Development on Public Facilities and Under-utilized Land | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Solar Power Purchase Agreements: A Toolkit for Local Governments | Interstate Renewable Energy
Council (IREC)
GO-2 10
Discuss community goals for solar PV, net metering, community solar, and/or
interconnection processes with the local utility and explore areas for future
collaboration.
☐
Local governments can leverage their relationship with electric utilities to encourage increased support for, and
development of, solar energy. Local governments and utilities can partner to provide community solar programs,
solar incentives, and help improve the solar interconnection process. Utilities can also help local governments meet
municipal or community-wide renewable energy goals by procuring large amount of solar energy.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide meeting minutes (including a list of follow-up action items), e-mail correspondence, meeting
agenda, materials prepared for the meeting (e.g., handouts and slides), or other evidence that at least one
meeting occurred with your local utility.
Community Examples:
● Minneapolis, MN | SolSmart Gold
● Missoula, MT | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Engagement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Making Solar & Electrification Policies Mutually Beneficial | SolSmart Webinar
● Procurement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Solar & Electrification, A Beneficial Partnership | SolSmart Issue Brief
● Utilizing City-Utility Partnership Agreements to Achieve Climate and Energy Goals | World Resources
Institute (WRI)
GO-3 10
Coordinate with regional organizations and/or local governments to engage utilities on
advancing solar policies such as utility procurement of solar PV, green tariffs, and/or
interconnection process improvements.
☐
Local governments can find strength in numbers as they advance ambitious energy transformation goals.
Collaborating with other local governments and/or regional organizations (such as Councils of Government and
Regional Planning Councils) allows resources, expertise, and staff to be pooled together which can enhance efforts
to work with utilities. Networks of communities and utilities can provide opportunities to share best practices and
common strategies through peer-to-peer learning. They can also help build coalitions and advocate for state policy.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide details about your community’s participation in coordinated efforts between local governments
and/or regional organizations to engage utilities with the goal of advancing solar initiatives.
177
Item 15.
34
Community Examples:
● Lake Forest, IL | SolSmart Bronze
● Salt Lake City, UT | SolSmart Bronze
Resources:
● Engagement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Engagement Tracker | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● PJM Cities & Communities Coalition | World Resources Institute (WRI)
● Procurement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Utilizing City-Utility Partnership Agreements to Achieve Climate and Energy Goals | World Resources
Institute (WRI)
● Municipal Franchise Agreements and Clean Energy Objectives | National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
GO-4 20 Demonstrate coordination between local government inspectors and utility staff to
reduce Permission to Operate timeline for solar PV. ☐
A solar system that has not been granted permission to operate (PTO), is not allowed to produce electricity which
can have economic impacts for the system owner. To reduce economic loss, local governments can coordinate with
the electric utility to ensure solar PV systems can begin operation as soon as it has been confirmed that the
systems are properly constructed and connected to the grid. Consolidating and/or coordinating local government
inspections and utility interconnection inspections can save time and money for solar installers and property
owners.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide details about the coordination process and explaining how this process reduces the time between
inspection and Permission to Operate
Community Examples:
● Leon County, FL | SolSmart Gold
● Mount Prospect, IL | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Utility Engagement | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
GO-5 10 Conduct feasibility analysis for solar PV on local government facilities and/or local
government-controlled land. ☐
Local governments can lead by example and install solar PV on their facilities and/or land to achieve clean energy
goals and generate electricity cost savings. The first step is conducting a feasibility analysis to discover which
rooftops or grounds have the highest solar potential and best characteristic for a solar installation. A feasibility
analysis can be done using outside consultants, or with tools provided by federal agencies, such as the Department
of Energy (DOE). An RFP can then be issued for the most favorable sites. Communities that receive GO-1, GO-6 or
GO-7 may also receive GO-5 if they completed a feasibility analysis as part of the project development
process.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the feasibility analysis or details about the feasibility analysis that was conducted – who
conducted, what were the sites, when was it conducted, what were the recommendations and next steps.
Community Examples:
● Asheville, NC | SolSmart Gold
● Mountain Iron, MN | SolSmart Bronze
Resources:
● Decision Support Tools for Local Solar Planning & Development | SolSmart Webinar
● Solar Development on Public Facilities and Under-utilized Land | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● System Advisor Model (SAM) | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
GO-6 20
Install solar PV integrated with other technologies such as battery storage or electric
vehicle charging on local government facilities and/or local government-controlled
land.
☐
Solar can provide unique benefits when paired with other distributed energy technologies. Co-locating solar with
other technologies can improve resilience, provide demand-charge reductions, and charging electric vehicles with a
renewable source of energy.
178
Item 15.
35
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a news article, a press release announcing the commissioned system, or webpage that
summarizes the details of the solar installation(s) integrated with other technologies including total number
of systems, size, location, technologies used, and photos.
Community Examples:
● Duluth, MN | SolSmart Gold
● Montgomery County, MD | SolSmart Gold
● Boulder, CO | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Best Practices for Solar & Electric Bus Charging at Transit Agencies | SolSmart Webinar
● REopt: Renewable Energy Integration & Optimization | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Solar and Electric Vehicles: A Guide for Local Governments | SolSmart
● Solar & Electric Vehicle Best Practices for Local Governments | SolSmart Webinar
GO-7 20 Install solar PV on local government-controlled brownfields and/or under-utilized
properties. ☐
As large, open spaces with limited future uses, brownfields, landfills, and other under-utilized lands are favorable
locations for solar PV systems. Local governments can lease these lands for solar development to increase locally
installed solar capacity while generating land lease revenue.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a news article, a press release announcing the commissioned system, or webpage that
summarizes the details of the installation(s) including total number of systems, size, location, and photos.
Community Examples:
● Cary, NC | SolSmart Silver
● Eau Claire, WI | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Developing Solar on Brownfields | SolSmart Webinar
● RE-Powering America’s Land | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
● Solar Development on Public Facilities and Under-utilized Land | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● The Guide to Developing Solar Photovoltaics at Massachusetts Landfills | Massachusetts Department of
Energy Resources
GO-8 10 Require new local government facilities and/or facility retrofits meeting a specific
threshold to be solar ready. ☐
Local governments can lead by example and require new facilities or those completing a retrofit to be solar ready.
Solar ready construction can reduce the installation costs if a solar system will be installed at some point in the
future. Solar ready buildings are designed and engineered in such a way that allows for the easy installation of a
future solar system.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to adopted code(s) or language that require new construction and/or retrofits of local
government facilities to be solar ready.
Community Examples:
● Montgomery County, MD (Sec. 8-55) | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Solar-Ready Building Design: A Summary of Technical Considerations | National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL)
GO-9 20 Procure solar energy for municipal operations through an offsite physical PPA, virtual
PPA, green tariff, or similar structure. ☐
To meet climate and energy goals, local governments can procure a large amount of solar energy through an
appropriate structure, depending on the types of contracts allowed by state and utility regulations.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a document such as a news article, contract, press release, or similar official document containing
the details how the local government has procured solar energy.
179
Item 15.
36
Community Examples:
● Cincinnati, OH | Not Designated
● Denton, TX | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● How Cities Benefit from Power Purchase Agreements | Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)
● How Local Governments Can Buy Renewable Energy & Support Market Development | SolSmart Webinar
● Local Government Strategies for 100% Clean Energy | SolSmart Webinar
● Procurement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Municipal Solar Procurement | SolSmart Webinar
GO-
10 5 Obtain a Community Benefits Agreement with solar developer for solar installation. ☐
A community benefits agreement (CBA) is a contract between a developer and one or more community groups or
organizations. The CBA outlines benefits the developer will deliver to the community in exchange for community
support of the solar project. A CBA goes above and beyond a typical siting or development agreement, which
commonly list annual local tax payments or local infrastructure upgrades (e.g., road re-pavement). Examples of
common CBA benefits include jobs training programs, local hiring goals, and living wage requirements.
Recommended Verification:
● A copy of the CBA or a public document that summarizes the details of the CBA.
Resources:
● Community Benefit Agreement Toolkit | U.S. Department of Energy Office of Economic Impact and
Diversity
GO-11
10
Post metrics related to the number of municipal solar PV or solar PV plus storage/EV
installations and installed capacity, municipal solar PV energy procured (ownership,
PPAs, community solar offtake), and percent (%) of municipal energy usage offset by
renewable energy.
☐
Posting metrics publicly provides transparency and allows community members to understand how the community
is progressing toward its goals. This is an important way to create accountability and will help identify the need to
implement further actions if goals are not being met. Metrics must be updated annually at a minimum, but
communities should strive for quarterly updates. Please specify the reporting period for which the posted metrics
apply.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to this information on the solar landing page. Include date when the information was last
updated and date tracking began.
Templates:
• SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
• Metrics Guide | SolSmart
Community Examples:
● Cambridge, MA | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● State and Local Planning for Energy (SLOPE) | National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
● Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
GO-
12 10
Directly install or provide technical or financial support for the installation of solar PV
on affordable housing, multifamily housing, community-based organizations, and/or
resilience hubs.
☐
Local governments can partner with community-serving organizations, housing developers and managers of
resilience hubs to support the implementation of solar. Local governments may be able to offer technical support if
they have relevant expertise for example in project development, energy or project finance. In other instances, local
governments may be able to offer direct financial support to these projects.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide links and/or a signed memo outlining the support provided.
Community Examples:
● Hillsborough County | Not designated
180
Item 15.
37
Resources:
● Process Guide for City-Community Collaboration | Greenlink Analytics
● Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator Toolkit | U.S. Department of Energy Better
Buildings
● The Inflation Reduction Act: What does it mean for Affordable Housing (webinar) | Enterprise Community
Partners
GO-13 10
Train local government staff on regulatory and (where applicable) wholesale market
barriers to solar deployment and potential engagement pathways to address these
barriers. Training must have occurred in the past two years.
☐
Regular solar PV training, at least every two years, is a best practice to ensure local government staff are up to date
on regulatory practices and wholesale markets. Trainings increase staff knowledge of solar energy system
deployment and ensures they know the best procedures to address any barriers. Increased staff knowledge can
improve involvement in the regulatory process, making their needs and concerns heard. Local governments can
require staff to attend full or half-day workshops (either live or online) and provide resources designed to help keep
staff informed about advances in solar and storage technologies.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo with details about the regulatory and wholesale market training, including name of
training, name of trainer, attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location
Templates:
● SolSmart Training Verification Memo | SolSmart
Resources:
● The Impacts of Wholesale Market Rules and Policies on Clean Energy Goals: A Primer for Local
Governments | World Resources Institute
GO-14 10
Train local government staff on best practices and issues regarding solar
interconnection with the local utility. Training must have occurred within the past two
years.
☐
Regular solar PV training, at least every two years, is a best practice to ensure local government staff are equipped
to work with the local utility on interconnection issues. Trainings increase staff knowledge of the solar
interconnection process to the grid, thereby decreasing time from installation to an active PV system. Local
governments can require staff to attend full or half-day workshops (either live or online) and provide resources
designed to help keep staff informed about advances in solar and storage technologies.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo with details about the interconnection training including name of training, name of
trainer, attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location
Templates:
● SolSmart Training Verification Memo | SolSmart
Resources:
● 2023 Model Interconnection Procedures | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Toolkit and Guidance for the Interconnection of Energy Storage and Solar-Plus-Storage | Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Generic Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements (TIIRs) | EPRI
● Solar Photovoltaics Guide | ConEdison
● Guidelines for Generator Interconnection | Eversource
181
Item 15.
38
Community Engagement
CE-1
10
Post a solar landing page on local government’s website with information that may
include the community’s solar goals, educational materials and tools that promote
solar, and resources for solar development (e.g., permitting checklist, application
forms, zoning regulations, etc.). (Required for Silver)
☐
A solar landing page is a way to provide residents, businesses, and solar installers with important information about
your community’s solar energy policies, processes, goals, and metrics from one centralized location. It is also a way
to educate community members about solar energy topics like financing options and consumer protection best
practices. Information and resources posted should be up to date and made available in multiple languages as
appropriate for your community. In addition, information and resources should be available to community members
in print form if requested.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the solar landing page.
Community Examples:
● Olympia, WA | SolSmart Gold
● Pulaski County, VA | SolSmart Gold
● Tyngsborough, MA | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar (View in Spanish) | U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
● Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power | Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
CE-2
20
Establish partnerships with local community-based organizations or other
organizations focused on serving disadvantaged communities within your community
to define your community’s solar equity goals, develop implementation strategies, and
establish a plan for tracking and reporting on progress. (Required for Platinum)
☐
Community-based organizations can assist local governments to define and develop solar equity goals grounded in
the needs and priorities of the community. Partnering with organizations that have strong ties with disadvantaged
communities is an important way to ensure that solar projects and programs, as well as outreach efforts, are
designed to meet the needs of those communities. For example, a local government, a CBO, and a local solar
installer could come together to implement a solarize campaign customized to LMI households or to develop a
targeted outreach strategy related to a community solar project. The partnership may have a scope that is broader
than solar (for example, partnering on a range of climate-related goals or economic development initiatives) as long
as it clearly includes solar deployment goals strategies. Developing a shared approach to tracking and reporting
helps create transparency and accountability and can be an important component to building trust.
Recommended Verification:
● Signed memo summarizing the names of partner organizations, scope of the partnership, defined goals,
outcomes (or intended outcomes), plan for tracking progress and next steps for the partnership.
Resources:
● Integrating Equity into City Clean Energy Initiatives | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables
Accelerator
● Solar with Justice | Clean Energy States Alliance
● From Community Engagement to Ownership | Urban Sustainability Director’s Network (USDN)
● Process Guide for City-Community Collaboration | Greenlink Analytics
● Greenlink Equity Map | Greenlink Analytics
● Shared Accountability Guide and Framework | 100% Accountability Cohort
● Justice40 Screening Tool | Justice40 Initiative
● Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator Toolkit | U.S. Department of Energy Better
Buildings
182
Item 15.
39
CE-3 5 Post online resources about residential and commercial solar PV financing options
and incentives. ☐
Many different financing options are available for residential and commercial solar PV. Local governments can play
an important role in providing access to information about available options. Information and resources posted
should be made available in multiple languages as appropriate for your community. In addition, information and
resources should be available to community members in print form if requested.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to this information on the solar landing page.
Community Examples:
● Walnut Creek, CA | SolSmart Gold
● Wood County, WI | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing: Leases, Loans and PPAs | Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA)
● Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) | North Carolina Clean Energy
Technology Center (NCCETC)
● Financing your solar panel system | EnergySage
● Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics (View in Spanish) | U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE)
CE-4 5 Post online resources about consumer protection and solar PV. ☐
Solar energy can be a new and complex topic for community members. Local governments can provide online
guides and resources to help community members have a clear understanding of solar PV, allowing them to make
informed decisions. Information and resources posted should be made available in multiple languages as
appropriate for your community. In addition, information and resources should be available to community members
in print form if requested.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to a webpage containing consumer protection resources.
Community Examples:
● Alexandria, VA | SolSmart Gold
● James City County, VA | SolSmart Bronze
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Consumer Solar Checklist | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● EnergySage | EnergySage
● Residential Issues and Existing Regulatory Framework | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Solar Customer Resource Portal | Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
● Solar Owner’s Manual (View in Spanish) | Solar United Neighbors (SUN)
CE-5 5 Post an online summary of state policies related to a property owner’s solar access
and solar rights, including links to state-level policy. ☐
Community members are often unaware that state policy could impact their property’s solar rights. Solar rights and
solar access are terms which describe the ability of property owners to utilize sunlight on their property. Each state
has its own unique policy and enforcement regime. Information and resources posted should be made available in
multiple languages as appropriate for your community. In addition, information and resources should be available to
community members in print form if requested.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to a webpage with summary of state policies relating to solar access and/or rights.
Community Examples:
● Torrance, CA | SolSmart Gold
● Wilmette, IL | SolSmart Silver
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
183
Item 15.
40
Resources:
● Homeowners Associations and Solar Access | Solar United Neighbors
● Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) | North Carolina Clean Energy
Technology Center (NCCETC)
CE-6 5 Post an online summary of state policies related to Homeowner Associations (HOAs)
ability to regulate and/or restrict solar PV, including links to state-level policy. ☐
Homeowner Associations often aim to impose restrictive measures on solar PV systems. Community members
should be aware of state policy that defines what HOAs are allowed and not allowed to do in terms of regulating
solar PV systems.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the summary of state policies relating to Homeowner Associations and solar PV.
Community Examples:
● Hallandale Beach, FL | SolSmart Silver
● Torrance, CA | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Homeowners Associations and Solar Access | Solar United Neighbors
CE-7 5 Post online resources about solar installers and/or solar quote platforms for solar PV. ☐
More solar companies operating in your community means residents and businesses are faced with more choices
as they consider who to select for their solar project. Providing relevant local information on active solar installers
can help community members make the best choice given their circumstances. Information and resources posted
should be made available in multiple languages as appropriate for your community. In addition, information and
resources should be available to community members in print form if requested.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to a webpage that contains information about local solar installers and/or solar quote
platforms.
Community Examples:
● Denver, CO | SolSmart Gold
● Schaumburg, IL | SolSmart Silver
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Board Certified Professionals Directory | North American Board Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
● EnergySage | EnergySage
● Pickmysolar | Pick My Solar
● Solar Buyer’s Markets: Unlocking Lower Photovoltaic and Battery Prices on Online Quote Platforms |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
CE-8 5 Post an online solar map for your community. ☐
Solar maps can be a helpful and visual way to communicate solar potential to community members. Solar maps
can be customized depending on the goals and needs of the community. For example, solar maps can provide
community members with an estimate of the solar potential of their rooftop, they can be used the location of solar
installations within a community (which may help residents understand the extent of solar projects happening in
different parts of the community), or they may be used to communicate the potential for different solar installations
(i.e., residential, commercial, large-scale, community solar, etc.).
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the solar map for your community.
Community Examples:
● Los Angeles County, CA | Not Designated
● Westminster, CO | SolSmart Gold
● Chicago, IL | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
184
Item 15.
41
Resources:
● Go Solar Ready | Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments
● NY Solar Map | Sustainable CUNY Smart Distributed Generation Hub
● Project Sunroof | Google
CE-9
5
Post an online dashboard or summary of solar PV metrics for your community,
including total installed solar PV capacity, solar PV + storage installations, and
community solar and/or solarize subscribers (if applicable). Metrics should identify
solar PV adoption in disadvantaged communities as well.
☐
Key solar metrics such as the number of installations and total installed capacity can help communicate progress
towards local and state renewable energy goals. Other related metrics could include the percentage of municipal
energy provided by solar energy, installed capacity per capita and progress towards greenhouse gas emissions
targets. In order to track progress toward equity goals, communities are encouraged to disaggregate data and
report rates of solar PV adoption by income level or census track, as appropriate.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to a webpage displaying solar PV metrics. Include date when the information was last
updated and date tracking began.
Community Examples:
● Boulder, CO | SolSmart Gold
● Westminster, CO | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Solar Demographics Tool | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
● Justice40 Screening Tool | Justice40 Initiative
● Clean Energy for Low Income Communities: Metrics and Indicators | U.S. Department of Energy Better
Buildings
● State and Local Planning for Energy (SLOPE) | National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
● Distributed Energy Resources in Ohio | Ohio Public Utilities Commission
CE-10 5 Distribute solar job training and career opportunities in coordination with local
colleges and/or workforce development organizations. ☐
Solar jobs have grown 12 times faster than the U.S. economy since 2014. As local solar markets grow, local
governments can promote solar job opportunities with community colleges and workforce development
organizations to ensure a well-trained, local workforce. This can be done via a jobs fair, posting solar job training
information to the community and local colleges/workforce development websites
Recommended Verification:
● Provide posted job descriptions, screenshots from employment websites or advertisement of job trainings.
Community Examples:
● Fitchburg, WI | SolSmart Bronze
● Washington, DC | SolSmart Gold
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
Resources:
● Solar Career Map | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar Ready Vets | Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
● Solar Workforce Development Pilot | St. Louis, MO
● Workforce Development | Grid Alternatives
CE-11 5 Demonstrate local government support for local solar projects through speeches,
press releases, opinion articles, etc. ☐
Local governments can encourage solar market growth by highlighting solar energy goals, initiatives, and success
stories through various communications strategies. Share the links and/or videos of communications efforts on the
community's solar landing page.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to this information posted on the community's website or solar landing page.
185
Item 15.
42
Templates:
● SolSmart Solar Landing Page Template | SolSmart
Community Examples:
● Fayetteville, AR | SolSmart Gold
● Louisville, KY | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Stakeholder Engagement | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
CE-12
10
Discuss solar PV goals and/or strategies for increasing solar PV development,
including large-scale solar plans, solar access, and/or solar adoption in disadvantaged
communities, within an appropriate committee, commission, taskforce, and/or working
group. (e.g., solar is a recurring agenda item during monthly sustainability commission
meetings).
☐
An Environmental Advisory Council, Sustainability Committees, or Climate Action Taskforce is a great way to keep
residents and key stakeholders actively engaged in community energy policy and development. These groups can
assist in the development of solar energy goals and strategies, lead community-based solar initiatives, and provide
communication and outreach support to inform community members about solar initiatives and plans.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide meeting minutes (including a list of follow-up action items) or materials prepared for the meeting
(e.g., handouts and slides) from within the past year and provide documentation of the regularly scheduled
frequency of these meetings.
Community Examples:
● Branford, CT | SolSmart Bronze
● Fairfield, CT | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Stakeholder Engagement | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Solar and Resiliency: Integrative Financing Strategies for SolSmart Communities | SolSmart Issue Brief
● Solar Power in Your Community | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
CE-13
5
Support a solar informational session and/or solar tour explaining solar PV
opportunities and policies. Show that session/tour was made accessible to all
members of the community including those in disadvantaged communities.
Session/Tour must have occurred within the last 2 years.
☐
An engaged and informed community can encourage solar market growth and increase the likelihood that local
homes and businesses will pursue solar installations. Solar informational sessions and solar tours are ways to
educate community members about solar energy and the processes involved with an installation. Hosting these
sessions in disadvantaged communities, providing transportation, offering tours and materials in other languages,
and partnering with a CBO are a few potential ways to increase participation and make these sessions more
accessible to all residents.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link(s) to details about the solar informational session or tour such as an agenda, date, time, and
location.
● Provide a signed memo describing efforts to make sessions inclusive, including presentational materials or
tour itinerary, and information on the level of attendance.
Community Examples:
● Lower Merion, PA | SolSmart Bronze
● Sarasota County, FL | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Solar Tour Resources | National Solar Tour
186
Item 15.
43
Market Development
MD-1 20 Demonstrate activity in state regulatory and/or legislative proceedings regarding solar
PV. ☐
Local governments can provide an important voice into the development of state-level solar energy policy,
strategies, and incentives. Government staff can track policy developments actively and develop appropriate
strategies to interact with state regulators and legislators. Activities can include meetings with state regulators
(PUC) or legislators, State Energy Office Officials, submitting written comment and feedback on state Requests for
Information or Rulemakings, submitting formal comments or other participation in legal docketed proceedings, etc.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to public comments on solar energy or related energy proceedings, the minutes and/or
recordings of meetings attended by representatives of the local government, or a signed memo
summarizing involvement in the proceedings.
Community Examples:
● Ann Arbor, MI | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Engagement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Engagement Tracker | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● The Federal and State Context: Policies Affecting Solar Energy Development | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local
Governments
MD-2 20 Support a community-wide group purchase program (e.g., Solarize). Program must
have occurred within the last 2 years. ☐
Local governments can support or host community group purchase programs for solar energy. Bulk purchasing can
reduce the costs of solar installations for community members. These limited-time offers have had consistent
success in providing discounts of up to 20% of installed costs for residential systems. To be eligible for MD-2, the
local government must be an official partner and/or provide tangible support (staff time, resources, etc.) to the group
purchase program.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to a website where the Solarize campaign has been publicly announced.
● Provide details about the status of an ongoing solarize campaign or final metrics of a completed solarize
campaign.
Community Examples:
● Montgomery County, MD | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Procurement Guidance- Solarize | American Cities Climate Challenge
● How to Develop a Solarize Campaign | SolSmart Webinar
● Market Development and Finance | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Solarize Your Community | New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA)
● Solarize Mass | Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
MD-3 10
Define and implement a pathway specifically for low-to-moderate income (LMI)
residents to participate in a community-wide group purchase program through
program design and/or financing support options.
☐
It can be particularly difficult for low-to-moderate income (LMI) households to participate in solar purchasing
programs. These programs may require a minimum credit score, an upfront deposit, or have contract terms that
present barriers for some residents. Local governments can help to identify these barriers and create strategies to
overcome them, by providing incentives for income-qualified participants.
Recommended Verification:
● Link to information on solar landing page or provide signed memo summarizing the forms of financing
support or program design elements that support LMI residents in solar PV group purchase program.
Community Examples:
● Durham, NC | SolSmart Gold
● Philadelphia, PA | SolSmart Gold
187
Item 15.
44
Resources:
● Procurement Guidance- Solarize | American Cities Climate Challenge
● Narrowing the Equity Gap through Solarize | Rocky Mountain Institute
● How to Development a Solarize Campaign | SolSmart Webinar
● Market Development and Finance | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
MD-4 20 Support a community solar program. ☐
Community solar offers residents and businesses an opportunity to own or lease a portion of a solar project in
exchange for economic benefits proportional to their share. These economic benefits are commonly delivered in the
form of electricity bill credits. For renters, and homes or businesses that are not suitable sites for solar, community
solar programs allow consumers to access solar without installing panels on their homes or business. Community
solar can be provided by utilities, a third party, or a non-profit. To be eligible for MD-4, the local government must be
an official partner and/or provide tangible support (staff time, resources, etc.) to the community solar program.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to information about the community solar program, including any outreach materials and
details about program design.
● Provide documentation (e.g., signed memo) detailing the local government’s partnership and/or other
relevant support provided to the community solar program.
Community Examples:
● Austin, TX | SolSmart Gold
● Fort Collins, CO | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Community Solar | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Where to Find Community Solar | Solar United Neighbors
● National Community Solar Partnership Technical Expertise and Capacity Building | U.S. Department of
Energy National Community Solar Partnership
● Expanding Solar Participation through Community Solar | SolSmart Issue Brief
● Expanding Solar Participation through Community Solar | SolSmart Webinar
● Procurement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Community Solar | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Equitable Access to Community Solar
● Community Solar Resources | U.S. Department of Energy
MD-5 10
Define and implement a pathway specifically for low-to-moderate income (LMI)
residents to participate in a community solar program through program design and/or
financing support options.
☐
Community solar provides opportunities to open access to solar to low-to-moderate income households. To fully
achieve this potential, a community program should design programs and financing to support low to moderate
income participation, including savings from day one. It is also important to ensure that appropriate and trusted
messengers are used and that offerings are designed to be flexible without long-term commitments.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide details that explain program design elements, including outreach and financing, that support LMI
resident participation in a community solar program.
Community Examples:
● Denver, CO | SolSmart Gold
● Washington, DC | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Community Solar | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Design and Implementation of Community Solar Programs for Low- and Moderate-Income Customers |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Procurement Guidance | American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator
● Community Solar + | Rocky Mountain Institute
● National Community Solar Partnership Technical Expertise and Capacity Building | U.S. Department of
Energy National Community Solar Partnership
● Equitable Access to Community Solar: Program Design and Subscription Considerations | National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Building with Benefits (Webinar Series) | U.S. Department of Energy
188
Item 15.
45
MD-6 20 Provide residents with Community Choice Aggregation/Energy that includes solar PV
as a power generation source. ☐
In some states, local governments can increase access to solar energy for their operations and their residents
through community choice aggregation. Community Choice Aggregation allows local governments to aggregate
energy demand within their jurisdiction and procure power from an energy supplier while the local utility provides
transmission and distribution services. Many local governments utilize community choice to procure more
renewable energy, including solar, than would be available from their local electric utility. States must have enabling
legislation for local governments to provide community choice aggregation.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to details about a Community Choice program (with solar PV as a power generation source)
that is available for residents.
Community Examples:
● San Jose, CA | SolSmart Gold
● Somerville, MA | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Community Choice Aggregation Toolkit | New York State Energy and Research Development Authority
(NYSERDA)
● Starting a New CCA | California Community Choice Association (CalCCA)
● Community Choice Aggregation | SolSmart Issue Brief
● Community Choice Aggregation: Challenges, Opportunities, and Impacts on Renewable Energy Markets |
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
● Using Community Choice Aggregation to Achieve Clean Energy Goals | SolSmart Webinar
MD-7 10 Provide a PACE financing program that includes solar PV as an eligible technology. ☐
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is an on-bill financing mechanism which enables repayment of
long-term, low-interest loans on property tax bills. PACE can be used to finance renewable energy and energy
efficiency projects on residential and/or commercial properties, depending on the PACE financing program design.
In order for residents and businesses to access PACE financing, it must be enabled at the state and local level.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to the local ordinance creating a PACE program.
● Provide a link to the PACE program webpage.
Community Examples:
● Deerfield Beach, FL | SolSmart Silver
● Grand Rapids, MI | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Market Development and Finance | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Resources | PACENation
MD-8 20
Provide local incentives or locally-enabled finance (e.g., a revolving loan fund) for
solar PV and/or solar PV + technologies (e.g., battery storage, and/or electric vehicle
charging).
☐
In addition to state and federal incentives, local governments can also encourage solar development within their
jurisdictions by providing tax exemptions, rebates, or other financial incentives. Some jurisdictions have enabled
community finance through revolving loan funds or credit enhancement facilities for renewable energy projects.
These actions can help lower the cost of solar for residents. To be eligible for MD-8, the incentives or financing
program must be currently available to residents.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a link to an ordinance creating local incentives or financing options.
● Provide a link to an application or form that is required for a solar PV system to be eligible for incentives
or financing.
Community Examples:
● Loudoun County, VA | SolSmart Silver
● St. Louis Park, MN | SolSmart Silver
Resources:
● Market Development and Finance | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
189
Item 15.
46
MD-9
5
Provide local incentives for solar PV to low-to-moderate income (LMI) households,
disadvantaged communities, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Minority
and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and/or non-profit organizations
that provide community services.
☐
Local governments can support solar installations by LMI households, DBEs, and non-profit organizations by
providing incentives such as low-interest loans, grants, on-bill financing and a variety of tax incentives and rebates.
Local governments can expand solar programs to disadvantaged residents by implementing any number of these
programs.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo describing the local incentives and who is eligible to receive them.
● Provide a link to a webpage or press release with program information.
Community Examples:
● Boulder, CO | SolSmart Gold
● Portland, OR | Not Designated
Resources:
● Market Development and Finance | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
● Projects & Programs in Low-to-Moderate Income Communities | SolSmart Webinar
● Resources to Support Initiatives for Low-to-Moderate Income Communities | SolSmart Webinar
● Unlocking Solar for Low- and Moderate-Income Residents: A Matrix of Financing Options by Resident,
Provider, and Housing Type | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
MD-
10 20
Partner with financial institutions and/or foundations to offer loans, rebates, grants, or
other incentives for solar PV projects. (Financial institutions could include entities
such as a local or regional bank, CDFI, or credit union).
☐
Loans, rebates, or grants can improve the financial prospects of a solar project, allowing more community members
to install solar. Local governments can work with local financial institutions to offer and/or promote financing options
for solar projects.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide link to financing options for solar energy.
● Provide a signed memo detailing how the local government partnered with the financial institution to offer a
financial incentive for solar energy.
Community Examples:
● Lafayette, CO | SolSmart Gold
● Milwaukee, WI | SolSmart Gold
Resources:
● Market Development and Finance | SolSmart’s Toolkit for Local Governments
Innovative Action
IA-1
Varies
The actions identified in the categories above represent many of the most common
and impactful efforts communities are taking to make going solar easier and more
affordable for residents and businesses. However, we know that communities across
the country are developing innovative ways to promote and deploy solar energy. If
your community has taken action that was not captured in any of the criteria above,
please share it with us.
☐
Innovative actions will be reviewed by a team of solar experts and each action may be worth up to 20 points.
Recommended Verification:
● Provide a signed memo describing the innovative action and include any supporting documentation or links
that provide additional details.
190
Item 15.
47
Community Examples:
● Grayslake, IL | SolSmart Bronze
o The Grayslake Sustainable Business Initiative recognizes local businesses that are choosing to be
more sustainable. Solar energy is emphasized by awarding a business automatic gold designation
if they have installed a solar energy system.
● Montgomery County, MD | SolSmart Gold
o Montgomery County’s 4th Solar Co-op offered EV charging as an option through the solar co-op. This helps promote EV charging and can reduce costs through group purchasing.
Acknowledgment
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy (EERE) under the Solar Energy Technologies Office Award Numbers DE-EE0009950 & DE-EE009951.
Full Legal Disclaimer
This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the
United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied,
or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus,
product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any
specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not
necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any
agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United
States Government or any agency thereof.
191
Item 15.