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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers Connie Buesgens Rachel James Justice Spriggs Laurel Deneen City Manager Aaron Chirpich City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, June 23, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, June 23, 2025, 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 6:05 pm. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Deneen; Councilmember James Absent: Councilmember Spriggs Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Mitch Forney, Community Development Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Teresa Carson, City resident; Barrett Corwin, Alatus representative; Gaid Gaid, City resident; Lynn Hamilton, City resident; Walter Horishnyk, City resident; Karen Smith, City resident; Marilyn Vaughan, City resident; Julienne Wyckhoff, City resident MISSION STATEMENT Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy, and connected City. We are here to actively support the community, deliver equitable services, build and strengthen connections, improve upon our past, and uphold our successes. We strive to be better and ensure Columbia Heights is a great place for everyone, today and in the future. Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms. While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will help us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE "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 Mayor Márquez Simula announced that item B under “Proclamations, Presentations, Recognition, Announcements, Guests” would be moved to the next City Council meeting. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Somali American Day Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Gaid Gaid Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed July 01, 2025, as Somali American Day and read the City’s proclamation. Gaid Gaid, City resident, accepted the Proclamation. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for accepting the Proclamation on behalf of the Somali community. He noted that he is a soccer coach in the City. B. Meditation Center Anniversary Celebration Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Arvind Naik COMMUNITY FORUM Teresa Carson, City resident, asked when the Sullivan Lake Park redesign master plan was created. She explained that neighbors were not notified about the redesign or asked for their input about the park redesign. She asked why the apartments in the proposed project would be six stories instead of four stories like the surrounding buildings. She asked if there would be an opportunity when residents could provide input. City Manager Chirpich suggested that the Council hear all of the Community Forum comments and provide answers for the easier questions, and follow up with the more complex questions. Walter Horishnyk, City resident, explained that he has lived in the City for 42 years and was drawn to the area due to the park and neighbors. He noted that there is an issue with the connection between the City Council and the residents. He added that it seems that the Council is accommodating outside forces, like developers who want to develop in the City, than the input of the residents. He stated that the residents would like to maintain the quality of life in the City. He asked how the City would respond to the residents. He noted that new developers have other agendas that are typically for financial gain. He mentioned that there are pickleball courts proposed in the Sullivan Lake Park redesign. He asked if the Council had reviewed the adverse reactions to the pickleball courts. He explained that other communities have banned pickleball courts because of noise issues. He stated that there is a proposed fitness court that will invade the grounds of the park. He wondered what a large patch of concrete would do to the water tables and water run off. He asked who would use the fitness court and emphasized that the court would have a massive amount of concrete. He added that he heard that the Council granted an astronomical amount of money for the concrete work. He agreed with Ms. Carson’s comments regarding the height of the apartment buildings and explained that six stories is too tall a structure for the area. He expressed concerns regarding additional parking, community services, police presence, and other City services that will be needed with the new apartment building. He added that he would like to hear more about the developer and previous projects they have completed. He explained that the park usage is being taken away due to the project. He mentioned that a lot of the proposed project for Sullivan Lake Park could be put into the old Rainbow site, since there are City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 additional areas to park. He added that the Sullivan Lake Park area does not have a lot of access to the area, so there would need to be major road reconstruction in order to provide access to the area. Julienne Wyckoff, City resident, explained that the Medtronic site project has been moving too fast. She mentioned that someone counted 85 different species of birds in Sullivan Lake Park. She wondered why the Council would want to hurt them. She noted that the development is too big and is not going to benefit the City. She asked what the benefit to the City would be besides a few more tax dollars. She stated that there is nothing she has seen from the developer that would make her trust them. She asked that the Council slow the project down. She added that she does not like that the developer was given the variance for impervious pavement. She noted that there is a lot of concrete that is being included in the park project and explained that there needs to be water runoff in order to keep the area clean. She noted an article in the Star Tribune that explained that pickleball courts are noisy. She mentioned that the residents understand that something needs to go into the area, but asked that it would be less dense, a cleaner space, and more respectful to the wildlife that is there. Lynn Hamilton, City resident, explained that she lives in the Sullivan Lake Park area and mentioned she had filed a complaint about the park portable bathrooms because she felt that they were near residents' properties and they open toward the townhomes. She stated she does not want to live in a place where portable bathrooms are near her front yard. She explained that the pickleball courts would cause noise and light nuisances for the residents. Karen Smith, Administrator at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, explained that Sullivan Lake Park is special to the area. She mentioned that it is wrong to have a developer come in and say that they want to do high density, and redo the park, and that the park will accommodate the green space. She noted that it bothers her that during the last Council meeting, a traffic professional spoke about traffic not being affected on 53rd Avenue. She stated that it is false that 53rd Avenue would not be affected by traffic because there is a high-density apartment building being put in. She mentioned that the project is moving fast. She added that the zoning hearing will be during the week of July 4th, which is undermining the community members since many people will be out of town. She mentioned that she heard that the Rainbow site owner would like to do high-end but cannot do so unless the City meets a certain number of low-income housing units. She wondered if the project was being pushed in order to meet that criteria. She stated the density is unrealistic for the area. She added that there are codes and standards set for the City to keep the quality intact and explained that it is a disservice to the residents by granting variances for the project and not hearing the residents. She noted that she works in the preschool at the school, and since the zoning has been changed, she has been getting phone calls notifying the school that sex offenders are living in the area. She expressed her concern that the City is going to overwhelm the police. She added that she is concerned that people will be jumping over the school fence and parking in the church parking lot. She expressed her concern regarding the developer and not being able to finish the project. Marilyn Vaughan, City resident, stated that the proposed project overwhelms her. She agreed with the previous comments regarding the six-story building. She asked why the City insisted on having a higher density of residents than other cities. She stated that the traffic on Central Avenue is atrocious. She noted that the developer bothered her because he could not answer questions about previous projects City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 in the area. She mentioned that drivers in Minnesota do not know how to use traffic circles and explained that putting a traffic circle on 53rd Avenue and Central Avenue is a terrible idea. Mayor Márquez Simula noted she would have Public Works Director Hansen and City Manager Chirpich answer questions. City Manager Chirpich mentioned that there were some specific questions that were raised that will have to follow the natural process of planning approval. He referenced the question regarding public engagement around the park master planning and residents contributing to the park design. He noted that there would be additional opportunities for residents in the area to contribute to the park layout. There has been a proposed layout that is circulating, but none of the elements, except the fitness court, have been set in stone. He mentioned that staff have heard and received the comments regarding the pickleball courts and are researching what other cities are doing and proximity ordinances. Staff are convinced that pickleball may not have a home in the park because it cannot be separated far enough from the residential area. It is likely that the concept will be abandoned. City Manager Chirpich explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission would be involved in the next level of planning and design for the playground equipment and other elements at the park. Notices will go out to the neighborhood to invite residents to contribute their input. The sport court is an atypical improvement in the City. It is a partnership with the National Fitness Campaign, who partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield. The City applied for a grant to participate in the program. After the City was awarded the grant, the campaign looked at the parks and assigned values and criteria to determine where they would deploy their resources. Sullivan Lake Park was identified as the location where they would like to see the improvement. The Parks and Recreation Commission determines the best location to put the sport court in the park. He explained that the space is limited and the Parks and Recreation Commission has deliberated to determine the best locations for each element of the park. The City intends to put a playground back into the park. City Manager Chirpich noted that he heard many comments that there has not been a lot of communication with residents regarding the Medtronic redevelopment and Sullivan Lake Park. He mentioned that the City went through a robust engagement process on the Comprehensive Plan amendment. He added that the process was a year that included open houses, public hearings, and participation in the amendment of the Medtronic site, and what residents would like to see there. He explained the process of the project and noted that the Planning Commission recently reviewed the elements of the project. City Manager Chirpich stated that there were many concerns regarding density, and residents wondered why there are six stories being proposed. The Comprehensive Plan amendment process helps determine how to site buildings on the property and the overall density units. The plan that was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission to the City Council is representative of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The developer is delivering on what the City had decided through the amendment. City Manager Chirpich stated that the impervious pavement variance has not been decided by the City Council. The public hearing is scheduled for the next Planning Commission meeting. There is an opportunity for community members to submit comments in writing at City Hall if they cannot attend City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 5 the Planning Commission meeting. He explained that public hearings have to be scheduled in advance, and sometimes they land near holidays. City Manager Chirpich mentioned there were comments regarding the connection between the Rainbow site and the Medtronic site. There is no connection with the City needing to meet a quota of affordable housing in order to decide about the Medtronic site. The layout of the Medtronic site and the park are still being determined. There are more opportunities in the future to continue to discuss the layout. He encouraged community members to check the City’s calendar to see what meetings were coming up. Public Works Director Hansen mentioned that there would be a public hearing regarding the Park Master Plan in the late summer. It has been the City’s intent all along to come back to the residents for public input on developing a final master plan. He noted the tentative plan is to have the public hearing during the September Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The lift station needs to be replaced due to its condition and is scheduled to be replaced in 2026. There are limited places to put the new lift station because of the existing underground piping. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that an audience member noted that they received a letter in the mail saying that the park was being torn out in the summer and asked staff to clarify. Public Works Director Hansen replied that the playground is going to be torn out because it is the location where the sport court is going to be. He added that the tennis courts will be removed due to their poor condition. The City has applied for a State grant to replace the playground area, but will not find out the results until mid-summer. The size of the fitness court is 2,600 square feet. Mayor Márquez Simula asked staff if they could display a photo of the fitness court. She mentioned that the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is on a Wednesday night. She requested that staff provide the numbers for the percentage of concrete in the park in order to know how much concrete is in the park versus how much turf and green space is in the park. Public Works Director Hansen explained that each piece of equipment included in the fitness court has instructions on how to use it. One side of the fitness court includes public art, and the other side is an open area. There are eight to ten fitness courts in the metro area. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember James noted that for item 7, the staff letter mentions the funding is coming from fund 225. She asked if it was an additional expense or if the allocation was being changed within the fund balance. City Manager Chirpich stated that it is an additional expense. The expenditure limits fall within the City Manager’s authorization, but the budget amendment does not. The funds were not appropriated, so it is an additional expense to the budget. Therefore, a fund budget Resolution was required to come before the Council. Mayor Márquez Simula asked what would happen to the old production cameras. IT Director Hauf replied that they would be authorized off. The cameras are not high quality, but they have value. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 6 1. Approve April 28, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the April 28, 2025, City Council meeting minutes. 2. Approve May 8, 2025, Emergency City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the May 8, 2025, Emergency City Council meeting minutes. 3. Approve June 9, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the June 9, 2025, City Council meeting minutes. 4. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1715, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8, Section 8.403 of the Columbia Heights City Code Relating to Fire Service Fees; Authorizing the Fire Department to Charge for Fire Watch Services. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1715, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No. 1715, Amending Chapter 8, Section 8.403 of the Columbia Heights City Code relating to Fire Service Fees and to direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 5. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1717, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.315 of the City Code Relating to the Youth Commission. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1717, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No. 1717, an Ordinance amending chapter 3.315 of the City Code relating to the Youth Commission of the City of Columbia Heights, and to direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 6. Approve Resolution 2025-56, Authorizing the Application to the MMB for 2026 Capital Budgeting for the Public Works Facility Project. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-56, as there are ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2025-56 authorizing the application to the MMB for CBS Funding for the Public Works Facility Project. 7. Approve Resolution 2025-57 to Amend the 225 Budget for Production Cameras. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-57, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 2025-57 amending the Fund 225 budget to authorize the purchase of production cameras for the Council Chambers. 8. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for June 23, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 9. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed on the business license agenda for June 23, 2025, as presented. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 7 10. 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 $1,641,044.60. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 11. Approval of Third Loan Modification with Alatus for the 4300 Central Avenue NE Redevelopment Site. Community Development Director Forney stated that in July of 2021, the City partnered with Alatus LLC to acquire the redevelopment site at 4300 Central Avenue NE. To facilitate the acquisition and preparation of the property, the City made a bridge loan that allowed Alatus to purchase the property, demolish the existing buildings, and cover costs associated with environmental testing and clearance. To provide the loan, the City issued Taxable General Obligation Temporary Tax Increment Bonds (Series 2021A) in the amount of $5,935,000. The initial loan amount to Alatus represented the full bond issuance amount of $5,935,000, and the loan had a maturity date of July 31, 2023. In May of 2023, the City agreed to extend the maturity date of the loan to December 15, 2023, to allow Alatus more time to close on phase one financing for the project and repay the loan. Community Development Director Forney noted in December of 2023 that Alatus was still unable to start the project due to market conditions, including high interest rates, increased construction costs, and challenges securing financing. As a result, the City worked to issue series 2023A bonds to pay off the original 2021A bonds and to extend the maturity date of the original loan. These bonds were issued in the amount of $6,615,000 and have a maturity date of February 1st, 2026. This also extended the loan agreement to July 31st, 2025. Throughout this period, Alatus has remained a committed and cooperative development partner, demonstrating consistent resolve to advance the project despite the challenging market conditions. However, external economic factors continue to delay the project timeline and the developer’s ability to repay the City’s loan in the originally anticipated timeframe. This means that Alatus will need more time to repay the City’s loan. To achieve this objective, staff have worked with the City’s redevelopment counsel at Kutak Rock to prepare the attached loan modification documents. Staff and the City’s counsel are recommending an extension of the repayment date to December 15, 2025. In addition to an extension of the maturity date, the revised loan documents also extend the final draw date for project escrow funds to November 15, 2025. This date sets a new limit for when Alatus can seek reimbursement for eligible costs. Alatus is currently in the process of completing a traffic study that will be able to draw funds from the escrow account. Community Development Director Forney explained that moving forward, the City needs to consider its plans for repayment of the bonds. The bonds currently have a maturity date of February 1, 2026. Under the current redevelopment plan, Alatus would repay the City’s City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 8 loan, and the City would then use the proceeds of the loan repayment to pay off the bonds. At the February 1, 2026, deadline, the bonds must be repaid, whether Alatus has closed on their phase one permanent financing. In other words, the City is ultimately responsible for repayment of the bonds, whether Alatus is ready to pay off the loan or not. Due to the delay in getting the project started, the City and Alatus will be considering multiple paths moving forward. Community Development Director Forney stated that right now, the most important consideration for Alatus and the City is to amend the loan terms and extend the maturity date of the loan. This action will provide the space necessary to identify ways to repay the current bond issuance. Alatus does have a chance of closing on financing before the bond maturity date, but the window is narrowing. The City and Alatus will work together to move the project along as quickly as possible and decide on a course of action in the coming months. Community Development Director Forney mentioned that staff recommend approval of Resolution 2025-054, a resolution approving modification of certain terms of a loan from the City to Alatus Columbia Heights II LLC and approving forms of third amended and restated loan documents. This modification will give the City and Alatus the time needed to further the development plans for the site and identify a course of action for the repayment of bonds. Councilmember James expressed her concern about not having the space developed and the amount of time it has taken to get the area developed. She asked what the options were for the City and Alatus to develop. City Manager Chirpich stated that if Alatus exits the project, the City is ultimately responsible for the bond repayment. Staff are interested in continuing the partnership and finding a path forward since losing the partnership would result in having to repay the bond funds. Staff will continue to explore different bond options and how to fund them. If the City cannot resolve an agreement with Alatus in a timely manner, then the City takes the property back. If the City takes the title to the property, it would have an asset to deploy. There is still equity in the site, even though the City has refinanced three times. The site has the potential to grow the City economically. Staff are being updated each week by Alatus. Alatus is looking at every possible angle to get the project moving faster. He explained that Hyvee was the original owner of the site. He mentioned that when Hyvee was selling the project that the City was worried about who would acquire the site. He noted that acquiring the property was an investment in the City’s future. He explained that the project has been a long journey, but it takes commitment and gives the ability to adapt. Councilmember Buesgens stated that she would like to stay positive because she would like the City to work with Alatus on the project. She added that the potential for the site is huge. She reviewed the history of the site and noted that before Hyvee owned the site, Rainbow owned it and had investors who did not want to do anything with the site. A previous Community Development Director discovered the site and found Hyvee for the site. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 9 Mayor Márquez Simula agreed with Councilmember James’ question and added that she would also stay positive about the project since projects can take time. She mentioned all of the development she has seen in the past in the City. Councilmember Deneen mentioned that she has concerns, as well as the community, about the property being vacant and overgrown. She stated that she is positive about the project. She emphasized the importance of being transparent throughout the process with monthly updates. She added that the City is trying to steward the property as best as they can. She added that she would like to hear from Alatus about where they are with financing the project. Director of Development for Alatus, Barrett Corwin, explained that for the last year and a half, they have been working to secure a grocery store for the site. After finding an option, the grocery store pulled out of the project on short notice. Alatus is exploring an alternative financing route with a nonprofit associated that they have worked with in the past. Alatus is set on finding the right structure for the community. They have been working on a redesign for the western side of the site. They have learned that having a pond and park feature on the western side is the fastest way to get a project and some development going on the site. They would also like to include some park amenities, especially after hearing from residents that they are passionate about parks. The original design had single-family units and some townhomes right up to the existing neighborhood. They would like to keep the stormwater pond where it currently is, and the soil is not good for development in that section of the site. Keeping the grid in line in the area would make the development simpler. Single-family units are easier to finance than large multi-family units. He explained that they desire to stick to the original vision and what was promised. Given the circumstances and timing, Alatus is looking at alternatives for the western portion of the site. Mr. Corwin mentioned that Alatus is currently doing a traffic study. He noted that opportunity zones look to be renewed again. The site is an opportunity zone. He explained that the market will hopefully return in 2026. He stated that they are looking to move the project forward as fast as they can. Councilmember Buesgens expressed her excitement about the project and thanked Mr. Corwin for the work Alatus has done to try to find a grocery store. She mentioned it would be a great space for a food court that is similar to the one in Minneapolis. Mr. Corwin noted that there is still an opportunity to include food and beverage components in the site. Councilmember James expressed her excitement about the development in the City. She explained that the Council has to decide if the bonds should be extended or not, which can be a risk to the City. She mentioned that the risk is low since it is a $6.6 million loan that is being extended. She mentioned that it would be a good idea to allow more time for Alatus to finalize the plans. She stated she is in favor of extending the bonds since the site is an asset. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 10 Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-054, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve Resolution 2025-054, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving modification of certain terms of a loan from the City to Alatus Columbia Heights II LLC and approving forms of third amended and restated loan documents. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Bid Considerations 12. Adopt Resolution 2025-55, Being a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for 40th Avenue Utility Construction, City Project 2404. Public Works Director Hansen stated that the work is in advance of Anoka County’s Road reconstruction project on 40th Avenue, from Main Street to University Avenue, planned for 2026. The work involves the replacement of existing brick sanitary manholes with precast concrete structures and the full replacement of the water main in this segment. The water main is original and was installed in 1916. The storm sewer will be replaced with the road project in 2026. Public Works Director Hansen noted that on May 27, 2025, the City Council authorized staff to advertise the 40th Avenue Utility Construction project for bids. Plans and specifications were advertised for bids in the LIFE newspaper and electronically on the City website and through Quest Construction Data Network. Twenty-one contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers (9 prime bidders) requested a copy of the bidding documents. Five bids were received and publicly read aloud at the June 20, 2025, bid opening. Funding will be provided by Sanitary Sewer and Water Main funds. A portion of the Sanitary Sewer project costs are eligible for reimbursement by a Federal Grant. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-55, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution 2025-55 being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights accepting bids and awarding the 40th Avenue Utility Construction, City Project 2404 to A1 Excavating, LLC, of Bloomer Wisconsin, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $848,848.00 with $480,233.00 from Fund 651.5185 and $368,615.00 from Fund 652-5185; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 11 Mayor Márquez Simula read a statement that read, “The Columbia Heights City Council is shocked and horrified by the brutal assassination of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Evette. Our hearts are broken by this unconscionable act of political violence. We stand in mourning and solidarity with the families, friends, and communities who are grieving this devastating loss. Speaker Hortman and Senator Hoffman have been unwavering advocates for a more inclusive, safe, and welcoming Minnesota. Their leadership has left a lasting impact on our State. While robust political debate is essential to democracy, violence cannot ever be a part of that conversation. This tragedy underscores the growing threat of extreme political rhetoric and the dangerous consequences of normalizing hate and fear. Words matter. When hate is allowed to flourish unchecked, it can and does lead to horrific outcomes. The Columbia Heights City Council remains firmly committed to the principles of civil dialogue, dedicated public service, and mutual respect. We are resolute in our efforts to build a future where violence has no place and where those who serve our communities are safe, valued, and honored. Councilmember James stated that the Council received many text messages after the murder of Speaker Hortman. She explained that it caused everyone to stop in fear and question what the people are doing in the City and in society. She mentioned that she has spoken with 20 City residents who have a personal connection with one of the four victims. It was shocking to the elected officials who represent Columbia Heights. She encouraged the residents to reach out to the elected officials to share their support and to stand up to the rhetoric of hate. She noted she attended a Peace Breakfast, which included non-profit and faith organizations that desire peace in the community. She congratulated those who graduated from Columbia Heights High School. She stated she attended the art and info fair at Huset Park and the Juneteenth celebration at Silverwood Park. She thanked Public Works Director Hansen for his work with a resident who had some concerns about the safety of Stinson Avenue south of 45th Avenue. She explained that Public Works Director Hansen met with the resident and ended up placing signage for a steep hill ahead and advisory speed limits. There are plans in the future to do additional painting on the curbs in the area. She mentioned that she met with the Assistant Superintendent of the Minneapolis Waterworks to discuss the easement issues on the south side of the waterworks, since there have been a lot of trees that have been impacting power lines. She encouraged residents to look at trees on their property to see how they would be impacting powerlines and to contact Xcel Energy if necessary. Councilmember Buesgens thanked Councilmember Deneen and Councilmember James for putting together a draft of the statement that Mayor Márquez Simula read. She mentioned that Representative Hortman was involved in many things and was good about reaching out to Republicans to include them. She noted she did a guided tour for a group that came from the library to Blooming Sunshine Garden and added that she continues to volunteer at Blooming Sunshine Garden. She stated she attended a goodbye party for a couple who are leaving the City to move to Arizona. She added that she participated in the art info fair with HeightsNext. She noted that she worked with the beautification committee for Murzyn Hall and City Hall. Councilmember Deneen expressed her shock over the events that happened and added that she has been thinking about the families. She stated she attended a planning meeting for this year’s Columbia Heights Pride event, which will be on September 13th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Kordiak Park. She mentioned that she attended the joint swearing-in ceremony for the two new police officers. She City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 12 added that she attended a local progress meeting to discuss current immigration actions and unlawful detainment. She noted she volunteered at the art and info fair and attended the Juneteenth picnic at Huset Park. Mayor Márquez Simula stated Senator John Hoffman was working with the seniors at the Legends Apartment building. She added that Councilmember Spriggs and she were meeting with Senator Hoffman frequently with the residents at the apartment complex. She explained that Senator Hoffman was an active person and was helping the whole State. She mentioned that the City’s sister city contacted her because they had heard the news in Poland. She expressed her gratitude for the community spirit in the City and the desire for peace. She noted that she attended the Peace Breakfast, the swearing-in ceremony for the two new police officers, the art info fair, the Plastic People movie, the Juneteenth celebration, Jalue Dorje’s graduation party, and the 10-year anniversary at the meditation center. Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich recapped the art and info fair and thanked the staff who put in the effort to do the event. He specifically thanked Will Rottler and Public Works staff. Staff estimate that 250 people attended the event. The Jamboree kicks off this week, and the parade will be on June 27th at 6:00 pm, and the fireworks will be on June 28th at dusk. If there are poor weather conditions, the fireworks will be rescheduled for Sunday evening. The Safe Streets for All open house is on June 24th from 5:00-7:00 pm and will allow residents time to review the plan and provide feedback. On June 30th at 6:00 pm, the City will convene with the school board for the annual joint session. City Manager Chirpich explained that he would answer some questions that were raised at the previous Community Forum. He mentioned that he spoke about many of the questions regarding the Sullivan Lake Park and the Medtronic redevelopment site earlier in the meeting. He thanked Public Works Director Hansen for meeting with the individuals who attended the last Council meeting to discuss the Medtronic site. City Manager Chirpich mentioned that during the last Council meeting, there was a resident who spoke about the 37th Avenue improvements that recently concluded in the Heart Lake area. The resident had asked about amenities that were being added now that the project is done, such as bus stop benches and garbage cans. She reported that there are no additional amenities that are scheduled. The bus stop benches that were previously there were removed during the redevelopment of the roadway. The benches were privately installed under the City’s bench permit process. The company that is responsible for most of the benches has not reached out to reinstall the benches for advertising purposes. Metro Transit will install benches in some locations based on ridership. The City is unaware of plans by Metro Transit to install benches on 37th Avenue. City Manager Chirpich noted that there were questions regarding installing garbage cans around the Top Value Liquor Store and concerns about the small single-use bottles. By design, the liquor stores do not have recycling containers on the exterior available to the public. There are trash containers located at the front of each store. There are no plans to expand trash operations. An option to explore would be to have containers that would function like a drive-up at the exit of the parking lots of the City’s liquor stores. Staff have concerns about increased risk and conflict with vehicles, as well as plowing City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 13 concerns. Most people who dispose of single-use bottles on the store properties are not driving and not utilizing the current trash cans. Recently, the Council discussed the use of single-use bottles. The liquor operation team recommended not to discontinue the sale but instead to focus on litter prevention efforts and awareness campaigns. He mentioned that there could be a promotional program that the City could launch to promote recycling instead of littering. City Manager Chirpich mentioned that there was a resident who came at the end of the meeting to express concerns. He explained that Mayor Márquez Simula and he stayed after the meeting to speak with the resident. The comments were in regard to some open litigation that involves the individual. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that if there were additional trash cans, it could encourage more people to pick up trash. She mentioned that she typically finds the single-use bottles along the street. She added that she would be interested in looking into a campaign to decrease litter. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary