Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-2025 City Council Work Session Minutes CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers Connie Buesgens Rachel James Justice Spriggs Laurel Deneen City Manager Aaron Chirpich City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, July 07, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Márquez Simula at 6:02pm. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula, Councilmember Buesgens, Councilmember Deneen, Councilmember James, Councilmember Spriggs. Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Mitch Forney, Community Development Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Jesse Hauf, IT Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Will Rottler, Communications and Engagement Coordinator; Connor Cox, Bolton and Menk. WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Group Ice Breaker. Mayor Márquez Simula lead the group in an ice breaker discussion regarding what meeting participants first job was and what they learned. 2. Safe Streets for All Citywide Action Plan: Draft Final Plan. Public Works Director Hansen introduced Connor Cox with Bolton and Menk to present information on the final draft of the Safe Streets for All Citywide Action Plan. The plan has been in development for almost a year. Director Hansen noted that the Council must approve the final plan, and staff will be submitting expenses for reimbursement by the end of August. Mr. Cox explained to the council that the main goal of the plan is to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes. This project was fully funded by a grant from the Federal Government and MNDOT. There was a large amount of community engagement, and the feedback was collected and presented to the community on June 24, 2025. There was interest in the safety improvements near the school, having safety treatment test projects, and sidewalk improvement. The draft plan is available in the agenda packet and on the city website, a survey for plan feedback is available through 7/13/25. One of the core questions reviewed during the development of the plan was the impact of a municipality reducing the speed limit in the community. Overall, the design of the road is more impactful in reducing accidents and speeding than simply posting a reduced speed limit. Additionally, the stop sign policy was reviewed, and a recommendation will be made related to future policy for there to be consistent placement of stop signs. The data that the draft plan is based on is driven by ten-year crash data in the community to see where serious and/or fatal crashes are occurring and what the risk factors are. Most crashes occur at intersections, and the density is located along Central Avenue. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 07, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 2 Mr. Cox then presented information related to conceptual design ideas as a high-level starting point for what type of road treatment may be successful. These concept designs focus on safer pedestrian crossings, speed management, traffic control, and school area safety. Mr. Cox also identified for the Council what the policy and program recommendations are. In addition to recommendations for progress and transparency once the plan is finalized. Councilmember James inquired about where the information can be found related to the appendix, and gave feedback related to the potential demonstration project on Jefferson Street. She stated that she is in favor of not reducing existing speeds but implementing the design elements that will address speeding. Mr. Cox indicated that information could be found in the index related to the studies that were utilized for the draft plan. He also explained that Jefferson was considered for the demonstration project as a preliminary site. Director Hansen informed the Council that to be eligible for additional grant funding in the future staff would recommend passing a resolution that captures the main goals / outcomes for the action plan. This resolution will be drafted and brought to the council for review and approval at an upcoming meeting. Councilmember Buesgens inquired about the timeline for completion of the components of the plan. Mayor Márquez Simula stated that she liked the plan to look at other intersections and roadways to improve the enjoyment of the community and the concerns related to near misses and property damage. Councilmember Deneen asked for a redline version of the plan so that it would easily identify the changes that have been made to the document based on council and community feedback. Councilmember Spriggs inquired about where sidewalk evaluation is considered in this plan as well as if there is money in the current budget for proposed demonstration projects. Director Hansen stated that a sidewalk evaluation is an important piece of the next steps for overall project planning related to upcoming street improvement projects. There is money in the budget related to some of the smaller demonstration projects, and staff will look at grants that are available to assist with these plans on a federal and state level. 3. Amending Alcohol Ordinance Restrictions in Silver Lake Beach Park. City Manager Chirpich gave a brief introduction to the recent amendments regarding alcohol sales in City Parks and the need to refine the City Code further related to events occurring at Silver Lake Beach. There are plans by the Lions Club to bring back a polar plunge at Silver Lake Beach, and an update related to the ordinance would be to make the restrictions for the beach to be the same for all city parks related to alcohol consumption. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 07, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 3 This would be simple change to the text to bring Silver Lake Beach into alignment with other city parks. The consensus of the Council was to move forward with the amendment at an upcoming meeting. 4. Review 2025-2026 Strategic Plan. City Manager Chirpich introduced the item and gave a recap of the 2025-2026 Strategic Action Plan that was developed with Phil Kern by the Council and Staff during work session meetings that occurred in spring 2025. He asked the Council for any feedback or comments that they have so the plan could be finalized for Mr. Kern to attend the July 14, 2025 meeting to present the plan. Additionally, Chirpich stated that the components of the strategic plan once approved will act as a guide for the City Manager performance review metrics and will be presented at the July Work Session Meeting. The consensus of the Council was to move forward with the presentation and approval of the Strategic Plan at the July 14, 2025, City Council Meeting. 5. Discuss Options for 2026 Legal Services Contract. City Manager Chirpich introduced the item and gave a recap of the status of the legal services contract with Barna Guzy & Steffen. He stated the proposed rate increases are nominal, and the division heads are in support of continuing the current services of City Attorney Scott Lepak. Considering the past concerns of the council he wanted to bring this item for review and approval. Alternately the process would be to go out for bid on the scope of services that are offered, but City Manager Chirpich would like to make sure that there is a provision to continue Attorney Lepak’s services for labor and contract negotiations. Mayor Márquez Simula stated that she was appreciative of bringing this item to a work session for the council’s consideration. She would like additional clarity for the process for individual council members reaching out to the City Attorney related to questions. Councilmember Deneen stated that she felt that there could be gatekeeping occurring with continuing with the contract without going out for bid. She would be in support of having a one-year extension to lead into going out to bid for services for 2027. Councilmember James wanted to make sure there would be protection to ensure Scott Lepak or an equivalent partner would continue their work to support the city. She inquired about the process related to accepting professional bids. Councilmember Spriggs stated that he is appreciative of the services that have been provided by City Attorney Lepak. He is interested in the conversation related to going out for bid because for the reason Councilmember Deneen outlined. Councilmember Buesgens stated that she appreciates all the work and partnership current City Attorney Scott Lepak has provided. She is concerned related to the staff time needed City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 07, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 4 for the process of going out for bids. City Manager Chripich clarified that specific questions for the City Attorney from the Council should be relayed through him. Mayor Márquez Simula stated that clarity and transparency are always good to manage expectations and is glad that there is a compromise for this upcoming year. She felt that if the Council had not looked around for a City Manager, they would not have found such a great City Manager The consensus of the council was to go out for bid for a legal contract after a year extension with Barna Guzy and Steffen for 2026. Additionally, the council would like to have it written in the 2026 contract that Scott Lepak will be the main service provider. 6. Info Regarding Sister City Committee and City Partnership. City Manager Chirpich introduced the item and gave a recap of the current partnership between the Lomianki Poland Sister City Committee and the City of Columbia Heights. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that she asked for this item to be addressed and for generalized transparency on the partnerships that the City has with all community groups as a part of the budget considerations. 7. Council Corner. The council reviewed the July calendar, notified each other of upcoming events and discussed proclamations for the July meetings. 2026 Conference Attendance for Council. City Manager Chirpich inquired about 2026 conference attendance. Councilmember James stated that she would like to attend the Spring NLC Conference in March of 2026 in Washington DC. Councilmember Deneen and Mayor Márquez Simula would also like to attend. Councilmember Buesgens would like to attend the 2026 Fall NLC Conference as well as a sustainability conference in Iowa. She would also like to possibly attend the LMC conference as well as the MN Main Streets Conference in 2026. Mayor Márquez Simula would like to attend the National Mayor Conference. Political Party Participation at Art and Info Fair. Based on feedback from the Mayor, City Manager Chirpich inquired if the council would like a policy related to attendance / participation of community organizations at City events. Communications and Engagement Coordinator Rottler stated that staff is committed to City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 07, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 5 having an inclusive environment at all events and he has discussed concerns related to limiting participants with the City Attorney. He further clarified that there are all types of schools (private, charter and public), churches, business and community organizations that participate in this event. The City Attorney has advised that it is not good practice to restrict organizations from participating and limiting freedom of speech. In planning the event he makes sure that groups are dispersed in an inclusive and respectful manner. Councilmember Deneen feels that opening events to political parties seems like an endorsement from the City. She feels that any political party has an agenda when they attend an event and it could be upsetting to attendees. Councilmember Buesgens stated that she wants to make sure that Columbia Heights remains an inclusive community and that everyone is welcome to participate. She would like there to be a standard protocol that participants are only relaying information. She does not want groups to be segregated as everyone should be allowed to be a part of the group. She would like to follow a similar policy as to what the Library uses where groups can meet as long as it is not a campaign or fundraising event. She felt that this event is an opportunity for people to have good conversations. Councilmember James was concerned that the District 39 Republicans were displaying signs at their booth. Mayor Márquez Simula stated she would like to see a separate area at the Arts and Info Fair for political organizations. She stated that she was surprised by the District 39 Republicans at the event, and that it was a missed opportunity for communication. Councilmember Spriggs stated that he would like to follow the same general guidelines that the Library uses; that groups are allowed to participate if they are not campaigning for a specific candidate or fundraising for a candidate. COPAL Resolution. City Manager Chirpich informed the Council that the draft resolution that Councilmember James requested was in the packet for review. Additionally, he stated that the Police Department wanted to express concerns with the Council emphasizing their position on this matter as it could create unwanted attention. Councilmember James gave some background information related to COPAL bringing the resolution in the packet to her attention. She hopes that it will be passed at the same time as resolutions that are being brought forward by Minneapolis and St. Paul City Councils. She feels that if there are more cities that are participating in the resolution it could take the heat off of Columbia Heights or it may increase it. Councilmember Buesgens stated that she has concerns related to the attention that it would bring to the City. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 07, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 6 Consensus of the Council was to move this item forward for the July 28, 2025 City Council Meeting, Municipal Cannabis. City Manager Chirpich introduced the item and stated that Finance Director Kloiber was attending the meeting to provide highlights and information related to ongoing staff investigation into municipal cannabis. Director Kloiber gave some additional insight into the detailed work that he and Community Development Director Forney have completed related to moving the city forward with the establishment of a municipal dispensary. He cautioned that having a municipal dispensary could jeopardize the City’s eligibility for grants and funding from the Federal Government. Councilmember James requested an update on the sales related to low-potency THC beverages. Additional Items. Mayor Márquez Simula asked for an update related to Wargo Park. She requested that the the Mayor and Council Reports be moved to the beginning of the meeting. Additionally, she would like to see a formal Juneteenth celebration hosted by the City and thought it could be combined with the Arts and Information Fair. Councilmember James added that she would like to see a Juneteenth event incorporated into Music in the Park. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Márquez Simula adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:35pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary