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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-2025 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 09, 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 09, 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 6:02 pm. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Deneen; Councilmember James Absent: Councilmember Spriggs Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Travis Lutz, Assistant City Attorney; Dan O’Brien, Fire Chief; Teresa Carson, City resident; Jennifer Pyper Muno, City resident; Ray Muno, City resident; Nanesha Perry, City resident; Luis Sacta, El Tequila Business Owner; Ana De La Torre, Partners in Energy Community Facilitator. 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. A. 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 15 was removed from the Agenda. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Agenda as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 A. Immigrant Heritage Month Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Luis Sacta, El Tequila. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed June 2025 as Immigrant Heritage Month and read the City’s proclamation. Luis Sacta, Business Owner, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council for the proclamation. He thanked those who supported his business. B. Pride Month Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Ray Muno, Columbia Heights (CoHi) Pride Festival Committee. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed June 2025 as Pride Month, and Councilmember Deneen read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the City celebrates Pride and added her excitement about the Pride Festival in the City. Ray Muno, City resident, accepted the proclamation and thanked the City for the proclamation. He stated that the Pride festival would be on September 13, 2025. Mayor Márquez Simula shared how the City has worked to be more inclusive. She explained that the City has worked to keep Ordinances and Resolutions gender neutral. City Hall has a gender neutral bathroom so that everyone can feel comfortable. C. Juneteenth Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Nanesha Perry, Valley View Parent Teacher Association. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Freedom Day, and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. Nenesha Perry, Valley View Parent Teacher Association Member, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council for the proclamation. She expressed the importance of Juneteenth to her family and herself. She added that it has been exciting to see Juneteenth become more widely known. She explained that Juneteenth is a time to celebrate ancestors and to enjoy community. COMMUNITY FORUM Teresa Carson, City resident, stated she lives at Parkside Village Townhomes, which overlooks Sullivan Lake Park. She expressed her concern that the Medtronic site plan shows the park running up against the property line. Moving the park would create an area where there would be unsupervised children and additional noise. The plan photos show the pickleball and basketball courts going in close to the lot line. She wondered if the pickleball and basketball court could be flipped with the sports court so that the noise could be moved further away. The proposed lift station placement would cut off the view of the lake and park for the current residents. She expressed her concern regarding the overflow parking City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 coming from the new Medtronic development. She noted the park hours go until 11:00 pm and wondered if there would be people playing basketball or pickleball until 11:00 pm. The last time there were improvements at Sullivan Lake Park, all of the neighboring residents were notified to attend a meeting. She noted that neighbors were not notified this time to provide input. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that the Medtronic site development is a huge project and that staff will follow up with answers. City Manager Chirpich added that he would be happy to schedule a follow- up phone call. He noted that the park improvement planning is going through a separate commission. Park improvements would be taken up by the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission. There will be multiple opportunities to engage with a variety of commissions on the topic. Mayor Márquez Simula added that the Council is listening. Jennifer Pyper Muno, City resident, stated she lives near where the 37th Avenue construction occurred. She mentioned that no bus stop benches have been put in. She added that she spoke with someone from Metro Transit about when bus stops would be put in, but did not get an answer. She asked if the City knew when benches and garbage cans at bus stops would go in. She asked if the City would be able to put in garbage cans with lids around the area. She added that there is a lot of trash in the area, especially from the liquor store. She noted that there is trash in the rain gardens from people who are waiting for the bus. Additionally she put in a plug for the HeightsNext Garden Tour on Friday, July 18th at 5:00 pm at the Blooming Sunshine Garden Food Forest at Łomianki Park. It is a free garden tour with eight residential gardens that will be open to the public. Mayor Márquez Simula stated that staff would follow up on her concerns. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember James commented on Item 11, “Axon Contract Renewal”. She mentioned it is an opportunity for the City to use the State grant and Public Safety funds to make a difference with technology in the City. She noted that there are checks and balances to ensure that AI is accurately making reports. She added that there is a translation component to the program. She expressed her excitement regarding the cameras so that there is accountability and transparency. Councilmember Deneen expressed her excitement about the new youth commissioner. She asked how many youth commissioners there are. City Manager Chirpich replied that the new youth commissioner is the only one seated currently. There are additional efforts going on to recruit more youth commissioners. Mayor Márquez Simula agreed and mentioned that the previous youth commission had difficulty aligning schedules. She explained that each commission has a couple of open spots for youth commissioners in order to get youth voices heard in all commissions and boards. She agreed with Councilmember James’s comments. She expressed her excitement regarding Safe Streets for All. Public Works Director Hansen mentioned that Safe Streets for All began four years ago. He noted that the funds are available and believed that the City had a worthwhile project. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 1. Approve May 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the May 27, 2025, City Council meeting minutes. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 2. Approve June 2, 2025, City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the June 2, 2025, City Council Work Session meeting minutes. 3. Accept April 1, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Accept April 1, 2025, Planning Commission meeting minutes. 4. Accept May 7, 2025, Library Board Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the May 7, 2025, Library Board meeting minutes. 5. Accept February 26 and April 23, 2025, Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the February 26 & April 23, 2025, Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes. 6. Accept May 5, 2025, Regular EDA Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Accept the May 5, 2025, Regular EDA meeting minutes. 7. Second Reading of Ordinance 1714, Amending the City’s Rental Density Cap. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1714, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve the second reading of Ordinance No. 1714, being an ordinance amending Chapter 5a Article iv of the Columbia Heights City Code to amend the regulation of rental density for detached single-family rental dwellings, and to direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 8. Adopt Resolution 2025-47, Appointing Youth Commission Member. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-47, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2025-47, appointing Livie Power to the City of Columbia Heights Youth Commission as a non-voting member of the Planning Commission. 9. Adopt Resolution 2025-048, Amending the 2025 City Fee Schedule. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-048, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2025-048, a resolution amending the 2025 City Fee Schedule. 10. Approve Resolution 2025-51, Authorizing the Application of a Safe Streets for All Implementation Grant. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-51, as there are ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2025-51 authorizing the pursuit of the Safe Streets for All Implementation Grant for TH65 – Central Avenue. 11. Axon Contract Renewal. MOTION: Move to authorize the Chief of Police to enter into the attached 5-year contract City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 5 with Axon for a total of $955,459.04; with $252,000 of the cost from the one-time Public Safety funds and the remaining from operating. 12. License Agenda for Approval. MOTION: Approve June 9, 2025, License Agenda. 13. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for June 9, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 14. 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 $1,167,685.33. 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. Speakers should limit their comments to five (5) minutes. 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 voted on and the item formally closed by the Council. 15. Consideration of Resolution 2025-046, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 4610/4612 Washington Street NE. for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes. MOTION: Move to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2025-046, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2025-046, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation, pursuant to City Code, of the rental license listed. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 16. First 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. Fire Chief O’Brien stated the Columbia Heights Fire Department (CHFD) responded to approximately 2,182 calls last year, ranging from fire suppression and emergency medical incidents to technical rescue, hazardous-materials mitigation, and standby fire-watch assignments mandated by the Minnesota State Fire Code. While City Code § 8.403 currently authorizes cost recovery for certain specified incidents, the section has not been City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 6 comprehensively updated since 2009. As a result, several services provided by the department lack clear billing authority, and the fee provisions are scattered and difficult to administer. Fire Chief O’Brien noted key drivers for the proposed amendment include: • Alignment with current state law. Minnesota Statutes §§ 366.011, 415.01, and the MSFC authorize municipalities to impose “reasonable charges” for emergency services and to bill responsible parties for fire-watch details. • Transparent, holistic structure. The amendment reorganizes § 8.403 into a logical framework (purpose, definitions, fee schedule authority, billable services, billing/collection, appeals, enforcement) for ease of reference by residents, businesses, and staff. • Comprehensive service coverage. By adding a catch-all clause for “other departmental services,” the ordinance ensures that any future or specialized service falling within CHFD’s assigned duties can be billed without additional code changes. Fire Chief O’Brien explained that staff recommends that the City Council waive the reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1715 amending § 8.403 as presented, and set a second hearing for June 23, 2025. Moving forward with adoption will modernize the City’s cost-recovery framework, ensure equitable billing across all incident types — including mandated fire- watch details — and support the long-term fiscal sustainability of CHFD operations. Councilmember Buesgens thanked Fire Chief O’Brien for doing the work to update the Ordinance. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that the Ordinance could imply that residents would be charged for fire watch services. She asked Fire Chief O’Brien to clarify. Fire Chief O’Brien explained that under the new Ordinance, the City would adopt a formal policy that spells out where residential billing applies. He provided an example, such as when a fire is caused by an illegal home-based auto shop. He added that residents would be charged if there was clear negligence and non-compliance with the City Code. Councilmember James asked Fire Chief O’Brien what the typical practice is in other cities. Fire Chief O’Brien replied that some cities will charge for structure fires in single-family homes. There is a clause in most insurance policies that will pay $500 to the fire department for responding to a fire. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1715, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1715, an Amending Chapter 8, Section 8.403 of the City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 7 Columbia Heights City Code Relating to Fire Service Fees for June 23, 2025. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 17. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1717, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.315 of the City Code Relating to the Youth Commission. City Manager Chirpich stated that on October 25, 2021, the Columbia Heights City Council approved Ordinance 1671 amending the City Code to create a Youth Commission, the first of its kind in Columbia Heights. Over the past several years, there have been amendments to the City Code (Ordinance No. 1683 and 1699) to bring the Youth Commission into further alignment with the City Council’s goals, as well as recruiting and retaining Youth Commissioners who are seeking increased community and government engagement. City Manager Chirpich noted at the City Council Work Session on June 2, 2025, Communications and Engagement Coordinator Will Rottler and City Clerk Sara Ion addressed concerns the City Council had regarding recruiting and retaining Youth Commissioners. Staff’s recommendation was to align the appointment period to mirror the school year (June 1 – May 31), to accept applications on a rolling basis, and to appoint commissioners as qualified applications are received. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1717, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember James, to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1717, an Ordinance amending Chapter 3.315 of the City Code relating to the Youth Commission of the City of Columbia Heights for June 23, 2025. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 18. Consideration of Resolution 2025-049, Authorizing the Green Corps Host Site Agreement. Community Development Director Forney stated at the March 3 City Council Work Session, Community Development staff presented information about the Minnesota GreenCorps program, which is coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). At that time, staff informed the Council of the City's intent to apply to become a host site for a GreenCorps member. Community Development Director Forney noted that the Minnesota GreenCorps is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to preserving and protecting Minnesota’s environment while training the next generation of environmental professionals. Each year, the program places members with host organizations across the state to help communities build resilience to climate change. Members serve full-time for 11 months, from mid-September through mid-August, and focus on one of four key areas: - Community readiness and outreach - Energy conservation and green transportation - Stormwater and forestry - Waste reduction and recycling City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 8 Community Development Director Forney mentioned that through these focus areas, members engage in projects such as developing climate action plans, conducting waste audits, installing rain gardens, and providing community education. In April and May, Community Development staff completed the application process and participated in interviews with the MPCA. In May, the City of Columbia Heights received notification that it had been selected as a host site for a GreenCorps member. Community Development Directory Forney explained that Community Development will act as the host department for the member and will coordinate with the Sustainability Commission and other City departments to implement key sustainability initiatives. The member’s work will be guided by priorities established by the City Council, the City’s Energy Action Plan, GreenStep Cities goals, and the Sustainability Commission’s ongoing efforts. Community Development Director Forney stated, pending Council approval of the attached resolution and completion of supervisor training (to be provided to the Community Development Director), we expect to receive a GreenCorps member in September. Once MPCA completes the matching process, the City will interview the proposed member to ensure a good fit. Community Development staff will then finalize a detailed work plan that combines strategic guidance from existing City plans into a practical and manageable scope of work for the member. This individual will also support and participate in Sustainability Commission meetings and help advance key projects over the course of their service year. Community Development Director Forney noted that while the City has been selected as a host site, there remains uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding for the Minnesota GreenCorps program. Our MPCA contacts have indicated that more clarity is expected following the passage of the State’s funding bill. There is still a possibility that the program’s funding could be eliminated for the upcoming program year, which would prevent us from receiving a GreenCorps member despite our selection. Nevertheless, the passage of this resolution allows the City to stay on track and continue preparing for a successful placement, should the necessary funding come through. Councilmember Buesgens expressed her excitement regarding moving forward with GreenCorps. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-049, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to approve resolution 2025-049, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights authorizing execution of a host site agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for participation in the Minnesota GreenCorps Program. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 19. Consideration of Resolution 2025-50, Xcel Energy Partners in Energy – Energy Action Plan Adoption. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 9 Community Development Director Forney noted that the members of the Sustainability Commission and the Xcel Partners in Energy would be presenting to the Council. Partners in Energy Community Facilitator, Ana De La Torre, explained that Partners in Energy is a two-year collaboration with Xcel Energy. She added that they help develop and implement a community’s individual energy plan goals. The plan is broken into three parts. The first four to six months are spent developing the plan. She noted that the City’s plan is complete and that there were five workshops where she worked with the Energy Action Team members. During the next 18-20 months, the plan will be implemented with Partners in Energy. After that, they continue to help the community work with their energy action goals. Ms. De La Torree noted that the City’s Energy Action Team included City staff, Councilmembers, residents, a teacher, a pastor, and a landlord. She reviewed the timeline. In spring 2024, the City was accepted into the Partners in Energy, and in the summer of 2024, the planning process began. In January 2025, the Energy Action Plan was written and finalized. There are several steps to develop the plan. The Plan is about 60 pages. The executive summary provides a snapshot of what is in the plan and the priorities. Throughout the process, a vision statement was created, and a community-wide goal was set. She mentioned that there were strategies that were created. Once the plan is implemented, Partners in Energy continues to support the City with marketing, data tracking, and measurements. Partners in Energy offers network resources including events, tool kits, webinars, an e-newsletter, and a website. Councilmember Buesgens thanked Partners in Energy for their work and thanked City staff for bringing it to the City. Councilmember Deneen explained that she was a part of the group that put together the plan and mentioned that it was a learning experience. She added that the process was thoughtful and the discussions were deep. She thanked Partners in Energy for their leadership. Councilmember James highlighted that the four focus areas fit Columbia Heights. She appreciated the focus on saving money while also being energy efficient. Community Development Director Forney explained that Partners in Energy is ready to hit the ground running and has already provided the City with marketing resources. Staff will continue to meet with Partners in Energy to identify the path forward for the program and to implement the goals. There will be an official kickoff in the fall. He explained that this is another strategic item in the toolbox, and the next step is to bring it to the other goals in the City by establishing a work plan. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to waive the reading of draft Resolution No. 2025-050, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 10 Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to approve draft Resolution No. 2025-050, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights to adopt the City’s Energy Action Plan and approve the form and substance of the Partners in Energy MOU as participation in Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Program. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 20. Consideration of Lincoln Avenue Communities 800 53rd Preliminary Bond Resolutions. Community Development Director Forney stated that late in 2024, Lincoln Ave Communities approached the City regarding a potential project at 800 53rd Avenue NE. After multiple meetings with the City Council and Planning Commission, the Developer is ready to move forward with an application to Minnesota Management and Budget for tax- exempt bonds. The project is currently awaiting an EAW public review period, which is open until Jul 10th. At the June 3rd Planning Commission meeting, the development got a positive recommendation for their Planned Unit Development, Preliminary Plat, and Vacation of Easement applications. These items will be brought to the council after the completion of and a decision on the results of the EAW. Lincoln Avenue Communities is applying for tax-exempt bonds for the first two phases of the project, more specifically, the two affordable housing L-shaped buildings. Tax-exempt bonds can only be applied for the affordable housing part of the project. Community Development Director Forney noted that in accordance with State Statutes, the City is authorized to develop and administer a housing program to provide financing for the purpose of constructing new multi-family housing developments. Furthermore, State Statutes provide that such programs for multi-family housing developments may be financed by revenue bonds or obligations issued by the City. Therefore, Lincoln Avenue Communities has requested that the City help to finance their proposed project with the issuance of tax-exempt conduit revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $30,000,000 for Phase I and $30,000,000 for Phase II. Bonds of this type are not an obligation of the City or its taxpayers, but rather an obligation of the developer. Only project revenues of the developer, in this case, rent collected after completion of the project, would be pledged for repayment of the bonds. While the City must approve issuance of the bonds and all bond documents, the transaction is largely handled by the private borrower and the underwriter that serves as the initial purchaser of the bonds. This is a common practice for the City, which has previously issued similar bonds for developments such as Sullivan Shores townhomes, Crestview senior care facilities, the Legends of Columbia Heights, the COL, and Grand Central Flats. Additionally, the City will receive a 1% issuance fee based on the total principal amount of the bonds. Community Development Director Forney explained that before the City may issue tax- exempt bonds on behalf of Lincoln Avenue Communities, the City must first adopt a preliminary resolution approving the issuance of the bonds specific to the subject property and submit a housing program to the Metropolitan Council for review and comment. In addition, the City will need to prepare and submit an application requesting the allocation of multi-family housing bonds to the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB). The preliminary approvals contemplated in the attached resolution in no way City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 11 constitute an obligation of the City to issue the bonds. Final approval of the bond issuance will take place at a subsequent Council meeting following the required public hearing(s). Councilmember James expressed her appreciation for the Planning Commission's work on the details of the project. She thanked the developer for submitting a traffic and environmental study. She noted that the Council is looking carefully at each step of the project. She explained that the bonds would not be a financial obligation for the City. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-052 and Resolution 2025-053, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution 2025-052, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights Granting preliminary authorization to the issuance of revenue bonds or other obligations under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462c, as amended, to finance the costs of a multifamily housing development (phase I); approving the preparation and submission of a housing program with respect thereto; approving the submission of applications for bonding authority; establishing compliance with certain reimbursement regulations under the internal revenue code of 1986; and taking certain other actions. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4- 0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution 2025-053, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights granting preliminary authorization to the issuance of revenue bonds or other obligations under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462c, as amended, to finance the costs of a multifamily housing development (phase II); approving the preparation and submission of a housing program with respect thereto; approving the submission of applications for bonding authority; establishing compliance with certain reimbursement regulations under the internal revenue code of 1986; and taking certain other actions. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4- 0. Bid Considerations 21. Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for 2025 Sullivan Lake Fitness Court Construction, City Project 2506-B. Public Works Director Hansen stated on April 28th, 2025, the City Council awarded a contract for the 2025 Alley Program and Sullivan Lake Fitness Court Project to Equity Builders of Rosemount, Minnesota. The base bid had two components: Part A for the concrete alley work and Part B for the fitness court construction. In review of the bidding documents for preparation of the contract, staff found that language required by the County for the CDBG funding for the fitness court was inadvertently omitted. To ensure that the funding remains available, Part B of the contract was removed by change order and was rebid as a standalone project with the required bidding language. New specifications, along with the plans set, were sent to 5 contractors. Two contractors submitted bids, with the low bid provided by Equity Builders of Rosemount, MN. It will not City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 12 affect the completion date of mid-July for the fitness court concrete slab. The two bids were Equity Builders: $86,180.00 and IDC Automatic: $86,794.50. Based upon the bids received, Equity Builders of Rosemount, MN is the low, qualified, responsible bidder. Staff is recommending the award of the bid to Equity Builders. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to accept the bids and award the 2025 Sullivan Lake Fitness Court concrete slab, City Project 2506-B to Equity Builders and Construction of Rosemount, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $86,180.00 with funding from Fund 412.6400; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if there was a place on the City’s website to look up the plan for Sullivan Lake and the sports court. Public Works Director Hansen replied that he did not know. He noted that there is a preliminary master plan, but there is still work being done on it. Mayor Márquez Simula clarified that the vote was to accept the bid, and it is not to decide where the fitness court would be located. Public Works Director Hansen explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission has been discussing having the fitness court on the south side for visibility. He noted that he could get the information on the City’s website. Mayor Márquez Simula requested to include the mural by the local artist posted with the project information. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember James congratulated Mayor Márquez Simula for winning the Bush Fellowship Award. She also congratulated Columbia Heights resident Muhidin Warfa, who is a language equity advocate in schools and is working in Minneapolis Public Schools, and won a Bush Fellowship Award last year. She congratulated Arif Bakar for his Bush Fellowship Award as an educator and community builder last year. She explained that her heart goes out to the family of Manny Collins and invited people to look at the press conference and the press releases that have been posted. She stated she visited the new Wings Financial building for the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting. She noted she spoke at a civics class at Columbia Heights High School. There was an invasive species removal committee project. She mentioned that she attended the Columbia Heights Pow-wow at the high school. It is the 11th year for the Pow-wow and the 11th straight year that the Columbia Heights Native American community has had a 100% graduation rate. She noted that she had a meeting with Mayor Márquez Simula and the school resource officer team to work on next year’s contract. She noted she attended the EDA meeting, the Council work session, a meeting with the Metropolitan Council, the Columbia Heights Business Council, and the City-wide garage sales. She mentioned that Silverwood Park has a Juneteenth Celebration on June 18th from 5:00-8:00 pm. Councilmember Buesgens congratulated Mayor Márquez Simula on the Bush Fellowship Award. She extended her sympathies to Manny Collin’s family and hoped that they would be able to find him alive. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 13 She stated she attended the EDA and the Council work session. She explained that the City is working on the INI for the residential properties and noted that it helps keep the wastewater fees lower. She mentioned that she was misquoted in a newspaper where it said that she did not want a grocery store in Columbia Heights. She explained that Alatus has been looking for a grocery store to come into the community for four years as part of the redevelopment on Central, and believed it has taken so long because they are specifically looking for a grocery store. She stated she did not want a grocery store to hold redevelopment back. She added that it is too important a development to be held back. She noted she continues to volunteer with the Blooming Sunshine Garden. She stated she attended the Parks and Recreation Commission, the alley public meeting, and a picnic with soccer kids. Councilmember Deneen congratulated all of the Bush Fellow recipients in the City. She explained the search for Manny Collins is on everyone’s mind. She mentioned she spoke at a civics class at Columbia Heights High School. She stated she attended the EDA, the Council work session, the Planning Commission meeting, the alley construction meeting, the Business Council meeting, and the City-wide garage sale. Mayor Márquez Simula expressed what an honor it was to be a recipient of the Bush Fellowship Award. She noted that she served as the MC for the Mediation Restorative Services Annual Summit. She thanked Councilmember James for running the Council work session while she was out of town. She stated she attended a meeting with Councilmember James and the school board about the student outreach officer. She added that she attended the Operation Pollination meeting and the planning session for the Peace Breakfast. The Peace Breakfast will be on Tuesday at Murzyn Hall at 7:30 am. Tickets are $20, and all of the profits will go to Missions Inc. She noted she attended the Library Board meeting and volunteered with the Every Meal program. She mentioned she met with City Manager Chirpich for a weekly check-in. She stated she attended the Regional Council of Mayors meeting. She agreed with Councilmember Buesgens’ comments regarding being misquoted in the newspaper and clarified that Councilmember Buesgens is in favor of a grocery store but would like to see the project move forward. She shared that she has had numerous discussions with the Police Chief regarding the search for Manny Collins. She added that her heart goes out to Manny Collins’ family and expressed her gratitude for the Police Department, which is working overtime to find Manny. Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich stated the Art and Info Fair is next Wednesday, June 18th, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Huset Park West. There will be 40 informational booths, 10 arts and crafts vendors, free tacos while supplies last, and a raptor center presentation. He mentioned that former Columbia Heights police officer Mike McGee passed away on May 22nd. Officer McGee served the community for over 30 years. City offices will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Medtronic site is open for public comment. The EAW is a document that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and is required by the Minnesota Environmental Regulations. It is designed to inform decision makers and gather public input before the final project approvals are granted. He mentioned he was notified by the Communications and Engagement Coordinator that there is a webpage dedicated to the Sullivan Lake Park redevelopment plans. It does not include the artwork. The plans can be found on the City’s website by searching “fitness court.” City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 14 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary