Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-2025 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, June 02, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Council President James at 6:00pm. Present: Councilmember Buesgens, Councilmember Deneen, Councilmember James. Absent: Mayor Márquez Simula, Councilmember Spriggs. Also Present: Andrew Boucher, City Planner; Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Mitch Forney, Community Development Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Erik Johnston, Deputy Police Chief; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Matt Markham, Police Chief; Dan O’Brien, Fire Chief; Brad Roddy, Assistant Fire Chief; Will Rottler, Communications Coordinator; Chris Bower, MNDOT; Kyle Brasser, Lincoln Projects. WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Group Ice Breaker: What is your favorite summer activity? Council President James led the group in an Ice Breaker. 2. MnDOT: Layout Recommendations for Central Ave. (Cont. from April 7 and May 5, 2025). Public Works Director Hansen introduced MNDOT’s Chris Bower and recapped the items that the council has come to consensus on based on the April and May presentations and moving forward as far as design. Bower reconfirmed that there would need to be a resolution for closing Reservoir Blvd, and that the council is comfortable with proceeding with roundabouts. Additionally, he clarified that the recommendation from MNDOT is a single northbound lane, so that parking lot entrances for businesses are not negatively impacted. He understands that there is not currently a full consensus from the council on how to proceed with the design and plans to come back to the council with two options. Additionally, Bower stated that he will continue conversations with the City of Hilltop regarding the potential for a single north bound lane. Bowers highlighted the need for continuing community engagement related to the work on Central, and also spoke to the informational program MNDOT has to help businesses impacted by construction to continue to thrive. Councilmember Buesgens stated her concerns with a bus lane; that they will be used by passing vehicles and there would not be enough enforcement to prevent dangerous activity from occurring. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 02, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 2 Councilmember Deenen would like to have bus lanes on both sides up until the roundabouts. Councilmember James would like to see there being two lanes until the roundabout, with one of those lanes being dedicated to BRT. Councilmember Spriggs’ comments were read for attendees in his absence. He is in support of single lane throughout the city. He has the same concerns about the BRT lane and pedestrian safety as Councilmember Buesgens. Mayor Márquez Simula comments were read for attendees in her absence. She would like there to be consensus so that MNDOT does not need to design two scenarios. Councilmember James stated that she supports the two lanes to continue, with one dedicated to buses. Director Hansen clarified that currently it seems that the council is split 3/2 on how to proceed. The council would like Bower to return for a work session meeting report on public feedback in late summer or early fall. 3. 800 53rd (Medtronic Site) Development Check In. Community Development Director Mitch Forney introduced the item, as well as the status of bringing the project to the planning commission and the council. Additionally, he introduced Kyle Brasser from Lincoln Communities. Councilmember James asked Brasser what feedback was gained from the informational meeting that was held last week with the community at the library. Brasser stated that he appreciated the feedback related to the connectivity to the park and lake. The team also understood the concern for increased traffic going to the site and confirmed that there was a traffic study that will take place as part of the EAW that is coming up. He felt that the community was very excited about the town homes. He does plan on meeting with the MWMO regarding their plans related to Sullivan Lake. Councilmember James stated that she is in favor of the proposed plan if the townhomes remain as part of the project as proposed. Councilmember Deneen inquired about what the status was regarding the townhomes and market rate apartment buildings. She is glad that they are including a traffic study, and she inquired about the impact on the roundabout that would be included in the MNDOT reconstruction. Brasser clarified that currently there are two groups who are interested in the townhome site. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 02, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 3 Councilmember Buesgens inquired about how many people attended last week’s community meeting. Additionally, she is looking forward to seeing what the soil samples are under the parking area and the plans to include solar panels into the project design. Councilmember Buesgens also added that she would like to see the MWMO partner with the developer for tree trenches. Brasser stated that there were about 60 people in attendance spread between the three sessions. He also added that the design plans currently include having solar panels on the roof of the buildings. Councilmember James stated that she feels that this is a great example of what the council was hoping for in the design elements. She would be ready to move forward with the MMB Bonding. She is ready to answer any other questions the developer has for the Council. Brasser emphasized to the council that the impervious surface variance would be an important item for council approval. They will be making significant improvements to rainwater, and the park and partnering with the MWMO. 4. Axon Contract Renewal. Police Chief Markham introduced the topic and played informational videos related to the increased capabilities of the Axon AI Era Plan and Draft One Report Writing. Chief Markham highlighted the current contract, and that it expires in one year. Not only has there been an increase in the number of officers authorized but this contract will include having a code enforcement officer, and the language interpreting component would also be available to the code enforcement officer. Councilmember James inquired about the impact that the upgrades would have on privacy and voiced her concerns regarding the significant cost increase. She would like to know what can be done to reduce the impact on the budget. Councilmember Deneen also inquired about the confidentiality of AI information and the training that would occur. Markham clarified that one of the biggest advantages to Axon is how it handles private data / CIGS. He also clarified that this is a contract that would have come up for renewal next year and that there would be the opportunity to scaffold in the existing public safety funding money to offset the costs. The council consensus was that there was a benefit to use the remaining public safety funding money to offset some of the cost of contract. However, there was concern regarding the ongoing costs and ways to make sure that there are minimal tax increases needed. 5. Fire Department Fee for Service Updates. Fire Chief O’Brien introduced the topic and the need to bring the city code up to date related to fees for service. He further clarified that the updates proposed allow for the ability to charge for a service, not that an automatic charge for service would occur. A lot of City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 02, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 4 the updated proposals are tied to state statutes, as well as the FEMA standard for billing. This is the first step in bringing the procedure and policy up to date regarding service fees. The consensus of the council was to move forward with this item for a first reading at the June 9, 2025 meeting. 6. Fire Department and Community Development Fee Schedule Updates. Fire Chief O’Brien introduced the item to the council and the importance of updating the fees for operational and construction permits related to the upcoming implementation of Tyler permitting. Councilmember Spriggs concerns were read into the record by Councilmember James. He stated that he would like to see an increase in the fees related to the sale of fireworks. Fire Chief O’Brien stated that although the city fee is on the lower side of average, the city cannot make money from issuing a permit. The fees are intended to recover staff time to process the application. City Manager Chirpich additionally clarified that there would need to be a direct connection related to the fee charged and the work completed by staff. The fee cannot be punitive in nature. The council consensus was that this item would move forward for the Consent Agenda at the June 9th 2025 meeting. 7. Plumbing Repair Program to Enable Water Meter Installation with City Cost Recovery from Property Owners. Public Works Director Hansen introduced the item and update on the current status of the water meter change outs. The city is at a 98% completion rate with water meter change outs, and one of the barriers to completion is that there are some homeowners who can not afford to have internal plumbing work completed to facilitate the change out. There are approximately thirty properties where there is a financial burden for this additional work to be completed. Director Hansen informed the council that there is already a process in place for assessing costs related to curb stop projects, and they would like to proceed with access the plumbing costs in a similar manner. Finance Director Kloiber clarified the assessing process and that the one-year accessing costs is actually spread out over about two years when considering the time frame for the assessments to occur. Councilmember James stated that she was very glad that there was a compassionate plan in place to get to compliance on this issue. The consensus of the council was to move forward with the process as outlined in the packet. Director Hansen also informed the council that there was only one lead service found in the city so far in the replacement process. There are approximately 60 galvanized pipe City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 02, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 5 services, and these households have been informed about the options for moving the property into standard compliance. 8. Xcel Energy Partners in Energy – Energy Action Plan. City Planner Andrew Boucher introduced the item to the Council and elaborated on the activity that the program had accomplished and the plan for the city to move forward with the action points suggested. Councilmember James stated that she appreciated the level of engagement that occurred with the community. She would like to invite the Partners in Energy Team to attend the meeting and have this item on the “Items for Consideration” portion of the agenda. Councilmember Deneen thanked City Planner Boucher for the work that he did with the program and bringing it to the council for approval. 9. Community Connector Position for 2026. Communications and Engagement Coordinator Will Rottler introduced the topic to the Council and highlighted the programs early success. He stated that staff’s recommendation would be to see the position continued through 2025/2026. City Manager Chirpich stated that the program was very beneficial to the community and there have been a lot of positive interactions and connections that have been made. Community Development Director Forney also elaborated on the benefit of the work that was being done with the Community Development Department and the Community Connector Position. The complex topics related to building permits and connecting with new businesses has been easier to communicate with the Spanish speaking community connector position. Councilmember James inquired about the amount of time spent connecting with the community and the balance of translating materials. She would like to see additional funds allocated if needed. The council consensus was that we want to move forward with the program for 2026. 10. Purchase of SACA Building. City Manager Chirpich introduced the item and included information on the impact to the 2026 budget that would need to be considered if the city proceeded with the purchase of the SACA Building. City Manager Chirpich clarified for the council that SACA has had a land lease agreement with the City since 1999, and the terms of the lease were scheduled to terminate in 2029. There have been previous appraisals done on this property by each party but currently SACA and the city have been partnering on a plan to complete a new appraisal. This process has occurred in consultation with the City Attorney to bring forward the purchase of the property at fair market value. City Manager Chirpich clarified that he is currently trying to balance the impact on the budget, and a portion of this money should be built into the 2026 budget. The city does not want to purchase the building until SACA has fully moved from the building and that may City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 02, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 6 not occur until the middle of 2026. City Manager Chirpich stated that he has signed the contract to complete the appraisal and will keep the council updated on the process 11. Council Corner. Status of Legislative Session and Public Works Bonding Councilmember Buesgens inquired about the status of the funding for the Public Works Building construction. City Manager Chirpich stated that there are currently requests for funding that have been made at both the state and federal level. Conversations are also being had related to moving forward with the project without state and federal funding. The council would like an update on this topic after the conclusion of the state’s 2025 legislative session at a future work session. Jamboree Parade Assignments. City Manager Chirpich introduced the topic and the proposed plan for the council to participate in the parade. The parade planning committee reached out to find out where the council would be in the parade and city staff will send an email response. Monthly Calendar Sharing / Monthly Event Notification, Attendance and Past Event Updates. Calendar events for the month of June were reviewed. Discussion was had about the upcoming Joint School Board Meeting on June 30th. The council consensus was that they would appreciate information about the shared projects that the school district and city are currently collaborating on. Monthly Proclamations and Meeting Guests. Councilmember James will invite the Silverwood Park Juneteenth organizers to attend the June 9, 2025 meeting to receive the proclamation. There was also conversation around inviting EDA Commissioner Dibba to accept the immigrant heritage proclamation, as well as the President of the CH Pride Committee to accept the pride proclamation. Youth Commission Updates Communications and Engagement Coordinator Rottler informed the council that there would be an application for approval on the consent agenda at the June 9, 2025 meeting. Additional updates were proposed to increase engagement, including bringing an amendment of the City Code to the June 9, 2025 meeting for the council to review updated dates for membership. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES June 02, 2025 City Council Work Session Page 7 ADJOURNMENT Council President James adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:55pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary