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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-2025 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, May 12, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, May 12, 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 6:00 pm. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember James Absent: Councilmember Deneen; Councilmember Buesgens Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; David Cullen, Public Works Superintendent; Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Matt Markham, Chief of Police; Kathy Bennett, City resident; Paul Edner, City resident; Derek Lind, ACEIT; Joe Macko, City resident; Rodney Seifert, City resident; Mark Veronicas, 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. 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 Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Business of the Year Award. Award Recipient: Hairatage Mayor Márquez Simula stated the Business of the Year Award would be for Hairatage. She read an explanation of Hairatage and highlighted that it is a community-based salon with affordable services. She noted that the owner is Donna Mahlman and highlighted that she also teaches and mentors students in the community. She awarded the Business of the Year Award to Hairatage. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 B. Adult and Youth Citizen of the Year Award. Adult: Jennifer Pyper-Muno Youth: Aesa Rude Mayor Márquez Simula presented the Youth Citizen of the Year Award to Aesa Rude. She read a document highlighting Aesa Rude’s accomplishments, which include being an officer with the district's gay-straight alliance, being a member of the board’s policy subcommittee, and being involved in synchronized swimming, theater, speech, choir, and the high school's activities student leaders group. Aesa Rude thanked the Council for the award and added that they have enjoyed being involved in the community. Mayor Márquez Simula presented the Adult Citizen of the Year Award to Jennifer Pyper- Muno. She read a document highlighting the ways that Jennifer Pyper-Muno has served the community, including picking up trash at Hart Lake, and her volunteer work. Jennifer Pyper-Muno explained that she has met many people in the City due to her volunteer work. She added that it fills her cup because she gets so much in return for giving up her time. She hoped that she had inspired others to volunteer. She thanked the Council for the award. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the Business of the Year and Citizens of the Year will be highlighted in the summer newsletter. C. Police Week Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: City of Columbia Heights Police Department. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed May 11-17, 2025, as National Police Week, and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. Police Chief Markham introduced Police Sergeant Jason Piehn. He mentioned that Sergeant Piehn has been a long-standing member of the Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA), where he attends officers' funerals around the State, and helps plan funerals. The Police Department will be doing a wreath ceremony for Officer Ramsdell on May 14th at 9:00 pm at the State Capitol at the Law Enforcement Memorial. Police Sergeant Jason Piehn accepted the proclamation. He mentioned that Minnesota has lost 311 officers in the line of duty. He thanked the Council for the Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the Police Department has a podcast that specifically talks about LEMA. C. New Police Staff Introductions. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 Police Chief Markham introduced the new Police Staff: Police Captain Beth Posek, Officer Jacoby Diederich, Officer Thaddeus Newby Jr., CSO Clarence Hyatt-Duncan, Jose Navarrete, and Ryan Volna-Rich. E. Public Works Week Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: City of Columbia Heights Public Works Department. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed May 19-24, 2025, as National Public Works Week, and Councilmember Spriggs read the City’s proclamation. Public Works Superintendent David Cullen accepted the Proclamation. He thanked the Council for the Proclamation on behalf of the other Public Works staff members. COMMUNITY FORUM Rodney Seifert, City resident, mentioned he is a homeowner on Gould Avenue. He noted it was a shame that the “consultant” who prepared the work session report was not at the meeting because many residents had questions regarding parking on Gould Avenue. Mayor Márquez Simula suggested that Mr. Seifert ask the questions he has, and the City Manager would write the questions down in order to provide answers for him. Mr. Seifert asked if there was a six-hour parking Ordinance in the City and mentioned that he had received different answers in the past. He asked if there was a law about tabs on license plates, and having updated tabs on license plates. He mentioned that there are many cars with expired tabs that are parked outside his house. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that the best way to let the police know about expired tabs is to call the Police Department. Mr. Seifert stated that he has been doing that. He explained that people have been parking in front of his house, and he has not been able to load and unload his walker or groceries. He added that he has a handicap sign in front of his house and has to call the police three times in order to remove cars that are parked in his handicap parking spot. He mentioned he had to wait 24 hours for the car to be towed. He stated he would like permit parking on Gould Avenue. He asked why the consultant did not suggest permit parking for Gould Avenue. He expressed his frustration with people constantly parking in front of his house. Kathy Bennett, City resident, mentioned she had the same questions as Mr. Seifert. She added that she has been calling the Police Department over the last three days about cars that have expired tabs. She explained that the police would drive by the cars and not do anything about the tabs. She noted the crime that has been occurring on Gould Avenue. She mentioned a woman parked three to four feet over her neighbor's driveway, and when she confronted the woman, the woman yelled at her. Mayor Márquez Simula asked Ms. Bennett if she could call the Police Department to report the incident. Ms. Bennett explained that she went inside her house after the incident and was going to wait until the next time the woman parked over someone's driveway so she could take a picture. She stated that when Ratio Apartment was built, residents were told that they would have one parking spot per resident. She added that it is not fair to the neighbors to have to absorb all of the parking from Ratio Apartment tenants. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 Mark Veronicas, City resident, asked why the 2:00 am to 6:00 am no parking was not relevant to the study that the City conducted. He wondered if it was not relevant because it was not enforced in the first place. He mentioned that the City noted “An unexpected observation over the past four months has been intense use of commercial parking only, three-hour limit zone in the north and south frontage of Gould Avenue between Central Avenue NE and Peters Place. Staff have observed this is often full with bumper-to-bumper early in the morning to late in the evening.” He explained that residents are paying the price. He added that the City mentioned that there were more citations in 2025, which demonstrates that the City is enforcing compliance with the posted parking. He stated that he did not know what that meant because the only time the Police Department did anything was when residents called to complain. He explained that cars were not towed during snowstorms, and the Police Department came out only once during the winter. He mentioned that City staff noted that parking on both sides of Peters Place can create an extremely narrow drive lane in the winter and can create challenges for snow plows. He wondered what happened with the plan of ticketing and towing cars since it had not been happening. He asked if City staff have been reaching out to residents or if it has just been residents reaching out to the City. He added that he has not received any information regarding the plan from the City. He stated that he felt that there has not been transparency with the City. He explained that the homeowners in the area have been invested since before the apartment building was put in. He added that neighbors are scared to go outside due to the increase in crime and emphasized that the issues came up when Ratio Apartment came in. He mentioned that he has some comments he has gathered from his neighbors and asked if he could read the comments after the other public comments. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that he could do that if the comments were different than what he expressed. Paul Edner, City resident, stated he would be reiterating some of the previous comments regarding parking on Gould Avenue and Peters Place. Last year, the neighbors were promised a three-month assessment after the parking signs were put up. During the last Council meeting, residents were told that the assessment had not been done. During the last Council work session meeting, community members were not allowed to contribute to the discussion. Last year, Councilmember Buesgens was in support of the residents and had publicly stated that she would not accept the parking issues. However, during the work session meeting, she only asked questions regarding how parking would affect the businesses and wondered if the commercial parking could be extended. He noted that he would like to have the residents' voices heard during a meeting regarding parking issues instead of simply during the public forum portion of a meeting. He referenced section 502.3 of the Columbia Heights Police Department Policy Manual, bullet point six, which reads “A motor vehicle should be impounded if its license plates are more than 90 days past expiration.” He added that there have been several cars that have had tabs that were expired. The homeowners have not noticed the police towing cars based on expired license plate tabs. The six-hour parking rule is referenced in City Ordinance 1490- 7.205a, which says that no one may park in the same spot for more than six hours. The Ordinance also says that owners of rental properties are to provide sufficient off-street parking for tenants. He explained in his opinion, Ratio Apartment has not provided sufficient off-street parking for tenants. He requested to have a meeting with Alatus, the community, and the Council in order to resolve the issues. He mentioned that the neighbors try to get photos of illegal parking. The police will tow cars if they are blocking driveways. He stated he would like to see cars towed for any illegal parking. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 5 Joe Macko, City resident, stated he is the president of the Columbia Heights Lions Club. He announced that the Jamboree would start on Thursday, June 26, 2025. City Knights would play on Thursday Night. The parade will be on Friday, June 27th, and there will be professional wrestling on Saturday, June 28th. He noted that the carnival is $2 to get in. Derek Lind, member of ACEIT, stated he would like to discuss election integrity. He mentioned the City’s poll pads are used one day out of the year. Poll pad agreements came out in 2018, and he felt that the County and City did not properly vote on it. He asked that the City look at the agreement. He mentioned that the Ramsey attorney mentioned that “it is a lousy agreement for cities because it is a good deal for the County but not the cities”. He added that he believed there could be some liability and suggested that the City’s lawyers look at the agreement. Mr. Veronicas read a comment from Tanya and Mike: “I appreciate everything you’re doing. I wish I could be there this time. I just don’t think the City really cares. It doesn’t affect them. I really wish we could get them to come out and see it for themselves, like on a weeknight and in the mornings on a weekend. Also, after the movie theater is closed, to see what we are saying, but the police won’t even do anything. If it were permit parking, they wouldn’t do anything anyway. People park in Ronny’s handicap parking space in front of his house. I have never seen anything done about that.” Mr. Veronicas read a comment from Alyssa: “My primary concern I have is enforcing the business parking hours by Ratio. Additionally, I believe the City should consider implementing permit parking due to the unusual activities occurring at night. It’s challenging to identify the cars involved. As residents of our street, permit parking would provide assurances that people parking on our street are residents. There have been instances where non-residents park on our street, playing loud music for extended periods, and I can’t confirm their activities, but I’ve noticed the lighters flickering inside. Personally, I feel uncomfortable confronting them. So, at the very least, some form of patrolling enforcement behavior would be greatly appreciated. We’ve been patient with the City, but unfortunately, the situation hasn’t improved in the past six months. Please consider enforcing permit parking based on our persistence and the situation on Gould and Peters Place.” Mr. Veronicas mentioned that his neighbor, had a comment about fixing the vent down the back of the building. The vent was supposed to be fixed last year. The fan can still be heard, and he wondered if something could be done about it. He mentioned that during the last Council meeting, City staff and the Council were explaining that they could do permit parking in the area if the building were a hospital because it would be a business instead of residential. He pointed out that the apartment is both a business and residential. He feels that since it is a similar situation, it should not be difficult to get permit parking for residents on Peters Place and Gould Avenue. Mr. Seifer emphasized that he would like to know more about the six-hour parking rule in the City’s Ordinance. He added that as a taxpayer, his tax money is going towards the “consultant”. He stated he would like to speak with the consultant to understand what kind of facts and figures she used to come up with her decisions. He wondered if the consultant could come up with an idea with the owners of the apartment complex to either lower the cost of parking or work something out with the tenants. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that the consultant is a City employee and is not a consultant. She added the City would have answers during the next meeting. She noted that Council work sessions are City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 6 not the time for questions since the Council is working through business, but the Council does listen during the appropriate time for comments. She expressed her appreciation for the comments. Faith, City resident, explained she has lived in the City since 2005 in a safe neighborhood with low crime. She mentioned that in 2019, her neighbor made a mechanic workshop and then upgraded it into a larger area which has created a lot of noise. She explained that the police were unable to solve the program. She added that her neighbor has about 70 people come to play volleyball, and it creates a lot of noise in the neighborhood. She stated she left her bag out one day, and someone stole it. She mentioned that she had called her neighbor to ask him to stop making so much noise, but nothing had changed. She added that she has called the police many times, but nothing good has come out of it. She emphasized that it is a residential zone and people need to live peacefully. She shared photos with the Council. Mayor Márquez Simula stated that Community Development Director Forney would provide her with his business card so that she could email the photos and he could follow up with her. Faith explained that she came to America from a third-world country in order to have a better life. The noise has made it difficult for her to sleep and live in a peaceful environment. She mentioned that the crime has increased and that she has to have a camera in her backyard, otherwise everything would be stolen. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0. 1. Accept April 7, 2025, Regular EDA Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the April 7, 2025, EDA meeting minutes. 2. Accept April 2, 2025, Library Board Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the April 2, 2025, Library Board meeting minutes. 3. Approve Leadership Norms. MOTION: Move to approve and accept the 2025 leadership behavioral and operational norms as presented. 4. Authorization to Seek Bids for 2025 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project. MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Lining program. 5. Approve Change Order No. 1 to Equity Builders for the 2025 Alley Program and Sullivan Lake Fitness Court construction, City Project 2506. MOTION: Move to approve Change Order No. 1 to Equity Builders in the amount of ($87,111) deduction, for a revised contract amount of $985,130.00, for the 2025 Alley Project, Project 2506, and authorize the rebidding of Part B, the Sullivan Lake Fitness Court construction. 6. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 12, 2025, as presented. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 7 7. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for May 12, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 8. Review of Bills. MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City Council has reviewed the enclosed list of claims paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of $1,420,147.56. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 9. Consideration of Professional Services Agreement for the Development of Soccer Field(s) in Columbia Heights Park(s). City Manager Chirpich stated that the item before the Council is a consideration of a proposal for consultant engineering services with WSB, which is a firm that has worked with the City’s park planning over the years. WSB has done a preliminary analysis of where soccer fields might be cited in the City. Recently, the Council directed staff to put an emphasis on the initiative to work with the City’s Park and Recreation Commission to begin an engagement and planning effort around citing one or more soccer fields in the City. It would include a look at several parks that have been identified as the most viable, and engage with residents around those parks. Additionally, there would be engagement with the stakeholders and users of the soccer fields. There would be meetings between the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Council to discuss picking a location, having a master plan, and having design work after the field is determined. The earliest construction could begin would be spring 2026. WSB has provided an estimate of $36,250 to complete the work. He added that staff are seeking a budget amendment for the Parks Capital Improvement Fund 412 for $40,000 to allow a slight buffer for potential change orders. Councilmember James expressed her appreciation for the project and added that she is looking forward to the public meetings that will be coming up. She advocated for multiple fields. She noted that the bid from the contractor was looking to have the final master plan in October 2025 and asked to clarify the schedule. City Manager Chirpich agreed that the final master plan would be completed in October. Councilmember James pointed out that it would allow time to include the project in the budgeting plan for next year because the $40,000 would be for the planning process, and the rest of the project would be included in next year's budget. Councilmember Spriggs expressed his excitement for the project and the community outreach with the Parks and Recreation Commission, residents, and the Council. He added that he is excited to see the initiative move forward. Mayor Márquez Simula agreed and added that Councilmember Buesgens and Councilmember Deneen are in favor of moving forward with creating the soccer fields. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 8 Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-41, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve Resolution 2025-41, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving professional services agreement with WSB and appropriating a budget of $40,000 from the fund balance of the Parks Capital Improvement Fund 412. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0. 10. Consideration of Ordinance No. 1713, Approving Alcohol at City Sponsored Events. Community Development Director Forney stated at the May 5, 2025, Council Work Session, staff presented the staff letter regarding Ordinance 1713. Staff are proposing Ordinance 1713, which would allow City-sponsored events to serve alcohol. The ordinance also removes the outdated regulation limiting alcohol in parks to only 3.2% malt liquor, instead allowing regular malt liquor. If approved, the ordinance will go into effect on June 27th. Community Development Director Forney mentioned that during the Work Session, the Council asked a question regarding the use of THC beverages at City events. Staff are continuing to work with legal counsel to identify potential issues and will bring the item back at a future work session. At this time, any event involving cannabis must obtain a temporary cannabis event license from the City and an organizer license from the State. Cannabis events are not permitted on public property. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that Councilmember Buesgens and Councilmember Deneen would look into the additional information when they watch the meeting recording. She added that the Council is open to trying new things and will follow up to see if it is the right fit for the community. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1713, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1713, being an ordinance amending chapter 10.201 of the Columbia Heights City code to allow the sale of alcohol at city sponsored events for May 27, 2025. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember James noted she is working on planning a peace breakfast in the City. She added that she had a meeting with a councilmember in Ramsey to discuss initiatives in their city that may impact Columbia Heights. She attended the EDA meeting, the work session meeting, the blood drive at the Public Safety building, and the strategic planning meeting with the City staff. She mentioned that the City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 9 Council has been following the parking issues on Gould Avenue and Peters Place and added that the Community Development Department had prepared a report, which can be found in the work session packet. She expressed her concern that cars have been parked in front of driveways and handicap parking spaces since it is a safety issue. She noted that there are more police officers who have been hired, which creates more opportunities for enforcement. She explained that the City relies on a partnership with residents and encouraged residents to call and report issues in order for the City to track concerns. She added that concerns can also be emailed or called into the City, and do not only have to be shared during the Council meetings. Mayor Márquez Simula agreed and noted that the Council reads all of the emails and will submit them as information in the Agenda Packet. Councilmember Spriggs mentioned he attended the EDA meeting, the work session meeting, and the strategic planning meeting. He explained that he has worked with Mayor Márquez Simula and other elected officials to address the state of funding and the importance of nonprofits in the community. He added that they submitted a letter to the paper to bring awareness to nonprofit organizations needing additional funding to continue the work they are doing. Mayor Márquez Simula noted she was a judge for the Columbia Heights High School after-school dessert contest. She mentioned that she met with the team for the upcoming summer peace breakfast, which will be held on June 10th. She explained she had check-in meetings with the Police Chief and City Attorney. She stated she attended the screening of Tibetan film “Four Rivers and Six Ranges”, the Regional Council of Mayors meeting, the Council work session meeting, the EDA meeting, the operation pollination meeting, the Rotary Club meeting, the Library Board meeting, and the City’s strategic planning and goal setting meeting. She mentioned she took used motor oil to the recycling center and expressed her gratitude that there is a recycling center in the City. She added that the recycling center is open every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. She announced that Cheers for Beers is on Friday. It is a beer-tasting event that is partnered with Top Value and HeightsNEXT. The event will have a DJ dance party, food trucks, beer sampling, and gift basket drawings. It will occur from 6:00- 9:00 pm at Murzyn Hall. Tickets are available at cheersforbeersmn.com. Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich noted that the City’s 2025 summer newsletter should be in mailboxes later this week or early next week. The newsletter will include important events for residents. A Spanish newsletter will be available online soon. An English/Spanish youth brochure will be distributed in the public schools. The National Weather Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources have issued a red flag warning due to the heightened risk of fire. Recreational fires within the City are strongly discouraged. He provided an update on the fiber optic internet expansion and noted that USI has begun installing fiber optic internet infrastructure in the City. Work started in the eastern portion of the City and is expected to expand through the City over the next two to three years. He encouraged residents to visit the City’s website for additional information. He invited residents to attend a Memorial Day observance event on Monday, May 26th, at 11:00 am at the War Memorial at Huset Park. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 12, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 10 Mayor Márquez Simula thanked staff for being able to offer a Spanish version of the City’s newsletter. City Manager Chirpich thanked the Communications Department and the new multicultural liaison, Angela, for their work on the newsletter. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:31 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary