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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2025 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, February 10, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 10, 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 Buesgens; Councilmember Deneen; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember James Also Present: Andrew Boucher, City Planner; Grant Dickinson, Fire Fighter; Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Joseph Kloiber, Finance Director; Jason Lutz, City Attorney; Dan O’Brien, Fire Chief; Matthew Reynolds, Fire Fighter; Brad Roddy, Assistant Fire Chief; Mohamed Abdulle, City resident; Dean Beyer, 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 Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION Continuation of Consideration of 2025 Concrete Alley Construction, Project 2506. 1. Consideration of Resolution 2025-017, Ordering Improvements For 2025 Concrete Alley Construction, Project 2506. Public Works Director Hansen explained the item was before the Council as a public hearing during the January 27th meeting. The Council continued to discuss the item during the February 3rd work session. During the January 27th meeting the Council opened and closed the public hearing. The Alley program began in 1999 when the Council adopted a City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 policy that focused on how to reconstruct the alley and how to pay for it. The policy provided general criteria for how the alleys would be reconstructed and identified concrete as being the material type. The policy also developed the assessment policy. The City pays for 55% of the cost of the alley and pays 45% of the assessment costs. The City uses a Resident Equivalent Unit system by looking at the size of the lot from a benefit perspective. The goal is that all of the lots benefit the same. Public Works Director Hansen explained that in 1999-2000 the City reconstructed 15 alleys, in 2014 they did three alleys, in 2020 they did three alleys and in 2024 they did five alleys. He mentioned that the City is recommending six alleys for this year. He mentioned that there are 17 miles of alleys in the City. Public Works Director Hansen reviewed the previous rates. In 2014 it was $2,050 per parcel, in 2020 they were $2,871, in 2024 it was $3,990, and the proposed rate for this year is $4,365. He explained that the system has not changed but the cost of materials has increased. If the construction costs are lower than the assessment rates are reduced to reflect the lowered amount. The City does not know what those costs will be until the Council adopts the Resolution. Public Works Director Hansen explained that if the Council decides to move forward on the project then the project will go to the final design and public bidding. A contractor reconstructs the alleys instead of City staff. Once the alleys are complete, the City develops the final rates based on the construction costs. In October there will be an assessment hearing and the Council will be informed about the rates that were developed. Residents will be able to either pay off the full amount, a portion, or none of it. If there is a remaining balance, it will be on the property owner's property tax for the next 10 years. Each year the interest is reduced. The balance can be paid off in any year without future interest being paid. Public Works Director Hansen recognized that it is a big investment into the City’s infrastructure. He added that the worst-condition alleys will be completed first. Councilmember James mentioned that community members have asked how they would do the financing for the City portion and the resident portion if there was no interest. Public Works Director Hansen explained that there is a portion that the City pays for. Typically the City would finance the resident portion. However, the City does not have the funds for that and would have to get a loan. The interest rate is typically determined based on what it is bonded at during that year. Councilmember James addressed that residents are wondering if the project could be put off a year. She mentioned that construction costs went up 10% in one year and residents would be better off doing this year's rates and paying what they can and then paying it off over time in case the construction costs jump another 10% next year. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the City held an alley assessment meeting where many people expressed their concerns. The Council continued to discuss the item and brought it forth to the current meeting so that Councilmember Spriggs could be in attendance since the item requires a 4-5 vote in order to pass. She added that the Council has continued to receive additional information on the item. Many people mentioned that they wished they knew the project was affecting them sooner so they could get the finances in order. She suggested having a better process to communicate with residents sooner. Mayor Márquez Simula agreed with Councilmember James’ previous comments regarding being able to pay off the project early without having to pay off additional interest. She added that the cost for residents will not be more after the Resolution is passed. If the bids come back higher the City would pay the additional costs. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that the Council has all received any emails that were sent to the City regarding the alley project. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-017, there being ample copies available for the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution 2025-017, being a resolution ordering improvements and preparation of plans for 2025 Concrete Alley Construction, City Project 2506. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that it has been brought up to the City that City-wide assessments have been brought up as a way to fund the project. She stated that she is in favor of looking into City-wide assessments but at this time, it would take too much time to do and alleys could continue to damage City property due to the state some of them are in. Councilmember Deneen thanked Mayor Márquez Simula for bringing that up in order to look for ways for the City to be more equitable. She added the importance of having equitable and compassionate policies and looked forward to discussing it further. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. COMMUNITY FORUM Dean Beyer, City resident, expressed his concern regarding the garbage and recycling can ordinance. He mentioned that there are many cans on the street and not put away. The cans in the street cause plows to go around them and pedestrians to have to walk around them into the street. He added that he did not know what could be done about them but it looks trashy. Mayor Márquez Simula agreed. Public Works Director Hansen stated that they would work with the Communications Department to get more messaging out there. He added he would work with the refuse coordinator to look at ways to remind residents to take in their garbage cans after their garbage has been picked up. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 Mayor Márquez Simula asked if they could include garbage cans not being put back in the report a problem page on the City’s website. City Manager Chirpich replied that it could be reported there. He added that it would also fall in the proactive code enforcement category under property maintenance. Mayor Márquez Simula suggested googling “Report a problem Columbia Heights”. She noted a website will come up where community members can report issues that get directed to City staff. She added that people can report potholes, broken swings, or broken trails. Mohamed Abdulle, City resident, stated he was asking for the release of the amendment of a deed restriction which is outlined in section 15f for an agreement. He added he purchased a house about eight years ago and the deed was apparently for 10 years ago. He mentioned that they purchased the land before it was developed. A deed was placed by the developer through Columbia Heights. He was not aware of the deed until recently and is now held accountable for two more years of the deed. He wanted to see how he could get it released or amended. City Manager Chirpich explained a number of years ago the City purchased foreclosed homes, tore down the homes, and sold the lots. The lots were sold to developers at a discount with restrictions included. In this case, the property could not be sold as a rental property for a period of ten years. The development agreement is then passed onto the purchaser. A deviation of the development agreement would take a large discussion and would include a policy conversation and include the EDA. Mayor Márquez Simula asked City Manager Chirpich if he would be able to follow up with Mr. Abdulle regarding the timeline of when discussions would happen with the EDA. City Manager Chirpich mentioned that the Community Development staff have been in communication with Mr. Abdulle. Mr. Abdulle explained that they are hoping for a final resolution because his understanding is that City staff do not want to allow a deviation. He added that they are hoping to get a final decision. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that the EDA would have the authority to make the decision. She mentioned she would not be able to give him a resolution on it now but it was good that he brought it up during the meeting so it is on the radar of discussion items. Mr. Abdulle asked if they would be able to sit down with the EDA to have a discussion. City Manager Chirpich explained that it is a large policy discussion that staff will need to present to the Council and EDA. He added that it was possible that the EDA could discuss it during their next meeting at the beginning of March. He stated he would have to do some research regarding the legal process. Mayor Márquez Simula noted the next EDA meeting would be on March 3rd at 5:00 pm. City Planner Boucher mentioned that he would help with communication with Mr. Abdulle while Community Development Director Forney is on vacation. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Introduction of New Assistant Fire Chief Brad Roddy. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 5 Fire Chief O’Brien introduced the new Assistant Fire Chief Brad Roddy. He explained that Assistant Fire Chief Roddy came from the Lake Johanna Fire Department where he served as a Fire Captain. He added that Assistant Fire Chief Roddy grew up in Columbia Heights and graduated from Columbia Heights High School. Assistant Fire Chief Roddy’s father was the Police Captain with Columbia Heights years ago. He mentioned that Assistant Fire Chief Roddy and his twin brother joined the Fire Department in 2003 and worked with the department while attending school for law enforcement. Both of the brothers became police officers in Mankato. Assistant Fire Chief Roddy became a dual firefighter and police officer in Woodbury and after the program ended in Woodbury, he became the Fire Captain in Lake Johanna. Assistant Fire Chief Roddy thanked the Council for the opportunity and for Fire Chief O’Brien for bringing him along. He mentioned that the City staff have been welcoming and that he has been looking forward to this opportunity. He noted that it is rewarding to come back to Columbia Heights where he was originally invested as a 20-year-old. B. Demonstration by Fire Department of New Life Safety Equipment. Fire Chief O’Brien mentioned that during the Council work session, he did a presentation regarding the purchase of equipment for the Fire Department. He added that the equipment was purchased with funds from the Public Safety Aid account. He noted that approval for the funds allocation for the purchases is number nine on the Consent Agenda. Fire Chief O’Brien showed the Council which items would be purchased for the Fire Department. These items were demonstrated by Fire Fighter Matthew Reynolds. The items include the SCBA which is a breathing apparatus that would protect firefighters from breathing toxic gasses. The second piece of equipment is a rapid intervention pack or a RAT pack. It is essentially a backup system to save other firefighters. It has a universal connection that can connect to any make or model of SCBA’s. He noted that they are looking to purchase three rapid intervention packs to put on all of the fire engines. The third purchase equipment is technical rope rescue-related equipment. The fire departments in Anoka County maintain a specialized rescue team. He explained that they were looking to purchase ropes, some carabiners, and some other harness equipment. The equipment would help rescue and save people immediately instead of being delayed. Firefighters Grant Dickinson added that the rope rescue equipment can be used in many situations such as a confined space, a structural collapse, trench rescue, and swift water. Three years ago the Fire Department joined a team to get harnesses and helmets but have had to wait to get the full equipment, which has made a response time of 30-40 minutes. Mayor Márquez Simula asked what the training entails to get certified in using the rescue ropes. Fire Fighter Dickinson replied they train two days every month which has a different emphasis each month. He added that a special certification is not required to be on the team. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 6 CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember James referenced item 8 of the Consent Agenda and noted that Police Chief Markham came up with the idea of creating the position of a Deputy Police Chief. The Deputy Police Chief would be working on internal affairs, professional standards, accountability, administrative support, and general leadership and command. The position will be filled internally. She explained she is in support of the idea because it ensures a high degree of accountability and responsibility. Mayor Márquez Simula agreed. She commended Police Chief Markham for his work during his first year despite all of the staffing changes and the SRO contract with the school district. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve January 27, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the January 27, 2025 Special City Council meeting minutes. 2. Approve January 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the January 27, 2025 City Council meeting minutes. 3. Approve February 3, 2025 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the February 3, 2025 City Council Work Session meeting minutes. 4. Accept January 6, 2025, Regular EDA Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the January 6, 2025 EDA meeting minutes. 5. Accept January 7, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the January 7, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes. 6. Accept January 8, 2025 Library Board Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the January 8, 2025 Library Board meeting minutes. 7. Accept January 22, 2024 Regular HRA Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the January 22, 2024 Regular HRA meeting minutes. 8. Change in Police Department Organizational Structure. MOTION: Move to approve a change in the police department organizational structure to add the position of Deputy Police Chief. 9. Allocate Use of Funds and Authorize Expenditures Using 2023 Public Safety Aid. MOTION: Move to allocate 2023 Public Safety Aid funds in the amount of $72,000 for the expenses as listed in the Summary of Current Status section. MOTION: Move to authorize the purchases as outlined in the Summary of Current Status section. 10. Second Reading of Ordinance 1710, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5A Property Maintenance Code, to Include the Removal of Discriminatory Covenants. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1710, there being ample copies City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 7 available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance 1710, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 5A Property Maintenance Code and direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 11. Consideration of a Rental License Exemption Extension for 4302 2nd Street NE. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-024, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2025-024, a resolution approving the single-family rental exemption request for the rental application at 4302 2nd Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421. 12. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for February 10, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 13. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 10, 2025, as presented. 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 $1,248,790.77. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 15. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1711, an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 9 - Land Use: 9.101 Purpose, 9.103 Definitions, 9.106 General Development Standards, 9.107 Specific Development Standards, 9.109 Residential Districts, 9.110 Commercial Districts, 9.111 Industrial Districts, 9.113 Planned Unit Development Districts, 9.114 Overlay Districts, and 9.115 Public and Open Space Districts. City Planner Boucher stated staff discussed potential updates to City Zoning Code – Chapter 9 Land Use at the January 7, 2025, Planning Commission Workshop based on the work related to the City’s efforts to implement a Complete Streets Policy for public and private development, SolSmart technical review and progress through their designation program, and incorporating these along with other recent zoning code updates into the City’s Design Standards. These amendments are described in each applicable zoning section as follows: A. 9.101 Purpose, Authority and Jurisdiction (B) Purpose amended to include (B)(11) “Encourage and strengthen solar development and use of renewable energy while protecting public health, safety, and welfare of its residents and furthering progress City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 8 towards specific community goals and plans.”; amend (B)(2) to reflect other specific goals defined in plans such as the Energy Action Plan and other guiding documents. B. B. 9.103 Definitions amended to include the following definitions: a. Amending Accessory Building/Structure, Building and Structure definitions to explicitly state that solar equipment and installations are not considered to be structures. b. Adding Community-scale solar energy system: A solar photovoltaic system that qualifies for the Community Solar Gardens identified by the State of Minnesota Commerce Department’s Energy and Utilities. c. Adding Grid-connected solar energy system: A solar photovoltaic system that is connected to an electric circuit served by an electric utility company. d. Adding Ground-mounted solar energy system (Accessory Use): A solar photovoltaic system mounted on a rack or pole that is ballasted on, or is attached to, the ground and the system is accessory to the primary use. e. Adding Ground-mounted solar energy system (Primary Use): A solar photovoltaic system mounted on a rack or pole that is ballasted on, or is attached to, the ground and is the primary land use for the parcel(s) on which it is located. Primary use systems are permitted through a discretionary approval process. f. Adding Roof-mounted solar energy system: A solar photovoltaic system mounted on a rack that is ballasted on, or is attached to, the roof of a building or structure. Roof-mount systems are accessory to the primary use. g. Adding Solar energy system: A device, array of devices, or structural design feature, the purpose of which is to provide for generation or storage of electricity from sunlight, or the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, daylight for interior lighting, or water heating. h. Adding Solar photovoltaic system: A solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into electricity, the primary components of which are solar panels, mounting devices, inverters, and wiring. C. 9.106 General Development Standards amended to include the following provisions: a. Removing language from (B) Lot Controls (13) Height limitations establishing a roof area maximum for mechanical and electrical equipment and adding language to include solar and other renewable energy equipment to allow equipment to exceed the maximum height limitation by up to 50%. b. Amending (C) Accessory uses and structures (1)(c) to include solar and other renewable energy equipment are subject to the setback requirements for accessory structures, but are not considered buildings or structures. c. Amending (H) Performance Standards (1) Purpose to exempt solar and renewable energy equipment and installations from performance standards. d. Amending (P) Sign Regulations to include (8) Sign Design Standards Table containing standards related to types of signage allowed by zoning district, maximum area, height, illumination, setbacks, and any other applicable information in a form-based table. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 9 e. Including (S) Table of Uses showing the permitted, conditional, and accessory uses for all residential, commercial, industrial, and public districts. D. 9.107 Specific Development Standards amended to include the following provisions: a. Including Roof-mounted solar energy system as a use and including as a specific development standard that the system “shall comply with applicable state and local fire codes to ensure emergency access to the roof, provide pathways to specific areas of the roof, provide areas for smoke ventilation, and provide emergency egress from the roof. b. Include Ground-mounted solar energy systems (accessory use) as a use and including as a specific development standard that “if the area under the system contains vegetative ground cover such as grass, native planting and vegetations, or pollinator habitats as the tilt and spacing allows for precipitation to drain into the pervious ground cover.” E. 9.109 Residential Districts, 9.110 Commercial Districts, 9.111 Industrial Districts, and 9.115 Public and Open Space Districts are all amended to remove the permitted, conditional, and accessory uses and relocating these into a form-based table in 9.106 General Development Standards (S) Table of Uses. F. 9.113 Planned Unit Development amended to include “solar, renewable energy systems, and beneficial electrification” as part of (C) Areas of Flexibility as well as (D) Review Procedure to include references to guiding documents in Planned Unit Development consideration. G. 9.114 Overlay Districts (D) Design Overlay District is amended to include reference in (1) Purpose, supporting the goals of the comprehensive plan, Energy Action Plan, Safe Streets for All, and the City’s Complete Streets Policy. Other amendments included are to (2) Establishment and (3) Design Guidelines of the Design Overlay Districts to read as follows: a. Central Avenue Design District. The Central Business District, extending from 37th to 42nd Avenues, includes a number of historic or architecturally interesting buildings, including the Heights Theatre. Most office and storefront buildings meet the sidewalk, while shopping centers and franchise buildings are set back behind parking lots. Architectural styles are diverse, from historic commercial or Mediterranean Revival (the theater) to 20th century modern. Several off-street ramps help to reduce the need for surface parking. Recent streetscape improvements and developments of the Public Safety building as well as the mixed use City Hall redevelopment project have enhanced the pedestrian character of this district. This district contains numerous neighborhood oriented multi-tenant shopping centers including restaurants, personal and professional services, retail, and multi- family developments. Redevelopment of the City’s Public Safety and City Hall has contributed to the character of this district. b. 40th Avenue Design District. Fortieth Avenue has its own character, combining housing with institutions such as City Hall John P. Murzyn Hall, smaller commercial businesses including restaurants, multi-tenant buildings with professional and personal services, as well as housing and places of worship. Commercial buildings tend to be single-story, set back 5 to 10 feet City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 10 from the sidewalk, and have extremely limited parking options that causes some properties to have legal nonconforming status. Housing is predominantly single-family, although additional townhouse and multifamily development is envisioned in the Downtown Master Plan (2000). Future redevelopment and reconfiguration of 40th should take into consideration of the parking needs of the existing businesses and seek opportunities to enhance street parking. c. Highway Design District. The Highway District extends along Central Avenue from 42nd Avenue north to the City boundary. This segment has a distinctly different character than the CBD: most buildings are set far back from the street behind large parking lots or along frontage roads. Central Avenue is a six-lane highway through most of this area, and the road width and traffic speeds combine to make the area less pedestrian-friendly. The Highway District has issues related to stormwater quality and quantity that are apparent when there is significant or torrential rainfalls. With these conditions in mind for future redevelopment and reconfiguration of Central Avenue, Complete Streets elements shall be implemented when these are feasible and there are identified conflict points, stormwater issues, areas that are “under-lit”, barriers to pedestrian/bicyclist movements, or referenced in guiding documents such as Complete Streets, ADA Transition Plan, and Safe Streets for All. Councilmember Buesgens expressed her excitement that solar was included in the City’s zoning. She thanked City Planner Boucher for his work. Councilmember Deneen thanked City Planner Boucher and the Planning Commission for being forward-thinking and how to equip the City to deal with renewable energy. Councilmember Spriggs mentioned that the zoning language includes that solar panels do not just have to be on rooftops and asked if that was typical for a City like Columbia Heights. City Planner Boucher mentioned one of the Planning Commissioners has a background in renewable energy. The process of installing solar can be restricting so the City wanted to be in alignment with the best practices of the industry. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the zoning amendments would be qualified for the Green Step Cities. City Planner Boucher replied that he would have to do some more research. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that Green Step Cities is a part of the Voluntary Improvement Program. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1711, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to set the second reading of Ordinance 1711, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 9 - Land Use: 9.101 Purpose, 9.103 Definitions, 9.106 General Development Standards, 9.107 Specific City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 11 Development Standards, 9.109 Residential Districts, 9.110 Commercial Districts, 9.111 Industrial Districts, 9.113 Planned Unit Development Districts, 9.114 Overlay Districts, and 9.115 Public and Open Space Districts., in the City of Columbia Heights for February 24, 2025 at approximately 6:00pm. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 16. Resolution 2025-083 Updating the Delegation of Purchasing to the City Manager. Finance Director Kloiber stated Section 56 of the City Charter assigns all purchasing to the City Manager, subject to approval by the City Council when a purchase or contract exceeds a dollar limit set by City Council resolution. However, the City Charter only delegates the authority to award a purchase or contract to a vendor. It does not delegate the authority to make resources available (a budget) for that purchase. Only the City Council can establish a budget, through its appropriation process. Finance Director Kloiber mentioned to be both effective and efficient, the dollar limit for the City Manager’s award of contracts and purchases should be based on the City Council’s judgment of the relative tradeoffs between internal controls designed to prevent deviation from the City Council’s objectives before an award has been made, versus internal controls designed to detect deviation from the City Council’s objectives after an award has been made. Limiting contracts awarded by the City Manager to a dollar threshold is an example of a preventive internal control. Project progress reports and reviews of paid bills are examples of detective internal controls. Finance Director Kloiber noted the dollar limit for most purchases awarded by the City Manager is set at $15,000 by Resolution 2003-03. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased 75% since that resolution was adopted. The equivalent limit in 2025 dollars would be approximately $26,000. In addition to this general limit of $15,000; Resolution 2003-03 states that liquor store inventory purchased for resale can be purchased in any amount by the City Manager. Resolution 2003-03 does not explicitly address the City Manager’s authority for any of the following: • Change orders for contracts awarded by the City Council. • Change orders for contracts awarded by the City Manager for which the change order results in cumulatively exceeding the general dollar limit. • Purchases too urgent to wait for the next available City Council meeting. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the Council discussed the item in depth during a work session. She noted that Councilmember Deneen has experience in contracts and was able to ask a lot of helpful questions. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that the Council needs to do things in a transparent way where to public has access to the information. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-083, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 12 Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adopt Resolution 2025-083, being a resolution updating the delegation of purchasing to the City Manager. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember James thanked the Recreation Department for hosting the Winter Ski Day. She met with Community Development and attended the State of the Region Address with Councilmember Buesgens. She mentioned she attended SnowBLAST and thanked Will Rottler, the events and communications team, the Columbia Heights Lions Club, HeightsNext, the Columbia Heights Athletic Booster, Heights Church, and the Key Club. She noted she attended the EDA meeting, the Council work session, the Central Avenue discussion, the resource fair at the Columbia Heights public school with Mayor Márquez Simula, and met with the chair of the bonding committee. She mentioned that she is participating in the Winter Reads program at the library. She wrote a letter with other elected officials across the US to join a coalition to ask Congress to preserve clean energy tax credits. Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended an online workshop for the National League of Cities Conference. She added that she attended the Region Metro Council with Councilmember James, the craft night at Murzyn Hall, the public open house for MnDOT, the pinning ceremony for the new Assistant Fire Chief, and the pet bed prep with HeightsNext. She thanked her husband and neighbor for filling in for her at SnowBLAST since she was not able to attend due to being sick. Councilmember Deneen noted she attended the Anoka County Local Officials meeting with Mayor Márquez Simula and volunteered with Every Meal and SnowBLAST. She mentioned she served as the Council liaison for the Planning Commission meeting. She attended the badging ceremony for Assistant Fire Chief Roddy. Councilmember Spriggs stated he attended SnowBLAST, the Council work session, the MnDOT virtual open house, and the Multicultural Advisory Committee. Mayor Márquez Simula noted she attended the Anoka County Elected meeting with Councilmember Deneen, the BOWMAC training with the Police Department and firefighters, the SnowBLAST event, the Ancestorial Connection at the library, the EDA meeting, the alley assessment meeting, and the resource fair at the school district. She mentioned during the rotary meeting Metro Blooms presented. She noted that she attended the virtual Public Works tour for bonding and work at the pet bed event. She stated she attended the Regional Council of Mayor’s meeting. She thanked the Public Works Department for attending to the streets with the plows during the last snowfall. She reminded residents to move their cars and garbage cans off the street so the plows could get through. She announced that the City’s Police Department is not a part of Homeland Security and they do not take part in ICE or any deportation. She clarified that the City’s police are here to protect all the people in the City’s boundaries. She mentioned that there will be a board game and puzzle swap on Thursday, February 13th at Murzyn Hall at 6:30 pm. CoHi Con is coming up, which is a gaming and cosplay convention. It will occur on March 1st and tickets can be purchased at cohiconmn.com. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 13 Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich stated the spring newsletter is being finalized and will be sent to be printed. He mentioned that staff would like to thank all of those who attended SnowBLAST. It is estimated that 400 people attended the event. He provided an update on the Mapping Prejudice Project and mentioned that the City is hosting two events on February 13th and February 20th. The first event will cover racial covenants and the second event will cover mapping activities and more information on how to discharge covenants. It is recommended to bring a laptop for the second event. City Manager Chirpich mentioned that applications are open for the Boards and Commissions and the deadline to apply is February 28th. The applications can be found on the City’s website, at City Hall, or by contacting the City Clerk at 763-706-3611. The current openings include three Planning Commission spots, two on the Library Board, two on the Parks and Recreation Commission, two on the Sustainability Commission, and Youth Commissioners are accepted on a rolling basis. City offices will be closed on Monday, February 17th in observance of President’s Day. Mayor Márquez Simula showed the Police trading cards and mentioned that community members can ask police officers for a trading card. The Buy Nothing event will occur on Saturday at 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at First Lutheran Church. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary