HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-11-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor
Amáda Márquez Simula
Councilmembers
Connie Buesgens
Kt Jacobs
Rachel James
Justice Spriggs
Interim City Manager
Kevin Hansen
City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE
Monday, December 11, 2023
6:00 PM
MINUTES
The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday,
December 11, 2023, 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 Jacobs; Councilmember
Spriggs; Councilmember James
Also Present: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police; Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director/
Assistant City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Interim City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Sara Ion, City
Clerk; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Dan O’Brien, Assistant Fire Chief; Maria Bates, City resident; Mary
Conver, City resident; Jason Dupay, City resident; Jodi Long, City resident; Joe Mansheim, City resident;
Roger Peterson, City resident; Gregory Sloat, 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
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "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 Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to approve the Agenda as
presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember James noted that the senior citizen rates are important and is an opportunity for those
facing any hardships. She celebrated the condo closing for the City. Councilmember Buesgens agreed
and thanked everyone involved.
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Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Consent Agenda
as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
1. Approve the November 27, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the November 27, 2023 City Council Meeting minutes.
2. Approve the November 27, 2023 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the November 27, 2023 City Council Work Session Meeting
minutes.
3. Approve the December 4, 2023 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the December 4, 2023 City Council Work Session Meeting
minutes.
4. Approve the November 16, 2023 Joint City Council and Planning Commission Workshop
Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the November 16, 2023 Joint City Council and Planning
Commission Meeting minutes.
5. Accept October 10, 2023 Sustainability Commission Minutes
MOTION: Move to accept the October 10, 2023 Sustainability Commission minutes.
6. Accept May-November 2023 Library Board Minutes.
MOTION: Move to Accept the Library Board minutes from May-November 2023.
7. Accept October 11, 2023 Youth Commission Minutes.
MOTION: Move to accept the October 11, 2023 Youth Commission minutes.
8. Consideration of Resolution 2023-81, Updating Income Limit for Senior Citizen Utility
Rates.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-81 there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2023-81, being a resolution updating the income limit
for senior citizen utility rates.
9. Adopt Resolution 2023-082 Establishing Senior Citizens or Retired and Disabled Persons
Hardship Special Assessment Deferral.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2023-082 there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 2023-082 being a resolution establishing a new
maximum income of $47,700 for Senior or Retired and Disabled Persons to be eligible for
special assessment deferral.
10. Adopt Resolution 2023-084 Establishing the City of Columbia Heights Fee Schedule for
2024.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2023-084, there being ample copies
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available to the public.
MOTION: Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2023-084, approving the 2023 City Wide Fee
Schedule.
11. Consideration of Resolution 2023-86, Amending 2023 Budget to Use Certain Additional
Revenue.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-86 there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2023-86, being a resolution amending the 2023
budget to Use Certain Additional Revenue.
12. Approval Resolution 2023-88, Closing of Transfer Agreement for City Hall Condo Unit.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-88, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2023-88, a resolution approving closing of transfer
agreement which recites terms for conveyance to City of City Hall component and
providing authority to sign necessary and customary closing documentation.
13. Replacement of Portable Welder.
MOTION: Move to authorize purchase of a Miller Trailblazer 302 Air Pak from Central
McGowan in the amount of $20,082.19 with funding from 701.9950.45180.
14. Approval of Contract with Baker Tilly to Conduct a Search for City Manager.
MOTION: Move to approve contract with Baker Tilly to conduct a search for City Manager.
15. Approval of Granicus Contract Renewal for City Council and Planning Commission
Meeting Production.
MOTION: Move to approve a three (3) year contract renewal with Granicus for City Council
meeting production services; and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement for the same.
16. Contract for Yard Waste Collection and Hauling Services.
MOTION: Move to approve a five (5) year contract with Shoreview Hunks LLC (a franchise
of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving) for yard waste collection services; and
authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same.
17. Authorize the Fire Service, Emergency Medical Services and Rental Licensing program
contract with the City of Hilltop.
MOTION: Move to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a three-year
agreement for Fire suppression and EMS services contract with the city of Hilltop starting
January 1, 2024, and ending December 31, 2026
MOTION: Move the authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a three-year
agreement for rental property licensing with the city of Hilltop starting January 1, 2024,
and ending December 31, 2026
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18. Final Compensating Change Order and Payment for 2022 Miscellaneous Concrete, Project
No. 2200.
MOTION: Move to approve the final compensating change order and accept the work for
2022 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project No. 2200, and
authorize final payment of $24,265.73 to Standard Sidewalk, Inc. of Blaine, Minnesota.
19. Cancel the December 27, 2023 City Council Meeting.
MOTION: Move to cancel the December 27, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting.
20. License Agenda
MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for
December 11, 2023, as presented.
21. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for
December 11, 2023, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance
Code.
22. 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 $893,459.24.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
23. Resolution 2023-083, Adopting a Budget for the Year 2024, Setting the City Levy,
Approving the HRA Levy, and Approving a Tax Rate Increase.
Finance Director Kloiber explained that the process begins in April each year. Staff puts
together proposed estimates for the following calendar year. It is presented to the City
Council in August and made available to the public. Since being available to the public, the
City Council and Staff have met at three public work sessions on the material and reviewed
it in great detail. Anoka County mailed each property owner a statement of their proposed
property taxes in November.
Finance Director Kloiber mentioned that the amount of tax revenue that the City will
receive for 2024 is just over an 8% increase. It consists of inflation on existing services and
some new additional services. Some additional services include two police officer positions,
the point of sale inspection program on home sales, a continuation of a program with
embedded social workers with the police, and partial FTE in Public Works. Quite a bit of the
8.4% is simply inflation on existing services.
Finance Director Kloiber stated the amount the City receives consists of the amount paid by
local taxpayers and a portion subsidized by taxpayers throughout the metro through a
revenue sharing agreement referred to as the Metro Area Fiscal Disparities Program. The
program will be contributing less towards the City revenue for 2024 due to the formula in
the State law. There is, on average, a 14% increase across all types of taxpayers in the City.
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It is not shared equality since it is based on property type. In 2024, the values of
commercial properties and apartment buildings increased sharply in comparison to single
family homes. For commercial and apartment buildings, it will be higher than 14% and
lower on average for single family residential homes.
Councilmember Spriggs asked to elaborate for the residents regarding the fiscal disparities
and why it was created. Finance Director Kloiber replied that not a lot of communities have
the disparities. The cities and counties in the metro area under the State statute pool their
tax base. A “need formula” is calculated by using the City’s population in relation to its
property value. Based on the need and the City’s tax levy, those factors are applied to the
shared property tax base. Most cities get a payout from that pool. He reminded residents
that when there is a tax increase to see if there is eligibility for a property tax refund.
Mayor Márquez Simula added that it is tax revenue being dispersed to different areas to
help due to the tax base.
Finance Director Kloiber clarified that a formula for need is not necessarily meaning low
income but that it is in terms of residential communities have more services that are
required than a commercial industrial community.
Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing.
Roger Peterson, City resident, expressed his disappointment in seeing the proposed
property taxes from Anoka County. He added his appreciation for Staff who took the time
to explain the City’s point of view. He wondered where the money would go to benefit
residents and the overall community. He noted that the City is not a community that has
the ability to continue to pay higher property taxes. On his property, there is a 10.8% tax
increase which represents $425 with the City portion being $199. In 2023, the tax increase
was 12% with the total bill being $425 and the City’s portion being $298. In 2022, the tax
increase was 2.8% with the City portion being $119. In 2021, the City portion was $42. In
2020 the tax increase was 13.7% with the City portion being $195. He noted in the past five
years, overall the taxes on his home went up $1,228 with the City portion being $768. He
stated the residents would like to hear more about what the money is going towards and
whether it applies directly to the residents.
Mayor Márquez Simula stated the City has done a great job having all of the budget
information on the website. She added that the City would be happy to provide answers to
any questions.
Gregory Sloat, City resident, noted that those who are on Social Security are getting a 3.2%
COLA increase in 2024 which is only a fraction of what the actual inflation rate is. He added
the insurance bill on home is going through the roof. He stated that he believes that the
Country is going through a recession and heading towards a depression. He explained that
the City is not being run correctly if people cannot pay for food, clothing, and shelter. He
mentioned that before the City starts new projects, the old projects should be paid off first.
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Jodi Long, City resident, asked where all of the money was going towards. She added that
the tax increases are getting to be too much.
Maria Bates, City resident, noted that she receives Social Security and a pension and
wondered how she was expected to pay for everything. She agreed with the previous
comments.
Joe Mansheim, City resident, stated that he is a disabled veteran and that he owns a rental
property in Columbia Heights that he also lives in. He stated that he felt that the Council
does not care. He added that they are going to do what they are going to do without any
consideration on what the previous residents mentioned. He noted that he is on a 60%
disabled veterans’ rate which is $1,019.07 a month and will receive a 3.2% increase from
COLA but that does not even cover the increase in garbage fees. He added that the only
way he is able to pay for the increases of his property taxes over the years is due to his
renter, as he also works 60 hours a week as a truck driver. Because of the increases, he will
need to increase his rent. He explained that the pressure will go on the elderly,
hardworking, blue collar people in the community who will be forced out of the City
because the tax increases are too high and they cannot afford to live here anymore. He
asked how much the Council’s pay raise was.
Councilmember Jacobs replied that the Councilmembers went from approximately $7,500
to $10,400 a year.
Mr. Mansheim stated that was embarrassing and that the Council should ask themselves
who they were serving. He noted there were not a lot of residents at the meeting because
they probably could not afford the gas to get to City Hall. He added that if the City truly
wanted to put the information out, they would mail it to everyone since a lot of elderly
people do not know how to find the information online. He added that the rental license
fees have increased due to an inspection being added but the inspection was not
completed due to Covid and he was not reimbursed for that. He stated if the Council was
on his team, he would have fired every one of them and had them investigated to see
where all of the money goes. He added that due to the decisions of the Council, he would
eventually have to raise the rent for his renter to the point where a senior citizen would
have to be on the streets because of the Council. He reiterated that the decisions they
were making were effecting the elderly.
Mary Conver, City resident, stated she has lived in the City for 15 years and does not want
to move. She noticed that homes in the City are starting to look run down because
residents are unable to afford to fix up their homes. She asked what the role of the Council
was.
Mayor Márquez Simula replied that before the Council takes a vote on actions, they have
meetings with Staff to learn about the budget, what money is being allocated for, the rates
of different employees, how their cost of living has gone up, and different changes that
need to be made.
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Ms. Conver asked if there was any cutback in the Police Department in the past or if the
City is adding to the department. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that the Police
Department is finally fully staffed. Police Chief Austin added that the Police Department’s
authorized strength is 29 officers and currently, they have 29 officers. The 2024 proposed
budget will add two additional officers and would bring the number to 31 officers. One of
the positions would be adding a third investigator position.
Ms. Cover stated that is money well spent. She explained that Central Avenue was
supposed to be looked at but she has not noticed many changes to it. She encouraged the
Council to look at where the money is being spent because homeowners desire to keep the
City beautiful by putting money into their homes.
Jason Dupay, City resident, stated that last year, while he was walking on his street, he was
assaulted by somebody and was threatened. He had brought the issue up to the Police
Department and filed a complaint. He added that nothing was done about it because they
were a police officer. He tried to get the body camera recording, was only given parts of
the video, and had to continue to ask for the entire video.
Mayor Márquez Simula stated that the item for discussion was about taxes. Mr. Dupay
replied there was no other opportunity to bring up his issue and he had left Mayor
Márquez Simula a voicemail and did not receive a call back. Mayor Márquez Simula
explained that she was conducting research before she was going to call back.
Mr. Dupay stated he sees police cars idling in parking lots and when he questions them,
they drive away. He shared a story about speaking with the police about a drunk driver.
Councilmember Buesgens interrupted to explain to Mr. Dupay that he would have an
opportunity to speak about his issue during the public forum, noting the item being
discussed is currently taxes. Mr. Dupay replied that his issue was regarding taxes. He added
that when he has spoken with police officers, they have driven away and the residents are
paying for them. He asked why the City needed more police officers if many of them are
idling in parking lots. He mentioned that there would be litigation coming towards the City
regarding his experience with the police officer unless they were willing to sit down with
him to discuss the damages he experienced.
Mayor Márquez Simula explained that the Council tries to stay on topic for the item that is
going to be voted on.
Gregory Sloat, City resident, quoted C.S. Lewis “of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely
exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live
under robber barons than the omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber barons crudity,
which means greed for money, may at some point be satiated. But those who torment us
for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their
own conscience.”
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Mayor Márquez Simula gave an additional opportunity for the public to speak in person or
online. There were no other comments.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to close the
public hearing. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
Councilmember Buesgens acknowledged that the taxes have increased and it is hard on
people. She added that the City services are also affected. Half of the taxes go to
infrastructure, a quarter goes to policing and public safety, and the rest goes to admin, the
library, etc. She noted that in order to cut costs, it would cut infrastructure which is already
70 years behind in maintenance. There will not be any big road maintenance for the next
five years in order to fix the alleys in the community. It will take 20 years before the City
has sufficient funds to fix another 10 alleys. She mentioned that the Police Department is
not fully staffed. The number of police officers per 1,000 residents is 2. The City has a
population of 22,000 which means there should be 44 police officers and the City currently
has 28. The one detective on staff has 180 cases. She noted the Public Works building is in
terrible shape and after a professional inspection, it was noted that the building has four
years until all people and vehicles need to be removed since it would be unsafe to work
inside of the building. She stated the City is trying to contain the budget and does not have
control over inflation. The new City Hall building is a project in conjunction with privte
developer Alatus LLC. She added that the money was saved for years in order to pay for the
building so taxes did not have to be raised to complete the project.
Councilmember James thanked the residents who spoke on the item. She explained that
she does not want to cut costs for the Police Department since there is an increase in calls.
She appreciates that the police are quick in response to calls, that her street is plowed, and
her trash gets picked up. She encouraged residents to look into a property tax refund.
Mayor Márquez Simula thanked those who attended the meeting and added her
understanding that it can be a lot to come before the Council to share. She stated the
Council takes it seriously.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2023-083, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adopt
Resolution 2023-083, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights
adopting a budget for the year 2024, setting the city levy, approving the HRA levy, and
approving a tax rate increase.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that if anyone has questions about their taxes or where
money is going to, she would be happy to schedule a meeting with the Finance Director or
Interim City Manager to discuss it.
All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
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ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
24. Approval of Second Amended Loan Agreement and Related Documents for the 4300
Central Avenue NE Redevelopment Site.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich explained that the site
for discussion is also referred to as the Rainbow site. Staff has been discussing the topic for
the past six months regarding financing the redevelopment. The City has had to refinance
some bond debt and it was approved on November 27, 2023. In 2021, the City partnered
with Lattice LLC to acquire the Rainbow site. In order to make it possible, the City issued
taxable general obligation temporary tax increment bonds in order to allow Lattice to
purchase the property, tear down the building, and complete environmental remediation
of the site. A loan was made to Lattice and had a maturity date of July 31, 2023. The City
extended the loan date to December 15, 2023 to allow Lattice more time to close on the
first phase of financing for the project. That has not happened yet. In order to extend the
repayment timeline, the City cannot amend the loan because the first debt issuance is due
on February 1, 2024.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich stated that the City will
need to issue a new set of bonds that will pay off the first. The Council approved this last
month and will be closing next week. The City will need to re-establish the loan agreement
with Lattice that will mirror the first loan agreement but at a larger bond amount. The new
set of bonds that are paying off the first set is about $680,000 more than the first issuance.
The second set of closing costs and the capital interest that will accrue on the bonds is now
subject to a higher rate. Staff do not anticipate needing the full extension to execute the
first phase of redevelopment.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich mentioned that the
loan is structured the exact same way as the first loan with the new maturity date of July
31, 2025. There is no interest or principal payments due during that interim period. Interest
accrues and is paid off at closing.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2023-87, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve
Resolution 2023-87, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights
approving modification of certain terms of a loan from the City to Alatus Columbia Heights
II LLC and approving forms of second amended and restated loan documents. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
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Councilmember Spriggs stated that he attended a healthy partnerships monthly meeting put on by the
Minnesota Department of Health, and a meeting through the group HOME Line. He added that he is
working on his own proposals, projects, and ideas for the 2024 year for the City. He is hoping to attend
the Holiday Train and Santa on a Fire Truck events.
Councilmember Jacobs noted she attended the third and fourth installments focused on opioid
overdose at the community level and coordinating municipal efforts for better oversight, a business
leadership council, “Don’t underestimate the value of showing up” an Anoka County real estate
summit networking chapter meeting, and the Adopt a Stop annual recognition event. She added that
she attended the Immaculate Conception 100-year celebration and facilitated eight resident reach
outs.
Councilmember James mentioned that she took two courses through the League of Minnesota Cities.
She attended the Minnesota Climate Coalition meeting, a conference called “the Progressive
Governance Academy with Local Progress”, the League of Women Voters winter social, and the Council
work session. She met with the director of HOME Line to hear about how many residents from
Columbia Heights have called HOME Line in the last year, what issues they are facing, and how the City
can address those issues. She wished community members a happy advent, Hanukkah, blessed
solstice, and added that she is praying for those across the world in Palestine and Israel.
Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the local government dinner, a local art sale, Chili with a
Cop, the Immaculate Conception 100-year anniversary, the Cinderella musical at the high school, and
the youth bake sale at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Mayor Márquez Simula explained that she attended the Regional Council of Mayors meeting where
she accepted an appointment to join their executive committee. She hosted a native indigenous
business roundtable for Senator Tina Smith’s staff at City Hall where Senator Klobuchar’s staff was also
in attendance. She attended the Polaris Choral and Bells of the Lake concert at First Lutheran Church,
and the Immaculate Conception 100-year celebration. The City hosted the North Metro Business
Chamber meeting. She attended the Park and Rec meeting, hosted a meeting for the Columbia
Heights/Fridley rotary. She met with the Police Chief and the School Superintendent about the Be
Smart Secure Gun Program. The City hosted a presentation about learning more ways to talk about gun
safety. She added that she attended a board meeting for Art to Change the World, the interviewing of
search firms for a City Manager with the rest of the Council, two craft sales in the City, and the League
of Women Voters luncheon. She spoke at the University of Minnesota’s Chicano studies class. She
attended and hosted a table at the School Resource Fair at the School District office, an online climate
coalition meeting with City Staff members, and the Anoka County elected officials meeting. She had a
meeting with a constituent and leader in the Blue Zones projects. She will attend a meeting for the
Latin community’s Shop with a Cop tomorrow, the Staff luncheon, and the Youth Commission meeting
on Wednesday. She expressed her condolences to the family and friends of JoAnne Student.
Report of the City Manager
Interim City Manager Hansen noted that the Holiday Train would be coming in tonight between 8:00-
8:15 pm at the corner of 37th Avenue and Stinson Boulevard. Santa will be traveling through the City
streets on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 starting at 5:00 pm and will wrap up at Murzyn Hall around
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6:45 pm. Information about the route can be found on the City’s website and Facebook page. There
will be an open house at City Hall on January 9, 2024 at 6:00 pm regarding the Medtronic
Comprehensive Plan update. Community Development Director/Assistant Chirpich added that
information will be posted on the City’s website and Facebook page when the full information is
available.
Interim City Manager Hansen expressed his condolences to the family and friends of JoAnne Student.
Her obituary is in the newspaper for those who are interested in attending the visitation. He noted City
Attorney Hoeft has been with the City for 30 years and this will be his last meeting with the Council
because he is retiring. He thanked City Attorney Hoeft for his service, advice, and guidance for the City.
City Attorney Hoeft expressed his excitement for retiring with his wife and the next chapter they will
be entering.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Jodi Long, City resident, asked what would be happening to the Rainbow redevelopment site.
Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich replied that there is a concept plan
that includes a mix of multifamily, commercial, retail, and some townhomes. The number of
apartments is yet to be determined but is estimated to be between 400-600 apartments, and 50 or
fewer townhomes. Ms. Long asked why there would be so many townhomes since that would lose the
small town feeling.
Roger Peterson, City resident, complimented Councilmember Buesgens for providing examples of what
the City is doing and where the money is going. He thanked Councilmember James for putting an
endorsement towards where the money is needed. He expressed his frustration of pointing people to
the website to find out what is going on in the City because it feels like an excuse to not put in the time
to put it on paper or have discussions. He added his disappointment in Councilmember Jacobs and
Councilmember Spriggs who do not take the opportunity to speak up and say where they are coming
from. He thanked Community Development Director/Assistant Chirpich for the update on what is going
on at the Rainbow site but based on the presentation, is seems like the City wants to bring in
something new in shiny even though there have been issues with the developer. He added that it does
not sound like a good situation right now and he hopes that it pans out.
Mayor Márquez Simula explained there are other meetings which make it difficult to know how much
detail to go into regarding the various items that come up. She added that often times, the Council
votes on an item because there has already been a lot of discussion but that does not mean the details
do not matter. The Council desires to answer questions. The basics of the City Council meeting is to get
through the meeting, listen, and make decisions. She noted it is difficult to know what to prepare for
ahead of time and what questions people may have. She mentioned that it is helpful for people to ask
questions in order to know which items to focus on and provide more details. She added that there are
opportunities to provide input and feedback at various meetings and those opportunities are posted in
the newspaper and on social media. There is also a lot of public outreach. She stated that the City can
prepare for any questions someone may have and print out all of the meeting material ahead of time
for those who are interested. The Council would like to work with everyone but needs guidance on
what the expectation is and what is needed.
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Finance Director Kloiber expressed his understanding about the comments of pointing people to the
website. He noted the City has been doing budgets long before there was a website. In order to make
the budget accessible to the public at that time, there was a reference hard copy at the City library and
at City Hall. The hard copies are no longer at those buildings because there are computers available to
anyone who wants to use one.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary