HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-04-2025 City Council Work Session Packet
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Mayor
Amáda Márquez Simula
Councilmembers
Connie Buesgens
Rachel James
Justice Spriggs
Laurel Deneen
City Manager
Aaron Chirpich
City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE
Monday, August 04, 2025
6:00 PM
AGENDA
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, or by using Microsoft Teams Meeting
at ID 271 361 336 2025, Passcode sd66JM7R. For questions, please contact Administration at 763-706-
3610.
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when
the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763 -706-3610 to
make arrangements.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms.
While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will
help us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed .
WORK SESSION ITEMS
1. Group Ice Breaker.
2. Presentation by Independent Auditor, Regarding Audit of the 2024 Financial Statements.
(30 Minutes)
3. Tobacco Ordinance Update Discussion and Presentation by ANSR-MN (Association for
Nonsmokers-MN). (45 Minutes)
4. Street Rehabilitation Program: Cost Participation Policy. (30 Minutes)
5. Update re Regulations for Residency of Predatory Offenders. (20 Minutes)
6. Cannabis Business Licensing Update. (20 Minutes)
7. AUGUST COUNCIL CORNER ITEMS
Monthly Calendar Sharing
Monthly Event Notification, Attendance and Past Event Updates
Monthly Proclamations and Meeting Guests
Discussion Items Suggested by Mayor and Council:
Charter Commission Requested Changes.
Municipal Grocery Store Concept.
Cultural Placemaking.
1
City of Columbia Heights AGENDA August 04, 2025
City Council Work Session Page 2
ADJOURNMENT
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is
made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements.
2
Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms
While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will help
us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed.
Behavioral Norms
1. We will assume others best intentions.
2. We will exercise humility.
3. We will praise publicly and criticize privately.
4. We will focus on the policy and not personalities.
5. We will do our best to de-escalate contentious interactions.
6. We will provide reasonable notice to the Mayor and City Manager of any changes or additions
we wish to make at a Council meeting so that the Mayor is prepared to manage the meeting.
7. We will show respect for one another by:
a. Paying attention to others when they are speaking.
b. Not interrupting others.
c. Listening to understand others, not simply to respond to them.
d. Honoring each other in public and protecting one another in their absence.
e. Not bullying others.
Operational Norms
1. Council members and staff will respect the Mayor’s role to chair our meetings by:
a. Waiting to be called on before speaking so that others can consider our contributions.
b. The Mayor and City Manager will bring closure to policy discussions, public comment, and
other similar “final word” situations.
2. Once a decision has been made by the Council, we will support the implementation of that
decision even if we did not support the decision itself.
3. If Council has a request of staff, they will direct their request to the City Manager and the
Division Director for coordination with staff unless the City Manager decides otherwise.
4. If Council has a question about a staff member, they will raise that with the City Manager
privately before raising it publicly.
5. When Council is considering a topic, it is incumbent upon Council members to ask sufficient
questions to ensure they are making informed decisions.
6. Council and staff will address each other by their titles when engaging each other in any official
capacity and will use first names in informal settings.
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ITEM: Presentation by Independent Auditor, Regarding Audit of the 202 4 Financial Statements (20
minutes)
DEPARTMENT: Finance BY/DATE: : Joseph Kloiber, Finance Director/July 30, 2025
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
_Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
X Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
_Resilient and Prosperous Economy
_Inclusive and Connected Community
BACKGROUND
The City is required by state statute and b ond covenants to have its annual financial statements audited by an
independent audit firm and file the auditor’s related reports with the MN Office of the State Auditor and
various regulatory agencies by June 30th of each year. For its financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2024, the City contracted with Redpath and Company to perform the required independent
audit.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS
The City’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 202 4, and the auditor’s related reports were
filed with the state and regulatory agencies by the June deadline. Copies are available at the Finance
department page of the City website. At the August 5th work session, Rebecca Peterson of Redpath and
Company will provide a summary presentation of their work and observations.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff welcome any questions the City Council may have for either the auditor or the Finance department about
the audit process or information contained in the 2024 financial statements.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Summary Presentation
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE AUGUST 4, 2025
4
Item 2.
City of , Minnesota
2024 Audit Results
1
Rebecca M. Petersen, CPA
Managing Director
651-407-5826
rpetersen@redpathcpas.com
City of
Columbia Heights
2024 Audit Results
August 4, 2025
5
Item 2.
GFOA Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting
2
The Award demonstrates the City’s commitment
to preparing Financial Statements that are
comprehensive, transparent and consistent with
accounting standards.
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Item 2.
Reports Issued by Audit Firm
•Opinion on the Fair Presentation of the Financial Statements•Report on Internal Controls•Report on Minnesota Legal Compliance •Communication to Those Charged with Governance
3 7
Item 2.
Opinion on Financial Statements
•What did we do?
o Plan and perform our audit to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial
statements are presented in accordance with established accounting principles
and are free of material misstatement.
•How did we do it?
o Audit Standards – GAAS (AICPA) and GAGAS (GAO)
o Risk Assessment
•What is the result?
o A “clean” unmodified opinion was issued on the 2024 financial statements.
4 8
Item 2.
Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
•What did we do?
o We gained an understanding of internal controls in place and their
effectiveness in order to design our audit procedures.
•Internal Controls
o Preventative controls
o Detective controls
o Ongoing oversight by management
•What is the result?
o No internal control findings reported
5 9
Item 2.
Minnesota Legal Compliance Report
•What did we do?
o Followed the audit guide published by the Office of the State Auditor. The guide consists
of seven sections:
o Depositories of public funds and investments
o Conflicts of interest
o Public indebtedness
o Contracting bid laws
o Claims and disbursements
o Tax increment
o Miscellaneous provisions
•How did we do it?
o Select sample of transactions to test for compliance with statutory provisions.
•What is the result?
o No findings of noncompliance reported
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Item 2.
Communication to Those Charged with Governance
•Accounting policies used and/or changed.
o New GASB’s did not have a significant impact this year•Accounting estimates in the financial statements.
o Lease receivable - $124,000
o OPEB liability – $1,309,000
o PERA net pension liability – $7,423,000
2023 PERA net pension liability – $10,784,000
2022 PERA net pension liability – $20,246,000•No difficulties encountered in performing the audit.•No disagreements with management.•Other Matters
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Item 2.
General Fund Balance
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City policy is to maintain a minimum fund balance for cash flow purposes:
Fund Balance Component 2023 2024
Nonspendable - prepayments $146,941 $13,919
Assigned - ensuing year appropriation -
Unassigned - working capital 8,065,665 8,439,300
Unassigned (316,096)164,822
Total fund balance - December 31 $7,896,510 $8,618,041
2025 budgeted expenditures 18,754,000
Working capital goal percentage x 45%
Working capital goal 8,439,300
Balance Available 8,604,122
Amount of fund balance over (under)
working capital goal 164,822
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Item 2.
Enterprise Fund Cash Balances
9 13
Item 2.
Liquor Operations
10 14
Item 2.
ITEM: Tobacco Ordinance Update Discussion and Presentation by the Association for Nonsmokers-MN
(ANSR-MN).
DEPARTMENT: Community
Development
BY/DATE: CD Coordinator, 07/30/2025
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
X Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
X Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
_Resilient and Prosperous Economy
_Inclusive and Connected Community
BACKGROUND
In 2021, the City of Columbia Heights completed a review and update of its commercial tobacco regulations
via Ordinances 1667 and 1670. Along with revised purpose, intent, licensing, enforcement, and penalty
language, the comprehensive code revision included definitions for terms like “electronic delivery device” and
“flavored product,” introduced prohibitions for smoking and sampling indoors, raised the legal age to
purchase tobacco in the City to 21 years of age, and generally modernized the tobacco ordinance to align with
State regulations.
Since these amendments, numerous other municipalities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area have revised
their own tobacco ordinances to integrate new policy elements. The Columbia Heights City Council recently
asked staff to evaluate the possibility of further updating the City’s commercial tobacco ordinance based on
the best practices tried and tested by other cities.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS
Staff contacted two organizations that help educate cities about local commercial tobacco policy: the Public
Health Law Center and the Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota (ANSR-MN). The Public Health Law
Center is working with City staff to review the language in the City’s current ordinance. Representatives from
ANSR-MN are here this evening to present information on research and policy.
Tonight’s discussion focuses on the following policy initiatives implemented in other Minnesota cities:
- Ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products;
- Reducing the number of tobacco product shop licenses to zero through attrition;
- Price discounting:
o Restricting the use of coupons and discounts;
o Setting minimum prices and package sizes for tobacco products, including electronic delivery
devices such as vapes;
- Increasing penalties and fines for sales violations; and
- Removing Purchase, Use, and Possession (PUP) penalties from the ordinance.
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEMS
MEETING DATE 08/04/2025
15
Item 3.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Council decide whether it would like to proceed with an update to the City’s
commercial tobacco ordinance and, if yes, which of these policy initiatives it would like to include in the
update.
Following the policy direction given by the Council tonight, staff will work with ANSR-MN and the Public Health
Law Center to prepare a revision to the commercial tobacco ordinance and to schedule its first read.
Note that in accordance with MN State Statutes Chapter 461 regulating sales of tobacco, tobacco-related and
electronic delivery devices, and nicotine and lobelia products, Sec. 461.19, the City is required to “give notice
of its intention to consider adoption or substantial amendment of any local ordinance required under section
461.12 or permitted under this section” and “to send notice by mail at least 30 days prior to the meeting to
the last known address of each licensee or person required to hold a license under section 461.12 .”
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Powerpoint presentation from ANSR-MN
2. Policy recommendations memo from ANSR-MN
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Item 3.
MEMO
To: Columbia Heights City Council
From: Molly Schmidtke and Emily Anderson, Association for Nonsmokers-MN
(ANSR-MN)
Subject: Best Practices Policy Recommendations for the Commercial Tobacco
Ordinance
Summary: Below are evidence-based strategies, supported by research and model
policies that cities have the ability to adopt into city code. Each of the following best
practice approaches listed play a key role in preventing youth initiation of commercial
tobacco products and support adults who currently use a commercial tobacco product to
quit. A multi-pronged approach is needed when addressing commercial tobacco use in
the community.
The recommendations are based on the model policy from Public Health Law Center
and include the following context.
Best Practice Policy Recommendations:
● End the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products;
● Cap the number of commercial tobacco licenses at zero through attrition;
● Price Discounting:
○ Restrict the redemption of coupons and price discounts;
○ Set a minimum price and package sizes for commercial tobacco products.
● Increasing penalties and fines for sales violations;
● Remove Purchase, Use, and Possession (PUP) penalties.
End the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products. Nearly all commercial
tobacco products come in a variety of candy, fruit, mint and novelty flavors. Flavored
products are especially appealing to youth, who are much more likely to use flavored
products than adults. Young people think flavored commercial tobacco products taste
better and are safer than unflavored products, even though they are just as dangerous
and addictive. Many jurisdictions in Minnesota have adopted this provision to reduce the
availability and accessibility of flavored commercial tobacco products for youth. For
more information, here is a publication by the Public Health Law Center, “Flavored
Tobacco Bans: Fact vs. Fiction.”
Cap maximum number of licenses. Some jurisdictions have chosen to limit the
number of licenses granted. One example being a license cap at zero. When a license
is not renewed (for example, if a retailer closes or chooses to stop selling tobacco
products), it is permanently retired, effectively reducing the overall number of licenses
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Item 3.
over time. For more information here is a publication by the Public Health Law Center,
“Location, Location, Location: Tobacco & E-Cig Point of Sale.”
Price Discounting:
Restrict coupon and price promotion. The price of tobacco products directly affects
the consumption levels, particularly among price-sensitive consumers, including youth,
young adults, and those with limited financial means. The commercial tobacco industry
uses innovative pricing strategies to entice new customers to purchase their products,
to discourage current users from quitting, and to reduce the effectiveness of tobacco tax
increases in decreasing tobacco sales and increasing users’ quit attempts. These
pricing strategies include “buy-one-get one” coupons, cents, or dollar off promotions,
and multi pack offers, which are often marketed and redeemed at the point-of-sale.
Jurisdictions can prohibit the redemption of these price discounts to negate the
sophisticated discounting strategies of the commercial tobacco industry. Several
jurisdictions in Minnesota have adopted this provision to keep the price of licensed
products high to discourage availability to youth. For more information, here is a
publication by the Public Health Law Center, “Death on a Discount.”
Set a minimum price and package size. Setting a minimum price for commercial
tobacco products like electronic cigarettes, combustible tobacco, smokeless tobacco,
among others, is an effective public health policy. Establishing a minimum price helps
discourage youth smoking and reduces overall tobacco consumption. To complement
this, setting standardized package sizes is important. This ensures pricing consistency
and prevents manufacturers from circumventing minimum price rules through smaller,
more affordable pack sizes. The additional revenue when setting a minimum price, will
be held by the retailer.
Prohibiting the redemption of coupons and price discounts further strengthens the
impact of minimum pricing. This policy removes incentives for price-sensitive
consumers to access tobacco products. Importantly, the policy allows for periodic price
adjustments aligned with the consumer price index, maintaining the real-world value of
the minimum price over time.
Collectively, these measures create a comprehensive tobacco pricing policy that
discourages use, especially among youth, while accounting for economic and market
factors. This multifaceted approach is an evidence-based strategy to improve public
health outcomes.
Increased penalties. If the council were to look at higher amounts beyond state
minimum, some jurisdictions have a violation structure similar to what is listed below.
This structure can further enhance these penalties to deter non-compliance:
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Item 3.
● First Violation: $1,000 fine
● Second Violation (within 36 months): $2,000 fine and a 3-day suspension of the
tobacco license
● Third Violation (within 36 months): $2,000 fine and a 7-day suspension of the
tobacco license
● Fourth Violation: Revocation of the tobacco license
Remove purchase, use, and possession (PUP) penalties. Historically, PUP penalties
were lobbied by the commercial tobacco industry to punish youth who use commercial
tobacco products while the industry simultaneously targeted and addicted youth. PUP
penalties could open the door to selective enforcement against youth from certain racial,
ethnic, and socio-economic groups. There is no strong evidence that PUP penalties are
effective in significantly reducing youth tobacco use. Local tobacco ordinances should
focus on retailers rather than on youth who use commercial tobacco. For more
information, here is a publication by the Public Health Law Center, “Youth Purchase,
Use, or Possession Penalties (PUP).”
Conclusion: The proposed policy recommendations represent a comprehensive
approach to reducing the availability and appeal of commercial tobacco products in the
community. By ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, capping the
number of licenses, restricting coupon and price promotions, setting minimum prices
and package sizes, aligning or increasing penalties beyond state minimums, and
removing purchase, use, and possession penalties, the city can take steps to protect
public health, particularly among youth. These evidence-based strategies, supported by
research and model policies, will help reduce commercial tobacco use, prevent
initiation, and promote a healthier community for all residents.
19
Item 3.
Commercial Tobacco Prevention:
Policy, Systems, and Environmental
Change
Columbia Heights Council Work Session
August 4, 2025
Emily Anderson & Molly Schmidtke
Association for Nonsmokers -MN
20
Item 3.
Agenda
And Council discussion
What are the impacts on
our community?
What can be done at the
local level?
What has already been
done?
01
0402
03
Tobacco Industry
Policy
Considerations Questions
State and Federal
Updates
21
Item 3.
Who We Are
The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota
(ANSR) is dedicated to reducing the human
and economic costs of commercial tobacco,
nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota.
Our core commitments are:
●to protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of
addiction;
●to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe
clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and
●reduce health inequities and other disparities in
relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and
other drugs.
22
Item 3.
Swiss Cheese Model
23
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Targeting
24
Item 3.
Commercial Tobacco Use
is Still a Problem
In Minnesota, one in seven 11th graders uses e-cigarettes, and 90 percent
of those students use flavored e-cigarettes.
The tobacco industry targets Black, LGBTQ+,American Indians and young
people and spends more than $100 million a year marketing their products
in Minnesota.
Commercial tobacco use sets kids up for a lifetime of nicotine addiction
and serious health conditions like heart disease and cancer.
25
Item 3.
All Minnesotans Pay the Price for
Commercial Tobacco’s Harm
Commercial tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable
death and disease, taking the lives of more than 6,300 Minnesotans
each year.
Smoking costs the state over $9 billion a year: more than $4.7 billion in
excess health care costs and $4.7 billion in lost productivity.
Every time Big Tobacco addicts another generation of kids to smoking,
they put all taxpayers on the hook for billions of dollars in healthcare
costs to treat tobacco-related diseases.
26
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Targeting Impacts
Current smoking rate among Minnesota subset populations
27
Item 3.
Anoka County
Commercial Tobacco Profile
Sources: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Cost of Smoking Report, MDH Vital Statistics, CDC PLACES: Local Data for Bet ter
Health, County Data, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Minnesota Student Survey, and U.S. Census Population Estimates
28
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Flavored Products
90%of MN
Middle and High
School Students who
use tobacco products
use flavored products.
Source: MN Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023
Appeal
29
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Countless Flavors Appeal
2007
Cig a like
2009
Vape Pen
2012
Mod
2015
Juul –the first Pod Mod
2017
Copycat Pod Mods
2019
Disposable Pod Mods/Vapes
2022
Disposables and high nicotine levels
2021
Disposable Synthetic Nicotine Vape
30
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Countless Flavors -Current Appeal
31
Item 3.
Minnesota Student Survey Data
Minnesota Student Survey, 2022
10.9%
5.1%
14.9%
6%
2.2%
8.2%
7.1%6.4%
7.6%
32
Item 3.
“I don’t smoke, I just vape…”
E-cigarettes are the most common tobacco
product currently used (use on 1 or more days
in the past 30 days) by 1.63 million of America’s
middle school and high school students.
●Almost 4 in 10 students reported frequent use
(use on 20 or more days in the past 30 days);
and
●Slightly more than 1 in 4 reported daily use.
Source:Park-Lee E, Jamal A, Cowan H, et al. Notes from the Field:E-Cigarette and Nicotine Pouch Use Among
Middle and High School Students —United States, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:774–778. DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7335a3
33
Item 3.
Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023
34
Item 3.
Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023
Continued
35
Item 3.
The Impact of Nicotine on the
Adolescent Brain
●No amount of nicotine is safe for young
people.
●Nicotine is highly addictive and a
stimulant.
●Youth exposed to nicotine are more
likely to use other substances.
●4 in 5 Minnesota teens who vape may
be nicotine dependent.
36
Item 3.
Social Media Influences
37
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Targeting
38
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Targeting Cont.
39
Item 3.
Menthol Tobacco = Harder to Quit
•Menthol increases nicotine absorption, leading to greater
dependence.
•Among high school smokers, those who smoke menthols are more
likely to smoke within one hour of waking and more likely to report
cravings compared to high school smokers of non-menthols.
Wackowski & Delnevo, 2007. Menthol cigarettes and indicators of tobacco dependence
among adolescents. Addictive Behaviors, 32(9), 1964-1969.
40
Item 3.
African Americans Use Menthol More Than
Other Racial/Ethnic Groups
Smoking Incidence from NHIS 2009; menthol preference from NSDUH 2009; Giovino GA,
Villanti AC, Mowery PD, et al. Differential trends in cigarette smoking in the USA: Is
menthol slowing progress? Tobacco Control. 2013.41
Item 3.
African Americans Adult Smokers Who Use
Menthol
Smoking Incidence from NHIS 2009; menthol preference from NSDUH 2009; Giovino GA,
Villanti AC, Mowery PD, et al. Differential trends in cigarette smoking in the USA: Is
menthol slowing progress? Tobacco Control. 2013.42
Item 3.
Menthol: Tobacco Industry Targeting
•There is sufficient research to confirm that tobacco
companies targeted youth, women, and African Americans
with menthol marketing
•Research also suggests that tobacco companies targeted
Latinos, Asians, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders
43
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Menthol Advertisements
Sources: http://tobacco.stanford.edu/
http://tobacco.stanford.edu/
www.trinketsandtrash.org
1975 2015
44
Item 3.
Tobacco Industry Greenwashing
45
Item 3.
Menthol Example
●A proposed menthol ban in the US
would cut littering by 3.8 billion
cigarette butts annually
○1.7 million pounds of waste each
year
●This would have a huge environmental
impact!
Craig LV, Chung-Hall J, Meng G, Fong GT. Calculating the potential environmental impact of a menthol cigarette ban in the USA. Tobacco
Control. 2022. doi:10.1136/tc-2022-057563
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Item 3.
Vape Waste is Toxic E-Waste
Vape waste creates three big environmental problems:
1.Increase in single-use plastics
2.Introduces hazardous and toxic chemicals like nicotine into the
environment when thrown out
3.Increases tech waste, including lithium-ion batteries (which are also
considered toxic waste).
47
Item 3.
Federal Updates
1.Tobacco 21 (2019)
2.Few restrictions on flavored vaping products
3.FDA declared menthol harmful, but has yet to act.
48
Item 3.
FDA Authorization
49
Item 3.
Minnesota Tobacco 21
●Increased age to purchase to 21 from 18 yrs old;
●Removed Purchase, Use and Possession (PUP)
penalties for young people;
●Hold retailers accountable for responsible sales;
●Verification of age for those under 30; and
●Signage posted at the point-of-sale.
50
Item 3.
Commercial Tobacco Prevention:
Best Practices
AppealAccessibility
51
Item 3.
Other Best Practice: Policy Options
to Address Appeal, Access, & Affordability
●Ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products;
●Limiting the number of licensed tobacco retailers;
●Price discounting: minimum pack prices and prohibiting the
redemption of coupons; and
●Increased penalties for ordinance violations.
52
Item 3.
Ending the Sale of Flavored Commercial
Tobacco Products
Local tobacco control policies are associated with lower smoking rates, especially
among disadvantaged populations. Strengthening and expanding these policies
may be an effective strategy to further reduce tobacco-related disparities.
Yu Y, Toy P, Yue D,et al. Tob Control Epub ahead of print: 15, July, 2025. doi:10.1136/tc-2024-059213
Flavors play a key role in commercial tobacco use. Because flavors are
particularly appealing to young people, eliminating flavors in commercial tobacco
products is expected to lead to reduction in commercial tobacco use and
commercial tobacco-related health disparities.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities—A
Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2024.
53
Item 3.
MN Communities with Flavored Policy
Appeal
Access-
ibility
Appeal
54
Item 3.
Cap Retail Tobacco Licenses
Restricting the number of tobacco licenses allowed in a community is
a way to decrease commercial tobacco in a community.
Research shows that the location and density of commercial
tobacco-related product retailers influences tobacco-related
product use and worsens health disparities.
Access-
ibility
55
Item 3.
Capping: What have other
Communities Done?
»Columbia Heights: No more than three (3) tobacco shops.
»Saint Anthony Village: Capped their licenses at 0. Currently have five (five). No new
licenses will be issued, and through attrition it will be 0.
»Bloomington: Capped their licenses at 0. Through attrition, the city will get down to zero
tobacco licenses.
»Little Canada: Capped their licenses at 0. Currently have seven (7). No new licenses will be
issued, and through attrition it will be 0.
»New Brighton: Capped the number of licensed tobacco shops to four (4) currently seven
(7).
»Roseville: Capped their tobacco shops are the current four (4).
»Richfield:Capped their licenses at four (4). Through attrition, the city will get down to 4
total tobacco licenses.
Access-
ibility
56
Item 3.
Price Discounting & Coupons
»Among Minnesota smokers, about 50% have used
coupons or promotions in the past year to save money
on cigarettes.
»Coupons foster nicotine addiction in young smokers and
keep heavy smokers addicted.
»Minnesota adult smokers who redeemed cigarette
coupons were much less likely to quit smoking than
those who didn’t use coupons.
Sources:
Stat: from MATS survey 2014
Henriksen, et al. (2012). DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntrl22, Choi, et all. (2012). DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntr300
Choi, K. & Forster, J. Tobacco Direct Mail Marketing: Frequency, Content, and Prospective Effect on Smoking Behaviors of Young Adults.
Appeal
Access-
ibility
Appeal
57
Item 3.
Price Discounting and Coupons: What have other
Communities Done?
»St. Paul: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price
discounts including in-store promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”.
Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco at $10 each.
»Saint Anthony Village: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons
and price discounts including in-store promotions like “Buy One, Get
One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco
at $15 each and vapes at $20 each.
»Minneapolis: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and
price discounts including in-store promotions like “Buy One, Get One
Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco at $15
each and vapes at $25 each.
Access-
ibility
Appeal
58
Item 3.
Penalties & Violations
MN State Minimum:
1st Offense: $300
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $600
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 & 7
day (minimum) license suspension
Columbia Heights:
1st Offense: $300
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $600
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 & 7 day
(minimum) license suspension
4th Offense w/in 36mo: License
revocation
Saint Anthony Village:
1st Offense: $1,000
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $2,000 & 3
day license suspension
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $2,000 & 7
day (minimum) license suspension
3th Offense w/in 36mo: License
revocation
Access-
ibility
59
Item 3.
Purchase, Use, and Possession (PUP) Penalties
●A city’s tobacco ordinance and associated resources should focus on
retailers, not those who use commercial tobacco.
●There is no strong evidence that PUP penalties are effective in significantly
reducing youth smoking.
●Historically, PUP laws were lobbied for by the commercial tobacco industry
to punish youth users while the industry simultaneously targeted and
addicted youth.
●PUP penalties could open the door to selective enforcement against youth
from certain racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups.
●Bottom Line: Cities that currently have PUP penalties no longer
aligning with state law should consider removing those penalties
from their ordinance.60
Item 3.
Why Address Commercial Tobacco Locally?
●Why Flavors? The vast majority of the tobacco products youth are using are flavored;
nearly 80 percent of youth who ever tried tobacco started with a flavored tobacco product.
And 95% of tobacco users start before they are 21. Prevention is key.
●Of MN Adults who smoke menthol, about half said they would quit smoking if menthol
cigarettes were no longer sold in the United States. (MATS, 2014)
●Why Capping? Research shows that the location and density of commercial tobacco -
related product retailers influences tobacco -related product use and worsens health
disparities.
●Why Price Discounting? This comprehensive tobacco ordinance will make commercial
tobacco products less accessible and appealing to young people and will protect youth,
Black, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ and other residents from industry targeting.
●Why Increased Penalties? State minimum fines were increased in 2020. Selling tobacco
is a privilege and we must hold retailers accountable.
●Why Remove Purchase, Use, and Possession Penalties? Not retailer-focused, not
effective at reducing use, could open the door for selective enforcement.
61
Item 3.
Swiss Cheese Model
62
Item 3.
Thank You! Questions?
Emily Anderson, MA
Director of Policy,
Association for Nonsmokers-MN
emily@ansrmn.org
651-646-3005
Molly Schmidtke, MPH, CHES
Policy & Technical Assistance
Manager
Association for Nonsmokers-MN
molly@ansrmn.org
651-646-3005
63
Item 3.
ITEM: Street Rehabilitation Program: Cost Participation Policy.
DEPARTMENT: Finance and Public Works BY/DATE: City Engineer & Finance Director / July 30, 2025
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
X Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
_Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
X Resilient and Prosperous Economy
_Inclusive and Connected Community
BACKGROUND:
In 1997 the City of Columbia Heights initiated their Annual Street Rehabilitation Program. This established 7
distinct street zones in the City where street rehab work was conducted in a single zone with each zone
following on succeeding years. In the 8th year, off system work would be conducted such as on the State Aid
system or on our alleys. In each zone the engineering staff conducts analysis of each street segment to develop
a pavement condition index or PCI. Staff also evaluated the curb and gutter and storm sewer system to develop
an overall condition index or OCI. The OCI is then used to make recommendations for the type of rehabilitation
to be conducted on each street segment. The city utilizes 4 types: seal coat; mill and overlay; partial
reconstruction maintaining existing curbing; and full reconstruction including new curb and gutter. The
approach has been to address the worst first, and not every street in the zone is worked on each street rehab
cycle.
Project costs have been primarily funded by a combination of City funds and a ssessments based on a cost share
policy. The policy provided that the most expensive work, full reconstruction, had the highest cost participation,
while the least costly work, seal coating was 100% assessed. The cost participation policy is as follows:
Full Reconstruction: 50-50
Partial Reconstruction: 70-30
Mill and Overlay: 85-15
In 2000, the City of Columbia Heights applied for and had our State-Aid system rated as complete (by MnDOT),
allowing a portion of our annual state-aid allotment to be eligible for use on local streets. This has been a
primary funding source for the City’s share under the cost participation policy detailed above. Other funding
sources have been liquor store revenue, excess LGA and the City’s general fund.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS:
The City of Columbia Heights has now completed 3 cycles through our street rehab program . Staff is
recommending State-Aid streets be programmed for work in 2026. Our Street Rehab Program work is scheduled
to start back up again in 2027, after suspending the program for large State-Aid projects in 2023 (37th and 53rd
Avenues), and concrete alley reconstruction in 2024 & 2025. Street Rehabilitation Program year construction
costs have generally ranged between $1 and $2 million annually.
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION
MEETING DATE AUGUST 4, 2025
64
Item 4.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
The City Manager has discussed other funding scenarios with the Council that do not involve assessments. This
would require the City to establish a consistent funding mechanism to sustain the critical street rehabilitation
program.
Partial funding may be the continued the use of “off system” state aid funds as allowed under the continued
certification of our State-Aid system. This is currently estimated to be $350,000 – $400,000 available per year. It
should be noted that larger State-Aid projects would reduce that amount. 37th and 53rd Avenue removed 3
years of available funding to complete those projects. We have Central Avenue in 2028 and 40th Avenue
pending other funding sources (grants).
The annual project cost of the street rehab program has varied depending on the year-to-year OCI of our local
streets. One potential primary funding mechanism the City may establish for a consistent and reliable funding
source is from the general tax base. Staff is currently proposing a $1,000,000 state aid project in 2026. Identified
funding would be $350,000 state-aid and $50,000 City funds, leaving $600,000 to be funded if assessments are
not used.
The Finance Director has provided the following information:
The proposed 2026 gross levy is at a 6% increase before any street levy. If the City was to levy for the full
$600,000 in 2026 for the estimated cost of street outlays in the 2026 budget, that would push the gross levy
increase to 10% for 2026. However, the Public Improvement Revolving (PIR) Fund can be used to instead
finance a phase-in of increasing amounts of an annual street levy over a few years, similar to the PIR Fund’s
function for special assessments collected over multiple years. This would provide middle ground between 6%
and 10% for the 2026 gross tax levy, with annual increases over time for the street levy, if the City Council
decides to replace special assessment street funding with general property taxes as a long-term policy. This
would establish a baseline funding mechanism utilizing property taxes and off-system state-aid funds for the
annual local street rehab program.
*Note that the annual $600,000 levy is a baseline amount and the projection should be updated once the 5-
year CIP is completed this fall.
Pros/Cons of Assessments:
Assessments are a long-established mechanism (statutory and City Charter) to help pay for Municipal
improvements, impacting only the property owners benefitting from the improv ement while not
impacting property owners outside the benefitting area.
Tax exempt properties do not contribute taxes but are included in assessed projects.
Utilizing the tax levy removes the 429 (MN Statute regarding assessments) procedural requirements,
including substantial staff and City Council time estimated at approximately one full-time equivalent plus
support costs such as mass mailings and specialized software.
Shifting to a tax levy removes large one-time assessments for road improvements, spreading the cost to
all taxpayers.
Utilizing a tax levy spreads road costs in perpetuity while assessments are spread over the term of the
assessment either 10 or 15 years.
Not assessing removes interest costs from property owners’ 10- or 15-year assessing cycle.
65
Item 4.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 3
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Policy Discussion of funding mechanism for the Annual Street Rehab Program.
ATTACHMENT(S):
City Funding Comparison
66
Item 4.
Special Assessments - Streets
CONDAC & Comparable Cities
2/10/2025
City Contact Street Assess
Include Curb &
Gutter Other Funding Addl
Eagan Yes No Major Street Fund
Albert Lea Steven Jahnke Yes Reconstruct only
Reconstruction
4" of bituminous
8" class 5
100% curb and gutter
25% of sidewalk
All other costs are the Cities
Mill & Overlay
Cost of 2" Bituminous pavement and milling
Apple Valley Matt Saam No Street portion of projects (pavement, curbs, etc) funding from tax levy. Utilities (san, wat,
storm) cover their own portion of work. Just increased franchise fee's and now dedicating $1M/year from fee's to assist with street improvements
Burnsville Logan Vlasaty Yes Yes Assesses 40% of street costs (includes C&B replacement)
Chanhassen Charlie Howley Yes Yes
Includes all street related work in our assessments. That would include curb, sidewalks, trails, signage,
striping, RRFB’s, bituminous, CLV, sand, draintile, etc… Including a prorated % of soft costs.
We assess 40% of those costs
Columbia Heights Kevin Hansen Yes Yes Assessment based cost share policy determined by Rehabilitation treatment. Rates are determined using final
construction costs
Coon Rapids Mark Hansen Yes (Reconstruct)Yes
Coon Rapids assesses between 20 and 30% of the street surfacing costs for street
reconstruction projects (CLV, asphalt, curb & gutter, boulevard restorations). Utility work is
paid through utility funds which pay for themselves. We issue bonds to cover the rest of the
surfacing costs.
Since much of Coon Rapids is located within the Anoka sand plain area, most of our non MSA streets were
constructed with only 2” of asphalt wear course. If we’re doing a full depth reclamation on that street section
and replacing with a similar 2” asphalt section and not including any utility or curb replacements – we do not
assess. Our standard street reconstruction projects include construction of a thicker asphalt pavement section,
replacement of between 60-100% of the curb, and often include watermain replacements. If we’re doing a mill
& overlay on an MSA street, also with no utility and no curb replacements, we do not assess. Mill & overlay
work on MSA streets that do however include utility and other surface repairs (curb/valley gutters/driveways)
are assessed at 50% of what we would assess for a standard street reconstruction project. We do not assess
for crack sealing, fog sealing, or rejuvenator applications. We’ll use MSA maintenance funds to cover as much
of the work as we can where we don’t assess.
Our 2025 rates are:
$2,430 for single family residential (all lots assessed the same)
$32 per front foot for multi-family residential
$61 per front foot for commercial
$77 per front foot for industrial
The above rates are increased each year based on the construction cost index for the Minneapolis area.
Eden Prairie Robert Ellis Yes (1st time
construction only)
Any future work completed on a street after that is primarily funded through franchise fees.
Our current rate is $6.50/residential unit/month/utility up to $89.50/commercial
unit/month/utility. This generates $5.2/yr. We update our franchise fee rates every 5
years. In our first twelve years of collecting franchise fees every street in Eden Prairie has
been touched by a project funded with franchise fees.
Empire Brian Hilgardner No
Empire does not assess…..yet.
However, I have seen a lot of communities recently adopting a policy that utilizes a benefit appraisal. Some
communities assess the full benefit but more often it’s between 80-90 percent of the benefit appraisal amount.
This method has gained traction because the minimum amount required for bonding (20% if I recall correctly)
was getting pretty high and communities were seeing more challenges. The benefit appraisal method
somewhat minimizes that risk. If you want to call me on Monday I can share some other thoughts.
Franchise fees are also very popular these days to assist in project financing.
Farmington John Powell No Farmington does not assess for street reconstruction projects which are in the annual CIP; so we are currently
not using assessments as a funding source for either our reconstruction or M&O projects.
67
Item 4.
Hastings Cody Mathisen Yes Yes
Currently in Hastings our ordinance provides two methods to assess for street, storm
sewer, and sidewalk improvement costs. Both methods include all items pertaining to those
categories of construction (pavement, curb/gutter, excavation, base, etc.):
1. Non-Collector and Non-MSAS Roads - Based on the estimated special benefit to
abutting properties. Appraisal recommends a rate for each property type, we take 90% of
that rate and apply that on a per unit or per front foot basis. Historically this has yielded
assessment revenue between 20-40% of the estimated street/storm sewer/sidewalk costs
on a given project.
2. Collector and MSAS Roads – 25% of all street, storm sewer, and sidewalk cost are
assessed to abutting properties.
We do not currently have any franchise fees that assist with our infrastructure
improvements. The remainder of our project costs are bonded for similar to what others
have shared.
Inver Grove Heights Paul Merchlewicz Yes #VALUE!There are some caveats on what is considered utility work as well - For example, if we have to adjust a casting or other
as part of a project that is not a reconstruction, we assess that as part of the street costs.
Lakeville Zach Johnson Yes (Reconstruct
only)Yes
Reconstruction of road improvements - assess for 40% of the project cost, including curb
and gutter. The policy includes additional detail on land use in relation to cost allocation, as
well as terms. Annual funding comes primarily from GO Bonds (about 3.5M annually),
assessments (as applicable – we do not assess for mill and overlay) and utility funds (if
applicable). We do have a small apportionment from the tax levy each year ($150,000).
Provided a copy of Lakeville's Assessment Policy
Lakeville Paul Oehme Yes (Reconstruct
only)Yes
The City does not assess for mill and overlay projects just FDR projects. We do assess for
curb and gutter replacement with FDR projects. The main funding source for street
reconstruction projects is to bond for the improvement (just the street cost) the remainder is
assessed at 40% of the project cost back to the benefiting property owners. Utility
enterprise funds pay for the associated utility improvement. The City levy’s for most of the
cost of mill and overlay projects but still needs to bond for some of the cost depending on
the size of the project.
The City does not use franchise fees to help pay for street improvement projects. Franchise Fees are
dedicated to first responders’ capital improvement projects
Mendota Heights NO RESPONSE YET
Minnetonka William Manchester No Funded through city's general tax levy
On a side note related to curb and gutter, the city does however collect storm water fees which are used for
storm water improvements related to streets. Curb and gutter is part of the storm water system and these fees
can be used for that purpose.
Northfield David Bennett No
Northfield use to have special assessment for the street related costs. We would have a benefit appraisal
done for the project based on the type of improvement (Overlay, Recon) to establish the assessment rate per
foot (this would only cover 30-40% of street related costs). We have since moved away from that and no
longer assess for street improvements and have implemented franchise fees for revenue.
Prior Lake Nick Monserud Yes Yes Same as Chanhassen. Also use Franchise Fees for pavement management to lessen the
levy impact.
68
Item 4.
Richfield Kristin Asher No
Uses Street Reconstruction Bonds which cover all replacement items (including
underground utilities), and any safety adds that are identified. Typically use Franchise Fees
for our street maintenance but recently covered a $20M citywide M&O with necessary curb
replacements utilizing the bonds and paying the debt service down with Franchise Fees.
Also used SRBs for our total reconstructions
Rosemount Brian Erickson Yes Yes
Rosemount does assess for surface portion of street project. Surface costs also include
sidewalk/trail, C&G, casting/GV adjustments, and driveway aprons (as needed).
Assessments are based on 35% of the bid + construction contingency (generally 5%) +
indirect.
Actual levied amounts are on a per unit basis for single family and calculated to front foot
for other property types.
Remaining cost is funded via a Street CIP fund, utility funds and MSA as appropriate.
Savage Seng Thongvanh Yes
Set the assessment amount in fee schedule based on benefit appraisals for mill & overlay
and full depth reclaim projects. Don’t split out specific street items however we do use other
sources for sewer, water, and storm improvements.
Will consider franchise fees in the future
Shakopee Alex Jordan Yes (Reconstruct
only)Yes
Assesses for street reconstruction only for all surface improvements (trees, lighting,
sidewalks, signing, striping, pavement, grading, and curb and gutter). 30% of the street
improvement costs are assessed to property owners. Trails are not assessed. Sidewalks
are split 50/50. Storm sewer replacement is funded by utility funds. Overlays and sealcoats
are not assessed.
The City’s share of the pavement management costs partially comes from a dedicated property tax levy
($1.2M) and franchise fees ($1M) that are set aside in the Capital Improvement Fund. Shakopee also issues
Street Reconstruction Bonds similar to Richfield.
South Saint Paul Nick Guilliams Yes Yes Franchise fees go into general fund, but infrastructure fund dedicates portion of lax levy to
street improvements. Assess for street, curb & gutter and sidewalk
West St. Paul Ross Beckwith Yes Yes
We assess 25% of everything on a recon except:
Storm sewer items (comes from storm sewer utility bill/fund)
Sanitary sewer items (san sewer utility bill/fund)
New sidewalk or trail (comes from Sidewalk fund) – replacement walk though is part of the
30%.
Water is St. Paul Regional so they pay for that work.
We Add 12-15% to total for engineering, admin and legal.
Mill/overlay or FDR we assess 35% with same items taken out.
Woodbury Chris Hartzell Yes Yes
For neighborhood roadways, the city assesses the lower of either the special benefit
appraisal amount or 33% of the cost on a Residential Equivalent Unit basis. We also have
a minimum assessment.
We also use a combination of enterprise funds, bonding for special assessments, and
levied funds through our Street Reconstruction/Maintenance Fund.
The Street Reconstruction/Maintenance Fund has an automatic increase of 5% each year
as recommended by the Roadway Rehabilitation Task Force.
69
Item 4.
ITEM: Update re Regulations for Residency of Predatory Offenders.
DEPARTMENT: BY/DATE: Chief Matt Markham/July 30th, 2025
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
X_Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
_Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
_Resilient and Prosperous Economy
_Inclusive and Connected Community
BACKGROUND
In recent months there has been an increase in the frequency of Predatory Offenders registered as Level 3
moving into the community, often through group homes or similar types of living arrangements. In the process
of researching potential ordinance regulation, it was determined the city council passed Ordinance No. 1636 in
November 2016.
SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS
The police department will review the attached ordinance with the council and will outline some proposed
changes.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Ordinance No. 1636
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE AUGUST 4, 2025
70
Item 5.
ORDINANCE NO. 1636
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATUONS FOR THE RESIDENCY LOCATION OF
PREDATORY OFFENDERS WITHIN THE CITY
WHEREAS, predatory offenders present a significant threat to the public safety of the
community as a whole, especially children, females, and vulnerable populations. Predatory
offenders are likely to use physical violence and to repeat their offenses. The cost of predatory
offender victimization to society at large, while not precisely calculable, is significant; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that a disproportionately high number of predatory offenders
are being placed in the City and it is in the best interest of the public to study and consider
options for addressing and minimizing the public safety impacts of such placements; and
WHEREAS, the City may amend and enact ordinances and regulations under its police powers
as it sees fit, including through the adoption of moratoria and temporary regulations enacted to
allow the City sufficient time to prepare and adopt permanent regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Council has previously enacted a temporary ordinance limiting the residency
location of predatory offenders in order to study and consider a permanent ordinance limiting the
residency location of predatory offenders within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has evaluated the need to limit /prohibit certain predatory offenders from
establishing temporary or permanent residence in certain locations where children are known to
regularly congregate in a concentrated number; and
WHEREAS, the City has a compelling interest in promoting, protecting and improving health,
safety and general welfare of the City's citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights,
Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Definitions
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this Ordinance, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
1.01 "Child" means any person under the age of eighteen (18).
1.02 "Designated predatory offender" means any person who has been categorized as a Level 111
predatory offender under Minnesota Statutes, Sec. 244.052, any successor statute, or a similar
statute from another state in which that person's risk assessment indicates a high risk of re-
offense.
1.03 "Permanent residence" means a place where a person abides, lodges, or resides for 14 or
more consecutive days,
71
Item 5.
1.04 "Temporary residence" means a place where a person abides, lodges, or resides for a period
of 14 or more days in the aggregate during any calendar year and which is not the person's
permanent address, or a place where the person routinely abides, lodges, or resides for a period
of four or more consecutive or non - consecutive days in any month and which is not the person's
permanent residence.
1.05 "School" means a public or non - public elementary or secondary school.
1.06 "Licensed child care center" means a group child care center currently licensed by the
applicable County or the State of Minnesota.
1.07 "Public playground" means a publicly- owned, improved park or other outdoor area
designed, equipped, and set aside primarily for children's play.
Section 2. Regulations on Predatory Offenders
2.01 It shall be unlawful for any designated predatory offender to establish a permanent or
temporary residence within 2,000 feet of any school, licensed child care facility, public
playground, or any other place where children are commonly known to regularly congregate.
2.02 For purposes of determining the minimum distance separation required by this Section, the
requirement shall be measured by following a straight line from the outer property line of the
permanent or temporary residence of the designated predatory offender to the nearest outer
property line of the protected property.
2.03 A designated predatory offender residing within a prohibited area as described in this
Section does not commit a violation of this Ordinance if any of the following apply:
A. The person established the permanent or temporary residence and reported and
registered the residence pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sec. 243.166 and 243.167 or
any successor statute, prior to the effective date of this ordinance;
B. The school, licensed child care center, or public playground within 2,000 feet of the
person's permanent or temporary residence was opened after the person established
such residence and reported and registered the residence pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, Sec. 243.166 and 243.167, or any successor statute;
C. The residence is also, as of the effective date of this ordinance, the primary residence of
the person's parents, grandparents, siblings, or spouse; or
D. The residence is a property purchased, leased, or contracted with and licensed by the
Minnesota Department of Corrections prior to the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 3. Enforcement
72
Item 5.
3.01 A violation of this Ordinance shall be a misdemeanor. In addition, the City may enforce this
Ordinance by mandamus, injunction, or other appropriate civil remedy in any court of competent
jurisdiction, or through any administrative penalties program of the City Code.
Section 4. Effective Date
4.01 This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after
its passage.
First Reading: November 14, 2016
Offered by: Murzyn, Jr.
Seconded by: Williams
Roll Call: All Ayes
Second Reading: November 28, 2016
Offered by: Nawrocki
Seconded by: Williams
Roll Call: All Ayes
I A
r
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Attest:
atie Bruno
City Clerk/Council Secretary
73
Item 5.
ITEM: Cannabis Business Licensing Update.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Mitchell Forney / July 30, 2025
CORE CITY STRATEGIES:
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
_Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
_Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
X Resilient and Prosperous Economy
_Inclusive and Connected Community
BACKGROUND
With recent changes to state law and the beginning of pre-approval for cannabis business applicants,
Community Development staff and the City Council have begun to receive comments and concerns regarding
the City’s current cannabis registration process. Staff wanted to take a few moments to discuss the current
process and how it fits into the overall Cannabis Licensing Discussion. Cannabis licensing is substantially
different from alcohol and tobacco licensing. It is governed by recent legislative changes and regulations
established by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), an agency that has continued to evolve
its policies since the legalization of adult-use cannabis and the creation of a statewide regulatory framework.
At the start of cannabis retail licensing, OCM advised cities to establish a local registration process as outlined
in their licensing guide (attached), between the beginning of step 3 and step 4. However, beyond this
recommendation, little specific guidance was provided. Multiple outreach attempts by City staff to OCM went
unanswered, leaving staff with limited direction. Until May 2025, it was also unlawful for cities to register
cannabis businesses prior to full licensure by the state. A recent change in law now allows cities to register
pre-approved applicants.
In response to this lack of guidance, and to establish a fair and orderly process prior to the pre-approval of
applicants, City staff developed a registration framework that begins after OCM contacts the City for a zoning
compliance check. This was considered the most appropriate time to start the local registration process, as it
ensured the applicant had received initial state -level approval and the City had verified the zoning
compatibility of the proposed site. Importantly, this process allowed the City to confirm whether registration
capacity was still available before the applicant moved further along. On Friday, July 18th, OCM released
clarification recommending that local registration occur prior to zoning certification, to help applicants meet
registration requirements more easily. Staff agree with this updated guidance and would have adopted this
approach earlier had OCM made it available prior to the pre-approval of applicants. Unfortunately, the
absence of communication from OCM forced staff to create policies based on the best information available at
the time.
Now that Cities are allowed to register pre-approved licensees, the City has been receiving increased
questions and concerns from local business owners. A major issue with the current process is that it requires
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEMS
MEETING DATE AUGUST 4, 2025
74
Item 6.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2
businesses to make significant investments, such as purchasing property and completing full buildouts, before
they can apply for registration, without any guarantee of receiving it. Sta ff recognize that this creates a
financial risk for businesses and, in retrospect, agree that registration prior to zoning certification would have
eased this burden. However, it is also important to acknowledge that staff have been in discussion with at
least one business which is currently working through the existing registration process as is and would be
severely disadvantaged by any sudden changes. This business is in the process of closing on a property and
hiring contractors to build out a cannabis retail space based on the City’s stated process.
To ensure fairness for all applicants and avoid legal liability, staff believe there are only two viable options:
1. Maintain the current registration process – Continue with the process that has been communicated to
numerous applicants and interested parties (staff receive 1–2 inquiries per week). This approach
honors the commitments made and protects the investments of businesses currently pursuing
licensures under the existing framework.
2. Shift to a lottery-based registration system – Announce a date approximately one month in the future
to open registration via a lottery open to all applicants. While this method would ensure equal access
moving forward, it would unfairly impact those who have already invested significant resources based
on the existing system and would expose the City to lawsuits or claims of unfair treatment.
Given these considerations, staff are recommending the City maintain its current registration process for the
foreseeable future. If no additional applicants make it through the process as is, the City may consider a
lottery in the future. Ultimately, Community Development staff are committed to ensuring a fair, transparent,
and equitable registration process. No applicant should be fa vored over another, and the City must balance
fairness, and legal defensibility as it moves forward.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Licensing Timeline
75
Item 6.
From Start to License: Your Path toCannabis Licensing in Minnesota
Start here!
Step 1. Step 1.
Complete your application
Review OCM’s
application
guidance and
prepare your
required application
documents.
Your application
passes! You are
now a qualified
applicant.
Your application
passes! You are
now entered into
a randomized
lottery selection.
Complete required
background
check(s) and
submit your labor
peace agreement*
to OCM.
You are now
a preliminarily
approved applicant.
Secure your
business location
and confirm
it meets local
government
requirements.
Submit final
plan of record
documents to
OCM including
site information.
Incomplete final plans of record will lead to delays in approving your license.
Your local
government
confirms your site
meets all zoning
regulations and
other local rules
and ordinances.
Step 4.Step 4.
Pre-licensure inspection
Your business
undergoes a full
pre-licensure
inspection
by OCM.
Step 5.Step 5.
License issuance
You are now a
license holder
and may begin
operations.***
Pay the initial
license fee,
if applicable,
in Accela.
OCM issues
your cannabis
business license and
Metrc registration
directions.
You pass the
inspection!
You are now
a pending
license holder.
OCM sends your
application to your
local government
for approval of
zoning compliance**,
while continuing
internal review.
OCM has 90
days to review
your application
upon your site
registration
submission.
Your application
is chosen in the
lottery! You are
now a qualified
applicant.
Begin your
application. Fill in all
required information
and attach required
documentation
when prompted.
Pay your application fee.
OCM reviews your application for
minimum qualifications.
Step 2a.Step 2a.
Uncapped license approval
Step 2b.Step 2b.
Capped
license approval
Create your
account in Accela,
OCM’s business
licensing system.
Before you begin:
1. Were you verified as a social
equity applicant? If so, decide
if you will apply for a social
equity-classified license.
2. What license type will
you apply for? What
endorsement(s) will you
need to obtain?
3. Talk to your local government
about zoning requirements
and local retail registration
availability (if applicable).
* Microbusinesses are exempt from the labor peace agreement requirement until the point of renewal.
** Your application cannot proceed and your business cannot open until your local government certifies that your business meets
zoning compliance, and, if applicable, fire code and building code.
*** For those seeking to conduct retail activities, you must get retail registration from your local government directly (in addition
to your license) before beginning cannabis sales. Local governments can issue local retail registration once you have preliminary
license approval or have been issued a license from OCM.
Step 3. Step 3.
Final plan
of record
submissions,
site registration, local government approval
Complete the checklist for Step 3
on page 2 of this document before
submitting your site registration.
PAUSEPAUSE
Note: Applicants have 18 months to complete Steps 3-5.76
Item 6.
Preliminarily Approved Applicant Checklist
Step 4. Step 4. Pre-licensure inspectionPre-licensure inspection
OCM schedules a full pre-licensure inspection for your
business after local government approval is received in
Accela and final plans of record are approved.
Your business undergoes the inspection by OCM.
Pass your inspection and become a pending license holder.
OCM will complete the inspection report and send an initial
license fee invoice, if applicable.
Step 5. Step 5. License Issuance
Pay the initial license fee in Accela, if applicable.
OCM issues your license.
Additional Step for Retail Businesses: Additional Step for Retail Businesses: Local Retail Registration
Contact your local government directly about this process.
Step 3.Step 3. Site registration, final plan of records, Site registration, final plan of records, and and local government approvallocal government approval
Secure your site location and confirm it meets local government requirements.
Verify with your local government that your site will meet zoning compliance.*
Check whether or not your local government enforces building and fire codes.
If they do, work with your local government to ensure your site meets those codes.
Check with your local government about other land use or local ordinance compliance
approvals (i.e. permits to occupy and operate your business at the location).
If you are conducting retail sales, check with your local government on whether there
is a retail registration cap before proceeding.
Complete final plans of record and submit in Accela under Site Registration.
• Access the required fillable online forms using the links provided on OCM’s
Final Plan of Record Submission webpage.
• Upon completing the online forms, you will be emailed a PDF copy of your plans.
All PDFs need to be uploaded in Accela on the second step (site information) of the
site registration page, along with your updated capitalization table (if applicable) and
any files that were larger than 10MB and unable to be uploaded to the online forms.
• Take your time, the quality of the plans is crucial. If these are not fully complete,
you will experience delays in receiving your license as you will have to restart your
final plans of record. OCM cannot conduct inspection until plans are approved.
Register your final site location information to OCM in Accela.
• Upon submitting your site registration, which includes final site location information
and final plans of record, OCM will have 90 days to review your application.
Preliminarily approved applicants should not start site registration (Step 3) in Accela until they have received the preliminary
approval email from OCM. Complete all items in Step 3 (see checklist below) before submitting a site registration.
Learn more about the licensing process at
mn.gov/ocm/businesses/licensing
* If you have preliminary approval, you can secure zoning confirmation directly from your local government and
then work on final build out of your site, ensuring that is all complete at time of site registration with OCM.
Updated July 25, 2025. This document is available in alternative formats to people with disabilities by emailing cannabis.info@state.mn.us.
77
Item 6.
ITEM: Council Corner.
DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Mayor and Council / July 30, 2025
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity
_High Quality Public Spaces
_Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone
_Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking
_Resilient and Prosperous Economy
_Inclusive and Connected Community
AUGUST COUNCIL CORNER ITEMS:
Monthly Calendar Sharing
Monthly Event Notification, Attendance and Past Event Updates
Monthly Proclamations and Meeting Guests
Discussion Items Suggested by Mayor and Council:
Charter Commission Requested Changes.
Municipal Grocery Store Concept.
Cultural Placemaking.
ATTACHMENT(S)
City of Columbia Heights Website Calendar
City of Columbia Heights Monthly Council Event Calendar
Mayoral Proclamation List
Draft Proclamations
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM
MEETING DATE AUGUST 4, 2025
78
Item 7.
1City Council Meetings and Events
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
12345678910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031
August 2025
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1234567 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30
September 2025August 2025
Jul 27 28 29 30 31 Aug 1 2
9:00am Virtual Public
Meeting: Central
Avenue
Improvements
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
5:00pm EDA Meeting -
City Hall - City
6:00pm City Council
Work Session - City
5:00pm National Night
Out - City Council
Meetings and Events
5:30pm Music in the
5:30pm Library Board -
6:00pm Planning
6:00pm Firefighter
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
6:00pm City Council
Meeting - City Hall -
City Meetings
6:00pm Sustainability
Commission - City
Hall - City Meetings
5:00pm Cone with a Cop
(Dairy Queen (Treat)
(3959 Central Ave NE,
Columbia Heights,
4:00pm Monarch
Festival (Huset Park
Splash Pad) - Will
Rottler
7:00pm Movie in the
Park (Microsoft
Teams Meeting; City
Council Meetings and
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
11:30am City Staff
Summer Luncheon
6:30pm Music in the
Park - Northeast
5:00pm Movie in the
Park (Microsoft
Teams Meeting; City
Council Meetings and
9:00am Buckthorn
Removal at LaBelle
Park (LaBelle Park,
1150 42nd Ave NE,
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
6:00pm City Council
Meeting - City
Council Chambers -
City Council Meetings
6:00pm Parks and
Recreation
Commission - City
Hall - City Meetings
1:00pm Cuts with a Cop
@ Moler Barber
School (Moler Barber
School (785 53rd Ave
31 Sep 1 2 3 4 5 6
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
79
Item 7.
MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT
2025
January 20, MLK Day 1/13/2025
February 1 World Hijab Day 1/27/2025
February Black History Month 1/27/2025
February 13, Racial Covenant 1/27/2025
March 3-7, School Breakfast Week 2/24/2025
March Developments Disability Awareness Month 2/24/2025
March 8, Int. Women’s Day & Women’s History Month 2/24/2025
March 31, Trans Day of Visibility 3/24/2025
April Fair Housing Month 3/24/2025
April 6-12, National Library Week 3/24/2025
April 22, Earth Day 4/14/2025
April 25 Arbor Day and May Arbor Month 4/14/2025
April Autism Acceptance Month 4/14/2025
April Volunteer Month 4/14/2025
May, Asian and Pacific Islander Month 4/28/2025
May 11-17, Police Week 5/12/2025
May 19-24, Public Works Week 5/12/2025
May Foster Care Awareness 5/27/2025
May, Menstrual Hygiene 5/27/2025
June 6, Gun Violence Awareness 5/27/2025
June Pride Month 6/09/2025
June Immigrant Heritage Month 6/09/2025
June 19, Juneteenth 6/09/2025
July 1: Somali American Day 6/23/2025
Meditation Center 10th Anniversary 7/14/2025
Dahli Lama 90th Birthday 7/14/2025
July 26, Disability Independence Day 7/14/2025
August 1, Heights Bakery Day 7/28/2025
August 4, Assistance Dog Day 7/28/2025
August 5, National Night Out Proclamation 7/28/2025
August, 14 Monarch Butterfly Day / Monarch Fest Proposed 8/11/2025
August 21: Senior Citizen Day Proposed 8/11/2025
September National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Proposed 8/25/205
September, Hunger Action Month Proposed 8/25/2025
September 17-23, Constitution Week Proposed 9/8/2024
September 13, Columbia Heights Pride Proposed 9/8/2025
September 15-October 15: Latine Heritage Month Proposed 9/8/2025
October 2025, Pedestrian Safety Month (Walktober) Proposed 9/22/2025
October 2025, Polish American Heritage Month Proposed 9/22/2025
October 2025, Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proposed 9/22/2025
80
Item 7.
MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT
October 5-11, Fire Prevention Week Proposed 9/22/2025
October 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Proposed 10/13/2025
October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proposed 10/13/2025
October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proposed 10/13/2025
November, National Homelessness Awareness Month Proposed 10/27/2025
November: National Native American Heritage Month,
National Native American Heritage Day Proposed 10/27/2025
November 11: Veterans Day Proposed 11/10/2025
November 25, Happy Holidays Proposed 11/24/2025
December 10, Universal Declaration of Human Rights Proposed 12/8/2025
2024
February 1: World Hijab Day 2/12/2024
February: Black History Month 2/12/2024
April 7-13, 2024: National Library Week 3/25/2024
April: Fair Housing Month 4/08/2024
April 22: Earth Day 4/22/2024
May: ALS Awareness Month 5/28/2024
May: Arbor Day and Month 5/28/2024
May: National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month 5/28/2024
May 19-25: National Public Works Week 5/28/2024
June 7: National Gun Violence Awareness Day 6/10/2024
June: Pride Month 6/10/2024
June 19: Juneteenth 6/10/2024
July 1: Somali American Day 6/24/2024
July 22, 2024: Fern Ostberg Birthday 7/22/2024
July 22, 2024: MN State Flag posting 7/22/2024
August 4, 2024: Assistance Dog Day 7/22/2024
August 6: National Night Out 7/22/2024
August 8, 2024: Monarch Butterfly Day 8/12/2024
August 21: Senior Citizen Day 8/12/2024
September: National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 8/26/2024
September 17-23: Constitution Week 9/9/2024
September 2024: Hunger Action Month 9/9/2024
September 15-October 15: Latine Heritage Month 9/9/2024
September 21, 2024: 1944 Warsaw Uprising
US Airlift Day of Remembrance 9/9/2024
September 21, 2024: Columbia Heights Pride Day 9/9/2024
October 2024: Pedestrian Safety Month (Walktober) 9/23/2024
October 2024: Polish American Heritage Month 9/23/2024
October 14, 2024: Indigenous Peoples’ Day 10/14/2024
81
Item 7.
MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT
October: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 10/14/2024
October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month 10/14/2024
November: National Homeless Youth Awareness Month 10/28/2024
November: National Homelessness Awareness Month 11/12/2024
November: National Native American Heritage Month,
National Native American Heritage Day 11/12/2024
November 11: Veterans Day 11/12/2024
November 25, Happy Holidays 11/25/2024
December 10, Universal Declaration of Human Rights 12/9/2024
December 20, 2024: Terchen Taksham Rinpoche Day 10/2/2024
2023
January Plant Milkweed Month 12/12/22
Jan 16, MLK Day 1/09/23
February Black History Month 1/23/23
March Developmental Disability Month 2/27/23
March 8, International Women’s Day 2/27/23
Ramadan Month 3/27/23
April Earth Day 3/27/23
April 13, Kelli Bourgeois Day 4/10/23
April Library Week 4/24/23
April Arbor Day 4/24/23
April Fair Housing Month 4/24/23
April National Public Works Week 4/24/23
May Asian and Pacific Islander Month 4/24/23
May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day 5/22/23
May Police Week 5/22/23
May Public Works Week 5/22/23
June Immigrant Heritage Month 5/22/23
June 2, Gun Violence Awareness 5/22/23
July 1, Somali American Day 6/26/23
July 1, Sister City Galdogob Somalia 6/26/23
International Day of Friendship 7/24/23
September Suicide Prevention 8/24/23
September Constitution Week 9/11/23
September Hispanic Heritage Month 9/11/23
September 23, CHC Pride Day 9/23/23 (not at a meeting)
October 9, Indigenous People Day 10/09/23
October Polish American Heritage 10/09/23
October Pedestrian Safety 10/23/23
November 11, Veterans Day 10/23/23
82
Item 7.
MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT
December 8, ICC Church Day (100th Ann) 11/27/23
2022
2022 Climate Awareness Year 1/24/22
Jan 27 Holocaust Day of Remembrance 1/24/22
January Health Care Month 1/24/22
February Black History Month 1/24/22
February 8, Dolores Strand Day 2/08/22
March Women’s History Month 2/28/22
April Library Week 3/28/22
April Arbor Day 4/25/22
April Earth Day 4/25/22
April Fair Housing Month 4/25/22
April National Public Works Week 4/25/22
May Menstrual Hygiene Day 5/23/22
May Asian and Pacific Islander Month 5/23/22
May Police Week 5/23/22
July 26, ADA Day 7/25/22
August National Black Business Month 7/25/22
August Outstanding Business Commendation 7/25/22
August National Night Out 7/25/22
September Childhood Cancer Awareness 8/22/22
September Constitution Week 8/22/22
September Hispanic Heritage Month 9/26/22
September Library Card Sign Up Month 9/26/22
September National Recovery Month 9/26/22
October Domestic Violence Month 9/26/22
October Polish American Heritage Month 9/26/22
November Native American Heritage Month 10/24/22
November Todd Estrem Day 10/24/22
December 23, Asia Chow Mein Day 12/12/22
2021
Tibet Day Proclamation 3/10/21
Arbor Day Proclamation 4/26/21
National Library Week Proclamation 4/26/21
Native American Land Acknowledgement 5/10/21
Police Week Proclamation 5/10/21
Somali American Day Proclamation 7/01/21
CH Centennial Day Proclamation 7/12/21
83
Item 7.
MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT
Oromo Week Proclamation 7/26/21
National Night Out Proclamation 7/26/21
Mayors Monarch Pledge Month 9/13/21
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 9/13/21
Hispanic Heritage Month 9/13/21
Constitution Week Proclamation 9/13/21
Domestic Violence Month 9/27/21
Pride Day Proclamation 9/27/21
Polish American Heritage Month 9/27/21
Native American Heritage Month 11/22/21
2020
Mayoral Declaration re Covid-19 Emergency 3/20/20
Police Week Proclamation 5/11/20
National Public Works Week Proclamation 5/23/20
Domestic Violence Month 9/28/20
Constitution Week Proclamation 9/14/20
Polish American Heritage Month 10/12/20
2019
Tibet Day Proclamation 2/25/19
Census 2020 Proclamation 3/25/19
Arbor Day Proclamation 4/8/19
National Library Week Proclamation 4/8/19
National Public Works Week Proclamation 5/13/19
Police Week Proclamation 5/13/19
Outstanding Citizen Proclamation 6/10/19
Orono Week Proclamation 08/03/19
National Night Out Proclamation 8/06/19
Domestic Violence Month 9/09/19
Constitution Week Proclamation 9/09/19
Polish American Heritage Month 10/14/19
2018
Youth Art Month Proclamation 3/26/18
Officer Terry Nightingale Proclamation 3/26/18
Arbor Day Proclamation 4/9/18
National Library Week Proclamation 4/9/18
Prayer Breakfast Proclamation 4/9/18
High School Basketball Team Proclamation 4/9/18
St. Matthew Community Theater Day Proc. 4/9/18
84
Item 7.
MAYORAL PROCLAMATIONS / DECLARATIONS ISSUED 2017 - CURRENT
National Public Works Week 5/14/18
Outstanding Citizen Proclamation 6/11/18
National Night Out Proclamation 7/9/18
Constitution Week Proclamation 9/10/18
Medicare Education Week Proclamation 9/10/18
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proc. 9/24/18
Sister Cities Proclamation 10/8/18
Walt Fehst Retirement Proclamation 12/10/18
2017
Day of Action to End Domestic Violence Proc. 2/27/17
Tibet Day Proclamation 2/27/17
Library Week Proclamation 4/10/17
Arbor Day Proclamation 4/10/17
Prayer Breakfast Proclamation 4/10/17
Public Works Week Proclamation 5/22/17
Max Richter Proclamation 5/22/17
Humanitarian of the Year Proclamation 6/12/17
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proc. 9/11/17
Constitution Week Proclamation 9/11/17
American Legion Day Proclamation 9/11/17
Proclamation for ME Global 100th Anniversary 10/9/17
Northeast Bank Proclamation 10/23/17
Dan Thompson Proclamation 12/11/17
85
Item 7.
PROCLAMATION
Monarch Butterfly Day: August 8, 2025
The Monarch butterfly, a symbol of North American wildlife, is renowned for its
incredible migration and transformation. Twenty years ago, over one billion Eastern
Monarch butterflies migrated to Mexico, but by the winter of 2014, only 60 million
made the trip, marking a significant population decline.
Cities, towns, and counties play a crucial role in saving the Monarch butterfly. The
City of Columbia Heights is committed to this cause. Residents are encouraged to
plant native milkweed and nectar plants to create habitats for Monarchs and other
pollinators.
Columbia Heights is a national leader in the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, a program of
the National Wildlife Federation, dedicated to protecting endangered pollinators.
The city proudly hosts a bilingual Monarch festival in collaboration with
community partners. This family-friendly event celebrates pollinators in both
English and Spanish, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to preserve these
vital creatures. This year’s celebration will take place on August 14, 2025, at the
Huset Park Splash Pad from 4:00 – 7:00pm.
The Monarch butterfly is a seasonal immigrant to Minnesota, symbolizing the
importance of global cooperation in preserving our shared environment.
Now Therefore, I, Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, do herby
proclaim August 8, 2025, as Monarch Butterfly Day, in the City of Columbia Heights,
County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A.
________________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
August 11, 2025
86
Item 7.
PROCLAMATION
Senior Citizen Day: August 21, 2025
On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21 as National
Senior Citizens Day, a day to recognize and show appreciation for the value and
contribution of elderly people to the family and society as a whole.
Throughout history, older people have achieved much for our families,
communities, and country. That remains true today and gives us ample reason this
year to reserve a special day in honor of the senior citizens who mean so much to
our land.
With improved health care and more years of productivity, older citizens are
reinforcing their historical roles as leaders and links with our patrimony and sense
of purpose as individuals and as a Nation. Many older people are embarking on
second careers, giving younger Americans a fine example of responsibility,
resourcefulness, competence, and determination. More than 4.5 million senior
citizens are serving as volunteers in various programs and projects that benefit
every sector of society. Wherever the need exists, older people are making their
presence felt -- for their good and that of others.
For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish,
we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate
our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in
which to mature and grow older -- places in which older people can participate to
the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they
need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.
Now Therefore, I, Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, do herby
proclaim proclaim August 21, 2025, as Senior Citizen Day in the City of Columbia
Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A.
________________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
August 11, 2025
87
Item 7.
PROCLAMATION
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: September 2025
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness
of the resources available to prevent suicide and support those in our community. Our
goal is to learn how to help and talk about suicide without increasing harm.
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, orientation, income,
religion, or background. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
(AFSP), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34,
with over 48,000 people dying by suicide annually in the United States.
Columbia Heights stands with local educators, mental health professionals, coaches,
leaders, police officers, and parents in supporting our community. Local and national
organizations, like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), are at the forefront
of this critical issue.
We urge all residents to check in on the well-being of family, friends, and neighbors. A
simple gesture—a call, message, handshake, or hug—can make a significant difference.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia
Heights, proclaim September 2025 as National Suicide Prevention Month in the City of
Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A.
________________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
August 25, 2025
88
Item 7.
PROCLAMATION
September 2025: Hunger Action Month
In Minnesota food banks and food shelves have experienced a significant increase in
demand, with food shelves seeing a record number of visits.
The 2024-2025 One Minnesota Budget has provided $7.5 million to food shelves and
ensured free meals for students through the National School Lunch and Breakfast
Programs. This investment is a continued step toward a future without hunger and was
a response to record high food shelf visits, rising inflation and the ending of pandemic
relief programs.
Minnesota is committed to addressing hunger today and preventing it tomorrow.
Working closely with food banks to educate the public and advocate for policies that
end hunger in our state.
We also sincerely appreciate the efforts of faith communities and organizations like
Second Harvest Heartland, SACA, Meals on Wheels, and Every Meal backpack
program. Their work inspires hope and reminds us of our shared responsibility to care
for one another.
During Hunger Action Month, I encourage everyone to volunteer, donate, and support
these vital efforts. Together, we can ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia
Heights, do hereby proclaim September 2025 to be Hunger Action Month in the City of
Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A.
________________________________
Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
August 25, 2025
89
Item 7.