HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor
Amáda Márquez Simula
Councilmembers
Connie Buesgens
Rachel James
Justice Spriggs
Laurel Deneen
City Manager
Aaron Chirpich
City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE
Monday, July 14, 2025
6:00 PM
MINUTES
The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday,
July 14, 2025, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights,
Minnesota
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Márquez Simula called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Deneen; Councilmember
Spriggs; Councilmember James
Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Travis Lutz, Assistant City Attorney;
Emilie Voight, Community Development Coordinator; Phil Kern, Strategic Planning Facilitator; Arvind
Naik, Mediation Center representative; Namgyal Tsekey, Representative from Tibetan American
Foundation of Minnesota; Becky Wegscheid, Government Affairs Director for SPAAR.
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.
A. 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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as
presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS
A. Mediation Center Anniversary Celebration Proclamation.
Accepting Proclamation: Arvind Naik
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Mayor Márquez Simula recognized and congratulated the Science of Spirituality Meditation
Center on its 10-year anniversary, and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation.
Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that Arvind Naik was unable to attend the meeting to
receive the proclamation.
B. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Day Proclamation.
Accepting Proclamation: Tenzin Kunkyi, Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed July 6, 2025, as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Day
and read the City’s proclamation.
Namgyal Tsekey, Representative from the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota,
accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council for the proclamation. She stated His
Holiness was born on July 6, 1935. He is a renowned global spiritual leader and advocates
for peace, love, and compassion. She noted that the Dalai Lama is not living in Tibet, and he
is seeking full freedom from China. She added that they are seeking autonomy that would
allow for the preservation of Tibetan culture, education, language, religion, and natural
resources. The Dalai Lama retired from his political leadership role on March 10, 2011. The
Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1989, and a U.S.
Congressional Medal in 2007, and the Gold Mercury Award for peace and sustainability in
2005.
Ms. Tsekey shared the history of Tibet and mentioned that Tibet is called “the roof of the
world,” or “the third pole,” or “the water tower of Asia”. The Dalai Lama has led the
Tibetan community in exile to preserve Tibetan language, culture, and religion. Tibetan
culture emphasizes peace, compassion, and resilience. Minnesota is the home of the
second-largest Tibetan community in the United States. The Tibetan Foundation of
Minnesota is a registered non-profit. It was established as a residential resettlement
program in 1992. The US Immigration Act of 1990 granted thousands of immigrant visas to
Japan for those living in India and Nepal. 160 Tibetans settled in 1992-1993 to the United
States. A majority of Minnesota Tibetans live in the Twin Cities. In Tibet, simply holding a
portrait of the Dalai Lama or displaying the Tibetan flag can result in arrest, or even death
without a trial. The culture and spiritual identity are considered a crime. She explained that
in the US, she is about to honor her heritage, speak Tibetan freely, and hold up the image
of the spiritual leader and the flag. She added that she cherishes the freedom and hopes
that all Tibetans will be able to experience it. She thanked the City for allowing her to
speak. She added that Minnesota would be hosting the Tibetan Midwest event next year.
A. Mediation Center Anniversary Celebration Proclamation (continued).
Mayor Márquez Simula stated that Arvind Naik arrived at the meeting and asked him to
share about the Mediation Center. Mr. Naik stated that the Science of Spirituality is a
global non-profit spiritual organization that is dedicated to transforming lives through
meditation under the guidance of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. He added that they
believe that inner peace will lead to outer peace, which will lead to peaceful families,
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communities, and the world. There are about 3,500 meditation centers around the world.
The science of spirituality strives to help individuals and communities achieve deeper,
richer inner and spiritual life, and a stronger sense of meaning and purpose in life. He
explained that they are committed to bettering themselves through the spiritual way of
living based on meditation, ethical living, and regards for life. He welcomed the community
to join the center. He mentioned that meditation is an ancient practice and explained that
it helps achieve a peaceful and fulfilling life. He stated the center is family-friendly and all
of the activities at the center are free.
C. Disability Independence Day Proclamation.
Mayor Márquez Simula stated that her daughter lives with long COVID and experiences
brain fog, joint pain, reduced lung capacity, and uses a wheelchair. She explained that
watching her daughter adjust to the new way of life has taught her a lot about her
daughter’s strength and how society still falls short in supporting people with disabilities.
She added that she learned that disability is the only minority group that anyone can join at
any time. She expressed her gratitude for the protections the ADA has provided and noted
that there is still more work that is needed to make spaces accessible and to listen and lead
with empathy.
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed July 26, 2025, as Disability Independence Day, and
Councilmember Buesgens read the City’s proclamation.
D. Final Strategic Plan Report Presented by Phil Kern.
Phil Kern presented the Strategic Plan Report. He explained that the plan was developed
over the course of several workshops throughout the year. The strategic planning process
includes three activities: developing a long-term direction, discussion and evaluation of
current conditions, and development of a goals plan.
Mr. Kern explained that there were core strategies that were developed for the long-term
direction. The core strategies identify the pillars of the organization and the community.
The six core strategies that were identify were: A community that grows with purpose and
equity; high-quality public spaces for a healthy and sustainable future; a City that is safe,
accessible, and built for everyone; engaged, effective, and forward-thinking organization; a
resilient and prosperous economy; and an inclusive and connected community where
everyone is welcome.
Mr. Kern reviewed the six core strategies. A community that grows with purpose and
equity is supported by six strategic objectives that the City envisions to grow intentionally
through vibrant mixed-use development, supporting economic vitality, housing options for
all, and the culture of a close-knit community. The redevelopment will reflect community
values and create long-term social and economic benefits for residents and businesses. The
City will ensure the availability of a full range of housing options that support residents at
every stage of life and income level.
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Mr. Kern noted that the second long-term core strategy is for high-quality public spaces for
a healthy and sustainable future. The objectives include creating public spaces that are
beautiful, active, and welcoming, prioritizing health, connectivity, and sustainability. He
added that the objective is to design spaces with fiscal responsibility that meet the current
needs.
Mr. Kern reviewed the objectives for the core strategy for a City that is safe, accessible, and
built for everyone. It is supported by objectives that include the City being a community
where people of all abilities feel safe, supported, and free to move by foot, bike, transit, or
car. It also includes Public Safety being proactive, community-based, respectful to all, and
professional staff. He added that an objective of infrastructure decisions will utilize smart
designs to prioritize safety, visibility, walkability, and vibrant neighborhoods, and
investments in multimodal infrastructure and transit will connect people to opportunity.
He mentioned that an objective is to have a culture of shared responsibility between City
staff and community members that will ensure all residents will feel secure and respected.
Mr. Kern reviewed the objectives for the core strategy of “Engaged, Effective, and Forward-
thinking Organization.” The objectives that support the strategy include: the City
government will lead with equity, integrity, innovation, and excellence; staff are committed
to and invested in organizational success; the organization will invest in systems,
technology, and staff to meet evolving community needs; communication will be timely,
transparent, and inclusive, designed to build trust in the community; modernize internal
processes that are flexible, effective, and outcome-driver; and proactively support talent
development and succession planning to ensure long-term organizational strength.
Mr. Kern stated the objectives that support the core strategy of “a resilient and prosperous
economy” include: the City will be a destination for businesses, entrepreneurs, and
investment supported by economic diversity and long-term opportunity; commercial
corridors will be active, attractive, and complementary to neighborhood identity; business
development will support innovation, enhance job creation, create investment in the
community, and work towards easing reliance on residential property taxes; fiscal planning
will balance affordability with the delivery of high-quality public services; and infrastructure
and connectivity will support business success and community access.
Mr. Kern noted the objectives that support the core strategy of “an inclusive and
connected community where everyone is welcome” include: the City will celebrate and
embrace its diversity, encourage participation, and foster strong relationships between
neighbors, businesses, City staff, Council, and organizations; the entire community will
have access to information, services, and engagement opportunities that reflect the
cultural and linguistic diversity; Boards, Commissions, and City leadership will reflect the
community; create pathways to civic involvement and leadership for youth and
underrepresented groups; encourage connection through community events, programs,
and outreach; community members will feel welcomed, heard, and empowered to shape
the future of the City.
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Mr. Kern explained that a part of the strategic plan was discussing what is happening in the
community as it relates to the priorities and creating goals out of it. After the goals were
created, it was determined what to prioritize. The goals include:
1. Develop a Financial Plan for major projects, including a timeline for redevelopment
of the Municipal Services Center (Public Works) and Murzyn Hall renovations. The
plan should outline multiple funding scenarios.
2. Develop a campaign to support businesses during Central Avenue construction
• Create a “Survival kit”
• Active engagement in the campaign
• Get feedback
3. Complete Road Zone Program/Safe Streets for All Plan
4. Conduct a staffing study and develop a plan for updating personnel policies and
programs for retention
5. Develop a new Parks Master Plan
6. Create a public art plan for the purpose of developing a sense of place through art,
plantings, and design
7. Develop a climate action plan
• GreenStep 3 (purchasing guidelines)
• Partners in Energy
8. Develop tenant protection policies and ordinances
Mr. Kern stated reviewed other goals that the Council prioritized but did not make it on the
top eight list. The goals included:
9. Create partnerships with post-secondary and trade schools to create
internships/apprenticeships in trades with the goal of recruiting locally and leading
to increased full-time employment
10. Fully establish the Code Enforcement system
11. Better strengthen the bond, increase engagement, and explore partnerships
between businesses and City events
12. Review the Zoning Code and reform it to meet housing needs.
Mr. Kern explained that in order to implement the 2025 Strategic Plan, the City must link
long-term direction to short-term action plans. They must develop Action Plans with
measurables, action steps, and resource needs.
COMMUNITY FORUM
There were no public comments.
5. City Manager's Response to Community Forum.
City Manager Chirpich explained that during the last Community Forum, there were many individuals
who spoke about the Medtronic site redevelopment plans and Sullivan Park plans. Many of the
questions and comments that were raised during the meeting were answered during the meeting and
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afterwards. He added that the next Public Hearing for the Medtronic Site would be on July 28th at 6:00
pm at the Council meeting. He encouraged community members to attend the next meeting to provide
comments and ask questions.
City Manager Chirpich mentioned that there were comments and questions regarding the amount of
concrete that would be put in with the fitness court. He stated that the fitness court would be just
under 3,000 square feet of concrete and is within the threshold of 35% impervious surface in the area.
He mentioned that staff would continue to monitor impervious surfaces in the park system.
City Manager Chirpich explained that there was a comment regarding the City authorizing a significant
contract for the fitness court foundation. The contract is $86,000 and is funded by Community
Development Block Grant Funds from Anoka County.
City Manager Chirpich stated that Mayor Márquez Simula passed along a question regarding City truck
traffic on roads. He explained that City vehicles drive on City roads and that staff look into excess wear
and tear and will account for City vehicles being on the roads. He encouraged community members to
reach out if there are any concerns regarding City vehicles on residential roads. Mayor Márquez Simula
added that there is a “report a problem” feature on the City’s website where community members can
express concerns.
CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Council
Councilmember James mentioned that she attended the League of Minnesota Cities annual
conference, the Jamboree parade, the EDA meeting, the work session meeting, and the Sustainability
meeting. She noted that there is an event coming up to remove invasive species at LaBelle Park on
August 23rd from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm.
Councilmember Buesgens stated she is taking care of the flower pots at Murzyn Hall. She added that
she attended the MWMO Board meeting and the Safer Street open house. She mentioned that she is
volunteering with Blooming Sunshine Garden. She noted she attended the Pool with a Cop event, the
Jamboree parade, the Fire Department’s pancake fundraiser, and the joint School Board and City
Council meeting. She noted that the City has put up signs on vacant lots to indicate that they are trying
to grow pollinator turf.
Councilmember Deneen explained that she attended the Safe Streets for All open house, the Jamboree
parade, the Fire Department pancake breakfast, the School Board and City Council joint meeting, the
Planning Commission meeting, a panel as a panelist for the local convergence convention, the EDA
meeting, the Council work session meeting, and the Pride Planning Meeting. She noted that the family-
friendly Pride event would take place on September 13th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Kordiak Park.
Councilmember Spriggs noted he attended the EDA meeting, the work session meeting, and the
Jamboree parade. He noted that the Multicultural Advisory Committee meeting is cancelled tomorrow.
The next meeting will be on September 16th.
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Mayor Márquez Simula stated she attended the EDA meeting, the work session meeting, a check-in
meeting with the City Manager, the joint School Board and City Council meeting, the Jamboree parade,
and the Fire Department pancake breakfast. She mentioned that she has been connecting with
residents regarding the Central Avenue redevelopment project. She explained that the loss of Manny
Collins weighs heavily on the community. She expressed her gratitude that community members were
able to support Manny’s family. She noted she attended the 90th birthday celebration for His Holiness
the 14th Dalai Lama. She mentioned she saw the new Superman movie and quoted “it isn’t the role
you play, it’s the choices you make.” She explained that as the mayor, she strives to make choices that
she is proud of and reflect shared values.
Report of the City Manager
City Manager Chirpich mentioned that the City has been receiving inquiries regarding door-to-door
solicitors. He announced that the City requires door-to-door solicitors, peddlers, and transient
merchants to be licensed by the City. If a solicitor approaches a resident’s home, it is important to ask
them to show their City-issued license. The license should be visibly displayed or easily accessible for
verification. He noted that if a solicitor fails to provide a valid license, call 911 to report the solicitor.
City Manager Chirpich stated that Music in the Park is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16th, but may be
postponed due to inclement weather. The City will make an announcement at noon on Wednesday
regarding the status of the event. The City’s neighborhoods are encouraged to participate in National
Night Out, which will be on Tuesday, August 5th. He encouraged community members to register by
July 23rd if they would like street barriers or a visit from the Police Department. Registration can be
found on the City’s website or by calling Officer Tabitha Wood at 763-706-8110. The Library would like
to announce that on Saturday, July 19th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Library and the Somali Museum
of Minnesota will have a traveling exhibition of traditional Somali artworks. The event is free and open
to the public.
Councilmember Buesgens asked if there was a way to have an image of the solicitor's license for the
public to be able to see. City Manager Chirpich replied that it is something staff would be able to do.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember James noted item 9 and explained that she is curious to hear more about the
engineering firm SRF Consulting Group. She asked what the plans were in the future to continue to
contract the work out. She added that the consulting group is referenced on page 120 of the Agenda
Packet. City Manager Chirpich replied that the SRF Consulting Group is designated for safe routes to
school. Councilmember James clarified that she is wondering what the scope of work is and the City’s
plan for using outside consulting groups. City Manager Chirpich replied that the consultant for the
soccer fields has a scope of work in the engagement process for designing soccer layouts for multiple
potential locations in the City. The consultants would be working with the Parks and Recreation
Commission and the City Council to develop the process. He added that staff anticipate that it will
conclude in the late fall of 2025. He noted that the consultant group would be working with residents
through the engagement process for the Sullivan Lake Park project and fitness court. Staff expect the
process to conclude this fall. He mentioned that he would need to ask the Engineering team about the
SRF Consulting Group items. He explained that it is likely to do with the ongoing certification of
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improvements with the Safe Streets to School initiative. He added he believed it was in regard to the
contracts from last year, but would follow up on the item.
Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
1. Approve June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting minutes.
2. Approve June 30, 2025 Joint City Council and School Board Work Session Meeting
Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the June 30, 2025 Joint City Council and School Board Work
Session meeting minutes.
3. Approve July 7, 2025 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Move to approve the July 7, 2025 City Council Work Session meeting minutes.
4. Accept June 3, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: Accept June 3, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes.
5. Consideration of Resolution 2025-60, a Rental Density Cap Exemption for 4538 4th Street
NE.
MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-060, there being ample copies
available to the public.
MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2025-060, a resolution approving the single-family
rental exemption request for the rental application at 4538 4th St, Columbia Heights, MN
55421.
6. Adopt 2025-2026 Strategic Plan and Goal Setting Report.
MOTION: Move to adopt the 2025-2026 Strategic Plan and Goal Setting Report.
7. License Agenda.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed on the business license agenda for July 14,
2025, as presented.
8. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval.
MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for July
14, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code.
9. 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 $2,744,207.86.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Ordinances and Resolutions
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10. St Paul Area Association of REALTORS® Key Communities Grant Award.
Community Development Coordinator Voight stated that in December 2024, the City’s
Economic Development Authority (EDA) applied for a St Paul Area Association of
REALTORS® (SPAAR) 2025 Key Communities grant. The Key Communities Program
endeavors to build connections between SPAAR members and cities by supporting
municipal initiatives related to homeownership, placemaking, walkability, and similar
themes. 2025 marks the fifth year of the program.
Community Development Coordinator Voight explained that the City of Columbia Heights
has been selected as a 2025 Key Communities Program grantee and will receive up to
$4,500 in grant awards from the local and national branches of the Association of
REALTORS®. Community Development staff will collaborate with the City’s
Communications team, SPAAR, and local partners to use the grant funds to create and
promote multilingual resources for homeownership in Columbia Heights. Becky Wegscheid,
Government Affairs Director for SPAAR, is present at tonight’s City Council meeting to
provide a brief overview of the organization and the history of the Key Communities
Program.
Ms. Wegscheid explained that SPAAR is a trade association for about 7,500 realtors on the
east side of the river. She added that their territory is expansive. They have developed the
key communities microgrant program to get to know communities outside of St. Paul. This
is the fifth year of the key communities program, and SPAAR has worked with 15 different
communities. Some projects they have worked on include placemaking and working with
neighborhoods in St. Paul, Coon Rapids, Northfield, and Burnsville. Some other grants they
have worked on are walkability and wayfinding grants. She added that they specifically
work with communities with a large trail system. She mentioned that they have worked
with Blaine on housing opportunity grants. The City Council and EDA are leading a
multilingual workshop series aimed at breaking down barriers to home ownership access
across language groups. SPAAR is an advocate for safe, available, and affordable housing.
The workshops will provide essential information on financing tools and resources and
local regulations, ensuring that the content is accessible through native speakers and
reliable translations.
Councilmember Buesgens thanked SPAAR for the grant money. She suggested that new
homeowners could receive resources and information, such as how to maintain their
home, what to do if they want to remodel, and what things they need permits for.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to waive the
reading of Resolution 2025-059, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes,
Motion Carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to approve
Resolution 2025-059, a resolution accepting a Key Communities grant from the St Paul Area
Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated national chapter. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0.
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ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion
Carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:23 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary