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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-2025 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, April 28, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, April 28, 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 6:02 pm. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Deneen; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember James Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Joseph Kloiber, Finance Director; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Taher Herzallah, City resident; Ed Higgins, City resident; Arvind Naik, City resident; Mark Veronikas, City resident; Dasa Yata, Executive co-director at SEWA-AIFW; MISSION STATEMENT Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy and connected City. We are here to actively support the community, deliver equitable services, build and strengthen connections, improve upon our past, and uphold our successes. We strive to be better and ensure Columbia Heights is a great place for everyone, today and in the future. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Mayor Márquez Simula read a statement from the Council and City staff regarding zero tolerance for racism and personal attacks at public meetings: “At the April Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, an anonymous, masked individual used public comment time to launch a racist, personal attack against Commissioner Taher Herzallah. This individual refused to identify themselves, made hateful and false accusations, and demanded that Commissioner Herzallah be removed from the commission, claiming he "doesn’t belong here." Such remarks — rooted in racism and cowardice — are absolutely unacceptable and have no place in Columbia Heights. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 28, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula, the City Council, and the City Manager immediately responded with concern and urgency. We are actively implementing new measures to protect all participants in our public meetings. We are strengthening our rules to ensure that any future hateful, discriminatory, or racist remarks will be immediately shut down and addressed. Racism will not be tolerated — not in our City government, not at our public meetings, not in our community spaces. Our public meetings are designed for respectful discussion, thoughtful questions, and informed decision-making to benefit our City. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate, including children, adults, longtime residents, and new community members. Our meetings should model professionalism, respect, and a commitment to listening — even when differences arise. When a child or newcomer visits a meeting, they should leave feeling a sense of trust and pride in their City leaders, knowing that kindness, collaboration, and inclusivity are at the heart of our work. Our City Council is firmly committed to building diverse boards and commissions that genuinely reflect the community we serve. Behavior like what occurred at the Parks and Recreation meeting creates an unsafe and hostile environment for participation. It is unacceptable, and we will not allow it to deter people from stepping up to lead and serve. There is no excuse for personal attacks, hate speech, or intimidation. It will not be allowed. It will be immediately addressed. To ensure a safe and welcoming environment, the city will provide training to all Board and Commission Chairs and city staff on how to recognize and immediately stop discriminatory behavior during meetings. The safety, dignity, and inclusion of all participants are non-negotiable. The Mayor, City Council, and City Manager stand firmly with Commissioner Herzallah and with all of our board and commission members. We are united in standing against racism, islamophobia, and all forms of discrimination. Columbia Heights belongs to everyone. There is no place for hatred here. We will continue to build a community where every resident feels safe, respected, and truly belongs.” PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Dash Yata and Arvind Naik Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed May 2025 as Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Councilmember Spriggs read the City’s proclamation. Dash Yata and Arvind Naik accepted the proclamation. Executive Co-Director for the SEWA Asian Indian Family Wellness Program, Dash Yata, thanked the Council for the proclamation. He explained that SEWA-AIFW is a non-profit that serves the South Asian community in the Twin Cities. He expressed his pride in seeing the growing presence of Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders in Minnesota. The proclamation City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 28, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 highlights the importance of celebrating culture, histories, and stories, which ensures opportunities for future generations. B. "Four Rivers and Six Ranges: A Tribute to Tibetan Defiance and Dignity” Day Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed May 3, 2025, as 4 Rivers 6 Ranges Day: A Tribute to Tibetan Defiance and Dignity and read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula mentioned that she would attend the movie premiere on Saturday and would read the proclamation at the Heights Theater. C. Foster Care Awareness Day Proclamation. Postponed to May 27, 2025. D. International Firefighters' Day Proclamation. Receiving Proclamation: Captain Emily Kosman, Firefighter Bryan Scachtele Columbia Heights Fire Department Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed May 4, 2025, as International Firefighters’ Day and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. Captain Emily Kosman, and Firefighter Bryan Scachtele accepted the proclamation. Firefighter Scachtele explained that the Fire Department is proud to serve the City and expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from leadership, residents, and first responders. He thanked the Council for the proclamation. He invited residents to participate in Light the Night through May 4th by illuminating homes or buildings in red lights to honor fallen firefighters. He added that they are accepting applications for those who wish to serve their community as a firefighter. More information can be found on the City website. COMMUNITY FORUM Taher Herzallah, City resident, thanked the Council for their support, words of affirmation, and commitment to justice. He noted the statement Mayor Márquez Simula read proves that America has the potential to keep true to the promise of the words the Country was founded on, that all men are created equal, and that there should be liberty and justice for all. He explained that the City responded to the incident swiftly and quickly, which makes the City and its leadership a shining city on the hill in a climate of fear and intimidation. He noted that the string of personal attacks bursting with anti- Palestinian and Islamophobic epithets that he experienced is but one string of attacks on himself and those like him. He stated he finds it reprehensible that the world watches in indifference as the most advanced military technology of the 21st century is used to slaughter a besieged and starved, defenseless civilian population in Gaza. He shared a photo of his relative Muhammad. His relative was a young man in his early teens but with the mental development of a child. One day last December, Muhammad wandered into the neighborhood, which was extremely dangerous to do in Gaza. Muhammad ended up lost in the middle of the night and his family was unable to locate him. His family worried that the Israeli military would take him and put into a torture camp, like many other City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 28, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 people. A week went by without being able to locate Muhammad. His family received word that Muhammad had wandered too far into an area where the Israeli military had a shoot-on-sight policy, and his body was discovered. Muhammad had been shot multiple times by an Israeli quadcopter. Four people tried to help Muhammad after he was shot, but the quadcopter dropped an explosive on them and killed all of them. It was not until January 19th that a ceasefire was called that the family was able to recover Muhammad's body. He stated there is nothing in this world that will stop him, or other people from his community, from speaking out against the genocide and what the state of Israel is doing. He noted that the incident that happened to him was meant to act as a deterrent from people like him to participate in the civic process, or force him and his community to retreat. It did not do so because it fueled his passion to continue advocating for the freedom and justice of the Palestinian people. He thanked the Council and City staff for their response to address the issue. Mayor Márquez Simula expressed his condolences to Mr. Herzallah for his loss of his relative. She agreed that they would not be silenced in speaking about the truth. She thanked him for taking the time and energy to share during the meeting. Mark Veronikas, City resident, provided the Council with an update on the parking situation on Gould Avenue. He mentioned that there was a shooting outside his house. He asked the Council to give their neighborhood back and asked to give the neighborhood permit parking. He mentioned that the issue is getting worse. Ed Higgins, City resident, stated that information came out today that the Biden administration was doing nothing in the last two years to get a ceasefire between the Israelis and the administration. He noted that politics aside, there are millions of people who are dying on our watch and by our weapons. He explained that people need to go beyond politics and do what is possible to save human life and to stop fascism. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that in light of what happened to Mr. Herzallah, the Council is united in their attempt to make sure that respect is happening during meetings. Councilmember James stated that all the people who are serving on commissions are volunteers. She added that since she has moved to the City she has heard that there needs to be more diversity on the boards and commissions. She expressed her gratitude to those who are taking the time to serve on the boards and commissions. She added that she hoped the incident that happened to Mr. Herzallah would not discourage others from standing up and leading in the City. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember James expressed her excitement to be able to read through the financial expenses more easily and mentioned that the Finance Department receives top marks on their audits each year. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve April 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the April 14, 2025 City Council meeting minutes. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 28, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 5 2. Accept February 24TH, 2025 Special EDA Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the February 24th, 2025 EDA meeting minutes. 3. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1712, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Administrative Code: Article V – Administrative Offenses. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1712, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1712, being an ordinance to amend Chapter 3 Administrative Code, Article V – Administrative Offenses, and direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 4. Resolution 2025-040, Amending the Water Meter Fee. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-040, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2025-040, being a resolution adopting rates for water, sewer, storm water, and refuse services, provided after April 30, 2025. 5. Annual Declaration that the City of Columbia Heights Does Not Waive the Monetary Limits on the Municipal Tort Liability under Minnesota Statues, Section 466.04. MOTION: Move to declare that the City of Columbia Heights does not waive the monetary limits on the Municipal Tort Liability under Minnesota Statues, Section 466.04. 6. Installation of Fitness Court Studio at Sullivan Lake Park by Nationwide Fixture Installations. MOTION: Move to approve accepting the proposal from Nationwide Fixture Installations for the installation of a Fitness Court Studio in the amount of $36,000. 7. Approve Permits for the 2025 Jamboree. MOTION: Move to authorize staff to close Jefferson St from 39th to 40th Avenues beginning Tuesday afternoon, June 24, through Sunday, June 29, 2025. MOTION: Move to authorize the Police Department to issue a parade permit for the Jamboree Parade to be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM for the following streets: 45th Avenue to Quincy Street, south to 40th Avenue, west to 5th Street. MOTION: Move to authorize fireworks at dusk on Saturday, June 28, 2025, and to waive the Fire Department fireworks display permit fee. 8. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for April 28, 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 $1,072,750.74. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 28, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 6 Bid Considerations 10. Adopt Resolution 2025-39 Being A Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract For 2025 Concrete Alley Construction, City Project 2506. Public Works Director Hansen stated on February 24, 2025, the City Council authorized staff to advertise the 2025 Concrete Alley Construction project for bids. In March and April, plans and specifications were advertised for bids in the LIFE newspaper and electronically on the City website and through Quest Construction Data Network. Seventeen contractors or vendors (10 prime bidders) requested a copy of the bidding documents. Five bids were received and publicly read aloud at the April 23, 2025, bid opening. The low bid was submitted by Equity Builders of Rosemount, Minnesota in the amount of $1,072,501. The bid is approximately 15% lower than the Engineer’s Estimate. Funding will be provided by assessments, Infrastructure, General, CDBG, and Storm Sewer funds. Public Works Director Hansen noted based on the bids received, Equity Builders is the low, qualified, responsible bidder. Staff is recommending to award the bid to Equity Builders of Rosemount, MN. Mayor Márquez Simula thanked staff for their work in getting a bid that was 15% lower than estimated, and that the money would be allocated to property owners in the area. She mentioned that some people have asked when their alleys would be done. She noted that, according to the City Engineer, the alleys that are being completed are in the worst condition in the City. She asked which alleys would be completed next and when. Public Works Director Hansen replied that alleys were not originally planned in the street rehabilitation program. Therefore, the City has to cost-share the alleys. Typically, alleys are done in an off year of the street zone work, which means it is on a four to five-year repeating cycle. He added that the City may consider doing an alley program is about four to six years. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-39, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution 2025-39 being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights accepting bids and awarding the 2025 Concrete Alley Construction and Sullivan Lake Fitness Court concrete slab, City Project 2506 to Equity Builders of Rosemount, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $1,072,501 with $975,000 from Fund 415.6400 and $87,351 from Fund 412.6400; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 28, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 7 Councilmember James mentioned she participated in the City’s strategic planning process with the rest of the Council. She noted she stopped by the expungement clinic, which was put on by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s office can be contacted at any time if someone missed the clinic or has an offense in State court that they would like to have looked at to be cleared. She stated she attended the Fire Protection Council as the liaison. She noted she attended the Central Avenue cleanup and stopped by the shredding event. She mentioned she went to the Habitat for Humanity build with Councilmember Spriggs and Councilmember Buesgens. Councilmember Buesgens noted she is volunteering with Blooming Sunshine Garden. She added she attended the high school boys’ inaugural volleyball game, the Fire Department pinning ceremony, the City’s strategic planning with the Council and heads of departments, and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Councilmember Deneen thanked everyone who helped with the Central Avenue cleanup. She mentioned she attended the boys’ volleyball inaugural season celebration and the City’s strategic planning meeting. Councilmember Spriggs stated he volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity House with Councilmember James and Councilmember Buesgens. He added he attended the Arbor Day tree planting with fifth graders from Immaculate Conception with Mayor Márquez Simula. He noted he attended the City’s strategic planning with the Council and had a meeting with the government relations director at Medtronic. The Council also attended a board of appeals and equalization meeting. Mayor Márquez Simula stated she attended the Earth Day cleanup and thanked all of those who volunteered their time. She added that she attended the paper shredding event with Councilmember James. She added that she attended the Arbor Day tree planting event with fifth graders and mentioned that she helped coordinate the expungement event. She mentioned that she attended the Operation Pollination International virtual meeting through the Rotary, the City’s strategic goal-setting meeting, a meeting with Will Rottler to discuss the Monarch Fest, and the boys’ inaugural volleyball game. The Church of All Nations High School class took a tour of City Hall. She read a remembrance for the passing of Pope Francis: “We join people around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His leadership, compassion, and dedication to peace and social justice touched millions of lives. May his legacy of humility, service, and hope continue to inspire us all.” Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich noted the Citywide garage sale is scheduled for June 6-8. Registration for the event will take place from May 1 to 31. Murzyn Hall will be open on Sunday, June 8th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for those who are unable to host a garage sale at their location. Space is limited for that portion of the event. There is no cost to register for the Citywide garage sale. Residents can register by visiting the City’s website starting on May 1st. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES April 28, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 8 Meeting adjourned at 7:02 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary