HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-2025 Special City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes
COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
Mayor
Amáda Márquez Simula
Councilmembers
Connie Buesgens
Rachel James
Justice Spriggs
Laurel Deneen
City Manager
Aaron Chirpich
Public Safety Bldg—Training Room, 825 41st Ave NE
April 22 and May 8, 2025
MINUTES
Strategic Planning Sessions
On April 22 and May 8, 2025, the Columbia Heights City Council and Department Heads convened in a
special work sessions to review vision, core strategies, and to establish goals to guide the organization
in the coming years. Facilitator Phil Kerns led the process that involved revisiting work completed on
these key city priorities from 2020 and 2023 and a present-day assessment to determine the needs of
the community and organization moving forward. The session included Mayor Márquez Simula,
Councilmembers Buesgens, Deneen, James and Spriggs. City Manager Aaron Chripich, Police Deputy
Chief Erik Johnston , Community Development Director Mitchell Forney, Library Director Renee
Dougherty, Public Works Director Kevin Hansen, Public Works Superintendent David Cullen, IT Director
Jesse Hauf, Finance Director Joe Kloiber, Communications Coordinator Will Rottler, Fire Chief Dan
O’Brien, and Recreation Director Keith Windschitl.
Next Steps
Facilitator Phil Kerns will review the 2025 Strategic Planning and Goal Setting Report at an upcoming
City Council Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary