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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2025 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, September 08, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 08, 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; Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Jesse Hauf, IT Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Renee Dougherty, Library Director; Olga Herrera, Library Board Member; Jennifer Pyper Muno, City resident; Ray Muno, Columbia Heights PRIDE member; Holly Tuhake, Columbia Heights PRIDE member. 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." Mayor Márquez Simula read a statement regarding school shootings. She mentioned “that with school beginning, there are too many families living with fear and anxiety. The recent school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis is yet another reminder that Minnesota is not doing enough to protect our children, teachers, and communities from gun violence. Here in Columbia Heights, we have seen it firsthand. This year alone, we’ve had 20 incidents with firearms, with most involving assault charges, one murder, and even a case involving a youth under 18. At LaBelle Park, over 50 shell casings were recovered from what was likely a single fun. Last year at Kordiak Park, more than 180 rounds were fired, including eight bullets that entered nearby homes. These are not distant problems. They are happening in our neighborhoods and to our neighbors. Our Police Chief, Matt Markham, has called for legislation that would allow police chiefs more discretion to deny gun City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 08, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 purchase permits in their own cities. He also supports the use of extreme risk protection orders, which would enable law enforcement to temporarily remove a gun from someone’s possession. This tool can help de-escalate a crisis and give a loved one the time and space they need to seek help and heal. There are things we all can do now. If you own a firearm, store it locked, unloaded, with ammunition kept separately. If your child visits another home, ask if there is a gun in the house and if it’s secure. That one question can prevent accidents, suicides, and tragedies on school grounds. But secure storage is not enough. Weapons of war do not belong in our neighborhoods, our parks, or our schools. That is why I joined mayors and our Council with Twin Cities Moms Demand Action at the Capitol this past week. There were three clear requests. One, call a special session to address gun violence. Pass a statewide ban on assault weapons. And repeal the outdated law that blocks cities from passing their own gun safety measures. You can help. Call or email Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Representative Erin Koegel, Representative Sandra Feist, and Senator Mary Kunesh and tell them you support these urgent steps. It is time for action; action that will save lives. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Constitution Week Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Joan Moses, Daughters of the American Revolution. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that Joan Moses from the Daughters of the American Revolution was unable to attend the meeting. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed September 17 through September 23, 2025, as Constitution Week, and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. B. Columbia Heights Pride Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: City of Columbia Heights PRIDE. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed September 13, 2025, as Pride Day, and Councilmember Deneen read the City’s proclamation. Holly Tuhake, Columbia Heights PRIDE member, accepted the proclamation and mentioned that the Pride event would have good music, food trucks, and would be a family-friendly event. She expressed her excitement about the City being so welcoming. Mayor Márquez Simula added that there would be free Dilly bars. C. The Great North Star Read-Together Presenting information: Library Director Renee Dougherty and Library Board Member Olga Herrera. Join us to celebrate Minnesota libraries! Everyone is invited to gather at libraries across the state to show support for all libraries and the vital role they play in our communities. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 08, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 Where: Columbia Heights Public Library Community Room When: Saturday, September 20, 11 am-1 pm Olga Herrera, Library Board Member, shared about The Great North Star Read Together event and noted that it is a Statewide event. The Columbia Heights Library will be hosting the event from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. It is a space where people are able to gather and read together. The mayor will read a story to the children. It is a non-partisan event that is focused on celebrating reading as a community act. The event also acknowledges the vital role that libraries play in communities. Some of the things libraries do are early literacy development, school readiness, workforce development, literacy and internet access, lifelong education and entertainment, learning programs, and it is all free. The sponsors for the event are the Library Association, Information and Technology Educators of Minnesota, Council of Regional Public Library Administrators, the Metropolitan Library Service Agency, Multi-County Multi-Type Library Systems, and Minitex. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember James thanked the school educators, the paraprofessionals, and the administration in the Columbia Heights school district. She mentioned that the beginning of the school year was dampened by fear due to the shooting at Annunciation. She noted that she went to the Capitol to join a coalition of mayors and City leaders across the Twin Cities to call for a special session on behalf of banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. She added that they are partnering with Moms Demand Action. She explained other action items that can be taken. 75% of gun-related deaths are self-inflicted suicides. Gun deaths have become the number one leading cause of death for children in the United States. She mentioned that she attended the EDA meeting, the Council work session meeting, and the Columbia Heights/Fridley Business Council meeting. She added that she joined faith leaders at the Capitol to connect with Moms Demand Action. There was a walkout at schools for students to demand action. She added that she attended the Sullivan Lake Park fitness court ribbon- cutting. Councilmember Buesgens stated that she attended the MWMO Executive meeting, the HeightsNext Blooming Sunshine Garden potluck dinner, the Metro Housing Economic Committee, and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. She mentioned that she continues to volunteer at the Blooming Sunshine Garden. She announced that the VFW has its rib cook-off on September 20th from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Councilmember Deneen noted she attended the Blooming Sunshine Garden potluck, the EDA meeting, and the Council work session meeting. She explained that during the Council work session meeting, the Council met with Xcel Energy to discuss power outages and what is being done about to frequent power outages. The representative indicated that there was work being done on substations in the community and would be working on clearing any vegetation that could be interfering with overhead lines. She encouraged residents to reach out to the Council if they continue to have issues with power outages, and she noted that they would continue to push the message forward. She stated she City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 08, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 attended the Pride Festival Board meeting and noted that Pride Festival would be on Saturday from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm at Kordiak Park. She added that she attended Movie in the Park. Councilmember Spriggs stated he attended the EDA meeting, the Council work session meeting, and the Monarch Festival. He gave a reminder that next Tuesday at 6:30 pm, there would be a Multicultural Advisory Committee meeting in the Public Safety training room. He noted that he was a part of the Minnesota base program called “Lawns to Legumes,” and he was able to plant a little pocket pollinator garden. He added that the program would have grants available next year. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that she volunteered with Metro Blooms at the State Fair. She stated she attended the Regional Council of Mayors meeting, the ribbon-cutting event for the new fitness court, the tribal flag raising ceremony at the State Capitol, a meeting with the Police Chief and City Manager, and the Library Board meeting. She echoed Councilmember Deneen’s comments regarding Xcel and encouraged residents to use the Xcel website to report an outage and to contact the Council about outages. She added to report to the City if there are any branches or vegetation that are getting into the power lines so that Xcel can trim them. She thanked the Labor movement for Labor Day. She mentioned that she attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new police officer, and she attended the Columbia Heights school all-staff convocation and picnic. She noted she attended the garden potluck with HeightsNext. She reminded the community to continue to care for neighbors, families, and ourselves. She explained that the City has two social workers who can check in on residents and connect people to resources. Report of the City Manager City Manager mentioned that the final Movie in the Park would be on Friday, September 12th at 7:30 pm at Huset Park East. The City will be showing Aladdin with Spanish subtitles, and there will be free popcorn while supplies last. He thanked Magnify Financial for sponsoring Movie in the Park. There is a SPAAR event coming up. The City will be hosting an information session for first-time homeowners and potential purchasers. City staff and partners will provide tips and resources and answer questions about homeownership in Columbia Heights. Dinner will be provided. The event will be on Tuesday, September 16th, at City Hall. There will be two sessions provided with one in English from 5:00-6:00 pm and one in Spanish from 6:00-7:00 pm. Registration is preferred but not required, and registration can be found on the City’s website. City Manager Chirpich gave an update on the soccer field planning and feedback. There is a survey on the City’s website that is open until September 30th. He added that the City would like residents to report storm-related power outages or a clear reason for an outage on the Xcel website. If there is an extraordinary, unexplained outage, the City would like residents to report it to the City Manager or the City Council in order to differentiate between the outages and hone in on the issue. City Manager Chirpich stated that during the September Council work session, the Council reviewed an overview of the budget and the proposed levy for 2026. The Council expressed interest in additional funding to support the Parks and Recreation Department and Library operations. The Council identified priority areas such as youth enrichment, Murzyn Hall updates, and programming and staffing for the library. There were comments from the Council about allocating resources without a plan that included the division heads in the conversation. The Council discussed potential increases to the general levy for City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 08, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 5 2026 to cover the investments discussed. The timeline to certify the levy is September 30th. Staff believe that there is a middle ground that balances the desire by the Council to engage the division heads deeper on some priorities that the Council has. Staff are not recommending increasing the 2026 levy. He asked the Council to consider that the budget has a surplus of $360,000 already budgeted. Any shifts to the priority areas would decrease it. He noted that one of the bigger challenges with the library is staffing and finding a way to use the allocated resources. The Library typically has a surplus in the budget due to not being able to fill all of the positions. He mentioned that there are other funds that money can be drawn from to help with Murzyn Hall updates and changes to the Parks and Recreation Department. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that on Wednesday at First Lutheran Church, there would be a Stories in Our Neighborhood event. It is where HeightsNext and First Lutheran Church partner together to bring in different stories from the community. The upcoming event is called “Stories from Queer Christian Outdoor Adventures.” COMMUNITY FORUM Jennifer Pyper Muno, City resident, asked what it would take to get a crosswalk at Stinson Blvd between the Five Hole Restaurant and the strip mall on 37th Place. She mentioned that there is a bus stop there, but no sidewalk that continues to the intersection of 37th and Stinson, so people have to cross the street to get to the sidewalk, but there is no crosswalk in the area. CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Chirpich stated he would provide more information for items 7 and 8. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve August 25, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the August 25, 2025, City Council meeting minutes. 2. Approve September 2, 2025, City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the September 2, 2025, City Council Work Session meeting minutes. 3. Accept August 6, 2025, Library Board Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the August 6, 2025, Library Board meeting minutes. 4. Presentation of ALPR Audit Results to City Council. MOTION: Move to acknowledge the receipt of the Columbia Heights Police ALPR audit report from Lynn Lembcke Consulting dated August 20th, 2025. 5. Second Reading of Ordinance 1719, Being an Ordinance to Amend Ordinance 1636. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1719, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance No. 1719, being an ordinance amending Ordinance City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 08, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 6 1636, and to direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 6. Approval of Resolution 2025-071, Amendment to the 2025 Fee Schedule. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-071, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2025-071, a resolution amending the 2025 City Fee Schedule. 7. Approval of Resolution 2025-073 to Amend the 720 Budget for Cybersecurity Threat Mitigation Plan. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-073, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 2025-073 amending the Fund 720 budget to authorize the purchase of software and services to support the Threat Mitigation Plan. IT Director Hoff explained that the cybersecurity landscape has gained prevalence since the early 2000s and has been growing in magnitude in the last six to seven years. In the last year, Anoka County cities have experienced some cyberattacks. Minnesota was recently the center of attention with regard to cybersecurity when a major city experienced a cyberattack. Protection against cyber threats involves the IT staff and City staff, hardware technologies such as firewalls, secure servers, and network equipment, and software technologies that are designed for operational security detection and response. The City’s ongoing cybersecurity mission is to prevent the disruption of City services, prevent data leaks, and prevent surveillance. To date, the IT Department has added a part-time equivalent security analyst position, established an instant response plan, including retaining incident response services, established a threat mitigation plan, developed active threat monitoring, and participated in whole estate cybersecurity for both endpoint security and network monitoring, and log retention. IT Director Hauf noted that before the end of 2026, they will complete construction on a 10-gigabit fiber optic link between the City and Saint Cloud. The City will bring the new data center disaster recovery site online in partnership with the city of Saint Cloud. Part of the project will be training IT staff on recovering servers and restoring data backup in the disaster recovery site. A part of the professional engagement will be training the IT Director, network engineer, and system administrator on how to better manage the City’s firewall and email filter. They will also improve City staff training, and he announced Operation Zero Clicks. He added that the City would be partnering with Arctic Wolf in order to have more engaging training. All new employees will undergo the training during onboarding. There will be quarterly micro training and yearly refresher training. The City will be expanding the existing password management and sharing software, as well as onboarding all City departments and providing in-house training. All City staff will get access to a free password manager for their personal and family use. There will be password rotation for service accounts and shared accounts. The City will be adding identity protection services for City authentication servers. All IT staff will be receiving a City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 08, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 7 security certification as part of their training. In early 2027, the IT Director and analysts are going to obtain the CISSP certification. IT Director Hauf explained that the funding request is to accelerate the threat mitigation plan by adding software security components. Funding is provided by the IT 720 Fund. There is a budget amendment for the 437 Fund for a switch for the disaster recovery site, and a change in the network architecture requires securing against a man-in-the-middle attack. He explained that he worked with vendors to receive reduced and extended pricing, and he is applying for a cybersecurity grant. 8. Approval of Resolution 2025-074 to Amend the 437 Budget for a Disaster Recovery Site Network Switch. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-074, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 2025-074 amending the Fund 437 budget to authorize the purchase of a Disaster Recovery site network switch. 9. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for September 8th, 2025, as presented. 10. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for September 8, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 11. Review of Bills. MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8. The City Council has reviewed the enclosed list of claims paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of $511,092.47. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 12. Approval of Resolution 2025-70 Authorizing an Increase to the Economic Development Authorities Tax Levy. Community Development Director Forney stated at the September 2nd EDA meeting that the EDA discussed and passed resolutions setting its budget for 2026. EDA Resolution 2025- 22 requests that the City, on behalf of the EDA, raise the EDA tax levy from $375,000 in 2025 to $413,900 in 2026. Since the EDA tax levy is under the administration of the City Council, the City must annually approve the EDA tax levy. During review of the state statute, staff identified an additional public hearing process that is required when a city increases its EDA levy. Resolution 2025-70 is the first step in this process. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 08, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 8 Community Development Director Forney noted the EDA has requested a levy increase in order to add additional funds to its current and future initiatives. Since the EDA levy is a City tax levy, the increase is added onto the city’s overall budget. The $38,900 increase in the EDA levy contributes to the overall increase in the City’s gross tax levy for 2026. Contributing to the direct reinvestment of the funds into the city. The EDA will distribute the funds to various programs and initiatives through its goal-setting in 2026. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-70, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve Resolution 2025-70, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights authorizing a tax levy increase by the city for economic development purposes. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Deene, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary