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Home My WebLink About10-27-2025 City Council Meeting Packet 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, October 27, 2025 6:00 PM AMENDED AGENDA AGENDA AMENDED ON 10/27/2025 TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEM #10 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 columbiaheightsmn.gov/joinameeting ID 221 852 033 166, Passcode HD9W8xR6. Additionally, members of the public may view the meeting live at columbiaheightsmn.gov/watch. For questions, please call the Administration Department 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. WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 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. 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 (The Council, upon majority vote of its members, may make additions and deletions to the agenda. These may be items submitted after the agenda preparation deadline.) PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Columbia Heights Boosters Appreciation Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Columbia Heights Boosters. B. Dysautonomia Awareness Month Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Aesa Rude. 1 City of Columbia Heights AGENDA October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 C. Housing Insecurity Awareness Month Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission. D. School Board Update. Presented by School Board Member Jessica Medaris. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Report of the City Manager COMMUNITY FORUM The Community Forum is an opportunity to address the City Council about items not scheduled for a public hearing. All speakers must provide their name and connection to Columbia Heights. In-person speakers should complete a form for the City Clerk and introduce themselves at the podium. Virtual speakers should send their information to the moderator via chat and turn on their camera when called. Comments are limited to five minutes. Disrespectful language is not allowed. The Council may ask questions or refer items for follow-up but typically does not take action during the forum. The City Manager will generally respond to questions raised during the Community Forum at the next meeting. CONSENT AGENDA These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion. Items removed from consent agenda approval will be taken up as the next order of business. (The City Council will make motion to approve the Consent Agenda following the statement of all items.) 1. Approve October 14, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the October 14, 2025, City Council meeting minutes. 2. Accept July 1, 2025 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the July 1, 2025 Regular Planning Commission meeting minutes. 3. Accept September 2, 2025, Regular EDA Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the September 2, 2025, EDA meeting minutes. 4. Second Reading of Ordinances 1721 and 1722, Ordinances Implementing Gas and Electric Service Franchise Fees in the City of Columbia Heights. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance 1721 and Ordinance 1722, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move approve Ordinance 1721 being an ordinance implementing gas energy franchise fee on CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas, its successors and assigns, for 2 City of Columbia Heights AGENDA October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 providing services within the City of Columbia Heights and to direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance 1722 being an ordinance implementing el ectric service franchise fee on Northern States Power Company, its successors and assigns for providing electrical service within the City of Columbia Heights and to direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. 5. Adopt Resolution 2025-082, Acceptance of Donation – Firefighters for Healing Red Tie Gala Tickets. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-82, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2025-082, a resolution accepting the donation of tickets from the Columbia Heights VFW Post #230 for use by the Columbia Heights Fire Department. 6. Approval of Laserfiche Software License Renewal. MOTION: Approve the purchase of Laserfiche site license annual renewal from OPG -3 in the amount of $28,389.39. 7. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed on the business license agenda for October 27, 2025, as presented. 8. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for October 27, 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 $1,795,317.95. PUBLIC HEARINGS This is the public’s opportunity to speak regarding this matter. Speakers that are in -person are asked to complete a Speaker Form and submit it to the City Clerk. Speakers attending virtually should send a request to speak with this information to the moderator using the chat function and wait to be called on to speak. When speaking, virtual attendees should turn their camera on. Speakers should limit their comments to five (5) minutes. Any comments made after the public hearing is closed will not be considered by the City Council and will not be included as part of the formal record for this matter as the item will have been voted on and the item formally closed by the Council. 10. First Reading of Ordinance 1720, Being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.3 of the Columbia Heights City Code. Presenting Item: Community Development Coordinator Emilie Voight. MOTION: Move to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1720, 3 City of Columbia Heights AGENDA October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1720, being an ordinance amending Chapter 5.3 of the Columbia Heights City Code, for November 10, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions No Ordinances or Resolutions. Bid Considerations No Bid Considerations. New Business and Reports 11. Gould Ave Parking Update. Presenting Item: Community Development Director Mitchell Forney and Community Development Coordinator Emilie Voight. 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. 4 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. 5 PROCLAMATION Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters Appreciation The City of Columbia Heights proudly recognizes the Columbia Heights Boosters for their unwavering dedication to supporting youth in our community — in athletics, the arts, theater, robotics, and more. The Boosters’ main goal has always been to uplift and encourage our young people, and it has been rewarding to see the positive effects of their efforts. Throughout their history, they have participated in and contributed to events like the Fire and Ice Plunge, Hops for Hunger, and SACA sponsorships, while giving back through pizza nights and free hot dogs at school picnics. Their work is extensive — a group of volunteers who donate their time and energy to strengthen Columbia Heights by funding team T-shirts, bonding experiences like overnight camps or out-of-state competitions, and special programs that foster teamwork and pride. The community supports the Boosters through golf tournament sponsorships and charitable gambling, and the Boosters give back repeatedly — funding Homecoming fireworks, supporting the Golden Gloves Firehouse Boxing Gym, the City’s Park and Recreation programs, and providing resources for students involved in robotics, the arts, and theater. The Hot Dog Wagon has become a beloved symbol of their service, offering youth teams a way to volunteer, raise funds, and connect with neighbors. Guided by community input and built on the foundation established by caring and wise founding members, the Boosters’ legacy continues to grow. Their generosity and creativity are evident at the Jamboree, Truck-or-Treat, SnowBLAST, the Silverwood School Art Fair, and throughout our City. The Columbia Heights Boosters are unique — one united organization supporting all youth, across all activities, rather than separate clubs for each sport or program. Their inclusive approach embodies the best of our City: collaboration, pride, and community spirit. Today, we honor and thank the Columbia Heights Boosters for their decades of dedication, generosity, and leadership. The community supports the Boosters, and the Boosters support the community — together creating a lasting legacy of belonging and hope for every young person in Columbia Heights. _______________________________ Rachel James, Council President October 27, 2025 6 Item A. PROCLAMATION Dysautonomia Awareness Month: October 2025 Dysautonomia (pronounced dis-auto-NO-me-uh) is a group of medical conditions that cause the autonomic nervous system to malfunction, affecting automatic body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, and temperature control. Some forms are rare, including Multiple System Atrophy and Pure Autonomic Failure, while others—such as Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy, Neurocardiogenic Syncope, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)—affect millions worldwide. Dysautonomia can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, including residents of Columbia Heights. It can cause severe disability, social isolation, and financial hardship, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. Increased awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and stronger community support. Each October, Dysautonomia International, a nonprofit advocating for education and research, leads the global observance of Dysautonomia Awareness Month. The City of Columbia Heights joins in recognizing this month to honor those living with dysautonomia and to promote greater understanding, compassion, and hope for improved quality of life. Now, therefore, I Rachel James, Council President of Columbia Heights, do hereby proclaim October as Dysautonomia Awareness Month in the City of Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of MN, U.S.A. ____________________________ Rachel James, Council President October 27, 2025 7 Item B. PROCLAMATION Housing Insecurity Awareness Month: November 2025 Housing is a basic human need and right. Every person deserves safe, stable, and affordable housing. Individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity are valued members of our Columbia Heights community — our neighbors, students, veterans, and seniors — who may be facing difficult circumstances such as economic hardship, health challenges, or lack of affordable housing. The City of Columbia Heights is committed to treating all residents with dignity and compassion, recognizing that housing insecurity is not an identity but a temporary condition that can be addressed through collective action. Addressing housing insecurity requires a community-wide effort. Government, service providers, faith-based organizations, businesses, and residents must work together to create opportunities for housing stability, access to supportive services, and long-term success. Community organizations throughout Columbia Heights and Anoka County continue to work tirelessly to provide assistance, outreach, and support to individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity. Their dedication is vital to building a stronger, more inclusive community. It is important to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster understanding of the root causes of housing insecurity so that all people can thrive in dignity and security. Therefore, I, Rachel James, Council President, proclaim November 2025 to be Housing Insecurity Awareness Month in the City of Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, U.S.A. ______________________________ Rachel James, Council President October 27, 2025 8 Item C. Columbia Heights City Council, October 27, 2025 Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO 9 Item C. Which of these people are homeless? 10 Item C. UGMTC in 2024 •254,000+ nutritious meals provided to people in need •114,975 nights of safe shelter •6,389 volunteers helped keep the Mission running •5,803 sessions with our on-site Mental Health Clinic •2,472 engagements with social workers •1,980 men, women & children found hope and safe shelter •507 men, women & children participated in life- transforming programs All data from FY24 990 11 Item C. Program Outcomes •71% reported having income sources at exit, compared to 33% on entry. •85% exited to safe and stable housing. •88% participate in their own wellbeing. •82% say they have created or regained meaningful community relationships. •85% say their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ has grown. •88% children in Child Development Center are kindergarten ready. All data from FY24 990 88 12 Item C. How to Get Involved Revised 3/23/2025 •Volunteer: individual & group opportunities •Donate: One-time, monthly, legacy gifts •Give: Goods, food, donation drives •Share: Tell a friend & engage on social media 13 Item C. 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 Tuesday, October 14, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, October 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 6:04 pm. Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Deneen; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember James Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; David Cullen, Public Works Director; Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Travis Lutz, Assistant City Attorney; Juliet Kembitskey, City resident. 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 Mayor Márquez Simula reordered the meeting to consider City Council and Administrator Reports before Proclamations, Presentations, Recognition, Announcements, and Guests. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember James, to approve the Agenda as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council 14 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 Councilmember James stated she attended the Local Progress State Strategy meeting, the Columbia Heights Homecoming game, the Metro City’s Housing forum, the buy nothing gifting event, the EDA meeting, the special Council meeting, the Council work session, and the Stories from Our Neighborhood: Safeguarding Our Community Against White Christian Nationalism. The Central Avenue clean-up was on Saturday, and volunteers collected 12 bags of trash. She encouraged residents to clean up storm drains in the area. She noted that she visited the Fire Department open house. She encouraged community members to check out the surveys that are listed on the City’s website. She read a statement on the City’s website and social media pages: “The Columbia Heights City Council and City staff are aware that members of the Columbia Heights community have concerns regarding deportation events happening across the United States. What you should know as a Columbia Heights resident: • The Columbia Heights Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law. • The Columbia Heights Police Department has not, and will not, be asking for the immigration status of those they come into contact with. • The Columbia Heights Police Department prioritizes responding to the everyday needs of those who call 911 for service, regardless of immigration status. • All residents have the right to remain silent, ask for a lawyer, and refuse to sign any documents without consulting a lawyer. You can learn more about your rights by visiting the National Immigrant Justice Center website. https://immigrantjustice.org/know-your-rights/ice-encounter” Councilmember Buesgens congratulated Lieutenant Kate McKay on the award she received. She mentioned that she volunteered with the Blooming Sunshine Garden, and they harvested 18 pumpkins for the Spooktacular event, which will be on Friday from 4:00-8:00 pm. She added that there would be pumpkin carving on Wednesday at the Ramsdell building at 5:30 pm. She noted that she attended the Metro Council Housing and Economic Committee meeting, the Park and Recreation Commission meeting, the open house for Sullivan Park, the high school’s boys’ soccer game, the soccer field open house, and the Columbia Heights High School Adult Education tour of cloud recycling . She thanked the volunteers who cleaned up Central Avenue. She mentioned that she attended the movie, Aliens, at the Heights Theater. She attended the HeightsNext Planning meeting, the Kordiak Park Association meeting, and the badge pinning for the Fire Department. She explained that she went to First Lutheran Church to learn about Christian Nationalism and how it works in the community. She stated she attended the HeightsNext board meeting and the Fire Department open house. She thanked the Public Works Department for the three newly constructed alleys. Councilmember Deneen noted that she attended the EDA meeting, the Council work session, and the Planning Commission meeting. She added that she attended the Kordiak Park Association meeting, the HeightsNext planning meeting, Stories from Our Neighborhood at First Lutheran Church, and the street clean-up on Central Avenue. 15 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 Councilmember Spriggs stated he attended the Stories from Our Neighborhoo d event at First Lutheran Church, the EDA meeting, the Council work session meeting, the Council special meeting, the Fire Department open house, and participated in the Central Avenue clean-up. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that she met with Latino leaders and the Police Chief to discuss concerns regarding ICE. She asked community members to keep track of facts, photos, and videos when it comes to interactions with ICE. She stated she attended the Stories from Our Neighborhood event, the EDA meeting, the Council work session, the HeightsNext planning meeting, and a lunch with other mayors in Congresswoman Omar’s district. She mentioned that she volunteered at Valley View Elementary School with the Every Meal program. She stated she attended the Library Board meeting, the Minnesota Highway Corridor Task Force meeting, and hosted visitors from the City’s sister city. Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich stated the annual Trunk or Treat event is scheduled f or October 25th from 10:00- 4:00 at Huset Park. There will be face painting, and free candy. There will be two puppet wagon shows scheduled at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. The Canine Coach business is sponsoring a pet costume contest at 2:30 pm. He thanked Magnify Financial for sponsoring the event. City Manager Chirpich noted that the City’s Energy Action Plan kickoff event is on October 15 th from 5:00-7:00 pm at City Hall and is in partnership with the Partners in Energy group. The meeting celebrates the launch of Columbia Heights' new energy action plan. City Manager Chirpich mentioned that there are two surveys on the City’s website. One s urvey is to provide comments for the soccer field planning, and the other survey is for Sullivan Lake Park. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Indigenous Peoples' Day Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Columbia Heights School District. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the proclamation would be sent to the Columbia Heights School District for the American Indian Family Group. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and read the City’s proclamation. B. Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Juliet Kembitskey Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. City resident, Juliet Kembitskey, accepted the proclamation. She explained that the proclamation is important to her because she went in for a random mammogram and 16 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 cancer was found. She thanked the Council for the proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula thanked Ms. Kembitskey for her advocacy. COMMUNITY FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the SCORE Grant information could be shared with the Sustainability Commission. City Manager Chirpich replied that it could be shared with them. Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve September 22, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the September 22, 2025, City Council meeting minutes. 2. Approve October 6, 2025, City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the October 6, 2025, City Council Work Session meeting minutes. 3. Approve October 6, 2025, Special Assessment City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the October 6, 2025, Special Assessment City Council meeting minutes. 4. Accept September 3, 2025, Library Board Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the September 3, 2025, Library Board meeting minutes. 5. Resolution 2025-80 Amending the 2025 Budget for State Fire Aid Passed Through to the Columbia Heights Fire Relief Association. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-80, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2025-80, being a resolution amending the 2025 Budget for State Fire Aid Passed Through to the Columbia Heights Fire Relief Association. 6. Adopt Resolution 2025-81, Amending Resolution 2025-043 Establishing a PUD for 800 53rd Ave NE. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-81, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2025-81 a resolution amending City Council Resolution 2025-043, amending the conditions of the PUD established for 800 53rd Ave NE. 7. Renew Contract with Redpath and Company for Audit of the City’s 2025 Financial Statements at $54,100. MOTION: Renew Contract with Redpath and Company for Audit of the City’s 2025 Financial Statements at $54,100. 17 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 5 8. Award 2025 Miscellaneous Concrete Project Work to IDC Automatic LLC, not to exceed $43,000. MOTION: Motion to award the 2025 Miscellaneous Concrete Project Work to IDC Automatic LLC based on their low, qualified, responsible bid, not to exceed $43,000 and to authorize the staff to enter into the related agreement. 9. Approve 2026 SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment) Grant Agreement with Anoka County. MOTION: Move to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the 2026 SCORE Agreement for Residential Recycling Program with Anoka County for $106,000 in grants. 10. Authorize 2025 Capital Equipment Replacement: Bobcat UW53. MOTION: Move to authorize the purchase of a 2025 Bobcat UW53 with attachments (72" Brushcat mower, 68" angle broom, 72" V-blade snowplow, and 32x74 snow blower) for a grand total of $103,700 from Lano Equipment of Norwood, located at 1015 Hwy 212 West, Norwood Young America, MN 55368-0299, utilizing the State Contract program. Fund 431.5200.45180. 11. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for October 14, 2025, as presented. 12. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for October 14, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 13. 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 $2,165,728.21. PUBLIC HEARINGS 14. Approval of Resolution 2025-079 Approving the EDA’s Request of a Levy Increase for Taxes Payable in 2026. Presented by Community Development Director Mitch Forney. Community Development Director Forney stated at the September 2nd EDA meeting, 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. At the September 8th City Council Meeting, the City Council started the public hearing process via passage of Resolution 2025-70. Resolution 2025-70 acknowledged the EDA’s request, established the required petition period, and set a date for the public hearing regarding the levy increase. 18 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 6 Community Development Director Forney mentioned that t he EDA has requested the levy to cover an increase in administration costs and to add additional funds to its current and future initiatives. Since the EDA levy is a City tax levy, the increase is added to the city’s overall budget. These additional funds will be utilized by the EDA in 2025 to directly invest in economic and housing development projects throughout the city. Contributing to the direct reinvestment of the funds into the city.. Resolution 2025-079 is the final step in the approval of the EDA’s levy increase. Residents still have until November 13th to petition against the increase, but after November 13th, the EDA levy increase will be approved and included in the City’s budget. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the Public Hearing. There were no comments. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2025-079, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to approve Resolution 2025-079, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority’s request of a levy increase for taxes payable in 2026 for economic development purposes. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 15. First Reading of Ordinances 1721 and 1722, Ordinances Implementing Gas and Electric Service Franchise Fees in the City of Columbia Heights. Presented by City Manager Aaron Chirpich. City Manager Chirpich stated the City currently allows gas and electric utility companies to use public rights-of-way (streets, sidewalks, and other public property) to install and maintain infrastructure such as pipelines, power lines, and substations. In exchange for using this public property, many cities charge franchise fees to ensure that utility providers contribute to the maintenance and development of the public infrastructure they rely on. City Manager Chirpich explained that historically, the City has not levied franchise fees on gas and electric utility companies, which has resulted in a missed opportunity to generate revenue for local projects and services. The imposition of franchise fees for these utilities has become standard practice for several cities of similar size and structure to Columbia Heights, leaving the City at a competitive disadvantage. The City does currently levy franchise fees to the cable service provider Comcast. However, these fees are steadily decreasing due to lower subscription rates year over year for cable service in the City. City Manager Chirpich mentioned that franchise fees can be derived in a few ways. The most common form of fee is the monthly flat fee. Often, municipalities prefer the flat fee as both the most transparent option for the account holder and the most predictable revenue source for the City. Included in the attachments in the Agenda Packet is a memo outlining the various fees being charged in cities across the seven-county metropolitan service area. Much like property taxes, different fees are assigned to each type of p roperty 19 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 7 classification: residential, commercial, and industrial. As evidenced in the attached memo, utility companies are accustomed to franchise fees as a standard part of doing business in urban areas. In most cases, the full fee is passed onto consumers as part of their service fees and is often identified as “City Fee” on the customer's monthly statement. City Manager Chirpich stated the Council first reviewed the concept of gas and electric franchise fees at the April 2025 work session. At the April work session, the Council expressed support for the implementation of the fees and directed staff to refine revenue estimates and take the next steps toward fee enactment as part of the 2026 budget preparation process. Following the April work session, staff worked with CenterPoint Energy, Xcel Energy, and Ehlers to further refine a proposed fee structure for both utilities. Following receipt of all account information available to the City from both utilities, staff presented a proposed fee structure to the Council at the October 2025 work session. The fee structure presented by staff was representative of the median fees being collected in the metropolitan service area by other cities. The median fees and corresponding costs to the individual customer for the top four property classifications are outlined in the Agenda Packet. City Manager Chirpich noted that when the median fee approach is applied to the total number of users in each classification within the City, there is the potential to generate approximately $1,137,000 annually between both utilities. During the October work session, staff discussed recommended uses of the funds and suggested that the City apply the funds generated in 2026 to support the redevelopment of the City’s municipal service center. The Council agreed with this approach. The future use of franchise fees is subject to change and direction from the Council. Councilmember James mentioned that most cities in the metro area are using the same opportunity. It is a wonderful way for the City to fund projects in a fair and equitable way. The franchise fees would be for businesses, for non -profits, and for non-taxable properties. She was hopeful that it would help avoid higher property taxes. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that the Council has been working on finding ways to make the City more equitable. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Ordinance 1721 and Ordinance 1722, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, set the second reading of Ordinance 1721, being an ordinance implementing a gas energy franchise fee on CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas, its successors and assigns, for providing services within the City of Columbia Heights for October 27, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to set the second reading of Ordinance 1722, being an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Columbia 20 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 14, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 8 Heights implementing an electric service franchise fee on Northern States Power Company, its successors and assigns for providing electrical service within the City of Columbia Heights for October 27, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if Xcel was partnering with the City. City Manager Chirpich replied that the formal business name for Xcel Energy is Northern States Power Company. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary 21 Item 1. MINUTES CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING July 01, 2025 The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chair Wolfe. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Jeffrey Johnson, Dirk Schmitz, Karl Rehfuss, Paul Moses, and Clara Wolfe Commissioners absent: John Gianoulis, Ahmed Maameri Also present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Sarah LaVoie, Administrative Assistant; Mitch Forney, Community Development Director; Laurel Deneen, Council Liaison. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of June 03, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Schmitz, seconded by Johnson, to approve the minutes from the meeting of June 03, 2025. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Shoreland Overlay District Variance to exceed the 35% impervious surface lot coverage to allow for the construction of a multi-phased redevelopment project at 800 53rd Avenue NE. Forney explained that the Council would be discussing the Medtronic site project during the July 28th Council meeting and encouraged public comment during that meeting. He introduced HKGI Consulting Planner Rita Trapp, who is filling in for the City since the previous City Planner left the City. Introduction: HKGI Consulting Planner Rita Trapp stated that Kaas Wilson Architects, on behalf of Lincoln Avenue Communities, has submitted a shoreland variance application to exceed the 35% impervious surface lot coverage limit. This request is part of the multi-phase Medtronic redevelopment project, located at the 11.74-acre vacant Medtronic corporate campus abutting Sullivan Lake. The entire property is located within the Shoreland Overlay District as it is within 1,000 feet of the lake. The proposed plans and preliminary plat show an impervious surface coverage exceeding the maximum allowed under the City’s shoreland regulations. Therefore, a variance is required to permit the impervious surface beyond the 35% threshold. Ms. Trapp noted that the proposed project includes demolishing the existing Medtronic building and redeveloping the site into a multi-phased project entailing two 6-story, 132-unit affordable multifamily buildings, a mixed-use building with 12,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, and a range of 150–175-unit market-rate apartments, 58 townhomes, and associated park and infrastructure improvements as well as multi-modal transportation facilities. The property is still owned by Medtronic, but under a purchase agreement with the applicant/developer. The Planning 22 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 01, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 Commission has reviewed and recommended for approval with conditions the Preliminary Plat, Planned Unit Development - Mixed Use Development, and Easement Vacation. Additional project information can be found in the June 3, 2025, Planning Commission staff report. Forney explained that the current Shoreland Overlay District Ordinance, last amended in 2008, is intended to guide the development along shoreland of public waters. An overlay buffer is applied on property within 1,000 feet of a designated waterway, as determined by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Since the proposed project’s property is abutting Sullivan Lake, which is designated as a General Development Lake, development must follow the standards of the shoreland overlay district, including the maximum amount of impervious surface. Ms. Trapp noted that currently, the site consists of the former 135,000 square foot Medtronic building and an 812-stall bituminous parking lot. According to the project’s development plans, there is currently 54% of impervious surface coverage, which is approximately 296,208 square feet or 6.8 acres. It is important to note that the Medtronic site was built in 1979 with no stormwater treatment. As this was before the current DNR regulations were adopted, the property is nonconforming. Ms. Trapp explained that the proposed project includes a multi-phase, full-site redevelopment with several new buildings and reconfigured parking and circulation. The proposal increases the existing impervious surface on the property from 54% to 67.7%. A lot -by-lot impervious surface breakdown is attached. Although the project will be phased, processing one shoreland variance permit will allow for a streamlined approval process and construction timeline. In order to meet the City requirements, the project must receive approval of the shoreland variance and ensure proper stormwater management. As part of the recent approval, the applicant has demonstrated adequate stormwater management utilizing various infiltration features for the site. Ms. Trapp mentioned that, as there is currently no existing treatment on-site, the proposed improvements will reduce runoff volumes and improve water quality. In addition, the applicant will also meet the MPCA’s NPDES stormwater permit requirements. It is projected that the stormwat er features will be installed in the initial construction phases with the affordable housing project. Ms. Trapp stated that due to the size and complexity of the project, the shoreland variance requires two tiers of review criteria for City review and consideration. The first tier is the City’s standard variance criteria, and the second tier is the shoreland overlay district variance requirements. Ms. Trapp reviewed the provisions from Section 9.104 (G) outlining the City’s standard variance findings of fact that are required before granting a variance. (a) Because of the particular physical surroundings, or the shape, configuration, topography, or other conditions of the specific parcel of land involved, strict adherence to the provisions of this article would cause practical difficulties in conforming to th e zoning ordinance. The applicant, however, is proposing to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance. 23 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 01, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 Staff Comment: The applicant is proposing to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance through a unique development proposal that offers higher quality land usage and amenities that follow the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and city- generated concepts for the site. The approval of a shoreland variance will allow for the construction of the project as proposed. (b) The conditions upon which the variance is based are unique to the specific parcel of land involved and are generally not applicable to other properties within the same zoning classification. Staff Comment: The existing property is a relatively large site that has been vacated and is not able to be sold to a new commercial user. The proposed development, as outlined in the preliminary plat and development plan, represents an efficient and beneficial use of the land, aligning with the highest and best use principles while also addressing key community needs. Importantly, the proposed impervious surfaces will be situated over 200 feet from Sullivan Lake, with Sulli van Lake Park serving as a natural buffer. The developer has committed to parkland improvements that will help mitigate runoff and prevent erosion, thereby protecting the lake’s ecological health. Additionally, the City Engineer has approved the schematic design, and city staff are coordinating with the DNR and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization to address any additional stormwater concerns. The development will incorporate new stormwater filtration systems, which are an improvement over the current site, which lacks any such infrastructure. Given that Central Avenue currently has no stormwater filtration, incremental improvements on sites between Central Avenue and Sullivan Lake will contribute positively to the area’s environmental management. (c) The practical difficulties are caused by the provisions of this article and have not been created by any person currently having a legal interest in the property. Staff Comment: The site presents practical challenges, notably that it currently exceeds the Shoreland District’s impervious surface limit of 35%, with existing coverage at approximately 54% and no stormwater treatment in place. While the proposed development will result in a modest increase in impervious surface, it will also incorporate enhanced stormwater management features. These improvements are designed to offset the net increase in hard cover by promoting better water quality and providing added environmental and recreational benefits for the City. (d) The granting of the variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. Staff Comment: The Comprehensive Plan supports the redevelopment of this site. In addition, the Comprehensive Plan supports mixed-use development and transit-oriented development, which is implemented through this proposal. (e) The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or materially injurious to the enjoyment, use, development, or value of property or improvements 24 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 01, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 in the vicinity. Staff Comment: Granting the shoreland variance would not be detrimental to the public welfare or materially injurious to the enjoyment, use, development, or value of property in the vicinity. The project will improve the land usage of the site by providing a mix of buildings and use types, as well as amenities, increasing the value of property and amenities in the city. As part of the second tier of review criteria, the City may establish reasonable conditions that are deemed necessary to mitigate adverse impacts directly associated with the granting of the variance and to protect neighboring properties. Since the variance is related to the Shoreland Overlay District, Staff are recommending that the additional conditions set forth in the Overlay District Section 9.114 (C) shall apply. The provisions below outline the additional review criteria that must be met in order for the City to grant a variance in the shoreland and exceed the impervious surface. They are as follows: i. All structures, additions, or expansions shall meet setback and other requirements of this code. ii. The lot shall be served with municipal sewer and water. iii. The lot shall provide for the collection and treatment of stormwater in compliance with Chapter 9 of the city code if determined that the site improvements will result in increased runoff directly entering a public water. All development plans shall require review and approval by the City Engineer and the underlying watershed district iv. Measures will be taken for the treatment of stormwater runoff and/or prevention of stormwater from directly entering a public water. The measures may include, but are not limited to the following: a. Appurtenances as sedimentation basins, debris basins, desilting basins, or silt traps. b. Installation of debris guards and micro silt basins on store sewer inlets. c. Use where practical, oil skimming devices or sump catch basins. d. Direct drainage away from the lake and into pervious, grassed yards through site grading, use of gutters and downspouts. e. Construction of sidewalks of partially pervious raised materials such as decking, which has natural earth or other pervious material beneath or between the planking. f. Use grading and construction techniques that encourage rapid infiltration, such as sand and gravel under impervious materials with adjacent infiltration swales graded to lead into them. g. Install berms, water bars, or terraces, which temporarily detain water before dispersing it into the pervious area. Staff Comment: Ms. Trapp stated the proposed project is meeting setback requirements and is being processed as Planned Unit Development. The current estimated setback distance from Sullivan Lakes Ordinary High-Water Level is 180.8 feet. Which city code only requires a setback of 50 ft. The initial review of the project has been recommended for approval, demonstrating that other requirements have been met or are undergoing separate reviews. The site is currently served by municipal sewer and water. The proposed development will also provide utility improvements 25 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 01, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Page 5 to expand the capacity and accommodate additional demand, and add stormwater management. Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the shoreland variance as presented , subject to the conditions outlined below: 1. The applicant shall adhere to all stormwater requirements and permitting required by state and local codes, permits, licenses, and inspections will be met and in full compliance. Questions/Comments from Members: Schmitz asked if the system would work fast enough since the water table is by the lake. He asked if there was an overflow option if the system became full. He asked to clarify the storm basin diagram and asked what the depth of it was. He asked if it would be sod covered of deeper with native plantings. Forney stated that the storm basin would be under the parking areas. Civil Engineer, PJ Disch, explained that there would be three tanks that are three feet above groundwater, with a sand basin in the middle, to meet MPCA standards. The outlet of the tanks will be designed underneath the elevation. The first 1.1 inch of water in a storm event would not go into the lakes but would go into the tanks, and the ground would infiltrate into the ground. After that, there would be a control structure on each tank that would allow the stormwater to discharge at a certain rate. He explained that while the impervious surface will increase on the site due to the project, there is no stormwater treatment currently, so having a stormwater treatment added to the project will help the site. The tanks have the capacity to hold up to a 100-degree storm event, and then it would slowly discharge into the City storm sewer before draining into the lake. He added that the storm basin would be similar to a rain garden. Moses asked if there was a proposed filtration system. Mr. Disch replied that the tanks were infiltration. Public Hearing Opened. Wolfe opened the Public Hearing. Lori Averette Osbourne read a letter from Karen Smith, who is an administrator at Little Voyagers Montessori, which is inside St. Timothy Lutheran Church. The letter read that Ms. Smith “felt like the density of the planned property is too high and there is no green space in the design , which is required. Requesting a variance is telling you that there is more development planned than there is space. The number of buildings, proposed residents, and businesses is more than the property size by the City Code. Therefore, the variance should not be approved. It is the responsibility of the Planning Commission and the City Council to abide by the Code. Yes, variances can be requested. My concern is that no one seems to be listening to lifetime residents and how it truly affects the lifestyle of the people in the area. The density of the area will flow over to a nearby park and the streets. It appears that the park is being considered as the green space for the development. This is not the purpose of the City parks. It is additional space to gather family homes, have some green space, and a development is required to provide some green space, especially one of this size. The nature and wildlife that are unique to Sullivan Lake Park are used by local families, wildlife, and 26 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 01, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Page 6 area learning programs, and it will be overtaken and destroyed. There is a reason that cities require green space in new developments. Please do not give up the uniqueness of the area that the City designed for the community for a developer, and their bottom line, and the City’s bottom line. Please maintain quality areas for all families to enjoy, and want to live in that area. The Planning Commission and the City Council are responsible for zoning and City Codes and for the quality of life within the City. Do not allow the variance for this project. If the project needs to go through, it can be redesigned to fit the area within the Code that protects the community. Please consider this: where would you choose to live, either in the development or beside it? This developer is not from the area, and it does not affect their lifestyle. Please really consider the feedback from the residents in their City. An additional thought, there is no possible truth that there will not be a big increase in traffic on 53rd Avenue. Since changes were made at the light on University Avenue, I avoid that area and use residential streets to go north on 694. Thank you for your time and consideration.” Walter Horishnyk, City resident, asked if there is a specific height requirement that designates commercial use for buildings in the commercial zoning district. Forney replied that there are, and he could look up the information. Mr. Horishnyk explained that if there is a zoning requirement that does not allow a commercial site to go to six stories high, why would there be a variance that is granted for a residential apartment. He asked if there was an environmental study on a four- story building instead of a six-story building. He wondered if there was any difference between the two regarding bird migration, or environmental impacts on the nature around the park. He strongly advised not to go over four stories because all around the surrounding area in the City, only go to four stories. He suggested not including the fitness court in the project because it has a lot of concrete and goes against having more nature, since it takes away the green space. He added that Sullivan Lake Park is small and that there are other areas in the City that have more space for a fitness court. Forney explained that he could not find the height limit , but he would follow up with the Planning Commission. He added that the City is still accepting comments on the environmental assessment worksheet. He recommended that community members provide comments through July 10th. He noted that comments are accepted through the City’s website. The Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council will address the fitness court at the park. Ann Scanlon, City resident, explained that she is opposed to the project and expressed her understanding that the City needs to adjust housing and put something on the site. She added that she disagrees with the scope and size of the project. She mentioned that the 180-foot variance that was discussed is too small and does not give enough space for wildlife. She stated that more impervious surface would be added to the park and to the development . She wondered how adding a pickleball court and fitness court would add green space. She asked if the City cared about the residents in the area. She explained that by putting in much into the site, it is destroying habitats for wildlife. She agreed that the Medtronic site needed to be developed and that housing should be added. She encouraged the commission to see what kind of housing they were putting in and how they were putting it in. She stated that the commissioners were not doing due diligence if they passed the variance as is. 27 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 01, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Page 7 Julienne Wyckoff, City resident, stated that taking away green space is wrong. She explained that she learned that 85 different species of birds have been seen in Sullivan Lake Park. She encouraged the Commission to think about all the critters and wildlife that could be hurt due to the development. She asked if there was a contact person from the DNR that residents could reach out to. Forney replied that the DNR’s comments will be included in the City Council’s packet moving forward. The contact person is Alex Cell. He added that he could provide the contact information and DNR packet after the meeting to residents who were in attendance. Ms. Wyckoff stated that she would like to see development in the area, but to decrease the density and keep the green space. Ms. Scanlon asked who would manage the infiltration tanks after the developer leaves. Forney replied that the City and the developer would work out a maintenance agreement. Wolfe explained that the final decisions would be made at the City Council meeting. Public Hearing Closed. Motion by Wolfe, seconded by Moses, to close the Public Hearing. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Schmitz, seconded by Rehfuss, to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-057, there being ample copies available to the public. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Moses, seconded by Wolfe, to recommend that the City Council approve Resolution 2025- 057, a resolution approving a Shoreland Variance for the property located at 800 53rd Avenue NE in the City of Columbia Heights, MN. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. OTHER BUSINESS Forney stated that staff are interviewing candidates for the new City Planner position. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Clara Wolfe, seconded by Rehfuss to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 pm. All ayes. MOTION PASSED Respectfully submitted, 28 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES July 01, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Page 8 Sarah LaVoie, Administrative Assistant 29 Item 2. P ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, September 02, 2025 5:00 PM MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm by President James CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Members Present: Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Amáda Márquez-Simula; Justice Spriggs; Marlaine Szurek Members Absent: Lamin Dibba Staff Present: Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Sarah LaVoie, Administrative Assistant; Emilie Voight, Community Development Coordinator PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the regular EDA Meeting of August 4, 2025. 2. Approve financial reports and payment of bills for July 2025 – Resolution No. 2025-21. Motion by Deneen, seconded by Buesgens, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-21 A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2025 AND THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2025. WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) is required by Minnesota Statutes Section 469.096, Subd. 9, to prepare a detailed financial statement which shows all receipts and disbursements, their nature, the money on hand, the purposes to which the money on hand is to be applied, the EDA's credits and assets and its outstanding liabilities; and WHEREAS, said Statute also requires the EDA to examine the statement and treasurer's vouchers or bills and if correct, to approve them by resolution and enter the resolution in its records; and WHEREAS, the financial statements for the month of July 2025 have been reviewed by the EDA Commission; and WHEREAS, the EDA has examined the financial statements and finds them to be acceptable as to both 30 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 2 form and accuracy; and WHEREAS, the EDA Commission has other means to verify the intent of Section 469.096, Subd. 9 , including but not limited to Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, Annual City approved Budgets, Audits and similar documentation; and WHEREAS, financial statements are held by the City’s Finance Department in a method outlined by the State of Minnesota’s Records Retention Schedule, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority that it has examined the referenced financial statements including the check history, and they are found to be correct, as to form and content; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the financial statements are acknowledged and received and the check history as presented in writing is approved for payment out of proper funds; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution is made as part of the permanent records of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority. ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Passed this 2nd of September 2025 Offered by: Laurel Deneen Seconded by: Connie Buesgens Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. President Attest: Secretary BUSINESS ITEMS 3. Purchase of 4510 Taylor St NE Voight reported that staff are bringing forth for consideration the purchase of real property located at 4510 Taylor St NE. The subject property is residentially zoned (R-2A) and is the site of a one- bedroom, one-bathroom house that was built in 1946. The City’s Building Inspec tor recently conducted a time-of-sale inspection of the house in preparation for its sale. While communicating with the seller’s representative, the Inspector identified that the property had not yet been listed and that the seller might be open to discussing purchase options with the City. Community Development staff arranged with the seller’s representative to visit the property. During their visit, staff determined that the property would be a good fit for residential redevelopment: the house 31 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 3 was vacant, had been subject to water damage, and would need repairs amounting to tens of thousands of dollars to make it habitable again. The cost of the necessary repairs would be disproportionate to the small size of the house, which measures only approximately 58 8 square feet. The property is also non-conforming with regard to parking because it does not have a garage. Voight mentioned that Anoka County currently lists the estimated market value of the land, with no buildings, at $86,000. The seller’s representative indicated they had received two offers above this price. After consultation with CD staff, Director Forney made an initial verbal offer of $100,000 for the purchase of the property, plus closing costs, and explained that this offer was contingent on approval by the EDA. The seller, Kirk Miller, verbally accepted this offer. The City then followed up with a written offer letter, which the seller also acknowledged. Voight stated that by purchasing this residential property, the EDA would create an opportunity to engage with partners to provide a new housing unit or units on the site. Like in previous redevelopment projects, the EDA could work with a group like Better Futures to deconstruct the house for recycling and reuse of salvageable materials. The City’s Fire and Police Departments might be able to use the site for training. After demolition, the EDA could choose to work with an organization like Habitat for Humanity or with a private developer for the construction of new housing. Staff are of the opinion that the purchase and redevelopment of the property by the EDA would provide more opportunities than would be possible with private purchase and renovation of the existing structure. Voight noted that each year, the EDA budgets $200,000 for propert y acquisition through Redevelopment Fund 408, specifically through the Commercial Revitalization Program. The EDA has not yet spent these funds in 2025. Staff therefore suggests that the EDA use Redevelopment Fund 408 Commercial Revitalization dollars to finance the purchase of 4510 Taylor. The purchase and redevelopment of this site are consistent with the goals of Redevelopment Fund 408, but because the property is not commercially zoned, an amendment to the 2025 budget will be necessary to allocate funds for this specific site. This proposal aligns with the EDA’s 2025 goal of continuing to administer the EDA’s Commercial Revitalization Program to address substandard and nonconforming housing stock. Voight stated Resolution 2025-24 approves the draft purchase agreement, amends the 2025 budget, and allocates an additional $70,000 to related site preparation costs. These related project costs include closing costs, hazardous material abatement (such as asbestos and trash removal), tree removal, and demolition. Any excess funds remaining once demolition and grading have been completed will be returned to EDA Redevelopment Fund 408. Community Development staff recommend that the EDA pass Resolution 2025-24 to approve the purchase of the property at 4510 Taylor St NE for residential redevelopment. Questions/Comments from Members: Buesgens asked if the City had TIF housing money that was used during the recession to purchase houses. Forney replied that the funds that Buesgens is mentioning are the W3/W4 pooled funds that are actually the C8 pooled funds, which are the same fund that was used for the recent loan to 32 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 4 Habitat for Humanity. Staff are recommending using the annual budgeted amount due to the fact that the annual budget amount allows to have a project that can be either income-qualifying or non-income-qualifying. Staff wanted to allow more flexibility with the funds. Buesgens asked what funds were used to buy homes on 5th Avenue. Forney replied that the Habitat for Humanity house on 5th Avenue used the affordable housing funds. Szurek asked if the house had been empty for a while. Forney replied that there were renters in the house last fall and unexpectedly left without notifying the owner. Over the winter, the water pipes burst and left water damage in the house. Márquez-Simula stated she was in favor of moving forward with the staff’s recommendation. James agreed. She noted that they had prioritized housing on commercial routes, and the proposed house is not on a commercial route. She asked staff to share more about the priority. Forney explained that traditionally, the budget indicates that projects need to be on commercial routes , but through the EDA’s goal-setting session, the idea of targeting houses outside of the commercial corridors came up. The proposed house purchase is in line with the verbal goals of the EDA to target some of the properties that are not specifically on Central Avenue. Motion by Spriggs, seconded by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2025-24, there being ample copies available to the public. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Spriggs, seconded by Szurek, to approve Resolution No. 2025-24, a Resolution of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority, approving the purchase agreement between the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority and Kirk Miller. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-24 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND KIRK MILLER. BE IT RESOLVED BY the Board of Commissioners ("Board") of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the "Authority") as follows: SECTION 1. RECITALS. 1.01. The Authority and Kirk Miller and any other individual with a legal interest in the Property hereafter defined (“Seller”) desire to enter into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Authority will acquire certain property in the City located at 4510 Taylor St NE (the “Property”) from the Seller for economic redevelopment purposes. The Property is described in Exhibit A attached hereto. 1.02. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Authority will purchase the Property from t he Seller for a purchase price of $100,000 plus related closing costs. 33 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 5 1.03. The Authority finds that the acquisition of the Property is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and will result in the redevelopment of the Property, which constitutes substandard property. Such acquisition of this Property, for subsequent resale and redevelopment (the “Redevelopment Project”), best meets the community’s needs and will facilitate the economic redevelopment and revitalization of this area of the City. 1.04. The Authority also finds that the Redevelopment Project is consistent with the purpose of the Economic Development Authority Redevelopment Fund 408. The current 2025 budget for Economic Development Authority Redevelopment Fund 408 does not include th e Redevelopment Project and must be amended as the Property was not available on September 3, 2024, when the Authority adopted this budget. The available balance of the Economic Development Authority Redevelopment Fund 408, beyond that committed for the existing 2025 budget, is approximately $500,000, which is more than sufficient to finance the Redevelopment Project. SECTION 2. PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROVED. 2.01. The Authority hereby ratifies and approves the actions of Authority st aff and of Kutak Rock LLP (“Legal Counsel”) in researching the Property and preparing and presenting the Purchase Agreement. The Authority approves the Purchase Agreement substantially in the form presented to the Authority and on file at City Hall, subject to modifications that do not alter the substance of the transaction and that are approved by the President and Executive Director, provided that execution of the Purchase Agreement by those officials shall be conclusive evidence of their approval. 2.02. The Authority hereby amends the 2025 budget for Economic Development Authority Redevelopment Fund 408 to appropriate $100,000 for the purchase agreement and $70,000 for additional estimated project costs relating to the Redevelopment Project, including b ut not limited to closing costs, hazardous material abatement, tree removal, and demolition. 2.03. Authority staff and officials are authorized to take all actions necessary to perform the Authority’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement as a whole, including without limitation execution of any documents to which the Authority is a party referenced in or attached to the Purchase Agreement, and any deed or other documents necessary to acquire the Property from the Seller, all as described in the Purchase Agreement. ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Passed this 2nd of September 2025 Offered by: Justice Spriggs Seconded by: Marlaine Szurek Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. 34 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 6 President Attest: Secretary 4. 2026 EDA Budget Approval Forney reported that in September, the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year will be distributed to the City Council. Before the City Council completes its final review of the proposed budget, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights (“HRA”) are required to adopt fund budgets for Fund 204: EDA Administration and Fund 408: EDA Redevelopment Projects, and to authorize their respective 2025 tax levies, payable in 2026. Forney noted the EDA effectively has two separate tax levies after the City Council granted the EDA certain HRA powers in 1996. One tax levy is administered by the City under Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.107 on behalf of the EDA (the “EDA Levy”), and the other is a special benefit tax levy administered by the EDA under Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.033 on behalf of the HRA (the “HRA Levy”). The proposed fund budgets reflect total levels within the statutory limits. He reviewed the differences between the budget of 202 5 and the staff’s proposed budget for 2026. As the Authority can see, there is an increase in the budgeted amount for 204. This is attributed to the loss of funds in the 408 HRA Levy and the increase in operating costs for staff time and EDA administrative costs. The increase in EDA administrative costs is better exemplified by the change in the 204 Budgeted Expenditures column, as it removes the transfer out to 408. The budgeted 408 fund has a $5,000 decrease due to the fact that the City’s market value has decreased since last year, reducing the amount the EDA can levy via the HRA levy. The last item of note is the $10,000 increase in funding and expenditures in 408. Staff’s budget recommendation is the same as last year, but with the addition of $10,000 in funds for the administration costs of the Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Loan Program. Ultimately, staff’s proposal results in a 9.3% increase in the EDA Levy and a 1.2 % decrease in the HRA Levy. Similar to the process followed last year, any increase in the EDA levy must follow the public hearing and approval process identified in MN Statutes section 469.107 . Questions/Comments from Members: James mentioned that the EDA discussed the budget numbers during the goal-setting meeting. She added that she is happy with the NOAH Loan Admin Costs. Márquez-Simula agreed and added that she is glad to see small increases that will have large impacts. Motion by Buesgens, seconded by Márquez-Simula, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2025-22 and No. 2025-23, there being ample copies available to the public. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Buesgens, seconded by Márquez-Simula, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-22, a Resolution of 35 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 7 the Economic Development Authority of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, adopting a budget for the fiscal year of 2026 and setting the 2025 tax levy, payable in 2026. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. Motion by Buesgens, seconded by Márquez-Simula, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-23, a Resolution of the Economic Development Authority of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, adopting a budget for the fiscal year of 2026 and authorizing a special benefit tax levy, payable in 2026 . All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-22 A RESOLUTION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2026 AND SETTING THE 2025 TAX LEVY, PAYABLE IN 2026. BE IT RESOLVED, by the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) as follo ws: WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”) established the EDA by an enabling resolution adopted on January 8, 1996, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 469.090 to 469.1081 (the “EDA Act”); and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City has given to the EDA the responsibility for all development and redevelopment projects and programs; and WHEREAS, under Section 469.107 of the EDA Act, the City is authorized to levy a tax for the benefit of the EDA on its area of operation for the purposes authorized under the EDA Act, subject to the approval of the City Council; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority herby: 1. Adopts and requests the City Council’s approval of its budget in the amount of $413,900 for 2026; and 2. Adopts and requests the City Council’s approval of an EDA tax levy under Section 469.107 of the EDA Act, in the amount of $413,900 for taxes payable in 2026; and 3. Authorizes the transfer of $80,000 from EDA Administration Fund 204 to EDA Redevelopment Fund 408; and 4. Instructs the Executive Director to transmit a copy of this resolution to the City Manager, Finance Director, and City Clerk of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Passed this 2nd of September 2025 Offered by: Connie Buesgens Seconded by: Amáda Márquez-Simula Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. 36 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 8 President Attest: Secretary RESOLUTION NO. 2025-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2026 AND AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL BENEFIT TAX LEVY, PAYABLE IN 2026. BE IT RESOLVED, by the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) as follows: WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”) established the EDA by an enabling resolution adopted on January 8, 1996, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 469.090 to 469.1081 (the “EDA Act”); and WHEREAS, the City Council granted the EDA all powers and duties of a housing and redevelopment authority by an enabling resolution and ordinance adopted on October 22, 2001, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 469.001 to 469.047 (the "HRA Act"), except certain powers that are allocated to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights (the “HRA”); and WHEREAS, under Section 469.033 of the HRA Act, the EDA is authorized to levy a special benefit tax, in an amount not to exceed .0185 percent of the City’s estimated market value (the “HRA Levy”); and WHEREAS, by separate resolution, the EDA has before it for consideration a copy of the EDA budget for the fiscal year of 2026, and the proposed amount of the HRA Levy, payable in 2026, is based on said budget; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority herby: 1. adopts an HRA Levy payable in 2026 of $420,000 under Section 469.033 of the HRA Act; and 2. directs staff to take such actions necessary to file with the City and certify with the County of Anoka County, the HRA Levy in the amount of $420,000 for taxes payable in 2026 under Section 469.033 of the HRA Act. ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Passed this 2nd of September 2025 Offered by: Connie Buesgens Seconded by: Amáda Márquez-Simula 37 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 9 Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. President Attest: Secretary 5. Executive Session: Develop or Consider Counteroffers for the Purchase of Real Property at 4024 - 4026 Central Ave NE. Closed per Minn. Stat. 13D.05, Subdivision 3(c). Voight stated that while the executive session is not open to the public, it will still be recorded and transcribed just like the rest of the meeting. The City is required to keep the recording and the transcription for a certain number of years. The meeting recording will be available to the public after any potential real estate transactions are completed. Until then, it will be held private. Motion by Márquez-Simula, seconded by Deneen, to recess to Closed Session pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 13D.05, Subdivision 3(c); members of the public will not be able to attend the executive session portion of the meeting. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. The EDA discussed the potential purchase of real property at 4024-4026 Central Ave NE. Motion by Szurek, seconded by Spriggs, to reconvene the open session. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. BUSINESS UPDATES A. NOAH Program Development Voight stated that the program documents are going back and forth through legal counsel. They are currently being reviewed by the CEE legal team. Staff hope to have all the documents before the EDA during the next meeting to review. Buesgens noted that she attended the last landlord meeting, and there were 40 people in the room. She wondered how many landlords in the room were for single-family, duplexes, fourplexes, or eightplexes. She mentioned it would be good to know who is in the room for those meetings. Márquez-Simula added that she has been asking for a renters meeting and thought it would be helpful to include renters meetings. B. SPAAR Key Communities Grant: Homeownership Resource Night Voight mentioned that the EDA received grant funding from the St. Paul Area Association for REALTORS related to housing choice and homeowner support. The EDA previously discussed the idea of doing multilingual resource sessions and workshops. A pilot initiative is being developed and will be in English and Spanish. It will be held on Tuesday, September 16th, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Staff have started to market the event on Facebook and have sent out flyers around the City. Staff have enlisted the utility billing colleagues to help get some addresses for new subscriptions. There will be presentations from SPAAR partners about myths of 38 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 10 homeownership and from the City about permitting and time-of-sale questions. There will also be a presentation from the Partners in Energy team about energy and cost savings in housing. All of the information is included on the City’s website. James asked if the sessions would be recorded. Voight replied that they are working on that. James suggested recording it so that people could have the information available for the future , or those who missed the event could get the information. Márquez-Simula shared that she was awarded the SPAAR July 2025 REALTOR Champion of the Month. She added that she was awarded it on behalf of the Council and the City. Voight encouraged the Commissioners to register online for the SPAAR event. Voight mentioned that Forney sent out an email about the upcoming Fridley/Columbia Heights Business Council meeting. It will be on Friday morning at 8:00 am at Fridley City Hall. She asked the Commissioners to let staff know if they are able to attend the meeting. James asked what would be discussed at the meeting. Forney replied that the auto dealer s’ association of Minnesota would be in attendance. Márquez-Simula mentioned that there are some businesses that need upgrades to the outside of buildings. She wondered if there were more ways that the EDA could be connected to this kind of business development. Forney replied that staff could work on updating the EDA on code enforcement. Buesgens agreed with Márquez-Simula's comments. She added that when Central Avenue is completed, it will be a stark contrast to businesses that do not have updated buildings. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Márquez-Simula seconded by Deneen to adjourn the meeting at 5:56 pm. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Respectfully submitted, 39 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES September 02, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 11 _______________________________ Sarah LaVoie, Recording Secretary 40 Item 3. ITEM: Second Reading of Ordinances 1721 and 1722, Ordinances Implementing Gas and Electric Service Franchise Fees in the City of Columbia Heights. DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: City Manager / October 15, 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 X 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 currently allows gas and electric utility companies to use public rights-of-way (streets, sidewalks, and other public property) to install and maintain infrastructure such as pipelines, powe r lines, and substations. In exchange for using this public property, many cities charge franchise fees to ensure that utility providers contribute to the maintenance and development of the public infrastructure they rely on. Historically, the City has not levied franchise fees on gas and electric utility companies, which has resulted in a missed opportunity to generate revenue for local projects and services. The imposition of franchise fees for these utilities has become standard practice for several cities of similar size and structure to Columbia Heights, leaving the City at a competitive disadvantage. The City does currently levy franchise fees to the cable service provider Comcast. However, these fees are steadily decreasing due to lower subscr iption rates year over year for cable service in the City. Franchise fees can be derived in a few ways. The most common form of fee is the monthly flat fee. Often municipalities prefer the flat fee as both the most transparent option for the account holder and the most predictable revenue source for City. Included in the attachments, is a memo outlining the various fees being charged in cities across the seven-county metropolitan service area. Much like property taxes, different fees are assigned to each type of property classification; residential, commercial and industrial. As evidenced in the attached memo, utility companies are accustomed to franchise fees as a standard part of doing business in urban areas. In most cases, the full fee is passed onto consumers as part of their service fees and is often identified as “City Fee” on the customer's monthly statement. SUMMARY AND CURRENT STATUS The Council first reviewed the concept of gas and electric franchise fees at the April 2025 work session. At the April work session, the Council expressed support for the implementation of the fees and directed staff to refine revenue estimates and take the next steps toward fee enactment as part of the 2026 budget preparation process. CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA MEETING DATE OCTOBER 27, 2025 41 Item 4. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2 Following the April work session, staff worked with CenterPoint Energy, Xcel Energy, and Ehlers to further refine a proposed fee structure for both utilities. Following receipt of all account information available to the City from both utilities, staff presented a proposed fee structure to the Council at the October 2025 work session. The fee structure presented by staff was representative of the median fees being collected in the metropolitan service area by other cities. The median fees and corresponding cost to the individual customer for the top four property classifications are outlined in the table below. User Type Monthly Flat Fee Fee X 2 Utilities Annual Payment Residential $4.00 $8.00 $96.00 C&I (tier 1) $6.00 $12.00 $144.00 C&I (tier 2) $28.00 $56.00 $672.00 C&I (tier3) $112.00 $224.00 $2,688.00 When the median fee approach is applied to the total number of users in each classification within the City, there is the potential to generate approximately $1,137,000 annually between both utilities. During the October work session, staff discussed recommended uses of the funds and suggested that the City apply the funds generated in 2026 to support the redevelopment of the City’s municipal service center. The Council was agreeable with this approach and approved a second reading of Ordinance 1721 and 1722 at the October 27, 2025, City Council meeting. STAFF RECOMMENDATION The implementation of franchise fees for gas and electric utility providers represents an opportunity for the City to expand its available pool of resources and remain competitive within the region. Staff recommend approval of the ordinances as presented . RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Ordinance 1721 and Ordinance 1722, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move approve Ordinance 1721 being an ordinance implementing gas energy franchise fee on CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas, its successors and assigns, for providing services within the City of Columbia Heights and to direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. MOTION: Move to approve Ordinance 1722 being an ordinance implementing electric service franchise fee on Northern States Power Company, its successors and assigns for providing electrical service within the City of Columbia Heights and to direct staff to send the summary ordinance for publication in the legal newspaper. ATTACHMENT(S)  Ehler’s Memo  Ordinance 1721  Ordinance 1722 42 Item 4. MEMORANDUM TO: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director FROM: Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers DATE: April 7, 2025 SUBJECT: Franchise Fees for Electric and Gas Utilities Recently, the City Council and staff expressed an interest in exploring a Franchise Fee (the “Fee”) to support capital projects and similar needs for the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”). Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 216B.36, a municipality may require a public utility to obtain a license, permit or franchise to operate on public property. Under this statutory authority, the City may also require public utilities to operate under certain regulations or terms, including the payment of a Fee. Most often, municipalities craft these arrangements as contracts, which the City Council then adopts as an ordinance. Generally, these franchises apply to electric and gas utility providers. The Fee itself may take different forms, most notably as 1) a flat monthly fee (most common), 2) a percentage of revenues, or 3) an amount per production unit (e.g., therm, kilowatt hour). Often municipalities prefer the flat fee as both the most transparent option for the account holder and the most predictable revenue source for City. Generally, the Fee applies to all public utility users, including tax-exempt properties, and the City may use the revenues for any public purpose. Many cities use the fees to pay for roads, park improvements or improvements to city facilities. The public utility will pass the Fee along to ratepayers directly, usually labeled on their bill as “City Fee.” Many metropolitan communities have a Fee in place (see listing by fee at the end of the memo), with the statistical data below: If the City Council decides to continue the discussion, Ehlers and City staff can work to determine accounts by type, options for fees to charge to meet the City’s objectives and financial forecasts. User Residential Small C&I Non-demand Small C&I Demand Large C&I Public Street Lighting Municipal Pumping Non- Demand Municipal Pumping Demand Median 3.69 5.13 24.00 103.00 6.10 3.25 6.25 Range (Min.)0.80 1.20 2.50 2.50 1.03 0.45 1.03 Range (Max.)7.00 17.00 63.00 340.00 17.51 17.51 65.00 Basic Statistics - Xcel Energy Electric Franchise Fees User Residential C&I-A C&I-B C&I-C SVDF-A SVDF-B LVDF Median 4.00 5.00 11.45 43.51 56.23 66.50 95.00 Range (Min.)1.50 1.74 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Range (Max.)7.00 12.00 40.00 180.00 258.00 340.34 991.62 Basic Statistics - Centerpointe Energy Gas Franchise Fees 43 Item 4. Municipality Residential Com-A Less than 1,500 therms/yr Com/Ind B 1,500 > or < 5,000 therms/yr Com/Ind C > 5,000 therms/yr Small Volume Dual Fuel A < 120,000 therms/yr SVDF B > 120,000 therms/yr Large Volume Firm & Dual Fuel >1,999 therms Peak Day Residential C&I-A C&I-B C&I-C SVDF-A SVDF-B LVDF Anoka 3.48 3.48 9.89 42.02 87.53 340.34 991.62 Big Lake 4.00 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 Bloomington 5.95 11.90 11.90 63.00 63.00 63.00 182.00 Brooklyn Center 1.66 1.74 5.63 22.50 56.23 107.96 107.96 Brooklyn Park 7.00 6.50 20.00 70.00 160.00 160.00 160.00 Burnsville 4.00 12.00 40.00 180.00 180.00 180.00 180.00 Centerville 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 Champlin 3.98 3.98 10.78 45.33 90.67 158.66 158.66 Chanhassen 5.00 5.00 9.00 20.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 Chaska 2.70 2.85 8.60 39.50 140.00 315.00 715.00 Dayton 4.00 7.00 20.00 65.00 152.00 155.00 200.00 Deephaven 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Eagan 1.85 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 20.00 Eden Prairie 4.00 5.00 12.50 55.00 55.00 55.00 55.00 Edina 3.55 6.00 17.00 71.00 71.00 71.00 71.00 Elk River 4.00 4.00 16.00 50.00 70.00 70.00 70.00 Excelsior 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Golden Valley 6.00 7.50 30.00 30.00 258.00 258.00 258.00 Hopkins 3.50 3.50 8.75 24.70 48.55 170.50 170.50 Isanti 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Lexington 4.00 6.50 40.00 170.00 ——— Long Lake 4.00 4.00 25.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 Minnetonka 4.50 4.50 13.50 45.00 45.00 45.00 45.00 Mound 4.00 12.00 30.00 145.00 4.00 —— New Hope 3.00 4.00 11.00 38.00 74.00 83.00 164.00 Oakdale 1.50 5.00 5.00 8.00 17.00 17.00 17.00 Otsego 4.00 5.00 20.00 60.00 80.00 80.00 100.00 Plymouth 2.52 3.79 12.65 50.61 50.61 50.61 50.61 Prior Lake 5.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 30.00 30.00 150.00 Richfield 5.10 5.10 16.50 41.15 41.15 41.15 259.00 Rogers 4.00 7.00 20.00 70.00 148.00 148.00 800.00 Shorewood 4.00 4.00 10.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 St. Louis Park 6.75 6.75 12.00 48.50 48.50 48.50 148.50 Woodbury 1.75 10.00 10.00 100.00 90.00 90.00 55.00 Centerpointe Energy - Gas Franchise Fees 44 Item 4. City Residential Small C&I Non- demand Small C&I Demand Large C&I Public Street Lighting Municipal Pumping Non- Demand Municipal Pumping Demand Big Lake 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 ——— Bloomington 5.95 11.90 63.00 182.00 ——— Brooklyn Center 1.65 4.25 22.75 103.00 13.50 13.50 13.50 Brooklyn Park 7.00 7.50 45.00 160.00 ——— Burnsville 4.00 12.00 40.00 180.00 ——— Centerville 4.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 ——— Champlin 3.62 9.80 41.21 144.24 17.51 17.51 17.51 Chanhassen 5.00 14.00 40.00 290.00 ——— Circle Pines 2.75 3.00 35.00 —3.00 —— Dayton 4.00 12.00 45.00 200.00 16.00 16.00 16.00 Deephaven 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 ——— Eagan 1.85 10.00 10.00 20.00 ——— Eden Prairie 6.50 8.50 20.50 89.50 ——— Edina 3.55 6.00 17.00 71.00 ——— Excelsior 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Falcon Heights 2.25 3.50 22.00 200.00 2.00 —— Golden Valley 6.00 6.00 30.00 258.00 ——— Inver Grove Heights 2.75 3.00 25.00 95.00 ——— Landfall Village 2.25 4.75 14.00 65.00 15.50 —— Lexington 4.00 6.50 40.00 170.00 ——— Little Canada 2.75 5.25 40.00 230.00 15.50 2.00 3.00 Long Lake 4.00 6.00 40.00 160.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 Mahtomedi 1.30 1.38 14.40 110.28 12.71 0.63 14.84 Maplewood 3.00 4.75 30.00 180.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 Minnetonka 4.50 4.50 13.50 45.00 —4.50 4.50 Mound 4.00 12.00 30.00 145.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 New Brighton 3.00 4.50 28.00 185.00 ——— New Hope 4.00 7.00 31.00 135.00 ——— Newport 1.00 1.50 14.00 70.00 5.00 1.00 10.00 Oakdale 1.50 3.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 2.00 8.00 Osseo 1.28 2.07 17.57 102.65 6.20 0.45 2.55 Otsego 4.00 5.00 40.00 95.00 ——— Plymouth 2.52 3.79 12.65 50.61 ——— Richfield 5.10 17.00 41.25 263.00 ——— Rogers 5.00 7.00 45.00 210.00 17.00 12.00 65.00 Shoreview 3.75 5.00 36.00 340.00 ——— Shorewood 4.00 8.00 10.00 25.00 ——— Spring Lake Park 0.80 1.20 8.50 50.00 ——— St. Michael 3.50 2.50 2.50 10.00 10.00 2.50 10.00 Vadnais Heights 4.00 6.00 26.00 120.00 ——— Wayzata 2.06 4.64 4.64 15.45 1.03 1.03 1.03 Woodbury 3.25 3.50 23.00 90.00 ——— Xcel Energy - Electric Franchise Fees 45 Item 4. 1 ORDINANCE NO. 1721 CENTERPOINT ENERGY GAS FRANCHISE FEE AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING A GAS ENERGY FRANCHISE FEE ON CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. d/b/a CENTERPOINT ENERGY MINNESOTA GAS (“CENTERPOINT ENERGY”), ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, FOR PROVIDING GAS ENERGY SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA. THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES ORDAIN: Section 1. Gas Franchise Fee (a) Definitions. For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) City. The City of Columbia Heights, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota. (2) Company. Centerpoint Energy Resources Corp. d/b/a Centerpoint Energy Minnesota Gas its successors and assigns including all successors or assigns that own or operate any part of parts of gas facilities subject to the City Gas Franchise Ordinance. (3) Franchise Ordinance. The franchise agreement between the City and Company pursuant to City Ordinance No. 1689. (4) Notice. “Notice” means a writing served by any party or parties on any other party or parties. Notice to Company shall be mailed to CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota Division Vice President, 505 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Notice to City shall be mailed to the City Manager at 3989 Central Avenue, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, 55421. Any party may change its respective address for the purpose of this Ordinance by written notice to the other parties. (b) Purpose. The City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to impose a franchise fee on those public utility companies that provide natural gas and electric services within the City. Pursuant to the Franchise Ordinance the City has the right to impose a franchise fee on Company. (c) Franchise Fee Statement and Schedule. Pursuant to the Franchise Ordinance, the franchise fee is hereby imposed on Company commencing with its January 2026 customer billings, and in accordance with the following fee schedule: Customer Classification Amount per Month 46 Item 4. 2 Residential $4.00_________ Commercial - A $6.00_________ Commercial/Industrial – B $28.00_________ Commercial/Industrial – C $112.00_________ Small Volume, Dual Fuel A (“SVDF A”) $56.00_________ Small Volume, Dual Fuel B (“SVDF B”) $66.50_________ Large Volume, Dual Fuel (“LVDF”) $95.00_________ (e) Payment. Franchise fees are to be collected by the Company and submitted to the City pursuant to Section 8.4 in the Franchise Ordinance as follows: January – March collections due by April 30. April – June collections due by July 31. July – September collections due by October 31. October – December collections due by January 31. (f) Record Support for Payment. The Company shall make each payment when due and, if requested by the City, shall provide a statement summarizing how the franchise fee payment was determined, including information showing any adjustments to the total made to account for any non-collectible accounts, refunds or error corrections. The Company shall permit the City, and its representatives, access to the Company’s records for the purpose of verifying such statements. (g) Payment Adjustments. Payment to the City will be adjusted where the Company is unable to collect the franchise fee. This includes non-collectible accounts. (h) Surcharge. The City recognizes that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission may allow the Company to add a surcharge to customer rates to reimburse the Company for the cost of implementing and administering the fee. (i) Dispute Resolution. If either party asserts that the other party is in default in the performance of any obligation hereunder, the complaining party shall notify the other party of the default and the desired remedy. The notification shall be written. Representatives of the parties must promptly meet and attempt in good faith to negotiate a resolution of the dispute. If the dispute is not resolved within 30 days of the written notice, the parties may jointly select a mediator to facilitate further discussion. The parties will equally share the fees and expenses of this mediator. If a mediator is not used or if the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within 30 days after first meeting with the selected mediator, either party may commence an action in District Court to interpret and enforce this ordinance or for such other relief permitted by law. (j) Effective Date of Franchise Fee. The effective date of the franchise fee in this Ordinance shall be after its publication and ninety (90) days after the sending of a written copy by certified mail. Collection of the fee shall commence on February 1, 2026. 47 Item 4. 3 (k) Relation to Franchise Ordinance. This ordinance is enacted in compliance with the Franchise Ordinance and shall be interpreted as such. (l) Periodic Review. The City Council may review this ordinance from time to time to determine whether the fees set hereby should be amended. (m) Permit Fees. The Company will administer the collection and payment of franchise fees to the City. Said fees are not in lieu of permit fees, or other fees that may be imposed on the Company in relation to its operations as a public utility in the City. Section 2. Effective Date of the Franchise Fee. The effective date of this Ordinance shall be after its publication and ninety (90) days after the sending of written notice enclosing a copy of this adopted Ordinance to Company by certified mail. Collection of the fee shall commence as provided above. First Reading: October 14, 2025 Offered by: James Seconded by: Spriggs Roll Call: All Ayes Second Reading: October 27, 2025 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: ______________________________________ Rachel James, Council President Attest: ________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary 48 Item 4. 1 ORDINANCE NO. 1722 AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING AN ELECTRIC SERVICE FRANCHISE FEE ON NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, FOR PROVIDING ELECTRIC SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA, DOES ORDAIN: SECTION 1. The City of Columbia Heights Municipal Code is hereby amended to include reference to the following Special Ordinance. Subd. 1. Purpose. The Columbia Heights City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to impose a franchise fee on those public utility companies that provide electric services within the City. (a) Pursuant to City Ordinance 1533, a Franchise Agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation, its successors and assigns, (Company) the City has the right to impose a franchise fee on Company in an amount and fee design as set forth in in the fee schedule attached hereto as Schedule A. Subd. 2. Franchise Fee Statement. A franchise fee is hereby imposed on Company under its electric franchise in accordance with the schedule attached here to and made a part of this Ordinance, commencing with Company’s February 2026 billing month. Subd. 3. Account Fee. This fee is an account-based fee on each premise and not a meter-based fee. In the event that an entity covered by this ordinance has more than one meter at a single premise, but only one account, only one fee shall be assessed to that account. If a premise has two or more meters being billed at different rates, the Company may have an account for each rate classification, which will result in more than one franchise fee assessment for electric service to that premise. If the Company combines the rate classifications into a single account, the franchise fee assessed to the account will be the largest franchise fee applicable to a single rate classification for energy delivered to that premise. In the event any entities covered by this ordinance have more than one premise, each premise (address) shall be subject to the appropriate fee. In the event a question arises as to the proper fee amount for any premise, the Company’s manner of billing for energy used at all similar premises in the city will control. Subd. 4. Payment. The said franchise fee shall be payable to the City in accordance with the following: (a) Timing of Payments. Payment to the City will be made according to the schedule contained in the attached Schedule A. (b) Record Support for Payment. The Company shall make each payment when due and, if requested by the City, shall provide a statement summarizing how the franchise fee payment was determined, including information showing any adjustments to the total made to account for any non- collectible accounts, refunds or error corrections. (c) Payment Adjustments. Payment to the City will be adjusted where the Company is unable to collect the franchise fee. This includes non-collectible accounts. 49 Item 4. 2 Subd. 5. Surcharge. The City recognizes that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission may allow Company to add a surcharge to customer rates of city residents to reimburse Company for the cost of the fee. Subd. 6. Enforcement. Any dispute, including enforcement of a default regarding this ordinance will be resolved in accordance with Section 2.5 of the Franchise Ordinance. Subd. 7. Effective Date of Franchise Fee. The effective date of this Ordinance shall be after its publication and ninety (90) days after the sending of written notice enclosing a copy of this adopted Ordinance to Company by certified mail. Collection of the fee shall commence as provided above. First Reading: October 14, 2025 Offered by: James Seconded by: Spriggs Roll Call: All Ayes Second Reading: October 27, 2025 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: __________________________ Rachel James, Council President Attest: _______________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary 50 Item 4. 3 SCHEDULE A Franchise Fee Rates: Electric Utility The franchise fee shall be in an amount determined by applying the following schedule per customer premise/per month based on metered service to retail customers within the City: Class Amount per month Residential $4.00 Small C & I – Non-Demand $6.00 Small C & I – Demand $28.00 Large C & I $112.00 Franchise fees are submitted to the City on a quarterly basis as follows: January – March collections due by April 30. April – June collections due by July 31. July – September collections due by October 31. October – December collections due by January 31. 51 Item 4. ITEM: Adopt Resolution 2025-082, Acceptance of Donation – Firefighters for Healing Red Tie Gala Tickets. DEPARTMENT: Fire BY/DATE: Daniel O’Brien, Fire Chief / October 23, 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 X Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND The Columbia Heights VFW Post #230 generously purchased a table for the Firefighters for Healing Red Tie Gala taking place on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The table seats ten (10) people. Firefighters for Healing is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support burn survivors and their families, firefighters, and first responders. The organization provides support, guidance, education, and comfort in ways that traditional care professionals and insurance programs are often unable. (Website: https://firefightersforhealing.org/) As the VFW did not have plans to use the tickets, they generously donated the table to the Columbia Heights Fire Department to give the department the opportunity to attend the gala and represent the City and community. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS The purpose of this resolution is to formally accept the donation of gala tickets from the Columbia Heights VFW Post #230 for use by the Columbia Heights Fire Department. The estimated value of the donated table is $3,500. There is no cost to the City. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Accept the Donation of Tickets from the Columbia Heights VFW Post #230 for use by the Columbia Heights Fire Department. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2025-82, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2025-082, a resolution accepting the donation of tickets from the Columbia Heights VFW Post #230 for use by the Columbia Heights Fire Department. ATTACHMENT(S) Resolution 2025-082 Accepting Donation of VFW Tickets Donation Email VFW-Fire Re_ Nov 1st Firefight CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA SECTION CONSENT MEETING DATE 10/27/2025 52 Item 5. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2 2025-Red-Tie-Gala-Sponsorship-Flyer 53 Item 5. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-082 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA ACCEPTING AN IN KIND DONATION OFFFERED BY VFW POST #230 FOR USE BY THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT On November 1, 2025, City Fire Department staff will attend the Firefighters for Healing Red Tie Gala, tickets for which are offered by the Columbia Heights VFW Post #230, with an estimated fair value of $3,500 for the purpose of giving the department the opportunity to attend and represent the City at this charitable event. Firefighters for Healing is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support burn survivors, their families, firefighters, and first responders by providing care, guidance, education, and comfort that extends beyond traditional medical or insurance-based services. Under Minnesota Statutes §465.03, municipalities may accept gifts and donations by resolution adopted with a two-thirds vote of the City Council. Now, therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, and all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia Heights, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights makes the following: BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, which the City of Columbia Heights accepts this donation, subject to the donor-prescribed terms listed. ORDER OF COUNCIL Passed this 27th day of October, 2025 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Rachel James, Council President Attest: Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary 54 Item 5. Outlook **MS Office doc** Re: Nov 1st Firefighters For Healing Event From Jake LaFerriere <jake.laferriere - Email address redacted> Date Thu 10/23/2025 10:43 AM To Liz Lindskoog <vfwpost230 Email address redacted> Cc Dan O'Brien <Email address redacted>; Matthew Reynolds <Email address redacted>; jake firefightersforhealing Email address redacted 1 attachment (10 KB) Guest List.xlsx; ⚠ This message contains an attachment, shared file or folder from someone outside of our organization. Please ensure you trust the person sending this message and you're expecting to receive an attachment. Please contact the IT Department if you have any suspicions. This email has MS Office attachment(s). If you trust the sender (Jake LaFerriere ) and you expect it, then it's OK to open the attachment, otherwise please delete the email. Liz, THANK YOU so very much for your guys love and support, and making an intro. Chief, Good morning! It's a pleasure meeting you virtually. This is a great event. We have a lot of Fire Dept that attend like MPLS, ST. Paul, Maple Grove, Little Canada Fire, Coon Rapids, EP, etc. We also have the color guard that kicks it off with pipes and drums. Here is a quick snapshot for greater context. Will need to get your guests names and contact info, and meal choices. Also if you need a few more tickets let us know. We look forward to having you guys joining us for our 10th year anniversary FF4H Red Tie Gala November 1, 2025 @ The Depot Minneapolis. Here is more info on the FAQ. Let me know if you have any questions. Have a fabulous day! Best Regards, Jake LaFerriere Firefighters For Healing Founder/Executive Director Direct: 612-7o1-5055 jake@FirefightersForHealing.org Learn more on FirefightersForHealing.org Firefighters For Healing is a 501c3 (EIN 80-0717709) nonprofit charitable foundation. We provide assistance and support to our Hero First Responders as well as children who are burn survivors and their families. Thanks to the support of the community we launched Camp RED, a burn camp for Kids in Cross Lake, MN and kicked off our Capital Campaign for our newest dream "Vision 2020" the construction of our new home and Transitional Healing Center just 1 block from Hennepin Healthcare. For more details visit our website or take a look at this 2 minute video of our Founder's story and our plans to leave a legacy of healing. On Thu, Oct 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM Liz Lindskoog <vfwpost230 Email address redacted> wrote: Good morning Chief, I am reaching out to confirm that the VFW Post 230, as part of our mission to serve our community, has donated our 10 passes to the Nov 1st Firefighters For Healing Gala. Not only do we want recognize the service the Fire Department provides our community everyday, we also appreciate Matt’s active participation at our post. Please consider attending along with anyone else that is interested. I have also CC’d Jake, the founder of Firefighters for Healing, as he will need to get meal orders for those planning to attend. Meal openings are: 1. 8 ounce Waugh Sirloin with Rosemary Mushroom Ragout 2. Striped Bass with a Romesco Sauce 3. Quinoa Truffle Ragout with Roasted Tomatoes, Black Beans, Chickpeas, and soft herbs Apologies for the short notice. The VFW wanted to donate to this great organization. The gala was just a perk, and we thought if anyone in the department could attend, great! Thank you for your service to our community, Liz Lindskoog 55 Item 5. Saturday, November 1st, 2025 The Depot, Minneapolis - 225 3rd Ave S. PRESENTING SPONSOR - $50,000 PLATINUM SPONSOR - $12,500 GOLD SPONSOR - $6,500 SILVER SPONSOR - $3,500 ♦ Naming Rights (Music/Band, Print, Dessert) ♦ Priority Reserved Seating (Four Tables or 40 Tickets) ♦ Four Complimentary Hotel Rooms at Venue ♦ Exclusive VIP GUESTS ONLY RECEPTION from 4:30pm - 5:30pm ♦ VIP Reception includes FREE cocktails & appetizers ♦ Wine Service with Dinner ♦ Full Page AD in Gala Program ♦ Company Featured on Web / Social Media ♦ Priority Reserved Seating (Two Tables or 20 Tickets) ♦ Two Complimentary Hotel Rooms at the Venue ♦ Exclusive VIP GUESTS ONLY RECEPTION from 4:30pm - 5:30pm ♦ VIP Reception Includes FREE cocktails & appetizers ♦ Priority Reserved Seating (One Table or 10 Tickets) ♦ One Complimentary Hotel Room at the Venue ♦ Exclusive VIP GUESTS ONLY RECEPTION from 4:30pm - 5:30pm ♦ Priority Reserved Seating (One Table or 10 Tickets) ♦ Company Name in Gala Program ♦ Logo on Video and Interactive Program Link ♦ Presenting Sponsor on all Media Items ♦ 30 Second Video Spot for Company CEO during dinner hour ♦ Quarterly Newsletter Ad ♦ Private tour of the Healing Center ♦ A Platinum Sponsorship at our Annual Golf Event to include a golf foursome, dinner, and branding opportunities. ♦ Wine Service with Dinner ♦ Half-page ad in Gala Program ♦ Company Featured on Web / Social Media ♦ Logo on Video and Interactive Program Link ♦ Private tour of the Healing Center ♦ VIP Reception Includes FREE cocktails & appetizers ♦ Company Featured on Web / Social Media ♦ Logo on Video and Interactive Program Link ♦ Company Logo in Gala Program ♦ Logo on Video and Interactive Program Link The 10th Anniversary Red Tie Gala: CELEBRATING A DECADE OF GROWTH, HOPE, AND LOVE If you have questions email: gala@firefightersforhealing.org THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY & SUPPORT Firefighters for Healing Tax ID: EIN # 80-0717709 56 Item 5. Saturday, November 1st, 2025 The Depot, Minneapolis - 225 3rd Ave S. Sponsor of HOPE - $5,000 Sponsor of LOVE - $5,000 Sponsor of GROWTH - $5,000 MEMORY LANE Sponsor - $3,000 10TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO MOMENT Sponsor - $3,000 ♦ Company/Name(s) on new HOPE FOR HEALING plaque in healing center suites ♦ Logo/Name(s) on gala signage ♦ Sponsor(s) of LOVE will be the official supporter(s) of our Camp RED Winter Leadership Retreat in January 2026 ♦ Logo/Name(s) on gala signage ♦ Company/Name(s) of GROWTH Sponsorships secured by 8/1/25 to be featured in our September 2025 15th anniversary social media posts ♦ Logo/Name(s) on gala signage ♦ Social media recognition of Logo/Name(s) ♦ Logo/Name(s) on gala signage ♦ Social media recognition of Logo/Name(s) ♦ Social media recognition of Logo/Name(s) ♦ 10th Anniversary Sponsor of HOPE Gift ♦ Two VIP Red Tie Gala Tickets ♦ Social media recognition of Logo/Name(s) ♦ 10th Anniversary Sponsor of LOVE Gift ♦ Two VIP Red Tie Gala Tickets ♦ Logo/Name(s) on gala signage ♦ 10th Anniversary Sponsor GROWTH Gift ♦ Two VIP Red Tie Gala Tickets ♦ Two Red Tie Gala Tickets ♦ Two Red Tie Gala Tickets The 10th Anniversary Red Tie Gala: CELEBRATING A DECADE OF GROWTH, HOPE, AND LOVE If you have questions email: gala@firefightersforhealing.org THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY & SUPPORT Firefighters for Healing Tax ID: EIN # 80-0717709 57 Item 5. ITEM: Laserfiche Software License Renewal DEPARTMENT: Information Technology BY/DATE: Jesse Hauf, IT Director / Oct, 14, 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 X _Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND Laserfiche is the City of Columbia Heights’ enterprise document management system. It provides a secure, centralized platform for creating, storing, organizing, and retrieving both public and internal records. By utilizing Laserfiche, the City ensures compliance with state and federal data retention and public records requirements while improving transparency and efficiency. Laserfiche provides residents with a portal available on the City’s website to search for documents. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS The City of Columbia Heights has utilized Laserfiche as its primary document management system since the early 2000s and currently maintains more than 1.5 million pages of digitized records within the platform. Over the years, the system has become integral to City operations, providing a reliable and secure means of managing official records across all departments. While alternative solutions have been evaluated periodically, Laserfiche continues to demonstrate the best balance of functionality, scalability, and compliance for the City’s needs. In 2020, following changes to Laserfiche’s licensing model, the City Council app roved an upgrade to a self- hosted site license appropriate for an organization of Columbia Heights’ size. The agreement was structured as a three-year contract at an annual cost of approximately $25,000 with incremental increases, ensuring continued access to full enterprise capabilities. Since that time, the City has renewed the contract for an additional two years. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends continuing to renew Laserfiche on a yearly basis as budgeted in the 2025 budget. Yearly renewals currently follow the same rate increases as multi-year contracts, allowing the City to remain flexible and evaluate options as we build online permitting and service management. The 2025 renewal for Laserfiche is $28,389.39 from our current vendor, OPG-3 Inc. CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA SECTION CONSENT MEETING DATE 10/27/2025 58 Item 6. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2 RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Approve the purchase of Laserfiche site license annual renewal from OPG-3 in the amount of $28,389.39. ATTACHMENT(S) 20250902_OPG3_Laserfiche 20251014_ICC_Laserfiche_Alternate 59 Item 6. 60 Item 6. Priced for Retail Invoice Date: September 08, 2025 Due Date: October 08, 2025 Subscription Reseller: ICC Community Development 3490 Winton Place Rochester Hills, NY 14623 Customer: City of Columbia Heights 590 40th Ave. NE Minneapolis, Minnesota 55421 Code Product Length Qty List Price List Total JSXGOV25B Municipality Site License 1 yr 1 $28,389.38 $28,389.38 Total $28,389.38 Grand Total $28,389.38 61 Item 6. ITEM: License Agenda. DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Sarah LaVoie / October 22, 2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) X 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 BACKGROUND Attached is the business license agenda for October 27, 2025, City Council meeting. This agenda consists of applications for 2025 and 2026: contractor licenses, business licenses for fuel, low potency cannabis, tobacco and beer. At the top of the license agenda there is a phrase stating "*Signed Waiver Form accompanied application", noting that the data privacy form has been submitted as required. If not submitted, certain information cannot be released to the public. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommend that the items are approved as listed. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to approve the items listed on the business license agenda for October 27, 2025, as presented. ATTACHMENT(S) 10/27/2025 License Table CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA MEETING DATE 10/27/2025 62 Item 7. TO CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 27TH 2025 *Signed Waiver Form accompanied application CONTRACTOR LICENSES *THE HEAT GEEK 21145 OKINAWA ST NE EAST BETHEL MN 55011 $80 *GRAY DUCT TECHNOLOGIES INC 6912 PARK DR $80 BUSINESS LICENSES 2026 *CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS (LOW POTENCY CANNABIS) 4950 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MN 55421 $125 *CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS (LOW POTENCY CANNABIS) 2105 37TH AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MN 55421 $125 *CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS (LOW POTENCY CANNABIS) 5225 UNIVERSITY AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTSMN 55421 $125 *JEFFS BOBBY AND STEVES (LOW POTENCY CANNABIS) 3701 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA HIEGHTS MN 55421 $125 *NORTHERN TIER/SPEEDWAY (FUEL DISPENSING) 5001 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS $160 *NORTHERN TIER/SPEEDWAY 5001 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS $500 63 Item 7. (TOBACCO) *NORTHERN TIER/SPEEDWAY (BEER SALES) 5001 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS $450 *FAMILY DOLLAR (TOBACCO) 4037 CENTRAL AVE NE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MN 55421 $500 64 Item 7. ITEM: Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval DEPARTMENT: Fire BY/DATE: Assistant Fire Chief Brad Roddy / October 27, 2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) X 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 X Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND: Consideration of approval of the attached list of rental housing license applications. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for October 27, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. RECOMMENDED MOTION: MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for October 27, 2025, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. ATTACHMENT: Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval – 10-27-25 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA SECTION CONSENT MEETING DATE OCTOBER 27, 2025 65 Item 8. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval 10/27/25: LICENSEE LICENSE ADDRESS LICENSE INFORMATION *New License Baha, Yousuf 662 85th Avenue NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433 212 42nd Ave NE 214 42nd Ave NE 25-0009323 Rental License Transfer Fee Number of licensed units: 2 $50.00 Bulle, Mujahidin 3577 Woodland Court Eagan, MN 55123 3955 Hayes St NE 25-0009258 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Cambi, Fausto 3515 Ulyssess Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 5236 6th St NE 25-0009167 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Christ, Dennis 10609 W Welk Drive Sun City, AZ 85373 4855 5th St NE 4857 5th St NE 25-0009175 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 *New License Domino, Paul 1215 154th Lane NE Ham Lake, MN 55304 1401 Circle Terrace Blvd NE 1403 Circle Terrace Blvd NE 25-0009324 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $1,650.00 Dubay, Robert 906 Saint Clair Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105 4143 Main St NE 25-0009242 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $450.00 Edlich, Richard CEL Monton LLC 1845 Stinson Pkwy NE#101 Minneapolis, MN 55418 968 42nd Ave NE 25-0009147 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Foyet, Fabrice 1243 Circle Terrace Blvd NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 1241 Circle Terrace Blvd NE 1243 CIrcle Terrace NE Blvd 25-0009291 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $450.00 Gorelick, Todd MNSF T2 SPE, LLC 6836 Carnegie Blvd#300 Charlotte, NC 28211 3820 Jackson St NE 25-0009271 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Gorelick, Todd MNSF II W1, LLC 6836 Carnegie Blvd#300 Charlotte, NC 28211 4250 Quincy St NE 25-0009226 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 10/21/2025 12:03 Page 1 of 4 66 Item 8. LICENSEE LICENSE ADDRESS LICENSE INFORMATION Hardy, Adam AA Homes LLC 10508 Major Ave N Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 4217 Central Ave NE 25-0009237 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Hardy, Adria 10508 Major Ave N Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 4305 Monroe St NE 25-0009223 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Haugestuen, Ben Wolfpack Capital Investments LLC 6345 Compton Road Fort Collins, CO 80525 228 40th Ave NE 25-0009279 Rental License [Over 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 8 $426.00 Jappah, Felicia 8224 June Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 1226 45th Ave NE 25-0009292 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Jermanous, Elie 6380 7th Street NE Fridley, MN 55432 3879 Polk St NE 3881 Polk St NE 25-0009144 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 Jones, Kyle Jones Family Investments LLC 2505 Silver Lane NE Saint Anthony, MN 55421 3838 McKinley St NE 25-0009267 Rental License [Over 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 35 $1,020.00 Kebede, Daniel 10717 Maple Blvd. Woodbury, MN 55129 4150 2nd St NE 25-0009241 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Kindem, Timothy Two Guys Enterprise, LLC 4821 Aldrich Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55419 4701 5th St NE 4703 5th St NE 25-0008998 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $450.00 Kunsal, Tenzin 3118 128th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 4915 Johnson St NE 25-0009172 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $450.00 Lastor Equila, Timoteo 4921 Jackson Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 4347 University Ave NE 25-0009311 Rental License [Over 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 11 $2,460.00 Lewis, Wesley 124 Red Oak Road Braham, MN 55006 1144 Cheery Ln NE 25-0009328 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 Loo, Patricia 18042 88th Place N. Maple Grove, MN 55311 4116 Madison St NE 25-0009244 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Marquette, Joel 4300 Reservoir Blvd NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 4311 Royce St NE 25-0009222 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 10/21/2025 12:03 Page 2 of 4 67 Item 8. LICENSEE LICENSE ADDRESS LICENSE INFORMATION McGrath, Todd 3826 Stinson, LLC 2136 Ford Pkwy#8064 Saint Paul, MN 55116 3826 Stinson Blvd NE 25-0009269 Rental License [Over 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 17 $624.00 *New License Mohamed, Rahma 4380 Alvarado Lane North Plymouth, MN 55446 4433 Quincy St NE 25-0009327 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Mora Vivar, Luis 4601 7th Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 4439 Jackson St NE 25-0009203 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 *New License Oh, Hoonseok 8518 Xebec Street Blaine, MN 55014 645 Sullivan Dr NE 25-0009326 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Riera, Jorge 1410 39th Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55421 4655 Polk St NE 4657 Polk St NE 25-0009188 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 Robles, Blanca 4855 4th Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 1821 41st Ave NE 1819 41st Ave NE 25-0009283 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 Santos, Carlos 3960 Tyler Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 3736 2nd St NE 25-0008947 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $450.00 Schaff, Nelia 1551 Woodside Court NE Fridley, MN 55432 1205 Cheery Ln NE 1203 Cheery Ln NE 25-0009295 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 Singh, Tagore 18204 84th Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55311 1035 Peters Pl NE 25-0008921 Rental License [Over 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 6 $382.00 Smith, Nicholas 508 Lomianki Lane NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 4131 Washington St NE 25-0009243 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Solls, Mark IH2 Property Illinois, LP c/o Invitation Homes 4450 Sojourn Drive#100 Addison, TX 75001 4240 6th St NE 25-0009229 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 10/21/2025 12:03 Page 3 of 4 68 Item 8. LICENSEE LICENSE ADDRESS LICENSE INFORMATION Solls, Mark IH2 Property Illinois LP/c/o Invitation Homes 4450 Sojourn Drive#100 Addison, TX 75001 4536 Taylor St NE 25-0009199 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Sultana, Zehra St Cloud Holding Partners LLC 8445 Center Dr NE Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 1109 42 1/2 Ave NE 1111 42 1/2 Ave NE 25-0008926 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 Sultana, Zehra Clifton Properties LLC 8445 Center Drive Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 4622 Johnson St NE 4624 Johnson St NE 25-0008987 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 Tesfaye, Kiros ART Properties Management LLC 2301 Woodbridge Street#102 Roseville, MN 55113 4229 Central Ave NE 25-0009233 Rental License [Over 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 8 $426.00 Teunissen, Claire 24558 Greenway Avenue North Forest Lake, MN 55025 673 51st Ave NE 675 51st Ave NE 25-0009157 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 2 $300.00 Wenzel, David 5001 Jackson Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 4769 Chatham Rd NE 25-0009180 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Xu, Bill Barer Investment Group LLC 229 Minnetonka Ave S#843 Wayzata, MN 55391 1415 43rd Ave NE 25-0009287 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 Yee, Sun QZ Funding LLC 10800 Lyndale Avenue Bloomington, MN 55420 4064 Reservoir Blvd NE 25-0009247 Rental License [1 - 3 Units] Number of licensed units: 1 $300.00 10/21/2025 12:03 Page 4 of 4 69 Item 8. ITEM: Review of Bills. DEPARTMENT: Finance Department BY/DATE: October 27th, 2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) X Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity X High Quality Public Spaces X Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone X Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking X Resilient and Prosperous Economy X Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND The Finance Department prepares a list of all payments made for approval of the Council. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve payments since previous City Council Meeting. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): 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 $1,795,317.95. ATTACHMENT(S) List of Claims CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA MEETING DATE OCTOBER 27TH, 2025 70 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL (2.72)000020815SNACKS, CANDY, CUPS,PRIZES YOUTH LOCK IN WELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD01822Q2472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 40.00 111042171COUNCIL CHAMBERS NAMEPLATES20005 155.33 111042175DINNER-SEPT EDA AND CC WRK SESS51592 65.57 111044376FITNESS COURT STUDIO RIBBON CUTTING SUPPLS113-2298827-0100254 66.95 111044376POPCORN FOR CITY EVENTS113-9313587-1951418 1,500.00 1110443762025 MOVIE IN THE PARK RENTAL FEES2464666 80.00 111048200FUNERAL FLOWERS ALLAN OLSON00515126 96.53 132044374UTENSILS,CONTNRS SUM STAFF LUNCHEON113-0289406-4478663 26.67 132044374PLATES SUMMER STAFF LUNCHEON113-0994939-0247438 76.95 1320443742025 SUMMER STAFF LUNCHEON PRIZES113-7297274-3771401 48.00 1320443742025 SUMMER STAFF LUNCHEON PRIZE113-8497558-0621040 94.34 1320443742025 SUMMER STAFF LUNCHEON PRIZES113-8710256-7931427 97.25 132044374BEVERAGES SUMMER STAFF LUNCHEON081925 690.00 132044374ICE CREAM SUMMER STAFF LUNCHEON02052Q 4,056.65 1320443742025 SUMMER STAFF LUNCHEON109410 31.03 136042000BADGE HOLDERS113-7477196-4085059 7.91 141044030ADOBE SUBSCRIPTIONS 2008456877092 30.00 141044030CHATGPT SUBSC 072325-08232569ACA837-0016 13.32 151042000PLANNER112-3593964-3123402 69.25 151042171CASH DRAWERS, TEA, LENS WIPES112-4875267-2401852 16.29 194042171CASH DRAWERS, TEA, LENS WIPES112-4875267-2401852 13.98 194042175APPLE CIDER112-2091513-1619445 13.64 194042175CASH DRAWERS, TEA, LENS WIPES112-4875267-2401852 28.18 210042000K-9 KANSAS TRNG TRTS,FOOT REST112-6988915-0151430 346.43 210042010SUPPRESSOR COVER BAGS113-8087219-0983452 21.25 2100420101064R-UL SINGLE DOOR CONTROLER18-13497-42530 39.90 210042011OTTERBOX IPHONE 15 CASE111-5399461-5781845 326.47 210042170TEEN ACADEMY/HEIGHTS PRIDE SHIRTS14133 74.99 210042170K-9 KANSAS GROOMING AND DESHEDDING TREATMENT240920 34.98 210042170COLLAR AND DOG TAG K-9 KANSAS240868 262.10 210042170STORAGE BINS112-3730819-3765010 29.96 210042170K-9 KANSAS TRAINING TREATS112-4861178-9969817 15.88 210042170K-9 KANSAS TRAINING SUPPLIES112-6639519-3160249 6.89 210042170K-9 KANSAS TRNG TRTS,FOOT REST112-6988915-0151430 68.20 2100421713V LITHIUM BATTERIES113-3204711-7076250 56.26 210042171LESS LETHAL CLEANING KIT113-8540740-6397036 205.22 210042171GUN CLEANER,FIREARM LUBRICANT112-1463713-6019429 221.59 210042172DUTY BELT LOW PROFILE S TOMBERSINV0441428 18.02 210042172DUTY BELT LOW PROFILE S TOMBERSINV0441428 169.96 210042172FBI ACADEMY DUTY SHOES27426159267 28.99 210042175SNACK SWEARING IN CERMONY NAVARRETE02921Q 71 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 15.99 210042175CUPCAKES SWEARING IN02982Q 371.20 210042175PIZZA LANDLORD MEETING3 082025 175.00 210043105UNMANNED AIRCRAFT TESTD68PX8VZ 815.00 210043105RESCUE TASK FORCE INSTR TRNG20254540 150.00 210043105MNJIS TRAINING54174 70.00 210043105POST RYAN VOLNA-RICH53412562 20.00 210043830B POSEL SQUAD FUEL69534 78.00 210044030SUBSCRIPTION 090625-10062520250907-000723 3.25 210044030SEPT MONTHLY SERVICE FEE TABLET100425 32.50 210044310TABS # 8245 & 8200503719102 0.70 210044310TABS # 8245 & 8200503719102 91.94 210044390POST LICENSE TEST R VOLNAMLSPOS000178737 107.26 210044390POST BOARD LICENSE R VOLNA RICHMLSPOS000178505 21.25 2200420101064R-UL SINGLE DOOR CONTROLER18-13497-42530 2,105.81 220042011DELL 16 PREMIUM LAPTOP10826540577 13.99 220042171PAPER TOWELS02921Q 1.14 220042171PAPER TOWELS02921Q 249.99 220042171PARTS FOR GRILL8884 202.77 220042175STAFF LUNCH HOSE TESTING37657566850924544 78.06 220042180FIRE OFFICER: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE BOOK112-4657685-8229061 2,415.00 2200431052025 ANNUAL CONF9652 390.00 220043105FIRE MARSHAL CONF REGISD2NS3XJTL6V 195.00 220043105FIRE MARSHAL CONF REGISTRATIONHMN3GGGV2D6 77.03 220044030ADOBE SUBSCRIPTIONS 2008456877092 60.00 220044030CHATGPT SUBSC 072325-08232569ACA837-0016 5.29 220044390AMBULANCE LICENSEHLBH8S001580667 246.00 220044390AMBULANCE LICENSEHLBH8S001580667 293.06 230042000NOTEPADS, HELMET HLDR, PRINTER INK114-9478685-0703408 28.30 230042000PRINTER INK114-3397707-0648262 3.69 310042000SCISSORS112-2318931-1389058 62.71 310042173SAFETY RAIN JACKET114-5077276-6094640 350.00 310043105ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025MNAC25-S3YNL1PT 25.00 310043105AWWA YP SUMMIT- R. WIDMER 200009182 56.99 310044030CHATGPT SUBSC 072325-08232569ACA837-0016 37.00 312142000BUSINESS CARDS FOR STAFF13111 3.69 312142000SCISSORS112-2318931-1389058 23.77 312142000PENS, POST CARDS01980Q 5.37 312142000HIGHLIGHTERS,FOLDERS112-3821506-6768229 1,100.42 312142010SPOT LIGHTS,MOUNTS787770 (151.98)312142010STROBES N' MORE - REFUND787770 184.87 312142011DELL PRO SMART DOCK10831065801 72 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 72.56 312142011DELL PRO PLUS KEYBOARD AND MOUSE10830969886 14.47 312142171LEADERSHIP BOOK,POLO SHIRTS114-8071734-3507438 30.00 312142171LEADERSHIP BOOK,POLO SHIRTS114-8071734-3507438 212.32 312142171SHOVELS112-3852650-1489028 42.00 312143105TRAINING MATERIAL FOR STAFF38247 1,661.16 312143105MN PUBLIC WORKS EXECUTIVE FELLOWSHIP20252026XCTVFREA000K 183.97 312143105MN FALL WRKSHP SUPERVISOR CERT2025PWMNFLLWRREA0010 45.00 3121431052025 MN FALL MAINTENANCE EXPO1838876455 80.98 312144030CHATGPT SUBSC 072325-08232569ACA837-0016 36.08 317042000INK CARTRIGE112-0261623-7433042 116.90 500142171SIZE 4 SOCCER BALLS 113-1194470-66115405 44.68 500442170GLOW NECKLACES,LIGHTS YOUTH LOCK IN114-5233079-5803417 57.87 500442170SNACKS, CANDY, CUPS,PRIZES YOUTH LOCK IN 01822Q 28.75 500442171BALLOONS YOUTH PROGRAMS AND EVENTS113-6584104-7874667 52.09 500442175SNACKS, CANDY, CUPS,PRIZES YOUTH LOCK IN 01822Q 172.79 500442175PIZZA YOUTH LOCK IN 36 39.99 504042170ART SUPPLIES FOR CLASSES111-1297911-8046601 26.04 504042170ART SUPPLIES02651Q 115.63 504042175SNACKS-INHOUSE ACTIVITIES01011Q 65.48 504042175HARVEST DINNER MEAL02717Q 48.94 504042175HARVEST DINNER DESSERTS01041Q 19.66 504044200LUNCH OUTING WITH ACTIVE AGERS45-7 20.00 504044200LUNCH OUTING WITH ACTIVE AGERS50021 45.00 504044200TROLLEY TOUR TICKET305496253 84.00 504044200JJHILL HOME TOUR TICKETS1281-4723 60.00 504044200JJ HILL HOME TOUR TICKETSOUM34051599233 20.00 504044200LUNCH OUTING WITH ACTIVE AGERS23 3.45 504044200PARKING FEE AT STATE CAPITOL1866 200.00 504044200SHOW TICKETSLUD-1001 3.69 520042000SCISSORS112-2318931-1389058 23.78 520042000PENS, POST CARDS01980Q 5.35 520042000HIGHLIGHTERS,FOLDERS112-3821506-6768229 1,100.42 520042010SPOT LIGHTS,MOUNTS787770 43.66 52004217155 GAL TRASH BAGS114-0448214-8412261 42.00 520043105TRAINING MATERIAL FOR STAFF38247 414.00 520043105NORTHERN GREEN OUTDOORS81184334817 1,100.42 610242010SPOT LIGHTS,MOUNTS787770 25,590.40 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 95.40 194043050PEST CONTROL-CH 0925ADAM'S PEST CONTROL, INC4253095204566*#MAIN10/09/2025 73 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 4/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 86.18 111042171MAGNETIC SIGNSADVANTAGE SIGNS & GRAPHICS INCV0625-119204567#MAIN10/09/2025 92.00 111044376VINYL BANNERV0525-165 199.00 111044376SIGNSV0525-264 86.16 132044374MAGNETIC SIGNSV0625-119 86.16 132044375MAGNETIC SIGNSV0625-119 549.50 CHECK MAIN 204567 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 37.50 210043250BROADBAND CONN 0925ANOKA COUNTYB250911G204568*#MAIN10/09/2025 37.50 220043250BROADBAND CONN 0925B250911G 18.75 310043250BROADBAND CONN 0925B250911G 3.75 312143250BROADBAND CONN 0925B250911G 3.75 520043250BROADBAND CONN 0925B250911G 101.25 CHECK MAIN 204568 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 1,050.00 210044100GUN RANGE USE 090325, 090525ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT092925204569MAIN10/09/2025 442.70 210042172SHIRTS, PANTS, PATCHES, ALTERATIONS, EMBROIDERYASPEN MILLS, INC.361622204570#MAIN10/09/2025 199.95 210042172DUTY BOOTS361718 63.33 210042172FLEECE DUTY SHIRT, EMBROIDERY361784 222.50 220042172SHIRTS, CAPS, PATCH, EMBROIDERY361075 61.95 220042172SHIRT, PATCHES361338 29.70 220042172NAME TAG VELCRO361253 478.50 220042172PANTS, SHIRTS, PATCHES, EMBROIDERY361137 637.75 220042172CLASS A UNIFORM362180 523.00 220042172CLASS A UNIFORM 362153 653.40 220042172CLASS A UNIFORM362142 3,312.78 CHECK MAIN 204570 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 22.50 210044020PLACE SYSTEM ON TEST FOR VIKING SPRINKLER-PSBASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INC45485204571*#MAIN10/09/2025 22.50 220044020PLACE SYSTEM ON TEST FOR VIKING SPRINKLER-PSB45485 45.00 CHECK MAIN 204571 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 359.00 210043105BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR WOMEN IN BLUE 120125-120225CALIBRE PRESS LLC150225204574MAIN10/09/2025 59.74 194042171FIRST AID SUPPLIES CH 092325CINTAS FIRST AID-SAFETY5293397806204578MAIN10/09/2025 55.60 194044020RUGS-CH 091025CINTAS INC4242868814204580MAIN10/09/2025 55.60 194044020RUGS-CH 0827254241390310 74 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 5/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 111.20 CHECK MAIN 204580 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 10,000.00 210043105DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS 0925-0126CONSCIOUSPRAXIS2505204583MAIN10/09/2025 1,016.00 520042171TOWELS, AIR FRESHENERCONTINENTAL RESEARCH CORP0066121204584MAIN10/09/2025 1,027.50 317042171TRAFFIC PAINTDIAMOND VOGEL PAINTS802260787204589MAIN10/09/2025 1,600.00 220043050COMPETENCY TESTING 092425FIRE INSTRUCTION & RESCUE ED7704204592MAIN10/09/2025 1,215.64 520042160PERENNIAL FLOWERSGROVE NURSERY35669200204598MAIN10/09/2025 30.27 220042171GLOVESIMPERIAL DADE4424938204601MAIN10/09/2025 43.57 194042171COMPOSTABLE PLATES, SWIFFER DUSTERINNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS LLCIN4934847204602MAIN10/09/2025 1,236.12 151042030AP CHECKSINSTY-PRINTS OF ST. PAUL, INC.176354204604#MAIN10/09/2025 191.92 210042030BUSINESS CARDS176262 (14.83)210042030BUSINESS CARDS176262 1,413.21 CHECK MAIN 204604 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 288.00 500143050UMPIRE MENS SOFTBALL 091125-092525ISOM/HARLAN G.092625204605MAIN10/09/2025 60.12 000020810REFUND DAMAGE & SECURITY DEPOSITSJUDOVSKY/JOSH092725204609MAIN10/09/2025 3.15 000020810REFUND DAMAGE & SECURITY DEPOSITS092725 38.71 000034781REFUND DAMAGE & SECURITY DEPOSITS092725 739.88 000034781REFUND DAMAGE & SECURITY DEPOSITS092725 841.86 CHECK MAIN 204609 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 150.00 210043050DECONTAMINATION SQUAD #8204KROPIDLOWSKI/MARK133928204610MAIN10/09/2025 1,040.00 210043050MANDATORY CHECK INS, THERAPY SESSIONS 0925MARIE RIDGEWAY LICSW LLC3349204613MAIN10/09/2025 101.48 220042070TIMBER, BOLTS, HEX NUT, WASHERSMENARDS CASHWAY LUMBER-FRIDLEY37009204617*#MAIN10/09/2025 23.79 220042171WAFERBOARD, FURRING 36129 125.27 CHECK MAIN 204617 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 600.00 210044030SECURED KEY BOX 103025-102926MIDWEST SECURITY PRODUCTS, INC.416670204620MAIN10/09/2025 195.80 312142160SLOW SET ASPHALT EMULSIONMINNESOTA ROADWAYS90782204622MAIN10/09/2025 1,500.00 220043105FALL EMT COURSE J. MURPHYNORTH METRO FIRE & EMSNMFE-25-009204625MAIN10/09/2025 222.00 512944100SATELLITE RENT-MCKENNAON SITE SANITATION INC0001960838204626MAIN10/09/2025 75 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 6/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 300.00 312143250DATA PLAN 0825PRECISE MRM LLCIN200-2007604204627*#MAIN10/09/2025 200.00 520043250DATA PLAN 0825IN200-2007604 500.00 CHECK MAIN 204627 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: (0.30)000020815093025 COOLER RENTALPREMIUM WATERS INC311068670204628*#MAIN10/09/2025 (0.30)000020815093025 COOLER RENTAL311068669 (0.60)000020815093025 COOLER RENTALS311068668 (1.20)CHECK MAIN 204628 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 37.00 194042171SEALING KITQUADIENT LEASING USA, INC.40259964204629MAIN10/09/2025 1,206.00 52004216044YDS PULVERIZED BLACK DIRTREHBEINS BLACK DIRT15100204632MAIN10/09/2025 4,242.80 520042160PULVERIZED BLACK DIRT, COMPOST15216 5,448.80 CHECK MAIN 204632 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 120.00 504043050ACTIVE AGERS 090325-092925SCHAFFER/PATRICIA ANNETTE092925204635MAIN10/09/2025 77.51 210044020PREVENT MAINT 0925-PSBSCHINDLER ELEVATOR CORP INC4607228317204636*#MAIN10/09/2025 77.51 220044020PREVENT MAINT 0925-PSB4607228317 83.34 920044020PREVENT MAINT 0825-590 40TH 4607215130 238.36 CHECK MAIN 204636 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 38.12 312142171PAINT STRAINERS SHERWIN WILLIAMS8538-0204637MAIN10/09/2025 85.11 194042000SPOONS, FORKS, CUPS, 3 RING BINDERS, PENS, ENVELOPESSTAPLES ADVANTAGE6042388271204639MAIN10/09/2025 106.32 194042171SPOONS, FORKS, CUPS, 3 RING BINDERS, PENS, ENVELOPES6042388271 191.43 CHECK MAIN 204639 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 204.99 210042172WEAPON LIGHTSTREICHER'S GUN'S INC/DONI1786233204640MAIN10/09/2025 2,266.00 210042173CARRIER, TRAUMA PLATE, BALL PANELI1785791 2,470.99 CHECK MAIN 204640 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 77.02 512944020LAWN SVC-JPM 091925TRUGREEN CHEMLAWN216595895204642MAIN10/09/2025 (12.16)000020810091725 BALESTRAPPINGVER-TECH INCS-INV102855204645*#MAIN10/09/2025 75.82 132043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 2,184.43 210043211091425 442735411-000016123523572 76 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 7/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 836.49 220043211091425 442735411-000016123523572 83.92 310043211091425 442735411-000016123523572 132.68 312143211091425 442735411-000016123523572 37.91 500043211091425 442735411-000016123523572 208.50 520043211091425 442735411-000016123523572 37.91 610243211091425 442735411-000016123523572 3,597.66 CHECK MAIN 204646 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 5,262.06 22004381051-5047554-2XCEL ENERGY (N S P)1218600022204650*#MAIN10/09/2025 (422.54)22004381051-5047554-21218600022 (389.41)22004381051-5047554-21218600022 (577.97)22004381051-5047554-21218600022 (188.37)22004381051-5047554-21218600022 (143.06)22004381051-5047554-21218600022 (227.72)22004381051-5047554-21218600022 11.14 31604381051-0013562395-21218602222 10.30 31604381051-4159572-01218602854 11.11 31604381051-4174399-11219533810 11.11 31604381051-4941920-11219242978 3,314.24 51294381051-4350334-81220392646 (1,883.94)51294381051-4350334-81220392646 4,786.95 CHECK MAIN 204650 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: (2.91)000020810091725 INVBELLBOY BAR SUPPLY01103013002457(A)*#MAIN10/09/2025 1,023.95 194044000MAINT 091625-101525COORDINATED BUSINESS SYSTEMS, LTD.INV4876852462(A)MAIN10/09/2025 261.91 194042175COFFEE SUPPLIES 092225FIRST CHOICE COFFEE SERVICEMN-6548102463(A)*#MAIN10/09/2025 404.92 210042172BOOTS, PANTSASPEN MILLS, INC.362411204658MAIN10/16/2025 159.98 210042172DUTY PANTS362295 159.95 210042172JACKET, PATCHES361934 724.85 CHECK MAIN 204658 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 158.75 132043050COBRA ADMIN 0925; RETIREE BILLING 0925; PARTICIPATION FEE 1025BENEFIT EXTRAS, INC.1411440204665*#MAIN10/16/2025 2,280.00 194044100PARKING 0825, ELECTRICITY 080625-090725BPOZ COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, LLC1024204666MAIN10/16/2025 2,406.04 194044100PARKING 0825, ELECTRICITY 080625-0907251024 77 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 8/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 4,686.04 CHECK MAIN 204666 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 25.00 210044020FRESH AIR, TOWELS PS 100225CINTAS INC4245261563204669#MAIN10/16/2025 25.00 220044020FRESH AIR, TOWELS PS 1002254245261563 36.62 512944020MOPS JPM 1007254245684371 86.62 CHECK MAIN 204669 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 55.60 194044020RUGS-CH 091725CINTAS INC4243601593204670MAIN10/16/2025 118.94 194044020WINDOW CLEANING-CH 0825CITY WIDE WINDOW SERVICE INC751463204671*#MAIN10/16/2025 (8.94)194044020WINDOW CLEANING-CH 0825751463 110.00 CHECK MAIN 204671 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 84.00 520044100MINI TILLER RENTALCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS RENTAL INC1-1043305204672MAIN10/16/2025 4,972.91 312142161DE-ICING SALTCOMPASS MINERALS AMERICA INC1500733204673MAIN10/16/2025 5,950.00 210043105LEADERSHIP COACHING 0925-1225CONSCIOUSPRAXIS2506204674MAIN10/16/2025 4,015.75 21004217140MM SPONGES, INSERTS, NOSES, CASING BASESDEFENSE TECHNOLOGY LLCI016-000034238204676MAIN10/16/2025 167.95 31704217112X6 W/BULE HIP BEGIN/END SIGNEARL F ANDERSEN INC0140788-IN204677MAIN10/16/2025 190.00 220043050TURNOUT GEAR CLEANINGEMERGENCY TECHNICAL DECON00000787204679MAIN10/16/2025 1,455.54 310044030ARCGIS MAINT 092825-092726ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH900107604204680*#MAIN10/16/2025 1,455.54 312144030ARCGIS MAINT 092825-092726900107604 727.77 520044030ARCGIS MAINT 092825-092726900107604 3,638.85 CHECK MAIN 204680 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 3,963.75 220043050ANNUAL HOSE TESTING 2025FIRE CATT L.L.C.16833204681MAIN10/16/2025 550.00 132043050PRE-EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 0925GROUP HEALTH PLAN INC20007204684MAIN10/16/2025 765.21 151042030PAYROLL CHECKSINSTY-PRINTS OF ST. PAUL, INC.176279204689MAIN10/16/2025 (59.13)151042030PAYROLL CHECKS176279 706.08 CHECK MAIN 204689 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 253.29 317044000REPAIR GROUND WIRE-41ST AVE CIVIL SIREN J. BECHER & ASSOC INC25130098-F204690MAIN10/16/2025 21.48 504042175CANDY, PEANUTS, BUTTER, COOL WHIPLACK/CANDY100625204692MAIN10/16/2025 76.22 210043250LANGUAGE LINE 0925LANGUAGELINE SOLUTIONS11725685204693MAIN10/16/2025 78 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 9/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 684.51 194044020EMPLOYEE ENTRY READERS TO KEYPAD READERS-CHLVC COMPANIES INC173807204696MAIN10/16/2025 1,525.01 194044020REMOVE AND REPLACE READERS-CH173806 2,209.52 CHECK MAIN 204696 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 52.60 000020810REFUND CHECK DEPOSIT MACKO/ANDREW100625204697MAIN10/16/2025 647.40 000034781REFUND CHECK DEPOSIT 100625 700.00 CHECK MAIN 204697 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 21.48 220043320MEALS FOR HEART OF THE LAKES CONF 092625 - 092725MCKAY/KATE092625204700MAIN10/16/2025 11.75 220043320MEALS FOR HEART OF THE LAKES CONF 092625 - 092725092625 33.23 CHECK MAIN 204700 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 23.76 2200420701X2-8 FURRING MENARDS CASHWAY LUMBER-FRIDLEY37619204701MAIN10/16/2025 42.69 2200421714CYCL GAS, BWLS, PPR PLATES, SCREWS, PPR TWLS37935 24.68 2200422824CYCL GAS, BWLS, PPR PLATES, SCREWS, PPR TWLS37935 91.13 CHECK MAIN 204701 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 25.00 512944390BOILER LICENSE JPM 2025MN DEPT OF LABOR & INDUSTRYABR0358471X204706MAIN10/16/2025 720.00 210044030INTERACTIVE MPSTATUS 091625-091626MOBILE PRO SYSTEMS3-1217-3569204708MAIN10/16/2025 684.47 210043810SOLAR POWERONSITE PARTNERS PROJECTCO, LLCINV-1168204713*#MAIN10/16/2025 684.47 220043810SOLAR POWERINV-1168 1,368.94 CHECK MAIN 204713 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: (5.69)000020815092625 - 10013121POPP.COM INC992893320204716*#MAIN10/16/2025 6.08 111043210092625 - 10013121992893320 13.56 111043210093025 -10010429992894228 13.63 132043210092625 - 10013121992893320 13.56 132043210093025 -10010429992894228 34.16 151043210092625 - 10013121992893320 13.56 151043210093025 -10010429992894228 11.58 194043210092625 - 10013121992893320 74.66 210043210092625 - 10013121992893320 26.42 220043210092625 - 10013121992893320 56.99 310043210092625 - 10013121992893320 4.82 312143210092625 - 10013121992893320 79 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 10/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 101 GENERAL 33.16 500043210092625 - 10013121992893320 12.63 500043210093025 -10010429992894228 1.41 512943210092625 - 10013121992893320 56.87 512943210093025 -10010429992894228 1.32 520043210092625 - 10013121992893320 102.04 920043210093025 -10010429992894228 470.76 CHECK MAIN 204716 TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 2,266.00 210042173CARRIERS, PANEL, TRAUMA PLATESTREICHER'S GUN'S INC/DONI1786766204724MAIN10/16/2025 280.60 132043050BACKGROUND CHECKS 0925THE MCDOWELL AGENCY, INC.164375204725MAIN10/16/2025 ** VOIDED **MONTHLY SUBSC 100625-110525TIME IQ LLC20251006-000723204726MAIN10/16/2025 193.50 141043050COUNCIL MINUTES 092225TIMESAVER OFF SITE SECRETR INC31099204727MAIN10/16/2025 176.00 512943050SECURITY JPM 092725ALLIED UNIVERSAL SECURITY SERVICES176328112473(A)MAIN10/16/2025 315.00 194042171EQUIPMENT RENTAL 100225FIRST CHOICE COFFEE SERVICEMN-7525302480(A)#MAIN10/16/2025 25.22 210042175COFFEE CREAMER 100625MN-768682 25.22 220042175COFFEE CREAMER 100625MN-768682 365.44 CHECK MAIN 2480(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 101: 110,671.57 Total for fund 101 GENERAL 80 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 11/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 201 PLANNING & INSPECTIONS 74.00 240042000BUSINESS CARDS FOR STAFFWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD131112472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 69.25 240042171CASH DRAWERS, TEA, LENS WIPES112-4875267-2401852 398.84 240044330COMMDEV STAR TRIBUNE SUBSCRIPTION13603648 25-26 542.09 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 201: 116.80 240043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 236.00 240043500PHN ORD #2025-070 WK2 092625ECM PUBLISHERS INC1067227204678*#MAIN10/16/2025 76.70 240043500PHN OCT 27 PH ORD #1720 0926251067228 312.70 CHECK MAIN 204678 TOTAL FOR FUND 201: 7,455.00 000020830SAC 3RD QTR 2025METRO COUNCIL ENVIROMENTAL SER3RD QTR SAC204702MAIN10/16/2025 (74.55)000036293SAC 3RD QTR 20253RD QTR SAC 7,380.45 CHECK MAIN 204702 TOTAL FOR FUND 201: 2,710.06 0000208203RD QTR 2025 SURCHARGEMN DEPT OF LABOR & INDUSTRYSEPTEMBER0030402025204707MAIN10/16/2025 (108.40)0000208203RD QTR 2025 SURCHARGESEPTEMBER0030402025 2,601.66 CHECK MAIN 204707 TOTAL FOR FUND 201: 15.42 240043210092625 - 10013121POPP.COM INC992893320204716*#MAIN10/16/2025 10,969.12 Total for fund 201 PLANNING & INSPECTIONS 81 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 12/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 204 EDA ADMINISTRATION 156.15 631442000OFFICE & SPAAR EVENT SUPPLIESWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD111-9480623-81410462472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 113.99 6314420104637 CENTRAL DVR LOCKBOX AND CAMERA SWITCH111-2812911-8986637 46.84 6314420104637 CENTRAL DVR LOCKBOX AND CAMERA SWITCH111-2812911-8986637 316.98 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 204: 295.00 000022825MEDTRONIC TIF DISCUSSIONS 0825EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INC102817204590MAIN10/09/2025 72.00 631443050EDA TC HAB FOR HUMANITY LOAN REVIEWKUTAK ROCK LLP3628655204691MAIN10/16/2025 15.71 631443210092625 - 10013121POPP.COM INC992893320204716*#MAIN10/16/2025 26.72 631443210092625 - 10013121992893320 13.56 631443210093025 -10010429992894228 55.99 CHECK MAIN 204716 TOTAL FOR FUND 204: 739.97 Total for fund 204 EDA ADMINISTRATION 82 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 13/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 225 CABLE TELEVISION 31.96 984442012WALL PLATES COUNCIL CHAMBER CAMERASWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD677950736412472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 234.50 984442012CAMERA MOUNTS 07-13487-66236 110.00 984442012CAMERA MOUNTS 07-13487-66237 127.20 984442012CAMERA MOUNTS 07-13487-66235 15.01 984442171CAMERA SCREW SET113-6468377-7878600 155.00 984443105MAGC FALL CONFERENCE - ROTTLER02596 155.00 984443105MAGC FALL CONFERENCE - WATSON02504 26.50 984444030MONTHLY SUBSC - AUG 2025MC21928959 855.17 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 225: 700.00 984443050OPERATOR, TECH FEES 0925NINENORTH2025-1572483(A)MAIN10/16/2025 1,555.17 Total for fund 225 CABLE TELEVISION 83 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 14/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 240 LIBRARY 27.47 550042170MINI ACRYLIC PAINT SETS, 3X3 CANVASESWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD111-9917749-68018072472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 82.80 550042170BEADS,JWLRY RNGS,KYCHNS,STRING114-0273878-6876244 13.99 550042180BOOK ORDER (LAZY DUNGEON MASTER)113-8769586-7616216 27.17 550042180BOOK ORDER (THE COMPLETE HUMAN BODY)113-5380689-3056248 58.42 550042180BOOK ORDER (JAMES BURNHAM/MANUAL OF STYLE)113-9358985-4942664 89.00 550043105SHOULD IT STAY OR GO WEBINAR34432 298.85 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 240: 1,704.38 55004381051-011136455-0XCEL ENERGY (N S P)1220494255204650*#MAIN10/09/2025 (508.01)55004381051-011136455-01220494255 1,196.37 CHECK MAIN 204650 TOTAL FOR FUND 240: 95.40 550044020PEST CONTROL LIB 0925ADAM'S PEST CONTROL, INC4252109204655MAIN10/16/2025 184.95 550042181BOOKLIST (1125-1126)AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION1100140997-2025204657MAIN10/16/2025 125.00 550043050DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS ADVENTURE 082725BADWOLF ADVENTURE STUDIOS LLC 082725204660MAIN10/16/2025 96.34 550042180BOOK ORDERBAKER & TAYLOR2039284031204661MAIN10/16/2025 91.50 550042180BOOK ORDER2039276467 312.79 550042187READ-ALONG BOOK ORDER2039281915 500.63 CHECK MAIN 204661 TOTAL FOR FUND 240: 47.00 5500420302025 FALL EVENTS (SPANISH)CHURCH OFFSET PRINTING INC143044204668MAIN10/16/2025 138.40 550044020WINDOW CLEANING-LIB 0825CITY WIDE WINDOW SERVICE INC751255204671*#MAIN10/16/2025 (10.40)550044020WINDOW CLEANING-LIB 0825751255 128.00 CHECK MAIN 204671 TOTAL FOR FUND 240: 243.67 550042180BOOK ORDERINGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES90692648204687MAIN10/16/2025 321.69 550042180BOOK ORDER90705038 336.55 550042180BOOK ORDER90440551 633.08 550042180BOOK ORDER90477941 916.56 550042180BOOK ORDER90644242 2,451.55 CHECK MAIN 204687 TOTAL FOR FUND 240: 1,414.98 5500420109" BOOK SUPPORTS (120)METRO FURNITURE SOLUTIONS787370204703MAIN10/16/2025 1,720.18 550044020REPLACE TXV IN LIEBERT-LIBRARY NORTHLAND REFRIGERATION INCORPORATE6573204710MAIN10/16/2025 84 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 15/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 240 LIBRARY 103.85 550042000DRY-ERASE MARKERS,PENCILS,PAPEROFFICE DEPOT441232649001204711MAIN10/16/2025 322.74 550042171HP BLACK TONER (FRONT DESK PRINTER)441886766001 426.59 CHECK MAIN 204711 TOTAL FOR FUND 240: 2,905.17 550043810SOLAR POWERONSITE PARTNERS PROJECTCO, LLCINV-1168204713*#MAIN10/16/2025 1,062.82 550042187READ-ALONG BOOK ORDERPLAYAWAY PRODUCTS LLC511857204715MAIN10/16/2025 989.50 550042171LIBRARY CARDS/KEYTAGS (2500)REGENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF MN2170001819204720MAIN10/16/2025 23.30 5500430500625 PLACEMENTSUNIQUE MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC6141032204728MAIN10/16/2025 34.95 5500430500825 PLACEMENTS6143272 58.25 5500430500925 PLACEMENTS6144403 116.50 CHECK MAIN 204728 TOTAL FOR FUND 240: 13,663.49 Total for fund 240 LIBRARY 85 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 16/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 261 AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS 1,041.60 502944200SUMMER YOUTH TRIP WELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD145SC23929402472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 158.88 502944200YOUTH TRIP TICKETS2025082735 68.28 502944200YOUTH TRIP TICKETS2025082733 1,024.01 502944200FINAL PAYMENT YOUTH TRIP082725 2,292.77 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 261: 2,292.77 Total for fund 261 AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS 86 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 17/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 272 PUBLIC SAFETY GRANTS - OTHER 24,000.00 210042010FLOCK SAFETY FLEX BUNDLE UPGRADE 2025FLOCK GROUP, INC.INV-73974204593MAIN10/09/2025 4,651.99 210043105TUITION, BOOKS/SUPPLIES FALL 2025 HENNEPIN TECH COLLEGE00459165204685MAIN10/16/2025 28,651.99 Total for fund 272 PUBLIC SAFETY GRANTS - OTHER 87 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 18/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 402 STATE AID CONSTRUCTION 1,109.21 999942171COCONUT BLANKETS, BEE LAWN MIX, STAPLESRAMY TURF PRODUCTS, LLC117562204630*#MAIN10/09/2025 1,109.21 Total for fund 402 STATE AID CONSTRUCTION 88 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 19/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD 30,000.00 641844600FIRE SUPPRESSION GRANT PROGRAM 700 40TH AVE NEBARACK REALTY LLC20251008204662MAIN10/16/2025 30,000.00 Total for fund 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD 89 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 20/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 411 CAPITAL IMP-GEN GOVT. BLDG 369.73 194042171COCONUT BLANKETS, BEE LAWN MIX, STAPLESRAMY TURF PRODUCTS, LLC117562204630*#MAIN10/09/2025 369.73 Total for fund 411 CAPITAL IMP-GEN GOVT. BLDG 90 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 21/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 412 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PARKS 11,162.50 520043050SULLIVAN LAKE PARK FITNESS COURT FINAL DESIGNWSB & ASSOCIATES INCR-028383-000-1204649MAIN10/09/2025 11,162.50 Total for fund 412 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PARKS 91 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 22/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 415 CAPITAL IMPRVMT - PIR PROJ 1,535.38 645044000OUTSIDE STORAGE RMVL 070725-0711251-800-GOT-JUNK?54204652MAIN10/16/2025 1,323.45 645044000OUTSIDE STORAGE RMVL 070725-07112554 1,746.22 645044000OUTSIDE STORAGE RMVL 07182555 1,155.28 645044000OUTSIDE STORAGE RMVL 4341 TYLER PLACE17393576 5,760.33 CHECK MAIN 204652 TOTAL FOR FUND 415: 5,760.33 Total for fund 415 CAPITAL IMPRVMT - PIR PROJ 92 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 23/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 430 INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 369.73 194042171COCONUT BLANKETS, BEE LAWN MIX, STAPLESRAMY TURF PRODUCTS, LLC117562204630*#MAIN10/09/2025 369.73 Total for fund 430 INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 93 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 24/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 432 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-SEWER 150.00 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-05ADAM AHMED09/26/2025204565*MAIN10/09/2025 3.00 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-0509/26/2025 153.00 CHECK MAIN 204565 TOTAL FOR FUND 432: 1.20 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-01CHARLES ALLEN09/26/2025204576*MAIN10/09/2025 1.15 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-01GREGORY & BEVERLY PRAML09/26/2025204596*MAIN10/09/2025 3.38 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-05JAMES MCKEON09/26/2025204606*MAIN10/09/2025 0.82 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-04MARK GRUPA09/26/2025204614*MAIN10/09/2025 2.65 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-01MATTHEW HOSTETLER09/26/2025204615*MAIN10/09/2025 2.42 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-03VARYA MOUKHATCHEVA09/26/2025204643*MAIN10/09/2025 164.62 Total for fund 432 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-SEWER 94 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 25/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 433 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-WATER 3.00 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-05ADAM AHMED09/26/2025204565*MAIN10/09/2025 150.00 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-0509/26/2025 153.00 CHECK MAIN 204565 TOTAL FOR FUND 433: 1.19 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-01CHARLES ALLEN09/26/2025204576*MAIN10/09/2025 1.15 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-01GREGORY & BEVERLY PRAML09/26/2025204596*MAIN10/09/2025 3.37 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-05JAMES MCKEON09/26/2025204606*MAIN10/09/2025 0.82 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-04MARK GRUPA09/26/2025204614*MAIN10/09/2025 2.64 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-01MATTHEW HOSTETLER09/26/2025204615*MAIN10/09/2025 2.43 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-03VARYA MOUKHATCHEVA09/26/2025204643*MAIN10/09/2025 164.60 Total for fund 433 CAP EQUIP REPLACE-WATER 95 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 26/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 601 WATER UTILITY 23.78 960042000PENS, POST CARDSWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD01980Q2472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 5.35 960042000HIGHLIGHTERS,FOLDERS112-3821506-6768229 550.19 960042010SPOT LIGHTS,MOUNTS787770 14.47 960042171LEADERSHIP BOOK,POLO SHIRTS114-8071734-3507438 30.00 960042171LEADERSHIP BOOK,POLO SHIRTS114-8071734-3507438 42.00 960043105TRAINING MATERIAL FOR STAFF38247 175.00 960043105ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025MNAC25-9N7C5T2G 840.79 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 256.20 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-05ADAM AHMED09/26/2025204565*MAIN10/09/2025 2.43 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-0509/26/2025 39.11 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-0509/26/2025 19.64 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-0509/26/2025 317.38 CHECK MAIN 204565 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 3.75 960043250BROADBAND CONN 0925ANOKA COUNTYB250911G204568*#MAIN10/09/2025 0.97 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-01CHARLES ALLEN09/26/2025204576*MAIN10/09/2025 44.11 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-0109/26/2025 15.61 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-0109/26/2025 15.12 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-0109/26/2025 75.81 CHECK MAIN 204576 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 3.41 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-01GREGORY & BEVERLY PRAML09/26/2025204596*MAIN10/09/2025 0.93 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-0109/26/2025 14.97 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-0109/26/2025 42.32 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-0109/26/2025 61.63 CHECK MAIN 204596 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 117.39 000020120UB refund for account: 107-0125-00-02GREGORY K ROSALES09/26/2025204597MAIN10/09/2025 99.00 960042171CORDLESS SEARCH LIGHTHOME DEPOT #28024903038204600*#MAIN10/09/2025 74.98 960042171TOOL TOTE 4013583 173.98 CHECK MAIN 204600 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 2.72 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-05JAMES MCKEON09/26/2025204606*MAIN10/09/2025 96 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 27/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 601 WATER UTILITY 43.98 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-0509/26/2025 21.30 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-0509/26/2025 68.00 CHECK MAIN 204606 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 32.30 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0460-00-04JOSIAH TKACH09/26/2025204608MAIN10/09/2025 0.67 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-04MARK GRUPA09/26/2025204614*MAIN10/09/2025 60.50 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-0409/26/2025 22.23 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-0409/26/2025 21.40 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-0409/26/2025 104.80 CHECK MAIN 204614 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 2.14 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-01MATTHEW HOSTETLER09/26/2025204615*MAIN10/09/2025 135.69 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-0109/26/2025 34.51 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-0109/26/2025 172.34 CHECK MAIN 204615 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 20.08 960042171PAINT TAPE, STORAGE BAGSMENARDS CASHWAY LUMBER-FRIDLEY36354204617*#MAIN10/09/2025 50.00 960043250DATA PLAN 0825PRECISE MRM LLCIN200-2007604204627*#MAIN10/09/2025 25.72 960043250083025 0318950-3SPOK INCJ0318950U204638*MAIN10/09/2025 1.96 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-03VARYA MOUKHATCHEVA09/26/2025204643*MAIN10/09/2025 31.57 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-0309/26/2025 31.10 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-0309/26/2025 64.63 CHECK MAIN 204643 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 261.78 960043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 1,257.98 96004381051-0012949181-3XCEL ENERGY (N S P)1218064131204650*#MAIN10/09/2025 (120.72)96004381051-0012949181-31218064131 (23.69)96004381051-0012949181-31218064131 1,113.57 CHECK MAIN 204650 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 1,455.54 960044030ARCGIS MAINT 092825-092726ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH900107604204680*#MAIN10/16/2025 97 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 28/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 601 WATER UTILITY 188,202.72 940042990WATER PURCHASE 0925MINNEAPOLIS FINANCE DEPT.10062025204705MAIN10/16/2025 278.63 940042990WATER PURCHASE 092510062025 188,481.35 CHECK MAIN 204705 TOTAL FOR FUND 601: 3.79 960043210092625 - 10013121POPP.COM INC992893320204716*#MAIN10/16/2025 193,444.63 Total for fund 601 WATER UTILITY 98 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 29/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 602 SEWER UTILITY 23.78 960042000PENS, POST CARDSWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD01980Q2472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 5.35 960042000HIGHLIGHTERS,FOLDERS112-3821506-6768229 550.21 960042010SPOT LIGHTS,MOUNTS787770 42.00 960043105TRAINING MATERIAL FOR STAFF38247 175.00 960043105ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025MNAC25-9N7C5T2G 796.34 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 602: 88.00 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-05ADAM AHMED09/26/2025204565*MAIN10/09/2025 32.45 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-0509/26/2025 120.45 CHECK MAIN 204565 TOTAL FOR FUND 602: 3.75 960043250BROADBAND CONN 0925ANOKA COUNTYB250911G204568*#MAIN10/09/2025 9.10 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-01CHARLES ALLEN09/26/2025204576*MAIN10/09/2025 12.95 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-0109/26/2025 22.05 CHECK MAIN 204576 TOTAL FOR FUND 602: 9,626.00 960042010ARGONNE LIFT STATION PUMPCRN TOPCO LLC49548204586MAIN10/09/2025 105.98 960043220SHIPPING-CUES TRANSPORTERFEDERAL EXPRESS8-978-23617204591MAIN10/09/2025 12.42 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-01GREGORY & BEVERLY PRAML09/26/2025204596*MAIN10/09/2025 2.05 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-0109/26/2025 14.47 CHECK MAIN 204596 TOTAL FOR FUND 602: 12.82 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-05JAMES MCKEON09/26/2025204606*MAIN10/09/2025 36.48 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-0509/26/2025 49.30 CHECK MAIN 204606 TOTAL FOR FUND 602: 62.79 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0060-00-03JOSEPH HAZLETT09/26/2025204607*MAIN10/09/2025 17.76 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-04MARK GRUPA09/26/2025204614*MAIN10/09/2025 13.37 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-0409/26/2025 31.13 CHECK MAIN 204614 TOTAL FOR FUND 602: 28.62 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-01MATTHEW HOSTETLER09/26/2025204615*MAIN10/09/2025 99 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 30/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 602 SEWER UTILITY 81.66 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-0109/26/2025 110.28 CHECK MAIN 204615 TOTAL FOR FUND 602: 23.00 960043105WASTEWATER CERTIFICATE RENEWEL-J.OLSONMN POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCYSD-77426770204623MAIN10/09/2025 50.00 960043250DATA PLAN 0825PRECISE MRM LLCIN200-2007604204627*#MAIN10/09/2025 25.72 960043250083025 0318950-3SPOK INCJ0318950U204638*MAIN10/09/2025 18.70 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-03VARYA MOUKHATCHEVA09/26/2025204643*MAIN10/09/2025 26.20 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-0309/26/2025 44.90 CHECK MAIN 204643 TOTAL FOR FUND 602: 261.78 960043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 1,455.54 960044030ARCGIS MAINT 092825-092726ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH900107604204680*#MAIN10/16/2025 134,665.45 948042900NOVEMBER 2025 WASTEWATERMETROPOLITAN COUNCIL WASTEWATER00011940022482(A)MAIN10/16/2025 147,468.93 Total for fund 602 SEWER UTILITY 100 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 31/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 603 REFUSE FUND 26.50 952044030MONTHLY SUBSC REFUSE - SEP 2025WELLS FARGO CREDIT CARDMC220308912472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 32.37 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-05ADAM AHMED09/26/2025204565*MAIN10/09/2025 201.46 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-0509/26/2025 233.83 CHECK MAIN 204565 TOTAL FOR FUND 603: 12.92 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-01CHARLES ALLEN09/26/2025204576*MAIN10/09/2025 50.27 000020120UB refund for account: 103-0420-00-04CINNAMON HUYCK-KELLEY09/26/2025204577MAIN10/09/2025 100.00 953042920PLASTIC BAGS & STYROFOAM RECYCLE 0925CITY OF COON RAPIDSAR-0000014825204581MAIN10/09/2025 12.39 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-01GREGORY & BEVERLY PRAML09/26/2025204596*MAIN10/09/2025 16.78 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-0109/26/2025 29.17 CHECK MAIN 204596 TOTAL FOR FUND 603: 36.40 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-05JAMES MCKEON09/26/2025204606*MAIN10/09/2025 0.67 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0060-00-03JOSEPH HAZLETT09/26/2025204607*MAIN10/09/2025 17.71 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-04MARK GRUPA09/26/2025204614*MAIN10/09/2025 38.66 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-01MATTHEW HOSTETLER09/26/2025204615*MAIN10/09/2025 28.57 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-0109/26/2025 67.23 CHECK MAIN 204615 TOTAL FOR FUND 603: 27.92 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0525-00-01NICOLE KRAWCZYNSKI09/26/2025204624MAIN10/09/2025 26.13 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-03VARYA MOUKHATCHEVA09/26/2025204643*MAIN10/09/2025 18.95 952043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 18.95 953043211091425 442735411-000016123523572 37.90 CHECK MAIN 204646 TOTAL FOR FUND 603: 118,981.30 951042910REFUSE & RECYCLING 0825WALTERS RECYCLING & REFUSE INC.00090729452468(A)MAIN10/09/2025 5,016.76 951042910REFUSE & RECYCLING 08250009072945 101 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 32/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 603 REFUSE FUND 60,849.58 951042910REFUSE & RECYCLING 08250009072945 50,543.43 951042920REFUSE & RECYCLING 08250009072945 1,361.69 951042920REFUSE & RECYCLING 08250009072945 788.35 951042930REFUSE & RECYCLING 08250009072945 237,541.11 CHECK MAIN 2468(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 603: 2,470.00 951042910BULK PICKUP 090225-091225SHOREVIEW HUNKS LLCBP018-2025204721#MAIN10/16/2025 1,407.00 951042920BULK PICKUP 090225-091225BP018-2025 10,040.59 951042930YARD WATE REMOVAL 090825-091225YW-0023-2025 5.00 954043050BULK PICKUP 090225-091225BP018-2025 13,922.59 CHECK MAIN 204721 TOTAL FOR FUND 603: 252,130.35 Total for fund 603 REFUSE FUND 102 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 33/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 604 STORM SEWER UTILITY 19.13 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0460-00-05ADAM AHMED09/26/2025204565*MAIN10/09/2025 7.63 000020120UB refund for account: 202-0772-00-01CHARLES ALLEN09/26/2025204576*MAIN10/09/2025 7.32 000020120UB refund for account: 208-0125-00-01GREGORY & BEVERLY PRAML09/26/2025204596*MAIN10/09/2025 21.51 000020120UB refund for account: 306-0360-00-05JAMES MCKEON09/26/2025204606*MAIN10/09/2025 5.24 000020120UB refund for account: 303-0765-00-04MARK GRUPA09/26/2025204614*MAIN10/09/2025 16.88 000020120UB refund for account: 347-0140-00-01MATTHEW HOSTETLER09/26/2025204615*MAIN10/09/2025 30.91 000020120UB refund for account: 113-0325-00-01MICHELE RODENGEN09/26/2025204618MAIN10/09/2025 15.45 000020120UB refund for account: 312-0205-00-03VARYA MOUKHATCHEVA09/26/2025204643*MAIN10/09/2025 37.91 960043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 727.75 960044030ARCGIS MAINT 092825-092726ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH900107604204680*#MAIN10/16/2025 889.73 Total for fund 604 STORM SEWER UTILITY 103 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 52/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 651 WATER CONSTRUCTION FUND 1,652.11 969945180WATER METERSCORE & MAIN LPX655416204585*MAIN10/09/2025 1,652.11 Total for fund 651 WATER CONSTRUCTION FUND 104 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 53/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 652 SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND 1,652.11 969945180WATER METERSCORE & MAIN LPX655416204585*MAIN10/09/2025 1,652.11 Total for fund 652 SEWER CONSTRUCTION FUND 105 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 54/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 653 STORM SEWER CONSTRUCT. FUND 369.75 194042171COCONUT BLANKETS, BEE LAWN MIX, STAPLESRAMY TURF PRODUCTS, LLC117562204630*#MAIN10/09/2025 369.75 Total for fund 653 STORM SEWER CONSTRUCT. FUND 106 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 55/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 701 CENTRAL GARAGE 570.43 000014120FRONT BRAKES & GASKETSWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD621222472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 59.43 000014120SWITCHES #018015455800 23.78 995042000PENS, POST CARDS01980Q 5.35 995042000HIGHLIGHTERS,FOLDERS112-3821506-6768229 199.99 995042010TOWER DIP STATION PULL UP BAR114-1132319-7294600 42.00 995043105TRAINING MATERIAL FOR STAFF38247 900.98 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 701: 125.00 995043050PEST CONTROL-MSC 0925ADAM'S PEST CONTROL, INC42541322204566*#MAIN10/09/2025 3.75 995043250BROADBAND CONN 0925ANOKA COUNTYB250911G204568*#MAIN10/09/2025 48.85 995042172UNIFORM RENTAL 092225CINTAS INC4244139634204579MAIN10/09/2025 48.85 995042172RUGS, SHOP TOWELS, UNIFORM RENTAL 0915254243338369 38.40 995044020RUGS, SHOP TOWELS, UNIFORM RENTAL 0915254243338369 136.10 CHECK MAIN 204579 TOTAL FOR FUND 701: 89.62 995042171HARMONIC BALANCER PULLERDELEGARD TOOL CO INC497901/1204588MAIN10/09/2025 71.15 995042171RATCHETING BALANCER PULLER497933/1 160.77 CHECK MAIN 204588 TOTAL FOR FUND 701: 156.95 000014120PAINT BRUSHES, ROLLERS, TRAYSHOME DEPOT #28024223528204600*#MAIN10/09/2025 7,164.82 0000141103000 GAL UNLEADED FUELMANSFIELD OIL COMPANY26939508204612MAIN10/09/2025 308.20 000014120STARTERMIDWAY FORD902415204619MAIN10/09/2025 14.98 000014120GASKET, NUT902018 7.70 000014120FUSE902508 5.45 000014120BOLT902292 345.31 000014120PUMP, BOLTS, GASKETS902050 148.50 00001412002 SENSOR903109 (20.00)000014120CORE RETURNCM902415 810.14 CHECK MAIN 204619 TOTAL FOR FUND 701: 7.65 000014120TIRE TUBEMINNEAPOLIS SAW CO INC199030204621MAIN10/09/2025 43.18 000014120AIR FILTER, TANK CAP196982 107 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 56/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 701 CENTRAL GARAGE 49.99 000014120CARB KIT198636 100.82 CHECK MAIN 204621 TOTAL FOR FUND 701: 169.93 000014120DOOR SWITCHROSENBAUER MINNESOTA LLC0000081160204633MAIN10/09/2025 37.91 995043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 927.50 000014120PARTS & SERVICE MANUALSZIEGLER INCIN002046797204651MAIN10/09/2025 226.33 995042175COFFEE, FILTER 092225 - PWFIRST CHOICE COFFEE SERVICEMN-6548252463(A)*#MAIN10/09/2025 521.15 000014120FILTERSASTLEFORD INTERNATIONAL01P137595204659MAIN10/16/2025 453.06 000014120SPARK PLUG, FILTER, BRACKETMIDWAY FORD903962204704MAIN10/16/2025 71.21 00001412002 SENSOR 903935 524.27 CHECK MAIN 204704 TOTAL FOR FUND 701: 1,451.21 995043810SOLAR POWERONSITE PARTNERS PROJECTCO, LLCINV-1168204713*#MAIN10/16/2025 2.22 995043210092625 - 10013121POPP.COM INC992893320204716*#MAIN10/16/2025 13,419.85 Total for fund 701 CENTRAL GARAGE 108 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 57/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 705 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 75.00 997042010PACOM 1064 DOOR CONTROLERWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD18-13497-425292472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 37.91 997043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 112.91 Total for fund 705 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 109 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 58/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 720 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 37.00 998042000BUSINESS CARDS FOR STAFFWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD131112472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 17.99 998042000LAMINATED WHITE TZ TAPE114-3878575-9275416 191.09 998042171CAT 6 RISER CABLE111-7301984-7693834 10.00 998043105CYBERSECURITY SUMMIT PARKING10187435 24.00 998043105CYBERSECURITY SUMMIT PARKING10187558 333.50 99804403025 - 1 YR LIC PDFXCHANGE EDITOR PLUS CIT706220C 120.00 998044030CHATGPT SUBSC 072325-08232569ACA837-0016 733.58 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 720: 51.57 998043211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 5.78 998043210092625 - 10013121POPP.COM INC992893320204716*#MAIN10/16/2025 13.57 998043210093025 -10010429992894228 19.35 CHECK MAIN 204716 TOTAL FOR FUND 720: 2,210.56 998043050NETWORK ENGINEERING CONSULTANT 081425-92925POSITIVE SERVICES LLC20251001204717MAIN10/16/2025 3,015.06 Total for fund 720 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 110 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 59/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 881 CONTRIBUTED PROJECTS-REC 2,044.13 500042170SOFTBALL PANT,BASEBALL PANTS,SOCKS,BELTSWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD84792472472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 2,044.13 Total for fund 881 CONTRIBUTED PROJECTS-REC 111 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 60/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 884 INSURANCE 500.00 943044349OVERHEAD LINES VS TRUCK CA448320LEAGUE OF MN CITIES INS TRUST9909204611#MAIN10/09/2025 500.00 945044349OVERHEAD LINES VS TRUCK CA4483209909 1,000.00 945044349SEWER BACKUP GL4488279898 1,000.00 945044349SEWER BACKUP GL4470089896 3,000.00 CHECK MAIN 204611 TOTAL FOR FUND 884: 1,000.00 000015510INSURANCE SERVICE 1025ROSS NESBIT AGENCIES, INC100125204634MAIN10/09/2025 830.22 220042281REPAIR REAR UNDERBODY LIGHTSMAC QUEEN EQUIPMENT LLCW073092465(A)MAIN10/09/2025 6,069.74 210044342DOOR REPAIR LMCIT CLAIM #CP466621A DYNAMIC DOOR CO INC22509181204654MAIN10/16/2025 1,000.00 210044349DOOR REPAIR LMCIT CLAIM #CP46662122509181 7,069.74 CHECK MAIN 204654 TOTAL FOR FUND 884: 11,899.96 Total for fund 884 INSURANCE 112 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 61/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 887 FLEX BENEFIT FUND 53.35 925043050COBRA ADMIN 0925; RETIREE BILLING 0925; PARTICIPATION FEE 1025BENEFIT EXTRAS, INC.1411440204665*#MAIN10/16/2025 53.35 Total for fund 887 FLEX BENEFIT FUND '#'-INDICATES CHECK DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE DEPARTMENT '*'-INDICATES CHECK DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN ONE FUND 1,121,969.43 TOTAL - ALL FUNDS 113 Item 9. StatusDepositCheck AmountGrossNameCheck NumberBankCheck Date DirectPhysicalCheck For Check Dates 09/20/2025 to 10/03/2025 10/20/2025 12:59 PM Check Register Report For City Of Columbia Heights Page 1 of 1 Open0.00554.24554.24MN CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT CENTE 101022PR10/03/2025 Open0.001,460.001,460.00LELS #311 OFFICERS UNION 101023PR10/03/2025 Open0.00511.00511.00LELS #342 SERGEANT UNION 101024PR10/03/2025 Open0.00150.00150.00COL HTS LOCAL 1216 EFT1675PR10/03/2025 Open0.00100.00100.00COLHTS FIREFIGHTER ASSN EFT1676PR10/03/2025 Open0.001,815.241,815.24MSRS MNDCP PLAN 650251 EFT1677PR10/03/2025 Open0.009,592.009,592.00HSA BANK EFT1678PR10/03/2025 Open0.0080.0080.00PMA UNION DUES EFT1679PR10/03/2025 Open0.00152.00152.00COL HGTS POLICE ASSN EFT1680PR10/03/2025 Open0.00110,497.67110,497.67IRS EFT1681PR10/03/2025 Open0.002,794.142,794.14MISSION SQUARE 401 (ROTH) EFT1682PR10/03/2025 Open0.0021,747.5221,747.52MISSION SQUARE 457(B) EFT1683PR10/03/2025 Open0.00107,906.37107,906.37MISSION SQUARE RHS EFT1684PR10/03/2025 Open0.00102,564.06102,564.06PERA 397400 EFT1685PR10/03/2025 Open0.0023,177.4423,177.44STATE OF MN TAX EFT1686PR10/03/2025 12 3 Total Check Stubs: Total Physical Checks: 0.00383,101.68383,101.68Number of Checks: 015Totals: 114 Item 9. StatusDepositCheck AmountGrossNameCheck NumberBankCheck Date DirectPhysicalCheck For Check Dates 10/04/2025 to 10/17/2025 10/20/2025 01:00 PM Check Register Report For City Of Columbia Heights Page 1 of 1 Open0.00665.00665.00UNION 49 101033PR10/17/2025 Open0.00446.33446.33MN CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT CENTE 101034PR10/17/2025 Open0.007,034.777,034.77SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - DENTAL INSURANCE 101035PR10/17/2025 Open0.002,513.002,513.00MEDICA HEALTH PLANS 101036PR10/17/2025 Open0.00359.00359.00MEDICA 101037PR10/17/2025 Open0.00624.00624.00NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS C/O MBR BEN 101038PR10/17/2025 Open0.002,433.832,433.83SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - LONG TERM DISABILI 101039PR10/17/2025 Open0.001,871.591,871.59SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - LIFE INSURANCE 101040PR10/17/2025 Open0.001,278.761,278.76SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - SHORT TERM DISABIL 101041PR10/17/2025 Open0.00614.16614.16FIDELITY SECURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPAN 101042PR10/17/2025 Open0.00150.00150.00COL HTS LOCAL 1216 EFT1687PR10/17/2025 Open0.001,008.501,008.50AFSCME COUNCIL 5 EFT1688PR10/17/2025 Open0.00190.00190.00COLHTS FIREFIGHTER ASSN EFT1689PR10/17/2025 Open0.001,815.241,815.24MSRS MNDCP PLAN 650251 EFT1690PR10/17/2025 Open0.009,473.709,473.70HSA BANK EFT1691PR10/17/2025 Open0.00157.00157.00COL HGTS POLICE ASSN EFT1692PR10/17/2025 Open0.00108,549.32108,549.32IRS EFT1693PR10/17/2025 Open0.002,794.142,794.14MISSION SQUARE 401 (ROTH) EFT1694PR10/17/2025 Open0.0024,174.3224,174.32MISSION SQUARE 457(B) EFT1695PR10/17/2025 Open0.00901.02901.02MISSION SQUARE RHS EFT1696PR10/17/2025 Open0.0099,958.0799,958.07PERA 397400 EFT1697PR10/17/2025 Open0.0023,235.0923,235.09STATE OF MN TAX EFT1698PR10/17/2025 12 10 Total Check Stubs: Total Physical Checks: 0.00290,246.84290,246.84Number of Checks: 022Totals: 115 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 34/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 150.34 979142000DEPOSIT TICKETSWELLS FARGO CREDIT CARD47814802472(E)*#MAIN10/08/2025 118.36 979242000DEPOSIT TICKETS4781480 11.84 979242171DRAIN CLOG DISSOLVER112-2065828-6277063 51.19 979342000DEPOSIT TICKETS4781480 331.73 CHECK MAIN 2472(E) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 116.97 979144020MONITORING 1025-1225 TV1ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INC12405110204571*#MAIN10/09/2025 116.97 979244020MONITORING 1025-1225 TV212405111 233.94 CHECK MAIN 204571 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 267.00 979344020REPAIR SOUTH EXERIOR ENTRY DOOR-TV3ASSURED SECURITY INC246002204572MAIN10/09/2025 640.00 000014500092425 INVBOURGET IMPORTS LLC221241204573#MAIN10/09/2025 180.00 000014500092425 INV221244 60.00 000014500092425 INV221243 80.00 000014500092425 INV221242 12.00 979142199092425 INV221241 6.00 979142199092425 INV221244 7.00 979242199092425 INV221242 985.00 CHECK MAIN 204573 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 64.95 979143210763 572-2695CENTURYLINK7635722695204575MAIN10/09/2025 48.66 979144020WINDOW CLEANING 0925CITY WIDE WINDOW SERVICE INC751951204582#MAIN10/09/2025 27.03 979244020WINDOW CLEANING 0925751943 75.69 CHECK MAIN 204582 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 318.95 000014500092525 INVCRYSTAL SPRINGS ICE LLC02-502781204587#MAIN10/09/2025 115.86 000014500092525 INV02-502778 296.25 000014500092525 INV02-502779 4.00 979142199092525 INV02-502779 4.00 979242199092525 INV02-502781 4.00 979342199092525 INV02-502778 743.06 CHECK MAIN 204587 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 135.00 000014500091625 INVGLOBAL RESERVE LLCORD-19900204594MAIN10/09/2025 760.00 000014500093025 INVORD-20268 116 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 35/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 895.00 CHECK MAIN 204594 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,026.88 000014500092925 INVGREAT LAKES COCA-COLA DISTRBTN600324057204595MAIN10/09/2025 4,875.90 000014500092525 INVHOHENSTEINS INC862926204599MAIN10/09/2025 4,265.90 000014500091925 INV861020 1,176.50 000014500092625 INV863376 10,318.30 CHECK MAIN 204599 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 441.90 000014500092425 INVINSIGHT BREWING COMPANY, LLC26878204603MAIN10/09/2025 541.52 000014500091925 INVMCDONALD DISTRIBUTING CO826607204616MAIN10/09/2025 275.00 000014500092625 INV827808 816.52 CHECK MAIN 204616 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 9.36 979142171093025 COOLER RENTALSPREMIUM WATERS INC311068668204628*#MAIN10/09/2025 4.68 979242171093025 COOLER RENTAL311068669 19.84 979242171093025 WATER311065017 4.68 979342171093025 COOLER RENTAL311068670 38.56 CHECK MAIN 204628 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 596.80 000014500091925 INVRED BULL DISTRIBUTION CO INC202904940204631MAIN10/09/2025 193.06 979144020PREVENT MAINT 0825-TV1SCHINDLER ELEVATOR CORP INC4607215132204636*#MAIN10/09/2025 706.67 000014500092325 INVTRADITION WINE & SPIRITS LLC44411204641#MAIN10/09/2025 20.00 979142199092325 INV44411 726.67 CHECK MAIN 204641 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 303.00 000014500092325 INVVENN BREWING COMPANY10230204644MAIN10/09/2025 169.45 979242171091725 BALESTRAPPINGVER-TECH INCS-INV102855204645*#MAIN10/09/2025 19.56 979242199091725 BALESTRAPPINGS-INV102855 189.01 CHECK MAIN 204645 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 58.20 979143211091425 442735411-00001VERIZON WIRELESS6123523572204646*#MAIN10/09/2025 58.20 979243211091425 442735411-000016123523572 58.20 979343211091425 442735411-000016123523572 117 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 36/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 174.60 CHECK MAIN 204646 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 120.67 979144020092325 MOPS,MATS,TOWELSVESTIS SERVICES. LLC2500789857204647#MAIN10/09/2025 120.67 979144020093025 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500795983 172.70 979244020092525 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500793205 116.38 979344020092525 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500793143 530.42 CHECK MAIN 204647 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 820.00 000014500091725 INVVINOCOPIA INC0380962-IN204648#MAIN10/09/2025 20.00 979242199091725 INV0380962-IN 840.00 CHECK MAIN 204648 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,056.65 000014500092625 INVARTISAN BEER COMPANY38004052456(A)MAIN10/09/2025 454.10 000014500092625 INV3800406 1,510.75 CHECK MAIN 2456(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 153.25 000014500091725 INVBELLBOY BAR SUPPLY01103013002457(A)*#MAIN10/09/2025 459.46 979242171091725 INV0110301300 612.71 CHECK MAIN 2457(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 2,318.25 000014500091725 INVBELLBOY CORPORATION02089889002458(A)#MAIN10/09/2025 536.00 000014500092425 INV0209028300 (133.65)000014500091825 INV0209026500 4.00 979142199092425 INV0209028300 26.34 979242199091725 INV0208988900 2,750.94 CHECK MAIN 2458(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 18,310.25 000014500092325 INV 700297717BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE MN BEER LLC1234313112459(A)MAIN10/09/2025 7,271.95 000014500091725 INV 700297736123351661 197.85 000014500092425 INV 700297736123460277 608.72 000014500092425 INV 700297736123460278 673.94 000014500090325 INV 70297736123137283 161.70 000014500091925 INV 700297736123405945 242.50 000014500093025 INV 700297717123540497 33.85 000014500093025 INV 700297717123540496 13,746.17 000014500090925 INV 700297717123215371 10,053.80 000014500092425 INV 700297782123459562 118 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 37/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR (149.10)000014500092425 INV 700297717413996714 (5.30)000014500092625 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS414008612 (7.20)000014500092625 INV 700297717414008611 (233.90)000014500092225 INV 700297736413986149 (13.20)000014500091825 INV 700297736413977123 (1.81)000014500091825 INV 700297736413977124 (24.30)000014500091625 INV 700297736413964181 (19.60)000014500091625 INV 700297736413964182 (21.74)000014500091625 INV 700297736413964490 (26.80)000014500091625 INV 700297717413967114 (1.81)000014500091625 INV 700297717413967116 (28.40)000014500091625 INV 700297717413967115 (12.80)000014500091625 INV 700297717413967111 (13.85)000014500091625 INV 700297717413967113 (13.40)000014500091625 INV 700297717413967112 (21.10)000014500091625 INV 700297717413967110 (28.00)000014500092525 INV 700297782414003264 (56.50)000014500092525 INV 700297782414003263 50,621.92 CHECK MAIN 2459(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,230.85 000014500091925 INV 700297736BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE MN W&S LLC1234064902460(A)#MAIN10/09/2025 1,054.05 000014500091925 INV 700297736123406489 408.00 000014500091925 INV 700297717123406486 1,252.50 000014500092625 INV 700297717123515653 1,005.20 000014500092625 UINV 700297717123515655 540.00 000014500092625 INV123515656 341.98 000014500092625 INV 700297717123535484 561.02 000014500092625 INV 700297717123515651 1,237.50 000014500092625 INV 700297717123515652 144.00 000014500092625 INV 700297717123515654 768.69 000014500092625 INV 700297782123515661 (144.00)000014500092325 INV 700297717413960768 3.45 979142199091925 INV 700297717123406486 6.90 979142199092625 INV 700297717123515653 17.25 979142199092625 UINV 700297717123515655 12.65 979142199092625 INV123515656 1.15 979142199092625 INV 700297717123535484 2.03 979142199092625 INV 700297717123515651 32.20 979142199092625 INV 700297717123515652 1.15 979142199092625 INV 700297717123515654 (1.15)979142199092325 INV 700297717413960768 119 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 38/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 11.50 979242199091925 INV 700297736123406490 7.10 979242199091925 INV 700297736123406489 10.83 979342199092625 INV 700297782123515661 8,504.85 CHECK MAIN 2460(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 5,567.85 000014500092525 INVCAPITOL BEVERAGE SALES LP31935942461(A)MAIN10/09/2025 6,181.55 000014500100125 INV3196063 1,094.35 000014500100125 INV3196133 (15.38)000014500092525 INV3193593 (15.47)000014500100125 INV3196062 12,812.90 CHECK MAIN 2461(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,507.60 000014500091925 INVJOHNSON BROTHERS LIQUOR CO.28834712464(A)#MAIN10/09/2025 639.00 000014500091925 INV2883470 455.00 000014500091925 INV2883469 1,296.00 000014500091925 INV2883468 147.20 000014500091825 INV2882290 400.00 000014500091825 INV2882289 288.00 000014500091825 INV2882288 1,546.50 000014500091825 INV2882287 1,025.47 000014500091728 INV2881037 193.50 000014500091725 INV2881030 253.40 000014500092425 INV2886170 216.00 000014500092525 INV2887588 45.05 000014500092525 INV2887587 597.00 000014500092525 INV2887586 1,989.10 000014500092425 INV2886172 37.00 000014500091925 INV2883467 3,045.27 000014500092425 INV2886173 203.00 000014500092625 INV2888827 675.21 000014500092425 INV2886171 128.37 000014500092625 INV2888828 105.65 000014500092625 INV2888829 248.00 000014500092625 INV2888833 755.00 000014500092625 INV2888832 176.00 000014500092625 INV2888831 106.56 000014500092625 INV2888830 128.37 000014500092625 INV2888834 774.00 000014500092525 INV2887593 45.05 000014500092525 INV2887592 120 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 39/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 56.40 000014500092525 INV22887590 876.97 000014500092425 INV2886177 240.00 000014500092425 INV2886176 4,361.39 000014500092425 INV2886175 1,307.15 000014500092425 INV2886174 746.64 000014500081525 INV2857587 512.00 000014500073125 INV2846247 (261.26)000014500080825 INV145312 (150.34)000014500072525 INV143396 (19.25)000014500092525 INV151700 (32.00)000014500100825 INV153312 4.50 979142199092425 INV2886170 4.26 979142199092525 INV2887588 1.42 979142199092525 INV2887587 5.68 979142199092525 INV2887586 22.84 979142199092425 INV2886172 20.59 979142199092425 INV2886173 1.66 979142199092625 INV2888827 15.16 979142199092425 INV2886171 0.95 979142199092625 INV2888828 14.20 979242199091925 INV2883471 5.68 979242199091925 INV2883470 8.52 979242199091925 INV2883469 10.65 979242199091925 INV2883468 1.42 979242199091825 INV2882290 15.62 979242199091825 INV2882289 9.94 979242199091825 INV2882288 20.59 979242199091825 INV2882287 13.62 979242199091728 INV2881037 1.42 979242199091725 INV2881030 1.42 979242199091925 INV2883467 0.95 979242199092625 INV2888834 7.18 979242199092525 INV2887593 1.42 979242199092525 INV2887592 1.66 979242199092525 INV22887590 16.10 979242199092425 INV2886177 4.26 979242199092425 INV2886176 32.66 979242199092425 INV2886175 20.00 979242199092425 INV2886174 2.84 979242199081525 INV2857587 7.10 979242199073125 INV2846247 121 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 40/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 1.54 979342199092625 INV2888829 7.10 979342199092625 INV2888833 11.36 979342199092625 INV2888832 2.84 979342199092625 INV2888831 1.42 979342199092625 INV2888830 24,962.57 CHECK MAIN 2464(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 264.00 000014500091925 INVPHILLIPS WINE & SPIRITS INC50484762466(A)#MAIN10/09/2025 168.00 000014500091925 INV5048477 47.25 000014500091925 INV5048478 51.45 000014500091925 INV5048479 487.00 000014500091925 INV5048481 318.33 000014500091925 INV5048482 126.00 000014500091925 INV5048480 33.00 000014500091925 INV5048483 182.00 000014500091125 INV5043770 40.00 000014500092625 INV5052491 454.40 000014500092625 INV5052490 474.00 000014500092625 INV5052489 407.50 000014500092625 INV5052488 480.00 000014500092625 INV5052487 176.00 000014500092625 INV5052486 312.66 000014500092625 INV5052482 2,308.75 000014500092625 INV5052484 2,308.75 000014500092625 INV5052493 33.00 000014500092625 INV5052495 47.25 000014500092625 INV5052494 132.00 000014500092625 INV5052492 33.00 000014500092625 INV5052503 136.98 000014500092625 INV5052502 407.50 000014500092625 INV5052501 2,308.75 000014500092625 INV5052500 308.00 000014500092625 INV5052498 248.00 000014500092625 INV5052497 413.00 000014500092625 INV5052485 1.42 979142199092625 INV5052491 8.52 979142199092625 INV5052490 4.26 979142199092625 INV5052489 7.10 979142199092625 INV5052488 7.10 979142199092625 INV5052487 5.68 979142199092625 INV5052486 122 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 41/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 0.94 979142199092625 INV5052482 41.18 979142199092625 INV5052484 8.52 979242199091925 INV5048476 4.26 979242199091925 INV5048477 1.42 979242199091925 INV5048478 1.42 979242199091925 INV5048479 8.52 979242199091925 INV5048481 4.26 979242199091925 INV5048482 1.42 979242199091925 INV5048483 1.42 979242199092625 INV5052503 2.84 979242199092625 INV5052502 7.10 979242199092625 INV5052501 41.18 979242199092625 INV5052500 9.94 979242199092625 INV5052498 7.10 979242199092625 INV5052497 1.42 979242199092625 DEL5052483 41.18 979342199092625 INV5052493 1.42 979342199092625 INV5052495 1.42 979342199092625 INV5052494 4.26 979342199092625 INV5052492 12,931.87 CHECK MAIN 2466(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 203.23 000014500091825 INVSOUTHERN GLAZER'S26707282467(A)#MAIN10/09/2025 290.70 000014500091825 INV2670713 306.38 000014500091825 INV2670714 44.37 000014500091825 INV2670715 953.60 000014500091825 INV2670716 324.00 000014500091825 INV2670719 153.00 000014500091825 INV2670720 103.50 000014500091825 INV2670721 728.76 000014500091825 INV2670722 1,008.00 000014500091825 INV2670724 99.00 000014500091025 INV2667455 267.00 000014500091825 INV2670717 4,275.00 000014500092525 INV2673289 787.50 000014500092525 INV2673290 281.98 000014500092525 INV2673292 127.92 000014500092525 INV2673294 71.97 000014500092525 INV2673295 90.00 000014500092525 INV2673298 94.50 000014500092525 INV2673301 123 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 42/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 319.40 000014500092525 INV2673302 446.40 000014500092525 INV2673303 614.12 000014500092525 INV2673293 1,821.80 000014500092525 INV2673297 2,089.00 000014500091825 INV2670727 1,461.60 000014500091825 INV2670726 458.68 000014500091825 INV2670725 280.00 000014500091825 INV2670723 859.45 000014500091825 INV2670718 220.56 000014500092525 INV2673453 1,754.46 000014500092525 INV2673455 340.00 000014500092525 INV2673456 171.00 000014500092525 INV2673299 728.76 000014500092525 INV2673315 71.97 000014500092525 INV2673316 81.50 000014500092525 INV2673319 94.50 000014500092525 INV2673321 812.00 000014500092525 INV2673454 1,729.65 000014500092525 INV2673318 89.04 000014500091825 INV2670707 215.86 000014500091025 INV2667454 24.32 979142199092525 INV2673289 1.28 979142199092525 INV2673290 0.85 979142199092525 INV2673292 2.56 979142199092525 INV2673294 0.53 979142199092525 INV2673295 0.64 979142199092525 INV2673298 0.75 979142199092525 INV2673301 3.20 979142199092525 INV2673302 6.40 979142199092525 INV2673303 14.08 979142199092525 INV2673293 11.95 979142199092525 INV2673297 1.49 979142199092525 INV2673299 0.64 979142199091825 INV2670707 0.21 979142199100225 DEL2675981 3.84 979142199091025 INV2667454 1.28 979142199100225 DEL2675982 2.56 979242199091825 INV2670728 1.28 979242199091825 INV2670713 7.68 979242199091825 INV2670714 0.43 979242199091825 INV2670715 124 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 43/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 6.40 979242199091825 INV2670716 3.84 979242199091825 INV2670719 1.49 979242199091825 INV2670720 0.75 979242199091825 INV2670721 8.96 979242199091825 INV2670722 10.24 979242199091825 INV2670724 1.28 979242199091025 INV2667455 1.60 979242199091825 INV2670717 20.48 979242199091825 INV2670727 26.88 979242199091825 INV2670726 7.68 979242199091825 INV2670725 7.68 979242199091825 INV2670723 6.40 979242199091825 INV2670718 8.96 979242199092525 INV2673315 0.53 979242199092525 INV2673316 1.28 979242199092525 INV2673319 0.75 979242199092525 INV2673321 11.52 979242199092525 INV2673318 5.12 979342199092525 INV2673453 8.96 979342199092525 INV2673455 7.68 979342199092525 INV2673456 14.08 979342199092525 INV2673454 25,118.69 CHECK MAIN 2467(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 578.50 000014500091925 INVWINE MERCHANTS75349762469(A)#MAIN10/09/2025 1.42 979242199091925 DEL7534975 8.76 979242199091925 INV7534976 588.68 CHECK MAIN 2469(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 202.00 000014500092925 INV56 BREWING LLC5630144204653MAIN10/16/2025 681.25 000014500100625 INVAMERICAN BOTTLING COMPANY4849905521204656MAIN10/16/2025 432.00 000014500092925 INVBARREL THEORY BEER COMPANYBT-07151204663MAIN10/16/2025 1,010.00 000014500092925 INVBAUHAUS BREW LABS LLC15912204664MAIN10/16/2025 124.00 000014500100925 INVBROKEN CLOCK BREWING COOP10271204667MAIN10/16/2025 323.92 000014500100325 INVCRYSTAL SPRINGS ICE LLC04-501014204675#MAIN10/16/2025 155.03 000014500100325 INV04-501013 269.91 000014500100325 INV04-501016 125 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 44/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 4.00 979142199100325 INV04-501014 4.00 979242199100325 INV04-501016 4.00 979342199100325 INV04-501013 760.86 CHECK MAIN 204675 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,306.60 979143420FREQUENCEDISP/GEO/PREROLL 100125ECM PUBLISHERS INC1068828204678*#MAIN10/16/2025 1,028.60 979243420FREQUENCEDISP/GEO/PREROLL 1001251068828 444.80 979343420FREQUENCEDISP/GEO/PREROLL 1001251068828 2,780.00 CHECK MAIN 204678 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 406.00 000014500100625 INVGLOBAL RESERVE LLCORD-20400204682MAIN10/16/2025 337.50 000014500092925 INVORD-20191 180.00 000014500092525 INVORD-20150 923.50 CHECK MAIN 204682 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,040.33 000014500100725 INVGREAT LAKES COCA-COLA DISTRBTN49198911015204683MAIN10/16/2025 240.75 000014500100325 INVHOHENSTEINS INC865430204686MAIN10/16/2025 3,398.15 000014500092625 INV863356 2,700.75 000014500100325 INV865252 6,339.65 CHECK MAIN 204686 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 23.25 979142000GLOVES, CLEANERS, PLATES, PAPER PADS, SOAP, BOX CUTTERSINNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS LLCIN4941999204688#MAIN10/16/2025 124.00 979142171GLOVES, CLEANERS, PLATES, PAPER PADS, SOAP, BOX CUTTERSIN4941999 75.00 979242171GLOVES, CLEANERS, PLATES, PAPER PADS, SOAP, BOX CUTTERSIN4941999 42.32 979342000HP215A TONERIN4943919 42.23 979342171GLOVES, CLEANERS, PLATES, PAPER PADS, SOAP, BOX CUTTERSIN4941999 306.80 CHECK MAIN 204688 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 876.00 000014500100325 INVLIBATION PROJECT99272204694#MAIN10/16/2025 10.00 979142199100325 INV99272 886.00 CHECK MAIN 204694 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 92.00 000014500100325 INVLUCID BREWING LLCIN-243118204695MAIN10/16/2025 12,888.00 000014500100325 INVMAVERICK BEVERAGE COMPANY MINNESOTAINV1678924204698#MAIN10/16/2025 45.00 979142199100325 INVINV1678924 126 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 45/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 12,933.00 CHECK MAIN 204698 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 379.00 000014500100325 INVMCDONALD DISTRIBUTING CO828822204699MAIN10/16/2025 966.85 000014500100325 INVMODIST BREWING CO LLCE-62224204709MAIN10/16/2025 332.10 000014500092625 INVE-62158 1,298.95 CHECK MAIN 204709 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 51.36 979142000GARBAGE BAGS, PAPER TOWELS, LAMINATOR, BLEACH, PENSOFFICE DEPOT438787173001204712#MAIN10/16/2025 86.21 979142171GARBAGE BAGS, PAPER TOWELS, LAMINATOR, BLEACH, PENS438787173001 86.21 979242171GARBAGE BAGS, PAPER TOWELS, LAMINATOR, BLEACH, PENS438787173001 223.78 CHECK MAIN 204712 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,589.00 000014500100225 INVPAUSTIS & SONS WINE COMPANY276928204714#MAIN10/16/2025 336.00 000014500100225 INV276927 24.00 979142199100225 INV276928 7.50 979242199100225 INV276927 1,956.50 CHECK MAIN 204714 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 46.37 979143210092625 - 10013121POPP.COM INC992893320204716*#MAIN10/16/2025 19.86 979243210092625 - 10013121992893320 9.31 979343210092625 - 10013121992893320 75.54 CHECK MAIN 204716 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 9.92 979142171100225 WATERPREMIUM WATERS INC311079227204718MAIN10/16/2025 439.50 000014500093025 INVPRYES BREWING COMPANY LLCW-107334204719MAIN10/16/2025 126.00 000014500093025 INVSMALL LOT MNMN104158204722MAIN10/16/2025 8.24 979142000KLEENEX, CALCULATOR, BANDAIDS, RUBGERBANDSSTAPLES ADVANTAGE6043589465204723#MAIN10/16/2025 15.23 979142171DOORSTOP6043589477 11.72 979142171KLEENEX, CALCULATOR, BANDAIDS, RUBGERBANDS6043589465 97.01 979242000KLEENEX, CALCULATOR, BANDAIDS, RUBGERBANDS6043589465 33.74 979242171KLEENEX, CALCULATOR, BANDAIDS, RUBGERBANDS6043589465 11.73 979342171KLEENEX, CALCULATOR, BANDAIDS, RUBGERBANDS6043589465 177.67 CHECK MAIN 204723 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 120.67 979144020100725 MOPS,MATS,TOWELSVESTIS SERVICES. LLC2500801944204729#MAIN10/16/2025 127 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 46/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 172.70 979244020100925 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500804254 172.70 979244020100225 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500798280 116.38 979344020100925 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500804191 116.38 979344020100225 MOPS,MATS,TOWELS2500798221 698.83 CHECK MAIN 204729 TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 336.00 000014500100325 INVARTISAN BEER COMPANY38021762474(A)MAIN10/16/2025 1,086.60 000014500092525 INV3800408 1,422.60 CHECK MAIN 2474(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 124.80 000014500100125 INVBELLBOY BAR SUPPLY01103520002475(A)#MAIN10/16/2025 173.50 000014500100125 INV0110356500 88.00 979142171100125 INV0110352000 386.30 CHECK MAIN 2475(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 2,373.50 000014500100125 INVBELLBOY CORPORATION02091325002476(A)#MAIN10/16/2025 1,120.60 000014500100125 IMV0209147000 794.00 000014500100825 INV0300374400 72.08 000014500100125 INV0110351900 (80.00)000014500100925 INV0300387000 38.00 979142199100125 INV0209132500 204.75 979242171100125 INV0110351900 (1.65)979242199100925 INV0300387000 14.00 979342199100125 IMV0209147000 4,535.28 CHECK MAIN 2476(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 218.85 000014500100825 INV 700297736BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE MN BEER LLC1236767342477(A)MAIN10/16/2025 305.20 000014500100125 INV 700297736123572559 58.70 000014500100825 INV 700297782123679252 6,944.40 000014500100125 INV 700297782123571585 (78.90)000014500100725 INV 700297782414039147 7,448.25 CHECK MAIN 2477(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 32.00 000014500100325 INV 700297717BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE MN W&S LLC1236287002478(A)#MAIN10/16/2025 521.34 000014500100325 INV 700297717123628699 767.14 000014500100325 INV 700297782123628706 602.99 000014500100325 INV 700297782123628705 128 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 47/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 1,289.75 000014500091925 INV 700297717123406484 1,352.24 000014500092625 INV 700297736123515659 1,237.50 000014500092625 INV 700297736123515660 342.29 00001450009265 INV 700297736123515657 (130.49)000014500100825 INV 700297717414038255 2.30 979142199100325 INV 700297717123628700 8.05 979142199100325 INV 700297717123628699 12.65 979142199091925 INV 700297717123406484 9.20 979242199092625 INV 700297736123515659 32.20 979242199092625 INV 700297736123515660 1.25 97924219909265 INV 700297736123515657 10.35 979342199100325 INV 700297782123628706 9.20 979342199100325 INV 700297782123628705 6,099.96 CHECK MAIN 2478(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 4,610.80 000014500100925 INVCAPITOL BEVERAGE SALES LP31999172479(A)MAIN10/16/2025 3,224.30 000014500100225 INV3196746 2,889.15 000014500100825 INV3199282 (10.60)000014500100925 INV3199881 (15.67)000014500100225 INV3196745 10,697.98 CHECK MAIN 2479(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,572.00 000014500100125 INVJOHNSON BROTHERS LIQUOR CO.28921532481(A)#MAIN10/16/2025 156.00 000014500100225 INV2893434 108.00 000014500100225 INV2893433 101.50 000014500100325 INV2894526 431.82 000014500100325 INV2894525 420.15 000014500100125 INV2892161 96.00 000014500100125 INV2892159 758.00 000014500100125 INV2892156 400.02 000014500100125 INV2892157 1,313.00 000014500100125 INV2892155 4,710.00 000014500100125 INV2892152 5,129.68 000014500100125 INV2892151 1,261.88 000014500100325 INV2894527 215.91 000014500100325 INV2894532 320.00 000014500100325 INV2894531 477.60 000014500100325 INV2894530 332.00 000014500100325 INV2894529 128.00 000014500100325 INV2894528 129 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 48/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 782.00 000014500100125 INV2892169 152.00 000014500100125 INV2892168 80.00 000014500100125 INV2892167 218.00 000014500100125 INV2892166 1,426.80 000014500100125 INV2892170 431.82 000014500100325 INV2894533 140.00 000014500100125 INV2892176 248.00 000014500100125 INV2892175 636.00 000014500100125 INV2892172 1,266.00 000014500100125 INV2892171 1,472.00 000014500100125 INV2892163 363.15 000014500100125 INV2892174 400.02 000014500100125 INV2892173 253.35 000014500100925 INV2898308 601.50 000014500100925 INV2898307 18.46 979142199100125 INV2892153 7.10 979142199100125 DEL2892164 4.26 979142199100225 INV2893434 6.24 979142199100225 INV2893433 1.42 979142199100325 INV2894526 2.84 979142199100325 INV2894525 12.78 979142199100125 INV2892161 1.42 979142199100125 INV2892159 15.62 979142199100125 INV2892156 8.52 979142199100125 INV2892157 0.36 979142199100125 DEL2892160 17.04 979142199100125 INV2892155 31.24 979142199100125 INV2892152 5.68 979142199100125 DEL2892154 34.08 979142199100125 INV2892151 5.68 979142199100925 INV2898308 7.10 979142199100925 INV2898307 11.36 979242199100125 INV2892170 2.84 979242199100325 INV2894533 5.68 979242199100125 INV2892176 2.84 979242199100125 INV2892175 10.06 979242199100125 INV2892172 17.04 979242199100125 INV2892171 17.04 979242199100125 INV2892163 7.10 979242199100125 DEL2892165 9.94 979242199100125 INV2892174 130 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 49/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 1.42 979242199100125 DEL2892162 8.52 979242199100125 INV2892173 0.36 979242199100125 DEL2892158 18.46 979342199100325 INV2894527 1.42 979342199100325 INV2894532 7.10 979342199100325 INV2894531 5.68 979342199100325 INV2894530 12.78 979342199100325 INV2894529 1.42 979342199100325 INV2894528 9.94 979342199100125 INV2892169 1.54 979342199100125 INV2892168 1.42 979342199100125 INV2892167 2.84 979342199100125 INV2892166 26,738.84 CHECK MAIN 2481(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 176.21 000014500100325 INVPHILLIPS WINE & SPIRITS INC50565812484(A)#MAIN10/16/2025 99.00 000014500100325 INV5056580 616.00 000014500100325 INV5056578 40.00 000014500100325 INV5056579 154.35 000014500100325 INV5056577 248.00 000014500100325 INV5056576 146.16 000014500100325 INV5056583 264.00 000014500100325 INV5056582 119.00 000014500092625 INV5052499 242.00 000014500100325 INV5056588 50.00 000014500100325 INV5056587 99.00 000014500100325 INV5056586 40.00 000014500100325 INV5056585 396.00 000014500100325 INV5056584 4.26 979142199100325 INV5056581 4.26 979142199100325 INV5056580 19.88 979142199100325 INV5056578 1.42 979142199100325 INV5056579 4.26 979142199100325 INV5056577 8.56 979142199100325 INV5056576 5.68 979242199100325 INV5056588 1.42 979242199100325 INV5056587 2.84 979242199100325 INV5056586 1.42 979242199100325 INV5056585 12.78 979242199100325 INV5056584 4.26 979342199100325 INV5056583 131 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 50/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 8.52 979342199100325 INV5056582 2,769.28 CHECK MAIN 2484(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 1,125.00 000014500092525 INVSOUTHERN GLAZER'S26733052485(A)#MAIN10/16/2025 930.00 000014500092525 INV2673308 703.20 000014500092525 INV2673309 127.92 000014500092525 INV2673310 220.46 000014500092525 INV2673313 307.96 000014500092525 INV2673314 839.94 000014500100225 INV5130934 792.00 000014500100225 INV5130935 180.00 000014500100225 INV2675984 119.20 000014500100225 INV2675985 812.50 000014500100225 INV2675988 63.96 000014500100225 INV2675989 87.72 000014500100225 INV5130933 1,862.40 000014500092525 INV2673296 267.00 000014500100225 INV5130932 128.00 000014500100225 INV5131190 1,245.80 000014500100225 INV5131055 480.00 000014500100225 INV5131056 740.99 000014500100225 INV5131054 556.74 000014500100225 INV2675987 485.20 000014500092525 INV2673307 276.00 000014500092525 INV2673311 1,233.38 000014500100225 INV2675992 238.40 000014500100225 INV2675993 63.96 000014500100225 INV2675996 87.72 000014500100225 INV5130941 792.00 000014500100225 INV5130942 422.46 000014500092525 INV2673300 1,774.50 000014500092525 INV2673320 1,952.16 000014500092525 INV2673317 494.55 000014500092525 INV2673312 902.27 000014500100225 INV2675994 496.68 000014500100225 INV2675995 2.56 979142199100225 INV5130934 12.80 979142199100225 INV5130935 1.28 979142199100225 INV2675984 1.60 979142199100225 INV2675985 5.12 979142199100225 INV2675988 132 Item 9. CHECK DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 51/61Page : 10/21/2025 09:37 AM User: heathers DB: Columbia Heights CHECK DATE FROM 10/03/2025 - 10/16/2025 AmountDeptAccountDescriptionPayeeInvoiceCheck #BankCheck Date Fund: 609 LIQUOR 1.28 979142199100225 INV2675989 0.85 979142199100225 INV5130933 15.36 979142199092525 INV2673296 3.84 979142199100225 DEL2675983 1.60 979142199100225 INV5130932 2.56 979142199100225 INV5131190 7.47 979142199100225 INV2675987 3.20 979142199092525 INV2673300 1.28 979242199092525 DEL2673306 6.40 979242199092525 INV2673305 21.76 979242199092525 INV2673308 11.52 979242199092525 INV2673309 2.56 979242199092525 INV2673310 1.39 979242199092525 INV2673313 6.40 979242199092525 INV2673314 11.52 979242199092525 INV2673307 7.68 979242199092525 INV2673311 7.68 979242199100225 INV2675992 1.60 979242199100225 INV2675993 1.28 979242199100225 INV2675996 0.85 979242199100225 INV5130941 12.80 979242199100225 INV5130942 14.08 979242199092525 INV2673320 15.36 979242199092525 INV2673317 8.96 979242199100225 DEL2675990 6.40 979242199092525 INV2673312 8.96 979242199100225 INV2675994 9.17 979242199100225 INV2675995 7.68 979342199100225 INV5131055 8.96 979342199100225 INV5131056 8.96 979342199100225 INV5131054 21,052.84 CHECK MAIN 2485(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 910.88 000014500100325 INVWINE MERCHANTS75368312486(A)#MAIN10/16/2025 4.50 979142199100325 INV7536831 915.38 CHECK MAIN 2486(A) TOTAL FOR FUND 609: 276,171.76 Total for fund 609 LIQUOR 133 Item 9. ITEM: First Reading of Ordinance 1720, Being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.3 of the Columbia Heights City Code. DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Coordinator, 10/22/2025 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 comprehensive review and update of its commercial tobacco regulations via Ordinances 1667 and 1670. Along with revised purpose, intent, licensing, enforcement, and penalty language, the update added definitions for terms like “electronic delivery device” and “flavored product,” introduced prohibitions for smoking and sampling indoors, raised the legal purchase age to 21 years of age, and generally modernized the tobacco ordinance to align with State regulations. Earlier this year, members of the City Council expressed a desire to revisit the City’s tobacco ordinance (Chapter 5.3 of the City Code) to assess whether additional revisions could be beneficial. Several other municipalities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area have recently updated their own tobacco ordinances to integrate new policy elements. In order to respond to the City Council’s request, staff contacted two organizations that help inform cities about commercial tobacco policy: the Public Health Law Center and the Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota (ANSR-MN). Representatives from ANSR-MN conducted market assessments in Columbia Heights and shared information on statistics and policy at the August City Council work session. Following the work session, City staff worked with the Public Health Law Center to review the City’s current ordinance and consider revisions based on the Law Center’s model language and the City Council’s policy direction. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS Ordinance 1720, included in the packet, amends Chapter 5.3 and incorporates the following policy initiatives: - Ends the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products; - Reduces the number of tobacco product shop licenses to zero through attrition; - Eliminates price discounting by: 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; - Increases penalties and fines for sales violations; and - Removes Purchase, Use, and Possession (PUP) penalties. CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA SECTION ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION MEETING DATE 10/27/2025 134 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2 In addition to these policy updates, Ordinance 1720 adds a definition for “accessory tobacco retailer.” The accessory tobacco retailer category currently makes up the majority of Columbia Heights’ tobacco licensees, but there is no clear definition of the category in the City Code. The proposed new definition specifies that in order to qualify for an accessory tobacco retailer license, a retail establishment must derive no more than 45% of its gross revenues from the sale of licensed products. As part of the ordinance update process, Minnesota Statutes 461.19 requires the City 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;” the City must, “take reasonable steps to send notice by mail at least 30 days prior to the meeting to the last known address of each licensee or pe rson required to hold a license under section 461.12.” In compliance with this regulation, notice was duly sent to all current licensees by certified mail on September 22, 2025. Many Columbia Heights residents and business owners, as well as special interest and advocacy groups and residents of other communities, have contacted City staff to share their comments on commercial tobacco use and policy. All written comments received by City staff have been included in the packet. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommend approval of Ordinance 1720. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1720, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1720, being an ordinance amending Chapter 5.3 of the Columbia Heights City Code, for November 10, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Ordinance 1720 2. Public Comments 3. Presentation by ANSR-MN 135 Item 10. DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 ORDINANCE NO. 1720 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5.3 OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY CODE TO REVISE PURPOSE AND INTENT, DEFINITIONS, LICENSE, FEES, BASIS FOR DENIAL OF LICENSE, PROHIBITED SALES, COMPLIANCE CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND DEFENSES, AND VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1 5.301 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.301 PURPOSE AND INTENT. Because the City recognizes that the sale of commercial tobacco, tobacco -related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery products to persons under the age of 21 violates both state and federal laws; and because studies show that youth and young adults are especially susceptible to commercial tobacco product availability, advertising, and price promotions at tobacco retail environments; and because marketing analysis, public health research, and commercial tobacco industry documents demonstrate that tobacco companies have used menthol, mint, fruit, candy, and alcohol flavors as a way to target youth and young adults and that the presence of such flavors can make it more difficult to quit; and because commercial tobacco use has been shown to be the cause of many serious health problems which subsequently place a financial burden on all levels of government; this ordinance is intended to regulate the sale of commercial tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia delivery products for the purpose of enforcing and furthering existing laws, to protect youth and young adults against the serious effects associated with the use and initiation, and to further the official public policy of the state to prevent young people from starting to smoke, as stated in M.S. § 144.391, as it may be amended from time to time. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1616, passed 10-27-14; Am. Ord. 1667, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Section 2 5.302 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.302 DEFINITIONS. Except as may otherwise be provided or clearly implied by context, all terms shall be given their commonly accepted definitions. For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. ACCESSORY TOBACCO RETAILER. A retail establishment that has obtained an appropriate license from the City and that derives no more than 45% of its gross revenues from the sale of licensed products. 136 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 2 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING. Packaging that meets the definition set forth in Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, section 1700.15(b), as in effect on January 1, 2015, and was tested in accordance with the method described in Code of Federal Regulations, t itle 16, section 1700.20. as in effect on January 1, 2015. CIGAR. Any roll of tobacco that is wrapped in tobacco leaf or in any other substance containing tobacco, with or without a tip or mouthpiece, which is not a cigarette as defined in Minn. Stat. § 297F.01, subd. 3, as it may be amended from time to time. COMPLIANCE CHECKS. The system the City uses to investigate and ensure that those authorized to sell licensed products are following and complying with the requirements of this article. Compliance checks involve the use of persons under the age of 21 who purchase or attempt to purchase licensed products. Compliance checks may also be conducted by the City or other units of government for educational, research, and training purposes or for investigating or enforcing federal, state, or local laws and regulations relating to licensed products. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY DEVICE. Any product containing or delivering nicotine, lobelia, or any other substance, whether natural or synthetic, intended for human consumption through the inhalation of aerosol or vapor from the product. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY DEVICE includes, but is not limited to, devices manufactured, marketed, or sold as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, vape pens, mods, tank systems, or under any other product name or descriptor. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY DEVICE includes any component part of a produ ct, whether or not marketed or sold separately. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY DEVICE does not include any nicotine cessation product that has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be marketed and for sale as “drugs,” “devices,” or “combination products,” as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. FLAVORED PRODUCT. Any licensed product that contains a taste or smell, other than the taste or smell of tobacco, that is distinguishable by an ordinary consumer either prior to or during the consumption of the product, including, but not limited to, any taste or smell relating to chocolate, cocoa, menthol, mint, wintergreen, vanilla, honey, fruit, or any candy, dessert, alcoholic beverage, herb, or spice, or a cooling or numbing sensation distinguishable by an ordinary consumer either prior to or during the consumption of such licensed product. A public statement or claim, whether expressed or implied, made or disseminated by the manufacturer of a licensed product, or by any person authorized or permitted by the manufacturer to make or disseminate public statements concerning such products, tha t a product has or produces a cooling or numbing sensation or a taste or smell other than a taste or smell of tobacco will constitute presumptive evidence that the product is a flavored product . Presumptive evidence may include but is not limited to the use of terms such as “cool,” “chill,” “ice,” “fresh,” “arctic,” or “frost” to describe the product. INDOOR AREA. All space between a floor and a ceiling that is bounded by walls, doorways, or windows, whether opened or closed, covering more than 50% of the combined surface area of 137 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 3 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 the vertical planes constituting the perimeter of the area. A wall includes any retractable divider, garage door, or other physical barrier, whether temporary or permanent. LICENSED PRODUCTS. The term that collectively refers to any tobacco, tobacco -related device, electronic delivery device, or nicotine or lobelia delivery product. LOOSE TOBACCO. Any product that consists of loose leaves or pieces of tobacco that is intended for use by consumers in a pipe, roll -your-own cigarette, or similar product or device. LOOSIES. The common term used to refer to single cigarettes, cigars, and any other licensed products that have been removed from their original retail packaging and offered for sale. Loosies does not include premium cigars that are hand-constructed, have a wrapper made entirely from whole tobacco leaf, and have a filler and binder made entirely of tobacco, except for adhesives or other materials used to maintain size, texture, or flavor. MOIST SNUFF. Any tobacco product that consists of cut, ground, powdered, or leaf tobacco and that is intended to be placed in the oral or nasal cavity. MOVEABLE PLACE OF BUSINESS. Any form of business operated out of a kiosk, truck, van, automobile or other type of vehicle or transportable shelter and not a fixed address store front or other permanent type of structure licensed for over-the-counter sales transactions. NICOTINE OR LOBELIA DELIVERY PRODUCT. Any product containing or delivering nicotine or lobelia, whether natural or synthetic, intended for human consumption, or any part of such a product, that is not tobacco or an electronic delivery device as defined in this section. NICOTINE OR LOBELIA DELIVERY PRODUCT does not include any nicotine cessation product that has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be marketed and for sale as “drug,” “devices,” or “combination,” as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. Any place of business where licensed products are available for sale to the general public. The phrase shall include but not be limited to tobacco product shops, accessory tobacco retailers, liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, bars, and restaurants. SALE. Any transfer of goods for money, trade, barter or other consideration. SELF-SERVICE DISPLAY. Open displays of licensed products in any manner where any person has access to the licensed products without the assistance or intervention of the licensee or the licensee’s employee, and where a physical exchange of the licensed product from the licensee or the licensee’s employee to the customer is not required in order to access the licensed products. SMOKING. Inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe, or any other lighted or heated product containing, made, or derived from nicotine, tobacco, marijuana, or other plant, whether natural or synthetic, that is intended for inhalation. SMOKING also includes carrying or using an activated electronic delivery device. 138 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 4 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 SNUS. Any smokeless tobacco product marketed and sold as snus, and sold in ready-to-use pouches or loose as a moist powder. TOBACCO. Any product containing, made, or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, whether chewed, smoked, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, or any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product including but not limited to cigarettes; cigars; cheroots; stogies; perique; granulated, plug cut, crimp cut, ready rubbed, and other smoking tobacco; snuff; snuff flour; cavendish; plug and twist tobaccos; fine cut and other chewing tobaccos; refuse scraps, clippings, cuttings, and sweepings of tobacco; and other kinds and forms of tobacco. TOBACCO does not include any nicotine cessation product that has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be marketed and for sale as “drugs,” “devices,” or “combination products” as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. TOBACCO PRODUCT SHOP. A retail establishment that has obtained an appropriate license from the cCity that: (1) Prohibits persons under 21 from being present or entering at all times; (2) Derives at least 90% of its gross revenues from the sale of licensed products; and (3) Meets all of the following building or structural criteria: (a) Shares no wall with, and has no part of its structure adjoined to any other business or retailer, unless the wall is permanent, completely opaque, and without doors, windows, and pass-throughs to the other business or retailer; (b) Shares no walls with, and has no part of its structure directly adjoined to another licensed tobacco retailer; and (c) Is accessible by the public only by an entrance door opening directly to the outside. TOBACCO-RELATED DEVICES. Any rolling papers, wraps, pipes, or other device intentionally designed or intended to be used with tobacco products. TOBACCO-RELATED DEVICES include components of tobacco-related devices or tobacco products which may be marketed or sold separately. Tobacco-related devices may or may not contain tobacco. VENDING MACHINE. Any mechanical, electric or electronic, or other type of device which dispenses licensed products upon the insertion of money, tokens or other form of payment into or onto the machine by the person seeking to purchase the licensed produ ct. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1570, passed 9-28-09; Am. Ord. 1616, passed 10-27-14; Am. Ord. 1667, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Section 3 5.303 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.303 LICENSE. 139 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 5 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 (A) License required. No person shall sell or offer to sell any licensed product without first having obtained a license to do so from the City. (B) Accessory tobacco retailer license. (1) No person shall operate an accessory tobacco retailer without first having obtained an accessory tobacco retailer license to do so from the City. To qualify for an accessory tobacco retailer license, the retail establishment must: (a) Derive no more than 45% of its gross revenues from the sale of licensed products. (2) Accessory tobacco retailers must provide financial records documenting annual gross sales, upon request by the City. (BC) Tobacco product shop license. (1) No person shall operate a tobacco product shop without first having obtained a tobacco product shop license to do so from the City. To qualify for a tobacco product shop license, the retail establishment must: (a) Prohibit persons under the age of 21 from being present or entering at all times; (b) Derive at least 90% of its gross revenues from the sale of licensed products; and (c) Meet all of the following building or structural criteria: 1. Share no wall with, and has no part of its structure adjoined to any other business or retailer, unless the wall is permanent, completely opaque, and without doors, windows, and pass-throughs to the other business or retailer; 2. Share no walls with, and has no part of its structure directly adjoined to, another licensed tobacco retailer; and 3. Is accessible by the public only by an entrance door opening directly to the outside. (2) At any given time, there shall be no more than three smoke tobacco product shops, all with appropriate licenses, throughout the city. Currently existing smoke tobacco product shop establishments should be granted the first preference to renew their smoke tobacco product shop licenses if they choose to do so. Effective January 1, 2022, indoor sampling for all smoke shops shall be prohibited. (2) Tobacco product shops must provide financial records documenting annual gross sales, upon request by the City. (CD) Application. An application for a license to sell licensed products shall be made on a form provided by the City. The application shall contain the full name of the applicant, applicant’s date of birth, applicant’s residential and business addresses and telephone numbers, the name of the business for which the license is sought, the name of the business’s operator, and any additional information the City deems necessary. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Clerk shall forward the applicat ion to the Police Department for a 140 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 6 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 background and record check prior to formal review by the City Council. If the Clerk shall determine that an application is incomplete, the Clerk shall return the application to the applicant with notice of the information necessary to make the application complete. (DE) Action. The City Council may either approve or deny the license, or it may delay action for such reasonable period of time as necessary to complete any investigation of the application or the applicant it deems necessary. If the City Council shall appr ove the license, the Clerk shall issue or renew the license to the applicant. If the City Council denies the license, notice of the denial shall be given to the applicant along with notice of the applicant’s right to appeal the City Council’s decision. (EF) Term. All licenses issued or renewed under this article shall follow the calendar year with an expiration date of December 31 of each year and are not pro-rated. (FG) Revocation or suspension. Any license issued or renewed under this article may be revoked or suspended as provided in § 5.311. (GH) Transfers. All licenses issued or renewed under this article shall be valid only on the premises for which the license was issued and only for the person to whom the license was issued. The transfer of any license to another location or person is prohibited. (I) Maximum number of tobacco product shop licenses. The maximum number of tobacco product shop licenses issued by the City at any time is limited to zero. The City will not issue any new licenses for tobacco product shops after December 31, 2025. The City will only renew existing tobacco product shop licenses that were issued prior to January 1, 2026, to existing license holders who have applied for renewal by December 31 of each year. An eligible party will lose the existing license if they fail to renew it annually or if the license is revoked for any reason. (HJ) Moveable place of business. No license shall be issued or renewed to a moveable place of business. Only fixed location businesses shall be eligible to be licensed under this article. (IK) Display. All licenses shall be posted and displayed in plain view of the general public on the licensed premise. (JL) Renewals. The renewal of a license issued under this section shall be handled in the same manner as the original application. The request for a renewal shall be made at least 30 days but no more than 60 days before the expiration of the current license. (KM) Issuance and renewal as privilege and not a right. The issuance or renewal of a license issued under this article shall be considered a privilege and not an absolute right of the applicant and shall not entitle the holder to an automatic renewal of the license. (LN) Smoking prohibited. Smoking, including smoking for the purpose of the sampling of licensed products, is prohibited within the indoor area of any retail establishment licensed under this ordinance. 141 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 7 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 (MO) Samples prohibited. No person shall distribute samples of any licensed product free of charge or at a nominal cost. The distribution of licensed products as a free donation is prohibited. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1570, passed 9-28-09; Am. Ord. 1616, passed 10-27-14; Am. Ord. 1652, passed 10-8-18; Am. Ord. 1667, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11- 21) Penalty, see § 5.313 Section 4 5.304 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.304 FEES. No license shall be issued or renewed under this article until the appropriate license fee shall be paid in full. The fee for a license under this article shall be established in the City’s schedule of fees. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Penalty, see § 5.311 Section 5 5.305 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.305 BASIS FOR DENIAL OF LICENSE. (A) Grounds for denying the issuance or renewal of a license under this article includes but is are not limited to the following: (1) The applicant is under the age of 21 years. (2) The applicant, or any employee thereof, has been convicted within the past five years of any violation of a federal, state, or local law, ordinance provision, or other regulation relating to licensed products. (3) The applicant has had a license to sell licensed products revoked within the preceding 12 months of the date of application. (4) The applicant fails to provide any information required on the application, or provides false or misleading information. (5) The applicant is prohibited by federal, state, or other local law, ordinance, or other regulation from holding such a license. (6) Any other suitable reason that the granting of a license to the applicant is inconsistent with public health, safety, and welfare, including the applicant’s history of noncompliance with this ordinance and other laws relating to the sale of licensed products. (B) However, except as may otherwise be provided by law, the existence of any particular ground for denial does not obligate the City to deny the license. 142 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 8 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 (C) If a license is mistakenly issued or renewed to a person, it shall be revoked upon the discovery that the person was ineligible for the license under this article. The City will provide the license holder with notice of the revocation, along with information on the right to appeal. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1667, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Penalty, see § 5.311 Section 6 5.306 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.306 PROHIBITED SALES. In general. No person shall sell or offer to sell any licensed product: (1) By means of any type of vending machine. (2) By means of self-service display. All licensed products must be stored behind the sales counter, in a locked case, in a storage unit, or in another area not freely accessible to the general public. This division shall not apply to tobacco product shops. (3) By means of loosies as defined in § 5.302; (4) Containing opium, morphine, jimpson weed, bella donna, strychnos, cocaine, marijuana, cannabis, or other deleterious, hallucinogenic, toxic or controlled substances except nicotine and other substances found naturally in tobacco or added as part of an otherwise lawful manufacturing process. It is not the intention of this provision to ban the sale of lawfully manufactured cigarettes or other tobacco products. (5) By any other means, to any other person, or in any other manner or form prohibited by federal, state or other local law, ordinance provision, or other regulation. (B) Legal age. No person shall sell any licensed product to any person under the age of 21. (1) Age verification. Licensees must verify by means of government-issued photographic identification containing the bearer’s date of birth that the purchaser is at least 21 years of age. Verification is not required for a person over the age of 30 . That the person appeared to be 30 years of age or older does not constitute a defense to a violation of this subsection. (2) Signage. Notice of the legal sales age, age verification requirement, and possible penalties for underage sales must be posted prominently in plain view at all times at each location where licensed products are offered for sale. The required signage must be posted in a manner that is clearly visible to anyone who is or is considering making a purchase. (C) Flavored products. No person shall sell or offer for sale any flavored products. This prohibition does not apply to licensed tobacco product shops. (D) Liquid packaging. No person shall sell or offer to sell any liquid, whether or not such liquid contains nicotine, which is intended for human consumption and use in an electronic delivery device, in packaging that is not child resistant. Upon request by the City, a licensee 143 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 9 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 must provide a copy of the certificate of compliance or full laboratory testing report for the packaging used. (E) Minimum prices and package sizes. (1) Cigar minimum price and package size. No person shall sell or offer to sell any cigar unless it is within a package containing a minimum of five cigars; and any package of cigars for a sales price of less than $13.75 per package before taxes and fees. This provision does not prohibit the sale of a single cigar with a sales price of at least $2.75, after any discounts are applied and before sales taxes are imposed. (2) Cigarette minimum price. No person may sell or offer to sell cigarette packages or cartons for a sales price of less than $12 per pack before taxes and fees. (3) Moist snuff minimum price and package size. No person shall sell or offer to sell moist snuff retail packages or multipacks for a sales price of less than $12 per 1.2-ounce package before taxes of fees. No person shall sell or offer to sell any smokeless tobacco or moist snuff for retail sale unless it is sold in a package of at least 1.2 ounces minimum package size. The price floor for packages larger than 1.2 ounces shall be computed by adding $2.50 for each 0.3 ounce or any fraction thereof more than 1.2 ounces, excluding taxes and fees. (4) Snus minimum price and package size. No person shall sell or offer to sell snus for a sales price of less than $12 per 0.32-ounce package before taxes and fees. No person shall sell or offer to sell any snus unless it is sold in a package of at least 0.32 ounce minimum pack size. The price floor for packages larger than 0.32 ounce shall be computed by adding $2.50 for each 0.08 ounce or any fraction thereof more than 0.32 ounce excluding taxes and fees. (5) Loose tobacco minimum price and package size. No person shall sell or offer to sell a package of loose tobacco for three ounces or less, prior to applicable sales taxes being imposed, of less than $4 nor a package of loose tobacco greater than three ounces, prior to taxes being imposed, of less than $12. (6) Electronic delivery device minimum price. No person shall sell or offer to sell any electronic delivery device at a price that is less than $20 per device, excluding taxes or fees. This price is applicable to any type of electronic delivery device an d applies per unit even if sold together. (7) Price adjustment. The minimum pricing established in this section shall be adjusted periodically to account for inflation and market variation. (F) Coupon and price promotion. No person shall accept or redeem any coupon, price promotion, or other instrument or mechanism, whether in paper, digital, electronic, mobile, or any other form, that provides any licensed products to a consumer at no cost or at a price that is less than the non-discounted, standard price listed by a retailer on the item or on any related shelving, posting, advertising, or display at the location where the item is sold or offered for sale, including all applicable taxes. 144 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 10 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1513, passed 9-25-06; Am. Ord. 1667, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Penalty, see § 5.311 Section 7 5.307 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.307 LICENSE HOLDER RESPONSIBILITY. All licensees are responsible for the actions of their employees regarding the sale, offer to sell, and furnishing of licensed products on the licensed premises. The sale, offer to sell, or furnishing of any licensed product by an employee shall be cons idered an act of the licensee. It shall be the license holder’s responsibility to provide training to any employee conducting sales of licensed products and to document proof of such training to be provided upon request by any enforcing agent of the City. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Penalty, see § 5.311 Section 8 5.308 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.308 COMPLIANCE CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS. All licensed premises must be open to inspection by law enforcement or other authorized City officials during regular business hours. From time to time, but at least once per year, the City will conduct compliance checks to ensure compliance with all provisions of this ordinance. In accordance with state law, the City will conduct a compliance check that involves the participation of a person at least 17 years of age, but under the age of 21 to enter the licensed premises to attempt to purchase licensed products. Prior written consent from a parent or guardian is required for any person under the age of 18 to participate in a compliance check. Persons used for the purpose of compliance checks will be supervised by law enforcement or other designated personnel. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1667, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Penalty, see § 5.311 Section 9 5.309 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.309 OTHER ILLEGAL ACTS. Unless otherwise provided, the following acts shall be a violation of this article: (A) Illegal procurement. It shall be a violation of this article for any person aged 21 or older to purchase or otherwise obtain licensed products on behalf of a person under the age of 21. It shall further be a violation for any person aged 21 or old er to sell or otherwise provide any licensed product to any person under the age of 21, and it shall further be a violation to coerce or attempt to coerce a person under the age of 21 to purchase or otherwise obtain or use any 145 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 11 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 licensed products. This division shall not apply to individuals lawfully involved in a compliance check. (B) Use of false identification. It shall be a violation of this article for any person to attempt to disguise their true age by the use of a false form of identification, whether the identification is that of another person or one on which the age of the person has been modified or tampered with to represent an age older than the actual age of the person. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1667, passed 6-14-21; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Penalty, see § 5.311 Section 10 5.310 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.310 EXCEPTIONS AND DEFENSES. Nothing in this article shall prevent the providing of tobacco or tobacco -related devices to a person under the age of 21 as part of a lawfully recognized religious, spiritual, or cultural ceremony. It shall be an affirmative defense to the violation of this article for a person to have reasonably relied on proof of age as described by state law. (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Section 11 5.311 of the Columbia Heights City Code is hereby amended to read as follows, to wit: § 5.311 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES. (A) Violations. (1) Notice. Upon discovery of a suspected violation, the alleged violator shall be issued, either personally or by mail, a citation that sets forth the alleged violation and which shall inform the alleged violator of their right to be heard on the accusation. (2) Hearings. If a person accused of violating this article so requests, a hearing shall be scheduled, the time and place of which shall be published and provided to the accused violator. (3) Hearing Officer. The City Council, or representative designated by the City Council, shall serve as the hearing officer. (4) Decision. If the hearing officer determines that a violation of this article did occur, that decision, along with the hearing officer’s reasons for finding a violation and the penalty to be imposed under division (B) of this section, shall be recorded in writing, a copy of which shall be provided to the accused violator. Likewise, if the hearing officer finds that no violation occurred or finds grounds for not imposing any penalty, such findings shall be recorded and a copy provided to the acquitted accused violator. (5) Appeals. Appeals of any decision made by the hearing officer shall be filed in the district court for the city in which the alleged violation occurred. 146 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 12 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 (6) Continued violation. Each violation, and every day in which a violation occurs or continues, shall constitute a separate offense. (B) Administrative penalties. (1) Licensees. Any licensee found to have violated this article, or whose employee shall have violated this article, shall be charged an administrative fine of $300 $600 for a first violation of this article; $600 $1200 for a second offense at the same licensed premises within a 36-month period; and $1,000 $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense at the same location within a 36-month period. In addition, after the second offense, the license shall be suspended for not less than three days, and after the third offense, the license shall be suspended for not less than seven days. Upon a fourth violation within a 36-month period, the license will be revoked. (2) Other individuals. Other individuals, other than persons under the age of 21 regulated by division (B)(3) of this section, found to be in violation of this article may be charged an administrative fee of $50. (3) Persons under the age of 21. Persons under the age of 21 who purchase or attempt to purchase licensed products may only be subject to non -criminal, non-monetary civil penalties or remedies such as tobacco-related education classes, diversion programs, community services, or another non-monetary, civil penalty that the City determines to be appropriate. The City Council will consult educators, parents, guardians, persons under the age of 21, public health officials, court personnel, and other interested parties to determine an appropriate remedy for persons under the age of 21 in the City in the best interest of the underage person. The remedies for persons under 21 who use a false identification to purchase or attempt to purchase licensed products may be established by ordinance and amended from time to time. (43) Statutory penalties. If the administrative penalty for violations against licensed retailers under division (B)(1) above authorized to be imposed by M.S. § 461.12, as it may be amended from time to time, differs from that established in this section, then the higher penalty will prevail. (C) Misdemeanor. Nothing in this section prohibits the City from seeking prosecution as a misdemeanor for an alleged second violation of this ordinance by a person 21 years of age or older within five years of a previous conviction under the ordinance . (Ord. 1371, passed 5-11-98; Am. Ord. 1670, passed 10-11-21) Section 12 This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after January 1, 2026. First Reading: Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: 147 Item 10. City of Columbia Heights – Ordinance Page 13 1720 Tobacco Regulations DRAFT VERSION 10.22.2025 Second Reading: Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Date of Passage: ______________________________________ Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor Attest: ___________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary 148 Item 10. 149 Item 10. 150 Item 10. 151 Item 10. 152 Item 10. 153 Item 10. 154 Item 10. 155 Item 10. 156 Item 10. 157 Item 10. 158 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Hassan Mohamed aicsmn.org> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 5:46 PM To:Emilie Voight Subject:Tobacco prevention Hassan Mohamed aicsmn.org> 3989 Central Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Dear Emillie Voight and Members of the Columbia Heights City Council, My name is Hassan Mohamed. I am writing on behalf of African Immigrant Community Services. We strongly support the City Council’s proposed ordinance to end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, cap the number of tobacco shops, end price discounting for commercial tobacco products, set a minimum price and package size, and update the penalty structure for tobacco retailers in Columbia Heights. AICS is a community based organization, committed to provide health education and social services to African born communities in Minnesota. We have been around for more than 2 decades. We serve a large population of young East Africans in the twin cities and suburbs. We have seen the impact that tobacco and especially vaping has had on our young people. This policy change will be beneficial for everyone in all communities. The tobacco industry targets youth with fruit- and candy-flavored flavored products like “Unicorn Poop” and “Strawberry Blowpop” . Three in four Minnesota students who have ever tried a commercial tobacco product initiated with a flavored product, and over 93% of Minnesota youth who vape chooses a flavored product. Black, Minority Communities,American Indian, and young people have also been historically targeted with menthol-flavored tobacco. Flavors like menthol make it easier to start smoking and harder to quit. Most adult smokers begin using tobacco products by the age of 18, and studies show that local flavor restrictions reduce the chance that teens will ever try tobacco products. For years tobacco use has been the number one preventable cause of death in our country and state. Capping the number of tobacco shops and setting minimum prices will reduce both access to and use of commercial tobacco products. Fewer retailers means fewer products being sold and fewer access points in the community, along with less toxic litter and waste in the environment. Tobacco companies also use coupons and promotions to lower the price of tobacco products and attract customers.In Minnesota, 40 percent of smokers used a tobacco coupon or promotion in the past year to save money on cigarettes. Keeping commercial tobacco prices high is the most effective way to help people quit and to prevent young people from ever starting. Finally, retailers should be expected to follow these straightforward, health-focused rules in order to partake in the privilege of selling commercial tobacco products in your city. Adequate penalty structures, 159 Item 10. 2 such as those in your proposed ordinance, will help keep retailers accountable. Columbia Heights is taking a step in the right direction to a healthier community. Removing flavors, limiting tobacco shops, and setting minimum prices with no coupon redemption will make these products less accessible and appealing to young people. These policies will protect youth, Black, American Indian, Minority Communities and other residents of color from commercial tobacco’s harms as they have been historically targeted by the tobacco industry. I hope the City Council will consider and pass this bold public health policy to protect our community and our environment. Sincerely, Hassan Mohamed Tobacco Prevention Coordinato 160 Item 10. 161 Item 10. October 17th, 2025 Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula and Members of the Columbia Heights City Council, As a network of health education professionals at the Minnesota Society for Public Health Education (MN SOPHE), I am writing on behalf of MN SOPHE to share our support for the proposed ordinance changes in Columbia Heights. Passing and amending this ordinance is a critical step towards protecting the lives of our young people and most marginalized communities. At MN SOPHE, we hold the shared goal of promoting the profession of health education and health promotion and promoting our communities’ health. This ordinance does just that by reducing the availability and appeal of harmful nicotine products. According to the 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 93 percent of middle and high school students who use vape products use a flavored product. Black, LGBTQ, American Indian, and young people have also been historically targeted with menthol-flavored tobacco. Flavors like menthol make it easier to start smoking and harder to quit. Most adult smokers begin using tobacco products by the age of 18, and studies show that local flavor restrictions reduce the chance that teens will ever try tobacco products. Ending the sale of all flavored products in Columbia Heights will help reduce youth access and appeal to commercial tobacco and nicotine products. For years tobacco use has been the number one preventable cause of death in our country and state. Capping the number of tobacco shops and setting minimum prices will reduce both access to and use of commercial tobacco products. Fewer retailers means fewer products being sold and fewer access points in the community, along with less toxic litter and waste in the environment. Keeping commercial tobacco prices high is the most effective way to help people quit and to prevent young people from ever starting. We must prioritize the health and wellbeing of our community members above the tobacco industry. This ordinance would do just that and promote a thriving Columbia Heights community. Thank you for your consideration of this ordinance and know that MN SOPHE is supportive. Respectfully, Molly Schmidtke, MPH, CHES Advocacy Chair Minnesota Society for Public Health Education Society for Public Health Education, Minnesota Chapter ✉: gmail.com : https://mnsophe.wildapricot.org/ 162 Item 10. 163 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:icloud.com Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 12:10 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 threatens jobs and city income Council Members, Please support responsible adults and local jobs. This ban will do more harm than good. I urge you to vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Aaron Stangel Columbia Heights 55421 (239) 365-6726 Sent from my iPhone 164 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Abdikhabir Mohamed gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 4:54 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options Reject Ordinance 1720 Council Members, Removing flavored and reduced-harm products pushes adults toward traditional cigarettes, the most harmful option. This is bad policy and bad for health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Abdikhabir Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 288-3346 165 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Abdirahaman Saeed icloud.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 1:10 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults should have choices Vote NO on restrictions Council Members, Nearby ciƟes don’t have this ban. Adults will simply shop there instead, cosƟng Columbia Heights tax revenue and jobs. Respect adult choice and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Abdirahaman Saeed 🇺🇸굗굙 Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 263-4827 Sent from my iPhone 166 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Adam Burtness icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 6:39 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect adult choice in Columbia Heights As a resident, I’ve seen stores check IDs every day. The problem isn’t retailers—please don’t ban legal products. Thank you, Adam, Columbia Heights, 55421 (763) 486-9364 Sent from my iPhone 167 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Adrian Valerio icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 1:51 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Focus on enforcement, not a blanket flavor ban Hello Council, Retailers in Columbia Heights already check IDs and follow every law to prevent youth sales. Banning legiƟmate businesses for doing their jobs makes no sense. The problem lies with illegal sellers, not compliant retailers. Let’s strengthen enforcement instead of passing a ban that punishes honest workers. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Adrian Valerio Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 450-5398 Sent from my iPhone 168 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Agatha Seekey gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 2:42 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options Reject Ordinance 1720 Council Members, Removing flavored and reduced-harm products pushes adults toward traditional cigarettes, the most harmful option. This is bad policy and bad for health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Agatha Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 203-4991 169 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Primo .gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 2:46 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 will hurt local jobs and city revenue Council Members, Please consider the consequences this ban would bring. Responsible adults will lose their freedom of choice, businesses will lose customers, and the city will lose vital revenue. All of this while the ban does little to reduce youth use. Let’s take a smarter approach to regulation and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Ahmed abouelrayat Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 433-0053 170 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Alicia Geske colheights.k12.mn.us> Sent:Friday, October 10, 2025 7:46 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Laurel Deneen; Connie Buesgens; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs Cc:Aaron Chirpich; Emilie Voight Subject:Please Support an Ordinance to End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products in Columbia Heights Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Dear Mayor Simula and members of the Columbia Heights City Council, My name is Alicia Geske, and I’m a 7th-grade Health teacher at Columbia Academy in Columbia Heights. I've been teaching here in the district for 7 years and I love how we have so much diversity in a tight knit community. As a parent and middle school teacher, I’m grateful the Columbia Heights City Council is considering an ordinance to end the sale of flavored tobacco products. I urge you to pass this vital policy to protect the health and future of our youth and community. I see first hand the harms these products cause. Our students are partaking in the use of these products in our school bathrooms, classrooms, and fields. Peer pressure and addiction are making it very hard for a students to understand the severity of their choices at such a young age. These products are intentionally designed to attract young people and make it easier for them to start using tobacco. With over 15,000 e-cigarette flavors like cotton candy, gummy bear, mint, menthol and pink lemonade available in a variety of device types and colorful packaging, these products are highly appealing to youth. As a result, we’ve seen a troubling rise in youth nicotine addiction, particularly through flavored e-cigarettes (vapes). It’s time for Columbia Heights to take a stand. Passing an ordinance to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products would be a powerful step forward in reducing youth access and curbing addiction. Several other Minnesota cities have already taken this important step. Columbia Heights should be next. Everyone here at Columbia Academy is so grateful for your support on this issue. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Alicia Geske Columbia Academy 7th and 8th Grade Health Columbia Academy 900 49th Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 171 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Duane Jones gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 3:56 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don't push adults back to regular cigarettes Dear Council Members, As an adult consumer, I’m concerned this ban removes reduced-harm options and will drive many back to cigarettes. Adults deserve access to safer, regulated products. Please protect public health and vote NO on the tobacco ordinance amendment, Ordinance 1720. Allen Eldridge Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 478-1152 172 Item 10. 173 Item 10. 174 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Amie Brown gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 8:51 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Flavored tobacco ban will hurt local stores Dear Columbia Heights Council, This isn’t fair to small business owners who follow the law. Please stop the ban. Best, Amie Brown, Columbia Heights, 55421 Sent from my iPhone 175 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Amiro Amiro icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 11:04 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults should have choices Vote NO on restrictions Council Members, Nearby ciƟes don’t have this ban. Adults will simply shop there instead, cosƟng Columbia Heights tax revenue and jobs. Respect adult choice and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Amiro Amiro Columbia Heights 55418 (952) 240-6291 Sent from my iPhone 176 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Andrew Porter gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 10:32 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Enforcement is better than a total ban (Ordinance 1720) Hello Council, Sarah's tobacco shop and other stores in Columbia heights are already check IDs. The problem isn’t retailers—it’s illegal sales elsewhere. Focus on enforcement, not bans. Thank you Andrew porter Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 385-5912 177 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Andrew Schmitz . gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 10:10 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban is bad for public health Hello City Council, This ban eliminates safer alternatives that help adults stay away from cigarettes. It limits adult choice and risks worse public health outcomes. I urge you to oppose this amendment. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. MY BODY MY CHOICE!!! Andrew Schmitz Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 385-7698 178 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Anthony Lewis icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 7:16 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust adults, not bans Dear Council, Please don’t pass the flavor ban. Adults should have choices and businesses need your support. Sincerely, Anthony lewis, Columbia Heights, 55421 Sent from my iPhone 179 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Average Loner gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 6:41 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The ban ignores less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults should have access to less harmful products, not be forced back to smoking. Let’s focus on smarter regulations that protect health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Anthony Mitchell Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 601-2279 180 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Anthony Wilson gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 6:22 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stores already check IDs, the ban isn't necessary Dear Council Members, Products like cigars and pipe tobacco are enjoyed responsibly by adults. Please don’t take away these legal products. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Anthony Wilson Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 403-0480 Sent from my iPhone 181 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:April Drexler gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 2:34 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 will hurt local jobs and city revenue Council Members, Please consider the consequences this ban would bring. Responsible adults will lose their freedom of choice, businesses will lose customers, and the city will lose vital revenue. All of this while the ban does little to reduce youth use. Let’s take a smarter approach to regulation and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. April drexler Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 309-7376 182 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:DADDY . icloud.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 9:40 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The ban ignores less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults should have access to less harmful products, not be forced back to smoking. Let’s focus on smarter regulaƟons that protect health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Areana richmond Columbia Heights 55421 (312) 513-1781 Sent from my iPhone 183 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Basil Mohamad gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 8:46 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote no on the flavored product ban To the City Council, I'm 30 years old, I do smoke vapes regularly with responsibility, it's legal as cigarettes. Why do you wanna bother me and make me take uber so long with additional cost just to get the same vape from other city?? How come you have this logic? Thank you, Basil Mohamad, Columbia Heights, 55421 184 Item 10. 185 Item 10. 186 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Belal Shire gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 12:53 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options Reject Ordinance 1720 Council Members, Removing flavored and reduced-harm products pushes adults toward tradiƟonal cigareƩes, the most harmful opƟon. This is bad policy and bad for health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Bellal Shere Columbia Heights 55421 (308) 746-5596 Sent from my iPhone 187 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Bille Nur icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 4:59 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stores already verify IDs – a ban isn’t the answer Dear Council Members, Products like cigars, pipe tobacco, and other flavored opƟons are enjoyed responsibly by many adults. They are legal, regulated, and part of our local economy. Please don’t punish responsible consumers or small businesses by removing products that aren’t causing youth problems. I ask that you vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Bille Nur Columbia Heights NE 55421 (612) 636-7980 Sent from my iPhone 188 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:bob calderon gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 3:45 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby ciƟes allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Bob Calderon Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 438-1363 Sent from my iPhone 189 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:TBH FoRgAツ gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 6:23 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respectfully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand—it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to traditional smoking. Adults deserve safer options and honest information, not blanket prohibitions. Let’s encourage education and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Boyd Kennith Forga Hegwood Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 310-7347 190 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Brian Martinez icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 11:34 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban is bad for public health Hello Council, Adults deserve to choose safer products, and stores already enforce age laws. Don’t make compliance harder—vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Brian Columbia Heights 55432 (818) 821-9823 Sent from my iPhone 191 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:user 15481 gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 9:37 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban is bad for public health Hello City Council, Freedom!!!!!! You will vote NO on Ordinance 1720 because you believe in freedom! Brock Schumacher Mpls 55412 (612) 481-0977 192 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:gmail.com Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 2:12 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:I am concerned about health effects of the proposed ban To the Council, This proposal ignores harm reducƟon science and takes away beƩer choices from adults. It will backfire by increasing cigareƩe use. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Bryan Cruz Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 919-8039 Enviado desde mi iPhone 193 Item 10. 194 Item 10. 195 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Chief Williams gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 3:19 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban is bad for public health Hello City Council, This ban eliminates safer alternaƟves that help adults stay away from cigareƩes. It limits adult choice and risks worse public health outcomes. I urge you to oppose this amendment. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Chief Williams Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 483-5355 Sent from my iPhone 196 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Chilah Brown icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 6:13 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust adults, not bans Council Members, Please don’t punish adults or small shops. This ban helps stores in other ciƟes, not ours. Regards, Chilah Brown, Columbia Heights, 55421 Sent from my iPhone 197 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:christopher harwell gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 4:34 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban goes too far – let responsible adults decide Council, This ban sends the wrong message to responsible adults who follow the law. It will drive legitimate sales to nearby cities or unregulated sources, hurting Columbia Heights’ economy. Instead of punishing law- abiding stores, we should focus on preventing illegal sales. Please protect choice, public health, and local revenue by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. christopher harwell Columbia heights 55421 (651) 347-5201 198 Item 10. 199 Item 10. 200 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nana Lanaee icloud.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 9:47 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:I am concerned about health effects of the proposed ban To the Council, This proposal ignores harm reducƟon science and takes away beƩer choices from adults. It will backfire by increasing cigareƩe use. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. CrisƟana hall Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 494-1227 Sent from my iPhone 201 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Aihtnyc Frost gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 9:23 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote yes on the flavored product ban Council Members, This ban will hurt small stores that depend on these sales. Please support local business. Respectfully, Cynthia Frost, Columbia Heights, 55421 202 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Dametre Thunberg gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 6:34 PM To:Laurel Deneen; Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Emilie Voight; Justice Spriggs; Rachel James Subject:As one of your constituents - vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council members, I have lived in Columbia Heights for nearly a decade now and have voted for most of you at some point in that time period. As one of your constituents, I implore you all to hear my voice in asking you to vote no on ordinance 1720. We as contributing adults to this society should have the ability to make these sorts of decisions without intervention in the same way that we have the ability to choose between a glass of Rosé or Sangria. Surely we wouldn’t impose bans on those products, assuming unflavored vodka to be sufficient for those who would like a drink. As someone who was able to quit smoking after decades with the help of menthol lozenges and electronic cigarettes, a ban would only serve to hurt businesses local to us. I’ll surely find an online store to ship these to me, but there are real livelihoods at stake with this ordinance. I thank you for taking the time to hear my voice, I hope I can make it to the Council meeting next Monday. Best regards, Dametre Thunberg -- Dametre Thunberg Augsburg University Alum B.S. Chemistry 612.383.6516 203 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:icloud.com Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 8:08 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. David Franklin Columbia height 55421 (651) 373-6521 Sent from my iPhone 204 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Derek gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 15, 2025 5:36 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:STOP Columbia Heights Flavor Ban Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Completed To the Columbia Heights City Council, This ban affects cigars, pipe tobacco, and chew—products for adults, not kids. Please don’t take away legal adult options. Best, Derek Galatowitsch 224 Grand Ave Shoreview 55126-3006 205 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Derek gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 6:23 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote NO on Ordinance 1720 and support responsible adults Hello Council, Adults deserve to make their own choices about legal products without government overreach. This ban would harm public health, hurt small businesses, and create an underground market. Please protect our community’s freedom, jobs, and safety by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Derek Galatowitsch Columbia Heights 55421 206 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Diana Alv icloud.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 5:26 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t take away legal products from adults As a local voter, I urge you to protect our community businesses and adult freedom. Vote no on the flavor ban. Thank you, Diana OrƟz, Columbia Heights, 55432 (763) 353-7464 Sent from my iPhone 207 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Donald gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 12:03 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:I am concerned about health effects of the proposed ban To the Council, This proposal ignores harm reduction science and takes away better choices from adults. It will backfire by increasing cigarette use. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Don buchmann Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 407-3152 208 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Donia Caldwell gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 9:38 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options Reject Ordinance 1720 Council Members, Removing flavored and reduced-harm products pushes adults toward traditional cigarettes, the most harmful option. This is bad policy and bad for health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Donia Caldwell Columbia Heights 55411 (707) 208-8472 209 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ernesto Gutierrez icloud.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 4:46 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect adult choice in Columbia Heights As a concerned ciƟzen, I urge you to protect adult freedom and small business. Please vote no on the flavor ban. Best regards, Edwin Johnson, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 542-9230 Sent from my iPhone 210 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:elaina morocho yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 8:54 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options Reject Ordinance 1720 Council Members, Removing flavored and reduced-harm products pushes adults toward tradiƟonal cigareƩes, the most harmful opƟon. This is bad policy and bad for health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Elaina Morocho Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 286-5136 Sent from my iPhone 211 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Eric Clay gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 3:26 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep Columbia Heights businesses strong As a voter, I ask that you keep consumer choice alive. People will just buy elsewhere if this ban passes. Regards, Eric Clay, Columbia Heights, 55421 (847) 924-3028 Sent from my iPhone 212 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Estevan Castaño .gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 4:44 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote no on the flavored product ban As a concerned voter, I worry this ban will push shoppers to other cities and hurt local stores. Please support our businesses instead. Sincerely, Estevan Luis Castano, Columbia Heights, 55432 (651) 239-3945 213 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:gregorio salazar gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 9:44 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stores already check IDs, the ban isn't necessary Dear Council Members, Products like cigars and pipe tobacco are enjoyed responsibly by adults. Please don’t take away these legal products. Also I enjoy menthol cigarettes and vapes. Please vote no. If not IDK what I would do thanks again for your attention.Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Gregorio Salazar Columbia Heights 55418 (612) 806-2145 214 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:John Yaguachi gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 5:52 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stores already check IDs, the ban isn't necessary Dear Council Members, Products like cigars and pipe tobacco are enjoyed responsibly by adults. Please don’t take away these legal products. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Guasco John Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 230-0750 Enviado desde mi iPhone 215 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Henry Ingber gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 8:37 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Flavored tobacco ban will hurt local stores As a Columbia Heights voter, I ask that adults keep their right to choose. Businesses and customers both deserve your support. Sincerely, Henry ingber, Columbia Heights, 55421 (973) 919-1516 Sent from my iPhone 216 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Israel Dozier icloud.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 5:23 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:I oppose the flavor ban and its consequences Dear Council, Adults should be free to buy legal, regulated products. This ban removes opƟons, hurts local stores, and limits personal choice. Please protect adult freedom and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Israel Dozier Columbia Heights 55109 (763) 264-1715 Sent from my iPhone 217 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jackee Wade gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 11:40 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Flavored tobacco ban will hurt local stores As a citizen, I’m worried this ban removes options for responsible adults. Please vote no and support our local stores. Respectfully, Jackee Wade, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 710-7116 218 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jackee Wade gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 11:40 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep Columbia Heights businesses strong Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Completed As a concerned voter, I fear this ban will hurt jobs and tax revenue. Please keep flavored tobacco products legal. Best regards, Jackee Wade, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 710-7116 219 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jama Hassan gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 3:20 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Oppose the flavor ban and protect adult choice Dear Council, Adults should have the freedom to purchase legal and regulated products. The proposed ban will not solve youth access issues—it will simply penalize responsible adults and drive business away from Columbia Heights. Every neighboring city will benefit from our lost sales and tax revenue. Please defend fairness, adult choice, and local jobs by rejecƟng Ordinance 1720. Jama Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 229-4297 Jama Hassan 220 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:James LaBrec gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 3:05 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust Columbia Heights residents to make responsible decisions Dear Columbia Heights Council, Our local shops are compliant, responsible, and enforce strict age verification. They should be rewarded for that—not punished. This ban unfairly targets honest business owners and will push customers to cities without these restrictions. Please protect fairness, public trust, and local business by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. James LaBrec Columbia Heights 55421 (574) 536-5159 221 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jasmine Loyd icloud.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 9:37 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The ban ignores less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults should have access to less harmful products, not be forced back to smoking. Let’s focus on smarter regulaƟons that protect health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Jasmine Loyd Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 347-1195 Sent from my iPhone 222 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jason Tanberg gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 7:23 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote no on the flavored product ban Council Members, This ban will hurt small stores that depend on these sales. Please support local business. Respectfully, Jason Tanberg, Columbia Heights, 55421 223 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jeramie Martinez gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 9:21 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:I am concerned about health effects of the proposed ban To the Council, This proposal ignores harm reduction science and takes away better choices from adults. It will backfire by increasing cigarette use. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Jeramie Martinez Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 494-4369 224 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Zeke Haas gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 2:07 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stand with local shops – oppose the flavor ban As a Columbia Heights resident, I know adults can make responsible decisions. Please don’t restrict legal products. Sincerely, Jessica george, Columbia Heights, 55421 (763) 447-1645 Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device Get Outlook for Android 225 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nikki Nicole Model Page Lewis gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 5:46 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t push adults back to smoking – reject the ban Dear Council Members, I am deeply concerned that this ordinance would remove products that have helped many adults stay away from cigarettes. Flavored and reduced-harm alternatives are not the problem—they are part of the solution. By banning these products, we risk reversing years of progress in tobacco harm reduction and pushing people back toward smoking. Please support adult choice and proven public health strategies by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Jessica Lewis Minneapolis 55418 (601) 334-3324 226 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nikki Nicole Model Page Lewis gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 5:46 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban undermines public health progress Hello City Council, This proposed flavor ban will take away legal and regulated products that help adults avoid smoking. Responsible adults deserve access to safer alternatives, not policies that force them to return to cigarettes. Public health is about helping people make better choices, not removing them altogether. I urge you to stand for health, science, and common sense—please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Jessica Lewis Minneapolis 55418 (601) 334-3324 227 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nikki Nicole Model Page Lewis gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 5:46 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Jessica Lewis Minneapolis 55418 (601) 334-3324 228 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jim Larson gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 1:13 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote Against Ordinance 1720 and listen to residents Hello Council, Protect adult freedom and small business owners who follow every rule. This ban is unnecessary and harmful. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Jimmy larson Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 321-5523 Call or email Jim Larson 763.432.6787 Home 763.321.5475 CELL 229 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Juwan Williams gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 4:54 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stores already verify IDs – a ban isn’t the answer Dear Council Members, Products like cigars, pipe tobacco, and other flavored options are enjoyed responsibly by many adults. They are legal, regulated, and part of our local economy. Please don’t punish responsible consumers or small businesses by removing products that aren’t causing youth problems. I ask that you vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Juwan williams Columbia Heights 55421 (952) 451-8993 230 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Katrina Mcclimek icloud.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 8:40 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The ban ignores less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults should have access to less harmful products, not be forced back to smoking. Let’s focus on smarter regulaƟons that protect health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Katrina Mcclimek Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 264-8872 Sent from my iPhone 231 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Kendra Carroll gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 10:47 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:I am concerned about health effects of the proposed ban To the Council, This proposal ignores harm reducƟon science and takes away beƩer choices from adults. It will backfire by increasing cigareƩe use. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Kendra Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 913-6906 Sent from my iPhone 232 Item 10. 233 Item 10. 234 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Kendrick Washington outlook.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 10:58 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stand with local shops – oppose the flavor ban I’ve seen firsthand that stores follow the law. Please don’t punish them for doing their job. Respectfully, Kendrick Washington (612) 601-5117 Sent from my Metro by T-Mobile 5G Device Get Outlook for Android 235 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Khader Safi blueoxmn.com> Sent:Thursday, October 2, 2025 7:04 PM To:Emilie Voight Subject:RE: Tobacco Ordinance Changes 2025 Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Completed Dear Ms. Voight, Thank you for taking my call earlier this week. As a licensed tobacco retailer in Columbia Heights, I would like to respectfully raise several questions and concerns regarding your letter, as well as offer alternative recommendations for the Council’s consideration. I. Questions Regarding Process and Definitions 1. Equity & Fairness: In my opinion this ordinance unfairly singles out three small family-owned businesses in Columbia Heights while leaving other retailers in neighboring cities untouched. Regulations should be fair, consistent, and applied in ways that don’t disproportionately burden a few businesses. This ordinance will force these shops to shut down as it eliminated more than half their inventory. 2. Lack of Business Consultation: Given there are only three tobacco product shop licenses in Columbia Heights—and these are the sole businesses impacted by the proposed flavor ban—I must ask: Why were current license holders not included in the research, drafting process, or initial consultations for this ordinance? Direct input from the businesses that operate under this license structure could provide valuable insights to ensure practical and fair regulation. 3. Definition of "Tobacco Product Shop": If the new ordinance removes all flavored tobacco products from the city, what remains the legal or functional distinction between a "Tobacco Product Shop" (which currently allows flavor sales) and any other standard tobacco license holder? Will this elimination of inventory distinction render the separate license category moot? 4. Not enough time to study the ordinance and prepare a response: MN statute requires that businesses are given at least 30 days notice, however, the ordinance language will not be ready for another 2 weeks which gives licensed businesses less than 2 weeks to read, study and prepare a response/ testimony. I don't think that is fair, and I ask that you move the hearing to at least 30 days after the draft is ready. II. Concerns Regarding Ownership Change and Business Hardship The proposal that a business cannot continue to operate if ownership is transferred is extremely troubling. My store is my family's livelihood, and this provision directly threatens our financial security. This provision means that if anything were to happen to me, my family would be left with only the liability of the commercial lease and unsaleable product, as the license would immediately be canceled. This not only penalizes a business but also defies common sense. And I'm sorry to say; it feels like a cruel policy for lack of a better word. 236 Item 10. 2 Recommendation for Succession: A more equitable measure that still accomplishes the goal of reducing non-compliant licenses would be to amend the code to state that if a business is deemed a habitual violator (e.g., more than two serious violations in the last three years), its license will be canceled upon ownership change. This addresses non-compliance without punishing legally operating, family-run establishments. III. Concerns Regarding Flavor Product Ban Efficacy and Unintended Consequences The elimination of flavored tobacco is intended to address youth access. However, given recent studies and data in addition that our neighboring cities do not have this restriction, this ordinance will have the following net negative effects:  Inconsistencies with the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey: The Council was presented with select findings from the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey that helped shape their views. Banning all tobacco flavors goes contrary to the survey results, and recommendations which found that: o Adolescents often obtain tobacco from friends and family rather from retail stores (see below chart from the survey) o Minnesota teens overwhelmingly reject cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, etc... yet the City is proposing to ban them (see below excerpt from the survey)  Impact on Adult Users: The ban proposes to eliminate all flavored tobacco, not just flavored vapes, which are often the primary youth concern (see below from the MN Youth Tobacco Survey). This impacts: o Moist Snuff/Chewing Tobacco & Nicotine Pouches: These products are overwhelmingly purchased by adults over the age of 50. o Pipe Tobacco & Premium Cigars: These categories rely heavily on flavoring (e.g., vanilla, whiskey, cognac) and are primarily enjoyed by adult consumers, also averaging over 50 years old. Eliminating flavors essentially eliminates the entire category for adult users, forcing them to drive out of the city for legal products.  Border Bleed and Tax Revenue Loss: Studies of flavor bans in other jurisdictions have consistently shown a significant decrease in local tax revenue as consumers simply shift their purchases to neighboring municipalities. This is a net negative for Columbia Heights.  Creation of an Unregulated Black Market (I would refer you to the history of liquor and marijuana prohibitions and how that turned out): By removing these products from licensed, regulated businesses, the city may inadvertently push sales onto the street, where there are zero controls on age verification or product quality. I note the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey indicated local businesses were not a top 4 sources for underage access (see below), supporting the idea that the problem is already originating outside licensed establishments.  Inconsistency with Cannabis Regulation: The city is simultaneously welcoming cannabis dispensaries, where the product is sold in flavored forms like actual gummies. If the state and city have determined that access to flavored cannabis products can be controlled effectively within a licensed, regulated framework, I urge you to apply the same logic to smoke shops to address access issues without resorting to total prohibition.  Inconsistency with Alcohol Regulation: Numerous studies have looked at alcohol use and its role in initiating vaping and smoking in adolescents, yet the City does not propose to regulate 237 Item 10. 3 flavored alcohol. Again, if the state and city have determined that flavored alcohol can effectively be controlled, why the double standard? IV. Alternative Recommendations for Effective Enforcement Instead of prohibition, I strongly recommend that the Council consider a set of enforcement-focused alternatives that target non-compliance and youth access directly: 1. Mandatory Training: Require, as a condition of the license, that all employees receive state- endorsed training regarding underage sales compliance. 2. Mandatory ID Scanning: Mandate the use of ID scanners at the point of sale to ensure compliance and a verifiable transaction log. 3. Increased Penalties: Significantly increase the monetary penalty for selling tobacco products to minors. 4. Employee Citation Component: Implement a component allowing for citations to be issued directly to the employee who makes the illegal sale, which is a powerful deterrent against employees selling to friends or family. 5. No flavor advertisement: Require that advertisement inside or outside the store does not mention flavors These measures, paired with points 4 and 5 of your current proposal, create a good system of compliance and accountability that solves the access issue without eliminating legitimate adult access points or compromising the viability of local businesses. I respectfully request that my recommendations be presented as a second option for the Council members to consider and vote on. I am available to meet with any Council Member or staff to discuss these points further. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter. Sincerely, Khader Safi 238 Item 10. 4 239 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Manifest.holdings gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 9:02 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban is bad for public health Hello City Council, This ban eliminates safer alternatives that help adults stay away from cigarettes. It limits adult choice and risks worse public health outcomes. I urge you to oppose this amendment. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Kilea Helm Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 221-9955 240 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Manifest.holdings gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 9:02 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don't push adults back to regular cigarettes Dear Council Members, As an adult consumer, I’m concerned this ban removes reduced-harm options and will drive many back to cigarettes. Adults deserve access to safer, regulated products. Please protect public health and vote NO on the tobacco ordinance amendment, Ordinance 1720. Kilea Helm Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 221-9955 241 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Krista Ostendorf gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 15, 2025 4:07 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:STOP Columbia Heights Flavor Ban Dear Council, This hurts Columbia Heights businesses and helps shops in other cities. Please stand with local business owners. Regards, Krista ostendorf 565 lake cove court Shoreview 55126 242 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Laith Nassar outlook.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 1:05 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect adult choice in Columbia Heights Dear Council Members, Adults can make their own decisions. Please don’t limit products that are already legal. Sincerely, Laith Nassar, Columbia Heights, 55421 243 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Laith Nassar outlook.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 11:52 AM To:Emilie Voight Subject:RE: Protect adult choice in Columbia Heights Dear, I appreciate your response. I strongly believe that adults are fully capable of making informed and responsible choices about the products they use. Legal products should remain accessible to law-abiding adults who understand their options and wish to make decisions for themselves. Restricting these choices through unnecessary bans takes away personal freedom and undermines the principle of adult autonomy. Adults deserve the right to choose legal products without interference, and local businesses should not be punished for serving responsible customers. This ordinance will not stop youth access; it will only harm adult consumers and small businesses that rely on lawful product sales. Please respect the ability of adults to make their own decisions. Protect freedom of choice and local businesses by voting NO on the tobacco ordinance amendment, Ordinance 1720. Best Regards, From: Emilie Voight columbiaheightsmn.gov> Sent: Friday, October 17, 2025 11:32 AM To: Laith Nassar outlook.com> Subject: RE: Protect adult choice in Columbia Heights Hello, Laith – Thank you for sharing your comments. The Columbia Heights City Council will consider an update to the City’s tobacco ordinance during its meeting on Monday, October 27th, at 6 p.m., at City Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting and speak if they so choose, but we have also taken note of your written comments on this item and will be sure to include them in the meeting packet. If you have any questions about the ordinance update process, please feel free to contact me directly. Regards, Emilie Voight (she/her) | Community Development Coordinator City of Columbia Heights | Community Development Department 3989 Central Avenue NE | Columbia Heights, MN 55421 columbiaheightsmn.gov 763-706-3674 From: Laith Nassar outlook.com> Sent: Friday, October 17, 2025 1:05 AM To: Amáda Márquez Simula columbiaheightsmn.gov>; Connie Buesgens 244 Item 10. 2 columbiaheightsmn.gov>; Laurel Deneen columbiaheightsmn.gov>; Rachel James columbiaheightsmn.gov>; Justice Spriggs columbiaheightsmn.gov>; Emilie Voight columbiaheightsmn.gov> Subject: Protect adult choice in Columbia Heights Dear Council Members, Adults can make their own decisions. Please don’t limit products that are already legal. Sincerely, Laith Nassar, Columbia Heights, 55421 Disclaimer: Information in this message or attachment may be government data and thereby subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act; may be subject to attorney-client or work product privilege; may be confidential, privileged, proprietary, or otherwise protected. The unauthorized review, copying, retransmission, or other use or disclosure of the information is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please immediately notify the sender of the transmission error and then promptly delete this message from your computer system. 245 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Lalita Fleming-Williams icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 8:06 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Let adults make their own choices Dear Columbia Heights Leaders, Other ciƟes sƟll allow flavored products. Please don’t make our community lose business. Thank you, Lalita Williams, Columbia Heights, 55421 Sent from my iPhone 246 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tonya Young gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 7:54 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 threatens jobs and city income Council Members, Please support responsible adults and local jobs. This ban will do more harm than good. I urge you to vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Latonya tart Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 558-8001 Sent from my iPhone 247 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Linda Speelman gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 11:12 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don't push adults back to regular cigarettes Dear Council Members, As an adult consumer, I’m concerned this ban removes reduced-harm options and will drive many back to cigarettes. Adults deserve access to safer, regulated products. Please protect public health and vote NO on the tobacco ordinance amendment, Ordinance 1720. Linda Speelman Columbia Heights 55413 (612) 707-3399 Helping Pine Ridge Reservation, one donation at a time! http://FriendsofPineRidgeReservation.org 248 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Linnea gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 2:48 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigarettes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health- focused policies, not harmful restrictions. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Linnea COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,mn 55421 (815) 295-6711 249 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Linnea gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 2:48 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t push adults back to smoking – reject the ban Dear Council Members, I am deeply concerned that this ordinance would remove products that have helped many adults stay away from cigarettes. Flavored and reduced-harm alternatives are not the problem—they are part of the solution. By banning these products, we risk reversing years of progress in tobacco harm reduction and pushing people back toward smoking. Please support adult choice and proven public health strategies by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Linnea COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,mn 55421 (815) 295-6711 250 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Linnea gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 2:47 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 will hurt local jobs and city revenue Council Members, Please consider the consequences this ban would bring. Responsible adults will lose their freedom of choice, businesses will lose customers, and the city will lose vital revenue. All of this while the ban does little to reduce youth use. Let’s take a smarter approach to regulation and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Linnea COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 55421 (815) 295-6711 251 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Linnea gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 2:47 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes options away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted education and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Linnea Columbia Heights 55421 (815) 295-6711 252 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Lipzzy Avendano icloud.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 5:22 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stand with local shops – oppose the flavor ban As a concerned voter, I fear this ban will hurt jobs and tax revenue. Please keep flavored tobacco products legal. Best regards, Lipzzy rivera, Columbia Heights, 55432 (612) 876-5198 Sent from my iPhone 253 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Duke G icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 12:45 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please don't take away legal products I use Dear City Council, Please trust adults to make their own decisions and protect our local economy. This ban will hurt responsible retailers and drive customers elsewhere. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Loduku Gwanganalie Columbia Heights 55413 (763) 670-7162 Sent from my iPhone 254 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Lugman Abdikadir gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 12:16 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban is bad for public health Hello Council, Adults deserve to choose safer products, and stores already enforce age laws. Don’t make compliance harder—vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Lugman Abdi Hashi Columbia Heights 55421 (952) 356-9158 255 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mahmoud Awad gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 1:13 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote Against Ordinance 1720 and listen to residents Hello Council, Protect adult freedom and small business owners who follow every rule. This ban is unnecessary and harmful. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Mo Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 819-0931 Sent from my iPhone 256 Item 10. 257 Item 10. 258 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Kitrinna Simonsen gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 8:11 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t take away legal products from adults As a local resident, I know our stores follow the law and check IDs. Please don’t punish good businesses. Respectfully, Michael Ream, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 271-9254 259 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:ahmed a gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 4:52 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote no on the flavored product ban As a Columbia Heights resident, I’ve seen firsthand that stores follow the law. Please don’t punish them for doing their job. Respecƞully, Mike davis, Columbia Heights, 55421 (763) 377-2099 Sent from my iPhone 260 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mile Vasic gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 4:00 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigarettes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health- focused policies, not harmful restrictions. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Mile Vasic Columbia Heights 55421 (414) 839-1420 261 Item 10. 262 Item 10. 263 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Monai Harris yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 2:49 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please don’t take away legal products adults use responsibly Dear City Council, I’m urging you to protect the freedom of adults to make responsible decisions about the products they use. This ban will not stop use—it will simply shiŌ purchases elsewhere, taking local tax dollars with it. Many adults rely on these safer alternaƟves to avoid smoking, and removing them will have real consequences. Please oppose Ordinance 1720 and keep Columbia Heights fair and compeƟƟve. Monai Harris Columbia heights 55427 (612) 203-4718 Sent from my iPhone 264 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Clay Miller gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 1:51 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t take away legal products from adults As a voter, I ask that you keep consumer choice alive. People will just buy elsewhere if this ban passes. Regards, Munib, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 702-8700 Sent from my iPhone 265 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nancy King icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 9:23 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust residents to make their own responsible decisions Dear Columbia Heights Council, Local shops follow every rule and check IDs. This ban unfairly punishes honest stores and shiŌs sales elsewhere. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Nancy king Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 607-0119 Sent from my iPhone 266 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nelle Bing gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 10:55 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stand with local shops – oppose the flavor ban Puƫng my two cents in on flavor bans… In this turbulent state of the world, pursuing something like a flavor bans seems to be a huge waste of Ɵme and focus. It is also ineffecƟve - people will drive to where they can find it, ulƟmately dropping revenue for the businesses established in Heights currently. Enjoy the weather, Nelle Bing 267 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nicholas Stroozas gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 1:37 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options Reject Ordinance 1720 Council Members, Removing flavored and reduced-harm products pushes adults toward traditional cigarettes, the most harmful option. This is bad policy and bad for health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Nicholas Stroozas Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 492-0756 Cheers, Nick C: 651-492-0756 268 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nicholas Chiquoine gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 8:22 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby cities allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. It's also hilarious you don't care about flavored alcohol or the inordinate amount of sugar you shove down our kids throats at school lunch. You're targeting a scapegoat, not achieving any public health gains. You either take accountability or you don't. Stop trying to piece meal stuff. Thanks. Nicholas W Chiquoine Columbia Heights 55421 (608) 575-6319 269 Item 10. 270 Item 10. 271 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nick Yurkew gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 9:05 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults should have choices Vote NO on restrictions Council Members, Nearby cities don’t have this ban. Adults will simply shop there instead, costing Columbia Heights tax revenue and jobs. Respect adult choice and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Nicholas yurkew Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 808-3960 272 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:nicole young yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 5:13 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:I oppose the flavor ban and its consequences Dear Council, Adults should be free to buy legal, regulated products. This ban removes opƟons, hurts local stores, and limits personal choice. Please protect adult freedom and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. nicole Columbia Heights 55418 (952) 288-8257 Ms Blessed 273 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mobile Window Tinting MN mwtmn.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 11:07 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The ban ignores less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults should have access to less harmful products, not be forced back to smoking. Let’s focus on smarter regulaƟons that protect health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Nik Vdovchenko Columbia Heights 55421 Mobile Window TinƟng MN 763.337.9299 274 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Zeke Haas gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 2:07 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect adult choice in Columbia Heights As a voter, I see nearby cities without these restrictions. We’ll spend our money there instead—please reconsider. Best, Nikelle Haas, Columbia Heights, 55421 (816) 442-8000 Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device Get Outlook for Android 275 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:HASSAN HUSSEIN gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 8:24 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Flavored tobacco ban will hurt local stores Dear Council, Our local shops follow the law and check IDs. The problem isn’t the stores—please vote no. Respectfully, Noor Hussein, Columbia Heights, 55421 276 Item 10. 277 Item 10. 278 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Patricia Green hotmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 8:40 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The ban ignores less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults should have access to less harmful products, not be forced back to smoking. Let’s focus on smarter regulations that protect health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Patricia Green Columbia Heights 55421 279 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:ridwan alamin gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 4:48 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stand with local shops – oppose the flavor ban Council Members, Other ciƟes don’t have this ban. We’ll just spend our money there instead. Please reconsider. Best, Rid, Columbia Heights, 55113 Sent from my iPhone 280 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Robert Tollefson gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 4:57 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight At what point is local government going stop trying to protect us from ourselves? Flavored tobacco is hardly the core of any problem. 281 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:icloud.com Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 11:34 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please Vote NO on Tobacco Ordinance 1720 Dear Council Members, he local shops check IDs daily. Punishing compliant businesses is not fair or effecƟve. Protect fairness—vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Roberto Tapia Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 483-8892 Sent from my iPhone 282 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Rose Leith gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 12:18 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The ban ignores less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults should have access to less harmful products, not be forced back to smoking. Let’s focus on smarter regulations that protect health. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Rose Leith Columbia Heights 55421 (952) 956-2898 283 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Samir Othman gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 19, 2025 6:48 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:I am concerned about health effects of the proposed ban To the Council, This proposal ignores harm reduction science and takes away better choices from adults. It will backfire by increasing cigarette use. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Samir othman Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 487-8859 284 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Samira Shire gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 7:57 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep Columbia Heights businesses strong As a Columbia Heights voter, I ask you to support licensed stores that protect youth. Don’t punish honest business owners. Sincerely, Samira Shire, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 965-4780 Sent from my iPhone 285 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Samira Shire gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 7:56 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Flavored tobacco ban will hurt local stores As a voter, I trust adults to make responsible choices. Please don’t take away legal products or local jobs. Best, Samira Shire, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 965-4780 Sent from my iPhone 286 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Sandra Smith gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 8:15 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Let adults make their own choices To whom it may concern please don't ban flavor tobacco, please let us have the same opportunity as the good neighbors hoods do. Like st Louis park, thanks in advance 287 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Sergio Oscar Romero ymail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 4:32 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t take away legal products from adults Dear Council, Our local shops follow the law and check IDs. The problem isn’t the stores—please vote no. Respectfully, Sergio Romero, Columbia Heights, 55421 288 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Sergio Oscar Romero ymail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 1:43 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stand with local shops – oppose the flavor ban As a local voter, I urge you to protect our community businesses and adult freedom. Vote no on the flavor ban. Thank you, Sergio Romero, Columbia Heights, 55433 (209) 276-520 289 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Shanequa Cook gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 3:35 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Concerned about the health impact of this ban To the Council, ScienƟfic research shows that reduced-risk products can help adults transiƟon away from smoking. This ordinance would remove those opƟons enƟrely and hurt both public health and local businesses. Instead of prohibiƟng responsible adult use, we should focus on enforcement against illegal sellers and youth access. Please support smarter, balanced policies— vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Shanequa Cook Columbia Heights 55414 (269) 274-3702 Sent from my iPhone 290 Item 10. 291 Item 10. 292 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Shelly Fenning gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 2:58 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stand with local shops – oppose the flavor ban As a Columbia Heights voter, I ask you to respect adult choice. Please don’t take away legal, regulated products. Sincerely, Shelly Fenning, Columbia Heights, 55421 Sent from my iPhone 293 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:T McCoy gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 12:42 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote no on the flavored product ban As a local voter, I urge you to protect our community businesses and adult freedom. Vote no on the flavor ban. Thank you, Taryn A McCoy, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 685-5045 294 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Taylan Harris icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 10:32 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stop the Columbia Heights flavor ban As a Columbia Heights ciƟzen, I urge you not to add new restricƟons that will push people away from local stores. Sincerely, Taylan Harris, Columbia Heights, 55421 (651) 303-4169 Sent from my iPhone 295 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Terry Wright gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 6:29 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust Columbia Heights residents to make responsible decisions Dear Columbia Heights Council, Our local shops are compliant, responsible, and enforce strict age verificaƟon. They should be rewarded for that—not punished. This ban unfairly targets honest business owners and will push customers to ciƟes without these restricƟons. Please protect fairness, public trust, and local business by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Terry wright Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 990-6495 Sent from my iPhone 296 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tina Dwyer gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 11:37 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep Columbia Heights businesses strong As a Columbia Heights voter, I ask you to respect adult choice. Please don’t take away legal, regulated products. Sincerely, Tina dwyer, Columbia Heights, 55411 (763) 464-5214 297 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tomasina Humphries gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 8:56 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Tomasina Humphries Columbia heights 55421 (763) 442-3190 298 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:tracey icloud.com Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 8:56 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Let adults make their own choices Dear Council, Please protect adult freedom and local business. Say no to the flavor ban. Best regards, Tracey Tanghe, Columbia Heights, 55421 Sent from my iPhone 299 Item 10. 300 Item 10. 301 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:tee. icloud.com Sent:Thursday, October 16, 2025 7:48 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust adults, not bans Dear Columbia Heights Council, This ban includes cigars, chew, and pipe tobacco—products adults enjoy responsibly. Please vote no. Best, Turqouya Simms, Columbia Heights, 55421 Sent from my iPhone 302 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tyanika Beauchamp icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 12:41 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Let adults make their own choices As a Columbia Heights voter, I ask you to support licensed stores that protect youth. Don’t punish honest business owners. Sincerely, Tyanika Beauchamp, Columbia Heights, 55421 (651) 336-2547 Sent from my iPhone 303 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:ty gammon gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 7:07 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please Vote NO on Tobacco Ordinance 1720 Dear Council Members, he local shops check IDs daily. Punishing compliant businesses is not fair or effective. Protect fairness—vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Tyler Gammon Columbia Heights 55330 Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Get Outlook for Android 304 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tyrone Jones gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 8:03 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Let adults make their own choices As a concerned voter, I fear this ban will hurt jobs and tax revenue. Please keep flavored tobacco products legal. Best regards, Tyrone davante, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 459-0655 305 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tyrone Jones gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 8:03 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please support local businesses – vote no on the ban As a Columbia Heights voter, I ask you not to take away products adults enjoy responsibly. Please keep them legal. Thank you, Tyrone davante, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 459-0655 306 Item 10. 307 Item 10. 308 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Vladimir Poveda gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 20, 2025 10:50 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don't push adults back to regular cigarettes Dear Council Members, As an adult consumer, I’m concerned this ban removes reduced-harm options and will drive many back to cigarettes. Adults deserve access to safer, regulated products. Please protect public health and vote NO on the tobacco ordinance amendment, Ordinance 1720. Vladimir Columbia Heights 55432 (651) 262-9709 vladimir poveda 1056 Hackmann Cir NE,Fridley MN 55432 c. 651-262-9709 309 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Warren Matthews jr gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 11:51 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please keep adult products like cigars and pipe tobacco legal To the Council, This ban threatens jobs, tax revenue, and small business livelihoods. Columbia Heights families depend on these stores. I personally know them in Sarah's tobacco shop ,they check people's ID and they follow the regulations very well. Warren Matthews Jr Columbia Heights 55413 (312) 480-6055 RIVER RAT 310 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Will Willis gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 2:46 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t take away legal products from adults As a Columbia Heights resident, I know responsible stores check IDs carefully. Please don’t punish the businesses doing the right thing. Respectfully, Will Willis, Columbia Heights, 55413 (612) 358-03 311 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:its cha boi wysam gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, October 21, 2025 12:04 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban goes too far Let adults decide Council, Adults can make responsible decisions about legal products. This ban punishes those who follow the law and sends money to other ciƟes. Support choice and local business—vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Wisam Safi Columbia Heights 55127 (651) 206-7213 Sent from my iPhone 312 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Xavier Harsha icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 18, 2025 8:54 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect adult choice in Columbia Heights As a Columbia Heights voter, I’ve seen store clerks check every ID. Kids aren’t buying there. Please stop this unnecessary ban. Thank you, Xavier Harsha, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 229-6988 Sent from my iPhone 313 Item 10. 314 Item 10. 315 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Zeke Haas gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 2:06 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep Columbia Heights businesses strong As a citizen, I feel this ban goes too far. Adults who buy legal products responsibly shouldn’t lose their options. Sincerely, Zeke Haas, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 232-2899 Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device Get Outlook for Android 316 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Zeke Haas gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 17, 2025 2:06 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please support local businesses – vote no on the ban As a resident, I believe in freedom of choice. Please don’t let this ban take away legal products and local jobs. Best, Zeke Haas, Columbia Heights, 55421 (612) 232-2899 Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device Get Outlook for Android 317 Item 10. October 24, 2025 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network fightcancer.org/mn Dear Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula and Members of the Columbia Heights City Council, The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the nonprofit, non -partisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, advocates for public polices to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We support ending the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, prohibiting price discounting of commercial tobacco products, setting a minimum price for tobacco products, and capping the number of tobacco retailers over time. This year in Minnesota, more than 37,650 people will hear the words “you have cancer.” The good news is that the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers continues to improve. Much of the success in fighting cancer is due to public policy. Some of the most critical cancer decisions are not made in the doctor’s office, but instead by elected officials. Smart public policy is a key driver of cancer prevention, improved survival rates, and fewer cancer deaths. We strongly support ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other commercial flavored tobacco products. Tobacco companies add chemicals to improve the flavor of their products. Menthol, other candy, and fruit-flavored tobacco products mask the harsh taste of tobacco and are often incorrectly perceived to be “less harmful,” but the use of such products, including menthol cigarettes, can still lead to cancer. There is extensive evidence that the tobacco industry adds flavors to tobacco products to target youth, Black people, American Indians, and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA 2S+ and others with its deadly products. Tobacco companies use coupons and retail promotions to lower the price of products, making them much more appealing to youth and people with limited incomes. Studies found that about 40 percent of Minnesotans who smoke have used tobacco coupons or promotions in the past year to save money on cigarettes and one third of adults who smoke use tobacco coupons or discounts every time they see one. Previous Surgeon General’s reports on tobacco use have found that keeping the price of tobacco high is an effective tobacco prevention and control strategy, and that increasing the price of cigarettes and tobacco products decreases the prevalence of tobacco use, particularly among youth and young adults. On behalf of ACS CAN, thank you for considering this important public health policy to reduce commercial tobacco addiction and improve the health of Columbia Heights residents. We hope we can count on your support. Sincerely, Emily Myatt Regional Government Relations Director American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network 318 Item 10. 319 Item 10. October 21, 2025 Dear Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula and Members of the Columbia City Council, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota strongly supports the proposed ordinance to end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, cap the number of tobacco shops, end price discounting for commercial tobacco products, set a minimum price and package size, and update the penalty structure for tobacco retailers in Columbia Heights. As the largest health plan in Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is committed to improving the health of all Minnesotans, which is why we strongly support local policy change such as this ordinance. Ending the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products will significantly reduce youth smoking and nicotine rates, address health inequities, improve health outcomes, and lower healthcare costs for all Minnesotans. According to the 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey (MYTS), 93% of middle and high school students who use e-cigarettes use flavored products. The FDA has acknowledged that flavored commercial tobacco products are specifically marketed to children and are particularly harmful to youth, the LGBTQ+ community, and Black and Indigenous communities. By ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, we can improve health outcomes for these targeted communities, particularly youth, Black Americans, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This ordinance is about creating thriving communities and going above and beyond minimum standards, not just about retailers following youth compliance checks. The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars a day recruiting new customers. Meanwhile, Minnesotans spent an estimated $4.7 billion on smoking-related healthcare expenses, a figure that does not even include costs related to smokeless tobacco, hookah, and e-cigarette use. By implementing these changes, Columbia Heights can lead the way in reducing these staggering costs and improving public health. We urge you to support the commercial tobacco ordinance. Your leadership on this issue will make a lasting difference in the health and well-being of our community. Thank you,   Bukata Hayes Vice President, Chief Community Health Officer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota 320 Item 10. October 24, 2025 Dear Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula and Members of the Columbia Heights City Council, Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation is a coalition of more than 50 organizations that share a common goal of advancing justice by striving toward a future where every person is free from commercial tobacco’s harms and can reach their full health potential. Our coalition supports the proposed comprehensive ordinance to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored commercial tobacco products, regulate price discounting of commercial tobacco products, set a minimum price for commercial tobacco products, and cap the number of tobacco retailers. The provisions in this ordinance will advance public health, especially in the communities targeted by tobacco industry. For years tobacco use has been the number one preventable cause of death in our country and state. The important policies being considered today will reduce both access to and use of commercial tobacco products. Removing flavors, limiting tobacco shops, and setting minimum prices with no coupon redemption will make these products less accessible and appealing to young people. These policies will likely also result in fewer products being sold and fewer access points in the community, along with less toxic litter and waste in the environment. Flavors like menthol make it easier to start smoking and harder to quit. Most adult smokers begin using tobacco products by the age of 18, and studies show that local flavor restrictions reduce the chance that teens will ever try tobacco products. Removing flavored tobacco products – including menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah, and smokeless tobacco products like Zyn – from the marketplace will prevent youth addiction and improve health for all Minnesotans. The policy will especially benefit communities targeted by the tobacco industry – including young people, Black Americans, LGBTQIA2S+ people, and American Indians. Tobacco companies use coupons and retail promotions to lower the price of products, making them much more appealing to youth and low-income tobacco users. Studies found that about 40 percent of Minnesotans who smoke have used tobacco coupons or promotions in the past year to save money on cigarettes and one third of adult smokers use tobacco coupons or discounts every time they see one. Price is the most effective tool in reducing smoking in adults and preventing youth from starting. When prices are higher, tobacco use decreases. It prevents young people from starting and helps people quit. The tobacco industry has myriad ways to undermine price-focused tobacco policies, and they spend billions of dollars each year doing so. On behalf of Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation, thank you for considering this important ordinance to reduce commercial tobacco addiction. We hope we can count on your support. 321 Item 10. Sincerely, Emily Myatt Co-Chair, Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation Regional Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Janelle Waldock Co-Chair, Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation Senior Director of Policy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota About Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation is a coalition of more than 50 organizations that share a common goal of advancing justice by striving toward a future where every person is free from commercial tobacco’s harms and can reach their full health potential. Advocates for Better Health, A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation, Allina Health, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association in Minnesota, Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Cancer Legal Care, CentraCare, Children’s Minnesota, Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio – CLUES, Dodge County Public Health, Essentia Health, Eugene Nichols, Faribault Martin & Watonwan Co SHIP, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, HealthPartners, Hennepin County Public Health, Hennepin Healthcare, Horizon Public Health, Indigenous Peoples Task Force, Lao Center of Minnesota, Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative, Local Public Health Association of Minnesot a, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, Medica, Meeker McLeod Sibley Community Health Services, MHA – Minnesota Hospital Association, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers, Minnesota Cancer Alliance, Minnesota Council of Health Plans, Minnesota Dental Association, Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Public Health Association, Minnesota Society for Public Health Education, Minnesota Youth Council, MNAAP – Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Mowery Communications, LLC, NAMI Minnesota, NorthPoint Health & Wellness, Olmsted Medical Center, Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes, PartnerSHIP 4 Health, Perham Health, Public Health Law Center, Rainbow Health, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota, Steele County Public Health, Tobacco-Free Alliance, Twin Cities Recovery Project, UCare, WellShare International, Winona County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention Find out more at: smokefreegenmn.org. 322 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ephraim Olani <@sayfsm.org> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 2:06 PM To:@columbiaheightsmn.org Subject:Ending the sale of commercial tobacco in your city Dear Columbia Heights Mayor/Council Member, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your thoughtful consideration of measures to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in our city. I strongly support the proposed initiatives, as I believe that eliminating all flavored commercial tobacco products will significantly reduce youth smoking and nicotine rates, thus fostering a healthier community for all. The potential impact of such policies is substantial. Research indicates that a federal ban on menthol, for example, could lead to a 10% reduction in smoking prevalence by 2050, potentially saving over 633,000 lives, with a significant portion benefiting African Americans. Furthermore, I would like to highlight the detrimental effects of tobacco marketing tactics on our youth and the broader community. Studies show that young adult nonsmokers in Minnesota who receive tobacco coupons are twice as likely to become smokers. It's also concerning that a third of Minnesotans who use commercial tobacco products utilize coupons or discounts every time they encounter them, and 40% have used such promotions in the past year to save money. These statistics underscore the industry's pervasive influence and the need for stronger regulations. The financial burden of tobacco use is also immense. Minnesotans spent an estimated $4.7 billion on smoking- related healthcare expenses alone, and this figure does not even account for smokeless tobacco, hookah, and e- cigarette use. Finally, I wish to draw attention to the often-overlooked dangers of hookah. It is not harmless; it is highly addictive and contains many of the same toxins as other tobacco products. The tobacco industry frequently attempts to exempt hookah from tobacco regulations by falsely claiming its great cultural importance to certain communities, including East Africans. This is a clear example of the tobacco industry exploiting communities for financial gain. Therefore, flavored hookah should be treated with the same regulatory scrutiny as all other flavored tobacco products. Thank you again for your dedication to public health and for considering these vital measures. Sincerely, - Ephraim Olani SAYFSM- Executive Director www.sayfsm.org, 651-644-3983 Cell. 763-228-2112 323 Item 10. 324 Item 10. 325 Item 10. 326 Item 10. 327 Item 10. 328 Item 10. 329 Item 10. 330 Item 10. 331 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Abdulkadir Farah <.@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 1:42 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 will hurt local jobs and city revenue Council Members, Please consider the consequences this ban would bring. Responsible adults will lose their freedom of choice, businesses will lose customers, and the city will lose vital revenue. All of this while the ban does little to reduce youth use. Let’s take a smarter approach to regulation and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Abdulkadir Farah Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 291-9897 332 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ahmed Eltanahi <@icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 5:58 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Concerned about the health impact of this ban To the Council, ScienƟfic research shows that reduced-risk products can help adults transiƟon away from smoking. This ordinance would remove those opƟons enƟrely and hurt both public health and local businesses. Instead of prohibi Ɵng responsible adult use, we should focus on enforcement against illegal sellers and youth access. Please support smarter, balanced policies— vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Ahmed altanahi Columbia heights 55421 (763) 353-6124 تلسر ᠑أ ﻦﻣ ـلا iPhone 333 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jim <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 8:35 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respecƞully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand —it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to tradiƟonal smoking. Adults deserve safer opƟons and honest informaƟon, not blanket prohibiƟons. Let’s encourage educaƟon and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Alec L Minneapolis 55421 (612) 408-4785 Sent from my iPhone 334 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:HAMZE ALI <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 7:01 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respecƞully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand —it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to tradiƟonal smoking. Adults deserve safer opƟons and honest informaƟon, not blanket prohibiƟons. Let’s encourage educaƟon and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Ali Hamza Columbia heights 55421 (612) 282-0694 Sent from my iPhone 335 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ayodeji Adebisi <@icloud.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 9:58 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep adult products like cigars and pipe tobacco legal To the Council, The proposed ordinance threatens the livelihood of local workers and small businesses. Many of these shops have invested years building compliant operaƟons that check every ID and follow every rule. This ban will take away their customers and cut city tax income. Please protect our local economy and say NO to Ordinance 1720. Ayodeji Adebisi Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 274-5563 Sent from my iPhone 336 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Belinda Ehlenz <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 3:08 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respectfully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand—it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to traditional smoking. Adults deserve safer options and honest information, not blanket prohibitions. Let’s encourage education and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Belinda kuta Columbia heights 55421 (763) 957-2029 337 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ben Ziebarth <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 1:14 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes opƟons away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted educaƟon and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Ben Ziebarth Columbia heights 55421 (612) 500-3637 Sent from my iPhone 338 Item 10. 339 Item 10. 340 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Bob Ramola <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 1:18 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes options away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted education and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Bob Columbia Heights 55418 (612) 434-9850 341 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:isn't what it is ! <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 4:21 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust Columbia Heights residents to make responsible decisions Dear Columbia Heights Council, Our local shops are compliant, responsible, and enforce strict age verification. They should be rewarded for that—not punished. This ban unfairly targets honest business owners and will push customers to cities without these restrictions. Please protect fairness, public trust, and local business by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Brian J Greenwood Minneapolis 55418 (612) 481-9324 342 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Cedric Hull <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 4:42 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Casey Rowe MINNEAPOLIS 55418 (612) 542-2373 343 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Charles Simmons <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 12:58 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respectfully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand—it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to traditional smoking. Adults deserve safer options and honest information, not blanket prohibitions. Let’s encourage education and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Charles L SIMMONS MINNEAPOLIS 55421 (612) 490-2902 344 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Cody Palmer <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:58 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust Columbia Heights residents to make responsible decisions Dear Columbia Heights Council, Our local shops are compliant, responsible, and enforce strict age verification. They should be rewarded for that—not punished. This ban unfairly targets honest business owners and will push customers to cities without these restrictions. Please protect fairness, public trust, and local business by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Cody Columbia heights 55421 (612) 900-4131 345 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Cody Palmer <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:57 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigarettes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health- focused policies, not harmful restrictions. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Cody COLUMBIA HEIGHTs 55421 (612) 900-4131 346 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Cody Palmer <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:57 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban goes too far – let responsible adults decide Council, This ban sends the wrong message to responsible adults who follow the law. It will drive legitimate sales to nearby cities or unregulated sources, hurting Columbia Heights’ economy. Instead of punishing law- abiding stores, we should focus on preventing illegal sales. Please protect choice, public health, and local revenue by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Cody COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 55421 (612) 900-4131 347 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Cody Palmer <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:57 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Cody Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 900-4131 348 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Coleman <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 4:46 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Oppose the flavor ban and protect adult choice Dear Council, Adults should have the freedom to purchase legal and regulated products. The proposed ban will not solve youth access issues—it will simply penalize responsible adults and drive business away from Columbia Heights. Every neighboring city will benefit from our lost sales and tax revenue. Please defend fairness, adult choice, and local jobs by rejecting Ordinance 1720. Cole Uhde 3300 Roosevelt Court St Anthony Minnesota 55418 (651) 421-3216 349 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Coleman <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 4:45 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigarettes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health- focused policies, not harmful restrictions. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Cole Uhde 3300 Roosevelt Court 55418 (651) 421-3216 350 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Daniel Smeaton <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 9:27 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Laurel Deneen; Connie Buesgens; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Aaron Chirpich; Emilie Voight Subject:Sharing support for the proposed changes to the tobacco ordinance Dear Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula and Members of the Columbia Heights City Council, My name is Dan Smeaton and I live at Gould Ave NE. I am emailing to share my support for the proposed changes to the tobacco ordinance. The cost that tobacco has on our state is astronomical. In Minnesota, we spend more than $4 billion on smoking-related health expenses. These are costs that we take on as residents, approximately $800. We know businesses may be worried about revenue loss. I am worried about the amount of money our community members, including myself, are spending on this issue. There is no upside for many of us. All that tobacco does to our community is take money and the lives of our neighbors, over 6,000 people in Minnesota. The tobacco industry has done a really good job marketing flashy flavors and keeping prices low to increase access to products. These flashy flavors are aimed towards the youth to draw them in and get addicted, changing their lives. You all have the ability to do something about that. By passing strong policies like the ones proposed, you will be protecting Columbia Heights residents of the harms of tobacco and help drive the cost burden down for our community. I urge you to pass these policies. Sincerely, Dan Smeaton 909 Gould Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 351 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Dan Stumpf <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 4:48 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by vo Ɵng NO on Ordinance 1720. Dan Stumpf Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 242-2587 Sent from my iPhone 352 Item 10. 353 Item 10. 354 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:David Anderson <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 4:39 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust Columbia Heights residents to make responsible decisions Dear Columbia Heights Council, Our local shops are compliant, responsible, and enforce strict age verification. They should be rewarded for that—not punished. This ban unfairly targets honest business owners and will push customers to cities without these restrictions. Please protect fairness, public trust, and local business by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. David Anderson Columbia heights 55421 (651) 955-7039 355 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:john pork <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 1:39 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep adult products like cigars and pipe tobacco legal To the Council, The proposed ordinance threatens the livelihood of local workers and small businesses. Many of these shops have invested years building compliant operations that check every ID and follow every rule. This ban will take away their customers and cut city tax income. Please protect our local economy and say NO to Ordinance 1720. Dayton Zgodava Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 806-3077 356 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Derrick Osborne <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 2:02 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby cities allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Derrick Osborne Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 294-3504 357 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Destiney Johnson <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 1:31 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stores already verify IDs – a ban isn’t the answer Dear Council Members, Products like cigars, pipe tobacco, and other flavored options are enjoyed responsibly by many adults. They are legal, regulated, and part of our local economy. Please don’t punish responsible consumers or small businesses by removing products that aren’t causing youth problems. I ask that you vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Destiney Columbia heights 55421 (480) 453-6511 358 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Deymon Schauer <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 8:47 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Focus on enforcement, not a blanket flavor ban Hello Council, Retailers in Columbia Heights already check IDs and follow every law to prevent youth sales. Banning legitimate businesses for doing their jobs makes no sense. The problem lies with illegal sellers, not compliant retailers. Let’s strengthen enforcement instead of passing a ban that punishes honest workers. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Deymon Minneapolis 55418 (612) 394-0477 359 Item 10. 360 Item 10. 361 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Wilson Rolando <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 8:59 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Oppose the flavor ban and protect adult choice Dear Council, Adults should have the freedom to purchase legal and regulated products. The proposed ban will not solve youth access issues—it will simply penalize responsible adults and drive business away from Columbia Heights. Every neighboring city will benefit from our lost sales and tax revenue. Please defend fairness, adult choice, and local jobs by rejecting Ordinance 1720. Edwin herbande Columbia heights 55421 (917) 916-9233 362 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Eli Whit <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 8:40 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t punish honest retailers for following the law To City Council, Prohibiting flavored tobacco won’t stop youth use. It will simply push adults to unregulated markets or back to smoking. The better solution is strong enforcement and responsible retail partnerships. Please reject this one-size-fits-all approach and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Eli Whittington Columbia Heights 55421 363 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Eli Whit <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 8:33 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-time resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Eli Whittington Columbia Heights 55421 364 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:GloryAnna Hegeholz <@icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 3:14 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Oppose the flavor ban and protect adult choice Dear Council, Adults should have the freedom to purchase legal and regulated products. The proposed ban will not solve youth access issues—it will simply penalize responsible adults and drive business away from Columbia Heights. Every neighboring city will benefit from our lost sales and tax revenue. Please defend fairness, adult choice, and local jobs by rejec Ɵng Ordinance 1720. GloryAnna Hegeholz Columbia heights 55421 (612) 403-8081 Sent from my iPhone 365 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Henry Warren <@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 5:18 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Henry Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 789-3576 Sent from my iPhone 366 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Yazan <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 12:52 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t push adults back to smoking – reject the ban Dear Council Members, I am deeply concerned that this ordinance would remove products that have helped many adults stay away from cigarettes. Flavored and reduced-harm alternatives are not the problem—they are part of the solution. By banning these products, we risk reversing years of progress in tobacco harm reduction and pushing people back toward smoking. Please support adult choice and proven public health strategies by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Jake Columbia 55112 Sent from my iPhone 367 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:jeremy filocha <@yahoo.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 5:27 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please don’t take away legal products adults use responsibly Dear City Council, I’m urging you to protect the freedom of adults to make responsible decisions about the products they use. This ban will not stop use—it will simply shiŌ purchases elsewhere, taking local tax dollars with it. Many adults rely on these safer alternaƟves to avoid smoking, and removing them will have real consequences. Please oppose Ordinance 1720 and keep Columbia Heights fair and compeƟƟve. Jeremy Filocha Columbia Heights 55421 (414) 206-8047 Sent from my iPhone 368 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Jeremy Scheppard <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 10:35 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Focus on enforcement, not a blanket flavor ban Hello Council, Retailers in Columbia Heights already check IDs and follow every law to prevent youth sales. Banning legitimate businesses for doing their jobs makes no sense. The problem lies with illegal sellers, not compliant retailers. Let’s strengthen enforcement instead of passing a ban that punishes honest workers. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Jeremy Scheppard Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 391-4304 369 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:John Dittes <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 7:21 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigarettes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health- focused policies, not harmful restrictions. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. John Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 300-1649 370 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Julie Jackson <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 2:59 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-time resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Julie l Jackson Columbia Heights 55421 (920) 366-4348 371 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Karen Smith <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 1:38 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Karen A Smith Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 461-0130 372 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Karen Smith <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 1:37 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respectfully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand—it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to traditional smoking. Adults deserve safer options and honest information, not blanket prohibitions. Let’s encourage education and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Karen A Smith Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 461-0130 373 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Katey Saburn <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 9:37 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Concerned about the health impact of this ban To the Council, ScienƟfic research shows that reduced-risk products can help adults transiƟon away from smoking. This ordinance would remove those opƟons enƟrely and hurt both public health and local businesses. Instead of prohibi Ɵng responsible adult use, we should focus on enforcement against illegal sellers and youth access. Please support smarter, balanced policies— vote NO on Ordinance 1720. katey saburn columbia heights 55421 (218) 260-6848 Sent from my iPhone 374 Item 10. 375 Item 10. 376 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Kayla Barry <@hotmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 12:59 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote NO on Ordinance 1720 and support responsible adults Hello Council, Adults deserve to make their own choices about legal products without government overreach. This ban would harm public health, hurt small businesses, and create an underground market. Please protect our community’s freedom, jobs, and safety by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Kayla Columbia Heights 55415 (612) 513-1940 377 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Keith bevly <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 8:48 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-time resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. KEITH BEVLY III Minneapolis 55421 (952) 666-0313 378 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Rachel James Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 2:37 PM To:Sara Ion; Emilie Voight Subject:Fw: Tobacco Ordinance Changes 2025 Please see correspondence sent to me by local business owner. I do not know if this was sent to you for the whole council. Rachel James | City Council Member City of Columbia Heights | Mayor/Council 590 40th Avenue NE | Columbia Heights, MN 55421 @columbiaheightsmn.gov Direct: 763-706-3618| Main: 763-706-3600 From: Khader Safi <@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 3:10 PM To: Rachel James <@columbiaheightsmn.gov> Subject: Tobacco Ordinance Changes 2025 Dear Councilmember James Thank you for taking the time to hear me out. Below is a summary of our conversation, and a few additional points I’d like you to consider… Concerns Regarding equity, process and transparency As discussed, the proposed ordinance targets mainly 3 small, family owned businesses. In my opinion this in unfair since it only burdens 3 businesses while overlooking other adult product businesses. I also take issue that no one from the City tried to reach out with information or ask for input when this process was put in motion. Columbia Heights is not a very large City, and the fact that there are only 3 licenses in the City means it would not be a huge burden on staff to reach out. Concerns regarding business license transfer The proposal that a business cannot continue to operate if ownership is transferred is extremely troubling. My store is my family's livelihood, and this provision directly threatens our financial security. This provision means that if anything were to happen to me, my family would be left with only the liability of the commercial lease and unsaleable product, as the license would immediately be canceled. This not only penalizes a business but also defies common sense…I understand it might not be the intent, but the outcome is cruel. Recommendation for Succession: A more equitable measure that still accomplishes the goal of reducing non- compliant licenses would be to amend the code to state that if a business is deemed a habitual violator (e.g., more than two serious violations in the last three years), its license will be canceled upon ownership change. This addresses non-compliance without punishing legally operating, family-run establishments. Concerns regarding the flavor ban efficacy and possible negative effects 379 Item 10. 2 Inconsistencies with the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey: The Council was presented with select findings from the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey that helped shape their views. Banning all tobacco flavors goes contrary to the survey results, and recommendations which found that:  Adolescents often obtain tobacco from friends and family rather from retail stores (see attached chart from the survey). This ordinance does nothing to address the top 4 sources for youth, and focuses on the fifth source, damaging the viability of local small business.  Minnesota teens overwhelmingly reject cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, etc... yet the City is proposing to ban them (see attached excerpt from the survey) Impact on Adult Users: The ban proposes to eliminate all flavored tobacco, not just flavored vapes, which are often the primary youth concern (see attached from the MN Youth Tobacco Survey). This impacts:  Moist Snuff/Chewing Tobacco & Nicotine Pouches: These products are overwhelmingly purchased by adults over the age of 50.  Pipe Tobacco & Premium Cigars: These categories rely heavily on flavoring (e.g., vanilla, whiskey, cognac) and are primarily enjoyed by adult consumers, also averaging over 50 years old. Eliminating flavors essentially eliminates the entire category for adult users, forcing them to drive out of the city for legal products. Border Bleed and Tax Revenue Loss: Studies of flavor bans in other jurisdictions have consistently shown a significant decrease in local tax revenue as consumers simply shift their purchases to neighboring municipalities. This is a net negative for Columbia Heights. Creation of an Unregulated Black Market (I would refer you to the history of liquor and marijuana prohibitions and how that turned out): By removing these products from licensed, regulated businesses, the city may inadvertently push sales onto the street, where there are zero controls on age verification or product quality. I note the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey indicated local businesses were not a top 4 sources for underage access (see below), supporting the idea that the problem is already originating outside licensed establishments. Inconsistency with Cannabis Regulation: The city is simultaneously welcoming cannabis dispensaries, where the product is sold in flavored forms like actual gummies. If the state and city have determined that access to flavored cannabis products can be controlled effectively within a licensed, regulated framework, I urge you to apply the same logic to smoke shops to address access issues without resorting to total prohibition. Inconsistency with Alcohol Regulation: Numerous studies have looked at alcohol use and its role in initiating vaping and smoking in adolescents, yet the City does not propose to regulate flavored alcohol. Again, if the state and city have determined that flavored alcohol can effectively be controlled, why the double standard? Suggestions for alternative policy Instead of prohibition, I strongly recommend that the Council consider a set of enforcement-focused alternatives that target non-compliance and youth access directly:  Mandatory Training: Require, as a condition of the license, that all employees receive state-endorsed training regarding underage sales compliance.  Mandatory ID Scanning: Mandate the use of ID scanners at the point of sale to ensure compliance and a verifiable transaction log.  Increased Penalties: Significantly increase the monetary penalty for selling tobacco products to minors.  Employee Citation Component: Implement a component allowing for citations to be issued directly to the employee who makes the illegal sale, which is a powerful deterrent against employees selling to friends or family.  No flavor advertisement: Require that advertisement inside or outside the store does not mention flavors Sincerely, 380 Item 10. 3 Khader Safi 651-246-2975 Smoke and Vape Inc. 381 Item 10. 382 Item 10. 383 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Kurt Zemlicka <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 10:01 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby cities allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Kurt zemlicka Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 352-8838 384 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:larry holland <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 4:42 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respectfully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand—it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to traditional smoking. Adults deserve safer options and honest information, not blanket prohibitions. Let’s encourage education and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Larry Holland Columbia heights 55421 (612) 414-0233 385 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Les Masloski <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 1:34 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Les Masloski Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 214-3969 386 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Linda Benjamin <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 1:28 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Oppose the flavor ban and protect adult choice Dear Council, Adults should have the freedom to purchase legal and regulated products. The proposed ban will not solve youth access issues—it will simply penalize responsible adults and drive business away from Columbia Heights. Every neighboring city will benefit from our lost sales and tax revenue. Please defend fairness, adult choice, and local jobs by rejecting Ordinance 1720. Linda Benjamin Columbia heights 55421 (612) 597-7002 387 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:@comcast.net Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 11:25 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Laurel Deneen; Connie Buesgens; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Aaron Chirpich; Emilie Voight Subject:Restriction of the sale of tobacco products To Council Members and City Staff: As a Health Professional I spent years in Public Health promoting programs to limit tobacco use through education and legislation. The health of our communities is measured by laws and ordinances which promote the health of our citizens. Restricting access to harmful substances such as flavored tobacco, vaping products can lead to a reduction in nicotine addiction. Youth are particularly susceptible to such addiction and are liable to suffer the adverse effects immediately and later in life. Please give serious consideration to passing legislation to eliminate the sale of flavored products and coupons for all tobacco products in Columbia Heights. In addition, other things which can help reduce disease and addiction include: Setting minimum prices for tobacco products, capping the number of licenses for tobacco stores and to enforce and update penalties for retailers in violation of tobacco laws. Lisa Marshall 388 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:logan jacobson <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 8:27 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Logan jacobson Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 263-1399 389 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mariama Ahmed <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 8:25 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban undermines public health progress Hello City Council, This proposed flavor ban will take away legal and regulated products that help adults avoid smoking. Responsible adults deserve access to safer alternaƟves, not policies that force them to return to cigareƩes. Public health is about helping people make beƩer choices, not removing them altogether. I urge you to stand for health, science, and common sense — please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Mariama Ahmed Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 999-4082 Sent from my iPhone 390 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Marty Daher <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 9:34 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Concerned about the health impact of this ban To the Council, Scientific research shows that reduced-risk products can help adults transition away from smoking. This ordinance would remove those options entirely and hurt both public health and local businesses. Instead of prohibiting responsible adult use, we should focus on enforcement against illegal sellers and youth access. Please support smarter, balanced policies—vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Martin daher Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 232-5325 391 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mary James <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 2:05 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please don’t take away legal products adults use responsibly Dear City Council, I’m urging you to protect the freedom of adults to make responsible decisions about the products they use. This ban will not stop use—it will simply shift purchases elsewhere, taking local tax dollars with it. Many adults rely on these safer alternatives to avoid smoking, and removing them will have real consequences. Please oppose Ordinance 1720 and keep Columbia Heights fair and competitive. Mary J James Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 399-7799 392 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:TheZouFrog LLC <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 9:20 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby cities allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Maurice Johnson Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 542-3986 393 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Max Diaz <@icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 5:55 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please don’t take away legal products adults use responsibly Dear City Council, I’m urging you to protect the freedom of adults to make responsible decisions about the products they use. This ban will not stop use—it will simply shiŌ purchases elsewhere, taking local tax dollars with it. Many adults rely on these safer alternaƟves to avoid smoking, and removing them will have real consequences. Please oppose Ordinance 1720 and keep Columbia Heights fair and compeƟƟve. Maxamo Brooklyn Park 55443 (612) 223-4458 394 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mohamed <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 1:45 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-time resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Mohamed Ali Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 525-4962 395 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mohamed Jama <@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 5:21 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:The flavor ban undermines public health progress Hello City Council, This proposed flavor ban will take away legal and regulated products that help adults avoid smoking. Responsible adults deserve access to safer alternaƟves, not policies that force them to return to cigareƩes. Public health is about helping people make beƩer choices, not removing them altogether. I urge you to stand for health, science, and common sense — please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Jam Minneapolis 55401 (612) 203-2020 Sent from my iPhone 396 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mohamed Yasin <@brightstepwellness.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 12:30 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by vo Ɵng NO on Ordinance 1720. Mohamed Columbia height 55431 (763) 744-7388 Sent from my iPhone 397 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Arnella Crosby-Collins <@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 1:33 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes opƟons away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted educaƟon and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Nella crosby Columbia Heights 55421 (623) 703-4992 Sent from my iPhone 398 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Oumar Cone <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 8:18 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes opƟons away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted educaƟon and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Oumar cone Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 432-1236 Sent from my iPhone 399 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Phoebe Flesch <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 5:32 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes opƟons away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted educaƟon and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Phoebe Flesch Columbia Heights 55421 (715) 523-0516 Sent from my iPhone 400 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Russ Kurth <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 10:32 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote NO on Ordinance 1720 and support responsible adults Hello Council, Adults deserve to make their own choices about legal products without government overreach. This ban would harm public health, hurt small businesses, and create an underground market. Please protect our community’s freedom, jobs, and safety by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Russ kurth Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 987-9768 401 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Rat a tat tat Aldrich <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 1:13 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban goes too far – let responsible adults decide Council, This ban sends the wrong message to responsible adults who follow the law. It will drive legi Ɵmate sales to nearby ciƟes or unregulated sources, hurƟng Columbia Heights’ economy. Instead of punishing law-abiding stores, we should focus on prevenƟng illegal sales. Please protect choice, public health, and local revenue by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Ryan A IsanƟ 55040 (763) 280-1629 Sent from my iPhone 402 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Sam <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 1:06 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep adult products like cigars and pipe tobacco legal To the Council, The proposed ordinance threatens the livelihood of local workers and small businesses. Many of these shops have invested years building compliant operations that check every ID and follow every rule. This ban will take away their customers and cut city tax income. Please protect our local economy and say NO to Ordinance 1720. Sam Saice Minneapolis 55421 (612) 812-3891 403 Item 10. 404 Item 10. 405 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Scott Maxey <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 9:37 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-time resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Scott Maxey Columbia heights 55421 (612) 206-4943 406 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:SHANNON WOODARD <@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 7:34 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respecƞully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand —it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to tradiƟonal smoking. Adults deserve safer opƟons and honest informaƟon, not blanket prohibiƟons. Let’s encourage educaƟon and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Shannon Woodard Coon Rapids 55448 (612) 986-0029 Sent from my iPhone 407 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Shelly Klein <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 11:09 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep adult products like cigars and pipe tobacco legal To the Council, The proposed ordinance threatens the livelihood of local workers and small businesses. Many of these shops have invested years building compliant operations that check every ID and follow every rule. This ban will take away their customers and cut city tax income. Please protect our local economy and say NO to Ordinance 1720. Shelly Klein Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 703-0515 408 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:TREASURE <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 4:40 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 will hurt local jobs and city revenue Council Members, Not only will this bill hurt local jobs and businesses but it also takes away another one of our rights as adults and us being in control of what goes on with our individual bodies. Please consider the consequences this ban would bring. Responsible adults will lose their freedom of choice, businesses will lose customers, and the city will lose vital revenue. All of this while the ban does little to reduce youth use. Let’s take a smarter approach to regulation and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Stephanie Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 791-1499 409 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:STEVEN McLAIN <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 1:49 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. STEVEN F MCLAIN Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 237-2049 410 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:STEVEN McLAIN <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 2:08 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-time resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. STEVEN F MCLAIN Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 237-2049 411 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Sybil Lamberson <@icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 6:43 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Cigarette Ban Call me Sent from my iPhone 412 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Terrance Anderson <@yahoo.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 3:04 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t push adults back to smoking – reject the ban Dear Council Members, I am deeply concerned that this ordinance would remove products that have helped many adults stay away from cigareƩes. Flavored and reduced-harm alternaƟves are not the problem—they are part of the soluƟon. By banning these products, we risk reversing years of progress in tobacco harm reducƟon and pushing people back toward smoking. Please support adult choice and proven public health strategies by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Terrance Anderson Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 562-7541 Sent from my iPhone 413 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tee Gee <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 1:45 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes options away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted education and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Todd Gitzlaff Columbia Heights 55421 (952) 905-4888 414 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Todd Stender <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 10:35 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Focus on enforcement, not a blanket flavor ban Hello Council, Retailers in Columbia Heights already check IDs and follow every law to prevent youth sales. Banning legitimate businesses for doing their jobs makes no sense. The problem lies with illegal sellers, not compliant retailers. Let’s strengthen enforcement instead of passing a ban that punishes honest workers. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Todd Stender Columbia heights 55421 (612) 479-4253 415 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Traci Arnold <@icloud.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 9:50 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban goes too far – let responsible adults decide Council, This ban sends the wrong message to responsible adults who follow the law. It will drive legi Ɵmate sales to nearby ciƟes or unregulated sources, hurƟng Columbia Heights’ economy. Instead of punishing law-abiding stores, we should focus on prevenƟng illegal sales. Please protect choice, public health, and local revenue by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Tracy Arnold Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 327-2004 Sent from my iPhone 416 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:tyler heinecke <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 12:08 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by vo Ɵng NO on Ordinance 1720. Tyler heinecke 3816 SƟnson blvd ne 55421 (763) 898-6209 Sent from my iPhone 417 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ty Gibbs <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 8:22 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes options away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted education and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Tyrone Gibbs Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 458-2674 418 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:isn't what it is ! <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 4:21 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Have you seen your city? Restrictions on legal tabaco use should be the least of your concerns. 419 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Valerie <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 10:11 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right, I live in this city for years and I smoke menthol cigarettes, the ban will in charges me to pay extra money to travel to other city to buy my cigarettes which it not far at all, Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Thank you Valerie Hannah Columbia Heights 55421 (952) 258-3608 420 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Wajid Aliu <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 5:54 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote NO on Ordinance 1720 and support responsible adults Hello Council, Adults deserve to make their own choices about legal products without government overreach. This ban would harm public health, hurt small businesses, and create an underground market. Please protect our community’s freedom, jobs, and safety by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Wajid Ali Columbia Heights 55421 (609) 677-3536 Sent from my iPhone 421 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Whitney Loher <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 9:32 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respecƞully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand —it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to tradiƟonal smoking. Adults deserve safer opƟons and honest informaƟon, not blanket prohibiƟons. Let’s encourage educaƟon and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Whitney Minneapolis 55418 (763) 360-4513 Sent from my iPhone 422 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Luc Clements <@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, October 22, 2025 5:14 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. William Clements St Louis Park 55426 (612) 703-1057 423 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Zack Belanger <@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, October 23, 2025 12:34 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes opƟons away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted educaƟon and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Zachary Belanger Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 458-2176 Sent from my iPhone 424 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Zaitun Ali <@icloud.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 1:50 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby ciƟes allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Zaitun Ali Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 806-2485 Sent from my iPhone 425 Item 10. October 27, 2025 City of Columbia Heights Columbia Heights City Hall 3989 Central Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Dear Mayor Ma rquez Simula and City Council Members, On behalf of the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA), representing over 10,000 physicians throughout Minnesota, I am pleased to provide this letter of support for efforts by the City of Columbia Heights to limit tobacco use and ban flavored tobacco products. In our efforts to help make Minnesotans the healthiest in the nation, preventing disease and death caused by tobacco and secondhand smoke has long been an MMA goal. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and while there are many strategies already in place to reduce the use of tobacco, limiting availability of flavored tobacco products would help ensure that adolescents and young adults do not start to smoke. According to Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation, over two thirds of high-school tobacco users in Minnesota reported using a flavored product. In many cases, colorful packaging and sweet flavors are intended to entice new users, particularly kids, to use flavored tobacco products and lead to them becoming lifelong smokers. According to the American Lung Association, 75% of youth choose flavored tobacco over other products and national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that e-cigarette use has increased in recent years and is largely driven by increased sales of kid-friendly flavored products. The negative effects of smoking on an individual’s health are well known among health professionals. Policy proposals such as a ban on flavored tobacco products would lead to lowered tobacco use among children and reduced rates of tobacco-related disease and related death. On behalf of the MMA, I urge you to support this policy proposal. Sincerely, Lisa Mattson, MD President, Minnesota Medical Association 426 Item 10. October 24, 2025 Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmember Connie Buesgens Councilmember Laurel Deneen Councilmember Rachel James Councilmember Justice Spriggs Columbia Heights City Council 3989 Central Ave NE Columbia Heights MN 55421 RE: Ordinance No. 1720, Amending Tobacco Retail Ordinance Dear Mayor Márquez Simula and Councilmembers: The undersigned trade associations and our respective Columbia Heights retail stores oppose Ordinance No. 1720 (the Ordinance) revising your existing tobacco retail license, to, among other things, ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the City, and set artificial, government mandated minimum prices and package sizes on various tobacco and nicotine products. Reasons for our opposition follow. Proposed Minimum Prices Would be Among the Highest in the Nation: The proposed ordinance sets a minimum price of $12.00 on a pack of cigarettes, $2.75 for a single cigar and $13.75 for a pack of at least five cigars, $12.00 for moist snuff and snus, $4.00 or $12.00 depending on size, and $20.00 on electronic delivery devices, with a price adjustment “periodically to account for inflation and market variation.” The extremely high prices required by this provision creates an effective prohibition on sales in the City, and the vague price adjustment language with no standard for what constitutes inflation or what “market variation” even means exacerb ates the provision. Prohibition, even as disguised here, has everywhere and always failed. Regarding the minimum price on electronic delivery devices could be interpreted to mean that both an electronic nicotine device and a separate nicotine liquid cartridge sold together in the same package would be subject to the minimum price requirement, resulting in the device and the cartridge having a minimum price of $40.00. At the same time, a disposable, one-use electronic cigarette has a self- contained cartridge. The ambiguity in the ordinance language could lead to an arbitrary and confusing result where an electronic cigarette device with a separate replaceable cartridge is priced at $40.00 and a similar disposable electronic cigarette product is priced at $25.00. This kind of ambiguous language in the Ordinance would lead to confusion among retailers and enforcement issues by the city. 427 Item 10. Cross-Border Purchasing of Tobacco Products Will Hurt City Retailers: Artificially high prices and arbitrary, government-set minimum package sizes in Columbia Heights will cause adults who purchase these products to drive to neighboring suburbs to buy their preferred products. This cross-border purchasing will involve not only buying tobacco and nicotine products, but also gasoline, snacks, and beverages, which will exacerbate the loss of sales by retailers in Columbia Heights. Minnesota Youth Usage of Tobacco Products is Declining: The most recent 2022 Minnesota Student Survey data shows that underage use rates of tobacco products in Columbia Heights Public School District for 8th graders and 11th graders are at historic lows including: • 97.5% of 8th graders and 98.3% of 11th graders do not smoke cigarettes. • 100% of 8th graders and 99.1% of 11th graders do not smoke cigars, cigarillos, or little cigars. • 99% of 8th graders and an average of 96.6% of 11th graders do not use e-cigarettes. • 99.2% of 8th graders and 100% of 11th graders do not use smokeless tobacco products. In absolute terms, these figures mean that the number of 8th and 11th graders who use any of these products in the District is at most 3% of students. These extremely low usage rates by youth do not support the across the board banning of legal flavored tobacco products that adults choose to purchase and use. Nontransferability Provision Takes Away the Ability of Some Tobacco Retailers to Realize the Value of Their Business: Section 5.303(I) sets the maximum number of tobacco product shop licenses at zero and prevents the city from issuing any new such licenses effective January 1, 2026. The section allows existing licensees to renew their licenses , but as 5.303(H), prohibits transfer of any license, existing tobacco product shops would be prohibited from transferring their business either by sale or by giving or transferring them to their heirs, thereby destroying the entire value of businesses which, by definition, derive at least 90% of their gross revenue from tobacco products. The Promotion Ban Will Not Impact Underage Use: For over a century, consumers have been redeeming coupons or availing themselves of price promotions for all kinds of products, including age- restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco. No factual basis is provided in the proposal for making this change for tobacco products. A ban on promotionally priced tobacco products has nothing to do with reducing underage tobacco use because state and federal laws already prohibit the sale of tobacco products to underage individuals at any price. For this reason, a promotion price ban only impacts adults who are of legal age to purchase and use tobacco products. Price Controls, Flavor Bans and Promotions Bans Would Affect Products Found by the FDA to be in the Public Health: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a process whereby manufacturers submit products for scientific scrutiny to determine whether the products are “appropriate for the protection of public health.” To do so, the agency review process relies on science and evidence- based data to determine whether a tobacco product may stay on the market. Thus far, the FDA has granted marketing orders authorizing 81 products, and the FDA continues to review applications for thousands of other products. By granting applications for these products, the FDA has determined that some products protect public health, and many adult smokers have chosen these products as a harm reduction strategy. For the City to require high minimum prices on these and other products that may receive this designation in the future would undermine the public health. Similarly, the City’s existing flavored product sales ban in most stores, and its intention to expand that sales ban to tobacco product 428 Item 10. shops, is contrary to public health as many of the approved products are flavored. We oppose the Ordinance and the existing flavor ban, and trust that you will thoughtfully consider all the facts and information contained in this letter to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with setting artificially high minimum prices, banning the use of coupons and price promotions , and continuing to ban flavored tobacco products . Thank you for your time and willingness to hear from retailers. Sincerely, Fueling Minnesota Minnesota Grocers Association Tim Gross, Executive Director Patrick Garofalo, President E: @fuelingmn.com E: @mngrocers.com Minnesota Retailers National Association of Tobacco Outlets Bruce Nustad, President David Spross, Executive Director E: @mnretail.org E: @natocentral.org Minnesota Service Station and Minnesota Wholesale Marketers Convenience Store Association Association Lance Klatt, Executive Director Thomas A. Briant, Executive Director E: @mnssa.com E: @gmail.com Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Tony Chesak, Executive Director Melissa Williams, POA for Majority Owner E: @mlba.com E: @bsaw.com 429 Item 10. 430 Item 10. 431 Item 10. 432 Item 10. 433 Item 10. 434 Item 10. 435 Item 10. 436 Item 10. 437 Item 10. 438 Item 10. 439 Item 10. 440 Item 10. 441 Item 10. 442 Item 10. 443 Item 10. 444 Item 10. 445 Item 10. 446 Item 10. 447 Item 10. 448 Item 10. 449 Item 10. 450 Item 10. 451 Item 10. 452 Item 10. 453 Item 10. 454 Item 10. 455 Item 10. 456 Item 10. 457 Item 10. 458 Item 10. 459 Item 10. 460 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Abu Adnan <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:17 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-time resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. A.D Columbia Heights 55421 461 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Abraham Dukuly <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:54 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t ban safer options – keep harm-reduction products legal Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hello City Council, A $12 minimum price is excessive and punishes responsible adults who purchase legal products. It will only push customers to shop elsewhere and hurt Columbia Heights retailers. Please reconsider this unfair rule. Abraham Blamah Dukuly Coon Rapids 55448 (612) 999-8922 462 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Aixa Valentin <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:25 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Focus on enforcement, not a blanket flavor ban Hello Council, Retailers in Columbia Heights already check IDs and follow every law to prevent youth sales. Banning legitimate businesses for doing their jobs makes no sense. The problem lies with illegal sellers, not compliant retailers. Let’s strengthen enforcement instead of passing a ban that punishes honest workers. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Aixa Valentin Minneapolis 55411 (651) 216-5164 463 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Aixa Valentin <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:25 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby cities allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Aixa Valentin Minneapolis 55411 (651) 216-5164 464 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Alena Milligan <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 7:01 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t punish honest retailers for following the law To City Council, ProhibiƟng flavored tobacco won’t stop youth use. It will simply push adults to unregulated markets or back to smoking. The beƩer soluƟon is strong enforcement and responsible retail partnerships. Please reject this one-size-fits-all approach and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Alena Milligan Columbia Heights 55421 (952) 242-4768 Sent from my iPhone 465 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Yazan <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:57 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Allow self-service humidors for premium cigars Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hello City Council, Why is the ordinance removing self-service access for adult cigar customers? In a 21+ smoke shop, there is no youth exposure or risk. Premium cigars are a niche, high-quality product, and customers expect to choose them directly from the humidor. Please respect adult choice and keep self-service for premium cigars in licensed smoke shops. Alex Columbia Heights 55421 Sent from my iPhone 466 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ali Thaani1998 <@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 3:20 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect small businesses – don’t eliminate tobacco licenses Dear Council Members, I’m concerned that the new ordinance removes self-service access to premium cigars in humidors. These products are already sold in age-restricted stores where every customer shows ID. Preventing adults from selecting cigars from a humidor makes no sense and hurts legitimate tobacco retailers. Please reconsider this part of the ordinance and allow self-service in adult-only shops. Ali Ali Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 807-4886 467 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Amanda Hassinger <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 4:41 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respectfully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand—it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to traditional smoking. Adults deserve safer options and honest information, not blanket prohibitions. Let’s encourage education and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Amanda L Hassinger Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 708-2447 468 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tony Olsen <@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 2:55 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Anthony Olsen HILLTOP 55421 469 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:dd asd <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:13 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Flavored options help adults quit smoking – don’t ban them Council Members, The proposed $12 minimum price will make it harder for adults to afford legal products while doing nothing to stop illegal sales. It’s a regressive policy that harms low-income residents and compliant stores. Please vote NO on this increase. Asad Sad Columbia Heights 55421 470 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:leo asasas <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:14 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t push adults back to smoking – reject the ban Dear Council Members, I am deeply concerned that this ordinance would remove products that have helped many adults stay away from cigarettes. Flavored and reduced-harm alternatives are not the problem—they are part of the solution. By banning these products, we risk reversing years of progress in tobacco harm reduction and pushing people back toward smoking. Please support adult choice and proven public health strategies by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Asad sad Columbia Heights 55421 471 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ashley Nichols <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 8:07 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Trust Columbia Heights residents to make responsible decisions Dear Columbia Heights Council, Our local shops are compliant, responsible, and enforce strict age verification. They should be rewarded for that—not punished. This ban unfairly targets honest business owners and will push customers to cities without these restrictions. Please protect fairness, public trust, and local business by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. ASHLEY NICHOLS SHOREVIEW 55126 (651) 271-9365 472 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Ashley Nichols <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 8:07 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 will hurt local jobs and city revenue Council Members, Please consider the consequences this ban would bring. Responsible adults will lose their freedom of choice, businesses will lose customers, and the city will lose vital revenue. All of this while the ban does little to reduce youth use. Let’s take a smarter approach to regulation and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. ASHLEY NICHOLS SHOREVIEW 55126 (651) 271-9365 473 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Brandon R. <@hotmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 5:03 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respecƞully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand —it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to tradiƟonal smoking. Adults deserve safer opƟons and honest informaƟon, not blanket prohibiƟons. Let’s encourage educaƟon and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Brandon Rogers Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 433-4828 Sent from my iPhone 474 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Chad Plotnik <@icloud.com> Sent:Monday, October 27, 2025 8:07 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respecƞully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand —it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to tradiƟonal smoking. Adults deserve safer opƟons and honest informaƟon, not blanket prohibiƟons. Let’s encourage educaƟon and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Chad Plotnik Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 716-9528 Sent from my iPhone 475 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Charmane Caraway <@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 11:36 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t push adults back to smoking – reject the ban Dear Council Members, I am deeply concerned that this ordinance would remove products that have helped many adults stay away from cigareƩes. Flavored and reduced-harm alternaƟves are not the problem—they are part of the soluƟon. By banning these products, we risk reversing years of progress in tobacco harm reducƟon and pushing people back toward smoking. Please support adult choice and proven public health strategies by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Charmane Caraway Columbia Heights 55421 (425) 591-3857 Sent from my iPhone 476 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:cheryl rhine <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 2:19 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby cities allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Cheryl Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 280-1845 477 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Corey Stewart <@ndcad.org> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 4:52 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Reducing licenses to zero destroys local jobs Council Members, The new proposal to ban self-service in smoke shops will prevent adults from selecƟng cigars from humidors. These stores already check IDs and restrict entry to those over 21. There is no reason to treat responsible cigar customers like children. Please modify the ordinance to allow humidor access in adult-only establishments. Corey Columbia heghts 55421 Sent from my iPhone 478 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Dalena Massie <@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 9:45 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Focus on enforcement, not a blanket flavor ban Hello Council, Retailers in Columbia Heights already check IDs and follow every law to prevent youth sales. Banning legi Ɵmate businesses for doing their jobs makes no sense. The problem lies with illegal sellers, not compliant retailers. Let’s strengthen enforcement instead of passing a ban that punishes honest workers. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Dalena Massie Columbia heights 55421 (612) 364-4029 Sent from my iPhone 479 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Damion Young <@icloud.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 6:53 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-Ɵme resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by vo Ɵng NO on Ordinance 1720. Damion Young Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 412-5282 Sent from my iPhone 480 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Devon Strouss <@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 3:04 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Banning flavors won’t protect health – it will make it worse Hello Council, Adults should be trusted to make their own decisions about legal products. This ordinance does not address youth access—it only takes options away from adults and hurts compliant retailers. Let’s focus on targeted education and enforcement instead. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Devon strouss Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 339-5660 481 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Dusty Wahl <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 7:04 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Flavored options help adults quit smoking – don’t ban them Council Members, The proposed $12 minimum price will make it harder for adults to afford legal products while doing nothing to stop illegal sales. It’s a regressive policy that harms low-income residents and compliant stores. Please vote NO on this increase. DusƟn Wahl Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 387-2675 482 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Beth Amundson <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 5:29 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby cities allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Elizabeth Amundson Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 387-2024 483 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:@gmail.com Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 5:00 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please don’t take away legal products adults use responsibly Dear City Council, I’m urging you to protect the freedom of adults to make responsible decisions about the products they use. This ban will not stop use—it will simply shiŌ purchases elsewhere, taking local tax dollars with it. Many adults rely on these safer alternaƟves to avoid smoking, and removing them will have real consequences. Please oppose Ordinance 1720 and keep Columbia Heights fair and compeƟƟve. GarreƩ Columbia Heights 55421 Sent from my iPhone 484 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Glenmar Solitario <@icloud.com> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 10:08 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-Ɵme resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by vo Ɵng NO on Ordinance 1720. Glenmar Solitario Columbia Heights 55421 (865) 924-8701 485 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Howard Cunningham <@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 1:46 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect small businesses – reject the tobacco ordinance Dear Council Members, Eliminating tobacco licenses entirely will destroy small local businesses that have followed every law and regulation. Shutting down three smoke shops doesn’t protect anyone—it only puts people out of work and pushes sales to other cities. Please protect small business owners and say NO to reducing the license number to zero. Howard Cunningham Minneapolis 55414 (952) 454-1723 486 Item 10. 487 Item 10. 488 Item 10. 489 Item 10. 490 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Joseph Yarbrough <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 4:51 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please don’t take away legal products adults use responsibly Dear City Council, I’m urging you to protect the freedom of adults to make responsible decisions about the products they use. This ban will not stop use—it will simply shiŌ purchases elsewhere, taking local tax dollars with it. Many adults rely on these safer alternaƟves to avoid smoking, and removing them will have real consequences. Please oppose Ordinance 1720 and keep Columbia Heights fair and compeƟƟve. Joseph Yarbrough Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 381-7032 Sent from my iPhone 491 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Joshua Anderson <@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 5:05 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Flavored options help adults quit smoking – don’t ban them Council Members, The proposed $12 minimum price will make it harder for adults to afford legal products while doing nothing to stop illegal sales. It’s a regressive policy that harms low-income residents and compliant stores. Please vote NO on this increase. Joshua Anderson Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 218-1487 492 Item 10. 493 Item 10. 494 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Kyle Frankhouser <@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 9:17 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote NO on Ordinance 1720 and support responsible adults Hello Council, Adults deserve to make their own choices about legal products without government overreach. This ban would harm public health, hurt small businesses, and create an underground market. Please protect our community’s freedom, jobs, and safety by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Kyle Frankhouser Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 222-9567 495 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Admin SDX <@sdxmgmt.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:18 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-time resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. L.N Columbia Heights 55421 Get Outlook for Android 496 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Laith Nassar <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:07 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Support safer options – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Council Members, I respectfully ask you to reconsider the flavor ban. Removing these products doesn’t stop demand—it just moves it to unregulated sources or back to traditional smoking. Adults deserve safer options and honest information, not blanket prohibitions. Let’s encourage education and enforcement, not bans that hurt responsible users and local businesses. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Laith Nassar Columbia Heights 55421 497 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Laith Nassar <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:09 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep adult products like cigars and pipe tobacco legal To the Council, The proposed ordinance threatens the livelihood of local workers and small businesses. Many of these shops have invested years building compliant operations that check every ID and follow every rule. This ban will take away their customers and cut city tax income. Please protect our local economy and say NO to Ordinance 1720. Laith Nasser Columbia Heights 55421 498 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:laith Nassar <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:10 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby cities allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Liath Nassar Columbia Heights 55421 499 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Leo ALEKHANDRO <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:12 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t punish honest retailers for following the law To City Council, Prohibiting flavored tobacco won’t stop youth use. It will simply push adults to unregulated markets or back to smoking. The better solution is strong enforcement and responsible retail partnerships. Please reject this one-size-fits-all approach and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Laith Nassar Columbia Heights 55421 500 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Laith Nassar <@blueoxmn.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:18 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Focus on enforcement, not a blanket flavor ban Hello Council, Retailers in Columbia Heights already check IDs and follow every law to prevent youth sales. Banning legitimate businesses for doing their jobs makes no sense. The problem lies with illegal sellers, not compliant retailers. Let’s strengthen enforcement instead of passing a ban that punishes honest workers. Please vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Columbia Heights 55421 Get Outlook for Android 501 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Laith Nassar <@outlook.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:05 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Allow self-service humidors for premium cigars Hello City Council, Why is the ordinance removing self-service access for adult cigar customers? In a 21+ smoke shop, there is no youth exposure or risk. Premium cigars are a niche, high-quality product, and customers expect to choose them directly from the humidor. Please respect adult choice and keep self-service for premium cigars in licensed smoke shops. Laith Nassar Columbia Heights 55421 502 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Leanne Hughes <@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October 27, 2025 1:50 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep adult products like cigars and pipe tobacco legal To the Council, The proposed ordinance threatens the livelihood of local workers and small businesses. Many of these shops have invested years building compliant operations that check every ID and follow every rule. This ban will take away their customers and cut city tax income. Please protect our local economy and say NO to Ordinance 1720. Columbia heights is the closest city for my usual tobacco products. I've been going to Columbia heights for many years. I'm a loyal customer, please don't ban these. Leanne Hughes Minneapolis,MN 55414 (612) 478-1225 503 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Lisa Butterfield <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 2:59 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigareƩes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health-focused policies, not harmful restricƟons. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Lisa BuƩerfield Columbia Heights 55418 (763) 645-2692 Sent from my iPhone 504 Item 10. 505 Item 10. 506 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Marco Iñamagua <@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 9:01 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Oppose the flavor ban and protect adult choice Dear Council, Adults should have the freedom to purchase legal and regulated products. The proposed ban will not solve youth access issues—it will simply penalize responsible adults and drive business away from Columbia Heights. Every neighboring city will benefit from our lost sales and tax revenue. Please defend fairness, adult choice, and local jobs by rejec Ɵng Ordinance 1720. Marco Iñamagua Columbia Heights 55421 (240) 625-6269 Enviado desde mi iPhone 507 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:waa Project <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:15 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Vote NO on Ordinance 1720 and support responsible adults Hello Council, Adults deserve to make their own choices about legal products without government overreach. This ban would harm public health, hurt small businesses, and create an underground market. Please protect our community’s freedom, jobs, and safety by voting NO on Ordinance 1720. Maya Columbia Heights 55421 508 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Michelle Ives <@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 8:53 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect small businesses – don’t eliminate tobacco licenses Dear Council Members, I’m concerned that the new ordinance removes self-service access to premium cigars in humidors. These products are already sold in age-restricted stores where every customer shows ID. PrevenƟng adults from selecƟng cigars from a humidor makes no sense and hurts legiƟmate tobacco retailers. Please reconsider this part of the ordinance and allow self-service in adult-only shops. Michelle ives Columbia heights 55421 (612) 227-3033 Sent from my iPhone 509 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Myles Fahim <@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 4:52 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by vo Ɵng NO on Ordinance 1720. Mielies Minneapolis 55413 (612) 701-9442 Sent from my iPhone 510 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Mohamed kahiye Abdiweli <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:35 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Stores already verify IDs – a ban isn’t the answer Dear Council Members, Products like cigars, pipe tobacco, and other flavored options are enjoyed responsibly by many adults. They are legal, regulated, and part of our local economy. Please don’t punish responsible consumers or small businesses by removing products that aren’t causing youth problems. I ask that you vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Mohamed kahiye Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 500-2485 511 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Abu Adnan <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:16 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep adult products like cigars and pipe tobacco legal To the Council, The proposed ordinance threatens the livelihood of local workers and small businesses. Many of these shops have invested years building compliant operations that check every ID and follow every rule. This ban will take away their customers and cut city tax income. Please protect our local economy and say NO to Ordinance 1720. Mustafa Columbia Heights 55421 512 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Myles Fahim <@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 4:50 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Voting no for banned smoking products Sent from my iPhone 513 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Nasser Nassar <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 3:08 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Ordinance 1720 hurts families, jobs, and local revenue To the Council, Closing all smoke shops by reducing licenses to zero will not help public health—it will just move sales and jobs out of the city. Please stand with responsible retailers and say NO to this part of Ordinance 1720. Nasser Nassar Columbia Heights 55421 514 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Lil Sox <@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 3:12 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigareƩes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health-focused policies, not harmful restricƟons. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Nathaniel bryant Columbia Heights 55421 (763) 392-8171 Sent from my iPhone 515 Item 10. 516 Item 10. 517 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Abdifitah Farah <@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 2:29 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Keep responsible stores open – reject license elimination Dear Columbia Heights Council, EliminaƟng self-service in licensed smoke shops is unfair and unnecessary. Customers buying premium cigars want to inspect the cigar, the wrapper, and the aroma before purchase. These are not impulse buys by minors—they are legal adult products sold responsibly. Please protect this tradiƟon and allow self-service humidors in adult stores. Nuur Mohamed Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 205-9761 Sent from my iPhone 518 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Paris Stjulien <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 7:32 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Public health should focus on education, not prohibition Dear Council Members, Raising the minimum price of cigarettes and snuff to $12 unfairly targets adult consumers and small businesses. This increase will drive people to nearby cities or illegal sellers, hurting both public health and local revenue. Please reject this unnecessary price hike. Paris St Julien MINNEAPOLIS 55411 (612) 800-1594 519 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Renee Johnson <@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 3:00 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban will drive a black market and hurt our city Dear Columbia Heights Council, Raising prices to $12 doesn’t stop demand—it just drives people to nearby ciƟes. Local stores will lose customers and the city will lose tax income. Please support fair pricing and oppose this change. Renee Johnson Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 220-3901 Sent from my iPhone 520 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:@icloud.com Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 5:29 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Robert Johnson Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 357-8110 Sent from my iPhone 521 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Sam Heruth <@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 9:27 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t punish honest retailers for following the law To City Council, ProhibiƟng flavored tobacco won’t stop youth use. It will simply push adults to unregulated markets or back to smoking. The beƩer soluƟon is strong enforcement and responsible retail partnerships. Please reject this one-size-fits-all approach and vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Sam Heruth Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 730-8313 Sent from my iPhone 522 Item 10. 523 Item 10. 524 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:shannon st.julien <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 7:33 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Reducing licenses to zero destroys local jobs Council Members, The new proposal to ban self-service in smoke shops will prevent adults from selecting cigars from humidors. These stores already check IDs and restrict entry to those over 21. There is no reason to treat responsible cigar customers like children. Please modify the ordinance to allow humidor access in adult- only establishments. Shannon Stjulien MINNEAPOLIS 55418 (612) 670-2327 525 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:@gmail.com Sent:Monday, October 27, 2025 10:46 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Protect my right to choose – vote NO on Ordinance 1720 Hello Council Members, As a long-Ɵme resident and consumer, I’m asking you to oppose this flavor ban. Adults who buy these products do so responsibly, and local retailers already enforce strict ID laws. This ordinance won’t stop youth use—it will only harm compliant businesses and reduce local tax income. Please put trust in responsible adults and local retailers by vo Ɵng NO on Ordinance 1720. Sharon Panier Minneapolis 55433 Sent from my iPhone 526 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Shaun Smith <@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 8:42 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This policy ignores safer and less harmful alternatives Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults in our city deserve to make informed choices about their own lives. The current system already works—licensed stores check IDs and sell responsibly. Please don’t pass a law that takes away freedom and punishes businesses doing everything right. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Shaun Smith Minneapolis 55429 (763) 347-0355 527 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Surayyah Bronson <@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, October 25, 2025 2:50 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Adults deserve choices – vote NO on these restrictions Council Members, Other nearby ciƟes allow these products, which means this ban will not reduce access—it will just move business across city lines. The result will be lost revenue, job cuts, and more adult smokers. I ask that you stand up for local fairness, economic stability, and public health by voƟng NO on Ordinance 1720. Surayyah bronson Minneapolis 55421 (612) 217-3957 Sent from my iPhone 528 Item 10. Dear Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula and Members of the Columbia Heights City Council, My name is Susan Molina, and I live at Chatham Road NE in Columbia Heights. I am a second- year pediatric resident physician at The University of Minnesota, and I am writing to share my support for the proposed changes to the tobacco ordinance. Flavored tobacco products come in sweet flavors, attractive packaging, and are low cost. Youth are introduced to tobacco use through flavors such as candy and fruit and perceive the products as less harmful than non-flavored products, even though they are just as dangerous and addictive as cigarettes. As a result, today I see increasing numbers of young people using tobacco, specifically e-cigarettes or vapes. I also urge you to include menthol in your policy efforts. The tobacco industry has a documented history of marketing to youth, women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color. Because of this, menthol has had a detrimental impact on these communities, having disproportionate results in tobacco-related illnesses. Flavors like menthol make it easier to start smoking and harder to quit. Most adult smokers begin using tobacco I products by the age of 18, and studies show that local flavor restrictions reduce the chance that teens will ever try tobacco products. I also wanted to share my support for the proposal to end coupon redemption and set minimum prices for tobacco products. The tobacco industry uses coupons and promotions to keep the price of tobacco products low, making them easily accessible to youth and keeping people who use the products hooked. Keeping the price of tobacco products high is one of the most effective ways to help people quit and to prevent youth from ever starting. Columbia Heights is taking a step in the right direction to a healthier community. Removing all flavors, setting minimum pricing and coupon redemption, as well as the other proposed measures will help make these products less accessible and less appealing to our youth in Columbia Heights. These policies will protect our youth, LGBTQ+ neighbors, Black neighbors and Indigenous neighbors from the harms of commercial tobacco. I hope the council will consider and pass these bold public health policies to protect our community and environment. Sincerely, Susan J. Molina, MD Chatham Rd NE, Columbia Heights 529 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Tab Parker <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 5:00 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please vote NO on the tobacco flavor ban (Ordinance 1720) Dear Council Members, Local shops work hard to follow the law and prevent underage sales. Penalizing them for being compliant sends the wrong message. Let’s reward good behavior, not punish it. Please stand for fairness and common sense by vo Ɵng NO on Ordinance 1720. Tab Parker Columbia Heights 55421 (651) 468-9105 530 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Terran Alexander <@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 10:30 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Please don’t take away legal products adults use responsibly Dear City Council, I’m urging you to protect the freedom of adults to make responsible decisions about the products they use. This ban will not stop use—it will simply shift purchases elsewhere, taking local tax dollars with it. Many adults rely on these safer alternatives to avoid smoking, and removing them will have real consequences. Please oppose Ordinance 1720 and keep Columbia Heights fair and competitive. Terran Alexander Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 407-2975 531 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:@gmail.com Sent:Monday, October 27, 2025 10:43 AM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigareƩes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health-focused policies, not harmful restricƟons. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Terri Byxbe Minneapolis 55433 Sent from my iPhone 532 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Roshannon Johnson <@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, October 26, 2025 12:00 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:Don’t ban safer options – keep harm-reduction products legal Hello City Council, A $12 minimum price is excessive and punishes responsible adults who purchase legal products. It will only push customers to shop elsewhere and hurt Columbia Heights retailers. Please reconsider this unfair rule. Tiara Johnson Columbia Heights 55421 (612) 479-1323 Sent from my iPhone 533 Item 10. 1 Emilie Voight From:Zaynab Abdur-Rahim <@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, October 24, 2025 2:30 PM To:Amáda Márquez Simula; Connie Buesgens; Laurel Deneen; Rachel James; Justice Spriggs; Emilie Voight Subject:This ban ignores science and harm reduction Dear Columbia Heights Council, Adults who use flavored or reduced-harm products are not the problem. We follow the law, shop locally, and want to make responsible decisions for our health. This ban would take away products that are proven to help adults avoid cigarettes and could drive them back to smoking. Please support health- focused policies, not harmful restrictions. Vote NO on Ordinance 1720. Zaynab Abdur-Rahim Minneapolis 55421 (612) 441-8637 534 Item 10. Commercial Tobacco Prevention: Recap of Best Practice Policies and What Other Communities Have Done Columbia Heights Council October 27, 2025 Emily Anderson & Molly Schmidtke Association for Nonsmokers - MN 535 Item 10. 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. 536 Item 10. Commercial Tobacco Prevention: Best Practices AppealAccessibility 537 Item 10. Ending the Sale of Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products » The tobacco industry targets youth with fruit- and candy-flavored flavored products like “Strawberry Blow Pop”. »3 out of 4 Minnesota students who have ever tried a commercial tobacco product initiated with a flavored product »Over 93% of Minnesota youth who vape choose a flavored product. »Black, LGBTQIA+, American Indian, and young people have also been historically targeted with menthol-flavored tobacco. »Most adult smokers begin using tobacco products by the age of 18, and studies show that local flavor restrictions reduce the chance that teens will ever try tobacco products. 538 Item 10. Flavors Policies: What have other communities done? Appeal 539 Item 10. Capping the Number of 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. » Tobacco and e-cigarette retailers cluster in neighborhoods with a high percentage of low-income residents and Black and Latino residents. These communities are targeted by tobacco companies, and they disproportionately suffer the health harms caused by tobacco use. » Fewer retailers means fewer products being sold, creating less toxic litter and waste in the environment. 540 Item 10. 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. 541 Item 10. Price Discounting & Minimum Prices » 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. » Setting minimum prices lessens the ability of the tobacco industry to manipulate prices. 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. 542 Item 10. Price Discounting and Minimum Prices: 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. 543 Item 10. Retailer Penalties » Penalties for violating provisions of a city’s tobacco ordinance are a way to hold retailers accountable » State minimum fines were increased in 2020 » Retailers should be expected to follow these straightforward, health- focused rules in order to partake in the privilege of selling commercial tobacco products in your city » Adequate penalty structures help prevent violations and help hold retailers who do violate the ordinance accountable 544 Item 10. Retailer Penalties: What have other communities done? MN State Minimum: 1st Offense: $300 2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $600 3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 & 7 day (minimum) license suspension Roseville 1st Offense: $1,000 2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 & 3-day license suspension 3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $2,000 & 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 545 Item 10. Swiss Cheese Model 546 Item 10. Thank You! 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 547 Item 10. ITEM: Gould Ave Parking Update. DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Mitchell Forney, 10/21/25 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: X 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 BACKGROUND At the May 5th, 2025, City Council work session, the City Council reviewed a staff report regarding local parking conditions along Gould Avenue and Peters Place. At that time, the Council directed staff to install “No Parking 2AM to 6AM” signs within the Gould Ave business parking zone. This action was in response to neighborhood concerns that residents of 909 Gould Avenue were utilizing the adjacent business parking areas for overnight vehicle storage. The Council also directed staff to report back in October with an update about how the changes affected the parking situation. Following the work session, staff ordered the necessary signage and coordinated with the Public Works Department to prepare for installation. However, in the wake of the tragic death of Manny Collins and the significant investigative response that followed, Police and Fire resources were heavily committed, delaying staff’s ability to immediately move forward with the new parking regulations. Once enforcement capacity was restored, Community Development staff and Public Works completed installation of the “No Parking 2AM to 6AM” signage and the Police Department began enforcing these parking rules within the business parking area. CURRENT STATUS At this time, Community Development staff can report that parking enforcement along Gould Avenue and the surrounding streets is ongoing. The business parking portion of Gould Ave has been brought into compliance under the new “No Parking 2AM to 6AM” regulations and the Police Department continues to monitor and address violations. Further east along Gould Ave, parking remains open to the public and staff have observed that residents continue to use available street parking appropriately. Intermittent neighborhood complaints about vehicles parked in front of homes still occur, but staff have continued efforts to educate community members that public streets are available for public parking and are not reserved for the use of adjacent homes or businesses unless otherwise specified. The elimination of parking on the north side of Gould Avenue has noticeably improved traffic flow and emergency vehicle access. While on-street parking in the neighborhood remains heavily utilized during evening and overnight hours, it does not appear to be creating any operational issues or safety concerns at this time. CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA SECTION NEW BUSINESS AND REPORTS MEETING DATE 10/27/2025 548 Item 11. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2 As we enter the winter parking season, additional enforcement citywide will be necessary to ensure compliance with winter parking regulations. The upcoming months will provide a valuable period to further observe how winter conditions have an impact on parking availability and neighborhood dynamics in this area. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommend maintaining the current parking regulations along Gould Avenue and Peters Place. Continued observation throughout the winter will allow staff to assess whether additional changes are warranted. While the improvements along Gould Avenue have enhanced circulation, staff will monitor Peters Place closely, as its narrower roadway may experience reduced parking and driving capacities once snow accumulates. Staff will report back to the City Council should conditions change or if further adjustments are needed. ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Map of Current Parking Regulations 549 Item 11. Neighborhood Parking Regulations Map (Current Conditions) City Council Meeting 10/27/2025 550 Item 11.