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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-2025 City Council Meeting Minutes CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers Connie Buesgens Rachel James Justice Spriggs Laurel Deneen City Manager Aaron Chirpich City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, October 27, 2025 6:00 PM MINUTES The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 27, 2025, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Council President James called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Present: Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Deneen; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember James Absent: Mayor Márquez Simula Also Present: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Travis Lutz, Assistant City Attorney; Emilie Voight, Community Development Coordinator; Sylvia Amos, City resident; Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission; Jeff Bahe, Jeff’s Bobby & Steve’s Auto World owner; Jasmid Enciso, Rojas Public Affairs; John Fleck, City resident; Paul Lampland, City resident; Jessica Medaris, School Board Member; Basil Mohamed, Employee at Sarah’s Tobacco Shop; Hassan Mohamed, City resident; My Linh Nyugen, City of Roseville; Aesa Rude, City resident; Adnan Safi, City business owner; Khader Safi, City business owner; Gregorio Salizar, City resident; Jared Severson, Columbia Heights Athletic Booster; Todd Stender, City resident; Melissa Williams, Power of Attorney for Bobby Williams. MISSION STATEMENT Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy, and connected City. We are here to actively support the community, deliver equitable services, build and strengthen connections, improve upon our past, and uphold our successes. We strive to be better and ensure Columbia Heights is a great place for everyone, today and in the future. A. Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms. While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will help us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Deneen, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 2 PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Columbia Heights Boosters Appreciation Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Columbia Heights Boosters. Council President James proclaimed October 27, 2025, to honor and thank the Columbia Heights Boosters and read the City’s proclamation. Jared Severson, Boosters President, stated that the Boosters' mission is to be an organization of dedicated community volunteers that offer their time and talents to support youth activities and athletics throughout Columbia Heights, fostering participation in the best experience possible. They help support youth activities through the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, the schools, organizations, and other sports, theater, music, and academic programs. Over the past five years, they have been able to donate $500,000 to the programs. Most of the funds are raised through charitable gambling at many local establishments. He expressed his appreciation for the recognition from the City. B. Dysautonomia Awareness Month Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Aesa Rude. Council President James proclaimed October 2025 as Dysautonomia Awareness Month, and Councilmember Spriggs read the City’s proclamation. Aesa Rude, City resident, thanked the Council for the Proclamation and mentioned that she has a type of dysautonomia that is characterized by high heart rate, temperature dysregulation, and high blood pressure. She added that the visibility and awareness help make her life easier because it can be difficult explaining what dysautonomia is. C. Housing Insecurity Awareness Month Proclamation. Accepting Proclamation: Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission. Council President James proclaimed November 2025 as Housing Insecurity Awareness Month, and Councilmember Deneen read the City’s proclamation. Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission, accepted the Proclamation. She mentioned that she met with a number of community members and asked them what they thought when they heard the word “homelessness”. The top words that people thought of were “community” and “resilience”. She gave a brief presentation about homelessness and pointed out that people who experience homelessness look like anyone else. Ms. Stegora Axberg explained the impact that Union Gospel Mission has had. Union Gospel Mission meets people where they are at with food, clothing, and shelter, and provides services such as free mental health services, social workers, and job training. She noted that all meals are served by community member volunteers. They measure program outcomes. 71% reported having income sources at exit, compared to 33% on entry. 85% of City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 3 participants exited to safe and stable housing. 88% participated in their own well-being, and 82% say they have created or regained meaningful community relationships. 88% of children in the Child Development Center are kindergarten-ready. Ms. Stegora Axberg noted that ways to get involved include volunteering, donating, giving (goods, food, donation drives), and sharing about Union Gospel Mission. She mentioned that they are the second largest shelter and transitional housing in Ramsey County. D. School Board Update. Presented by School Board Member Jessica Medaris. Jessica Medaris, School Board Member, provided a School Board update. She expressed her appreciation for the collaboration with the City. The enrollment in the school district is strong. The fall athletics are wrapping up, and winter registration is starting. There are students who are rehearsing for the High School production of Newsies. The production will be from December 4-6. She highlighted Amjad for receiving the All-State Class AA Second Soccer team. The school district is involved in pushing policies that will impact the district. They are participating in an attendance promotion pilot. Valley View is in its second year as a full-service community school and is providing resources to all of the families that attend. She announced that they are applying for a full-service community school grant for North Park. There is a new administrative team at Columbia Academy. Ms. Medaris mentioned that the school district is navigating a lot of uncertainty from federal impacts. She noted that there are many families and staff who are concerned about actions on immigration and potential interactions with ICE. Staff are working with families and ensuring that all staff are trained on how to comply with policy and law when it comes to access to schools, and complying with privacy laws. She added that they have collaborated with the Minnesota Immigrant Law Center to provide ongoing training to families and staff. The number one priority for the school district is the safety of the students. Ms. Medaris stated that on the State level, there has been a change to the funding formula for compensatory aid, which provides funds to districts to support students from low- income families. Due to some changes, the school district could lose $3.7 million. There are districts that are concerned about the inequitable impact that the formula change could have. The legislator convened a task force to figure out a solution going into the next two years. Ms. Medaris explained that the SNAP cuts coming in November will have a significant impact on families in the community. The school district is working on shoring up all of the food shelters that are available in the school buildings. There is a continuing food drive going on. She mentioned that any non-perishable, shelf-stable food can be dropped off at any of the school buildings. There are pockets of federal funds that ultimately come to the school district to support various activities and programs. There has been uncertainty and instability with the funds. The school district receives $5.5 million from federal funds, City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 4 which is 8.4% of the school district budget. She encouraged community members to sign up for the school district newsletter to find out more about what is happening each week. There are opportunities for community members to serve on committees. She added that there are a number of Community Ed opportunities for residents. Ms. Medaris mentioned that there was a recent resignation on the School Board. The Board has appointed Lori Mueller, who was the previous Board Chair. She will serve as a temporary member until the special election, which will be held in April 2026. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Buesgens mentioned that she attended the Partners in Energy kickoff event and a pumpkin carving for the Spooktacular event. She noted that she was interviewed by the League of Minnesota Cities about her experience on the Council. She volunteered at the Spooktacular event. She stated she attended the Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition, the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, and the alumni foundation dinner. She mentioned that she signed up to use Ridwell, which is an organization that recycles items that recycling centers cannot take. She added that she attended Officer Dashown Wilson Jr.’s swearing-in ceremony. She mentioned that she volunteered at the Truck or Treat event and thanked the staff for making it a great event. She stated that she volunteered at the Blooming Sunshine Garden. She explained that her thoughts are with the people in Jamaica due to the hurricane. Councilmember Deneen stated she attended the Energy Action Kickoff event, the pumpkin carving event for Spooktacular, and volunteered at the Spooktacular event and Truck or Treat event at Huset Park. Councilmember Spriggs stated he attended the Charter Commission and the League of Minnesota Cities fall forum series. Council President James noted that she hosted an event with the League of Women Voters. She added that she was on a call with other local leaders to discuss how to protect their neighbors from ICE. She stated she attended the Eastside Food Co-op meeting at Silverwood Park, a coalition meeting with the Equity in Place alliance, and Officer Wilson’s swearing-in ceremony. She mentioned that she went to the Truck or Treat event and volunteered. She stated she donated blood at the Public Safety building. Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich thanked everyone who attended and helped out at the Truck or Treat event. Magnify Financial provided financial support to the event. Sullivan Lake Park planning is underway and the survey for public input will be open until Friday, October 31st. The survey can be found on the City’s website or the City’s Facebook page. Street sweeping has started, and residents are encouraged to remove their cars during the day while crews are working. If it is needed, crews will put out a temporary no-parking signs. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 5 COMMUNITY FORUM Andrea Cervantes, City resident and business owner, asked the Council to reconsider its stance on commercial vehicles being parked at residential homes. She explained that her family runs a food truck business. She stated that they recently received a notice stating that the food truck parked in the driveway was in violation of the City Code. She explained that it felt unfair because there are a variety of commercial vehicles parked in driveways or on the street throughout the City. She mentioned that her family brought their concerns to the City Planner and were asked to provide the addresses of others who park commercial vehicles in residential areas. She noted that they do not want to create problems with neighbors and simply want the same fairness that others receive. The food truck is a seasonal business. Once winter hits and snow starts to fall, the ability to operate daily is limited. During those months, they are trying to store their vehicle safely. If they have to store the vehicle off-site, it can cost hundreds of dollars each month. She added that they are not asking to run the business in the driveway; they are asking to park the food truck on the property without being penalized. She stated that they took time to talk to neighbors and explain the situation, and they received signatures from their neighbors showing that they have no issue with the truck being parked in the driveway. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. 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 to approve 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 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 an 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. 5. Adopt Resolution 2025-082, Acceptance of Donation – Firefighters for Healing Red Tie Gala Tickets. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 6 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 the 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 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. Community Development Coordinator Voight stated that 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. Community Development Coordinator Voight mentioned that 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. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 7 Community Development Coordinator Voight explained that 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. Community Development Coordinator Voight reviewed a summary of the current status. Ordinance 1720 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; - Increase penalties and fines for sales violations; - Removes Purchase, Use, and Possession (PUP) penalties: and - 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. Community Development Coordinator Voight stated 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. Community Development Coordinator Voight mentioned that 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 person 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. Community Development Director Voight noted that staff received 340 public comments. All the comments are included in the Agenda Packet. Community Development Coordinator Voight introduced Emily Anderson, Director of Policy at the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota, who provided a brief overview of what was shared during the August 4th Council work session. The Association for Nonsmokers- City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 8 Minnesota (ANSR) is a nonprofit that is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco, nicotine, and other drug use in Minnesota. Their 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 to reduce health inequities and other disparities in relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine, and other drugs. Ms. Anderson explained that they look at accessibility and appeal when looking to reduce commercial tobacco, nicotine, and other drug use in Minnesota. The first policy consideration is ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products. The tobacco industry targets youth with fruit and candy 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 reduces the chance that teens will ever try tobacco products. Ms. Anderson reviewed what other communities in Minnesota have done about tobacco flavor policies. About 30% of the State has a flavored policy initiative. A lot of the metro area has addressed that there is an issue. Ms. Anderson noted that the next policy initiative is capping the number of retail tobacco licenses. Restricting the number of tobacco licenses allowed in a community is a way to decrease commercial tobacco use in a community. Research shows that the location and density of commercial tobacco-related product retailers influence tobacco-related product use and worsen 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 mean fewer products being sold, creating less toxic litter and waste in the environment. Ms. Anderson reviewed what other communities have done about capping the number of retail tobacco licenses. Columbia Heights has no more than three tobacco shops. Saint Anthony Village capped its licenses at 0. They currently have five. No new licenses will be issued, and through attrition, it will be 0. Bloomington capped its licenses at 0. Through attrition, the city will get down to zero tobacco licenses. Little Canada capped their licenses at 0. They currently have seven. No new licenses will be issued, and through attrition, it will be 0. New Brighton capped the number of licensed tobacco shops to four, and currently has seven. Roseville capped its tobacco shops and currently has four. Richfield capped their licenses at four. Through attrition, the city will get down to four total tobacco licenses. Ms. Anderson explained that 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 City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 9 redeemed cigarette coupons were much less likely to quit smoking than those who did not use coupons. Setting minimum prices lessens the ability of the tobacco industry to manipulate prices. St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Saint Anthony Village have ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts and have set minimum prices. Ms. Anderson mentioned that 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 each city. Adequate penalty structures help prevent violations and help hold retailers who do violate the ordinance accountable. She reviewed what other cities have done. Saint Anthony Village and Roseville have opted to go higher than the MN State minimum. Council President James opened the Public Hearing. Adnan Safi, City business owner, stated he owns Columbia Smoke Shop. He explained that he opened his business in 2022 and invested more than $300,000 into the business. He feels that the presented Ordinance will destroy his business, and he will be forced to shut down. He added that he has not been consulted or invited to a meeting. He stated that he is a licensed retailer conducting a legal business in the City. He added that they sell products to adults 21+ only. He asked the Council to consider the devastation the Ordinance would cause to his business and family. He suggested increasing the penalties on businesses that sell to minors. Khader Safi, City business owner, stated he owns the Smoke Vape Shop on 37th Avenue. He explained that he has been running his business responsibly for 10 years. He added that he has six employees and offers them benefits, and is selling legal products responsibly. He mentioned that he was notified about the proposed Ordinance change on September 22nd. He noted that if more time were given for businesses to be notified, they could have offered input to the proposed Ordinance. He asked why there was a proposed change. The CDC’s 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey shows that smoking rates among youth have been declining at the lowest rate in 25 years. The Minnesota Youth Tobacco survey in 2023 confirms that trend. He added that the survey asked where youth were getting tobacco from, and the first four sources were social sources. Mr. Safi explained that prohibition does not work because if people want a product, they can get it. He noted that his shop is near three cities, so if he cannot carry a product, people will just go to the next city. The 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco survey showed that youth reject traditional tobacco, such as pipe tobacco. The City is proposing to ban pipe tobacco and cigarette tobacco. Pipe tobacco does not exist in non-flavors. He noted that youth are not looking for flavored pipe tobacco. He added that the Ordinance would eliminate self-service from tobacco shops. People who want to purchase a cigar want to come in and feel and smell the cigar. Without that, the business becomes a storage facility. The FDA says that the riskiest form of nicotine consumption is combustible tobacco. The Ordinance would mean that all that could be sold is combustible tobacco. He explained City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 10 that business licenses are a major asset to businesses. He noted that he would like to be able to own, transfer, and sell it in order to relocate if the building is demolished. He wondered if the City’s intent was to shut down businesses and what their goal was. He noted that there are inconsistencies in what the City allows to be sold. Liquor comes in flavors and can have THC in it. The City cannot regulate marijuana sales due to State law. There would be economic damage with the proposed Ordinance. The tax revenue would go to other cities. He thanked the Council for hearing him and explained that tobacco businesses would be eager to have discussions with the City. He asked the Council to vote against the Ordinance. Paul Lampland, stated he is a business consultant. He explained that he is against the idea that the regulations for banning flavored tobacco and other products like e-cigarettes. He noted that it is a prohibition and prohibitions do not work. The health aspects of vapes are misunderstood. There are many people who have quit smoking because they have had the option of a vape. It discriminates against those who use smokeless products because there might not be an option to smoke on a job site. Bright packaging is meant to grab people’s attention, but it is not necessarily because they want kids to be taking the products. He stated he was in opposition to the proposed Ordinance. John Fleck, City resident, stated he works at Sarah’s Tobacco Shop. He explained that the Council has the duty to uphold liberty and justice for every individual it represents. He urged the Council to reflect on that pledge. The government was not created to serve the will of the majority at the expense of the individual. He asked the Council that they do not to restrict flavors, just like they would not restrict alcohol and marijuana flavors. He asked that they not impose limits on pricing. He showed the Council two tins of tobacco, where one was in a pouch and the other was loose tobacco. Due to the difference in weight, one of the tins would be banned, but the other would not be. He explained that the Ordinance is not consistent. Since the State has raised the legal tobacco age to 21, youth smoking has decreased. He stated that he hoped that the Council would apply the same standards to the tobacco industry as the alcohol industry. Sylvia Amos, stated she served 13 years as the president of the Minnesota State Baptist Convention Women’s Auxiliary. She currently serves as a community organizer with the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota. She stated she supported the Ordinance proposal. She added that she has been a tobacco control advocate for a long time. The tobacco industry is relentless. She urged the Council to look at how tobacco costs the City. Blue Cross Blue Shield reports that Minnesota spends over $4 billion annually on smoking- related illness and death. 6,500 lives are lost every year to the deadly product. She stated that tobacco addiction cost her the lives of her mother, her husband, and three aunts. It is essential that the City prioritizes the lives of individuals over financial gain. The tobacco industry has been relentless in targeting black Americans with its marketing, which is racist. Allowing the practice to continue makes one complicit in the killing of her community. It is time to stop putting profits over lives and put lives above profits. The proposed Ordinance will help protect young people, advance public health, cut health costs, and save lives. She asked the Council to vote yes on the proposal. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 11 Melissa Williams, Power of Attorney for Bobby Williams of Bobby & Steve’s Auto World, explained that she agrees with everyone. She noted that it is not about the profit for business owners. It is about the people who want to smoke and allow a space where people can purchase. She noted that the City benefited when Minneapolis had the flavor ban. She stated she is personally in favor of banning all smoking. Liquor stores were considered essential during the COVID shutdown. Not all tobacco stores were open during COVID. She explained that convenience stores were banned from selling flavored tobacco so that tobacco stores could sell them. She agreed with the previous comment regarding combustible tobacco products being the only ones that would be allowed to be sold. She stated she is not in favor of the proposed Ordinance. Jeff Bahe, Bobby & Steve’s Auto World owner, stated their business has been able to do good things in the community, such as donating the corner for the park, building a playground at Huset Park, and buying a squad car for the City. In 2021, the Council voted to only allow flavored tobacco products to be sold in tobacco shops. He explained that it created a disadvantage for them because they lost over 31% of their convenience store sales. If the proposed Ordinance passes, they will lose more business. He mentioned that his property taxes have gone up over the last few years. If the government starts to take rights away from adults, then they will not stop. The City should have come to businesses and come up with a plan. He feels that if the City continues the same path, he will not be able to pay the employees a decent wage. He added that tobacco shops will go out of business. He noted that there is only one grocery store in the City and that the City is not attracting businesses. He added that his business partners have been supporting the City for years. The City needs to say “yes” to businesses. He added that the City needs to let adults make decisions on their own. He wondered why the City did not let other people meet with them when they were discussing the item. He added that the City just concentrated on one side, and businesses in the City would like to be heard too. He asked the Council to vote no on the proposed Ordinance. Basil Mohamed, Employee at Sarah’s Tobacco Shop, explained that they only sell products to people who are 21 years old and older. He explained that the work is stable, but a lot of the employees are scared now because of the proposed Ordinance. He noted that he feels as if it is unfair because the surrounding cities allow products that are being banned in the City. He noted that in order to end addiction, the focus should be on families and raising kids to teach them better. The work is legal, and the employees are doing their job by not selling products to children. He mentioned that people are losing trust in the City. He noted that in order to fight addiction, it should not be to fight the businesses. He asked the Council to vote against the proposed Ordinance. Todd Stender, City resident, stated that when he was growing up, he drank and smoked a lot. He shared that he was adopted and grew up in group homes. He explained that his drug of choice is cigarettes, vaporizers, cigars, and caffeine. He asked the Council not to stop that because there are people who could be using harder drugs. He asked where his rights were. He added that he does not give products to children. He asked the Council to vote no on the proposed Ordinance and asked them not to take products away from him. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 12 My Linh Nyugen, City of Roseville resident, stated she is a junior at Roseville Area High School and shared her support for the Ordinance. She explained that as an active member of the Student Action Team in Ramsey County, she has been educating her peers at school and in her community about the harms of tobacco. The team has advocated at the local level to reduce access to tobacco products. The group was recognized nationally by the campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and they received the Youth Advocates of the Year Award in Washington, D.C.. She has started her work in Minnesota as a Youth Ambassador with the campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. She noted that she has witnessed the detrimental impact of e-cigarettes on her peers. Flavors are a big reason why youth get hooked to vapes, and removing flavored tobacco will help reduce youth access to the products. The industry uses discounts and low prices to attract youth smokers and non-smokers on a tight budget. Minimum prices should be set high enough to discourage youth from starting, and to encourage people who currently use commercial tobacco to reduce their use or quit. The proposed changes are critical steps to prevent “Big Tobacco” from exploiting youth in the community. Efforts to reduce nicotine will allow youth to focus on their education. She added that they need the help from City leaders to do what is right. Hassan Mohamed, City resident, stated he works for a non-profit called African Immigrant Community Services. Health advocacy is a part of the work and includes tobacco prevention. The non-profit is based in Minneapolis, but it serves all of the suburbs. They focus on the East African population and emphasize youth. They are committed to providing health, education, and social services to African-born communities in Minnesota. He explained that they have seen the impact that tobacco and vaping have had on youth. The proposed Ordinance is beneficial to everyone in all communities. He added that they strongly support the City Council’s ongoing effort to address tobacco in the City. He stated the tobacco industry targets communities like his. The health of youth is important. He asked the Council to vote in favor of the proposed Ordinance. Gregorio Salizar, City resident, stated he has been a recovering alcoholic since May 12, 2014. He explained that since that time, he has buried family members from drug, alcohol, and tobacco usage. He mentioned that people are not smoking inside businesses, but they are smoking at personal residences. People are served alcohol in businesses. Alcohol is more addictive and kills more people than tobacco. He asked the Council to vote against the proposed Ordinance. He explained that he has been to a smoke shop in the City and they ID everyone who purchases products. Jasmid Enciso, City resident, stated she was speaking on behalf of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets and was representing convenience stores and small businesses across the Country. She expressed her appreciation for the City’s commitment to preventing youth access to tobacco and nicotine products. She explained that they have serious concerns about two key provisions in the proposed Ordinance. First, the complete ban prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, including menthol, will not eliminate demand, and instead, will move consumers to different cities. This will hurt the City’s retailers and do little to reduce youth access. Responsible licensed retailers already follow strict age verification laws and undergo regular compliance checks. Second, the City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 13 proposed minimum pricing and package size requirements place an unfair burden on small businesses. The mandates limit consumers' choice and force retailers to raise prices on legal products that adults have the right to purchase. Similar policies in other jurisdictions have not shown measurable improvements in youth prevention, but have caused revenue loss for small, locally owned stores. She asked the Council to reconsider or remove the provisions from the Ordinance. She suggested focusing on strong enforcement of existing age restriction laws, and not focusing on policies that punish responsible retailers and adult consumers. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1720, there being ample copies available to the public. Council President James asked City Manager Chirpich if the Council should just close the hearing. City Manager Chirpich replied that it may make sense to just close the public hearing if the Council wanted to provide space to continue the first reading of the Ordinance. There are two readings. A motion to just close the public hearing would allow for maximum flexibility for discussions. Motion by Council member Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to close the public hearing of Ordinance No. 1720, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Councilmember Buesgens thanked those who spoke during the public hearing. She explained that her role on the Council is to look at the forest and trees when it comes to issues. She noted that she understands the concerns of business owners. She added that she has a public health perspective on the matter. She mentioned that her dad died from lung cancer after smoking for 40 years. She added that she was a smoker for 20 years, and it took her three times to quit. Something that helped her quit was restrictions that started in the 1980s. Personal choices can affect the community. She noted that she did research on addiction rates. For tobacco, 80-90% of smokers become addicted. For alcohol, 10% of alcohol drinkers become addicted. For marijuana, 9% of people who smoke marijuana become addicted. Smoking creates huge health problems. Smoking accounts for 80-90% of all lung cancer; 50% of those who smoke develop cardiovascular disease. Smoking can create fertility problems. What adults choose to do affects family and friends. It will also affect the community, because the community will have to pay higher taxes to help pay for health costs. Councilmember Buesgens expressed her understanding that businesses could experience hardship. She explained that she needs to look at the forest on the matter and that she heard from the trees (business owners). Smoking will create more costs for the community if the Council does not take action. She noted that companies spend millions of dollars to create coupons and discounts for tobacco shops and wondered if they were spending millions of dollars to help with health care costs across the Country. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 14 Councilmember Buesgens explained that the proposed Ordinance will probably spread to other cities because health care costs affect everyone. If the adults cannot get the products, then the kids cannot get them either. She noted that there was a comment that the proposed Ordinance would affect the City’s income. She explained that the City does not collect sales taxes. She stated that she supported anything that would help people quit smoking. Councilmember Deneen explained that she believed the policy change was necessary and important. There is extensive research that clearly links predatory practices of tobacco companies to targeting communities of color and young people, particularly through the use of flavored tobacco products that mimic candies and other things. She expressed her concern regarding the speed at which the proposed Ordinance has moved forward. There are local business owners who have done everything legally, and the proposed change could decimate their businesses. The responsible thing is for the Council to talk with community members and business owners and see how to roll it out over time. She added that the City needs to provide a timeline to businesses that helps them be successful as they roll out products. She stated it is not equitable for businesses to have the City come in with very little warning of the potential change. She stated the policy change is necessary, but she would like to take a step back so that the City can move forward on its best foot, and they are keeping everyone in mind. Councilmember Spriggs read a statement that he prepared. “For years, the tobacco industry has been a complete driver of inequitable health care outcomes, and for years, tobacco use has been the number one preventable cause of death in our Country and State. Tobacco is associated with an increasing number of diseases, including but not limited to heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, multiple types of cancer, and acute lung injuries from electronic forms of nicotine, such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Nicotine itself is known as a pulmonary toxin in addition to the addictive chemical components it has, and that does not even mention the multiple other chemicals in these electronic devices. As a physician, I have taken care of many patients with all these diseases and seen both the firsthand and secondary toll that both nicotine and tobacco products have had on people, their families, and our communities. Flavored products, especially those with fruit, mint, or candy flavors, are designed to appeal to youth and people who have never used tobacco by masking the harshness of tobacco and making initiation easier. They increase the risk of lifelong addiction. Most adult smokers begin to use tobacco by the age of 18, and studies show that local flavor restrictions reduce the chance that teens will even try tobacco. Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products is one of the most effective steps to prevent youth initiation and protect future generations from nicotine dependence. Comprehensive flavor bans on tobacco products in the U.S. and elsewhere have been successful in reducing smoking rates and saving lives. Studies have shown that flavor bans, supported by reduced advertising and marketing, counter-market educational campaigns, and high levels of enforcement, lead to a decrease in youth tobacco use and initiation. Further, if people do not start smoking or using tobacco products by the age of 25, they are unlikely to start smoking at all. Additionally, increasing the prices of tobacco and nicotine, in addition to appropriate City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 15 medical therapies, has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to stop using them. Recent models simulating a nationwide menthol ban have estimated that 35% of all smokers would decrease their cigarette use, and a national flavor ban could save as many as 650,000 lives in four decades, including 255,000 black Americans who currently use menthol cigarettes. The evidence suggests that it is unlikely that any significant illicit market would develop because of flavor bans. Several larger jurisdictions have adopted flavored tobacco sales prohibitions without fear of to increase in illicit sales. For example, studies show that Canada’s nationwide ban on flavored cigarettes, including menthol cigarettes, that these bans did not create a surge in illegal sales of menthol and non- menthol products. Plus, surveys show that large comprehensive flavor bans on tobacco products in the U.S. and elsewhere have been successful in reducing smoking rates and saving lives, and a large percentage of people who smoke menthol cigarettes would choose to quit smoking altogether if menthol products could no longer be bought legally. Since it was mentioned multiple times tonight, I would also like to talk about the so-called safety of these products. It’s important to differentiate between the FDA authorizing and approving different uses for these. Approvals of what the FDA does with respect to food, drug, and devices, whereas it authorizes tobacco products. Authorization by the FDA only implies that the agency has deemed these products to be marketable in the U.S. and does not indicate that these products are safe, or that, in the case of e-cigarettes, they present a reduced harm alternative to combustible tobacco products. E-cigarettes have as much, if not more, nicotine as regular cigarettes and other tobacco products. The distinction is vital in making informed decisions regarding e-cigarette use. None of the authorized e- cigarettes have been authorized as modified risk tobacco products, nor have they been authorized and applied for the designation by their companies. There’s a lack of evidence to prove that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes or that they serve as effective tools for quitting smoking, especially when used outside of a counseling setting. When we have policy decisions like this, I often think of what Councilmember Buesgens talks about with the forest and the trees and the seven generations she talks about. When the Council makes policy decisions like this, we need to think about not only what is happening now, but also seven generations from now. My personal goal is that we leave a safer, healthier, and more equitable community for all, and to me, this Ordinance fits in with that. Statewide and national bans have been proposed in the Minnesota legislature and Congress, but have gone nowhere in recent years. Curbing tobacco and nicotine use needs to have comprehensive policy reform in our cities.” Councilmember Spriggs noted that the speed of the proposed Ordinance is quick. It is the appropriate time for cities to take fast action on such a public health crisis. It is up to cities to make a stand against it. He added that now is the time to act on it. Delaying or extending it will only allow more time for the harmful effects to happen. He expressed his understanding that businesses are affected by that. Council President James explained that the Council has received all of the public comments and has read through them all. She noted that change can start in cities. Bloomington was the first city to adopt an indoor smoking ban. That spread to other communities, and then it went Statewide. She mentioned that other cities have different practices. When City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 16 Bloomington introduced its ban, it went a full year out for businesses to make plans. She added that it makes sense to allow space and time for businesses to work on what they can do with their products. She added that she would be interested in a delay. The goal of the Ordinance is to reduce smoking in the City. She mentioned that in the Agenda Packet, there are letters from 11-year-olds discussing fears of their older siblings who are using vapes and cigarettes. She stated that she would be interested in taking the item back to a work session to work on some of the implementation details. Councilmember Buesgens asked what the timeline of the Ordinance taking effect after it is voted on. City Manager Chirpich replied that it would begin at the beginning of the year, but there is flexibility for changes. Councilmember Buesgens stated she did not want to take the item back to a work session, but would like to give businesses the time they need to take care of their business. Council President James asked the Council if they wanted to make an amendment to change the motion. Councilmember Buesgens asked if it was possible to include flexibility for businesses in the proposed Ordinance. City Manager Chirpich replied that it is difficult to craft detailed changes to the Ordinance in real time. The Council could extend the Ordinance out to the next meeting and allow staff to articulate the changes that are being requested. Councilmember Buesgens mentioned that the Council was not passing the Ordinance during the meeting because there would be a second reading of the Ordinance. Councilmember Deneen stated she would like to take the item to a work session in order to work through the Ordinance because there are items that they have heard from the public that do not align with the Ordinance. She added that she would like to bring back something that is actionable, and there is a clear procedure for businesses to follow. Councilmember Spriggs stated he is not in favor of taking the item back to a work session. He added that he would be fine with a plan to roll out the Ordinance in a slower manner. He suggested rolling it out in six months and having the license transfer period of one or two years. Council President James reviewed the options. The Council could amend the policy with something that is not detailed. The Council could change the implementation date during the meeting. Councilmember Buesgens mentioned that there are three weeks for staff and the Council to look at the items. Community Development Director Forney replied that if the Council is providing clarification for the product sizes, it is something staff can easily fix. He added that staff could bring the amendment to the second reading of the Ordinance. The Council would pass the first reading with the intent that staff would bring back an amendment for the second reading, and the Council could add onto it before passing it. City Manager Chirpich agreed. There is a lot of flexibility within the two reading frameworks to choose a date to roll out the Ordinance. For most Ordinances, the second reading occurs during the next Council meeting. In this case, it is possible to move the second reading to a future Council meeting date. Staff would benefit from having a little bit more time in order to have City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 17 detailed language. He added that the Council could consider taking input from the full Council since the mayor is absent. He asked the Council to direct staff on the overview of the amendments, and how much time is needed to execute and set the second reading. Council President James mentioned that the Council does not have a consensus and would like to have the entire Council present to make a decision. She added that she hears a consensus from the Council expressing support for all five provisions of the ban. The Council has questions regarding the timeline, license transferability, and some clarification is needed on packaging information. She stated she would like the Council to consider continuing the first reading to the next meeting because the amendments would be too complicated to amend during the meeting. Councilmember Buesgens noted that there are two weeks until the next meeting, and the mayor will be present during the meeting. It would allow another round of discussion and time for staff to make some of the changes to review before the next Council meeting. She stated she does not support extending the item. She added that she thinks the Council should have the second reading during the next Council meeting on November 10th. The Council could discuss the item more during that time. Councilmember Spriggs agreed with Councilmember Buesgens. Council President James explained that the pathway forward that Councilmember Buesgens was suggesting would have the Council vote on the first reading as it is. The first reading does not include the issues that are helpful. She stated she would like to continue the hearing to November 10th and have the second reading on November 24th. The implantation date could be whenever the Council decides. She added that the Council needs to discuss when the implementation date is. Council President James asked what the procedure was if the Council made a motion to waive the reading and it did not pass. City Manager Chirpich replied that another motion could be considered. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1720, there being ample copies available to the public. 2 Ayes, 2 Nays, Motion Failed 2-2. Ayes: Spriggs, Buesgens. Nays: James, Deneen. Motion by Council President James, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to continue the reading of Ordinance No. 1720 to the next Council meeting on November 10, 2025, and direct staff to discuss the issues. Councilmember Buesgens asked if the Council needed three weeks to hear from staff the changes and amendments they will be making to the Ordinance. Council President James replied that she would like to see an Ordinance that passes and works to help regulate tobacco in the City. The first reading of the Ordinance as written does not reflect what is responsible. She added her number one issue with the first reading is how to implement the Ordinance. Councilmember Buesgens stated she did not see how that could create a problem in two weeks, when the time is extended. Council President James stated she would like to see that reflected in the first reading before she votes on it. Councilmember Deneen stated there needs to be more research done about what other tobacco shops City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 18 have done in areas where there have been similar Ordinances. She added that she would like to see businesses added to the conversations. She stated she is in favor of the Ordinance change and wants to do it right and equitably. 3 Ayes, 1 Nay, Motion Passed 3-1. Ayes: James, Deneen, Buesgens. Nay: Spriggs. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION New Business and Reports 11. Gould Ave Parking Update. Presenting Item: Community Development Director Mitchell Forney and Community Development Coordinator Emilie Voight. Community Development Director Forney stated 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 2 AM to 6 AM” 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. Community Development Director Forney noted that 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 2 AM to 6 AM” signage, and the Police Department began enforcing these parking rules within the business parking area. Community Development Director Forney stated that 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 2 AM to 6 AM” 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. As the City enters the winter parking City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Page 19 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. Community Development Director Forney stated that 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. Council President James asked when the Council would hear the next report from staff. Community Development Director Forney replied that staff would be open to the timing but believed January or February might be the best time to get an idea of how enforcement is going. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Deneen, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary