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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-05-2026 EDA Packet ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, January 05, 2026 5:00 PM AGENDA ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, or by using Microsoft Teams and entering meeting ID 218 285 243 017 21 and passcode CU2UK69Y. For questions, please call the Community Development Department at 763-706-3670. 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. Meeting to be opened by the Executive Director. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ELECTION OF OFFICERS 1. Election of 2026 Economic Development Authority Officers. (pg. 4) Presenting Item: City Manager Aaron Chirpich MOTION: Move to elect ____________________ as President of the Economic Development Authority. MOTION: Move to elect ____________________ as Vice President of the Economic Development Authority. MOTION: Move to elect ____________________ as Treasurer of the Economic Development Authority. MOTION: Move to elect ____________________ as Secretary of the Economic Development Authority. Meeting to resume under the leadership of the newly elected EDA President. CONSENT AGENDA These items are considered to be routine by the EDA 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 EDA will make a motion to approve the consent agenda following the statement of all items.) 2. Approve December 1, 2025 Regular EDA Meeting Minutes. (pg. 6) MOTION: Move to approve the December 1, 2025, regular EDA meeting minutes. 1 City of Columbia Heights AGENDA January 05, 2026 Economic Development Authority Page 2 3. Resolution 2026-01 to Approve the Financial Reports and Payment of the Bills for November 2025. (pg. 17) MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-01, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to approve Resolution 2026-01, approving the financial statements for the month of November 2025 and the payment of the bills for the month of November 2025. 4. Designating the 2026 Official Depositories of the Economic Development Authority. (pg. 31) MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-02, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-02, a resolution of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority designating official depositories. BUSINESS ITEMS 5. Façade Improvement Grant Report for The Golden Nuts located at 4801 Central Ave NE. (pg. 34) Presenting Item: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-03, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-03, a resolution approving the form and substance of the Façade Improvement Grant Agreement, and approving authority staff and officials to take all actions necessary to enter the authority into a Façade Improvement Grant Agreement with The Golden Nuts. 6. Façade Improvement Grant Report for Easy Tax Services located at 4111 Central Ave NE. (pg. 52) Presenting Item: CD Coordinator Emilie Voight MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-04, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-04, a resolution approving the form and substance of the Façade Improvement Grant Agreement, and approving authority staff and officials to take all actions necessary to enter the authority into a Façade Improvement Grant Agreement with Easy Tax Services, LLC. 7. Discussion on Possible Habitat for Humanity Partnership Projects. (pg. 73) Presenting Item: CD Director Mitchell Forney 8. 3901 Central Right of First Refusal Discussion. (pg. 78) Presenting Item: CD Director Mitchell Forney MOTION: Move to exercise the Economic Development Authority’s Right of First Refusal for the property located at 3901 Central Avenue NE and to authorize staff to provide written notice to the seller of the EDA’s intent to purchase in accordance with the terms of the Right of First Refusal. - OR - 2 City of Columbia Heights AGENDA January 05, 2026 Economic Development Authority Page 3 MOTION: Move to decline exercising the Economic Development Authority’s Right of First Refusal for the property located at 3901 Central Avenue NE and to authorize staff to provide written notice to the seller of the EDA’s intent not to purchase. BUSINESS UPDATES a. NOAH Program Launch b. 2026 Business of the Year c. Calendar: Special EDA Meeting Proposed for January 12th 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. 3 ITEM: Election of 2026 Economic Development Authority Officers. DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Staff, 12/16/2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: _Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity _High Quality Public Spaces _Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone _Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking X Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND: Pursuant to the bylaws of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”), officers are required to be elected annually. In 2025, the EDA offices held by commissioners were as follows: • President – Rachel James • Vice President – Lamin Dibba • Treasurer – Justice Spriggs Sarah LaVoie, Community Development Administrative Assistant, served as the 2025 EDA Secretary. Staff recommend that Sarah LaVoie continue to serve as the 2026 EDA Secretary. Per the EDA bylaws, the offices of Secretary and Assistant Treasurer need not be held by commissioners, but the Secretary shall be elected. In order for an EDA commissioner to be considered for an officer position, they must be nominated by another commissioner or by themself. The bylaws require that the Executive Director or their designee conduct the following nomination process. 1. President a. Please provide all nominations for President of the EDA. b. Vote individually for each nominated member. c. The member with the most votes is declared the President of the EDA by the Executive Director. 2. Vice President a. Please provide all nominations for Vice President of the EDA. b. Vote individually for each nominated member. c. The member with the most votes is declared the Vice President of the EDA by the Executive Director. 3. Treasurer a. Please provide all nominations for Treasurer of the EDA. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA SECTION ELECTION OF OFFICERS MEETING DATE 01/05/2026 4 Item 1. City of Columbia Heights - EDA Letter Page 2 b. Vote individually for each nominated member. c. The member with the most votes is declared the Treasurer of the EDA by the Executive Director. 4. Secretary a. Please provide all nominations for Secretary of the EDA. b. Vote individually for each nominated candidate. c. The candidate with the most votes is declared the Secretary of the EDA by the Executive Director. Furthermore, it should be noted that the EDA bylaws require the City Manager (Aaron Chirpich) to serve as the “Executive Director,” the Community Development Director (Mitchell Forney) to serve as “Deputy Executive Director,” and the Finance Director (Joseph Kloiber) to serve as the “Assistant Treasurer.” Staff recommend approval of the following motions: Following ratification of the below motions, the newly elected President of the EDA will preside over the remainder of the meeting. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to elect ____________________ as President of the Economic Development Authority. MOTION: Move to elect ____________________ as Vice President of the Economic Development Authority. MOTION: Move to elect ____________________ as Treasurer of the Economic Development Authority. MOTION: Move to elect ____________________ as Secretary of the Economic Development Authority. 5 Item 1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, December 01, 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; Ursula Brandt, City Planner PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Regular EDA Meeting of October 06, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Special EDA Meeting of November 10, 2025. 3. Approve financial reports and payment of bills for September 2025 – Resolution No. 2025-29. 4. Approve financial reports and payment of bills for October 2025 – Resolution No. 2025-30. Motion by Szurek, seconded by Deneen, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-29 A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2025 AND THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 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 6 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 2 WHEREAS, the financial statements for the month of September 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 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 1st of December 2025 Offered by: Marlaine Szurek Seconded by: Laurel Deneen Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. President Attest: Secretary RESOLUTION NO. 2025-30 A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025 AND THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025. 7 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 3 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 October 2025 have been reviewed by the EDA Commission; and WHEREAS, the EDA has examined the financial statements and finds them to be acceptable as t o both 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 1st of December 2025 Offered by: Marlaine Szurek Seconded by: Laurel Deneen Roll Call: All ayes of present. MOTION PASSED. President Attest: Secretary 8 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 4 BUSINESS ITEMS 5. EDA 2025 End of Year Review Voight reported that staff have prepared 2025 year-in-review summaries of EDA programs and activities, as well as a recap of the focus areas identified in the EDA’s February discussion of priorities and goals. Façade Improvement Grant Program: - Applications: 5 applications were received in 2025, and 4 were approved, for a total of $14,672 approved out of a total program budget of $80,000. - Disbursements: 2 grants were disbursed, for a total of $7,524. - Pending: 1 grantee has completed project improvements and is preparing financial documents for disbursement. - In addition, 4 grantees from program year 2024 finished their project improvements and received their approved disbursements, totaling $17,036. Fire Suppression Grant Program: - Applications: 2 applications were received in 2025, and 2 were approved, for a total of $80,000 approved out of a total program budget of $100,000. - Disbursements: 1 grant was disbursed, for a total of $30,000. Home Energy Squad (in partnership with ICF and Xcel Energy): In 2025, through mid-November, the Home Energy Squad conducted 24 energy audits with an additional 7 audits scheduled through the end of December. This makes for a total of 31 visits in 2025. This year, Excel and ICF authorized 50%-off reduced price rates for all Columbia Heights audits without the need for a City rate buy- down. Since the EDA no longer needed to buy down the HES visits to achieve the reduced price, no City funds were expended toward the program in 2025. Property Transactions: - Transfer: 960 40th Ave NE transferred from the EDA to the City - Loan: the EDA provided a $35,000 loan to cover the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity construction financing gap for the new home at 4243 5th St NE - Purchase: 4510 Taylor St NE (through Commercial Revitalization program) Miscellaneous: - Applied for and received $75,000 in grant funds for affordable housing from the Minnesota Housing (MHFA) Local Housing Trust Fund Grants Program. - Approved Alatus’ refinancing of the Ratio apartment project. - Awarded local salon Hairatage the 2025 Outstanding Business of the Year Award, after 15 years – and counting – of business in Columbia Heights. - Established ongoing funding for increased EDA and HRA levy funds. - Created the Columbia Heights Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Loan Program, scheduled to launch in January 2026. - EDA Commissioners and City staff volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity work day at 4243 5th 9 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 5 St NE. - Applied for and received a St Paul Area Association of REALTORS (SPAAR) grant for $5,500, and used a portion of these funds to host an English-Spanish local homeownership resource night. - Conducted 10 English-Spanish business outreach visits. - Planted bee lawns on four EDA-owned parcels and installed signage explaining the bee lawn initiative. Forney gave a recap from the 2025 EDA Goal Setting, with achievement updates: 1. Central Ave a. In alignment with City Council citywide goals for public art, develop and launch a Central Business District public art program. b. Facilitate placemaking along and near Central Avenue, taking into consideration existing program-based opportunities and upcoming MnDOT-led street redevelopment. i. In 2025, the EDA amended the Façade Improvement Grant Program to allow businesses in the Central Business District to access up to $10,000 in façade grants, including for public alley-facing improvements. ii. In 2025, the City audited and replaced signage at the City’s surface parking lot. iii. In 2025, the EDA planted bee lawns on three EDA-owned sites on Central Avenue. 2. Business a. Create initiatives to increase the City’s interactions with and promotion of the local business community. i. In 2025, Community Development staff collaborated with the City’s Multicultural Liaison to conduct 10 business outreach visits to local Spanish- speaking businesses. b. Update City grant programs to ensure they provide beneficial and valuable support to businesses. i. In 2025, the EDA amended its existing grant programs to increase the amounts available for businesses and to relax restrictions, thereby promoting more usage of the programs. 2. Neighborhood/Housing a. Review, revise, and continue to administer the EDA’s Commercial Revitalization Program to address substandard and non-conforming housing stock. i. In 2025, the EDA revised the Commercial Revitalization Program to enable the Commission to target blighted and substandard single-family homes in residential districts as well as in commercial districts. Subsequently, the EDA purchased the blighted home at 4510 Taylor St and is preparing the site for residential redevelopment. b. Establish and implement an allocation plan for the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. i. In 2025, the EDA established a Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Loan Program and allocated Local Housing Trust Fund resources to these loans, while also setting aside funds for larger-scale affordable housing 10 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 6 redevelopment programs. ii. In 2025, the City was awarded a $75,000 grant from Minnesota Housing for local affordable housing initiatives, to be administered through the Trust Fund. 4. “Big Sites” a. Advance redevelopment of EDA-owned properties. b. Promote and champion opportunities for major local redevelopment sites. i. Marketing ii. Outreach to developers iii. Track progress in 2025 1. In 2025, the Medtronic / Lincoln Avenue Communities / 800 53rd Ave NE redevelopment project completed its comprehensive plan amendment and received base approval for its preliminary entitlements. 2. In 2025, the City and the EDA conducted two loan modifications and pledged for the reissuance of bonds for the Rainbow / Alatus / 4300 Central Ave NE site. 3. In 2025, the City provided a letter of support to Minnesota Housing for one of the developers pre-selected by Anoka County for redevelopment of the Royce Place / 1515 44th Ave NE site. Forney asked the Commission for input on how they would like to do the 2026 goal setting meeting. Questions/Comments from Members: James stated she sees progress on the four goals, but there is still work to be done on them. She added that she would like to focus on the four goals and refine the subpoints. Buesgens suggested tweaking the façade program. She mentioned that she is reading the City’s Downtown Master Plan from 25 years ago, and many of the dreams in it did not come to be. She wondered how the City could incentivize businesses to make their places look pretty. She explained that the City could do a competition for businesses to update their storefronts and offer cash prizes. Márquez-Simula agreed with James’s comments about keeping the four goals and refining them. Buesgens wondered if the goals could be displayed as a list and checked off as the EDA accomplishes goals. 6. 4300 Central Site Plan Discussion Forney reported that as the City continues to partner with the residential developer Alatus on the redevelopment of the 4300 Central site, staff and the developer are preparing for the next phase of the project heading into 2026. With the grocery store no longer being pursued, Alatus is meeting with the EDA to review revised site plan concepts and discuss potential future uses and design 11 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 7 options for the property. Forney stated Alatus is presenting the updated site plan concepts to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) at its December 1st meeting. The intent of this presentation is to gather feedback from the EDA on the proposed layout and development direction as the project continues to evolve. Forney noted that as part of the development process, the City will need to amend its 2040 Comprehensive Plan to update the vision for the 4300 Central Ave lot. The Comprehensive Plan currently designates the land use for this lot as Commercial, with Parks/Open Space use assi gned to the portion with stormwater retention. The commercial designation does not allow for any residential use and limits the floor area ratio (FAR) to 2.0. The final concept plan will determine the new land use designation, as well as whether a text amendment will also be needed. A Comprehensive Plan amendment will take 6 to 8 months to complete. Before submitting the amendment for approval by the Met Council, the amendment must be made available to the adjacent and affected community for review for 60 days, the mandatory environmental review must be complete, and the City Council must approve the amendment. Once the amendment is submitted, the Met Council will have 60 days to review and ask for changes. The amendment must be approved before any plans can be approved for the development of the site. Tony Kuechle, President of Alatus LLC, explained that they are revisiting the site plan for 4300 Central Avenue due to circumstances like the Central Avenue update. He explained that they did a traffic study for the site and discovered that they would need to incorporate a traffic light. He added that MnDOT has granted them a right-in and right-out entry into the site and is starting to plan with it. He noted that there is an opportunity to build the foundation further back and move the wall. Alatus is exploring with City staff the opportunity to enhance the streetscape or the development itself. Mr. Kuechle noted that they have broken the site into a super block, a half block, and a quarter block. That way, they can move elements of the site around to adequately develop the site density, and the site uses can be shifted to make sense. Alatus is working with the watershed to find a creative way to handle the pond. MnDOT is stepping in to help find a solution and contribute money to help with that solution. Mr. Kuechle mentioned that the traffic study revealed that there is greater traffic along 44 th Avenue than along 43rd Avenue. They decided to move commercial businesses up to 44th Avenue to help with the commercial development. Questions/Comments from Members: Buesgens asked if Ace Hardware pulled out of the plan. Mr. Kuechle replied that they did and added that the fitness center also pulled out. He explained that City staff are emphasizing having more destination-oriented retail that could be put into the site. James asked how the grading would work on the site and where the front door access would be in 12 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 8 relation to Central Avenue. Mr. Kuechle replied that they have not set the final grades yet. There may be a couple of steps up or down, but it would allow two levels of parking beneath the building. James emphasized the importance of there being a lot of front door access on Central Avenue. Buesgens mentioned that a senior co-op would be an interesting concept. Szurek asked how the development would have a drop in depth and also have an on-grade street that turns onto Central. Buesgens mentioned that they would fill it in eventually. Mr. Ku echle explained the process of how they would fill the area with soil, which could create an opportunity for full-size trees, a plaza, and fountains. Szurek asked if the parking would be below the building. Mr. Kuechle replied that it would be. Chirpich added that the right-in and right-out access is a ramp. James asked what Alatus’ timeline is for funding and building. Mr. Kuechle replied that they would not be able to secure funding until they had entitlements for a project. They would get going on the Comprehensive Plan, PUD approvals, and an EAW. It will be eight to nine months of real estate work to get the project financed and ready for construction. Deneen asked if there was interest in the future development of the townhomes or daycares. She asked what the timelines for them would be. Mr. Kuechle replied that the next timeline they would focus on is what would happen with the pond and watershed. He added that they set the future development up to be rental townhomes, for-sale townhomes, or single-family homes. It will be low to medium density. Szurek pointed out that there is not a lot of retail proposed in the development. She noted that the Met Council would be asking the City how it would distribute retail in the City. Mr. Kuechle repl ied that he has not seen the Met Council give an allocation for retention of retail , as they have with housing. James asked if the commercial space for the development would be the daycare. Mr. Kuechle replied that he did not know, but it was a proposed idea. He added that a medical office could go into the development. The main commercial that is going into developments right now is car washes, fast food, and mini storage. Spriggs asked if there was potential for businesses in th e future to come in. Mr. Kuechle replied that potentially there would be room for future businesses. The biggest challenge would be the grading since retail stores want to have a storefront with easy-to-access parking. He mentioned that they could assess if there is interest in retail stores after developing a portion of the site. Márquez-Simula asked if residents would be charged for parking. Mr. Kuechle replied that they usually charge for parking or include it in the rent. Márquez-Simula asked that the parking be included in the rent. Deneen mentioned that the density was lower than the original proposal and asked staff how they 13 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 9 felt about the numbers for the tax base. Chirpich replied that the biggest frustration is the difficulties in developing commercial sites. The City is a financial partner to the project. He explained that staff are most stressed about the loss of the commercial tax base for the site. They are currently at a density that the community is more comfortable with. They are trying to solve for having the residential tax base make up for what the commercial tax base would have been. He explained that the City has to go through the amendment process with the Met Council because the City was anticipating that the site would be much more commercial instead of residential. Mr. Kuechle explained that after the first building is built, th ey may see more commercial activity since there will be more units in the area. Forney mentioned that the City retains more taxes from the projects than if they had 4d tax classification. He added that since the project will start with building one section, it provides flexibility for the opportunity for a commercial building to come in later. It also provides flexibility to move the parcels around. Buesgens mentioned that it would be a nice feature to have a dry, green turf area for people to enjoy. She asked if Alatus was planning on reusing some of the water on the site with a fountain. Mr. Kuechle replied that he is not that far in the planning with the watershed district, but he has done that on previous sites. Buesgens asked Mr. Kuechle if he would consider doing a survey for Ratio residents on where they shop and eat to determine what amenities they are using in the City. Márquez-Simula asked if there could be a discussion about having a municipal grocery store on the site. She added that the super block on the site could be more rectangular, going towards the back. James asked if Mr. Kuechle needed anything else from the EDA. Mr. Kuechle replied that he got the input he needed and summarized that they would move forward with the modular appr oach. He added that they would develop the plan further and come back to the EDA and have a work session. James asked the EDA if they agreed with the modular approach. The EDA agreed. Spriggs asked if the daycare was a proposal or if it was definitely going to happen. Mr. Kuechle explained that City staff came up with the idea, and he brought the idea to his brokers and discovered that there is a hole in the market for a nationally branded daycare. BUSINESS ITEMS a. Heights Rental Sale Forney explained that Heights Rental approached the City and acknowledged the first right of first refusal to their upcoming sale, and wondered if the EDA was interested. They have identified some partners that might want to purchase the property. He asked the EDA if they wanted to execute on their right of first refusal, or if they wanted to consider not acknowledging and letting Heights Rental move forward with the sale without interfering. He wondered if the EDA would want to lock down the right of first refusal in the future. Staff do not identify a huge use for the Heights Rental location other than being a rental service business at this time. He asked the EDA if they wanted the parcel. 14 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 10 Spriggs asked if the use would be the same after the sale. Forney confirmed that it would be a rental service business. James asked if there was a cost to the City to retain the right of first refusal. Forney replied that it is just attorney costs. Staff would recommend retaining the right of first refusal so the City would have the ability to purchase the parcel in the future. James stated she would not want to purchase the parcel right now. Márquez-Simula added that it would be interesting to keep it for the future. James stated that if it is not ridiculously expensive to retain the right of first refusal for future purchase, it would be interesting to look into it. b. Columbia Heights – Fridley Business Council Meeting Voight stated that the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce is having their quarterly Business Council meeting this Friday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am at City Hall. She asked what EDA members were going to attend and added that she would post a quorum notice. Márquez-Simula mentioned that businesses are not shoveling the sidewalks and wondere d if there could be communication to businesses to remind them of business district guidelines. Forney replied that he drove around the City, and the City will be sending out letters to businesses that are not in compliance. He added that the City has an a batement contractor. Buesgens asked if there was an update on the Fairview auction. Forney explained that since the last EDA meeting, the Fairview building had gone up for auction. Staff kept a close eye on it and received a number of calls. There are no updates on how much the building sold for. There were some home healthcare businesses that would not be able to go in, but expressed interest in the site. An antique mall was interested . He noted that they will have to wait and see. Spriggs asked if Rapid Graphics was for sale. Forney replied that it is not for sale, and the City has had difficulty in getting in touch with the owners. Buesgens asked if there had been a discussion about finding owners of vacant properties that are letting vacant buildings sit. James replied that they had discussed that, and many commissioners were interested in doing that since there are owners leaving properties vacant. She added that it would be a good thing for the EDA to look at. Voight mentioned that all of these could be good topics for goal setting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Deneen, seconded by Spriggs, to adjourn the meeting at 5:59 pm. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. Respectfully submitted, 15 Item 2. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES December 01, 2025 EDA Meeting Page 11 _______________________________ Sarah LaVoie, Recording Secretary 16 Item 2. Resolution 2026-01 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-01 A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, APPROVING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2025 AND THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 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 November 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 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 5th day of January 2026 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Title: President Attest: Title: Secretary 17 Item 3. AmountInvoiceInvoice DateVendorInvoice Line DescGL Number INVOICE GL DISTRIBUTION REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1/3Page:12/15/2025 12:29 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights EXP CHECK RUN DATES 11/01/2025 - 11/30/2025 BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED PAID Check 204923 23.16 25393169310/15/25COMCAST101525 934571297 COMM DEV ADMIN (2.3%)204.6314.43250 23.16 Total For Check 204923 Check 204963 254.50 3120410/14/25TIMESAVER OFF SITE SECRETR INCEDA MINUTES 100625204.6314.43050 254.50 Total For Check 204963 Check 204966 506.28 025-50266403/10/25TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.EP&L (18 USERS) 040125-063025204.6314.44030 506.28 025-51381506/10/25TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.EP&L (18 USERS)204.6314.44030 506.28 025-52744909/10/25TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.EP&L (18 USERS)204.6314.44030 1,518.84 Total For Check 204966 Check 205004 2,065.00 10350410/17/25EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INCMEDTRONIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ANALYSIS204.6314.43050 300.00 10350310/17/25EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INCNE BUSINESS CENTER UPDATED TIF ESTIMATES204.6314.43050 1,137.50 10350510/17/25EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INCGENERAL CONSULTING 0925204.6314.43050 1,381.25 10350610/17/25EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INC4300 CENTRAL SITE CONSULTING 0925204.6314.43050 4,883.75 Total For Check 205004 Check 205092 2,922.05 11122511/12/25JUANCHITO BARBER LLCFACADE IMPROVEMENT 4050 CENTRAL AVE NE408.6411.44600 2,922.05 Total For Check 205092 Check 205102 145.00 ALR0183061X10/25/25MN DEPT OF LABOR & INDUSTRYELEVATOR PERMIT-VAN BUREN RAMP228.6317.44390 145.00 Total For Check 205102 Check 205104 24.99 44151549400111/04/25OFFICE DEPOTENDORSEMENT STAMP204.6314.42000 24.99 Total For Check 205104 Check 205112 631.48 122811806311/05/25XCEL ENERGY (N S P)ELECTRIC228.6317.43810 631.48 Total For Check 205112 Check 205130 23.16 25640116011/15/25COMCAST111525 934571297 COMM DEV ADMIN (2.3%)204.6314.43250 23.16 Total For Check 205130 Check 205155 680.00 362865009/30/25KUTAK ROCK LLPEDA PURCHASE OF 4510 TAYLOR ST204.6314.43050 680.00 Total For Check 205155 Check 205173 42.45 99289667210/26/25POPP.COM INC102625 - 10013121 PHONE COMMDEV ADMIN204.6314.43210 42.45 Total For Check 205173 Check 205177 1,155.00 17-VB11/20/25RTD POWER WASHING, INCSWEEPING - VAN BUREN RAMP228.6317.44000 1,155.00 Total For Check 205177 Check 2553 526.99 037691809/16/25EL TEQUILAFOOD-SPAAR RESOURCES COMMUNITY EVENT204.6314.42175 18 Item 3. AmountInvoiceInvoice DateVendorInvoice Line DescGL Number INVOICE GL DISTRIBUTION REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2/3Page:12/15/2025 12:29 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights EXP CHECK RUN DATES 11/01/2025 - 11/30/2025 BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED PAID Check 2553 526.99 Total For Check 2553 19 Item 3. AmountInvoiceInvoice DateVendorInvoice Line DescGL Number INVOICE GL DISTRIBUTION REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3/3Page:12/15/2025 12:29 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights EXP CHECK RUN DATES 11/01/2025 - 11/30/2025 BOTH JOURNALIZED AND UNJOURNALIZED PAID 7,977.84 Fund 204 EDA ADMINISTRATION 1,931.48 Fund 228 DOWNTOWN PARKING 2,922.05 Fund 408 EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD Fund Totals: 2,922.05 FACADE IMPROVEMENT 4050 CENTRAL AVE NE408.6411.44600 145.00 ELEVATOR PERMIT-VAN BUREN RAMP228.6317.44390 1,155.00 SWEEPING - VAN BUREN RAMP228.6317.44000 631.48 ELECTRIC228.6317.43810 1,518.84 EP&L (18 USERS) 040125-063025204.6314.44030 46.32 101525 934571297 COMM DEV ADMIN (2.3%)204.6314.43250 42.45 102625 - 10013121 PHONE COMMDEV ADMIN204.6314.43210 5,818.25 MEDTRONIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ANALYSIS204.6314.43050 526.99 FOOD-SPAAR RESOURCES COMMUNITY EVENT204.6314.42175 24.99 ENDORSEMENT STAMP204.6314.42000 --- TOTALS BY GL DISTRIBUTION --- 12,831.37 Total For All Funds: 20 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 1/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER Fund 204 - EDA ADMINISTRATION Expenditures Dept 6314 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH PERSONNEL SERVICES 102.32 (4,347.27)191,547.27 16,903.32 0.00 187,200.00 REGULAR EMPLOYEES204.6314.41010 100.50 (70.33)14,070.33 1,204.41 0.00 14,000.00 P.E.R.A. CONTRIBUTION204.6314.41210 100.31 (43.80)14,343.80 1,264.66 0.00 14,300.00 F.I.C.A. CONTRIBUTION204.6314.41220 57.88 10,319.49 14,180.51 1,281.68 0.00 24,500.00 INSURANCE204.6314.41300 98.32 11.78 688.22 59.15 0.00 700.00 WORKERS COMP INSURANCE PREM204.6314.41510 0.00 9,400.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 9,400.00 COLA ALLOWANCE204.6314.41810 93.89 15,269.87 234,830.13 20,713.22 0.00 250,100.00 PERSONNEL SERVICES SUPPLIES 108.68 (17.36)217.36 24.99 0.00 200.00 OFFICE SUPPLIES204.6314.42000 80.42 39.17 160.83 0.00 0.00 200.00 MINOR EQUIPMENT204.6314.42010 0.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 GENERAL SUPPLIES204.6314.42171 263.50 (326.99)526.99 0.00 0.00 200.00 FOOD SUPPLIES204.6314.42175 113.15 (105.18)905.18 24.99 0.00 800.00 SUPPLIES OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (2,966.80)2,966.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 ATTORNEY FEES-OTHER204.6314.43045 246.46 (13,035.00)21,935.00 172.00 0.00 8,900.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.204.6314.43050 85.71 600.00 3,600.00 0.00 0.00 4,200.00 TRAINING & EDUCATION ACTIVITIES204.6314.43105 125.23 (227.05)648.22 0.00 478.83 900.00 TELEPHONE204.6314.43210 146.36 (370.90)1,170.90 0.00 0.00 800.00 POSTAGE204.6314.43220 92.54 22.37 277.63 23.16 0.00 300.00 OTHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS204.6314.43250 0.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 LOCAL TRAVEL EXPENSE204.6314.43310 50.00 750.00 750.00 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL EXPENSE204.6314.43320 0.00 200.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200.00 LEGAL NOTICE PUBLISHING204.6314.43500 91.67 291.63 3,208.37 291.67 0.00 3,500.00 PROP & LIAB INSURANCE204.6314.43600 0.00 400.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 400.00 REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES204.6314.44000 594.97 (5,444.70)3,507.02 0.00 3,037.68 1,100.00 SOFTWARE & SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTIONS204.6314.44030 91.67 791.63 8,708.37 791.67 0.00 9,500.00 INFORMATION SYS:INTERNAL SVC204.6314.44040 100.00 (250.00)250.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 MISC. CHARGES204.6314.44300 57.86 295.00 405.00 0.00 0.00 700.00 SUBSCRIPTION, MEMBERSHIP204.6314.44330 0.00 800.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 800.00 COMMISSION & BOARDS204.6314.44380 154.38 (17,943.82)47,427.31 1,278.50 3,516.51 33,000.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES CONTINGENCIES & TRANSFERS 80.35 4,933.37 20,166.63 1,833.33 0.00 25,100.00 OPER. TRANSFER OUT - LABOR204.6314.47100 80.35 4,933.37 20,166.63 1,833.33 0.00 25,100.00 CONTINGENCIES & TRANSFERS 99.30 2,154.24 303,329.25 23,850.04 3,516.51 309,000.00 Total Dept 6314 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH 99.30 2,154.24 303,329.25 23,850.04 3,516.51 309,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 99.30 (2,154.24)(303,329.25)(23,850.04)(3,516.51)(309,000.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 99.30 2,154.24 303,329.25 23,850.04 3,516.51 309,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES Fund 204 - EDA ADMINISTRATION: 21 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 2/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER 22 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 3/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER Fund 228 - DOWNTOWN PARKING Expenditures Dept 6317 - DOWNTOWN PARKING SUPPLIES 6.60 1,401.05 98.95 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 OTHER TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT228.6317.42012 6.60 1,401.05 98.95 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 SUPPLIES OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (4,276.73)4,276.73 0.00 0.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.228.6317.43050 91.67 308.37 3,391.63 308.33 0.00 3,700.00 PROP & LIAB INSURANCE228.6317.43600 98.01 41.81 2,058.19 249.54 0.00 2,100.00 UTILITY SERVICES228.6317.43800 59.20 5,467.46 7,932.54 631.48 0.00 13,400.00 ELECTRIC228.6317.43810 58.06 14,763.61 19,822.09 1,155.00 614.30 35,200.00 REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES228.6317.44000 137.10 (742.00)2,742.00 0.00 0.00 2,000.00 BLDG MAINT CONTRACTUAL SERVICES228.6317.44020 145.00 (45.00)145.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 TAXES & LICENSES228.6317.44390 72.54 15,517.52 40,368.18 2,344.35 614.30 56,500.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 70.83 16,918.57 40,467.13 2,344.35 614.30 58,000.00 Total Dept 6317 - DOWNTOWN PARKING 70.83 16,918.57 40,467.13 2,344.35 614.30 58,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 70.83 (16,918.57)(40,467.13)(2,344.35)(614.30)(58,000.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 70.83 16,918.57 40,467.13 2,344.35 614.30 58,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES Fund 228 - DOWNTOWN PARKING: 23 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 4/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER Fund 372 - HUSET PARK AREA TIF (T6) Expenditures Dept 7000 - BONDS OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 66.65 3,335.28 5,364.72 0.00 1,300.00 10,000.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.372.7000.43050 73.00 121,478.06 328,521.94 0.00 0.00 450,000.00 LOANS & GRANTS372.7000.44600 72.87 124,813.34 333,886.66 0.00 1,300.00 460,000.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES CAPITAL OUTLAY 100.00 0.00 145,000.00 0.00 0.00 145,000.00 PRINCIPAL372.7000.46010 100.05 (25.00)45,925.00 0.00 0.00 45,900.00 INTEREST372.7000.46110 111.67 (175.00)975.00 0.00 700.00 1,500.00 FISCAL AGENT CHARGES372.7000.46200 100.10 (200.00)191,900.00 0.00 700.00 192,400.00 CAPITAL OUTLAY 80.90 124,613.34 525,786.66 0.00 2,000.00 652,400.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS 80.90 124,613.34 525,786.66 0.00 2,000.00 652,400.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 80.90 (124,613.34)(525,786.66)0.00 (2,000.00)(652,400.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 80.90 124,613.34 525,786.66 0.00 2,000.00 652,400.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES Fund 372 - HUSET PARK AREA TIF (T6): 24 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 5/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER Fund 375 - TIF Z6: 47TH & GRAND Expenditures Dept 7000 - BONDS OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (1,289.72)689.72 0.00 600.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.375.7000.43050 100.00 (43,629.30)43,629.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 LOANS & GRANTS375.7000.44600 100.00 (44,919.02)44,319.02 0.00 600.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (44,919.02)44,319.02 0.00 600.00 0.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS 100.00 (44,919.02)44,319.02 0.00 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 100.00 44,919.02 (44,319.02)0.00 (600.00)0.00 NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 100.00 (44,919.02)44,319.02 0.00 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES Fund 375 - TIF Z6: 47TH & GRAND: 25 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 6/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER Fund 391 - SCATTERED SITE TIF W3/W4 Expenditures Dept 7000 - BONDS OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (2,166.44)1,566.44 0.00 600.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.391.7000.43050 100.00 (2,166.44)1,566.44 0.00 600.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (2,166.44)1,566.44 0.00 600.00 0.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS 100.00 (2,166.44)1,566.44 0.00 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 100.00 2,166.44 (1,566.44)0.00 (600.00)0.00 NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 100.00 (2,166.44)1,566.44 0.00 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES Fund 391 - SCATTERED SITE TIF W3/W4: 26 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 7/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER Fund 392 - TIF BB2 ALATUS 40TH AV Expenditures Dept 7000 - BONDS OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (1,646.02)1,046.02 0.00 600.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.392.7000.43050 100.00 (448,892.81)448,892.81 0.00 0.00 0.00 LOANS & GRANTS392.7000.44600 100.00 (450,538.83)449,938.83 0.00 600.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (450,538.83)449,938.83 0.00 600.00 0.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS 100.00 (450,538.83)449,938.83 0.00 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 100.00 450,538.83 (449,938.83)0.00 (600.00)0.00 NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 100.00 (450,538.83)449,938.83 0.00 600.00 0.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES Fund 392 - TIF BB2 ALATUS 40TH AV: 27 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 8/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER Fund 393 - TIF BB6 ALATUS 4300 CENTRAL Expenditures Dept 7000 - BONDS OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (1,271.02)671.02 0.00 600.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.393.7000.43050 100.00 (1,271.02)671.02 0.00 600.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES CONTINGENCIES & TRANSFERS 0.00 346,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 346,000.00 TRANSFER OUT TO BONDS393.7000.47160 0.00 346,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 346,000.00 CONTINGENCIES & TRANSFERS 0.37 344,728.98 671.02 0.00 600.00 346,000.00 Total Dept 7000 - BONDS 0.37 344,728.98 671.02 0.00 600.00 346,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.37 (344,728.98)(671.02)0.00 (600.00)(346,000.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 0.37 344,728.98 671.02 0.00 600.00 346,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES Fund 393 - TIF BB6 ALATUS 4300 CENTRAL: 28 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 9/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER Fund 408 - EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD Expenditures Dept 6314 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (57.60)57.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 EXPERT & PROFESSIONAL SERV.408.6314.43050 100.00 (1,011.25)1,011.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 MISC. CHARGES408.6314.44300 100.00 (35,000.00)35,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 LOANS & GRANTS408.6314.44600 100.00 (36,068.85)36,068.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (36,068.85)36,068.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total Dept 6314 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH Dept 6411 - FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT SUPPLIES 100.00 (125.84)125.84 0.00 0.00 0.00 MINOR EQUIPMENT408.6411.42010 100.00 (125.84)125.84 0.00 0.00 0.00 SUPPLIES OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (24,559.99)24,559.99 2,922.05 0.00 0.00 LOANS & GRANTS408.6411.44600 100.00 (24,559.99)24,559.99 2,922.05 0.00 0.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (24,685.83)24,685.83 2,922.05 0.00 0.00 Total Dept 6411 - FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT Dept 6414 - COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES 100.00 (77.30)77.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 TAXES & LICENSES408.6414.44390 0.00 200,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 200,000.00 LOANS & GRANTS408.6414.44600 0.04 199,922.70 77.30 0.00 0.00 200,000.00 OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES CAPITAL OUTLAY 85.00 30,000.00 101,593.12 0.00 68,406.88 200,000.00 LAND408.6414.45110 85.00 30,000.00 101,593.12 0.00 68,406.88 200,000.00 CAPITAL OUTLAY 42.52 229,922.70 101,670.42 0.00 68,406.88 400,000.00 Total Dept 6414 - COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION 57.71 169,168.02 162,425.10 2,922.05 68,406.88 400,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 57.71 (169,168.02)(162,425.10)(2,922.05)(68,406.88)(400,000.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 57.71 169,168.02 162,425.10 2,922.05 68,406.88 400,000.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES Fund 408 - EDA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FD: 90.94 159,958.86 1,528,503.45 29,116.44 76,937.69 1,765,400.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES - ALL FUNDS 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL REVENUES - ALL FUNDS 29 Item 3. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 10/10Page:12/15/2025 12:27 PM User: suems DB: Columbia Heights PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2025 % BDGT USED UNENCUMBERED BALANCE YTD BALANCE 11/30/2025 ACTIVITY FOR MONTH 11/30/25 ENCUMBERED YEAR-TO-DATE 2025 AMENDED BUDGETDESCRIPTIONGL NUMBER 90.94 (159,958.86)(1,528,503.45)(29,116.44)(76,937.69)(1,765,400.00)NET OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 30 Item 3. ITEM: Designating the 2026 Official Depositories of the Economic Development Authority. DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Coordinator, 12/16/2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: _Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity _High Quality Public Spaces _Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone _Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking X Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND: The EDA is required to designate by resolution the depositories used for its funds and investments. The attached resolution follows the format of resolutions passed in previous years by the EDA and the City Council. Most general banking transactions of the EDA and the City are conducted through Northeast Bank. Accounts are also maintained at U.S. Bank for certain specialized services such as payroll and debt service payments. The only material difference between this proposed resolution and the resolution adopted annually by the City Council is that the EDA resolution allows for the EDA’s funds to be held in accounts under the name of the City of Columbia Heights. This has always been the EDA’s practice. Since the creation of the EDA in 1996, it has never had a separate checking account under its own name. All EDA expenditures since its inception have been made using checks drawn in the City’s name on behalf of the EDA. Staff re commend maintaining these two banking relationships, as they continue to meet the EDA’s current needs while also providing capacity for addressing the EDA’s evolving needs for electronic banking services. There are no differences between this year’s depositories and those of 2025. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-02, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-02, a resolution of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority designating official depositories. ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Resolution 2026-02 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA SECTION CONSENT AGENDA MEETING DATE 01/05/2026 31 Item 4. Resolution 2026-02 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DESIGNATING OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES Now, therefore, in accordance with the bylaws and regulations of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the Authority), the Board of Commissioners of the Authority makes the following: ORDER OF BOARD IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that Northeast Bank, and U.S. Bank, are hereby designated as depositories for the Authority’s funds. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the funds of the Authority can be held in accounts at these depositories under the name and federal identification number of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the City), together with the funds of the City, provided that separate fund accounting records are maintained for the respective Authority and City shares of such accounts in a manner consistent with generally accepted accounting and auditing standards. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the responsibility for countersigning orders and checks drawn against funds of the Authority, assigned in the Authority’s bylaws to the Authority President, is hereby delegated to the City Mayor. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that checks, drafts, or other withdrawal orders issued against the funds of the Authority on deposit with these depositories under the City’s name shall be signed by the following: City Mayor City Manager City Finance Director and that said banks are hereby fully authorized to pay and charge said accounts for any such checks, drafts, or other withdrawal orders issued by the City on behalf of the Authority. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that Northeast Bank, and U.S. Bank, are hereby requested, authorized, and directed to honor checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money drawn in the City’s name on behalf of the Authority, including those drawn to the individual order of any person or persons whose name or names appear thereon as signer or signers thereof, when bearing or purporting to bear the facsimile signatures of the following: City Mayor City Manager City Finance Director and that Northeast Bank, and U.S. Bank, shall be entitled to honor and to charge the Authority, or the City on behalf of the Authority, for all such checks, drafts, or other orders, regardless of by whom or by what means the facsimile signature or signatures thereon may have been affixed thereto, if such facsimile signature or signatures resemble the facsimile specimens duly certified to or filed with the Banks by the City Finance Director or other officer of the Authority or City. 32 Item 4. City of Columbia Heights – EDA Resolution Page 2 Resolution 2026-02 IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Finance Director or their designee shall be authorized to make electronic funds transfers in lieu of issuing paper checks, subject to the controls required by Minnesota Statutes and by the City of Columbia Heights’ financial policies. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that all transactions, if any, relating to deposits, withdrawals, re-discounts and borrowings by or on behalf of the Authority with said depositories, made directly by the Authority or by the City on the behalf of the Authority, prior to the adoption of this resolution be, and the same hereby are, in all things ratified, approved and confirmed. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that any bank designated above as a depository, may be used as a custodian (a.k.a. depository) for investment purposes, so long as the investments comply with authorized investments as set forth in Minnesota Statutes. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bank of New York Mellon DBA Pershing Advisor Solutions LLC may be used as a custodian (a.k.a. depository) for investment purposes so long as the investments comply with the authorized investments as set forth in Minnesota Statutes. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the funds of the Authority can be held in accounts at such investment custodians under the name and federal identification number of the City, together with the funds of the City, provided that separate fund accounting records are maintained for the respective Authority and City shares of such accounts in a manner consistent with generally accepted accounting and auditing standards. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any and all resolutions heretofore adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Authority with regard to depositories or brokerage firms are superseded by this resolution. ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Passed this 5th day of January 2026 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: President Attest: Secretary 33 Item 4. ITEM: Façade Improvement Grant Report for The Golden Nuts located at 4801 Central Ave NE. DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Coordinator, 12/18/2025 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 X Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND: This report pertains to the 2026 Façade Improvement Grant application for 4801 Central Ave NE. This building is occupied by The Golden Nuts, an international sweet store and coffee shop . The tenant is applying for grant funds to replace the glass storefront windows and door on the Central Avenue façade of the structure. A photo of the existing conditions has been included in the packet. The applicant was able to receive two bids for the work, amounting to $13,650.63 (GlassSource LLC) and $14,868.38 (City Wide Glass). This sets them up for a grant amount of $5,000. Renderings have not been included in the packet because the windows and door will be replaced in -kind, the only change being upgraded glass. Community Development staff recommend funding this project in full as the new windows and door will be more energy efficient and also reduce costs for the tenants. This is the first Façade Improvement Grant application in 2026. The initial annual budget for the program was $80,000. The approval of this application would leave $75,000 remaining in the annual program budget. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-03, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-03, a resolution approving the form and substance of the Façade Improvement Grant Agreement, and approving authority staff and officials to take all actions necessary to enter the authority into a Façade Improvement Grant Agreement with The Golden Nuts. ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Resolution 2026-03 2. Sample Façade Improvement Grant Agreement 3. The Golden Nuts Façade Improvement Grant Application ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA SECTION BUSINESS ITEMS MEETING DATE 01/05/2026 34 Item 5. Resolution 2026-03 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, APPROVING THE FORM AND SUBSTANCE OF THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT , AND APPROVING AUTHORITY STAFF AND OFFICIALS TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO ENTER THE AUTHORITY INTO A FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE GOLDEN NUTS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”) and the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “Authority”) have collaborated to create a certain Façade Improvement Grant Program (the “Program”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to guidelines established for the Program, the Authority is to award and administer a series of grants to eligible commercial property owners and/or tenants for the purposes of revitalizing existing storefronts, increasing business vitality and economic performance, and decreasing criminal activity along Central Avenue Northeast and in the City’s Business districts, pursuant to a Façade Improvement Grant Agreement with various property owners and/or tenants; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Program, the City is to coordinate a surveillance camera monitoring program by placing surveillance cameras on some of the storefronts that are part of the Program for the purposes of improving public safety in and around the Central Business District; and WHEREAS, the Authority has thoroughly reviewed copies of the proposed form of the Grant Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the Authority 1. approves the form and substance of the Grant Agreement, and approves the Authority entering into the Agreement with The Golden Nuts. 2. that the City Manager, as the Executive Director of the Authority, is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed for and on behalf of the Authority to enter into the Grant Agreement. 3. that the City Manager, as the Executive Director of the Authority, is hereby authorized and directed to execute and take such action as they deem necessary and appropriate to carry out the purpose of the foregoing resolution. ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Adopted this 5th day of January, 2026 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: __________________________________ President Attest: _______________________________________ Secretary 35 Item 5. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT THIS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), dated this ___ day of January, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between The Golden Nuts, the tenant (the “Grantee”), and the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”). RECITALS WHEREAS, Grantee is a tenant at certain Property located at 4801 Central Ave NE in the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”), Anoka County, Minnesota, and legally described in Exhibit A hereto (the “Property”); WHEREAS, the EDA, in cooperation with the City and its police department, has instituted a Façade Improvement Grant Program (the “Program”) for the purpose of revitalizing existing storefronts, increasing business vitality and economic performance, and decreasing criminal activity; WHEREAS, as part of the Program, the EDA has proposed to make grants of money in the maximum amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per parcel of real property in the City, or the maximum amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per parcel of real property located in the Central Business Zoning District in the City (the “CBD”), to property owners, tenants, or nonprofit organizations, in order to revitalize, rehabilitate, and restore exterior storefronts, increase business vitality and economic performance, and in certain instances, to provide monitored surveillance; WHEREAS, the Property concerned by this Agreement is not located within the CBD; and WHEREAS, Grantee desires to participate in the Program, on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the agreements hereinafter contained, the parties agree as follows: 1. Property Improvements: Grantee agrees to complete the improvements at the Property that are identified on Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Improvements”), subject to the following terms and conditions: a. If requested by the EDA, Grantee shall provide plans and specifications to the EDA, detailing the Improvements to be constructed (the “Plans”). If Grantee wishes to revise the Plans, Grantee must submit the revised Plans to the EDA at the address provided herein. The EDA shall give written notice of its approval or disapproval of the revisions to the Plans, and if the EDA does not give such written approval or disapproval within ten (10) business days after 36 Item 5. 2 receipt of Grantee’s revised Plans, the EDA shall be deemed to have approved the revisions to the Plans. b. The Improvements shall be constructed consistently with the Plans, as the same may be revised pursuant to Section 1(a) herein. The cost to complete construction of the Improvements shall be defined as the “Improvement Costs.” The Improvements shall be completed in a first-class manner, consistent with the Plans, if any, and in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Grantee shall obtain all required permits and approvals from the City and any other governing authority with jurisdiction over the Property related to the construction of the Improvements. The out-of-pocket costs for such permitting and approvals shall be the responsibility of Grantee, provided the same shall be included in the definition of “Improvement Costs,” and subject to the provisions of Section 2 of this Agreement. c. Grantee agrees to commence the Improvements within sixty (60) days following the Effective Date, and to complete the Improvements within six (6) months following the issuance of all necessary building permits, but in no event later than eight (8) months following the Effective Date. 2. Payment of Grant Funds: Grantee shall be responsible for making initial payment to all contractors involved in the construction of the Improvements. Upon final completion of the Improvements, Grantee shall make a written request to the EDA for reimbursement of one-half (1/2) of the actual Improvement Costs incurred by Grantee, but in no event shall the reimbursement exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). The written request shall include: a. Proof of final inspection of the Improvements by the City building inspector; b. Before and after photographs of the Property, reflecting the Improvements made (as well as follow-up transmission of electronic files of such photographs), and reflecting that the Improvements were completed consistently with any approved Plans; c. A copy of the final invoice(s) received from the contractor(s) who completed the Improvements; and d. Proof of payment of invoice(s) that comprised the Improvement Costs. Following Grantee’s written request for reimbursement, Grantee shall cooperate with the EDA in delivering to the EDA such follow-up information as is reasonably requested by the EDA in order to review the Improvements and Improvement Costs reimbursement request. Within twenty-one (21) days following receipt of Grantee’s written request for reimbursement of Improvement Costs, the EDA shall: (i) make payment of the reimbursement, (ii) send Grantee written explanation of such other items of information as are needed by the EDA to evaluate the reimbursement request, or (iii) send Grantee written explanation of the EDA’s reasons for denial of repayment of any of Grantee’s requested reimbursement. 37 Item 5. 3 3. Liability for Improvements: Neither the City nor the EDA shall in any event be liable to the Grantee, nor to any of its agents, employees, guests or invitees at the Property for, and the Grantee shall indemnify, save, defend, and hold harmless the City and the EDA from, any claims or causes of action, including attorney’s fees incurred by the City or the EDA, arising from defect or claimed defect of any of the Improvements, or arising from any action of the City or the EDA under this Agreement. This section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. 4. Written Notice: Wherever any notice is required or permitted hereunder, such notice shall be in writing. Any notice or document required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered when actually received by the designated addressee or regardless of whether actually received or not, when deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the parties hereto at their respective addresses, as set forth below, or at such other address as they may subsequently specify by written notice. If to the EDA: Columbia Heights EDA Community Development Department 3989 Central Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 If to Grantee: The Golden Nuts Attn: Joe Rammouni 4801 Central Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 5. Captions; Choice of Law; Etc. The paragraph headings or captions appearing in this Agreement are for convenience only, are not a part of this Agreement, and are not to be considered in interpreting this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the complete agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior oral or written agreements between the parties regarding the subject matter contained herein. There are no verbal agreements that change this Agreement. This Agreement binds and benefits the parties hereto and their successors and assigns. This Agreement has been made under the laws of the State of Minnesota, and such laws will control its interpretation. [Signatures to Appear on Following Page] 38 Item 5. 4 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee and the EDA have signed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. GRANTEE: THE GOLDEN NUTS, THE TENANT By:____________________________ Name: _________________________ Its:____________________________ Date:__________________________ EDA: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY By: Name: _________________________ Its:____________________________ Date:__________________________ 39 Item 5. 5 EXHIBIT A LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY S 140 FT OF N 290 FT OF THAT PRT OF NW1/4 OF SW1/4 DESC AS FOL: BEG AT A PT ON W LINE OF SD 1/4,1/4 626.01 FT N OF SW COR THEREOF, TH N ALG SD W LINE 303 FT +OR- TO A PT 383 FT S OF NW COR OF SD 1/4,1 /4, TH E AT RT ANG 354.33 FT, TH S PRLL/W SD W LINE 305.68 FT +OR- TO INTER/W A LINE THRU POB & PRLL/W S LINE OF SD 1/4, 1/4, TH W ALG SD PRLL LINE 354.33 FT TO POB EX RD SUBJ TO EASE OF REC 40 Item 5. 6 EXHIBIT B PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS SUBJECT TO 50% REIMBURSEMENT This attachment contains a summary of the project identified in the application for the Façade Improvement Grant Program. The Summary reflects the Grantee’s proposed project as approved by the EDA on January 5th, 2026, and may reflect minor changes to the total cost and minor changes in the proposed project that occurred subsequent to application submittal. The application is incorporated into this Grant Agreement by reference and is made a part of this Grant Agreement as follows. If the application or any provision in this application conflicts with or is inconsistent with other provisions of this Agreement or the project summary contained in this Exhibit B, the terms and descriptions contained in this Grant Agreement and the project summary shall prevail. Project summary: furnish and install new glass storefront door and windows on façade of structure, in-kind, totaling an amount equal to $13,650.63. 41 Item 5. 42 Item 5. 43 Item 5. 44 Item 5. Estimate Date 12/8/2025 Estimate # 24544 AJ 4801CENTRAL AVE COLUMBIA HGTS MN 55418 Job Address P.O. No.Tel. Number 919-200-8226 Total Subtotal Sales Tax (9.025%) BILL TO PLEASE SIGN FOR APPROVAL. NO WORK WILL BE DONE UNLESS SIGNED. CREDIT CARD REQUIRED TO HOLD ALL ORDERS 3.99% surcharge added to all credit card and debit card payments. FAXSIGNATURE 612-721- 3100 CALIFORNIA ST. N.E.MPLS, MN 55418 612-781- Estimates are honored for 30 days Item Description Qty COST Total C.M COMMERCIAL METAL NEW FRONT DOORS AND SIDELITES ALL MATCHING THE SAME HARDWARE AS THE DOORS YOU HAVE JUST UP GRADED GLASS 1 13,500.00 13,500.00T L TRUCK CHARGE 150.00 150.00 $14,868.38 $13,650.00 $1,218.38 45 Item 5. 46 Item 5. 47 Item 5. 48 Item 5. 49 Item 5. 50 Item 5. Addendum to lease WHEREAS, Morgan II LLC (“landlord”) and Joes wireless LLC entered into certain lease dated January 15th, 2024, a copy of which is in the possession of the landlord and Tenant; And WHEREAS, said lease mentions Tenant agrees to deposit with Landlord $15,200 (Fifteen thousand, two hundred dollars (“Security Deposit”), as security for Tenant’s performance of its obligations under this Lease. WHEREAS, Tenant only provided Landlord $7,600 (Seven thousand, six hundred dollars (“Security Deposit”), as security for Tenant’s performance of its obligations under this Lease. Now THEREFORE, Lease is being updated to the correct amount of $7,600: Tenant only provided Landlord $7,600 (Seven thousand, six hundred dollars (“Security Deposit”), as security for Tenant’s performance of its obligations under this Lease. Tenants also acknowledges that all other terms and conditions of said lease will remain in full force and effect. TENANT: Joes wireless LLC By___________________________ LANDLORD: Morgan II LLC By___________________________ 51 Item 5. ITEM: Façade Improvement Grant Report for Easy Tax Services located at 4111 Central Ave NE. DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: CD Coordinator, 12/18/2025 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 X Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND: This report pertains to the 2026 Façade Improvement Grant application for 4111 Central Ave NE, Suite 208A. This suite of the multi-tenant building is occupied by Easy Tax Services, LLC, a tax preparation, notary, and document assistance business. The tenant is applying for grant funds to install a new exterior wall sign panel on the existing sign panel framing on the Central Avenue façade of the structure. A photo of the existing conditions and a rendering of the proposed design have been included in the packet. The applicant was able to receive two bids for the work, amounting to $1,750.00 (BMS) and $2,947.38 (Fastsigns). This sets them up for a grant amount of $1,473.69. Community Development staff recommend funding this project in full as the new signage will help promote the business and attract and orient customers. This is the second Façade Improvement Grant application in 2026. The first application this year is also being presented tonight. The initial annual budget for the program was $80,000. If both Façade Improvement Grants presented at the January 2026 EDA meeting were approved, it would leave $73,526.31 remaining in the annual program budget. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2026-04, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2026-04, a resolution approving the form and substance of the Façade Improvement Grant Agreement, and approving authority staff and officials to take all actions necessary to enter the authority into a Façade Improvement Grant Agreement with Easy Tax Services, LLC. ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Resolution 2026-04 2. Sample Façade Improvement Grant Agreement 3. Easy Tax Services, LLC, Façade Improvement Grant Application ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA SECTION BUSINESS ITEMS MEETING DATE 01/05/2026 52 Item 6. Resolution 2026-04 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, APPROVING THE FORM AND SUBSTANCE OF THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT , AND APPROVING AUTHORITY STAFF AND OFFICIALS TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO ENTER THE AUTHORITY INTO A FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT WITH EASY TAX SERVICES, LLC WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”) and the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “Authority”) have collaborated to create a certain Façade Improvement Grant Program (the “Program”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to guidelines established for the Program, the Authority is to award and administer a series of grants to eligible commercial property owners and/or tenants for the purposes of revitalizing existing storefronts, increasing business vitality and economic performance, and decreasing criminal activity along Central Avenue Northeast and in the City’s Business districts, pursuant to a Façade Improvement Grant Agreement with various property owners and/or tenants; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Program, the City is to coordinate a surveillance camera monitoring program by placing surveillance cameras on some of the storefronts that are part of the Program for the purposes of improving public safety in and around the Central Business District; and WHEREAS, the Authority has thoroughly reviewed copies of the proposed form of the Grant Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the Authority 1. approves the form and substance of the Grant Agreement, and approves the Authority entering into the Agreement with Easy Tax Services, LLC. 2. that the City Manager, as the Executive Director of the Authority, is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed for and on behalf of the Authority to enter into the Grant Agreement. 3. that the City Manager, as the Executive Director of the Authority, is hereby authorized and directed to execute and take such action as they deem necessary and appropriate to carry out the purpose of the foregoing resolution. ORDER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Adopted this 5th day of January, 2026 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: __________________________________ President Attest: _______________________________________ Secretary 53 Item 6. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT THIS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), dated this ___ day of January, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between Easy Tax Services, LLC, the tenant (the “Grantee”), and the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”). RECITALS WHEREAS, Grantee is a tenant at certain Property located at 4111 Central Ave NE in the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”), Anoka County, Minnesota, and legally described in Exhibit A hereto (the “Property”); WHEREAS, the EDA, in cooperation with the City and its police department, has instituted a Façade Improvement Grant Program (the “Program”) for the purpose of revitalizing existing storefronts, increasing business vitality and economic performance, and decreasing criminal activity; WHEREAS, as part of the Program, the EDA has proposed to make grants of money in the maximum amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per parcel of real property in the City, or the maximum amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per parcel of real property located in the Central Business Zoning District in the City (the “CBD”), to property owners, tenants, or nonprofit organizations, in order to revitalize, rehabilitate, and restore exterior storefronts, increase business vitality and economic performance, and in certain instances, to provide monitored surveillance; WHEREAS, the Property concerned by this Agreement is located within the CBD; and WHEREAS, Grantee desires to participate in the Program, on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the agreements hereinafter contained, the parties agree as follows: 1. Property Improvements: Grantee agrees to complete the improvements at the Property that are identified on Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Improvements”), subject to the following terms and conditions: a. If requested by the EDA, Grantee shall provide plans and specifications to the EDA, detailing the Improvements to be constructed (the “Plans”). If Grantee wishes to revise the Plans, Grantee must submit the revised Plans to the EDA at the address provided herein. The EDA shall give written notice of its approval or disapproval of the revisions to the Plans, and if the EDA does not give such written approval or disapproval within ten (10) business days after receipt of Grantee’s revised Plans, the EDA shall be deemed to have approved the revisions to the Plans. 54 Item 6. 2 b. The Improvements shall be constructed consistently with the Plans, as the same may be revised pursuant to Section 1(a) herein. The cost to complete construction of the Improvements shall be defined as the “Improvement Costs.” The Improvements shall be completed in a first-class manner, consistent with the Plans, if any, and in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Grantee shall obtain all required permits and approvals from the City and any other governing authority with jurisdiction over the Property related to the construction of the Improvements. The out-of-pocket costs for such permitting and approvals shall be the responsibility of Grantee, provided the same shall be included in the definition of “Improvement Costs,” and subject to the provisions of Section 2 of this Agreement. c. Grantee agrees to commence the Improvements within sixty (60) days following the Effective Date, and to complete the Improvements within six (6) months following the issuance of all necessary building permits, but in no event later than eight (8) months following the Effective Date. 2. Payment of Grant Funds: Grantee shall be responsible for making initial payment to all contractors involved in the construction of the Improvements. Upon final completion of the Improvements, Grantee shall make a written request to the EDA for reimbursement of one-half (1/2) of the actual Improvement Costs incurred by Grantee, but in no event shall the reimbursement exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). The written request shall include: a. Proof of final inspection of the Improvements by the City building inspector; b. Before and after photographs of the Property, reflecting the Improvements made (as well as follow-up transmission of electronic files of such photographs), and reflecting that the Improvements were completed consistently with any approved Plans; c. A copy of the final invoice(s) received from the contractor(s) who completed the Improvements; and d. Proof of payment of invoice(s) that comprised the Improvement Costs. Following Grantee’s written request for reimbursement, Grantee shall cooperate with the EDA in delivering to the EDA such follow-up information as is reasonably requested by the EDA in order to review the Improvements and Improvement Costs reimbursement request. Within twenty-one (21) days following receipt of Grantee’s written request for reimbursement of Improvement Costs, the EDA shall: (i) make payment of the reimbursement, (ii) send Grantee written explanation of such other items of information as are needed by the EDA to evaluate the reimbursement request, or (iii) send Grantee written explanation of the EDA’s reasons for denial of repayment of any of Grantee’s requested reimbursement. 3. Liability for Improvements: Neither the City nor the EDA shall in any event be liable to the Grantee, nor to any of its agents, employees, guests or invitees at the Property 55 Item 6. 3 for, and the Grantee shall indemnify, save, defend, and hold harmless the City and the EDA from, any claims or causes of action, including attorney’s fees incurred by the City or the EDA, arising from defect or claimed defect of any of the Improvements, or arising from any action of the City or the EDA under this Agreement. This section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. 4. Written Notice: Wherever any notice is required or permitted hereunder, such notice shall be in writing. Any notice or document required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered when actually received by the designated addressee or regardless of whether actually received or not, when deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the parties hereto at their respective addresses, as set forth below, or at such other address as they may subsequently specify by written notice. If to the EDA: Columbia Heights EDA Community Development Department 3989 Central Avenue NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 If to Grantee: Easy Tax Services, LLC Attn: Eliana Snyder 4111 Central Ave NE, Suite 208A Columbia Heights, MN 55421 5. Captions; Choice of Law; Etc. The paragraph headings or captions appearing in this Agreement are for convenience only, are not a part of this Agreement, and are not to be considered in interpreting this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the complete agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior oral or written agreements between the parties regarding the subject matter contained herein. There are no verbal agreements that change this Agreement. This Agreement binds and benefits the parties hereto and their successors and assigns. This Agreement has been made under the laws of the State of Minnesota, and such laws will control its interpretation. [Signatures to Appear on Following Page] 56 Item 6. 4 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee and the EDA have signed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. GRANTEE: EASY TAX SERVICES, LLC, THE TENANT By:____________________________ Name: _________________________ Its:____________________________ Date:__________________________ EDA: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY By: Name: _________________________ Its:____________________________ Date:__________________________ 57 Item 6. 5 EXHIBIT A LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY THAT PRT OF W 86 FT OF LOT 15 BLK 4 RESERVOIR HILLS LYG SLY OF ELY EXT OF N LINE OF LOT 21 SD BLK 4 RESERVOIR HILLS TOG/W LOTS 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, & 26 EX THE S 20 FT OF SD LOT 26 BLK 4 RESERVOIR HILL S TOG/W THE W1/2 OF LOT 31 BLK 4 RESERVOIR HILLS LYG NLY OF ELY EXT OF N LINE OF SD S 20 FT OF LOT 26 TOG/W THE W 15 FT OF E1/2 OF SD LOT 31 EX THE S 163.5 FT THEREOF TOG/W THE N 60 FT OF S 223. 5 F T OF E 15 FT OF W 30 FT OF E1/2 OF SD LOT 31 BLK 4 RESERVOIR HILLS SUBJ TO EASE OF RECORD 58 Item 6. 6 EXHIBIT B PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS SUBJECT TO 50% REIMBURSEMENT This attachment contains a summary of the project identified in the application for the Façade Improvement Grant Program. The Summary reflects the Grantee’s proposed project as approved by the EDA on January 5th, 2026, and may reflect minor changes to the total cost and minor changes in the proposed project that occurred subsequent to application submittal. The application is incorporated into this Grant Agreement by reference and is made a part of this Grant Agreement as follows. If the application or any provision in this application conflicts with or is inconsistent with other provisions of this Agreement or the project summary contained in this Exhibit B, the terms and descriptions contained in this Grant Agreement and the project summary shall prevail. Project summary: furnish and install new exterior wall sign panel on existing panel frame, totaling an amount equal to $2,947.38. 59 Item 6. 60 Item 6. 61 Item 6. 62 Item 6. 63 Item 6. 64 Item 6. 65 Item 6. 66 Item 6. 67 Item 6. 68 Item 6. 69 Item 6. 70 Item 6. 71 Item 6. 72 Item 6. ITEM: Discussion on Possible Habitat for Humanity Partnership Projects. Presenting Item: CD Director Mitchell Forney DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Mitchell Forney, 12/30/25 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 Recently, Community Development staff met with representatives from Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity at the Anoka County Real Estate Summit. During that event, Habitat staff spoke with City staff about potential opportunities within the City of Columbia Heights and expressed interest in completing another project in the community. Following this initial conversation, staff scheduled a follow-up meeting with Habitat for Humanity to discuss potential project concepts and to better understand Habitat’s anticipated development plans for 2026. In conjunction with the City’s goal-setting efforts, staff determined it would be appropriate to bring forward for EDA discussion two properties currently owned by the EDA to evaluate whether either site may be suitable for a Habitat for Humanity project or whether the EDA wishes to pursue alternative redevelopment strategies. Habitat for Humanity has received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through Anoka County for an acquisition and rehabilitation project anticipated for 2026. At this time, Habitat does not yet know the location of that project within Anoka County. City staff will continue to monitor opportunities through the City’s time-of-sale program for properties that could align with that funding. The potential projects discussed in this staff report, however, would be separate from that effort. Habitat for Humanity has expressed interest in partnering with the City on a complete tear-down and rebuild project in 2026. Staff is bringing this discussion to the EDA at this time because, should the EDA express interest in moving for ward with a Habitat partnership, Habitat could apply for 2026 Anoka County CDBG funding and potentially leverage additional resources to close financing gaps. As part of this discussion, it is important to note that Habitat has indicated any project would likely require gap financing from the City, similar to prior Habitat projects, to address the difference between construction costs and available funding sources. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS The EDA currently owns two parcels that have been discussed for redevelopment or future redevelopment. Staff is seeking EDA direction regarding how these properties should be positioned moving into 2026 and potentially 2027. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA SECTION BUSINESS ITEMS MEETING DATE 01/05/2026 73 Item 7. City of Columbia Heights - EDA Letter Page 2 The first parcel, located at 841 49th Avenue NE, has been in the EDA’s portfolio for several yea rs. The property is zoned R-2A, which allows for single-family and two-family residential development, and the lot is approximately 15,000 square feet. Under the existing zoning, the site could accommodate a single -family home, duplex, or twinhome. Previous discussions considered whether higher density development might be feasible; however, the property is surrounded primarily by R-1 zoning and bordered by R-2B zoning. Rezoning the site to a higher density district would likely constitute spot zoning and w ould not be consistent with zoning code standards or the Comprehensive Plan, which designates the property for low -density residential use. Achieving higher density would require broader rezoning or a Comprehensive Plan amendment, neither of which is currently contemplated. The EDA originally acquired the property due to severe building deterioration and a flooded basement, with the intent of demolition and future redevelopment. The acquisition was funded with General Fund 408 redevelopment funds, allowing flexibility for either market-rate or affordable housing development. When discussing this site with Habitat for Humanity, staff indicated the EDA’s interest in something other than a single-family home, and Habitat noted that twinhome development is an option. Habitat for Humanity staff also noted that a twinhome project would likely require greater gap financing than a single-family home. The second site discussed with Habitat is located at 4510 Taylor Street NE. This property was purchased by the EDA in 2025 and has a lot area of approximately 7,700 square feet. The site is zoned R-2A, which allows for single-family and two-family development; however, the lot size does not meet the minimum requirements for a duplex or twinhome development. Like the first property, this site was acquired using General Fund 408 redevelopment funds and may be used for either market -rate or affordable housing. Staff initially evaluated this site as a potential demonstration additional dwelling unit (ADU) project. However, th e lack of alley access and the need to provide all parking from the front of the property present design challenges, but are not necessarily barriers. Habitat for Humanity indicated that they do not typically pursue ADU projects, as their target homebuyers generally cannot support the increased mortgage costs associated with an additional unit and the financing structure is more complex. In 2025, the EDA applied for and was awarded matching Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) grant funds. The EDA contributed $75,000 from Fund 408 and will receive a $75,000 match once those funds are expended on eligible affordable housing activities. As part of that application, staff identified that funds could be used for large-scale redevelopment projects or smaller affordable housing initiatives such as a Habitat for Humanity partnership. In addition, the EDA has approximately $140,000 remaining in its tax increment financing (TIF) housing pool, which has historically been used to acquire property, support rede velopment, and provide gap financing for Habitat projects. Between these funding sources, the EDA has sufficient capacity to partner with Habitat for Humanity without relying on annually budgeted funds. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff do not have a specific recommendation at this time. Both EDA-owned sites present viable redevelopment opportunities, and a partnership with Habitat for Humanity would align with City and EDA goals related to affordable housing and homeownership. At t he same time, the EDA may identify or acquire additional properties in 2026 that could also be candidates for a Habitat partnership. Any Habitat project would likely involve a request for gap financing, and the EDA may wish to discuss whether it is willing to provide such assistance. Staff is seeking EDA input on the future direction of the currently owned parcels and whether pursuing a Habitat for Humanity partnership is a priority for 2026 planning. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Habitat Single-Family Home Marketing Sheet 74 Item 7. City of Columbia Heights - EDA Letter Page 3 2. Habitat Twinhome Marketing Sheet 75 Item 7. 76 Item 7. 77 Item 7. ITEM: 3901 Central Right of First Refusal Discussion. Presenting Item: CD Director Mitchell Forney DEPARTMENT: Community Development BY/DATE: Mitchell Forney, 12/30/2025 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: _Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity _High Quality Public Spaces _Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone _Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking X Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND Over the past year, Community Development staff have been in ongoing discussions with Heights Rental , as the business owner has been exploring retirement and the sale of the business to another rental company. Heights Rental occupies a prominent corner within the downtown area and is a well -established, valued business in the community. During prior business updates presented at EDA meetings, staff informed the Authority that the EDA holds a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) on the Heights Rental property and business. The ROFR was established as part of the EDA’s acquisition of the neighboring property for the redevelopment of the City library. As part of that negotiated transaction, the EDA secured a Right of First Refusal to purchase the Heights Rental building and business should the owner decide to sell. In the December 2025 business update discussion, the EDA directed staff to explore whether the ROFR could be waived for the current sale while continuing the ROFR into the future under new ownership. Staff discussed this option with the seller. However, the seller is not interested in continuing the ROFR, citing concerns that it could negatively impact future sale opportunities for any prospective buyers. The current business owner has now formally initiated the EDA’s Right of First Refusal process by submitting a Letter of Intent from a prospective buyer. Under the terms of the ROFR, the EDA has 30 days from receipt of the notice to determine whether it will exercise its right to purchase the property and business under the same terms. Based on the submitted Letter of Intent:  The purchase price for the land is $1,070,000  The purchase price for the business is $1,250,000  Exercise of the ROFR would require the EDA to purchase the land, business operations, and inventory  The total acquisition cost would be approximately $2,320,000 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA SECTION BUSINESS ITEMS MEETING DATE 01/05/2026 78 Item 8. City of Columbia Heights - EDA Letter Page 2 If the EDA were to exercise its Right of First Refusal, it would be required to fund the full purchase price. At this time, staff are unaware of a readily available funding source for an acquisition of this magnitude and would need to conduct further analysis with Finance to pull funding from a variety of sources. Additionally, the EDA is already planning a redevelopment opportunity directly across 39th Ave NE to the south. Staff believe maintaining the operational continuity of Heights Rental under private ownership, while focusing EDA resources on existing redevelopment priorities, best aligns with current economic development objectives. Community Development staff recommend that the EDA decline to exercise its Right of First Refusal for the purchase of Heights Rental. Staff are available to answer que stions and conduct additional research if the EDA wishes to further evaluate alternatives. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): MOTION: Move to exercise the Economic Development Authority’s Right of First Refusal for the property located at 3901 Central Avenue NE and to authorize staff to provide written notice to the seller of the EDA’s intent to purchase in accordance with the terms of the Right of First Refusal. - OR - MOTION: Move to decline exercising the Economic Development Authority’s Right of First Refusal for the property located at 3901 Central Avenue NE and to authorize staff to provide written notice to the seller of the EDA’s intent not to purchase. 79 Item 8.