City Council Meeting

Mayor CITY COUNCIL MEETING Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE Connie Buesgens Monday, October 23, 2023 Kt Jacobs 6:00 PM Rachel James Justice Spriggs Interim City Manager MINUTES Kevin Hansen The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 23, 2023, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Márquez Simula called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm Present: Mayor Márquez Simula; Councilmember Buesgens; Councilmember Jacobs; Councilmember Spriggs; Councilmember James Also Present: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police; Aaron Chirpich, Community Development Director/ Assistant City Manager; Jim Hoeft, City Attorney; Erik Johnston, Police Captain; Joe Kloiber, Finance Director; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Dan O’Brien, Assistant Fire Chief; Naomi Tombers, CSO; Dewayne Morerell, Resident; Kathy Cooper, Resident; Scott Skaya, Resident; Ken, Resident. MISSION STATEMENT Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy and connected City. We are here to actively support the community, deliver equitable services, build and strengthen connections, improve upon our past, and uphold our successes. We strive to be better and ensure Columbia Heights is a great place for everyone, today and in the future. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Police Department Staff Introductions. Police Captain Johnston introduced the new CSO Naomi Tombers. Police Chief Austin shared that it has been a challenge for police officers to deal with mental health calls. A few years ago, the police department began working with Canvas Health and developed a crisis intervention plan. He noted the Police Executive Research Form IPERF) is a great resource for police departments. The police department was contacted by PERF because they were working on a piece of development on responding to behavioral health calls and City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 23, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 2 wanted information on the City’s program. The publication was released and talks about the challenges and best practices. Mayor Márquez Simula asked if the publication was shared on social media. Chief Austin replied that it would go out this week. B. October 2023 Pedestrian Safety Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed October 2023 as Pedestrian Safety month and Councilmember Spriggs read the City’s proclamation. Scott Skaya accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council. C. November 11, 2023 Veterans Day Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed November 11, 2023 as Veterans Day and read the City’s proclamation. Ken accepted the proclamation, explained that he was in the Navy, and shared about other veterans that live in Columbia Heights. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Márquez Simula requested that Item 2 “Approve the October 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes” be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with item 2 removed for further discussion. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve the October 3, 2023 City Council Special Assessment Hearing Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the October 3, 2023 City Council Special Assessment Hearing meeting minutes. 2. Pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion “Approve the October 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes.” 3. Accept September 12, 2023 Sustainability Commission Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the September 12, 2023 Sustainability Commission minutes. 4. Accept September 13, 2023 Youth Commission Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the September 13, 2023 Youth Commission minutes. 5. Approval of Premises Permit Application for Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters to conduct Charitable Gambling at Rail Werks Brewing Depot, 4055 Central Avenue NE. MOTION: Move to approve the Premises Permit application for the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters to conduct legal gambling activities at Rail Werks Brewing Depot, 4055 Central Avenue NE, and to direct the City Manager to sign the Premises Permit Application verifying the City’s approval. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 23, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 3 6. Approve Purchase of Computers, Monitors and Peripherals for City Wide Usage. MOTION: Move to approve the purchase of Dell computers, monitors and peripherals from Dell Marketing in the amount of $29,842.00. 7. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for October 23, 2023, in that they have met the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. 8. Review of Bills. MOTION: Move that in accordance with Minnesota Statute 412.271, subd. 8 the City Council has reviewed the enclosed list to claims paid by check and by electronic funds transfer in the amount of $1,094,897.54. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 2. Approve the October 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes. Mayor Márquez Simula noted that under the Polish Heritage Month Proclamation the minutes state that “Mayor Márquez Simula made Columbia Heights proud on the trip to Poland” and stated that she believes Gloria Bergstrom mentioned that and asked for the minutes to be amended to reflect that. Councilmember James suggested it reads “…read the City’s proclamation. Gloria Bergstrom accepted the proclamation and shared…” Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the October 9, 2023 City Council meeting minutes as amended. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9. Consideration of Resolution 2023-60, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 4411 6th Street NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien stated the revocation is for failure to renew the rental occupancy license for the property. In May 2023, the City sent the license holder a notice to renew the rental license. The notice stated that the property owner would need to reapply, pay the license fee and set up an inspection prior to the expiration of the license on May 30, 2023. The property owner has failed to take any of the necessary steps. He noted that he drove by the property and it looks like it is being occupied and has not been sold. If the revocation is approved, it will be the only revocation the property owner has in the past five years which makes them eligible for reapplication. Councilmember James asked how long the property has been licensed prior. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that the property was purchased in November 2019. A complaint was received of illegal rental property in August 2020 and it was licensed on July 2021. The property owner has had eight inspections to get the property satisfactory. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 23, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 4 Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2023-60, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to adopt Resolution 2023-60, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation, pursuant to City Code, of the rental license listed. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 10. Consideration of Resolution 2023-61, Revocation of the License to Operate Rental Units Within the City of Columbia Heights Against the Rental Property at 838 41st Avenue NE for Failure to Meet the Requirements of the Residential Maintenance Codes. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien stated the revocation is due to failure to correct violations on the property. The outstanding violation was originally one of five violations written up on the properties exterior license renewal inspection that was performed on June 8, 2023. The violation is a rotting deteriorating single glass window frame that has not been repaired in a workman-like fashion. There were several inspections and extensions on the property. The property owner has made progress but it has not passed inspection. Councilmember Jacobs asked if the owner was present. Assistant Fire Chief O’Brien replied that he was not. Mayor Márquez Simula opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to close the public hearing and waive the reading of Resolution 2023-61, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adopt Resolution 2023-61, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation, pursuant to City Code, of the rental license listed. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Ordinances and Resolutions 11. Adopt Resolutions 2023-56 and 2023-62 Setting the Sale of Bond Series 2023A and 2023B. Finance Director Kloiber explained that there are two proposed bond issues. Neither of them are repaid with property taxes. The first one is an extension of existing financing to a private developer and the second one is a tax exempt general obligation bond. The resolution is an optional best practice for financial transparency. The taxable financing for City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 23, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 5 the extension of the private developers arrangement is a 5.95% estimated interest rate. The special assessment bond is estimated at 4.6% interest rate. Councilmember James noted that the estimated closing date is December 14, 2023. She asked the term of the bonds were the same and what the term was on the second set of bonds. Finance Director Kloiber replied that it was ten years. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-56, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to adopt Resolution 2023-56, being a resolution providing for the issuance and sale of taxable general obligation temporary tax increment refunding bonds, series 2023A, in the proposed aggregate principal amount of $6,675,000. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember James, to waive the reading of Resolution 2023-62, there being ample copies available to the public. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Motion by Councilmember Spriggs, seconded by Councilmember Buesgens, to adopt Resolution 2023-62, being a resolution providing for the issuance and sale of general obligation improvement bonds, series 2023B, in the proposed aggregate principal amount of $2,895,000. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended the Sustainability Commission as the Council liaison. She added that she cleaned HeightsNext storm drains and encouraged those who have adopted a storm drain to clean them out. She mentioned she attended the Fire Department open house, purse bingo for an animal shelter, and is continuing to work on the Blooming Sunshine Garden. She attended the Spooktacular event. Councilmember James noted that she had a meeting with Captain Markham regarding the Police Department’s strategic plan. She added that she attended the Fire Department’s open house, and the Charter Commission meeting as the Council liaison. She thanked the Recreation Department for all of the activities provided for children during MEA break. She mentioned that the next election is coming up for the School District on November 7, 2023. Councilmember Jacobs stated she observed the Charter Commission and attended a carpenter’s workshop against wage theft. She met with Captain Markham and attended the Fire Department’s open house. She acknowledged the civilians who are suffering from military impact of the actions in Israel, Palestine, and Gaza. She did five resident reach outs. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 23, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 6 Councilmember Spriggs noted he attended the Fire Department’s open house, met with Captain Markham about the Police Department strategic plan, and attended a couple of webinars through the League of Minnesota Cities. He mentioned that he is connecting with the residents of the Legends as they are pushing for safer and more sustainable living wages. He noted that the Council attended the EDA meeting. Mayor Márquez Simula explained that she attended the community senior consortium meeting, and a meeting with the police. She noted that she had a call last week with the staff from Senator Smith’s office to discuss items for the economic development for the community. She has not spoken with the residents from the Legend but is excited to do so. She added that she attended the Columbia Heights/Fridley Rotary meeting and the Rotary board meeting, the Regional Council of Mayors social event, and a community meeting with the Police and Fire Departments, and the Fire Department Open House. She noted that she has been welcoming community members at City Hall and providing small tours. She attended the Charter Commission meeting, the Alexandra House meeting, the Police Teen Academy, and the Spooktacular event. Report of the City Manager Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich stated the City’s annual trunk-or- treat will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 1-4 pm at Huset Park. Children and their parents can explore a variety of City vehicles including police cars, fire truck, tow truck, dump trucks, garbage trucks, mail trucks and a school bus. Each vehicle station will hand out candy for kids middle-school age or younger. There will be free hot beverages and hot dogs while supplies last. A pet costume contest will take place at 2:30 pm. More information can be found on the City’s website. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich mentioned that parking restrictions will begin on November 15th instead of November 1st like in previous years. Residents can request a temporary parking permit which is available at the Police Department. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich noted that the 40th Avenue open house is November 2, 2023 from 5-7 pm at City Hall. The City and Anoka County are inviting the public to an open house for the 40th Avenue corridor study. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich stated the drug take back and Coffee with a Cop is on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm at Public Safety where unwanted or unused prescription drugs can be returned. COMMUNITY FORUM Dewayne Morerell, City resident, stated he would like to discuss the qualifications of Interim City Manager Kevin Hansen but would like to suspend his request since he was not in attendance. He mentioned he would like to comment on the Pedestrian Proclamation as he notices many people violate the traffic laws while crossing Central Avenue and often skip going to the bridge to cross. He asked that something be done since it is dangerous. He explained the College Hunk hauling trucks need something to make their pick-ups more efficient and effective. He suggested the City provide funding or support to help make it more effective for the residents. He mentioned to the Police Chief that one of the school buses has significantly dropped their speeding. He asked how the City handles City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 23, 2023 City Council Meeting Page 7 unprofessional, unethical and legal issues. Mayor Márquez Simula replied that residents can contact the City Manager. Mr. Morerell asked who to contact if it involves the City Manager. Mayor Márquez Simula replied to contact the Assistant City Manager and the Councilmembers. Mr. Morerell asked who to contact if it involved the Assistant City Manager. Mayor Márquez Simula replied he would still need to contact the City Manager and Assistant City Manager directly and then the Council. Councilmember Jacobs added if it is something confidential, the best approach is to go to the HR Director. Kathy Copper, City resident, asked what the ordinance was for garbage trucks to begin working. Community Development Director/Assistant City Manager Chirpich replied that he would need to research the ordinance, but he did not believe it addressed operational hours for garbage trucks. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Jacobs, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary