City Council Meeting

Mayor CITY COUNCIL MEETING Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers City Hall—Council Chambers, 3989 Central Ave NE Connie Buesgens Monday, October 28, 2024 Kt Jacobs 6:00 PM Rachel James Justice Spriggs City Manager MINUTES Aaron Chirpich The following are the minutes for the Meeting of the City Council held at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 28, 2024, 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: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager; Sara Ion, City Clerk; Scott Lepak, City Attorney; Dan O’Brien, Fire Chief; Mark McNamer, Director of Programs and Facilities for HOPE 4 Youth; Jigme Ugen, City resident; Yunduk Tsering, City resident MISSION STATEMENT Columbia Heights is a vibrant, healthy and connected City. We are here to actively support the community, deliver equitable services, build and strengthen connections, improve upon our past, and uphold our successes. We strive to be better and ensure Columbia Heights is a great place for everyone, today and in the future. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to approve the Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS A. Homeless Youth Awareness Month Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed November 2024 as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month and Councilmember James read the City’s proclamation. Mark McNamer, Director of Programs and Facilities for HOPE 4 Youth, accepted the proclamation and explained that they provide services in Anoka County for youth that are homeless such as a transitional home in Coon Rapids, and a drop-in center in Anoka. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 2 According to a Wilder research survey, there are about 13,000 homeless youth in Minnesota in a given year. HOPE 4 Youth works to provide resources to move young people forward. In the last year, the drop-in center has seen 500 youth so far, which is up 23% from the same time last year. They have seen 3,000 visits which is up 30% and 260 new youth have signed up which is up 30%. There is about a 27% increase in visits to the food shelf. He mentioned that Fox 9 News recently did a story about the organization and can find the video at hope4youthmn.org. B. Veterans Day Proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed November 11, 2024, as Veteran’s Day and read the City’s proclamation. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that a Veteran’s Day celebration is being planned for the weekend for Veteran’s Day. C. Terchen Taksham Rinpoche Day Proclamation Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed December 20, 2024, as Terchen Taksham Rinpoche Day and read the City’s proclamation. Jigme Ugen and Yuduk Tsering accepted the proclamation. Ms. Tsering thanked the Council and expressed her pride in the City for honoring Jalue Dorjee. She explained that she was able to watch Jalue live a typical teenage American life from riding bikes to hanging out with friends. She explained that Jalue is the first reincarnated Tibetan Lama in the State and his presence represents a blend of cultures and traditions which allows him to embody the rich spiritual teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. She thanked the Council for their attention and commitment to compassion, love, and understanding in an increasingly complex world. She added that they are sending a clear message that all traditions and values are cherished. Mr. Ugen explained that he is a Tibetan. He extended his gratitude for the proclamation regarding the 18th birthday of Jalue Dorjee. He acknowledged that the proclamation is a reminder of the resilience of the Tibetan people and the rich culture. It is also an awareness of the widespread religious persecution faced by Tibetans by China’s illegal occupation. The Chinese government has put a law into place that if Tibet has a reincarnated Lama, there must be approval by the Chinese government, otherwise it will not be recognized. He explained that the Council making the proclamation is sending a powerful message that they would not tolerate oppression and will standing solidarity with those who seek to preserve their religious practice and identity for Tibetans in occupied Tibet. He added it means the right to worship freely, and to maintain cultural traditions, and to pass down spiritual teachings, and experiences that have been systematically destroyed and undermined. There are about 6 million Tibetans occupied in Tibet, with 150,000 living in exile in the last 65 years. One million children occupied in Tibet are forcefully separated from their families and forced into colonial boarding schools where they are indoctrinated and stripped of their culture, religion, and linguistic identity. Tibet City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 3 continues to be the number one country that is the least free in the world. Since the Chinese occupation of Tibet, 97 of Tibet’s ancient Buddhist monasteries have been destroyed or closed and 100,000 monks and nuns have been defrocked, and 1.2 million Tibetans have been killed. It is a genocide. Mr. Ugen stated that the Tibetan people are not just fighting for their faith but for their existence. He mentioned that the proclamation is a powerful message that says that the City will not turn a blind eye to the injustices, and will shine a light on the urgent need for the international awareness of Tibet. He thanked the Council for their commitment to justice and human rights. He invited the community to a celebration on November 9th. He asked the Council if he could offer them khatas, which is a symbol of their hope, dreams, greetings, and shared trauma. Jalue’s father presented the Council with khatas. D. Introduction of Fire Chief Dan O'Brien. Mayor Márquez Simula read an introduction for Fire Chief O’Brien and highlighted that he previously served as the assistant fire chief. He has been with the Columbia Heights Fire Department for nearly 30 years. As an assistant fire chief, he focused on overseeing and streamlining property maintenance, code enforcement, and rental licensing services. The department administered over 900 rental licenses and conducted over 4,000 property inspections. He served as first president of the Minnesota Fire Exploring Association which he helped found. One of his first initiatives will be to ramp up recruitment efforts. She congratulated Fire Chief O’Brien. Fire Chief O’Brien mentioned that this would not be possible without his family, friends, the Council, co-workers, and the public. He added that any successes he has had are because of the support he has been given. He explained that he looks forward to serving the community with integrity, dedication, and a commitment to keep everyone safe. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Councilmember James, seconded by Councilmember Jacobs, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. 1. Approve the October 14, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the October 14, 2024 City Council Meeting minutes. 2. Approve the October 14, 2024 Special City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes. MOTION: Move to approve the October 14, 2024 Special City Council Work Session Meeting minutes. 3. Accept August 14 & September 10, 2024 Sustainability Commission Minutes. MOTION: Move to accept the August 14 and September 10, 2024 Sustainability Commission meeting minutes. 4. Cancel the December 23, 2024 City Council Meeting. MOTION: Move to cancel the December 23, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting. City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 4 5. Resolution 2024-078 to Accept MN Office of Justice Program Hiring Grant. MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 2024-078, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 2024-078 accepting the Minnesota Office of Justice Program grant for police hiring in the total amount of $50,000 and authorize and direct the execution of the grant agreements. 6. License Agenda. MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for October 28th, 2024, as presented. 7. Rental Occupancy Licenses for Approval. MOTION: Move to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for October 28, 2024, 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 $1,506,926.56. CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Council Councilmember Jacobs mentioned she attended the Central Avenue presentation, and Fire Chief O’Brien’s event. She added that she met with Public Works to discuss parking affecting the sight line on 41st Avenue. She stated she continues to work with the Central Avenue businesses regarding snow removal in front of those businesses. She facilitated four resident reach outs. She commented on the Veteran’s proclamation and noted that she is proud that the United States is one of few countries that celebrates those serving in the military at least twice a year. Councilmember Spriggs explained that he attended the Central Avenue presentation, and the Columbia Heights football playoff game. Councilmember James thanked HeightsNext for putting on the Spooktacular event. She added that she attended the retirement ceremony for Fire Chief Charlie Thompson, the swearing-in of the new Fire Chief O’Brien, a domestic violence storytelling event from people at The Dwelling Place at First Lutheran Church, the alumni foundation dinner for Columbia Heights High School, and Trunk or Treat. Councilmember Buesgens stated she attended a meeting with MnDOT, the Anoka County engineer, and Hilltop to discuss Central Avenue. She mentioned she is volunteering with Blooming Sunshine Garden. She explained she attended the pumpkin carving event at Murzyn Hall, the Spooktacular event, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization retreat, the Charter Commission, Spudfest fundraiser for teenage activities, a Metro Watershed meeting, Charlie Thompson’s City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 5 retirement, the Partners and Energy workshop, the open house for MnDOT, the Columbia Heights High School fund scholarship dinner, the Trunk or Treat event, and the swearing-in for Fire Chief O’Brien. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned she met with Police Chief Markham to go over the business of the Police Department. She stated she attended the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) and volunteered at the Spooktacular pumpkin carving event. She explained that she wore purple on October 17th because it was Domestic Violence Awareness Day. She thanked the Police Department for having purple lights and for adopting purple badges for the month. She stated she attended the teen police academy graduation, the Spooktacular event, the Regional Council of Expectative Mayors planning meeting, the Trunk or Treat event, the Church of all Nations Trunk or Treat event, a class at the library on Somali weaving, Charlie Thompson’s retirement event, the Parks and Recreation Department meeting, the MnDOT highway 65 meeting, and the Columbia Heights alumni scholarship foundation dinner. She mentioned she brought recycling items to the recycling center and thanked Kiwanis for being there for recycling. She explained that she picked up a veteran banner because her father-in-law served in Vietnam and is a veteran. Report of the City Manager City Manager Chirpich thanked Magnifi Financial for sponsoring the Trunk or Treat event, and all of the other community groups, organizations, and partners that hosted a booth. Staff estimated that about 1,000 people attended the event. Direct balloting is now available with extended hours at City Hall for voting. Residents can vote at City Hall until November 4th. He asked that people who come to City Hall to park in the garage or the municipal lot across the street. City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. The additional extra hours for absentee voting are: Tuesday, October 29th, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Saturday, November 2nd, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday, November 3rd, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and Monday, November 4th, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. He thanked those who were involved in helping with the election and noted that City Clerk Ion was leading the process for the City. City Manager Chirpich highlighted the library and recreation programs and encouraged community members to go to the City website to register for programs. Community members can follow along with what is happening in the City through the e-newsletter or by registering for Code Red. The e- newsletter goes out at the beginning of each month, and Code Red sends out notifications in emergency situations such as severe weather. He mentioned that people can register for the updates in Chinese and Spanish as well. Staff are working to include additional languages in order to include more community members. City Manager Chirpich noted that City Hall offices are closed on November 11th in observance of Veteran’s Day. The regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be moved to Tuesday, November 12. City Staff are working to get permanently installed bike racks in front of City Hall. For the time being, bikes are welcome in the corridor. Councilmember Jacobs noted that she felt Trunk or Treat saw about a 25% increase in attendance from last year. Mayor Márquez Simula mentioned that she stopped by the Public Safety Blood Drive, and noted that the Fire Department did Drug Takeback Day. If there are unused medications, they can be brought to City of Columbia Heights MINUTES October 28, 2024 City Council Meeting Page 6 the Fire Department in order to be disposed of properly. She mentioned that medications should not be thrown away, put down the sink, or down the toilet since it can contaminate the water. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Buesgens, seconded by Councilmember Spriggs, to adjourn. All Ayes, Motion Carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:54 pm. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________________ Sara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary