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>> HELLO, EVERYONE. IT IS 6:00, ACTUALLY, 6:02.
HELLO, AND WELCOME TO OUR CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
MY NAME IS AMANDA MARKESIMLA, THE MAYOR OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, AND TODAY IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9.
COULD WE PLEASE HAVE A ROLL CALL?
>> HERE. THANK YOU. WELCOME TO EVERYONE IN THE CHAMBERS THIS EVENING AND WATCHING ON THE RECORDING AS WELL OR WATCHING VIRTUALLY.
I WOULD LIKE US TO START WITH OUR PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
IF YOU'RE ABLE, PLEASE STAND AND JOIN ME IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
[APPROVAL OF AGENDA]
MAY I HAVE AN APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.>> YES. I WOULD REQUEST THAT PROCLAMATION B BE MOVED DOWN AFTER PROCLAMATION F, AND I WILL MOVE TO HAVE THAT AGENDA APPROVED.
>> ANY DISCUSSION OR QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL? SEEING AS NONE, THEN, I HAVE A MOTION TO AMEND THE AGENDA. WOULD I HAVE A SECOND?
>> I HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER JAMES AND A SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER SPRIGGS TO AMEND THE AGENDA AND APPROVE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION PASSES.
TO BE CLEAR, THE REASON WE'RE MOVING LETTER B IS BECAUSE THE RECIPIENTS ARE NOT HERE AT THIS TIME.
WE'RE HOPING THAT THEY CAN GET HERE IN TIME TO RECEIVE THE PROCLAMATION.
[PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITION, ANNOUNCEMENTS, GUESTS]
OUR FIRST PROCLAMATION TODAY, LETTER A IS RECOGNITION OF RECYCLING CHAMPIONS AT LABELLE PARK AND COUNCILMEMBER BISKINS IS GOING TO READ THIS, BUT IF YOU COULD JUST READ THE BACKGROUND ON PAGE 6.>> HI, EVERYBODY. ANOKA COUNTY PROVIDES GRANTS, EDUCATION, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO HELP MULTI UNIT PROPERTY START OR ENHANCE THEIR RECYCLING PROGRAM.
RECENTLY, LABELLE PARK CONDOS 2, 101141 AVENUE, UTILIZED THESE PROGRAM RESOURCES AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE ANOKA COUNTY MULTIFAMILY RECYCLING PROGRAM.
LABELLE PARK CONDOS HAS A TEAM OF MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBERS OWNERS THAT ASSISTED IN IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS.
TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS WITH THE PROGRAM, LABELLE PARK CONDOS USE GRANT MONEY FROM ANOKA COUNTY TO ASSIST WITH IMPROVING AND INCREASING RECYCLING.
ALL RESIDENTS RECEIVED RECYCLING TRAINING AND A RECYCLING GUIDE.
ADDITIONALLY, THEY IMPLEMENTED A PROGRAM UTILIZING RESIDENTIAL AND COMMON AREA SORTING CONTAINERS AND RECYCLING SIGNAGE.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND ANOKA COUNTY, WANT TO RECOGNIZE LABELLE PARK CONDOS MANAGEMENT, RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY BOARD GROUPS FOR SHOWING HOW A TEAMWORK APPROACH CAN IMPROVE RECYCLING IN MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS.
IN ADDITION TO THE RECOGNITION RECEIVED THIS EVENING, THE CITY ALSO OFFERS A ONE MONTH DISCOUNT ON CITY RECYCLING CHARGES FOR THE MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES THAT COMPLETE THE PROGRAM.
>> THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER BISKINS.
THIS EVENING, WE ARE JOINED WITH K CARLSON, WHO'S ASSOCIATE MANAGER LABELLE PARK CONDOS 2, TONY BELTRAM AND MICHELLE, WHO ARE RESIDENTS.
IF YOU COULD COME UP TO THE PODIUM, I'D LOVE TO GIVE YOU YOUR RECYCLING CHAMPION CERTIFICATE.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORK IMPROVING OUR CITY.
WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU DOING THIS.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. NICE TO MEET YOU.
>> IF YOU WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS, YOU'RE WELCOME TO.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
NEXT ON OUR AGENDA IS OUR LATINA HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION, BUT WE'RE GOING TO MOVE THAT OVER TO PASS LETTER F. THAT WILL MOVE US TO CONSTITUTION WEEK PROCLAMATION.
COUNCILMEMBER JAMES WILL READ THAT FOR US.
>> THANK YOU. CONSTITUTION WEEK, SEPTEMBER 17 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2024.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 MARKS THE 237TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DRAFTING OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
IT IS FITTING AND PROPER TO ACCORD OFFICIAL RECOGNITION TO
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THIS MAGNIFICENT DOCUMENT AND ITS MEMORABLE ANNIVERSARY AND TO THE PATRIOTIC CELEBRATIONS, WHICH WILL COMMEMORATE THE OCCASION.PUBLIC LAW 915 GUARANTEES THE ISSUING OF A PROCLAMATION EACH YEAR BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 17 THROUGH 23 AS CONSTITUTION WEEK.
>> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, AMANDA MARKESIMLA, MAYOR OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 17 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, CONSTITUTION WEEK IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF ANOKA, STATE OF MINNESOTA, USA.
IN HERE TO RECEIVE OUR PROCLAMATION THIS EVENING IS OUR POLICE CHIEF MATT MARKHAM.
>> MADAM MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, THANK YOU.
AS YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT IS ABOUT IS PROTECTING THE CONSTITUTION.
WE APPRECIATE THIS PROCLAMATION AND CONTINUE TO CARRY IT OUT WITH OUR DUTIES EVERY DAY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. NEXT, WE HAVE PROCLAMATION FOR HUNGER ACTION DAY AND COUNCILMEMBER SPRIGGS WILL READ THIS ONE THIS EVENING.
>> SEPTEMBER 2024 HUNGER ACTION MONTH.
IN MINNESOTA, NEARLY ONE IN FOUR INDIVIDUALS HAS RELIED ON EMERGENCY FOOD RESOURCES TO PREVENT HUNGER IN THE PAST YEAR.
IN 2022, OUR FOOD BANKS DISTRIBUTED OVER 160 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD, DEMONSTRATING THE STRENGTH OF OUR COMMUNITY'S RESPONSE TO HUNGER.
THE 2023 1 MINNESOTA BUDGET HAD PROVIDED OVER $5 MILLION IN EMERGENCY FUNDING TO FOOD SHELVES AND TO INSURED FREE MEALS FOR STUDENTS THROUGH THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAMS. THIS INVESTMENT IS A STEP TOWARDS A FUTURE WITHOUT HUNGER.
MINNESOTA IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING HUNGER TODAY AND PREVENTING IT TOMORROW.
WE ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH FOOD BANKS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC AND ADVOCATE FOR POLICIES THAT END HUNGER IN OUR STATE.
WE ALSO SINCERELY APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF FAITH COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS LIKE SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND, SAKA, MEALS ON WHEELS, AND THE EVERY MEAL BACKPACK PROGRAM.
THEIR WORK INSPIRES HOPE AND REMINDS US OF OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF ONE ANOTHER.
>> DURING HUNGER ACTION WEEK, I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO VOLUNTEER, DONATE AND SUPPORT THESE VITAL EFFORTS.
TOGETHER, WE CAN ENSURE NO ONE IN OUR COMMUNITY GOES HUNGRY.
THIS EVENING, WE HAVE A FEW REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT HUNGER INITIATIVES TO END HUNGER.
WE HAVE DAVE RUDOLPH HERE FROM SAKA AND ALSO CAYLEE GUMBINER, WHO ARE HERE TO RECEIVE THIS FROM SECOND HARVEST.
IF YOU ALL WOULD JOIN US AT THE PODIUM, PLEASE.
>> BEAUTIFUL. YOU TAKE IT. YOU DESERVE IT.
>> YOU'RE BOTH OUR PARTNERS TOGETHER, BUT THANK YOU COMING ON IN TONIGHT.
>> WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM BOTH OF YOU.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. WELL, GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVITING US.
I'M FROM SECOND HARVEST, HEARTLAND.
THANK YOU FOR INVITING US TO RECOGNIZE HUNGER ACTION MONTH.
MY NAME IS CAYLEE GUMBINER, AND I'M THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS ADVOCACY MANAGER.
MY COLLEAGUE ROLO RAMOS IS ALSO HERE FROM OUR PARTNER OPERATIONS TEAM, AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE HE GETS THE RECOGNITION FOR MAKING SURE THE FOOD GETS OUT TO WONDERFUL PARTNERS LIKE SAKA EVERY DAY.
MY WORK IS TO CONNECT OUR NETWORK TO OPPORTUNITIES TO END HUNGER TOGETHER.
WE COULDN'T ASK FOR BETTER PARTNERS IN NETWORK THAN SAKA AND THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND IS ONE OF THE LARGEST FOOD BANKS IN THE COUNTRY, SERVING ANOKA COUNTY AND 57 OTHER COUNTIES IN MINNESOTA AND WESTERN WISCONSIN.
IN 2023, WE PROVIDED NEARLY 128 MILLION MEALS TO OUR HUNGER RELIEF PARTNERS LIKE FOOD SHELVES, MEAL PROGRAMS, AND OTHER NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.
WE ARE PROUD PARTNER WITH SAKA, WHO HAS BEEN SERVING NEIGHBORS HERE IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS.
WE HAVE PARTNERED SINCE 2001, AND IN 2023, SAKA DISTRIBUTED ALMOST ONE MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD.
HUNGER ACTION MONTH IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW.
THE INCREASE IN COST OF FOOD AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD NECESSITIES OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS HAS LED TO A RECORD NUMBER OF FOOD SHELF VISITS IN MINNESOTA.
IN 2023, WE SAW 7.5 MILLION FOOD SHELF VISITS IN MINNESOTA.
MANY MINNESOTANS ARE CURRENTLY STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET.
MORE THAN 50% OF PEOPLE NATIONWIDE ARE LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK, AND WITH COSTS STILL SOARING, HOUSEHOLD FOOD BUDGETS ARE AMONG THE FIRST TO BE CUT.
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THE REALITY IS WE CANNOT CHARITY OUR WAY OUT OF HUNGER.WHILE THE HUNGER RELIEF SYSTEM DOES EVERYTHING WE CAN TO GET MORE OF THE RIGHT FOOD TO THE RIGHT PLACES, WE ALSO NEED POLICIES TO BOTH REDUCE AND PREVENT HUNGER.
THAT'S WHY WE BELIEVE HUNGER IS A POLICY CHOICE.
TO THAT END, WE'RE INCREASING AWARENESS OF HUNGER AND ENCOURAGING MORE MINNESOTANS TO VOTE WITH REDUCING HUNGER IN MIND THIS FALL.
WE APPRECIATE PARTNERS LIKE SAKA, WHO ARE HELPING US REACH NEIGHBORS WITH THIS MESSAGE THROUGH VOTER REGISTRATION AND ABSENTEE BALLOT DRIVES AT THEIR FOOD SHELVES, AND WE APPRECIATE ELECTED OFFICIALS LIKE YOURSELVES THAT SEE THE DEEP NEED AND ACT.
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL OF YOU, THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR FOR RECOGNIZING HUNGER ACTION MONTH AND TAKING STEPS TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY IN THIS COMMUNITY.
WE ARE ALSO GRATEFUL FOR THE GENEROSITY OF MINNESOTANS WHO PROVIDE VOLUNTEER POWER, FINANCIAL SUPPORT, AND ADVOCATE FOR STRONG ANTI HUNGER POLICIES.
WE COULDN'T DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT THEM.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECOGNITION OF HUNGER ACTION MONTH AND JOINING US IN OUR MISSION TO END HUNGER TOGETHER. THANK YOU.
>> WELL, I DON'T REALLY HAVE A WHOLE LOT TO SAY. SHE SAID IT SO WELL.
NO, IN ALL SERIOUSNESS, IT IS SUCH A HUGE PROBLEM, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE CITY FOR RECOGNIZING THIS.
ORGANIZATIONS LIKE SECOND HARVEST 2 ARE SO CRITICAL TO OUR MISSION.
THIS IS JUST A VERY WELCOME OPPORTUNITY.
AS SHE SAID, SAKA HAS BEEN AROUND FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS.
SEPTEMBER '76 IS WHEN WE WERE FORMALLY STARTED, AND 950,000 POUNDS OF FOOD WENT OUT THE DOOR AND WE SERVED ABOUT 55,000 PEOPLE LAST YEAR AND THIS YEAR IS NOT GOING TO BE ANY BETTER.
IT'S A SAD THING. WE HAVE SEVERAL DIFFERENT PROGRAMS. WE HAVE A CLIENT CHOICE FOOD SHELF FOR THE CLIENT SHOP FOR THEMSELVES, AND THEY PICK OUT THEIR FOOD.
WE HAVE A SENIOR DELIVERY SERVICE CALLED SAKA DELIVERS FOR DELIVERING GROCERIES TO SENIORS AND HOMEBOUND PEOPLE.
FRESH PRODUCE DISTRIBUTIONS THAT GIVE AWAY FRESH PRODUCE.
OUR THRIFT STORE HELPS A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT.
HOLIDAY MEALS, HOLIDAY MEAL BOXES FOR SENIORS, AND HOLIDAY TOYS FOR THE KIDS AS WELL.
THERE'S DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN HELP.
YOUR DOLLAR REALLY GOES A LONG WAYS FOR EVERY DOLLAR DONATED.
>> WE CAN BUY 10 PLUS POUNDS OF FOOD.
THAT'S A LOT OF FOOD. YOU CAN ALSO HOST FOOD DRIVES.
THERE'S IDEAS AND RESOURCES ARE ON OUR WEBSITE AT SEA FOOD SHELF.ORG.
YOU CAN DONATE FOOD. WE ALWAYS ACCEPT FOOD.
UNOPEN CANS AND BOXES OCCASIONALLY, UNFORTUNATELY WE DO GET THEM OPEN.
THE PRODUCE IS REALLY FLYING IN RIGHT NOW.
IF YOU HAVE EXTRA FROM YOUR GARDEN, WE'D BE HAPPY TO TAKE IT.
PANTRY STAPLES, NON PERISHABLES ARE GOOD.
UNOPENED TOILETRIES AND PERSONAL CARE ITEMS. THOSE ARE ALSO VERY WELCOME.
PEOPLE DON'T ALWAYS THINK ABOUT THAT.
THEY THINK ABOUT FOOD, IT'S PRIMARY THING, BUT PEOPLE NEED SHAMPOO, DEODORANT AND TOILET PAPER, EVERYTHING.
I'D LIKE TO THANK THE CITY AGAIN FOR THE PROCLAMATION AND THE COMMUNITY, WE HAVE AN AMAZING COMMUNITY HERE.
WE COULDN'T DO OUR WORK WITHOUT YOU. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. THANKS FOR COMING.
>> DID YOU ALL WANT TO HAVE A PHOTO BEFORE YOU LEFT WITH THE COUNCIL? WE CAN ALL STAND UP HERE OR COME DOWN.
LET'S GO DOWN THERE DO A PHOTO.
>> NEXT, WE HAVE OUR COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PRIDE DAY PROCLAMATION, AND THIS WILL BE READ BY COUNCILMEMBER JAMES.
>> COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PRIDE DAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024.
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>> THE LBGTQIA+ COMMUNITY IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, AND AROUND THE WORLD HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR CULTURAL AND SOCIETAL FABRIC, ENRICHING OUR LIVES WITH DIVERSITY, RESILIENCE, AND CREATIVITY.
DESPITE FACING HISTORICAL AND ONGOING CHALLENGES SUCH AS PREJUDICE, HATRED, AND MISINFORMATION, THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY STANDS STRONG AND PERSEVERES.
AS A CITY, IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS REGARDLESS OF THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS IS COMMITTED TO FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY BY UPDATING ORDINANCES TO INCLUDE GENDER NEUTRAL PRONOUNS, INCORPORATING GENDER NEUTRAL FACILITIES SUCH AS OUR BATHROOMS IN OUR NEW CITY HALL.
WE RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF CELEBRATING AND SUPPORTING OUR LGBTQIA+, FRIENDS, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND NEIGHBORS, AFFIRMING THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
HEIGHTS NEXT WILL HOLD A PRIDE FESTIVAL AT CORTIAC PARK ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024, FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M, AND WE HOPE EVERYONE CAN STOP BY TO SUPPORT THE EVENT AND SHOW THE COMMUNITY THAT THEY BELONG HERE.
>> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 AS PRIDE DAY IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF ANOKA, STATE OF MINNESOTA USA.
[APPLAUSE] ON THIS DAY, WE ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO JOIN IN CELEBRATING OUR LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY AND DEMONSTRATING OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY, ACCEPTANCE, AND UNITY.
HERE TO RECEIVE THE PROCLAMATION IS ANGIE NIELSON, A MEMBER OF THE PRIDE COMMITTEE FOR THE FESTIVAL.
>> SURE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MADAM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
I BELIEVE THIS IS OUR SIXTH YEAR HAVING A PRIDE FESTIVAL IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, AND EACH YEAR, IT JUST GETS MORE AMAZING.
THIS YEAR, WE HAVE A FULL STAGE OF ENTERTAINMENT, 40 PLUS VENDORS, FREE DILI BARS, WELL SUPPLIES LAST, AND WE HOPE TO SEE A LOT OF YOU OUT THERE.
>> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] OUR NEXT PROCLAMATION, AND WE HAVE A LOT TO CELEBRATE THIS MONTH.
I THINK THIS MAY BE THE MOST PROCLAMATIONS IN ONE MONTH.
OUR NEXT PROCLAMATION IS FOR THE 1944 WARSAW UPRISING, US AIRLIFT DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, WHICH IS SEPTEMBER 21 OF 2024.
THE HEROIC B-17, I'LL BE SEEING YOU, AIRLIFT CREW MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN SUPPORT OF THE 1944 WARSAW UPRISING IN POLAND.
BRAVELY FLYING MISSIONS TO AID POLISH RESISTANCE FIGHTERS AGAINST NAZI OCCUPATION.
THE CREW FACED UNIMAGINABLE DANGERS WHEN THEIR PLANE WAS SHOT TRAGICALLY DOWN BY NAZI FORCES.
SOME OF THE CREW MEMBERS PERISHED IN THE CRASH WHILE OTHERS ENDURED THE HARDSHIP OF NAZI POW CAMPS.
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS IS DEEPLY CONNECTED TO THIS HISTORY AFFECTING THE COURAGE AND RESILIENCE OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM AND THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY BETWEEN OUR COMMUNITIES.
THE UNVEILING OF THE B-17, I'LL BE SEEING YOU MEMORIAL.
A REPLICA SCULPTURE GIFTED BY OUR SISTER CITY OMIAKE POLAND STANDS AS A POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO THE CREW'S BRAVERY AND SACRIFICE.
IT ALSO SYMBOLIZES THE STRONG TIES BETWEEN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND THE PEOPLE OF POLAND.
WE ARE HONORED TO WELCOME POLISH DIGNITARIES, INCLUDING RAFAL TRZASKOWSKI, MAYOR OF WARSAW POLAND, AGATA GRETOKASKA, COUNCIL OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND IN CHICAGO, MAGOZATA ZABROSKA PIOTRAK, FORMER MAYOR OF WOMANKI, POLAND, JOHN RADZILOWSKI, DIRECTOR OF THE POLISH INSTITUTE OF CULTURE AND RESEARCH, GADAK STUDIO, DESIGNER, AND ARCHITECT OF THE SCULPTURE, ALONGSIDE LOCAL OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO COMMEMORATE THIS HISTORIC EVENT.
THEREFORE, I AMADA MARQUEZ SIMULA, MAYOR OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 AS THE 1944 WARSAW UPRISING US AIRLIFT DAY OF REMEMBRANCE IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
THIS DAY IS IN HONOR OF THE COURAGEOUS B-17 CREW WHO FOUGHT AND DIED,
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SUPPORTING THE 1944 WARSAW UPRISING AND CELEBRATES THE ENDURING FRIENDSHIP AND SHARED VALUES OF FREEDOM AND RESILIENCE BETWEEN OUR COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE OF POLAND.TO RECEIVE THE PROCLAMATION IS ADITYA, THE PRESIDENT OF PACHAM AND WE ALSO HAVE VERONICA JOHNSON FROM OUR SISTER CITY ORGANIZATION.
ADITYA, IF YOU'D LIKE TO COME UP?
>> THERE WILL BE FLYERS ON THE OUTSIDE ON THE TABLE IF YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE ONE.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MAYOR AMADA SIMULA FOR BRINGING THE MAYOR OF WARSAW, POLAND, THE FIRST TIME EVER TO MINNESOTA.
WE ARE SO EXCITED AS A COMMUNITY TO HAVE SUCH A HIGH LEVEL REPRESENTATIVE HERE IN MINNESOTA.
THE MONUMENT IS ALREADY THERE.
IF ANYBODY WANTS TO GO AND SEE 530 MILL STREET, BY THE MOTION HALL, I THINK IT LOOKS WONDERFUL.
I GOT SO EMOTIONAL WHEN I SAW THAT MONUMENT, THAT I WENT HOME THAT WENT LAST TUESDAY.
I WENT HOME AND I DECIDED TO MAYBE MAKE IT EVEN MORE SPECIAL.
I'M IN A PROCESS OF ARRANGING A FLYOVER COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HAZARD PARK.
WE GOT APPROVAL FROM PENTAGON TO FLYOVER PLANES.
NOW I'M TRYING TO CONTACT SOME BASES IN MINNESOTA OR OUR NEIGHBORING STATES.
IF ANYBODY IS EAGER TO HELP ME WITH THAT, [LAUGHTER] I'LL APPRECIATE THAT, BUT THANK YOU, AMADA, AGAIN, FOR DOING THAT.
IT IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY FOR THE POLISH PEOPLE IN MINNESOTA DURING THE LAST 120 YEARS OF POLISH PEOPLE, MOVING AND LIVING HERE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> YOU'RE WELCOME. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU. JUST TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS AND THEY KNOW THEY'RE INVITED SEPTEMBER 21, AT 1:00 AT MERGEN HALL.
THERE WILL BE AN UNVEILING CEREMONY IN REMEMBRANCE DAY TO REMEMBER THE AIR CREW THAT WAS SHOT DOWN.
THIS IS AN ANNIVERSARY THAT IS REMEMBERED EVERY YEAR IN WOMANKI, POLAND.
BUT FOR MANY YEARS, IT WAS NOT ALLOWED TO BE REMEMBERED DURING COMMUNIST RULE, AND SO ONLY ABOUT 33 YEARS AGO, WAS IT ALLOWED TO BE EVEN TALKED ABOUT.
WE WILL BE HAVING MANY SPEECHES AT THE EVENT ON THE 21ST, AND THE DAY ACTUALLY STARTS OUT WITH PEOPLE FROM THE COMMUNITY GOING TO FORT SNELLING FOR THE GRAVES AND THEN ALSO COMING OVER HERE WITH A DINNER LATER AT HOLY CROSS CHURCH.
THERE'S INFORMATION ON THE FLYER.
BUT WE PLAN THIS TO BE AN ANNUAL EVENT BECAUSE IT IS SO IMPORTANT, REALLY FOR THE WORLD, THIS BEING A PART OF A MAJOR PART OF THE WORLD WAR II STORY.
I JUST WANT TO SAY, PERSONALLY, THANK YOU TO KEVIN HANSEN, PUBLIC WORKS FOR HELPING GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR AMADAS OF THE COUNCIL IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE TO WORK ON.
BUT ALSO TO OUR PUBLIC WORKS CREW.
THEY'RE REALLY THE ONES WHO DO ALL THE WORK DONE TO MAKE IT LOOK GOOD, AND WE'RE IN PROCESS OF DOING THAT RIGHT NOW.
WE GOT STARTED TODAY WITH THE LANDSCAPING, SO I THINK IT'S GOING TO LOOK REALLY GREAT FOR THE 21ST.
>> FANTASTIC. WE HAD SUPPORT FROM THE COUNCIL TO LET EVERYONE KNOW, THE CITY DID DONATE THE LAND, THE CONCRETE WORK, POURING THE CONCRETE FOR THE SCULPTURE, AND THEY'LL BE LIGHTING.
ON THAT, THE CITY IS COVERING THOSE COSTS.
BUT THIS IS A FULLY DONATED SCULPTURE.
THIS IS NOT COMING AT A COST TO THE PEOPLE OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
THIS LOCATION WAS CHOSEN OUT OF, I BELIEVE, FIVE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WANONA, SPACES IN WISCONSIN AS WELL, AND THE POLISH COMMUNITY DECIDED THAT COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WAS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR THIS PROCLAMATION.
I THINK IT IS QUITE AN HONOR TO RECEIVE IT.
THE COUNCIL WELCOMED IT AS WELL TO OUR CITY, AND WE'RE VERY HONORED TO HAVE THIS EVENT NEXT WEEKEND OR TWO WEEKS FROM NOW, I GUESS.
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BUT WE INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT AND SEE IT, AND AS WE SAID, IT IS ALREADY STANDING, SO YOU'RE ABLE TO GO SEE IT AT HUST PARK RIGHT NOW.NOW WE WILL ALSO HAVE OUR LATINAE HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION.
IN OUR RESIDENCE, WE WERE HOPING TO COME RECEIVE IT OUR PASTORS, DANIEL MANCILLA AND ALFONSO MORALES FROM THE IGLESIA CASA.
BUT APPARENTLY THEY'RE NOT ABLE TO BE HERE TONIGHT.
BUT WE WILL GET THEM THE PROCLAMATION.
LATINAE HERITAGE MONTH, SEPTEMBER 15 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2024.
IN 1968, PRESIDENT LYNDON JOHNSON ESTABLISHED HISPANIC HERITAGE WEEK, WHICH PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH EXPANDED TO HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN 1988.
THIS MONTH IS OBSERVED FROM SEPTEMBER 15 TO OCTOBER 15 EACH YEAR.
THIS MONTH MARKS THE INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARIES OF COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS NICARAGUA, SEPTEMBER 15, MEXICO, SEPTEMBER 16, AND CHILE, SEPTEMBER 18, CELEBRATING THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF FREEDOM.
LATINAE HAS EMERGED AS AN INCLUSIVE GENDER NEUTRAL TERM REFLECTING THE DIVERSITY OF LATIN AMERICAN DESCENT.
THE LATINAE COMMUNITY IS INTEGRAL TO COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, CONTRIBUTING TO ART, MUSIC, CUISINE, LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND MORE.
LATINAE HERITAGE MONTH HONORS THE COMMUNITIES RESILIENCE IN FACING DISCRIMINATION AND THEIR DEEP ROOTS INDIGENOUS CULTURES, PRESERVING VITAL TRADITIONS AND IDENTITIES.
IT ENCOURAGES REFLECTION ON SHARED HISTORIES AND SUCCESSES, FOSTERING APPRECIATION FOR THE DIVERSITY THAT STRENGTHENS OUR CITY.
NOW, THEREFORE, I AMADA MARQUEZ SIMULA, MAYOR OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 15 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2024 AS LATINAE HERITAGE MONTH IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
I ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS TO HONOR OUR LATINAE COMMUNITY'S DISTINCT HERITAGE AND ENDURING SPIRIT AND PARTICIPATE IN EFFORTS PROMOTING CULTURAL DIALOGUE, UNITY, AND EXCHANGE.
[APPLAUSE] WELL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING IN ALL OF OUR PROCLAMATIONS.
WE ARE SO HAPPY TO HAVE MULTIPLE PEOPLE JOIN US IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
THIS IS YOUR SPACE, SO WE'RE HAPPY TO SEE YOU HERE. THANK YOU.
NEXT, IT TAKES US TO OUR CONSENT AGENDA.
[CONSENT AGENDA]
THESE ITEMS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND WILL BE ENACTED AS PART OF THE CONSENT AGENDA BY ONE MOTION.ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL WILL BE TAKEN UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS.
DOES THE COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ANYTHING REMOVED? SAYING IS NOT THEN, THE CITY MANAGER GO THROUGH THE ITEMS.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THE FIRST ITEM ON TONIGHT'S CONSENT AGENDA IS APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 26, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
ITEM 2 IS APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES.
ITEM 3 IS ACCEPTANCE OF THE JANUARY 24, FEBRUARY 28, AND MARCH 27, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
ITEM 4 IS ACCEPTANCE OF THE AUGUST 5, 2024 EDA MEETING MINUTES.
ITEM 5 IS ACCEPTANCE OF THE AUGUST 7, 2024 LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES.
ITEM 6 IS APPROVE THE ACTIONS OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
COUNCIL JUST REVIEWED THIS AT ITS LAST WORK SESSION, CHANGES TO THE BY-LAWS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
THIS IS A GROUP THAT PROVIDES RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS FOR THE CITY.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE THE COUNCIL MIGHT REMEMBER IS MAKING IT SO THAT THE RELIEF MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO START ACCRUING THEIR BENEFIT TIME FROM THE START OF HIRE.
ITEM 7 IS THE SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 1701, WHICH IS AN ORDINANCE THAT AMENDS CHAPTER 5.6 OF THE CITY CODE, ADDRESSING CHANGES TO PET SHOPS AND COMMERCIAL KENNELS WITHIN THE CITY, ABBREVIATED AS BEING THE HUMANE PET STORE ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE SALE OF DOGS AND CATS AT PET STORES.
ITEM 8 IS SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 1704, WHICH AMENDS CHAPTER 4.
IT'S FOR THE GRANTING RIGHTS FOR COMCAST, THE CABLE COMPANY TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A CABLE SYSTEM WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
IN THE CITY'S RIGHT OF WAY, UPDATING AND EXECUTING A NEW AGREEMENT THAT SPELLS OUT
[00:30:03]
THAT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND COSTS FOR COMCAST TO OPERATE IN THE CITY.ITEM 9 IS RESOLUTION 2024-060, WHICH IS ACCEPTANCE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DWY TRAFFIC SAFETY OFFICER GRANT.
IN ACCEPTING THIS GRANT, THE CITY'S POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL UTILIZE THESE FUNDS FOR MORE TRAFFIC SAFETY OFFICER TIME WITHIN THE CITY, AND THIS GRANT IS SPECIFICALLY GEARED TO PAY FOR THAT ENFORCEMENT.
>> ITEM 10 IS AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE A FITNESS COURT.
LET ME JUST SCROLL BACK UP, I LOST MY PLACE.
STUDIO FROM THE NATIONAL FITNESS CAMPAIGN.
THE COUNCIL REVIEWED THIS AT A WORK SESSION, BUT THIS IS THE PURCHASE OF THE EQUIPMENT THAT WOULD BE INSTALLED AT SYLVAN LAKE PARK IN SPRING OF 2025.
IT'S A WORKOUT FACILITY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD.
THERE'S SOME GRANT MONEY THAT IS PART OF THIS, AND THE CITY'S COST SHARE IS BEING APPROVED IN ITEM 10.
ITEM 11 IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DATE FOR THE 2024 PUBLIC SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LEVY HEARING AND FOR THE 2024 CONCRETE ALLEY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 2406, AND ALSO A HEARING FOR THE DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE CITY.
THAT DATE IS MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 AT 6:00 P.M. AND THEN THE FOLLOWING HEARING FOR THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LEVEES IS THE SAME NIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 6:15.
ITEM 12 IS APPROVAL OF THE FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE ZONE 6 AND 7 STREET REHABILITATION WORK DONE ON 47TH AVENUE, WAS A MILLEN OVERLAY IN GOULD AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION.
THESE WERE CITY PROJECTS, 2202, 2206, AND 2208, JUST WRAPPING UP THE FINAL DUE DILIGENCE, RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR VALLEY PAVING TO CLOSE OUT THAT CONTRACT.
ITEM 13 IS APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF REFUSE CARTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $116,064, COMING FROM THE REFUSE FUND, PURCHASING THE TRASH BINS TO SWAP OUT THE OLD ONES WITH NEW.
ITEM 14 IS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REPLACEMENT FOR THE CENTRAL GARAGE BANDSAW.
SO A SAW FOR FABRICATING FOR THE MECHANICS THAT WORK AT THE CENTRAL GARAGE.
ITEM 15 IS APPROVAL OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FOR TRACTOR LOADER WITH ATTACHMENTS.
ITEM 16 IS OUR LICENSE AGENDA.
ROUTINE BUSINESS LICENSE APPROVALS FOR THE CITY THAT ARE LISTED IN YOUR PACKET.
ITEM 17 IS THE SAME FOR OCCUPANCY LICENSES OR RENTAL LICENSES WITHIN THE CITY.
FINALLY, ITEM 18 IS A REVIEW OF THE BILLS, WHICH FOR THIS PERIOD, TOTALS $1,000,870,591 AND 96 CENTS.
>> THANK YOU. ANY QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL OR COMMENT? ALL RIGHT. HEARING IS NOT THEN.
I HAVE A MOTION, THEN TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
>> SECOND I HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER JACOBS AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER BISGINS, TO ACCEPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
ANY QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSION? SEEING IS NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? SORRY. ALL THOSE ANY OPPOSED.
THEN MOTION PASSES. THANK YOU.
NEXT, WE DO NOT HAVE ANY PUBLIC HEARINGS, SO IT TAKES US TO ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION ITEM NUMBER 19.
[ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION]
CONSIDERATION OF A RENTAL LICENSE EXCEPTION FOR 4421 FIFTH STREET NORTHEAST.TO PRESENT THIS ITEM IS ANDREW BOETTCHER, OUR CITY PLANNER.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM MAYOR. CITY COUNCIL.
BEFORE YOU, YOU HAVE CONSIDERATION OF A RENTAL LICENSE EXEMPTION FOR 4421 FIFTH STREET.
ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2024, THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY REACHED OUT TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, REQUESTING AN EXEMPTION FROM THE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL DENSITY CAP.
THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED ON BLOCK 56 WITH FOUR SINGLE FAMILY RENTALS OUT OF THE 25 TOTAL SINGLE FAMILY UNITS, AND THIS BLOCK IS ALLOTTED IN A TOTAL OF THREE SINGLE FAMILY RENTALS.
ATTACHED TO YOUR PACKET IS THE LAYER STAFF RECEIVED, ALONG WITH ORDINANCE 1685, ESTABLISHING THE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL DENSITY CAP.
IF THE NUMBER OF DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS ON RENTAL PROPERTIES MEETS OR EXCEEDS THE PERMIT NUMBER
[00:35:01]
OF RENTAL PROPERTIES PER DEFINED BLOCK, THE PROPERTY OWNER MAY REQUEST A TEMPORARY LICENSE TO ALLOW FOR AN ADDITIONAL RENTAL PROPERTY ON THAT BLOCK.CITY COUNCIL HAS THE SOLE DISCRETION TO GRANT OR DENY A TEMPORARY LICENSE.
APPLICANT REQUESTING A TEMPORARY LICENSE, MUST MAKE AN ANNUAL APPLICATION TO THE CITY AND NO PROPERTY OWNER SHALL HOLD A TEMPORARY RENTAL LICENSE FOR THE SAME PROPERTY FOR MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
IS THE HOMEOWNER'S RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE COUNCIL.
STAFF HAS BROUGHT FORTH THE APPEAL ALONG WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR DISCUSSION AND REVIEW.
IF APPROVED RESOLUTION 2024-062 WOULD GRANT A TEMPORARY RENTAL LICENSE EXEMPTION TO THE HOMEOWNER WITH A FEW ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
THE HOMEOWNER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE PASSAGE OF THE RESOLUTION.
THIS PUTS A LIMIT ON HOW LONG THEY CAN TAKE TO BRING THE HOUSE INTO COMPLIANCE IF NEEDED.
THE TEMPORARY LICENSE WILL BE VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE THAT THE LICENSE IS APPROVED.
THIS GIVES THE HOMEOWNER AND THE TENT THE ABILITY TO RENT THE HOUSE FOR A FULL ONE YEAR TERM.
AFTER THE TERM OF THE TEMPORARY LICENSE, THE PERSON REQUESTING A TEMPORARY LICENSE MUST MAKE AN ANNUAL APPLICATION TO THE CITY.
NO PROPERTY OWNER SHALL HOLD THE TEMPORARY RENTAL LICENSE FOR THE SAME PROPERTY FOR MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
THE PROPERTY OWNER, MR. BUSTAMANTE HAS MULTIPLE PROPERTIES THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF ILLEGAL RENTAL CASES, INCLUDING THE 4421 FIFTH STREET NORTHEAST PROPERTY, AND THE APPLICANT IS HERE TO SPEAK ON THIS.
>> THANK YOU. WE DO HAVE THE PROPERTY OWNER HERE.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ANDREW BEFORE THE PROPERTY OWNER COMES UP?
>> I JUST WANT TO CONFIRM THAT WHAT IS THE ALLOTMENT FOR THAT BLOCK? IT IS THREE, I BELIEVE, AND HOW MANY ARE THERE NOW?
>> CORRECT. THREE, ALLOTTED, AND THERE ARE FOUR EXISTING.
WE WILL HAVE THE PROPERTY OWNER COME ON UP THEN.
I WANT TO SAY, THANK YOU, ANDREW, FOR THE INFORMATION AND THE HELP YOU'VE GIVEN ME.
I WANT TO ADD, WE PURCHASED THE PROPERTY AND UNFORTUNATELY, WE WERE NOT INFORMED PREVIOUSLY THAT THERE IS A LIMIT FOR RENTAL LICENSES.
IN THIS CASE, I WANT TO ASK YOU FOR AN EXEMPTION.
TO PLEASE HELP US. WE HAVE A FAMILY.
WE HAVE THREE DAUGHTERS THAT WE NEED TO FEED, AND WE ARE NEW IN THIS BUSINESS.
DON'T KNOW IS HERE WHERE YOU SAY, WE DENY, WE APPROVE?
>> YES, WE'LL VOTE ON THAT TONIGHT.
>> DO WE RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH THAT INFORMATION, OR WE JUST HERE NOW.
>> SURE, I CAN. ACTUALLY ANDREW CAN COME UP AND EXPLAIN THE PROCESS.
>> YEP. DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF YOUR GUYS' DECISION, I WILL EITHER LET THE APPLICANT KNOW THAT THEY HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR THE EXEMPTION AND START THE INITIAL RENTAL APPLICATION INSPECTION.
IF IT IS DENIED, IT WILL GO NO FURTHER, AND WE WOULD WORK WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON ANY OTHER ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.
>> OKAY. THANK YOU. COUNCIL JACOBS OBJECTIVES?
WHEN WAS THE PROPERTY PURCHASED?
>> HAVE YOU CAN COME UP, SORRY.
>> YEAH, IT WAS TWO YEARS AGO.
I WAS USING THE PROPERTY JUST LIKE STORAGE AND PARK MY TRAILERS.
>> BUT YOU'VE OWNED THE PROPERTY FOR 2-3 YEARS.
>> ACTUALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK SOMETHING TO ANDREW.
YOU MENTIONED ABOUT OTHER PROPERTIES THAT I ONLY OWN ANOTHER PROPERTY THAT IS NOT OUT FOR RENT BECAUSE THAT ONE IS THE ONE THAT I'M USING NOW TO KEEP UP FOR MY BUSINESS.
>> IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IF YOU ARE NOT RESIDING THERE, YOU STILL NEED A RENTAL LICENSE IF THERE ARE PEOPLE
[00:40:01]
INHABITING THE RESIDENTS, IS THAT CORRECT?>> YEAH. IF PEOPLE ARE LIVING THERE, THEN THEY'LL NEED A RENTAL LICENSE.
>> IF PEOPLE LIVE THERE, YOU NEED A RENTAL LICENSE.
>> YES. ACTUALLY, THAT IS THAT WE WRITE TO YOU TO ALSO WE COULD REQUEST THE EXCEPTION FOR THE PROPERTY. YES.
>> YEAH. THIS IS TOTALLY NEW FOR US WHEN WE BUY THE PROPERTY.
I HAVE ANOTHER PROPERTY SOON THAT ARE UP FOR RENT.
THIS IS FOR US WHO ARE TOTALLY SURPRISED THAT THE PROPERTY CANNOT GO OUT FOR RENT.
FOR THE LIMIT, AND THAT IS GOING TO STOP ME GROWING UP.
I HAVE A BUSINESS THAT HAS BEEN GROWING UP KIND OF.
THAT IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO INVEST IN PURCHASING HOUSES BUT RIGHT NOW, DEFINITELY THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO STOP ME A LITTLE BIT TO KEEP GROWING IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
>> OKAY. ARE THE OTHER PROPERTIES HOUSES?
>> ARE THEY ZONED FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL? IS THIS A QUESTION I CAN ASK AT THIS MEETING? I DON'T KNOW. ARE THEY JUST FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE IN OR IS IT A STORAGE?
>> RIGHT NOW, I HAVE ONE FOR LIVING, AND THE OTHER ONE MOSTLY FOR STORAGE AND PARK MY TRAILERS.
BECAUSE I HAVE A GOOD SPACE THERE TO PARK.
>> WE HAVE LOTS OF RULES ABOUT MAKING SURE THEY'RE SAFE FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE IN.
THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING WE NEED TO MAKE SURE IS BEING TAKEN CARE OF THAT THEY'RE SAFE.
>> ACTUALLY I WORK IN CONSTRUCTION, AND THAT IS WHAT I DO.
I HAVE OTHER PROPERTIES THAT I HAVE THE RENTS LICENSE, SO I KNOW THAT PROCEED, BUT FOR THIS ONE, AS I TOLD YOU, IS NEW FOR ME.
>> THAT IT WAS OVER THE LIMIT?
>> YES. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT IS A LIMIT.
NOT EVERY CITY HAS THIS, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING WE DO IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
I SEE COUNCIL BISGINS HAS A QUESTION FOR YOU.
ALSO, YOU'RE WELCOME TO COME STAND UP AT THE PODIUM AS WELL.
YEP. WE JUST NEED TO TALK IN THE MICROPHONE FOR THE RECORDING.
BUT WE'RE JUST HERE TO LISTEN TO YOU, SO WE'LL MAKE OUR DECISION.
IS THIS CURRENT HOUSE, 4421 FIFTH STREET OR FIFTH STREET NORTHEAST? IS IT BEING USED FOR STORAGE FOR A BUSINESS?
>> IS THAT LEGAL TO USE A HOUSE FOR STORAGE FOR A BUSINESS?
>> COUNCIL MEMBER BISGINS, I THINK A LOT OF TIMES IT'S HARD FOR THE CITY TO TELL WHETHER OR NOT YOU KNOW, I CAN SAY THAT THERE ARE SOME OUTSIDE STORAGE VIOLATIONS.
IT SEEMS TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THAT THE CITY CAUGHT UP WITH AT THIS PROPERTY.
>> THIS PROPERTY HAD OUTSIDE STORAGE VIOLATIONS.
>> I'M TRYING TO PULL THE REPORT UP FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, IF I CAN.
>> IS ANYONE LIVING IN THIS PROPERTY FOR THE LAST TWO OR THREE YEARS?
>> NO. ACTUALLY, THAT IS WHY I'M HERE.
THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE IS BECAUSE I WANT TO DO THE THINGS RIGHT NOW.
RIGHT NOW, I'M TRYING TO PURCHASE A COMMERCIAL BUILDING HERE IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, SO TO AVOID HAVING THE DOOR TO DOOR THOSE ISSUES.
>> COUNCIL JACOBS. WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS ARE YOU OPERATING?
>> THANK YOU. [NOISE] THEN JUST TO BE CLEAR, THIS PROPERTY AT 44 21 FIFTH STREET, WOULD BE THE FOURTH HOUSE FOR RENT ON THIS BLOCK.
THE FIFTH HOUSE, AND THE LIMIT IS FOUR?
>> THERE ARE THREE, THE BLOCK IS ALLOWED THREE RENTALS, AND THEN THERE ARE FOUR CURRENTLY.
>> YOU'RE ASKING FOR AN EXEMPTION AND YOU HAVEN'T APPLIED YET.
WE DON'T KNOW IF THE HOUSE IS READY, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> YEAH, MADAM MAYOR, THE THERE'S NO INSPECTION BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE HOUSE.
THERE'S NO IDEA IF IT WOULD BE READY FOR LICENSE.
I JUST GO THROUGH THE NORMAL RENTAL LICENSE AND PROCEDURE ARE OF INSPECTION.
>> THEY WERE ASKING FOR THE EXEMPTION BECAUSE THIS BLOCK IS OVER THE LIMIT FOR THE NUMBER OF SINGLE FAMILY RENTALS.
THEN JUST TO FOLLOW UP ON WHAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GAVE US, IT SEEMS LIKE THERE'S BEEN SOMEONE THAT'S BEEN PAYING THE UTILITY BILLS FOR THIS PROPERTY SINCE MAY.
[00:45:01]
JUNE AND AUGUST MOST RECENTLY THAT FRANCISCO GOMEZ IS PAYING UTILITY BILLS.IT WAS PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT TO BE UNOCCUPIED.
>>OKAY. DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
>> HE'S A GUY WHO WORKS FOR ME.
>> HE HAS A SON WHO WORKS FOR ME TOO AND THEY HAVE BEEN LIVING THERE.
>> HOW COME HE'S PAYING THE UTILITY BILL, AND NOT YOU AS THE OWNER?
>> BECAUSE I GIVE THEM THE HOUSE TO TO LIVE.
>> ALL RIGHT. THAT'S A CONCERN THAT WE HAVE IF THEY LIVE THERE BEFORE YOU HAVE A RENTAL, AND THAT'S SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE LICENSE DONE AHEAD OF TIME SO THAT THEY THEY'RE LIVING IN A SAFE PLACE, AND WE KNOW ALL THE RULES ARE BEING FOLLOWED FOR SAFETY.
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WANTED TO SAY? COUNCIL JACOBS.
>> JUST TO CLARIFY THAT YOU PURCHASED THE PROPERTY TWO TO THREE YEARS AGO.
HOW LONG HAS MR. GOMEZ BEEN LIVING THERE?
>> ALMOST A YEAR, YOU'VE BEEN COLLECTING RENT ON THAT WITHOUT A RENTAL LICENSE?
>> NINE MONTHS YOU'VE BEEN COLLECTING RENT?
>> THIS IS HARD TO SAY, AND THEY WORK FOR ME.
>> WELL, WHETHER MONEY IS MONEY'S PASSING HANDS OR NOT, YOU'VE HAD SOMEBODY LIVING IN THAT BUILDING IN THAT RESIDENCE, YOU'VE HAD SOMEBODY LIVING THERE FOR NINE MONTHS?
>> YOU'VE OWNED THE PROPERTY FOR TWO OR THREE YEARS, AND YOU'VE NEVER CHECKED TO SEE THAT YOU NEEDED A RENTAL LICENSE PER THE REGULATIONS WE HAVE IN THE CITY.
I JUST WAS TOLD THAT I CANNOT PUT THAT PLACE ON RENT, BUT I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THERE IS A LIMIT.
THAT'S WHY THIS TIME WE TRIED TO DO IT AGAIN TO SEE IF A SPOT OPENS, AND THEN WE WERE TOLD THIS TIME THAT THERE IS A CHANCE TO REQUEST THAT.
>> THANK YOU. THEN COULD I GET SOME MORE CLARIFICATION ON THESE OTHER PROPERTIES PLEASE?
>> MADAM MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM DAN O'BRIEN, OUR RENTAL LICENSING HEAD AT THE ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF.
WE HAVE THIS PROPERTY UP FOR CONSIDERATION AT 4421 5TH STREET.
THE PROPERTY AT 1221 45TH AVENUE WAS PURCHASED RECENTLY AND/OR IN 2022, AND THIS ONE RECENTLY WAS APPLIED FOR A LICENSE ON JUNE 10TH, 2024.
IT WAS IN A BLOCK THAT DID NOT HAVE A CAP, AND SO THEY WERE GRANTED A RENTAL LICENSE, AND THEY WENT THROUGH THE RENTAL LICENSING PROCESS AND ACHIEVED THAT.
THERE'S A HOUSE AT 4552 HEIGHTS DRIVE, WHICH IS CURRENTLY UP FOR SALE, I DON'T KNOW THE RELATION RONAL BOST DE MONTE ORTEGA IS THE REALTOR ON THAT ONE.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER.
THEN BROTHER SELLING THE HOUSE FOR THE APPLICANT.
THEN THERE IS 4948, 4TH STREET, WHICH IS THE OTHER HOUSE THAT HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT THAT HAS REACHED A CAP AS WELL.
I BELIEVE THAT'S ONE ANDREW THAT THEY REACHED OUT TO YOU ABOUT AN EXEMPTION IN THE FUTURE AT A FUTURE MOMENT IN TIME.
THEN THERE IS 5240, WHICH HAD A LICENSE FOR THROUGH THE CITY SINCE 2021, FROM ALMA E. MILLION RAMOS WITH A RENTAL LICENSE.
THEN THE HOME ADDRESS IS IN FRIDLEY.
>> SO YOU'VE GOT ONE THAT WAS APPLIED FOR AND IT PASSED THE INSPECTION, CORRECT?
>> NOW YOU'VE GOT ONE AT 5240, WHAT STREET IS THAT ON?
>> SEVENTH STREET. THAT ONE'S HAD A LICENSE SINCE 2021.
>> THAT'S HAD A LICENSE SINCE 2021.
>> YOU KNEW ABOUT THE NEED FOR A RENTAL LICENSE IN 2021, CORRECT?
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.
>> THE OTHER RENTALS, THEY'VE RECEIVED THEIR LICENSING AND THEY'VE BEEN FOLLOWING THE RULES, OR IS THERE ANY MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AS LANDLORDS HOW THEIR HISTORY HAS BEEN?
[00:50:03]
>> I CAN LOOK INTO SOME DOCUMENTS I JUST NEED A MINUTE HERE, MADAM MAYOR.
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE ANDREW AND ALL OF THE STAFF FOR BRINGING THIS FORWARD, AND I APPRECIATE THE APPLICANTS FOR BEING HERE.
OUR RENTAL DENSITY CAP IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR PROCESS TO PRESERVE HOMES FOR SALE.
I APPRECIATE THE BUSINESS THAT YOU'RE RUNNING AND YOUR FAMILY, AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING AND SPEAKING TO US.
IT LOOKS LIKE THIS HOME WAS PURCHASED AS A BUSINESS AND A MONEY MAKING JOB, WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLE.
BUT HERE IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, WE HAVE THESE CAPS, AND THIS EXEMPTION PROCESS, IN MY VIEW, IS FOR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND JUST I WANT TO RENT IT.
I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE CONFUSION WHEN YOU'RE NOT ACTUALLY GETTING PAID WHEN IT'S AN EMPLOYEE, AND YOU'RE THINKING THROUGH, DO I NEED A RENTAL LICENSE? I UNDERSTAND THAT COMPLETELY.
IT IS CONFUSING THE WAY IT'S WORDED, BUT FOR EVERYONE WHO'S HERE AND WATCHING, IF SOMEONE ELSE IS LIVING IN THE HOME, YOU NEED TO DO THE PROCESS LIKE THE MAYOR HAD SAID I HOPE THAT YOU CAN STILL MAINTAIN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CITY, BUT FOR THIS ASPECT, I DON'T FEEL LIKE THIS MEETS MY PERSONAL THRESHOLD OF WHAT AN EXEMPTION WOULD BE SO I'M CONCERNED THAT IT'S JUST AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY FOR YOU AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TARGETING WITH THIS RENTAL CAP. THANKS.
>> CONNIE, DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING? I SAW YOU PUSHING THE BUTTON.
JUSTICE, ANYTHING? MITCH, YES. MR. CONNIE.
>> MADAM MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, THE TWO PROPERTIES, 1221, 45TH AND 5240 7TH, 1221 JUST RECEIVED ITS LICENSE IN JUNE AND HAS NOT HAD ANY VIOLATIONS.
THEN 5240 7TH HAS HAD THREE VIOLATIONS FOR JUST SCRUB BRUSH, OUTSIDE STORAGE, BUT NOTHING MAJOR ON THE PROPERTY.
>> THAT'S DIFFERENT THEN. WELL, THEN IF THERE'S NO OTHER QUESTIONS, THEN I GUESS WE'RE READY TO HAVE OUR VOTE.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD? IS THERE ANYTHING NEW, I GUESS THAT YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
>> THANK YOU. YOU MAY SIT DOWN THEN.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH ANDREW AND MITCH, AND TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS FOR COMING IN.
WE DO APPRECIATE THAT, AS COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES SAID, SOMETIMES PROPERTY OWNERS DON'T EVEN COME IN AND SHARE THEIR STORY, SO WE DON'T REALLY KNOW MUCH ABOUT THEM AT ALL, SO I KNOW WE DO APPRECIATE YOU COMING IN.
SO IT IS NUMBER 19, CONSIDERATION OF A RENTAL LICENSE EXEMPTION FOR 4421 5TH STREET NORTHEAST.
MAY I HAVE A MOTION THEN TO WAIVE THE READING?
>> MOVE TO WAIVE THE READING OF RESOLUTION 2024-062.
THERE BEING AMPLE COPIES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
>> I HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BISKINS, AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER JACOBS TO WAIVE THE READING.
>> ANY OPPOSED? ANY DISCUSSION? THE MOTION PASSES. WE SAID AYE.
>> NEXT, I HAVE A MOTION THEN TO DENY THE RESOLUTION 2024-062.
>> MOVE TO DENY RESOLUTION 2024-062, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL EXEMPTION REQUEST FOR THE RENTAL APPLICATION AT 4421 5TH STREET NORTHEAST, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MIN, 55421.
>> I HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER BISKINS, AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER JACOBS TO DENY THE RESOLUTION.
ANY DISCUSSION OR QUESTIONS? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
>> ALL THOSE OPPOSED, SAY, NAY. THE MOTION PASSES.
THIS MEANS THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR A RENTAL LICENSE AND ANDREW WILL FOLLOW UP WITH YOU ON HOW THIS WILL MOVE FORWARD AND FOR ANY TENANTS THAT ARE IN THE BUILDING, HOW THAT WILL MOVE FORWARD FOR THEM.
IS THAT CORRECT, ANDREW? IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU'D LIKE TO ADD? I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR FOR THE PROPERTY OWNER IS WHAT IT ALL MEANS.
MITCH, DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD?
>> JUST TO, I GUESS, ADD ON A LITTLE BIT.
ANDREW WILL BE WORK OR REACHING OUT TO YOU WITH ANY CLARIFICATION OR PROCESSES MOVING FORWARD, AND THEN DAN O'BRIEN, THE ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF IS ALSO A GOOD REPRESENTATIVE, BECAUSE HE'S THE ONE THAT HANDLES THE RENTAL LICENSING OF YOUR OTHER PROPERTIES AND EVERYTHING.
>> WE ACTUALLY DON'T HAVE ANY RESPONSE AT ALL.
>> MAYOR, JUST ONE CLARIFICATION, WAS THAT A 5-0 VOTE ON NAYS?
[00:55:04]
>> WE'LL MOVE ON TO ITEM NUMBER 20, THEN.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 1702, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, ARTICLE 5 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES, AND WE HAVE ANDRE BOUCHER CITY PLANNER HERE.
>> MADAM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL.
BEFORE YOU IS THE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 1702, AND ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, ARTICLE 5 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES.
AT THE AUGUST COUNCIL WORK SESSION, COUNCIL DISCUSSED ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION ORDINANCE.
STAFF RESPOND TO FEEDBACK REGARDING USAGE OF CRIMINAL CITATIONS AND EXAMINED ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION PROCESSES AND FIND ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS TO ACHIEVING COMPLIANCE WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES IN A MORE INFORMAL, LESS INTIMIDATING AND MORE EFFECTIVE METHOD THAN THE ANOKA COUNTY COURT SYSTEM.
BASED ON STATUTE 462.362, ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY ENABLES A MUNICIPALITY BY ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ORDINANCES OR REGULATIONS ADOPTED.
CHAPTER 6 ADMINISTRATION OF CITY AFFAIRS AND CITY CHARTER EXPLICITLY STATES THAT THE CITY MANAGER HAS THE AUTHORITY TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT TO THE COUNCIL FOR ADOPTION IN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, INCORPORATING THE DETAILS OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE, AND SUGGEST AMENDMENTS TO THE SAME.
THERE WERE A HANDFUL OF CITIES THAT WE LOOKED AT, INCLUDING CRYSTAL, FRIDLEY, HOPKINS, NEW HOPE AND RICHFIELD, AND HOW THEY ADMINISTERED THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT PROCESSES.
EACH OF THESE CITIES THAT HAVEN'T IMPLEMENTED ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT OF ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS HAVE SEVERAL COMMON COMPONENTS THAT CITY COUNCIL SHOULD ADDRESS IN A DRAFT ORDINANCE SUCH AS THE PURPOSE, GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEFINING ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSE, EXEMPTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, AND SCHEDULE OF FINES AND FEES, PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS AND HEARINGS, AND PAYMENT/RECOVERY OF CIVIL PENALTIES.
THE CITY MANAGER WILL NEED TO PROVIDE A LIST OF MY STAFF REPORT IS INCORRECT, IT SAYS LAWYERS, BUT THEY DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, THEY JUST NEED TO HAVE A LEGAL BACKGROUND OF SOME SORT TO BE APPROVED HEARING OFFICERS.
THESE OFFICERS CANNOT BE CITY EMPLOYEES, AND THE FEE SCHEDULE WILL NEED TO EITHER ADDRESS FINES BASED ON THE TYPE OF OFFENSE OR WHETHER A FLAT CONSISTENT FEE IS DESIRED.
CURRENT CITY CODE CHAPTER 3 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ALREADY ADDRESSES ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS THROUGH ARTICLE 5 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES.
THIS SECTION OF CODE CONTAINS A DEFINITION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSE, NOTICING, PAYMENT, FAILURE TO PAY, DISPOSITION OF PENALTIES, POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR, AND SCHEDULED PENALTIES.
HOWEVER, THE EXISTING CODE DOES NOT ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE FOR NOTICING, NOR DOES IT SET COMPLIANCE DEADLINES OR INCLUDE A PROCEDURE FOR APPEALING THE CITATION.
THOSE MISSING COMPONENTS WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO HOLD UP CURRENTLY.
STAFF PROPOSES UPDATING THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 3, ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, ARTICLE 5 ADMINISTRATIVE SITE OFFENSES WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS, ADDING A PURPOSE SECTION TO 3.501, IDENTIFYING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL HAS THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ORDINANCES OR REGULATIONS ADOPTED THROUGH MINNESOTA STATUTE 462.362, AND CITY 6 OF THE CHARTER.
NUMBER 2, REMOVING THE DEFINITION SECTION FROM 3.502, AND ESTABLISHING GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES INCLUDING EXEMPTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, SCHEDULES OF FINES AND FEES, AND ABATEMENT PROCEDURES.
NUMBER 3 IS REVISING 3.503 TO READ AS ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION APPLICATION, SPECIFYING WHO MAY CONDUCT ENFORCEMENT, SET PROCEDURES FOR HOW TO ISSUE CITATIONS, THE REQUIRED CONTENTS OF A CITATION, INCLUDING THE NATURE, DATE AND TIME OF THE VIOLATION, NAME OF THE OFFICIAL ISSUING THE NOTICE, AMOUNT OF THE SCHEDULED INITIAL PENALTY, AND THE RIGHT OF THE RECIPIENT TO CONTEST THE CITATION.
THE APPEALS PORTION IS IMPORTANT TO THIS.
THAT IS SOMETHING I THINK THAT OUR CURRENT CODE IS LACKING.
THE CITY SHALL APPOINT A NEUTRAL THIRD PARTY TO HEAR AND RULE ON SUCH CHALLENGES.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS ARE THE FAILURE TO PAY, AND ADMINISTRATION OF ANY FINES PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTE 169.999.
NUMBER 4, AMENDING 3.504, TO READ AS ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING, DETAILING THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS TO A LAWFUL ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING, INCLUDING THE PROCESS OF REQUESTING A HEARING,
[01:00:01]
CONFIRMATION OF THE HEARING, EXTENSIONS OR CONTINUANCES, FILE TRANSMISSION REQUIREMENTS, PRESENTATION OF THE CASE, DECISION, RIGHT TO APPEAL, FAILURE TO APPEAL, AND MEANS FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW AS PROVIDED IN STATE LAW AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL.NUMBER 5 IS AMENDING 3.503 PAYMENT TO 3.505, AND ESTABLISHING THE PAYMENT REQUIREMENT, 14 BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE TIME OF ISSUANCE OF THE NOTICE.
NUMBER 6, AMENDING 3.504 TO 3.506 TO FAILURE TO PAY AND RECOVERY OF CIVIL PENALTIES, AND ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR NON PAYMENT, SUCH AS LIENS, PERSONAL OBLIGATIONS, LATE FEES AND CHARGES, LICENSE REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION, CRIMINAL PENALTIES, AND ABATEMENT.
OTHER ITEMS THAT WILL REQUIRE FUTURE CITY COUNCIL ACTION IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE, INCLUDES AMENDING CHAPTER 5A, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE SECTION ON REMEDIES TO INCLUDE ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS, NUMBER 2, AMENDING THE FEE SCHEDULE TO REFLECT FINES AND FEES FOR PROCEDURES, AND NUMBER 3, APPROVING A LIST OF QUALIFIED HEARING EXAMINERS AND A PROCEDURE FOR APPOINTING AND EVALUATING EXAMINERS.
THIS CAME AS A RESULT OF CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY ATTORNEY, AND JUST A NEED TO ADDRESS CODE VIOLATIONS THROUGH A PROCESS OTHER THAN THE CRIMINAL CITATION PROCESS.
BASICALLY, THERE'S NO PROCESS IN BETWEEN SENDING THE CERTIFIED MAILINGS AND THEN ESCALATING TO A CRIMINAL CITATION, SO WE FELT VERY STRONGLY THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A PROCESS TO ADDRESS THOSE BEFORE IT GETS TO A CRIMINAL CITATION.
I THINK WE'VE HEARD FROM SOME OF THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION THAT THEY DON'T NECESSARILY WANT TO SEE THESE THINGS COME THROUGH CRIMINAL COURT.
WITH THAT, I WILL TAKE ANY QUESTIONS YOU GUYS HAVE.
>> THANK YOU, ANDREW. COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES.
>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT'S BEEN DONE ON THIS.
I DID HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE HEARING.
I WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS IN THE LAST TIME WE TALKED ABOUT IT, IS THE HEARING ALWAYS IN PERSON, OR IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PETITIONER TO REQUEST A VIRTUAL HEARING?
>> I'M OPEN TO EITHER, BUT I DEFER ON WHAT WE'RE LEGALLY ABLE TO DO BY LAW.
>> IN 2024 A FAIRLY COMMON PRACTICE, IF THERE IS A NEED TO HAVE A VIRTUAL HEARING, THAT WOULD BE PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE.
>> THAT DOES HIGHLIGHT A GOOD AREA THAT WE PROBABLY DO NEED TO CLARIFY THOUGH.
BUT MY INTENT IN LOOKING AT THIS WAS THAT IT WAS ALWAYS GOING TO BE AN AVAILABLE OPTION.
>> THANK YOU. I KNOW THE ANOKA COUNTY COURTS OFFERS THAT IN ALMOST EVERY CASE.
I JUST THINK WE ADD THAT TO THIS BECAUSE IT JUST SAYS LOCATION, WHICH COULD BE AN ONLINE LOCATION.
>> THANK YOU. COUNCIL MEMBER BISKINS.
>> I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS, THIS ITEM HERE.
I KNOW THE MAJORITY PEOPLE IN THE CITY FOLLOW THE RULES.
THEY FOLLOW THE CODES, THE REQUIREMENTS THEY NEED TO DO AND IF THEY SLIP UP, AND WE GO TO THEM AND ASK THEM TO PLEASE FIX WHATEVER IT IS CODE THEY'RE BREAKING.
MOST OF THEM USUALLY DO IT, BUT THERE'S A FEW IN TOWN THAT DON'T.
I'M GLAD THAT WE'RE FINALLY HAVING SOME TEETH ADDED TO THIS FOR THOSE THAT DECIDE THAT THEY'RE NOT GOING TO RESPECT OUR CODES AND OUR RULES THAT WE HAVE FOR THE CITY.
I'M VERY EXCITED TO HAVE THIS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK FOR YOU AND STAFF THAT EVERYONE HAS WORKED ON THIS.
THIS IS A LOT OF THINGS THAT NEEDED DETAILS THAT NEEDED TO BE PUT IN PLACE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. APPRECIATE IT.
>> JUST TO ADD ON THAT, THIS IS JUST LIKE A NEXT STEP.
I'D SAY IF BECAUSE WE DO REGULAR CODE LETTERS BASICALLY NOTIFYING SOMEONE OF A VIOLATION.
I FEEL LIKE THIS IS DESIGNED FOR THOSE THAT JUST DON'T MAKE ANY GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO ENGAGE WITH US AND WE HAVE TO SEND MULTIPLE LETTERS, 2, 3 TIMES BEFORE IT REACHES THAT NEXT STEP.
>> THANK YOU. ARE THERE ALSO BESIDES MULTIPLE LETTERS, OR IS JUST THE STAFF TIME? IT'S NOT JUST SENDING THE SAME LETTER, IT'S STAFF TIME INTO LOOKING INTO IT, FOLLOWING UP AS WELL, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> THAT IS, AND I'D ALSO SAY IT'S JUST A BETTER WAY FOR US TO COMMUNICATE TO RESIDENTS THAT HAVE CODE ISSUES, LIKE WHAT THE PROCESS IS GOING TO BE AND GIVING US SOME DELIVERABLES TO FOLLOW UP ON.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL? THANK YOU THEN. THANK YOU, ANDREW.
I HAVE A MOTION THEN TO WAIVE THE READING.
>> MOVE TO WAIVE THE READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 1702.
THERE BEING AMPLE COPIES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
>> I HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL MER JAMES,
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AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER SPRIGGS TO WAIVE THE READING.ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION PASSES, AND NEXT, I HAVE A MOTION TO SET THE SECOND READING.
>> MOVE TO SET THE SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 1702 BEING AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, ARTICLE 5, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FOR SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:00 PM.
>> MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER SPRIGGS TO SET THE SECOND READING. ANY DISCUSSION?
>> JUST BRIEFLY TO ADD IN SOMETHING ABOUT VIRTUAL AS A POTENTIAL LOCATION.
I THINK THAT'S WITHIN THE SAME.
WE CAN ADD THAT FOR THE SECOND READING I HOPE.
>> THANK YOU FOR CLARIFYING THAT.
I SEE NODDING OF HEADS SO THAT'S A YES?
>> THANK YOU FOR THE VERBAL QUALIFIER.
I HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCIL JAMES AND A SECOND BY COUNCIL BER SPRIGGS TO ADD THE WORD VIRTUAL AND TO SET THE SECOND READING.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS? THEN NOT HEARING ANY THEN, ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE?
>> ANY OPPOSED? THEN MOTION PASSES, TO SET THE SECOND READING FOR SEPTEMBER 23RD.
>> THANK YOU. WE DO NOT HAVE ANY BID CONSIDERATIONS OR BUS BUSINESS TO REPORT, SO THAT GOES TO OUR CITY COUNCIL REPORTS.
[CITY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS]
WHO WOULD LIKE TO START? COUNCIL SPRIGS.>> THANK YOU, JUST A COUPLE OF THINGS.
AS PER USUAL, ATTENDED OUR MONTHLY EDA AND WORK SESSION MEETINGS AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH.
THEN REALLY THE ONLY OTHER THING FOR ME IS JUST A QUICK UPDATE FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING FROM EARLIER THIS MONTH, WHERE THEY TALKED ABOUT A COUPLE OF THINGS.
ONE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF WHAT THEY'RE CALLING A MAKER SPACE OR SOME CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO COME IN, THAT'S IN DISCUSSIONS RIGHT NOW WITH THEM AND MORE TO COME ON THAT.
THEN ALSO JUST UPDATING SOME OF THEIR POLICIES IN TERMS OF BORROWING PROCEDURES AND STUFF TO REFLECT WITH SOME RECENT CHANGES TO AN ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARIES.
>> THANK YOU. COUNCILLOR JAMES.
>> ALL RIGHT. COUNCILLOR JAMES.
>> THANK YOU. ALONG WITH COUNCIL MEMBER BISKINS, I ATTENDED THE METRO CITIES HOUSING POLICY COMMITTEE ON AUGUST 28TH, AND THIS COMMITTEE WAS LOOKING AT DIFFERENT WAYS OF OUR CITIES WORKING TOGETHER FOR POLICY ADVOCACY.
A LOT OF THE ADVOCACY I REALLY APPRECIATE.
THERE WAS ONE THING THAT I'M WORKING TO THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS INTEREST BE KNOWN ON.
SOME OF THE METRO CITIES ARE HOPING TO PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF BUILDING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING THAT'S REQUIRED.
I SAID, WE REALLY WANT AFFORDABLE HOUSING BUILT IN THE METRO.
WE DON'T WANT SOME CITIES TO BE ABLE TO MAKE PAYMENTS.
I VOTED NO ON BEHALF OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, THAT'S STILL IN PROCESS, BUT RIGHT NOW WE ARE WORKING TOGETHER WITH OUR METRO PARTNERS ON THAT.
I WAS ALSO AT THE EDA IN THE WORK SESSION.
THE COMMENT I JUST WANTED TO MAKE ABOUT OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS WE ARE ALL WORKING TO FIND WAYS TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES AND HOMEOWNERS AND PROPERTY OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MADE A RECOMMENDATION TO RAISE THAT ONE SMALL PART OF OUR BUDGET SO THAT WE HAVE MORE MONEY AVAILABLE FOR OUR PROGRAMS THAT PUT MONEY BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.
OUR FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND OUR FIRE SUPPRESSION HAVE BEEN REALLY IMPORTANT IN OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND WE'RE ASKING TO RAISE THAT SO THAT WE HAVE ENOUGH FOR THAT, AS WELL AS OUR NEW HRA LEVY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND EVEN MONEY FOR POTENTIAL HOMEOWNER PROGRAMS. THESE ARE ALL THINGS THAT ARE STILL BEING ORGANIZED, BUT WE'RE WORKING TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH IN OUR BUDGET, SO WE HAVE PLENTY OF MONEY TO SEND BACK FOR THAT.
I ALSO ATTENDED THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FRIDY BUSINESS COUNCIL WITH THE TWIN CITIES NORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JUST ON FRIDAY.
THEY HAD A PRESENTATION ON CYBERSECURITY, AND CITY PLANNER ANDREW SHARED OUR COMMENTS ON WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR CITY.
OUR PARTNERS WERE THERE FROM OUR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND IT'S WONDERFUL TO CONNECT WITH THEM.
FINALLY, I ATTENDED THE MOVIE IN THE PARK, AND MY KIDS GOT TO SEE BACK TO THE FUTURE FOR THE FIRST TIME, WHICH THEY ENJOYED.
THEN COMING UP, I AM WORKING WITH THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ON SEPTEMBER 17, NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY.
IF YOU HAVE MOVED OR YOU JUST WANT TO CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION, YOU CAN DO THAT ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE WEBSITE TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE ALL REGISTERED, AND I WILL BE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL WORKING TO REGISTER OUR 18 YEAR OLDS AND 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS CAN ALSO GET PRE REGISTERED FOR WHEN THEY'RE READY TO VOTE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. COUNCILLOR BISKINS.
>> TURN IT ON. FIRST, I WANT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THE VFW ON SEPTEMBER 21ST, STARTING AT 1:00 AND GOING TO 4:00, WILL HAVE A FANTASTIC RIB FEST.
I WENT TO IT LAST YEAR, AND IT WAS REALLY GOOD.
I WANTED TO TRY EVERYBODY'S JUST ONE RIB FROM EACH ONE, BUT I WAS FULL, I THINK AFTER THE FIFTH ONE.
BUT IT'S A REALLY FUN PLACE TO CHECK OUT,
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AND I'M SURE IT'S GOING TO BE BIGGER THIS YEAR, SO PLEASE JOIN THE VFW AT THE RIB FEST.THE SECOND THING, I'M STILL VOLUNTEERING AND WORKING AT THE BLOOMING SUNSHINE GARDEN, JUST A REMINDER FOR FOLKS THAT IT'S ON OUR SIGN, BUT IF YOU CAN PICK WHAT YOU NEED, IT'S FREE.
WE HAVE SEVERAL THINGS COMING UP.
WE HAVE LOTS OF PEPPERS OUT THERE RIGHT NOW FOR FOLKS, BUT A REMINDER TO PICK WHAT YOU NEED AND LEAVE THE REST FOR OTHERS, SO WE CAN SHARE WITH THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY.
I ALSO ATTENDED, AS COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES MENTIONED THE METRO COUNCIL OF HOUSING, AND I WAS A LITTLE CONFUSED, BUT I GOT STRAIGHTENED OUT, AND I DEFINITELY SUPPORT WHAT SHE'S DOING.
I BELIEVE THAT ALL COMMUNITIES NEED TO CRY HELP CARRY THE BURDEN OF PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO OUR RESIDENTS, OUR PEOPLE IN OUR METRO AREA, AND I DON'T THINK JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE MONEY AVAILABLE TO BUY THEMSELVES OUT OF IT, I THINK IT'S A LOOPHOLE THAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED.
WE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HAS DONE A GREAT THING IN PROVIDING THREE NEW BUILDINGS IN THE LAST EIGHT YEARS TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR PEOPLE, AND WE ARE AFFORDABLE, THIRD MOST AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY IN THE CITY, AND I BELIEVE, SOME OF THESE OTHER DINA, MAPLE GROVE, THEY NEED TO START CARRYING THEIR WEIGHT AND NOT HAVE THIS ABILITY TO OPT OUT.
I ALSO ATTENDED MUSIC IN THE PARK, BUT IF SO FACTO, A BAND THAT WAS QUITE POPULAR IN THE '80S.
THAT WAS A LOT OF FUN, QUITE THE ATTENDANCE.
OUR SENIOR PROGRAM, HOSTED BY CANDY, WHOSE PHENOMENAL.
MY HUSBAND AND I WENT ON THE ST. CROIX RIVER CRUISE WITH THE SENIORS THIS WEEK, AND MY GOSH, IS IT BEAUTIFUL? IT'S SO PRETTY.
WE WERE SERENADED BY AN ELVIS SINGER, WHICH HE WAS ACTUALLY VERY GOOD.
IT WAS QUITE A NICE EVENING, AND CANDY DID A PHENOMENAL JOB.
I ALSO ATTENDED THE ART FAIR AT KEYES PARK.
RIGHT AFTER THAT, SORRY FOOD TRUCKS, BUT I DECIDED TO GO BUY MY LUNCH.
OVER AT THE RESERVOIR, THE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS WERE DOING A FUNDRAISER FOR THEIR SOCCER TEAM ON RESERVOIR, AND SO THEY HAD TACOS, AND THEIR MEXICAN CORN WAS REALLY GOOD AND FRUIT CUPS AND POP.
IT WAS FUN TO HANG OUT WITH THE GIRLS AND SOME NEIGHBORS AND HAVE LUNCH OVER THERE AND THAT WAS IT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. TODAY EARLIER TODAY, I ATTENDED OUR REGIONAL COUNCIL OF MAYOR'S MEETING.
WE HEARD SPEAKERS TODAY FROM THE NEW MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE, TALKING ABOUT PRINT AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE LOCAL NEWS.
WE'RE SO LUCKY HERE WITH OUR NORTHEASTER AND THE LIFE NEWSPAPER.
THERE ARE A LOT OF COMMUNITIES THAT DON'T HAVE A LOCAL NEWSPAPER, SO IT WAS GREAT TO HEAR FROM MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE WHAT THEY'RE DOING TO TRY TO BE OUT THERE IN LOCAL NEWS AND COVERING THE ELECTION.
ALSO, WE HAD STEVE SIMON AS A GUEST TODAY SPEAKING ABOUT WITH AN ELECTION UPDATE AND JUST REASSURING US OF WHAT THE COUNTY DOES, OUR STATE AND OUR CITIES DO FOR ELECTIONS.
ATTENDED WITH COUNCIL, OUR WORK SESSION AND EDA LAST WEEK.
I'M A LIAISON TO OUR PARK AND REC COMMISSION, AND LAST WEEK, WE MET AT SULLIVAN PARK, WHICH WAS REALLY NICE TO HAVE ONE OF OUR MEETINGS IN OUR PARK. THAT WAS GREAT.
I WAS GLAD THAT STAFF WAS ABLE TO MEET WITH PEOPLE THERE, AND IT IS A PARK THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A LOT RIGHT NOW, SO IT IS THE LOCATION OF OUR NEW FITNESS SPORT COURT SO WE'LL BE GOING THERE AS WELL.
I ATTENDED THE OFRONT GALA AS A FUNDRAISER FOR OUT FRONT MINNESOTA.
THAT'S ALL I HAVE FOR MY UPDATE, BUT I'M WONDERING IF THE CITY MANAGER, I KNOW SOME PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROPERTY AT 43RD IN CENTRAL, AND WONDERING IF YOU COULD GIVE IT A LITTLE UPDATE ON THAT, OTHERWISE REFERRED TO AS A RAINBOW SITE.
I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO GIVE A REPORT, AND YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN MENTIONING THAT.
>> THANK YOU, MADAM MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
SO THE RAINBOW SITE, THE CONVERSATION AROUND DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE IS PICKING UP.
WE THINK THAT WE'RE TRENDING IN DIRECTION THAT WOULD BE A SPRING 2025 GROUNDBREAKING.
THE PLANS THAT A LOT OF THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE FAMILIAR WITH FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ARE STILL INTACT.
WE'RE STILL WORKING WITH THE DEVELOPER OF THE PROJECT THAT WE'RE IN THIS EVENING, [INAUDIBLE].
THE PLANS INCLUDE AROUND 75,000 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL.
A SPACE FOR A GROCER PARTNER, A SPACE FOR A HARDWARE STORE, A FITNESS CENTER, THOSE ARE GROUPS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN THAT COMMERCIAL SPACE RIGHT NOW.
PHASE 1 WOULD ALSO HAVE APARTMENTS ABOVE THE GROCERY STORE AND HARDWARE STORE IN THIS CASE, AND THEN THE FITNESS CENTER STANDALONE, AND MULTIPLE PHASES TO FOLLOW,
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BUT REALLY WITH FINANCING AND CREDIT MARKETS LOOSENING A LITTLE BIT RIGHT NOW, THE DEVELOPER AND THE CITY ARE IN A BETTER POSITION TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE ENTITLEMENT PROCESS.THAT WOULD BE WE HAVE A CONCEPT RIGHT NOW OF WHAT WE THINK THIS IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE, BUT THE ACTUAL DESIGN AND PLANNING AND DETAILS OF THE ZONING AND LAND USE APPROVALS ARE YET TO BE DONE, AND WE EXPECT TO START THAT PROCESS TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR THROUGH THE FIRST PART OF 2025.
IT'S OBVIOUSLY VERY EXCITING, BUT THERE'LL BE SEVERAL PUBLIC HEARINGS THAT THE COMMUNITY CAN PARTICIPATE AS WE MOVE THROUGH THAT PROCESS.
IT'S ALSO COMING INTO ALIGNMENT WITH THE BROADER EFFORT OF CENTRAL AVENUE REDESIGN.
WE'RE MERGING A LOT OF DIFFERENT INITIATIVES.
STAFF SAT DOWN WITH MIN DOT AND THE DEVELOPER TODAY ON A CONFERENCE CALL TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE INTEGRATING THE REDESIGN OF CENTRAL INTO THE PLANNING FOR THIS PROJECT AS WELL.
IT'S VERY EXCITING FROM A STAFF PERSPECTIVE, AND WE'RE REALLY THRILLED TO BE MOVING THIS CONVERSATION WITH MORE MOMENTUM THAN WE HAVE IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.
>> THANK YOU. THANKS FOR UPDATE.
>> ABSOLUTELY. JUST A FEW ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS AND THINGS TO BE AWARE OF FOR THE CITY.
WE'RE OPENLY RECRUITING MEMBERS FOR THE MAC COMMITTEE.
THE MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS EVERY OTHER MONTH, USUALLY ON THE THIRD TUESDAY AT 6:30 PM AT THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING.
TO HOUR MEETINGS GENERALLY, IF YOU'RE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT OFFICER WOOD AT THE CITY'S POLICE DEPARTMENT.
YOUTH COMMISSIONER APPLICATIONS ARE DUE SEPTEMBER 13.
THIS IS THE REVISIONED YOUTH COMMISSION, AND THERE'S OPPORTUNITIES TO SIT ON THE LIBRARY BOARD, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, PLANNING COMMISSION, OR SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT CITY HALL.
WE HAVE THE 2024 MOVIE IN THE PARK FINALE COMING UP ON SEPTEMBER 13TH.
THAT'S FRIDAY THE 13TH, WHERE THE SERIES WILL END FOR THIS YEAR, AND WE'RE SHOWING SHREK WITH SPANISH SUBTITLES, TAKES PLACE AT MCKENNA PARK AT 7:30 PM.
THERE WILL BE FREE POPCORN, THAT'S COURTESY OF MAGNIFY FINANCIAL SUPPLIES LAST.
THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON AN UPCOMING REDESIGN EFFORT FOR HIGHWAY 47 OR UNIVERSITY AVENUE.
THERE'S A MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AT THE FRIDLEY CITY HALL FROM 5:00-7:00 PM.
STAFF FROM THE PROJECT TEAM FROM MIND WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND TAKE COMMENTS.
THERE ISN'T A FORMAL PRESENTATION, BUT MORE OF AN OPEN HOUSE TO SHOW HOW THAT CONVERSATION IS PROGRESSING FOR REDESIGN OF 47TH.
THEN FINALLY, THERE IS KANAFA WITH A COP ON SEPTEMBER 17TH WITH THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
YOU CAN JOIN THEM FROM 5:00-7:00 PM AT GOLDEN NUTS, WHICH IS 40 801 CENTRAL AVENUE NORTHEAST, AND ATTENDEES WILL BE ABLE TO TRY SOME KANAFA AND SIT DOWN WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. THAT'S IT.
THAT TAKES US TO OUR COMMUNITY FORUM.
IS THERE ANYONE HERE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK AT THAT? I WILL JUST SAY ONE MORE TIME, IF ANYONE IN THE CHAMBER WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK AT THE COMMUNITY FORUM, YOU CAN JUST RAISE YOUR HAND.
SEEING THERE IS NONE, THEN, MAY I HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. WHY NOT?
>> I HAVE A MOTION BY COUNCILLORS SPRIGGS AND A SECOND BY COUNCILLORS BISKINS TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
ANY DISCUSSION? SINCE IS NONE, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE?
>> ANY OPPOSED? THE MEETING IS ADJOURNED. THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.