City Council Work Session 02/02/2026 06:00 PM City Hall—Central Place Room, 3989 Central Ave NE

Board and Commission Meeting
Agenda section
meeting date

ITEM:
Presenting Item:
DEPARTMENT:		BY/DATE:
CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below)
_Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity _High Quality Public Spaces _Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone			_Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking _Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community

RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):

MOTION:

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, or by using Microsoft Teams Meeting at ID 244 591 441 962 9, Passcode GH63Mp9D. For questions, please contact Administration at 763-706-3610.

Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

• Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms.
  While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will help us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed.

WORK SESSION ITEMS

• 1.Group Ice Breaker: Share your best adventure or an adventure you are looking forward to having one day.
  Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor

• 2.Update on Meter Reading and Responses. (15 Minutes)
  Presented by Joseph Kloiber, Finance Director

  Staff requests that the City Council receive a presentation on the capabilities of the new meter reading system and its use by staff and customers. This will aid the City Council’s understanding of the related customer policy under development by staff.

• 3.2026 Events Schedule. (15 Minutes)
  Presented by Will Rottler, Communications & Engagement Coordinator

  Staff want to inform the City Council of the events that are already scheduled for this year. Due to changes in staffing and funding, there could be additional opportunities for City events and partnerships.

• 4.Banners Along Central Ave NE/37th Ave NE/37th Place NE. (15 Minutes)
  Presented by Will Rottler, Communications & Engagement Coordinator

  Staff are seeking feedback and guidance from the City Council regarding the design/placement of banners along Central Ave NE, 37th Ave NE, and 37th Place NE. Along with the City banners, Staff would like direction regarding the Columbia Heights-Fridley Kiwanis Club banner program, and any other banner program a different community group would like to start.

• 5.Employee Recognition Program / Updates to Sunshine Fund. (10 Minutes)
  Presented by Will Rottler, Communications & Engagement Coordinator / Sara Ion, City Clerk

  Staff are seeking feedback regarding a new employee recognition program and updates to the City’s Sunshine Fund. Following this conversation, Staff would like to have the City’s Health & Wellness Committee weigh in on the potential changes.

• 6.Update On Metronet/T-Mobile Acquisition of USI.  (10 Minutes)
  Presented by: Jesse Hauf, IT Director

  This is an informational item, and staff are not seeking any specific input.

• 7.Listening Session Follow-up and Collation Planning Update.
  Presented iby: Aaron Chirpich – City Manager

  Staff are seeking feedback and direction regarding future action items and participation in the collation effort.

• 8.Assistant City Manager and Acting City Manager Planning. (10 Minutes)
  Aaron Chirpich – City Manager

  Staff requests a brief discussion and seeks feedback regarding the proposed management plan.

• 9.City Manager Follow-up Regarding Previous Work Session Topics. (15 Minutes)
  Presenting Item: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager

• 10.Council Corner.
  Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor

  Monthly Calendar Sharing
  Monthly Event Notification, Attendance and Past Event Updates
  Monthly Proclamations and Meeting Guests

ADJOURNMENT