City Council Work Session 08/03/2026 06:00 PM City Hall—Shared Vision 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 http://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/joinameeting 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
  If you were showing someone around our community for the first time, what is one place you would want them to experience? It could be a favorite park, restaurant, scenic overlook, quite spot in nature, neighborhood corner, public art or even a city project or public works improvement you are especially proud of. What makes that place special to you?
  Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor

• 2.Presentation by Independent Auditor Regarding Audit of the 2025 Financial Statements. (20 minutes)
  Presenting Item: Rebecca M. Petersen, Redpath and Company

  When the City Council considers the information in the auditor’s presentation, Ms. Petersen and City staff  welcome any questions the City Council may have regarding the audit process or information contained in the 2025 financial statements.

• 3.Parks and Recreation System Plan Update. (30 Minutes)
  Presenting Item: John W. Stutzman, Parks and Recreation Director and MEND Collaborative

  No action needed. For City Council review and discussion only.

• 4.Review of the 2025 Canvas Health social workers statistics with the CHPD.
  Presenting Item: Matthew Markham, Chief of Police

  After reviewing the slideshow, discussion of statistics and the on-going partnership between Canvas Health and the CHPD.

• 5.Review Implementation of Police Department Technology Advisory Committee. (30 minutes)
  Presenting Item: Matthew Markham, Chief of Police

  Seeking Council input and direction on the creation and selection of a Technology Advisory Committee: 
  1. Creation of Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) to provide structured community insight into the planning, implementation and evaluation of technological tools used by the Police Department. 

  2. Approval to select members for the TAC after applicants have completed the requirements. 

  3. Approval by the Council of the committee’s responsibilities and members.

• 6.Continue Discussion on MnDOT’s Central Avenue Improvements Project Layout. (30 Minutes)
  Presenting Item: Rochelle Widmer, City Engineer

  Staff requests that Council readdress the following GSI locations to determine the final conditions of Council approval:

  GSI 37E2 at 3825 Central Ave

  GSI 41E1 at 4110 Central Ave

  GSI SL1 Sullivan Lake/Medtronic Site

  Staff also requests that Council review and discuss these additional project layout items as introduced by City Staff:

  52nd Ave Intersection Preference

  4300 Central Ave Easement

• 7.Code Enforcement Update. (10 Minutes)
  Presenting Item: Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director

  Staff is providing a general update; no direction is requested.

• 8.Rental Density Cap Discussion. (20 Minutes)
  Presenting Item: Mitchell Forney, Community Development Director

  Staff are requesting direction on how the council would like to administer the rental density cap moving forward.

• 9.Discussion of Request for Proposals for Legal Services. (15 Minutes)
  Presenting Item: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager

  Staff requests Council feedback on the proposed review process, including council participation in finalist interviews before a contract is brought forward for formal council action.

• 10.City Manager Follow Up on Previous Work Session Topics. (15 Minutes)
  Presenting Item: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager

• 11.Council Corner.
  Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor
  
  Monthly Calendar Sharing
  Monthly Event Notification, Attendance and Past Event Updates
  Monthly Proclamations and Meeting Guests
  Chatham Road Safety Discussion
  Silver Lake - AIS Removal Cost Participation
  Kordiak Park – Letter to County Regarding Continuation of City Events
  Concerns re Data Center in Columbia Heights

ADJOURNMENT