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Columbus, MN

Columbus public meetings in 2022

59 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Wed Dec 28, 2022

Council

Agenda contains only architectural drawings, no council business

This document is not a meeting agenda but a set of architectural elevation sheets for a proposed building by Classic Construction at 18542 Ulysses St. NE, East Bethel, MN, for Blaine Brothers Truckaline. It includes color elevations and perspectives dated October 20, 2022, with a December 27, 2022 handout note. No council decisions, discussions, or procedural items are present.

architectural-plansbuilding-permitconstruction
✓ Decided: Council approves Blaine Brothers TruckAline development and new zoning districts

The City Council approved the preliminary plat and conditional use permit for the Blaine Brothers TruckAline business. Council also adopted ordinances creating a C/I-Light District and updated public nuisance and abatement codes.

Wed Dec 14, 2022

Council

Council reviews 2023 budget and property tax levy

The Columbus City Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget and property tax levy. The agenda includes detailed tax rate history, tax capacity data, and estimated property tax impacts for various property types. The council is deciding on the final levy and budget for the upcoming year.

budgetproperty-taxlevyfinancecolumbus
✓ Decided: Columbus City Council approves 2023 budget and final tax levy

The City Council approved the 2023 budget and tax levy, including a 4.5% cost-of-living adjustment for staff. The council also updated the city fee schedule and approved the sale of city-owned land to Running Aces Harness Park.

Mon Nov 21, 2022

Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves new C/I District zoning ordinance and liquor license

The Council approved a proposed ordinance for the Commercial/Industrial (C/I) District and scheduled a public hearing for December 21. Other key actions included granting a malt liquor license to Holiday Stationstores and approving a swimming pool abatement cost assessment.

Wed Nov 16, 2022

Council

Council certifies Nov. 8 election results; Preiner wins mayor

The Columbus City Council is canvassing and certifying the official results of the November 8, 2022 State General Election. Jesse H. Preiner won the mayoral race with 1,119 votes to Dave Povolny's 1,105. The top two vote-getters for City Council at large are Ron Hanegraaf (987 votes) and Janet Hegland (911 votes).

election-resultscanvassingmayorcity-councilvoter-turnout
✓ Decided: City Council certifies local election results

Acting as the Board of Canvass, the City Council approved the local election results for the Columbus P-1 precinct. The results included 2,295 ballots cast, representing 75.69 percent of registered voters.

Tue Nov 15, 2022

Park Board

Columbus Park Board discusses 10-year park and trail master plan, survey results

The Park Board reviewed survey data and discussed priorities for a new Park and Trail System Master Plan. The survey of 86 respondents showed walking as the top park use and highlighted trail expansion as a key priority. The board also considered funding strategies and how to connect local trails to regional systems.

parkstrailsmaster-plansurveyfundingcommunity-input
✓ Decided: Park Board recommends sale of Howard Lake Park and increases field fees

The Park Board recommended that the City Council begin the process of disposing of Howard Lake Park property. The board also approved fee increases for field reservations and tournaments. Staff were directed to research the decommissioning of Hidden Park.

Wed Nov 9, 2022

Council

Council to nominate Patricia Preiner for Rice Creek Watershed board

The City Council will consider a resolution nominating Patricia Preiner for reappointment to the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers. Three applicants have requested the Council's recommendation to the Anoka County Board of Commissioners, which makes the final appointment. The term runs from January 2023 to January 2026.

watershedappointmentsrice-creek-watershed-districtcity-council
✓ Decided: Columbus City Council approves 2023 law enforcement contract and fund transfers

The City Council approved the 2023 Law Enforcement Contract and several municipal fund transfers. The council also nominated Pat Preiner to the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers and approved a new funding formula for the Sunrise River WMO. Discussions regarding commercial design standards and animal control amendments were deferred.

Tue Nov 1, 2022

Council

Council to adopt code for abating public safety nuisances

The City Council is considering adopting Chapter 16C of the City Code, which establishes uniform procedures for abating public safety nuisances, substandard housing, and hazardous structures. The code allows city officials to issue violation notices and orders, and authorizes the Council to hold hearings and issue abatement orders with deadlines. Property owners who fail to comply may be billed for the city's abatement costs, which can be collected as special assessments against the property.

Thu Oct 27, 2022

Council

Council to vote on special assessments for water and sewer improvements

The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting a special assessment roll for properties benefiting from water and sewer improvements. A study found the average benefit to be $2.45 per square foot for properties with city services.

✓ Decided: City Council approves special assessments for three infrastructure projects

The City Council adopted three resolutions to levy special assessments on properties benefiting from specific public improvements. These assessments will be sent to the County to be added to property owner taxes.

Wed Oct 26, 2022

Council

Council to vote on allowing school group bingo and raffle

The council will vote on a resolution to approve the Columbus Parent Teacher Organization's request to conduct excluded bingo and raffles at 17345 Notre Dame Street on November 18, 2022. The agenda also includes a group application for the Minnesota Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP) for employee health coverage.

gamblingschoolinsuranceemployee-benefits
✓ Decided: Council discusses draft ordinance for Residential Zoned Businesses

The City Council reviewed a draft ordinance regarding Residential Zoned Business (RZB) moratoriums and home occupations. No final vote was taken on the ordinance; the Council reached a consensus on several edits to be incorporated into a final draft for a future public hearing.

Wed Oct 12, 2022

Meeting

EDA develops survey questions for local business owners

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) is reviewing a list of suggested questions to ask business owners. The questions focus on business growth, city communication, and the permitting process.

economic-developmentbusinesspermittingcommunication
Wed Oct 12, 2022

Council

Council discusses 182nd Lane cul-de-sac bus stop issue

The council is discussing a request from the school district for a bus stop on a cul-de-sac on 182nd Lane NE. The public works director reports that the required 115-foot diameter turnaround would need extensive right-of-way acquisition, tree clearing, and grading. No cost estimates have been prepared pending council direction.

roadsschoolspublic-workstransportation
Tue Oct 11, 2022

Council

City Council schedules hearings for $1.5 million in infrastructure assessments

The City Council is processing assessments for two infrastructure projects. Public hearings for both items are scheduled for October 27, 2022, at City Hall.

infrastructuresewerwater-mainstorm-waterassessments
Mon Oct 10, 2022

Council

Columbus considers new citywide speed limit policy

The City Council is reviewing a draft speed limit policy prepared by Bolton & Menk, Inc. to establish a consistent procedure for setting and changing speed limits on city-owned roads. The policy proposes shifting away from the 85th percentile speed method to a system based on roadway classification and land use.

roadspublic-safetytraffictransportation
Wed Sep 28, 2022

Council

Columbus presents preliminary 2023 budget and 2022 levy summary

The City of Columbus is presenting its preliminary budget and levy for the 2023 tax year. The document outlines projected spending and levies across various city funds including General, Public Works, and Public Safety.

budgettaxesfinancepublic-workspublic-safety
Thu Sep 22, 2022

Council

Columbus City Council reviews proposed 2023 Capital Improvement Plan budget

The council is discussing proposed budget worksheets for the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan. The documents outline projected spending and revenue for public works equipment, road maintenance, parks, and fire equipment through 2032.

budgetroadsparksfire-departmentpublic-works
Wed Sep 14, 2022

Council

Park Board recommends 2023 budget updates and maintenance contracts

The Park Board is proposing budget reallocations for tree and tennis court maintenance and recommending the renewal of service contracts for portable toilets and mowing. These recommendations will be voted on by the City Council at the September 22nd budget meeting.

parksbudgetcontractsmaintenance
Tue Sep 13, 2022

Council

City of Columbus considers new speed limit policy and roadway changes

The City Council is reviewing a proposed speed limit policy developed by Bolton & Menk, Inc. This policy establishes procedures for setting speed limits on city-owned streets to balance public safety and transportation mobility. The document includes recommendations for specific speed limit changes on several local roads.

public safetytransportationroadwayspolicytraffic
Tue Sep 13, 2022

Meeting

Economic Development Authority reviews 2022 goals list

The Economic Development Authority is reviewing its 2022 goals list. The document outlines the status of legislative initiatives, marketing projects, and business attraction efforts.

economic-developmentmarketinginfrastructurebusiness-growth
Thu Sep 8, 2022

Park Board

Park Board discusses Park Master Plan for Columbus City Park and Hidden Park

The Park Board is reviewing the planning process and vision for the Park Master Plan. The discussion focuses on using survey data and the Comprehensive Plan to prioritize amenities and determine funding strategies.

parksplanningcity-managementinfrastructure
Wed Aug 31, 2022

Council

Columbus City Council discusses 2023 budget workpapers

The City Council is reviewing 2023 budget discussion workpapers. The documents outline projects totaling approximately $590,000 with no tax increase.

budgetcode-enforcementitcommunity-eventspublic-communications
Wed Aug 24, 2022

Council

City Council to review road right-of-way plat for West Freeway Drive

The City Council is reviewing Road Right-of-Way Plat No. 2 for a portion of future West Freeway Drive. The document details land parcels and acreage for the project in Section 24, Township 32, Range 22.

roadsright-of-wayinfrastructurezoning
Tue Aug 23, 2022

Meeting

Public Works Advisory Board to discuss 2023 budget and equipment

The Public Works Advisory Board will review updates on 2022 projects and discuss the 2023 budget. The board will also hold a discussion regarding a road grader.

public-worksbudgetroadsequipment
Wed Aug 10, 2022

Council

City Council considers Park Construction CUP request and HVAC bids

The Council is reviewing a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request from Park Construction, which is opposed by local residents. The meeting materials also include HVAC replacement bids for city offices and a resolution regarding American Rescue Plan Act funds.

zoninghvaccontractsbudgetpublic-works
Wed Aug 10, 2022

Meeting

EDA proposes $92,000 special benefit tax levy for 2023

The Columbus Economic Development Authority is approving a budget and proposing a special benefit tax levy for fiscal year 2023. The funds are intended for public right of way improvement projects in the commercial district.

budgettaxesroadseconomic-development
Thu Aug 4, 2022

Council

Construction plans for St. Clair Lakes wetland buffer zone

The document details construction and site planning specifications for the St. Clair Lakes project. It outlines requirements for a wetland management criteria (WMC) buffer, including specific signage standards and infrastructure placement.

zoningwetlandsinfrastructureconstruction
Wed Jul 27, 2022

Council

Council discusses Hagert Park sale proceeds and broadband expansion

The Park Board requested a split of the Hagert Park sale proceeds between the General Fund and the Park Capital Fund. The Council also received a resolution supporting Anoka County's efforts to expand broadband services via state grant programs.

parksbroadbandbudgetinfrastructuregovernment
Thu Jul 14, 2022

Park Board

Park Board discusses master plan, budget, and tree report

The Park Board will discuss the Park Master Plan and the 2023 Budget & Capital Plan. The meeting also includes a report regarding existing trees' girdling and recommendations.

parksbudgetenvironmentplanning
Wed Jul 13, 2022

Council

Columbus City Council to consider Mn/DOT partnership contract

The City Council will discuss a master partnership contract with Mn/DOT and a petition for 170th Ave. The body will also consider adding acoustics to the City Council Chamber and schedule a 2023 budget meeting.

contractsroadsbudgetinfrastructure
Tue Jul 12, 2022

Council

City Council workshop meeting scheduled for July 12, 2022

The City Council will hold a workshop meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes a presentation, discussion, and questions on topics to be determined.

government-operationsworkshop
Wed Jun 22, 2022

Council

City of Columbus proposes animal control agreement with Companion Animal Control LLC

The City is reviewing a three-year agreement for animal control services provided by Companion Animal Control LLC. The contractor will handle animal impoundments, nuisance complaints, and transport to the Northwoods Humane Society.

animal-controlcontractspublic-safetyordinances
Tue Jun 14, 2022

Council

Council discusses Code Enforcement job description and Events Subcommittee status

The Council is reviewing the requirements and duties for a Code Enforcement Officer position. Additionally, the council is addressing the timeline for the Events Subcommittee due to staff constraints and volunteer recruitment challenges.

government-operationspublic-safetycommunity-eventsemployment
Wed Jun 8, 2022

Council

Council considers moratorium on industrial and vehicle service developments

The City Council is considering an interim ordinance to pause the development, construction, or expansion of specific industrial and vehicle-related businesses. This moratorium would apply to the Commercial/Industrial and Mixed Use Low Density Residential Districts while a planning study is conducted. The study will assess the need for changes to the city's zoning code regarding these uses.

zoningindustrialbusinessdevelopmentordinance
Wed May 25, 2022

Council

Columbus proposes moratorium on certain industrial and contractor business expansions

The City Council is considering an interim ordinance to pause the development, construction, or expansion of specific trade and vehicle-related businesses. This moratorium would allow the city to conduct a planning study on zoning controls in the Commercial/Industrial and Mixed Use Low Density Residential Districts.

zoningmoratoriumcommercial-developmentland-useplanning-study
Wed May 11, 2022

Park Board

Park Board reviews tree planting bids for city project

The Park Board is reviewing multiple quotes for a tree planting project involving maples and hackberry trees. The discussion includes various pricing options for tree procurement, delivery, planting, and mulch from several local nurseries.

parkstreesprocurementlandscaping
Wed May 11, 2022

Council

City Engineer recommends $125,378.66 reduction in St. Clair Lakes letter of credit

The City Engineer is recommending the approval of a request to reduce the letter of credit for the St. Clair Lakes Addition project. The reduction is based on the value of construction materials currently on-site for watermain, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer work.

developmentconstructioninfrastructurest-clair-lakes
Tue May 10, 2022

Meeting

No official business items listed for May 10, 2022 meeting

The provided text is a zoning map legend and coordinate list from December 2021 rather than a meeting agenda. There are no decisions, proposals, or discussion items listed for this date.

zoningmapping
Tue May 10, 2022

Council

Update on West Freeway Drive realignment and improvement project

The Council is reviewing a status update for the West Freeway Drive realignment. The project includes design updates for drainage, access, and lighting, with construction staging planned through 2023.

roadsconstructioninfrastructuretransportation
Thu Apr 28, 2022

Council

Columbus Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meets to review property assessments

The Board is convening to hear property owner appeals regarding 2022 valuations and classifications. These assessments determine the property taxes payable in 2023.

taxesproperty-assessmentpublic-hearings
Wed Apr 27, 2022

Council

Council reviews bids for city tree planting and Associate Planner job description

The Council is reviewing multiple vendor bids for the purchase and planting of maples and hackberry trees. Additionally, the agenda includes a job description for an Associate Planner position and a recommendation for volunteer recruitment for community events.

landscapinghiringvolunteersparks-and-recreationcity-administration
Wed Apr 13, 2022

Meeting

Senate bill proposes new aid distribution for small municipalities

Senate File 3340 proposes a new distribution of the state general levy to qualifying low-aid municipalities. This legislation targets cities with populations under 5,000 that do not receive local government aid or municipal state-aid street funds.

taxationmunicipal-aidstate-governmentbudget
Wed Apr 13, 2022

Council

Blake Drilling Company submits final building elevation drawing

John Williams of Blake Drilling Company submitted a revised architectural rendering for a building elevation. The submission includes updated measurements regarding non-metal surface area requirements.

constructionarchitecturebuilding-elevation
Tue Apr 12, 2022

Council

Anoka County presents Coon Lake County Park planning process

Anoka County is gathering public input regarding improvements and usage of Coon Lake County Park. The process includes compiling feedback to develop a concept master plan for the park.

parksrecreationplanningpublic-input
Tue Mar 29, 2022

Park Board

No meeting agenda provided

The provided text is not a meeting agenda; it is a technical as-built drawing from 2009 for a project involving basketball and pickleball courts.

parksinfrastructure
Wed Mar 23, 2022

Council

Council approves conditional permit for Blake Drilling Co. building expansion

The City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit amendment for Blake Drilling Co. Inc. to expand its office and warehouse building at 13528 Lake Drive NE. The approval is conditional upon the company presenting updated building elevations by April 13, 2022, to ensure compliance with metal-facing requirements.

zoningbusinessconstructionland-use
Wed Mar 9, 2022

Council

City considers development agreement amendment for Love’s Travel Plaza

The City Council is reviewing a first amendment to a development agreement with Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. The amendment concerns the reconstruction of Hornsby Street NE from Highway 97 to the plaza entrance. The developer is responsible for all costs associated with the road project.

roadsdevelopmentinfrastructurecontracts
Tue Mar 8, 2022

Council

Council reviews policy and fees for public facility use

The Council is reviewing a new policy regulating the use of the City's Community/Sr. Center. The proposed policy outlines rules for building access, priority of use, and restrictions on alcohol, smoking, and gambling.

government-policypublic-facilitiesparkscommunity-center
Mon Feb 28, 2022

Planning Zoning

City of Columbus provides informational guide on zoning variance applications

The provided document is an informational handout regarding the procedures and requirements for applying for a zoning variance. It outlines the eligibility criteria and the process for review by the Planning Commission and City Council.

zoningvariancescity-codeplanning
Wed Feb 23, 2022

Council

Public hearing for Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack liquor license renewal

The Columbus City Council will hold a public hearing to review a 2022 hotel liquor license renewal request for North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC. The application includes Sunday and 2:00 AM sales for the premises located at 15201 and 15215 Zurich Street.

liquorbusinesspublic-hearingzoning
Wed Feb 9, 2022

Council

Building material and facade specifications for a Columbus project

The provided document contains technical specifications for building materials including stone, siding, and roofing. It details exterior finishes such as Hardie plank lap siding and cultured stone for a project located in Columbus, MN.

constructionbuilding-materialszoningdevelopment
Tue Feb 8, 2022

Council

Council discusses the 182nd Ave Cul de Sac Improvement Project

The City Council will hold a workshop regarding the 182nd Ave Cul de Sac Improvement Project. This item includes a presentation, discussion, and question period.

infrastructureroadspublic-works
Tue Feb 8, 2022

Meeting

Discussion of desired uses for the NE Quad development

The meeting includes a discussion regarding proposed land uses for the NE Quad development. The list includes retail, residential, and service-oriented options.

zoningdevelopmentretailhousing
Thu Feb 3, 2022

Council

Council considers hiring Public Communications Coordinator and interim accounting firm

The City Council will discuss hiring a full-time Public Communications Coordinator and contracting an interim accounting service. These items follow a report from the Personnel Committee regarding candidate evaluations and staffing gaps.

personnelcontractsbudgetadministration
Wed Jan 26, 2022

Council

City Council considers sale of Hagert Park property

The City Council is reviewing a resolution to sell city-owned land known as the Hagert Park property to an adjacent landowner. The body is also considering a contract amendment with MNSPECT regarding building inspection service fees.

real-estateparkscontractsbuilding-inspection
Wed Jan 19, 2022

Council

City Council and Planning Commission discuss Residential Zone Business rules

The City Council and Planning Commission are reviewing current ordinances for Residential Zone Businesses (RZB) and discussing a proposed permit moratorium. Members are evaluating whether to amend ordinances to allow businesses with larger impacts or to reflect modern work-from-home trends.

zoningbusiness-permitsordinancesresidential-zones
Wed Jan 12, 2022

Meeting

Columbus EDA releases 2021 Annual Report detailing city growth

The Economic Development Authority provided a draft annual report reviewing 2021 infrastructure and business projects. The document outlines completed roadwork and new commercial developments, while forecasting additional projects for 2022.

economic-developmentinfrastructurecommercial-growthzoningroads
Wed Jan 12, 2022

Council

City reviews organizational charts and professional service rates

The City Council is reviewing a draft organizational chart for 2022 and committee assignments. The meeting materials include a service extension for city engineering and updated 2022 billing rates for legal services.

administrationcontractsengineeringlegal-services
Tue Jan 11, 2022

Economic Development Authority

Columbus EDA reports 2021 development progress and upcoming projects

This document is an annual report reviewing economic activity and infrastructure completed in 2021. It details new business constructions, road improvements, and planned developments for 2022.

economic developmentconstructioninfrastructurezoningbusiness
Tue Jan 11, 2022

Council

Council reviews community feedback on Camp 3 Road temporary closure

The council is reviewing survey data and community feedback regarding the temporary closure of Camp 3 Road between Kettle River Boulevard and Lake Drive. The data analyzes travel patterns, safety encounters, and the potential impact of a permanent closure.

roadstraffic-safetycommunity-surveyinfrastructure
Fri Jan 7, 2022

Meeting

EDA to discuss business attraction and revitalization strategies

The Economic Development Authority is holding a special meeting to brainstorm ways to revitalize the EDA. The body will discuss strategies for attracting new businesses that align with the city's Comprehensive Plan.

economic-developmentbusiness-attractioncomprehensive-plan