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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 28, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 28, 2002 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 28, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Pastor David Briley, Oak Hill Baptist Church, gave the invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams, Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Peterson recognized the death of Senator Wellstone and aH those Mlled in the plane crash last Friday. He read an e-mail that he received from a resident, which included a poem of peace. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Fehst suggested setting a joint meeting date with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) regarding the Industrial Area. Peterson placed this under item 7D. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations - none B) Presentations - none c) Introductions Mayor Peterson introduced Matthew Henry, a new member on the Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Henry gave his background. Peterson thanked him for volunteering his time. Mayor Peterson introduced David Payne, a new member on the Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Payne gave his background Peterson thanked him for volunteering his time. D) Recognition - none CONSENT AGENDA Walt Fehst, City Manager, took Council through the consent items. 1) Minutes for Approval - October 14, 2002 regular meeting and October 15 Special Assessment Levy Hearing a) Motion to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented. b) Motion to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2002 Special Assessment Levy Hearing as presented. 2) Authorize purchase of one Star/Tribune subscription on microfilm - Removed 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-65, being a resolution changing Council meetings dates in November and December 2002. Removed 4) Authorize Change Order #1 and final payment for Miscellaneous Concrete Project 2000-00. Motion to authorize Contract Change Order No. 1 for additional work added to the contract by the City to Ti-Zack Concrete, Inc. in the amount of $8,399.10 with funding out of the appropriate funds. Motion to accept the work for 2000 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project #2000-00 and authorize final payment of $250.00 to Ti-Zack Concrete, Inc. of Le Center, MN. City Council Minutes October 28, 2002 Page 2 of 8 5) Award of Bid for Street Decorations - Removed prior to the meeting - placed under bid considerations 6) Authorize Bonding for Public Improvements -Removed 7) Approve Premises Permit Application Class B Gambling License for the Columbia Heights Athletic Booster Club Motion to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control Board stating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the issuance of a Class B charitable gambling license for Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters Club to be conducted at the 500 Club, 500 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN; and furthermore, that the City Council hereby waives the remainder of the sixty-day notice to the local governing body. 8) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for October 28, 2002 as presented, regarding the new licenses for 2002 and renewals for 2003. Wyckoff listed the license request,'. 9) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to approve payment of the bills out of the proper funds as listed in the attached check register covering Check Number 100402 through 100627 in the amount of $754,037.80. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to approve the Consent Agenda items, except for items number 2, 3, and 6. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Item #2 Subscription to microfilm Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to authorize purchase of one subscription to the Star/Tribune on microfilm for 2003 from the authorized, proprietary company producing it for the cost of $3,365.25. Nawrocki asked last year's cost. Becky Loader, Library Director, indicated the charge last year was $3,092.25. Nawrocki indicated this is a ten percent increase and that other options are available which could be a cost saving measure. Loader indicated this is for research of specific information, and a supplement to the computer. Nawrocki stated this information is available through the Anoka County Library. Loader stated it is available only at the Blaine library. Williams asked how many years we have purchased this information. Loader responded 1971, and that researchers look at many different past year editions. Williams felt that a lot of people would expect to find this information at the library. Loader stated the research is done individually, so the specific number of users can not be determined. Wyckoff stated that the Library Board has determined this to be apart of the library collection and stands by their decision. Williams referred to the poor lighting in the Library Board room. Loader stated she woulddiscuss this with the Board. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes - 1 nay. Motion carried. Item #3 - Change of meeting dates Nawrocki indicated that he has a standing meeting on the second Tuesday of each month and suggested th combining the November Council meeting with the EDA meeting on November 13 . Patty Muscovitz, th Deputy City Clerk, indicated the requirement to canvas election result; by November 12 . Nawrocki suggested meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 5.'30p. m. City Council Minutes October 28, 2002 Page 3 of 8 Motion by Nawrocki to reschedule the November 11, 2002 City Council meeting to Tuesday, November 12, 2002 beginning at 5:30 p.m. because of the Veterans Day holiday. Second by Williams. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Peterson indicated the suggestion to combine the two December City Council meetings into one meeting. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-65, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2002-65 to combine the December 2002 City Council meeting dates and to include the change of the November 11, 2002 meeting date. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-65 BEING A RESOLUTION CHANGING THE DATES OF CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 2002 WHEREAS: The City Council has decided to change the dates of regular Council meetings scheduled for November 11, 2002; December 9, 2002 and December 23, 2002, and; WHEREAS: The first regular Council meeting in November, 2002 would heretofore have been scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2002 which is a legal holiday, has now been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, and; WHEREAS: The date of the first regular Council meeting in December would heretofore have been scheduled for December 9, 2002 and the second regular Council meeting in December would heretofore have been scheduled for Monday, December 23, 2002, have now been combined and rescheduled for Monday, December 16, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all interested parties be advised of this change with the traditional convening time of 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. #6 Bonding for Public Improvements Bill Elrite, Finance Director, indicated this has been discussed at several Council meetings, and he was instructed to also get quotes on the cost of refunding the Tax Increment Financing Capital gppreciation bonds' of 1990. 14~illiams asked if staff was recommending Ehlers. Elrite indicated yes, as they have done a good job for us on other TIF related issues and wouM combine items. Nawrocki indicated that Evenson Dodge did us a courtesy by indicating that we couM save money, and the bond market is increasing and action should be taken soon. Fehst stated that we were already working with Ehlers on the refinancing. Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Ehlers & Associates Inc. to prepare bond documents for the $3.4 million bond issue and to have Ehlers & Associates Inc. evaluate the legal and financial feasibility of refunding the 1990 CAB bonds and prepare bond documents Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS - none ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions - none City Council Minutes October 28, 2002 Page 4 of 8 Bid Considerations 1) Award of Bid for Central Avenue Holiday Banners and Holiday Decorations Kevin Hansen, Public Work; Director, indicated that 15 bid; were sent out and two qualified bid; were received. Staff recommendation was determined by cost, design and theme, quality, availability, time of delivery, and company references. The original proposal included banners and holiday decorations on only specific poles. Staff then considered adding additional lighted decorations on pedestrian poles including lighting and greenery for day time viewing. Nansen showed several examples of the decorations. The prices ranged from S13, 800 (Main Street Lighting.) to $15,200 (Display Sale,). Staff recommended Display Sales. Their product; are made in Minnesota and have an extra one year warranty. Display Sales have the product on hand and could deliver the entire bid in 7 rolo working day,'. Fehst stated that, along with the Northeaster staff, we are trying to schedule a Central Avenue ribbon-cutting event for November 30th and felt it would be important to have the decorations in place by Thank, giving. Szurek questioned if this would include banners. Nansen indicated yes, and there would be a mix of green and red garland on the poles. Szurek thought it might look too busy. Nansen showed a picture with examples and stated that our poles are about 75feet apart. Nawrocki questioned the garland as a vandalism hazard. Nansen stated that is a consideration and suggested trying it for a year, as it would be like the garland on Mill Street. Szurek questioned the two totally different themes. Nansen stated the banners would match the style of lighted decoration. Peterson referred to the nice decorations on Mill Street. Wyckoff asked if this would be too much, and if they could be spread out. Nansen stated the wreaths could be up during the holiday season, and the snowflakes could be left up during the winter season. Peterson referred to a bridge on page 3 of the Display Sales brochure. Wyckoff asked if Wargo Court wouM be decorated. Hansen stated yes. Nawrocki questioned banner type flags for the rest of seasons. Hansen stated that Councilmember Nawrocki ' s request he researched patriotic banners and flags, which is in next year ' s budget and that he would ask for advise from the Image Committee. Nawrocki has asked FFW Post ~ 230 to pay for the flags and banners, which they have tentatively agreed to do. If council act; on this, he requested the motion include an alternative option for banners and flags. The banners would include the printing "Post ~ 230 ". Szurek suggested the look ora stylized flag and a real flag. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to accept the bids and award a contract for 45 holiday banners and 45 lighted decorations to Display Sales Inc. in the amount, not-to-exceed, $15,297 not including tax; with the proviso that the vender keep open the option to add flags and banners to that option with VFW Post #230 to fund them, and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same with project funding from #402-59912-2171. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Other Business 1) Proposed sale of 325 Summit Street NE MOTION: Move to reject the lone bid received for 325 Summit Street NE for $135,000, and to authorize staff to: · Post the listing on the MLS; and · Increase the minimum bid price to $150,000 Tim Johnson, City Planner, gave the background on 325 Summit Street. The property was advertised on the open market and one bid was received. 13 different parties were interested. The bid submitted was City Council Minutes October 28, 2002 Page 5 of 8 for $135,000 by a pre-quarified bidder, which indicated he would rent out the premises for a time. Staff recommended rejection of the bid as it did not meet the recommended requirement,'. Wyckoff questioned how much of the property was sprit. Johnson indicated the square footage that the City retained. Nclwrocki reiterated his original comment that this was not enough time for the bidding process. Nawrocki indicated that if we soM the property for S150, 000, minus the realtor's commission, the outcome wouM be close to this bid received considering the property was split; and there may be merit in taking the offer to move ahead with the sale. Fehst stated there were concerns of what commercial business wouM be developed next door. The bid couM be rejected and staff instructed to negotiate a sale. Staff research showed the property couM be sold for more, however this bidder wouM be a good steward of the property. Peterson stated that while the homeowner rented the property it would be taxed at a non-homestead rate. Williams indicated that residents feel we a&eady have too many rental properties, but Mr. Gondack has indicated he may reside there. Mr. Gondack indicated he wouM rike to renovate the home and rent it. He gave the background on his involvement in the initial sale of the home. lie bid is based on his original discussion with the previous owner. Williams asked if he wouM be willing to increase his bid. Gondack indicated that his bid is higher than the original appraisal. Gondack stated he wouM be open to another appraisal. Nclwrocki asked if Mr. Gondack wouM be willing to increase his offer by $6,000, which he estabrished from the $150,000 minus realtor fees and cost of the land sprit from the original property. Gondack indicated that would be more than he could afford and would not be able to offer more than another $1,000. Wyckoff asked if he had been care taking of the property. Gondack indicated that he and the neighbors had done so. Szurek indicated there is no guarantee that we wouM received the requested price on the open market and with understanding that he wouM make improvements, wouM not have a problem with the sale, even though she is not in favor of rental property. She wouM also agree to another appraisal. Motion by Williams to reject the bid for 325 Summit and authorize staff to negotiate for two weeks with Mr. Gondack.. Nawrocki indicated that the first motion wouM be to reject the bid and a second motion to negotiate a higher price. Williams asked to remove his motion. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Szurek, to reject the bids for sale of property at 325 Summit Street. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Nawrocki stated that Mr. Gondack indicated he is not willing to increase his offer so negotiating may not be appropriate. Fehst stated that if we could not sell the property for $150,000, we could then come back to Mr. Gondack to see if he is still interested in purchasing the property. Fehst will ask staff to look at possibirities in the next two week; and bring the item back to Council. Mr. Gondack thanked Council for their response to his request. A student was present and introduced herself to Council. Peterson referred to a memo from Bob Streeter, Community Development Director, requesting a joint City Council and Economic Development Authority work session. City Council Minutes October 28, 2002 Page 6 of 8 Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to establish a joint work session meeting date of the City Council and Economic Development Authority for November 13, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. for the purpose to review the industrial area plan. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Nclwrocki asked when the budget hearing (Truth in Taxation) meeting was scheduled for. Muscovitz indicated December 2, 2002. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager - Upcoming Work Session/Budget meeting a) Finance and Liquor budget review b) Summary oftotalbudgets Fehst indicated that the Kemco Company, which had purchased leasing rights for the K-Mart building, has returned the rights to the general partnership. Fehst will meet with someone from that group discuss possibilities for this 14 acre site. Report of the City Attorney -none GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions · Meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority on September 17, 2002. · Meeting of the Economic Development Authority on September 17, 2002. · Meeting of the Public Library Board of Trustees on September 30, 2002 Peterson read the E-mail from doyce and David Hegquist, residents of 26 year who are moving from the city and wanted to pass on their compliments for our emergency staff and city staff for their helpfulness to them over the years. CITIZENS FORUM Dick Dustin, resident, fisted his past involvement with the City, and indicated he opinion that Councilmembers shouM attend all meetings. The election is in a week and he stated his hope that candidates understand that attendance at more than two meetings a month required. He indicated his sorrow at the death of Senator Wellstone. He encouraged everyone to vote. Adam Davis, resident, gave his background, and indicated he is a candidate for the House of Representatives in District 50,,1. He passed on his condolences to the families of the plane tragedy. Davis thanked Councilmember Szurek for her service to the City, and wished the Mayor and Councilmember Wyckoff good luck in the election. Nawrocki called for Point of Order, as this was a political presentation, which is not the point of the Citizens Forum. Davis concluded by asking everyone to vote. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki · Has received two complaints on the time it takes to receive a building inspection. The permits call for 24 -hour notification. A permit holder had to wait from Tuesday to Thursday afternoon. This is not acceptable. He asked again for more information on what the inspection contracting service would cost. Peterson stated that inspections are done on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, with a 24 hour notification required. Fehst stated that we do footing inspections within 24 hours, and that the information requested was submitted to Council. Fehst stated how inspections would be scheduled. Gary Gorham, of the Fire Department, is also trained to do nominal inspections. Wyckoff stated the City Council Minutes October 28, 2002 Page 7 of 8 resident indicated 24 hours is acceptable, but wanted the contracted inspector's name. Kevin White. Fehst said is · Would like periodic reports on 1036-1037 Gould, so it does not take a year to get the property cleaned up. · Requested a tentative schedule on the fencing for Jackson Pond. · Disappointed there was not more budget information in the City Newsletter, and requested better information in layman's terms. Expressed concern about the City Budget, losing state aid money next year, and possibility of missing payments from the State this December. He tries to distinguished needs from wishes. He referred to past instances where the city had to make cuts. · Asked if the owner of 3733 3rd Street applied for a building permit. Fehst stated that he did so on the last day of the time limit. · Requested follow up information from the assessment hearing. Represents the City on the Suburban Rate Authority and at their last meeting the City of Shakopee discussed their new fiber internet partnership between the City, School District and the County. The New Brighton and Roseville City Managers spoke of their attempts to implement such a program. He will bring up this up at the Anoka County Elected Officials meeting tomorrow night. The Green Sheet reference the 800 mghrt radio system and the check to see if it will work in our building. Indicated his pleasure that the Police Chief is doing such double checks. He referred to the City of Blaine purchasing a radio system that would not work outside the building. · Practice what you preach and actions speak louder than words. Wyckoff · Stated her sadness for the families of the plane crash and indicated her association with the family. · Referred to the Minneapolis newspaper taste section regarding Mindy Kelly, who lives on Tyler Street, about types of tea. She would be interested in the Dr. Good building. · Referred to Tom Ruehn of Columbia Heights, regarding Elm trees and referenced his web site. · Complimented the look of the new benches at Keys Park, which were presented by the son of Leonard Keys. · The municipal light behind the Dragon House has not been working. Hansen stated that is interconnected with the Central Avenue project and should be energized in about a week or two. Szurek Referenced Jean Kuehn's statement that yard waste would be collected through the end of November or until there is a plowable snow. Fehst stated that if leaves go into the storm sewer inlets they cause problems for us. City street sweepers are out every day. · Asked Hansen why the colored concrete on Central Avenue sidewalks is higher than the plain City Council Minutes October 28, 2002 Page 8 of 8 concrete. She has received comments about the difference from residents. Hansen explained the two separate pours of concrete to obtain this look, and is aware of areas that will need to be worked on in the spring. She stated it is not as pleasing as it could be. The trash receptacles look nice. · Regarding the Wellstone family tragedy: you don't know when you will pass away; value your family, relatives, and friends, and tell them everyday how you feel about them. · Make sure you vote, and exercise your rights. Williams Thanked the Mayor for his comments on the Wellstone family, and relayed his experience with Senator Wellstone. · Referred to tough choices with the Budget, such as lighting at the Library. He questioned how other cities can afford new city halls. · He read quotes from Bits and Pieces. Example: One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives. When someone sings his own praises he always sings too high. · Pray for the peace and prosperity of our city. · Glad that we are a non-partisan city. Nawrocki A trash barrel by Parkview Villa, thought to be heavy duty, has received significant damage. Fehst also request a trash barrel for 44th and Central and that it be emptied on a regular basis. Peterson Attended the annual Mayor's Conference. The Mayor of Worthington said they have an honorary Councilmember that serves for two months. The honorary member does everything the Mayor does, except has no voting power. It would give anyone insight into what goes on and felt it would be a marvelous idea. He asked that Council consider this idea. Reminded everyone of the Mayor' s Holiday Kickoff Party on November 3 0th beginning with a 5:30 p.m. social hour, 7:00 p.m. dinner, and 8:00 p.m. entertainment at Murzyn Hall. Pam and Sherwin Linton and Cotton Kings are the entertainment and the dinner will be catered by Ollies. Last year $3,500 was raised for the Library Foundation. This year funds will be donated to the "Wheel Chairs for Peace" program and any funds donated will be matched by the foundation. Fehst stated that Sherwin Linton was featured in the last Northeaster. Fehst stated that on the afternoon of November BOth there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the Central Avenue project. A time has not been set. · Don't take yourself too seriously, enjoy live, love your neighbor, and God bless. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting 9:17 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk