HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 10, 2003OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 10, 2003
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held on Monday, February 10, 2003
in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN.
Pastor Peter Law, Community Methodist Church gave the Invocation.
Walt Fehst, City Manager, indicated he attended the Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. and he
will be at the local Pastors meeting to give a report.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wyckoff called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson,
Councilmember Kelzenberg
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
Wyckoff added items to Recognition, and Appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission to Other
Business.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
Wyckoff thanked Bob Ruettimann for all his contributions to our City through government service and civic
organizations.
Wyckoff recognized Elsie Alprecht, Library Patron of the Month, and thanked her for her volunteer service
to our Library.
Wyckoff recognized Rick Hiles for his 23 years with the Police Reserve Unit and wished him well in his
retirement.
Wyckoff read a letter from a local pastor to Pofice Chief Tom Johnson recognizing Sgt. Va/Dietz, Officer
Matt Markham and Officer Matt Aish for their rapid response and professional assistance to a family in the
community.
CONSENT AGENDA
Walt Fehst, City Manager, took Councilmembers through the items.
1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for January 27, 2003
Motion to approve the minutes of the January 27, 2003, regular City Council meeting as presented.
2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes
a) Motion to accept the January 8, 2003 minutes of the Human Services Commission.
b) Motion to accept the January 22, 2003 minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission.
c) Motion to accept the February 4, 2003 minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Nawrocki stated that the Park and Recreation minutes recognize the Lions Club donation of $5, 000
City Council Minutes
February 10, 2003
Page 2 of 7
for replacement of the sign in front of Murzyn Hall. The proceeds from events such as receptions
fund scholarships and items like this sign.
3) Establish Date for Annual Board of Review - Removed
4)
Authorize Staff to accept the matching OSHA Grant for the MN Dept. of Labor - Removed
Fehst stated that this is a $10,000 grant for safety equipment. Nawrocki indicated the local match
should come from the PERA Residual Fund that is not being used. Fehst stated that the
recommendation is to use budgeted funds.
5)
Accept Application for one-time Gambling Request by Tri-City Hockey Association.
Motion to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control
Board indicating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to a one-time raffle event to be
conducted by the Tri-City Hockey Association on February 14, 2003, at John P. Murzyn Hall,
Columbia Heights, MN, and furthermore that the City of Columbia Heights hereby waives the
remainder of the thirty-day notice to the local governing body.
Nawrocki stated this is being advertised on cable without the ficense being approved and indicating
a license number. Fehst stated it is unfortunate the group did not come to Council sooner with the
request and will acknowledge this to groups in the future.
6) Approve Conditional Use Permit for 4300 Central Avenue- Linder's Greenhouses
Motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a temporary mini-garden
center at 4300 Central Avenue from April 15, 2003 through July 15, 2003, subject to the following
condition:
1. A $500 deposit shall be submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to install of the
structures on the site.
7)
Adopt Resolution 2003-04, being a Resolution Appointing Commissioners to the Economic
Development Authority
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2003-04, being a resolution approving the appointment of Tammera
Ericson, Bruce Kelzenberg and Julienne Wyckoff as Commissioners to the Columbia Heights
Economic Development Authority.
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-04
BEING A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSIONERS TO THE
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
WHEREAS, the City has, by the adoption of Resolution No. 96-01 (enabling resolution), duly created an Economic
Development Authority (EDA) for the City of Columbia Heights pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 469 (Act),
and
WHEREAS, the Enabling Resolution provides that the Board of Commissioners of the EDA shall consist of seven
members, at least two, but not more than five, of who must be members of the City Council, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has this day appointed the following persons as Commissioner of the EDA for the term as
indicated:
Tammera Ericson Term ending January 1, 2007
Bruce Kelzenberg Term ending January 1, 2007
Julienne Wyckoff Term ending January 3, 2005
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves the appointment of Tammera
Ericson, Bruce Kelzenberg, and Julienne Wyckoffto the aforementioned terms of the Columbia Heights Economic
Development Authority.
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February 10, 2003
Page 3 of 7
8)
Adopt Resolution 2003-05, being a Resolution Appointing Commissioners to the Housing &
Redevelopment Authority
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2003-05, being a resolution approving the appointment of Tammera
Ericson, Bruce Kelzenberg and Patricia Jindra as Commissioners to the Columbia Heights Housing
& Redevelopment Authority.
Fehst acknowledged that Wyckoff wouM step down from serving on this commission to allow Ms.
dindra to be appointed. Nawrocki questioned if he and Williams had officially been appointed to
these commissions. Fehst indicated they had.
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-05
BEING A RESOLUTION APPROVING APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the City has, by the adoption of a formal resolution, duly created an Housing and Redevelopment
Authority (HRA) for the City of Columbia Heights, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 469 (Act), and
WHEREAS, the resolution provides that the Board of Commissioners of the HRA shall consist of six members,
who shall be residents of the area of operation of the HRA, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has this day appointed the following Commissioners of the HRA for the terms as indicated:
Patricia Jindra
Tammera Ericson
Bruce Kelzenberg
Term ending January 7, 2008
Term ending January 1, 2007
Term ending January 1, 2007
and,
WHEREAS, the terms of the Commissioners shall coincide with their respective terms of office as a City
Councilmembers and resident, Patricia Jindra, will serve consecutively for a period of five years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Columbia Heights hereby approves
appointment of the above named persons as Commissioners of the HRA for the terms as indicated herein.
9)
Approve Business License Applications
Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 10, 2003 as
presented, and to waive the fee of $100 for Immaculate Conception Church's Temporary Wine/Beer
license for a fundraising event being held March 29, 2003.
10)
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 101943 through 102151 in the amount of $1,151,79.24.
Motion by Williams, second by Nawrocki, to approve the Consent Agenda, with the removal of Items
#3 and 4. Upon vote: All ayes: Motion carried.
Item #3 Establish Date for Annual Board of Review
Nawrocki indicated that he requested alternative dates be obtained from the County. Ericson indicated
the meeting wouM have to be heM prior to May lst.
Motion by Ericson, second by Williams, to set the Local Board of Review meeting for Monday, April
21, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye;
Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Wyckoff, aye. 4 ayes -1 nay. Motion carried.
City Council Minutes
February 10, 2003
Page 4 of 7
Item #4 Authorize Staff to accept the matching OSHA Grant for the MN Dept. of Labor
Wyckoff stated that the PERA Residual funds should be kept for another time. Fehst indicated the
necessary funds were budgete& and because of anticipated cuts, future equipment needs may need to
come from that fund. Charlie Thompson, Fire Chief, indicated there is approximately $480,000 in the
reserve fund.
Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to authorize Staff to accept the matching OSHA Gram
from the MN Department of Labor.
Motion to amend by Nawrocki that matching funds come from the PERA Residual fund. Wyckoff
called for a second. A second was not received.
Upon vote of the original motion: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, aye;
Wyckoff, aye. 5 ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Rental Housing License Revocation for 1206-1208 Circle Terrace Blvd NE
Mayor Wyckoff closed the hearing, as the Property Owner has corrected numerous deficiencies inside the
building and has received an extension to complete the rest of the work.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions - None
Bid Considerations - None
Other Business
1) Approve Conditional Use Permit for 3989 Central Avenue - Area Learning Center
Nawrocki indicated the original request was for the 4300 block of Central and voiced concerns
regarding adequate parking and length of parking in this new location. Tim dohnson, City Planner,
indicated that 43 spaces are required. Nawrocki asked the percentage of space to be used. dohnson
indicated approximately 90, 000 square feet. Wyckoff stated the parking ramp has space for 400
vehicles. She stated the building wouM then be ninety percent occupied, dim Hoefi, City Attorney,
referred to a meeting with this group, and they indicated the students come and go at various two to
four hour blocks of time.
Nawrocki questioned the impact approval wouM have on on fiquor ficense requests. Wyckoff
indicated the ordinance states no closer than 300feet to a school, but the Star Bar, which is across
the street wouM be grandfathered in. Discussion included the area this restriction wouM cover and
the possibility of changing the ordinance to allow restaurants in this area to sell liquor, as this is not
a typical school. Fehst stated that if the school district is willing to move in this close to the Star Bar
then we shouM be able to consider such an amendment.
Motion by Williams, second by Ericson, to approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow for the
establishment of an Area Learning Center for Northeast Metro School District 916 at 3989 Central
Avenue NE, as the Area Learning Center is a substantially similar and compatible use with the other
uses in the Central Business District as determined by the Zoning Official and if at a future time a
restaurant or establishment would desire liquor we would look at amending the current ordinance.
Ericson thanked the School District for all their work on this acquisition and the voluntary
withdrawal of the original request to look for another location.
Deb dohnson, 4638 Pierce Street, asked for clarification of this project.
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February 10, 2003
Page 5 of 7
dessica Wyle, Director of Educational Services for District 916, stated this school is for students'
who are at risk for not graduating. There is a low student to teacher ratio, which allows more
personal attention for the students', l/Vyle indicated that the school day would run from 8:00 a.m. to
8:O0 p.m. including the summer. Nawrocki questioned disciplinary problems. Wyle stated it would
be a very controlled site. She indicated that City Staff visited the Roseville site to view a similar
program. Fehst asked if the students' work in the community. 14Zyle indicated yes, that is why this
area is good for the program.
Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
2)
Appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission
Motion by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to appoint Phil Baker to the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
Fehst stated that the only item on the Tuesday, February 18th Work Session would be a
Redevelopment Goals' Update. Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Economic
Development Authority will be invited to attend
Fehst stated that the Homeland Security warning system has required us to go to Orange Alert. He
met with our Police Chief and Fire Chief to discuss this. He asked anyone noticing suspicious
behavior to call 911. Employees will be sent a memo requiring them to wear their identification
badges and there will be guest badges available for visitors that enter secure areas. Fehst referred
to web sites with security information. He stated we would continue to monitor and increase security
at our water towers and other facilities. There is a fulltime officer for the Columbia Heights' and
Fridley Water Works'. He asked that citizens be aware of situations around them. Fehst has worked
with the Fire Chief to develop a city hall lock down plan for safety. Our employees that are out and
about in the city will be advised to be observant. Information from the Homeland security agency
will be placed on the cable access channel. Part of our water rate study will consider what
enhancements' are necessary for security. Fehst referred to training received by our Fire Department
employees in biological and chemical situations, and classes in structure collapses. Fehst stated that
we are doing what we can, considering the size of our city and our capabilities.
Report of the City Attorney- none
Wyckoff indicated that the old Tycoons would soon be a restaurant called LaCaberna with food, wine
and beer.
CITIZENS FORUM
Jacque Block, 4241 Tyler Street, referred to local streets' that have two names and are confusing, such as
40th Avenue and Constitution, and Mill Street and Veterans Drive. He requested this be corrected because it
is confusing. Fehst indicated this was an honorary situation and not intended as the actual name of the
street. Fehst stated this would be referred to the Public Works' Director. Nawrocki gave the background on
this, stating he was not aware of any problems caused and he saw no problem continuing as is.
Leonard Dearing, 4311 Jefferson, stated that vehicles that had to be plowed around should be ticketed He
stated that his neighbor reported a car at 4307 Jefferson with no front license plate and the police never
came. Fehst will check on this. Dearing asked for a response.
COUNCIL CORNER
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February 10, 2003
Page 6 of 7
Ericson
· Referred to the February "Values First" values of citizenship and patriotism.
· February is Library Month, and suggested everyone read a book and go to the library. Wyckoff
indicated she would be reading to children next Thursday at the Library.
Kelzenberg
· Read a letter from Carole Lund, which referred to the lack of facilities and activities for children
of our community. She suggested a water park and asked that the K-mart site be considered for a
youth community center. He agreed and indicated that when we can, he wants something to be
done for our kids.
Williams · Bob Ruettimann will remain a part of the City's Booster Club.
· The TriCity Boosters will host a Valentines fundraiser at Murzyn Hall on Friday night. He
indicated the events and contributors.
· Referred to attending the Prayer Breakfast conference in Washington D.C.
· Pray for the health, peace and prosperity of our City, take care of all our residents, and continue
to reach for our goals.
Nawrocki
· Wednesday, February 5th, arrived at City Hall and learned the City Manager was on vacation.
Felt it was important that the Manager inform Councilmembers in advance of any absence.
· Zoning on 3808 Reservoir Boulevard update? Fehst understands it is R2 and if so, they can not
operate as a business and wouM be contacted.
· Waiting for a list of budget revisions to meet with state cuts. Suggested the Housing Assistant
position in Community Development be eliminated along with the unfilled intern position.
Motion by Nawrocki to vacate the Housing Assistant position and to not fill the intern position in the
Community Development Department.
Fehst recommended we not do make reductions on a piece meal basis. He referred to speculation and
that we are asking for staff and citizen advise. Police and safety are 60 percent of our budget and there
will be cuts in these areas. We are not filling all positions that open. Nclwrocki stated that we introduced
three new employees last month and he has not noticed cuts in our monthly spending.
Williams agreed there is a budget problem, but our goals are important and we need to move ahead in
areas such as the Industrial Park and Huset. Wyckoff stated that we need Mr. Nagel as he finds many
loans and grants for the City.
Wyckoff called for a second. A second was nor received.
Wyckoff
· The Third Annual Taste of Heights will be March 23rd from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is
invited and anyone willing to volunteer may attend the Human Services Commission meeting on
Wednesday, February 12th at 6:30 p.m.
· Spoke of a financial seminar attended, which indicated comparisons to the 1920's depression.
Goodwin has indicated that fiscal disparities will be cut. We must be prepared for the worst
scenario. Employees have been asked for their input on how to save funds and a request for ideas
will be included in the next Heights Happenings. Discussions will include many items such as
combining our Police Department with Fridley or closing city hall one day a week.
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February 10, 2003
Page 7 of 7
Dick Dustin, 1708 39th Avenue, suggested removing some top management personnel in the Public
Work; Department. Wyckoff defended the Public Work; Department.
Nawrocki referred previous State budget problems and positions that were stopped through attrition.
Nawrocki indicated that SACCA would be sponsoring a spaghetti dinner on Wednesday, February 26, at
5:00p. m.
Fehst indicated that he did inform Councilmembers, by e-mail, of his absence.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk