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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 24, 2003OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 24, 2003 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2003 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. Pastor Dave Briley, Oak Hill Baptist Church gave the Invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Kelzenberg, and Councilmember Ericson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA -none PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS - none CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt Fehst took the Councilmembers through the Consent Agenda items: 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for February 10, 2003 Motion to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2003, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes a) Motion to accept the February 3, 2003 minutes of the Traffic Commission. b) Motion to accept the January 28, 2003 minutes of the Economic Development Authority. c) Motion to accept the February 4, 2003 minutes of the Library Board of Trustees. 3) Establish Work Session Meeting Dates for Mondays, March 3. March 17 and March 31 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 Motion to establish Work Session meeting dates for Mondays, March 3, March 17 and March 31 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. Fehst listed discussion items for the March 3rd work session: · State Representative Barb Goodwin · Refurbishment of the Fire Departments Rescue #1 and Engine #4 · Revision of Ordinance 853 - authorized Citations by Community Service Officers · Establishing penalties for administrative offenses · Purchase of Police Squad Car alternatives · Hilltop Policing and Medical Contract · Capital Improvement Bond Fehst stated that main item of business on the March 17th work session wouM be the United Properties study for 3 7th and Central, and possible distribution of information on reduced services and cuts'. He has requested staff submit information for 5 percent and 10 percent budget cuts'. Wyckoff indicated that for consistency, work sessions are hem on alternate Monday nights' and the public, as always, is welcome. Nawrocki felt it is important that the public be aware of what is on the agenda before a meeting is set. Ericson stated that the meeting on the fifth Monday of March is to City Council Minutes February 24, 2003 Page 2 of 7 accommodate Councilmember Nawrocki and there will not be a meeting held on the first Monday of April. Nawrocki stated that he may not be able to attend the meeting of March 17th as he will be out of town. 4) Approve Countywide Transport Program transfer of funds from General Fund to Police Dept. 2003 Budget Overtime Line # 1020 Motion to transfer $2,671.64, the total amount of money received from the State of Minnesota via Anoka County for our efforts in transporting inebriated individuals to detox from the General Fund to the Police Department 2003 budget line #1020, overtime. This would be done to assist in covering the cost of overtime to staff this function. 5) Approve Safe and Sober program Transfer of funds from the General Fund to Police Dept. 2003 Budget Overtime Line # 1020 Motion to transfer $2,943.58, the total amount of money received from the State of Minnesota for our efforts in Safe and Sober program from the General Fund to the Police Department 2003 budget line $1020, overtime This would be done to assist in covering the cost of overtime to staff this function. Nawrocki stated these are reimbursements from six months ago and questioned why funds wouM go to the 2003 budget. Police Chief Tom Johnson stated the funds are used to cover the costs in the coming year. Nawrocki asked when the time was expended on this program and how many dollars have been received in the past for this program. Johnson stated he couM relay this information for the Safe and Sober program, but the County Transport program has a set number of dollars from the State, given to the County, which are divided up to defer some of the costs. 6) Authorize payment of $19,126.92 for administering the 2002 Tax Increment Financing Laws of Minnesota, Truth in Taxation, and Special Assessments Motion to authorize payment of $19,126.92 for administering the 2002 Tax Increment Financing Laws of Minnesota, Truth in Taxation, and Special Assessments, with expenses being charged to the TIF Debt Services Fund and the General Fund. Fehst stated this is a yearly expense. 7) Approve a donation of $500 to the Sister City Committee to fund a reception for visiting dignitaries from Lomianki Poland Motion to approve a donation of $500 to the Columbia Heights Sister Cities Committee to fund a dinner/reception in June of 2003 for the visiting dignitaries from our sister city, Lomianki, Poland. Fehst stated that we expect up to seven elected officials and dignitaries from Lomianki Poland and that the Sister City Committee has asked for a contribution to assist with an event for the visitors. 8) Establish a Hearing Date of Monday, March 10, 2003 for revocation or suspension of rental property license at 3726 3rd Street NE Motion to establish a hearing date of March 10, 2003 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against John Stenroos at 3726 3rd Street N.E. 9) Approve Rental Housing License Applications Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for February 24, 2003. City Council Minutes February 24, 2003 Page 3 of 7 10) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 24, 2003 as presented. 11) 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 102152 through 102372 in the amount of $940,550.17. Nawrocki questioned checks' numbered: 102238 Anoka County License Bureau, 1022 77 David Banks' Studio, 102228 Fridley Seal Coating, 102307 ICMA membership, and how 102176 OMNI Roof compared to the bid. Fehst stated the information wouM be available in the green sheet. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to approve the Consent Agenda items. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions - none B) Bid Considerations Approve Purchase of one (1) new Tennantpower Sidewalk Sweeper Kevin Hansen, Public Works' Director, stated this wouM be a self-contained sweeper with a trash container attached, to assist with sidewalk sweeping on Central Avenue as part of the project agreement, and for a multitude of other uses such as wildlife dropping on trail areas. This would be purchased with State Aid dollars' and from the 2002 State contract, which would require the purchase by the end of March. Staff would probably schedule sidewalk sweeping every other week. Wyckoff stated the need for a sweeper was discussed at the beginning of the Central Avenue project planning and that the funds used wouM not come from property taxes. Hansen stated the funds come from MNDOT and this was a budgeted 2003 maintenance item. Nawrocki questioned the personnel costs' to run the equipment. Hansen stated that some time was budgeted to that account, to include sweeping and landscaping to be completed this spring. Nawrocki questioned the amounts' of the other quotes. Hansen did not have that information with him, but could get it for him. Nawrocki questioned the sales tax amount. Hansen stated it is 6. S percent, which is budget line item ~4395. Nawrocki questioned why the existing sweeper was being traded in. Hansen stated it is an indoor sweeper and in poor condition. Motion by Nawrocki to table purchase of the sweeper to the next Council meeting, to allow time to review the other quotes. Wyckoff asked if the bidprices were close. Hansen stated the bids ranged from $23,000 to $30,000. Wyckoff called for a second. A second was not received. Without a second, this motion was not considered. Williams stated this is a quafity company and a quafity sweeper. Hansen fisted the three manufactures and products staff tested, and this sweeper was recommended as the best product. Nawrocki stated it is not whether it is the best product, but in the City's best interest. City Council Minutes February 24, 2003 Page 4 of 7 Leonard Dearing, 3411 Jefferson, asked what the sweeper would it be used for. Hansen again stated Central Avenue, other sidewalks, trails and possibly small parking lots. Code requirements were discussed. Wyckoff referred to the bus shelters and the need to keep them clean. Ericson asked what would happen to the State AidMaintenance funds if they were not used for this item. Bill Elrite, Finance Director, stated that unused funds would go into the State Aid fund balance. Dick Dustin, 1708 39th Avenue, asked about the sweeper used to remove snow. Hansen indicated that the MT Trackless only pushes snow off the sidewalk and this unit wouM pick up dirt. Dustin questioned sweeping other sidewalks. Hansen stated the current plan is for Central Avenue, and if the 40th Avenue corridor was replaced it wouM be addressed then. Hyckoff asked if this wouM pick up the droppings around LaBelle Pond. Hansen indicated it would. Fehst stated the prime reason for this purchase was to fulfill the agreement on the Central Avenue project. He referred to the amount contributed by Central Avenue property owners through special assessments. Ericson added that all residents wouM benefit because taking care of Central Avenue wouM improve our City. Fehst stated we do street sweeping throughout the City several times a year, and do the downtown area more often to keep the area clean and respectable. Ericson indicated concern about the current budget situation, but stated that if we want to keep our City progressing we cannot stop moving forward, and asked if this is still a good thing to spend our money on. Fehst stated this is a business commitment and it wouM not be right to back out now. Nawrocki questioned if we were audited how we wouM respond to use of this equipment on non- stated aid trails. Hansen stated the requirement is not for exclusive use. MOTION by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to approve the purchase of one new Tennant 6400 Power Sweeper, from Tennant Company, Minneapolis, MN at the 2002 Minnesota State Contract Price of $21,531, plus trade-in and sales tax. Funding shall be from the City State-Aid Maintenance Account. Nawrocki stated he couM not vote for the motion without having more information on the competitive bidprices. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Wyckoff, aye. 4 ayes -1 nay. Motion carried. ¢) Other Business Adopt Resolution 2003-07, being a Resolution Accepting The Feasibility Report For Zone 6b Street Rehabilitation And Ordering The Public Improvement Hearing Hansen asked Council to accept the feasibility report as submitted and set the public improvement hearing date. He stated that this is the older part of town, and the zone was changed to 6a and 6b, with 6b including additional areas. The analysis of the street and utilities indicated the necessity for full reconstruction. Manholes are oM and have access issues; storm sewers wouM only require a few replacements and line extensions, and the water mains need replacement as they were constructed around 1913. Issues to consider tonight are that the scope and size of the project is more than what has been planned for on an annual basis, so staff recommended removing a two block section of 7th Street, with plans to incorporate them into next year 's project. An informational meeting wouM be set for March 13 and residents wouM be invited. The public hearing was recommended for March 17th, but couM be heM at 6.'OO p. m., prior to the work session or March 19th at 7p.m. Fehst asked if the City wouM save money by delaying the project for a year or two. Hansen stated the infrastructure account is funded with a portion of the State Aid account, and to receive funds you must have a project. City Council Minutes February 24, 2003 Page 5 of 7 Wyckoff asked what evening was preferred. Williams preferred Monday, March 17th at 6:O0 p. m. Nawrocki stated he wouM be available on March 19th but may still be out of town on March 17th. Hansen recommended moving improvements' of 7th Street to next year. Wyckoff questioned the condition of 7th Street. Hansen stated it is in poor shape, but was considered for delay because it does not require water main reconstruction. It is necessary to remove approximately $100, O00 from the bid. Nawrocki suggested looking again to see if all of these streets' need complete reconstruction. He stated the estimate charge per parcel wouM be $2,580 and questioned avenue charges. Hansen stated there would be very few avenue charges. Nawrocki asked for specific addresses that would be charged an avenue charge. Hansen did not have the information at hand and stated this would be reviewed at the hearing. Nawrocki questioned the water service replacement charge. Hansen stated last year it was $1,000. Motion by Williams, second by Ericson, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-07, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-07, being a Resolution accepting the Feasibility Report for Zone 6B Street Rehabilitation and establishing the Public Improvement Hearing for March 17, 2003 at 6 p.m. and delay the full reconstruction on 7th Street until 2004 to reduce stress on the infrastructure fund. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Hansen stated that specific properties and charges would be shown at the time of the improvement hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-07 BEING A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FEASIBILITY REPORT AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING FOR ZONE 6B 2003 STREET REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS WITH FULL RECONSTRUCTION WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a Street Rehabilitation Program which divides the City into seven zones and WHEREAS, staff has been preparing preliminary plans and developing the Feasibility Report(s) for Zone 6B of the Annual Street Rehabilitation Program. (Streets included in Zone 6B are located from Washington Street to Monroe Street, 40th Avenue to 42nd Avenue, and Quincy Street to Van Buren Street, 40th Avenue to 41st Avenue.) NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA that a Public Hearing shall be held on such proposed improvements on the 17th day of March, 2003 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 590 40th Avenue NE, at 6:00 p.m., and the City Manager shall give mailed and published notice of such hearing and improvement as required by law. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Fehst indicated discussions with Fire Chief Charlie Thompson regarding local nightclubs and prohibition of pyrotechnics inside of buildings, in light of other recent tragedies. This information has now been forwarded to local nightclubs and bars. State Senator Chaudhary and State Representative Goodwin were at our fibrary on Saturday, February 22'd with 50 citizens in attendance, speaking on upcoming cuts' to local aid and the State budget. Fehst referred to misrepresentations regarding municipal budget cuts'. He indicated the stated recommendation would not allow any type of tax increase or referendum to allow such, and would allow a reverse referendum by citizens. Fehst referred to HACAfunds lost two years ago. He stated that we City Council Minutes February 24, 2003 Page 6 of 7 had anticipated about $350,000 in cuts, but will be cut by twice that amount this year and four times that amount next year. Fehst agreed that the old formula needed to be looked at, but we will not be able to handle this next year. Fehst stated that he has had discussions with other cities regarding establishing joint powers agreements, for example combining positions as the Fridley Fire Chief position is open, but they intend to fill the position. He approached St. Anthony regarding sharing Public Works services, but they are building a new pubfic works garage. We currently share a building inspector with New Brighton. Fehst has met with department heads and will meet with employees regarding budget reduction. He stated that pubfic safety is 43percent of our budget and would be reviewed as will every department. Another option may be voluntary furloughs. He indicated that the only real way to save money is through capital improvement costs and services. Fehst stated that every job opening is being reviewed. He has been to the League of MN Cities and agrees with their approach to address the legislature. Fehst stated that he is looking to protect the interests of the City, and hopes to have information gathered by March 13th for Council review. Wyckoff commended the City Manager on his response to this issue and for lobbying for our City. Wyckoff stated that 28 employees responded to a survey asking for budget reduction ideas. A committee will be formed to see if any of the ideas can be implemented. Nawrocki asked to be advised when any travel would be authorized outside of the seven county metro area. Fehst stated he wouM report back on this. Report of the City Attorney Wyckoff questioned if there was any thing new regarding the challenge of the newspaper ordinance. Hoeft indicated there was not. CITIZENS FORUM Dick Dustin, 1708 39th Avenue, questioned reducing the Pubfic Works Department work force and suggested eliminating the Public Works Superintendent and reducing the Administrative Assistant to half time. Wyckoff stated that every job in the City is being reviewed. Dolores Strand 1145 Polk Place, thanked the City Council for the donation to the Sister Cities visitor's fund. She will work with the Mayor or the Manager on the invitation fist. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki · Read an anonymous letter he received and stated he felt blessed with his life; and regarding improving our City, indicated he would be proud to match his record of involvement with anyone else. Referred to the severity of budget cuts and that suggested reductions should have been presented months ago. Motion by Nawrocki to reduce the traveling budgets by one-half. Wyckoff called for a second. A second was not received. Without a second, this motion was not considered. · Questioned SACCC meeting. Fehst statedBarb Warren is the executive Director, and the Values First program is administered under this group. Fehst referred to job reductions in 1982 when the budget was under pressure and the job restructuring completed as a result of this. Wyckoff stated there wouM soon be another resignation in the Police Department. Fehst stated he wouM not fill any positions, as he wouM not want to lay off any one newly hired. City Council Minutes February 24, 2003 Page 7 of 7 Ericson · The Rising to New Heights group is working hard on the Housing Fair and still has room for a few contractors, or anyone wishing to volunteer. The event is April 6th at the High School. Williams · The Tri-City Hockey event was a tremendous success and raised close to $10,000. · Assured residents that we are working hard to "make ends meet". Meetings are being held to plan for improvements to our City. The City is moving forward, including the K-Mart site. Wyckoffreferred to a proposal to develop the K-Mart site beginning with private development requiring no City funds. Fehst referred to the closing of NEI, and his intent to meet with Board members to discuss the future of this site. Kelzenberg · The Tri City Hockey event had excellent food. · The budget outlook is dismal, but we can survive if we work together. We have a lot going for our City, and we will be better in a few years. · The Police and Fire Appreciation event is Friday, March 7th from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Everyone is invited. · Kelzenberg congratulated Nawrocki on his 50 years of marriage. Wyckoff · On Wednesday, February 26th the SACA Food Shelf will host a spaghetti dinner. · The Third Annual Taste of Heights will be March 23rd, with one-quarter of the ticket proceeds donated to SACA. · Referred to the monthly statistical report received from SACA. She encouraged everyone to attend the spaghetti dinner to learn more about SACA and to visit their facility. It is important to make sure our families are fed and kept warm. ADJOURNMENT Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk