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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 14, 2003OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 2003 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2003 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. Reverend Deb Walkes, Fridley United Methodist Church, gave the Invocation CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson, and Councilmember Kelzenberg PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Wyckoff stated she would mention recent deaths of prominent citizens under Item 4AE. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations - Arbor Day Mayor Wyckoff read the Arbor Day Proclamation and presented it to Lauren McClanahan, City Forester. McC/anahan stated that Columbia Heights' has received the Tree City USA award for the consecutive year. There are about 100 cities in Minnesota that receive this award annually. He commended our Public Works' crew on the good job they do, and listed the items required to obtain this award. Mayor Hyckoff commended him on his work. B) Presentations - none C) Introduction of New Employees - none D) Recognition 1) Wyckoff read information on Jerry O/son, and current soldier and former Columbia Heights' resident. He is the son of Helen and Kenneth Olson, who were present, along with his sister Janet. Mr. Olson spoke of the family 's pride in their son. He stated that Jerry recently telephoned them and indicated he would soon be going to Baghdad. Wyckoff read information on doe Cichomski, a current soldier and Columbia Heights' resident. He is the son of Linda Cichomski, who was present. She stated that Joe is on "no mission-active duty" status and waiting to bring health care and supplies to the Middle East. He is currently stationed at Fort Stewart Georgia. Nawrocki stated that Columbia Heights' VFWPost ~230 has blue star cards for fatuities of those now serving in the armed services, and he presented both families with a card. He suggested that other families with members in the service contact the Post. Also, they have a coupon-clipping program where manufacturers give special consideration to armed service families. 85, 000 coupons have been collected and forwarded to those in need. Nawrocki asked if items sent must go through the CSO. Mr. Olson stated that his son couM receive items directly. Wyckoff reiterated the community's support of our troops. Hyckoff informed the community of the death of resident, Francis Tatting; danice Larson, who was a member of our Charter Commission; and Bob Profi. She wished all of the families well. Nawrocki tom of his association with the Tatting family and Bob Profi and indicated the deaths of Bud gustin and dohn Lonsky. City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 2 of 11 CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt Fehst took Council through the Consent Agenda items. 1) Approve City Council Public Improvement Hearing Minutes for March 17, 2003 and Meeting Minutes for March 24, 2003 Motion to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2003 Public Improvement Hearing and the March 24, 2003, regular City Council meeting as presented; with corrections to the March 17 meeting of Adams Street to Madison and reversing the B. Roddy addresses. The corrections were indicated by Nawrocki and Ericson. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes Motion to accept the March 4, 2003 meeting minutes of the Library Board of Trustees Motion to accept the March 5, 2003 special meeting minutes of the Human Services Commission. Motion to accept the March 20, 2003 meeting minutes of the Telecommunications Commission. Motion to accept the March 26, 2003 meeting minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission. Motion to accept the April 1, 2003 meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission. 3) Establish a Special City Council Meeting to review the General Obligation Bond Bids for May 5, 2003 beginning at 7:00 p.m. to be followed by a City Council Work Session - Removed Fehst stated that the special meeting would be regarding General Obligation Bond bids, as the newspaper did not publish the notice on time for the next Council meeting. Nawrocki requested the item be removed from the consent agenda. 4) Authorize staff to seek bids for the joint refurbishment of Engine #4 and Rescue #1 Motion to authorize staff to seek bids for the joint refurbishment of Engine #4 and Rescue #1. Nawrocki requested a prioritized fist of items needed. Matt Fields, Fire Captain, indicated a total breakdown would be difficult to do, but the bids would be itemized and Council could delete options if they so chose. s) Adopt Resolution No. 2003-16, being a resolution reclassifying and designating fund balances Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-16, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution 2003-16, being a resolution reclassifying and designating fund balances. Nawrocki questioned the capital building, fibrary, cable, pofice, capital development, and special projects funds. Bill Elrite, Finance Director, explained the individual funds and the proposed designations. Nawrocki questioned control of the funds. Elrite stated that use of the funds would take a four/fifths vote of the Councilper City Charter. Elrite explained the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report (CAFR) and stated that these funds could be transferred by a three/fifths Council vote. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-16 RESOLUTION RECLASSIFYING AND DESIGNATING FUND BALANCES WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has accumulated fund balances in the General Fund and Special Revenue funds for the purpose of funding future capital improvements and capital equipment within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council has established long-term development goals for the City of Columbia Heights; and City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 3 of 11 WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City Council to provide funding for these long-term goals; and WHEREAS, the current fund balances in the General Fund and Special Revenue funds would be more appropriately accounted for in separate funds designated for the purpose in which they were accumulated: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following transfers and reclassifications be made, effective December 31, 2002, to more appropriately classify fund balances in the City's financial records: Fl'om General Fund Special Revenue Funds Library Cable Television Police Pension Consoli/PERA Special Projects HRA Municipal State Aid Parking Ramp Housing Mortgage Bonds To Amount Capital Building Fund $1,140,052 Capital Building Fund $ 200,000 Capital Equipment Fund $ 300,000 Capital Equipment Fund $ 238,056 Capital Development Fund $ 50,000 Capital Development Fund $ 140,000 Reclassify to Capital Section of the CAFR $ (725,704) Reclassify to Capital Section of the CAFR $ 726,636 Reclassify to Capital Section of the CAFR $ 491,785 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any unbudgeted, undesignated fund balance in the Capital Equipment Replacement funds or Capital Improvement funds shall require a four-fifths vote to expend or transfer funds. 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2003-17, being a resolution authorizing final payment on Columbia Heights Consolidation Police PERA Pension Account Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-17, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution 2003-17, being a resolution authorizing final payment on Columbia Heights Consolidation Police PERA Pension Account. Fehst stated this is currently paid in installments with an eight percent interest rate. This resolution wouM authorize a final lump sum payment ofS238, 969. There is a current reserve balance of $507, 025 and wouM therefore leave a reserve ofS238, 056. Fehst thanked the Finance Director for working with the State to complete this transaction. NclwrocM questioned if the danuary payment was made. Elrite stated it was. Elrite indicated there couM be a slight deviation in the final amount when an actuarial study is completed. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT ON COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CONSOLIDATED POLICE PERA PENSION ACCOUNT WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has accumulated reserves in excess of the City's accrued actuarial liability for the Police Relief Association Consolidated PERA account; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is being charged 8% per year interest on the outstanding liability; and WHEREAS, paying off the outstanding liability will free excess reserves to be utilized in other areas: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council is hereby authorizing payment in full to PERA for the City's pension liability for the Columbia Heights Police Consolidated PERA fund. 7) Adopt Resolution No. 2003-18, being a resolution reducing the adopted 2003 budget in anticipation of local government aid reductions Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-18 there being ample copies available to the public. City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 4 of 11 Motion to adopt Resolution 2003-18 being a resolution reducing the adopted 2003 budget in anticipation of local government aid reductions. Fehst stated that indications show State Aid to our City would be reduced by nearly $700,000. He proposed $466,512 in reductions to the 2003 budget and stated that we would continue to look for additional reductions. There has been a freeze placed on hiring, and items such as contracts for heating/air conditioning, and cleaning services are being reviewed. Fehst indicated consideration must include increasing revenues to cover actual costs, such as for Murzyn Hall and Parkview l/illa South rental rates. Fehst stated that if cuts next year are $1,444,000, he would bring back other, more significant cuts, including reductions in services. Nawrocki took exception to the statement that Parkview l/illa South is not paying its' own wa, y as there is a building fund balance for major repairs. Murzyn Hall rental rates are in fine with other rental facifities, and expenses charged to that account should be reviewed. Nawrocki questioned accounts' 203-46330-and 213-46340. Elrite stated these were Parkview l/illa North and South accounts' and this would reallocate management time. Nawrocki stated this is the Housing Assistant position, which was to be temporary and to now transfer funds for this position is not appropriate. Nawrocki questioned the qf. fect of removing the Arbor Day celebration on the Tree City USA Award. Wyckoff stated we would still have a celebration without spending additional funds. Nawrocki stated that these changes are not deafing with the real problem and we must learn to run government more cost effectively and five with reduced resources. Wyckoff stated that staff has been diligent in reduction and if additional cuts' were necessary all Council members wouM make the decisions. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-18 REDUCING THE ADOPTED 2003 BUDGET IN ANTICIPATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID REDUCTIONS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is anticipating a reduction as high as $700,000 in the amount of state aid the City will receive in 2003; and WHEREAS, the City Manager has utilized advanced planning and preparation for these reductions; and WHEREAS, it is the overall goal to balance the City budget for 2003 with a minimal impact on services provided to residents: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following budget reductions be made to the 2003 property tax supported budgets. Adopted Proposed Hard Total Proposed Department 2003 Budget Cuts Hard & Soft Cuts Administration 820,292 (35,290) (35,290) Com Dev/EDA/HRA 615,220 (9,749) (28,964) Finance 643,973 (27,250) (32,199) Fire 916,572 (45,812) (45,812) Library 679,700 (33,900) (33,900) Police 2,802,737 (134,281) (134,281) Public Works 2,081,427 (104,396) (104,396) Recreation 492,689 (51,670) (51,670) 9,052,610 (442,348) (466,512) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager be authorized to dispose of surplus City equipment in accordance with state statutes and within his spending authority limit. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager instruct staff to explore all areas where City revenue and fees can be increased to offset the cost of providing services and present recommendations to the City Council for evaluation. City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 5 of 11 8) Adopt Resolution No. 2003-14, being a resolution indicating Council support for State legislation that would provide improved funding options for city street improvements and maintenance - Removed Fehst stated this request is from the League of MN Cites to provide options for funding road improvements; we do have our own program, but were asked to support the legislation. Nawrocki requested this item be pull from the agenda. 9) Establish a Hearing Date of April 28, 2003 for revocation or suspension of rental property license at 4916-4916 lA Tyler Street NE Motion to establish a hearing date of April 28, 2003 for revocation or suspension of a license to operate a rental property within the City of Columbia Heights against Elmi Abullahi at 4916/4916 lA Tyler St. N.E. 10) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for April 14, 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 102775 through 103032 in the amount of $1,812,752.89. Nawrocki questioned if the check to Thomas and Sons was a final payment. Fehst stated this is to the Central Avenue road construction contractor and this is not a final payment, as there are punch list items to be corrected. Nawrocki questioned the 21~'t Century Grant. Fehst stated this grant is in conjunction with the school district, in place oft he CHASE Grant, for summer programs and after school activities. Motion by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to approve the Consent Agenda items, excluding items number three and eight. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Item #3 Establish a Special City Council Meeting to review the General Obligation Bond Bids for May 5, 2003 beginning at 7:00 p.m. to be followed by a City Council Work Session Nawrocki stated concerns regarding establishing a work session with no agenda items at this time. Fehst indicated that work session agenda items would be listed under the City Manager's Report. Motion by Nawrocki to divide the recommended motion. As a second was not received, the motion was not considered. Motion by Ericson, second by Williams, to establish a special City Council Meeting for May 5, 2003 beginning at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of selling General Obligation Bonds, to be followed by a City Council Work Session. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Wyckoff, aye. 4 ayes -1 nay. Motion carried. Item #8 Adopt Resolution No. 2003-14, being a resolution indicating Council support for State legislation that would provide improved funding options for city street improvements and maintenance Nawrocki stated that this request wouM allow additional taxing authority and he does not agree. Fehst stated this wouM allow the State to set up a program for cities to raise funds to repair roads that do not wish to assess individual properties. City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 6 of 11 Ericson stated it was a positive that the State would consider a way for cities to obtain funds for road improvements, and it is only an option to do so or not do so. Fehst indicated that if assistance funds are no longer available, we must still provide basic services and necessities of the city, such as road improvements. There must be a way to allow cities to raise these funds. Wyckoff read a portion of the resolution, which described what the Legislature is being asked to consider. Nawrocki stated that we have completed major road repairs in most of our City and have done so without this type of taxing authority. Fehst stated this is not authorizing a fee for our City. Wyckoff indicated that the Governor might veto this. Kelzenberg asked the ramifications if we don't support this. Fehst stated it gives cities a funding option. Kelzenberg did not agree with the concept. Williams stated his approval and agreed this would improve funding options for future city councils. Wyckoff felt it was important to keep future options open. Motion by Williams, second by Ericson, to waive the reading of Resolution No.2003-14, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Williams, second by Ericson, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-14, being a resolution indicating Council support for State legislation that would provide improved funding options for future City street improvements and maintenance. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, nay; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, no; Wyckoff, aye. 3 ayes -2 nays. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-14 BEING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE IMPROVED FUNDING OPTIONS FOR CITY STREET IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, Minnesota contains over 135,000 miles of roadway, and over 19,000 miles--or 14%-- are owned and maintained by Minnesota's 853 cities; and WHEREAS, city streets are a separate but integral piece of the network of roads supporting movement of people and goods; and WHEREAS, existing funding mechanisms, such as Mumcipal State Aid (MSA), property taxes, special assessments and bonding, have limited applications, leaving cities under-equipped to address growing needs. WHEREAS, maintenance costs increase as road systems age, and no City--large or small-- is spending enough on roadway capital improvements to maintain a 50-year lifecycle; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Columbia Heights finds it is difficult to develop adequate funding systems to support the City's needed street improvement and maintenance programs while complying with existing State statutes; and WHEREAS, the League of Minnesota Cities, the Minnesota Public Works Association and the City Engineers Association of Minnesota have jointly sponsored the development of a report entitled Funding Street Construction and Maintenance in Minnesota's Cities wherein (1) the street systems of the cities within the State are inventoried; (2) the existing funding systems are detailed and evaluated; and (3) recommendations are made; and WHEREAS, cities need flexible policies and greater resources in order to meet growing demands for street improvements and maintenance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS that this Council concurs with the findings of the above referenced report, and fully supports the recommendations contained in that report; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS that this Council supports the adoption of legislation that would provide cities with the policy options they need to address current and future challenges in providing adequate street improvement and maintenance programs. PUBLIC HEARINGS - none City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 7 of 11 ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions - none B) Bid Considerations -none C) Other Business 1) Appoint members of the Kmart Redevelopment Citizen Advisory Committee Fehst indicated the planning process for the Kmart site redevelopment calls for a citizens committee to have input as an advisory group, hosting from three to five community meetings. Fehst referred to names proposed in the Council packet and indicated the addition of Rob Fiorendino. Wyckoff questioned if the proposed group had been contacted. Fehst stated they have not yet all been contacted. Nclwrocki indicated that when making decisions, there shouM be representation of people directly affected by this study, and he suggested someone from Welle Auto be included and suggested delaying appointments until the proposed members are contacted. Fehst suggested making appointments tonight to get the process started as people couM be added to the group. He stated that this committee wouM not make recommendations, only host meetings, which wouM include the public and business repesentatives, with City Council making all final decisions. Kelzenberg suggested talking to the Subway representatives also. Wyckoff stated that El Bustan's shouM be involved. Ericson indicated the need to invite aH the businesses. Ericson pointed out that there are thirteen names on this list and it is recommended committees have no more than fifteen members. Wyckoff asked Deb Johnson, who was in the audience, if she wouM be willing to serve. Ms. Johnson indicated she wouM not, as she has other commitments at this time. Wyckoff indicated that Dave Holmgren might also be too busy. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to appoint Richard Lawrence, Jo Ann Student, Jim Fowler, John Hunter, Mickey Rooney, Dave Holmgren, Bruce Magnusen, Bob Lyndes, Marlaine Szurek, Nancy Kaldor, Jim Kordiak and Rob Fiorendino to the Kmart Redevelopment Advisory committee, subject to their approval. Nawrocki asked the maker of the motion to include a representative of Welle Auto. The Maker decfined. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Wyckoff, aye. 5 ayes. Motion carried. Amendment to the Motion offered by Nawrocki, to add a representative from Welle Auto to the committee. As no second was received, the amendment was not considered. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Fehst indicated there would be a Special City Council meeting on May 5th to consider the sale of bonds, to be followed by a work session with these items for discussion: · Discuss adoption of State Building Code with Fire appendix. This would be an upgrade to the most recent State Fire Code. He referred to changes regarding sprinkling systems, and minor improvements to a business requiring this improvement. · Building inspection agreement with the City of New Brighton Wyckoff stated that Council Work Sessions are open to the pubfic. City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 8 of 11 Report of the City Attorney Wyckoff questioned Jim Hoefi, City Attorney on the process to conduct a performance review of the City Manger, which she suggested doing after the Board of Review on April 2]st. Hoeft indicated a meeting would be called, and the employee would choose if the meeting would be opened or closed to the public. No action could be taken in a closed meeting. If the meeting is opened by request of the employee, action can be taken. Wyckoff questioned if the same form that was used to evaluate employees could be used Hoefi stated in the past sheet notes or forms were provided for Councilmember's personal organization, but not generated as a Council document. Wyckoff stated that past reviews were closed The Councilmembers met and invited the City Manager in at the end of the session. Kelzenberg stated his discomfort with an open meeting. Nawrocki stated he had no problem with it being an open meeting and that the community ought to be aware oft he discussion. Wyckoff asked that Councilmembers receive a copy of the current contract. Hoefi stated there must be a three day notification of the meeting indicating the evaluation of the City Manager. Discussion included if this should be part of the Board of Review meeting agenda or a special meeting. Motion by Nawrocki that evaluation of the City Manager's performance be part of the special meeting on April 21st. Ericson asked the Attorney for clarification. Hoefi stated that following the Board of Review, Council members could continue with another portion oft he meeting as a closed session. Ericson asked if one member couM dictate that the meeting be open? Hoefi stated that only the employee couM make that decision. Hoefi stated that there must be an audiotape or minutes of the meeting. Ericson recommended that legal counsel be present and suggested the review be held following the April 28ih Council meeting. Motion by Ericson to hold the City Manager's performance evaluation on April 28th. Nawrocki asked that it follow the Council meeting. Ericson indicated prior to the meeting. Wyckoff asked for a second to the Nawrocki motion. As no second was received, the original motion was not considered. Second by Williams to the Ericson motion. Nawrocki did not feel it necessary for the Attorney to be present, and stated he has a prior commitment at that time. Wyckoff indicated the review could be on April 2 F'i if the rules of the meeting were agreed to by everyone. Nawrocki stated he wouM abide by the law. Wyckoff indicated her preference of April 2F'i. Ericson stated her willingness to withdraw her motion, but want clarification on adjourning the closed session. Hoefi stated that the Mayor can adjourn or a Council member can make the motion and if seconded, the majority vote would prevail. Ericson withdrew the Motion. Motion by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to add as an agenda item to the Monday, April 21, 2003 Board of Review meeting, the performance evaluation of the City Manager. Upon vote: All ayes. City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 9 of 11 Motion carried. Fehst stated that he prefers to be informed on a regular basis if there are any problems, rather than only at an annual review. Nawrocki stated that the manager's contract calls for a review at the yearly anniversary date. CITIZENS FORUM Damon Power, 3838 Buchanan Street, asked for a a clarification of driving and par/dng lanes on 3 7th Avenue from Hart Boulevard, west, as/astyear it was changed from two lanes to one lane, but the lines have now disappeared and he has experienced almost three collisions because of this. Fehst stated that apparently the strip from last fall has worn off; we do p/an to re-strip it as a one lane now that the road is warm and wi//attempt to patrol the area more often. Powers recommended more signage. Hoefi stated that he has seen no parking lane violations in court for this area. Power questioned the twelve percent increase to his mid block lighting assessment. In 1989 the assessment was S12 per year, then dropped to SiO a year, andwas SiO. 79/astyear, He stated that he doesn't mind paying the assessment, but does not receive any benefit from the light. Wyckoff asked if he wanted a light at the top of the alley. Power stated that he gets more benefit from his neighbor's yard light. Wyckoff asked what he wants from the City. He stated he was just making a comment. Wyckoff indicated he couMpetition the property owners around him for another light. Powers asked if he couM petition for removal Fehst stated the lights were placed by petition, and couM be eliminated the same way, however, lights are beneficial because they discouraging peop/e from loitering in the alley. Nawrocki stated that we do not have the authority to cancel this assessment, but can drop the project and take the light out. He asked how the cost increased. Hoefi stated that the City cannot cancel the assessment, but can accept a petition to remove the light, or the City can wipe out all assessments and pay the fees with City funds. Hoefi stated that the assessment is the cost of the energy and maintenance passed on by the energy company, and the City does not make money on the project. Fehst indicated that the past assessment clerk broke down each project individually, and now the cost is spread out evenly throughout the City. Wyckoff stated he couM petition for another light. Hoefi indicated he wouM still have to pay for the light that is there. Nawrocki questioned where it states that the original assessment can have cost adjustments. Me/Collova, 3909 Main Street NE, stated he was present as a resident and prior employee regarding the injustice to residents by not filling the building official position, as several projects are being done near him without a permit. He estimated a potential loss of $60, 000 per year, not including double or triple fees when necessary. Borrowing personnel from another city will result in lack of concern and projects done without a permit. He felt projects were being pushed through by the current Community Development Department. He questioned why the City would cut a revenue generating position. He asked Council to look at the number of supervisory positions versus subordinate employees and asked to know the experience and education of each supervisor. He indicated that the City's insurance audit rating would drop and resident's insurance costs would go. Collova requested a time study be completed. 147yckoff stated that an efficiency study has been recommended and it was not necessary to have a full time inspector in the winter. Fehst stated that additional inspection help for the water plant expansion may be necessary. Nawrocki questioned when a formal review of the water works expansion would be brought before Council Fehst stated that a genera/plan was reviewed at a work session. NawrocM stated that a public hearing is necessary so the public knows what is happening. Hoefi stated the plans were presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission and no variances or conditional use permits were required. Leonard Dearing, 43rd and Jefferson, questioned if the same contractor would receive the bid for street reconstruction this year. Nawrocki indicated the bids have been sent out and we are waiting for their return to make and award the job on the basis of/ow, responsible bidder. He stated that Jefferson is a municipal City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 10 of 11 state aid road and there would only be assessments for water and sewer. Dearing asked if the City was satisfied with last year ' s contractor. Fehst indicated that there were a number of items that were not satisfactory. Dearing asked how many people couM five in one house, by law. Hoefi stated that the Housing Maintenance Code has provisions addressing that, and a situation of concern could be brought to the attention of that department. Nawrocki stated there is a distinction between related and unrelated occupants'. Dearing requested that 43ra and Madison be considered for a stop sign, as there have been accidents' and damage to landscaping. Wyckoff stated the Traffic Commission shouM discuss this, and Mr. Dearing wouM be notified when it wouM be on the agenda. Wyckoff invited the students present to come forward and be recognized. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki · Noted comment in the Park Commission minutes regarding charitable gambling organizations giving 10 percent of their proceeds to the city. State law dedicates where funds may be used and he listed recent funds donated, including field repair and scholarships. · The Sister Cities Committee guests are still expected to visit and the City has donated funds for a supper the fifth Monday of June at Immaculate Conception. The request has been made to change the June 23rd Council meeting to June 30th, SO the guests could attend. Council members, spouses, and some staff will be invited to the supper and he suggested staff work on a list of attendees. · Has found the Chamber has already contracted for a concert Saturday night during the Jamboree. The Lions Club is not happy because of the impact on the fireworks display. Parades are now costly, and funds must be raised, which come from the carnival and the beer garden. Alternate nights for the fireworks display were conveyed to the City Manager. · Questioned a memo from IS regarding the new caller id service and incoming calls being displayed, but that it is up to individuals in the City if their number would be displayed going out to the public. Fehst stated the intention is that all lines wouM be caller id available, but will check on this memo. · Referred to an article in the Minneapolis business section today regarding new requirements by Congress on publicly owned businesses. Feels it is desirable to change auditing firms occasionally. · Last week the Mayor, City Manager, and he were at City Day at the Capitol. He distributed packets of information to Councilmembers that did not attend. · Questioned another dollar store opening a business here. We have more than our share already and it affects the community's business climate. Questioned if there was a moratorium on these stores. Fehst stated the moratorium was on resale stores. 14Zyckoff indicated this disheartened her, as we are trying to get a higher level of homes in our community. Wyckoff questioned the lease period of the prior Walgreen's store. Fehst understood it was afire year lease with afire year option. Wyckoff questioned hearing that Rainbow Foods is in bankruptcy. Nawrocki stated that would be the owner, not Rainbow Foods. · Felt there should be a public hearing on the Waterworks improvements. Fehst indicated they are not required to do so, but we couM request it. Ericson stated there was a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Hoeft stated that site plan approval was all that was required of the Planning and Zoning Commission and would not be required to come before Council. · Last Friday he called the City Manager on certain properties with complaints and he received responses that night; he assumes such follow up will continue. City Council Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 11 of 11 Ericson · April's value is Self Control. · Expressed her thanks for the success of the First Annual Heights Housing Fair. 350 people attended and of these 300 were from Columbia Heights. There were 40 contractors and other groups with displays. Fees charged to the contractors will go back to the community for such things as a contribution to the High School scholarship fund. Sixty donated prizes were distributed. The Rising to New Heights committee meets the second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 p.m. at St. Tim' s. Nawrocki stated he was surprised to see city employees working at the housing fair and was told by the City Manager that all employees volunteered their time, and he thanked them. Williams · Will be unable to attend next Monday's meeting, as he will be out of the country helping the family of a friend that passed away. · Budget reductions made are serious and felt the City Manager has done a good job. We are being pro-active and moving forward. · Governor Palenty has appointed our Chief of Police to the Police Appointment Board, which is a high honor. · Indicated that the City Manager is doing a good job, that that he supports our City and lives here. · Pray for the health, peace and prosperity of our City. Kelzenberg · Regarding the possible tax on pull-tab operations, felt his job is to do the best thing for the whole city, and it would be good if we could generate funds from this. It is nothing against what they do with their money, but about being fair to everyone, specifically to the Park Commission, which is having a hard time doing things for our kids. · Stay away from the Post Office tomorrow, as it is the final tax day. Wyckoff · Howard Egge is the Library Patron of the month. She read the article written about him in the Library newsletter. · The Historical Society has downloaded old photos of Columbia Heights on the City's web site, and they are looking for the names of hockey players in a 1937 photo. If anyone has old information on past Jamboree's the Historical Society is very interested. · Metro Transit is proposing to cut the #801 bus that we fought to keep several years ago. This is a vital part of our bus service, going to Apache Plaze and Rosedale; it connects three medical clinics and three senior facilities. Indicated that we can accept a rate increase and cut in service, but still need some level of service. Asked all residents to fill in comment cards, and return them by April 19th. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 9:57 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, CMC, Deputy City Clerk