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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 28, 2003OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL APRIL 28, 2003 The following are the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2003 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Kelzenberg, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Ericson, and Councilmember Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Mayor Wyckoff added Item 7D - Satellite at the University liquor store. Mayor Wyckoff added item 4D - Recognition by the Mayor. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations 1) 2003 Prayer Breakfast - Mayor Wyckoff read the proclamation for the 2003 Community Prayer Breakfast to be held Wednesday, May 14, 2003, 7 a.m. at Murzyn Hall. Nawrocki questioned if this was previously the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, and who is on the committee. Fehst stated it was previously the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast and that a group of local citizens are organizing the event. B) Presentations Columbia Heights' Athletic Boosters Bob Prois, GeraM Foss, Gary Mayer and Kay Mayer presented a $2,500 check to John Larkin, Columbia Heights' Firefighter/EMT, toward the purchase ora defibulator for the Fire Department. The Boosters also presented a $25,000 check to Keith 14Zindschitl, Recreation Director, for city recreation programs. John Larkin thanked the Boosters for their contribution and indicated they are strong supporters of the fire department. Gary Mayer indicated that the Boosters have had a commitment to the recreation department since the early 1980 ' s to assist with the budget. This is one half of their commitment for the year. The Boosters also donated the funds for the first Fire Department defibulator nine and one-half years ago. Keith Windschitl thanked the Boosters for their continuing generous donations to the recreation program, and stated that because of their large donations, we can have programs for an affordable fee. c) D) Introduction of New Employees - none Recognition - Wyckoff indicated she received word today that through citizen comments' and support, the ~801 bus service was saved. There will be hourly peak service to Apache Plaza and hourly mid-day service to Roseda/e. There will no longer be Saturday service. CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt Fehst took Council through the Consent Agenda items. City Council Minutes April 28, 2003 Page 2 of 7 1) Approve City Council meeting minutes for April 14, 2003 Motion to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2003, regular City Council meeting as presented. Nclwrocki indicated page 9, his reference to Jefferson Street as a County Road was incorrect as it is a Municipal State Aid road. He indicated the minutes shouM be signed with the title of Council Secretary. 2) Approve City Council Board of Review meeting minutes for April 21, 2003 Motion to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2003, City Council Board of Review meeting as presented. 3) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes a) Motion to accept the January 28, 2003 minutes of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority b) Motion to accept the March 10, 2003 minutes of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority c) Motion to accept the April 1, 2003 minutes of the Library Board of Trustees Nclwrocki questioned the reference to bankruptcy proceedings in the Library minutes, and what the affect and loss wouM be to our Library. Wyckoff indicated the amount was not very much and couM have been worse. 4) Appoint member to the Kmart Redevelopment Citizen Advisory Committee Motion to appoint Mike Claremont to the Kmart Redevelopment Advisory committee. Wyckoff questioned his interest and background. Kelzenberg stated this was his recommendation; as Mr. Claremont is a resident, a truck driver and a part owner of the past Highlander Drive-in. Nclwrocki again asked that a representative from Welle Auto Store be on the committee. Fehst stated it was the consensus of the Council to only include resident,'. Ericson indicated that business owners wouM be brought in separately. 5) Adopt Resolution No. 2003-15, being a resolution declaring the Intent to Bond for Zone 6B Street Rehabilitation Project Motion to waive the reading of Resolution 2003-15, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution 2003-15, being a resolution approving the declaration for the official intent of the City of Columbia Heights to Bond for Zone 6B Street Rehabilitation Project. Fehst stated this is for future road projects. Nclwrocki questioned why this zone was not included in the current bonding issue. Fehst referred to the current bond amount. Bill Elrite, Finance Director, stated that Zone 6B couM not be included because the project was not approved at the time and several steps required were not at that level. This wouM allow us to bond in the future: past practice is to bond every three years. Fehst stated this is a protective resolution, as we are borrowing money now, but wouM also bond for this in the future. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-15 DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN EXPENDITURES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF BONDS TO BE ISSUED BY THE CITY WHEREAS, Internal Revenue Service has issued Tres. Reg. 1.140-2 providing that proceeds of tax exempt bond used to reimburse prior expenditures will be not be deemed spent unless certain requirements are met; and, City Council Minutes April 28, 2003 Page 3 of 7 WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights (the "City") expects to incur certain expenditures which may be financed temporarily from sources other than bonds, and reimbursed from the proceeds of a bond; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The City reasonably intends to make expenditures for Project #0302 consisting of Zone 6B Street Rehabilitation and reasonably intends to reimburse itself for such expenditures from the proceeds of debt to be issued by the City in one or more series in the maximum principal amount of $1,100,000. 2. This resolution is intended to constitute a declaration of official intent for purposes of Tres. Reg. 1.150-2 and any successor law, regulating or ruling. 6) Approve transfer of funds from General Fund to Police Department budget to reimburse overtime fund Motion to transfer $4,055.62 the total amount received from Unique Thrift Store, Chase Teen Dance, and Valley View Elementary PTA (carnival) for off duty security worked, from the General Fund to the Police Department 2003 budget under line #1020, Police Overtime. Nawrocki questioned if Council had not just approved this. Pofice Chief Tom Johnson stated that the last transfer approval was for the Safe and Sober program. 7) Approve Rental Housing License Applications Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for April 28, 2003. 8) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for April 28, 2003 as presented. 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 103033 through 103231 in the amount of $1,196,254.16. Motion by Williams, second by Ericson, to approve the Consent Agenda items. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS Rental Housing License Revocation for 4916-4916-1/2 Tyler Street NE. Mayor Wyckoff closed the Public Hearing, as the property at 4916-4916-1/2 Tyler Street NE has been brought into compliance with the Rental Housing Maintenance Code. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions - none B) Bid Considerations - none C) Other Business Adopt Resolution 2003-19, to submit a grant application to the MN Department of Trade and Economic Development, for contamination funding investigation of industrial area properties. Fehst indicated this is a grant request for the Phase II study of the industrial site, which we have a good chance of receiving. Nawrocki questioned why the area west of University from 3 ?th to 40th was not included. Fehst stated that concentration at this time is on the east side. Motion by Ericson, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution 2003-19, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. City Council Minutes April 28, 2003 Page 4 of 7 Motion by Ericson, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution 2003-19, being a Resolution authorizing application for Contamination Investigation and Response Action Plan (RAP) Development grant through the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED). Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Randy Schumacher, Community Development Assistant, indicated this appfication was for Phase I and II, for $50,000. The area from 3 7th tO dOth on University Avenue would be a later phase and separate application. RESOLUTION 2003 - 19 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING INVESTIGATION OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights (the "City) has undertaken a plan to determine the highest and best use of existing industrial area properties; and WHEREAS, the City has found that there exists conditions of deterioration, blight, substandard structures, and environmental concerns, and there exists a need (due to blighting influences) for intervention by the City to prevent further deterioration and promote redevelopment of the industrial area; and WHEREAS, the City has recently identified and completed Phase I assessments of all industrial properties in the industrial planning area in which various potential contaminants were identified; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights acts as the legal sponsor for the Contamination Cleanup Grant Program to be submitted on May 1, 2003, and that Walt R Fehst, Executive Director, is hereby authorized to apply to DTED for funding on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure adequate project administration; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sources and amounts of the local match identified in the application are committed to the project identified; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights has not violated any Federal, State, or local laws pertaining to fraud, bribery, graft, kickbacks, collusion, conflict of interest or unlawful or corrupt practice; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval of its application by the state, the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the above-referenced project(s), and that Columbia Heights certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in all contract agreements; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Walter R. Fehst is hereby authorized to execute such agreements as are necessary to implement the project(s) on behalf of the applicant; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota has approved the Contamination Cleanup grant application submitted to the Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) for environmental investigation of Industrial Planning Areas identified. r)) Outdoor restroom facilities at the University Avenue Municipal Liquor Store Wyckoff referred to a request by staff to again place an outdoor satellite at the University Avenue municipal liquor store. Wyckoff stated she does not agree and requested the topic be placed on the May 5th work session for discussion. She also asked residents to contact her with their opinions. Wyckoff questioned when a police officer is on duty at this location. Chief Johnson stated there is an officer there from 8:15 p.m. to 1 O: 15 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and since reinstating this program nine people have been arrested. Fehst stated this is a problem in other places such as the pool hall, and occurs more often than we realize. This is a visible location and suggested screening the unit with a fence. Wyckoff stated she does not want the type of clientele that would do this. She questioned if liquor stores in other cities have this problem. Fehst stated that Minneapolis has required these facilities in some situations. City Council Minutes April 28, 2003 Page 5 of 7 Ericson stated her concern about our image and would like to discuss what we can do to prevent or take care of the problem. Wyckoff stated that relocation of the store has been discussed but with budget crunch is not possible. A resident suggested closing the store at 8:00p. m. Wyckoff indicated the biggest profits are realized from 8 to 10 p.m. Wyckoff indicated the City of iPlinneapolis is considering keeping their stores open until l O:OO p. m. Nawrocki stated his support for placing the satellite at the fiquor store. We need to conduct our business as best we can, even though portable restroom facilities are not a permanent answer, they can reduce the problem. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Fehst reminded Council of the special City Council meeting on May 5th for the sale of bonds, and the work session immediately following to discuss: · Adopting the State Building Code · 800 megahertz radio system · Satellite facility for liquor store · Sidewalk maintenance policy Wyckoff questioned when the pedestrian walkway brickwork wouM be completed Fehst did not know the date. Fehst referred to the median improvement at Central Avenue and 51st by the Department of Transportation and their cooperation to maintain accessibility for businesses in the area. Fehst spoke of the proliferation of traffic signs from 3 7th to 43fa, and stated that we should bring this to the attention of MNDOT and the Legislature. Fehst stated that the City of Fridley has announced they would no longer be cutting grass on the University Avenue corridor median. Our crews will try to maintain this area, even though we do not have the proper equipment, as the State only cuts this median once or twice a year. Wyckoff questioned if we could contract with Fridley to do this. Fehst stated that they are not interested in doing the work. Report of the City Attorney Wyckoff asked if the Judges at the County are aware we lessened their workload with the Ordinance we passed Jim Hoefi, City Attorney, indicated it has not yet affected their volume of cases. CITIZENS FORUM Harold Hoium, 4315, 4317, and 4321 5th Street NE, stated that he was at the Board of Review and questioned again why the city tax amount has increased so much. He stated things like the noise wall on University Avenue lower the image of the City. Wyckoff indicated that the County Assessor offered to come to his home to assess the property and Mr. Hoium refused Leonard Dearing, Jefferson Street, questioned the construction work being done on 40th and Central. 147yckoff indicated this would be a fake cobblestone walkway for pedestrians, and was part oft he original bid Fehst stated he would contact Mr. Dearing with more details. Dick Dustin, 1708 Johnson, indicated the budget expense for City employee wages. He indicated concern that the City Public 147orks Department is overstaffed and suggested eliminatingfive positions. Fehst stated that we currently analyzing positions and realize we may have to make cuts. Wyckoff indicated that we would have a better idea of our standing by May 19th when the Legislative session closes. Fehst spoke of budget cuts and yet continuing our current level of service. Nawrocki questioned an ad in a transportation City Council Minutes April 28, 2003 Page 6 of 7 publication for an engineering type for Columbia Heights. Fehst stated this is an intern position, similar to summer help. Nclwrocki questioned the salary and hours to be worked. Fehst will get him that information. Bill Peterson, 3 718 Lincoln Street, stated that a ten percent charitable gambfing tax is good idea to raise money for improvements to our park system and children's activities. He indicated there should be a ten item fist of goals to work on. Wyckoff suggested opening a concession stand at Sullivan Park. Peterson agreed, and stated that Lomianki Park would be a good place for a dog park. Wyckoff suggested selling the back portion to the neighbors and utilizing the front portion. Fehst indicated that fees have been received from the industrial purchase at Lomianki North and Council may now consider what to do with these funds. Nawrocki stated the funds should go toward the current deficit. Peterson asked for consideration of fresh, new and positive ideas. Wyckoff indicated that much can be accompfished with volunteers. Fehst stated that the Park Commission asked Council to dedicate the North Lomianki funds to that department. Wyckoff recommended residents visit Sullivan Park and enjoy a pleasant walk. Nawrocki commented that if charitable gambling money was taxed it wouM require current recipients to be cut, and he questioned which benefactors shouM be cut. Wyckoff stated that the VFW organization is very good about giving back to our community. Nawrocki stated there are only three groups that have charitable gambling in the City; the VFW,, Boosters, and Immaculate Conception, and that the funds do all go back into the community. Roger Strom, 47 ~ andMonroe, stated he reported to the pofice a car parked on his street for three days, a violation of our six hour parking ordinance, and found the car belonged to someone from Hilltop. Chief Johnson indicated that following a complaint, vehicles would be chalked and tagged if in violation. COUNCIL CORNER Ericson · GMHC received a $240,000 grant which would be used for gap financing for new Columbia Heights homebuyers and to improve our housing stock · Quoted Aristotle: "People first come to the city for safety; they stay to earn a living; and they remain to pursue a good life." Kelzenberg · Initially recommended considering at a ten percent tax on charitable gambling only as an idea because we have to look at ways to increase revenue, and he continues to look at other options. One idea is to begin a 500 Club at Murzyn Hall on Friday nights from about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a $3 fee to raise money. Nawrocki · Questioned how staff spent their time, regarding the article on costs associated with assisting one resident. He took exception to this, as residents are entitled to good answers. · Questioned why Council was not notified of the Arbor Day program until after the event. · Referred to article in Saturday's Tribune on MN Housing Agency funds for affordable housing in the State, which included Columbia Heights, and an article in the Anoka County paper regarding HOME funds to purchase three home sites in Columbia Heights for low and moderate income housing, with labor by Anoka County Corrections. Would like more information on this, as we have done more than most others for this income range and we should concentrate more on market rate homes. Fehst stated that this agency is doing this on their own, but it would be appropriate for them to contact us. · Indicated he is Chair of the Suburban Rate Authority, and stated actions from their last meeting regarding EXCEL metro emission reductions, with funding to come from the rate payers, at a City Council Minutes April 28, 2003 Page 7 of 7 significant cost. Also Excel's proposal to take transmission lines out of the regular Excel system so they would not be regulated by the Public Regulatory Commission. · Indicated Council met for a performance review of the City Manager, as required by his contract. He wished to go on record with his feelings on the performance of the City Manager. Wyckoffcalled Point of Order and indicated she did not want this private information discussed. Wyckoff asked Fehst, as it was his choice, if he wished this to continue. Fehst declined. Nawrocki stated it was his right and responsibility to give this information. Wyckoff consulted the City Attorney, who indicated the Mayor's option to adjourn the meeting. ADJOURNMENT Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary