HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 12, 2003OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
MAY 12, 2003
Pastor Law, Community United Methodist Church, gave the Invocation.
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,
May 12, 2003 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Wyckoff called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present:
Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Kelzenberg, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember
Ericson, and Councilmember Nawrocki
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
HaroM Hoium, 4315 5th Street, requested to add Ordinance ~145 7, being an ordinance to abofish aH
previous ordinances.
Nclwrocki stated that Roberts' Rules of Order indicate that if a previous meeting is not completed, it is
appropriate to finish matters after approval of the meeting minutes. He requested to finish the previous
Council meeting after the consent agenda. Jim Hoefi, City Attorney, indicated that the meeting referred
to was completed. Wyckoff indicated that Nclwrocki wouM be allowed time to speak following the
consent agenda.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
Proclamation - Seat Belt Awareness Campaign- May 19 to June 1, 2003
Mayor Wyckoff read the proclamation and presented it to Chief Johnson.
dohnson indicated the importance of buckling seatbelts, for the driver and the entire family. He
stated that last year in Anoka County there were 606 accidents' with injuries, 12 deaths, and the
property damage cost was $23 million. Johnson stated that legislation is in process to make this
a primary citation. He reminded everyone that children shouM be buckled in the rear seat in car
seats'; and if asked, our officers wouM check for proper installation.
CONSENT AGENDA
Wyckoff removed item #8 and Fehst requested removal of item # 10.
1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for April 28, 2003
Motion to approve the minutes of the April 28, 2003, regular City Council meeting
2)
Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes Removed
Nawrocki questioned the two requests' to waive hall rental fees from the Park and Recreation
Commission meeting minutes. The prayer breakfast fees were waived and the Sister Cities
request was not. Kelzenberg indicated the discussion of the Park Commission, which determined
that the prayer breakfast was a City event and that the Sister Cities request was a benefit dinner.
Any City function would be waived and other requests' would require a partial charge to cover
opening the building and staffing costs'. Fehst indicated that the building would already be
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May 12, 2003
Page 2 of 11
opened and staffed for the prayer breakfast and would not be for the other event. Nawrocki felt it
was unfair to this group. 14Zyckoff agreed. Kelzenberg stated they were asked for the bare
minimum fee. 14Zyckoff stated the fee charged would be about $100.00.
Wyckoff removed #2 from the consent agenda.
3)
Establish Work Session Meeting Date for May 19, 2003
Motion to establish a Work Session meeting date for Monday, May 19, 2003 beginning at 7:00
p.m., in City Hall Conference Room 1.
Fehst listed items for the upcoming work session: · Building official contract with the City of New Brighton
· Sidewalk policy consideration
· Option for University Avenue liquor store
· Budget discussion following legislative session
Nawrocki commended the City Manager on fisting agenda items when setting the work session
date.
4)
Adopt Resolution No. 2003-24, being a Resolution changing the date of the second regular City
Council Meeting in May 2003 to May 27, 2003.
Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-24, there being ample copies available to
the public.
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2003-24, being a Resolution changing the date of the City of
Columbia Heights regular City Council Meeting in May 2003.
Nawrocki stated that the last Council meeting date in June would also need to be changed to
coincide with the visit of the dignitaries from our Sister City, Lomianki, Poland. Wyckoff stated
this wouM be on the May 2 7th agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-24
BEING A RESOLUTION CHANGING THE DATE OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING IN MAY 2003
WHEREAS: The City Council has decided to change the date of the regular Council meeting scheduled for May
26, 2003, and;
WHEREAS: The City of Columbia Heights Bylaws of Procedures and Decorum indicates "TT. Procedures - (3)
Regular Council Meeting Schedule Rules. Regular Council meetings shall be held on the second and fourth
Mondays of each month, which are not observed legal holidays. Any regular meeting, which would fall on an
observed legal holiday, shall be held on the Tuesday following such observed legal holiday. The Council may vary
this meeting schedule by resolution and may set such special meetings in the form and manner as prescribed by
Charter"; and;
WHEREAS: The second regular Council meeting in May, 2003 would heretofore have been scheduled for
Monday, May 26, 2003 which is a legal holiday, now be rescheduled to Tuesday, May 27, 2003.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all interested parties be advised of this change with the traditional
convening time of 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.
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May 12, 2003
Page 3 of 11
5) Authorize agreement with Anoka County to place antennas/dish and control building at the City
water tower to support the new public safety radio system. Removed
6) Authorize closure of street for carnival and issuance of permit for 2003 Jamboree parade
Motion to authorize staff to close Jefferson Street for the time period from Monday afternoon,
June 23, 2003 through Sunday, June 29th, 2003.
Motion to authorize the Police Department to issue a parade permit for the Jamboree Parade to
be held on Friday, June 27, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. for the following streets: Central Avenue at 45th
Avenue to 40th Avenue, west on 40th Avenue to 5th Street and 5th Street to Mill Street.
Fehst stated the parade route would follow Central Avenue this year.
7)
Adopt Resolution No. 2003-22, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding a contract for
city Project #0300:2003 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and installations.
Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-22, there being ample copies available to
the public.
Motion to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2003-22 accepting bids and awarding the 2003
Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, Municipal Project #0300, to Ran Kassa
Construction, Inc. of Elko, MN, based upon their low, qualified, responsible total bid in the
amount of $29,309.70 with funds to be appropriated from Fund 401-50300-4000; and,
furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same.
Fehst mentioned it would be recommended to repair the alley by Sahibs, with additional lighting
on the north side of the alley to brighten the area. Nawrocki indicated an area from last year on
Pierce and Matterhorn, where a portion of the street is concrete and some section replacement
was done, but one section was not and he wouM like that included. Fehst stated it couM be added
at any time.
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-22
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE 2003 MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE
REPAIRS AND INSTALLATIONS, CITY PROJECT No. 0300 TO RON KASSA CONSTRUCTION
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No. 0300, Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and
Installations, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with
the advertisement:
Bidder
Quality Restoration Services
Ran Kassa Construction
Gunderson Bros.
Thomas & Sons
Base Bid Alternate 1 Bid TOTAL
$15,914.10 -- $15,914.10
$16,071.30 $13,238.40 $29,309.70
$20,123.10 $10,933.50 $31,056.60
$24,253.51 $11,465.40 $35,718.91
WHEREAS, it appears that Ran Kassa Construction Inc., 6005 250*h East, Elko, Minnesota 55020 is the lowest responsible
bidder.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA:
1. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Ran Kassa Construction, Inc. in the
name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the 2003 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project No.
0300, according to plans and specifications therefore approved by the Council.
2. The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to return, forthwith, to all bidders, the deposits made with their bids
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May 12, 2003
Page 4 of 11
except the deposit of the successful bidder and the next lowest bidder shall be retained until the contract has been signed.
City Project #0300 shall be funded with State Aid Maintenance Fund, General Fund, Park Fund, Street Fund, Sewer and
Water Fund and PIR funds.
8) Approve designation of the east side of Jackson Street from the alley to 30' north of the alley as
"no parking". Removed
9)
Approve Business License Applications
Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 12, 2003 as
presented.
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 103232 through 103439 in the amount of $545,587.20.
Nawrocki questioned check number 1033 79for $1,000. Bill Elrite, Finance Director, stated this
is the deductible amount on our insurance poficy with the League of MN Cities, and the claim
was for a sewer backup.
Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda items, excluding
items number 2, 5, and 8. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Ericson, second by Williams, to accept the April 23, 2003 minutes of the Park and
Recreation Commission and the April 7, 2003 minutes of the Traffic Commission. Upon vote:
All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Nawrocki to waive the Murzyn Hall rental fee for the Sister Cities Committee
spaghetti supper on June 1st. Second by Kelzenberg. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, nay; Williams,
nay; Ericson, nay; Nawrocki, aye; Wyckoff, aye. 3 nays - 2 ayes. Motion failed.
Nawrocki requested a copy of the poficy regarding who get; charged for facifity rental.
#5 Authorize agreement with Anoka County to place antennas/dish and control building at the
City water tower to support the new public safety radio system
Fehst introduced Mr. John Tonding, Anoka County Communications Manager. He stated that
staff met with Tonding, his staff and project consultant; regarding placement of an antenna on
our water tower to support the new County safety radio system. Fehst indicated that our cost for
site improvement; was to be considered; improvement; that would not be necessary if we were
not adding the County antenna/dish system. Fehst has learned that the County wishes the City to
pay for half of the improvement,'. Fehst indicated the dollar; received to have antennas on PFF
yearly, and there would be no yearly fee charged to the County. The current antenna is in
Fridley. Fehst felt having the antenna in Columbia Height; would be a good idea and
communication would be better, but that the Coun(y should pay the cost to improve security.
Tonding indicated they were not aware of the improvement; to be requested at the work session
and had not discussed them with County Administration. This is an expensive project and the
county want; to make it cost effective. The counter offer was that the County fund all inspections,
and agree to landscaping, but that the City pay for half of the improvements, as they are a
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May 12, 2003
Page 5 of 11
benefit to both groups. Fehst indicated that his recommendation stands, as budget constraints
limit our resources.
Nawrocki suggested consider spfitting the difference or the County funding three-quarters of the
improvements. Wyckoff questioned agreements with the other cities involved. Tonding stated that
discussions are beginning with Blaine, which also needs a fence.
Ericson stated her understanding that the County was not aware of the request and that it does
benefit the City, but agreed that these improvements wouM not be done if it were not for the
County's request. 14~illiams and Kelzenberg agreed. Ericson questioned delaying the decision
until there is information available on discussions with the other communities involved. Tonding
stated that only Blaine and Columbia Heights wouM have similar situations.
Fehst explained the time restraints, as there is a time limit on the sales tax exemption for
purchases. There is current legislation to extend the time limit.
Motion by Nawrocki to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with
Anoka County to place antennas on the City of Columbia Heights water tower, a six-inch dish on
the neck of the tower, and to place a 12 foot by 26 foot control building at the water tower
location to support the new public safety radio system; all in accordance with the lease
agreement between the City and the County, and subject to the County agreeing to pay three-
quarters of the cost estimate of $38,382.10, listed in the Public Works Director's memo of April
28th. Seconded by Kelzenberg for the purpose of discussion.
Kelzenberg stated that we are financially strapped as is the County, and felt there is room to
negotiate. Chief Johnson stated that Councilmember Nawrocki's numbers were correct for
hardware items but do not include landscaping costs, and suggested amending the motion to
include landscaping costs as the County has offered.
Nawrocki amended the motion to add $3,000 for landscaping, to the estimated total of
$38,382.10. Kelzenberg agreed to the amendment.
Nawrocki stated the advantage in not letting the date for sales tax exemption to expire. Tonding
indicated the hope that the date wouM be extended. Ericson stated her discomfort with this
agreement and indicated that negotiations should continue.
Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, nay; Ericson, nay; Nawrocki, aye; Wyckoff, nay. 3 nays
- 2 ayes. Motion failed.
Motion by Ericson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into negotiations with
Anoka County regarding an agreement place antennas on the City of Columbia Heights water
tower, a six-inch dish on the neck of the tower, and to place a 12 foot by 26 foot control building
at the water tower location to support the new public safety radio system; all in accordance with
the lease agreement between the City and the County and to authorize staff to enter into
negotiation with Anoka County on the terms and agreements for specific improvements and
costs thereon. Seconded by Williams.
Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Wyckoff, aye. All
ayes. Motion carried.
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May 12, 2003
Page 6 of 11
Nawrocki referred to the adjacent home on Stinson and asked that staff look into adding a
landscaping barrier between this home and the water tower area.
#8 Approve designation of the east side of Jackson Street from the alley to 30' north of the alley as
"no parking".
Wyckoff stated this is the area exiting from the library parking lot. She asked if the City owned
property across the street could be used as a parking lot for the library. Chief Johnson indicated
this request is for the opposite side oft he street. Nawrocki stated he did not support paving that
lot, as we have planted grass there. Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer, stated this is the
recommendation of the Traffic Commission. Nawrocki indicated that the minutes from that
meeting should have been available for Council review. Kelzenberg stated this request was
tabled by the Traffic Commission to discuss the adjacent empty lot, but was recommended, as
funds are not available to pave the empty lot.
Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to designate the east side of Jackson Street from the
alley to 30' north of the alley as "no parking", based upon a recommendation of the Traffic
Commission. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Addition to the agenda:
Wyckoff stated that Nawrocki could now finish his business from the previous City Council
meeting.
Nawrocki
· Took strong exception to the cameras being turning off; the Mayor did not have the authority
to tell staff what to do.
· Apologized that he raised his voice.
· Intended to talk about the City Manager's performance, not to discuss actions of the
executive session dealing with the evaluation of the City Manager, but to express his own
comments and concerns. He stated that the City Attorney said he had the right to give his
opinion. Hoefi indicated members do have a right to their comments, but not to discuss
information from a closed meeting.
· Thinks the City Manager has more ability than he is currently exercising in carrying out city
functions, and is disappointed we don't get alternatives to the recommendations that are
made, including loss of local government aid. Recommendations are needed to downsize our
operations. The Budget this year uses reserve funds to balance the budget, which reduces
reserves. We need to make the hard decisions early on, and work with attrition. Disappointed
this has not been done.
Williams passed on the opportunity to speak at this time.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - none
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1) First Reading of Ordinance No. 1456, adopting the MN State Building Code
Kevin I4Zhite, Building Official, stated this Ordinance would adopt the State Building Code,
which is given to cities by the State; the cities adopt the Code to make it easier to enforce. This is
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May 12, 2003
Page 7 of 11
done approximately every three years. Wyckoff questioned the zoning ordinance. White indicated
the zoning ordinance would supercede the Building Code. White stated this would allow for a
self-propitiating ordinance, inclusively allowing adoption of the most current building code.
Ericson questioned what would happen if there were changes to the optional section. White
stated that the optional changes wouM need to go through the adoption process. Nawrocki
questioned what the major Code changes were. White referred to minor changes in sprinkling
and fire wall thickness. White gave an example of sprinkling a retail store.
Nawrocki questioned what changes would be required at the NEI building to comply with the
Building Code. Fire Chief Thompson stated that a small portion of NEI is sprinkled but the main
body is not. White stated that if there were no alternations to the building and it remained a "B"
occupancy additional sprinkling wouM not be required.
Nclwrocki questioned Appendix K. White stated it constitutes grading permits that are different
from normal construction, such as stockpiling of dirt. Nclwrocki indicated Council shouM
approve the code each time it is changed.
Ericson questioned who uses the building code ? White indicated architects, designers,
developers, contractors, and the Building Official. Ericson stated it is for professionals, to use
for their job. Ericson questioned what would happen if the Code changed and we did not update
our ordinance. Hoefi stated that the new Code would still be in effect. White stated that the Code
is adopted by all cities, as small cities over 2,500 must adopt it if the county adopts it.
Motion by Ericson, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1456, there
being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Ericson, second by Williams, to set the second reading of Ordinance No. 1456, being
an Ordinance adopting the MN State Building Code, for May 27, 2003, at approximately 7 p.m.
in the Council Chambers. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Nawrocki asked that at the second reading of this ordinance there be an alternate choice to
adopt the code without the self-propitiating wording.
B) Bid Considerations.
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2003-23, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding a contract for the
Zone 6B Street Rehabilitation improvements
Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer, stated that this project received five bi&from the twenty-
four packets distributed Staff recommended Midwest Asphalt, because of their bid and that we
have worked with them in the past and they are reliable. She stated that assessments are based
on the final project cost.
Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-23,
there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2003-23
accepting bids and awarding the 2003 Street Rehabilitation Projects in Zone 6B, Project No.
0302 to Midwest Asphalt Corporation of Minnetonka, Minnesota in the amount of $970,772.44
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May 12, 2003
Page 8 of 11
based upon their low, qualified responsible bid and accepting Alternate 1 (unit price basis) for
residential construction; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into
an agreement for the same. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-23
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE ZONE 6B STREET
REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT No. 0302 TO MIDWEST ASPHALT CORPORATION
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No. 0302, Street Rehabilitation Improvements,
bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the
advertisement:
Alternate # 1
Bidder Base Bid (Residential Const.)
Midwest Asphalt Corp $ 970, 772.44 $3,020.00
Hardrives $ 995,572.73 $2,292.00
North Valley $1,035,389.50 $2,821.00
Thomas & Sons $1,037,121.47 $4,819.50
Bituminous Roadways $1,295,702.00 $4,490.00
WHEREAS, it appears that Midwest Asphalt Corporation, 5929 Baker Road, Suite 420, Minnetonka, Minnesota
55432, is the lowest responsible bidder.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
MINNESOTA:
The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Midwest Asphalt Corporation, in
the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the 2003 Zone 6B Street Rehabilitation Improvements, City Project
No. 0302, according to plans and specifications therefore approved by the Council.
The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to return, forthwith, to all bidders, the deposits made with their bids
except the deposit of the successful bidder and the next lowest bidder shall be retained until the contract has been signed.
City Project 0302 shall be funded with State Aid Maintenance Funds, General Funds (Infrastructure and Assessments),
Sanitary Sewer Construction, Water Construction, and Storm Water Utility Construction Funds.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
Fehst indicated that Council would be asked to change the second Council meeting date in dune
from the fourth Monday to the fifth Monday, to allow the seven visitors from Lomianki Poland, our
Sister City, to attend. The guest; will take part in our damboree festival activities and the City would
be sponsoring a traditional America, dinner for them prior to the rescheduled City Council meeting.
A list of staff dinner attendees has been submitted to the committee. The Sister Cities Committee will
also host a benefit Spaghetti dinner on dune ist at Murzyn Hall. Fehst thanked Dolores Strand and
Wally Logacz for their time to make this an event we can be proud of
Fehst stated that the Community Prayer Breakfast will be hem on May 14, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at
Murzyn Hall. Gary Peterson will be the Master of Ceremonies and Marlaine Szurek is the
Committee Chair. Ticket; are $20 and can be obtained by calling City Hall.
C) Report of the City Attorney - none
CITIZENS FORUM
Helen Kersh, 1440 Mo/an Terrace, indicated that her property abut; Ramsdell Park. She has rived there
since 1961 and has had a garden since 1975. There are trees on the park property that are shading her
garden, causing growing problems. Kersh requested that three trees in this area be taken down. Fehst
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May 12, 2003
Page 9 of 11
will have staff look at the situation. Kersh also stated the dandelions in the park were a problem and
that she spoke to City staff, who indicated the park would be sprayed once in the spring and once in the
fall. She did not feel this wouM be sufficient.
Motion by Nawrocki to direct the City Manager look into the shade tree and dandelion problem at
Ramsdell Park and report back, in writing to the City Council and Mrs. Kersh. Second by Williams.
Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Wyckoff, aye. Motion
carried.
Howard Seim, 1425 Molan Terrace, indicated that there is not an attempt to control the clover, noxious
weeds and crab grass at Ramsdell Park.
Hoium noted that there was not a report received from the City Attorney, pofice, or fire departments. He
questioned his request for an ordinance to abolish all ordinances. Wyckoff indicated that a second was
not received. Hoium felt that cars and buses were speeding from one stoplight to the next.
Ed Aune, 4649 Johnson, voiced concern about students parking on side streets such as 47th Avenue. He
indicated that he received a ticket for parking by his home. The ticket was rescinded. He stated that he
has put up with apartment tenants parking in front of their home for 25years, but felt a six hour
ordinance is wrong, as you can not park overnight, or over an eight hour work shift. He felt it was
unfair that violations are by way of complaint. Anne stated that he understands winter parking
restrictions for plowing. He indicated that cars park too close to the corner, making it difficult for fire
trucks to get through. Wyckoff stated that several years ago she asked Council to reconsider the six hour
parking limit and it was voted down. She wouM like the present Council to reconsider this issue.
Nawrocld stated the six hour ordinance was a way to control all day, i.e. such as students and tenants,
and to lengthen or abolish the limit wouM legitimize their parking. He suggested researching if the
school has complied with the parking code. Wyckoff stated that she has requested a joint meeting with
the School Board.
Sharon Anne, 4649 Johnson, stated her extreme frustration with parking that overlaps their driveway
and signs that say no parking, and yet they got a ticket for parking in front of their own house. She has
checked with other suburbs and a lot of them have 24 hour parking, or up to 72 hour parking. Wyckoff
indicated that a parking permit couM be obtained through the police department. Anne referred to the
safety issue of parking to close to the corner and that residents wouM be willing to paint the area to the
corner yellow. Wyckoff asked that the Police and Public Works Department look into this. Fehst stated
that we could paint the appropriate area yellow. Fehst stated that we have a standard ordinance and
towing wouM only occur after 24 to 72 hours. He indicated that when responding to a complaint, the
adjacent two to three block area is checked for compliance. He asked for a copy of Mrs. Anne's
information. Wyckoff asked for this topic to be discussed at a future work session.
Larry Weatherly, 4643 Johnson, stated that if there is a six hour parking ordinance, it must be enforced
citywide. He stated that he called Anoka County Dispatch and they were not aware of this ordinance. He
referred to problems with the apartment building neighbors and their visitors. Weatherly did not agree
with not filling vacant Police Officer positions.
Mrs. Kersh indicated that there are parking spaces open at the school, and that students do not need to
park on the street. Aune stated that if students wouM park in the school lot, it wouM alleviate students
standing on the road and talking. A student in the audience indicated that if there were sidewalks, the
students wouM use them. Deb Johnson, 4638 Pierce, responded "No sidewalk is six people wide ".
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May 12, 2003
Page 10 of 11
Paul Bona, 612 dOth Avenue, 48 year resident, stated that after watching the last Council meeting, he is
disappointed by the actions of the City Council and that the City Manager is doing a good job.
A resident indicated there shouM be a sidewalk along the fence by the baseballfield.
Mayor Wyckoff invited the student; present to come forward to get their papers signed.
COUNCIL CORNER
Wyckoff apologized to Williams for his not being able to speak at last meeting's Council Corner.
Williams
· The Values First "Value" for May is responsibility. He, along with his daughter, grandson and
Gary Peterson went to Jamaica to finish the family home of his deceased friend. Their money is
less than 2 cents to our dollar. There is 30% unemployment.
· Listed '99 assessed values, which have increased by 66.2 percent. Listed '99 payroll costs, which
have increased by only 21 percent. Encouraged people to improve their homes, and to continue
to move our City forward. Indicated that Mark Wagner stated the City needs to be proactive and
needs to rebuild the liquor store. We need to protect of our citizens and protect the value of our
homes. There are many improvement under our City Manager's direction, and the City should be
grateful.
· The Community Prayer Breakfast is this Wednesday and if anyone would like to attend, they can
be his guests.
· Regarding alley lighting, Council voted to streamline the billing a year ago, to make our City
more efficient.
· We should all pray for our neighbor's peace and health and the prosperity of our city; and we
should all work together.
Kelzenberg
· The 500 Club will host a golf tournament on June 1st as a fund raiser for our Fire Department.
Ericson
· Read a quote to keep in mind when we are working on redevelopment projects in our City:
"excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think
is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical and expecting more than others think is
possible".
Wyckoff
· Ate at LaCaberna, (past Tycoon Grill) and the food was wonderful, and encouraged everyone to
go there.
· The Library Patrons of the Month are the Friends of the Library. Read their bio from the Library
newsletter. The Library Book Sale will be this Thursday.
· There is an article in the Northeaster about Kelly's Tea. She is from Columbia Heights and is
interested in the old Dr. Good's building to open her business and rent out some of the space.
Nawrocki
· Regarding property value increases; they are up all around the metro area. Not something we did.
· Regarding the article about the City Council in the Northeaster; it indicated the Council meeting
of March 10 was only 20 minutes long, but the action at that meeting included the assessment for
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May 12, 2003
Page 11 of 11
street lighting. Wyckoff stated that meeting was 1 hour and 20 minutes in length.
· Listed Memorial Day services for veterans. The Columbia Heights VFW Memorial Day service
will be at 11:30 a.m., Monday, May 26th at City Hall.
· The monument at LaBelle Park, for Jim LaBelle (who served and lost his life in WWII and
received the Congressional Medal of Honor) still has not been cleaned and the memorial at 40th
and Central in memory of Tom Sherohman (chaired HRA) has planters in front of it, and also
needs cleaning.
· Letter from the Suburban Rate Authority requesting a contact name for an analysis of
communities. Fehst will make the assignment
· The fence behind Rainbow Foods still has no screening alongside the shopping center.
· Questioned the local Ordinance regulating the sale and use of fireworks, and the necessity to
update the requirements.
· Tour areas of redevelopment similar to the K-Mart site with the citizens advisory committee. The
sites had high-density development. Suggested residents look at these types of density
development and their application to Columbia Heights.
· Questioned what could be done with the landscaping on the Reservoir and Stinson slope. Fehst
stated he wouM obtain information on what wouM be done.
· A presentation should be given on the Minneapolis Water Works renovation project. Ericson
stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission has hem a public hearing. Fehst stated a
presentation was being planned for June.
· Last Wednesday tried to leave message for the City Manager and received memo Wednesday
night that he was out of town. Wyckoff stated that Fehst informed Councilmembers at the prior
Monday meeting, that he wouM be attending a conference where he wouM pay his own travel
and lodging. Fehst stated that the memo was distributed on Monday.
Williams gave information on where Fehst got his degree (Kellogg MBA school), and indicated the high
rating of this facility.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary