Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 30, 2003OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL JUNE 30, 2003 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2003 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. Dolores Strand, Sister Cities Committee Representative, introduced Father A1 Backmann, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father A1 Backmann, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, gave the Invocation CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Wyckoff called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson, Councilmember Kelzenberg, Councilmember Williams PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - none PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Mayor Wyckoff asked Dolores Strand, Sister Cities Committee Co-Chair to come forward and introduce our special guests, the dignitaries from our Sister City in Lomianki, Poland. Strand stated the guests arrived last Wednesday, and listed the activities the guests have been involved in since their arrival. She introduced Burmistrz (Mayor) Lucjan Sokolowski and his wife Anna, and Jerzey Burmistrz Sokolowski, Director of the Children's Hospital. Strand stated that our Sister City Committee has been very active in the financial and moral support of their hospital. She introduced Lomianki Sister City Committee members Ryszard Szczesniak (President), Krystyna Kasprzak (Vice President), and Halina Fabczak (Director). Strand indicated that our Sister City relationship began twelve years ago. She thanked Brother Milton Barker, who is the Honorary Co-Chair of our Sister City Committee. Burmistrz Sokolowski addressed Mayor Wyckoff, the City Council, Staff, and members of the audience. He indicated the very long and lasting ties between our two countries, including two famous Generals from Poland that helped America to achieve independence, WWII, and the present situation in Iraq. It is not by coincidence that Poland has copied the American Constitution into theirs. Poles think highly of American freedom and their ability to govern. Poland has suffered many setbacks and wars, but could always count on the help of the American people in hard times. He stated that the Poles were proud to have participated in Iraq on the American side of freedom. An event that brought us closer was during WWII when an American airplane traveling to give aid to Poland during the uprising in Warsaw crashed; eight people perished and two survived. The airplane did not perish in vain and the people of Poland and Warsaw are indebted for their sacrifice. Every year, on September 18th, the City of Lomianki commemorates the downing of that plane with a large memorial service. Burmistrz Sokolowski expressed a sincere thank you for all the help received, and the wish to maintain the tie between our communities as a thank you to Bernie Szymczak, whose brother perished in the downing of that airplane. He thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers for the invitation to him and his group, the members of the Sister City Committee, Totino Grace High School for their room, and Brother Milton for his generosity. Burmistrz Sokolowski stated that Walter Logacz is an honorary citizen of Lomianki. He expressed a sincere thank you for the generosity of Columbia Heights to the Children's Hospital. Burmistrz Sokolowski expressed desire that the ties between the two cities will broaden and get stronger, now and City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 2 of 12 with the younger generations of our people. Our future will depend on the upbringing and education of the current generations and generations to come. The world will be only as good as our youth. It is true that many miles separate us, but thanks to the high technology we are experiencing, we are able to have teleconferencing via satellite, and he expressed the desire that their children can communicate with Columbia Heights schools via television. The hope is that your young people may benefit and be eager to learn from our culture and longevity of experience. Casmir Bryzinski, member of our Sister City Committee, interpreted the words of the Burmistrz. Burmistrz Sokolowski asked permission to present the Mayor and Councilmembers with gifts from his City. Paperweights with the Lomianki emblem, neck kerchiefs, and city pins were received with appreciation. Mayor Wyckoff presented Burmistrz Sokolowski with an engraved gavel. She listed the events she shared with our guests. Wyckoff displayed the clock presented to her from the City of Lomianki. She presented dignitaries with a Columbia Heights Historical Society calendar and Columbia Heights tee shirts. Wyckoff stated the dignitaries would be taken to our conference room for a newspaper interview. Ted Landwehr, representing the Rising to New Heights Committee, presented dignitaries with a gift bag of items as a remembrance of their visit. Landwehr acknowledged and thanked local organizations and businesses that contributed to the gifts. Lomianki Sister City Committee President Ryszard Szczesniak spoke, indicating his appreciation for the invitation to our community and the extreme generosity and friendship they have received. Szczesniak stated that he also visited Columbia Heights in 1994 as a Sister City representative. He stated there was then a different administration, and that the building has changed. However, the friendship and generosity has not. He stated that our contact has many meanings, but referred to the historical relationship as a result of the tragic American airplane crash in WWII. He referred to the continued vital contact with Bernie Sczymschak. Szczesniak asked for a moment in silence to honor the passing of Bernie's wife. He stated that there was a mass heard in her honor one day prior to this group coming to the United States. Mickey Rooney asked if they celebrate an Independence Day in Poland. Szczesniak stated that their Independence Day is November 11th. CONSENT AGENDA City Manager Walt Fehst took Councilmembers through the consent agenda items. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for June 9, 2003 Motion to approve the minutes of the June 9, 2003, regular City Council meeting as corrected. (Correction: Page 11, Seims to Sowada) 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes a) Motion to accept the May 20, 2003 minutes of the Economic Development Authority. b) Motion to accept the May 28, 2003 minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission. 3) Establish Work Session Meeting Dates for Monday, July 14, 2003 and Monday, July 21, 2003 Motion to establish Work Session meeting Monday, July 21, 2003 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 and to establish a work session meeting to receive the auditor's report for Monday, July 14th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 3 of 12 Nclwrocki questioned the agenda for duly 21 work session. Fehst stated there would be discussion to purchase a generator for city hall. Nawrocki stated he has a conflict on duly 14 and felt one hour with the auditors was not enough time. Fehst stated that the next available Monday wouM be in early August. Bill Elrite, Finance Director, stated the auditor has other commitments on the 7th and idth, but he is flexible. Fehst suggested 5.'30 on duly 9th. Councilmembers agreed 4) Establish joint meeting of the School Board and City Council for Wednesday, July 9, 2003, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Motion to establish a work session meeting for Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at 7:00 p.m., Murzyn Hall with the School Board of District 13. Fehst stated the meeting place was yet to be decided 5) Authorize development of administrative policy to accept credit card payments - Removed 6) Authorize agreement to place antennas on City water tower and place control building to support Public Safety radio system. Motion to approve the negotiated agreement of security upgrades at the City' s water tower and to give Anoka County permission to move ahead with the installation of the 800 MHz antennas on the City' s water tower as per the rental agreement with the County. Fehst stated we have reached agreement with Anoka County, whereby they wouM pay the majority of the costs, but we wouM pay for one-half the cost of the fence. 7) Approve Contract for Industrial Park Redevelopment Phase II Environmental Site Assessment/ Response Action Plan with ProSource Technologies Inc. Motion to Approve the Contract with ProSource Technologies Inc. for the completion of the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment/Response Action Plan in the amount of $73,713; of which $50,000 shall be funded from the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Program and the balance from the Capital Improvement Development Fund 420, and furthermore, authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Fehst stated that the Phase II environment study is necessary to received funding from the State. 14Ze were ranked number one for the $50,000 grant from the Department of Trade and Economic Development. Nawrocki stated his disappointed that staff is moving toward housing development for this area, as people need jobs to pay for the homes they have. Industrial development ebbs and flows, and as in the Medtronic site we should wait for the type of development that is envied He again asked for financial information relative to increased services, county and school district costs. 8) Authorize award of bid for Refurbishment of Engine 4 and Rescue 1 to North Central Ambulance Service Motion to award refurbishment of Engine 4 and Rescue 1 to North Central Ambulance Service based upon their low qualified responsible bid in the amount of $88,108.72 with funds to come from 439-42200-5150; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. 9) Establish a Hearing Date of July 28, 2003 for revocation or suspension of rental property license at 4441 University Avenue N.E. Motion to establish a hearing date of July 28, 2003 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 4 of 12 Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Lynde Investment Company at 4441 University Avenue N.E. 10) Approve Rental Housing License Applications Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for June 30, 2003. 11) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for June 30, 2003, as presented. 12) 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 103794 through 104117 in the amount of $3,705,222.05. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to approve the Consent Agenda, with the removal of Item #5. Nawrocki stated he had questions on the bill fist, that he was unable to get answered. He would discuss them with the Finance Director after the meeting. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. (5) Authorize development of administrative policy to accept credit card payments Nawrocki agreed there was merit to offer this service, but couM not justify the credit card company fee of 2.5percent and the additional administrative cost,'. He questioned how the City wouM pay for this. Kelzenberg felt that we need to "get with the times", and that many people only pay with a charge card. The post office cannot even write a check. It is a convenience for people to call in program reservations. Wyckoff stated this process would be timefier and make it easier to get payment,'. People would not have to come in to city hall or buy stamps. Fehst stated that the Recreation Director has had many people ask for this service. Wyckoff indicated that automatic billing wouM also be a great convenience. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to authorize the City Manager to develop an administrative policy covering the acceptance of credit card payments and to consider the cost of this additional service in establishing future fees and service charges for services provided. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Wyckoff, aye. 4 ayes - 1 nay. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 3823 Polk Street N.E. Wyckoff closed the public hearing, as the property is now in compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. B) Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4610-4612 Fillmore Street NE Wyckoff closed the public hearing, as the property is now in compliance with the Residential City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 5 of 12 Maintenance Code. c) Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 5131 University Avenue NE Fire Chief Charles Thompson stated the two unit; (5131 and 5141 University Avenue) carry the same timelines. He listed violations, dates of compliance orders, visit; to the property by staff, and dates of certified mail notification. Both properties were re-inspected on dune 19 and were not in compliance. Mike Rozman, appearing on behalf of Lynde Investment Company, stated the retaining wall involved runs the length of three adjacent buildings. He asked to meet with Housing Maintenance personnel for clarification to determine specific repairs requested Fehst recommended this item be tabled until the next Council meeting, so the requested meeting can take place. Nclwrocki questioned if setting such a meeting was part of the ongoing notification process. Thompson stated it is, and that Rozman did contact him, but was threatening and belligerent and that staff backed off. Matt Fields, Fire Captain, stated that the initial inspection was a complaint inspection, which by Council action requires the entire block to be inspected He stated that it is the property owner's responsibility to contact the office. Nclwrocki asked if the owner had been notified Ericson stated there have been five notices sent and that the owner has had every opportunity to contact staff to set an appointment. Wyckoff asked that a meeting between staff and the owner be set for tomorrow and that this hearing be tabled for two week,'. Rozman asked that the reinspection fees be reconsidered as each inspection was on adjacent property. Thompson stated the owner is sent compfiance notices asking the property owner to contact the office. The fourth notice was sent by certified mail. Wyckoff requested motion to table revocation of 5131 to duly 14th. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams to table the Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 5131 University Avenue NE to the July 14, 2003 City Council meeting. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Fehst suggested meeting with the owner on Thursday, duly 3, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. Rozman indicated he would call Fehst to confirm. D) Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 5141 University Avenue NE Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to table the Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 5141 University Avenue NE to the July 14th City Council meeting. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 6 of 12 ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions 1) Adopt Ordinance No. 1458, being an Ordinance pertaining to Local Regulation Powers Wyckoff asked Captain Bill Roddy to take Council through this. Roddy stated this enforces "no parking" curbs with yellow paint, signage, or both. This would allow a lower cost to designate no parking zones. The curb would have to be visible for enforcement in the winter. Nawrocki questioned no parking by fire hydrants per State Statutes. Roddy stated that it is illegal to park by a hydrant whether they are painted or not. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, stated that not all fire hydrant curbs are painted. There are about 800 hydrants in the city. Wyckoff stated this came up because of parking around schools or the library. Roddy stated this consideration was related to the library. Ericson stated this ordinance would allow the City to paint curbs for enforcement of no parking. Nawrocki asked if curbs would they be painted in accordance with the State guidelines. Hansen indicated they would. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1458, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Williams, second by Ericson, to adopt Ordinance 1458, being an Ordinance pertaining to Local Regulation Powers. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 1458 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 977, PERTAINING TO LOCAL REGULATION POWERS THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES ORDAIN: SECTION 7.102, of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, which currently reads as follows, to-wit: (1) The Council may regulate the use of streets, alleys, municipal parking lots, and public ways by the owner of, by persons operating, or by persons in control of any vehicle or bicycle, provided that such regulations are not in conflict with Article I of this chapter shall be considered controlling over any other provisions of this chapter that are inconsistent therewith or in conflict thereto. (2) Regulations may be adopted directly by Council Resolution, or by delegation to administrative officials, as hereinafter provided, subject to the following conditions: (a) The Manager may not refer any matter directly to the Traffic Commission; nor directly to the administrative service to act on any recommendations of said Commission for any matter not specifically so authorized by this chapter. (b) Any public street, alley, mumcipal parking lot or portion thereof is subject to regulation by the Council or by the administrative service, as is necessary to prevent accidents, to eliminate traffic congestion, to provide public access to adequate parking facilities, or to otherwise promote the safety and welfare of the City. (c) No regulation or restriction pertaining to a particular designated street or portion thereof shall become effective until necessary and appropriate signs and curb markings have been posted. (3) The Manager shall have the delegated duty under this section to post signs and provide markings upon passage of a Resolution of a Council regulation or restriction, or upon administrative establishment of a regulation or restriction pertaining to a particular street or portion thereof. The cost for signs or markings posted at the request of property owners, or directly benefiting property owners, may be charged directly to said persons by Council resolution. is hereafter amended to read as follows, to-wit: (1) The Council may regulate the use of streets, alleys, municipal parking lots, and public ways by the owner of, by persons operating, or by persons in control of any vehicle or bicycle, provided that such regulations are not in conflict with Article I of this chapter shall be considered controlling over any other provisions of this chapter that City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 7 of 12 are inconsistent therewith or in conflict thereto. (2) Regulations may be adopted directly by Council action, or by delegation to administrative officials, as hereinafter provided, subject to the following conditions: (a) The Manager may not refer any matter directly to the Traffic Commission; nor directly to the administrative service to act on any recommendations of said Commission for any matter not specifically so authorized by this chapter. (b) Any public street, alley, mumcipal parking lot or portion thereof is subject to regulation by the Council or by the administrative service, as is necessary to prevent accidents, to eliminate traffic congestion, to provide public access to adequate parking facilities, or to otherwise promote the safety and welfare of the City. (c) No regulation or restriction pertaining to a particular designated street or portion thereof shall become effective until necessary and appropriate signs and/or curb markings have been posted or painted yellow. (3) The Manager shall have the delegated duty under this section to post signs and/or provide markings upon passage by motion of a Council regulation or restriction, or upon administrative establishment of a regulation or restriction pertaining to a particular street or portion thereof. The cost for signs or markings posted at the request of property owners, or directly benefiting property owners, may be charged directly to said persons by Council action. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. E) Bid Considerations - none F) Other Business 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2003-28, being a Resolution providing 2004 Budget Preparation Guidelines. Fehst indicated the proposed State budget reduces local government aide by $ 700, O0 this year and $1.5 million next year. By the legislative process, the proposal would have frozen wages and benefits for two years and provided for reverse referendums. The final result is that the City of Columbia Heights will lose $700,000 in aid the first year and $1.5 million the next year, but would be allowed to raise back 60 percent of the loss through property taxes. Fehst asked Council for direction, by way of resolution, to consider raising back 60 percent of next year ' s loses in a levy on property taxes. Fehst referred Council to the information they received on worst and best case scenarios and asked the Council about their feelings on each. Fehst indicated his intent is to submit a budget containing no wage increases, with only step increases, and a possible health insurance increase following union negotiations. Fehst stated that cities tike Columbia Height; that did not use all of their levy authority last year could not use that entire amount this year. If the allowed percentage is not raised this year, it may not be an option in future years. The budget submitted in August could still be adjusted at that time. Fehst spoke of areas where the budget could be reduced such as the running deficit with Murzyn Hall of S200, 000 a year and the loss accrued managing Parkview l/illa North and South. Council may need to consider rent increases or tran,ferring ownership to the County or Met Council. Fehst asked for direction to complete the budget in a timely manner. Wyckoff referred to the closing of Springbrook Nature Center by the City of Fridley. Wyckoff indicated that the Legislature is allowing cities to levy 60 percent of their losses, and this wouM increase the City property tax by approximately 16percent. Other budget cut; may include reducing hours and schedules at the library, less Police Officers, less public work; services, and reduction of City Attorney services. Williams read an email from Corrie Johnson, regarding his support in levying for lost state aid. Johnson had stated his surprise that his taxes had went down last year with the tough spot the City was in. Johnson asked that the City considered establishing franchise fees. Wyckoff contacted her City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 8 of 12 and asked if she would be on a citizen commission regarding these fees. Ericson stated this was discussed extensively during a work session, and though she is not excited to raise taxes, we must keep in mind what kind ora city we want to be; a city moving forward. Budget cuts couM eliminate things like youth and senior programs, and wading pools. Ericson expressed the hope that levying the 60 percent would be a way to maintain current services that we take for granted and that the impact on an average househoM wouM not be too overwhelming. Nawrocki stated he wouM not support the resolution. The costs for Murzyn Hall are not all associated with the rental of the hall; it is a community center, with staff and programs run there. Rents charged for Murzyn Hall are already high. Nawrocki indicated that rents for Parkview Fi/la are mishandled by staff. He indicated that we have not met our responsibifity on the budget, and the City Manager has not done his job. This is requesting to set a levy without seeing a budget. Wyckoff indicated that staff could not set a budget without Council setting the perimeters. Nawrocki stated this would raise taxes about 20 percent. The Governor was elected on a "no new taxes" platform. Fehst stated that over the last two years, two-thirds of our state aid has been lost. He indicated that moves have been taken to reduce the budget, including eleven positions that will not be filled. City services will be affected and it is important to look at service levels. If Council chooses not to pass this resolution, we will make more cuts. Wyckoff stated that the Manager has suggested cuts, and the Council has not always agreed such as efiminating emergency medical services. It is up to the Council to decide what cuts to make. Williams stated we shouM prioritize cuts, and that the Council needs to make these decisions. We need a proactive Police Department, and we need to protect our property. We may never get State aid back, but we need to continue development in our City. We should begin an advertising campaign to bring in more businesses. As for Parkview Fi/la South, the rental structure is not sufficient to maintain the building. We are subsidized from HUD on the North building, but not the South. We should do a prioritization of our cuts; maybe not this year, but next year. We must continue with the development of our city. We would like to see the industrial area full of businesses and there is area for industrial, but we have to build with what is here today. Wyckoff referred to the Governor's office suggestion of consofidation. We have contacted Fridley about sharing a Fire Chief, and merging the Police Departments of Fridley, Columbia Heights, and Spring Lake Park. Fridley is not interested. We will continue to look at all options. Nawrocki asked for the fund balance of Parkview Fi/la South. Bob Streeter, Community Development Director, stated $115,103, but these are investment funds and can only be used to pay back the bonds. Fehst referred to having this facility run by another entity, which would allow the City to do other development. Nawrocki stated the purpose of these buildings was to provide housing for the seniors of our community. Motion by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2003-28, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Ericson, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-28, being a resolution providing 2004 Budget Preparation Guidelines. Amendment proposed by Nawrocki: be it further resolved that the position of Assistant Fire City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 9 of 12 Chief be eliminated, and the contract to provide legal services be re-bid. Second by Williams for discussion. Williams felt this was premature and should be discussed at a work session. Upon vote of the amendment: Kelzenberg, nay; Williams, nay; Ericson, nay; Nawrocki, aye; Wyckoff, nay. 1 aye, 4 nayes. Amendment failed. Upon vote of the original Motion: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Wyckoff, aye. 4 ayes, 1 nay. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2003-28 RESOLUTION PROVIDING 2004 BUDGET PREPARATION GUIDELINES WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota legislature has adopted legislation that significantly reduces state aid to the City of Columbia Heights; and WHEREAS, this legislation sets very restrictive levy limits; and WHEREAS, this legislation does not allow for inflation or growth in the levy limits; and WHEREAS, the implementation of the full reduction of aid without increasing the city levy would have a devastating effect on services to residents; and WHEREAS, legislation has only allowed cities to make up 60 percent of the aid cuts through levy limit increases; and WHEREAS, previous state aid reductions and levy limits have reduced city services to residents; and WHEREAS, absorbing 40 percent of the 2004 aid reduction will further reduce city services to residents; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Manager is instructed to prepare the 2004 budget utilizing the full levying authority allowed under levy limits; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all budget reductions should be done with the goal of maintaining as many city services as possible. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager - none Report of the City Attorney - none CITIZENS FORUM Martin McCawon, 4257 Van Buren, who has fived here three years, stated that last Wednesday he had 15 inches of raw sewage in his basement, and that the previous owner did not disclose this to him. He asked how rainwater is tied into the sewage system to pour sewage into his basement. He has heard this has been ongoing since 1964. Wyckoff indicated that she visited this home, and it was devastating. Todd Clochie, 4244 l/an Buren, stated his parents bought his current home in 1964, and three months after they moved in had six feet of sewage in basement. The City said corrections would solve the problem, but did not. Then additional buildings were put up at NEI and the City said that would not add to the problem. He cannot get flood insurance, so the homeowners suffer the consequence. In 1997, he lost another $3,000 in similar damages. He asked who is going to help these residents'. Fehst stated that dumpsters were made available to these residents'. Previous councils' discussed smoke inspections to see who is illegally hooked up to the sewer system..4 sanitary sewer was capped by Jackson pond that was hooked to the sanitary sewer..4n oversized pipe was installed at 43rd and Central to help City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 10 of 12 the problem. Our systems are built to handle a 100 year storm. Over five inches of rain over a three hour period is above the 3.5 inches in three hours considered a 100 year storm. Virginia Novitsky, 4256 Van Buren Street, indicated that the drainage hole behind Rainbow Food; is the problem. She suggested the City buy these homes at market value. Marion Thompson, 4249 Van Buren, stated that in 1964 he had 5. S feet of sewage in his basement. The City suggested an external valve for $500 or an internal valve, which wouM have to be ,'hut off and on manually when using the system. Ne felt the City shouM take over the problem. Terry Kelly, 4245 Jackson, stated she bought her home in 1996, and the owners did not disclose flood damage. She had asked the City if she was in a flood zone and was tom it was not. In 1997 she had $1,500 in damage, and now has $3,500 worth of damage. Net family is also not feefing well. She stated that she has paid her street assessment; in full, and asked what the City is going to do for the resident,'. Marion Thompson stated that along with deafing with sewage in his basement, he has received a letter from the inspection department regarding no grass in his backyard. Ne has a dog on a chain and where he runs, there is no grass. Wyckoff asked that this be delayed. Clochie stated that people are digging in the dumpsters, and he is worried he couM be fiable if they become sick. Jim Noefi, City Attorney stated these resident; would not have an issue with liability. Hansen indicated what the City system can handle compared to what was received. Water get; into the sanitary sewer through covers, piping system, or illegal crossover systems. As street improvement; are done in problem areas, we put in solid lid castings, replace piping systems, and put in internal chimney seal,'. Lines are televised and when cross connections are found they are removed. We need to remove the clear water from the sanitary sewer system, but cannot point to an exact location. Because of how fast the flooding occurred there are probably crosses in the system either by sump pump or by drainage. Nansen stated that it is time to implement an illicit connection program. An ordinance must be estabfished with the process, poficy issues, and who is responsible. There are no perimeters set on how to get that done, how to handle the costs, and the authority to go into homes and businesses. We need to look at the entire trunk system, refine them, or replace any that are leaking. We did an infiltration study, and we do not have that. We do have inflow that comes in from manholes or piping crack; or illegal connections. Nansen stated the call; came in immediately after the big rain hit. If we want to take steps to reduce this, we must look at the entire system, not just the Van Buren area. Wyckoff asked how the City has helped these resident,'. Hansen stated that he has met with resident; and provided disinfectant products, and provided resident; with a City claim form that wouM be submitted to our insurance company. The city does not make the determination on payment. McCawon stated that the City of Minneapolis has received federal aid money in this area. Wyckoff stated that we can begin the process by estabfishing the requested ordinance. Fehst stated that St. Paul has a similar program using federal dollar,'. Thompson felt that the city cable program shouM have stated that dumpsters were available to resident,'. Wyckoff stated that a flyer could be circulated. City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 11 of 12 Hansen stated the ordinance couM be discussed at the first work session in August. He stated that funding is available for public systems, and not for the private domain. Staff will research if there are programs for private disconnections. The one cause for this event was the amount of rain received. Nawrocki stated that staff used to help with the clean up. Hansen stated that staff has not helped in the six years he has been here. The City did have a program to help people put valves outside their homes to minimize the chance for backup from the sewer line into the home. Nawrocki asked if the homes with these devices were still damaged. Hansen stated the need for positive check valves and the need to be maintained. There was an overload device whereby if the sewage pipe filled up, sewage was allowed to go into Jackson pond but that was removed. The theory to provide relief into the drainage pond did not work because when the pressure build; up, Jackson pond is already full. Hansen indicated that the development around NEI has not aggravated the problem, as all plumbing is new, and would not allow intrusion. Thompson gave background on the values suggested in the past. He stated there are many resident; who have this problem. Williams stated the need to be committed to solving this problem. Kelzenberg indicated he is glad we are doing the study of the K-mart site prior to development, so this does not happen. Wyckoff indicated that the City does not have the staff or equipment to do this clean up and suggested we hire it done. Hansen stated that there are companies who do this work. Wyckoff asked for a motion to direct staff to contact our insurance carrier, help resident; locate clean up services, and start action to get this permanently resolved with an illicit discharge program. Hoefi stated that a motion was not required. Nawrocki stated his befief that helping people to clean up shouM be a priority. Wyckoff agreed. Novitsky stated she put in the flap valve, and it does not work. COUNCIL CORNER Kelzenberg · The 500 Club raised $700 at their fundraiser. · It's wonderful the dignitaries from Poland visited us. It is ironic we can reach out across the ocean and shake hands, and too bad people cannot reach out across town to shake hands. Williams · The water problems are sad, but we must be careful what we take on. We must solve the long-term problem. · Wonderful to have the Lomianki dignitaries in our City. · Pray for the peace and prosperity of our City. Wyckoff · The Jamboree was a great success, with the parade, fireworks, beer garden, coronation, and sharing it with the Lomianki people. · Read a letter which was sent to Officer Beckett, apologizing for grabbing him during a wedding that officers were called to, and that his behavior was out of line. Chief Johnson has indicated this is the first of two apologies the court required regarding the incident at Murzyn Hall. City Council Minutes June 30, 2003 Page 12 of 12 Ericson · Read a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King: Cowardice asks the question - is it safe? Expediency asks the question - is it politic? Vanity asks the question - is it popular? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right. Nawrocki · Sad to hear Roger Jensen, past Director of the HRA, passed away. · Request from a resident in the LaBelle condos for a right turn on green after yield sign at the eastbound turn at 41st and Central. Nansen stated MNDOT would review it. Fehst suggested all such turns on Central be considered for protected left turns. · What is being done at Cheery Heights, and did we find the original drainage easements. Nansen stated that we needed additional survey shots, and now need to come up with a design, hopefully during July. Nansen stated the original easements have been found. · Attended the League of Minnesota Cities annual conference in St. Cloud. He paid for the conference, room and board, and transportation. The annual conference will be in October in upcoming years, to follow regional summer meetings. Has handouts relative to the Conceal and Carry law, a copy of the 2003 session law summaries, and copies of the League's strategic plans for 2003-2006. Has signed up for the AMM committee. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 10:43 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary