HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 8, 2004
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 8, 2004
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The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at :00 p.m. on Monday,
March 8, 2004 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40t h Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN.
Pastor Peter Law, Community United Methodist Church, gave the Invocation.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Ericson, Councilmember
Kelzenberg
Excused Absence: Coun cilmember Nawrocki
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- recited
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
- none
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
- none
CONSENT AGENDA
City Manager Walt Fehst took Councilmembers through the Consent Agenda items.
1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for the February 23, 2004 regular City Council meeting
Motion
to approve the minutes of the February 23, 2004 regular City Council meeting as
presented.
2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes
Motion
a) to accept the February 3, 2004 minutes of the Library Board of Trustees
Motion
b) to accept the February 19, 2004 minutes of the Telecommunication Commission
Motion
c) to accept the February 25, 2004 minutes of the Human Services Commission
3) Establish Work Session meet ing date for Monday, March 15, 2004, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in
Conference Room 1.
Motion
to establish a Work Session meeting date for Monday, March 15, 2004 beginning at 7:00
p.m. in Conference Room 1.
Items for the work session would be: Authorize Fire D epartment to join with the cities of Anoka
and Fridley for breathing apparatus and the distribution of the recodified City Code. This would
bring the City Code up to date by incorporating Ordinances, wording changes, language
recommended by the League of M innesota Cities, and removing items that no longer apply.
4) Approve Board and Commission re - appointments effective April 1, 2004
Motion
to re - appoint Nancy Hoium and Patricia Sowada to the Library Board for three year
terms; David Payne and Kevin McDonald to the Park and Recreation Commission for two year
terms; Phillip Baker and Marlaine Szurek to the Planning and Zoning Commission for four year
terms; John Hunter to the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission for a three year term;
Kenneth Henke, Bob Bu boltz, Dan Swee, and Bradley Peterson to the Telecommunications
Commission for two year terms; and Richard Anderson to the Traffic Commission for a four
year term effective April 1, 2004.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 2 of 11
Wyckoff thanked these volunteers for requesting reappointment and s erving the City. She stated
there are current openings on the Charter Commission and Human Services Commission.
5) Authorization to seek bids for 2004 Miscellaneous Concrete Replacement and Installation
Project
Motion
to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2004 Miscellaneous Concrete Replacement and
Installation Project.
6) Approve Contract with ProSource for the completion of supplemental investigation and
environmental clean up in Phase I of the Industrial Park.
Motion
to approve the contract with ProS ource Technologies Inc. for the completion of
supplemental investigation and environmental clean up in Phase I of the Industrial Park. Funding
will come from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development as
outlined in the grant, and furt hermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement for the same.
This company completed the Phase I investigation of the industrial park. We are ready to work
with the developer and wish to move along with the project. Grants rec eived to do this work were
listed.
7) Establish a Hearing Date of April 12, 2004 for revocation or suspension of rental property
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license at 1020 44 Avenue
Motion
to establish a hearing date of April 12, 2004 for revocation or suspen sion of a license to
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operate a rental property within the City of Columbia Heights against Greg Heinen at 1020 44
Avenue N.E.
8) Approve Rental Housing License Applications
Motion
to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for Mar ch 8, 2004.
9) Approve Business License Applications
Motion
to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for March 8, 2004 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 107254 through 107440 in the amount of $1,118,056.34.
Ericson corrected the February City Council minutes to indicate the Minnesota Human Rights
Commission Essay Contest deadline is February 27 rather than March 27.
Ericson questioned if the Housing Maintenance Code hearing to be set was also on the approved
list of licenses. Fehst stated was not.
Motion
by Kelzenberg, second by Williams to approve consent agenda as corrected. All ayes.
Motion carried
.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
- none
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 3 of 11
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions – none
Bid Considerations
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 11, being a Resolution awarding the Joint Powers Agreement
contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2004 Seal Coat ing Project #0301 to Allied
Blacktop of Maple Grove, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the
amount of $39,410.00 to be appropriated from Fund 415 - 50301 - 5130; and Adopt Resolution No.
2004 - 12, being a Resolution awarding the Join t Powers Agreement contract with the City of
Coon Rapids for the 2004 Street Striping project to United Rental Highway Technologies of
Rogers, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $2,878.20
with $2,438.20 to be appro priated from Fund 212 - 43190 - 4000 and $440 to be appropriated from
Fund 101 - 43170 - 4000.
Hansen stated we entered into a Joint Powers Agreement with seven cities for cost saving
services such as seal coating and street striping. The City of Fridley has agre ed to write the
specifications. Prices have not gone up for seal coating and this will be a cost saving measure.
Street striping and pavement marking will also be at a cost savings of about forty percent.
Fehst read from a memo for the record by Council member Nawrocki, which stated: I object to
the Resolution approving the joint powers contract with Coon Rapids for the seal coating
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project. This work has not yet had the public hearing, which is scheduled for Tuesday the 9 .
It is bad procedure to author ize the work prior to the public hearing.
Wyckoff explained that this would make us a larger group and we would get a better price.
Hansen stated the savings is based upon the volume or the scale.
Motion
by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to waive the r eading of Resolution No. 2004 - 11,
Motion carried.
there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion
by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 11
awarding the Joint Powers Agreement contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2004 Seal
Coating Project #0301 to Allied Blacktop of Maple Grove, Minnesota, based upon their low,
qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $39,410.00 to be appropriated from Fund 415 - 50301 -
5130; and award contingent up on city council upon approval of resolution 2004 - 13 and 2004 - 14
Motion carried.
tomorrow evening approving the seal coating process. Upon vote: All ayes.
RESOLUTION NO. 2004 - 11
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR 2004 - 2005 STREET MAINTENAN CE, SEAL
COATING TO ALLIED BLACKTOP COMPANY
WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights entered into a joint powers agreement with the City of Coon Rapids to
administer the public bidding process including entering into a contract with the low, qualifie d, responsible bidder, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for 2004 - 2005 Street Maintenance, including Columbia Heights Seal Coating
Project #0301 bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the
advertisement:
Alternate Bid 1
Bidder Base Bid Granite
Allied Blacktop Company $644,064.60 $599,113.35
Pearson Brothers, Inc. $691,946.50 $620,826.50
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 4 of 11
Astech Asphalt Surface Technologies $875,708.50 $81 7,503.50
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WHEREAS, it appears that Allied Blacktop, 10503 89 Ave. No., Maple Grove, MN is the lowest responsible bidder.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA:
1. The City of Coon Rapids is hereby auth orized to enter into a contract with Allied Blacktop Company on behalf of the
City of Columbia Heights for 2004 - 2005 Street Maintenance Materials, according to the specifications for said project
and accepting Alternate Bid 1 – Granite.
2. The City Manag er of Columbia Heights is authorized to expend funds in accordance with the terms of the Joint Powers
Agreement and the Bid Documents.
3. City Project #0301 shall be funded 100% by assessments.
Williams questioned pricing relative to the last time we did seal coating. Hansen stated this price
is less than we paid two years ago.
Motion
by Kelzenberg, second by Ericson, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004 - 12,
Motion carried.
there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
M otion
by Kelzenberg, second by Ericson, to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 12
awarding the Joint Powers Agreement contract with the City of Coon Rapids for the 2004 Street
Striping project to United Rental Highway Technologies of Rogers, Minnesota, b ased upon their
low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $2,878.20 with $2,438.20 to be appropriated
from Fund 212 - 43190 - 4000 and $440 to be appropriated from Fund 101 - 43170 - 4000. Upon
Motion carried.
vote: All ayes.
Wyckoff indicated the Public I mprovement Hearing for the projects would be held tomorrow,
March 9, 2004.
RESOLUTION NO. 2004 - 12
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR 2004 - 2005 STREET MAINTENANCE, STREET
STRIPING TO UNITED RENTAL HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGIES
WHEREAS, the City Cou ncil of Columbia Heights entered into a joint powers agreement with the City of Coon Rapids to
administer the public bidding process including entering into a contract with the low, qualified, responsible bidder, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for 2004 - 2005 Street Maintenance, including Columbia Heights Street Striping
Project, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the
advertisement:
Bidder Base Bid
United Rentals Highway Technologies, Inc. $34,507.20
AAA Striping Service Company $53,532.00
Traffic Marking Services $53,731.80
WHEREAS, it appears that United Rentals Highway Technologies, Inc., 14280 James Road, Rogers, MN is the lowest
responsible bidder.
N OW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA:
1. The City of Coon Rapids is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with United Rentals Highway Technologies, Inc.
on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights for 2004 - 2005 Street Maintenance Materials, according to the specifications
for said project and accepting Traffic Markings Base Bid.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 5 of 11
2. The City Manager of Columbia Heights is authorized to expend funds in accordance with the terms of the Joint Powers
Agreement and the Bid Documents.
3. City Street Striping Project shall be funded with 85% State Aid maintenance funds and 15% general funds.
Hanson stated that the Public Improvement hearing would be the following evening at 6:30 p.m.
for Zone 6 seal coating and 7:00 p.m. for Zone 7A for street improvements.
11) Authorize the Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit #125 and purchase of a Ford F - 350 4x4
pick up truck equipped with a Tommy Lift Gate and 8 foot Western Snow Plow
Kevin Hanson, Public Works Director, indicated these three vehicles are capital equipment
replacement purchases, and are in the budget. Unit #125 will be traded down to the Park
Department and result in the sale of an older unit. This vehicle is quoted with a rear lift gate and
plow package.
Fehst re ad from a memo for the record by Councilmember Nawrocki, which stated: Regarding
the authorization of purchase for a Ford F - 350 pickup truck, a Ford F - 250 Cargo Van, and a
Dodge F - 250 ¾ Crew Cab; I do not believe that we have actually authorized a call for bids for
these pieces of equipment and purchasing in this manner would, in my view, violate normal
process for purchase of City equipment.
Fehst stated this is normal procedure. Discussion at a work session was not possible, so the item
was placed on the agenda for discussion. We have a depreciation fund and these items are
budgeted. Wyckoff stated this does not go against the City Charter. Fehst stated these are
operation and maintenance items. Wyckoff invited Steve Synowczynski, Public Works Shop
Forem an to speak. Synowczynski stated the objective is to keep up our fleet and to continue use
of these vehicles in a lesser capacity in another department. These vehicles are chosen for their
versatility. Wyckoff stated that the amount is about $5,000 under budget.
Kelzenberg questioned the need for a lift gate. Hansen indicated this relieves lifting 70 to 80
pound items by allowing them to be rolled onto the lowered lift gate.
Williams stated that the difference between the high and low bids is $2,600, in dicating that staff
did their job to find the best deal possible.
Motion
by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to authorize the replacement of Unit #125 and
purchase one (1) new Ford F - 350 4x4 pickup truck from Elk River Ford in the amount of
$17,716 plus sa les tax; and lift - gate and plow package from Aspen Equipment in the amount of
$5,067, plus sales tax. Funding shall be equally from the Sewer and Water Capital Equipment
Motion carried.
Replacement Fund 432 - 49450 and 433 - 49430 - 5150. Upon vote: All ayes:
12) Authorize the Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit #130 and purchase of a Ford F - 250 Cargo
Van
Hansen stated that this van is nine years old, with heavy daily usage. This vehicle was budgeted
at $50,000 and the bid was less. This was not bid with shelvin g. Unit #130 will also be
transferred down to the Park Department to replace the current 20 year old van they have.
Williams indicated that this vehicle came in $3,800 under budget.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 6 of 11
Motion
by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to authorize the replacement of Unit #130 and
purchase of one (1) new Ford F - 250 Cargo Van from Superior Ford in the amount of $14,975.00,
plus sales tax. Funding shall be equally from the Sewer and Water Capital Equipment
Motion
Replacement Fund, funds 432 - 49450 - 5150 and 433 - 49430 - 5150. U pon vote: All ayes.
carried.
13) Authorize the Capital Equipment Replacement of Unit #220, and purchase of a 1992 Ford F - 250
4 x 2 pick - up truck equipped with a Tommy Lift Gate
Hansen stated that Unit #220 is in the Park Department and operated by th e Park Foreman. It
would be kept in the department, but moved down the line. The new vehicle would have a crew
cab to help transport summer help.
Wyckoff stated that the budgeted amount was $38,000 and the motion is $17,832 for the vehicle
and $1,540 for the lift gate.
Motion
by Ericson, second by Williams, to authorize the replacement of Unit #220 with one (1)
new Ford F - 250 Crew Cab from Elk River Ford in the amount of $17,832.00, plus sales tax and
to authorize the purchase of one (1) Tommy Lift Gat e from Aspen Equipment in the amount of
$1,540.00, plus sales tax. Funding shall be from the Parks Capital Equipment Replacement
Motion carried.
Fund. Upon vote: All ayes.
14) Award proposal for Industrial Area Parkway and Infrastructure Feasibility Report.
Fehst read from a memo for the record by Councilmember Nawrocki, which stated: I object to
the acceptance of a proposal from SEH for the Industrial Area Parkway and Infrastructure
Engineering Report based on their proposal of February 12, because I don’t b elieve the Council
has actually approved the concept plans for that possible development. I believe we need to hold
some public hearings before we do this and to formally authorize the call for solicitation of
proposals from consultants for this work befor e we move ahead with something like this. I
believe that the acceptance of this proposal at this point violates normal procedure for seeking
and awarding bids for consulting services.
Fehst responded by indicating Council acceptance of the concept plan in June of 2003. This is
the feasibility report, included in the grant we received from the Metropolitan Council and it
would be fraudulent to not use the money for the purpose requested. We have worked with this
firm many times, and made it clear to the Cou ncil and the public that if this project can be built,
we want it to be top rate, drain properly, look good, an be well forested. This is a feasibility
report only to demonstrate what this might look like. Wyckoff stated that we are looking at where
road p lans could or should be.
Hansen stated that three proposals were received. We are looking for a feasibility study or
engineering study of our industrial area to construct a parkway though this area. We must see if
our infrastructure can handle developme nt in this area and a traffic study to find the impact on
our roads and intersection alignments. SEH is being recommended as they have the best overall
understanding of the project. This is a State Aid roadway. The total cost would be $55,600 using
the $50 ,000 grant.
Fehst reminded Council of their commitment one and one - half years ago to make redevelopment
of the industrial area the City’s number one priority. Shaffer/Richardson owns the majority of
this portion of property. Fehst referred to the funds o btained for this project.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 7 of 11
Wyckoff asked if this is premature. Randy Schumacher, Assistant Community Development
Director, stated this is Phase One of the project, south of the park., which was approved last
June and left open to development. We received a preliminary site plan last Thursday, which
includes residential and 13,000 square feet of industrial space. The feasibility report will answer
many questions at the time of platting. Wyckoff referred to a newspaper article about Shaffer/
Richardson.
Wil liams questioned why staff recommended SEH, as they are the highest bidder. Hansen
referred to hours spent on the project and indicted that SEH will cover 100 more hours than the
other bidders, to insure the necessary infrastructure will be there for futur e development. They
completed a detailed proposal and were the best response to what we asked for. The cost
difference for the additional 100 hours would be $2,000. Hansen indicated that SEH also
proposed ten additional soil borings including the ponding areas, which no other firm included.
Wyckoff stated that we did receive a grant to do this, but we also want to be frugal with the
money. Fehst stated that this road is a major part of the project development and we want it to
look good.
Williams referr ed to the additional soil borings to be completed by SEH, but questioned the
difference in hours to be worked. Hansen indicated that additional time would allow for a better
end product. Wyckoff referred to the criteria points of the bidding process. Fehst stated that we
are not attempting to spend the maximum of the grant, but attempting to get the most for our
money.
Schumacher indicated that SEH has a good understanding of what is needed and that is
important to this project. Council is looking for a h igh quality project and the roadway is a key
element.
Motion
by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to accept the proposal from SEH for the Industrial
Area Parkway and Infrastructure Feasibility Study based upon their proposal dated February 12,
2004, and acc epting optional work tasks A, B, and C, in an amount not - to - exceed $55,600; and,
furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same.
Motion carried.
Upon vote: All ayes.
Other Business
Consideration Sanitary Sewe r Assistance Policy for Initial Cleanup of Sanitary Sewer Backups and
cost sharing for backwater valves.
Les Chies wished to address the Council. Fehst stated that Mr. Chies’ concerns refer to storm water
capacity. A report has been completed by Bonestroo and he indicated that Mr. Chies should discuss
the report with the consultant and staff.
Hansen stated this policy would address providing monetary assistance with clean up when there is
a sanitary sewer back up into private homes. Therefore, when some thing happens in the public
system to cause backup into a private system, the City would offer up to $500 for each occurrence
per property, toward a clean up contractor for water extraction, disinfectant, and reimbursement of
the insurance deductible. Over the last four years we have had 15 to 20 such back ups per year. This
would also address some monetary assistance for purchase of backwater valves for those in the
Jackson Pond area, with two occurrences in five years or three in ten years.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 8 of 11
Hansen in dicated that research through the League of MN Cities found only the City of Fridley has
an unwritten policy that helps residents in sewer backups. Ericson asked if Fridley limits their
assistance. Hansen stated in past there was a $300 cap. Fehst indicate d that the $500 is not meant to
cover the entire cleanup expense, but for safety reasons, to allow clean up to begin. Fehst referred to
the January backup on Madison Street that was created by a private company cleaning a private
service. Wyckoff stated th at City staff would not handle cleanups. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney,
indicated he has reviewed the policy, but stated that from a legal standpoint the City does not have
to do this. While understanding the desire to compromise and lend assistance, he stated that this is
written as a policy and that there would be monetary consequences for the City.
Wyckoff read portions of the proposed Sewer Backup Cleanup Assistance Policy. Hoeft stated the
initial process would be for the City to make the determination o f where the blockage occurred. If
the blockage is from the home’s private line this policy will not apply. Ericson asked for an
explanation of how the City determines the cause of the problem. Hansen explained the system
connections and City crew response and determination. He stated that the homeowner is responsible
for the line from the home to the connection at the main.
Ericson indicated that when the backup is in the public line we are responsible, if the line has not
been properly maintained. Wycko ff read the proposed policy description of initial clean up. Hansen
stated the wording is based on Fridley’s Service Master contract.
Williams stated this would be for future backups, not past. Fehst indicated there was a recent
occurrence where this po licy would apply. Wyckoff questioned the number of backups prior to
requiring installation of a backup valve. Hansen stated this would not be an expectation.
Fehst referred to the backup in January caused by a third party cleaning pipes, which blocked th e
lines. He referred to Section 5.4 of the proposed policy, which would require the contractor or
subcontractor responsible for the sanitary sewer backup to reimburse the City for cleanup costs and
staff time. Hansen indicated that the Public Works Departm ent did not receive notice of the work
prior to the cleanout. Ericson agreed that some people do not know to inform the city they are
having this done. Fehst suggested a free permit so we can be made aware of anticipated cleanouts.
Wyckoff asked if we hav e a list of the contractors. Hansen stated that we do not have such a list.
Wyckoff read section 5.5, which indicates that backups caused by flood or other catastrophic acts of
God are not covered. Williams stated that would include backups like in the Jackson pond area last
summer.
Ericson questioned the Jackson pond backup last year. Hansen stated that would not have been
included. Wyckoff questioned private illegal connects to the system. Hoeft stated that was not
determined to be the cause. The cit y has no control over that type of situation, and therefore State
law protects the City. Hoeft stated it is not prudent to cover catastrophic events.
Fehst state those residents with two problems within five years would be allowed to receive $500
toward a backwater valve and installation. Hansen stated that residents in that area would be
informed of this option. Wyckoff indicated that backup alarms are also available. Ericson stated that
would only be triggered once the backup is occurring.
Hoeft remin ded Council that any policy would need to apply to everyone equally.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 9 of 11
Wyckoff questioned consequences if the cleaning of one neighbors lines caused another’s to backup.
Fehst stated that would be a civil suit. This policy would leave us faultless.
Erics on stated that under this policy we would simply be reimbursing a professional cleaning
service. Hoeft indicated yes, we would not reimburse them for personal cleanup.
Kelzenberg stated that usually a policy doesn’t start until after it is adopted. He que stioned licensing
the companies. Hansen stated that we would just like to know they are doing the work so we can
check the lines following their work.
Wyckoff questioned if the homes that backed up in January would qualify for the clean up fund and
for t he backup valve. Fehst stated they would not qualify for the valve. Wyckoff questioned
reimbursement if the family does the clean up. Hansen indicated the policy would not cover
homeowner clean up. Ericson stated it is important to make it clear that the w ork would need to be
done by a cleaning service. She stated that the four current claims did use a cleaning service.
Chies again referred to his water problem.
Jeff Vachuska, 4930 Madison, spoke of the January 28, 2004 backup of sewer water in his base ment
and other homes in the area. The City was called immediately and responded quickly. After one and
one - half hours staff had cleared the blockage of debris and tree roots. It was suggested they call
Service Master. The City’s insurance agency was contac ted, came out and took pictures and said
residents would be notified. The insurance company denied the claims because the City had properly
maintained the line. Vachuska referred to a discrepancy on the date the line was last cleaned. Hoeft
indicated this was not the place to discuss this claim, and residents can take whatever action they
feel necessary.
Jim Johnson, 4926 Madison Street, stated that he made the initial call to the City, which took an
hour for a response. He indicated the problems and the cost for his clean up, and that he cannot
understand why no one will take responsibility. The $500 is a nice gesture, but overall, does nothing.
There should be an ordinance that homeowners must notify the City prior to cleaning their lines.
Kathy Johnson asked where they can go for help. Hoeft stated the options are a private course of
action. She indicated the $500 is inadequate.
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Fehst reiterated that the residents of the January 28 incident feel the City is responsible and that
the City Attorney advi ses this not be discussed in this forum. But now that the City is looking at an
assistance policy, residents feel the policy is an insult. Fehst suggested tabling this issue for further
discussion. He stated that the League of MN Cities advised the City be very guarded on establishing
a good will gesture.
Ericson indicated that we do not want residents to think the policy is being established because of
this last incident. Wyckoff agreed with waiting on the clean up assistance policy, but recommended
goin g forward with the assistance to purchase the backwater valve.
Maureen Vachuska, 4930 Madison, stated that the $500 would help and referred to the assistance
given by the City of Fridley in these situations.
Scott Jester, 4921 Madison Street, stated he had $3,000 in damage, and if he had known you need an
insurance rider to cover this, he would have purchased one. He advised residents purchase this rider
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 10 of 11
on their homeowners policy. The $500 offered is not a slap in the face, but is not enough. Fehst
stated that action against the contractor is being considered.
Ericson suggested a letter be sent to concerned parties indicating that the City is considering such a
policy.
Motion
by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to table c onsideration of a Sanita ry Sewer Assistance
Policy.
Wyckoff asked Mr. Chies to arrange a private discussion with staff regarding his concerns. Chies
indicated that the City has had two weeks to contact him and has not. Fehst suggested allowing Mr.
Chies to speak under Citizen Forum and indicated that he was sent information regarding his
concerns. Fehst recommended Mr. Chies speak to the engineers that studied the problem.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
Fehst stated that the Sanitary Sewer Assistance Policy would be discussed at a future work session.
Report of the City Attorney - none
CITIZENS FORUM
Les Chies, 1530 Rice Creek Road, Fridley, said he has tried to discuss the drainage at his apartments in
Columbia Heights with the City Manager and City Eng ineer. Fehst referred to Mr. Chies’ comments
about throwing the Engineer’s report into the garbage.
Chies indicated that the report does not address the problem of the City storm sewer line being hooked
to his storm sewer line and now water is draining in to his buildings. LaBelle Park is being drained
through his area. Fehst recommended that Mr. Chies meet with Staff and Bonestroo to discuss the
findings of the report.
Ericson asked Mr. Chies what he wanted from the City. Chies indicated he wants someone to show him
what the City is going to do, and it better not be to recommend a holding pond in his backyard. Wyckoff
asked Mr. Chies to sit with staff and the engineers and discuss this. Fehst stated he would call Mr. Chies
the following day to set up thi s meeting.
COUNCIL CORNER
Kelzenberg
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Decisions made in the past leave us in the last century or we would have a community center in
our town.
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A new liquor store should have been built in the past, as we are paying $130,000 to rent space.
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We are now pa ying $5,000,000 on Parkview because payments were put off.
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We should build a community center so in 20 years we are not still saying, “why don’t we have a
community center”.
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Regarding the Sanitary Sewer Policy - the $500 was a gesture of kindness.
Willi ams
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Pray for the peace, health, and prosperity of our city.
City Council Minutes
March 8, 2004
Page 11 of 11
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We must be proactive, and depend upon staff to direct and guide us; yet we sympathize with our
residents.
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The Taste of Heights will be March 28 at Murzyn Hall.
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The Sister Cities Spaghetti Bene fit Supper will be March 20 at Murzyn Hall
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There will be a walk through of the NEI building at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Ericson
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Spoke of the joint meeting with the School Board, working together on community needs. A
strong City makes a strong School Distr ict and a strong School District make a strong City.
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The Values First value for March is Integrity (honesty and sincerity).
Wyckoff
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Thursday, March 11 is the Empty Bowls fund raiser at the Fridley Community Center, in honor
of the needy.
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Thursday, Marc h 18 is the Police and Fire Fighter Appreciation Night, sponsored by BBW,
Ollies Catering, IPC Printing. All donations are to be divided equally between the two
departments.
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March 20 is the Sister Cities Spaghetti dinner and silent auction. The sponsor is Jeff’s Bob and
Steve’s Autoworld. Proceeds will be used to purchase chairs from the Wheel Chairs for Peace
Foundation.
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March 25 at 5:30 p.m. the Columbia Heights Historical Society will meet at the Dragon House.
th
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On Saturday, March 27 Rising To New Heights will host their Second Annual Housing Fair
from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Sunday, March 28 is the Taste of Heights. Tickets are $2.50 per sample with $.50 going to
SACA; there will be a wine tasting. There will be American foods, as there is a ne ed for diversity
both ways.
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The perfect location for a community center/library/city would be the NEI site. We need to make
Columbia Heights shine and attract residents.
Two students came forward to introduce themselves.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wyckoff adj ourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m.
____________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary