HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 22, 2004OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 2004
he following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March
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22, 2004 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenu e N.E., Columbia Heights, MN.
Pastor Dave Briley, Oak Hill Baptist Church, gave the Invocation.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson,
and Councilmember Kelzenberg.
PLEDGE O F ALLEGIANCE
- recited
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
- none
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A) Proclamations
1) Child Abuse Prevention Month
Councilmember Kelzenberg read the Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
B) Presen tations - none
C) Introduction of New Employees - none
D) Recognition - none
CONSENT AGENDA
City Manager Walt Fehst took the Mayor and Council members through the consent agenda items.
1) Approve the following City Council Meeting Minutes
a) March 8, 2004 regular City Council meeting
Motion
to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2004 regular City Council meeting as presented.
b) March 8, 2004 Public Improvement Hearing Zone 6 B Seal Coating
Motion
to approve the minutes of the March 8 Zone 6B Seal Coating Public Imp rovement
Hearing
c) March 8, 2004 Public Improvement Hearing Zone 7 Street Reconstruction
Motion
to approve the Zone 7 Street Reconstruction Public Improvement Hearing.
Nawrocki questioned the assessment interest charge of seven percent. Fehst indicated th at
amount was in the letter released, but the final interest rate is set by the City Council at the
Assessment Hearing in the fall.
2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes
Motion
a) to accept the February 25, 2004 minutes of the Park and Recreation Co mmission
Motion
b) to accept the March 10, 2004 minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission
Motion
c) to accept the January 21, 2004 minutes of the Economic Development Authority
Motion
d) to accept the February 2, 2004 minutes of the Economic Development Auth ority
3) Establish Work Session meeting date for Monday, March 29, 2004, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in
Conference Room 1.
Motion
to establish a Work Session meeting date for Monday, March 29, 2004 beginning at 7:00
p.m. in Conference Room 1.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 2 of 10
Work Session discu ssion items
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Sanitary Sewer Backup Assistance Policy
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Library Adult Reading Room Lighting through Xcel Energy.
Fehst stated that lighting costs would be funded through an agreement with repayment over several
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years. Nawrocki questioned the proposed March 29 joint meeting on the hotel next to the Kmart
site. Fehst stated that group is not ready to address the City Council at this time. Nawrocki
questioned if there was also a meeting with the School Board that night. Fehst stated that the Joint
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Task Force wo uld meet on April 1 .
4) Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 10, being a resolution establishing Election Polling Places.
Motion
to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004 - 10, there being ample copies available to the
public.
Motion
to adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 10, being a resolution establishing Election Polling Places.
Fehst stated that as the NEI building may not be available as an election precinct, this resolution
would establish Immaculate Conception Fellowship Hall as Precinct 2. Nawrocki questioned
dire ctions to that particular room. Patty Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk, indicated that Anoka County
would send information cards to all those in the precinct and that adequate signage would be in
place.
RESOLUTION 2004 - 10
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING ELECTION POLL ING PLACES
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights continues to be divided into eight voting precincts, with boundaries previously
established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 204B.14, subdivision 3c, and;
WHEREAS, the polling places of the precincts are esta blished pursuant to Minnesota Statute 204B.16, and;
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WHEREAS, the Northwestern Electronics Institute building located at 825 41 Avenue NE will no longer be available for use
as Election Precinct 2, and;
WHEREAS, a new polling place must be designated to replace a polling place that has become unavailable for use,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Anoka County, State of
Minnesota that precinct polling places shall be established as follows:
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Precinct 1 sh all be John P. Murzyn Hall located at 530 Mill Street.
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Precinct 2 shall be Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at 4030 Jackson Street.
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Precinct 3 shall be Parkview Villa located at 965 40th Avenue N.E.
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Precinct 4 shall be Highland Elementary Scho ol located at 1500 49th Avenue N.E.
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Precinct 5 shall be First Lutheran Church located at 1555 40 Avenue N.E.
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Precinct 6 shall be Highland Elementary School located at 1500 49th Avenue N.E.
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Precinct 7 shall be Valley View Elementary School located at 800 49th Avenue N.E.
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Precinct 8 shall be Valley View Elementary School located at 800 49th Avenue N.E.
5) Approve application for Raffle, Little Voyageurs’ Montessori School, St. Timothy’s Lutheran
Church.
Motion
to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control
Board indicating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to a raffle event to be conducted
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at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 825 51 Avenue, Columbia Heights, on May25, 2004; and
furthermore, that the Ci ty of Columbia Heights hereby waives the remainder of the thirty - day notice
to the local governing body.
6) Approve Conditional Use Permit Case #2004 - 0302, 4300 Central Avenue allowing a seasonal mini
garden center.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 3 of 10
Motion
to approve the Conditional Use Pe rmit to allow the operation of a seasonal mini - garden
center at 4300 Central Avenue from April 15, 2004 through July 15, 2004 subject to the following
condition:
1. A $500 deposit shall be submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to installation of th e
structures on the site.
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7) Approve Conditional Use Permit Case #2004 - 0303, 2261 37 Ave. for a seasonal greenhouse.
Motion
to approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow the placement of a 21 X 48 foot seasonal
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greenhouse for the display and sale of gree n and flowering plants at 2261 37 Avenue NE from
April 15, 2004 through July 15, 2004 subject to the following condition:
1. A $500 deposit shall be submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to the display of green
and flowering plants on the site.
8) Adop t Resolution No. 2004 - 15, being a resolution authorizing participation in the Minnesota Office
of Justice program/Juvenile Accountability Block Grant.
Motion
to waive the reading of Resolution No.2004 - 15, there being ample copies available to the
public.
Motion
to adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 15, being a resolution authorizing participation in the
Minnesota Office of Justice program/Juvenile Accountability Block Grant.
Nawrocki asked for an explanation of this grant. Captain Bill Roddy stated this grant wa s received
for the last several years and used for the Project Safety Net program where teens in trouble were
brought to a location other than jail for immediate intervention. That program is now closed and we
have received approval to use the funds for pr evention programs at our schools. Currently, an
Officer splits 3.25 hours daily, Monday through Friday, between the middle school and high school
to handle any problems. County youth are sent here to serve community service hours, which we
monitor through a Graffiti removal program. Funds are also used for other public service functions
for children, which assists contact between the youth and officers in a positive setting. Wyckoff
questioned including raking and shoveling. Roddy stated that graffiti remov al in the winter is
difficult; these would be alternative activities for the juveniles. Fehst stated that because of budget
cuts, the grant amount is reducing yearly.
RESOLUTION NO. 2004 - 15
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE
MINNESOTA OFFICE OF J USTICE PROGRAM/JUVENILE
ACCOUNTABILITY INCENTIVE BLOCK GRANT
WHEREAS
, the Columbia Heights Police Department wishes to participate in the Minnesota Office of Justice
Program/Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant; and
WHEREAS,
this grant will allow us to continue the program whereby individuals caught doing vandalism and/or graffiti
are, through the courts placed on a cleanup crew and go out and paint over graffiti; and
WHEREAS
, this grant will allow us to expand the program to raking leave s in the fall and shoveling snow in the winter
for the elderly or disabled, and allow us to place a police officer during closing time at the Middle School and High
School to implement a delinquency prevention program;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
that the City of Columbia Heights will enter into a cooperative agreement
with the Office of Justice Programs in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
that the Chief of Police of the Columbia Heights Police Department, or his des ignee,
is hereby authorized to exercise such agreements and amendments as are necessary to implement the Minnesota Office
of Justice Program/Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant project on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights and
the Columbia He ights Police Department.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 4 of 10
9) Establish a Hearing date of April 12, 2004 for revocation or suspension of rental property license at
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1019 37 Avenue NE
Motion
to Establish a Hearing Date of April 12, 2004 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to
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Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Erika Thorn at 1019 37
Avenue N.E.
10) Approve Business License Applications
Motion
to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for March 22, 2004 as
presented.
11) Approve Payment of Bills
Motion
to approve payment of the bills out of the proper funds as listed in the attached check
register covering Check Number 107441 through 107596 in the amount of $774,134.47.
Williams requested that future budget information be discussed. Wy ckoff stated this could be
addressed under the City Manager’s report.
Motion
by Williams, second by Nawrocki, to approve the Consent Agenda items listed. Upon vote:
Motion carried.
All ayes.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 16, being a Resolu tion for Rental Housing Revocation at 1020 44 Avenue NE
Assistant Chief Gary Gorman gave the background on the property, indicating a complaint was received
of additional renters moving into a unit that does not meet Planning and Zoning requirements fo r the
property. Gorman stated there is an illegal tenant living in the basement of the unit. A re - inspection of
the property was scheduled, to which the owner did not appear, and the Department was unable to
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determine if the issue was resolved. Also, the r ental license renewal was due March 1 and the owner
has not completed the necessary paperwork. Gorman stated that this owner has a history of yearly
revocation hearings.
Wyckoff questioned if Mr. Heinen lived at this address. Gorman stated he did not. W illiams questioned
the fine associated with the revocation. Gorman stated the fee owed is $100 and license reinstatement
would be an additional amount. Ericson questioned what would happen to the tenants. Gorman stated
that the building would be posted and the tenants would have 60 days to vacate. Wyckoff asked if the
home is a single family residential. Gorman stated that the City Planner indicates the home could be a
duplex, but there is not adequate parking available to meet City Code. Nawrocki questione d if the unit
was initially illegal. Gorman stated that the entire home is licensed as one rental unit.
Greg Heinen, current owner, stated what was said was true, and prior to now there was a lack in
bringing the house up to code, but felt the housing in spectors were unduly creative in finding problems
with his unit. He stated there is parking available for six cars. Heinen indicated the complaint came
from a former disgruntled tenant. The current resident, Jamilla Vance, is the owner by Contract for
Deed (CD), which would be filed tomorrow and be valid in the next sixty days. The sink in the lower
level was a bar sink, but has been replaced. Wyckoff asked if there is a kitchen in the basement. Heinen
stated that two women share the entire home. Vance indi cated that she has lived in the unit for a year
and now her rent is going toward the purchase of the home. Williams advised her that if the CD were
approved, she would be the responsible taxpayer. Heinen stated that it does not matter if the rental
license is not approved, as he is selling the home. He suggested continuing the matter for sixty days and
this would no longer be an issue. Gorman stated that a homeowner is allowed to have someone living
with them. Following the sale, the property would be taken off the rental license list.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 5 of 10
Nawrocki stated that, as of today, for our purposes there were two sets of renters in the building and
questioned the number of people in the home. Vance stated two adults and six children. Nawrocki asked
if that size home is legal for this number of people. Gorman stated that would be based on square
footage. Nawrocki questioned the inspections being ignored. Gorman restated the process. Wyckoff
questioned the parking issue. Gorman indicated that any unit now put in place wou ld need to have a
covered garage. Wyckoff asked how many drivers there were. Vance stated there was one driver.
Kelzenberg questioned if the bedrooms in the basement were legal. Gorman stated that an egress
window was installed.
Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated this is an illegal rental unit, to which the owner agrees. This may be
resolved by contract of deed sale, which would take care of the illegal unit, but as of now there is no
such recorded deed. State Statute requires this be recorded. However, ther e is an issue with work
performed on the property without the required permits and this is a non - conforming property. The sale
would not resolve the permit issue. Wyckoff questioned tabling the revocation. Hoeft stated that based
upon representations of th e current property owner, Council could make the finding of an illegal unit
and remove the rental license. Hoeft stated that if a CD were filed, it would be effective immediately, but
there is still the issue of required inspections for the work completed without a proper permit. Heinen
stated that only a plumbing inspection was still required.
Nawrocki stated that the prospective owner should be warned that work was done without a permit and
would need correction. Nawrocki asked who would be held respons ible for the fees owed. Hoeft stated
that would be up to the buyer. Any remedial work to be done would be the responsibility of the owner at
that time. Ericson asked if the property were inspected immediately, if Mr. Heinen would be responsible
for any nec essary work. Heinen stated he did not see the point, as there was only a remaining plumbing
question and that he could sell a home in any condition he chooses.
Motion
by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, waive the reading of Resolution No.2004 - 16, there
Motion carried
bei ng ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes.
Fehst stated that a housing inspection code would be brought before Council, which would address
these type situations. This issue shows how people feel about selling homes in t his town. Fehst stated
it is time to have a maintenance code. Wyckoff asked if there is anywhere Ms. Vance could get
advise on buying this home. Fehst suggested the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation. Vance
stated she has researched the purchase, and felt it was a good deal, as the payment amount was the
same as her rent, with no down payment required. Nawrocki strongly suggested she obtain legal
council to review the document’s fine print. Ericson referred to “Homeline”, which provides free
legal ass istance.
Williams stated this is the reason a maintenance code was considered several years ago. Homes like
this are purchased and the new owner can not afford to repair them resulting in another home in
disrepair. Fehst stated that through this code safe ty items would be corrected prior to sale. Wyckoff
informed Ms. Vance that she has sixty days to live in the house and to not rush into the purchase.
Motion
by Ericson, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 16, being a resolution of the City
Council of the City of Columbia Heights approving revocation pursuant to Ordinance Code Section
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5A.408(1) of the rental license held by Greg Heinen regarding rental property at 1020 44 Avenue NE.
Motion carried.
Upon vote: All ayes.
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 6 of 10
RESOLUTION 2004 - 1 6
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS APPROVING REVOCATION
PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE CODE SECTION 5A.408(1) OF THAT CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL RENTAL LICENSE
HELD BY GREG HEINEN (HEREINAFTER "LICENSE HOLDER").
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WHEREAS, LICENSE HOLDER IS THE LEGAL OWNER OF THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1020 44
AVENUE NE, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA,
AND WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CODE SECTION 5.104(1)(A), WRITTEN NOTICE
SETTING FORTH THE CAUSES AND REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED COUNCIL ACTION CONT AINED HEREIN
WAS GIVEN TO THE LICENSE HOLDER ON JANUARY 29, 2004 OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON
MARCH 22, 2004.
NOW, THEREFORE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING, AND ALL ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS
OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MAKES
THE FOLLOWING:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1.That on December 18, 2003, John Larkin, inspector for the City of Columbia Heights, received a complaint and
inspected the property and noted one violation. Compliance orders listing the vi olation were mailed by regular mail to the
owner at the address listed on the Rental Housing License Application.
2.That on March 2, 2004, John Larkin, inspector for the City of Columbia Heights, reinspected the property and
noted that the one violation re mained uncorrected. The Statement of Cause was mailed by certified mail to the owner at the
address listed on the Rental Housing License Application.
3. That based upon said records of the Enforcement Officer, the following conditions and violations of th e City’s
Residential Maintenance Code were found to exist, to - wit:
A. FAILURE TO CORRECT VIOLATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE CODE
Illegal rental unit in the basement of the single family home. In violation of the cities zoning ordinance and the State
Bu ilding Code.
B. FAILURE TO SUBMIT REINSPECTION FEES OF $100.00
4. That all parties, including the License Holder and any occupants or tenants, have been given the appropriate
notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code Section 5A.30 6(1) and 5A.303(1)(d).
CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL
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1.That the building located at 1020 44 Avenue NE. is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights City
Code as set forth in the Compliance Order attached hereto,
2. That all relevant parties and par ties in interest have been duly served notice of this hearing, and any other hearings
relevant to the revocation or suspension of the license held by License Holder. That all applicable rights and periods of appeal
as relating to the license holder, owner, occupant, or tenant, as the case may be, have expired, or such rights have been
exercised and completed.
ORDER OF COUNCIL
1. The rental license belonging to the License Holder described herein and identified by license number F5868 is
hereby revoked/suspe nded (cross out one);
2. The City will post for the purpose of preventing occupancy a copy of this order on the buildings covered by the
license held by License Holder;
3. All tenants shall remove themselves from the premises within 60 days from the first day of posting of this Order
revoking the license as held by License Holder.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions - none
Bid Considerations - none
Other Business
1. Approve Joint Powers Agreement between Anoka/Champlin, Fridley, and Colu mbia Heights for the
purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
Fire Chief Charlie Thompson gave a history of the SCBA units. Initially there was $10,000 proposed
to upgrade the units. However, there have been several instances of the units no t working, where the
cause was undeterminable. Through extensive staff research, it has been determined that replacing
the units would be the best and safest option. Thompson suggested possibly using PERA transferred
funds for the units scheduled for repla cement in 2005. This was discussed and a demonstration given
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 7 of 10
at the last City Council work session. This joint powers agreement with two other fire departments
would allow all communities to receive better pricing through the bid process.
Wyckoff quest ioned the cost. Assistant Fire Chief Gary Gorman stated 29 packs and assorted
attachments would cost in the area of $120,000. Units cost in the range of $5,400 to $5,600 per
pack, but hope to be purchased in quantity for approximately $3,000 each.
Hoeft indicated that the Joint Powers Agreement does not authorize purchase, but authorizes the
three cities to proceed for a joint bid. Kelzenberg suggested working with the City of Minneapolis on
these types of items to receive the price they get. Fire Captain Matt Fields stated that the City of St.
Paul purchased their units for $2,800 per pack. Kelzenberg praised using a joint powers agreement.
Motion
by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to approve the Joint Powers Agreement between the
cities of Anoka/Champ lin, Fridley and Columbia Heights for the joint public bidding of Self
Contained Breathing Apparatus and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement for the same.
Nawrocki indicated he met with Captain Fields on Saturday to view th e existing and proposed
equipment. He stated the existing units might be able to be sold on Ebay.
Motion carried.
Upon vote: All ayes.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
Fehst addressed new information on cuts to State Aid. The best case scenario is that we may lose
another $275,000. There is a proposal to recapture some government aid, but it may be aimed at
northern Minnesota communities or Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Fehst stated that the City has now purchased the NEI property for $600, 000. Demolition/abatement bids
of $300,000 were considered at the last EDA meeting. The EDA has delayed consideration for 30 days,
as there are on going discussions which include using the current building for gym space, office space
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and possible housing. The School Board task force will meet on April 1 to see if there is any interest in
using this building or in building additional gyms and a walking track, or community center/recreation
site. There have also been discussions of building a city hall and /or library there. A developer has
suggested 50 units of senior housing with office space below and 20 units of side - by - side carriage
homes. A lot of items are being considered and discussed, thus the EDA choose to postpone their
decision for now. A brains torming session has been recommended. Fehst stated that discussions with the
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YMCA indicate they may locate a facility at 37 and Stinson. Wyckoff stated that we have received funds
to demolish the NEI building. Fehst indicated the amount received was $295 ,000. Wyckoff stated it
would cost $1.9 to $2 million to bring the current building up to code, not including renovation costs.
Williams stated that the block grant is contingent upon this not being an historical site. Wyckoff
indicated that we have discus sed saving part of the façade and pillars for future use.
Nawrocki indicated that we need a better idea as to what we would do with the building if it were torn
down. CDBG funds always carry requirements, such as low income housing. Fehst stated this is a
blighted property. Nawrocki suggested being extra careful of the ramifications, because of the
experience with the adjacent units. The public was told those units would be owner occupied and now
are all rental units. Fehst stated initially those units we re proposed as owner occupied and rental
property, but the developer was unable to obtain the property that was planned for owner occupied
homes. Wyckoff stated that she voted against that development. Nawrocki referred to a newspaper
article regarding a p ossible Salvation Army facility on Central Avenue. Fehst stated that he, along with
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 8 of 10
the Mayor and Community Development Director, met with North - side City Councilmember Mr. Astrow
on their future considerations, including recreational facility needs. Fehst stated that we must work
together and not overbuild facilities. Wyckoff stated she has been asked to speak on Friday, indicating
our interests.
Wyckoff questioned the status of the Kmart site. Fehst stated demolition is planned for April.
Report of t he City Attorney - none
CITIZENS FORUM
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Brian (refused to give his last name or full address), 41 Avenue, gave background information on problems
and past complaints that went unanswered regarding his neighbor, which is a rental property. He is a long
ti me resident that has invested a lot of money in his duplex, but is now moving out of the city because he felt
his complaints were not being address, rather his property was sighted for insignificant code violations. He
referred to a conversation with the M ayor that he was not pleased with.
Wyckoff indicated her sorrow that he is moving, and regarding their conversation, which was a year ago, he
cancelled their meeting and did not reschedule. Wyckoff stated there are two sides to this story. The
gentleman had information to give the Councilmembers that he wanted kept private. Hoeft stated that any
documentation given to Councilmembers would then be public information. The information was not
distributed. Nawrocki stated he was not aware of this situation an d requested to contact him personally.
Williams indicated his regret and emphasized the importance of our citizens. There are other rental unit
problems in the city that need to be addressed.
Nawrocki asked the City Manager to put together a report of the problems, what has been done to alleviate
them, and the status at this point. Fehst stated that staff has looked at both homes.
Ericson stated that following any complaint our Code requires all homes on the block to be inspected.
Joyce (refuse d to give her last name or full address), on Jackson Street, agrees with the previous gentleman,
and stated that citizen safety is not addressed in this community. Citizens should be allowed to speak on the
issues at the Mayor’s monthly meeting. Police Cap tain Bill Roddy indicated that this resident had
attempting to address an issue that did not involve the others present. He stated that he would talk to her
personally.
COUNCIL CORNER
Nawrocki
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Referred to a letter from the City Planner regarding the Dow ntown Master Plan. Indicated that when
adopted by a previous Council, there were concerns from people in the area. The City Manager
indicated at that time that a committee would be reconstructed and the plan revisited. This has not
been done and takes exce ption that the plan is set in concrete.
rd
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Referred to his attendance at the March 3 State Legislative meeting and panel discussions, and
possible placement on the ballot calling for freezes or restrictions of tax increases by local
governments. He has bec ome a reluctant supporter of levy limits and believes local government
needs some type of restraint in raising taxes. Another view raised in the session was a process to
determine the ability of the taxpayers to pay, and what is affordable.
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Requested that upcoming filing and election information be on the front page of the Spring City
newsletter.
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Attended the National League of Cities Legislative Conference (NLCC), and offered the materials
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 9 of 10
for review. Referred to two legislative bills regarding cable franc hising. The National League
supports one and opposes the other. We receive about $30,000 every quarter in franchise fees,
which is four times greater than the original franchise fee. Referred to the increased cost for cable.
We should look at the percenta ge and determine if it should be adjusted downward.
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Referred to policy meetings attended at the NLCC and materials available for review. Handed out
copies of the NLC summary of positions, including homeland security. The effort in Washington is
to reduce o r eliminate local units of government from being funded out of that program.
Transportation was also a big discussion item.
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Indicated he met with Senator Dayton and Senator Coleman, and listed other contacts made.
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Watched the videotape of the last meetin g and was disappointed with sewer cleanup policy
discussion. Residents from Madison Street were not allowed to speak. The concern should be to
cleanup the mess as soon as possible and most cost effectively. Our employees are training to do
this work and we have the equipment to handle it. In the past, employees got extra in their paycheck
to help offset clothes and time. Now the City has done away with specialized crews. Felt strongly
that we should be doing this cleanup, or at least take bids on an as need ed basis from cleaning
companies so residents have the best bid to use in an emergency situation. Fehst indicated this
would be discussed at the next work session, and that staff was directed to come up with some
method to help residents in this situation. The Attorney has indicated liability concerns. Staff is
readdressing the last backup situation and will ask the League of MN Cities to review it again . The
sizes of the sewer lines were discussed. Referred to a personal experience from his youth.
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Truck bi ds were taken without Council calling for bids. Council has historically called for bids on
bigger priced items, allowing review of the specifications.
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Did not agree with awarding the industrial park feasibility study to the high bidder. Staff had a set
of criteria and did a 100 point evaluation of each proposal, with all bids in coming in the 80”s. If
they all meet specifications the award should be to the low bidder. Fehst stated that these are
personal service contracts, and it is acceptable to choose t he one you think will do the best job for
you. It is important this area have a good end result. The Metropolitan Council is funding this
study . Which is still taxpayer dollars. The choice must be the low responsive bid or the proposal
should be rejected.
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A recycling brochure was mailed out at the same time as the newsletter and should have been sent
together. Staff indicated the printing and mailing of the recycling brochure were paid for by BFI.
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Referred and disagreed with the letter included with utili ty bills explaining price increases.
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Referred to the propriety of the “First Wednesday with the Mayor” information as an insert with the
utility bills and advertised on cable. Wyckoff stated staff suggested the insert as there was room on
the back of the Humanitarian of the Year flyer and she did not request it be on cable.
Ericson
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Attended the Police and Fire Fighter appreciation event. Disappointed there weren’t more people
there. This is a great opportunity to show our support and is an economical way s to spend an
evening.
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Reminded everyone of the Rising to New Heights Housing Fair on Saturday, March 27 from 10:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Columbia Heights High School. This is a great opportunity to get
information on improving your house, lending insti tutions, and community groups. There are many
new vendors this year.
Williams
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Commended the Sister Cities Committee on their spaghetti dinner fundraiser. The key to success is
to get people involved. The turnout was so good they ran out of food, but peop le patiently waited.
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Trust that the Taste of Heights on Sunday will also be better than ever.
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Our biggest responsibility is to protect our citizens. Rental properties do not always attract the most
City Council Minutes
March 22, 2004
Page 10 of 10
upstanding citizens. Support our Police.
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Looks like a new stadium for the Vikings will come to Blaine, which is a good thing. Nawrocki
stated that we would be required to pay another ¾ cent sales tax . We support places such as the
Gutherie, and to not be a sport city would be wrong.
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Was not aware that we receiv e $120,000 in cable franchise fees yearly. Fehst stated this is part of
our fund balance .
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Auto World will sell food at the Rising to New Heights Housing Fair.
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Defended the City Manager and City Attorney, indicating we pay $160,000 to the League of
Minnes ota Cities for insurance premiums last year and they determine the liability. Spoke to the
residents after the last meeting regarding their sewer backup concerns. Without assessing blame or
liability, we need to find solutions.
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Pray for the peace, health, and prosperity of our City.
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SEH was the only responsible bidder that understood the proposal.
Kelzenberg
th
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The Columbia Heights 8 grade traveling basketball team won the State tournament championship.
th
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The Columbia Heights 7 grade traveling basketball team won the State Class A championship. His
son played on the team. Thanked all of the coaches for their hard work and stated his appreciation
for their coaching style.
Wyckoff
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Complimented the Rittmillers on the great job they did hosting the Police a nd Fire appreciation
event.
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The Sister Cities spaghetti dinner/fundraiser was a lot of fun.
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The Historical Society will meet this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for dinner, followed by their meeting.
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Looking forward to the Housing Fair.
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The Taste of Heights to be held next Sunday will have eight restaurants, a wine tasting, and kids
crafts.
th
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The next First Wednesdays with the Mayor will be April 7 , from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with Fire Chief
Thompson and Asst. Chief Gorman speaking at 6:30 p.m. The May speaker will b e Bob Streetar,
Community Development Director, speaking about Truth in Housing, and in June County
Commissioner Jim Kordiak will speak about the stadium issue.
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Stay healthy and happy.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m.
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Patricia Muscovitz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary