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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 12, 2004OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 12, 2004 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2004 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Ave nue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. Pastor Russ Couwenhoven, Christ Life Church gave the Invocation. He thanked the City Councilmembers for welcoming their church into the community. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Wyckoff called the meeting to order at 7:05 p .m. Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson, Councilmember Kelzenberg PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Fehst added a Premise Permit Renewal Application from Immaculate Con ception Church at Mady’s Bowling Center and Renewal of Class B Gambling License for Immaculate Conception Church for activities held at the Church for their summer celebration. Wyckoff stated this would be discussed immediately following the consent agenda . PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamations 1) Councilmember Nawrocki read the National Library Week – April 18 to 24, 2004 Proclamation. Nawrocki stated his pleasure to do so, as he has the first electronic library card from our l ibrary and grew up very near the library. Library Board member Catherine Vesley and Library Director Becky Loader were present to accept the proclamation. Vesley thanked the Council and everyone for th their support of the Library, and stated that the annual Library Book Sale would be held on May 5 th and 6 . Book donations are appreciate and are being accepted at the Library. 2) Councilmember Ericson read the Arbor Day – 2004 Proclamation. Present to accept the proclamation was Lauren McClanahan, City Forester . He thanked the City Council, the community and the Public Works staff for their support, as we have been honored with the Tree City USA award for the twelfth consecutive year. He listed the requirements to receive this award. The Columbia th Heights Arbor D ay Celebration will be held at McKenna Park on April 30 at 2:30 p.m. Wyckoff asked what residents can do if they have a diseased tree. McClanahan stated they may call him. Each case is handled individually. Diseased elm tree inspections are conducted t hree times a year and residents pay one - half the cost of removal. Williams asked about the oak disease currently causing concern. McClanahan stated it is called “Sudden Oak Syndrome” and has not yet been found in Minnesota. CONSENT AGENDA Walt Fehst, C ity Manager, took Councilmembers through the consent agenda items. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for the March 22, 2004 regular City Council meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the March 22, 2004, regular City Council meeting as presented. City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 2 of 10 2) A ccept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes Motion a. to accept the March 1, 2004 minutes of the Library Board Motion b. to accept the April 6, 2004 minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission 3) Establish Work Session meeting date for Monday, April 19 , 2004, immediately following the Board of Review in Conference Room 1 . Fehst indicated that there were no scheduled items at this time. Wyckoff stated that the Board of Review meeting would be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 19, 2004. 4) Approve replacement o f light fixtures in the Library’s Adult Reading Room under the Xcel Energy Efficiency Program. Motion to approve the replacement of 60 VHO light fixtures in the Library’s Adult Reading Room, with a project; cost of $6,609, under the Xcel Energy Efficiency Program. Fehst stated there would be a project payback of 4.5 years. Nawrocki asked who would do the work and stated we should take bids. Fehst stated that Xcel would do the work. Becky Loader, Library Director, stated that Xcel sponsors this program; th ey audit the facility and establish the formula. The difference between what you currently pay and the energy savings would repay the costs. Xcel does the lighting installation. 5) Approve revision to HLB Tautges, Redpath, Ltd. audit engagement agreement M otion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a revised agreement with HLB Tautges, Redpath, Ltd. based on their revised proposal of March 23, 2004 with the additional annual cost not to exceed $12,665. 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 17, being a Resolution declaring official intent to bond for Zone 7 Street Rehabilitation Project Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004 - 17, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 17, being a Resolution a pproving the declaration for the official intent of the City of Columbia Heights to Bond for Zone 7 Street Rehabilitation Project. 7) Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 19, being a Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications and ordering Advertisement for Bids for 2004 Street Rehabilitation, Zone 7A Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004 - 19, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 19, being a Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications and orde ring Advertisement for Bids for 2004 Street Rehabilitation, Zone 7A, City Project Number 0402. Nawrocki asked the total cost of the project. Fehst stated $1.8 million. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, stated that $1.1 million is for streets and $700,0 00 is for utility work. Nawrocki questioned why we bond for the maximum amount when some people pay their assessment up front. Hansen stated the intent to bond would preserve the right to bond in the future; we bonded last year and the intent would be to b ond in 2005. City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 3 of 10 8) Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 18, being a Resolution requesting Municipal State Aid System construction funds for other local transportation uses Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004 - 18, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 18, being a Resolution requesting Municipal State Aid System construction funds for other local transportation uses. Nawrocki questioned the number of streets indicated in the Resolution. Hansen stated the wo rd “miles” is missing and would be added. 9) Approve Conditional Use Permit for First Lutheran Church for facility expansion Motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the expansion of First Lutheran Church at 1555 40th Avenue NE, as the use is consi stent with the R - 1 Residential District, the City Comprehensive Plan, and meets required performance standards and required findings. Nawrocki asked for a staff report on this request. Tim Johnson, City Planner, described the proposed addition to First Lu theran Church. He stated that religious institutions are allowed in residential districts and described the proposed office addition and chapel/music room addition. Exterior plantings will be added. Nawrocki commended the Church, as they held an informatio nal meeting for the neighbors. 10) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for April 12, 2004 as presented. 11) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to approve payment of the bills out of the prope r funds as listed in the attached check register covering Check Number 107597 through 107831 in the amount of $812,573.53. Ericson asked if the Bell truck license application is for an ice cream truck. Staff indicated it was. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda items as presented with the Motion carried. exception of item number three. Upon vote: All ayes. Items added to the agenda Premise Permit Renewal Application Immaculate Conception Church as Mady’s Bowling Center Fehst stated this is a permit for an ongoing site and the fee is set and not allowed to be waived. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control Board stating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the issuance of a Class B premise permit for the Church of the Immaculate Conception in conjunction with activities at Mady’s Bowling Center, 3919 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN; and furthermore, that the Ci ty Council hereby waives the remainder of the sixty - day notice to the local Motion carried. governing body. Upon vote: All ayes. Renewal of Class B Gambling License for Immaculate Conception Church for activities held at the Church . Fehst stated this requ est is for the Church’s two day summer event. As they are an established, licensed gambling organization that has paid the $250 license fee, they have requested a reduction for this temporary license. Fehst stated that license fees include a police backgro und check of the organization, and since that has already been completed for their premise license, a reduction of the City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 4 of 10 fee would be reasonable. Fehst asked for permission grant this request by lowering the fee to $25 and to bring before the City Council an amendment to Resolution 96 - 46 allowing for a fee reduction for events of three days or less for organizations that have a current premise license. Wyckoff asked if the Mady’s license is renewed yearly. Fehst stated that it was, and they pay the full fee for that license. Fehst referred to Immaculate Conception’s concern for loss of a license at another facility in town. Fehst stated that the recommended motion would waive the 60 day notice, approve the two day license, and direct staff to amend the res olution. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated this Resolution could be amended or a new Resolution created. Hoeft stated this should be established as a policy change for consistency. Nawrocki stated the reduction is appropriate in this case, but was not su re about changing the Resolution. Hoeft stated the change would specify for an existing license for a location within the city, a request for an off site event of three days or less. Fehst stated any other events would still need a background check, and sp ecial requests could be limited to three or less events per year. Ericson clarified that the only way a group would qualify for the reduction is if they have a current license, which is renewed every twelve months. Hoeft suggested approving this motion a nd that staff draft a new resolution to be presented at the next meeting with the change. Fehst stated that the current resolutions refer to fees as non - reducible. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to t he State Charitable Gambling Control Board stating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the renewal of a Class B charitable gambling license for the Church of Immaculate Conception, 4030 Jackson Street NE, Columbia Heights; and furthermore , that the City Council hereby waives the remainder of the sixty - day notice to the local governing body and grants a reduction of permit fees to Motion carried. $25 for this one time gambling event at the Church. Upon vote: All ayes. PUBLIC HEARINGS th Publi c Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1019 37 Avenue Wyckoff closed the Public Hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the rental license th regarding rental property at 1019 37 Avenue in that the property comp lies with the Residential Maintenance Code. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Bid Considerations 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 20, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding the new SCADA System, Project No. 0403, to Instrument Control Systems of Plymouth, MN i n the amount of $136,000 based upon their low, qualified responsible bid; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Hansen stated this action would accept the bids and award purchase of a new Superv isory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA), for utility stations allowing retrieval of data from the master location of the Public Works Department. Five bids were received. The bids were broken down into three segments: design of the system and con troller; radio based lift station, pumping station and water tower design, frequency and alarms (remote sites); and lift station controls – submersible transducers and floats. The low bid was from Instrument Control Systems for $136,000. Hansen stated that their references were checked, with good reports received. Williams referred to the questionability of the last bid with a possible error. Hansen stated that the last bidder reversed two sets of numbers, but were still the high bid. City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 5 of 10 Nawrocki asked if the se items must be bid together. Hansen stated yes, as the design and systems are dependant on each other. Nawrocki stated that the low bid on each item would save us money. Hansen stated they are lump sum bids. Motion by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to w aive the reading of Resolution No. 2004 - 20, there being Motion carried. ample copies available to the public. Upon Vote: All ayes. Motion by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 20, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding the new SCADA System, Project No. 0403, to Instrument Control Systems of Plymouth, MN in the amount of $136,000 based upon their low, qualified responsible bid; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the sa me. Upon Motion carried. Vote: All ayes. B) Other Business 1) Authorize Financial Analysis of City - owned Liquor Store Bill Elrite, Finance Director, stated this financial analysis was originally approved by City Council in June of 2002. It directed Ehlers a nd Associates to analysis our liquor operations and research property acquisition for the purpose of building a new liquor store. The analysis was put on hold shortly thereafter. This item is being readdressed as our lease will end soon and it would be in our best interest to have this information available for future decisions. Fehst stated the fee would be the same as before, $3,500 but not to exceed $7,500 plus expenses such as copying and travel. Wyckoff indicated the previous site considered for a li quor store is no longer an option. She requested the analysis also include the University Avenue store, which is in poor structural condition. Nawrocki opposed doing this analysis, stating that the recommendation would obviously be to do something, as th is firm would be the bonding agent and therefore obtain the additional business. There would be some merit to building new stores, but from a financial standpoint this is not the time to do so. We would also lose the interest on funds invested in the build ing. Wyckoff asked Nawrocki what we should do about the store lease on Central Avenue. Nawrocki stated that the current lease is terrible, and administrative, overhead and CAM costs are out of line. He suggested we hire someone to negotiate a lease for u s and has passed on several names to the Finance Director. Wyckoff asked Elrite why we don’t do the analysis ourselves. Fehst stated the original estimates began $15,000 and were negotiated to one - half. He indicated that we are in the liquor business a nd our yearly revenue should justify spending this amount for a professional analysis. Williams questioned including our Apache location. Elrite stated that is not part of this proposal and we have a four year lease remaining, but this should be discusse d when that area is developed. There is less than one year until our lease is up at the Central Avenue store and the University Avenue store has outlived its useful life. Elrite stated that the Apache store is a very profitable. Fehst stated that if the ow ner allows us to stay at the Central Avenue location, indications are that the rent would be higher. Ericson stated this is a big source of revenue in our budget and this cost is minimal in comparison to the amount the stores bring in. We have worked with Ehlers and Associates in the past and feels confident they will give us good information. City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 6 of 10 Kelzenberg stated that the current lease amount is too much, and felt it would be better to own a building than lease one . Nawrocki explained CAM expenses. The C AM may be more if we have our own building. As no real estate taxes would be paid on our building, not only would we lose that amount, so would the County and the School District. We would have money tied up from purchasing property, the interest from that money would be lost, and we would no longer have that money available for other city projects. We should be able to make this decision on our own. Fehst stated that an analysis may give us leverage to reduce the current amount paid. Williams stated t hat if we vacate the current location it would be rented to someone else and the property tax dollars would still be received. He felt the analysis should be done. Motion by Kelzenberg, second Williams, to authorize staff to work with Ehlers & Associates , Inc. to finalize the financial analysis of a city - owned liquor store. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, Motion carried. aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Wyckoff, aye. 4 ayes and 1 nay. 2) Consider approval of Sanitary Sewer Assistance Policy for init ial cleanup of sanitary sewer backups, and cost sharing for backwater valves ( continued from March 8, 2004 ) Wyckoff referred to previous discussions on this. Hansen stated this policy is for sanitary sewer system cleanup assistance caused by a backup from the public main, and assistance toward a backwater valve in defined areas with more than two backups in three years or five backups in ten years. This policy would reimburse cleanup from a cleaning service; or cover $300 toward purchase and $750 toward in stallation of backwater valves. Fehst stated there was general agreement, at the City Council worksession, on the valve portion of the policy for the area around Jackson Pond. Wyckoff questioned the number of homes in the area being considered. Hansen st ated there are 40 homes in this area, but records indicated that 20 plus homes installed a valve system years ago. Wyckoff stated that there is also an alarm available. Hansen stated this alarm sits on the floor and senses the presence of water, giving th e resident time to react to a sewer system backup. Wyckoff stated that $750 might not cover the valve installation. Hansen stated that contact with several plumbers indicates a cost of $1,000 to $1,200. Wyckoff referred a conversation with a plumber that h ighly recommended these valves. The septic system is not available during installation. Hansen emphasized that these valves do need maintenance and cleaning. Wyckoff referred to illegal hookups. Hansen stated that staff is gathering information on illeg al inflow and infiltration and looking for direction to submit an ordinance to begin such a program. Nawrocki disagreed with the requirement of more than one backup before receiving assistance. The areas subject to these problems are known and if someone wants protection we should help them. Ericson asked if we should make the valves available to all residents. Nawrocki stated yes. Kelzenberg stated that could be many thousands of dollars. Hansen stated that this could be an expensive project, and based on experience the Jackson pond area is the only area that has hydraulic problems during very heavy rainfalls. Other backups are due to debris and root infiltration cleanup. City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 7 of 10 Nawrocki stated difficulties with backups. Fehst indicated the backups in the M adison area were caused by a private line cleaning contractor where there were no previous problems. The claims were submitted twice to our insurance carrier and denied as the City was not at fault. Williams indicated his concern for these problems, but with our budget situation just the valve assistance could be $40,000. He encouraged homeowners to obtain insurance coverage. Williams suggested taking one step at a time, beginning with the backflow valve. Wyckoff stated the valves should be in before the heavy spring rains. Wyckoff thanked Joyce Myers for the magazine article indicating that after three claims an insurance company may no longer cover you. Wyckoff called for a motion. Nawrocki stated that the valve assistance is only a portion of the po licy. Hoeft stated that if Council does not adopt the entire policy they could, by motion and a majority vote, establish assistance with backwater valves. Motion by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, that in areas of Columbia Heights that have been determi ned by the City Engineer to experience sanitary sewer backups, drainage piping servicing fixtures which flood level rims located below the elevation of the next upstream manhole cover of the public sewer servicing such drainage piping shall be protected fr om backflow of sewage by installing an approved type of backwater valve. If the backwater valve is deemed a viable option by the City Engineer, the City will supply the backwater valve (or pay up to $300) and will reimburse the property owner up to $750 to ward the installation of an approved backwater valve. Nawrocki questioned removing one part of the policy as a motion. Only the 40 residents in the Jackson Pond area would be eligible. Wyckoff stated they could be outside of that area if deemed necessary by the City Engineer. Hansen referred to the parameters of two incidents in five years or three in ten years. Upon vote: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Wyckoff, aye. All ayes. Motion carried. Nawrocki indicated reluctance to vote in favor, as this is better than nothing, but far short of meeting resident needs. Wyckoff referred to the second portion of the policy relative to backups caused by problems in the public system. Wyckoff did not know if she agreed wit h excluding Acts of God. Nawrocki asked the definition of a flood or a lot of water. Hansen stated that if requested staff would supply a definition. Ericson stated she was not comfortable with this policy and felt it needed further discussion. She has re ceived comments from residents that we should not be doing this. Wyckoff referred to staff comments regarding problems caused by private companies. Nawrocki indicated that if residents have a backup they should contact the city to determine if the proble m came from the main line or the resident’s line. Williams indicated that we carry insurance to cover us in cases where we are responsible. If we pay beyond that, why do we have insurance? Nawrocki stated the insurance company will say it was not caused by the City so they do not have to pay the claim. Fehst stated we have insurance through the League of MN Cities Insurance Trust, which is more tolerant to cities than a private insurance company would be. Fehst described how they handle the occurrences an d the conditions. The claim for the Madison area was resubmitted for the second time and was denied again. Nawrocki stated that when the main lines back up into homes we should help people clean up. Fehst stated that if the City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 8 of 10 backup is our fault, we pay 100 percent of the cost. This policy would allow for assistance of immediate need. st Deb Johnson, 999 41 Avenue, suggested the compromise of a low interest loan program. She felt it was not the city’s responsibility to pay, as that is what insurance is for . Wyckoff felt this was a good idea, and will discuss it at a work session. Nawrocki stated that you can not get insurance for these problems. Ericson indicated she does not want the city to be the insurance company. Nawrocki stated we should not consider blame or fault, but should help clean up. Williams indicated that private companies should notify the city when cleaning lines. Hansen stated that staff is working to implement a permit system for these companies and will have information in the next city newsletter. Miscellaneous Lori Kortum, 5030 Jefferson, and Lucy Young, 5045 Jefferson, addressed Council regarding major rusty water problems in their homes, which ruins tubs, sinks, toilets, and saunas. Kortum stated that when she had problems two years ago she was told to get a new water heater, which she did, but still has the problem. When the Public Works staff flushes the water lines it helps for a day or so and then the rust is back. Fehst distributed a report on the history and actions taken by s taff in this area. th th Hansen referred to the history of rust problems in this area and around 37 to 39 Avenues, with th identical complaints. The area of 37 Avenue was improved last year and this year staff will be focusing on the Jefferson area. There is iron in the water, but it does meet state and federal standards. The iron is coming from our pipes, which are 40 to 50 years old in this area. He referred to items done to address this and what would be done in the future, such as flushing the line. T he amounts, when tested, vary considerably. Fehst questioned a C - Factor test. Hansen explained it is a th test of the water flow. Buildup could be helped with new pipes, on 49 and on Jackson, but is costly, or pipes can be cleaned or lined. This problem are a is two blocks by two blocks in size. A short term solution would be a circulation pump. When hydrants were tested some would flow freely and others would only trickle. Staff will continue to work on the problem, but suggested the residents call if the pr oblem gets noticeably worse so the pipes can be flushed again. Kortum stated they want the problem fixed, not just flush the lines when the problem is really bad. Nawrocki indicated that the Public Works Superintendent had not done a good public relation s job with these neighbors and asked when Council would receive an update on fixing this problem. Hansen stated Council would receive an update weekly or biweekly. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager th Staff anticipates an EDA meeting on Apri l 27 at 7:00 p.m. with Shaffer Richardson on the pre - industrial agreement. Report of the City Attorney Wyckoff asked for information regarding 3730 Tyler Street. Hoeft stated he spoke to the Housing Maintenance staff and they have begun the process fo r abatement of the nuisance per the new ordinance. This has been held off, as previous citations were in the court system. They are no longer there, as the owner stated the problems were corrected, but was not forthright. Administratively, it is better to use the abatement of nuisance ordinance. This property will be presented at the next council meeting for public nuisance determination, as it is not a life safety issue. If it is determined a nuisance, a contractor will be hired to clean the property and s tore what is of value. The owner would be assessed for the associated costs. Wyckoff asked if it is determined a nuisance, when would cleanup begin. Hoeft stated the time frame would be relatively short. Hoeft indicated that the owner would be notified of that City Council meeting. Hoeft explained the court process when a citation is issued. City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 9 of 10 Wyckoff stated a thank you was received because of a property on Stinson that was cited and is now cleaned up. Hoeft stated that staff does work with residents prior to issuing a citation. Wyckoff confirmed that the Tyler property would be addressed at the next meeting. CITIZENS FORUM - none COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki ? ? Questioned the condition of 3808 Reservoir Boulevard. Fehst stated that several citations have been i ssued. Hoeft indicated this property is in the court system. ? ? Questioned the condition of 3906 and 3906 ½ Reservoir Boulevard. ? ? Questioned the condition of 3727 Reservoir Boulevard. Fehst stated nothing has been done since last year, and there are problems w ith the retaining wall. Wyckoff stated she received a complaint from the neighbor regarding water running in their yard. st ? ? Questioned 1807 - 1809 41 Avenue, discussed at the last meeting, as the back yard has not been cleaned up. Fehst stated this has been an ongoing concern and a file of actions taken is available. Wyckoff has had reports from neighbors that the property is not that bad. th ? ? Questioned the auto parts debris at 709 49 Avenue . Wyckoff stated this was forwarded to staff. ? ? His City tax portion o n his new property tax statement increased 21.6 percent. One $115,000 home went up 24 percent and one $67,000 home went up 20.1 percent. ? ? Referred to the delinquent tax list in the Anoka County Union , and that the number from Columbia Heights has increased significantly. ? ? An article in the Elk River city newsletter indicates they received a COPS grant. Have we looked into reapplying for this grant? ? ? Questioned consideration to place a fancy street at Huset Park when we can’t take care of the things that exis t now. ? ? League of Minnesota Cities is taking applications for policy committees. Encouraged other Councilmembers to apply. ? ? We need to make information regarding what is happening along Central Avenue freer flowing to local businesses. th ? ? Received call from the Taco Bell representative, 49 and Central, requesting help in negotiations with the owner of the car wash property. Suggested Schumacher contact Councilmembers for their feelings and pass them on to the representative of Taco Bell. Fehst stated there have been various discussions with Taco Bell. Schumacher can describe these meetings. Condemnation may be premature. Wyckoff stated Streetar has been in contact with them and alternatives locations have not been satisfactory. Nedegaard has had extensive ne gotiations with the business owner . We are not as open as we should be. Wyckoff stated there would be a site plan available later this week . Questioned why the meeting regarding the Sheraton was cancelled. Fehst stated that we are waiting for the plans fr om Nedegaard. th ? ? Join the Lion’s Club in their clean up along University Avenue on Saturday, April 24 at 9:00 a.m. Ericson ? ? Referred to a letter from County Commissioner Kordiak offering residents free assistance regarding property tax refunds. ? ? Indicated that city employee Carole Blowers was recognized as a runner up by the City of Brooklyn Park for their Human Relations award. Fehst stated that Blowers also volunteers in the City of Columbia Heights. City Council Minutes April 12, 2004 Page 10 of 10 Williams ? ? Has spoken to Mr. Welle regarding Central Avenue. Fehst stated that through previous agreements with Nedegaard there would be phased development for the entire block. We are willing to work with him to relocate and he has spoken to Streetar. We have several property owners that may have unrealisti c values on their properties, and are not taxed for that amount. Fehst stated this could be discussed at the Board of Review meeting next Monday night or set a special meeting. Hoeft stated that tax assessments are historically lower than current values. A property may be for sale for a large price, but if not sold is not worth that value. If sold for that value, the Fair Market Value would then reflect that amount . Stated his experience in the City of Burnsville. st ? ? Did not bring in the resident from 41 Avenue to address Council at the last meeting. Cares about cleanliness of our City. Must be cognizant that good people are moving out of the City because of some bad people. ? ? Tax increase for this year is also because of the increase in property values. Na wrocki stated the amount of increase in his property value, and the hardship increased taxes cause for seniors. Suggested qualified seniors do a reverse mortgage. We need citizens to care about our city. Fehst indicated staff would present a Point of Sale Ordinance for Council consideration. When there are improvements on one block, others in the neighborhood also tend to do improvements. th ? ? The Community Prayer Breakfast will be May 12 at 7:00 a.m. Listed the event program. ? ? Encouraged citizens to pray for the health, peace, and prosperity of our city, in spite of our taxes. Hope we continue to move forward. Kelzenberg ? ? Commended Police Officers Korts, Fischer, McGee and Sorenson for their efforts to apprehend a criminal in the area of the high school. th ? ? St ay away from the Post Office on April 15 . Wyckoff ? ? Received email upset that we are considering a fancy hotel when resident’s yards and homes look bad. We can cite these owners but are only treating the symptoms. We need good businesses to begin commun ity improvements. Fehst stated the need to reinvest in our community. nd ? ? A Town Hall meeting with the Joint City/School Board Task Force will be held on April 22 , 7:00 p.m. at Murzyn to discuss community needs, now and in the future. th ? ? The Fire Explorer Spa ghetti Dinner will be April 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Murzyn Hall. ? ? Comments from the last “Meeting with the Mayor” described trash in Labelle Park. If a group of neighbors wish to clean up the area, as the Lion’s Club does on University Avenue, t hey may contact Jean Kuehn at City Hall. Safety vests, garbage bags, rules and support will be given. Ericson stated that Highland Elementary will do a clean up at Kordiak Park. Fehst stated that residents could adopt a park to care for on a regular basis. He encouraged residents to help clean our parks. ? ? The Lions Pancake Breakfast will be held Sunday, April 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Murzyn Hall. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 10: 15 p.m. ____________________________ Pa tricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary