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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 26, 2004 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL APRIL 26, 2004 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 26, 2004 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E. , Columbia Heights, MN. Heidi Bruder, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, gave the Invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson, Councilmember Kelzenberg PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANC E ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Nawrocki requested discussion on the sewer backup policy. Wyckoff placed the item under 7 - A - 2. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamations Councilmember Williams read the 2004 Community Pra yer Breakfast Proclamation. The breakfast will be Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at Murzyn Hall. Presentations Jean Kuehn, Special Projects Coordinator, presented the 2003 Anoka County Recycling Award to the City Council. She stated that Columbia Heights residen ts exceeded their goal by 12 percent, recycling 1,808 tons of material, composting 809 tons of yardwaste and collecting 44 tons of problem materials like oil, filters, tires, fluorescent bulbs and electronics. The average Columbia Heights resident recycles 17.25 pounds per month. Of the 22 municipalities in Anoka County, Columbia Heights is one of four cities that have exceeded their goal every year since 1988. Kuehn stated that she accepted the award on st April 21 from the Anoka County Board of Commissione rs. She thanked the City Council for their continued support. Wyckoff questioned comments from residents that recycled materials end up in with the regular trash. Kuehn stated it does not, and that a new sorting facility has opened in Minneapolis where it ems are sorted for the best recycled use. Kuehn referred to a new procedure where discarded tires are chopped up and added as road base material. Wyckoff thanked Kuehn for her outstanding efforts. Kuehn reminded everyone that this Saturday would be floresc ent bulb recycling day. Introduction of New Employees Becky Loader, Library Director, introduced Joanne Peterson, as the new Library Clerk and stated her background. Peterson stated that she was with the Mounds View School District for 14 years, and was excited to learn this library system. On behalf of the City Council, Wyckoff welcomed Ms. Peterson. Recognition - none CONSENT AGENDA Walt Fehst, City Manager, took Councilmembers through the consent agenda items. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes f or the April 12, 2004 regular City Council meeting and the April 19, 2004 Board of Review meeting Motion a) to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2004, regular City Council meeting as presented. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 2 of 11 Motion b) to approve the minutes of the April 19, 2004, Board of Review meeting as presented. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes Motion a) to accept the April 6, 2004 minutes of the Library Board of Trustees Motion b) to accept the April 15, 2004 minutes of the Charter Commission Nawrocki requested a copy of th e memo referred to in these minutes. Motion c) to accept the March 16, 2004 minutes of the EDA Motion d) to accept the January 21, 2004 minutes of the HRA 3) Establish Work Session meeting date for Monday, May 3, 2004, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. rd Fehst listed agenda items for the May 3 work session: ? ? Merging of City and School District newsletter ? ? Request for two police squads ? ? Overtime reimbursement. Nawrocki questioned why this meeting was scheduled for the first Monday of the month. He nd indic ated he would not be present, as that is his 52 wedding anniversary. Wyckoff asked if meeting at 8:00 p.m. would be better. Nawrocki stated it would not. Wyckoff suggested including the Town Hall meeting remarks. Motion to establish a Work Session meeting date for Monday, May 3, 2004 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. 4) Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 21, being a Resolution awarding the Joint Powers Agreement contract with the cities of Anoka/Champlin and Fridley for the purchase of Self Contain ed Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to Metro Fire and Equipment of Ham Lake Fehst stated the bid amount is $112,820.00. Nawrocki requested an explanation. Fire Chief Charlie nd Thompson ,stated that on March 2 the City Council approval participation in a joint p owers agreement for the purchase of breathing devices used during fires. The current devices are borderline unusable, and several have failed during a fire. The joint powers agreement has allowed for a better price because of ordering in quantity. The indi vidual price is $3,174.28, and additional items requested are face masks, buddy breathers, voice amps for ten air packs, two 60 minute bottles and fitting of masks. Thompson stated this would be quality equipment, which has been researched over the last ye ar by our fire fighters. Nawrocki indicated that the low bid is only half of the price of the high bid, and two - thirds of the second bid, so he questioned if we are sure we are getting what we asked for. Thompson stated the specifications were detailed . Williams explained the need for these safety devices and the advantage of purchasing through a joint powers agreement. Gary Gorman, Assistant Fire Chief, referred to the devices now used which do not meet current regulations. Members of the Fire Depa rtment do not trust the old packs. Gorman spoke of a device failure he encountered. He indicated that the City of St. Paul ordered the same brand of breathing devices last fall, and in comparison we received a very good price. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 3 of 11 Wyckoff questioned the rece nt fire at Chet’s Shoe Store, which our fighters got under control very quickly. Thompson stated that the fire is still under investigation, but started outside of the building and does not look suspicious. Damage appears to be about $5,000. Motion to wai ve the reading of resolution # 2004 - 21, their being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt resolution #2004 - 21, being a resolution awarding the Joint Powers Agreement contract with the cities of Anoka/Champlin and Fridley for the purchase o f Sel f Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to Metro Fire and Equipment of Ham Lake, Minnesota based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $112,820.99 to be appropriated from Fund 439 - 42200 - 5180. RESOLUTION NO. 2004 - 21 BEING A RESOLUT ION AWARDING THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT CONTRACT WITH THE CITIES OF ANOKA CHAMPLIN AND FRIDLEY FOR THE PURCHASE OF SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS TO METRO FIRE AND EQUIPMENT WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights entered into a Joint Powers Agr eement with the Cities of Anoka Champlin and Fridley 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 Self Contained Breathing A pparatus, the bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received, complying with the advertisement: Company Bid Amount Metro Fire and Equipment ................................ .............. $112,820.99 Bendlin Fire Equipment ................................ .................. 180,520.00 Grand Forks Fire Extinguisher Company ........................ 231,786.00 Ranger Fire ................................ ................................ .... 239,544.00 MSA Company ................................ .............................. 239,548.37 WHEREAS, it appears that Metro Fire and Equipment, 13915 Lincoln Street N.E., Suite D, Ham Lake, Minnesota is the lowest responsible bidder. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Columbia Heights, Minnesota that t he City of Anok a Champlin is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Metro Fire and Equipment on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights for the purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus pe r our quantity and bid sheet. T he City Manager of Columbia Heights is auth orized to expend funds in accordance with the terms of the Joint Powers Agreement and the bid documents. T his project shall be funded from 439 - 42200 - 5180 5) Establish a Hearing Date of May 10, 2004 for revocation or suspension of rental property license at 4307 University Avenue and 3823 Polk Street Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of May 10, 2004 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Prop erty within the City of Columbia Heights against Oscar Zamora at 4307 University Avenue N.E. Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of May 10, 2004 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights agai nst Robert Zschokke at 3823 Polk Street N.E. 6) Approve attached list of rental housing license applications Motion to approve the attached list of rental housing license applications, in that they have met the requirements of the Housing Maintenance Code. 7) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for April 26, 2004 as presented. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 4 of 11 8) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to approve payment of the bills out of the proper funds as listed in the attache d check register covering Check Number 107832 through 108152 in the amount of $850,743.61. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda items as listed. Upon vote: Motion carried. All ayes. PUBLIC HEARINGS Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 22, being a Resolution declaring the property at 3730 Tyler Street NE a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the property pursuant to City Code Section 8.602 Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, indicated the resolution details the chronolog y of the situation and the order to abate the violations. A picture of the property was shown. Hoeft stated this problem began two years ago and requested Council go forward with the abatement process, as it is appropriate in this situation. There is conce rn about the nature and amount of items, and immediate health and safety concerns from combustibles, radiant heat from the metals, and danger to the surrounding homes. Hoeft suggested going forward on an accelerated timetable. Hoeft indicated the property owner was not present at this meeting. Wyckoff stated that he was notified of the meeting. Wyckoff stated that since June 2002, several citations have been issued and court dates have been set. The property has continued to get worse. If the abatement is approved, someone will be hired to remove and store the valuable items. Hoeft stated that hiring someone is not a requirement, but the Fire Department has contacted an outside service regarding the possible cleanup. All items would be moved to another loc ation, stored and insured for 60 days. We acknowledge there are some items of value, whereby we may recoup some of the cost, with the remaining amount owed assessed against the property. Hoeft indicated that if addressed as a public health and safety conce rn with an accelerated time frame, the total cost would be a lump sum ten year assessment; if sent to District Court, payment would be a lump sum five year assessment. Wyckoff asked if this would include car removal. Hoeft stated that vehicles are addres sed under the junk vehicle ordinance. Gorman stated the property owner has been cited for junk vehicles and the licenses have been brought up to date. He described the current condition of the property, which includes an unfinished deck and a shed that is collapsing. The owner has asked Gorman if he could close two sides of the carport. He was told the area would have to be able to be secured. Wyckoff stated the front of the property is very neat. She stated that some neighbors are uncomfortable with the si tuation and would like to be notified when removal takes place. Hoeft indicated that the operation and notification would be up to the Fire Chief, or per Council direction. If the neighbors have safety concerns, they can contact the Police Department. Naw rocki asked if the material would be placed in bonded storage. Hoeft indicated it would be so placed for 60 days. After that time, the property would be deemed abandoned and could be placed on the City auction with the funds received subtracted from the am ount assessed. Williams indicated that the owner has also not paid the administrative tag and re - inspection fees. Williams referred to the owner’s last court date. Hoeft stated the owner was less than forthright at that time. Gorman stated the owner was given the opportunity to make significant changes prior to the st March 1 hearing date, but did not do so. Williams asked if Gorman considered this property a public health hazard. Gorman stated that it might be a health hazard and is definitely a fire haz ard, which concerns staff and the neighbors. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 5 of 11 Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004 - 22, there being Motion carried. ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion by Nawrocki, second by K elzenberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 22, being a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property at 3730 Tyler Street NE a nuisance and approving the abatement of violations from the property pursuant to City Code S ection 8.602. th Harold Hoium, 4315 5 Street, stated the property should receive grandfathered status. Hoeft stated there are no such rights for public safety. Hoium asked what would be considered a health hazard. Hoeft indicated vermin, combustibles, or danger for the adjoining properties. Joyce Myers, resident, referred to abatement causing grand theft and referred to cats being taken to the pound across the river. Motion carried. Upon vote: All ayes. Hoeft indicated the need for Council to determi ne a time frame for the property to be brought into compliance. He suggested it be short or forthwith. Motion by Ericson, for the property owner to come into compliance on his property forthwith based on the public safety concerns. Hoeft stated this woul d mean 24 hour notification, as staff would not be prepared for removal before then. Nawrocki stated he brought this up one and one - half years ago and wants to see it taken care of. If taken to court, we are not sure what the jury would say is an appropria te timeframe. Hoeft indicated that forthwith would give the Fire Department authorization to determine when arrangements can be made to move the items. Fehst questioned what would be removed. Hoeft indicated that would be up to the Fire Department, but wou ld be significant. As the material will be in bonded storage, we are not depriving the owner of his property, rather holding it, allowing the owner to contest the matter in District Court. Motion seconded by Nawrocki. Williams questioned if the owner w ould receive more time if he paid the fines. Hoeft stated that the fines are not relative to the safety of the property. Fehst stated that initiating removal would take more than a day or two, and we want to get another removal estimate. Kelzenberg state d he would like to see a specific timetable in the motion. Ericson indicated that the last st trial date was March 1 , the owner received proper notification of this meeting, and that this has been ongoing for two years. If it is truly a health and safety is sue, the property should be cleared now. Kelzenberg felt the motion should include a minimum of 24 hours. Motion amended by the maker and second: For the property owner to come into compliance on his property forthwith, but not before 24 hours, based on the public safety concerns. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2004 - 22 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS APPROVING ABATEMENT OF ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE VI, SECTION 1 OF CITY CODE , ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS EXIST ON PROPERTY OWNED BY ANTHONY GRIFFITH (HEREINAFTER "OWNER OF RECORD"). City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 6 of 11 WHEREAS, OWNER OF RECORD IS THE LEGAL OWNER OF THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3730 TYLER STREET, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, AND WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO COLU MBIA HEIGHTS CODE SECTION 8.602(1)(B), WRITTEN NOTICE SETTING FORTH THE CAUSES AND REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED COUNCIL ACTION CONTAINED HEREIN WAS SENT VIA CERTIFIED AND REGULAR MAIL TO THE OWNER OF RECORD ON APRIL 16, 2004. NOW, THEREFORE, IN ACCORDANCE WI TH 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 June 25, 2002 an inspection was conducted and one violation was noted. A compliance order was sent by regular mail to the owner of record. 2. That on July 31, 2002, an inspection was performed and it was noted that one violation remained uncorrected. 3. That on October 8, 2002, an Administrative Tag was issued to the owner of record. 4. That on October 23, 2002, inspectors for the Fire Department inspected the property and noted that the violations were not corrected. Numerous attempts were made to contact the owner of record. On December 27, 2002, inspectors for the Fire Department ins pected the property and noted that the violations were not corrected and the situation had gotten worse. After not getting a response from the owner of record and waiting until spring from the snow to melt, the Assistant Fire Chief inspected the property on April 22, 2003. 5. That on April 22, 2003 the Assistant Fire Chief reinspected the property and found the violations remained uncorrected. The owner of record approached the Assistant Fire Chief during this reinspection, discussed the situation, and sta ted that he would make an appointment to meet with the Assistant Fire Chief and discuss the violations at the property. A month passed and the Fire Department had not heard from the owner of record and on May 21, 2003, a letter was sent to the owner of re cord detailing the history of events surrounding the property. The owner of record was notified in that letter that the property would be reinspected on June 23, 2003. 6. That on June 23, 2003, the Assistant Fire Chief reinspected the property and noted the violations remained uncorrected. 7. That on July 11, 2003 the Assistant Fire Chief issued a criminal citation to the owner of record of the property. 8. That on April 15, 2004 the Assistant Fire Chief reinspected the property and noted that the violations remain ed uncorrected. A notice of abatement and public hearing was mailed to the owner of record by certified mail on April 16, 2004. 9. That based upon said records of the Fire Department, the following conditions and violations of City Ordinance(s) were found to exist, to - wit: A. FAILURE TO CORRECT RMC VIOLATIONS – REMOVE ALL/ANY OUTSIDE STORAGE FROM THE PROPERTY. B. FAILURE TO SUBMIT REINSPECTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE TAG FEES TO THE CITY TOTALING $500.00 10. That all parties, including the OWNER OF RECORD an d any occupants or tenants, have been given the appropriate notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code Section 8.602(1)(a) and 8.602(1)(b). CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL 1. That the property located at 3730 Tyler Street is in violation of t he provisions of the Columbia Heights City Code as set forth in the Notice of Abatement attached hereto; 2. That all relevant parties and parties in interest have been duly served notice of this hearing, and any other hearings relevant to the abatement of violations on the property listed above. 3. That all applicable rights and periods of appeal as relating to the owner of record, occupant, or tenant, as the case may be, have expired, or such rights have been exercised and completed. ORDER OF COUNCIL 1. The property located at 3730 Tyler Street constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code. 2. That a copy of this resolution/order shall be served upon all relevant parties and parties in interest. 3. That any motion for summary enforcement shall be served upon all re levant parties and parties in interest. That all service provided for herein shall be in accordance with Minnesota Statute 483.17, subd. 2 City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 7 of 11 ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 23, being a Resolution amending R esolution No. 96 - 46 authorizing Certain Charitable Gambling Hoeft reviewed action taken at the last meeting regarding the Immaculate Conception Church request to reduce fees in specific instances, and the determination to set a policy for consistency. The would address an established Class A or B charitable gambling license in the city, requesting a temporary license of three days or less, on other than their premises, be granted the license for $25. Hoeft stated this information has been added to item num ber six of the existing resolution. Motion by Williams, second by Nawrocki, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004 - 23, there Motion carried. being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion by Williams, second by Nawrocki, to Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 23, being a Resolution amending Resolution No. 96 - 46 authorizing Certain Charitable Gambling. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2004 - 23 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CERTAIN CHARITABLE GAMBLING BE IT RESOL VED by the City of Columbia Heights that gambling, as described in Minnesota Statute 326 shall be prohibited in all bars and liquor establishments within the City which are licensed pursuant to Section 5.501, 5.503, 5.504, 5.505, 5.506, or 5.57 of the City Code unless: 1. The organization wishing to gamble obtains the permission of the Minnesota Charitable Gambling Control Board; 2. The organization wishes to gamble obtains the permission of the Council of the city of Columbia Heights; 3. The organization wishing t o gamble has been in existence in Columbia Heights for not less than ten years; 4. The organization wishing to gamble is a bona fide club; 5. The organization wishing to gamble does not pay the proprietor of the licensed premises a rental or lease payment in exc ess of $1,000 per month, which payment shall be inclusive of any and all allowable expenses as defined and set forth in MN.STAT.349 et. Seq., as amended. No other payment, set - off, or credit, of any kind, other than as set forth above, shall be paid to or on behalf of the proprietor, or any company or vendor providing any service or goods to or on behalf of the proprietor. 6. A license fee not subject to a waiver shall be paid to the City of Columbia Heights in the amount of $250 for Class A and Class B licens es and $25 for Class C and Class D licenses. License fees shall not be prorated or refundable. Not withstanding anything to the contrary herein, an existing Class A or Class B licensee shall pay a license fee of $25 for any event, of three days or less, to be conducted at a location other than the established license location. 7. If the organization is determined to be in violation of any of the terms or conditions of this Resolution, any authorization hereunder previously granted to conduct said gambling acti vity may be immediately suspended until such violation(s) is/are corrected. Any such determination of violations(s) and any suspension hereunder shall be made as follows: a. At a meeting open to the public; and b. After a minimum of ten (10) days notice to the o rganization; and c. After providing the organization with the opportunity to present its position at said meeting; and d. By a simple majority vote of the City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect on April 26, 2004 , an d shall replace Resolution 1996 - 46. Added Item – Sewer backup policy Wyckoff indicated that an error in the Sun Focus would be corrected to indicate the difference between blockages in public versus private sewer lines. Nawrocki stated that action was ta ken on one portion of the Sewer Backup Policy and did not want the rest of the discussion to die. He debated the determination that the last backup was from a resident’s line, referring to the difference in pipe size. He questioned hearing that there was a piece of pipe found in the line. Nawrocki stated that the backup of sewage is a greater health hazard than excess items in a resident’s backyard. The Public Works Director does not want City employees to get involved with cleanup because it is a health ha zard. It is more of a hazard for residents that are not trained and do not City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 8 of 11 have the proper equipment for sewage cleanup. Nawrocki stated this refers to backups in the street’s main line, not the line into the home, which would be the property owner’s respo nsibility. Nawrocki stated he spoke to personnel from the City of Bloomington and they go in and determine the problem; if it is in the resident’s line they are told to get someone on their own, and if it is in the street line they work with a cleaning ser vice to clean and sanitize the home. They do not replace rugs, furniture or damaged items. Nawrocki stated another advantage of city involvement would be to predetermined charges with a cleaning company so residents do not have to hire someone in an emerge ncy situation. We need to recognize the health problem, not just look at the legal issue. Fehst agreed with an agent doing the cleanup work. He referred to employees that helped with cleanups in the early 1990’s and liability concerns. The sewer backups in the Madison area were determined to have been caused by a rooting company. As the City kept the line clean, the insurance company indicated we are not responsible. Fehst stated that further actions to eliminate illegal disconnects will be brought to Co uncil, but is very expensive for the City and our residents. Williams indicated he thought the newspaper article on sewer backup assistance was misleading. We took the first step to help residents, however we buy insurance for this and must agree if they say the backup is not our fault. We should have a permit for private companies that clean lines. If we had known a company had cleaned the lines, we would have checked the results of their work. Fehst stated that our crews would have jetted the system. Wi lliams stated that we are working on addressing illegal connections. Fehst indicated we looked at what 25 other cities do in these circumstances. Five cities pay for some portion of assistance. Fehst stated that Staff and Councilmembers have received negat ive feedback from residents who have paid for their own clean up and do not wish to pay for all cleanups. Williams stated that we have obligated a lot of money toward backup valve assistance. This can be discussed further at a work session. Fehst stated th at as Councilmember Nawrocki would not be at the next work session, it could be discussed at the following one. Ericson stated that cost is one issue, but if there is concern for the health of residents we should give them information and help, the quest ion is how much assistance should we give, who would provide it and what type of assistance. The health concern for residents is necessary whether the backup began in the public line or the private line. Wyckoff questioned doing immediately clean up and then deciding who would pay for it. Fehst stated that if it was not covered by insurance we would be responsible. Hoeft stated that before we could come in with a third party for cleanup, the property owner would have to understand that if the backup was not our fault the owner would be responsible to pay for the cleanup. It would give them the choice. Nawrocki stated that residents pay to have sewage removed in a responsible manner. He again requested to know the significance of the piece of pipe found. This should be looked at as a moral responsibility and a health problem. Ericson pointed out the contradiction by Councilmember Nawrocki, stating that if this is truly a health issue we need to do the clean up, no matter what. We are looking at the cost , but the difference of opinion is who should bear the cost. Nawrocki stated that if a backup is because of your own sewage you could stop it by not continuing to use the system. If in the blockage is in the street there is no way to stop it. Ericson agai n stated the need to provide information to the residents. As we do not agree on the costs, this should be discussed at a later time. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 9 of 11 Kelzenberg asked that our League of Minnesota Cities insurance representative attend a work session meeting to ask what more we can do. He suggested having residents sign a waiver, but would not agreed to send in our employees without the proper training. Wyckoff ended the discussion, indicating it would be addressed at a work session. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Nawrocki questioned 3808 Reservoir. Fehst stated this was addressed in the Friday report received by Councilmembers. Nawrocki stated that the front sidewalk and the alley are covered with dirt and trash at 3906 and 3906 ½ Reservoir. A cons truction debris shield should have been required. Nawrocki questioned uncompleted work at 3727 Reservoir. Fehst stated that Mr. Kloss has been sent a letter. Williams stated he spoke to the owner who indicated he would not build a garage. There was confu sion regarding the necessity of a permit to put up a fence. Wyckoff stated that a permit is required to build any fence over four feet high. Hoeft indicated that staff should pass along this information. B) Report of the City Attorney – none CITIZENS FORU M Harold Hoium requested all current ordinances be abolished and proposed ordinances to replace them. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, that no further consideration be given to the ordinances Motion carr ied proposed by Mr. Hoium. Upon vote: All ayes. . th Karstin McCarthy, 4213 5 Street, stated that all old ordinances should be replaced with new ones that the citizens must vote on. Joyce Myers stated the property approved for abatement is organized, and the City just wants to destroy his life. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki ? ? Action taken at the Economic Development Authority meeting Removal of the NEI building. This is premature, as discussions continue regarding the need o for more gym space. Questioned $18,000 to save stone from the building. Staff i s pushing for removal because they want this to be a new city hall, library and civic center. th Authorized development agreement with Robert A. Williams and Gary Peterson for 40 and o University. The original developer did not proceed within the required 180 days. This property used Community Development Block Grant funds and remains idle. Williams and Peterson asked for the same consideration as the previous developer, which is to come up with a development proposal for City approval. Authorized contract to replace carpeting in the Parkview Villa South building. One bidder o offered to deduct $2,000 to exclude replacement of the plastic on the sidewalls. Suggested this be considered. HRA was informed $100,000 would have to go back to HUD, as it was not spent fast o enough. Fehst explained the change in law during 2002, which caused this. ? ? Questioned if we are looking at a study of our utilities security, as mandated. Fehst stated we do not have a contract with a security firm. Major concerns were addressed with a new fence and better lighting. ? ? Referenced newspaper article on faulty bullet - proof vests and questioned who our supplier is. Wyckoff stated the information would be passed on to the Police Chief. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 10 of 11 ? ? Suburban Rate Authority meeting discussion included paying dollars based on the amount of gas sold in our community. Our annual fee is about $1,200 and will remain the same for next year. Pipeline safety groups are trying to establish standards making the local government liable for errors during location of gas lines. The SRA is following this issue. ? ? The State has authorized Xcel to spend one billion dollars to redo electrical plants. There is concern for the bidding process and how the money would be spent, as costs are passed on to the consumers. ? ? The City Plann er is leaving the city – strongly urge we not hire another planner and review the planning services we need. ? ? Concerned with overnight parking in the lot west of City Hall. ? ? VFW Post 230 will hold a Memorial Day service at the City Hall flag pole on Monday , May 31, 2004. ? ? Public Works Department took down twelve trees in the community. ? ? A Vikings stadium will be discussed on Wednesday at the Anoka County Elected Officials meeting. An Anoka County sales tax would be considered as possible funding. Has writte n his opinion to the County Commissioner that there should be a vote by the citizens of the county. Ericson ? ? DARE graduations for local elementary fifth graders are held in May. This is a partnership between the schools, police and parents. th ? ? There will be a free Minnesota Twins baseball clinic on May 15 for children ages 6 to 16. They do not need to be residents of Columbia Heights. Contract the Recreation Department. th ? ? Last week was Earth Day. Many groups did activities; the 4 graders from Highland Ele mentary cleaned up Kordiak Park. Any additional activities forwarded to the City Council will be recognized. ? ? The April Values First values are Self - control and Self - discipline. Williams ? ? Reported that only one person spoke at the Board of Equalization. Ref erred to current values in the community. Street improvements guarantee property values increase by the amount charged. Hoeft stated that the benefit to the property must equal or exceed the value of the improvement . The average property value in Columbia Heights is $212,000. Again referred to reverse mortgages. th ? ? Stated he abstained from the vote on 40 and University Avenue and indicated the request was to give them the same opportunity as the previous developer. They will look for citizen input and want t o build a nice facility. Wyckoff stated there is a 120 day option to accept, reject, or modify the development options. Ericson stated this was only a predevelopment agreement. ? ? There is an officer working at the Water Works. Fehst stated he could not giv e specifics, but there is security at the facility. Nawrocki stated that the water tank is ours. ? ? Pray for the health, peace and prosperity of our City. ? ? Responsibility and accountability are the Values First values for next month. Kelzenberg th ? ? On April 17 a $5,000 check from the MN Twins Grant was accepted for Keys Park. rd ? ? Attended the April 23 mock car crash at the high school. Thanked Police Chief Johnson, Assistant Police Chief Roddy, Fire Chief Thompson and the Fire Department for making this a success . Wyckoff ? ? 60 people attended the Town Hall meeting last Thursday regarding gymnasium space. The consensus was to build more gyms with encouragement to do so with the schools. The community should make the decision regarding the NEI property. th ? ? Bob Street ar will speak at the May 5 First Wednesdays with the Mayor at the Library. City Council Minutes April 26, 2004 Page 11 of 11 ? ? Tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. the EDA will discuss what is happening in the industrial area. ? ? Met with Paul Ostrow, NE Minneapolis Councilmember and our City manager to discuss Min neapolis building a community center using Ray Kroc funds. They are considering the property th at 37 and University as one of two possible areas. It would be bigger than anything Columbia Heights could build. Not sure yet of our involvement. There will be other meetings . Fehst stated the current consideration is the application to the Kroc Foundation and would be no less than a $20 million project. The prototype in California was about $100 million. We would still need some gym space. ? ? Attended the Mayor’s C onference in Fergus Falls. Many communities do a yearly survey sent with the water bill asking what direction they want to see the city go toward. The City of Roseville shows their redevelopment in real - time on the web. Would like to discuss this possibili ty with Mr. Nedegaard. ? ? The Mayors of Moorhead and Plymouth are building a relationship. The Mayor of Mantorville has requested a similar experience with Columbia Heights. The League of Minnesota Cities would set this up. ? ? Would like our city listed on the mnpro.com web site. Miscellaneous ? ? Nawrocki requested the list communities contacted regarding sewer backup policies. Fehst stated this was included in the report. ? ? Nawrocki stated there is a trailer on the K - mart site. Fehst stated that it is a sales offi ce. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 9:38 p.m. ____________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary