Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 24, 2004OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 24, 2004 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2004 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. Theresa Taylor, Oak Hill Baptist Church, gave the Invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson, Councilmember Kelzenberg PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Wyckoff removed item 5-A-7 regarding Zone 7 and placed it under 7B - Bid considerations. Motion by Nawrocki to discuss the Sanitary Sewer Policy. The motion died for lack of a second. Nawrocki stated het would address this under Council Corner. PROCLAMATIONS~ PRESENTATIONS~ RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations Buckle-Up May Mobilization - May 24 to June 6, 2004 Patrick Lindstrom, a student in the audience read the proclamation. Police Chief Tom Johnson stated his pride in this program and complimented Corporal Bonesteel for his organization of this national program. Last year our percentage of seat belt wearers was over 70percent, and will do our best to increase that number. Nawrocki questioned the number of deaths in Columbia Heights fi'om non-use of seat belts. Chief Johnson indicated he could obtain that number, but indicated that with the heavy road usage of Central Avenue, many fatalities are attributed to non-seat belt use. B) Presentations VFW Post 230 Donation toward Jamboree Fireworks Post Commander Bruce Nawrocki presented a $1,000 check to Park and Recreation Commission Liaison Bruce Kelzenberg to be used toward the Jamboree fireworks display on Saturday, June 26th at Huset Park. Nawrocki indicated that last week he was honored to present eight $750 scholarships on behalf of VFWPost 230. c) Introduction Matt Schoen, Columbia Heights High School Principal, introduced himself and listed his background. Schoen described curriculum changes that have been implemented at the High School. Next year there will be a freshman transition program, which allows Junior and Senior student leaders to work as link leaders with small groups of freshman. Wyckoff referred to local students competing in Tennessee that will attend a June City Council meeting. Schoen stated that was a Junior High contest, and they have reached the national level. Wyckoff referred to the quality of local cable programs by high school students. Schoen described the program. City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 2 of 11 Ericson welcomed Mr. Schoen and indicated she has heard many good things about his work at the High School. Williams ask Mr. Schoen to compare this High School to his previous position in Owatonna, which Mr. Schoen did. Wyckoff questioned diversity at the High School Schoen stated that Columbia Heights is multiple in its diversity, where it is not unusual to hear 10 or 12 different languages spoken at once. Schoen stated the need to continue to meet the needs of the diverse learners, while accepting and embracing then,. CONSENT AGENDA Walt Fehst, City Manager, took Councilmembers through the Consent Agenda items. 1) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for April 26, 2004 and May 10, 2004 regular City Council meetings. a) Motion to approve the minutes of the April 26, 2004, regular City Council meeting as presented. Nawrocki indicated a correction: American Legion Post should have been VFW Post 230. He stated that the annual Memorial Day Service would be held at the City Hall flagpole on Monday, May 31st at l_J.'30 a.m. b) Motion to approve the minutes of the May 10, 2004, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes a) Motion to accept the May 4, 2004 minutes of the Library Board. Nawrocki stated that the Library will be responsible for the road improvements adjacent to the building in the amount of S J2, 500. b) Motion to accept the April 29, 2004 minutes of the Park/Recreation Commission. c) Motion to accept the May 12, 2004, minutes of the Human Services Commission. 3) Establish Work Session meeting date for Monday, June 7, 2004, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. Motion to establish a Work Session meeting date for Monday, June 7, 2004 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1. 1) Preparation of 2005 budget 2) Minneapolis Water Works - replacement of master meter 3) Amendment to Zoning Ordinance: Park Dedication. 4) Authorize the contract with Auction Masters for auctioning excess City property, unclaimed/ forfeited Police evidence, and found property_. Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a one-year contract with Auction Masters of Maple Grove for auctioning excess City property, unclaimed/forfeited Police evidence, and found property. Nawrocki requested that some bicycles remain and be made available to children within the community. Fehst stated that Council consensus was to have a program whereby 10 to 12 bicycles would be made available to residents of the community. s) Approve one time Charitable Gambling Permit for MN 90 Lightning Hockey Club. 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 one-time bingo event to be conducted by the Milmesota 90 Lightning Hockey Club at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 4030 Jackson Street NE, Columbia Heights, on August 7 and 8, 2004; and City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 3 of 11 furthermore, that the City of Columbia Heights hereby waives the remainder of the thirty-day notice to the local governing body. Nawrocki questioned if&is request is for the church or the hockey group. Fehst stated it is for the MN 90 Lightning Hockey Club. Police Chief Johnson stated that MN 90 has a license and is using their one time exemption, with the event to be held at the church. A background check will be performed. 6) Approve up to $3,500 for a joint survey with the School District, to be conducted by Decision Resources Inc., dependent upon staff review of the questions to be posed to the citizenry. Fehst stated that copy of the draft questions were received this afternoon and were placed before Councilmembers tonight. REMOVED by Nawrocki. 7) Adopt Resolution No. 2004-27, being a Resolution accepting the Bid and awarding the contract for Street Rehabilitation in Zone 7A. REMOVED 8) Approve Change Order No. 1 and final payment for sanitary sewer lining, Project 0309 Motion to authorize Contract Change Order No. 1 for additional work added to the contract by the City to Visu-Sewer Clean and Seal, Inc. in the amount of $ 3,822.25 to be funded out of 652- 50309-5130. Motion to accept the work for Sanitary Sewer Lining, City Project No. 0309, and to authorize final payment of $4,054.25 to Visu-Sewer Clean and Seal, Inc. of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Fehst stated that this project, for the 43rd and Central sewer line, was scheduled for next yea~; but was moved up a year. Nawrocki questioned if we have a signed agreement. Hansen stated that the original contract was signed in 2003, upon Council approval. 9) Establish a Hearing date of June 14, 2004 for revocation or suspension of rental property license at 3849-51 Central Avenue Motion to establish a Hearing date of June 14, 2004 for revocation or suspension of a license to operate a rental property within the City of Columbia Heights against F. C. Celtic LLC at 3849-51 Central Avenue NE. 10) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 24, 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 108300 through 108438 in the amount of $676,122.28. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to approve the consent agenda, with the exception of items #6, and #7. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. #6 Approve up to $3,500 for a joint survey with the School District, to be conducted by Decision Resources Inc., dependent upon staff review of the questions to be posed to the citizenry. Nawrocki asked if the questions are 50 percent City and 50 percent School District, and stated he could not approve staff having the final say as to what questions are asked. Fehst indicated the motion reflected Council consensus from the work session. Nawrocki stated the consensus was only to consider participation. Fehst stated the questions include needs for the park and recreation infrastructure, park City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 4 of 11 improvements, if citizens would support building a new library, and if Minneapolis would build a facility close by if residents would still be interested in some type of recreation or community center. This motion was to consider the amount to contribute toward the survey. Nawrocki stated that how the questions are phrased affect the results of the survey and he wants to see them. Fehst indicated staff would meet with the consultant on Thursday, and the questions could be presented at to the next work session. Ericson indicated that the School District is looking for a commitment to participate from the City and then a committee wouM determine the questions. Fehst indicated the need to collaborate with the School District on this survey. Motion by Ericson, second by Kelzenberg, to approve up to $3,500 for a joint survey with the School District, to be conducted by Decision Resources Inc., dependent upon staff review of the questions to be posed to the citizenry, and report back to council at the next work session. Motion by Nawrocki to divided the question between the cost of the survey and staff authority as to the questions to be asked. Second by Williams. Ericson indicated this would require a special Council meeting with the survey company. She did not agree with dividing the question, but felt staff should put the questions together and bring them to a work session. Council should not be involved in writing the question. Fehst stated that Councilmembers could add or subtract to the questions at the work session. The consultant could be at the meeting to answer questions. Upon vote of dividing the question: Kelzenberg, nay; Williams, nay; Ericson, nay; Nawrocki, aye; Wyckoff, nay. 1 aye - 4 nays. Motion failed. Nawrocki stated he would vote against the motion, as it is very important that council discuss the proposed questions and agree or disagree on how you ask them. Upon vote of the original motion: Kelzenberg, aye; Williams, aye; Ericson, aye; Nawrocld, nay; Wyckoff, aye. 4 ayes -1 nay. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 943 42nd Avenue Mayor Wyckoff closed the Public Hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the Rental License held by Merlin Garner regarding rental property at 943 42nd Avenue in that the violations on the property have been corrected. Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 3849-51 Central Mayor Wyckoff closed the Public Hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the rental license held by F.C. Celtic LLC regarding rental property at 3849-51 Central Avenue until such time all interested parties can be properly notified. Nawrocki questioned what the problems were that were corrected. Wyckoff indicated that 99percent of the time calling for a Public Hearing motivates the owner to correct the violations. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 5 of 11 Adopt Resolution No. 2004-28, being a Resolution establishing a Sewer Connection Charge and Water Connection Charge Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, stated this would establish sewer availability and water availability charges. The city currently does not have any such charge, but do collect a pass through charge for the Met Council. The affect of the increased usage on existing lines is difficult to analyze and capacity costs have been paid for by prior developments. Hansen indicated Council's desire to look at hook up charges for new developments. To determine a charge we couM look at the capacity to our lines and do a per-unit charge or have the developer pay for the upsizing of lines. Staff suggested that any new development be determined on a case-by-case basis to recover our costs. Based upon staff and City Attorney review, the recommendation is $200 for sanitary sewer connection and $400 for water connection. Wyckoff stated that this would mean the proposed 400 units in the industrial area would be charged $600 per unit for connection. Wyckoff stated the resolution refers to the rates, not a case- by-case determination. Fehst indicated the Resolution would allow implementation of the fees. Wyckoff questioned if the Sullivan townhomes would be charged Hansen stated this would not be effective until acted upon by Council, and would then be added with any new building permit application. Wyckoff indicated concerns that this would scare off developers. Hoeft stated that a large development wouM be considered on an individual basis to determine if an upsizing of lines is required, just as was done for the Kmart development. This is a policy to recoup existing administrative costs, and would not finance capital improvements for existing improvements. Ericson stated that it is not unusual to recoup these costs and will not be a surprise to the developer. Hoefi stated the consideration was to charge large developments upsizing costs or connection fees of $3, 000 to $5,000. Nawrocki stated that developers wouM laugh at this low cost, as Blaine charges five to six times this much. Developers shouM be charged whatever the cost to oversize lines. He stated that we should take into consideration costs existing residents have already paid Hansen stated that relative to the Kmart site, we looked at the entire trunk and capacity to the interceptor link. The upsizing they will pay for will occur on Central Avenue, in addition to what they are doing on the property. We can not make the developer pay for things that current residents have already paid for. Hoeft agreed, and stated that the Blaine system is not fully developed These rates should pay for ongoing costs of maintenance and capital improvements, but not for increased capacity. If there were a way to determine the addition to the system you might be able to determine a SAC~WAC fee, but in a developed system you do a case-by-case capacity analysis and determine how it will impact the system. This recommendation is simply recouping administrative costs as determined by the City Engineer and if challenged, we would have to support the fee in court. Hoefi referred to a case study that happened in Egan that was included in the Council packet, whereby the city wanted the developer to help pay for existing roads, and the court stated they could not. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004-28, there being mnple copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2004-28, being a Resolution establishing and implementing new City Sanitary Sewer Connection Charge in the amount of $200 and Water Connection Charge in the amount of $400. Nawrocki stated this is short of what it should be, but is better than nothing. Citizens that have paid for the system are being short changed by the new development. City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 6 of 11 Upon vote: All ayes: Motion carried. Resolution 2004-28 BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING RATES ON SANITARY SEWER AND WATER CONNECTION CHARGES IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that: In accordance with the operating and maintenance costs incurred by City Staff when new connections are made to the Public Sanitary Sewer and Water Mains, the following connection charges shall be put into effect as of June 1, 2004 on all new connections made to the public mains, payable at time of building permit, rendered hereafter: 1. Water Connection Charge: $400 per unit 2. Sewer Connection Charge: $200 per unit The connection charges shall apply to all new water main and/or sanitary sewer connections made to the public utility system BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all foregoing rates are made effective June 1st, 2004 in order to meet the expenses and costs to the City of Columbia Heights for these respective services. D) Bid Considerations 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2004-27, being a Resolution accepting the Bid and awarding the contract for Street Rehabilitation in Zone 7A. Hansen stated that bids were opened last Thursday, and bids ranged from $1.6 to $1.9 million. The low bidder was Midwest Asphalt. The base bid is lower than the engineers estimate. He described the five alternates and the respective subtractions and additions. He recommended accepting the base bid from Midwest Asphalt and alternates 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5for a total contract award orS1, 562, 851.49. Nawrocki questioned the amount of the original estimate and the affect of this on proposed assessments. Hansen stated $1, 700, 000. Assessments should be less than proposed by three to five percent. Motion by Kelzenberg, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2004-27, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Kelzenberg second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2004-27 accepting bids and awarding the 2004 Street Rehabilitation Projects in Zone 7A, Project No. 0402 to Midwest Asphalt Corporation of Hopkins, MN in the amount of $1,605,400.07 based upon their low, qualified responsible bid and accepting Alternate 1 for sanitary sewer on Jackson Street for an add on of $9,601.40, Alternative 2 for HDPE storm sewer pipe (36" only) for a deduct of ($9,120.00), Alternate 3 (unit price basis) for residential driveway construction, Alternate 4B for 15" open cut pipe installation for a deduct of ($15,175.90) and Alternate 5 for 30" open cut pipe installation for a deduct of ($27,854.08) for a total contract award of $1,562,851.49; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same Ericson questioned the conflicting addresses of the bidder. Hansen stated that they have several addresses. Williams complimented Hansen on the accuracy of the original estimate. Hansen stated that the compliment should go to the engineering staff, especially Kathy Jean Young. Upon vote: Ail ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2004-27 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE ZONE 7A STREET REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT No. 0402 TO MIDWEST ASPHALT CORPORATION City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 7 of 11 WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for City Project No. 0402, Street Rehabilitation Improvements, five bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: (See Exhibit 1) WHEREAS, it appears that Midwest Asphalt Corporation, 5929 Baker Rd, Suite 420, Minnetonka, MN 55345 is the lowest responsible bidder. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Midwest Asphalt Corporation, in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the 2004 Zone 7A Street Rehabilitation Improvements, City Project No. 0402, according to plans and specifications therefore approved by the Council. 2. The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to return, forthwith, to all bidders, the deposits made with their bids except the deposit of the successful bidder and the next lowest bidder shall be retained until the contract has been signed. 3. City Project 0402 shall be funded with State Aid Maintenance Funds, General Funds (Infrastructure and Assessments), Sanitary Sewer Construction, Water Construction, and Storm Water Utility Construction Funds. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager 3730 Tyler - DuAll will remove and store items from this property at the Public works area for 60 days and then sell the property if the owner does not pay the costs. Citing 3808 Reservoir, as it is not licensed for rental. The owner of the double bungalow on 39th hopes to have the renters removed by mid-June. The property has gotten worse as the renters continue to unload more items. If the illegal detainer has not removed them by June, the rental license will come forward for revocation. 943 42nd, the third rental milt is being dismantled. Wyckoff explained abatement for the students in the audience. Wyckoff stated she received a complaint regarding a car repair business being run from a home in the 4500 block of 6th Street. Residents should call 911 when seeing this type of activity. She reminded residents that there is a six hour parking limit on Columbia Heights streets. Chief Johnson indicated the importance of calling 911 so the Police can respond However, it does takes a long time to bring forward charges on an illegal business. Callers can remain anonymous. Wyckoff stated that on June 3 she wouM meet with members of the YMCA for an update on the process of the Roy Croc Community Center. Nawrocki questioned the double bungalow on Reservoir. Fehst stated they would start the concrete work sometime this week. Nawrocki indicated the owner needs to clean the front sidewalk. Fehst stated he was told it would be done this week. If it is not, we will do the work and bill the owner. Wyckoff stated that tomorrow night the Economic Development Authority (EDA) will vote on purchase of the Burger King site. Columbia Heights Rental has bought another property, so the City will own all the surrounding property but Mady 's. Fehst the EDA wouM meet in Conference Room 1. Wyckoff stated that the meeting wouM begin 7:00p. m. Nawrocki expressed concern about calling special meetings when Councilmembers are unavailable. He received a phone message that the meeting was called for 8.'00 p.m. Meetings should be set after finding a time when all Councilmembers are available. Wyckoff stated this is not a special meeting. As the time is not clear, anticipate a 7.'OO p. m. start time, unless otherwise notified Wyckoff spoke of the event "Wander the Halls of Our OM High School" that will take place on June 6th from 12 noon to 6:00p. m. to. Demolition will begin in June. A small group of people will assist in salvaging items such as tables, chairs, and screens. She thanked Fehst and Hoefi for making this tour legally possible. Fehst stated that three architects were contacted regarding salvaging items, but were not interested. This open house will allow residents one last look at their old high school building. City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 8 of I 1 Wyckoff stated that the High School band ensemble might perform at the open house. Memorabilia will be on display in the small gym. Report of the City Attorney Hoeft indicated that the public will not be allowed to just wander through the building and remove things without supervision. They would make the request and designated vohmteers would remove the item safely. Hoeft indicated that calls to 911for code violations, might not be responded to immediately. Calls are made on a priority basis. CITIZENS FORUM Jerry Foss, 4412 2'd Street, indicated his desire to see three gyms, a library and a walking track built at the NEl site and support for a referendum on the upcoming election ballot. He thanked the City Council for being fiscally responsible, unlike the School District. Foss requested that the ordinance on charitable gambling be changed from the current $1,000 lease limit to coincide with State law of a $400 to $1, 700 limit. Wyckoff asked for copy of that ordinance. Nawrocki stated that we are within the State's limits and indicated that increasing what you pay the facility decreases what you can contribute to the programs. Gary Magliato, 4141 Reservoir, gave the background on several sewage backups in his home and listed the methods used to lessen the flow, such as pumping 6, 750 gallons of sewage onto his backyard He indicated speaking to Councilmember Nawrocki to have this item on the agenda, as the problem needs to be resolved and is not being addressed Nawrocki indicated that he has never met Mr. Magliato before and Mr. Magliato agreed. Nawrocki referred to the City Manager's previous comment that he was doing this for his friends, which is not true. This is a serious health issue. Fehst questioned if Mr. Magliato had submitted a claim. Magliato indicated that the League of MN Cities responded in 2003, stating that the City had no insurance to pay for his backup. Fehst indicated that is not correct, if the backup is the main line and attributed to improper maintenance, there would be insurance coverage. The city does not have no-fault insurance. This is only available with requirements such as an infiltration study, which past city councils have chosen not to do. Nawrocki referred to the placement of the storm sewer system. Fehst stated that an infow and infiltration policy would cause residents with down spouts and incorrectly connected sump pumps to change them and would be expensive to disconnect. The City also needs to increase the regularity of the sewer clean out program to every 3 years. Hansen stated there were many such problems during the June 24-25, 2003 storm event. This particular home is at a low point. Magliato indicated his belief that there are sump pumps, which drain in the sewer. Ericson stated her disagreement that there is resistance to discuss this issue, as this has been one of the biggest issues since she has been on the Council. Among Councilmembers there is a fundamental disagreement regarding addressing individual homes or long term solutions. Some members believe City staff should go into these homes and clean the walls, and some believe that a business should be paid to do this work. This has been discussed this on camera and at work sessions. The question is - do we spend funds on short term clean ups, or long term solutions such as relining pipes and subsidizing backflow valves and creating an ordinance to detect illegal connections. She again stated she does not feel there is resistance to this topic, but until this can be discussed in mature and respectful way some Councilmembers have decided it does not need to be discussed every week on camera. Magliato stated this should be discussed every week until corrected City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 9 of 11 Fehst stated the solution is to assist residents to disconnect sump pumps and downspouts. Paying for 30 or so backups a year could cost $80,000 to $100, 000 a years. If we implement the proper requirements we could obtain the no-fault insurance coverage. It is our intention to obtain that type of insurance as soon as possible. The program implementation may take a Council commitment of several hundred thousand dollars. Magliato stated he was present to insist that the City keep its sewage out of his basement. He asked how employees couM be sent into the sewers ifa sewer hazard analysis has not been completed Hansen stated that the Met Council completes those tests at the treatment plant. Employee safety is insured through safety equipment. Wyckoff asked ifa backflow valve wouM help this resident. Hansen stated with the multiple occurrences, yes it would Magliato stated he would be interested. Hansen described the valve and the necessary maintenance. Wyckoff apologized to the resident and stated that we are working on permanent solutions. Nawrocki questioned if Mr. Magliato received the mailing about the availability of backflow valves. Magliato stated he did not. Ericson stated that anyone who has experienced multiple backups should contact the city. Nawrocki referred to his discussion with the City of Bloomington regarding their sewer cleanup policy. Hansen stated he has spoken to them and will receive their written public campaign inflow and infiltration information and sewer backup information. Mayor Wyckoff invited the students present to come forward, state their name, and if they think we need more gym space or a new library. Wyckoff questioned if the heavy rains of the weekend caused any backups. Hansen stated they did not. Williams stated that we are working on these problems by making the backup valves available, and working toward an infiltration policy. He asked staff to research if Mr. Magliato 's backup was the same day as the Jackson Pond area backups. Nawrocki referred to the City Manager's comments regarding past Council's accomplishing nothing. He listed numerous improvements to the community. Wyckoff questioned when the Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) policy would be presented to the City Council. Hansen stated that a draft Ordinance would be presented at one of the work sessions in June. Leonard Deering, 4311 Jefferson, asked if there is an ordinance against loud vehicles. Chief Johnson stated there is a State Statute and when officers are not on calls they do this type of traffic work. Deering questioned when the Kmart building wouM be demolished. Wyckoff stated that is a private enterprise and is scheduled for demolition in May. Nawrocki stated that a mobile sales office has been placed on the property. Deering indicated that junk is accumulating on this property. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki · Pointed to the City's goals on the Council Chamber wall, which indicate to improve the industrial and commercial tax base. The 30 acres of industrial being considered for redevelopment as residential will only leave 11 acres of industrial property in the City. · The Lions Club does the highway clean up on University from 3 7th to 53rd, and found dozens of small liquor bottles a block on either side of our liquor store. Concerned about this possible hazard. City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 10 of 11 Something ought to be done. · Sullivan Park graffiti was cleaned up, but not the tree branches and leaves. The path needs resealing or repaving. Bicycles should be kept off the path. There needs to be dandelion control. The seeds blow into neighboring yards. · Lighting on the CAST theater: Are blinking lights against our Ordinance? · Received a letter from Mr. Weatherly indicating that construction at the Water Work is taking place outside of the allowed times. Requested Mr. Weatherly be sent a response. Hansen indicated this would be discussed at the weekly meeting. Fehst stated that dump trucks are leaving a mess on Stinson Boulevard. · At the last work session the City Manager referred to disasters in the City and blamed previous Councils for them, erroneously. Wyckoff asked him to keep to current city business. Listed items that have been improved over the past years, i.e. city hall addition, Murzyn Hall, streets, 40th and Central. · Filings for City Council seats open July 6th through July 20th. Seats up for election are: Mayor, and two Councilmember positions. He encouraged people to become involved. · Received US Bank National Association email. Asked that it be researched. Ericson stated these are usually scams that want your information so they can steal it. Councilmembers often received this kind of email because their email address is on the City web site. · Decision Resource survey form does not indicate cost of the proposed projects. Residents must have a ballpark number before answering such questions. Ericson pointed out that one question asks how much would you want to pay. Ericson · Highland Elementary 4th graders cleaned up Kordiak Park (photos were placed on camera) · This Wednesday the Highland Elementary Breakfast of Champions will recognize 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders with outstanding academic achievements. · Columbia Heights Boys 6th Grade AAU Basketball Team placed third in the State qualifier tournament. They will compete in the State tournament the first weekend in June. Congratulations and good luck. · Currently accepting applications for a Planning and Zoning Commission member. If interested in serving, contact City Hall. · With the Memorial Day holiday there will be an increase in the number of people on the roads. Drive carefully. Williams · Add zoning consideration as a work session topic - 40*~ to 42nd and Central, where there are apartments above the buildings, which are not zoned for this. Wyckoff stated the apartments would be rental and therefore inspected under the Housing Maintenance Code. · Over $2,600 was raised for our community by Jaci and Gary Peterson at the Community Prayer Breakfast. We now have over $10,000 in that fund. · We need to discuss our taxes and where we are headed. Fehst stated this topic will be discussed at the next work session. · People may want auditorium seats or the elevator from the NEI building. · Sergeant John Rogers, who writes grants for the Police Department, recently received $186,000 in grant funds for a Reverse 911 system and radios. · Pray for the health, peace and prosperity of our community. Kelzenberg · Read a letter from Jamal Vance, renter of Greg Heinen, who was present several Council meetings ago. She related problems with the owner and asked that she not have to move before her five children City Council Minutes May 24, 2004 Page 11 ofll finish the school year. Fehst stated that she has been put in touch will several agencies that may help her. · Wished his son, Joe, a Happy Birthday today. Wyckoff · Stated that Council meetings are on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, so the next Council meeting would be June 14. · Wednesday, June 2nd, meeting with the Mayor at the Library will have County Commissioner Jim Kordiak as the speaker. · There will be a Library Fund Raiser on June 26th, at the Heights Theater. The Pat Proft movie will be shown, he will hold a question and answer period and there will be a silent auction. Tickets are $10 and there are only 400 available. · June 19th at 11:00 there will be a Fire Cadet's golf tournament. The Mayor will auction herself as a caddy. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, CMC Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary