Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 13, 2004 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 7:00 P.M. The invocation was provided by Pastor Peter Law from United Methodist Church CALL TO ORDER/APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO TEM/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Wyckoff at 7:02 p.m. Motion by Councilmember Nawrocki, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to appoint Carole Blowers as Secretary Pro Tem. Motion passed unanimously. Roll Call: Present: Kelzenberg, Williams, Ericson, Nawrocki, Wyckoff PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA (The Council, upon majority vote of its members, may make additions and deletions to the agenda. These may be items brought to the attention of the Council under the Citizen Forum or items subm itted after the agenda preparation deadline.) There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS There were no proclamations. There were two presentations Firefighter Rookie of the Year 1) – Charlie Th ompson, Fire Chief, announced that they started a new program just this year. All members voted, and there was a tie. Therefore, the recipients of the first Firefighter Rookie of the Year are Brad and Bret Roddy. Their father, Police Captain Bill Roddy , read their nominations. Brad and Bret both gave brief speeches. Firefighter of the Year 2) – Charlie Thompson, Fire Chief, announced this is another new program just this year. Chief Thompson read the nomination for Dan O’Brien, who was chosen for this aw ard. Dan gave a brief speech. Resident Cliff Shedlov, 4630 Fillmore Street N.E., stated that he would not be here today without the fine efforts of our paramedics. There were no new employees introduced. There was no other recognition. CONSENT AGEND A (These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion. Items removed from consent agenda approval will be taken up as the next order of business.) MOTION by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember Nawrocki, and passed unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows: City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 2 of 12 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes for August 23, 2004 regular City Council meeting MOTION: Move to approve the minutes of the August 23, 2004 , regular City Council meeting as presented. Note: Councilmember Nawrocki commented on page 11, mid page, that he wants to also work with other governmental agencies. Accept Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes MOTION: Move to accept the July 15, 200 4, minutes of the Charter Commission MOTION: Move to accept the August 3, 2004, minutes of the Columbia Heights Public Library Board of Trustees MOTION: Move to accept the August 25, 2004, minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission. The item regarding the approval of the PMA agreement was removed from the consent agenda and was discussed immediately following all the consent items. Adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 49, Regarding the Labor Agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 49 RESOLUTION 2004 - 49 REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL NO. 49 WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Loca l No. 49, representing employees of the Public Works Department and members of the City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract for calendar years 2004 and 2005. WHEREAS, a copy of said contract is available at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreement, as negotiated, be and is hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 2004 and 2005 fo r IUOE bargaining unit employees of the City; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute this agreement. MOTION to waive the reading of the resolution, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION t o adopt Resolution No. 2004 - 49, regarding the Labor Agreement between the City of Columbia Heights and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, effective January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2005. Establish a Hearing Date of September 27, 2004, f or Revocation or Suspension of Rental Property License at th th nd 1635 49 Avenue N.E., 1019 37 Avenue N.E., and 208 - 10 42 Avenue N.E. MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of September 27, 2004, for Revocation or Suspension of a License t o th Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Abullahi Elmi at 1635 49 Avenue N.E. MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of September 27, 2004, for Revocation or Suspension of a License to th Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Erika Thorn at 1019 37 Avenue City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 3 of 12 N.E. MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of September 27, 2004, for Revocation or Suspension of a License to nd Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Tahazib Bacchus at 208 - 10 42 Avenue N.E. Adopt Resolution 2004 - 48, being a Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the Columbia Heights Police Department in Obtaining a Grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Manag ement RESOLUTION 2004 - 48 BEING A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT PARTICIPATION IN THE 2004 LAW ENFORCEMENT TERRORISM PREVENTION PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights Police Department has obtained a grant in the amount of $186,600 to be used for the purch ase of 800 MHz portable radios for the Civilian Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and a Reverse 911 phone system; and, WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights CERT Team will use 15 radios, the New Brighton CERT Team will use 15 radios, the St. Anthony CERT Team will use 15 radios, and the Fridley CERT Team will use 15 radios to give us interoperability between each of the CERT Teams in our area; and WHEREAS, the 911 system will have valuable uses to send messages to every household in our city or any part of the city ; call groups such as CERT Team members, reserve officers, police officers, fire fighters, public works employees, and neighboring CERT Team members; or alert citizens of water main breaks, hazardous conditions or important meetings in their area; and, WH EREAS, the ability to communicate with volunteers and citizens will save time and money, thereby being valuable assistance to our police department, our city — and most importantly — our citizens; and, WHEREAS, there is no local match required; NOW, THEREFOR E BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights accepts the grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief of Police of the Columbia Heights Police Department, or his designee, is hereby authorized to exercise such agreement on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights and the Columbia Heights Police Department. MOTION to waive the reading of Resolution 2004 - 48, there being ample copies available for t he public. MOTION to adopt Resolution 2004 - 48, being a resolution supporting the efforts of the Columbia Heights Police Department in obtaining a grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The grant will be used for the purchase of sixty 800 MHZ handheld radios for use by area CERT Teams and a Reverse 911 system. Further, to authorize the Mayor and the Chief of Police to enter into a contract with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety D ivision of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to accept the grant for $186,600 to pay for this equipment. NOTE: The City Manager and Police Chief referred to an article in the Sunday Star Tribune regarding this City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 4 of 12 item. The Police Chief explained that the grant is for three communities: New Brighton, St. Anthony, and Fridley, with 15 radios going to each city. Nawrocki stated in the agreement it reads that we are responsible to maintain and repair this equipment. Approve Transfer of Funds fro m General Fund to Police Department Overtime Fund, Line 1020 MOTION to transfer $1,664.06, the total amount of money received from the State of Minnesota for our efforts in the Safe and Sober Program from the General Fund to the Police Department 2004 budg et line #1020, Overtime. Approve Business License Applications MOTION to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for September 13, 2004, as presented. 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 109710 through 109899 in the amount of $1,509,326.56 The following item was pulled from the consent agenda and discussed at this time: Adopt Resolution 2004 - 41, Being a Resolution Appro ving the 2004 - 2005 Public Managers Association (PMA) Memorandum of Understanding RESOLUTION 2004 - 41 BEING A RESOLUTION REGARDING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND THE PUBLIC MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that: WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the Public Managers’ Association, representing Division Heads of the City, and members of the City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulte d in a mutually acceptable Memorandum of Understanding for calendar years 2004 and 2005; WHEREAS, a copy of said Memorandum of Understanding will be made available for inspection at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference. N OW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Memorandum of Understanding as negotiated, be and is hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 2004 and 2005 for the Public Managers’ Association bargaining unit employees of the City. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to execute this agreement. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that the council did not receive all information needed to make a decision on this issue. No salary information o n current wages for the members of this union were provided to the council, only what wages were proposed for the next two years. He stated he compared these wages to the Stanton Survey; and comparing these wages to Stanton 6 cities (10,000 - 25,000 populat ion), we would be paying more. He could not find the Library Director position in the survey. He noted that comparing the IUOE positions with the survey, we were right on. Nawrocki noted the $1,250 in additional compensation for the PMA members. He als o asked if the city participated in the Stanton survey last year. City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 5 of 12 Linda Magee, Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Director, answered Nawrocki’s questions. She stated that 2004 was the first year the city did not participate in the Stanton survey, as no contracts had been settled at the time the survey data was due. She stated that the proposed percentage of raise is the same as what has been granted for other unions/non - union employees. The additional compensation of $1,250 mentioned has been the same amount for several years. It had been a match to deferred compensation, and now it can be taken as that or cash. The insurance is the same granted other unions. Ms. Magee stated that the wage information is presented in the same manner as has been done in the past. We have not shown current wages in the past, but could in the future, if that is desired. She stated the PMA’s are an essential employee group; thus, they cannot strike. If they were not satisfied with the results of negotiat ions, they have the right to go to binding arbitration. Likewise, the Firefighters, Police Officers, and Police Sergeants are essential, and they have the right to binding arbitration. The Public Works 49’ers and AFSCME are non - essential. They have the right to strike over a contract. Nawrocki pointed out that a Maintenance Worker makes $20 an hour, and a division head makes $40 plus an hour. He stated there should be a difference between the managers and workers; however, it appears to be getting out of line. Again Nawrocki stated that from 2001 - 2003, management made twice as much as the workers. He is not saying the managers are not doing a good job, and he realizes there has to be some difference in pay between the managers and the workers. Ms. Ma gee stated that the city also has to be concerned with internal equities. When pay equity first came around, it was discovered that mid to higher level managers pay was low. A statistical program determines whether the City is in compliance with pay equi ty. Ms. Magee stated that the next time the city needs to report pay data to the state is in 2007, reporting 2006 data. We use the Hay system of job evaluation. We do not rely on the Stanton report like we did prior to pay equity. Nawrocki questione d the re - evaluation of the Community Development Director’s position that hadn’t been taken to the Council. The City Manager stated that he is paid to evaluate and upgrade positions as needed. Ms. Magee stated this is similar to what had been done for se veral non - union positions in 2001 - 2003. MOTION by Councilmember Ericson, seconded by Councilmember Kelzenberg, to waive the reading of the resolution, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion passed unanimously. MOTION by Councilmember E ricson, seconded by Councilmember Kelzenberg, to adopt Resolution 2004 - 41, regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Columbia Heights and the Public Managers’ Association, effective January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2005. Roll call: Ayes: Kelzenberg, Williams, Ericson, Wyckoff; Nays: Nawrocki. Motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS Extend Public Hearing for the Adoption of a Modification to the Downtown Revitalization Plan for the CBD Redevelopment Project and the Proposed Adoption of a TIF Plan MOTION by Councilmember Ericson, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to continue the Public Hearing to September 27, 2004, City Council meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. on the proposed adoption of a modification to the Downtown Revitalization Plan for the CBD Redevelopment Project, and the proposed adoption of a Tax Increment Financing Plan in an effort to encourage the development and redevelopment of certain designated areas within the City. Motion passed unanimously. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATI ON Other Ordinances and Resolutions City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 6 of 12 RESOLUTION 2004 – 38 RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2005, SETTING THE PROPOSED CITY LEVY, APPROVING THE HRA LEVY, APPROVING A TAX RATE INCREASE, AND ESTABLISHING A BUDGET HEARING DATE FOR PR OPERTY TAXES PAYABLE IN 2005 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: that the following is hereby adopted by the City of Columbia Heights. Section A. The budget for the City of Columbia Heights for the year 2005 is hereby approved and adopted with appropriations for each of the funds listed below. Expense General Fund 8,232,617 Community Development Fund 517,420 Economic Development Fund 246,332 State Aid 163,984 Cable Televisio n 200,643 Library 631,271 DARE Project 5,375 Infrastructure 162,560 Capital Improvement 400,000 Capital Equipment 394,598 Replacement Funds Construction Funds 643,000 Central Garage Fund 492,978 Liquor Operating 6,987,480 Liquor Capital Improvement 6,210,747 Water Utility Fund 1,951,379 Sewer Utility Fund 1,420,436 Refuse Fund 1,540,225 Storm Sewer Fund 336,037 Data Processing 267,891 Debt Service Fund 2,537,607 Total Expense 33,342,580 Including Interfund Transfers Section B. The estimated gross revenue to fund the budget of the City of revenue to fund the budget of Columbia Heights for all funds, including gene ral ad valorem tax Levies and use of fund Balances, as hereinafter set forth for the year 2005: Revenue General Fund 8,232,617 Community Development Fund 517,420 Economic Development Fund 246,332 State Aid 163,984 Cable Television 200,643 Library 631,271 DARE Project 5,375 Infrastructure 162,560 Capital Improvement 400,000 Capital Improvements Capital Equipment Replace - 394,598 City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 7 of 12 ment Funds Construction Funds 643,000 Central Garage Fund 492,978 Liquor Operating 6,987, 480 Liquor Capital Improvement 6,210,747 Water Utility Fund 1,951,379 Sewer Utility Fund 1,420,436 Refuse Fund 1,540,225 Storm Sewer Fund 336,037 Data Processing 267,891 Debt Service Fund 2,537,607 Total Revenue 33,342 ,580 Including Interfund Transfers Section C: The following sums of money are levied for the current year Collectable in 2005, upon the taxable property in said City of Columbia Heights, for the following purposes: 2004 Levy Estimated General Fund Levy 4,928,710 Estimated Library Levy 433,565 Estimated EDA Fund Levy 84,985 Total 2004 Levy 5,447,260 Lost LGA Levy Increase 544,726 Cost of Living Levy Increase 250,000 Total 2005 Proposed Levy 6,241,986 Secti on D. The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby approves the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Tax Levy for the fiscal year 2005 in the amount of $161,366. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS , MINNESOTA: That the budget meeting is scheduled for December 6, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF ANOKA, MINNESOTA: That the county auditor is authorized to fix a property tax rate for taxes payable in the year 2005 that is higher than the tax rate calculated for the city for taxes levied in 2003, collectable in 2004. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED : That the city has adequate fund balances and reserves to pay all 2 005 Bond principal and interest payments and the county auditor is authorized to cancel all Bond Levies for taxes payable in 2005. The City Clerk is hereby instructed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the County Auditor of Anoka County, M innesota. Walt Fehst, City Manager, reviewed the memo of September 9, 2004 to the Mayor/City Council from the Finance Director. The authority to make up for lost state aid through property tax levies and other sources is within the control of the City C ouncil. One city has lower taxes than Columbia Heights. The second and even more important fact is that the average home in Columbia Heights is paying less taxes in 2004 than they paid in 1997, and a considerable amount of the increase in property taxes over the last five years is due to legislative changes and adjustments to the property class rate structure whereby the state legislature moved a large amount of the commercial - industrial property tax burden to residential property. This resulted in a dec rease in commercial - industrial property taxes and an increase in residential property taxes. City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 8 of 12 The City Manager further explained that we could restructure the debt at Parkview Villa South or sell it, and we must explore restructuring of Murzyn Hall operat ions. In the Truth in Taxation process, the adoption of the preliminary levy is actually the starting point of the budget and levy review process that culminates with the Truth in Taxation hearing in December. The intent of the Truth in Taxation proces s is to set a preliminary maximum levy. Nawrocki stated the council did not get the budget yet. We don’t know what the proposed cuts in personnel will be. Many people are of the mindset that you can’t beat City Hall. He has sat down with the Associatio n of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) and the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Finance people. The tax increases will be 5.5 percent statewide average. Mention was made of the Crisis in Government Study - 2004. Columbia Heights is not on the low end. We are under the median for the metropolitan area. Regarding Parkview Villa South, TIF bonds, and refinancing, we built the building because the community wanted it. Years ago, the remodeling ($1,000,000) of Murzyn Hall was done to take care of community a ctivities and be rented out for events. If the city made money, that was OK, but it was not the main thing here. The 14% tax increase last year in reality became 20%. Discussion again focused on the $5 million in local government aid that will be los t from 2003 to 2006. What we set for the preliminary budget and levy cannot be increased, but it can be decreased. Finance Director, Bill Elrite, stated the management of Murzyn Hall is in question. We need to get it to a break - even situation. We nee d to review all fees. Parkview Villa South operates at the same level; we could sell the structure, restructuring the debt. Franchise fees also need to be looked at. There are lots of ideas to be discussed during the budget process. He encouraged th e council to look at the major items — Murzyn Hall, Parkview Villa South, and franchise fees. Again it was reiterated that it was legislative changes that reduced taxes from 1997 to 1999. Now we need to increase taxes. Nawrocki stated the figures on Park view Villa South given were not accurate -- the $900,000. Where is the city going? We have seen major personnel changes. Many officers not replaced. We went from 26 officers to 22. Funding for 24 positions was available, but two were held open due to u ncertainty. The Fire Department has one vacancy for a firefighter. Fifteen positions throughout the city have not been filled. Three of the officers were “Clinton cops”, who were hired with the understanding if the funding lasted, OK. The Mayor state d people coming into our city are demanding more of our services. She received four or five complaints about blighted properties in the city just today. We are back to the pre - Sheffield days. We have a wonderful town, and we need to keep it up. Williams stated that we have the opportunity to fall back on some fund balances. Social security increased by 1.5%. Staff needs to come up with creative ways to reinvent our budget. Kelzenberg stated we should set the maximum levy for now. Then look at these things — must restructure Murzyn Hall and Parkview Villa. Elrite stated we made no payment on those bonds for Parkview Villa. It was the choice the council made at that time. Day to day operations are covered. We need to restructure the rents. City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 9 of 12 Naw rocki asked the Mayor what properties she received complaints about. He again mentioned the referendum the people passed several years ago to put $1 million into renovating Murzyn Hall. The City Manager stated we need to look at how it is operated — go od and bad. Nawrocki stated the council has always set the maximum levy for the past five years and it always stays there. It never comes down from the original levy amount set. Williams stated user fees are important, i.e., user fees for using the park s, etc. Nawrocki stated that not all residents use the services offered by the city. The Mayor asked if any residents had anything they would like to talk about regarding the budget. th Harold Hoium, 4315, 4317 - 4321 5 Street, stated the city should do a time study of the entire city operation. He questioned the Habitat for Humanity homes and the Sheffield development. Cliff Shedlov, 4630 Fillmore Street, stated he has been watching the mowing, street sweeping, water main, and striping crews and sees n o abuse by city employees. He stated the police department should be at full staff; there are instances where back up is hard to get. He stated our Fire Department and paramedics are top notch and the ambulance drivers are happy to come to our city wit h the fine support from these employees. He also stated the City Manager has been helpful with different issues he has discussed with him. Catherine Vesley, 5135 Matterhorn Drive, supports the maximum levy, and feels the citizens of Columbia Heights wil l be reasonable about a tax increase to support our services and maintain our communities. She stated she was amazed that her taxes have been going down. Nawrocki asked what by statute is required of the council at this time. The council is to certify the levy and proposed budget to the county. He again asked about the difference between the alternate motion and the recommended motion. The alternate motion is 14% increase in taxes (city portion), and the recommended motion is a 20% increase in taxe s (city portion). He questioned how we could justify the 17% increase in the HRA levy. This will be due to all the housing and redevelopment projects. $250,000 was added for cost of living adjustments. In the Police Department, one part time clerical position and one Police Officer position was cut from their budget to offset the cost of living adjustments. MOTION by Councilmember Kelzenberg, seconded by Councilmember Ericson, to waive the reading of Resolution 2004 - 38, there being ample copies ava ilable to the public. Motion passed unanimously. MOTION by Councilmember Kelzenberg, seconded by Councilmember Ericson, to adopt Resolution 2004 - 38, being a resolution adopting a proposed budget; setting the City, Library, EDA proposed levy at $6,241,986; establishing a budget hearing date for property taxes payable in 2005 for December 6, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers; approving a tax rate increase; and approving the HRA levy of $161,366. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he would like to m ake an amendment to the above motion that would read: Propose the total levy for 2005 be set at the levy for 2004, plus 6%. Seconded by Councilmember Williams. Roll call vote to vote on the amendment motion: Ayes: Williams, Nawrocki; Nays: Kelzenberg , Ericson, Wyckoff. Motion on the amendment failed Roll call vote on the original motion setting the City, Library, and EDA proposed levy at $6,241,986 was: Ayes: Kelzenberg, Ericson, Wyckoff; Nays: Williams, Nawrocki. City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 10 of 12 Bid Considerations – none Other Business ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager ? ? Thanked all individuals who were running for local office. ? ? Urged everyone to be sure to vote. ? ? The upcoming Work Session will be devoted to the Police Budget. ? ? In Recreation, they will be hiring part time help instead of filling the full time vacant Recreation Program Coordinator position. Report of the City Attorney ? ? Prosecuting several hundred cases weekly. CITIZENS FORUM (At this time, citizens have an opportunity to discuss with the Council items not on the regular agenda. Citizens are requested to limit their comments to five minutes.) Lowell Johnson, 4024 Madison Street ? ? asked several questions of the staff recently, and they have all been very courteous and helpful ? ? noted the disagreement among the current councilmembers; must work together ? ? proposes the council add to the next meeting a discussion on term limits; noted some politicians have over 26 years of experience ? ? noted there were 2000 less registered voters than the last election per t he Minnesota state voter registration list ? ? noted a previous Mayor made $26,000 in their last year of their term of office ? ? the city should sell advertisements for revenue; i.e., advertisements on police cars ? ? staff could cut operating costs if people read th eir e - mail; staff should not have to print out council’s e - mail ? ? regarding the Public Works storm sewer project, we should increase the speed of that job so we can get the I & I insurance; put more staff on; never hear about what to do to increase the speed ? ? weed control expenses for 2003 was $13,902 — less than the previous year; management of noxious weeds is important ? ? low interest grants should be available (no money now); we need grant monies for private homes to improve our community ? ? our city is dying; the re is a smaller number of people living here than before ? ? need a larger tax base; bring something here to attract people ? ? more creative ideas are needed to get more people here ? ? noted there seems to be a resistance to go out for bids on the garbage contract ? ? n oted we are looking for a Building Official and asked if we would be dropping the contract with New Brighton Nawrocki questioned Mr. Johnson who was the Mayor that received $26,000 in their last year in office? Mr. Johnson stated it was Mr. Nawrocki. N awrocki stated that was incorrect, and wanted to know where Johnson got that information. Johnson stated it was in the blue books at the library, and he would double - check that information. The City is looking for a full time Planner, a full time Build ing Official, and the part time Building Inspector is under contract with the City of New Brighton. City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 11 of 12 COUNCIL CORNER Kelzenberg: ? ? Thanked Paul from the 500 Club for the golf tournament this past weekend. ? ? The minutes he was referring to in a previous meet ing are ones dated March 20, 1990, from a HRA Special Meeting. If Nawrocki had asked him nicely, he would have provided him with those minutes. ? ? If the same energy that was put into Parkview Villa was used towards a community center, we would have a new co mmunity center today. ? ? Stated he won’t be intimidated by Nawrocki as some people are. Williams: ? ? The council will be working on the budget until December. ? ? Pray for one another and the health and happiness of the city. Ericson: th ? ? The primary election is Sep tember 14 . ? ? Rising to New Heights will be meeting that evening at Crestview at 7 p.m. ? ? The city is advertising for a Planner and Building Official. We have voted on these positions. We hope to get more Police Officers, as we need them. ? ? On September 22, there will be a 7 p.m. public meeting on the Industrial Park at Murzyn Hall. Nawrocki: ? ? Stated that we can’t make decisions at work session; however, the council agreed to a $50 memorial for the St. Anthony Mayor back in August; questioned this action. T hought council members were going to donate money for flowers. ? ? Asked how the Planning and Zoning Commission was doing on the issue of limiting multi - family units in the city. Ericson stated they are looking at it. She also stated they are working with th e Fire Department on the costs to maintain rental property in the city. ? ? Nawrocki asked about the K - Mart development and the 1 bedroom units planned — aren’t 2 required? He also expressed concern regarding the parking requirements (one space) for one bedro om units. Motion by Nawrocki, seconded by Williams, to have the Planning and Zoning Commission look at the requirements that only one parking space is required for the one bedroom units. Roll call vote: All ayes. Discussion ensued that it was decided previously that no motions would be made during Council Corner. He asked where this action was taken by the council. He stated he would like to be shown this in the minutes. Nawrocki stated that Council Corner took the place of Old Business and New Bus iness in the agenda. ? ? Asked the City Manager for a copy of the minutes that Kelzenberg was referring to about ParkView Villa from several years ago. th ? ? There was a construction sign near 37 and Reservoir that had Reservoir misspelled. Wyckoff: th ? ? Be sure to get out and vote on the 14 . ? ? Library Board members are needed. They meet on the first Tuesday of the month. ? ? She thanked the 500 Club for sponsoring the golf tournament. The Fire Cadets raised about $1,000. City Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 12 of 12 ADJOURNMENT The Mayor adjourned the meetin g at 9:42 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ----------------------------------------------- Carole J. Blowers, Secretary Pro Tem