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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 26, 2001OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 26, 2001 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 26, 2001 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. The Invocation was given by Rev. Dan Thompson, Assembly of God Church, Columbia Heights. Walt Fehst, City Manager, indicated that Reverend Thompson was one of the pastors at the Ecumenical service last weekend. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, and Councilmember Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Peterson indicated that item 6B has been revised. CONSENT AGENDA Nawrocki requested that items//2,//6, and//11 be removed from the consent agenda for further discussion. Fehst went through the remaining items. Motion by follows: 1) Nawrocki, second by Wyckoffto approve the Consent Agenda, except items number 2, 6 and 11, as Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2001, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Adopt Resolution 2001-68, being a Resolution Designating Depositories and Safe Deposit Access for the City of Columbia Heights - Remove 3) Adopt Resolution 2001-70, being a Resolution Establishing Senior Citizen Eligibility Standards for Refuse, Sewage Disposal and Water Supply Utility Rates. Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-70, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2001-70, being a resolution establishing Senior Citizen Eligibility Standards for Refuse, Sewage Disposal and Water Supply Utility Rates. Fehst indicated this is a yearly cost of living increase. About 200 residents' request this service. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 70 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SENIOR CITIZEN ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS FOR REFUSE, SEWAGE DISPOSAL AND WATER SUPPLY UTILITY RATES City Council Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 2 of 9 WHEREAS, the City Council has previously established eligibility standards for senior citizens for Refuse Service, Disposal, and Water Supply; and WHEREAS, It has been the City's practice to maintain uniform eligibility standards whenever possible: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Columbia Heights as follows: 1. That anyone over 62 years of age with a maximum household income of $20,700 will be eligible for reduced rates. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above eligibility standard be effective January 1, 2002. 4) Authorize designation of official newspaper for 2002 Motion to designate Focus News as the official City newspaper for 2002 and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Focus News for required publications. Fehst indicated that the Focus is pubfished weekly, and the only other alternative would be the Star Tribune at a much higher cost. 5) Authorize Hardware Maintenance Contract for the IBM AS400 Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a five-year or 60 month hardware maintenance contract with IBM Global Services at a cost not to exceed $8,139.33. Nawrocki questioned the cost of the present contract. Fehst stated the initial contract was five years for hardware and three years for software. This contract would extend the maintenance on this hardware for five years. Nawrocki questioned the original cost of the equipment, and statedyou can expect to spend ten percent, per year, on a maintenance contract. Fehst indicated this system is adequate for our needs and a reasonable alternative. Fehst indicated this amount covers all five years of the contract. 6) Authorize payment for Star/Tribune microfilm - Remove 7) Authorize purchase of two laptop computers from State Grant Motion to approve the purchase of two laptop computers for $3,523.24, with funding for this purchase to come from the Police Department Contributions Fund #883, and to authorize the reimbursement of Fund #883 upon receipt of the reimbursement funds from the State of Minnesota grant. 8) Authorize to accept Juvenile Accountability Block Grant from the State of Minnesota Motion to authorize the Mayor and the City Manager to accept a grant from the State of Minnesota Department of Economic Security/Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant in the amount of $9,640, with a match of $1,071, with the match to come from unexpended funds in the 2001 Police Department budget. 9) Establish a Hearing Date of December 17, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against 4544-4546 Fillmore Street NE, 1206-1208 Circle Terrace, and 1035-1037 43 lA Avenue NE Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of December 17, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Karolyn Erickson at 4544-4546 Fillmore St. NE. City Council Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 3 of 9 Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of December 17, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against the estate of Susan Loewenthal at 1206-1208 Circle Terrace. Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of December 17, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Mike Hyska at 1035-1037 43 lA Avenue NE. 10) Approve Rental Housing License Applications Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for November 26, 2001. 11) Approve Business License Applications - Remove 12) Approve Payment of Bills Motion to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Item #2 Adopt Resolution 2001-68, being a Resolution Designating Depositories and Safe Deposit Access for the City of Columbia Heights Nawrocki stated that as Wells Fargo closed their branch in Columbia Heights, consideration shouM be given to a local bank such as US Bank. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to table designating depositories and safe deposit access to the next City Council meeting for further information and consideration. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. #6 Authorize payment for Star/Tribune microfilm - Remove Nawrocki stated he obtained a copy of on-fine resources available through the Anoka County fibrary and the Star Tribune was one of five national newspapers available. Fehst referred to the Council letter from Becky Loader, Library Director, stating at one time the fibrary had six such resources, which has been reduced to only this newspaper, and how the pubfic uses it. Nawrocki questioned the justification if the resource is only used three to five times a week at a cost of $3000 a year. Wyckoff stated that she spoke to Loader, who considers this an integral part of the fibrary and that remote access to the Anoka County site is not available at this time. Wyckoff felt this was a necessary service. Peterson indicated that Loader would not be requesting this service if it was available another way. Fehst agreed, but questioned the cost per use. Nawrocki stated is is desirable to have access to this newspaper, but also desirable to save the fees if possible. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to table purchase of the Star/Tribune on microfilm for 2002 to the next regular meeting. Wyckoff indicated that children and adults shouM not need to set up an account for payment, and that this service should be available. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, nay; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes - 1 nay. Motion carried. #8 Approve Business License Applications City Council Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 4 of 9 Nawrocki referred to the ficense request for FFWPost /~230. He stated that, as he is the Commander and Signatory for the FFW,, it would not be proper for him to vote on this; therefore, he would abstain. Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for November 26, 2001 and business license renewals for 2002. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, abstain; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes - 1 abstention. Motion carried. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A. Proclamations - none B. Presentations - none C. Introduction of New Employees - none D. Recognition - none Peterson stated that the Hofiday Kick Off Party held last Saturday was a hugh success, with over $2,000 raised for the library. Nawrocki indicated that the VFW fund raiser, on the same evening, for SACA raised around $1,000. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Rental Housing Revocation for 4201 6th Street Dana Alexon, Assistant Fire Chief gave the background on attempts' to re-inspect this property and the inability to obtain access to check the status of violations, therefore, recommended denial of the rental housing license. Peterson questioned if the owner was notified of this meeting. Alexon indicated the information was sent to the current address on file. Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-74, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote. All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Szurek to adopt Resolution No. 2001-74, Resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights Approving Revocation Pursuant to Ordinance Code Section 5A.408(1) of the Rental License held by Tom Zarembski Regarding Rental Property at 4201 6th Street. Nawrocki thanked Alexon for information he receives on recommended revocations and asked if the tenants' are aware of this action. Alexon indicated that tenants' receive notice of this meeting also and that the owner has a minimum of 60 days' to take correction action. Notification is by certified mail and physical posting on the property. Motion seconded by Williams. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION 2001-74 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS APPROVING REVOCATION PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE CODE SECTION 5A.408(1) OF THAT CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL RENTAL LICENSE HELD BY THOMAS ZAREMBSKI (HEREINAFTER "LICENSE HOLDER"). WHEREAS, LICENSE HOLDER IS THE LEGAL OWNER OF THE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4201 6TM STREET, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, AND WHEREAS, PURSUANT TO COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CODE SECTION 5.104(1)(A), WRITTEN NOTICE SETTING FORTH THE CAUSES AND REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED COUNCIL ACTION City Council Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 5 of 9 CONTAINED HEREIN WAS GIVEN TO THE LICENSE HOLDER ON NOVEMBER 7, PUBLIC HEAR1NG TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 26, 2001. 2001 OF A NOW, THEREFORE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING, AND ALL ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MAKES THE FOLLOWING: F1NDINGS OF FACT That on August 3, 2001, Gary Gorman and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights, inspected the property and noted six violations. Compliance orders listing the violations were mailed by regular mail to the owner at the address listed on the rental housing license application. That on September 26, 2001, Gary Gorman and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights, reinspected the property and noted that the four violations remained unchecked by inspectors, who were unable to gain access to the house due to the owner not showing up. Compliance orders listing the violations were mailed by regular mail to the owner at the property at the address listed on the rental housing license application. That on October 17, 2001, Gary Gorman and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights, reinspected the property and noted that the four violations remained unchecked by inspectors, who were unable to gain access to the house due to the owner not showing up. Compliance orders listing the violations were mailed by regular mail to the owner at the property at the address listed on the rental housing license application and copies were sent to the tenants. That on November 7, 2001, Gary Gorman and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights, reinspected the property and noted that the four violations remained unchecked by inspectors, who were unable to gain access to the house due to the owner not showing up. Compliance orders listing the violations were mailed by certified mail to the owner at the property at the address listed on the rental housing license application. That on November 16, 2001, Gary Gorman and John Larkin, inspectors for the City of Columbia Heights, reinspected the property and noted that the four violations remained unchecked by inspectors, who were unable to gain access to the house due to the owner not notify the tenant of the reinspection. That based upon said records of the Enforcement Officer, the following conditions and violations of the City's Residential Maintenance Code were found to exist, to-wit: A. FAILURE TO CORRECT VIOLATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE CODE B. FAILURE TO SUBMIT REINSPECTION FEES OF $250.00 That all parties, including the License Holder and any occupants or tenants, have been given the appropriate notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code Section 5A.306(1) and 5A.303(1)(d). CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL That the building located at 4201 6th Street is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights City Code as set forth in the Compliance Order attached hereto, That all relevant parties and parties in interest have been duly served notice of this hearing, and any other hearings relevant to the revocation or suspension of the license held by License Holder. That all applicable rights and periods of appeal as relating to the license holder, owner, occupant, or tenant, as the case may be, have expired, or such rights have been exercised and completed. ORDER OF COUNCIL The rental license belonging to the License Holder described herein and identified by license number F5040 is hereby revoked/suspended (cross out one); The City will post for the purpose of preventing occupancy a copy of this order on the buildings covered by the license held by License Holder; All tenants shall remove themselves from the premises within 60 days from the first day of posting of City Council Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 6 of 9 this Order revoking the license as held by License Holder. Passed this 26th day of November, 2001 Offered by: Szurek Second by: Williams Roll Call: Ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams, Nawrocki B. Rental Housing Revocation for 4600 Polk Street Mayor Peterson closed the hearing as the property is now in compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. C. Rental Housing Revocation for 4616 Tyler Street Motion by Nawrocki, second by Szurek to waive the reading of Resolution No.2001-77, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Alexon indicated he received written communication at 4:lOp. re. today from the owner of property requesting the opportunity to pay necessary fees by installment. The violations have been corrected to the sari,faction of the Fire Department. Alexon recommended tabling action until the owner's request can be substantiated discussed with the Finance Director. Motion by Williams, second by Nawrocki, to table action on the rental housing license revocation of 4616 Tyler Street, until determined by the inspection department. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. D. Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 3849 Edgemoor Place Mayor Peterson closed the hearing as the property is now in compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions - none B. Bid Considerations-none C. Other Business 1. Approve Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County for Assessment Services Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to approve the joint powers agreement with Anoka County for assessment services, effective January 16, 2002 to January 15, 2008, and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the agreement. Nawrocki questioned the residential rate increases. He asked that we talk to staff at the City of Fridley to see if there is a more cost effective way to handle this service, and to see if they would consider joining together in this service. Fehst listed other communities that handle their own assessing duties. Fehst introduced danene Hebert, County Assessor, who was present to address questions. Hebert spoke of the County's relationship, regarding assessing, with Columbia Height; and Fridley. She stated that two individual; would be necessary to staff the office if Columbia Height; would do their own assessing. It would be the City's decision if this would be more economical for them. Hebert stated cost; incurred by the County, including vehicle purchases and that of Anoka County Appraiser positions being changed from exempt to non-exempt, requiring payment of overtime. City Council Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 7 of 9 Nawrocki indicated cost increase percentages over the past severa/ years. He stated that our assessment clerk may be retiring and the City must explore the County handling City assessments. 14/e wouM lose funds by doing this and shouM also discuss this with the City of Fridley. Nclwrocki asked that this be tabled to the first Council meeting in danuary, and that the City Manager speak to Fridley about this. Peterson asked for Hebert's comments on this. Hebert indicated that if the City is looking at hiring it's own staff, the County wouM like notice of that intent by the beginning of danuary, 2002. Fehst stated that he wouM speak to the Fridley City Manager about this and fire services. Columbia Heights was not able to get the Hilltop fire service contract this year. Nclwrocki asked for a chart from Fridley similar to the one received from the County. Fehst stated that we are very happy with the County's service. There are advantages to both ways of handling assessing duties, but he felt it would be hard to save money doing it ourselves. NclwrocM stated that his comments are not meant to be derogatory, as the County has given us good service, but a matter of what is most cost effective. Williams retracted his second of the original motion. Motion died for lack of a second. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, to table the joint powers agreement with Anoka County for assessment services. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. 2. Renewal of Wine/Beer License -Tycoon Tavern and Grill Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to deny the 2002 application for a wine and beer license for Ok Cha Kwon dba Tycoon's Tavern and Grill at 4952 Central Avenue based on the recommendation of the Police Department. Pofice Chief Tom Johnson gave the background on Pofice calls to this location. He indicated the INS was contacted and the husband of the applicant is currently in jail. Johnson stated that until this situation is resolved, there should not be a renewal of the liquor license for the Tycoon bar. The license would expire midnight, December 31, 2001 after which time they would not be allowed to serve any type of alcoholic beverage. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Report of the City Manager Fehst stated that with the snowfall today, City trucks wouM now be out sanding and plowing City streets. He reminded residents not to park on City streets overnight, to allow for snow removal. Fehst stated: · December 3, 2001 a public meeting will be held on the proposed budget. · There will not be a work session on December 10th. · There will be a meeting with the School District, and the cities of Fridley, Hilltop and Columbia Heights from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 29th at the Fridley Community Center · The Special Assessment Public Hearing for 2001 road improvements will be held tomorrow, November 27th at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers. Fehst stated that the assessment fees would be fifieen percent less than predicted. He stated that the level of service was not totally acceptable and should be amended next year. City Council Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 8 of 9 Nawrocki stated there would be an AMM meeting next Thursday, November 29from 3.'30p. m. to 5.'00 p.m. Nawrocki questioned if there would be a budget meeting after the assessment hearing. Fehst stated there was not. Nawrocki stated that the notice in the paper of the budget hearing was misleading. Fehst stated that this notice was not required but placed to assist residents'. Nawrocki asked for an up date on last summer's discussion regarding the downtown development plan. Fehst stated that members have been added to the committee, but additional meetings have not been held as this falls to the new City Planner, who is currently involved in other projects'. Nawrocki referred to 3 72 7 Reservoir Boulevard and the bare condition of the back yard with dirt running into the alley. Fehst stated that the owner has been advised to put hay bales adjacent to the alley or seed the property to eliminate drainage into the alley. B. Report of the City Attorney - none GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Peterson listed minutes of Board and Commission meetings presented to the City Council · Meeting of the October 18, 2001, Charter Commission · Meeting of the November 14, 2001, Human Services Commission · Meeting of the November 6, 2001, Library Board of Trustees · Meeting of the September 18, 2001, Housing and Redevelopment Authority · Meeting of the October 16, 2001, Economic Development Authority CITIZENS FORUM (check address) Roger Strom, 690 47 ~ Avenue, stated that his assessment was $345 less than anticipated and thanked Council for the reduced cost. He stated that on Monroe and Jefferson between 4 7th ~ Avenue the street was repaired with mill and overlay. He stated that a week after the work was done a truck went down the street and left imprints' in the street. Strom questioned if the street had an adequate amount of overlay on it. Fehst stated he was not aware of complaints, but wouM have staff look at it. Strom asked if payment was hem on the project. Fehst stated that funds are reserved for up to a year. Nawrocki stated that Mr. Strom 's comments' shouM be part of the record at tomorrow night's assessment hearing. Peterson questioned if this damage was the contractor's fault or the heavy truck's fault. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki indicated that he has a book on Lomianki, Poland for Council to look at. Nawrocki distributed a copy of the State Statues regarding special City Council meetings. Nawrocki distributed City of Shoreview brochures, with information about their council meetings. He suggested Columbia Heights' look at printing such a brochure. Nawrocki referred to the Honeywell contract approved at the last meeting, stating that he spoke to someone from the Moundsview School District regarding their association with Honeywell. They indicated that Honeywell's price to replace equipment was double other bids'. Fehst agreed that their replacement costs' were high, but we are pleased with their maintenance. Nawrocki stated that the school board member he spoke to did not have any knowledge of the school district again contracting Honeywell for maintenance. Nawrocki stated City Council Minutes November 26, 2001 Page 9 of 9 that Council did not receive a copy of the annual Honeywell review. Nawrocki indicated that as part of Oty poficy, the Oty Manager's annual review shouM be done. Nclwrocki indicated that the last Council included in this year's budget a review of the City Attorney's contract, which shouM be done. Fehst stated that staff is working with the League of Minnesota Cities to format this. Wyckoff stated that Becky Loader, Library Director, received a letter from Barnes and Noble bookstore indicating the fundraiser for the library foundation netted $1,063.00. Szurek stated that even patrons at the store who weren't aware of the fundraiser helped out by using the donation certificate. Wyckoff stated that there would be a meeting on Thursday, November 29 at Murzyn Hall to estabfish the Columbia Heights' Historical Society. Williams encouraged citizens to attend the budget hearing on December 3~a to give their input. He felt there is a need for the City to put money into development of residential, commercial and industrial areas of the City. Referring to the property complaint on Reservoir Boulevard Williams stated that if we check on one person we need to look at the whole alley or neighborhood for the same violation, and not single out one person. Fehst stated the Police Department responds' to complaints' in this manner. Peterson stated it is unfair to respond only if someone complains about a neighbor; and they should understand the surrounding area would also be checked. Nawrocki stated that we should act on complaints' only. Fehst stated that the Fire Department inspectors go through the City on a region-by-region basis, as time is available, so everyone will get reviewed. Peterson encouraged residents' to take their fatuities for a drive through the community to enjoy the hofiday lights' and decorations. Mayor Peterson stated "Don't take too yourself to seriously, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness for someone." ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk