HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 28, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 28, 2002
The following are the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 in the
City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
Pastor Tom Carlson, First Lutheran Church, gave the invocation.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, and
Councilmember Nawrocki
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA -none
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
Proclamations - none
Presentations
1) Immaculate Conception Charitable Gaming Library Donation
Maureen Vachuska, on behalf of the children at Immaculate Conception School, presented
Katherine Vesley, Library Board, and Becky Loader, Library Director, a $2,500 donation.
Introduction of New Employees
2) Bob Streetar, Community Development Director
Assistant to the City Manager Linda Magee introduced Mr. Bob Streetar, as the new Community
Development Director. She gave his background and stated that he began today. Bob Streetar
thanked the City Council for the opportunity to work for the City of Columbia Heights'.
Nclwrocki asked Mr. Streetar his thoughts' on the most important thing we can be doing in the
Community Development Department. Streetar indicated the need to follow the Comprehensive
Plan. Nawrocki asked for a specific item. Streetar stated redevelopment of the industrial area.
Recognition -none
CONSENT AGENDA
Magee went through the Consent Agenda items:
Motion by Nawrocki to approve the Consent Agenda items, with the exception of #2 Work Session meeting
dates, as follows; second by Wyckoff:
1) Minutes for Approval
Motion to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented.
Nawrocki corrected page two, stating the Lions Club shouM have been VFW Post ~ 230, and page
nine, Burlington Northern did not give the land to the City, but was obtained through a negotiation
process.
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 2 of 11
Nawrocki stated Council passed a motion to allow payment of S7OO for the City Manager's
exchange to Sweden, and noted in the bill list the amount was $720.00.
2) Establish Work Session Meeting Dates for Monday, June 3, 2002 and Monday June 17, 2002
beginning at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, in Conference Room - Removed for discussion.
Magee suggested not holding a Work Session for June 3, 2002, as there are no items for discussion.
Nawrocki questioned if there is an agenda for the June 17 date. Magee stated that would be given at
the next council meeting. Nawrocki asked to remove this from the consent agenda.
3)
Award bid for 2002 Jamboree Fireworks
Motion to award the bid for the 2002 fireworks display to Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc., Clear Lake,
MN based on their qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $6,000, with $3,000 appropriated from
fund 101-45050-4378; and furthermore to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement for the same.
Nawrocki stated that VFW Post ~/ 230 has donated $1, O00 for the damboree fireworks display.
Peterson thanked the VFW and its members.
4)
Award bid for 2002 Street And Parking Lane Striping Project
Motion to award the 2002 Street and Parking Lane Striping project to AAA Striping Service Co., of
Rogers, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $4,541.34, with
$3,960.08 to be appropriated from Fund 212-43190-4000 and $581.26 to be appropriated from Fund
101-43170-4000; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract
for the same.
5)
Acceptance of the 2001 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Independent Auditors
Report From HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd.
Motion to accept the 2001 independent auditors report from HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd. including
the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Management Reports for the City of Columbia
Heights and the EDA.
Motion to direct the City Manager to follow up on the auditor's recommendations and to report back
to the City Council regarding the implementation of the auditor's recommendations.
6)
Adopt Resolution No. 2002-41, being a Resolution waiving the statutory_ tort liability limits
(insurance coverage from June 1, 2002 to June 1. 2003 to the League of MN Cities Insurance Trust)
Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with the League of
Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for commercial and liability insurance coverage. The premium for
the first year's coverage from June 1, 2002 to June 1, 2003 is $251,119.
Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-41, there being ample copies available to the
public.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2002-41 being a Resolution waiving the statutory tort liability limits.
Nawrocki clarified that this requires smaller premiums, but raises fimits.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-41
BEING A RESOLUTION WAIVING THE STATUTORY TORT LIABILITY LIMITS
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is a Minnesota political subdivision desiring to self-insure its property and
liability risks through participation in a joint powers arrangement known as the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance
Trust (LMCIT); and
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 3 of 11
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute Section 471.981 permits a city to extend the coverage of its self insurance to afford
protection in excess of any limitations on liability established by law; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute Section 471.981 provides that unless expressly provided in the ordinance or resolution
extending the coverage, the statutory limitations on liability shall not be deemed to have been waived.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Columbia Heights City Council does hereby accept liability coverage
limits of $1,000,000 from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust and the City waives the monetary limits of tort
liability established by Minnesota Statute Section 466.04, to the extend of the limits of the liability coverage obtained
from LMCIT.
Passed this 28th day of May 2002.
7)
Adopt Resolution No. 2002-39, being a resolution of the City Council from the City of Columbia
Heights requesting abatement of the hazardous detached structures located at 528 N.E. 47th Avenue
Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-39, there being ample copies available to the
public.
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2002-39, requesting abatement of the hazardous detached structures
located at 528 N.E. 47th Avenue.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-39
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS REQUESTING
ABATEMENT OF THE HAZARDOUS DETACHED STRUCTURES LOCATED AT 528 N.E. 47th AVENUE.
WHEREAS, there are hazardous detached buildings at 528 N.E. 47th Avenue which have been vacant, unsafe longer than
90 days, and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 463.15 to 463.26 authorizes municipalities to address hazardous and substandard
structures and properties, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights finds this property to be hazardous based on the following code violations as
contained in the Findings of Fact:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Dangerous Building Definitions Chapter 3 of the 1994 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings:
302(9) Whenever, for any reason, the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe for the purpose for
which it is being used.
302(11) Whenever the building or structure exclusive of the foundation, shows 33 percent or more damage or
deterioration of its supporting members, or 50 percent damage or deterioration of its non supporting members, enclosing
or outside walls or coverings.
302(17) Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a public nuisance known to the common
law or in equity jurisprudence.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on the Building Official=s conclusions that, the structures at 528 N.E. 47th Avenue
are substandard and seriously deteriorated, lack minimum standards for habitable space per 1998 MN State Building Code
and 1994 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the Building Official is recommending the
structures be abated by razing of the structure in preparation for a new single family dwelling.
Conclusions of Council
That all relevant parties have been duly notified of this action.
That the structures on the property at 528 N.E. 47th Avenue are hazardous and in violation of many local, state and
national code requirements.
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 4 of 11
That the structures cannot be rehabilitated to bring them into compliance with local, state and national code requirements.
That the property owner has provided the City with a waiver.
Order of Council
1. The structures, dwelling and detached garage, located at 528 N.E. 47th Avenue, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, is a
hazardous building pursuant to Minn. Stat. 463.152, 463.616.
2. Pursuant to the foregoing findings and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, the City Council hereby orders the
record owner of the above-hazardous building, or his heirs, to abate the building (30) days of the date of service
of this order. The site must then be restored to a safe condition.
3. The City Council further orders that personal property or fixtures that may unreasonably interfere abatement of
the structure shall be removed within thirty (30) days, and if not so removed by the owner, the City of Columbia
Heights may remove and sell such personal property and fixtures at public auction in accordance with law.
4. The City Council further orders that unless such corrective action is taken or an answer is served upon the City of
Columbia Heights and filed in the office of the Court Administration of the District Court of Anoka County,
Minnesota, within thirty (30) days from the date of the service of this order, a motion for summary enforcement of
this order will be made to the District Court of Anoka County.
5. The City Council further orders that if the City is compelled to take any correction action herein, all necessary
costs expended by the City will be assessed against the real estate concerned, and collected in accordance with
Minn. Stat. 463.22.
6. The Mayor, the Clerk, City Attorney and other officers and employees of the City are authorized and directed to
take such action, prepare, sign and serve such papers as are necessary to comply with this order, and to assess the
cost thereof against the real estate described above for collection, along with taxes.
Passed this 28th day of May 2002
8)
Establish Hearing Date for License Revocation of Rental Property 1816 44th Avenue
Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of June 10, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to
Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Michael Haase at 1816 44th
Avenue NE.
9) Approve Rental Housing License Applications
Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for May 28, 2002.
10) Approve Business License Applications
Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 28, 2002 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 98068 through 98294 in the amount of $829,313.13.
Peterson questioned the business licenses. Collova referred to commercial licenses.
Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Item #2: Work session meeting date.
Magee stated that the dune 17 work session meeting couM be established at the dune lOth City Council
meeting. Peterson indicated that Council shouM be aware of these dates as far in advance as possible.
Szurek stated she wouM like to add this to her calendar now if it is to be scheduled.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to establish, for the purpose of Council member's calendars, a
Work Session meeting date of Monday, June 17, 2002 in City Hall Conference Room 1, beginning at
7:00 p.m., if there is an agenda set at the next meeting.
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 5 of 11
Nawrocki stated that by Parliamentary Procedure and the Open Meeting Law the agenda shouM be
estabfished when calling a special meeting. Peterson stated this has been debated before.
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes and 1 nay.
Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - none
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions
t) First reading of Ordinance No. 1447, being an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 83 t,
designating certain land use of public properties in blocks 73, 95. and tOO. Columbia Heights Annex.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1447, there being ample
copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to establish June t0, 2002, at approximately 7:00 pm as the
second reading of Ordinance No. 1447, being an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 83 t; being an
ordinance designating certain land use of public properties in blocks 73, 95, tOO, Columbia Heights
Annex.
Nawrocki stated that he wouM vote against the motion, after reviewing past Park and Recreation
Commission minutes, regarding what areas would remain industrial or parkland. He stated that he
supported the industrial improvement at that time, but residents were promised a buffer area between
their homes and the railroad and that the land would be used for park purposes, excluding the industrial
area. He would like to honor that promise. Nawrocki stated he realizes this is a different Council that
can change their minds, but the first procedure should be to get competitive proposals for what to do
with the land. He referred to a statement by the City Attorney in 1974 or 1975 stating that parkland
dedication could not be removed without going through the appropriate state agency. He stated that the
current Council should respect the original decision that was made.
Jim Hoefi, City Attorney, stated that there is not a State Board to regulate this property. He suspected
the term "park dedication" was used but the landwas not dedicated as such. Nawrocki stated his
surprised that the Park Commission would recommend letting go of any parkland. Peterson quoted the
Park Commission minutes of 9-21-1991, which indicate this area serves no park purpose and is only a
maintenance burden. Nawrocki compared this to the Sullivan Lake Park property. Hoefi stated there
were federal monies used to finance Sullivan Lake Park and the City had to replace an equal parcel of
parkland for the Medtronic site. He stated there is not a Charter requirement for property replacement.
Peterson referred to the Park minutes indicating designation change by ordinance. Hoefi agreed.
Wyckoff indicated her initial support, but after research and viewing backup material, felt the City
shouM hoM to their promise ora buffer area. Wyckoff stated that 50 percent of the residents at the time
of the original agreement still reside here. She questioned building $250,000 townhomes next to a
railroad and an area the City of Minneapolis does not maintain. Wyckoff wanted a cohesive plan, to do
the job right, not to just squeeze in a couple of homes.
Peterson stated the initial mistake was allowing industrial use. He would have preferred the entire area
been developed as a park 30 years ago. Peterson stated this is only the first step in the process, which
would be followed by going out for proposals to find on what would be best for the community on this
property. Nawrocki clarified the industrial use and the compromise of buffering.
Terry 0 'Brien, 3810 Main Street, questioned when Ordinance ~1447 was created as it was stated there
was no action taken at work sessions. Peterson stated that the ordinance requires a second reading in
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 6 of 11
tWO weeks'. The request at the work session was to place this on the Council agenda.
parkland was to be a buffer from the industrial area.
0 'Brien stated this
Larry Kocon, 3732 Main Street, stated that residents' of the area did not want the initial changes, and
the only compromise they received was the park buffer zone. He asked that the City keep their promise.
Deb dohnson, 4636 Pierce Street, commented that there was only a legal description of the property on
the agenda, and suggested it be referred to as Lomianki Park. 0 'Brien stated that he was also confused
by this.
Nawrocki asked if area residents' received a notice of this meeting. Dm dohnson, City Planner, indicated
they had not received a special notice. Nawrocki indicated that residents' at the original meeting were to
be notified of any meetings on this matter.
Wyckoff stated this was the first reading of the ordinance, with the second reading in two weeks, and if
approved would go into effect 30 days' after that date. She encouraged residents' to contact her with their
opinions.
Szurek stated that the Park Board does not have funds to maintain this area. She suggested checking the
condition of the soil, researching other ideas for the area, or if the land cannot support buildings
research allowing the neighbors to purchase the property.
Peterson stated this is only the beginning of the process, indicating he would vote for the ordinance so
further research can be done. He referred to the City Council Goal Setting tour and that this areas was
number one of the top ten for redevelopment and was part of the comprehensive plan. Staff pursued this
at Council's request. Peterson referred to the Central Avenue project finally getting underway.
0 'Brien stated thisparcel of land may not even be developable, and suggested Council wait until this is
determined Peterson stated that developers wouM not believe the City is serious without taking this
step.
Wyckoff asked the cost to test the soil. Peterson estimated $5, O00 for the area or $1, O00 for one spot.
Kocon questioned that a developer was akeady considered for this area. Peterson stated that was by a
friend/developer who gave him an opinion for possible use ands howedplansfor a similar type project
beginning at St. Tim's. Kocon stated there should be a hold on the ordinance until all options have been
looked at.
Kathryn Kocon, 3 732 Main Street, referred to the Comprehensive Plan and stated that she did not want
to see homes in this area like the ones in the Sheffield neighborhood
Harold Hoium, 4315 5th Street, stated that it would be better to maintain a small area with a building,
rather than have the land stand vacant.
Nawrocki stated that Council did not request this ordinance. He referred to other neighborhood parks
within the City, and stated that these residents' deserve a neighborhood park also. Peterson agreed, but
stated that the Park Board indicated it is not being utilized as a park. Peterson stated that many of our
parks, which are heavily used, are in need of major repairs and upgrade. We cannot afford to maintain
areas such as this. He referred to Labelle Park and items removed from there because we could not
afford them. He stated he would gladly pay more taxes to improve our parks'.
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 7 of 11
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, nay; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 3 ayes - 2 nays.
Motion carried.
Peterson stated that there would be discussion on this topic again in two weeks.
Bid Considerations - none
Other Business
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-40, being a resolution setting a Shut-off/Turn-on fee for water service in
the City of Columbia Heights
Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-40, there being
ample copies available for the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to Adopt Resolution No. 2002-40 being a resolution setting
a Shut-off/Turn-on fee for water service in the City of Columbia Heights
Nawrocki spoke against the resolution because it deals with fees and shouM be discussed at budget
time. He stated that this represents an increase from $25 to $75 in fees. The survey taken by staff
indicates that we have the second lowest fee of those surveyed and the increase wouM place us as
the second highest. Nawrocki questioned the average utility bill charge. He agreed there might be a
need for an increase, but not one this large.
Szurek stated this is to deter repeat offenders that continually require shutoffs. Disconnect letters do
bring in some customers to pay their bill or to make payment arrangements.
Peterson stated this recommendation by staff is to help keep the budget balanced.
Wyckoff suggested the resolution be reworded so that ifa new homeowner takes over the fee for the
property begins at the first time charge rate.
Wyckoff, maker of the motion, modified the motion indicating that the last line of the resolution
include "... except in the event that the property changes ownership". Second to the motion agreed to
this modification.
Motion to amend by Nawrocki that the $75.00 fee be reduced to $35.00. Peterson called for a
second. Motion died for lack of a second.
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes -1
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-40
BEING A RESOLUTION SETTING A SHUT-OFF / TURN-ON FEE FOR WATER
SERVICE IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
WHEREAS, the late payment and delinquency of utility bills by a few necessitates a shut-off that adds to the
cost of the utility service which is borne by the majority of the users who pay their bills on a timely basis and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to have an equitable distribution of costs for water utility services,
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the first time a property appears on the shut-off list it shall incur a shut-off/
turn-on fee of $75.00 and,
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 8 of 11
BE IT HEREBY FURTHER RESOLVED that each subsequent time a property appears on the shut-off list, that
property shall incur an increase in the fee of $25.00, except in the event that the property changes ownership.
Passed this 28th day of May 2002
12) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-38, being a resolution authorizing the Building Official to discontinue
water service to vacant or abandoned structures.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-38, there being
ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: all ayes. Motion carried..
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to Adopt Resolution No. 2002-38, being a resolution
authorizing the Building Official to discontinue water service to vacant or abandoned structures.
Nawrocki questioned item number 5 of the resolution, that the necessary cost; of such action be the
responsibifity of the property owner of record. Hoeft stated the cost is against the property as it get;
assessed to the property. Peterson indicated that non-payment would go against the property by
special assessment. Nawrocki questioned the minimum permit fee. Collova stated it is $35.50.
Peterson indicated this would save the property owner replacing frozen pipes in a vacant home.
Williams suggested the inspection fee shouM be raised and charged to the property, to protect other
citizens from covering this cost. Collova stated that any problems encountered wouM determine
additional permit fees.
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson, aye. 5 ayes.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-38
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AUTHORIZING
THE BUILDING OFFICIAL TO DISCONTINUE WATER SERVICE TO VACANT OR ABANDONED
STRUCTURES
WHEREAS, there are buildings in the City of Columbia Heights that remained vacant or abandoned for a period of
longer than 180 days, and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 144.12; 326.37 to 326.45; Minnesota Rules requires the protection of potable water
supply, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has the responsibility to protect the drinking water supply as contained in the
Findings of Fact:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Minnesota Rule 4715.1900 requires protection of potable water:
A potable water supply shall be designed, installed and maintained in such a manner as to prevent contamination from
non-potable liquids, solids, or gases, from being introduced into the potable water supply through cross-connection or any
other piping connections to the systems.
Vacant or abandoned structures due to a lack of plumbing maintenance pose a high probability of contamination of the
potable water supply.
Past experiences with damage to the potable water systems of vacant or abandoned buildings have included foundation
flooding caused by bursting pipes and or water meters.
Restoration of water service to a structure without staff present inside the structure could also lead to foundation flooding,
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 9 of 11
contamination of potable water, and overload of the sanitary sewer system.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on the Building Official=s conclusions that, vacant or abandoned structures pose a
danger to the community by contamination of the potable water supply.
Conclusions of Council
That protection of potable water supply is required for a safe community. Vacant or abandoned structures do pose a
hazard to the potable water supply of the community.
Order of Council
2. The protection of potable water is required pursuant to Minn. Stat. 326.37 to 326.45.
3. Pursuant to the foregoing findings and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, the City Council hereby authorizes the
Building Official to discontinue water service to any structure that has remained vacant or abandoned for a period
exceeding 180 days.
4. The City Council further orders that staff shall not restore the water service to such structure without the plumbing
system successfully passing a safety inspection by the Building Official.
5. The property owner is responsible for a minimum permit fee for the restoration of potable water service.
6. The City Council further orders that the necessary costs of such action are the responsibility of the property owner of
record.
Passed this 28th day of May 2002
Miscellaneous
Peterson spoke of spending City money wisely and renewed the suggestion he made at the last
budget meetings to eliminate out of state travel by Councilmembers.
Motion by Peterson, second by Williams, to eliminate out of state travel for City Councilmembers
and to require instate travel by City Councilmembers to be approved at a Council meeting.
Nawrocki stated that he felt this motion was pointed at him. He referred to past Councilmember
travefing to Boston. Nawrocki indicated it would be more meaningful to include out of state travel
for staff. He suggested a moratorium for both.
Motion to amend by Nawrocki that all travel by Councilmembers and City employees be approved
by the City Council. Peterson called for a second. Motion died for lack of a second.
Following discussion, Peterson withdrew the motion. Second to the motion agreed.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A) Report of the Acting City Manager
Magee had nothing to report, stating that there wouM not be a dune 3rd work session and that items for
the dune 17th work session wouM be announced at the next Council meeting.
B)
Report of the City Attorney
Nawrocki indicated that he is waiting for a written report on the counting of votes. Hoeft stated this
wouM be completed for Council.
GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Minutes of Boards and Commissions
· Meeting of the Public Library Board of Trustees for May 7, 2002
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 10 of 11
· Meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission of April 24, 2002
· Meeting of the Charter Commission of April 25, 2002
CITIZENS FORUM
Me/Collova, Building Official answered the question from the work session that there is $109,000 (and
$9,000 expected) in the Abatement Fund. The money is available, but must be repaid or placed on the
property taxes for five years at eight percent interest. Peterson asked how the fund was developed. Collova
stated that Council passed the Resolution in 1997 to deal with a HUD house. The idea began when setting
the 1994fee schedule, to set up an abatement fund Fund; are used to clean up garbage houses, tear down
buildings, etc. Peterson commended Collova for initiating the abatement fund.
Collova stated there was a blockparty on his street over the weekend, which was blocked off with Pofice
permission, and the group used the Park Department event trailer. Collova wanted it known that anyone
can bom this type event and use the event trail. Nawrocki indicated that the Event Wagon was a donation by
FFW Post ~ 230.
Collova reminded resident; of other amenities available to residents, such as appliance pick up and brush
pickup.
Hoium questioned if the bid for Central Avenue included burying the overhead lines. Peterson stated that it
did not.
Roger Strom, 690 47th ~, stated he fives next to a new home being built. He indicated that there is a large
pile of dirt in the yard andwanted to see this spread out, the yard landscaped, and the driveway laid.
Peterson indicated this is a normal construction experience; a silt fence has been put up, as the city
requires, and the driveway will be put down in the next few day,'. Strom asked if there is a time limit on the
building permit. Collova stated that the permit is in effect indefinitely as longs as work continues every six
months.
Nawrocki suggested obtaining a schedule from the builder. Collova stated that this project is going twice as
fast as that ora Habitat home.
Hoium commented that parked cars should be off the street when the street sweeper passes by, and issued a
complaint about a dog on the northwest corner of 43rd and 6th Street,'.
COUNCIL CORNER
Nawrocki commented that Council has designated him the delegate to the League and indicated items the
City has benefited from, by his relationship with these contact,'.
Wyckoff asked that staff check on the home at 44th and 4th Street,', as it now has broken windows and the
grass has not been cut.
Nawrocki indicated that Xcel continues to trim trees in the City and are doing an atrocious job.
Nawrocki questioned the information received on 4401 Quincy, a Habitat home. Magee stated that the
request is for volunteers to help build the home. Wyckoff indicated that the size of this home is too large for
the lot.
Nawrocki questioned the poficy on use of the Oty's speaker system, as there was no one available in the
Fire Department when returning the unit after the Memorial Day ceremony. Magee stated she would check
with the Fire Chief.
City Council Minutes
May 28, 2002
Page 11 of 11
Nawrocki questioned when the yearly fire pit burn permits would be addressed. Magee suggested the June
] 7th work session. Nawrocki commented that a new Deputy Chief is being hired his disappointment that it
was not an in-house promotion, and that the Chief and the new Deputy Chief live out of the area.
Nawrocki requested to know who the staff contact was on the City Hall re-roofing project, so to find how
old the roof was that was replaced warranties, and other general information.
Nawrocki stated his advise to "Practice what you preach, and actions speak louder than words".
Wyckoff asked staff to research the new Habitat home at 4401 Quincy, because she has received calls
indicating the home covers more than the allowed percent of the property.
Wyckoff asked ifa decision was made on the electrical poles running over Central Avenue. Magee indicated
that Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, is contacting the afipropriate agencies to accomplish this.
Wyckoff also stated that there would be a meeting on May 30th for the affronting property owners.
Wyckoff stated she has rhubarb seed to share for anyone interested.
Wyckoff stated she will end her position at the State Capitol on Friday and will begin flying again in June.
Williams asked that everyone pray for the peace and prosperity of our City. He stated that the first duty of
love is to listen. Williams read a quote from "Bits and Pieces". He also read a letter from a resident to
council members, with a bible quote.
Williams stated that if a property owner genuinely needed help with their water bill, he wouM pay it for
them at least once.
Williams invited everyone to the Minnesota Federals season opener, stating he has season tickets available
to give away.
Peterson thanked the Pubfic Works Department for hosting the City Open House last week. Peterson
referred to the Deputy Fire Chief hiring process, stating it goes through the civil service process. He stated
that we have the finest group of firefighters in the State.
Peterson asked that during "Council Corner ", beginning at the next meeting, Councilmembers include one
good thing about our city or one positive comment, referring to the impact negativity has on local viewers.
Peterson indicated his pleasure in the Central Avenue project being underway, and his hopes for a ribbon
cutting ceremony when completed.
Roger Strom, resident, commented on leaves falling off ash trees. The City Forester has indicated to him
that this is an ash bug. Wyckoff asked if it would kill the tree? Strom indicated he was told that healthy tree
wouM survive.
Peterson stated: Don't take ourselves to seriously, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk