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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 9, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2002 Pastor Bob Lyndes, St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, gave the invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA -none PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS -none CONSENT AGENDA Walt Fehst, City Manager, described the following consent agenda items: 1) Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the August 26, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-52, being a Resolution adopting a proposed budget for the year 2003, setting the proposed City Levy, approving the HRA Levy, approving a tax rate increase, and establishing a budget hearing date for property taxes payable in 2003. Nclwrocki asked if the meeting to be set in December was the Truth in Taxation meeting. Fehst indicated yes. Nclwrocki stated that according to the City Charter the budget shouM be received in August, not just a summary as was received. Nclwrocki stated that the expenditures are proposed to increase 7. 6percent and that during the budget process he wouM look for ways to reduce that to 3.5 percent. He stated his trust that any proposal for utility rate increases wouM be discussed. Nclwrocki requested information on the City's comp time policy, and how much comp time has been used this year. Williams indicated this action would only approve the maximum levy, and Council would be looking at budget details' in the next few months. (Resolution No. 2002-52 attached at the end of this document) Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-52, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution 2002-52, being a Resolution adopting a proposed budget, setting the City, Library and EDA proposed local levy at $4,817,984, establishing a budget hearing date for property taxes payable in 2003 for December 2, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers, approving a tax rate increase, and approving HRA levy of $111,648. 3) Approve Contract for Industrial Park Redevelopment Master Plan with HKGi (Koegler) Removed City Council Agenda September 9, 2002 Page 2 of 8 4) Approve School Liaison Officer Contract Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to approve the joint powers agreement with School District # 13 for the provision of a police school liaison officer as stipulated in the joint powers agreement for the period of September 3, 2002 through June 6, 2003. 5) Establish Public Hearing date for 2002-2003 Law Enforcement Equipment Block Grant. Motion to establish Public Hearing date of September 23, 2002 at approximately 8:00 p.m. in order to give final approval to a list of equipment to be purchased using the 2003 Federal Equipment Block Grant. Nawrocki stated that at the work session it was indicated these wouM not be items on any fist of anticipated department need,'. He realized the money could not be used for items already approved but felt it could work off needs for next year or the year after, instead cfa department wish fist. 6) Authorize Final payment for 2001 Sanitary Sewer Lining, Project 0103 and 0104. Motion to accept the work for 2001 Sanitary Sewer Lining, City Projects 0103 and 0104 and, to authorize payment of $56,540 to Lametti and Sons, Inc. of Hugo, MN. Fehst fisted the street; involved. 7) Authorize Acceptance of State of Minnesota Safety Grant and Authorize Tox Alert Modifications to the MSC Fehst indicated there was a consultant study ordered in 1999for under $3,000, to look at ventilation and monitoring improvement; of the municipal service center. Nawrocki stated this shouM have been approved by Council and asked how many bid; were received. Kevin Hansen, Public Work; Director, stated two quotes were obtained to do the HCA F analysis. The quality monitoring was for tox alert and pyramid control,'. A copy of the quote is available for review. Nawrocki asked if this request is for all or part of the recommendations from the study. Hansen stated there were six recommendations and this improvement is only for one of the recommendations. Hansen stated the problem is fume migration. Motion to accept the Safety Grant award in the amount of $10,000 from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for monitoring and ventilation improvements to the Municipal Service Center. Motion to authorize the bid proposal from Tox Alert in the amount of $20,778.00, dated August 6th, 2002, and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. 8) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-54, being a resolution allocating up to $30,369 to the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation for the purchase, demolition and construction of a new home located at 4828 5th street -Removed Fehst indicated the purchase is based on the recommendation of the HRA. 9) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-55, being a resolution regarding the Lot Split of the property located at 3906 Reservoir Blvd NE Bob Streetar, Community Development Director, indicated the two homes wouM have the same setback as the existing homes, and wouM sell for $200,000 to 250, 000 each. The homes wouM be zero lot line homes with garages in the rear. City Council Agenda September 9, 2002 Page 3 of 8 Wyckoff questioned the lot width. Streetar indicated 60feet. Szurek referred to alternate plans discussed at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. A resident has questioned her about the elimination of the easement next to the duplex and asked how cars will get to the existing duplex. Streeter indicated that staff could research this further. Szurek indicated there is a carport adjacent to this and that the owners remembered there was an easement given to them. Peterson stated this would mean the carport would have to be removed and the driveway would have to be eliminated. Hoeft stated this is only the lot split, with any plans requiring the regular approval process. Fehst suggested tabling the resolution for further research. Motion by Nawrocki to table Resolution No. 2002-55, second by Szurek. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. 10) Establish Public Hearing Dates for License Revocation of Rental Properties at 4357 Tyler Place and 1207-1208 Circle Terrace Blvd NE. Motion to establish a Public Hearing date of September 23, 2002 for revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Maumer Sekizovic at 4357 Tyler Place NE. Motion to establish a Public Hearing date of September 23, 2002 for Revocation or suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Joe Tohey at 1207-1209 Circle Terrace Blvd NE. 11) Authorize Signage to Restrict Parking on both sides of 4th Street at 4220 and 4226 4th Street Fehst indicated this recommendation comes from the Traffic Commission. Nawrocki questioned three vehicles on the lot with expired license plates. Staff will check into this. Motion to recommend the City Council designate "No Parking on Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the east side of 4th Street from 20 feet south of the driveway at 4220 4th Street to 20 feet north of driveway at 4226 4th Street and on the west side of 4th Street from 10 feet south to 10 feet north of each driveway at 4220 and 4226 4th Street based on a recommendation of the Traffic Commission. 12) Authorize the preparation of an RFP for Banners and Lighted Decorations on Central Avenue Fehst stated that an alternate bid spec wouM be included for the flags requested by the VF144. Motion to authorize the preparations of a Request for Proposal for 45 holiday banners and 25 lighted decorations in an amount not-to-exceed $12,000. Project funding is designated as 402-59912-2171. 13) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for September 9, 2002 as presented. 14) 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 99651 through 99874 in the amount of $959,188.65. Williams asked that item/~8 be removed for discussion. City Council Agenda September 9, 2002 Page 4 of 8 Williams read the dollar amount spent by the city for this period and asked that resident; be informed of this amount each month. Wyckoff questioned the payment of S2 75, 000 to Park Construction. Hansen indicated this is the current contractor for street reconstruction. Motion by Nawrocki to approve the consent agenda items, with the exception of items #3, #8, and #9, second by Wyckoff. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Approve Contract for Industrial Park Redevelopment Master Plan with HKGi (Koegler) - item #3 Randy Schumacher, Community Development Assistant, stated that the Economic Development Authority and the City Council indicated that redevelopment of the Columbia Height; industrial area was their number one goal and priority. He has received telephone calls from property owners, since the moratorium designating certain land use was approved which were happy that something wouM be done to improve their image. Seven companies were interviewed. This will be a market driven process, in conjunction with a land use planner and a development company that will work directly for the ciO;, with a team approach. Schumacher referred to items in the agenda packet and the steps to be taken. Council will be addressed on two different occasions to determine if staff and consultant; are going in the right direction. The correct overall plan will be $65,430 rather than $65,340 as indicated in the information packet. $50,000 will come from Community Development Block Grant money, with the balance coming from the special project fund. The timeframe is estimated at 90 days, but no longer than 120 day,'. Szurek indicated that the large number of responses from developers shows there is great potential for this area. Williams stated the positive impact improvement; would have to our tax base. Wyckoff referred to the improvement; at Centennial Lakes. She suggested this area couM also include housing. Schumacher stated it couM be a multi-use area. Wyckoff stated that eminent domain might be required. Nawrocki questioned this action requiring two contracts, which inc[udes a consultant that was not interviewed. Fehst credited Schumacher and indicated the savings by us hiring the consultant rather than a consultant hired by the developer. Nawrocki questioned environmental issues for the industrial area. Schumacher indicated that Phase One addresses this in general terms and if there were contamination, Phase Two would be required. There is a funding source for clean up, if necessary. Nawrocki questioned the preparation of the response action plan, general pubfic meetings and consultant fees. Schumacher explained that the MPCA requires a plan to be in place, so they know what type of remediation actions the city will be taking, and would also be eligible for additional funding. Schumacher indicated that information would be given at City Council meeting, which are all public meetings. Schumacher stated that the consultant and the city must agree in writing and in advance for any changes in the project. Nawrocki commended Mr. Schumacher on the work he has done and his help to understand this process. Peterson also commended Mr. Schumacher for his work on this project and the innovative approach used. City Council Agenda September 9, 2002 Page 5 of 8 Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to approve the Contract with HKGi (Koegler) for the completion of the Industrial Area Redevelopment Master Plan in the amount of $65,430, of which $50,000 shall be funded from the 2002 CDBG program and the balance from the special projects fund, and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Item #8 Adopt Resolution No. 2002-54, being a resolution allocating up to $30.369 to the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation for the purchase, demolition and construction of a new home located at 4828 5th Street Streeter indicated that the owner of 4828 5th Street approached the City regarding the purchase of their property. The property was on the market for $118,000, so staff contacted the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corp (GHMC), who will purchase, tear down and rebuiM a $250,000 home on the site. They have asked the City to pay one-half of the investment cost of approximately $30,000. The home will generate additional property tax. Wyckoff was assured that the home wouM be soM at market rate. Nawrocki suggested letting the public know that we wouM be willing to purchase some older homes, and that we wouM hope to work directly with residents' to avoid the realtor fees. Peterson stated that this was not a commission sale. Fehst indicated that we do have a scattered site housing district where we sent letters and asked owners that if they consider selling to give us the right offirst refusal If the home had been on this list, the taxes received wouM be $2,000 instead of SSO0. We wouM like to create more Tax Increment Financing Districts' and coordinate with GHMC for redevelopment. Williams indicated that we shouM put money aside for these purchases. Also, there are private people doing this and we shouM encourage this. Peterson asked how many homes we have purchased since starting this type of program. Schumacher indicated there have been about 16 homes purchased in last two years. Fehst spoke of the redevelopment on 40th Avenue, and the current process to bid demolition of the two houses on Central A venue. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution #2002-54, there being ample companies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-54, being a Resolution of the Columbia Heights City Council allocating up to $30,369 to the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) for the purchase, demolition and construction of a new home located at 4828 5th Street in Columbia Heights. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-54 RESOLUTION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL ALLOCATING UP TO $30,369 TO THE GREATER METROPOLITAN HOUSING CORPORATION FOR THE PURCHASE, DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HOME LOCATED AT 4828 5T}I STREET IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA. WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights City Council through its Comprehensive Plan has established as a goal the preservation of the single-family housing stock. City Council Agenda September 9, 2002 Page 6 of 8 WHEREAS, the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation has agreed to purchase the single-family home located at 4828 5th Street, demolish the home and build a new home in its place. WHEREAS, the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation has agreed to sell the new home for at least $225,000. WHEREAS, the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation has agreed to begin construction of the new home no later than December 1, 2002. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council allocates up to $30,369, from the City's Abatement Fund, to the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation for the purchase, demolition and construction of a new home located at 4828 5th Street in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Passed this 9th day of September, 2002. PUBLIC HEARINGS Rental Housing Revocation for 1231-1233 40th Avenue NE. Peterson asked Assistant Chief Crelly for information on this license. Crelly stated that he met with Talmer Caraway II last Friday to review past events and agreed that the fees imposed were proper. He agreed to pay the $800 with a payment plan of S75 per month. Peterson closed the hearing as the owner has satisfied the inspection department requirements with a payment plan. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Business Peterson questioned street reconstruction by Quincy and Adams. Hansen is writing a letter to the contractor based on their meeting last Friday, as Zone 6A is three to four weeks behind schedule. Minnegasco and Reliant Gas pushed the project back about two weeks, and the wet weather has been a factor. If schedules are not met, we may go for liquidated damages. Hansen listed the progress of each street in the project. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Upcoming Work Session Items · Murzyn Hall outdoor sign · CHASE grant application · Bonding for sewer water utilities · Purchase of pc work stations at the library · Liquor store discussion for 53rd and University and 49th and Central. · Cable Camp video Fehst indicated the desire to have the homes on Central and the gas station on 40th Avenue demofished by October 23. Fehst indicated there are two openings on the Park and Recreation Commission which need to be filled, as they have had to cancel meetings due to lack ora quorum. Fehst indicated that the term of Mr. DeMars, who was appointed to the Civil Service Commission at the last meeting, would be from August 2002 to April 2005. City Council Agenda September 9, 2002 Page 7 of 8 Peterson asked Fehst to go through the City goal; listed in the Council Chamber, which the City Manager did. Fehst indicated concern that nothing is happening at the K-Mart site. He referred to the Madies block being considered for multi-use redevelopment, improvement; on Central Avenue, and mentioned the advantages ora community center located closer to the school,'. Fehst indicated that staff would hold off on the park study for the first 90 day; of the industrial study. Peterson stated that the community shouM be proud of the major accompfishments for this past year. Report of the City Attorney - none GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions · Meeting of the Public Library Board of Trustees on August 5, 2002 · Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on September 3, 2002 · Meeting of the Traffic Commission on September 4, 2002 CITIZENS FORUM Malcolm Watson, 1717 49th Avenue NE, spoke on behalf of Feterans organizations in the north suburban area, regarding a program to be held on Wednesday, September 11, at the Fridley High School football stadium in remembrance of the event; of 9-11-2001. Watson suggested soil test; at the Madies project, as this area was a landfill at one time.. Peterson indicated the community's appreciation of all of our veterans. Deb Johnson, 4638 Pierce Street, referred to a maifing received from Councilmember Williams, questioning the funds spent and the timing of the mailing prior to the Primary Election. Wyckoff stated that this could possibly be brought to the County Attorney. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki · It is important to inform the community that a committee is being formed for Central Avenue design guidelines · Actions speak louder than words. Wyckoff · Thanked everyone for their supportive e-mails and phone calls for her campaign. · She encouraged everyone to get out and vote. Szurek · Asked everyone to remember all those who served in WWII and all the wars we were involved in, and their patriotism to never forget the horrible act perpetrated on our country and our people. William · Read from the Bits and Pieces book. · Commented on Central Avenue construction and how nice it looks. City Council Agenda September 9, 2002 Page 8 of 8 · Referred to the newspaper article that Deb Johnson quoted from at the last Council meeting and complimented her for bringing it. · Referred to the beautiful terrain he saw on a trip to the Artic. · Asked every to pray for the peace and prosperity of our city. · Remember to vote tomorrow. Peterson · Reminded everyone to vote in the primary · Invited everyone to the dedication of a Habitat for Humanity home at 3913 Polk Street on September 14th at 10:00 a.m. · There will be a 9-11 commemoration ceremony at 7:46 a.m. on September 11th at the Police Department flagpole, at Immaculate Conception church at 9:00 a.m., at Assembly of God at 7:00 p.m., and at the Fridley High School football field at 8:00 p.m. · Asked everyone to pray for Fire Chief Charlie Thompson who had emergency surgery at Mercy Hospital. · Don't take ourselves too seriously, enjoy life, love your neighbor, and God bless. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk