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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 14, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 14, 2002 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Betty Molina, Deacon, Assembly of God Church gave the invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams, Nawrocki. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Nawrocki requested to make a presentation to the Police and Fire Department. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Presentations 1) On September 11, the VFW hosted a recognition event for our Police and Fire personnel, with the program targeted to the youth of the community, by showing a police vehicle and fire truck and what personnel do for our community and our country. Nawrocki indicated this was not intended as a fundraiser, but $440 was raised. One-half of this amount was presented to each department. Peterson complimented the VFW for their efforts in helping the community. 2) Janice Waataja and Katie Hansen were present to inform the public of a fund raiser for John Kujda Jr., who was in a diving accident and left paralyzed. The benefit will be held October 20th at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., with proceeds being used to purchase handicap equipment. B) Proclamations - none C) Presentations 1) Bernie Sczymicak, showed paintings he was presented, from a witness, of his brother's plane being shot down and a portrait of his brother. Dolores Strand presented information from her trip to our Sister City, Lomianki, Poland, for the yearly ceremony honoring the "American Flyers", which she attended with Wally Logacz. She also spoke of visiting Warsaw. She described the visit to Lomianki, and spoke of the evidence of Columbia Heights present in their schools, community, and senior center. She described things accomplished there through the Sister City Committee donations. Through a contest, a new school was named "School of the American Flyers". Strand referred to meeting the Mayor and presenting him with a Columbia Heights flag. She described their governmental system. The Lomianki Senior Citizen club also gave a reception in their honor. She showed a poster with pictures of the war destruction and renovation. Strand passed along the community's invitation for us to visit them. Williams indicated that he and the Mayor would like to visit Lomianki. Nawrocki referred to the Wheel Chairs for Peace program and asked that the video be showen at a council meeting or work session. Strand indicated that Jerry Gary, Wheel Chairs for Peace City Council Minutes October 14, 2002 Page 2 of 9 Foundation, indicated there are 240 chairs per container, with the consortium matching the $75 donation per chair and handling distribution of the wheelchairs. D) Introduction of New Employees - none E) Recognition-none CONSENT AGENDA Walt Fehst, City Manager, reviewed the Consent Agenda items. A) MOTION: Move to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the September 23, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented. Wyckoff corrected the spelling of den Kuppe. 2) Approve transfer of funds from General Fund to Police Department budget to reimburse overtime fund Motion to transfer $7,713.31, the total amount received from Unique Thrift Store, Summer Academy, Southern Anoka County Chamber of Commerce, and Immaculate Conception Church for off duty security worked, from the General Fund to the Police Department 2002 budget under line #1020, police overtime. 3) Appointment of two Park and Recreation Commission members Motion to appoint David Payne and Matthew Henry to the Park and Recreation Commission, with each two-year term to expire in April 2004. Fehst stated we wouM notify the unsuccessful candidates. 4) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-61, being a resolution certifying delinquent assessments Motion to waive the reading of Resolution 2002-61, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution 2002-61, being a Resolution to certify delinquent assessments to Anoka County for collection with the Property Taxes payable in 2003. RESOLUTION NO. 2002 - 61 CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT ASSESSMENTS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that THE COUNTY AUDITOR be, and he is hereby directed, to levy the delinquent special assessments, delinquent utility, and miscellaneous abatement and delinquent bills on the properties in the City of Columbia Heights as submitted on the attached pages and filed in the Assessment Book for 2002 totaling $98,939.62. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing amounts shall be included in the individual property tax statements for the current year and identified thereon as "Special Assessments - Fund #83296. SAID LEVIES shall be enforced and collected in the manner provided for the enforcement and collection of State and County taxes under and in accordance with the provisions of the general laws of the State. All assessments with penalties and interest as indicated thereon paid to the County Treasurer shall belong to the City of Columbia Heights and shall be turned over to the City Treasurer in the manner provided by the City Charter and Ordinances. City Council Minutes October 14, 2002 Page 3 of 9 THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS shall accept payments on these levies until October 4, 2002. Upon receipt of said payments the City will remove them from the certification list sent to Anoka County. 5) Authorize Bonding for Public Improvements and to seek proposals for Utility Rate Study - Removed 6) Approve Rental Housing License Applications Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for October 14, 2002. 7) Approve Business License Applications Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for October 14, 2002 as presented. 8) 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 100085 through 100401 in the amount of $1,291,670.05. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of item #5. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. #5 Authorize Bonding for Public Improvements and to seek proposals for Utility Rate Study Nawrocki stated that he spoke to Wayne Burggraff of Evensen Dodge and felt that their proposal was complete and covered everything indicated. He also discussed with them refinancing requirements, and was assured it wouM comply with state law and wouM save the City between $150,000 and $200,000. Nawrocki stated that Evensen Dodge is rated among the top ten with Eh/ers and Springsted. Williams stated that Eh/ers and Associates have been excellent to work with through the EDA. If we change firms now, their price charged for TIF work couM be increased. Fehst indicated that there are advantages in staying with the same firm and having a long term relationship. Evensen is lower by St, tOO. Fehst indicated that previous/y a resolution was brought to Councillor refinancing, but at that time the savings wouM not justify the cost. Springsted has indicated that we wouM still not save enough money to justify the cost. Both Eh/ers and Evensen Dodge have indicated that we would save money at this time. Williams asked if the other two firms couM be asked to re-bid and include the refinancing work. dim Hoeft, City Attorney, indicated that Council couM do so. Bill E/rite, Finance Director, indicated his reasons for building a long term relationship, rather than saving a few dollars. He agreed with asking for a re-bid. Nawrocki stated that eventually firms would not bM if they felt they were being used just to award the bid to someone else. Nawrocki indicated his request to Evensen Dodge for a price on our debt issues/debt services. They indicated that if they did the bonding work, they wouM give us a savings on the refinancing program. Fehst suggested asking each firm for a price including a five-year commitment. He indicated that staff felt comfortable recommending Eh/ers. Peterson asked what Eh/ers wouM charge for handling the refinancing program ? Fehst stated that information was not included in the original request. City Council Minutes October 14, 2002 Page 4 of 9 Nawrocki stated he has no adversity to any of the three firms and they can all do the job, but we shouM get the best price for the job. He stated that Evensen Dodge did thorough research and analysis on our finances and indicated that we can save $180,000. Williams suggested tabling this for a complete bidpackage including refinancing. Fehst stated that we wouM be obligated to ask all three firms again, including Evensen Dodge. Fehst asked if we shouM question prices for a three or five year agreement. Williams felt that wouM be a good idea. Nclwrocki stated that a discount number was not enough and that a rate sheet would be required. Bob Winthrop, Evensen Dodge, assured Council that there would never be a problem contacting them with questions on the bond issue or being billed for such. Peterson questioned their overall fee of $22, 500. Winthrop described details of the bid. Fehst indicated that the refinancing was not part of the original bid process. Peterson questioned if this could be re-bid by the next Council meeting. Fehst felt that it could be re-bid that soon, but stated his concern that Evensen Dodge's bid had already been made public. Nclwrocki asked that the utility rate study be included in the bids. Fehst indicated that an engineeringfirm shouM do the study. Elrite agreed Fehst stated that this study wouM allow a look at where our rates shouM be, utility work to be done, future plans, and capital plan considerations. Also, the new filtration plant will increase fees. Nclwrocki questioned what rates wouM increase to pay the debt service. Fehst stated that wouM be covered in the study, and described the necessity to continue water service repairs at the time of street improvements. Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to table entering into an agreement to prepare bond documents until the next City Council meeting. Peterson suggested this be discussed at a work session. Nawrocki indicated the motion shouM be to table consideration. Williams and Szurek withdrew the motion and second. Paul Steinman, Springsted, pointed out that he has been available at the work session and Council meeting to show the level of service their firm would provide, and indicated that the Springsted firm would like to continue serving in the capacity of bond advisor for the City of Columbia Heights. Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to table the consideration of entering into an agreement for financial advisory services to prepare bond documents. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to authorize staff to seek proposals for the utility rate study. Upon roll call vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes-1 nay. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 3725 Main Street NE Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing Regarding the Revocation or Suspension of the Rental License held by Maurice Weaver regarding rental property at 3725 Main Street N.E. in that the property complies with the Residential Maintenance Code. City Council Minutes October 14, 2002 Page 5 of 9 B) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-64, being a Resolution approving revocation of the Rental Housing License for 3732 3rd Street NE. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-64, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams to adopt Resolution No. 2002-64, 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 Dale Frenzel Regarding Rental Property at 3732 3rd Street N.E. Fire Chief Charles Thompson stated the process began in December of 2001, and fisted all contacts with the owner regarding code violations. Peterson fisted the violations currently not corrected Nawrocki stated the second violation is failure to submit re-inspection fees. Dale Frenzel stated that his letter indicated $300 in inspection fees. He stated that he intends to tear down the garage and rebuild it, and is continually working to reach this goal. He intends to pour the slab this fall and finish the garage this winter. Peterson indicated the period to tear down the garage was dragged on. Frenzel stated that at first he was going to repair it, but then realized it needed to be replaced Nawrocki indicated that Frenzel requested three times to receive a time extension to complete work on the garage. Williams asked Frenzel what he wanted Council to do. Frenzel asked that Council not revoke his ficense. He stated that the plans he had did not meet compfiance, so he asked about a variance and was told it would probably not be granted so now he is in the process of having plans drawn up. Nawrocki asked if he was prepared to pay the $700 fee, as the $300 indicated was from September. Thompson stated that continuing letters were sent with accumulating fees. Frenzel stated he did not receive a letter after September. Thompson indicated that the letters are sent certified mail. Wyckoff asked if the garage is a hazard at this point. Thompson indicated it violates our housing code. Williams asked how many units were involved Frenzel indicated there are two units. Nawrocki asked when Frenzel couM get a building permit. Frenzel stated he couM apply this week. Nawrocki suggested he be allowed a week to get the building permit, pour the slab in three weeks and buiM the garage in three months. Peterson asked the attorney for his opinion. Hoefi stated the new garage is not in question, only correcting the violation, which would be eliminated by tearing down the structure. Nawrocki stated that a garage is required for rental units. Hoefi stated that wouM be a new violation of City Code. Rich Hinrichs and Steve Kolosky, Housing Code Officials, fisted violations and stated that the clutter in the yard is now also an issue. Motion by Nawrocki that further consider of Resolution #2002-64, be continued, subject to the owner of the property obtaining a building permit for a new garage within one week from today, subject to a garage slab being placed in four weeks from today, and a replacement garage being completed with eight weeks. Ten weeks from today, if completion dates of the garage are not met, this come back to Council. Motion failed for lack of a second. Szurek stated that this would be beyond the current violation. Hoefi stated that it is the property owner's option to tear down out the structure to remove the current violation. If not replaced it would be a new violation. Nawrocki stated that if these dates were not met, the issue would come back to Councih and if he proceeds in good faith we could look at the violation fees. City Council Minutes October 14, 2002 Page 6 of 9 Frenzel stated he couM not give a date for garage completion. Peterson stated that it shouM be possible to have a slab in place in four weeks. Hoefi indicated that the original motion was for ficense revocation, which couM be withdrawn if Council wanted to table action. Nawrocki suggested a motion to continue the hearing. Szurek and Williams withdrew their original motion and second to adopt Resolution No. 2002-64. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Williams, that further consideration of Resolution No. 2002-64 be continued subject to the owner applying for a building permit to replace the garage with in one week, and subject to the owner having a cement slab poured four weeks from tonight, and having a replacement garage by 12 weeks from tonight. Hoefi stated that if these conditions were not followed, the item wouM come back to Council, and wouM not be an automatic rental license revocation. Nawrocld stated that the owner shouM come back within 12 weeks to discuss the fees charged. Hoeft stated his hope wouM be to see this issue addressed prior to that time. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions -none B) Bid Considerations - none C) Other Business - none ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A) Report of the City Manager 1) Upcoming Budget/Work Session Items October 21, 2002 a) Budget - Administration, General Government, Public Works b) Library's 2003 subscription to Star Tribune Fehst indicated that this may come directly to the council meeting. B) Report of the City Attorney - none GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions 1) Meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission held September 24, 2002 Peterson stated that Katherine Snyder and several young gentlemen were present at the Park and Recreation Commission meeting requesting a skate park be built in our City. The group wouM be willing to raise some funds. CITIZENS FORUM Richard Dustin, 1708 39th Avenue NE, questioned the slow progress of the home being built at 3828 Hayes. The building was begun last November and is still a disaster. The street is dug up, trucks are getting stuck, there is material all over the yard, and the grass was not cut. Fehst stated that he visited the site and showed the pictures to Council. There are items under tarps, a big tree is down, the garage doors are not in place and some clean up couM be done. Williams questioned if staff spoke to the owner. Fehst stated the building inspector had talked to her and indicated her desire to finish the home in November. Fehst indicated nothing much has moved forward toward completion since then. There was a problem with a City Council Minutes October 14, 2002 Page 7 of 9 contractor who walked off the job. Peterson indicated that the site is a mess. Fehst read the notice that has been sent to the realtor. Dustin questioned when the candidate forum would be held. Peterson stated that it was this Thursday, in the City Council Chamber. Dustin indicated it should be cablecast. Peterson stated it would be. Dolores Strand reminded everyone of the Chopin concert to be hem on October 20, at First Lutheran Church, as a fundraiser to bring several Lomianki resident; here next summer. She mentioned there is a display at the library for Chopin and Polish Heritage Month. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki · Requested a copy of the Best Practices for Preserving Housing referred to in the Green Sheet. Circle Pines has a pilot program for single sort 64 gallon recycling. The cost is the same as the green bin service, except requires a long-term contract to cover the cost of containers. He asked to see if this would work in our community. · Requested ample information on the budget be placed in the newsletter and the date of the public hearing. · Requested a report on the homes at 1036-1037 Gould, which are in need of clean up and repairs. · Questioned why the screening has not been placed on the fence at Jackson Pond. Hansen indicated that the provider of the fence is concerned with the effects of shrubbery on the screening. Questioned contracting for building inspections at $40 per hour. Fehst stated that a contracted rate would be $45. Nawrocki asked for an evaluation of what costs have been, what they might be and pros and cons of each. Concerned that next year the General Budget expenditures will exceed this year by 7.6 percent and revenues to fund this could be short by $385,000. The Library proposes an 11 percent increase raising our deficit financing to over $400,000. He suggested holding the budget increase to 3.5 percent. State aid revenues are a significant part of the budget, and we face the prospect of significant reductions. He referred to the MN Cities magazine and the Columbia Heights tax rate compared to other cities. We are at the maximum tax levy. We need to be concerned about paying for ongoing development at 37th and University and redevelopment in the industrial area. · Practice what you preach, actions speak louder than words. Wyckoff · Questioned "spending down". Fehst explained reserving funds to pay bills and payroll at the beginning of the year. Fehst stated that the levy is going up less than it did last year. Fehst described reductions in police and administration personnel. · The new Reservoir Boulevard streetlights look very nice. Fehst stated that the streets, trees and aesthetics should be completed by November. · Questioned what store will go into the old Franks Nursery. Fehst indicated that plans are for a Chinese market/grocery store/carryout. City Council Minutes October 14, 2002 Page 8 of 9 · Questioned the barriers placed along the Hilltop trailer court. A resident indicated there will be a huge retaining wall placed there. · Questioned what will happen to the United Store in Fridley that is being torn down. Fehst did not know. Szurek · Asked that space be available in the City newsletter for Sister City Committee information, on a regular basis. Dolores Strand thanked Council for including information on the Chopin concert in the newsletter. She read, and agreed with, a letter to the editor from Rita Norberg praising our EMTs. She referred to the Fire Department not becoming involved in the rescue of a cat and stated it is their priority to be available for emergency calls. She did not agree with our Public Works personnel being involved in the rescue because they could have been bitten and because of the personnel and equipment costs. She asked pet owners to please control their pets. Wyckoff indicated that the rescue took about two minutes, and this situation was drawing a crowd. She felt it was a gesture of good will. Nawrocki stated that from a humanitarian standpoint, it took minimal effort to get the cat down. Williams · Read a quote from Vi Tabb's newsletter. · Stated he was excited to hear more about the Wheelchairs for Peace program, and suggested this could be a fundraiser at the Mayor's holiday party. · From what you get you make a living, from what you give you make a life. · 20 percent of people are against everything, all the time. Ask what we can do for our city, not what our city can do for us. Candidates running in our City should stay away from labor endorsements. It is virtually impossible to cut to 3.5 percent from the proposed budget because residents do not want services cut. Rising insurance costs definitely increase the budget. · Continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of our city. · He described a wonderful Hindu dinner he attended, hosted by citizens of our city. · Prospective liquor store sites are no longer an issue, as the sale prices have almost doubled. · Read from the Bits and Pieces booklet. Peterson · Stated that if the perception is that we are spending too much to improve our city, then how are other cities doing it. We will do the best we can. Taxes have not gone up appreciatively, only about $30 a year in the years he has owned his home. · If our taxes go up because of State aid reductions, so will everyone else' s in the state. City Council Minutes October 14, 2002 Page 9 of 9 · Don't take life to seriously, enjoy life, love your neighbor, and God bless. Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk