HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 25, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 25, 2002
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,
November 25, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights,
Father Bachman, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, gave the Invocation
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Peterson, and Councilmembers Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams, Nawrocki
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
Peterson included the license for Mr. Steak and LaCasita
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A) Proclamations-none
B) Presentations
VFW Post #230 donation to the Empty Bowls Fund Raising Effort
Bruce Nawrocki, FFl4Z Post ~230 Commander, presented a check to the City of Columbia Heights'
for $560.55 to pay for postage on the SACA Empty Bowls' Fund Raising mailing, dudy Lindsfor from
SACA was present to thank the FFl4Z for their help on the Empty Bowls project, and indicated that
Empty Bowls' was started to fund food shelves. SACA services Columbia Heights, Frid/ey, Hilltop,
and Spring Lake Park. There will be an Empty Bowls fund raising dinner of basic foods and a silent
auction on March 13, 2003from 4-7:30p. m. at the Frid/ey Community Center. A number of
organizations have made bowls for this program. The SA CA food shelf is at 62 7 38th Avenue.
Mayor Peterson thanked the FFl4Z and City Counci/members for supporting SACA and the Empty
Bowls' program.
C) Introduction of New Employees - none
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Recognition
Library's 75 Anniversary Reception
Barb Miller and Pat Sowada, members of the Library Board were present to promote the Library's
7.5th anniversary year and invited everyone to join in the celebration of our library beginning with an
open house on December 3rd from 7.'00 to 8.'30 p.m. Barb Miller gave an historical background of
the Library.
Nawrocki gave his background with the fibrary, and stated he wouM be out of town and unable to
attend the reception.
Wyckoff referred to the large number of people who attended the Library Barnes and Noble
fundraiser last Saturday. Miller stated the proceeds' have not yet been tabulated. Fehst stated that
the HarMar Barnes & Noble indicated that this is the largest such event they have.
CONSENT AGENDA
1) Minutes for Approval
Motion to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2002, regular City Council meeting as
presented.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 2 of 11
Nawrocki questioned spelling of Gondak, possibly Gondeck. Staff will correct the spelling if
necessary.
2) Establish Work Session Meeting Date for December 9, 2002 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in
Conference Room 1 - Removed
3)
Authorize to accept Juvenile Accountability Block Grant from the State of Minnesota
Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to accept a grant from the State of Minnesota
Department of Economic Security/Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant in the amount
of $8,035, with a match of $893 to come from unexpended funds in the 2002 Police Department
budget.
4)
Approve Transfer of Funds from General Fund to Police Department Budget to Reimburse
Overtime Fund
Motion to transfer $4,035.65, the total amount received from Unique Thrift Store, Chase Teen
Dance, and Columbia Heights High School for off duty security worked, from the General Fund
to the Police Department 2002 budget under line 1020, Police Overtime.
5)
Adopt Resolution No. 2002-68, being a Resolution to Extend the Term of the Southern Anoka
County Community Consortium Joint Powers Agreement for payment of annual fees 2003-2004.
-Removed
6)
Establish Public Hearing for Cable Rates
Motion to establish a public hearing date of Monday, December 16, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. or as
soon thereafter as possible, to permit interested persons an opportunity to express their views on
the basic service programming and equipment rates and installation charges AT&T Broadband
calculated in its March 2002 rate filing and implemented in July 2002.
7)
Establish Hearing Date for License Revocation of Rental Property at 4637-4639 Pierce Street
Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of December 9, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a
License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Russell
Waletski at 4637-4639 Pierce Street NE.
8)
Approve Rental Housing License Applications
Motion to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for November 25,
2002.
9)
Approve Business License Applications
Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for November 25, 2002 as
presented regarding the new licenses for 2002 and the renewals for 2003.
Nawrocki asked if the Mr. Steak appfication was included. Peterson indicated it was.
lO)
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 100843 through 101050 in the amount of $866,731.03.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to approve the consent agenda, with the exception of
items number 2 and 5. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 3 of 11
#2 Establish Work Session Meeting Date for December 9, 2002 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Conference
Room 1
Nawrocki questioned if there was an agenda for the work session.
Fehst listed items for the December 9, 2002 Work Session:
· Minneapolis Water Works presentation on the Membrane Filtration Plant design
· 2003 Seasonal and Temporary Pay Rates
· Purchase of additional CityView user licenses
· Payroll bank account/Direct deposit/designating depositories
· Year end designation of fund balances
· Transfer of miscellaneous EDA fund balances to new Industrial Development Fund
· Award of bid for Huset Park Master Plan - this would allow preparation for the March grant
applications
· Authorization to prepare an RFP for a SCADA System for the Utility Dept - this is an emergency
warning system
· Murzyn Hall Rental rates for 2004
· Authorization to seek bids for the 2003 Heights Happenings Newsletter -this is to discuss concerns
with the web press process
· Amendment to the Design Guideline contract - consider extending to 53rd Avenue.
Nawrocki stated that as the regular December 9th meeting was changed to December 16th, he scheduled
a meeting for that evening. He stated that the City newsletter indicates thefinal budget wouM come
before City Council on December 9th, and proposed meeting later that night to adopt the budget. Fehst
stated a correction couM be put on Cable T. lA. and go to the newspapers. Budget action wouM be on the
agenda of the next Council meeting on Decemberl 6th. Nawrocki requested meeting at 8 p.m. Peterson
suggested the work session begin at 7:30p. m.
Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to establish a work session meeting date for December 9, 2002
beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room 1. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
#5 Adopt Resolution No. 2002-68, being a Resolution to Extend the Term of the Southern Anoka
County Community Consortium Joint Powers Agreement for payment of annual fees 2003-2004.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-68, there being
ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to Adopt Resolution No. 2002-68, to extend the term of the
Southern Anoka County Community Consortium Joint Powers Agreement for payment of the annual
fees for FY 03/04.
Nawrocki stated this is a good program, with a lot of merit, but with financial considerations the City is
facing this year and next, funds for these two years may not be necessary. Szurek stated this is an
important program for youth to promote values. Wyckoff indicated this program helps youth and
diversity programs, and for $5,000 a year we get back ten fold what we spend. Peterson stated that Barb
Warren of Falues First indicated that last year approximately 8, 000 people were touched by this
program.
Upon vote; Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes -1 nay.
Motion carried.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 4 of 11
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-68
EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE SOUTHERN ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY
CONSORTIUM JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, in June of 1985, a Joint Powers Agreement established the Southern Anoka County
Community Consortium consisting of Anoka County, and the Cities of Columbia Heights, Fridley, and
Hilltop and Independent School Districts #13 and #14; and,
WHEREAS, the general purpose of this Joint Powers Agreement is to allow each party to jointly and
cooperatively coordinate the delivery of services, maximize the use of resources, avoid redundancy,
encourage public, private community partnerships, and to develop and find programs to promote the general
community health and safety in the territory of the cities herein; and,
WHEREAS, a very successful example of this joint, cooperative effort is the establishment of the
community values program known as Values First which has been recognized throughout the country as a
model for promoting core values consistently across all sectors of the community so that youth and adults
have a common, inclusive foundation upon which to operate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights supports the efforts of the
Southern Anoka County Community Consortium and does hereby renew and enter into the aforesaid
Southern Anoka County Community Consortium Joint Powers Agreement (Contract #950154A) until
December 31, 2004, unless earlier terminated or extended under the terms hereof.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4341 Tyler Place
Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 980 44th Avenue
Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 981 43 lA Ave
Peterson closed the public hearings, as all three license holders have received an extension to complete
work on the outside of their building.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions - none
Bid Considerations - none
Other Business
11) Review status of Lomianki Park North
Randy Schumacher, Community Development Assistant, described the request of Glen
Stauffacher, owner of Profile Tool and Engineering Inc. for assistance to locate property in the
City, as he has outgrown his building and wouM like to remain in Columbia Heights.
Schumacher indicated the desire to keep quality businesses such as this in Columbia Heights.
Suitable property available is North Lomianki. Schumacher stated that Mr. Stauffacher is not
asking for any subsidies from the City, but he wouM need to act quickly on a location, prior to
January. Lomianki is zoned industrial, but is designated parkland. Schumacher suggested
sending this to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission
for their input.
Peterson indicated that Mr. Stauffacher is looking for raw land because he wants to buiM a
building for his company's particular needs.
Nawrocki questioned the property value as set by the County Assessor. Schumacher stated there
is not a listed value as it is City owned but the adjacent property is $83,000. The value we were
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 5 of 11
looking at is $113, 000. Nawrocki asked if staff talked to the buyer regarding property screening.
Schumacher indicated the response was to pull the building closer to the railroad yard to allow
for more screening, and that the owner would provide any necessary screening between the
building and the alley. Nawrocki stated that Mr. Stauffacher is currently in a building on 3rd
Street and has taken good care of it and makes it an asset to the area.
Carol Ford 3942 Main Street, lives behind the park, and felt the park is used more than Council
realizes, by kids and adults for games, golf, and other open fieM activities. She stated Columbia
Heights has a deficit of parkland compared to surrounding communities.
Wyckoff stated her support for this development, as there is an alley between the area and the
homes. This building wouM bring in extra income. One resident in the audience stated his
property is open to this alley.
Glen Stauffacher indicated his desire to stay in the area, the small amount of traffic generated by
his business, and his need for a commitment if the City is willing to sell this property. There
wouM still be an area of green space people couM use that belongs to Burlington Northern.
Dave Peterson, 3950 Main Street, indicated his home is open to the alley. He only received this
notification last Friday, and was not pleased. Ford again compared our parkland with other
areas of Anoka County.
Nclwrocki gave the history on the property and indicated it has always been zoned industrial with
this intent and that is why there is a road there. The proposed buyer 's present property is well
taken care of, which is very important. He requested the Commissions give special attention to
providing a buffer to residents along Main Street, and that residents be properly notified in
writing of the Commission meetings.
Szurek stated that this request would be a good use for the property.
John Hunter, 1009 42 ~ Avenue NE, felt it was a good idea to put this property back on the tax
rolls. He indicated that park land is normally on property that you can not buiM on.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to authorize the Columbia Heights Planning and Zoning
Commission to discussing the buffering of the property on the east side, and Park and Recreation
Commission to review the City owned property at 3929 California Street and provide a
recommendation for or against removal of the park status.
Peterson suggested the Park and Recreation Commission hoM a special meeting to discuss this.
Szurek indicated that the Planning and Zoning Commission wouM meet on Tuesday, December
3~ at 7.'OOp. m. in the Council Chambers.
Ford felt the land shouM be put up for pubfic auction. Nawrocki stated the price was fairly
reasonable, and it is important to get the type of development we can be proud of
Dave Peterson stated that he had requested to purchase the property at the time he purchased
his home and was tom he couM not.
Schumacher indicated the appraisal was $2.40 afoot.
Williams stated that this motion is only to look at park designation on the property. He wouM
prefer nice homes built there, as with South Lomianki.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 6 of 11
Peterson stated his confusion, as he sees no difference between north and south Lomianki. The
North part is more available to the pubfic than the South portion. Town homes would be a good
fit there and would have increased our tax base. He could not understand why one of the
buildings was not turned into a park building. The entire property is under utilized and the
South portion has no access with a chain across it.
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson, abstain. 4 ayes -
1 abstention. Motion carried.
12)
Adopt Resolution No. 2002-67, being a resolution authorizing the purchase of 3710 Central
Avenue
Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-67, there
being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to adopt Resolution 2002-67, being a resolution
authorizing the purchase of 3710 Central Avenue NE and utilizing the revenues in Fund 414 for
interim financing.
Nawrocki questioned what fund 414 is. Schumacher indicated that fund 414 is the Parkview l/illa
South Capital Improvement Fund and will be used on a temporary basis. There is interest in
purchasing the properties and funds would be recouped upon sale. The two properties to the
north were acquired with Community Development Block Grant funds.
Wyckoff asked Schumacher for more information on the Beecrofi building. Schumacher stated
that the building wouM be removed for redevelopment upon his retirement, and we are
negotiating with Porta l/arta for that property and own the two residential homes next door. This
wouM allow for redevelopment in a uniform, voluntary manner. There are two alternative
development plans, which the City Council will hopefully be reviewing next month. Schumacher
indicated that the properties are not very deep, and the proposal has underground parking to
address the difficult parking issue.
Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Peterson commended the Planning Department and the EDA for a job well done.
RESOLUTION 2002 - 67
BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 3710 CENTRAL AVENUE
WHEREAS, the City Council and EDA have established Central Avenue as a priority for
redevelopment in order to remove blight and improve vitality on the avenue; and
WHEREAS, the City presently owns two properties in this redevelopment area and are in the process of
negotiating a commercial/housing redevelopment project at this site; and
WHEREAS, the property located at 3710 Central Avenue N.E. is part of the redevelopment site and has
become available for a voluntary sale; and
WHEREAS, the proposed purchase agreement is within reasonable limits of the appraisers value
estimate for this property.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that:
1. The City Council hereby approves the terms of the Purchase Agreement for 3710 Central Avenue
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 7 of 11
N.E. between the City of Columbia Heights and Paul and Virginia Beecroft, and authorizes the Mayor
and the City Manager to sign it on behalf of the City at a purchase price of $248,800.00, which is
established as a fair market value based on negotiations with the property owner.
2. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to handle all the requirements and conditions
in order for the City to complete the transaction contemplated in the Purchase Agreement.
3. The City Council approves payment of the purchase from Fund 414, to be reimbursed at the time
redevelopment of this property takes place.
13)
3732 3rd Street NE
Peterson referred to discussion on this from a past council meeting. The owner requested to replace
his garage rather than comply with the housing inspection required improvement,'. The garage has not
been removed. Peterson stated that he looked at the garage; it is not in really bad shape and felt the
Council order to remove and replace it within twelve week; was extreme. He requested to rescind the
original motion to force removal and suggested giving the owner until July to do the repairs or rebuild
the garage.
Nawrocki stated the garage does need work and the yard need; cleaning up. He did not feel Council
was forcing him to tear it down, or he couM have torn the garage down and done nothing, but the
resident wanted to tear it down. The owner received his first notice last danuary and had all year to
comply or replace the garage. Council only placed a timeframe so something was done in a timely
manner.
Peterson felt the resident was owed a public apology, and regretted the amount of re-inspection fees
that couM have been addressed by speaking to someone in the Inspections Department.
Charlie Thompson, Fire Chief, stated that the process is fair and only asked the individual to do what
is in our code.
Williams stated our need to be compassionate. He did not fault the Inspection Department, but would
take a personal touch and help the resident if necessary. Caring is one of the Falues First values for
the month of November and we should do so. Williams stated that he and the Mayor would help if
necessary and make sure the job is done right.
dim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated that a motion and second to reconsider couM be made by anyone that
voted in the affirmative on the original motion.
Motion by Peterson, second by Williams, to reconsider action requiring the owner of 3732 3rd Street
to build new garage.
Nawrocki indicated that deteriorated properties shouM be reported to the City Manager for follow up.
Action to rescind shouM not be taken without such a request from the owner. Excessive fees wouM
have been considered if the owner completed work within the agreed upon timeframe.
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes -1 nay.
Motion carried.
Wyckoff requested staff send a letter to the gentleman giving him until July to comply and a letter from
Mayor Peterson saying they will be sure it is done.
Motion by Peterson, second by Williams, that the garage at 3732 3rd Street be brought up to inspection
requirements by July 2003. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye;
Peterson, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 8 of 11
Peterson questioned the fees. Fehst will have the Fire Chief make a recommendation at that time. The
fees will stand until next duly.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager - Walt Fehst
· There will be a celebration for the opening of Central Avenue on November 3 0th beginning at 10:30
a.m. next to the Heights Theater. There will be entertainment, coffee, hot cider, cookies, and a
display of fire, police, and public works vehicles. Immediately following the 11:30 ribbon cutting
ceremony there will be a live video connection with our Sister City, Lomianki Poland. There will
also be specials along the avenue and the City van will be available to transport visitors.
· The Mayor's Holiday Party will also be on November BOth beginning with a cash bar, silent auction,
dinner catered by Ollies, and entertainment and dancing by Sherwin Linton and the Cotton Kings.
Proceeds will be donated to the Wheel Chairs for Peace foundation. Last year over $3,000 was raised
for the Library.
· Some openings occur on the Planning and Zoning Commission, as Steve Johnson has delivered his
resignation, and Tami Ericson will be resigning to join the City Council. Filling the positions are
essential as the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on January 3rd will review the Alternative
Learning Center. A list of applicants has been provided to Council.
· The City's Quarterly newsletter includes liquor store coupons for our stores so our citizens may see
the values we offer, compared to our new competition in Hilltop. He called attention to the fact that
liquor store sales result in $500,000 a year in revenue, and if closed would translate into an
approximate 16 percent tax increase.
Wyckoff stated that resident; complain that the new fiquor store in Hilltop is too close to schools, so she
suggested not patronizing the store.
· Indicated copies of the industrial concept study are available.
· The Values First value for November is Caring - translating into Kindness.
· Kids Fingerprint Kit Day resulted in 180 children receiving packets and having their picture taken
with Santa. He thanked everyone who participated.
· Referred to the library fundraiser and indicated there was even a better turn out than last year.
Report of the City Attorney - none
GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Peterson accepted the minutes of the following Boards and Commissions:
· Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees on November 4, 2002
· Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 13, 2002
· Meeting of the Economic Development Authority on October 15, 2002
· Meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority on October 15, 2002
Peterson stated there wouM be a dedication ora Habitat for Humanity twin home at 44th and Quincy on
December 14th at 10:O0 a.m. He invited everyone to attend and meet the new resident,'.
CITIZENS FORUM
Mel Collova, 3909 Main, stated that after watching the last City Council meeting, resident; shouM be
aware that for what Councilmembers get paid, it is not worth all the time they put in and all the call;
they receive at home. We need to promote businesses in our City. He stated that the community voted on
the Bobby and Steve 's building through a referendum and everyone shouM get over it and get on with
life, as this was the largest privately funded project in the City. He referred to the advantages of the
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 9 of 11
Abatement Fund that he created for the City. He indicated the large school project overseen by the City,
where 20 percent of the fees went to the abatement fund for clean up. Co/lava indicated that two years
ago the State mandated fees be used for expenses only, and he asked how the fees wouM now be justified
as there is not a building official on staff and only a part time secretary. He indicated the clerical person
is very overworked.
dohn Hunter, former City Councilmember, requested consideration at a work session ora ,'kate board
park for kids, which was originally discussed two years ago. There is a big need for this, as every day he
sees at least ten kids, on his block alone, on skateboards and the funeral home on Central Avenue has
had trouble with kid; using their curb for this.
Hunter spoke of efforts to rebuiM the Lincoln Funeral Car and building a memorial park in its honor.
He showed a drawing of the car and engine and suggested an additional car for use by the historical
society. This wouM bring attention and people to Columbia Height,'.
Hunter indicated that budget; wi//be affected by the Federal government's need to raise taxes to pay for
increased national security.
Hunter spoke against comment; made against a Councilmember at the last meeting. He referred to all
the meetings, paperwork, and phone call; that members deal with. He referred to citizenship, and
teamwork.
Roger Strata, 47th and Monroe, stated the project on 47th and Monroe look; trashy. Fehst indicated he
sent the Assistant Fire Chief out there, and they did do some clean up. There is still an active building
permit on this property. Peterson stated there has been progress on the project. Nawrocki asked that
the City Manager have the property inspected to see whether City Code has been met, and there be a
written response to Council and Mr. Strata.
Dick Dustin, 1708 39th Avenue, questioned how long resident; must five in their Habitat Home before
selling them. Hunter stated that if saM in two years it must be sam back to Habitat. Dustin stated that
the family on the corner 0f45th and Taylor want to sell.
Dustin stated that the backyard at 3820 Hayes is trashy. The Fire Department said they couldn't
trespass on the land to see what is in the back yard. Fehst viewed it from the adjacent property, and the
owner has been notified; they are making progress on the inside. Nawrocki asked that the City Manager
have the property inspected to see whether City Code has been met, and there be a written response to
Council and Mr. Dustin.
Strata questioned the status of the K-mart property. Fehst stated it again belongs to the original owners
and gave the background on it. Staff has communicated with the owners regarding development
suggestions.
Deb dohnson, 4638 Pierce Street, spoke on respect and about a dialogue at a September City Council
meeting. She stated that resident; shouM be able to reply to Council comment; given under the Council
Corner portion of the agenda. She indicated the purpose of removing Councilmembers as voting
commission members was to give citizens more of an opportunity to participate, not to relieve members
from attending.
Dee Logan, 1221 39th Avenue NE, indicated the campaigns she has been involved with and fisted
individual,'. She asked everyone to have an open mind.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 10 of 11
Tom Ruhn, 4859 East Upland Crest, thanked all Councilmembers for their service. He is president of
the local Toastmasters and appreciates what it takes to be a councilperson. He indicated that the local
Historical Society calendar is now available. Wyckoff showed the calendar and stated they are available
for $5. Ruhn stated that with the permission of the author, he has put the Bootstrap book on the Web.
Two students, present for class work, introduced themselves. Fehst asked their opinion about having a
skateboard park in our City. They thought would be a good idea. Wyckoff stated it would be about
$40,000, but felt the funds could be raised.
COUNCIL CORNER
Nawrocki
· Hoped that with comments given, residents are not discouraged from speaking to Council.
· Referred to the Lincoln car, and gave suggestions on contacts.
· The Sister City Committee is working to get a group from Lomianki here next summer, about
Jamboree time, and consideration should be given to holding a Council meeting while they are
here.
· The employee that assembles the City newsletter will be on maternity leave and has requested
items in advance. Requested emphasis on public works projects, and a report relative to the
industrial area study.
· Felt Council attendance at board and commission meetings was expected, and the minutes should
reflect who was and was not there, including the council liaison. Fehst stated this was discussed
at a Council work session, and that liaisons had a responsibility to maintain contact, but were not
requirement to attend the meetings. Nawrocki suggested this be reconsidered.
· Questioned staff assistance when there is a sewer backup from the street to a resident's property.
A resident had a $1,200 clean up bill, and she was given the form to submit to our insurance. The
resident was only given disinfectant by the City staff. The policy needs to be reviewed. Fehst
stated this extreme cost was not known to him, and would research it. Nawrocki asked that
relative information be put in our newsletter.
Wyckoff · It was agreed that the Charter Commission would have no liaison, but apparently, last year
Council decided there should be a liaison to the Charter Commission.
· On Friday night in Minneapolis, she attended "Taming of the Shrew" with Tom Sherohman,
4154 6th Street, in the cast.
· The Women of Today will hold their annual holiday carnival on December 4th, at Murzyn Hall
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
· There are several openings on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Human Services
Commission and one opening on the Economic Development Authority.
· Referred to the Columbia Heights Historical Calendar, available for $5.
Szurek
· Regarding separation of church and state, our founder's intention was to keep government out of
religion, not religion out of government.
· Read from Bits and Pieces booklet
· Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Williams
· Referred to MGM Liquor, and asked residents to patronize our stores.
· Referred to new Pawn America in Fridley, but we are working on development here also.
· Referred to the Mayor's Holiday Kick-Off party and the Wheel Chairs for Peace cause.
City Council Minutes
November 25, 2002
Page 11 of 11
· "From what we get we make a living, from what we give we make a life."
· Encouraged our citizens to pray for the peace and prosperity of our city.
· Read from Bits and Pieces booklet i.e. "Nothing is worth more than this day."
Peterson
· Referred to letting go of past actions or grudges.
· Don't take ourselves to seriously, don't get worked up, love your neighbor, and God Bless All of
You.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 10:24 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk