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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 12, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 12,2002 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Pastor Widen, Oak Hill Baptist Church, gave the invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Williams, Szurek, Wyckoff, and Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Nawrocki asked to add the recognition ora member of the Sister City Committee that received a significant honor. Peterson congratulated the new Mayor-elect dulienne Wyckoff, and Councilmembers-elect Tami Ericson, and Bruce Kelzenberg. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamations 1) November Safe and Sober Mobilization Mayor Peterson read the "Buckle Up or Pay the Price, City of Columbia Heights'" campaign Proclamation. Chief Tom Johnson stated the Police Department is proud to be part of this program as it will increase the use of seatbe/ts and decrease fatalities. Presentations -none Introduction of New Employees -none Recognition 1) Recipient of the Community Presence Award - Brad Worchester Chief Johnson referred to the event "Reach for the Stars'" which took place on October 24, 2002, sponsored by Opportunity Partners. Brad Worchester was given the Community Presence Award. He received a clock and a plaque. Peterson stated that Brad is his friend, and is the friend of many others in our City, and stated he was very proud of him. Nawrocki introduced Lt. Marie Przynski, oft he Minneapofis Pofice Department and active member of the Columbia Heights' Sister City Committee, who was recently recognized in Austrafia as the International Association of Women Pofice Officer oft he Year. Lt. Przynski thanked the Sister Cities Committee for allowing her to be a committee member and for their support. She thanked the City for their support of the Sister Cities Committee. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Move to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the October 28, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented. City Council Agenda November 12, 2002 Page 2 of 7 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-66, being a Resolution Canvassing Municipal General Election Returns Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-66, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution 2002-66, canvassing Municipal General Election returns. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-66 CANVASSING MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION RETURNS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights, did on the 5th day of November, 2002, conduct and hold a General Municipal Election for the purpose of electing a Mayor and two Council Members; and WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Charter Commission included three Charter Amendment questions on the ballot; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights at a meeting of said Council held on the 12th day of November, 2002, did canvass the returns and results of said General Municipal Election; and WHEREAS, the following results were determined by said canvass of said General Municipal Election, to wit: TOTAL BALLOTS CAST IN ELECTION: 8,405 Valid Votes Cast for two 4-Year Council Seats Valid Votes Cast for Mayor Tammera Ericson 3,934 Gary L. Peterson 3,808 Bruce Kelzenberg 3,558 Julienne Wyckoff 4,002 Tom Ramsdell 2,212 Overvotes 1 Joe Sturdevant 3,114 Times Blank Voted 577 Overvotes 0 Undervotes n/a Times Blank Voted 807 Write-Ins 17 Undervotes 2,330 Write-Ins 48 Charter Amendment Question Yes No No. 1 Administration of Police Department 2,939 4,651 No. 2 Reading of Ordinances 4,823 2,646 No. 3. City Manager Spending Authority 4,075 3,391 Blank 815 936 939 Voted NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that Julienne Wyckoff is hereby elected Mayor, and that Tammera Ericson and Bruce Kelzenberg are hereby elected members of the City Council, assuming said offices on January 6, 2003; and that Charter Amendment question Number One (1) was defeated; and Charter Amendment questions Number Two (2) and Number Three (3) were approved and shall take effect on December 5, 2002. 3) Authorize the Capital Equipment replacement of Unit # 18: Ford F350 4x4 one tone dump truck and Unit #18A: Western 8 foot 6 inch snow plow Motion to authorize the replacement of Unit #18, with one (1) new Ford Super Duty 450 4x4 chassis from Superior Ford, Plymouth, MN in the amount of $29,560, plus sales tax. Funding shall be from the Streets Capital Equipment Replacement Fund. Motion to authorize the purchase of a pump box and snow plow package from Truck Utilities, St. Paul, MN in the amount of $17,560, plus sales tax. Funding shall be from the Streets Capital Equipment Replacement Fund. City Council Agenda November 12, 2002 Page 3 of 7 4) S) 6) 7) 8) 9) Nawrocki thanked Steve Synowczynsk, Shop Foreman for showing him the vehicle. Authorize purchase of one sidewalk broom attachment for the Toro Groundsmaster Motion to authorize the purchase of one new ETEC 60" wide by 24" diameter hydraulic broom attachment for Toro Groundsmaster, Unit #232, from MT! Distributing, Brooklyn Center, MN at the 2002 Minnesota State Contract price of $5,110, plus sales tax. Funding shall be from the City State- Aid Maintenance Account. Authorize the lighting replacement agreement with Xcel Energy for 67 metal Halide lights at the MSC under the Xcel Energy Efficiency Program Motion to approve the replacement of 67 metal halide lights at the Municipal Service Center with a project cost of $8,826, under the Xcel Energy Efficiency Program. Nawrocki questioned what type of lights these were. Kevin Hansen, Pubfic Works Director, stated this is for the fixture, bulb and entire pulse start unit. The program is offered through Xcel, provided an audit justifies the need. Authorize staff to seek proposals for security equipment at the municipal liquor stores Motion to authorize staff to seek proposals for a closed circuit camera security system and an access control system for the three liquor stores. Establish Hearing Dates for License Revocation of Rental Properties at 980 44th Avenue NE, 4341 Tyler Place and 981 43 lA Avenue. Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of November 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Lester Chies at 980 44th Avenue NE. Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of November 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Abdul Rashid at 4341 Tyler Place NE. Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of November 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Mohammed Khan at 981 43-1/2 Avenue NE. Approve Business License Applications - Removed license for VFW Post #230 Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for November 12, 2002 as presented regarding the new licenses for 2002 and the renewals for 2003; with license for VFW Post #230 removed. 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 100628 through 100842 in the amount of $1,373,809.32. Nawrocki stated that he is the appficant for the VFW ficense request and asked that this be considered separately. City Council Agenda November 12, 2002 Page 4 of 7 Peterson indicated that Ken Cook would like to receive information to bid on the security equipment for the liquor stores. Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to approve the consent agenda, with the absence of the Club License for VFW Post 230. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to approve the liquor license renewal for VFW Post #230. Upon vote: Ayes- Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams. Abstain- Nawrocki. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS - none ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions Bid Considerations Other Business 1) Authorize staff to seek an agreement for the sale of 325 Summit Street Fehst stated the bid for this property was rejected at the last Council meeting. He spoke to Mr. Gondack, the bidder, who had an initial appraisal of the property value at $130,000 and initially bid $135,000, with the reminder that the City split off& 000 square feet of the property. Mr. Gondack now proposes $137,000 to purchase 325 Summit Street. Fehst stated that Mr. Gondack might lease the property for a couple of years. Fehst indicated that if this offer is not acceptable, the recommendation wouM be to place this property on the multiple listings. Nawrocki requested a layout drawing to service Mr. Gondack ' s property on dOth. Fehst stated that is scheduled for a work session, and Gondack ' s concern is that semi's can back up to his loading dock and access to his lower basement. Fehst suggested a 20 by 20foot easement understanding with the proposal to allow vehicle access. Nawrocki questioned if we have title to the adjacent property yet, and if the corner doesn't redevelop we wouM have an awkward situation, and his concern for the close proximity of the development to this property. Fehst stated there is another exit to the home. Another alternative wouM be for the City to rent the property until we are certain of the development. Fehst stated that a local realtor indicated that we couM get more for this property than has been offered. Wyckoff asked Mr. Gondack if he would agree to purchase the property sprit off, if the adjacent development did not happen. He stated that he would. Fehst recommended against this, but rather find additional property for the development. Peterson asked Hansen if we have a plan for this area. Hansen stated that we will need to maintain an alley connection for snow plowing. Hansen stated that there could be other alternatives, which would be development driven. Gondack passed out pictures of the property to Council for their review. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek, to accept the offer of $137,000 from Mike Gondack for the property at 325 Summit Street. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki; nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes-1 nay. Motion carried. City Council Agenda November 12, 2002 Page 5 of 7 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Upcoming Work Session Items · Wheel Chairs for Peace video · Southern Anoka County Community Consortium (SACCC) two year renewal of the Joint Powers Agreement which promotes the Values First Program. Chief Johnson is on that board. · Economic development project for a portion of north Lomianki Park. · Purchase of a commercial building for an industrial project, near 37 & 38 Ave. · Budget review · Gondack easement Fehst stated that on November 23, 2002from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. the Rising to New Heights' Committee is sponsoring a children ' s fingerprinting event for parents to keep as a family record. Chief Johnson stated that families' will received a kit to do this at home. This information would be helpful in any necessary investigation. Johnson listed other activities to be held at this event. Wyckoff stated that next Saturday is also the Har Mar Barnes and Nobel fundraiser for the Library. Funds' raised will go to the Library Foundation. Fehst indicated that last year $2,000. O0 was donated. Fehst mentioned that Mayor Gary and daci Peterson wouM again host a hofiday kickoff party on November 30, 2002 at Murzyn Hall, including a social hour, dinner, silent auction, and musical entertainment. Last year proceeds' of over $3,000 went to the Library Foundation and this year's proceeds' would go to the Sister City Committee project of "Wheelchairs for Peace ". Fehst stated that also on November 30th there would be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the Central Avenue reconstruction project. Cary Ashmore, from the Northeaster, is very active in organizing this event by having businesses do something to draw attention to the event and their business. The main event will be at the Heights' Theater. The Harry Potter movie will be on the screen. Staff is also attempting a video connection with Lomianki, Poland. Fehst indicated the time has not be set, but will be approximately 10:00 a.m. Report of the City Attorney Not present at this point. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions · Meeting of the Telecommunications Commission held on October 17, 2002 · Meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission held on October 23, 2002 · Meeting of the Traffic Commission held on November 4, 2002 Mayor Peterson stated these minutes are for informational purposes only. CITIZENS FORUM Richard Dustin, resident, indicated he wouM tike to see more children's programs, such as ski trips and skating parties at the parks'. The house on Hayes Street is still not cleared of junk. Fehst stated that staff has been directed to force the removal of the debris. Dustin stated there is a spot on 49th and Central by Walgreens that needs' blacktop. Hansen stated that is a Hilltop City project and he has called the project City Council Agenda November 12, 2002 Page 6 of 7 manager. Dustin gave an opinion on a Councilmember who has missed meetings or work sessions, and requested a list of attendance at meetings and a breakdown of Council pay and benefits. Dee Logan, 1221 39th Ave NE, gave an opinion on a Councilmember who has missed meetings, referring to council wages, benefits, and expenses. She requested attendance at Board and Commission meetings be reported at Council meetings and be placed on the City web site. HaroM Hoium thanked everyone that voted and thanked them for removing the election signs. Hoium wanted four things for the City: Common sense, common honesty, common decency, and the people to come first. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki · Congratulated citizens for the 82 percent voter turn out, which is a very high turnout. · The WWII monument at Labelle Park needs to be cleaned. We face cutbacks in State aids, and indicated that the State may not send out full December LGA payments. He requested to see a copy of the League of Minnesota Cities information on our allotment. · An unlicensed truck is still parked at1037 Gould and 1036 Gould is reported to have a raccoon in the yard. The Coon Rapids animal shelter is now open and we should check on going back with them. Fehst stated we have a good and reasonable relationship with the Camden Pet Hospital. Johnson stated there is a year remaining on our current contract, and he is very satisfied with their service. · Attended the Metro Municipalities Policy meeting; with information received. · Attended the Elected Officials quarterly meeting at Anoka County; with information received. · Actions speak louder than words and practice what you preach. Wyckoff · Thanked everyone for their support in the election. · The first viewing of Harry Potter will be at midnight at the Heights Theatre. Szurek · Responded to resident comments regarding Councilmember benefits. Williams · Responded to resident comments about missed meetings. Indicated that he is a positive ambassador for our city and is always available to the public. · Read from the Bits and Pieces booklet: i.e. everyone has talent, rare is the courage to follow that talent where it leads. City Council Agenda November 12, 2002 Page 7 of 7 · Pray for the peace and prosperity of our City. By our words we are justified and by our words we are condemned. Peterson · Attendance requirements are established by City Charter, and sometimes emergencies happen. He referred to wages, member's contribution toward benefits, and non-use of reimbursement policy. Stated he appreciated Mr. Hoium' s comment and agreed with the things he wanted for the City. Fehst indicated that Councilmembers are only liaisons to the Boards and Commissions and meeting attendance was not required. Requested that people treat our new mayor, new council members and existing council members with respect, no matter what side of the fence they are on, as all members are here for the betterment of our city. · Don't take yourself too seriously, enjoy life, love your neighbor, and God Bless. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk