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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 14, 1987OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 1987 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 7:30 p.m.. 1. Roll Call Paulson, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - present 2. Invocation There was no clergyman available to offer the Invocation. 3. Consent Agenda Minutes for Approval The Council approved the minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 24th with the following amendment: "The Council authorized the purchase of treated lumber from Western States Lumber in the amount of $3,716.50." First Reading of Ordinance No. 1155, Being an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, Pertaining to Salaries of the Governing Body The Council waived the first reading of Ordinance No. 1155. ORDINANCE NO. 1155 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO SALARIES OF THE GOVERNING BODY The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section l: Section 2.102(1) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977 as amended, which reads as follows, to-wit: Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 415.11, effective January l, 1982, the salary of each Councilman is hereby fixed at $5,400.00 per year, payable at the rate of $450.00 per month, and the salary of the Mayor is hereby fixed at $9,000.00 per year, payable at the rate of $750.00 per month. As of January 1, 1983, the salary of each Councilman shall be $6,000.00 per year, payable at the rate of $500.00 per month, and the salary of the Mayor shall be $10,200 per year, payable at the rate of $850.00 per month. Is herewith amended to read as follows, to wit: Section 2: Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 415.11, effective January 1, 1988, the salary of each Council member is hereby fixed at $6,900.00 per year, payable at the rate of $575.00 per month, and the salary of the Mayor is hereby fixed at $12,0OO per year, payable at the rate of $1,O00.00 per month. As of January 1, 1989, the salary of each Council member shall be $7,800.00 per year, payable at the rate of $650.00 per month, and the salary of the Mayor shall be $13,800.OO per year, payable at the rate of $1,150.OO per month. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage. First reading: September 14, 1987 Regular Council Meeting September 14, 1987 page 2 Resolution No. 87-51; Adopting Changes in Wage. Ranges and Establishing Wages for Non-Union Custodial/Janitorial Positions and Seasonal and Temporary Positions The Council waived the reading of Resolution No. 87-51. RESOLUTION NO. 87-51 ADOPTING CHANGES IN WAGE RANGES AND ESTABLISHING WAGES FOR NON-UNION CUSTODIAL/ JANITORIAL POSITIONS AND SEASONAL AND TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Wage Compensation Program for Non-Unionized City Employees effective January 12, 1980 (Resolution 80-47), which indicates that on an annual basis changes will be adopted in Wage Ranges based upon reliable survey data; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights establishes wage ranges for non-unionized custodial/janitorial positions and seasonal and temporary positions, as indicated on Schedule I, II, and Ill which are on file in the Office of the City Manager; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such schedules be effective January l, 1987. Passed this 14th day of September, 1987. Offered by: Petkoff, Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki Resolution No. 87-52; Certification of Delinquent Utility Charges The Council waived the reading of the resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 87-52 CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT UTILITY CHARGES BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, all delinquent utility users have been sent a delinquent bill, shutoff notice and a certification letter. 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 utility charges on the properties in the City of Columbia Heights as submitted on the attached sheet, totaling $1,339.80 pursuant to Minnesota State Statute 444.O75, Subd. 3. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforegoing amounts shall be included in the individual real estate tax statements and identified thereon as "Delinquent Utility Charges - Fund #990." SAID LEVIES shall be enforced and collected in the manner provided for the enforce- ment 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 Regular Council Meeting September 14, 1987 page 3 City of Columbia Heights and shall be turned over to the City Treasurer in the manner provided by the City Charter and Ordinances. Passed this 14th day September, 1987 Offered by: Pe~koff Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki Special Purpose Fence, George Hansen, 4529 Tyler Street The Council approved a special purpose privacy fence at 4529 Tyler Street as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. ~pecial Purpose Fence, Robert Proft, 4911 Central Avenue The Council approved a special purpose privacy fence at 49ll Central Avenue pro- vided the fence extends no more than 22 feet in front of the dwelling, as recom- mended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Partial Payment for Central Avenue Millin~ and Overlay The Council authorized payment of $17,479.'95 to MNDOT for the City of Columbia Heights' portion of costs involved with State Project 0207-50, Municipal Pro- ject 8707. Replacement of Doors at Huset Park Buildin.g The Council awarded the installation of new doors and frames at the Huset Park warminghouse to Zerull Construction Company of Maple Grove for their low written quotation of $1,265 and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for same. Expenditure of Funds for Annual ~co~.nition Dinner for Fire and Police Reserves The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to expend up to $2,800 for the annual recognition for the Fire and Police Reserve units. Purchase of Personal Safety Equipment Replacements The Council authorized the purchase of replacement gear from Mid-Central, Inc. in the amount of $2,540.79, based upon low bid received through Minnesota Fire Agencies Purchasing Consortium. Schools, Conferences, and Workshops The Council authorized Lauren McClanahan, Working Foreman, to attend the Leader- ship for Wastewater Operators Seminar in St. Cloud held on October 13 - 15, 1987 and reimbursement of related expenses. Floor Coating for Municipal Service Center The Council awarded the recoating of the Municipal Service Center floor to Florock Northwest of Minneapolls, for their quotation of $7,460.15 based on the determination of the proprietary nature of the work. 4. Approval of Consent Agenda Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to approve the consent agenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting September 14, 1987 page 4 5. Oral Petitions The resident at 1'817 41st Avenue expressed concern with the signed parking res- trictions on 4lst Avenue for Sundays. He noted that the restrictions begin at 5:00 a.m. and has received a ticket for parking there. He is also concerned with the winter parking, restrictions as there are many vehicle owners in his residence. He was advised that the Sunday parking restrictions were the' result of many public hearings with the neighbors held by the Traffic Commission and by the City Council. The resident was advised to contact the Traffic Commission with his concern. 6. Ordinances and Resolutions All of the ordinances and resolutions were addressed by the consent agenda. 7. Communications a. Planning and Zoning Commission !. Appeal of Denial for Sign Variance by Midas Muffler, 4415 Central Avenue The City Manager reviewed the actions of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The owner of Midas Muffler stated that additional signage is not being requested but just the retention of the slgnage presently in place. He felt the signage should be 'grandfathered' in. The Mayor noted that thls business owner has had six years to come into compliance with the sign ordinance and that his competitors had conformed to the ordinance. Councilmember Paterson felt the sign could be downgraded and still be effective. He noted that the conforming signs in. the City give it a very aesthetically pleasing appearance. Councilmember Paulson felt it would be unfair to allow this exception when other businesses in the City have had to comply. Motion by Paterson, second by Paulson to deny the appeal of Midas Muffler for a sign variance based on the lack of hardship. Roll call: All ayes 2. Conditional Use Permit & Variance, Emerson Automotive Service, 4457 University The Community Development Director reviewed the slte plan and landscape plan. He stated that staff would prefer to reserve recommendations on the landscape plan as more study was necessary. The site plan was reviewed in detail. The Mayor felt the site plan was not complete. Discussion continued regarding the pylon sign presently on the property and the light standards. Motion by Paterson, second by Carlson to grant Emerson Automotive the following variances: 1. A fifteen foot setback variance from the property line to allow the erection of a freestanding sign in the northwest corner of the lot due to the hardship of the distance from the main thoroughfare and provided all other site si'ga- age conform to the Sign Ordinance. 2. A ten foot green area variance along the west property line due to the hard- ship of the location of the existing pump islands. and to grant Emerson Automotive a Conditional Use Permit subject to the following conditions: 1. The Site Plan be in conformance with the requirements of the Public Works Department. 2. A specific landscape plan be submitted for approval by staff. 3. The required screening fence erected along the east property line be placed Regular Council Meeting September 14, 1987 page 5 a minimum of three feet inside the alley right-of-way line extending the fence to the southeast corner of the property. 4. That the site be maintained at all times in a state of good repair in ac- cordance with.the site plan and landscape plan. It was noted that this project is scheduled for commencement in the spring. Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to table for additional information on the site plan. Roll call: All ayes b. Billing to Cable TV North Central Regarding City Newsletter/Public Access TV The City Manager recommended the cost for space in the City newsletter used by North Central Cable be charged to the company in the future and the past news- letter printings in the amount of $1,420.77 be paid by the cable company. Council- member Petkoff felt this had not been the understanding of the Cable Commission in the past and clearly should not be the policy now. Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to cancel the billings of $1,420.77 charged for past newsletter printings and in the future continue to authorize space in the City newsletter for public access related news articles by Cable TV North Central and, furthermore, that the costs for this newsletter space be charged against the 5% franchise fee received by the City. Roll call: All ayes c. Mayor's 1987 Survey Mayor Nawrocki sent 678 surveys to residents of the City requesting their opinions on various departments and activities in the City. To date over 200 surveys have been returned. He distributed copies of the results of the surveys returned. 8. Old Business hFinal Payment for 1986 Tree Removal Contract e resident at 3847 Second Street had reported damage to the roof of his garage which he felt was caused by the removal of a tree on his property by Gorecki Tree Service. A number of the staff and of the City Council have viewed the damage. Staff members are of the opinion that the damage was not the result of the tree removal firm. The resident requested compensation of 50% of the cost of repairing the roof. The City Manager felt this much compensation was unjustified. Council- member Carlson has viewed the roof recently and felt 15% of the cost of repair should be remitted to the resident. Motion by Petkoff, second Paulson to approve the payment of $1,539.57 as final payment to GoreckJ Tree Service for the 1986 Tree Removal Program. Motion to amend by Carlson to hold back 15% or $105.50 of the payment for com- pensation to the resident at 3847 Second Street. Motion to amend dies for lack of a second. Roll call on main motion: All ayes b. Self Insurance Claim Handling and Administration Program Members of the City Council felt this matter should be on a work session agenda. Also, the Mayor requested risk management programs should be discussed in con- junction with this material. Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to table this matter for additional infor- mation. Roll call: Ail ayes c. Security Guard Services for John P. Murzyn Hall Motion by Paulson, second by Carlson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract with Twin City Security, Inc. to provide security services for John P. Murzyn Hall for their quoted price of $10. I0 per hour. Roll call: Regular Council Meeting September 14, 1987 page 6 AIl ayes 9. New Business a. Request for Grand Opening Banners & Reader Board by Central Avenue Mobil Central Avenue Mobil, 3701 Central Avenue, requested permission to place a banner and reader board at their business from September 28 through October 8. It was noted that this company had been requested to correct some items on its property. and had not complied with these requests at this point in time. It was suggested approval of the request be tabled pending compliance with the requests. The Building Inspector advised that City has a five day time limit for this type of activitiy, that being a grand opening. Motion by Carlson, second by Paulson to table further consideration of this matter until the next regular Council meeting. Roll call: All ayes b. Establishment of Wage Schedule for Head Custodian Motion by Paterson, second by Petkoff to establish the hourly wage range for the position of Head Custodian as follows: Entry 6 Months One Year Two Years $9.06 $9.46 $9.87 $10.28 Roll call: All ayes c. Authorize Execution of Contract for Electrical Inspection Services Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract for electrical inspection services with Mr. Dennis Joriman. Roll call: All ayes d. Partial Acceptance of 1986 Street Improvement Projects Motion by Carlson, second by Paulson to accept all work, except unacceptable sod as determined by the Public Works Director, for the 1986 Street Improvement Pro- jects, inc]uding Project #8010, #8102, #8210, #8301, #8303, #8411, #8511, and #8513; and, furthermore, to pay Bituminous Roadways, Inc. $22,202.27 in p~rtial final payment, and to reduce the performance bond supplied by Bituminous Road- ways, Inc. to $50,000.00 all in accordance with the Letter of Agreement signed by the Public Works Director dated September 10, 1987. Roll call: All ayes e. Other New Business The Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters have recently purchased a trailer for Use in community activities. They have also'purchased a vehlcle to tow the trailer. The organization is requesting the City to own and service the veh|cle. The City Attorney and Public Works Department was requested to review this matter. Marquette Bank is observing its 50th Anniversary in the community. The bank has erected a banner for this occasion. A letter was sent from the Inspection Depart- ment requested removal of the banner as it is in violation of the ordinance. The Mayor requested this matter be reviewed. 10. Reports a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: Regular Council Meeting September 14, 1987 page 7 Appointment of Library Clerk-Typist: Mary Hoglund was appointed to the position of Clerk-Typist II in the Columbia Heights Library effective September 21, 1987 at the entry rate consistent with the AFSCME contract. Seeking Proposals for Audit Services: The Mayor suggested the City should be open to any proposals offered. City Hall Security System: A representative of Security Control Systems, Inc. will attend a Council work session to discuss the security needs of City Hall. Cleaning Pond North of Innsbruck Parkway: The Council received memos from the Public Works Department staff regarding the cleaning of the bog on the pond north of Innsbruck Parkway. Properties adjacent to this pond are in both Columbia Heights and in Fridley. It was the opinion of the Public Works Director that the councils from the two cities meet informally to discuss the matter. The Columbia Heights Council also expressed a desire to meet informally with the residents who would be affected by the cleaning and the associated costs. Rice Creek Watershed District - Proposed Budget for 1988: The Public Works Director was requested to obtain the mill rate of the watershed district for 1988 as well as 1987. Noise Problem - Air Conditioners at John P. Murzyn Hall: The Public Works Director reviewed drawings of an air conditioning firm which addressed baffling of the noise emitted from the air conditioners located outside of Murzyn Hall. He was of the opinion that the proposals would solve the problem being experienced with noise. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. ll. Licenses Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to grant ~he licenses aS l'isted upon payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes 12. Payment of Bills Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to pay the bills as listed out of proper~ funds. Roll call: All ayes Adjournment ~ Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to a m.. Roll call: All ayes (~.r/~ ~ Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki yq~JAnne Student, Counc~'i-l' Secretary