HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 23, 1987OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 23, 1987
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 7:30 p0m..
1. Roll Call
Paulson, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - present
Petkoff - absent
2. Invocation
The Invocation was offered by Pastor Richard Mork of First Lutheran Church.
3. Proclamations and Presentations
a. Rita E~ickson Week - Mayor Nawrocki proclaimed the week of March 23-29 as Rita
Erickson Week in Columbia Heights and presented the proclamation to the child's
grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Adams.
b. Fair Housing Month Proclamation: Mayor Nawrocki proclaimed April as Fair
Housing Month in the City of Columbia Heights and presented the proclamation
to'Mickey Rooney, a realtor.
c. Registration Awareness Month - Selective Service: The month of April was pro-
claimed Registration Awareness Month in the City of Columbia Heights by Mayor
Nawrocki.
d. Funds for bullet-proof vests from American Legion: John Hearn, Commander of
American Legion Post #513 presented a check for $2,500 to Captain Leonard Olson
of the Columbia Heights Police Department for use in the purchase of bullet-
proof vests for the Department. Mayor Nawrocki noted that Tri-City American Legion
Post #513 represents three cities, Columbia Heights, New Brighton and St. Anthony
and has its newly remodelled clubrooms in New Brighton. Commander Hearn introduced
other officers of the Post and noted that the Post had donated a substantial sum
to the Rita Erickson Fund.
e. Presentation of plaque to First Lutheran Church: Mayor Nawrocki presented a
plaque to Pastor Richard Mork in recognition of seventy five years of First
Lutheran Church's service to the community. Pastor Mork thanked the Council and
invited all to attend the Church's Open House on Sunday, Ap~l 5th.
4. Consent Agenda
The following agenda items were included on the consent agenda:
a. Minutes of Previous Meetings
The Council approved the mi.nutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 9th, the
Board of Trustees, Volunteer Division of March lOth, and the Public Improvement
Hearing of March 16th and the reading was dispensed with.
b. Resolution No. 87-23; Being a Resolution Authorizing a Safety Deposit Box
The following resolution was adopted by the Council.
RESOLUTION NO. 87-23
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of. Columbia Heights to authorize
the securing of a safe deposit box at Northeast State Bank of Minneapolis, 3989
Central Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota, by rental agreement for anyone
of the following employees to have access thereto:
Regular Council Meeting
March 23, 1987
page 2
Robert Bocwinski
William Elrite
June Johnston
City Manager
Finance Director
City Accountant
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the authority herein given is to remain irrevocable
so far as above bank is concerned until it be notified in writing of the revoca-
tion of such authority and shall in writing acknowledge receipt thereof.
Passed this 23rd day of March, 1987.
Offered by: Carlson
Seconded by: Paulson
Roll call: All ayes
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
c. Resolution No. 87-24; Regarding Labor Agreement Between City and AFSCME
The following resolution was adopted by the Council.
RESOLUTION NO. 87-24
REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND AMERICAN FEDERATION
OF STATE, COUNTY A~D MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, COUNCIL NO. 14, LOCAL NO.' 495
WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the American Federation of State,
County and Municipal Employees, Council No. 14, Local No. 495, represent-
ing clerical and technical employees of the City and members of the
City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually
acceptable contract for calendar year 1987;
WHEREAS, a copy of said contract is available for inspection at the Office of the
City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreement as negotiated, be and
is hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for
calendar year 1987, for AFSCME bargaining unit employees of the City;
and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute
this agreement.
Passed this 23rd day of March, 1987o
Offered by: Carlson
Seconded by: Paulson
Roll call: All ayes
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki
d. Annual Membership Dues - Suburban Rate Authority
The Council authorized the City's continued membership in the Suburban Rate
Authority and authorized the 1987 membership assessment in the amount of $1,750.
e. Establish Date for Mid-block Lighting Public Hearing
The Council established a public hearing for the installation of midblock lighting
Regular Council Meeting
March 23, 1987
page 3
in the alley north of 47th Avenue and between Upland Crest and Stinson Boulevard
for Aprll 27, 1987 at 7:30 p.m..
f. Request to PurchaseSanafoam Vaporooter
The Council authorized the purchase of 135.gallons of Sanafoam Vaporooter from
Davies Water Equipment Company of Minneapolis for a total of $6,804 and noted
that this is a proprietary item.
g. Attendance of Liquor Operations Manager at Convention
The Council appropriated $600 from the Liquor Fund unreserved retained earnings
to the Liquor Fund Store #l Department, Travel, Conferences and Schools line
item and authorized the payment and reimbursement of expenses not exceeding $600
for Phil Sukerman, Liquor Operations Manager, to attend the 1987 National Liquor
Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 8 - 12, 1987.
h. Participation in State Deferred Compensation Program
The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to execute appropriate documents
to initiate participation of City employees in the State Deferred Compensation
Program.
Mayor Nawrocki introduced newly-elected Anoka County Commissioner, Jim Kordiak.
Commissioner Kordiak made a few comments and advised those at the meeting of the
location of his office in Columbia Heights and welcomed all of the residents Of
the City to contact him with their concerns.
5. Oral Petitions
The resident at 4140 Jefferson Street advised the Council that she is experiencing
problems with her neighbor's pidgeons. She noted that'this problem has been in
evidence for some time. She advised the Council of the cities near the City of
Columbia Heights do not allow the keeping of pidgeons. Mayor Nawrocki stated that
presently there have been no violations of the 'City Code observed. When the City's
Health Inspector has viewed the premises she has noted no .bird droppings and no
odor and that there was no problem regarding health, safety or welfare of the
residents. The County Health Officer will also be contacted.
6. Ordinances and Resolutions
a. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1142; Being an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No.
853, City Code of 1977, Pertaining to Day'Nurseries and Nursery Schools
This ordinance had received a public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Com-
mission. It was sent back to the Council without recommendation.
Pastor Richard Mork of First Lutheran Church advised the Council 'that the Church
is not presently pursuing this matter. He noted that at some time in the future
it may be a wish of the Church to have a nursery school in its facility but not
now. Mayor Nawrocki Inquired if the resident who wrote in opposition to this
zoning amendment had been notified of the public hearing or of this meeting where
the subject was being discussed. Staff did not know if this had beenldone. The
Mayor felt t~fs matter should be continued until the resident has been notified
of its discussion.
Motion by Paulson, second by Carlson to continue the hearing on the second reading
of Ordinance No. 1142 until the next regular Council meeting. Roll call: All ayes
Regular Council Meeting
March 23, 1987
page 4
b. Resolution Ordering Improvements, Project #8701, Continuation of Hearing
This item was tabled from the March 16, 1987 Public Improvement Hearing so the
staff could prepare additional information regarding relocation of the travelled
way so it would be located within the existing easement. The alley is between
University Avenue and Fourth Street, 47th to 48th Avenues. There was a lengthy
discussion regarding the opinions of the affected residents and the project.
Some of the residents felt the alley simply needed regrading to put it back
where it belonged. Only one resident supported the original project. The majority
of those residents who spoke supported the grading of the alley and its re-
location within the right-of-way.
The consensus of the Council was to grade the alley and place it in the proper
place. The City Attorney observed that the City has no legal responsibility to
relocate the alley as an easement has been established by the alley having been
used for so many years in its present location.
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to regrade the alley using City equipment
and relocate it into the appropriate easement. Roll call: All ayes
Councilmember Peterson further instructed staff to follow the same maintenance of
thislallev that had been followed previously.
c. Resolution No. 87-25; Resolution Appropriating MSAS Off-System Funding
It was the City Council's intention to use M.S.A.S. funds to finance the City's
portion of the costs involving an overlay project on Central Avenue. The City's
portion of the costs amounts to $18,747.73. The overlay would extend from 37th
Avenue to 45th Avenue on Central Avenue. The Mayor inquired if parking in this
area would be restricted or eliminated. He was advised by the City Engineer that
it would be restricted with the installation of signalization. Mayor Nawrocki
had been led to believe parking would be restricted only with the signalization
project. The City Engineer advised that this resolution addresses only the source
of funding for the projects which include the overlay and the signalization.
The owner of the property at 3710 Central Avenue had responded to a survey re-
garding elimination of parking in front of his property and had not heard any-
thing since his response in November. He expressed his concern regarding the
removal of parking in front of his business. He noted that he and his two tenants
utilize.the four parking spaces in front of his building very often. The property
owner is supportive of installation of the signal lights but requested that only
three lanes be used for vehicles and that one remain for parking.
Councilmember Paulson support, s the signal light installation as he feels they
would make the intersection of 37th and Central Avenues safer as stated by the
City Engineer's assessmeht. Mayor Nawrocki felt there had been no evidence that
this signalization would increase the safety of the intersection. He noted that
presently there is backup and stacking when a car is waiting to turn left onto
37th Avenue.
Mayor Nawrocki had previously requested staff.,to investigate indented parking
such as that on 37th Avenue farther east near St. Anthony. At this point in time
this has not been done. Councilmember Carlson felt these signs would not improve
the situation.
The City Engineer advised this project could be changed by change orders to ac-
commodate parking spaces on Centra! Avenue. Councilmember Paulson supports the
minimizing of the parking area as long as the signalization continues as proposed.
The City Engineer noted that the resolution can be submitted as written and that
the dollar amounts contained in the resolution will automatically be amended by
the change orders.
Motion by Peterson, second by Paulson that t'he City of Columbia Heights investigate
restoring some of the parking proposed to be removed in the original plan for the
Regular Council Meeting
March 23, 1987
page 5
Highway #65 project #S.P. No. 207.50. Roll call: All ayes
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to waive the reading of the resolution
there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
Councilmember Petkoff arrived at the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 87-25
AUTHORIZING THE USE OF MUNICIPAL STATE AID FUNDS ON T.H. 65 PROJECT
WHEREAS, it has been deemed advisable and necessary for the City of Columbia
Heights to participate in the cost of a construction project located
on T.H. No. 65 within the limits of said municipality, and
WHEREAS, said construction project has been approved by the Commissioner of
Transportation and identified in his records as S.P. No. 207-50.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights;
That we do hereby appropriate from our Municipal State-Aid Street Funds the sum
of $18,747.73 to apply toward the construction of said project and
request the Commissioner of Transportation to approve this authorization.
Dated this 23rd day of March, 1987.
Offered by: Peterson
Seconded by: Carlson
Roll call: All ayes
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify that the aforegoing resolution is a true and correct copy of
the resolution presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Colum-
bia Heights, at a duly authorized meeting thereof, held on the 23rd day of March,
1987, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my presence.
William J. Elrite, City Clerk
d. Soo Line Crossing - Proceeding with Condemnation or Acceptance of Easement
Document
The City Attorney advised that an informal agreement has been reached with respect
to the provision of a private easement which is basically on the terms originally
proposed.
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize the City Attorney to commence
eminate domain proceedings to obtain the easement for the grade crossing as autho-
rized by the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Roll call:
All ayes
Discussion regarding future'use of this crossing was had by the Council and staff.
Regular Council Meeting
March 23, 1987
page 6
f. Other Communications
The Council had received a copy of a letter from the Insurance Commission
regarding its opposition to the City self insuring in some of its coverage.
Old Business
a. Authorization to Purchase Tire Changer
The Mayor felt this piece of equipment could be purchased with less sophis-
tication thereby reducing the cost.
Motion by Paterson, second by Paulson to authorize the purchase of one FMC
8600 High Performance Tier Changer from Hanco Corporation of Bloomington,
Minnesota, for $2,450 based upon iow formal quotation. Roll call: Paulson,
Petkoff, Carlson, Paterson - aye Nawrocki - nay
b. Agreement for Construction of Traffic Signals at 37th and Central Avenues
The Public Works Director reviewed this entire project. The Mayor felt the cost
splits were unfair to the City of Columbia Heights. He noted that the State of
Minnesota was to pay 40%, the City of Minneapolis was to pay 20% and the City
of Columbia Heights' was to pay 40%. The Mayor also felt the control of the
light controls should not be entirely with the City of Minnepolis. The Public
Works Director suggested that negotiations could be continued on this matter.
He felt the maintenance and maintenance costs were standard procedure as stated
in the contract. Regarding the costs the Mayor suggested that the City of Min-
neapolis should pay half of the costs not being paid by the State of Minnesota.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to refer the agreement back to the staff
for continued negotiations in the areas of the municipal cost split, control of
the signals, and a cap being placed on maintenance costs. Roll call: All ayes
c. Hilltop Pollce and Emergency Service Contract
The Hilltop City Attorney wrote expressing hi§ concern with the City's requirement
to include in its service contract an indemnification provision. He objected to
this on behalf of the City of Hilltop. It .was noted that the present contract
expires on March 31, 1987. The City Attorney for Hilltop is requesting an
extension of 30 days to cover the month of April, 1987. The Columbia Heights
City Attorney advised that no formal action is necessary to grant this extension.
RECESS: 10:57 p.m.
RECONVENE: 11:40 p.m.
d. Columbia Heights/Hilltop Cable Communications Violations and Issues
The City's cable counsel reviewed the franchise violations which had been pre-
sented to the Council in draft form. He distributed a draft of these st[pulations
and their proposed resolutions for Council consideration. Each stipulation was
reviewed by the Council and the cable counsel, It was recommended that negotiations
continue regarding the violations whJch the Council felt still needed to be
resolved. Councilmember Paulson suggested this matter be tabled for further nego-
tiating and theh be presented to the Council as a package. Channel realignment
was still of ~oncern to the Council.
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to enter into the Stipulation Agreement. Roll call: All ayes
New Business
a. Appropriation of Monies for Fitness Program
Regular Council Meeting
March 23~ 1987
page 7
Monies for the fitness program for the Fire Department were budgeted in 1986.
They were'not carried over to the 1987 budget.
Motion by Carl~son, second by Paulson that $1,585 be transferred from the General
Fund Contingency into the Expert and Professional Services Account in the Fire
Department Account #101-4120-1130. Roll call: All ayes
b. Award of Bid - Reroofing of SACA House
MaYor Nawrocki inquired of Councilmember Peterson as to the appropriateness of
the costs for the reroofing. Councilmember Peterson felt this was a fair price.
The Board of Directors of SACA had indicated it would pay a Portion of the costs
for the reroofing. The Mayor suggested the City did not accept any funding from
SACA as this money might be better spent assisting residents who are in need.
Motion by Petkoff, second by Pautson to appropriate $3,712 from the General
Fund - Contingency to the General Fund Balance entitled General Government
Buildings - Building ImproYements (Account #101-4090-1510) to offset the cost
of reroofing the SACA House. Roll call: All ayes
Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to'enter into an agreement with Rayco Construction, Inc. to reroof the SACA
House located at 627 38th Avenue N.E. as per Option A including installation
of gutters at a total of $3,712. Roll call: All ayes
c. Ratify Action of City Manager Regarding Repairs to Water Pump Station #2
Motion by Peterson, second by Paulson to.ratify the actions of the City Manager
and authorize the purchase of one Westinghouse Vectrol Model #64ESl electronic
soft starter unit for Pump Station #2 in the amount of $3,398. Roll call: All
ayes
d. Revocation of Grocery Sales License
Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson that the City Council hold a public
hearing on April 13, 1987, at 7:30 p.m. to consider revocation of the grocery
sales license held by the Shehnaz Authentic International Food Store located
at 544 Summit Street N.E. due to the loss of their license from the State
Board of Agriculture for their operation. Roll call: All ayes
Reports
a. Report of the City Manager
The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items
were added verbally to the report and discussed:
1. New Hire: The City Manager advised the Council he had hired Michael Peyer
to fill a Maintenance I position effective March 9, 1987 at the rate of $8.72
per hour.
2. Alley Between Gould and 40th Avenues, Reservoir Boulevard: The City Engineer
was requested to check this alley to determine its proper location. This will
be coordinated with the Police Department to determine if vehicles are being
improperly pa~ked on the alley.
3. Auctioneer for City Auction: The Police Chief had requested the City Manager
pursue the retention of an auctioneer for the City Auction. The City Manager will
prepare the costs for this service for presentation at the next Council meeting.
Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to authorize the proposals for auctioneer
services for tMe annual City Auction. Roll call: All ayes
Regular Council Meeting
March 23, 1987
page 8
4. Alley, Third Street/University Avenue, 44th to 45th Avenues: Water drainage
problems have been experienced in this alley and staff was requested to draft
some proposals to solve the problems. The City Manager will have the report for
the Council later in the meeting.
5. Request for Traffic Signals at 37th Avenue and Johnson Street: The City
Manager advised the Council that the City of Minneapolis had been notified
that Columbia Heights is not interested in pursuing this project.
6. Sodding of Murzyn Hall Project: The City Manager suggested this item could
be discussed by the Council at a Council work session.
b. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
Licenses
Motion by Paterson, second by Carlson to approve the licenses as listed upon
payment of proper fees. Roll call: All ayes
Payment of Bills
Motion by Petkoff, second by Paterson to pay the bills as listed out of proper
funds. Roll call: All ayes
The City Manager distributed copies of an evaluation Of the radio system in
booklet form. Also distributed was a memo from the Police Chief regarding the
Public Works Department end the Fire Department evaluation.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that the HRA had met to discuss the submitted proposals
for the development of the Sullivan Lake area. The City Council will hold an
informational hearing on this matter on Tuesday, April 14th at 8:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers. Staff was requested to send notices of this informational
hearing to all property owners within 300 feet of the properties proposed for
development and to the property owner at 701 50½ Avenue who had written to the
Council stating his opposition to this development.
Council work sessions were scheduled for Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March
31st at 7:30 p.m.
At a prior assessment hearing regarding the alley between Third Street and
University Avenue, 44th to 45th Avenues, a resident stated she has been experien-
cing water drainage problem behind her garage for some time. staff was requested
to explore solutions. The Public Works Director gave the Council three alternatives
for solving the drainage problem. They are regrading of the alley, relocation of
thealley and thirdly, building up of an asphalt birm to force the water down to
the catch basin presently in the alley. The third alternative would be the least
costly.
The Mayor observed that the general feeling of the Council is that this project
would not be ~h assessable project.
~otlon by Peterson, second by Carlson to adjourn · ' ayes
~/(o- nne Student, Coun~il Secretary