Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 24, 1988OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1988 Mayor Hadtrath called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.. 1. Roll Call Paulson, Petkoff, Peterson, Carlson, Hadtrath - present 2. Pledge of A11e91ance 3. Consent Agenda The following items were presented on the Consent Agenda: Minutes of Previou[.Meetlngs The Council approved the minutes of the Special Council Meeting of October 6th and the Regular City Council Meeting of October lOth as presented and there were no corrections. Final Payment for P.roject #8712 and Project #871~ - 1988 Watermain Replacement The Council authorized Change Order #1 for Project #8712 and Change Orders #1, #2, and #3 for Project #8719 and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to execute the same; and accepted the work for Projects #8712 and #8719 as well as authorizing the final payment of $15,185.90 to Lessard-Nyren Utilitles, Inc. for the same. Purchase of Bulbs and Lightin9 Equipment The Council authorized the purchase of bulbs and ballasts from ross Electric Company of Minneapolls in an amount of $1,191.35 based on Iow bids received through the Hennepin County Joint Purchasing Agre- ement. Purchase of Replacement Playground Equipment The Council authorized the purchase of various replacement and repair parts for playground equipment from Minnesota Playgrounds, Inc. of Golden Valley for a total amount of $1,791. Schools, Conferences and Workshops The Council.approved the attendance of Sergeant .James Kapala at the John Reid Criminal Interrogation class on February'7 - 10, 1989, at a cost of $395 and that the expenses be paid out of the 1989 Police Department Training Budget. The Council also approved the attendance of Officer Steve Vaughn at' the Supervision of Pol.lce Personnel class on November 15 - 17, 1988 at a cost of $285 and that the related expenses be paid out of the 1988 Police Department Training Budget. Licenses The Council approved the license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees.. Payment of Bills The Council approved payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. ~.....Approval of Consent Agenda Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to approve the consent agenda as presented. Rol! call: All ayes Regdlar Council Meeting October 2q, 1988 page 2 ,~. Open Mike The representative of the City employees~ AFSCME Union advised the Council that the union has voted to reject the City's'comparable worth proposal. He referred to'a letter distributed to the Council at this meeting regarding the union members' contention that the comparable worth implementation was not being administered equitably. The Acting City'Manager.advised that a negotiating session has been scheduled with the AFSCME Union for'November qth. No Council action was taken. Sa. Proclamation Mayor Hadtrath read the proclamation for Ep|lepsy.Month and presented the proclamation to Ooug Hi11, a representative of the Epilepsy Foundation. 6. Ordinances and Resolutions a. First Reading of Ordinance No. 1173; Pertaining to Banners & Pennants The City Attorney advised that this ordinance had been revised since its other first'reading. The revision is significant as It would allow banners so another first reading i's required. Motion by Paulson, second by Carlson to waive the reading of the ordi- nance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes OROINANCE NO. 1173 AMENDING ORDINANCE 853, CITY CODE OF 1977 PERTAINING TO TEMPORARY BANNERS AND PENNANTS The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Section 9.117A(4)(k) and Ordinance Number 853, City Code of 1977, passed dune 21, 1977, which reads as follows, to wit: A sign which contains or consists of banners, pennants, rl'bbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or similar devices. is. herewith amended to read as follows, to wit: Section 2: A sign which contains or consists of banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of llght bulbs, spinners or similar devices, except as allowed by ~9.1'17A(5)(o) and §9.117A(3) (k). 9.117A(5)(o) of Ordinance Number 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977, which is currently reserved, is herewith amended to read as follows, to wit: One temporary on-site banner or pennant advertising the sale, lease or rental of the lot(s) or premises on which Regular Council Heeling October 2~, 1988 page 3 · Section 3: such a banner or pennant is situated, provided that the total area of 'such banner or pennant shall not exceed the ratio of-one (I) square foot of sign area for.each one thousand (1,O00) square feet of'bulldlng'area plus one' (I) square footof sign area for each one thousand (1,O00) square feet of lot area. No such-banner or pennant need be less than thirtyotwo.(32) square'feet. No such banner or pennant shall remain past. the date of the offering or be dlsplayed for a perlod of more-than one hundred twenty days (120), whichever period is shorter.'At the end of the display period, the site may not display a banner or pennant until at least 240 days have elapsed. Section 9.117A(3)(k) of Ordinance Number 853 City Code of 1977, passed dune 21, 1977, which is currently reserved, is herewith amended to read as follows, to wit: Standards for Banners and Pennants: (i) No banner or pennant weighing in excess of thl.rty (30) pounds is permitted unless it is flrts approved, by the building officlal. (ii) No banner or ~ennant shall extend over or into any street, alley, sldewalk, or other public throroughfare a distance greater than four (4) inches from the wa11 upon which it is erected, and it shall not be placed or proJect'over any wall opening. (iii) No banner or pennant shall be erected so as to prevent free ingress to or egress'.from any door¥ window or fire escape, nor shall such sign be attached to any stand pipe or fire escape. .' (.iv) Every banner or pennant shall be attached to the Wall with wire or steel cables, and no strings, ropes or wood slats for anchorage or support purposes shall be permitted. Section 4: Thls'Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty' (30) days after its passage. First reading: 'October 24~ 1988 Hotlon by Paulson~ second by Paterson to schedule the second reading, which will constitute a public hearlng, of Ordinance NO. 1173. Amending Ordinance NO; 853,.City Code of 1977~'Pertalnlng to Temporary Banners and Pennants for November 14,' 1988. Roll call: All ayes b. First Reading-of Ordinance No. 117q; Being an Ordinance Amenalng Ord'lnance No. 853, City. Code of 1977, Vacating a.¢ertain Rlley Easement and Street The City Attorney read the ordinance which-Included deeding of the property 'es additional language to the ordinance. Regular Council Meeting October 24, 1988 page 4 ORDINANCE N0..1174 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, VACATING A CERTAIN ALLEY EASEMENT AND STREET The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section I: The City of Col. umbia Heights herewith vacates the public alley over, across,, and under the following described ProPerty, to wit: The west fourteen (14) feet of Lot 42, Block 70, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, Anoka County, Minnesota, except for those portlons thereof taken for street or highway purposes. Section 2: The City of Colum~ia Heights herewith vacates the public street over, across, and under the following described property, to wit: The southeasterly four and five tenths (4.5) feet front and rear of Lot 49 and the northeasterly eleven and five tenths (11.5) feet front and rear of Lot 50, Block 70, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Columbla Heights, Anoka County, Minnesota. The Mayor and City Manager are herewith authorized to quit claim the interest of the City to the property described in Section 2 to Jerome J. Lague. Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First reading: October 24, 1988 Motion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to schedule a second reading, which constitutes a public hearing, of Ordinance No. 117q, Vacating a Certain Alley Easement and Street for November 14, 1988. Roll call: Ali ayes c. Resolution No. 88-72; Adopting a Bond Program for the Issuance of Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds ~nd Authorizing Submission of Same to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency The Executive Director of the City's HRA advised the Council that this housing program had originally been scheduled to cease at the end of this year, but the federal government extended the program. It Is the same type of program for first time homebuyers which the City had participated in far the last few years. Notion by Petkoff, second by Paulson to waive-the reading of the reso- lution there being ample coples available to-the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 88-72 ADOPTING A BOND PROGRAM FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS AND AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF SAME TO THE MINNESOTA. HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY Regular Council Meeting October.2q, 1~88 page 5 WHEREAS, pursuant to the Minnesota Municipal Housing Act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter ~62C (the "Act"), the'City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the "City") is authorized to adopt a housing plan and carry out programs for the financing of single family housing which is affordab]e to persons of low and moderate income in the City; and WHEREAS, the Act requires adoption of the housing plan after a public hearing held there on after publication of notice in a newspaper of general circulation In the City at least thirty days in advance of the hearing; and WHEREAS, the City has heretofore adopted a housing plan '(the '~Plan"), following a public hearing conducted in all respects in accordance with the Act; and WHEREAS, the Plan provides for'programs for the issuance of bonds to finance the acquisition of single family housing primarily by persons and families of low or moderate income in accordance with the condi- tions and requirements of the Act; and WHEREAS, the Act requires adoption of.a'houslng finance program f01- 1owing a public hearing held thereon after publication of notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the City at least fifteen days in advance of the hearing; and WHEREAS, the City on the date hereof has conducted a public hearing on a single family housing bond program a copy of which program is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Program"), after publication of notice as required by the Act; and WHEREAS, the Program was submitted to the Metropolitan Council at the time of.publication of notice of the public hearing on such Program, and the Metropolitan Council has been afforded an opportunity to pre- sent comments at the public hearing, all as required by the Act; and WHEREAS, the Program provided for the issuance by the City of single family mortgage revenue bonds in an aggregate amount not exceeding $10,000,000 (the ~'Bonds~') to finance the acquisition of single family housing in the City primarily by persons and families of Iow and moderate Income and first-time homebuyers, all as more fully described in the Program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota: 1. That the Program for the issuance of single family housing revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $10,OO0,O00 (the ~Bonds") is hereby In all respects adopted in the form at- tached hereto as Exhibit A. 2. That the City hereby approves the issuance of the Bonds pursuant to the Program and hereby authorizes (a) the submission of the Program to the Minnesota Housin~ Finance Agency ('~MMFA"); (bi the submission of an application to the MHFA for an allocation of authority to Issue mortgage bonds; and (c) such actions by Regular Council Meeting October 2q, 1988 page 6 the staff of the City as may be necessaryor appropriate to carry out the Program In accordance with the Act and any other applicable laws and regulations. Adopted October 2q, 1988 Offered by: Petkoff Seconded by: Paulson Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, CoUncil Secretary Mayor Da]e V. Hadtrath ATTEST: William J. Elrite, City Clerk 7. Communications a. Request of Lisa Aydt for Helicopter Landing in Huset Park Ms. Aydt is requesting permission to land a helicopter in Huset Park in conjunction with her wedding reception on August 25, 1989. She advised the Council of the approximate land space needed to land a helicopter. This matter was-.referred to the Park Board for consideration. It w111 be returned to the Council with recommendations. b. Traffic Commission The Council received the minutes of the October 3rd Traffic Commission meeting for informational purposes. 8. Old Business a. Cable TV North Central - Offer Regarding Franchise Non-Compliance Issues Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to reject Cable TV North Central's offer regarding franchise'non-compliance issues as being inadequate and non-responsive to the degree of franchise transgressions. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to appoint Counci:lmember Paulson, Chairman Szurek of the Cable Communications Commission, City Manager Bocwinski and Mayor. Hadtrath as the City's negotiating committee to meet with representatives of Cable TV North Central for the purpose of negotiating cable franchise non-compliance issues and/or franchise amendments. Roll call: All ayes b. Abandonment of-Project #8803, Reconstruction of Huset Park Notion by Peterson, second by Paulson to table consideration of estab- lishment of a special election to the Counc.ll's Regular Meeting scheduled for November Iq, 1988. Bruce Nawrocki, 1255 Polk Place, stated that he felt the Council had incorrectly interpreted the Petition Committee's intent as submitted in the Initiative Petition. Nawrocki was one of.the circulators of the Initiative Petition as was Gayle Norberg. Norberg advised the Council that the Petition Committee would be satisfied if the Council adopted the proposed ordinance. Rol1 call': All ayes Regular Council Meeting October 2q, !~88 page 7 14hen the Huset Park Improvement Project had been discussed at prevlous meetings and hearings a resident stated that the progress of this project had not followed the historical precedent of past projects, specifically the renovation of Murzyn Hall and that its actlons re- garding Huset Park were Improper.-Counciimember Paulson read a state- ment reviewing the entire history of councl.I actions 'regarding the Hurzyn Hall project. He noted that the chronology of the .Huset Park project with'respect to approval of expenditures, setting of budget measures and hiring of consultants was the same as with the Murzyn Hall project. Copies of this chronology were avallable to those in attendance at this Council meetlng. Councilmember. Paulson also cor- rected a statement made at a. previous meetlng regarding the amount of space being allocated for passive activity In Huset Park in the most recent proposal, The present passlve actlvity area is 33~ of the entlre park; the proposed area for passive activity would have been q0~. RECESS: 8:20 p.m. RECONVENE: 8:30 p.m. Hayor Hadtrath read a memo which stated that the Columbia Heights Boosters have approved a $3,000 contribution to be used towards the Huset Park hazardous waste project. Discussion continued regarding the budgeted funds for Huset Park. Nawrockl ·said he will prepare a response to Councllmember Paulson~s· statement and the chronology of the Hurzyn Hell renovation project. 0iscussion followed regarding the use of.the City Garage by former City employees, second bids received for the Huset Park Project and the hiring of an architect for the building in Huset Park as well as the need for a landscape architect. c. Purchase of Pump Starter for Pump Station #2 Hotion by Carlson, second by Paterson to rescind the action of Aueust 8, 1988, awarding the motor, starter at Pump.Station #2 to TOtal Electric. Roll call: AIi ayes Motion. by Carlson, second by Paterson to authorize the replacement of a motor starter at Pump Station #2 with an Allan Bradley, Bulletln #509 (Size $) to Heights Electric of Columbia Heights based upon their low quotation of $6,27q; and furthermore, to authorlze the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: All ayes 9. New Business' a. Development-of Special Assessments Software The Finance Director reviewed the speclal assessments software package. He noted that.retaining the~rlghts to this package had been discussed but certain portions of the program are being used by other cities. Also, the City is receiving a substantial discount on the purchase price because the vendor is retaining some of :the rights. He also noted that any enhancements to the package.that the City will receive will be at no cost. Motion by Paulson, second by Paterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Banyon Data Systems for the development of a Speclal Assessment Billing Program at a cost not to Regular Council Heating October 2~, 1988 page 8 exceed $~,500. Ro1.1 call: AIl ayes b. Establish Date for Council Work Session Notion by Paulson, second by Peterson to schedule a Cl~y Councll Work Session for 7:30 p.m. on Honday,. October 31, 1988. Roll call: AIi ayes . ' · JO~ Reports a. RePort of .the City Hanager The City Ranagerls report was submitted 'in writ.ten, form and the followlng items were discussed: Winter Snow Removal - Winter Parking Permltsi Two opl.nions regarding winter parking permits and snow removal, one from the Public'Works Oirector and .one'from the Police Chief. This item will be on the agenda for the next Council work session, Natlonal Multiple Sclerosis Society Request for a Bingo Gambling Hall - The Councll has received a request from th.is Society to approve of the Soclety being a leaseholder for a bingo hall to be located In the Columbia Ma~. It is anticipated that thls organization w111 be requesting an amendment to the present ordinances and regulations re- gulatlng thls type of gambling,' The Councilmembers all agreed they would prefer the ordinances and reQulations to remain as they arq. AnticiPated Bond Sale by Crestvlew Lutheran Home: At this point in tlme the documentation regardlng thls bond sale have not been received by the City Attorney. The Councll concurred that no bond documents w111 be executed until the City Attorney has reviewed.all of the material. Liquidated Damages for 1988 Street Improvement Work: The Finance Olrector reviewed this matter to date. The contracts for this work provlde for an assessment of $500 per day for liquidated damages. It was noted that the company may balk at this action and mlght pursue litlgation. Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AI~4) - Policies and Leol's- lative Proposals for 1989-1990: Prl. oritizing these proposals wlli be an agenda l'tem for the next Council work session. Anyone on the Councll who is planning on attending the Al~meeting on November 3rd should advise the Council Secretary. Seeking Quotations for Insurance Coverage: Formal requests for Insurance coverage have been sought. Quotes wi!1 be opened on .November 18, 1988 at 2:00 p.m.. Northern MayorsI Association: The Northern Mayors~ Association has scbe- duled a meeting on November IO,.1988 'at 6:O0 p.m.. Anyone who is plan- ning on attend}ng should contact the City Manager's Secretary. Plastic Recycling: Anoka County Is Interested In pursuing a plastic container recovery program. AIl members of the Council .concurred In having the City Manager indicate l an interest in thls program to the County and pursuing ~ore information. Regular Council Meeting October 2q, 1988 page 9 Special Assessment Hearing: The Special Assessment Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30, 1988 at 7:30 p.m..in the City Council Chambers in City Hall. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. A resident inquired when money had been budgeted for insurance coverage in the 1989 budget and also inquired when the City Councll decided to not continue self insurance. Mayor Hadtrath responded that this decision to discontinue self insuring has not been made yet but the entire matter will be discussed at'a Council work session. Ad~ou rnmen t Motion by Paulson,. second by Hadtrath to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m.. Before the adjournment motion was voted'upon .there was a brief discussion regarding budgeted funds for the Murzyn Hall renovation and Huset Park Imp. rovement Project. Roll call: All ayes >-Anne Studen~ Cou-nc~ld~Secretary Mayor Dale Vl Hadtrath