HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 26, 1990OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 26, 1990
The Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Carlson at 7:30 p.m..
1. ROLL CALL
Nawrockl, Clerkln, Ruettimann, Paterson, Carlson - present
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda included the following items:
Resolution No. 90-62; Being a Resolution Establishin~ Amount of City Share
and Amount of Special Assessments on Projects to be Levied
The reading of the resolution was waived as there were ample copies available
for the public.
RESOLUTION NO. 90-62
BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF CITY SHARE AND AMOUNT OF SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT5 ON PROJECTS TO BE LEVIED
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights by motion on the
13th day of November, 1990, ordered a special assessment hearing to levy
the cost of improvements, and
WHEREAS, the following project will be specially assessed on January 14th,
1991, and a portion of the costs may be borne by the City
NCR4, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 429.061,
and City Code 4.103, that the breakdown is as follows:
PI R PROJECT CITY ASSESSMENT TOTAL
870 Project 9024, 38th Place
$31,439,22
$75,586.71'
$107,025.93
*Out of this assessable amount the City's share is $37,800.18.
Passed this 26th day of December, 1990.
Offered
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Nawrocki
Ruettimann
All ayes
Nay'or Edward M. Carlson
Jo-Anne Student, ~ouncil Secretary
Traffic Paint Purchase
The Council approved the purchase of 200 gallons of ~hite traffic paint,
75 gallons of yellow traffic paint and 110 gallons of paint thinner from
Linear Dynamics, Inc. of Parsippany, New Jersey, amounting to $1,915.65
based on low bid received under the Hennepin County Joint Purchasing Con-
tract 1685A0 and also authorized the Hayor and City Manager to enter into
Regular Council Meeting
December 26, 1990
page 2
an agreement for the same.
~lcense Applications
The Council approved the license applications for 1991 as listed upon
payment of proper fees.
Payment of Bills
The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettirnann to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Rol1 call: Al) ayes
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS HEETINGS
Councilmember Ruettimann inquired if additional language should be inserted
into Resolution No. 90-58 which is a lotsplit request for the property adjacent
to 1848 )gth Avenue and recorded in the minutes of the Special Council Meeting
of December 8, 1990. It was his understanding at the meeting that a '~no build"
clause would be included in this document. The City Manager advised that this
resolution addresses the lotsplit and the deed actually transfers ownership
This "no build" clause was intended to be included in the deed. Some of the
Councilmembers felt this clause should be included in the minutes of the meeting
so there would be a history of what actually has transpired. If this infor-
mation were only documented in the deed it could be overlooked in the future.
The City Attorney suggested language which could be included in the minutes
which stated the building restrictions as long as Mr.& Hrs. John M. Hansen
owned and occupied the property at 1853 39th Avenue N.E.. Hayor Carlson felt
this language should be included in the resolution.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to approve the minutes of the December
8, 1990 Special Council Meeting with the recommended changes, the minutes of
the December 10, 1990 Regular Council Meeting, the minutes of the December 10,
1990 Board of Trustees Meeting, and the minutes of the December 12, 1990 Special
Council Meeting/Budget Hearing. Roll call: Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Paterson -
aye Carlson - nay
5. OPEN HIKE
There was no one present for Open Mike.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
a. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 121~, Pertaining to Elected Officials
Notion by Nawrocki, second by Paterson to walve the reading of the ordinance
there being ample copies availab]e for the' public. Ro11 call: All ayes
ORDINANCE NO. 1214
BEING AN ORDINANCE AHENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CiTY CODE OF !~77, AND
PERTAINING TO ELECTED OFFICIALS
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Regular Council Meeting
December 26, 1990
page 3
Section 1:
t2.101(3) of the City Code of lg77, passed June 23, lg77,
which reads as follows, to wlt:
2.101(3)
The four year term of office for Councilmen shall be
staggered so that the offices of no ~re than two {2}
Councilmen will be on the bmllot for each municipal
election. Provided, however, that if · vacancy exists
on the Council, the Counci1 shall forthwith appoint an
eligible person to fill the same until the next regular
municipal election, when the office shall be filled for
the unexpired term, and that such office may be on the
ballot in addition to the two (2) offices provided for
herein.
Shall hereafter read as follows, to wit:
2.101(3)
The four year term of office for Council Members shall
be staggered so that the offices of no more than two (2)
Council Hembers will be on the ballot for each municipal
election. Provided, however, that if a vacancy exists on
the Council, the City shall forthwith appoint an eligible
person to fill the same untll the next regular municipal
election, when the office shall be filled for the un-
expired term, and that such office may be on the ballot
in addition to the two (2) offices provided for herein.
Section 2:
§2.101(5) of the City Code of 1977, passed June 23, 1977, which is
currently reserved shall be amended to hereafter read as
follows, to wit:
2.101(5) Elected officials shall be considered "employees" for
worker's compensation purposes.
Section 3:
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after
thirty (30) days after its passage.
First reading:
Second reading:
Date of passage:
December 10, 1990
December 26, 1~90
December 26, 1~90
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Nawrocki
Paterson
All ayes
Hayor Edward M. Carl~on
do-Anne Student, Council Secretary
b. Resolution No. 90-63; Being a Resolution Adopting Changes in Vage Ranges
This resolution is for proposed 1991 wage scheduled for non-union part time
temporary Library employees and temporary bicycle safety officers.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution
there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes
Regular Council Meeting
December 26, 1990
page 4
Council member Nawrocki inquired how long it takes to reach the top pay
category in other City positions and in the Public Works Department.
He was advised it usually takes two or three years for most City positions
and four years in the Public Works Department. The schedule for page positions
in the Library is to seventy-two months. He felt this length of time was too
long and suggested amending the schedule by deleting all steps in it after
forty-eight months.
Notion by Nawrocki to amend Schedule I for the Library page position by
deleting all steps after forty-eight months. The Acting City Manager
advised that there are presently two pages who have been in the City's
employ longer than forty-eight months. Motion dies for lack of a second.
RESOLUTION NO. 90-63
ADOPTING CHANGES IN WAGE RANGES AND ESTABLISHING WAGES FOR TEMPORARY PART
TIME LIBRARY EMPLOYEES AND TEMPORARY BICYCLE SAFETY OFFICERS
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Wage Compensation Program for
Non-Unionized City Employees effective January 12, 19B0 (Resolution No. 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 temporary part time Library positions and
temporary Bicycle Safety Officers, as indicated on Schedule I and II which
are on file in the office of the City Manager; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such scheduled be effective January 1, 1991.
Passed this 26th day of December, 1990.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Ruettimann
Peterson
Clerkin, Ruettimann, Paterson, Carlson - aye
Nawrocki - nay
Mayor Edward M.'Carlson
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
c. Resolution No. 90-64; Being a Resolution Establlshing Rates for Refuse,
Recycling, and Yard Waste Services to Residents
Motion by Paterson, second by Clerkin to waive the reading of the resolution
there being ample copies available to the publlc. Roll ¢a11: All ayes
The proposed increases in the rates were discussed. The Finance Director advised
the anticipated fund balance. Ne noted that if the billing schedule were changed
to monthly system this would improve the accounts receivable and decrease the
fund balance. Councilmember Nawrockl felt it is hard to justify the Increases
wlth the present fund balance.
RESOLUTION NO. 9~-64
BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING RESIDENTIAL RATES FOR REFUSE, RECYCLING, AND
Regular Council Meeting
December 26, 1990
page 5
YARD WASTE COLLECTION EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1991 THROUGH DECEHBER 31, 1991
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977 (as amended), pertaining to
Garbage, Rubbish and Recycling service provides for the setting of appropriate
rates for the services rendered; and
WHEREAS, the City awarded a one year contract extension to Waste Management -
Blaine, to provide refuse collection service in the City of Columbia Heights;
and
WHEREAS, the contract extension allows for a rate adjustment in 1991 based on
incrcases in disposal costs; and
WHEREAS, based on increases in disposal costs such rates have been adjusted;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following monthly refuse service
rates be adopted and put into effect as of January 1, 1991, on all billings
issued thereafter.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
Private Residences - One Pickup Per Week
(and per unit in additional dwelling units of two
and three family buildings)
17.10
Senior Citizens - One Pickup Per Week
(as defined by Council Resolution establishlng eligibility
$ 13.22
MULTIPLE DWELLING SERVICE
Vat Service:
One pickup per week
charge per cubic yard
Two pickups per week
charge per cubic yard
Three pickups per week
charge per cubic yard
Four pickups per week
charge per cubic yard
Five pickups per week
charge per cubic yard
Other Refuse Services
Yard Waste and Recycling per dwelling unit
Administration and Overhead per customer
$ 37.20
$ 74.40
$111.60
$148.80
$186.00
$ 2.86
$ 1.72
Passed this 26th day of December, 1990.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Peterson
Ruettimann
Ruettlmann, Peterson, Carlson -.aye
Clerkln, Nawrocki - nay
Mayor Eaward M-. Carlson
Jo~Anne Student, Council Secretary
Regular Council Meeting
December 26, 1990
page 6
d. Resolution No. 90-65; Being a Resolution Authorizing Payment of Legal
Services
The hourly compensation rate for the City Attorney has not changed since 1983.
No change in the para-legal rate is being recommended.
Counci]member Nawrocki felt the resolution needed clarification so the pro-
posed rate increases apply specifically to the City Attorney and staff. The
City Attorney suggested language which could be incorporated into the
resolution to address this suggestion. Mayor Carlson read the resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 90-65
ADOPTING PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR LEGAL SERVICES
WHEREAS, the City of Columbla Heights requires legal services; and
WHEREAS, the rate of payment for such legal services has not been adjusted
since l~B~; and
WHEREAS, such person delivering said services are not employees of the
City
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Helghts establishes
the rate of payment for legal services to the appointed City Attorney
and his staff at 565.00 per hour for attorney services and $20.00
per hour for para-]egal services effective January l, 19~1.
Offered by: Nawrocki
Seconded by:
Peterson
Roll call: All ayes
Ma'~or Edward M. carlson'
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary ,'
7. COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications.
8. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Payment to Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc, for Remarketi.ng $2,400,000
Tax Increment Bonds, Series 1990
It was noted that two bodies, the City and the NRA, has signed two different
agreements which resulted in two rates for remarketing tax increments bonds.
The City had an agreement with Miller & Schroeder dating back to 1984 which
established fees for marketing bonds. The HRA signed an agreement in 1989.
It was the hope of the Council that this would not occur again as the rates
Regular Council Heeting
December 26, 1990
page 7
for these professional services differed considerably.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to authorize staff to pay Miller &
Schroeder $27,000 for the remarketing qf the $2,400,000 bond issue and
$4,880.90 for expenses in connection with this bond issue. Roll call: All
ayes
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann that the Mayor, City Manager and
the Executive Director of the HRA be authorized to negotiate a new financial
services contract with Miller & Schroeder that would cover both the City
and the HRA and that the results of the negotiations be returned to the
City Council and the HRA for final approval. Roll call: All ayes
b. 1989 and 1990 Community Development Block Grant Programs Hearing on
Amendment
Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to approve establishing January 14,
1991, at 7:10 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing to consider
amendments to the 1989 and 1990 City Community Development Block Grant
program. Roll call: All ayes
c. Designating an Official Newspaper for 1991
Councilmember Nawrocki referred to a recent Focus editorial which objected
to the raise given to the Ramse¥ County Board of Commissioners. He felt this
objection was not consistent in view of the rate increases being instituted
by the Focus. The Commissioners' raise was 4~ and the average increase of
the Focus was 9.6%.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to designate Post Publications as
the official City newspaper for 1991 and to authorize the Mayor and City
Manager to enter into an agreement with Post Publications for required
publications. Roll call: Nawrockl, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson- aye
Carlson - nay
d. Establish Position Description and Salary Range for Recreation Director
Councilmember Nawrockl inquired what comparable positions there are to this
one. He was advised that the Assistant City Engineer ranks just above it and
the Assistant Fire Chief ranks just b~low.
Motion by Clerkin, second by Ruettimann to approve the Recreation Director
job description and authorize the position effective January 1, 1991, at the
following salary range:
~ntr¥ 6 Months I Year 2 Years 3 Years
$3,164 $3,272 $3,380 $3,488 $3,596
Roll call: All ayes
e. Award of Bid for Paving Machine
The Public Works Director reviewed the award. He speculated that there may
be a need for additional seasonal personnel to do the paving ~ork which was
not included in the 1991 budget. Councilmember Ruettimann suggested that
knowledgeable seasonal personnel who are acquainted and experienced in this
type of paving work be hired if necessary.
Regular Council Meetin9
December 26, 1990
page 8
The Public Works Director also indicated that other back up equipment may
be needed, speclfically trucks to haul the asphalt. The trucks presently
in the City's fleet will only handle one hopper of asphalt which would
be used in about five minutes. He suggested It may be advisable to look
at leasing one or two trucks.
Councilmember Nawrockl inquired what savings may be realized by having
City crews perform this work versus having It contracted out. The Public
Works Director anticipates a twenty to twenty-five percent savings on
the larger paving projects. Estimated savings on the cut-and-patch jobs
has not been compute~.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Newrocki to award the bid for the paving
equipment to I~acQueen Equipment, Inc., of St. Paul, for a Leeboy IO00B for
$3~,175 based upon their low qualified and compliant bid and accepting
the deduct for the alternate trailer; and furthermore, to authorize the
Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roli call:
All ayes
f. Rejection of Bids for Skid Steer Loader
Motion by Paterson, second by Ruettimann to reject all bids received for
the Skid Steer Loader based upon no bids meeting the specifications; and
furthermore, to authorize staff to rewrite the specs and rabid the Skid
Steer Loader. Roli call: Al1 ayes
g. Establish 19~0 & 19~1 Salary Range for Working Foreman - Streets, Parks,
Sewer and Water
Motion by Paterson, second by Clerkin to establlsh the 1~0 and 1~1 salary
schedule for Foreman - Streets, Parks, Sewer and Water as follows:
e7 6 Months I Year 2 Years 3 Years ~ Years
s12. 7 $13.e s1 .84
En~ 6 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years ~ Years
~T2~34 '$12.~6 '~ $14.20 $'14.B1 $15.~3
Roll call: All ayes
h. Other New Business
I. £iscal Disparities Lobbying
Councilmember Nawrockl advised that in the upcoming legislative session there
will be considerable pressure to reduce or elimlnate'fiscal disparities. He
feels this will have a very Intense impact on the City of Columbla Heights.
He noted that some con~nunlties have employed the services of Charles Weaver
of the Larkln, Hoffman & Daly law firm, to lobby on their behalf regarding
fiscal disparities and recommended that the City of Columbia Heights join
in this effort.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkln to authorize the City I~anager to work
with Mr. Charles Weaver and bls firm and/or other tone, unities to develop
an agreement for possible lobbying to protect fiscal disparities and the
potential benefits it has for the City of Columbla Heights and to return to
the Council possible reconmmndations in support of this effort. Roll call:
All ayes
Regular Council Meeting
December 26, 1990
page 9
Councilmember Nawrocki stated that the potential costs of this lobbying
could be between five thousand and ten thousand dollars.
10. REPORT5
a. City Manager's Report
The report of the City Manager was submitted in written form and the following
items were discussed:
1. Salvage of Chevrolet Suburban: The City has received an offer of $I00.00
for its old rusted out Chevrolet Suburban. The vehicle's value .is for parts.
Notion by Paterson, second by Clerkin to authorize the City Manager to
accept the offer of $100.00 for the City's Chevrolet Suburban. Roll call:
A11 ayes
2. Establishing Upcoming Work Sessions: Motion by Nawrocki, second by
Ruettimann to establish Monday, January 7, 1991 at 8:00 p.m. and
Thursday, January 24, 1991 at 6:30 p.m. as Council work sessions.
Roll call: All ayes
3. Correspondence from Other Agencies: Distributed to the Council were memos
from the Metropolitan Council regarding a public hearing it is holding
on Tuesday, January 22, 1991 to address a new policy for regional rec-
reation open space; from the Metro Relations, Inc. President regarding
its proposal for analysis and oversight of the Metropolitan Waste Control
Commission to be discussed at the January Suburban Rate Authority meeting;
and from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding a vacancy on its Board
of Directors. No Council action was required on these matters as they
were for informational purposes only.
The City Manager advised he has received notice that the Regional Transit
Board is interested in having cities in the metro area pass a resolution
endorsing a 1~ sales tax. He stated this will be a matter for discussion
at a Council work session.
Future Direction of Recreation Department: The Chairperson of the Park
Board met with the City Manager to discuss the future direction of the
Recreation Department. The City Manager inquired if the Council as a
body would like to meet with the Park Board or rather have representatives
of the Councll meet with it. Mayor Carlson felt this should be a joint
meeting with the City Council and the Park Board. It was scheduled for
8:00 p.m. on January 23rd.
New Rules for State Aid Roads: The Public Works Director stated that
some of the rules being proposed for state aid roads appear to be looser
than more restrictive.
6. January Suburban Rate Authority Meeting: Councilmember Nawrockl encouraged
members of the Council and of the staff to attend the January 16th meeting
of the Suburban Rate Authority.
7. Fire at Brake Shoe Building: Mayor Carlson arrived at the site of this
fire shortly after it broke out. He stated that the building was fully
engulfed at the tlme he arrived. Our Fire Department was assisted by
departments from three other cities. Mayor Carlson fe]t the fire was
Regular Council Meeting
December 26, 1990
page 10
very professionally handled.
b. City Attorney's Report
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m..
Poll call: All ayes
Uo-Anine Student, Co~-~cll Secretary
Mayor Edward ~\ Carlson --