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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 10, 1990OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOLUNTEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 10, 1990 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Carlson called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 8:50 p.m.. 2. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - present 3. RESIGNATION OF CAPTAIN HAROLD OSTMOE Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to accept the resignation, due to retirement, of Captain Harold Ostrnoe from the Columbia Heights Fire Depart- ment Relief Association - Volunteer Division effective December 21, 1990; and furthermore, to schedule the optional lump sum pension payment per his request through the Volunteer Division Relief Association. Roll call: All ayes 4. RESIGNATION OF GREGORY D. SAGMOE Motion by Clerkin, second by Ruettimann to terminate Gregory D. 5agmoe from the Columbia Heights Fire Department Volunteer Relief Association effective November 1, 1990. Roll call: All ayes 5. MEMBERSHIP Motion by Nawrocki, second by Cierkin to have the Fire Department Volunteer Relief Association Board of Trustees take official action to accept Christopher W. Land and John K. Larkin as members of the Association effective November 13, 1990. Roll call: All ayes 6. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 p.m.. Roll call: Ali ayes -Anne Student, Councll May6r Edward ~t4': -Carl son Secretary OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUHBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL HEETING DECEHBER 10, 1990 The meeting was called to order by Hayor Carlson at 7:00 p.m.. 1. ROLL CALL Nawrockl, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE .3. CON~ENT. AGE.NDA The following item~ were approved by the Council on the Consent Agenda: fllnutes for Approval The Council approved the minutes of the Reaular Counci. 1 meetina of November 2b, !~90 and the Levy Hearing of November 27, 1990 as presented and there were no corrections. ~Irst Readlp9 of Ordinance No. 1214; be|ng, an ordinance p~r~al~ln9 to Elected Officials This ordinance changes the terminology of 'eCouncllmen~ to e~Councilmembers~ and it defines elected officials as employees of the City for purposes of ~orker~s Compensation. The reading of the ordinance was waived there being ample copies available to the public. ORDINANCE NO. 1214 BEING AN ORDINANCE AHENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, AND PER- TAINING TO ELECTED OFFICIALS The City of Columbla Heights does ordain: Section 1: f2.101 (3) of the Clty Code of 1977, passed June 23, 1977, which reads as follows, to wit: 2. I O1 (3) The four year term of office for Councilmen shall be staggered so that the offices of no more than two (2) Councilmen will be on the ballot for each municlpal election. Provided, however, that if a vacancy exists. on the Council, the Council $hall forthwith appoint an eligible person to fill the same until the next regular municipal election~ when the office shell be filled for the unexpired term, end that such offices may be on the ballot in addition to the two (2) offices provided for hereln. Shall hereafter read as follows, to wit: 2. i 01 (3) The four year term of office for Council Hembers shall be staggered so that the offices of no more than two (2) Council I~embers will be on the ballot for each electlon. Provided, however, that If a vacancy exists Regular Council Heeting December ID, 1990 page 2 on the Council, the City 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. 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 workers' compensation purposes. Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First reading: December I0, 1990 The second reading of Ordinance No. 121q is scheduled for December 26, 1990. Attendance of the City Accountant at the Annual ~overnment Finance Officers' Association Conference The Council authorized the attendance of June Johnston, City Accountant, at the Annual Government Finance Officers' Association Conference from June 2 - $, 1991, in Denver, Colorado, and that related expenses be reimbursed. Attendance of Fire Chief at Natlonal Fire Academy Course The Council authorized the attendance of Charles Kewatt, Fire .Chief, at the National Fire Academy In Emmitsburg, Maryland, from January 7 - 18, 1991, and that related expenses be approved. Purchase of Personal Alert Safety Systems The Council ratif'ied' the' action of the City Manager in purchasing 20 PAL 5 units from Team Equipment, Inc., 60q5 Sherwln Drive, Port Rlchey, Florida and also authorized the funds received from the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters be used for the purchase. Extension of Shared Ride Contract The Council authorized the Mayor and Clty Manager to .enter into an agreement to extend the amended contract bet~ee~ the City of Columbia Heights and ?' Suburban Taxl for expansion of the Shared Ride Para-Transit Service int° the City of Fridley and to Northto~n Shopping Center through danuary 31, 1991Llcense Applications The Council approVed the 1991 license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. payment of Bills The Council approved the payment of bills as listed from proper funds. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by #awrocki, second by Ruettlmann to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Roli call: Ali ayes Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1990 page 3 5. OPEN HIKE/PRESENTATIONS There was no one present for Open Hike. Hayor Carlson presented a plaque to members of the Columbia Heights Girls Volleyball Team in recognition to their winning the State Championship. He noted that the team was also selected as the number I team in the nation. Members of the Council presented each team member with a rose. 6. COMMUNICATIONS a. Special Purpose Fence - q717 Sixth Street N.E. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to approve the request for permission to erect a six foot high privacy fence on the property IDeated at q717 Sixth Street beginning one foot from the front property Ilne and continuing along the northernmost property line to a point one foot from the rear property line. The owner of the property presented a letter from his neighbor which indicated approval. The letter was placed on file. Roll call: All ayes b. Conditional Use Permit & Site Plan Approval - 5098 Central Avenue; John Justice and ErlCkson Investment Group It was noted this request is for a restaurant which is a franchise and will be the first one of its kind In the area. Hotion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to approve the request for a conditional use permit to allow the operation of a 36 seat restaurant and food delivery service at 5098 Central Avenue. Roll call: Ali ayes 7. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES a. Resolution No. 90-59; Being a Resolution Establishing Senior Citizen Eligi- bility Standards for Refuse, Sewage Disposal and Vater Supply Utility Rates Hotion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 90-59 ESTABLISHING SENIOR CITIZEN ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS FOR REFUSE, SEVAGE DISPOSAL AND VATER SUPPLY UTILITY RATES WHEREAS, the City Council has previously established eligibility standards for senior citizens for refuse service, disposal, and water supply; and WHEREAS, It has been the City's practice to maintain uniform eligiblity standards whenever possible: NOV, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Columbia Heights as follows: 1. That anyone over 62 years of age with a maximum household income of $12,800 wil1 be eligible for reduced rates. Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1990 page ~ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the above eligibility standard to be effective January 1, 1991. Passed this lOth day of December, 1990. Offered by: Nawrockl Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Edward M. Carlson b. Resolution No. 90-60; Authorizing Renewal of Class B Charitable Gambling License for V.F.W. Post #230 Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 90-60 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF CLASS B CHARITABLE GAMBLING LICENSE FOR V.F.W. POST #230 WHEREAS, the City received a gambling license renewal application from V.F.W. Post #230 seeking the renewal of a Class B gambling llcense; and WHEREAS, the organization continues to comply with the Clty~s resolution on charltable gambling and is considered to be a qualified organization; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the renewal of a Class B charitable gambling license for the Columbia Heights V.F.W. Post #230 in conjunction with activities held at the V.F.W. Post #230, hhh6 Central Avenue, Columbia Heights. Passed this lOth day of December, 1990. Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Mayor Edward Pi. Carlson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary c. Ordinance No. 1213; Amending Chapter 6 of the City Charter The Acting City Manager requested this matter be heard later in the meeting. fie advised that the public hearing notice contained an incorrect time for the public hearing. COMMUNICATIONS (cont.) Traffic Commission Minutes of the December 4, 1990 Traffic Commission were received and no Council action was required. Regular Council Meeting December 10, 19gO page 5 Funding Request - Anoka County Historical Society 'The Historical Society is requesting a contribution from Columbia Heights of $500.00. Council member Nawrocki inquired what the Historical Society does for the City and he questioned the value of supporting the organization. The Acting City Manager advised that the Society maintains the heritage of the area and of the County. He observed that it could operate either by doing projects and then requesting the funding or request funding to do projects. Motion by Paterson.,' second by Ruettlmann to authorize a payment In the amount of $500.00 to the Anoka County Historical Society consistent wlth their letter requesting financial support dated September 21, 1990; and that such expense be charged to the Mayor-Council budget, Account #8100 - Contingencies. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - aye Nawrocki - nay 8. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS a. Purchase of Computer Equipment Moti'on by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Computer Corporation to pur:hase data processing equipment at a cost of $5,q96 based on low informal price quotations. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Small Business Systems to purchase registration and scheduling software at a cost of $1~500. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Ruettlmann, second by Paterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with ITT Research to move the current Novel ELS2 network system from Public Norks to Recreation, hook the network up to the City Hall network and install Novel Advanced Network in Publlc Norks at a cost of $7,549 based on Iow informal price quotation. Roll call: Ail ayes b. Approval to Purchase Additional Computer Equipment. Motion by Clerkln, second by Ruettimann to authorize the Mayor and Clty Manager to enter into an agreement to purchase data processing equipment from Computer Corp at a cost of $10,393 based on low Informal price quotation. Roll cai1: AIl ayes c. Refuse Credit and Policy The Council is being requested to adopt a policy which would create a refuse credit for legitimate long-term periods when service is not being used and would control the very short period requests. £ouncilmember Nawrocki objected to that part of the recommended policy which would require residents to place their garbage cans and recycling bins Indoors. Regular Councll Heeting December 10, 1990 page 6 Staff advised that these cans could be used for illegal dumping or by someone other than the owners if they were left out during the absence of the property owner · Hotion by Nawrocki to establish a policy where refuse credit will be granted only when the water service and the sanitary sewer service to the property has been discontinued. Motion dies for lack of a second. Councilmember Nawrockl felt the responsibllty of the hauler should be to know whose service has been discontinued. Mayor Carlson observed that empty refuse cans tend to blow around the neighborhood. Councllmember Paterson felt to put cans in an inaccessible place would be no real burden for residents. flotion by Paterson, second by Ruettimann to establish a policy where refuse credit will be granted only when the water service to the property has been discontinued and the garbage cans and recycling containers are placed in an inaccesslble location for pick up. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - aye Nawrocki - nay d. Holiday Advertising for Top Valu Liquor Store Motion by Peterson, second by Clerkin to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Star Tribune for three one-day adver- tisements of liquor store merchandise at a cost not to exceed $2,$00. Roll call: All ayes e. Final Payment to Taylor Telephone Systems for Installation of Telephone Communication Equipment The Finance Director advised that the system is covered by a one-year mainte- nance agreement. Counciimember Ruettimann inquired if staff has received ade- quate training on the system and is knowledgeable of all of its usages. The Finance Director acknowledged that the initlai training done of staff was not adequate but that the subsequent training done by staff members is bringing everyone up to speed. Motion by Clerkln, second by Ruettimann to authorize final payment in the amount of Sq,qO0.85 to Taylor Telephone Systems. Roll call: All ayes f. Award of Bid for Handicap Access to the Municipal Service Center Motion by Ruettimann, second by Paterson to authorize the award of the handicap access doors at the Municlpal Service Center to Franzen Construc- tion Company of Columbia Heights, based on their responsible low, Informal quote of $1,359 from budgeted line item 701-q9950-5120 and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: All ayes g. Award of Bid for Portable Steamer Motion by Peterson, second, by Ruettimann to authorize the award of bid for the portable steamer to SunTec Engineering of Apple Valley, based on their responslble low, informal quote for a Viking Series qOOOB with !00~ of hose in the amount of $3,795 from budget line Items 601-qVqqV-5180 and 602-qVq99- 5180 and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the s~me. Roll call: All ayes h. Establish 1990 & 1991 Salary Range for Working Foreman - Streets, Parks, Sewer and Water Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1990 page 7 The Acting City Manager requested this item be removed from the agenda. i. Establish 1990 & 1991 Salary Range for Foreman - Vehicle.Maintenance Motion by Paterson, second by Clerkln to establish the 1990 and 1991 salary schedule for Working Foreman - Yehicle Maintenance as follows: 1990 Entry 6 Honths 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years $2,513 $2,599 $2,685 $2,770 $2,856 Entry 6 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years $2,61q $2,703 $2,792 $2,881 $2,970 j. Funding for LaBelle Pond Clean-up Councilmember Ruettimann inquired If the funding in the 1990 budget for cleaning up LaBelle Pond will be carried over to the 1991 budget as it didn't get used. The Acting City Manager advised that it had been the practice of former Councils to have a resolution at the end of the year which addressed carry- overs and the money budgeted for certain items was "protected.'~ Councllmember Nawrocki advised he has been advised that the LaBelle Pond project is eligible for Community Oevelopment Block Grant funds. k. Staff Review of Contractors' Plans Counciimember Ruettimann stated he had been contacted by two contractors who expressed concern regarding the timeframes for having plans reviewed. He re- quested that staff establish a regular procedure for reviewing plans so contractors or individuals would not have to be kept waiting so long. ORDINANCE5 AND RESOLUTIONS (cont.) Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1213 Regarding Amending the City Charter The amendment would raise the City Manager's spending and contract signature requirements from the present threshhold of $1,000 to $3,000. Motion by ~uettimann, second by Paterson to .waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: AIl ayes ORDINANCE NO. 1213 BEING AN ORDINANCE AFtENDING CHAPTER 6, SECTION 56, PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS, AND SECTION 57, CONTRACTS, HOW LET, OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section I: Chapter 6, Section 56, of the Charter of the City of Columbla Heights which reads as follows, to wit: "PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS. The City Manager shall be chief purchasing agent of the City. All purchases on behalf of the City shall be made, and all contracts let by the City Manager subject to the Eegular Council Meeting Oecember 10, 1990 page 8 Section 2: Section the approval of the Council, ~henever the amount of such purchases or contract exceeds $1,000.00. Ail contracts, bonds, and Instruments of every klnd to ~hich the City shall be a party shall be signed by the Mayor on behalf of the City as we1! as by the Clty Manager, and shall be executed in the name of the City." Is herewith amended to read as follows, to wit: Section 56. PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS. The City Manager shall be the chlef purchasing agent of the City. All purchases end contracts on behalf of the Clty shall be made by the City I~anager, but subject to the approv&1 of the Clty Council whenever the amounts of such purchases or contracts exceeds $3,000.00. AII contracts of any kind to which the City Is a party exceeding $3,000.00 and Instruments of conveyance of any real estate by the City shall be signed by the Piayor and City Manageron behalf of the City and shall be executed in the name of the City. Chapter 6, Section 57, of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights which reads as follows, to wlt: "CONTRACTS, HOW LET. If the work to be done or property of any kind to be purchased Is estimated to exceed $10,000.O0 the Clty shall advertise for sealed bids in such manner as may be desig- nated by the City Council. Contracts of this magnitude shall be let only by the City Council and shall go to the lowest respon- sible bidder. The City Councll may elect to reject any and all bids. If the amount of the contract is estimated to exceed $5,000.00 but not exceed $10,000.00 the contract may be made upon either sealed bids or by direct negotlation, by obtaining two or more written quotations complying with the requirements of competitive bidding. If the amount of the contract is estl- mated to be $5,000.00 or less the contract may be made either upon quotation or In the open market by dlscretlon of the City Council; but, so far as practlcable, shall be based upon at least two written quotations. All written quotations shall be kept on file for a period of at least one year after recelpt. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the City Councll by a four-fifths vote from doing work wlth a patented process or from purchasing a patented appilance. Further regulations for maklng the blds and letting of contracts shall be made by ord lnance." is herewith amended to read as follows, to wlt: Section 57. CONTRACTS, HOW LET. All contracts of the Clty shall be let in accordance with the Unlform Municipal Contracting Law of the State of Minnesota. Further regulations for the taking of bids and lettlng of contracts may be made by ordinance. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after nlnety (90) days after Its publicatlon. Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1990 page 9 First reading: Second reading: Date of Passage: November 13, 1990 December 10, 1990 December 10, 1990 t4ayor Edward't4. Carls6n- Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Councilmember Peterson re. It it was worth notlng that the funds needed to purchase twenty PAT $ (Personal Alert Safety System) units was donated by the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters. The total purchase price was $1,980.00. The Boosters have donated a considerable amount of money for the use of the City of Columbia Heights in matters such as this purchase. 10. REPORTS a. City Hanager's Report The report of the City Manager was presented in written form and the following items were discussed: !. Newly-appointed Assistant Recreation Director: The City Hanager introduced Hark Casey, the newly-appointed Assistant Recreation Olrector. Assistant Fire Chief: Pat DeHars, the Assistant Fire Chief, who has been on sick leave, will be returning to work this week. It was noted that he can supervise ground fire service and perform office duties. It is anti- cipated he will have any restrictions lifted in about four to six week.s 3. Excluslon of 3900 Block of Cleveland from Mid-Block Lighting: The majority of residents on the 3900 block of Cleveland have signed a letter requesting the exclusion of their block in the mld-block lighting project for the area. The City Manager felt this request was reasonable noting that there is a park on the east side of this block with many llghts. He stated there are about five or slx locations whlch are slmilar to this one. He requested direction from the Council regarding the establishment of a policy in matters such as this. Councllmember Clerkin inquired as to the status of the installation of the mid-block lights. The Public Works Director advised that all sixty locations have been staked and only five locations have received calls from residents who oppose the locations. Councllmember Peterson felt security of all Involved should be a con- sideration for each light. He is of the opinion that the entire idea of security that Is offered by lights would be lost If a light were denied solely on the basls of one or two residents opposition. It was noted that the Ilght poles are being located on Iotlines. Hotion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin that when complalnts are received from resident property owners within 300 feet of a proposed midblock light site, that those resident property owners within 300 feet of a midblock light site as well as those property owners on the opposite side of the street be polled and if the majority of the resident property owners do not want the llght installed, the ilght wlll not be installed. Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1990 page 10 Roll call: Clerkin, Nawrocki - aye Hotion fails. Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - nay The City Manager observed that lighting affects not only those property owners in the block In which they are located, but also affects everyone who walks on or uses that area. Council member Nawrocki felt that in fairness the City should stop charging for midblock lights on an annual assessment basis. Mayor Carlson received a call from a resident on 49th Avenue who is opposed to the location of a fire hydrant in front of her property. He Inquired how much It would cost to relocate the hydrant. The Public Works Director advised that a project such as this is very expensive. Councllmember Nawrocki observed that the amount of discussion generated by midblock lighting and the Installation of a watermaln on ~gth Avenue are good examples of why the Councll should hold public hearings on matters of interest to residents. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired what action Anoka County took regarding denial of digging in hgth Avenue, which is a County aid road. The Publlc Works Director responded that the Assistant County Engineer denied the City's request to place the Jacking pit on the west side of Central. As a consequence it had to be placed on private property,~ specifically the parking lot at Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. It is the contention of the restaurant that it lost business because of the huge mound of dirt on the parking lot. h. Increase of Refuse Rates: 0riginally, staff had estimated the increase In refuse rates to be approximately $3.00 per month. The staff recommendation now is for an increase of $1.82 per month. This materlal was to be discussed at a Council work session but no work session ls scheduled before the end of the year. The City Manager indicated this matter will be on the agenda of the December 26th Councll meeting. Councilmember Nawrocki requested additional information including back up material. b. City Attorney's Report The City Attorney advised that the agreement between Zaldan Holdings, Inc. and the City is presently being reviewed by the Assistant County Attorney. He noted that the Assistant County Attorney had.indicated he Intends to make an amend- ment tO the Agreement. The City Attorney has not received anything back from the County at this point in time. Councilmember Nawrocki requested the City Attorney to review the description of property being considered for a Iotspllt on 39th Avenue and to Include the request that there will be no building on the property as long as the donor of the property still resides across the street. 11. ADJOURNMENT Hotion by Clerkln, second by Peterson to adjOurn the meeting ~t 8:50 p.m.. L~r~'A~L~'~'~/~r~n~ ' - Mayor Edward M. Carlson ~o- · Student, Co~hcil se'cretar~ November 21, 1990 City of Columbia Heights 590 40th Avenue, N.E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (612)782-2800 TO THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION: Today we received a notice that you were to conduct a public hearing that would include the issue of the permission for our neighbors, Jay and Karen Shanno~ to build a privacy fence. Since the construction of the fence started you have also been out to get our permission to let them build it. We were more than glad to sign that permission slip. We have already removed most of our fence to allow them to easily have access to build theirs. The fence they are erecting is a great advantage to us as well. It is attractive, well built, and gives us additional privacy as well. The Shannon's are fine neighbors and a pleasure to live next door to. If you would look at the work he has done so far you would see quality work. We hope that this letter will help you to make the decision to let them build the fence. Their address is 4717 6th St. N.E. Sincerely, Mr. and ~rs. Randy Pettit 4723 6th St. N.E.