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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 8, 1990OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOLUNTEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION OCTOBER 8, 1990 Mayor Carlson called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 10:30 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Peterson, Ruettimann, Clerkin, Nawrocki, Carlson - present 2. TERMINATION FROM VOLUNTEER FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to terminate Clayton A. Kottom from the Columbia Heights Fire Department Relief Association effective September 28, 1990. Clayton Kottom was appointed to the Volunteer Division on April 1, 1988. Roll call: All ayes 3. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to adjourn the meeting at lO:31 p.m.. Roll call: All ayes 6-An~'$tuden~, COuncil Secretary OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 8, 1990 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Carlson at 7:05 p.m.. !. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Paterson, Carlson - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were approved by the Council from the Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes of a Previous Meeting The Council approved the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 24, 1990 as presented and there were no corrections. First Readin~ of Ordinance No. 1206 The Council waived the reading of Ordinance No. 1206 there being ample copies available for the public. ORDINAt~CE NO. 1206 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, PERTAINING TO MEMBERSHIP ON THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Section 3.308(1) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977, and amended by Ordinance No. 986, passed December 29, 1981, which reads as follows, to wit: 3.3o8 (1) A Traffic Commission is hereby established which shall consist of five members to be organized as follows: (al (Ord. 986, eff. 1/28/82) Four members shall be appointed by the Council and may be removed by a four-fifths vote of the CounciJ. One member shall be designated by the Council from among its membership, who shall serve at the will of the Council. The PubJic Works Director, or a person designated by him, and the Chief of Police shall also serve as ex-officio members of the Commission. (bi The four appointed members shall serve for a term of four years to be staggered so that the term of one member sha]l expire each year. The membership shall include an employee of the school district, a person transacting retail business in the City, a person transacting business in the Industrial district of the City, and a resident of the City. Every ap- pointed member shall take an oath that he will faithfully dis- charge the duties of office. The Commission shall elect a chairman from among its membership. The Secretary need not be designated from the Commission member- ship. Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1~)90 page 2 is herewith amended to read as follows, to wit: 3.o8(~) A Traffic Commission is hereby established which shall consist of five members. Four members shall be appointed by the Council and may be removed by four-fifths vote of the Council. One member shall be designated by the Council from among its membership and shall serve at the will of the Council. The Public Works Director, or a person designated by the Public Works Director, and the Chief of Police, or a person designated by the Chief of Police, shall serve as ex-officio members of the Commission. The four appointed members sha)) serve for a term of four years to be staggered so that the term of one member shall expire each year. The Commission shall elect a chairman from among its membership. The Secretary need not be designated from the Commission membership. Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty {30} days after its passage. First reading: October 8, 1990 The second reading of Ordinance No. 1208 is scheduled for October 22, 1990. Resolution No. 90-47; Being a Resolution Certifying Delinquent Utility Charges The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available to the public. RESOLUTION NO. 90-47 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 )etter 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 de) inquest uti]ity charges on the properties in the City of Columbia Heights as submitted on the attached sheet, totaling $],O$9.84 pursuant to Minnesota State Statute 444.075 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 enforcement and co))ection 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 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 8th day of October, 1~)90. Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1990 page 3 Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Mayor Edward M. Carlson Jo-Anne Student, Counci) Secretary Resolution No. 90-48; Being a Resolution Certifying Delinquent..S~.~cial Assessments The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public. RESOLUTION NO. 90-48 CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT 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 special assessments on the properties in the City of Columbia.Heights as submitted on the attached sheets and filed in the Assessment Book for 1990 total)lng $90,161.84. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the aforegoing amounts shall be included in the individual real estate tax statements for the current year and identified thereon as "Special Assessments - Fund #913." SAID LEVIES shall be enforced and collected in the manner provided for the enforcement 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 City of Columbia Heights and shall be turned over to the City Treasurer in the manner provided by the City Charter and Ordinances. THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS shall accept payments on these levies until October 15, 1990. Upon receipt of said payments the County will be notified to remove this levy from the tax rolls. Passed this 8th day of October, 1990. Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Peterson Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Coun'~)l Secretary Mayor Edward M. Carlson ' Authorization to Purchase Two Traffic Counters The Council authorized the purchase of two Trafi Comp. III traffic counters from ACT Electronics of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, in an amount of $2,950 and also authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Construction of Overflow on 42½ Avenue East Cul-De-Sac for Storm Sewer The Council authorized staff to seek quota~i0~'s for the construction of an Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1990 page /4 overflow from the storm sewer manhole on the east end of /42½ Avenue to the cul-de-sac and that the funding for this project will come from the undesignated sewer fund retained earnings. Repair of Sanitary Sewer Line on Polk Place The Council authorized the staff to seek quotations on sealing the joints with a combination of joint sealer and vapam for a portion of the sanitary sewer on Polk Place. Authorization to Seek Bids for Retaining Wall at Pump Station #3 The Council authorized s'taff to seek bids for the retaining wall behing Pump Station #3. Authorization to Seek Quotations for Swinging Bench, Municipal project #9005 The Council authorized staff to seek quotations for a swinging bench with foot- rest for the LaBelle Park Project. Authorization to Seek Quotations for Purchase and Installation of Furniture at Library The Council authorized staff to seek quotations for purchase and installation of furniture at the Library. Authorization to Seek Bids for Purchase and Installation of Carpeting at Library The Council authorized staff to seek bids for purchase and installation of carpeting at the Library. Authorization to Purchase Pipe for Storm Sewer Construction The Council ratified the action of the City Manager to purchase 140 lineal feet of 12" reinforced concrete storm sewer pipe from North Star Concrete Company of App)e Va)lay, Minnesota at a tota) cost of $1,317. Approval of License Apj)lications The Council approved the 1990 license app) ications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Payment of Bills The Council approved the payment of bills as listed out of proper funds. /4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Nawrocki, second by Paterson to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes 5. OPEN MIKE/PRESENTATIONS There was no one present for Open Mike. Mayor Carlson presented a plaque to Tom Hosch in recognition of twenty years of service as a Volunteer Firefighter. 6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS a. Resolution No. 90-/49; Being a Resolution Establishing 1991 Business License Fees Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1990 page 5 Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 90-49 ESTABLISHING 1991 BUSINESS LICENSE FEES WHEREAS: Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, pertaining to commercial licensing regulations provides for the establishing of annual license fees; and WHEREAS: The City has participated in a survey of metropolitan municipalities regarding business license fees charged by other communities; and WHEREAS: The City is attempting to maintain business licenses which are comparable; and WHEREAS: The City annually reviews its business license fee schedule NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the attached proposed license fee schedule be adopted and effective January 1, 1991. Passed this 8th day of October, 1990. Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Ruettimann Ro11 call: All ayes Mayor Edward M. Carlson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary b. Resolution No. 90-50; Designating General Fund - Fund Balance for Cash Flow Purposes The Finance Director briefly reviewed the purpose of this resolution. He explained that this action will not change the General Fund, but merely will add a line item to the General Fund. This line item will be designated for use only for cash flow purposes. Councilmember Nawrocki expressed some concern regarding how these funds will be appropriated, in that to approve funding a four-filth's vote is needed by the Councll. He felt this control would be removed if this line item were ap- proved. He requested the City Attorney to review and prepare additional infor- mation. Motion by Clerkln, second by Nawrocki to table for additional information. The tabling motion was withdrawn and the City Attorney indicated he would respond to this matter later in the meeting. 7. COMMUNICATIONS a. Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Nedegaard Construction - Setback Variance for Garage at 4301 Fifth Street Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1990 page 6 The previous owner of this property had received a 5m6'l setback variance to build a garage. He sold the property to Nedegaard Construction before a garage was constructed. Nedegaard Construction is requesting a seven foot setback variance. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended a three foot setback be approved by the Council. Discussion continued regarding the proposed size of the garage, how it would line up with the garage to the east and the )ocatlon of sidewalks in the area, The Building Inspector advised that the present sidewalk may have been installed by a previous owner and she noted that permission had been given to remove the sidewalk, Dave Newman, lega] counsel for Nedegaard Construction, stated that engineering staff had assured that the sidewalk could be removed, Members of the Council expressed their concern for pedestrian safety, Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrocki to approve a 5' setback variance to allow the construction of a 22' deep detached garage at 4301 Fifth Street provided that the existing curb cut from the previous dwelling be removed, Roll ca]]: Al) ayes b. Anoka County Traveler Expansion Elwyn Tinklenberg, a representative of the Regional Transit Board, was in at- tendance at the Council meeting to explain the expansion of the Anoka County Traveler. He noted this is a demonstration project at the present time. The demonstration period is from December l, 1990 through December 31, 1991. The City's Shared Ride Program would be expanded into Fridley and if residents had destinations outside of Columbia Heights, Hilltop or Fridley they would be dropped off at Transfer Coordination Points which would be coordinated with vehicles used by the Anoka County Traveler project. Columbia Heights would on)y incur the personne) costs associated with administration of the expansion. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to authorize the City Manager to send a letter to the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and the Regional Transit Board on behalf of the Mayor and City Council supporting the concept of ex- pansion of the Anoka County Traveler Service into Columbia Heights, Hilltop and Fridley and also authorize City staff to work out the details of the expansion of the Anoka County Traveler Service and its corporation with the Shared Ride Para-Transit Service. Roll call: All ayes 2. Werner Egli, 4243 Pierce Street - Setback Variance for Garage Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to approve the 35 foot setback variance to allow for the construction of a 20' x 22' detached garage at 4243 Pierce Street. Roll call: Ali ayes c. Traffic Commission The minutes of the October l, 1990 Traffic Commission meeting were distributed. No Council action was required. Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1990 page 7 RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ( CONT.) b(cont.) Resolution Designating General Fund - Fund Balance for Cash Flow Purposes The City Attorney had been requested to draft some suggestions as to how these funds could be approved but only by a four-fifth's vote of the Council. He suggested that a charter change could be made to accommodate this action. Also, funds could be in a fund other than the General Fund such as the fo]lowing examples; National Disaster or Emergency Fund, Self Insured Claim Fund, or Environmental Claim Fund. The Finance Director explained that if the Council designated a portion of the fund balance as being needed for cash flow it would indicate that the City does not have a large undesignated surplus. This money is needed to provide financing for general fund activities during the first six months of the year as the City receives little revenue in the first six months. Ali state aid and taxes are received in the )asr six months of the year. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: Ail ayes RESOLUTION NO. 90-50 BEING A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING GENERAL FUND FUND BALANCE FOR CASH FLOW PURPOSES WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights receives the majority of its general fund revenue during the last six months of the year; and WHEREAS, this requires the City to maintain an adequate fund balance surp)us to finance City general and fund operations during the first six months of the year NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Columbia Heights City Council does hereby designate an amount equal to 40~ of the City next year's general fund budget as designated for cash flow purposes. Date of passage: October 8, 1990 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Paterson Ruettimann A11 ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Edward M. Carlson c. Resolution Transferring General Fund - Undesignated Fund Balance to the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund Councilmember Nawrocki requested the followlng addition be made as an amendment to the reso)ution: AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any expenditure from the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund be approved by a four-filth's vote. Mayor Carlson requested that the Maintenance Fund be included in this additional language. The Acting City t~nager commented that this may be in conflict with the City's charter. Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1990 page 8 Motion by Clerkin, second by Carlson to table this item for additional infor- mation to be brought back to the Council budget work session. Roll call: Ail ayes 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Sale of Tax Forfeit Property Motion by Nawrockl, second by Peterson to authorize the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance and other appropriate documentation to authorize and accommodate the sale of tax forfeit property located at 2224 Maiden Lane (adjacent to 2228 Maiden Lane); and furthermore, that the City Council accepts the offer of Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Fuerst in the amount of $500 for the purchase of this parcel. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to authorize the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance and other appropriate documentation to authorize and accommodate the sale of the west 25 feet of property located at 1856 39th Avenue (adjacent to 1848 39th Avenue); and furthermore, that the City Council accepts the offer of Mr. Gary Traverse in the amount of $300 for the purchase of this parcel, subject to the approval of a )otsplit by the City of Columbia Heights and with the understanding that the title will be a Quit Claim Deed. The Acting City Manager noted that this sale will not interfere with the City's ability to service the sewer line in the area. He also stated that there is no record indicating that a portion of this parcel was dedicated for park purposes by the person who donated the property to the City. Councilmember Peterson expressed concern with sell lng off more of this parcel than was necessary. He felt as much as possible should be retained for use by the City and the Park Board for park land. Roll call: Nawrocki, Clerkin, Rue:timann, Carlson - aye Peterson - nay Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to transfer the remaining portion of this parcel to the City's park system. Councilmember Nawrocki felt it would be advisable to find out what the Park Board would recommend regarding the remainder of this property. The motion was withdrawn. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann that the Park Board be requested to look at all City-owned land around Hart Lake, except that which has been pre- vlously designated for sale, and make recommendations as to how the land may be used for park purposes. Roll call: All ayes b. Electrical Work at Municipal Service Center Motion by Clerkin, second by Nawrocki to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Sherwood Electric in the amount of $1,395 for interconnecting of the air units and to install five setback-type thermostats subject to the written quotation. Roll call: AI1 ayes c. Final Payment to Kumar Mechanical, Inc. Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize final payment of $9,200 to Kumar Mechanical, Inc. subject to the condition that they provide the City with the "as built" plans. Roll call: All ayes d. Joint Powers Agreement for Watermaln Construction Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1990 page 9 The City Attorney distributed copies of the newly-drafted Joint Powers Agreement for the watermain construction to service the Middle School and Valley View Elementary School. The City Manager explained the amendments to the Agreement, noting that the School District shall have the right to terminate the Agreement if the bids received for the construction are excessive. Councilmember Nawrocki requested that the City of Hilltop be included in the paragraph on the top of the second page of the Agreement. This paragraph addresses administrative cost which will be incurred. Motion by Clerkin, second by Paterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign the amended Joint Powers Agreement. Roll call: A11 ayes NEW BUSINESS a. Final Payment for Municipal Project #8813 - Study of Alleged Huset Park Hazardous Waste 5ire The Public Works Director advised that there is an outstanding bill coming from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in the amount of approximately $1,000. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Clerkin to authorize 'payment of $2,780 to Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates as fina] payment and completion of the contract for Municipal Project #8813. Roll call: All ayes b. Purchase of Garage Door Operator by Fire Department Hotion by Ruettimann, second by Paterson to authorize the purchase of two overhead garage door operators from Automatic Garage Door Company, 220 - 77th Avenue, Minneapolis, at a total cost of $2,080 from the Undesignated General Fund Balance, and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and Acting City Manager to execute an agreement for same. Roll call: All ayes c. Authorization to Proceed with Additional Street Lighting in the Southeast Quadrant of Columbia Heights Counci]member Nawrocki observed this could eventually cost $40,000 annua)ly to operate these lights when the entire City has received this additional lighting. Members of the Council viewed a sketch of the proposed locations of these midblock lights. Motion by Clerkln, second by Ruettimann to authorize staff to proceed with having NSP install extra street llghtlng in the southeast quadrant of the City as proposed. Roll call: All ayes d. Olsposal of Votomatic Election Equipment Motion by Paterson, second by Ruettlmann to authorize the Finance Director to trade the obsolete used votomatlc equipment for a minimum of ten (10) v~ting booths and to authorize the payment of shipping costs. Roll call: All ayes e. Landscaping and Sod Replacement at Library Councilmember Nawrocki looked at the sod at the Library today and noted it appears to be growing and healthy. Motion by Carlson, second by Paterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Midwest Landscapes for landscaping and sod replacement at the Library at a cost of $4,491,60 as listed in formal written quotation. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting October 8, 1990 page 10 f. Establish Date for Council Meetings Motion by Clerkin, second by Ruettimann to establish November 13, 1990 at 7:30 p.m. as the Regular Council Meeting date in lieu of November 12, 1990, which is Veteran's Day. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrockl to establish December 26, 1990 at 7:30 p.m. as the Regular Council Meeting date in lieu of December 24, 1990, which is Christmas Eve. Roll call: All ayes g. Purchase of Computer Equipment for Public Works Motion by Clerkin, second by Paterson to authorize staff to seek quotations for GIS Editing Equipment included in the 1990 budget. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki requested information on the payback on the GIS system. The Public Works Director will make this information available. 10. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in writing and the following items were discussed: 1. City Information Brochure: The City Manager distributed copies of the material being considered for inclusion in a City informational brochure. He noted that the Council had originally approved 1,000 copies of a four page brochure be printed. At that point in time consideration was given to include a cover on this material. The Acting City Manager gave the approximate cost of a brochure which included a cover. He was requested to bring samples and costs to the next Council work session. 2. New Hire: Julie Haugen has been appointed to the position of Switchboard Operator/Receptionist effective October )5, 1990 at the entry level according to AFSCME contract. 3. Anoka County Geographic Information System: Anoka County is hosting three, two hour seminars on October 22nd regarding the Geographic Information Systems. The Public Works Director stated he has requested that a seminar of this type be held at night so elected officials are able to attend. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney advised he has not heard from Zaidan Holdings, Inc. regarding their position of the Management Agreement of the parking ramp. The City Attorney requested an Executive Session be held after the Council meeting is adjourned. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m.. Roll call: All ayes Anne Student, l:ouncil Secretary Mayor Edward'-M: C&'I'T~on