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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 24, 1990OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, )990 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Carlson at 7:00 p.m.. 1. ROLL CALL Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - present Councilmember Nawrockl arrived at 7:10 p.m.. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were included in the Consent Agenda: Minutes for Approval The Council approved the minutes of the September lOth Regular Council Meeting as presented and there were no corrections. Conference Request - Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association The Council approved the attendance of Charles Kewatt, Fire Chief, at the Annual Fall Conference of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association to be held in Duluth, [tinnesota from October 25 - 27, 1990 and also authorized that related expenses be reimbursed. Purchase and Installation of Steel Shelving The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with DMO, Inc. for the purchase, delivery and installation of Andrew Wilson steel library shelving at a cost of $3,350 as listed in formal written quo- tation and the Council recognized this as a proprietary item. Painting of Designated Areas in the Library The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with R.W. Ceilings and Walls for the painting of the library's exterior cap £rim, brown room, office, and adult reading room at a cost of $2,545 based on iow informa) quotation. License Applications The Council approved the 1990 license applications as presented upon payment of proper fees. .Payment of Bills The Council authorized the payment of bills as listed out of proper funds. 4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Clerkln, second by Peterson to approve the Consent Agenda as pre- sented. Roll ca)l: Ail ayes 5. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS a. Proclamation - Donna Payne Day, October 6, 1990 Mayor Carlson read the proclamation designating October 6, 1990 as Donna Payne Day in Columbia Heights. He presented the proc)amation and a plaque to Donna Payne in recognition of her dedicated service to the community. Regular Council Meeting September 24, 1990 page 2 b. Women of Today Week Proclamation Mayor Carlson read the proclamation designating the week of September 23 - 29, 1990 as Women of Today Week in Columbia Heights. He presented it to representatives of the organization. c. Toastmasters Week Proclamation Mayor Carlson read the proclamation designating the week of September 23 - 29, 1990 as Toastmasters Week in Columbia Heights. He presented the proclamation to Bernie Szymczak, a long time member of Toastmasters. d. Physician Assistant Day Proclamation Mayor Carlson read a proclamation designating October 6, 1990 as Physician Assistant Day in Columbia Heights. He presented the proclamation to Bev Frye, President of the Minnesota State Physician Assistant Association. 5a. OPEN MIKE The resident of 4233 Quincy Street inquired how the City could allow a management union to be formed by Division Heads in the City employ. Councilmember Nawrocki advised that this union is allowed by State law and the City has no autority to accept nor reject it. He noted that any group of employees can form a bargaining unit and that this is an entirely legal process. Doug Hill, a Columbia Heights resident, approached the Council to request support for the proper disposal of needles with syringes and other hazardous waste. He told of an incident where he and other associates had been stuck by an improperly disposed of needle and received little cooperation from his employer's workers' compensation insurance agent. Mr. ftill presented a list of people who have in- dicated their support for his cause. The Mayor and members of the Council also indicated their support. 6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS There were no ordinances or resolutions. 7. COMMUNICATIONS a. Planning and Zoning Commission 1. Selection of Consultant to Complete Update of Comprehensive Plan and Surface Water Management Plan Six consultants presented proposals for these studies. Three consultants were interviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission recommended that BRW, Inc. be selected to complete the update of the Comprehensive Plan and the Surface Water Management Plan. It was noted that this firm was not the low bidder. Councilmember Paterson, who represents the Council on the Planning and Zoning Commission, stated that members of the Commission, were not "sold" on any of these consultants but that they were all qualified. He feels it would have been preferable to go with the low bidder. Don Schneider, Director of the HRA, advised the Council what he had been told by cities who have used this firm's services in the past. He noted that these Regular Council Meeting September 2/~, 1990 page 3 references had not been checked until after the Commission had made its recommendation. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if any references were checked before the number of consultants was decreased from six to three. It was noted that this had not been done but the City Engineer had been aware of these con- sultants and felt they ~ere qualified. Councilmember Nawrocki felt references of work for municipalities should be checked with City officials as well as staff. He Is of the opinion that officials interface with residHnts who have to live with the Plan. He also observed that none of the consultants had proposals who included much citizen input opportunities. Some of the proposals provided for a citizen survey but Councilmember Nawrocki did not feel this amounted to in-depth citizen input. He referred to all of the citizen input when the 1980 Comprehensive Plan was being put together. Councilmember Nawrocki had previously questioned the value of this Plan. It was his suggestion that it ahould not be started until the final disposition of the Light Rail Transit project is determined. A resident stated he had been led to believe that only the lowest responsible bidder could be selected. Councilmember Nawrockl advised that this is not a bid but rather a Request for Proposal and that cost is not the only factor to be considered. He noted that the acceptance of an RFP is subjective but a pro- posal is accepted on the basis of what is best for the community. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to table for further information. Roll call: Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann - aye Peterson, Carlson - nay The motion passes. b. Response to Article in Focus Newspaper Councilmember Ruettimann advised he had contacted the Editor of the Columbia Heights edition of the Focus regarding an article she had written in the recent edition. The article stated that members of the Council could not agree on the hiring of a new City Manager. Councilmember Ruettimann observed that the work session at which this matter was discussed was called to determine which avenues the Council would pursue to fill this vacancy. He noted that decisions are not made at work sessions but rather their purpose is for informal discussion. He felt the article indicated that there is disagreement among the Counciimembers and led the reader to this conclusion. Councilmember Ruettimann was of the opinion that this type of journalism does an unjustice to the residents of the community and Is mis- leading. He also observed that the Editor only stayed at the work session a very short amount of time and did not have accurate Information. He noted she was not in attendance at this Council meeting and had hoped she would have been. Mayor Carlson observed that often the Council had been accused of making decisions at work sessions and now it is being blamed for not making decisions. A resident stated he felt this paper should not be the one selected for pub- lishing the Councll minutes or for legal publications. Councilmember Nawrocki advised that this paper is the only one which quallfies. Regular Council Meeting September 24, 1990 page 4 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Sale of Tax Forfeit Property Adjacent property owners to the following properties have expressed interest in purchasing them: 2224 Maiden Lane - adjacent property owners, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Fuerst 1904 bist Avenue - adjacent property owners, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Laine 3825 Quincy Street - adjacent property owner, John Tester 1856 39th Avenue, west 30 feet - adjacent property owner, Gary Traverse These parcels are City-owned tax forfeit parce)s. Counci)member Nawrocki recalled that a resident had previous)y requested to purchase the parcel at 1856 39th Avenue. The history of this parcel is that it was donated to the City by a resident in the area for park purposes. It was decided that records would be searched to determine if this dedication actually took place and is on file. It is not noted on the Quit Claim Deed. The City Manager advised that Mr. Traverse had requested that this matter be tabled until he can attend a meeting where it is discussed. He was unable to be in attendance at this meeting. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Clerkin to table this item for further investigation regarding buildabi)ity and possible park dedication of this particular parcel. Roll call: All ayes The City Manager observed that ten or eleven feet of this parcel could be sold to Mr. Traverse and a enough property would remain to be buildable. Councilmember Nawrocki felt some consideration should be given for access to Hart Lake to remain. A notation on the State Deed for the parcel at 2224 Maiden Lane indicated it should not be sold but rather be held for a watermain. No one on the staff could identify who made this notation or at what time. Councilmember Nawrocki recalled thQt one time interior streets were being considered for this area as we)l as others. Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to table this item. Roll call: All ayes Notion by Carlson, second by Peterson to table the selling of the parcel at 1904 4)st Avenue to NK. & Mrs. Richard Laine. It was speculated that this parcel had a notation on the platting map to retain it as it may be needed for a potential street. Mr. Laine recalled this consideration to retain the parcel but suggested it may no longer be viable and requested the Council to sell him the parcel. He noted he had been maintaining it for quite some time. The tabling motion was withdrawn. Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson 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 1904 41st Avenue (adjacent to )908 41st Avenue); and furthermore, that the City Council accepts the offer of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Laine in the amount of $100 for the purchase of this parcel. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting September 24, 1990 page 5 Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson 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 3825 Quincy Street (adjacent to 3829 Quincy Street); and furthermore, that the City Council accepts the offer of Mr. John Tester in the amount of $200 for the purchase of this parcel. Roll call: All ayes b. Reconveyance of Non-Buildable, Unusable, Tax-Forfeit Parcels to the State of Minnesota The parcel located at 1715 49th Avenue, PIN 25 30 24 13 0001 (landlocked behind 1615 and 1717 49th Avenue) was removed from the list of parcels. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the City Attorney to reconvey the following non-buildab)e, unusable, tax-forfeit parcels back to the State of Minnesota since such parcels are no longer considered as necessary for public purpose: a) 3943 Hayes Street, PIN 36 30 24 42 0063 (landlocked behing 3939 Hayes St.) b) 3756 2½ Street, PIN 35 30 24 33 0118 c) 5024 7th Street, PIN 26 30 24 24 0007 d) 4950 4th Street, PIN 26 24 0098 e) 619 37th Avenue, PIN 35 30 24 43 0013 and, that the easement currently on record at 3943 Hayes Street be retained. Roll call: All ayes c. Joint Powers Agreement Regarding Central Middle School Waterline Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign a Joint Powers Agreement with Hilltop and Independent School District #13 for the purpose of constructing a new water main to Central Middle School. The City Attorney advised that this item will be on the School Board agenda at its October 9th meeting and on the Hilltop Council meeting agenda on October 1st. Counci)member Nawrocki suggested that staff contact staff of the School District regarding checking with insurance rating people to establish the necessity of doing this construction. The Mayor requested the City Manager to convey this message to the School Superintendent. Roll call: All ayes d. Flag Pole Lighting at City Hall Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if anything has been done to purchase shields for the flag pole lights at City Hal). He noted they are still shining into nearby residents homes. He also observed that some of the lights at the Library are not working. The City Manager advised that the shields have been ordered and will be installed. e. Firefighters Association Annual Pancake Breakfast Mayor Carlson reminded everyone of the Firefighters Association Annual Pancake Regular Council Meeting September 24, 1990 page 6 Breakfast on October 7th and encouraged all to attend. NEW BUSINESS a. Upgrade of IBM 36 Computer System Councilmember Nawrocki inquired about the payback from the computer equipment already being used. He felt there doesn't appear to be any cost savings to this. Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Ultimate Data Systems to upgrade from P-20 to P-22 at a cost not to exceed $8,550 based on low informal quotation. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann, Paterson, Carlson - aye Nawrocki - nay b. Award of Contract for Municipal Project #8903 - Wargo Court Councilmember Nawrocki stated he had hoped that some of the work at Wargo Court would be done by City crews. The Public Works Director indicated that this is not the plan. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to award the landscaping work for Municipal Project #8903 to Midwest Landscapes, Inc. of Maple Grove, based on their low formal bid of $15,911.88; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same; and, that the cost for the Wargo Court improvement be funded as follows: Park Department Park Department $13,000.00 S 1,500.00 412-45202-5130 101-45200-4390 and to appropriate $6,559.38 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to 101-45200- 5130 for a total project of $21,059.38. Roll call: All ayes c. Award of Contract for Municipal Project #9026 - Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations The dollar amount in the recommended motion was corrected from $12,012.70 to $12,812.70. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the award of work for Municipal Project #9026 to Norsk Concrete Company of New Brighton, Minnesota, based upon their low formal bid of $12,812.70; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: All ayes d. Change Order #9024-1; 38th Place Project Motion by Peterson, second by Clerkin to authorize Change Order #9024-1 to Midwest Asphalt Corporation in a not-to-exceed amount of $8,532.10, with funding to come from the undesignated retained earnings of the Sewer Fund; and furthermore, to ~uthorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: All ayes e. Establish Date for Special Assessment Levy Hearing Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrocki to establish November 27, 1990 at 7:30 p.m. as the Special Assessment Levy Hearing to be held in the City Council Chambers. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting September 24, 1990 page 7 f. Street Light Outage Mayor Carlson advised he received a message regarding a street light located on 45th and Tyler Place which has not been operating for some time. The Public Works Director will contact Northern States Power about this repair. 10. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: 1. United Way Campaign Incentive: The City Manager advised that the six division heads had each donated four hours of their vacation time to those who participate in the United Way Campaign on a lottery basis, Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to authorize the six City division heads to grant up to four hours each of their vacation time as an incentive to participate in the United Way Campaign. Roll call: All ayes 2. Placement of Official Meeting Notices: The City Manager requested that a location inside of the City Hall be selected rather than the present practice of posting these notices on the glass window next to the door. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that the criteria for posting meeting notices includes being visib)e from outside of the bui)ding. He requested the City Manager to pursue a more order)y manner in which to post the notices. 3. Unilateral Rate Increase of Subscriber Rates by North Central Cable: Motion by Nawrocki, second by Carlson that the City Council go on record expressing its disfavor with the unilateral rate increase being instituted by North Central Cable Company without going through the public hearing process and this feeling be transmitted to the cable franchise. Roll call: All ayes 4. HRA Inspection Program: Councilmember Nawrocki noted that housing units which are to be occupied by people participating in Section 8 housing are inspected by a HRA staff member before they are occupied. He felt this inspection process could be incorporated with the inspections and enforcement of the City's Housing Maintenance Code. The HRA Executive Director stated these inspections are done from the standpoint of HUD regulations and Housing Code requirements. The Building Inspector advised these inspections would be of only one unit in a given building, whereas, the Housing Maintenance Code inspec- tions are being made of an entire building. The City Manager observed that soon all of the inspections will have been completed and this would provide a resolution of the problem. Presently, misdemeanor tags are being issued. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin that staff be directed to work with HRA to unify the HRA's inspection process administering the Section 8 rental assistance program. Roll call: All ayes b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney advised that he has drafted amendments to the Management Agreement for the parking ramp located at 40th and Central Avenues. Regular Council Meeting September 24, 1990 page 8 He reviewed the modifications made to the Management Agreement. Members of the Council received copies of the modified Agreement. The Agreement is be- tween the City of Columbia Heights and Zaidan Holdings, Inc.. The City Attorney mentioned he has not heard from staff of Zaidan Holdings, Inc. at this point in time. He felt the corporation would find the modifications acceptable. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a Management Agreement with Zaldan Holdings, Inc. Roll call: Ali ayes 10. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m.. Roll call: A]I ayes J~D-Ann~ Student, Council Secretary Mayor Edward M. Carl~son -