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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 15, 1990OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOLUNTEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION MAY 15, 1990 The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Carlson at 10:25 p,m,, 1. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - present C]erkin - absent 2. TERMINATION OF MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to terminate the leave of absence status of Lawrence T. Hosch, Volunteer Fire Department, and that effective dates of the leave of absence be recorded as February 17 through April 30, 1990. Roll ca]]: Ail ayes 3. TERMINATIONS Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to terminate Scott M. Nystrom from the Columbia Heights Fire Department Volunteer Relief Association effective April 23, 1990; and to terminate Scott M. Persons from the Columbia Heights Fire Department Volunteer Relief Association effective February 29, 1990. Rol1 call: All ayes 4. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to adjourn the Board of Trustees Meeting at 10:27 p.m.. Roll call: All ayes Mayor Edward ,jo-Ar[n e Student,-Counc i ] Secretary OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CONTINUED COUNCIL MEETING MAY 15, 1990 The Continued Council meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Paterson, Carlson - present Clerkin - absent 2. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: 1. Clarification of Nuisance Items - Yard Waste & Compostable Materials: In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Clerkin, the Recycling Coordinator prepared a memo regarding a section of the Minneapolis ordinance dealing with nuisances. The Recycling Coordinator is exploring a revision to our City Code which might address the Sadlo property situation. 2. Joint Fire Personnel Training Facility: The City Manager received a more current Joint Powers Agreement today. The City Attorney will review it. The City Manager noted ~hat the three other cities involved in the Agreement, Spring Lake Park, Brooklyn Center and Fridley, have already budgeted $50,000 each for the facility. Equipment Stolen From Municipal Service Center: This piece of equipment was used extensively. The City Manager noted that the City is hoping to recover some funds from the insurance company, although there is a Sl,O00 deductible. 4. Status of Drainage Ditch Located in Innsbruck Parkway Area: The City Manager. advised that three property owners have completed the work ~requested to clear this drainage ditch; they are 1606, 1717 and 1721 Innsbruck Parkway. Four other properties have yet to complete any work; they are 1610, 1616, 1709 and 1713 Innsbruck Parkway. 5. Solid Waste Report for the Months of March & April, 1990: Included in the solid waste reports was the fact that the City's Recycling Coordinator is pursuing with Anoka County the possibility of undertaking a household hazardous waste collection program. She noted that the last time a hazardous waste col- lection was he~d in the City was in September, 1988. She noted that the County is planning on having a hazardous waste collection facility built by June, 1992. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the wisdom of having a hazardous waste col- lection day in Columbia Heights noting the expense involved. He noted that Anoka County commissioners have spent considerable time at the Legislature requesting funding for the collection of hazardous waste and feels that time and funding should not be spent by City staff attempting to put our own program together. The City Manager inquired what direction the Council wished the staff to take on this matter. Three of the four Councilmembers present endorsed pursuing our own program. 6. Street Improvements on Second Street to Third Street, 37th to 40th Avenues: Originally this improvement had been included on the agenda at a public hearing which would have been scheduled in the spring of 1990. The Council had decided not to pursue reconstruction of streets. A draft letter from the Assistant City Engineer advising residents of the Council's decision was included in the Manager's report. Continued Council Meeting May 15, 1990 page 2 Mayor Carlson indicated that those property owners on this street he has heard from stated they only wanted patching and pot hole filling. Council- member Nawrocki stated he has received no response from staff regarding his inquiries of this project about costs or proposed work. Councilmember Nawrocki is of the opinion that City crews should go through the entire City and patch all of the streets which need work. He recognized that this might cost between $200,000 to $300,000 and suggested it be taken from the General Fund. He felt this should be the major project for this year. The City Manage~ stated that the Council and the staff must come to some conclusion regarding the City infrastructure. He felt a policy should be set and then staff could proceed in a more cohesive manner by going through a review process. Councilmember Ruettlmann expressed hls concern with the manner in which the Councilmembers appear to be unwilling to give direction or take suggestions to staff. He felt there is an inconsistency with street improvements. The City Manage had suggested that the City use a paving box to do patching as it puts down a much smoother patch. He inquired if the Council wished the forementioned streets included in the June 4th Public Improvement Hearing. Councilmember Nawrocki again stated his wish for a major project to be done throughout the entire City and do pot hole patching, crack filling, etc. He felt equipment could be rented and personnel hired to do the heavy patching with the costs to come from the General Fund. The other three Councilmembers agreed. Councilmember Ruettimann indicated he was of the opinion that patching was routinely done as street maintenance projects. He noted it is always a matter of who will pay the costs for improvements and he has understood that on many occasions the Council has backed down from a project when property owners have attended public hearings and stated their opposition to a project based on being assessed. Councilmember Ruettimann felt the Council should be more inclined to listen to staff's opinions when it is regarding the need for a public improvement. Councilmember Peterson felt the whole issue should be the first item on a Council work session agenda when a11 of the Engineering staff can attend. The City Manager inquired if the letter from the Assistant City Engineer regarding reconstruction in the area of Second Street - Third Street, 37th to 4Oth Avenues should be sent. Councilmember Nawrocki requested costs for this project. Councilmember Peterson requested a copy of the policy staff has been following regarding street maintenance. He felt all members of the Council should have a copy of this policy. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if the City Manager has sent a letter of response to residents on Tyler Street. The City Manager replied that the letter has been drafted but has not been sent. He indicated he had waited until the Council had taken some action regarding the Public Improvement Hearing, Councilmember Naw- rocki felt this letter should have been sent after the Council had viewed the portion on Tyler Street which is of concern to the residents. He noted that the residents had been told what was to happen. The City Manager recalled this deci- sion had been made at a Council work session and residents of the Tyler neigh- Continued Council Meeting May 15, 1990 page 3 borhood were not in attendance. Councilmember NEwrocki felt this made a good case for having a formal meeting where minutes are taken, motions are made and everything is one formal record. Councilmember Peterson felt the Public Works Director should listen to the tape of this meeting. 7. Anoka County Group Health Insurance: The City has been offering Share hospita- lization to its employees for about eight years. Share is not part of the Anoka County Group Plan which is part of the hosp|tallzation package the City offers to its employees. Share offers an employee plus one dependent coverage which is not offered by any of the other plans in the Anoka County Group Health Plan. The City Manager will send a letter to Anoka County encouraging the County to' pursue inclusion of Share in its health package. 8. Agreement with City of Minneapolis for Water Purchase and Storage: The City Manager felt this issue should be a topic of discussion at a Council work session. Councilmember Nawrockl recalled a water study done in the early '60's by the M.D. Thomas Engineering Company and referred the City Manager to it. He remembered that the study results stated that the City may be able to pump its water less expensively, but could not purify or soften the water as affectively as Min- neapolis water. Councilmember Nawrocki also felt the costs would be out of date as well. He suggested that staff contact other cities who purchase water from Minneapolis to consider forming a joint bargaining group. The Mayor felt the City should also be considering looking for other sources of water. 9. North Suburban Consumer Advocates for the Handicapped, Inc.: Jo-Anne Student will no longer be able to represent the City with the NSCAH Group so another appointment is necessary. Doug Hill has indicated he is willing to continue to serve. lO. Increase in Dumping Fee: A letter was received from Anoka County regarding an increase in the dumping fee paid by haulers at the Elk River Resource Re- ' , covery facility from $63.00 per ton to $69.77 per ton effective July 1, 1990. 11. Letter From Minnesota Historical Society: A letter was received from the Minnesota Historical Society regarding the historical significance of the Heights Theater. 12. Patrons and Profits of Top Valu Liquor Store: A report was received from the Pollce Chief regarding the results of police observations at the Top Valu Liquor Store. The observations were made between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and I0:00 p.m.. While the officers noted that most patrons were non-residents, there did not appear to be much disturbances occurring. The report stated that only one tag was issued and that was for open bottle. Staff compiled the profits from the liquor operation between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.. During those hours on May Ist 41 percent of the total profit was made. On Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 p.m., 30% of the liquor profit is made. It was observed that those hour account for a very high volume of the entire liquor business. 13. School Fire Protection: A letter was received from the Hilltop City Attorney regarding fire protection for the two District #13 schools located in Hilltop. The City Attorney noted that this protection has been provided for many years without an agreement. Continued Council Meeting May 15, 1990 page 4 It was also noted that all the 9-1-1 calls from'these'schools come into the Columbia Heights emergency services. The watermains which serve these schools supply inadequate water flow for firefighting and it was felt that compensation should be discussed between Hilltop and District #13. The City Attorney felt that Hilltop has the responsibility of water supply as well as paying the costs as does the School District. Hilltop..has a fire contract with the City of Fridley. The School Oistrict has requested the City's Public Works Director to attend a meeting to discuss water mains. 13. Special Assessment Statements: The City Manager advised that some of the special assessments which were sent to property owners included in the 43rd Avenue improvement project were incorrect. This was caused by the computer programming. Corrected statements were sent out today. 14. Chamber of Commerce Surveys: The Chamber of Commerce Business Issues Com- mittee sent out two surveys to business people in the City. One survey addressed light rail transit and the other use of tax increment capital appreciation revenue bond funds. Counci)member Nawrocki felt the survey regarding use of tax increment funds was not timely. He felt the survey on Light Rail Transit was misleading in that it advised the recipient that there was no longer any choice for placement of the LRT corridor through Columbia Heights. He noted that a whole series of public hearings are yet to be held. Mayor Carlson did not appreciate having the names of the City Councilmembers included in the survey if further information were desired. 15. Assistant Weed Inspector: Councilmember Nawrocki advised that Walter Logacz was appointed Assistant Weed Inspector in 1984. 16. Participation in Sealcoating Project: A representative of the Minneapolis Public Works Department has advised staff that the City of Minneapolls will participate in paying the costs associated with the sealcoating project in the area of its water reservoir in Columbia Heights. 17. Noise Problems Experienced in Council Chambers: Councilmember Nawrockl inquired if any progress has been made to alleviate the noise problems being experienced with the lights in the Council Chambers. The City Manager advised that the contractor will be replacing the ballast in the lights and is hopeful this will correct the problem. It was noted that this contractor's fees have not all been paid. 18. Housing Maintenance Code and Inspections: Councilmember Nawrocki addressed comments made at a previous Counc$1 meeting his feelings on the way the staff is enforcing the Housing Maintenance Code. He denied he said that staff was sitting on their haunches. He noted he is not pleased with the progress being made on this Code. Councilmember Nawrocki showed photos to the Council of the apartment building at 47th and University which had been discussed at an earller Council meeting. He observed that the area is not completely fenced off as staff had stated and is still a very dangerous situation for children in the area. He felt this reflected staff concerns about rental property in Columbia Heights. Continued Council Meeting May 15, 1990 page 5 Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if this ordinance had any '*teeth" in it for enforcement. The City Attorney replied that it does have "teeth". He stated that the inspectors could carry tickets with them and issue them when an in- fraction was observed. The City Attorney noted that If major enforcement pra- ctices were put into place it would require staff and money. Councilmember Paterson requested the City Attorney give the Council a tlme- table for enforcement of the Code, from the time the Infraction Is noticed, the property owner is notified, and the tag or citation can be issued. Councilmember Paterson stated he will back up the Bulldlng Inspector and staff when tags are issued. Me felt the Council frequently doesn't back up the staff and the staff is subject to a lot of second guessing. Councilmember Ruettimann noted that sometimes there are not enough funds and staff is told they are wrong. Mayor Carlson inquired about the deep pot hole left when the plumbing was disconnected in the street in front of the Logacz home on Van Buren Street. The City Manager will follow up on this and find out who is responsible. Counciimember Peterson felt the lot still needed cleaning up and that the excavation was not filled properly. Councilmember Nawrockl inquired what the City's policy was on filllng in excavation holes. Me felt it was obvious it was not done and that staff did not carry out the directions for this house demolition. Mayor Carlson referred to an article in the Focus which said that the project for 44th and Central Avenues was to begin in one month. He inquired if this were correct. The City Manager advised that this is the case and he had included this information in his Manager's Report at the last meeting. 2. Report of the City Attorney a. The City Attorney advised that there w111 soon be a list of other houses in the community in very poor condition. This list will be for consideration of condemnation. b. Joint Fire Personnel Training Facility: The City Attorney reviewed the revised draft of the agreement. He expressed concern with the governing body of the facility would be made up of the Chiefs of the participating municipalities. lie felt that some elected officials may wish to be on the governing body and be in the position to approve expenditures. The City Attorney also noted that in the most recent revision of the agreement the operating costs of the faclllty will be shared by all of the participating cities and that the Board made up of chiefs will establish the guidelines for use of the facility. He stated there is nothing in the agreement which ad- dresses the expenditures of money. Councilmember Nawrocki thinks it would be appropriate for an elected official to serve on the governing body but also noted it may be difficult to find an elected officlal to serve. Councilmember Ruettimann suggested that one elected official and one staff member serve on the governing body from each city. Council- member Paterson requested language reflecting this suggestion be included in the agreement. Continued Council Meeting May 15, 1990 page 6 The City Attorney advised that the County offici'als appear to be more approchable regarding the status of the parking ramp. The appeal has been filed in District Court. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that the ramp had been deeded over to the City in 1984. It appeared to be a simple action. The Quit Claim deed stated that the ramp is tax exempt. The City Attorney requested an Executive Session to follow the adjournment of the Continued Council Meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki toadjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m.. Roll call: Ail ayes Mayor Edward-Fi. Ca'r'l'~6n- )~o-Anhe Student, ~Ouncil Secretary