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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 26, 1990OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUHBIA HEIGHTS CiTY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETII~ MARCH 26, 1~90 The meettng was called to order by Mayor Carlson at 7:30 p.m.. 1. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Paterson, Carlson - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA The following Items were on the Consent Agenda: Approval of Mlnutes The Council approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 14, 1990 as presented and there were no corrections. Renewal of Class B Gambling Licenses Lions Club Columbia Heights at Jefferson Bulldlng The Councll directed the City Hanager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambllng Control Board lndlcatlng that the City of Columbla Heights has no objec- tion to the renewal of a Class B charitable gambling Ilcense for the Columbia Heights Lions Club for the Jefferson Building at 3965 'Jefferson Street N.E., Columbla Heights, and the City Council waived the remainder of the sixty day notice to the local governing .board. Lions Club Columbla Heights at Murzyn Hall 'T~e Council directed the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charltable Gambllng Control Board Indicating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objec- tion to the renewal of a Class B charltable gambling license for the Columbia Heights Lions Club for Murzyn Hall at 530 Mlll Street N.E., Columbla Heights and the Council waived the remainder of the sixty day notice to the local governing board. Renewal of Suburban Rate Authority Membership The Council authorized continued membership In the Suburban Rate Authorlty and directed the City Manager to remlt-the first half payment of the 1990 member- ship assessment in the amount of $875 due now, and to remit the second half In the amount of $875 in August. Change Order to Municipal Project #8909 - Tank Removal at City Hall The Council authorized amending change order #8909-2 to an amount of $1;3h6 and the transfer of an additional $5q6 from the Undeslgnated General Fund Balance to llne Item ~01-8909-5130 and also authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter Into an agreement for the same. Purchase of Rotary Mower Attachment The Council authorized the purchase of one 72" rotary mower attachment to the MT Trackless Multipurpose vehicle from MacQueen Equipment, Inc. of St. Paul for an amount of $3,300 and recognized the purchase as proprietary nature of ~he purchase due to the necessity of fittlng a particular piece of equlpment and also authorized the Mayor and Clty Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Regular Council Meeting March 26, 199- page 2 Purchase of Sod Cutter The Council authorized the purchase of one Rya~ Jr. sod cutter Model No. 5qq8q5 from North Star Turf, Inc. of St. Paul for $2,088 based on their Iow quotation received and au~horized the Mayor and City Manager to enter Into an agreement for the same. Purchase Dr..Concrete Mlxer. The Council authorized the purchase of a Stone Concrete Mixer Model 65CM, Side Dump from Hayden~Murphy Equipment Company of Bloomington, Minnesota In an amount of $1,685 based on their.low quotation and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter Into an agreement for the same. Purchase of 72" Tractor/Mower The Council awarded the bid for a riding lawn mower to MTI Distributing Company of Plymouth, Minnesota for an amount of $10,121 Includin~ a trade-in of unit #235 based upon low formal bid and authorlzed the'Mayor and City Manager to enter Into an agreement for the same. Purchase of Bauer Hose Reel The Council authorized the purchase of one Bauer Ralnboy Model 50T from Helnen & Mason, Inc. of Osseo, Hlnnesota for $q,295 based on low formal quotatlon received and authorized the Mayor and Clty Manager to enter Into an agreement for the same. Gross Revenue Audit The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter Into an agreement with McGladrey and Pul'len to perform a Gross Revenue Audit of North Central Cable Communications Corporation at a cost not to exceed $5q8. The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter Into an agreement with Don Richards, Don Richards Associates, Inc. to provide services In con- junction with the audlt as outlined in his letter dated March I, 1990 at a cost not to exceed $152. Set Pollce Officer ~age The Council authorized that Val.Dietz be pald at the slx month step of the pollce contract, $1,99q per month, upon his appointment as a police officer, effective April 9, 1990. Award of Street strlpln9 Contract The Council awarded the 1990 Street Strlplng Contract to AAA Strlplng Servlce Company, Inc. of Maple Grove, Mlnnesota for.their Iow formal bid of $2,985.05 and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. Purchase of Fertllizer " The Council authorized the purchase of four tons of 25-5-10+ ~IN" fertlilzer from Howe Company of Minneapolis.for a total of $1,322 based upon Iow formal bids received through the Hennepln County Joint Purchasing Contract #1088 and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into. an agreement for the same. Approval of License Applications The Council approved the 1990 license appllcations as listed upon payment of proper fees. Regular Councll Meeting Harch 26, i~0 page 3 Payment of BIi is The Council authorized the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. /~. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motlon by Nawrockl, second by Clerkln to approve the Consen~ Agenda as presented. Roll call: Ail ayes OPEN MIKE/PROCLAI~TIONS Mayor Carlson read a proclamation designating April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Columbia Heights. The proclamatlon was presented to Mlckey Rooney, a local realtor. The resident at ~31/33 Jackson Street advised the Council her water service has been dlscontlnued. She stated she had paid her bill. Upon question!ng staff it was stated that she had pald'a portion of the bi11. She Indlcated the property In question ls a double bungalow and It ls occupied only on one side. The Finance Director advised there Is only one water meter and that the owner had been advised she could convert .to two single meters. It was also noted that the meter had not been read In a long time but the bill Is based on the exact usage of water. Water and sewer rates have remained constant since 1982. The owner requested that the property no longer be servlced for garbage and refuse collection. Councllmember Nawrockl Indicated that this is not a choice for the portlon of the house which Is occupied. It was noted that the City Manager had advised thls owner by letter of what Is being asked regarding the water bill. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS There were no publlc hearings, ordinances or resolutlons. 7. COMMUNICATIONS There were no other communications other than those considered on the Consent Agenda. 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Additional Cost for Change Order #8813-1 This change order deals with additlonal costs required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding a report on the alleged hazardous waste site In Huset Park. Hotlon by Nawrockl, second by Cle~kin to authorize an amendment to the motion of December I1, !~8~, extenslon of the contract wlth Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderllk and Associates, Inc. to an amount of $3,q80 in lieu of the $2,780 to conduct further Investigation required by Minnesota Pollutlon Control Agency for Muni- cipal Project #8813 and that the funds be transferred from the Undesignated General Fund Balance to cover said costs; and furthermore, to authorze the Mayor and City Manager to enter Into an agreement for the same. Roll call: AI1 ayes b. Other Old Business There was no other old business. NEW BUSINESS Regular Councli I~eeting March 26, 1990 page 4 a. Purchase of Computer Program This program will be used in the Inspections Department. Councilmember Nawrockl Inquired If there are other costs which will be associated wlth Implementing the program. The Finance Oirector advised that any potential cost may be for a printer. It was noted that thls software will be a conslderable time saver and the staff In the Department wlll be available to concentrate on mlcroflimlng, expunging files, and concentrating on the conslderable data being-generated by the HOusing Maintenance Code. . The Finance 0lrector advised 'that no maintenance contract Is being considered at this time. He noted that the usual fee for a license program Is being waived In exchange for the design copyright to resell the License'Management System. I~otlon by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize the I~yor a~d Ctty Manager to enter Into an agreement with Systems Designers, Inc. to purchase Software programs for permits and llcenses at a cost not to exceed $3,9~5 based on Iow informal quotation for the network version. Roll call: All ayes b. Remodeling of Poi Ice Department Garage I~otion by Paterson, second by Ruettimann to award 'the police bffice remodel lng to Sharp Heating In the amount of $1~,075 based on low competltlve blds, and that the Hayor and City Manager be authorized to execute a contract for same. Roll call: Ali ayes It has been recommended that a portion of.the costs for thls project be taken from the Undesignated General Fund. Councllmember Nawrockl suggested It be taken from the Contingency Account as this would be more fiscally responsible and it was In the budget for just this type of situation. Hotion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to appropriate $q,075 from the Con- tingency Fund, Fund Balance to line 5120 of the 19~0 Police Department budget. Roll call: All ayes c. Construction of Playground Facllltles - LaBelle Park on Circle Terrace Entrance The Public Works Director gave the history of this project notlng that It was in response to residents in the area. He noted that the residents have indlcated a willingness to do some of the work Involved with the project. The Park Board and members of the staff have.met with the residents to develop some potentlal layouts of the area. The residents w111 be meeting with the Athletlc Boosters on April 9th regardlng a funding request. Proposed plans for the playground, as inltlated by the Park Board and the residents, were distributed to the Council and reviewed. The costs for the basketball court are approximately $3,928.50. .. Councllmember Paterson felt the project should move ahead and that bidders on the project should be made aware of the potentlal deducts for work to be done by the residents. Councilmember Nawrockl Inquired about the Inclusion of engineering costs. The Public Works Director advised there are no engineering costs included In the proposal but that dollars were pUt Into the engineering budget In the salary line item. Former Councllmember Rlta Petkoff was in attendance at'the meeting. She spoke on behalf of the residents In the area who had expressed a Wl~llngness to work on the project. She noted that engineering costs are lnclude~ in projects Regular Council Meeting I~arch 2&, 1990 page 5 where there is no volunteer labor being offered' It was her.opinion that thls project was different as many residents of the area have volunteered to work on It. Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize staff to develop final plans and specifications and seek blds for. the constructlon of Munlclpal Pro- ject #9005 and that the total cost of the project not exceed $32,000. Roll call: Al! eyes d. LaBelle Pond Clean Up The Publlc Works Director advised that the Slx Cities Watershed Management Organization's Water Management Plan calls for the clean up of LaBelle Pond. The Plan requires that certain capltal Improvements be made to the storm water system. Of~e of the improve~ehts is the water quallty of LaEelIe Po~d. The Council budgeted $175,000 for the Improvement of LaBelle Pond In the budget. A program slmllar to that undertaken by the Anoka County Park Oepart- ment at Highland Lake Is being proposed for LaBelle Pond. It was noted that this program appears to be working In High)and Lake for the. two years It has been In place. The Publlc Works Director advised there would be some on-going Costs for such items as operating the aerator, chemicals, etc.. Councllmember Nawrockl lnqulred what the purpose of this project was to be. The Public Works Director responded that state statute requires that the water quality be Improved as It has been designated as a wetland by the State. Councllmember Nawrockl stated that this pond was Intended to be a wlldllfe settlng and It Is stlll functioning as It was Intended. He noted he Is not convlnced of the need nor the wisdom of the proposed project. The City Manager advised that the Pond Is considered a natural wildlife area but that the Department of Natural Resources has designated It as a wetland and requires that the water quality be ImprOved. Councilmember Ruettlmann requested that the'tlmelines for thls project to be completed be determined and Information regarding any penalltles being Imposed be researched If the tlmellnes are not met. Motion by Nawrockl, second by Clerkln that because of the uncertalntles of possible cutbacks in State Atds and In order toobtaln better information or the results of the County's project In Hlghland Lake, that further con- sideration of thls project be tabled at thls time. Councllmember Peterson Inquired at what point In tlme will the Council agree or disagree that the project In Hlghlend Lake is working. His concern Is that If a time Is not put on this motion that the'Council could be considering this project for a lengthy amount of .tlme. Councllmember Nawrockl felt the Council should walt untll the County has completed the project at Hlghland Lake and then obtain the reports from the County regarding the project. The Public Works Director advised that thls project was a three year project and the second year has been completed. Councllmember Peterson stated his confusion regarding the Council's position on this matter and whether it was belng viewed as a wetland project or what. Roll call: Nawrockl, C4erkln, Carlson - aye Ruettimann, Peterson - nay Regular Council Meeting March 26, 1990 page 6 The Public Works Director Inquired of the Councl. 1 If staff should proceed with developing the Clty~s Water Surface HanageEent Plan. Mayor Carlson requested he bring this matter to a Council work session. e. Beer Licensing Ordinance Violation at Tycoon's Tavern The City Manager distributed copies of a letter he had drafted to Tycoon Tavern's owner In response to an earlier ordinance violation by the est- abllshment. Three Councllmembers felt the letter should be sent wlth~mme revisions. Motion Paterson, second by Ruettimann to conduct a public hearing to consider the revocation, suspension, or such other action restricting the privileges of a beer license held by Tycoon's Tavern - Mr. derome Malek, owner, due to a violation of City Code, Section 5.501(6)(d) & (h); such hearing to be held on Hay iq, 1990 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Count11 Chambers of City Hall; and furthermore, that the City Manager be directed to provide a written state- ment of reasons and causes for the proposed Council action together wlth a notice of public hearlng. Roll call: All ayes f. Late Payment Penalty - Utlllty BIll for University Heights Condominium Association The Clty Manager reviewed the tlmeframesof this utlllty billing which resulted In the late payment penalltles being added. It was noted that a letter was recelved from the University Heights Management Company indlcatlng a request has been made to the City Council to reconsider the late penalty fees. The Clty Manager stated that no such request has been received. Councilmember Nawrockl feels the penalty structure of the City should be reviewed and Is of the opinion that no request has been received. : Motion by Nawrocki that the City Manager be directed to find out how other cities handle utillty billing, how delinquent charges are handled and how these charges are Implemented. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Ruettlmann, second by Paterson to deny the request of the Royal Mana- gement Company to waive the late payment penalty for utlllty and trash removal billing forwarded to the University Heights Condominium Association. Roll call: Clerkln, Ruettlmann, Paterson, Carlson - aye Nawrockl - abstain g. Agreement with Larry & Mlllle Kewatt Regarding Retaining Wall Located on City Easement This agreement would allow the continued existence of a five foot retaining wall on a City easement; state that the Kewatt's wi11 be financially respon- sible for any damage or changes made to the retalnlng wall as a result of the Clty"s pursuing access to the utilities placed In the easement; and, w111 approve the height of the wall which is in excess of what Is presently allowed by ordlnance. Hotlon by Paterson, second by Nawrockl to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute an agreement wlth Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kewatt regarding 'the placement of a retaining wall on Clty easement subject to payment of appropriate permit fees and subject to the owners, heirs, and successors' assumption of flnanclal risks. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting March 26, 1990 page 7 h. Establish Date for Work Session Motion by Nawrockl, second by Peterson to establish a work session on March 27, 1990 immediately following the Public Improvement Hearing In the City Council Chambers. Roil call: AIl ayes i. Other New Business Councilmember Nawrockl requested.lnformatlon regarding a lotspllt request by the property owners of q025 Stlnson Boulevard. The City 'Manager 'w111 gather this information. 10. REPORTS a. Report of the City F~nager The City Manager's report was submitted In written form and most of the Items In the report were brlefly discussed. Addltlonal Items Reported on by the City Manager: 1. Weed Cutting at K-Mart and Billings Since 1985: Councllmember Nawr0ckl had prevlously requested informatlon on the billing for weed cuttlng on the K- Mart property. He had been Informed by K-Mart that they were charged $85.00 per hour for weed cutting In 1989. In response .to Council member Nawrockl~s request, the City Manager prepared a memo addressing the work done at K-Mart and the ensuing bllllngs as well as the number of tlmes that K-Mart personnel had been advised of the potential high costs associated with having the City order the cutting done. Councllmember Nawrockl had some concern regarding how the Council actually authorized the rates In 1985 as well as In the ensuing years. Me also questioned the rates being charged for City property. He noted that the Intention was always to encourage the property owners to cut the weeds themselves rather than have It done by the Clty. Motion by Nawrockl, second by Carlson that the billing for the cutting of weeds on ~he K-Mart property for 1989 charges be reduced from $85.00 to $q$.00 an hour based on the contractor's use of hand powered equipment and the last apparent action.of the Councll In establlshlng a rate of an hour for that kind of work and that staff'be directed to review the charges for weed cuttlng for the years 1985 through 1989 to see If any other obvlous errors have been made in bllllngs and to report them back to the City Council. The City Manager Inquired how staff would know if the $85.00 rate should have been charged rather than the $q5.O0 charge. Councllmember Nawrockl felt thls judgement could be made by'viewing the property. The City Manager suggested the Councll could ratify the billings from 1985 through 1989 with the exceptlon of the K-Mart biillng. Councilmember Nawrocki objected to thls suggestion. A number of Councllmembers felt there would probably be few Instances of overcharges. Roll call: All ayes 2. Information Regarding Petition Received: In October of 1989 a petition was received from residents of Tyler Street, qlst to q3rd Avenues, stating their opposition to the upgrading of Tyler Street In that area. Regular Council Meetlng ~tarch 26, 1990. page 8 The petition was received at a public hearing ~Ich addressed the upgrading of that portion of Ty]er Street, It was the opinion of the residents that the street was In need of repair due to watermaln breaks and Its use by heavy trucks going to a construction site In the area. The Public Works Director dld a study of the street and his conclusions were 'that the deterloratlon of the street was not due' to damage from'~atermaln breaks nor use by heavy trucks but 'rather age. A lengthy'dlscusslon ensued'regardlng this street'and the position of the area resldents. Council member Paterson recommended that the residents be brought'up to date with ali of the current .Informatlon being presented and advise them this project wl]l be a public Improvement scheduled for Notion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin that the Clty Nanager be directed to prepare a letter responsive to the petltlon et the request of the City Councll and that It respond to the points raised In their petltlon. Roll call: All ayes 3. Status Report of Rental Housing Inspections: The Building Inspector advised that 120 property owners have made .application for Inspectlons. Forty-five ln- spectlons have been completed, three have made repairs and are nOW licensed. He noted that at this point In time all property owners have been very coopera- tive and that fifty Inspections are scheduled for the near future. q. Jackson Pond: Councllmember Nawrockl expressed concern with the wall alignment. The Public Works Director advised that it may not be possible to build the wall exactly straight. Councllmember Nawrockl requested a report on the Items regarding this wall that are being discussed with the contractor. It ~as noted that ap- proximately $30,000 Is belng withheld. b. Report of the City Attorney Councllmember Nawrocki had Inquired about the use of Nurzyn Hall by political partles at no charge. It had been the rental policy to charge politlcal parties. He felt political parties that generally exist In the community should not be charged for the use of Hurzyn Hall. The City Attoraey felt the policy coUld be amended to accommodate all political parties without causing too much strain on the policies for use of Murzyn Hall. Councllmember Nawrockl was of the oplnlon-that there are already some federal distinctions that could be .used. The Public Works Director advised that this Item wlll be on the agenda for the Park Board meeting on March 28th. Public Hearing for Sealcoating on Aprll 17th: The City ~tanager Inquired if the Council wlshed to-lncl.ude the county, tOad prevlously discussed in the Cltyls sealcoatlng project noting that-It would have some Impact on assessments. The Public Works-01rector advlsed that the'County had Indicated that'the City should take the road back and the County would sealcoat It. The County's Highway Com- mittee had to reconslder this Item but It does not meet in tlme for the notlces to be sent for the Public Hearlng. Olscus~lon continued regarding'what It would cost If It were Included in the entire project. Councllmember Nawrockl felt-it should be Included In the sealcoating project wlth the qualification that says It Is subject to the County's concurrence on the work because it Is a County road. Regular Council fleeting March 26, 1990 page 9 The City Manager recalled that when the street vms reconstructed It ~as assessed to the residents and that the County pald for the storm draln. All of the Councllmembers agreed it should be included In the project. .Change of Date for Hearing fleeting= flotion by Paterson, second by Nawrockl to change the date of the Speclal Councll fleeting called for purposes of conducting a Public Improvement Hearlng from Aprl] at 7=30 p.m.. Roll call= Ail ayes 10. ADJOURNflEtIT I~_tlon by ClerkTn, second by Paterson to adjourn the meetlng at 11:~5 p.m.. Roil call: All aycs /~-Ann~ Student, COUncil Secretary flayoT. Edwar~l I~. Carl son OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOLUNTEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION MARCH 26, 1~0 Mayor Carlson called the meeting to order at ll:q$ p.m.. 1. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkln, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - present 2. PURPOSE OF HEETING The purpose of the meeting is to record a medical leave of absence for Lawrence Hosch. Motion by Clerkln, second by Peterson to record medical leave of absence status for Lawrence T. Hosch, Volunteer Fire 0epartment, effective February 17, 19~0. Roll call: All ayes 3. ADJOURNHENT Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrockl to adjourn the meeting at 11:q7 p.m.. Roll call: All ayes nne tudent, Council Secretary Mayor Edward M. C~-rlson