HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 26, 1990OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 26, 1~0
Mayor Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m..
1. ROLL CALL
Nawrockl, Clerkln, Paterson, Carlson - present
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
The following Items were on the Consent Agenda:
Subsldy to Twin Cities Reglonal Cable Channel
The CounCil auth~ized the subsidy of $300 to the Twin Cltles Regional Cable
Channel for 1990, with monies to come from the 1990 Cable Budget.
Palnting and Decorating. Services; Flre Garage Doors and Bays and Police Garage
The Council ratified the action of the City Manager to proceed with ~ai~'Ing
and decorating services for areas of the Fire Oepartment and Police Department,
and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter Into an agreement between the
City and R.W. Ce11Ings and Walls for palntlng and decorating services to Include
the Fire 5tatlon garage doors, Flre Station bays, and Pollce garage, as outllned
in their quotation dated February 9, 1990, at a cost not to exceed $4,230.
~.ayment to JMG Contracting, Inc.
The Council approved payment'of $10,850 to JMG Contracting for painting and
decorating services for various areas of City Hall.
Attendance of Fire Chief at National Fire Academy Course
The Council authorized the attendance of Charles Kewa~t at the National Fire
Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland from Aprll 2 - 13, 1990, and also authorized
that related expenses be reimbursed.
Purchase of Copy Machine - Police Department
The Councll authorized the purchase of one Toshiba Copier Model BD-3810 for
$1,195 and one stand for $120 via the Hennepln County contract from Wager~s
Inc. and also authorized the Mayor and City Manager to slgn a contract for
the same.
Purchase of Various Park Paints for 1990
The Counc"I! autho~ized the purchase"o'~ various paints from Olamond Vogel Paints
based upon thelr low quotation of $3,944.44 and authorized the Mayor and City
Manager to enter Into an agreement for the same.
Purchase of Replaceme~.t Pa.~ts -- Playground Equipment
The Council authorized the purchase of replacements parts for the stage
coach cllmblng unlt located In Gauvltte Park from Miracle Recreation of
Grinnell, Iowa for an amount of $1,344 and authorized the Mayor and City
Manager to enter into an agreement for the same.
Purchase of Water Hydrants
The Council authorized the purchase of four Waterous WBSg hydrants with 16"
breakoff and 8~ bury from North Stare Waterworks of Apple Valley based upon
their low quotation of $4,112 and authorized the I~ayor and City Manager to
enter into an agreement for the same.
Council Meeting
February 26, 1990
page 2
Purchase of Drinkin9 Fountains
The Council authorized the purchase of two Murdock M-53 wall mounted drinking
fountains for an amount of $1,230.30 and authorized the Mayor and City Manager
to enter Into an agreement for the same.
Request from Frldley Dealln9 with Upgradln9 of Median at Central and 53rd Avenues
The Council authorized the City staff to inform the City of Frld'ley and Mn/DOT
of the City Council~s interest and deslre to have medians at 53rd and Central
Avenue (Highway 65) Improved to Include an Interlocking red brick In the median
areas; and that such Installation to be as designed by Mn/Dot with costs associated
with median conversions In the City of Columbia Heights being charged to the
City's Off-Systems Municipal State Aid - MSA$ allocation.
Award of Bid for Contract for Production, Pr.lnt..ln9 & OIstrlbutlon of City Newsletter
The Councll awarded the bid for the production, printing, and distribution of the
City's newsletter to Post Publication at a cost not to exceed $1,567.70 per Issue,
based upon low, responsible bid recelved and that the Mayor and City Manager are
authorized to enter into a contract for the same.
Attendance of Liquor Operations Manager at Convention
The Council authorized the attendance of Phllllp Suckerman at the National
Liquor Stores Association 1990 Convention In Reno, Nevada from Aprll 22 -
26, 1990 and that related expenses be reimbursed.
Approval of License Appllcatlons
The Council approved the 1990 license applications as listed upon payment of
proper fees.
Payment of Bills
The Council approved the payment of bills as listed out of proper funds.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkln to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Roll call: Ali ayes
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkln to approve the minutes of the Regular City
Council Meeting of February 5, 1990 with the following deletion:
page 7; Resolution No. 90-09: Delete the words '~ and special" from the
resolution. Changing the starting times only refers to Regular Councll
Meetings.
Roll call: All ayes
5. OPEN MIKE/PROCLAMATIONS
The resident of 589 Redwood Lane, New Brighton, advised the Council that she Is
a member of the Animal Rights Coalitlon. She read a statement regarding animal
abuse and referred to the "Kona~' case presently belng heard in the Anoka County
courts. Mayor Carlson advised her that the Counc11 ls well aware of the case and
has received a large amount of mall concerning the disposition of the case. He
noted that the case Is In the courts and the Council has no jurisdiction over
Councll Meeting
February 26, lggO
page 3
court business. The Mayor indicated that he Is ~ympathetic to the situation and
expressed a hope that the case will be resolved to the satisfaction of all of
those who have expressed a concern for the animal.
Proclamation: Volunteers of America Week
Mayor Carlson read the proclamation designating March q - 11,.1990 as Volunteers
of America Week In the City of Columbia Helghts. :
Mayor Carlson showed those in attendance a plaque which ~Ill be presented to former
Mayor Hadtrath In recognltlon for the t~o years he served as Mayor of Columbla
Heights.
6. PUBLIC HEARING, ORD.INANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
a. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1197, Pertaining to Automobile Reduction Yards
This ordinance would dlsallow auto reduction yards in all zoning districts except
General Business or GB zones. The exlstlng code does allow this use in an indust-
rial zone. The Council held a lengthy discussion regarding the appropriate zone
for this type of business. The Building Inspector advised that the General
Business District was selected rather than the Industrlal District as It covers
less area. Councllmember Nawrockl observed that It would only pertain to a very
limited area presently zoned General Business District and he felt this was a
poor location as well.
Councllmember Paterson noted that the original. Intention of the ordinance was to
eliminate any posslblllty of a auto reduction yard from coming Into the City.
The City Attorney advised that this may not be possible but to allow thls type
of business only In a General Business District would get the eame results as
the area ~ould probably be too small to accommodate this type of business.
Counciimember Nmvrockl felt the present ordinance whlch governs condltlonal use
permits was not tough enough.
Hotlon by Nawrockl, second by Paterson to refer Ordinance No. 1197 back to
the Planning and Zoning Commission for its review and to request the Commission
to look for alternatlves for keeping auto reduction yards In the Industrial
Zone with further controls. Roll call: AI1 ayes
b. Resolution No. 90-10; Adopting Changes in Wage Ranges and Establishlng Wages
for Seasona! and Temporary Employees
CouncIlmember Nawrocki inquired why Supervisors at the Library are compensated
at a rate double that of other part time City employees. The Clty Manager's
Administrative Assistant replied that a Master's degree Is required for Library
Supervisors and the salary reflects the educational requirements.
Motion by Paterson, second by Clerkln tow alva the reading of the resolution there
being ample copies.available to the public. Roll call: All ayes
RESOLUTION NO. 90~10
ADOPTING CHANGES IN WAGE RANGES AND ESTABLISHING WAGES FOR SEASONAL AND TEMPORARY
EMPLOYEES
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Wage Compensation Program for
Non-Unionized Clty Employees effective danuary 12, 1980 (Resolution No. 80-47),
Council Meetlng
February 26, 1990
page /~
which Indicates that on an annual basls changes will be adopted In Wage Ranges
based upon reliable survey data;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Helghts establlshes wage
ranges for non-unionized seasonal and temporary posltlons, as indicated on Schedule
I and II which are on flle in the Office of the City Nanager; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such schedules be effective January I, 1990.
Passed thls 26th day of February, 19~0.
Offered by: Peterson
Seconded by: Clerkln
Roll call: AIl ayes
Mayor Edward M. Carlson
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
c. Resolution Establishing Rates for Refuse and Waste Collection Services Provlded
by Waste Management
The City Manager advised that the letter expected from Waste Management regarding
rates and another questlon the Council had has not arrlved. He recommended the
resolution be tabled.
Motion by Carlson, second by Peterson to table this resolution for additional
Information. Roll call: AIl ayes
7. COHMUNICATIONS
a. Planning and Zoning Commission
1. Crestvlew Lutheran Home, q~qq Reservoir Boulevard, Conditional Use Permit
The Buildlng Inspector stated t'he reason for this request for a condltlonal
use permit.
Michael Conklin, the development consultant, apprised the Councll of the plan
for this development. The units are llvlng sultes consisting of one or two
rooms with a private bath. A11 meals wiii be taken "In common." The development
Is designed for seniors who need some assistance but do not need dependent care.
This development wli1 accommodate the "Ira11 elderly.'
Councllmember Nawrocki Inquired If addltlonal plans are made for more units
connected to The Boulevards. Tom Paul, Crestvlew~s Administrator, advised that
the market for this type of houslng is 'soft~' at the present time but maybe
there wiii be plans for future use of the campus.
Paul advlsed the Councll that Crestvlew has had three meetings with adjoining
property owners.and many changes to the orlglnal plan have been made to accom-
modate the neighbor's wishes. The plans being presented to the Councll at this
meeting were the plans viewed by the area property owners. Councllmember Clerkin
requested copies of the minutes of these meetings.
The Bulldlng Inspector noted that In 1988 the Planning and Zoning Commlsslon had
held two or three meetings regarding the rezonlng request of Crestvlew. He noted
that residents from the area were also In attendance at those meetings.
Council Meeting
February 26, 1990
page $
Paul advised that this development ls being located south of Crestvlew rather
than north as it has to be connected to Crestvlew. The residents of this deve-
lopment will have needs more closely aligned with the nursing home.
Motion by Clerkln, second by Paterson to approve a Condltlonal Use Permit and
Site Plan for Crestvlew Lutheran Home for the construction of a 51 unit bed,
board and lodging faclllty at qq4q Reservoir Boulevard; to approve the 5q space
parking variance request of which 51 spaces are requlred to be enclosed; and,
to approve a variance of 95 square feet per unit for four efflclency units and
a variance of 150 square feet per unlt on 29 one bedroom units subject to a
Development Agreement being signed by the Clty of Columbia Heights and Crest-
view Lutheran Home. Roll call: All ayes
b. Traffic Commission
The minutes of the February 5, 1990 Traffic Commission meeting were distributed
for informational purposes. No Counc11 action was needed.
c. Annual Membership Dues in Labor Relations Subscriber Service
Councilmember Nawrockl suggested that this may be the time to reevaluate the
labor negotiation process and see if some other alternatives may be available.
He felt this could be a matter for discussion at a Council ~ork session.
Hotion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkln to table this Item. Roll call: All ayes
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. Waste Management - Blaine, Rate Increase Request
Motion by Nawrockl, second by Clerkln to table this Item. Ro11 call: AI1 ayes
b. Council Appointment
Councilmember Peterson has been advised that some of the Clty*s residents have
been led to belleve the Councllmembers have ali discussed the matter of the
Counc11 appointment as one group. Me felt for accuracy*s sake It should be
stated that thls has not happened, but rather Individual Concllmembers have
discussed this matter on a one-to-one basis.
Councilmember Nawrockl stated he has talked about this matter to two of the
Councllmembes but has not been able to meet with Counclimember Paterson as
he was not available. Councllmember Nawrockl also stated he has gotten additional
information on all of the other residents who have expressed an Interest In
the appointment. It ls the desire of Hayor Carlson that the candidate ls selected
by all four seated Councilmembers.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Attendance of City Accountant at Annual GFOA Conference
Counclimember Nawrockl felt it is more appropriate for the City's Flnance
Director to attend thls conference. He also noted that he felt the Finance
Oirector~s memo regarding staff attendance at conferences ~as not appropriate.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to authorize the attendance of Wlillan
Elrite, Finance Olrector, at the annual Government Finance Offlcers Association
Conference from April 28 - Hay 2, 1990 and that related expenses be reimbursed.
Roll call: All ayes
Council Meeting
February
page 6
b. Cabllng for Telephone Communications Equlpment & Additlonal Paging Speakers
"for Public Works
The Finance Director gave the background on the City's needs for telephone equipment
and data supportlng his recommendations. The costs quoted Include ali new cable In
the City Hall, Murzyn Hall and the Municipal Service Center.
Councllmember Nawrockl expressed his opposltion to using, funds from the General
Fund Undeslgnated Fund Balance. He requested the City Manager to find another
source for thls fundlng In the budget.
Motion by Nawrockl, second by Clerkln to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
enter Into an agreement with Taylor Telephone Systems for the Installation of new
telephone cabilng and addltlonal paging equipment at a cost not to exceed $5,965,
as specified in their proposal, subject to the Clty Manager'finding money to pay
for these extra costs In the existing adopted budget of thelCity. Roll call:
Nawrockl, Clerkln, Carlson - aye Paterson - nay
c. Purchase of Conduit and Hand Holes for Telephone System
Motion by Nawrockl, second by Paterson to authorize the purchase of IO PVC
hand holes #811q from North Star Concrete Company of Apple Yalley for an amount
of $1,q50, and, ~he purchase of 3,000 lineal feet of 2" P¥C wlth the associated
couplings, bends, and coment from Goodln Company of Mlnneapolls for an amount
of $2,2~.75; and furthermore, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to
enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: All ayes
d. Establish Work Session to Consider Possible Sale of Tax-Increment Revenue
Bonds by Apr11 1, !~90; Potential Redevelopment In Multi-Use Redevelopment
Plan Area; Review of Early Childhood Family Education Resource Center; and
Review of the Section 8 Housing Report Prepared by HRA Staff
Motion by Paterson, second by Clerkln to establish a Council 14ork Session for
Wednesday, February 28, 19~0 at 7:00 p.m. In the City Cogncil Chambers.
The HRA Director advised the Council that the staff person from the HRA who
prepared the Section 8 Housing Report will be unable to attend the Work Session
on February 28th.
I~otlon by Paterson to remove the Section 8 Housing Report from the ~/ork Session
Agenda. The Clty Manager felt thls item should remaln on the agenda. Council-
member Paterson withdrew his motion.
Roll call: All ayes
e. Change of Counc11 Meeting Date
Counclimember Nawrocki advised he will be out of town on March 12th, the date
of the regularly scheduled Council Meeting. He requested a change of date be
made to March lhth. The City Manager advlsed he will be out of town. on the 13th
of March and a portion of March lqth. It Is his Intention to be back on the
evening of the I~th. He noted that his Administrative Assistant will not be
able to attend a meeting on the. lqth In hls absence If he does not return in
time for a meeting. He Indicated someone on the staff wiil need to be appointed
to serve In .his absence if the Council Meeting Is scheduled for March lqth and
he has not returned.
Motion by Nawrockl, second 'by Clerkln to adopt .a resolutlon designating a change
Council Meeting
February 26, 1990
page 7
of the March 12th Regular Council Meeting to ~afch Iq, 1990.
Councllmember Paterson stated that when a Council Meeting was changed from its
regular date problems were encountered, fie is Uncomfortable with this practice.
Counclimember Nawrockl withdrew hls motion.
f. Attendance of Councll Secretary at LMC and AI~ Functions and Meetings
Notion by Carlson, second by Nawrockl to authorize the attendance of the Councll
Secretary at functions and meetings of the League of Mtnnesota Cities and of
the Assoclatlon of Metropolitan Munictpalltles. Roll call: AII ayes
The attendance of the Councllmembers at the activities of the LMC and the AI~
was authorized at a previous Councll Meeting as noted by Mayor Carlson.
g. Procedural and Policy Issues
Councilmember Nawrockl had three Issues he wished to discuss.
Motion by Nawrocki to strike the language which refers to the Open Mike portion
of a Councll Meeting being open only to residents; to remove the five minute
time limit for the Open Mike portion of the meeting; and, to direct staff to
copy agenda material on both sides of the paper. Motion dies for lack of a second
Councilmember Nawrockl had previously requested that the agenda materlal be
copled on both sides of the paper. Me felt the expensive copier In Clty Mall
could do this easily and thereby serve as a source reduction. The City Manager
advised he wi11 check Into this matter. He noted that both side copying may
slow the process of putting the agenda together and may cause some dlfflculty
when deallng with paper of different sizes.
Councllmember Nawrockl requested that any agenda material desired by residents
of the Clty be made available at no charge. He Indicated a wllllngness to give
any resident the Council packet he receives and wants to be notified If there
Is such a request.
h. Spray Booth - Municipal Service Center
The City Manager explained the bid proposal. The Council received all the data
concerning this matter at the Council Meetlng.
The City Engineer stated that either the problems being experienced be corrected
or staff should cease doing any of the body and paint work In the building.
He noted that some of the costs previously stated have been reduced considerably
wlth the alternative received at thls meeting.
Councilmember Clerkln Inquired how many vehlcles are painted or worked on in a
typical year. He was advised It is approximately one per week and If the work
Is done by someone outslde of the City staff It would be very costly. He noted
that the payback period for the proposal received would be about theae to four
years.
RECESS: 10:20 p.m.
RECONVENE: 10:35 p.m.
The Clty Manager advised the cost quoted for the spray booth work has been
reviewed by the project architect and he Indicated this price Is acceptable.
Council Heating
February 26, 1990
page 8
Motion by Paterson, second by Clerkln to table ~or addltlonal Information.
The motion was withdrawn.
The City Hanager advlsed he will gather all the data received regarding the
spray booth project and will get a written recommendation from the architect.
This item will be an agenda Item on the Recessed Council Heetlng scheduled
for ~arch 1st.
10. REPORTS
a. The City Hanager~s report was presented In written form and the following
Items were discussed:
1. New Hire: Mayor Carlson approved the hiring of Jim I~ontague as a Community
Service Worker effective danuary 22, 1990 at a wage rate consistent with
the Cltyts labor agreement with AFSCHE.
2. Joint Fire Training Facility: The Fridley Fire Chief Is requesting some
commitment from Columbia Helghts. The City IRanager recommended reaffirming
the Council's earlier action regarding thls matter. It was noted that
a Joint Powers Agreement has not been developed and only prellmlnary cost
estimates have been received.
3. Slx Cities Watershed - Distribution of Surplus Funds to Hember Citlesi
Councllmember Nawrockl stated he takes exception to the orlglnal distribution
of assets. He Inquired what the original plan for thls money was and was
advised that there was none.
Risk Hanagement Program: Councllmember Nawrockl stated he has received no
Risk Management Program plan and he Is still Interested In receiving this
material. The City I~anager advised that the Finance 0Irector Is presently
preparlng it.
5. MVET Transfer: Councllmember Nawrockl Inquired If a resolution had been
drafted stating the Council's posltlon on the MVET transfer. He was advised
that at this point In time thls has not been done.
6. Assessment on Minneapolls-o~ned Property Letter: Councllmember Nawrockl
wanted to know If a letter to the City Clerk of Hlnneapolis had been
prepared regarding their paying an assessment on property owned by
Minneapolis. This will be done by the Clty ~tanager.
7. Housing Code Enforcement: Councilmember Nawrockl requested a status report
on the applications recelved and enforcement of the Housing Haintenance Code.
The Bulldlng Inspector responded that there have been very few a'ppiicatlons
eecelved, but five Inspections of rental units were done today. The dead-
line for submlttlng applications is April 15th
8. Recyclable Cover'on Recreation Commission Brochure: Councllmember Nawrockl
noted that a recyclable cover was not used on'the most recent edition of
the Recreatlon Commission brochure. He was advised that the next edition
wlii have a recyclable cover.
Council Meeting
February 26, 1990
page 9
b. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
Councilmember Nawrock! referred to a request he had of the City Attorney regarding
the taking of minutes at Council Work Sessions. The City Attorney had responded
by letter advlslng some type of record should be kept of the Issues discussed
at Council Work Sessions. He wlll contact the League of Minnesota Citles about
what would be required. The City Attorney advised he had recently attended an
annual update meeting for Clty Attorneys where this Issue had also been dis-
cussed. He felt any record keeping could be very Informal and simply record a
minimum amount of discussion and Items addressed.
MEETING RECESS ..
Motion by Carlson, second by Nawrockl to recess thls Council Meeting until
March 1, 1990 dlrectly following the Public Improvement Hearlngs. Roll call:
All ayes