Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 8, 1991REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL The meeting was called to order by Mayor Carlson at 7:00 p.m.. l. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CONSENT AGENDA The followlng items were on the consent agenda: Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings The Council approved the minutes of the March 25, 1991 Regular Council Meeting as presented and there were no corrections. Traffic Signals at 37th Avenue and Johnson Street The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to sign a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Minneapolis to install traffic signals at the intersection of 37th Avenue and Johnson Street with the funding to come from the Municipal State Aid Systems Funds. This authorization was made on the recommendation of the Traffic Commission. Request for Temporary Si~nage by Linder Greenhouse The Council approved the temporary signage request of Linder Greenhouses for h300 Central Avenue from April 27 - 28 and May ll - 12, 1991 as pre- sented subject to the submittal of a SIOD deposit to the Licensing Depart- ment prior tO the installation of the temporary signage. Award of Bid for Topsoil The Council awarded the purchase of topsoil for 1991 to Brighton Excavating Company of New Brighton, Minnesota, based upon their low formal bid, at a unit price of $7.50 per cubic yard picked up and $10.00 per cubic yard delivered and also authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Award of Bid for Tree Replantin~ Pro, ram The Council awarded the 1991 Tree Replanting contract to Greenworks, Inc. Landscaping Contracting of Loretto, Minnesota, based upon their iow formal bid submitted for the unit prices submitted in their proposal dated March 19, 199] and also authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Award of Bid for Sod Purchases The Council awarded the 1991 sod bid to Robinson Landscaping Inc. of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, based upon their low formal bid as follows: Unit Quantity Picked Up Delivered Less than 100 cubic yards 100-300 square yards 300-h00 square yards ~00 sq. yards and over $0.65 per sq. yard $0.65; per sq. yard $0.60 per sq. yard $0.60 per sq. yard $1.20 per sq. yard $1.15 per sq. yard SO.B0 per sq. yard $0.80 per sq. yard Regular Council Meeting April 8, 1991 page 2 The Mayor and City Manager were authorized to enter into an agreement for the same. Authorization to Seek Bids for Lumber The Council authorized staff to seek quotations for lumber required in the 1991 maintenance season. Attendance at Conferences The Council authorized the attendance of Barb Sandberg and Tom Hosch at the Diagonal Data Corporation Fleet Maintenance User Conference to be conducted in Bloomington from July 15 - 17, 1991. The Council authorized the attendance of Officers Terry Nightingale and Randy Bartlett at the Minnesota Law Enforcement Explorer Conference on April 25 through April 28, 1991, authorized payment of the officer registration fee of $)00 each and authorized payment of $600 to pay partial registration fees for the Explorers who attend with the monies coming from the Police Depart- ment budget. License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed 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 Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to approve the consent agenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes 5. PROCLAMATIONS/OPEN MIKE National Library Week - April 14 - 20, 1991 Mayor Carlson read the proclamation designating the week of April 14 - 20, 1991 as National Library Week. He presented the proclamation to members of the Library Board and the Library Director. Buddy Poppy Day - May 17, 1991 The Mayor read the proclamation desigating May 17, 1991 as Buddy Poppy Day. He presented the proclamation to the Poppy Queen. Loyalty Day - May 1, 1991 Mayor Carlson read the proclamation designating May 1, 1991 as Loyalty Day. He presented the proclamation to representatives of V.F.W. Post #230. There was no one present for Open Mike. Mayor Carlson advised he had attended ceremonies welcoming Chris LaVone home from active duty in the Persian Gulf. 6. COMMUNICATIONS a. Planning and Zoning Commission Kegular ~ounc~l April 8, 1991 page 3 Conditional Use Permit - Terry Pease, 4600 Sixth Street Mr. Pease has been operating a heating/cooling balancing service from his home since 1987. He explained how his operation functions and presented a petition from all property owners within 300 feet of his home which indicated their support of his business continuing at its present location. The City Attorney advised that this business does not meet the requirements for a conditional use permit and suggested that a moratorium could be placed on the ordinance enforcement until the ordinance had been reviewed. Councilmember Ruettimann had suggested that the ordinance be reviewed noting that time and conditions change. It was stated that there are many home occu- pation businesses operating in the City. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to continue further consideration of this matter, that the issue be placed on the first available work session agenda, and that a mortorium be placed on enforcement of the ordinance pending action by the City Council. Roll call: All ayes Mayor Carlson requested the City Manager to advise Mr. Pease by letter when this matter comes before the Council for action. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS/ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS a. Resolution No. 91-21; Joint Powers Agreement Between Columbia Heights and Fridley The Public Works Director advised that the administration of this project will be handled by Fridley. Approval of the engineering firm will be sought from Councils of both cities. Councilmember Nawrocki expressed a concern with the overflow presently being experienced in the .line on 52nd Avenue, The Public Works Director stated the water will be diverted to whatever pond can hold it and control it. He noted that Columbia Heights controls the flow into Highland Lake, not the County, Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the reso- lution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 91-21 BEING A RESOLUTION BETWEEN THE CITIES OF COLUHBIA HEIGHTS AND FRIDLEY ESTAB- LISHING A JOINT POWERS AGREEHENT FOR THE STORM 5EWER IMPROVEMENT5 ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLOVER POND AND 52ND AVENUE FLOODING WHEREAS, Columbia Heights and Fridley have entered into an agreement to establish the Six Cities Watershed Management Organization pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 473.877 on December 22, 1983; and WHEREAS, the Six Cities Watershed Management Organization Plan identified certain joint storm water improvements within the Capital Improvement Program, and WHEREAS, two of these improvements were the diversion of Highland Lake water to Regular Council Meeting April 8, 199l page 4 Clover Pond and construction to deal with flooding behind the homes on 52nd Avenue, and WHEREAS, on February 19, 1987, the two cities agreed to share equally in the costs of these improvements and enter into a Joint Powers Agreement to accomplish them, and, WHEREAS, it is desired to accomplish these two improvements in 1991, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that a Joint Powers Agreement attached as Exhibit "A" is authorized to be executed by the Mayor and City Manager for the completion of the storm water improvements associated with the diversion of Highland Lake to Clover Pond and construction of a drainage swale south of 52nd Avenue. Dated this 8th day of April, 1991. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson All ayes Mayor Edward M. Carlson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the aforegoing resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Co)umbia Heights, at a duly authorized meeting thereof, held on the 8th day of April, 1991, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my presence. Jo-Anne Student, Deputy City Clerk b. Resolution No. 91-22; Being a Resolution Urging Governor Carlson to "Keep the State's Promise" Motion by Peterson, second by Clerkin to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 91-22 BEING A RESOLUTION URGING GOVERNOR CARLSON TO "KEEP THE STATE'S PROMISE AND GIVE PROPERTY TAXPAYERS BACK THEIR MONEY WHEREAS, Governor Arne Carlson's budget proposal calls for cutting more than $600 million in local property tax relief from the State Budget; and WHEREAS, the Governor's budget proposal would increase property taxes for almost all homes in Columbia Heights; and WHEREAS, these drastic increases in property taxes could be avoided if one- third of the State's 6% sales tax were dedicated to provide ongoing property tax relief for property taxpayers; and WHEREAS, a 3% state sales tax was first enacted by the State Legislature in Regular Council Meeting April 8, 1991. page 5 1967 with the promise to the voters that the money would be returned to them in the form of lower property taxes made possible through property tax relief programs for local property taxpayers; and WHEREAS, Governor Carlson has now proposed to break that promise by the State and eliminate the Homestead Credit (now called HACA) and Local Government Aid (LGA); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Columbia Heights' City Council hereby urges Governor Carlson to keep the State's promlse and give propertyaxpayers back their sales tax money by requesting the Leglslature to constitutionally dedicate one-third of the State's sales tax to provide property tax relief for local property taxpayers; and BE IT FURTHRE RESOLVED that the Columbia Heights City Council hereby urges people in Columbia Heights and around the State to sign the attached citizens' petition requesting that their sales tax money be returned to them to hold down property taxes, as was promised by the State. Passed this 8th day of April, 1991. Offered by: Peterson Seconded by: Clerkin Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Edward M. Carlson COMMUNICATIONS (cont.) Councilmember Nawrocki reported on the findings of Attorney Steffens regarding his findings on personnel related matters, specfically in the area of recruit- ment of a City Manager. Steffens had met with each member of the Council re- garding their individual positions on what qualifications were being looked for in a City Manager. Steffens had also met with various members of the City staff. At present, the Acting City Manager is Stuart Anderson, who is also the City's Police Chief. Steffens evaluated what he had been advised by the City Council in the individual comsultations and recommended the Council pursue the hiring of Stuart Anderson. Nawrocki noted that Anderson is eligible to retire from his position as Police Chief this year. Anderson has agreed to continue to serve in the Acting City Manager's position as well as Police Chief. Motion by Nawrockl, second by Ruettimann to concur with the recommendations of Attorney Steffens, discuss the matter with Stuart Anderson and continue to use the services of Steffens to reach a mutually acceptable agreement with Stuart Anderson to accept the position of City Manager. Roll call: All ayes The minutes of the April 1, 1~91 Traffic Commlssion meeting were in the agenda packet. No Council action was required. 8. OLD BUSINESS Selection of Engineering Firm for LaBelle Pond Water Quality Study Regular Council Meeting Aprll 8, 1991 page 6 Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to setect Howard Needles Tammen and Bergendorff as the engineering consultant to perform the restoration and maintenance study for LaBelie Pond knows as Municipal Project #9008; and to authorize staff to enter into negotiations with the firm for a contract to perform the work, Ro11 cat1: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki requested an explanation as to why the low bidder on this project was not selected, It was explained that the iow bidder ack- nowledged that more work may need to be done, Councilmember Nawrockl requested the firm who performed the project at Highland Lake be contacted regarding why they did not bid on this project and to find out if this flrm would be interested. He also felt staff should fol]ow up with the low bidder and review the criteria. NEW BUSINESS a. Authorization to Seek Bids for Pickup Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to authorize staff to seek bids for a four-wheel drive pi;kup truck with plow and utility box to replace Municipal Unit #232. Roll call: All ayes b. Award of Weed Cutting Contract Only one bid was received for this contract. The person who did the weed cutting for the City last year advised the Council he did not receive notice of the bid. He felt the contract last year was rather vague as to what was expected. Councilmember Ruettimann suggested that the bid specs be more specific as to what would be expected of this contractor. The Public Works Director felt it would be wise for the contractor to visit with the City's Assistant Weed rnspector. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to reject the bid received for weed cutting and go back out for rebid. Roll call: All ayes c. Authorization to Seek Engineering Firm to Design Lift Station Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to authorize staff to seek proposals from engineering firms to study and design improvements at the Silver Lake Lift Stations as proposed in the 1991 budget. Roll call: All ayes d. Replacement of Storm Pipe at Jackson Pond Motion by Ruettimann, second by Clerkin to authorize staff to design and seek bids for the repair or replacement of storm water pipes entering and leaving Jackson Pond. Roll call: All ayes e. Establish Dates for Council Work Sessions Council work sessions were established for the following dates and times; Monday, Aprll 15th following the Board of Review Tuesday, April 16th at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to establish Council work sessions as noted above. Roll call: All ayes Regular Council Meeting April 8, l~)gl page 7 f. Authorization to Design and Seek Bids for Watermain Extension Between Matterhorn Drive and St. Moritz Drive, Municipal Project #9016 Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize staff to des(gn and seek bids for Municipal Project #9016 based upon the location discussed with adjacent property owners on April 4, 199l. Roll call: All ayes 10. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form. The City bus is in poor condition.. Various companies weFe contacted regarding what they may have available to be used in the same manner as the City bus. The City Manager distributed tbe findings received from these firms. Most of the vehicles listed were of the van nature. It was noted that none of these vehic]es have been inspected. Some of the Councilmembers fe]t the purchase of two vans may serve the purpose of the City best. Mayor Carlson had an inquiry regarding the disposition of a Rottlund deve- lopment in the City, Councilmember Nawrocki advised this matter is on ~he agenda for the next HRA meeting. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Clerkln, second by Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m.. Roll call: All ayes " ~ ' Mayor Edward'M~'Carlson °-Anne Student, Council Secretary