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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 25, 1991OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUHBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 1BB1 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Carlson at 7:00 p.m.. 1. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CONSENT AGENDA The following items were approved on the consent agenda: Minutes of Previous Meetln~s The Council approved the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of February ll, l~l as presented and there were no corrections. Request by Minnesota Waterfowl Association to Conduct Raffle The Council directed the City Manager to advise the Minnesota Charitable Gambling Control Board that the City has no objection to the issuance of an one-time raffle to be conducted by the Minnesota Waterfowl Association on March 22, 1991, at Murzyn Hall; such association to pay a $25.00 license fee to the City of Columbia Heights and also waived the sixty day waiting period. Request to Seek Quotations on Fire Hydrants The Council authorized staff to seek quotations on replacement fire hydrants. Request to Seek Quotations for Weed Killer and Fertilizer The Council authorized staff to seek quotations for granular fertilizer and weed control material for 199l. License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Payment of Bills The Counci] authorized the payment of bills as listed out of proper funds. 4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to approve the consent agenda as presented. Ro11 call: All ayes COHMENTS REGARDING GOVERNOR'S BUDGET MESSAGE Councilmember Nawrocki observed that if the recommendation of the Governor regarding property taxes is approved it could have a devastating effect on property owners in the City. The recommendation would double the taxes on homes valued at $68,000 or less. He noted that half of the homes in the City fall into this category. Councilmember Nawrocki also advised that the City has already lost $103,000 in local government aids. He felt there is a need to follow activity of this legislative session very closely. Representative 5imoneau will be attending this meeting. Councilmember Nawrocki Regular Council Meeting February 25, 1991 page 2 said Representative Simoneau chairs the House Appropriations Committee where many of the municipal funding bills will be heard. 5. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS Mayor Carlson read the proclamation designating the week of March 3 - 10, 1991 as Volunteers of America Week in the City of Columbia Heights. Mayor Carlson read a proclamation recognizing the 60th anniversary of V.F.W. Post #230 and presented it to the Post Commander. A plaque of appreciation was presented to Rick Wall who was representing Minar Ford. This firm supplies the vehicle which tows the Jamboree Royalty float. Sa. OPEN MIKE There was no one present for Open Mike. 6. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS a. Resolution No. 91-10; Being a Resolution Authorizing Bond Issue on Behalf of Crestview Lutheran Home The City's bond counsel advised that this resolution gives final approval to two series of bonds which will be sold. The sale of these bonds has no obligation to the City. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies ava )able to the public. Roll catl: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 91-10 A resolution of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the "Issuer") authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of the Issuer's board and care facility revenue bonds (Royce Place Project) Series 1991A and Series 1991B ("The Bonds"), which bonds and the interest and any premium thereon shall be payable solely from revenues derived from revenues pledged pursuant to the indentures; approving the form of and authorzing the execution and delivery of the bonds and the related documents; and providing for the security, rights and remedies of the owners of said bonds WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the "Issuer") is a home rule city duly organized and existing under the Constitution and laws of the State of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the State of Minnesota, particularly Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C, as amended (the "Act"}, the Issuer is authorized to carry out the public purposes described herein and contemplated thereby by issuing its revenue bonds to provide funds to finance a combination multifamily housing development and health care facility within its boundaries, and is authorized to enter into any agreements made in connection therewith and pledge those agreements as security for payment of the principal of and interest on any such revenue bonds; and Regular Council Meeting February 25, 19~1 page 3 WHEREAS, Crestvlew Lutheran Home, Inc., a Minnesota nonprofit corporation (the "Company") has requested the Issuer to issue its Board and Care Facility Revenue Bonds (FHA Insured Mortgage Loan - Royce Place Project) Series 1991A in an aggregate principal amount of $2,770,000 (the "Series A Bonds") to provide for the funding of a loan (the "Mortgage Loan"} to the Company for the purpose of acquiring, constructing and equipping of a 50-unit board and care facility (the "Project"); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage Loan will be made pursuant to the terms of a Loan Agreement dated as of February l, l~gl (the "Series A Loan Agreement") between the Issuer and the Company, which Mortgage Loan will be insured by a contract of insurance issued by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development acting through the Federal Housing Administration; and WHEREAS, the Series A Bonds will be issued under an Indenture of Trust dated as of February l, 1991 (the "Series A Indenture") between the Issuer and Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. (the "Trustee"}, and said Series A Bonds and the interest on said Series A Bonds shall be payable solely from the revenue pledged therefor and the Series A Bonds shall not constitute a debt of the Issuer within the .' meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation oor shall constitute nor give rise to a pecuniary liability of the Issuer or a charge against its general credit or taxing powers and shall not constitute a charge, 1lan, or encumbrances, legal or eq~itab!e, upon any property of the Issuer other than the Issuer's interest in the Project; and WHEREAS, the Company has further requested the Issuer to issue its Board and Care Facility Revenue Bonds (Royce Place Project) Series 199lB in an aggregate principal amount of $610,000 (the "Series B Bonds"} (the ~eries A Loan Ag- grement and the Series B Agreement are herein collectively referred to as "Loan Agreements") between the Issuer and the Company will be secured by a security interest in the Excess Cash (as defined in the Series B Loan Agreement) of the Project and a guaranty agreement executed by the Company in favor of the Trustee; and WHEREAS, the Series B Bonds ~i)l be issued under an Indenture of Trust dated as of February 1, !~91 (the "Series B Indenture") (the Series A Indenture and the Series B Indenture are here in collectively referres to as the "Indentures") between the Issuer and the Trustee, and said Series B Bonds and the interest on said Series B Bonds shall be payble solely from the revenue pledged therefor and the Series B Bonds shall not constitute a debt for the Issuer within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation nor shall constitute nor give rise to a pecuniary liability of the Issuer or a charge against its general credit or taxing powers and shall not constitute a charge, lien, or encumbrance, legal or equltable, upon any property of the Issuer other than the Issuer's interest in the Project; and W~IEREAS, the Issuer proposes to finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of the Project and the other related purposes under the Act by the issuance of the Bonds of the Issuer under this resolution as hereinafter defined. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, AS FOLLOWS: Regular Council Meeting February 25, 1991 page 4 1. The Issuer acknowledges, finds, determines, and declares that the provision of necessary housing and health care facilities, so that adequate housing and health care services are available to residents of the State at reasonable cost, is a public service. 2. For the purposes set forth above, there is hereby authorized the issuance, sale and delivery of the Series A Bonds in a principal amount of $2,770,000 and the Series B Bonds in a principal amount of $610,000. The Series A Bonds and the Series B Bonds shall bear interest, shall be numbered, shall be dated, shall mature, shall be subject to redemption prior to maturity, shall be in such form, and shall have such other details and provisions as are prescribed in the Series A Indenture and the Series B Indenture, respectively, in the forms now on file with the Issuer. 3. The Bonds shall be special obligations of the Issuer payable solely from the revenues provided by the Company pursuant to the Loan Agreements, and other funds pledged pursuant to the Indentures. The City Council of the Issuer hereby authorizes and directs the Mayor and City Manager of the Issuer (the "Mayor" and the "Manager", respectively) to execute and deliver the Indentures; and to deliver to said Trustee the Indentures, and hereby authorizes and directs the execution of the Bonds in accordance with the terms of the res- pective Indentures, and hereby provides that the Indentures shall provide the terms and conditions, covenants, rights, obligations, duties and agre- ements of the owners of the Bonds, the Issuer and the Trustee as set forth there i n. All of the provisions of the Indentures, when executed as authorized herein shall be deemed to be a part of this resolution as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated verbatim herein and shall be in full force and effect from the date of execution and delivery thereof. The Indentures shall be substantially in the forms on file with the Issuer, which are hereby approved, with such necessary and appropriate variations, omissions and insertions as do not materially change the substance thereof, or as the Mayor and the Manager, in their discretion, shall determine, and the execution thereof by the Mayor and the Manager shall be conclusive evidence of such determination. h. The Mayor and Manager are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver the Loan Agreements and the Bond Purchase Agreement to be dated on or about February 27, 1991 and executed by the Issuer, the purchaser of the Bonds, and the Company (the "Bond Purchase Agreement"). Al1 of the provisions of the Loan Agreements and the Bond Purchase Agreement, when executed and delivered as authorized herein, shall be deemed to be a part of this reso- lution as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated verbatim hereln and shall be in full force and effect from the date of execution and delivery thereof. The Loan Agreements and the Bond Purchase Agreement shall be sub- stantially in the forms on file with the Issuer which are hereby approved, wlth such omlsslons and insertions as do not materially change the substance thereof, or as the Mayor and Manager, in their discretion, shall determine, and the execution thereof by the Mayor and the Manager shall be concluslve evidence of such determination. 5. The Bonds shall be revenue obligations of the Issure the proceeds of vd~ich sha)] be disbursed pursuant to the Indentures and the Loan Agreements, and the principal, premium and interest on the Bonds shall be payable solely Regular Council Heetlng February 25, 1991 page 5 from the proceeds of the Bonds, the Loan Agreements and the other sources set forth in the Indentures. 6. The Trustee is hereby appointed as Paying Agent and Bond Registrar for the Bonds. 7. The Hayor and ~anager of the Issuer are hereby authorized to execute and deliver, on behalf of the Issuer, such other documents as are necessary or appropriate in connection with the issuance, sale, and delivery of the Bonds, including the Arbitrage Certificate, and ali other documents and certificates as shall be necessary and appropriate in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds. 8. The Issuer has not participated in the preparation of the Official Statement to be dated on or about February 27, 1991 relating to the Bonds (the "Official Statement") and has made no independent investigation with respect to the information contained therein, inc)uding the Appendices thereto, and the Issuer assumes no responsibi)ity for the sufficiency, accuracy or completeness of such information. Subject to the foregoing, the Issuer hereby consents to the dis-' tribution and the use by the Underwriter in connection with the sale of the Bonds of the Official Statement in the form on file with Issuer. The Official Statement is the sole material consented to by the Issuer for use in con- nection with the offer and sa)e of the Bonds. 9. All covenants, stipulations, obligations and agreements of the Issuer contained in this resolution and the aforementioned documents shal) be deemed to be the covenants, stipulations, obligations and agreements of the Issuer to the full extent authorized or permitted by law, and all such covenants, stipulations, obligations and agreements sba)) be binding upon the Issuer. Except as other- wise provided in this resolution, all 'rights, powers and privileges conferred and duties and liabi)ities imposed upon the Issuer or the City Council by the provisions of this resolution or of the aforementioned documents shal) be exercised or performed by the Issuer or by such members of the City Council or such officers, board, body or agency thereof as may 'be required or authorized by )aw to exercise such powers and to perform such duties. No covenant, stipulation, obligation or agreement herein contained or contained in the aforementioned documents shall be deemed to be a covenant, stipulation, obligation, or agreement of any member of the City Council of the Issuer, or any officer, agent, or employee of the Issuer in that person~s individual capacity, and neither the City Council of the Issuer nor any officer or employee executing the Bonds shall be liable personally on the Bonds or be subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance thereof. No provision, covenant or agreement contained in the aforementioned documents, the Bonds or in any document related to the Bonds, and no obligation therein or herein Imposed upon the Issuer or the breach thereof, shall constitute or give rlse to any pecuniary liability of the Issuer or any charge upon its general credit or taxing powers. In making the agreements, provision, covenants, and representations set forth in such documents, the Issuer has not obligated itself to pay or remit any funds or revenues, other than funds and revenues derived from the Loan Agreements which are to be applied to the payment of the Bonds, as provided therein and in the Indentures. Regular Council Meeting February 25, 1991 page 6 10. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, nothing in this resolution or in the aforementioned documents expressed or implied, is intended or shall be construed to confer upon any person or firm or corporation, other than the Issuer or any holder of the Bonds issued under the provisions of this resolution, any right, remedy, or claim, legal or equitable, under and by reason of thls resolution or any provision hereof, this resolution, the aforementioned documents and all of their provisions being intended to be and being for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Issuer and any holder from time to time of the Bonds issued under the provisions of this resolution. 11. In case any one or the more of the provisions of this resolution, other than the provisions contained in the first sentence of Section 3 hereof, or of the aforementioned documents, or of the Bonds issued hereunder shall for any reason be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this resolution, or of the aforementioned documents, or of the Bonds, but this resolution, the aforementioned documents, and the Bonds shall be construed and endorsed as if such illegal or invalid provision had not been contained herein. 12. The Bonds, when executed and delivered, shall contain a recital that they are issued pursuant to the Act, and such recital shall be conclusive evidence of the validity of the Bonds and the regularity of the issuance thereof, and that all acts, conditions and things required by the laws of the State of Hinnesota relating to the adoption of this resolution, to the issuance of the Bonds and to the execution of the aforementioned documents to happen, exist and be performed precedent to and in the enactment of the aforementioned documents have happened, exist and have been performed as so required by the ]aw. 1). The officers of the Issuer, attorneys, engineers and other agents or employees of the Issuer are hereby authorized to do all acts and things required of them by or in connection with this resolution, the aforementioned documents, and the Bonds for the full, punctual and complete performance of all the terms, convenants and agreements contained in the Bonds, the afore- mentioned documents and this resolution. In the event that for any reason the Mayor of the Issuer is unable to carry out the execution of any of the documents or other acts provided herein, any other member of the City Council of the Issuer shall be authorized to act in his capacity and under- take such execution or acts on behalf of the Issuer with full force and effect, which executions or acts shall be valid and binding on the Issuer. If for any reason the Manager of the Issuer is unable to execute and deliver the documents referred to in this resolution, such documents may be executed by a member of the City Council or the City Clerk-Treasurer, with the same force and effect as if such documents were executed and delivered by the Manager of the Issuer. lq. Thls resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage. Passed this 25th day of February, 1991. Offered by: Seconded by: Ro]l call: Peterson Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Edward M. Carlson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Regular Council Meeting February 25, 1991 page B b. Resolution No. 91-11; Being a Resolution Retaining the Present Fiscal Disparities Contribution Rate Motion by Ruettlmann, second by Clerkin to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Rotl call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 91-11 CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR FISCAL DISPARITIES t~HEREAS, the State of Minnesota adopted a system designed to~are tax resources in the metropolitan area known as fiscal disparities; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota fiscal disparities law is the very first tax sharing system adopted in the United States and has become a model for other states; and WHEREAS, the idea of tax-base sharing is to narrow the gap between communities with a strong and growing commercial-industrial tax base and communities with small or stagnated comme rcial-industria! tax base. To lessen the difference between the "haves" and "have-nots", the law requires that 40 percent of new commercial-industrial tax base be put back into the metropolitan pool and apportioned back to communities according to their population and overall tax base; and WHEREAS, tax base sharing makes sense because communities in the Twin Cities area are interdependent parts of a single economic entity. One city might provide a family with a place to live, another a place to work, another a place to attend school, another a place to shop, another'a place to generate the electricity to lite their home, and another a location to handle waste products. WHEREAS, the Minnesota fiscal disparities tax sharing system is working and has achieved its objective; and %~IEREAS, without fiscal disparities the richest communities in the metro- politan area would have a per capita commercial-industrial tax base of 22 times as big as the smallest; and t~HEREAS, without federal disparities the spread between the richest and poorest is just h to 1; and WHEREAS, fiscal disparities is an integral part of our property tax system and is a fundamental benefit to the entire metropolitan area because it recognizes we are an interdependent economic unit. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the fiscal disparities contribution rate be retained in its present form without change. Passed this 25th day of February, 1991. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Paterson Al1 ayes Mayor Edward M. Carlson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Regular Council Heeting February 25, 1991 page 9 Representative Simoneau arrived at the meeting and the regular agenda was interrupted. Councilmember Nawrocki apprised Representative Simoneau of the Council's concerns regarding cuts in local government aids and the possibility of raising property taxes if the Governor's proposal for adopting a new tax formula is approved Representative 5imoneau advised that the Legislature is waiting for the March forecast regarding the State's revenues. He reviewed various ways to make up the State's deficit, among which were an increase on alcohol and cigarettes as well as short term borrowing. He noted that he had previously sponsored a bill whereby if there is not ninety percent funding supplied by the State the municipality would not have to implement a State mandate. Addressing the possible revamping of the property tax formula, Representative Simoneau suggested the City Council draft a chart which wo~ld show how the Governor's proposed formula would impact on Columbia Heights. c. Resolution No. 91-12; Being a Resolution Approving Transfer of Funds from Undesignated General Fund Surplus for Various Construction Projects Motion by C)erkin, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 91-12 TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION FUNDS BE 1T RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights as follows: W~IEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights approved several construction projects within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights dld previously authorize the use of City funds to cover portions of those projects; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights did not previously take action to authorize transfer of money between funds to pay for those projects. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the' following fund balances be transferred to the following projects: a) Project #9024 --transfer $37,800.18 from the Undesignated General Fund to the Central Garage Fund #701; b) Project #8912 --transfer $5,250.00 from the Undesignated General Fund to Project #8912; c) Project #9026 --transfer $733.20 from the Undesignated General Fund to Project #9026; d) Project #9018 --transfer $25,923.10 from the Undesignated General Fund to Project #9018; e) Project #9019 --transfer $17,673.77 from the Undesignated General Fund to Project #9019; f) Project #9020 --transfer S10,178.67 from the Undesignated General Fund to Project #9020 Regular Council Heet]ng February 25, 1991 page l0 g) Project #9021 --transfer $17,201.64 from the Undesignated General Fund to Project #9021; and, h) Project #9022 -- transfer $30,947.33 from the Undesignated General Fund to Project #9022. Passed this 25th day of February, 1~)91. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Clerkin All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Edward M. Carlson d. Interfund Loan to the Central Garage Fund The Finance Director explained that there is a deficit in the Central Garage Fund just under $125,000. The primary reasons for this deficit is that the improvements at the Garage in 1989 and 1990 exceeded the origlnal cost esti- mates and the revenue from garage labor was under budget in 1~90. The Finance Director is recommending that an interfund loan from the Sewer Fund for $125,000 be made to the Central Garage Fund at an annual interest rate of 6% for a term of ten years. Council rnember Nawrocki felt the length of the loan of ten years was not ap- propriate and that a simple transfer of funds would make more sense. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to table this request for transfer of funds, the matter be referred to staff for consideration, and that staff prepare a resolution which would authorize a transfer of the appropriate funds in an amount sufficient to cover this deficit. Roll call: All ayes COMMUNICATIONS a. Complaints Received Regarding 49th Avenue The Mayor received a complaint from a resident on 49th Avenue regarding the poor job done on patching the holes on the street where the recent construction was completed. The Public Works Director responded that the potholes were again recently patched. He noted that City :rews did this work but the contractor will be back-billed for the work as it was not done by this firm. Residents of 4~th Avenue had also contacted the Mayor regarding removal of some of the dirt from the street when the weather was fairly dry. The Public Works Director advised that to sweep streets water is needed. With the tempera- tures this time of year, there is a risk of turning the water into ice and the City would bear the liability for this condition. b. City Float The Mayor has .received comments that the Clty float is need of much repair because of damage caused by weather as it has been stored out of doors. The Public Works Director advised that it presently is being stored in a City- owned building on 38th Avenue and he is not aware of how much damage is being discussed. He noted that those persons associated with the Float Commlttee have keys to this building and it is accesslble for repair. The City Manager re- quested the Mayor to advise him who should be contacted about this concern. Regular Council Meetlng February 25, ]991 page 1 l OLD BUSINESS a. Authorization to Seek Bids on Resurfacing the Municipal Service Center Floor This floor has been sealed every two years since 1981. It is recommended that when there are four or five layers of build up it be removed and resurfaced. The Public Works Director advised if only a sealcoat job is done it soon breaks up and starts to peel off thereby exposing more of the floor to salt and sand. He noted that the floor is cleaned once a week in the winter months. He estimated to sandblast and seal the floor would cost approximately $30,000. To seal the floor only would cost between $8,000 to $10,O00. Councilmember Nawrockl felt the $30,OOO expenditure would be difficult to justify. He recalled the floor was a major project in 1~85 and it did not appear to do anything to extend the life of the sea]coat. Motion by Clerkin, second by Ruettimann to authorize staff to seek bids with multiple options to be brought back to the City Council for its consideration. Ro)) call: All ayes NEW BUSINESS a. Establish Date for Work Session Dates for Council work sessions will be discussed at the work session following this Council meeting. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to adjourn this.meeting to a Council work session tonight and continue the work session until lO:30 p.m.. Roll call: All ayes b. Award of Bid for City Newsletter The City Manager advised that the City newsletter will expand from its regular twelve page format to sixteen pages in order to incorporate four additional pages for the Recreation Deparment. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to award the bid for printing and distribution of the City newsletter for 199) to Rapid Graphics based on iow competitive proposal received and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into an agreement for same with the allowande for the City Council and staff to review the results of the first issue. Rol] call: Ali ayes 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. Appointment of City Attorney: The City Manager advised he has appointed Gregg Woods of the )aw firm of Kalina, Wills and Woods, to serve as the City Attorney. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if this were a temporary appointment. The City Manager responded that no time had been attached to it. 2. Request from Minneapolis for Joint Installation of Signal: A request has Regular Council Meeting February 25, 1~91 page 12 been received from Minneapolis requesting a joint installation of traffic signals at 37th and Johnson. This matter is being referred to the Traffic Commission. 3. MN/DOT Upgrading of Intersection at 52nd & 53rd Avenues and Central: The State is requesting participation by the City to revamping and some reconstruction on many of the City's intersections passing through Central Avenue. Because of budgetary considerations the Public Works Director is recon~nending authorizing only two. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Clerkin to authorize the recommended pro- jects on 52nd and 53rd Avenues on Central AvenUe to upgrade the sig- nalizatlon at those intersections using $2,250 from the Undesignated General Fund Surplus and $1,125 from M.S.A.5. funds. Roll call: Ali ayes 4. Unbuildable Lot on 44½ Avenue: The City Manager advised that a property owner is interested in purchasing a lot adjacent to hers on 44~ Avenue , for $1,800 which has been determined to be unbuildable. The property ,- owner indicated a willingness to pay the value placed on the lot by the County, that being $1,800 but is not willing to pay the outstanding special assessments which amount to $14,000. It was noted that some cities waive special assessments on lots such as these so they can be sold and be placed back on the tax rolls. The City Attorney suggested the Council should include a clause on the sate document that the special assessments would be due if a sewer hook up were requested for this parcel. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to authorize the City Attorney to prepare a resolution that would waive the special assessments owing on a tax delinquent lot on &4½ Avenue with the understanding that if this )or were to be built upon the hook up fees charged would be equal to the amount of the wsived special assessments. Roll call: All ayes 5. Community Education Department: The City Manager noted that the 19~0 budget was set for the Recreation and Community Education Department was split with Recreation remaining with the City and Education going to the School District. He is recommending that $~,000 be transferred from the Adult Athletic Education fund into Fund #250. The Finance Director will prepare a reso)ution for the next Council meeting to accomplish this transfer so it will be In conformance with what the City Council has adopted. 6. City's Warming Houses: The City Manager advised that the warming houses at various skating rinks have been'closed due to the weather and limited use. 7. Wargo Court: The City Hanager advised that addltlonal plantings are being considered for Wargo Court. These plantings will be pald for from funds already budgeted. The Mayor suggested this item be put on · Councll work session agenda. 8. Shared Ride Program: A memo was received from the City Manager's Assistant regarding hours and costs for the Shared Ride Program. The cash fare will increase and the hours, which were recently expanded to accommodate those persons using the Traveler, will return to the hours formerly used by the Shared Ride Program. Councilmember Nawrocki had some concerns Regular Council Meeting February 25, I~l ~age 13 noting the user of the Shared Ride program pay by the ride whereas riders from other parts of the County pay a fee based on the hours of service. January !~1 Recycling Report: Anoka County is anticipating waste abatement funds to Columbia Heights for 1991 at $60,453. The Recycling Coordinatorls report noted that $30,226.50 has been approved for the period 1 1-91 to 6-30-91. Councilmember Nawrocki observed that the State may want some of the funding back from the County so the last half of the County"s funding may not be forthcoming. 10. Annual Report: Council member Nawrocki commented that the Annual Report was received much earlier by the Council than in previous years. He re- quested the Police Department statistical report. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. ADJOURNHENT Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to adjourn the Council meeting to a Council ~ork session at 10:05 p,m.. Roll call: All ayes May~r Edward 3/-Anne Student, -C~ncil Secretary