HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 28, 1991OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 28, 1991
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Carlson at 7:00 p.m..
I. ROLL CALL
Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Carlson - present
2. PLEDGE'OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were on the Consent Agenda:
Approval of Meeting. Minutes
The minutes of the January 14, 1991 Regular Council Meeting were approved
as presented and there were no corrections.
Authorization to Seek Bids for Sod and Black Dirt
The Council authorized staff to seek bids for sod and black dirt for the 1991
maintenance program.
Authorization to Seek Weed Contractor
The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the 1991 Weed Removal Contract.
Authorization to Seek Bids for 1991 Tree Planting Program
The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the 19S1 Tree Planting Program.
Authorization to Seek Bids for Road Materials
The Council authorized staff to seek bids for various road materials required
in 1991 Maintenance Program.
Authorization to Seek Bids for Street Striping Work in 1991
The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the 1991 street striping program.
Purchase of Traffic Signs
The Council authorized the purchase of various signs under Hennepln County
Joint Purchasing Contract #1668A-232 from Lyle Signs of Eden Prairie in an
amount of $1,638.45 and also authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter
into an agreement for the same.
The Council authorized the purchase of various signs under the Hennepin
County Joint Purchasing Contract #1668B-232 from Signs & Blanks, Inc. of
Akron, Ohio in an amount of $1,218.18 and also authorized the Mayor and
City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same.
~pproval of License Applications
The Council approved the license applications as listed upon payment of
proper fees.
.~ayment of Bills
The Council approved the payment of bills as listed out of proper funds.
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Regular Council Meeting
January 28, 1991
page 2
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented. Roll call: All ayes
5. OPEN MIKE
Senator Don Frank gave a status report on the activities of the Legislature
since the current session was convened. He noted he is the Chair of the
newly-created Commission on Metro Affairs. This Commission will address
the issue of Fiscal Disparities. He observed that Anoka County and the
City of Columbia Heights are both recipients of considerable funds from
this resource. Hennepin County is a loser and is making an effort to
revamp the Fiscal Disparities formula. The Senator stated he will do all
that is possible to avoid a decrease in the tax base presently benefitting
Columbia Heights.
The Senator also advised that the senate bill which addressed a $50 million
cut in the Local Government Aid package had passed as had a similar bill of
the Governor's in the House of Representatives. He noted that a $197 million
shortfall is anticipated.
Councilmember Ruettimann suggested that some of the high salaries of the ·
Governor's appointments cou)d be considered for a cut. Don Frank responded
these salaries are just a fraction of the funds which would impact on the
shortfall. He feels the "rainy day" reserve will have to be tapped and some
taxes increased to maintain the present level of services.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated he has always found Senator Frank very
accessible and responsive to hls constituents in Columbia Heights. He
noted that the Fiscal Disparities Act did exactly what it was supposed
to do and that only those units of government which dld not receive funds
wanted it dissolved.
Councilmember Nawrocki advised that Columbia Heights Will be losing $103,000
from the LGA decreases. He felt all entities should be participating in
solving the fiscal problems of the State not just the cities. He noted that
originally the 3% sales tax revenues were to be used to provide an alternative
source of revenue for providing local services along with property taxes. This
fact has not been mentioned. He also stated that the State has mandated many
ways in which cities are to operate yet have not provided funding.
Senator Frank stated that levy limits are slated to be removed in 1992 or
1993.
Paul Olson, a resident of Golden Valley, advised the Council he has leased
space in the recently burned out building on 37th and University Avenues.
He had recently been notified by the Building Inspections Department he must
not enter the building. 01son stated he still has a considerable amount of
inventory of his business remaining in the building. He inquired if the demo-
lition contractor would be allowed to make the building safe by shoring up
the walls so he could remove his inventory.
The City Attorney stated this would be allowable provided the building is not
hazardous nor an attractive nuisance. The improvements could be only for the
contents and not for the building and would not increase the hazardous state
of the building.
Regular Councll Meeting
January 28, 1991
page 3
Ed Granowskl, another tenant of the building, advised he has been invited
to move into one of the outbuildings. He inquired if the outbuildings
have to be removed if the main building is demolished. The City Attorney
stated he sees no problem with temporary occupancy if the Code is met. This
advice was based on a limited number of facts. The Acting City Manager felt
this question could not be responded to without first viewing the outbuildings.
The City Attorney agreed and noted that zoning, usage, and building codes must
be considered.
Don Jenkins, another tenant in the building, noted there is considerable
crumbling of the walls and is concerned with safety.
The Acting City Manager will try to coordinate a meeting between the building
owner, the tenants and the Building Inspector at the site. The City Attorney
noted that under the current zoning laws this site could not be rebuilt
to what it formerly was.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
There were no ordinances or resolutions.
7. COMMUNICATIONS
There were no items of communication.
8. OLD BUSINESS
Joint Powers Agreement - Fiscal Disparities Lobbyist
Councilmember Nawrocki received a copy of a Joint Powers Agreement which
would procure the efforts of Charles Weaver as a Jobbyist for various cities
regarding the Fiscal Disparities Act. He noted that the costs for the City
of Columbia Heights to participate in this Agreement would be $2,500.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Carlson .to authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to enter into an amended Joint Powers Agreement that the County of Anoka and
other cities have regarding Jegislation lobbying on the Fiscal Disparities
issue and authorize funding for the City's part of the program in the amount
of S2,500 to come from the Unallocated Fund Balance.
The motion was withdrawn so the City Attorney and the Acting City Manager could
review the Agree~nt.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Purchase of Cable TV P)ayback System and Video Playback System
The Cable Communications Commission had recommended that the specifications
for the cabling of the Council Chambers be rewritten. This material wil) be
be back before the Council by the end of February.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to authorize the Mayor and City
Manager to enter into a contract with Television System .Company in the
amount of $560 for the purchase of a Portable Video Playback System
based on low proposal submitted, and with EPA Audio Visual for the pur-
chase of a Programmable Automated Cable Television Video Playback System
in the amount of $8,075 based on low porposal submitted, and furthermore,
Regular Council Meeting
January 28, 1991
page 4
the funding will come from the Cable Fund. Roll call: All ayes
b. Law Enforcement Television Network Membership
The Acting City Manager felt this was cost effective and was a budgeted item.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City
Manager to enter into an agreement with the Law Enforcement Televislon
Network for a one-year subscription in the amount of $4,656. Roll call:
All ayes
c. Assistant Weed Inspector
Councilmember Nawrocki advised that Dick Dustin had indicated an interest
in serving as the Assistant Week Inspector. Councilmember Peterson also
knew of a person who holds a degree in Biology who is interested in the
position. This matter will be discussed at a Council work session.
d. Purchase of Root Control Foam for Sanitary Sewers
Councilmember Clerkin inquired how long this treatment is effective. The
Public Works Director stated that it lasts for six to seven years.
Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrocki to authorize the purchase of 135
gallons of Sanafoam Vaporooter II from Airringation Engineering Company
of Pleasanton, California for an amount of $6,895, and to recognize the
product as proprietary in nature based upon evidence provided; and further-
more, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement
for the same. Roll call: All ayes
e. Final Payment for Municipal Project 8903 (Wargo Court Relandscaping)
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to authorize acceptance of Municipal
Project #8903 and final payment of $784 to Midwest Landscapes of Maple
Grove, Minnesota. Roll call: All ayes
f. Final Payment for Municipal Project #9015 (Prestemon Park Lighting)
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to accept the work for Municipal
Project #9015 (Prestemon Park Lighting) and authorize final payment of
$11,158.50 to Ridgedale Electric, Inc. of Long Lake, Minnesota. Roll call:
All ayes
Councilmember Ruettimann observed that although the lights are very low,
they are efficient and effective and do not distract the neighborhood.
g. Award of Bid for Skid Steer Loader
The Public Works Director explained the previous bids received were not
compliant and the specifications were re-wrote. Me also reviewed the
three options selected with the Iow bid.
Motion by Clerkln, second by Peterson to award the bid for the Skid Steer
Loader to Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. of Burnsville, Minnesota, for a Model
753 Bobcat plus options for a total amount of $10,847; and furthermore,
to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the
same. Roll call: All ayes
h. LaBelle Park Bank Erosion Control
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize staff to work with the
Soll .Conservation Service, Anoka Soll and Water Conservation District and
others to submit a grant application to control erosion on the east bank
Regular Council Meeting
January 28, 1991
page 5
of LaBelle Park. Roll call: All ayes
i. Repair of City Bus
The City Councilmembers received a Council letter from the Public Works
Director regarding repair of the transmission and the replacement of the
clutch of the City bus. This' work was done by the MTC at a very reasonable
cost. The repairs were needed to continue the safe use of the bus. The
Acting City Manager authorized the repairs.
Motion by Paterson, second by Nawrocki to ratify the action of the Acting
City Manager in having the City's bus' transmission, clutch and brakes
repaired by the HTC, based on a present MTC estimate of $1,350. Roll call:
Ail ayes
A maintenance fund has been established for the bus. Councilmember Nawrocki
requested staff to inquire about the heater while the bus is in the repair
shop.
OLD BUSINESS (cont.)
The City Attorney reviewed the amended Joint Powers Agreement regarding hiring
the services of a lobbyist for representing the City's interests in the Fiscal
Disparities issue and found it in order.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Carlson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to enter into an amended Joint Powers Agreement that the County of Anoka and
other cities have regarding legislation lobbying on the Fiscal Disparities
issue and authorize funding for the City's part of the program in the amount
of $2,500 to come from the Unallocated Fund Balance. Roll call: All ayes
lO. REPORTS
a. Report of the City Manager
The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following
items were discussed:
1. 1991 Carryover Money: Councilmember Nawrocki stated he could not under-
stand why the carryovers and encumbrances were not printed in the budget books.
2. Joint Inspections - Housing Maintenance Code and Section 8: Councilmember
Nawrocki had previously requested that joint inspections by the Building
Inspections staff and the Section 8 Housing staff be done.-He noted that
other communities have this arrangement and realize considerable cost savings.
Mayor Carlson stated he had also made this request and was advised that
the Housing Maintenance Code has different requirements than those of
Section 8 housing.
The Acting City Manager advised there are some pros and cons for doing these
inspections in tandem. The HRA is unwilling to give any funding for inspections
for the Housing Maintenance Code and that there is a several, month backlog
of inspections on the Code. He also noted that the HRA standards are national
standards and are much less restrictive than the Housing Maintenance Code's.
Councilmember Nawrocki felt the same inspector could inspect for both
entities and make two reports. He requested that members of the Council
Regular Council Meeting
January 28, 1991
page 6
receive a copy of the report on this matter from the Acting City Manager
and the HRA Executive Director.
License Renewal
Counci}member Peterson noticed that a license renewal is being requested
by the Concerned for Youth organization. He inquired if this organization
had been reactivated. The Acting City Manager will check the application.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Peterson, second by Clerkin to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.. Roll call:
All ayes
-Anhe Student, [;ouncil Secretary
Mayor Edwa rd 'M. l~a'r'F~n - -