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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 11, 1992OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 The Regular Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Murzyn at 7:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda by the City Council: Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings The minutes of the April 27, 1992 Regular Council Meeting were approved as presented and there were no corrections. Specia! Purpose Fence - Nelson, 5049 Washington Street The Council approved the six foot high special purpose privacy fence at 5049 Washington Street. 7eDporary Sign Request - Cost Cutters, 4110 Central Avenue The Council approved the temporary signage as requested provided a $100 deposit is submitted to the City to assure the removal of the balloon from Cost Cutters, 4110 Central Avenue, by May 24, 1992. Park and Recreation Commission - Request to Consume 3.2 Malt Liquor at Sullivan Lake Park The Council approved the request of Marian Ashlin of 1034 42 1/2 Avenue, Columbia Heights, to serve 3.2 keg beer at the Sullivan Family Reunion on August 15, 1992, from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Sullivan Lake Park and the approval was in conjunction with the action of the Park and Recreation Commission on April 22, 1992. Contract Renewal - Hotel Inspection The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to renew the contractural agreement for hotel inspections with the State of Minnesota to be effective July 1, 1992 through June 30, 1997. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 2 o Authorization to Purchase Three Fire Hydrants The Council authorized staff to purchase three Waterous WB-59 hydrants from Water Products Company of Eden Prairie, Mn., for a total cost of $3,132 and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Authorization to Seek Bids for Fourth of July Fireworks The Council authorized staff to seek quotations on fireworks for the Fourth of July Celebration at Huset Park. Appointment of Assistant Week Inspector The Council appointed Walter Logacz as the Assistant Weed Inspector for calendar year 1992 at a flat rate of $2,400. License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Payment of Bills The Counci! approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to approve the Consent AGenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes OPEN MIKE/PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS There was no one present for Open Mike and there were no proclamations or presentations. PUBLIC HEARINGS/ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS a. First Readinq of Ordinance No. 1242, Beinq an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, Permitting Tire and Battery Sales and Service in "RB" Districts and Correcting Errors in Format Councilmember Nawrocki inquired how the area which is being considered for placement of a tire and battery sales and service company is addressed in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Staff will get this information before the second reading of the ordinance. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 3 Councilmember Nawrocki also was concerned about acceptable storage of tires and batteries by the business operators. They apprised the Council of their plans for this storage and noted that it has been deemed acceptable by the Pollution Control AGency. This matter will also be addressed by the Planning and Zoning Commission when the owners request a conditional use permit. Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. 1242 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY ~CODE OF 1977, PERMITTING TIRE AND BATTERY SALES AND SERVICE~IN "RB" DISTRICTS AND CORRECTING ERRORS IN FORMAT The City of Columbia HeiGhts does ordain: Section 1: Section 9.113(2)(b) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977 which currently read as follows, to-wit: 9.113(2)(b) Dwelling units provided. is herewith amended to read as follows: 9.113(2)(b) Dwelling units provided the units do not access the first floor, and access to dwellings is an exclusive entrance. Section 2: Section 9.113(2)(c) of Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, passed June 21, 1977 which currently reads as follows, to-wit: 9.113(2)(c) The units do not access the first floor, and access to dwellings is an exclusive entrance. is herewith amended to read as follows: 9.113(2)(c) Tire and battery sales and service. Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 4 Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 1242, permitting tire and battery sales and service in "RB" Districts and correcting error in format for May 26, 1992. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki suggested checking with regarding their storage of tires and batteries. K-Mar t b. Resolution No. 92-12; Being a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Enter into an Agreement With Honeywell for a Preliminary Evaluation and Recommendations of Enerqy Conservation Measures Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if any information from other vendors for this type of service had been gotten. He feels that comparisons from competitive proposals were vital;for the Council to make a decision which would assure the City of getting the best deal. He also objected to the authorization being requested in the Letter of Intent be on an exclusive basis. Ms. Nelson, representing Honeywell, noted that this proposal is an alternative to the specification/bid process. After some discussion, it was decided that the exclusive nature of the resolution and Letter of Intent should be included in the language of both of them. The City Attorney made suggestions to accommodate this direction. Motion by Peterson, second by Clerkin to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 92-12 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT WITH HONEYWELL FOR A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 471.345, subd. 13, authorizes a municipality to enter into a contract with a qualified provider for the evalation and recommendations of energy conservation measures and for one or more energy conservation measures; and WHEREAS, Honeywell is a qualified provider experienced in the design, implementation, and installation of energy conservation measures. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby authorizes that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized and directed to enter into an exclusive agreement with Honeywell for a preliminary evaluation and recommendations of energy conservation measures provided the same is at no cost to the City of Columbia Heights and does not obligate the City of Columbia Heights to enter into a guaranteed energy savings contract with Honeywell. Passed this llth day of May, 1992. Offered: Seconded by: Roll call: Peterson Clerkin Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki - nay Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. o Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary COMMUNICATIONS a. Planning and Zoning Commission The minutes of the May 5, 1992 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting were on the agenda for informational purposes only. b. Traffic Commission The minutes of the May 4, 1992 Traffic Commission Meeting were on the agenda for informational purposes only. Councilmember Nawrocki, referring to a matter on the Traffic Commission Meeting agenda, gave some history regarding the item. At the Traffic Commission Meeting the matter of changing the street layout at 51st Court was discussed. Staff research did not find the reason for installing a median in the area. Coun¢ilmember Nawrocki recalled the median was installed and the traffic was directed one way to prevent vehicles from coming back to 50th Avenue to gain entrance to Central Avenue. He noted that this road upgrading was done with "safety" funds from the State. If signals are considered for this area he REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 6 felt this "safety" factor should be mentioned to MnDot. 8. OLD BUSINESS Photos of 45th/46th Avenues and Tyler Area Councilmember Nawrocki circulated photos he had taken on May 10th of problems in the 45th/46th Avenue area on Tyler Street and in the adjacent alley. These photos reflected that some of the problems previously reported still exist or have returned. Some of the problems deal with discarded tires, debris and refuse cans without proper covers or no covers. o The City Manager circulated to the Councilmembers a memo from the Police Chief which stated the Department's response to previous complaints and photos. NEW BUSINESS a. Authorization to Purchase and Install Carpeting in the Library Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to authorize the purchase and installation of carpeting at the library from Anderson's New Carpet Design for the amount of $10,247, based on their low formal bid; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Motion to amend by Nawrocki that authorization be given only for carpeting to be installed in the lobby area and the stairs in the Library. Motion dies for lack of a second. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki - nay b. Advertising at Top Valu Liquor Store The City Manager advised that a Community Service Officer has been placed in the Top Valu parking lot during evening hours. He has not personally received any complaints about unacceptable behavior since this was done. Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Twin Cities Reader for eight advertisements of ]lquor store merchandise and hours at a cost not to exceed $3,360. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 7 c. Authorization to Enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Fridley Motion by Nawrocki, second by C]erkin to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Fridley for sealcoatinG and striping 53rd Avenue Northeast from University Avenue to Trunk Highway #65. Roll call: All ayes d. Authorization to Hire a Police Officer The City Manager advised there has been a vacancy on the Police Force since January of this year due to a resignation. He also noted that District #13 School Board authorized funding for a police officer to serve in the schools for a nine month period. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if the Police Protection Agreement with the City of Hilltop has been signed yet. The City Manager noted it had been sent to the Hilltop City Hall for signatures but has not been returned at this point in time. Councilmember Nawrocki noted his concern with how the City may be impacted in 1993 by the State's anticipated revenue shortfall. He felt in light of this protential aid decrease it should be carefully considered before another police position is authorized. The impact of requiring the payment of sales tax on purchases made by the City were a concern of Councilmember Nawrocki as well. Noting that the Council has taken no action on the City ManaGer's recommendations reGardinG cutting the budget for 1992, he felt this position should not be approved at this time, but rather wait to see how the 1993 budget will work out. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and the Police Chief to appoint a Police Officer replacement for Officer Janacek; funding to come out of the 1992 budget. Motion to amend by Nawrocki that the Mayor and Police Chief be directed to employ affirmative action for asking Columbia Heights residents to be applicants for this position. Motion to amend dies for lack of a second. The City Manager advised that Councilmember Nawrocki's position can be pursued by the Police and Civil Service Commission. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he is not requesting that preference be given, but rather that residents of Columbia REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 8 Heights be informed of the opportunity. The City Attorney stated that the hire must be taken from the POST list but that Councilmember Nawrocki's intent could be done by directing staff or by publishing it. The City Manager was of the opinion that any people who would be seeking a position of police officer would be keenly aware of the opportunity in Columbia Heights and get on the POST list. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki - nay e. Fire Department Breathing Air System Members of the Council had been advised why a gear tank system is being requested for the exclusive use of the Columbia Heights Fire Department. Presently, the Columbia Heights Fire Department has a Joint Powers Agreement with two other fire departments for an air compressor system. It was purchased in 1979 for approximately $19,000 of which Columbia Heights paid approximately $6,000. Chief Kewatt is requesting a system for Columbia Heights noting that there are substantial benefits to the Department by having it in-house. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to buy a high pressure breathing air system for the Fire Department in the amount of $12,448; $6,500 to come from donation from the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that competitive bids must be gotten for this purchase. Chief Kewatt advised he had two other quotations in his office and he offered to get them for the Council's review. Councilmember Nawrocki requested the City Attorney to give an opinion on the acceptance of these quotations in lieu of the formal bidding process. The City Attorney read the criteria which must be met as cited in State Statute. The Council decided to address this matter later in the Council Meeting. f. Royce Place Easement The City Manager advised that the Royce Place easement is presently being drafted. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 9 10. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign an easement allowing ingress and egress to Royce Place subject to the cancelling of the prior easement for the same purpose. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki observed that the retention devices on the property are all nearly gone and there is no stabilization on either McLeod Street nor 44th Avenue. Me was concerned with dirt coming off the property after it rains. The City Manager advised that the owners are presently in the process of landscaping and the contractor had done some clean g. Completion of Sale of City-Owned Parcels ~ Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if the sale of all of the city-owned lots to private parties had been completed. The City Manager responded all but one had received title to the properties. The title work on the Fierst property purchase is not yet completed. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that Mr. Fierst intends to do some landscaping on his parcel and questioned if this could be done. The City Manager explained the reason for the delay in transferring title and he will follow up on the landscaping request. Fire Department Breathing Air System (cont.) The previous motion which was, "To authorize the Mayor and City Manager to buy a high pressure breathing air system for the Fire Department in the amount of $12,448; $6,500 to come from a donation from the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters," was amended with this addition, "and authorize the Fire Chief to seek three quotations and return them to the City Council Meeting on May 26, 1992. Roll call: All ayes REPORTS a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's Report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: 1. Request for City Assistance on School Playground and Community Playground. The City Manager advised that some Parent/Teacher REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 1992 PAGE 10 organizations in the School District are planning some playground projects. One request has been received for assistance from a City crew to remove blacktop from the playground at North Park School. The City Manager felt this would require four crew members and take approximately one day. He anticipates receiving a similar request for assistance at the Castle Heights playground located adjacent to Highland School. Some Councilmembers felt the City of Fridley should participate as well. 2. Status Report - Columbia Heights/Fridley Stormwater Project The City Manager showed Councilmembers the proposal to use one parcel in Columbia Heights and two parcels in Fridley to accommodate a holding pond for stormwater. He had mentioned to the Fridley City Manager the possibility of removing some homes to accomplish this end. All affected property owners indicated a willingness to sell their homes. Other suggestions to waterproof homes had been discussed and these will be followed up on. 3. Apartment Building Postings Councilmember Nawrocki inquired what the disposition of compliance was for some buildings on 45 1/2 Avenue which had been posted by the Building Inspector. The City Manager responded that they are either being prosecuted or the ordinance was complied with. He will pursue this matter. 4. Pedestrian Signal on Highway #47 Councilmember Nawrocki stated that this pedestrian signal had been installed to accommodate bus riders. There is a bus stop on the University Avenue service road and 51st Avenue. Some Fridley residents west of University Avenue were endangered when they crossed to the bus stop. b. ~eport of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Peterson, second by Clerkin to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Roll call: All ayes~ ,~ Mayo~f/Dona 1 d J. ~l~u~zyr~/ Jr.