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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuray 13, 1992OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Murzyn at 7:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL ' Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present la. SWEARING-IN OF MAYOR A_ND COUNCILMEMBERS Gregg Woods, the City Attorney, administered the oath of office to Mayor Murzyn and Councilmembers Ruettimann and Peterson. Mayor Murzyn thanked his family for their support in his seeking the Office of Mayor and also thanked the staff for the cooperation and courtesies shown him since his election. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CONSENT AGENDA The following items were on the Consent Agenda: APProval of Meeting Minutes The Council approved the December 23, 1991 Council meeting minutes as presented and there were no corrections. Worker's Compensation Insurance The Council authorized the City Manager to renew the worker's compensation insurance policy from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust under the premium refund option at the rates specified in their quotation. Attendance of the Finance Director at the Annual Government Finance Officers' Association Conference The Council authorized the attendance of William Elrite, Finance Director, at the Annual Government Finance Officers' Association Conference from June 21-24, 1992 in Orlando, Florida and that related expenses be reimbursed. Attendance of the Assistant to the City Manaaer at the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association Confer- enqe The Council authorized the attendance of Linda Magee at the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association Confer- ence to be held in Palm Springs, California from April 5-10, 1992 and that related expenses be reimbursed. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 PAGE 2 Attendance of Police Officer Fuerst to attend D.A.R.E. Officer Training The Council authorized payment-for Officer Bryon Fuerst's D.A.R.E. Officer Training which was held December 2-1, 1991 which after reimbursement will total $87.50. Establish Date for Board of Review The Council established the date for meeting for April 9, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. the Board of Review North Metro Mayors Association - Annual Membership Dues The Council authorized the payment of $13,831.45 to North Metro Mayors Association for the 1992 membership dues. Gambling License for One Time Event - Minnesota Waterfowl Association The Council directed the City Manager to advise the Minnesota Charitable Gambling Control Board that the City has no objections to the issuance of a one-time raffle to be conduct- ed by the Minnesota Waterfowl Association on March 13, 1992 at Murzyn Hall; waived the sixty day waiting period; and directed that this action is stipulated upon the Association paying the $25.00 license fee to the City of Columbia Heights. License Applications The Council approved the 1992 license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Payment of Bills The Council authorized the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Clerkin, second by Nawrocki to approve the Consent Agenda as presented· Roll call: All ayes OPEN MIKE/PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS A member of the Sister City Committee presented a Polish flag to Mayor'Murzyn. He introduced a former resident of Columbia Heights who brought the flag back from Poland· This flag was handmade for the City of Columbia Heights by the niece of the former resident. There was no one present for Open Mike. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 PAGE 3 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS a. Resolution No. 92-01; Being a Resolution Authorizing Application for Blighted Residential Property Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program and Designating Neighborhoods for Targeting of Program Funds The City Manager noted that although there will be many communities vying for this funding, Columbia Heights has all of the qualifications which would make it a prime candidate for approval. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Clerkin to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roil call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 92-01 RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR BLIGHTED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM AND DESIGNATING NEIGHBORHOODS FOR TARGETING OF PROGRAM FUNDS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has been invited to submit an application for funding under the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's Blighted Residential Property Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is concerned about the preservation of its housing stock; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has determined that the neighborhoods bound by Census Tracts 514.00 and 515.02 contain blighted properties and are in need of preservation; and WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights (the "HRA") desires to administer the program on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Anoka County, Minnesota (the "City") as follows: 1. The City hereby authorizes the HRA to submit an application for the Blighted Residential Property Acquisition and Rehabilitation Program and that the HRA administer the program on the City's behalf. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 PAGE 4 2. The City hereby designates the following neighborhoods and funding levels to be targeted for the Program: a. Census Tract 514.00 - Funding A/location $150,000 b. Census Tract 515.02 - Funding Allocation $150,000 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Resolution No. 92-02; Being a Resolution Setting Rates on Sewage Disposal and Water Supply in the City of Columbia Heights Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson reading of the resolution there being available. Roll call: All ayes to waive the ample copies It was noted that the last time there was an increase in water and sewer rates in the City of Columbia Heights was in 1982. Since that time the City of Minneapolis, who supplies the water for Columbia Heights, has raised its rates twice and Columbia Heights has absorbed those increases and has not raised rates. Noting that the Council had only received the pro formas at this meeting and that the Council was considering monthly utility billings, Councilmember Nawrocki felt more consideration should be given this matter at a Council work session. Motion by Nawrocki to table for further discussion at a Council work session. Motion dies for lack of a second. RESOLUTION NO. 92-02 SETTING RATES ON SEWAGE DISPOSAL AND WATER SUPPLY IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that.: REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 PAGE 5 In accordance with the rate increase to be paid by the City of Columbia Heights to the Metropolitan Sewer District and the Minneapolis Water Department, the following rates shall be put into effect as of March 1, 1992, on all billings rendered thereafter: Water Supply Rates: The water rate shall be a minimum of $12.00 per quarter on a quarterly basis per family unit for the first 600 cubic feet of water or less. The rate shall be $1.25 per 100 cubic feet used for all water used beyond the 600 cubic feet minimum. Sewer Disposal Rates: The minimum sewer disposal charge shall be $25.30 per quarter on a quarterly basis per family unit for the first 2200 cubic feet of water usage per quarter; and $1.15 per 100 cubic feet thereafter to a maximum charge of $34.50 per quarter. The rate for commercial/industrial users shall be based on water consumption at $1.15 per 100 cubic feet. Any residential service hooked up to the Columbia Heights sanitary sewer system, that is not also hooked up to the Columbia Heights water distribu- tion system, shall pay a flat quarterly sewer fee equal to the maximum quarterly sewer disposal charge in effect at the time a billing is rendered; unless a water meter reading is provided recording a lower reading than 3000 cubic feet in a quarter for which the current rate down to the minimum shall apply. 3. Senior Citizen Rate: For eligible senior citizens, the following minimum rates will be used. All usage over the minimum will be billed at the above rates. Minimum Sewage Disposal Minimum Water Use $10.80/quarter $ 7.35/quarter BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that al.l foregoing rates are made in order to meet the additional cost to the City of Columbia Heights for these respective services. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 PAGE 6 Passed this 13th day of January, 1992. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Clerkin Ruettimann Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - aye. Nawrocki - nay COMMUNICATIONS There were no additional communications. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS Contract for Automated Library System with Anoka County Library The City has three separate contracts for service between the Anoka County Library and the Columbia Heights Library. The third contract, for automation participa- tion, is due for renewal. Becky Loader, Library Director, reviewed all of the recommended changes to the contract. Some members of the Council expressed concern regarding the potential for additional costs and lack of caps. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the costs for this matter. Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrocki to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with the Anoka County Library to participate in an automated library system. Roll call: All ayes Purchase of Policed Vehicles Three cars are being replaced in the Police Department fleet. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired what the average mileage is on these vehicles when they are removed from the fleet· He was advised they usually have about 60,000 miles. The City Manager stated that staff will have a recommen- dation prepared for the future of the vehicles which are being removed· They can be either added to the City's fleet or taken to the Hennepin County auction· REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 PAGE 7 Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if a minimum price can be placed on these vehicles if they are taken to the auction. The Public Works Director responded that this can be done, but if they are not sold the City is still responsible for any costs associated with placing the vehicles in the auction. It was noted that most of the equipment .from the old vehicles can be transferred into the new vehicles with relatively little updating or modification. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the purchase from Hennepin County Contract 2038AIR-232 of three 1992 Ford police vehicles, one service manual and one parts manual, for a total of $37,988 from Superior Ford, Inc. and that the Mayor and City Manager are authorized to sign a contract for same. Roll call: All ayes Authorization to Front-End Columbia Heights' Portion of Signalization Costs The City Manager explained that the signalization which is being addressed is located at the intersection of 37th and Central Avenues. This project was completed in 1987 and was a joint project between Columbia Heights and Minneapolis. The funds being expended by Columbia Heights will be reimbursed by Mn/DOT out of the City's M.S.A.S. Construction Fund. Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize a payment of $22,982.80 as final payment for Municipal Project ~8707 with the understanding that said funds will be reimbursed by Mn/DOT from the City's M.S.A.S. Con- struction Fund and furthermore, to authorize an interfund loan of $22,982.80 from the Undesignated General Fund Balance until such time as reimbursement from the M.S.A.S. Construction Fund is received from Mn/DOT. Roll call: All ayes Association of Metropolitan Municipalities - Membership Dues Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to authorize the payment of $4,718 to the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities for the 1992 membership dues and to appoint Bruce Nawrocki as the designated delegate and Stuart Anderson as the alternate delegate to AMM from the City of Columbia Heights. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 PAGE 8 10. Suburban Rate Authority Councilmember Nawrocki, who represents the City at the Suburban Rate Authority, received a letter from that organization regarding telephone utility permits. He requested that the City Manager review this matter relative to its importance to Columbia Heights. Sale of Miscellaneous Parcels Some time ago the Council authorized the sale of miscel- laneous parcels of land to interested parties who bid on them· Councilmember Nawrocki recently received a call from a person who purchased a parcel located at Hart Lake· He requested the City Manager to follow up on the status of that sale. REPORTS Report of City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: Columbia Heights Business Center: The City Manager advised that the appraisals of the Columbia Heights Business Center are available for viewing in his office· Alley Work: The City Manager noted that City crews will be working on grading the alleys to remove some of the ice bumps and will be sanding and salting them as many calls were received from residents regarding the condition of their alleys. Letter from Clinic Counsel: A letter was received from the law firm of Barna, Guzy and Steffen re- garding the bonding being done by Columbia Park Clinic· Councilmember Nawrocki requested copies of any correspondence between the Clinic's legal counsel and Miller Schroeder and any other informa- tion regarding this matter· Council Work Sessions: Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to schedule Council work sessions on January 22nd, February 3rd and February 17th all to start at 8:00 p.m. The City Manager suggested that there could also be a Council work session following the regular Council meeting on January 27th. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 1992 PAGE 9 Meeting With Auditor: Councilmember Nawrocki felt the Council should definitely schedule a meeting with the City's auditor to review the 1990 audit. The City Manager suggested this item be included on the agenda of one of already-scheduled work sessions. Community Development Block Grant Funds: Councilmember Nawrocki noted that at the January 14th meeting of the H.R.A. the C.D.B.G. projects will be discussed. He requested that any items which members of the Council would like to be included in this discussion' should be mentioned to him so they can be brought to the meeting. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that there are still some questions relative to the Meals on Wheels Program's participation in the C.D.B.G. Program from previous years. He observed that this organization has not submitted an application for this year's program funds. Ail of the Councilmembers were supportive of this organization participating. Councilmember Clerkin requested that a representative of the Human Services Commission be invited to attend the Council work session when the C.D.B.G. Program is discussed. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. Mayor Murzyn noted that Fred Salsbury, the Public Works Direc- tor/City Engineer, will be leaving the City to serve as the City Engineer for Golden Valley. He expressed the City's gratitude to Salsbury for his many years of dedicated service. The Mayor also thanked former Mayor Edward Carlson for his eight years of service on the City Council and as Mayor and wished him well in his future endeavors· ADJOURNMENT Motion by Peterson, second by Ruett~mann to'adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Roll call: All ayes Mayor ~onald J. M~zl{n, J~. ~-;%nn~ Student, Coun"-cil Secretary