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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 22, 1993OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, ]993 The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Murzyn. t. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA The following items on the Consent Agenda were addressed by the City Council: Minutes for Approval The Council approved the minutes of the November 8, 1993 Regular Council Meeting as presented. Variance Request - Ponderosa Restaurant, 4811 Central Avenue The Council approved the 94 square foot sign variance to allow a total of 198 square feet of signage at the Ponderosa Restaurant, 4811 Central Avenue. Conditional Use Permit - K. Stone, 4747 Central Avenue The Council approved the conditional use permit to al low a Christmas tree sales lot at 4747 Central Avenue from November 26 through December 24, 1993, provided all requirements of the license ordinance are fulfilled and the $200 clean up deposit is submitted prior to use of the property. Establish Public Hearinq Date to Consider Alle3 The Council established the date of December 27, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. for a public hearing for consideration of alley lighting between Tyler Street and Polk Street from 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue. Estab]ish Public Hearinq Date for Basic Cable Rates The Council established the date of Monday, December ]3 1993 at 7:00 p.m. to review Meredith Cable Company's initial basic rates. License Applications The Counci! approved the license applications for I993 and ]994 as listed upon payment of proper fees. Payment of Bills The Council approved the payment of bills as listed out of proper funds. REGULAP COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 2 o o APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes OPEN MIKE/PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS Commissioner Pat Leung represents the City of Columbia Heights on the Metropolitan Council. The Commissioner reviewed the history of the Met Council since its inception in 1967. He referred to some of its past accomplishments and addressed issues currently being focused on for the future. Councilmember Nawrocki apprised the Commissioner of what is viewed as an inequity regarding fees retained by the Metro HRA. Federal funds are used to fund Section 8 Housing. Two thirds of these funds are retained by the Metro NRA. The remaining one third is given to Columbia Heights tc administer its Section 8 housing program. Currently, there is a very large reserve from the funds for the Section 8 housing program. The City is not getting paid for the work it actually does and members of the Council felt this was unfair. John Weaver represents Columbia Heights on the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission. He distributed charts which showed the City's use of the MWCC's services. He stated there appears to be considerable infiltration of the City's system which results in higher charges. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he bad understood this question of infiltration had been examined and corrected. Commissioner Weaver will follow up on this matter. ~uth Franklin represents Columbia Heights on the Regional Transit Board. Discussion was held regarding the City's para- transit program and what has been reimbursed over the last few years. Future plans for this shared ride program were also d~scussed. Commissioner Leung felt the comments given at this meeting were very helpful and he will relay some of the concerns and comments from members of the Council to members of the Met Council. He felt all comments were valid and were reflective of the spirit of partnerships between the Metropolitan Council and local units of government. Mayor Murzyn read the proclamation designating the week of November 28th through December 4th as Home Health Care Week. He presented the proclamation to Bob Lofthus. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 3 o PUBLIC HEARINGS/RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES a. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1273; Sale of Certain Property The City Manager discussed the "Hold Harmless" agreement with the buyers of the parcel who stated they had no problem with this. The City Manager suggested this type of agreement can be a condition for any future sales by the City. Counci]member Nawrocki felt it was unfair to impose a condition on a sale after the offer to purchase has been made. He also noted that the agreement was not referred to in either the ordinance nor the quit claim deed. Motion by Murzyn, second by C]erkin to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. ]273 BEING AN ORDINANCE FOR THE SALE OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section l: The City'of Columbia Heights shal! sell and convey by Quit Claim to David and Mar]aine Ezurek the fol]ow~n~ described land lying and being in the County of Anoka, State of Minnesota, to wit: The south one hundred forty (]40) feet of Lot forty nine (49) and the south one hundred forty (140) feet of the west twenty (20) feet of Lot fifty (50), Block 3, Reservoir Hills, excepting and reserving to the City of Columbia Heights an easement for the public right of way, Over and across the south five feet of the above described property, and excepting and reserving to the said state, in trust for taxing districts concerned, all minerals and mineral rights as provided by ]aw. Section 2: The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to execute a Quit Claim deed to convey said real property. Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty(30) days after its passage. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 4 First Reading: Second Reading: Date cf Passage: November 8, 1993 November 22, 1993 November 22, ]993 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Murzyn Clerkin All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary b. Resolution No. 93-61; Lotsplit at 4025 Stinson Boulevard This lotsplit request was denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City Manager reviewed the basis on which the denial was made. Mr. Silen, legal counsel for Helen and Joseph Gallus, owners of the parcel, reviewed the history of previous requests made for a lotsplit. The City Manager noted that the current lotsp]it request is materially different from the previous requests. The City Attorney advised that the Gallus' home is located on both of the parcels being addressed in this lotsplit request. It is not possible to split a parcel when a portion of the structure is located on both parts. Mr. Silen also had stated that the request met the lotsplit ordinance requirements before it was amended. The City Attorney again stated the current situation would not meet the criteria of either the old ordinance nor the new one. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Murzyn to deny the lotsplJt request based on there being a structure on two different lots. Roll call: All ayes c. Resolution No. 93-62; Being a Resolution Designatinq Sheffield Neighborhood as a Redevelopment Area and Approving Application by HRA for MHFA Community Rehabilitation Fund Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes Discussion was held regarding the neighborhood association which has been formed in the Sheffield Neighborhood. A member of the association requested that the process for rehabilitating the area not be interrupted nor slowed down. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 5 Councilmember Ruettimann again stated his support for each quandrant/neighborhood in the City forming a committee which would work with staff for developing/redeveloping their area. The City Manager advised that representatives of the Sheffield Neighborhood Association will be attending the next Council meeting. Councilmember Nawrocki expressed his concern with handing this whole project over to the City's HRA and the inclusion of any other features than those mentioned in the application. The City Manager suggested that the City could be added as a co-applicant on the application. This suggestion met with all of the Councilmembers' approval. RESOLUTION NO. 93-62 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA DESIGNATING THE SHEFFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD AS A REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, APPROVING A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND A HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND APPROVING AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR MHFA COMMUNITY REHABILITATION FUNDS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights through its City Council (the "City") and Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights (the "HRA") has conducted studies, prepared an inventory of housing and housing conditions, and planned for the establishment of a housing development and redevelopment project as those terms are defined at Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.001, subd. 469.002, subd. ]5 and 469.107 referred to as the "Sheffield Neighborhood Revitalization Program" (the "Redevelopment Project"); and WHEREAS, at the request of the City, the HRA has assisted in the preparation of a Redevelopment Plan as that term is defined at Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.002, subd. 16 and 469.027 for review , consideration and approval by the City and its Planning and Zoning Commission; and WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Project will be restricted to the Sheffield Neighborhood which is defined as the area in the following boundaries and as reflected on the maps of the Sheffield Neighborhood (the "Project Area") attached hereto and incorporated herewith as Exhibit "A": REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 6 South Boundary - East Boundary - West Boundary - North Boundary - 45th Avenue between Easterly edge of Keyes Park and Central Avenue Johnson Street (rear of easterly properties) and Easterly edge of Keyes Park. Central Avenue between 45th and 47th Avenues 47th Avenue between Johnson Street (rear of easterly properties) and Central Avenue; and WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Plan for the Project Area provides for the acquisition (on a voluntary sale basis) of approximately 32 non-owner occupied duplexes which exhibit blighting influences, deterioration and dilapidation and the rehabilitation of the duplex units into 24 joint owner-renter occupied duplexes and 8 owner occupied single family homes, along with the construction of public improvement; and WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Plan contains among other things, a financial plan for the rehabilitation and purchase of housing units by moderate income households that inc]udes the participation of the Minnesota Mousing Finance Agency (MHRA), City, HRA, and local banks; and WHEREAS, to officially establish a Redevelopment Project and Program and to seek funds from the MHFA, the HRA and the City in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.028, is required to obtain City Council approval of the Redevelopment Plan, the Program and application for MHFA funds; and WHEREAS, the MHFA is currently accepting grant applications for up to $350,000 from its Community Rehabilitation Fund Program (CRFP); and WHEREAS, the HRA and City has prepared an application for and intends to jointly apply for MHFA CRFP funding (the "grant") for the subject Redevelopment Project and Program and has requested City Council approval to do so on behalf of the HRA and City; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Mn. that REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 7 The City Council hereby designates the Sheffield Neighborhood, as defined above and on the maps attached as Exhibit 'A", as a Housing Development and Redevelopment Project. The City Council hereby approves conceptually, the Redevelopment Plan as prepared by the HRA and City. The proposed Sheffield Neighborhood Revitalization Program (the "Housing Development and Redevelopment Program") is hereby approved. The financing plan in the Redevelopment Plan is hereby approved. The City hereby commits to the MHFA, that if MHFA provides a Community Rehabilitation Fund Program Grant to the City, that the City will provide at least the following financial assistance for the subject Plan: Cash from 1982 "Four Cities Housing Revenue Bond Refunding Proceeds" $385,000 b. Community Development Block Grant Funds $118,617 TOTAL $403,617 The City Council also assures MHFA that it will provide the local banks the necessary assurances (Guarantees) to make the temporary loan funds from the banks tax exempt. o The HRA and the City are hereby authorized to jointly apply for a grant up to $350,000 from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency through the Community Rehabilitation Fund Program and if the subject grant is approved, the HRA and City staff are hereby authorized to jointly administer the program on behalf of the HRA and City with the City as the lead agency. Approved this 22nd day of November, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 8 Motion by Ruettimann to continue the Council Meeting until November 23, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. This motion was withdrawn. d. Resolution No. 93-64; 1994 Business License Fees Motion by Peterson, second by Murzyn to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 93-64 AMENDING ESTABLISHED 1994 BUSINESS LICENSE FEES WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 853, City Code of I977, pertaining to commercial licensing regulations provides for the establishing of annual license fees; and, WHEREAS, the City has participated in a survey of metropolitan municipalities regarding business license fees charged by other communities; and, WHEREAS, the City is attempting to maintain business licenses which are comparable; and, WHEREAS, the City annually reviews its business license fee schedule; and, WHEREAS, the City has adopted Resolution No. 93-49 on October ll, 1993 establishing the 1994 Business License Fees, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the attached proposed amended license fee schedule be adopted and effective January 1, 1994. Passed this 22nd day of November, 1993. Offered by: Peterson Seconded by: Murzyn Roll call: All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary o COMMUNICATIONS Minneqasco Public Utilities Rate Increase Request REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 9 Minnegasco is requesting a rate increase which would amount to approximately $3.00 a month for most residential heating customers. Councilmember Nawrocki advised that the Authority is also reviewing this request. Suburban Rate 8. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business at this time. 9. NEW BUSINESS a. Award of Bid - 1994 Share Ride The City Manager's Assistant reviewed the Share Ride Program and the bid received. The current provider was the only vendor to submit a bid. Counc}lmember Nawrocki recommended that the cash fare be increased from $1.50 to $2.00 rather than the proposed $2.50. Motion by Nawrocki, second by C]erkin to award the bid for the Share Ride Para-Transit Program contract to Suburban Taxi Corporation at. a rate of $2.40 per passenger carried for calendar year 1994, based on ]ow, responsible bid received, with the right to extend the contract on a month-to-month basis at the same rate through December, 1995. Roi! call: All ayes Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to increase the Shared R~de cash fare from $1.50 to $2.00 per passenger, effective January l, 1994. Roll call: All ayes Approve Request for Classification and Sale Approval of Certain Tax-Forfeit Land Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to refer forfeited land list to the Mousing and Redevelopment AUthority of Columbia Heights to review and return back to the City Council. Roll all: All ayes c. Authorization to Fill Positions of Children's Librarian and Public Works Superintendent Motion by Peterson, second by Murzyn to adopt the revised position description for Children's Librarian dated October 22, 1993 and to authori2e staff to recruit and select an individual to fill this position which will be vacated due to a retirement. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE 10 Councilmember Nawrocki observed that if the requirements of this position were in place previously, the person currently ho]ding this position would not have qualified. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki - nay Motion by Peterson, second by Murzyn to adopt the revised position description for the Public Works Superintendent dated November 16, 1993 and authorize staff to recruit and select an individual to fill this position which will be vacated due to a retirement. Roll call: All ayes d. Columbia Heights Snow Removal Plan Amendments Motion by C]erkin, second by Ruettimann to adopt the Columbia Heights Master Plan for snowplowinG, removal and ice control as submitted. Roll call: All ayes e. Final Payment for 1993 MSA$ Projects - #920.2, #9204 #9206 Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to accept the work of Municipal Projects #9202, #9204 and #9206 and to authorize final payment from funds #402-59202-5130, #402-59204-5130 and #402-59206-5130 to Hardrives, Inc. of Plymouth, Minnesota in an amount of $7,810.69. Roll call: All ayes 10. f. Authorization for Training Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize Officer Steve Vaughn to attend the D.A.R.E. training from November 29, 1993 to December 10, 1993 at the Riverwood Conference Center in Albertville, Minnesota, and to authorize payment of $350.00 for meals and lodging. Roll call: All ayes REPORTS a. City Manager's Report The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: December Additional Work Sessions: The City Manager advised that the December 6th work session may be changed to December 9th. The second work session is scheduled-for December 20th. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 1993 PAGE i1 Minnesota Taxpayers Booklet: Councilmember Nawrocki noted a booklet has been prepared by the Minnesota Taxpayers Association which explains property taxes and Truth in Taxation. He also requested staff get the assessed value of the City. The City Manager noted there will be a decrease in the funding from Fiscal Disparities the City will receive. Councilmember Nawrocki, who serves on the Charter Commission, advised the Commission is considering recommending a change of the primary election date for local elections. b. City Attorney's Re~o[J The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. ADJOURNMENT Mot ion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to adjourn the meeting at I0:55 p.m. Roll call: All ayes J/o-Anne Student., Council Secretary