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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 23, 1993OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOLUNTEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION AUGUST 23, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Murzyn called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 10:25 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL o Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the Board of Trustees - Volunteer Relief Association meeting of August 9, 1993 as presented. Roll call: All ayes LEAVE OF ABSENCE Motion by Peterson, second by Clerkin to record the leave of absence dates for Jeff Lundgren, Volunteer Fire Department, as March 1, 1993 through August 22, 1993. Roll call: All ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to adjourn the Board of Trustees meeting at 10:27 p.m. Roll call: All ayes ,J"o-A-nne student ["C~unci 1 Secretary OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 The Council Meeting was called to order at 7500 p.m. by Mayor Murzyn. 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: Minutes of Previous Meetin~ The Council approved the minutes of the August 9, 1993 Council Meeting as presented. Establish Date for Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing The Council established Monday, November 29, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. as the Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing to be held in the Council Chambers. License APPlications The Council approved the license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Payment of Bills The Council approved the payment of bills as listed out of proper funds. 4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes 5. QPEN MIKE/PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS A resident suggested that City crews check for trees which cover stop signs. He also felt there had been limited response from the Council and the Police Department to the discussions had at the Town Meeting for the Sheffield Neighborhood. Members of the Council advised him this was not accurater and cited numerous staff activities which responded to comments or requests made at the Town Meeting. A resident from the Sheffield Neighborhood stated it is much more enjoyable to live in her area recently. She has seen dramatic improvements and appreciates these changes. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 2 PUBLIC HEARINGS/RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES Resolution No. 93-39; Being a Resolution for Collection of Annual Water Testing Fee for the State Department of Health The annual fee for the water testing is $5.21 for each service connection in the City. Councilmember Nawrocki recalled that last year one half of the fee was paid by the City. He felt this practice should be continued. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to direct staff to draft a resolution that would keep the policy of handling this fee the same as last year and that the funds should be taken from the General Fund if it appears that the Undesignated Fund is becoming depleted. The motion was withdrawn as the City Attorney recommended language to change the resolution in the agenda packet which would accomplish the same end. He read the resolution in its amended form. RESOLUTION NO. 93-39 RESOLUTION FOR COLLECTION OF ANNUAL WATER TESTING FEE FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WHEREAS: the federal government has mandated a water testing program; and WHEREAS: the Department of Health has been authorized to assess an annual fee of $5.21 for every service connection to a public water supply; and WHEREAS: the public water supply operator (City) is to collect the fees and remit said fees to the State on a quarterly basis. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS: That the fee of $2.61 be placed on the utility bill as an annual fee. 2. The balance be expended from the Water Fund. That it be clearly delineated on the utility bill that this is a State water testing fee for a federally mandated testing program. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 3 be Passed this 23rd day of August, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Nawrocki Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Resolution No. 93-40; Being a Resolution Offering Early Retirement Incentives Motion by Murzyn, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample.copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki noted he will abstain from voting on this resolution as he may be impacted by this law. Councilmember Ruettimann indicated he intends to abstain from voting as he feels there should be more information regarding money which could be saved. RESOLUTION NO. 93-40 RESOLUTION TO OFFER EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVES WHEREAS, Laws 1993, Chapter 192, authorizes cities to offer an early retirement incentive to certain employees, and WHEREAS, the early retirement incentive program is limited to employees who: 1. Have at least 25 years of combined service credit in any state pension plan or are at least age 65 with at least one year of combined credit; 2. Are immediately eligible upon retirement for an annuity from a defined benefit plan; ~ 3. Are at least 55 years old, and 4. Retire on or after May 17, 1993 and before January 31, 1994. WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights can make one of the two authorized options available at no direct cost to the City or its taxpayers. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota: 1. City employees who are eligible under Laws 1993, Chapter 192, and are covered under Minnesota Statutes, Section 353.29 and 353.30, are hereby authorized to accept and receive the multiplier percentage increase authorized by Laws 1993, Chapter 192, Section 108, subdivision 3(b). 2. It is not the intent of the resolution to authorize any employer paid hospital, medical, or dental insurance continuation benefit option for any City employees or former City employees. 3. Any vacancy created when an employee has taken an early retirement incentive as authorized by this resolution, shall be filled only after passage of a resolution or motion passed by the City Council in which the vacant position is described and the need to fill the position is stated. Passed this 23rd day of August, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Murzyn Peterson Clerkin, Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki, Ruettimann - abstain Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Resolution No. 93-41; Being a Resolution Designating Election Judges for the 1993 Primary/General Elections Motion by Nawro~ki, second by Clerkin to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 93-41 BEING A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE 1993 PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS Pursuant to City Charter, Section 30 and M.D.S. 204A, the Council shall appoint at least twenty-five (25) days before election, qualified voters in each election district to be judges of election. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does appoint the attached list of judges, by precinct, for the Primary Election on September 21, 1993 and the General Election on November 2, 1993, with an hourly remuneration of $6.50 for a Head Judge and $6.00 for an Election Judge. Passed this 23rd day of August, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Nawrocki Clerkin All ayes Mayor Donald J. Muryzn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary COMMUNICATIONS a. Science, Technology and EnerGy Commission On August 12th, Sara Harms, and EnGineering Intern, made a presentation to the Science, Technology and Energy Commission regarding a proposed catch basin stenciling program. She made the same presentation to the Council at this Council meeting. The pilot project will begin near HiGhland Lake with LaBelle Pond being the second priority. The funding for the project will come from the rebate received from the Six Cities Water ManaGement Organization. b. Appointments to Boards and Commissions This item was removed from the agenda for discussion at the AuGust 24th Council work session. c. Letter from Commissioner Kordiak A letter received from Commissioner Kordiak advised that there will be a county delegation going to Washington, D.C. to meet with George Latimer, of HUD. Councilmember Nawrocki suggested that the City Manager advise Commissioner Kordiak of the plans for the Sheffield Neighborhood and that this be discussed at the HUD meeting relative to the procurement of federal funding. OLD BUSINESS a. Authorization to Purchase IBM ASd00 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 6 Councilmember Nawrocki felt no actual savings would be realized with this purchase. He felt the upgrade of the present system is preferable and would cost only $5,000. He also noted that there could be an anticipated decrease in the purchase costs in the future as has been the case with much computer equipment. Councilmember Peterson inquired how long an upgrade would meet the needs of the City. The Finance Director responded it would probably serve the City's needs for about one year. Motion by Nawrocki that authorization to purchase the AS400 computer system not be granted based on the lack of cost effectiveness of the proposed procurement. Motion dies for lack of a second. Councilmember Ruettimann felt the hard costs for upgrades was necessary before any decision can be made. $30,000 has been budgeted for this system purchase. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that the City Manager is proposing a twelve percent increase in taxes in the budget for 1994. He felt this $30,000 savings would not make a significant difference in the budget if it were not spent but it would help. He also agreed that "hard" costs for upgrades and alternatives to this purchase should be prepared by staff. Motion by Clerkin, second by Nawrocki to table this matter until the next regular Council meeting for further information. Roll call: All ayes b. Architectural Services After viewing the bids received, Councilmember Peterson observed that the past experience with large contractors by the City has not been very good. He felt the on-going supervision and inspections have not been beneficial and some of the pro3ects have resulted in poor quality work and finishing. Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrocki to award a contract to Gary Larson, Architect, for architectural services for the design and and bids specifications for the installation of a lift and modifications of the lower level restrooms at the Columbia Heights Library to meet Americans with Disabilities requirements at a cost not to exceed $8,900 as outlined in their proposal and that there will be no reimbursable local expense. Funds for this project will come from the Community Development Block Grant Fund. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 7 c. Special Tax on Refuse Service Motion by Murzyn, second by Nawrocki to direct staff to implement the special assessment on refuse service as passed by the 1993 Legislature and to give a credit of 100% of the 1993 special assessment fee to each residential customer on their refuse charge and to expend the payment from the Refuse Fund. Roll call: All ayes d. Water Problem on Tyler Street Counci]member Nawrocki inquired what has been done to address the water problems being experienced in the alley behind 3704 and 3710 Tyler Street. The Public Works Director responded it has been corrected this spring with the installation of a drain. e. Parcels Purchased by Property Owners Councilmember Nawrocki noted that a few years ago various parcels had been purchased by residents. In the past he has been told all of the titles for these parcels have been transferred. He is still receiving some inquiries regarding the completion of a sale on Maiden Lane. The City Attorney wil! follow up on this matter. f. Recycling/Solid Waste Brochure Councilmember Nawrocki noted what appeared to be two errors in the new brochure. One addressed wrapping garbage before it is placed in the garbage can. He noted this is not a requirement and if plastic wrap is used this is very undesirable. The second error dealt with the location of garbage cans for pick up. They need only be accessible for the hauler not visible as was stated. NEW BUSINESS a. Renewal of State Grant for Community Policing 1. Resolution No. 93-42~AuthorizinG Execution of AGreement 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 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 8 RESOLUTION NO. 93-426~ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights/Columbia Heights Police Department enter into a cooperative agreement with the Office of Drug Policy in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for the project entitled Community/Problem Oriented Policing during the period of September 1, 1993 through August 31, 1994. Patrick Mentges, City Manager, is hereby authorized to execute such agreements as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights. I certify that the above resolution was adopted by the Columbia Heights City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota on August 23, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson All ayes SIGNED: WITNESSETH: (signature) (signature) Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if the City of Hilltop is participating in this project. Chief Mawhorter responded that it is. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that no services should be provided if Columbia Heights is not paid for them by Hilltop. He also requested the Chief to check to see if the fee has been received for last year. 2. Transfer of Funds Motion by Ruet{imann, second by Peterson to authorize the transfer of $6,667 to existing Fund 275 to Community Policing Funds from General Fund 101 as a cash match for the federal grant. Roll call= All ayes 3. Authorization to Enter into Agreement Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manaqer to enter into the agreement by siqning the Certification Cash Match and Certification of Disbarment forms required by the grant. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 9 b. Sale of Tax Forfeit Property to David and Marlaine Szurek Motion by Clerkin, second by Ruettlmann to accept the offer of $3,000 from David and Marlaine Szurek for tax-forfeit property located at 1419 42nd Avenue and furthermore, direct the City Attorney to proceed with the preparation of the ordinance and appropriate paperwork. Roll call: All ayes c. Authorization to Replace Wooden window Sills and Door Frames at the Library Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to table further consideration of the bids received until additional bids are procured and the bids are based on the opening sizes. Roll call: All ayes d. Certification of Rate Regulation Motion by Ruettimann, second by Clerkin to direct staff to file for certification for the City of Columbia Heights to be a rate regulator and that inquiries be made of other systems to seek cooperation on some level for the utilization of professional services needed to conduct the duties required as a rate regulator. Roll call: All ayes e. Cable Grant Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to approve the $505 grant' application request of Alex Deyo and Adam Davis for production of cable programminG, subject to proof of copyright clearance; if proof of copyright clearance is not received the amount of $210 will be deducted from the amount requested on the application with monies to come from #225-49844-4300 and be paid upon receipt of invoices showing expenses incurred. Roll call: All ayes f. Housing Maintenance Code - Judicare - Jacobs et.al. Temporary Restrainin~ Order The City Attorney stated that the essence of this complaint is that there is no opportunity in place for tenants to be heard when the building in which they reside has been posted for violations and they are ordered to move within sixty days. He noted that the City has implemented no charges against tenants nor has it commenced any proceedings against them. Judicare maintains the tenants should opportunity to be heard as the landlords. have the same REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 23, 1993 PAGE 10 10. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the City should be very careful when getting involved with what is a contractural ~elationship between a landlord and tenant. He felt it would be very difficult to serve a tenant with a notice for vacating a premise when there are 2,200 rental units in the City and people frequently move out without notice. Motion by Murzyn, second by Clerkin to direct City staff to prepare an ordinance amending the Housing Maintenance Code and implementing a due process hearing for tenants to coincide with the landlords' due process hearing. Roll call: All ayes g. Polling Places Councilmember Nawrocki noted that one polling place, Ostrander Park, has been eliminated. This precinct includes voters at Heights Manor. Councilmember Nawrocki felt these voters may experience a hardship in getting to the polls. He suggested that the City-owned bus may be used to transport voters to the new polling place at Shiloh Bethany Church. The City Manager felt this would deny equal access if the bus were not available to all voters in the City. He suggested that his assistant could explore a special rate for the Shared Ride cab service. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the some items were discussed briefly. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to adjourn at 10~25 p.m. Roll call: All ayes -~Anne S£udenl ,--COunci 1 Mayor~'Dona I d J. lt~r~yn, ~'~. Secretary