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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 26, 1993OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOLUNTEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION JULY 26, 1993 The Board of Trustees Meeting was called to order at 9:45 p.m. by Mayor Murzyn. 1. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Murzyn, second by Nawrocki to approve the minutes of the Board of Trustees - Volunteer Relief Association Meeting of May 10, 1993, as presented in writing. Roll call: All ayes 3. DEATH BENEFIT FOR DAN DEMARS Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the Treasurer to have a death benefit check issued in the amount of $1,500 to Dennis D. DeMars (son of the deceased); (Social Security #474-46-9671), 11570 Foley Boulevard, Coon Rapids, Mn. 55448, from the Volunteer Relief Association Pension Fund. Roll call: All ayes 4. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 9:47 p.m. Roll call: All~,ay~e~l /~ n ,~//~°/n ~~J~- ~/~ ~ .~ Ma ~-o r a . ~o-Anne Student,~uncil Secretary OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 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 for Approval The Council approved the minutes of the June 28, 1993 Regular Council Meeting and the July 12, 1993 Regular Council Meeting as presented. Block Party Requests The Council approved the following block party requests: Request submitted by Lori Genadek to conduct a neighborhood block party in conjunction with starting a neighborhood crime watch on August 21, 1993 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with barricades blocking off the east and west ends of Highland Place. Request submitted by Ruth Graham to conduct a block party in conjunction with National Night Out activities on Tuesday, August 3, 1993 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with barricades for the cul-de-sac only at the end of 47th Avenue, west to the top of the hill from Monroe Street. Request submitted by Bruce and Jan Magnuson to conduct a neighborhood block party to meet and welcome new neighbors on Saturday, August 14, 1993 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with barricades blocking off Chalet Drive. Request submitted by Barbara Nelson to conduct a block party in conjunction with National Night Out activities on Tuesday, August 3, 1993 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with barricades being placed on Parkview Lane. Request submitted by Pat Layland to conduct a block party in conjunction with National Night Out activities on Tuesday, August 3, 1993 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with barricades being placed on Washington Street at 43rd and 44th Avenues. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 2 Request submitted by Joyce Shellito to conduct a block party in conjunction with National Night Out activities on Tuesday, August 3, 1993 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with barricades being placed at the alley edge of Summit and on Lookout Place. Attendance of Public Works Director at American Public Works Association The Council approved the attendance of the Public Works Director at the American Public Works Association 1993 International Public Works Congress and Exposition, September 18 - 23, 1993 in Phoenix, Arizona and authorized that ali related expenses be reimbursed from Funds 701-49950-3105 and 701-49950-3320. Attendance of Assistant to the City Manaqer at National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Conference The Council approved the attendance of the Assistant to the City Manager at the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Conference to be held in Orlando, Florida from September 8 - 11, 1993 and authorized all related expenses be reimbursed from Funds 225-49844-3]05 and 225- 49844-3320. Authorization to Seek Bids to Reconstruct and Surface Tennis Courts at Huset Park West - Project 9305 The Council authorized staff to seek bids to reconstruct and surface tennis courts at Huset Park West. Approval of Job Description and Waqe Range - Clerk-Typist II - Administration The Council approved the Clerk-Typist II - Administration job description and approved the following wage range effective July 26, 1993: Entry - $9.46; 6 months - $9.93; 1 year - $10.41; 2 years - $10.88; 3 years - $I1.35; and 4 years - $11.83. License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Payment of Bills The Council approved payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. APPROVAL OF cONSENT AGENDA Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 3 OPEN MIKE/PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS Mayor Murzyn read the proclamation designating August 3, 1993 as National Night Out in Columbia Heights. The resident at 1315 45 1/2 Avenue stated he has noticed improvements in the Sheffield Neighborhood with the increased police patrols. He advised there were two incidents regarding a fire and an eviction in the area which have not as yet been recorded by the Police Department. Councilmember Nawrocki requested the City Manager to check into these two incidents regarding reports being filed with a report being made to this resident and to the Council. The resident at 1303 45 1/2 Avenue inquired if the increased police patrols are being done in a trial basis or longer. Mayor Murzyn responded this strategy will continue as long as it is required. He noted the Council is looking at long term improvements and plans for the Sheffield Neighborhood. This resident also has concerns regarding the placement of a midb]ock light in her front yard. She felt it would be more effective in another location. The Public Works Director advised these locations are recommended to NSP by City staff. He will discuss this matter with the resident. Installation of midblock lights is scheduled to begin in a couple of months. Jan Jolly, who serves on the ACCAP Board of Directors, advised that the home on 45 1/2 Avenue, which has been purchased by ACCAP, is being occupied by a person who does not receive public assistance and was a resident of Columbia Heights before she moved into this house. ACCAP feels this person will be in a position to purchase the house within three years. A neighbor adjacent to this house noted it has already improved in appearance with grass cutting, some roofing and painting. The City Manager received a response from ACCAP regarding its intentions for this house in the future. He verified it is the intention of ACCAP to qualify the person to purchase within three years. This issue had been a matter of concern discussed at a previous Council Meeting. PUBLIC HEARINGS/RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES a. License Revocation, Rental Property REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 4 The City Manager advised that the original violations cited in a January 12, 1993 memo have been corrected. During an inspection of the DroDerty located at 4655 Fifth Street further violations have been observed. A list of these violations is being developed. At an earlier public hearing, Councilmember Nawrocki had inquired as to how many staff hours had been spent on this property. The City Manager has ascertained that approximately thirty hours have been spent to date. The Councilmember had also inquired how this tri-plex had been allowed in a R-2 zone. The City Manager responded that this has been researched and the fi]es have no documentation relating to the non- conforming tri-plex being allowed. Councilmember Ruettimann noted that the owner has forty-five days to correct the violations recently cited. If these corrections are not completed within that time, revocation of the rental license will be pursued. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann that there be no further action on the revocation, suspensions, or disposition of a license to operate the rental unit(s) within the City of Columbia Heights at 4655 Fifth Street, there be follow up inspections on the code violations as cited in a report dated January 12, 1993 and further follow up on the zoning situation and the public hearing be closed. Roll call: All ayes b. Resolution No. 93-31; Being a Resolution Providinq for the Prepayment and Redemption of Certain Outstandinq General Obligation Bonds of the City of Columbia Heights Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 93-31 RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE PREPAYMENT AND REDEMPTION OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Anoka County, Minnesota, as follows: 1. The City has issued and sold its General Obligation Refunding Improvement Bonds of 1987, Series A, dated June 1, 1987 (Bonds) in the total principal amount of $2,230,000. Bonds maturing after March I, 1991, are subject to redemption and prepayment on that and on any interest payment date thereafter at a price of par plus accrued interest. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 5 2. It is determined that it is in the best interest of the sound financial management of the City that Bonds maturing on March 1 in the years 1994 and 1995, comprising all of the Bonds presently outstanding, be prepaid and redeemed on September 1, 1993 and those Bonds are hereby called for redemption on that date. 3. The City Clerk-Treasurer is authorized and directed to publish, in accordance with law, a notice of call for redemption of the Bonds in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and to mail a copy of the notice to the registrar for the Bonds and to the original purchaser of the Bonds. Passed this 26th day of July, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Nawrocki Peterson Ail ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary c. Resolution No. 93-32; Beinq a Resolution Supportinq the MHFA Application from the ACCAP for the Community Land Trust Proqram 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 Counci]member Nawrocki inquired why this application is going through ACCAP. The City Manager responded that ACCAP had all of the necessary information regarding the application and the City's HRA did not. Councilmember Nawrocki expressed his concerns regarding control by the City and the matching funds which are required. He felt the project would have merit if it is geared to solve and address some of the problems already being experienced in the City. Mayor Murzyn noted this project will be managed by ACCAP. He directed staff to work on a grant administration agreement with ACCAP. Discussion continued regarding the matching funds. It was suggested that the resolution contain language which would protect a one-on-one matching basis for the funding. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 6 Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to amend the resolution to include language in the fourth "WHEREAS" which would state the amount and basis of the matching funds. Roll call on amendment: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 93-32 BEING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE MHFA APPLICATION FROM THE ACCAP FOR THE COMMUNITY LAND TRUST PROGRAM AND PLEDGING OUR BEST EFFORTS TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ACCAP FOR THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS PROJECT WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights recognizes the need to maintain and upgrade its housing stock, and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights contains a disproportionate share of rental housing units, many of which need significant rehabilitation, and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is commited to using a wide range of tools to upgrade this area, and to promote a more balanced distribution of owners and renters, and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights will commit up to $250,000 of matching funds on a one-to-one basis toward the revitalization of neighborhoods, including the conversion of rental units to home ownership, and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is aware of the MHFA Community Land Trust Program which is designed to expand home ownership affordability for lower to modest income individuals and families, and WHEREAS, the Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP) has requested support from the City of Columbia Heights for their $250,000 grant application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the COmmunity Land Trust Program, which is to be utilized exclusively for the City of Columbia Heights project, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights formally supports the MHFA application from the Anoka County Community Action Program for the Community Land Trust Program, and that the City of Columbia Heights pledges its best efforts to work in partnership with ACCAP for the successful completion of this project, and BE IT FURTHER 'RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. James Solem, Commissioner, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and Mr. John "Jay" McLinden, Anoka County Administrator. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 7 Passed this 26th day of July, 1993 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary d. Resolution No. 93-33; Being a Resolution Reqardinq Enforcement of Customer Service Standards in the City of Columbia Heights Motion by Nawrocki, second by C]erkin to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 93-33 BEING A RESOLUTION REGARDING ENFORCEMENT OF CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA WHEREAS, Title 47 CFR, Part 76, Section 76.309 has been amended to grant cable franchising authorities the right to enforce customer service standards for cable television service; WHEREAS, the City of Co]umbia Heights ("City") has the authority to enforce and administer the cable communications franchise of the City; WHEREAS, the City desires to enforce customer standards found in Section 76.309; service WHEREAS, Section 76.309 permits the City and the cable operator to agree to customer service requirements which exceed the standards set forth in Section 76.309; WHEREAS, the City and the cable operator have agreed to Cable Communications Franchise Ordinance which may contain customer service requirements which exceed standards set forth in Section 76.309; WHEREAS, the cable operator has agreed to comply with all existing ordinances of the City, and such ordinances may contain customer service requirements which exceed the standards set forth in Section 76.309. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 8 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Columbia Heights that it will enforce the customer service standards set forth in Section 76.309. FURTHER, that the City will enforce any customer service requirements currently existing in the Cable Communications Franchise Ordinances of the City that exceed the standards set forth in Section 76.309. FURTHER, that the City will enforce any customer service requirements currently or hereafter existing in the ordinances of the City in any case in which said ordinances exceed the standards set forth in Section 76.309. FURTHER, that staff is directed to provide Group W Cable of Columbia Heights/Hilltop d/b/a Meredith Cable, ninety (90) days written notice of its intent to enforce the above- referenced standards. Passed this 26th day of July, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Nawrocki Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary e. Resolutions Reqardinq Housinq Enforcement Officer 1. Resolution No. 93-34; Being a Resolution Appointing an Enforcement Officer for the Columbia Heights Housing and Maintenance Code Councilmember Nawrocki was concerned that this ordinance would give another staff person authorization to cite violators. He felt the primary focus of this officer should be on rental properties not owner/occupied properties. Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin that this resolution be referred back to staff for languages changes which would make the work of this enforcement officer exclusive to rental property. Roll call: Clerkin, Nawrocki - aye Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - nay Motion fails. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 9 RESOLUTION NO. 93-34 BEING A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HOUSING AND MAINTENANCE CODE WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, held a duly authorized (regular) meeting on the 26th day of July, 1993; and WHEREAS, Chapter 5A of the City Code of Columbia Heights authorizes the administration and enforcement of the provisions of said Chapter, by the City Manager and his/her designated agents; and WHEREAS, facts have been submitted to this body showing that there is a need for a specific enforcement officer/building official for the Columbia Heights Housing and Maintenance Code: THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA That the City Council of Columbia Heights, Minnesota hereby finds, determines and declares: That Lowell DeMars of the Columbia Heights Fire Department shall be appointed the enforcement officer/building official for the administration and enforcement of the Columbia Heights Housing and Maintenance Code. Passed this 26th day of July, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Peterson Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary 2. Resolution No. 93-35; Being a Resolution Authorizing the Columbia Heights Enforcement Officer to Exercise Certain License Revocation Powers Motion by MurzYn, ssecond by Ruettimann to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 10 RESOLUTION NO. 93-35 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO EXERCISE CERTAIN LICENSE REVOCATION POWERS WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, held a duly authorized (regular) meeting on the 26th day of July, 1993; and WHEREAS, Chapter 5A of the City Code of Columbia Heights authorizes the administration and enforcement of the provisions of said Chapter, by the City Manager and his/her designated agents; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota has appointed Lowell DeMars as the enforcement officer/building official for the enforcement of the Columbia Heights Housing and Maintenance Code; and WHEREAS, Chapter 5A authorizes the revocation of a rental license pursuant to the procedures set out in Chapter 5 of the City Code of Columbia Heights; and WHEREAS, facts have been submitted to this body showing that there is a need for the enforcement officer/building official to act pursuant to Section 5.104(1)(a): THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA That the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota hereby finds, determines and declares: That the enforcement officer/building official for the Columbia Heights Housing and Maintenance Code shall be authorized to act pursuant to Section 5.104(1)(a) of the City of Columbia Heights. Passed this 26th day of July, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Murzyn Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 11 o o COMMUNICATIONS a. Charter Commission Meeting There is a special Charter Commission Meeting scheduled to discuss transfer of the Police Department from the Mayor to the City Manager. Councilmember Nawrocki, who serves on the Charter Commission, invited all interested Coucilmembers to attend the meeting. b. Informational Hearinq An Informational Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, July 29th at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the future of the building located at 3932 Central Avenue. This building has been purchased by ACCAP and the plans for its future will be addressed. Councilmember Nawrocki will moderate the discussion and he will suggest the building focus on senior citizen residents. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS a. Animal Control Contract Motion by Nawrocki, second by Murzyn to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for animal control services with the Greater Anoka Humane Society for the period of August l, 1993 through July 3I, 1994, at the rates proposed in their letter and contract sent to the City on June 28, 1993. Roll call: All ayes b. Retaininq Wall at LaBelle Park Near Condominium # 1 - Project 9306 The retaining wall would eliminate the need to maintain the present slope which is quite steep, stop some of the erosion and be visually appealing. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he has viewed the area. He felt it was acceptably maintained and there was no noticeable erosion. He also felt there could be better uses for the money being requested for this project. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin not to proceed with Project 9306. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 12 c. Authorization to Purchase Pickup to Replace Park Department Pickup, Unit #211 Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize staff to purchase a 1994 Chevrolet K20, 3/4 ton pickup with the specified equipment from Iten Chevrolet of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the lowest, qualified, responsible bidder, for a cost of $18,738.73 including the trade-in of a 1983 Ford ]/2 ton pickup, Unit #211, with the funds to be appropriated from Fund 433, Capita] Equipment Replacement Fund; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki - nay d. Authorization to Seek Bids to Resurface Tennis Courts at Sullivan Lake Park, Project #9303 Councilmember Nawrocki observed only one large crack on the court and felt the rest was in rather good condition. He felt only a repair should be done, not a full resurfacing. The Public Works Director advised that extensive repair work was done on the courts last week. He also advised complete reconstruction would be necessary if the courts become too badly cracked. Motion by Murzyn, second by Peterson to authorize staff to seek bids to resurface the tennis courts at Sullivan Lake Park and staff prepare an estimate of simple repair and a report on the condition of the surface on the entire court. Roll call: All ayes e. Questions from Dominic Diaz, Resident Mr. Diaz submitted his questions in writing. He inquired if the City Manager, is using vacation time when he moves into his new home in Columbia Heights. The City Manager will be using vacation time to move. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that the City Manager will be coming into City Hall each of the days he is moving. He also observed that the City Manager puts in a great deal of time on his job and compensation time may be a consideration. Councilmember Ruettimann advised that the City Manager does not receive any overtime yet puts in many hours. The second inquiry was whether the City Manager will continue to reside in Columbia Heights with the aforementioned move. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 13 Currently, the City Manager does not reside in Columbia Meights. He has purchased a home in Columbia Heights into which he will be moving soon. Since his employment commenced some months ago, he has driven daily from his present home in Faribault. Councilmember Nawrocki commended the City Manager on his willingness to wait until he found an appropriate home for his family in Columbia Heights. The inconvenience involved was considerable. 10. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manaqer The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: Sheffield Meetinq: Monday, August 2nd at 7:00 p.m. a town meeting has been scheduled for community input and a forum for discussion regarding the Sheffield Neighborhood. Recycling Handbook: Councilmember Nawrocki noted a couple of errors in the newly-printed recycling handbook. Refuse need not be bagged to be placed in a fly-tight container and refuse must be accessible, but not necessarily visible, for pickup where there are no alleys. He also had comment regarding the $2.00 assessment for waste noting that it does not necessarily have to be charged to the homeowners. Another concern was the twenty cent fee placed on waste which goes to certain sites. He requested staff pursue this matter regarding a credit for the City. Community Policinq Report: Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if the Police Chief had contacted other police departments regarding hiring some off-duty police officers. This was not mentioned in the report. The Mayor advised this was done. The City Manager will get more details on this. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the proposed use of $40,000 was not as directed in the resolution regarding the Sheffield Neighborhood. He also requested information on Type I and II incidents. He does not support having a police facility in the Sheffield Neighborhood. Council Work Sessions: The following are times and dates of future Council Work sessions\meetings; August 2nd - 7:00, Town Meeting, Sheffield Neighborhood; August 3rd - 6:00, Joint meeting with Hilltop City Council; August 16th - 8:00; August 30th - 6:00; and, September 7th - 8:00. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 1993 PAGE 14 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 the meeting at 9:45 p.m. Roi! call: All ayes May d -Anne Student, Counci! Secretary