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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 12, 1993OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 The Council Meeting was called to Murzyn. order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Nawrocki extended the Council's sympathy to the families of Dan DeMars and George Brown who recently passed away. Mr. DeMars was a long time City employee who worked for the Park Department and served for many years as a volunteer firefiGhter. Mr. Brown was the City Engineer. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were approved on the Consent AGenda: Schools & Conferences - City Manager The Council authorized the City Manager to attend the ICMA 79~h Annual Conference, September 19 -22, 1993 in Nashville, Tennesee and all related expenses will be reimbursed from Funds 101-41320-3105 and 101-41320-3320. License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Payment of Bills The Council approved the bills as listed out of proper funds. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to approve the Consent AGenda as preseDted. Roll call: All ayes MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Murzyn, second by Ruettimann to approve the minutes of the Special Council Meeting of June 23, 1993 and to table the minutes of the June 28, 1993 Regular Council Meeting until the next Regular Council Meeting. Roll call: All ayes PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS/OPEN MIKE Mayor Murzyn presented commendation awards to Sarah Hoffman and Larry Hoffman for their assistance to the Police Department. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 2 Scott Smith, who owns a building on 38th Avenue, advised the Council he wishes to add on to his building but would need a variance. Mr. Smith explained what he is planning for the addition. He was advised he should submit a site plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City ManaGer will work with Mr. Smith, the Building Inspector and the HRA. A twenty-one year resident of 45 1/2 Avenue stated that a home adjacent to hers has been purchased by HUD and is now being rented. She feels her neighborhood should not be having any additional rental property and requested the Council to pursue this. She noted that rental property on her block exceeds forty-five percent. Members of the Council agreed there should not be any more rental property in Columbia Heights but it was noted that there is no local control over housing purchased by HUD or A3kCAP. Improved communication between these agencies and the City Council is a goal so this trend does not continue. There is local control in the licensing process and the Housing Maintenance Code, but this cannot determine who purchases prpperties. While it was observed that AACAP has a history of Good control over its properties and building maintenance, there were feelings that input from the Council and staff should be sought regarding any additional rental property being considered for the community. AACAP is a private, non-profit agency. It has often been misunderstood that this is a public agency. An AACAP boardmember in attendance at the Council meeting stated she intends to contact the agency regarding the property on 45 1/2 Avenue and its rental status. The City ManaGer advised it is the intent of the agency to help the current occupants purchase the property in about two years. Councilmember Peterson feels there should be more police presence in the area. Councilmember Nawrocki agreed and had drafted a resolution which addressed the concerns of the Council and of residents in the area. He noted if the resolution were adopted it would commence some action right away. Councilmember Nawrocki read the resolution. Mayor Murzyn felt the resolution had merit but suGGested it be reviewed by the Police Chief and the command staff since some of its proposals would directly impact the Police Department. One of his concerns dealt with recruitment of part time officers. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 3 Councilmember Nawrocki explained how effectively the use of part time officers has been with the Metropolitan Transit Commission on its buses. He also mentioned that if the City Council chose to pursue this, one of the part time officers could ride with a City officer. RESOLUTION NO. 93-30 A RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO THE SHEFFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights recognizes the concerns expressed by many of its citizens with regards to problems being experienced in the Sheffield Neighborhood because of a high concentration of low income rental housing, and WHEREAS, the City Manager has prepared a report recognizing those problems and proposing several alternatives to deal with those problems, and the City Council is in the process of reviewing that report and its recommendations, and WHEREAS, Councilmember Ruettimann has put together a group of knowledgeable persons in the housing rehabilitation field who have reviewed the problems being experienced and have been asked to make recommendations to help resolve the problems, and WHEREAS, the Sheffield Neighborhood is responsible for a disproportionately high incidence of criminal activity which has worsened in the past one and one-half years, and WHEREAS, a high percentage of that criminal activity and of housing code violations has occured on properties under the control of one landlord, and WHEREAS, the City Council feels that in addition to actions already taken to help resolve problems in the Sheffield Neighborhood, that there are additional steps that can be taken while work continues on the City Manager's report and the work of Councilmember Ruettimann's committee. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 4 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that the following actions be taken: 1) Staff develop recommendations for strengthening the City Housing Code as it relates to rental housing. 2) Staff develop an ordinance amendment that would levy a service charge on property experiencing excessive calls for police service. 3) Staff to prepare an application for federal funding for additional police staffing under legislation just passed by Congress. 4) Staff is authorized to recruit off duty police officers from other jurisdictions to supplement existing police staffing in the Sheffield Neighborhood, with an amount not to exceed $40,000.00 to be appropriated from the general fund unallocated fund balance to pay for same through the end of 1993. 5) Staff to explore alternatives with other jurisdictions, including the County Sheriff, for the transporting of persons to the County Jail and/or detox facilities so as to minimize the amount of time that duty officers are out of the City. 6) Command staff of the police department to spend at least one shift per week on patrol duty, with an emphasis on time to be spent in the Sheffield Neighborhood. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Nawrocki Murzyn All ayes Passed this 12th day of July, 1993. Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 5 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS/RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES a. License Revocation, Rental ProPerty The rental property in questions is located at 4655 Fifth Street and is owned by Jake Cadwallader, db/C-H Properties. The Findings of Fact was drafted and distributed by the City Attorney. Fire Captain Lowell DeMars was representing the City of Columbia Heights and Jake Cadwallader was present representing himself. The City Attorney inquired as to the status of the property regarding the violations. Mr. Cadwallader responded that he had responded to two of the violations and repaired them as directed. He felt the other violations listed were unclear and did not constitute work orders so he has done nothing to respond to these violations. Captain DeMars reviewed all of the violations. He stated that repeated attempts had been made to contact Mr. Cadwallader and there was no response from him. Mr. Cadwallader advised this building is viewed as a tri-plex and that there are three separate living arrangements in the building. There is a total of five children housed in the building. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the situation where a tri-plex is allowed in a R-2 zone. He has viewed the outside of the building and is of the opinion that it does not appear to be well kept nor to be large enough to accommodate so many people. The City Manager recommended that a reinspection be done with the understanding that thirty days be allowed to bring any violations found into compliance. Counci]member Nawrocki felt the owner should also be advised how many people can occupy the building. Councilmember Clerkin requested staff to get the total amount of money which has been spent in staff time on this project. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to continue the public hearing until the July 26, 1993 Council Meeting and that Mr. Cadwallader contact the Fire Captain on Tuesday, July 13, 1993 regarding establishing a date and time when the building can be inspected by the Captain or his designee and the Building Inspector. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 6 b. Resolution No.93-27; Beinq a Resolution Authorizinq for MHFA Rehabilitation Loan Proqram Funds Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All aye RESOLUTION NO. 93-27 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR MHFA REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM FUNDS WHEREAS, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, State of Minnesota, has been authorized to undertake a program to provide loans to property owners for the purpose of housing rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, Minnesota has developed an application as an Administering Entity for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Rehabilitation Loan Programs; and WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority staff has demonstrated the ability to perform the required activities of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Rehabilitation Loan Progams; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, Minnesota is hereby authorized as an entity to be charged with the administration of funds made available through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Rehabilitation Loan Programs, in the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson Ail ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Attested by: Jo-Anne Student, City Council Secretary Resolution No. 93-28; Beinq a Resolution Requestinq the Abandonment of Certain Railroad Tracks Owned by Soo Line 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 JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 7 RESOLUTION NO. 93-28 BEING A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE ABANDONMENT OF CERTAIN RAILROAD TRACKS OWNED BY SO0 LINE WHEREAS, facts have been submitted to this body showing that certain railroad tracks owned by Soo Line Railroad and located within the City of Columbia Heights, lying north of 39th Avenue Northeast, east of Jefferson Street Northeast, south of Mill Street Northeast and adjacent to Huset Park, have substantially reduced the utility of the land through which they pass, and WHEREAS, facts have been submitted to this body showing that said tracks receive limited railroad traffic, and WHEREAS, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 218.041 and 218.07I the Transportation Regulation Board has authority over all common carriers, and WHEREAS, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 219.681 and 219.741 et. seq. Soo Line Railroad may request the abandonment of certain tracks, and WHEREAS, facts have been submitted to this body indicating that there is a need for the abandonment of Soo Line Railroad tracks lying north of 39th Avenue Northeast, east of Jefferson Street Northeast, south of Mill Street Northeast and adjacenet to Huset Park in the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA that the City of Columbia Heights requests Soo Line Railroad to begin abandonment proceedings, with the Transportation Regulation Board for the Soo Line tracks lying north of 39th Avenue Northeast, east of Jefferson Street Northeas~ south of Mill Street Northeast, and adjacent to Huset Park in the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary d. Resolution No. 93-29; Being a Resolution Receiving the Water Resources ManaGement Plan REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 8 Councilmember Nawrocki requested that a copy of the resolution be attached to the Plan and this requirement be included in the body of the resolution. 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 RESOLUTION NO. 93-29 RESOLUTION RECEIVING THE WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights authorized the preparation of a Water Resources Management Plan in conjunction with the update of the Comprehensive Plan, and WHEREAS, the objectives and policies detailed in the Water Resources Management Plan are consistent with those of the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Six Cities Watershed Management Organization, and WHEREAS, BRW, Inc. the Consultant that prepared the Plan, has issued an addendum to the Plan that reflects a change in the flood elevation and flood plain designation at Jackson Pond, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Columbia Heights receives the Water Resources Management Plan prepared by BRW, Inc. dated December 10, 1992, along with the Letter of Addendum, dated June 28, 1993, as a guide to be utilized in managing the surface and ground water resources within the City, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, as the Plan is a guide, the City is not obligated to implement any or all of the objectives and policies detailed in the Plan, and that those policies and objectives that are deemed by the Council will be implemented through changes to the City Code and a copy of this resolution will be attached to the Plan. Dated this 12th day of July, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 9 COMMUNICATIONS a. Charter Commission Meeting Councilmember Nawrocki advised there is a Charter Commission Meeting scheduled for July 15th. Being considered at that meeting will be transfer of the control and management of the Police Department to the City Manager. Currently, it is under the Mayor. Mayor Murzyn requested that members of the Council receive a copy of this proposed change. OLD BUSINESS a. 4642 Taylor Street - ECFE Way to Grow House Payment Motion by Murzyn, second by Ruettimann to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute a mortgage extention for a period not to exceed two years, under the same terms and conditions as specified in the mortgage document dated May 30, 1993. Roll call: All ayes NEW BUSINESS a. Request to Seek Bids for the Sale of Excess Park Liqhts 10. and Used Fencinq Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to authorize staff to solicit bids for the purpose of selling excess light fixtures, light towers and chain link fence; to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to dispose of said equipment, if appropriate bids are received; and furthermore, that additional information be supplied to the Council regarding what is being proposed for sale and its value. Roll call: All ayes REPORTS a. Report of the City Manaqer The City Manager's report was submitted in writing and the following items were discussed: Shared Ride Meetinq: There will be a meeting on July 23rd to discuss the Shared Ride Program. Representatives of the cities of Columbia Heights, Fridley and Hilltop and Anoka County have been invited to the meeting. Councilmember Nawrocki suggested that a representative of the Regional Transit Board also be invited. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 12, 1993 PAGE 10 b o Fourth of July Celebration: Councilmember Ruettimann recognized the contributions of the Recreation Director, employees of Public Works Department, Police Department and Fire Department in making the City's Fourth of July celebration a success. He also recognized all of the businesses and community organizations who made donations to the fireworks. Councilmember Nawrocki suGGested that the fireworks begin earlier next year. Councilmember Nawrocki will not be attending the AuGust 10th Council MeetinG. He requested the budget information be made available to him before that date. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. ADJOURNMENT Mo'tion by Ruettimann, second by Clerkin to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. Roll call: Ail ayes May'-~r/~5onald J.~zy~, Jr. ~fo-Anne Student, Council Secretary