HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 28, 1993OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor
Murzyn.
ROLL CALL
Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved on the Consent AGenda:
Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetinq
The Council approved the minutes of the June 14, 1993 ReGular
Council Meeting as presented.
Rental Unit License Revocation
The Council approved the reschedulinG of a public hearing on
the matter of revocation of a license to operate a rental unit
of Mr. Jake Cadwallader, dba C-H Properties to July 12, 1993.
Authorization to Seek Quotations for Replacement of Wooden
Window Sills and Door Frames at the Library
The Council authorized staff to seek quotations for
replacement of wooden sills, door frames and doors at the
Library.
Conference Request
The Council approved the attendance of Charles Kewatt, Fire
Chief, at the International Association of Fire Chiefs Annual
Conference to be held in Dallas, Texas from AuGust 28 through
September 1, 1993 and related expenses be reimbursed.
Rejection of Bids for Replacement of Park Department Pickup,
Unit #211
The Council rejected all the bids received for the replacement
of Park Department Pickup, Unit #211, due to errors in the
specifications and authorized staff to seek bids again for
replacement of Unit #211.
Rejection of Bids for Replacement of Patchinq Truck Chassis,
Unit #5
The Council rejected all bids received for the replacement of
the chassis for the Patching Truck, Unit #5 due to lack of
sufficient bids and excessive costs and authorized staff to
rebid the equipment.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 2
Approval of 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.
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
Barb Sykora, District Director for Congressman Rod Gram, came
to the meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest to the
City Council and to the Congressman.
Currently, Congress is considering legislation which would
address funding for first ring suburb redevelopment.
Councilmember Nawrocki noted that cities have been receiving
Co~nmunity Development Block Grant funds for some time. He felt
these funds could be more effectively used if there weren't so
many strings attached to their use by the federal Government.
He also suggested the release of some of the Trust Fund
dollars for use for transportation needs.
Councilmember Clerkin inquired what Congressman Grams is
presently working on which would benefit Columbia Heights. Ms.
Sykora responded that he is looking at some HUD bills which
addressed home ownership rather than rental property.
Ms. Virginia Crammel has opened an antique shop at 4050
Central Avenue. She was advised her sign is one foot too large
and that a security bond is required for her business. She
requested these'issues be reviewed by the Council as she finds
them cost prohibitive. The City Manager will look into this
matter and report back to the Council and Ms. Crammel.
Some residents expressed their concern with the AACAP
acquisition of an apartment building at 3932 Central Avenue.
The City Manager advised that the HRA is holding a special
meeting to discuss this matter with AACAP.
Councilmember Nawrocki noted he has drafted a resolution which
would request AACAP to utilize funding earmarked for this
building for existing low income housing in the City. AACAP
has withdrawn its request for funding from the City.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 3
o
Discussion continued regarding various resident's concerns
about Iow income housing and the Sheffield Neighborhood. Some
residents mentioned they are not aware of what is taking place
until they receive a local newspaper. They feel there is
little opportunity for their input.
Mayor Murzyn advised that a monthly City newsletter is being
considered by the City Council. This newsletter would give
citizens more current information than the present quarterly
one.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES
a o
Second Readinq of Ordinance No. 1268, Salaries of Elected
Officials
Councilmember Nawrocki stated he is concerned that this salary
reduction will be reflected in how the Mayor responds to his
responsibilities regarding the Police Department. He noted
that there appears to be critical problems in the Police
Department and that crime has increased in the City.
Mayor Murzyn responded he will not be cutting any of his
duties nor the time he devotes to them regarding the Police
Department because of the salary decrease. He feels there is
no correlation between the salary and the crime in the City.
The Mayor's reason for decreasing the salary is that he feels
it is not justified.
Councilmember Ruettimann noted that two former mayors felt the
salary was too high. Councilmember Peterson observed that this
is really a part time 3ob as staff does a significant amount
of the work. It was also noted that the Mayor does serve on
numerous boards and commissions and attends many meetings
which other city mayors do not do.
Motion by Murzyn, second by Peterson to waive the reading of
the ordinance there being ample copies available for the
public. Roll call: All ayes
ORDINANCE NO. 1268
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853,
CITY CODE OF 1977, AND PERTAINING TO SALARIES OF ELECTED
OFFICIALS
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 4
Section 1: Chapter 2, Article I, Section 2, of Ordinance No.
853, City Code of 1977, which currently reads as follows, to
wit:
2.102(1) Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes
415.11, effective January 1, 1988, the salary of each
councilmember is hereby fixed at $6,900.00 per year, payable
at the rate of $575.00 per month, and the salary of the Mayor
is hereby fixed at $12,000.00 per year, payable at the rate of
$1,000.00 per month. As of January 1, 1989, the salary of each
councilmember shall be $7,800.00 per year, payable at the rate
of $650.00 per month, and the salary of the Mayor shall be
$13,000.00 per year, payable at the rate of $1,150.00.
is herewith amended to read as follows:
2.102.(1) Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes
415.11, effective January 1, 1994, the salary of each
councilmember shall be $7,800.00 each year, payable at the
rate of $650.00 per month, and the salary of the Mayor shall
be $9,000.00 per year, payable at the rate of $750.00 per
month.
Section 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect
from and after thirty (30) days after its passage.
First reading:
Second reading:
Date of passage:
June 14, 1993
June 28, 1993
June 28, 1993
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Murzyn
Peterson
All ayes
Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr.
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1271, Beinq an Ordinance
Amending Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, and
Pertaining to Standards for Temporary Siqnaqe
Councilmember Nawrocki stated he would not support passage of
this ordinance. He recalled that the present sign ordinance
was the result of input from several citizen commissions and
was passed to protect the best interests of the community. He
felt it would be going backwards in signage control.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 5
Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading
of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the
public. Roll call: All ayes
ORDINANCE NO. 1271
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF
1977, AS AMENDED, AND PERTAINING TO STANDARDS FOR TEMPORARY
SIGNAGE
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: Section 9.117A(3)(k) of Ordinance No. 853, City
Code of 1977, as amended, which currently reads as follows, to
wit:
(k) Standards for Banners and Pennants:
(i) No banner or pennant weighing in excess of thirty
(30) pounds is permitted unless it is first approved by
the building official.
(ii) No banner or pennant shall extend over or into any
street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare a
distance greater than four (4) inches from the wall upon
which it is erected, and it shall not be placed or
project over any wall opening.
(iii) No banner or pennant shall be erected so as to
prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window
or fire escape, nor shall such sign be attached to any
stand pipe or fire escape.
(iv) Every banner or pennant shall be attached to the
wall with wire or steel cables, and no strings, ropes or
wood slats for anchorage or support purposes shall be
permitted.
is herewith amended to read as follows:
(k) Standards for Temporary Siqnaqe:
(i) Any sign not considered permanent shall be considered
temporary.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 6
(ii) No temporary sign weighing in excess of thirty (30)
pounds is permitted unless it is first approved by the
Building Inspector. Banners or pennants may not exceed
the lesser of 3' x 20' in size or the allowed maximum of
of wall signage per site.
(iii) No temporary sign shall extend over or into any
street, alley, sidewalk or other public thoroughfare a
distance of four (4) inches from the wall upon which it
is erected, shall not be placed or project over any wall
and may not cover more than 25% of window area such that
75% of the total window area is kept clear at all times.
(iv) No temporary sign shall be erected so as to prevent
free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire
escape, nor shall such sign be attached to any standpipe
or fire escape.
(v) Every temporary sign shall be attached to the wall
with wire or steel cab]es, and no strings, ropes or wood
slats for anchorage or support purposes shall be
permitted.
(vi) Portable signs may not exceed 4' x 8' in size.
(vii) Location of all temporary signage must be within
the property boundaries of such business.
(viii) Temporary signage shall be allowed up to a maximum
of four (4), eleven (ll) day periods per year. Only one
(1) temporary sign is permitted in any eleven (11) day
period. A request for the use of more than one sign in an
eleven day period shall result in a double deduction from
the four (4) times per year temporary signage allowance.
(ix) A $15.00 permit, as well as a refundable $100.00
deposit shall be required for each eleven (11) day
period.
(x) Temporary signage for NEW business grand openings
shall be allowed on an additional eleven (11) day period.
(xi) Additionally, one (I) APPROVED temporary sign is
allowed during the December Holiday season, without a
permit, for a maximum of thirty (30) days, provided the
user posts a $100.00 deposit prior to the installation of
the temporary signage as provided in item (viii) above.
(xii) The deposit shall be returned to the depositor upon
satisfactory removal of the temporary signage and the
expiration of the applicable permit.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 7
(xiii) Unauthorized use of temporary signage shall be
subject to a doubling of any applicable permit fees and
forfeiture of the $100.00 deposit in addition to other
sanctions as provided herein.
Section 2: Sections 9.117A(4)(j) and (k) of Ordinance No. 853,
City Code of 1977, as amended, which currently reads as
follows, to wit:
(a) A portable sign.
(k) A sign which contains or consists of banners, pennants,
ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or
similar devices, except as allowed by Section 9.117A(5) (o)
and Section 9.117A(3) (k)
is herewith repealed.
Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect
from and after thirty (30) days after its passage.
First reading:
Segond reading:
Date of passage:
June 14, 1993
June 28, 1993
June 28, 1993
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Peterson
Ruettimann
Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn -
aye
Nawrocki - nay
Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr.
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Resolution No. 93-26, Anoka County Community Action
Proqram
This resolution was drafted by Councilmember Nawrocki and
distributed at the Council meeting. He read the resolution
which requested AACAP not to purchase and rehab the building
at 3932 Central Avenue Northeast.
Motion by Nawrocki to offer the resolution. Councilmember
Ruettimann requested the resolution be taken up later in the
meeting so the Council could read the resolution more
thoroughly. Motion withdrawn by Nawrocki.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 8
7. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Thrift Store Location
Councilmember Clerkin inquired if a thrift store is being
proposed for location on 37th Avenue near the City's liquor
store. The City Manager responded there has been such an
inquiry.
b. Local Government Aid Formula
Councilmember Nawrocki advised that it appears there will be
an increase of 2 1/2 % more in 1994 than in 1993 of Local
Government Aid. He is concerned with how the formula for this
increase was legislated and he has requested additional
information from the City's legislative delegation.
c. Metropolitan Waste Control Commission (MWCC) Budget
Meeting
At a recent MWCC meeting it was determined that Columbia
Heights is not being properly treated with regards to its
infiltration. There appears there will be a 20% reduction in
costs next year which would be about $134,000.
d. "Living At Home\Block Nurse Program"
Councilmember Nawrocki has received some information regarding
a proposed Block Nurse Program. He felt this is a program
which may benefit Columbia Heights' residents. This
information wil~.-be forwarded to staff to follow up on.
Resolution No. 93-26, Anoka County Community Action Program
(continued)
Councilmember Ruettimann suggested that no action be taken on
this resolution until after a joint meeting between the City
Council and AACAP has been held.
Councilmember Nawrocki advised that AACAP has withdrawn its
request for funding from the City's HRA. He anticipates a
request may be made for funds for other costs associated with
refurbishing some areas in the building at 3932 Central
Avenue.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 9
Councilmember Peterson noted he feels the Council should be
working with AACAP and a public hearing should be held
regarding the future of the building. He feels more
information should be gotten before any Council action is
taken.
RESOLUTION NO. 93 - 26
ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM
WHEREAS:
The Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP)
has indicated that they are considering the
acquisition and rehabilitation of the existing 22
unit apartment building at 3932 Central Avenue for
purposes of providing additional low income
housing; and
WHEREAS:
The City of Columbia Heights has considerably more
than its fair share of Iow income housing; and
WHEREAS:
This excess of low income housing has caused
considerable problems in the community; and
WHEREAS:
The City of Columbia Heights is working to resolve
problems associated with the existing low income
housing; and
WHEREAS:
Additional units of low income housing would only
aggravate the existing problems.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the
City of Columbia Heights does hereby request the Anoka County
Community Action Program to drop the proposed project at 3932
Central Avenue.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of
Columbia Heights does hereby request the Anoka County
Community Action Program to work with the City of Columbia
Heights and its Housing and Redevelopment Authority to use the
funds that it proposed for the 3932 Central Avenue project for
improvements to existing Iow income housing units.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 10
Passed this 28th day of June, 1993.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Nawrocki
Clerkin
Nawrocki, Clerkin, Murzyn - aye
Ruettimann, Peterson - nay
Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr.
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
o
OLD BUSINESS
a. Authorization to Purchase Larqe Submersible PumR
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the
Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with ABM
Equipment Company of Hopkins, Minnesota, based on low, formal
bid for the purchase of a large submersible trash and
hydraulic unit as specified at a cost of $14,253, and to
appropriate $7,126.50 in Fund 432 Capital Equipment
Replacement Sewer and $7,126.50 in Fund 433 Capital Equipment
Replacement Water for the purchase with appropriations coming
from Unreserved Retained Earnings, and furthermore, that fund
602-49499-5180 and fund 601-49449-5180 each be reduced in the
amount of $4,500. Roll call: All ayes
b. Low Income Housinq
Councilmember Clerkin inquired what the percentage of low
income housing there presently is in Columbia Heights. The
City Manager advised this information is available in some
data from Representative Orfield. He will get the information
and copy the Councilmembers.
NEW BUSINESS
a. 4642 Taylor Street ECFE Way To Grow House Payment
There was some question regarding who holds the title to this
house. Councilmember Nawrocki will bring this matter up under
the HRA Executive Director's report at the June 29th HRA
meeting. This matter can also be discussed at the July 13th
HRA meeting.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to table this matter
for additional information. Roll call: All ayes
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 1!
10.
b. Purchase of Lifepak 300
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to accept a donation
of $6,900 from the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters and to
authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract
with Physio Control for the purchase of one Lifepak 300
Automatic defribrillator at a cost of $6,900 and the Mayor be
requested to convey the thanks of the City Council to the
Boosters for their contribution. Mayor Murzyn responded he
will send a letter to the Athletic Boosters recognizing their
generosity. Roll call: All ayes
c. Receive Surface Water Manaqement Plan
Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if some sections of the
Management Plan were amended regarding the flood plain
relative to Jackson Pond. The Public Works Director responded
that staff is recommending that the Council receive, not
adopt, the Plan and use it as a guide in regards to future
developments.
Molion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to table and direct
the City Manager and staff to draft a resolution for receiving
the document. Roil call: All ayes
d. Authorization to Purchase Tractor to Replace Unit #226
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize staff to
purchase a 1993 Ford 3930 tractor with a Sweepster Model AH
sweeper from Long Lake Tractor and Equipment of Long Lake,
Minnesota, the lowest, qualified, responsible bidder, for a
cost of $25,932 including trade-in of a 1976 Case tractor with
broom, Unit #226, with funds to be appropriated from Fund 433,
Capital 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
REPORTS
a. Report of the City Manaqer
The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and
the following items were discussed:
Columbia Heights/Hilltop Joint Meetinq: August 3, 1993 at 6:00
p.m. was the date and time set for a joint meeting with the
city councils of Columbia Heights and Milltop. The site will
be determined by the City Manager.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 28, 1993
PAGE 12
The City Attorney advised that he met with representatives of
the Metropolitan Waste Contro! Commission (MWCC). They
inquired if the dispute with the City of Hilltop regarding
sewage charges could be resolved without further litigation.
The MWCC would meter the usage of the Co!umbia Heights' system
by Hilltop.
City Council Work Sessions: Work sessions were scheduled for
July 6th at 8:00 p.m.; July 22nd at 8:00 p.m.; August 2nd at
8:00 p.m.; August 16th at 8:00 p.m. and August 30th at 6:00
p.m.
b. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Clerkin, second by Ruettimann to adjourn the meeting
at 10:20 p.m. Roll call: All ayes
/6-A~r~ne St{i-den% ~--Counci 1
Ma~-6r~onald J. ~u~zy~, Jr.
Secretary