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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