HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 22, 1993OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 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
Mayor Murzyn introduced Sue Wallack, who is a new reporter for
the Northeaster Newspapers.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda:
Minutes for Approval
The Council approved the minutes of the Regular Council
Meeting of March 8, 1993 as presented and there were no
corrections.
First Time Homebuyer Program
The Council concurred and approved the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority application for an allocation of up to
$1,249,999 from the Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency
Minnesota City Participation Program (First Time Homebuyer
Program) and, if successful in securing an allocation, to
provide the necessary City/HRA involvement in the program.
Physical Exam Fees
The Council authorized the increase in fees charged for
specimen collection performed by Dr. Gary Good for drug
screening from $10 to $20 effective immediately.
Final Payment for Silver Lake Lift Station (Municipal Project
#9120)
The Council accepted.the work for Silver Lake Lift Station
(Municipal Project #9120) and authorized final payment of
$5,841.92 to Ford Construction, Inc. of Excelsior, Mn.
License Applications
The Council approved the license applications as listed upon
payment of proper fees.
Payment of Bills
The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of
proper funds.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 1993
PAGE 2
4. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to approve the
Consent Agenda. Roll call: Ail ayes
5. OPEN MIKE/PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
Senator Steve Novak, who represents Columbia Heights, gave a
status report as to legislative issues currently being
considered during the Legislative Session. Some of the major
issues being addressed are the budget, taxes, mandates for
cities and other levels of government, employment,
transporation, education and the environment.
Senator Novak advised he is acquainted with Representative
Orfield's analysis and is supportive of what is being proposed
as northern suburbs will be positively impacted with Orfield's
legislation.
Councilmember Nawrocki felt that Senator Novak has been a long
time friend of cities and is very aware of some of the
problems facing cities.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS/RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES
Resolution No. 93-14; Being a Resolution Establishina
Compensation for the Deputy Director of Civil Defense
Councilmember Nawrocki had some questions concerning the
wording of the recommended motion and the language of the
resolution.
Motion by Nawrocki to table this matter until the next council
meeting. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Motion by Murzyn, second by Clerkin to revisit this matter
later in the meeting when the City Attorney has drafted
amendments to the resolution. Roll call: All ayes
Resolution Setti'nq Rates on Sewaqe Disposal and Water
Supply
Discussion was held regarding the balance remaining In the
1992 water and sewer rates and the legitimacy of raising
rates. Councilmember Nawrocki noted, based on the data the
Council had relative to these two funds, he would not support
an increase at this time. He also recalled a study was done on
an alternative water system in the late '60's. He hoped this
study would be used in conjunction with any work done to
update the system.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 1993
PAGE 3
The Mayor requested staff to explore options for the City to
develop its own water system.
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Murzyn to table this matter
until additional information is received from the Public Works
Director regarding future rate increases from Minneapolis.
Roll call: All ayes
Resolution No. 93-14 (continued)
The City Attorney read the resolution in its entirety.
RESOLUTION NO. 93-14
BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE POSITION AND COMPENSATION
FOR THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
WHEREAS: The Columbia HeiGhts City Council hereby creates
the position of Deputy Director of Civil Defense effective
April 1, 1993 at an annual salary of $3,000.00; and
WHEREAS: As of April 1, 1993 the Director of Civil Defense
shall serve without compensation in addition to his/her annual
salary;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the budget salary of the
Director of Civil Defense (presently $3,000.00) be allocated
to the Deputy Director of Civil Defense.
Passed this 22nd day of March, 1993.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Nawrocki
Murzyn
All ayes
Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr.
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Motion by Nawrocki, second by MurZyn to affirm the Mayor's
appointment of Patrick HentGes as the Director of Civil
Defense effective April 1, 1993. Roll call: All ayes
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Murzyn to create the position of
Deputy Director of Civil Defense and ratify the Mayor's
appointment of Charles Kewatt to the position effective April
1, 1993. Roll call: All ayes
Councilmember Nawrocki felt that the job descriptions for
these two positions should be changed so their responsiblities
are to the City and not to the Mayor. The City Attorne~ felt
the City Council should hold this authority.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 1993
PAGE 4
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Murzyn that the Job descriptions
be referred back to staff for additional language. Roll call:
All ayes
c. 1993 Permit Fee Schedule
1. Resolution Establishing 1993 Fee Schedules for Building
Construction, Plumbing/Gas Pipino, Heatina/Cooling, Fire
Suppression, Wrecking and Moving, Signs and Other Related
Construction Work
Discussion was held' as to the increase percentages being
proposed.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to table for additional
information. Roll calls All ayes
2. Amendment to Proposed Permit Fee Schedule Concerning
Issuance of Electrical Permits
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to table for additional
information· Roll calls All ayes
COMMUNICATIONS
a. National League of Cities Conference
At the recent National League of Cities Legislative Conference
in Washington, D.C., Councilmember Nawrockl had an opportunity
to discuss the City's preparedness for using the proposed
stimulus funding. This funding is being proposed by the
President to stimulate the economy. The Public Works Director
had prepared a list of projects which could be funded by these
monies.
OLD BUSINESS
a. Publication Requirements of Ordinances
Councilmember Nawrocki noted that when the Flood
Ordinance had been passed by the Council it had not
published in its entirety. It was many pages in length.
Plain
been
The City Attorney advised that a summary can be done with a
notation as to the locations where a complete copy of the
ordinance was available for public viewing. He stated that the
validity of the ordinance does not depend on it .being
published.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 1993
PAGE 5
b. Award of Contract for Counters
Councilmember Nawrockt observed that the second lowest bid was
taken for counters in the new liquor store. He felt the motion
should have indicated that the low bidder was non-responsive.
c. Fund Transfer
Councilmember Nawrocki stated that for any other general fund
of the City, the Council did not take so-called "Unallocated
Funds" from one year and pass them authomatically to that same
fund for the following year. He felt part of the budget
process was to allocate the proper funding for each fund which
is what was done for the Library for 1993. The City Manager
stated the Council chose to remove the Library Fund from the
General Fund.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Award of Bid for Weed Removal
Motion by Clerkin, second by Peterson to award the weed
removal contract to L & L Lawn Maintenance of Columbia
Heights, Mn., based on their lowest, qualified bid of $25 per
hour; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: All ayes
b. Purchase of Baling Machine for New Liquor Store
Motion by Clerkin, second by Nawrocki to authorize the Mayor
and City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with Ver-
Tech, Inc. for a Ver-Tech/GPIM - 42 baling press at a cost of
$3,980. Roll call: All ayes
c. Purchase of Camcorder for Public Library
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Murzyn to award the bid for the
purchase of a Panasonic 185 camcorder from Blumberg
Communications, Inc. in the amount of $927.22 as recommended
by the Cable Communications Commission and that the funding
come from the Cable Budget, and furthermore, that the bid from
National Camera Company be recognized as being non-responsive.
Roll call: All ayes
de
Authorization to Seek Bids to Replace Park Department
Pickup, Unit ~211
Motion by Peterson, second by Murzyn to authorize staff to
seek bids to replace Unit ~211, 1983 Ford Fl50 3/4 ton park
pickup with plow.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 1993
PAGE 6
Councilmember Nawrocki felt that there is an abundance of
equipment in this department. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann,
Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki - nay
e. Authorization to Seek Bids for a 1993 1/2 Ton Pickup
The Director of Public Works withdrew this authorization
request.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Murzyn to remove this item from
the agenda. Roll call: All ayes
Authorization to Seek Bids to Replace Unit ~226, Park
Department Tractor
Motion by Peterson, second by Murzyn to authorize staff to
seek bids to replace Unit #226, 1976 Case Tractor. Roll call:
All ayes
Authorization to Seek Bids to Replace Pa~ching Truck
Chassis, Unit #5
Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize staff to
seek bids to replace the chassis for Unit #5, patching truck.
Councilmember Nawrocki felt there was still some use left in
this piece of equipment. Roll call: Clerkin, Ruettimann,
Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki - nay
h. Change Order for Park Building Accessibility Improvements
The Public Works Director advised there is still funding
available for this change order in the CDBG Funds.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to authorize Change
Order #2 to upgrade sign material to precision blasted corian
to KM Building Company, Inc. of Minneapolis for a total of
$556.60; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City
Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call:
All ayes.
i. Authorization for Training
Motion by Murzyn, second by Peterson to authorize Office Fred
Wiborg to attend the Advanced Special Weapons and Tactics
Course to be held from June 28 to July 1, 1993, and that all
related expenses be paid from the Police Department training
budget. Roll call: All ayes
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 1993
PAGE 7
Lions Club Project
The Lions Clubs of Columbia Heights, St. Anthony and Northeast
Minneapolis have a project to clean up and beautify a triangle
of land located in or near all three cities on 37th Avenue.
The property is owned by the Soo Line Railroad and permission
was received from the railroad to go on the property.
Liability was a concern so the City Attorney pursued this
further as Lions International recommended that the
indemnification not be the responsibility of the Lions Clubs.
Motion by Murzyn, second by Clerkin to authorize the Mayor and
City Managaer to enter into the agreement and verify that it
meets the stipulations of the City of Columbia Heights'
insurance carrier.
The City Attorney advised he drafted this agreement and the
liability is in place for Columbia Heights as the City is the
guarantor. Roll call: All ayes
k. Silver Lake Homeowners' Concern - Re: Water Quality
Councilmember Nawrocki advised that the Silver Lake Homeowners
Association is concerned with the impact the Apache Plaza CUB
Store will have on Silver Lake.
The Public Works Director advised he has been following this
issue with the City of St. Anthony and the Rice Creek
Watershed District. CUB representatives are aware of what
their project must do to meet the requirements which will
include catch basins with filters and protect the water
quality of Silver Lake.
1. Duplexes on Hayes Street
Counctlmember Nawrocki expressed concern with homes which
appear to be used as duplexes and are not located in a zone
which allows this. The City Attorney will get the background
material on these buildings. The Mayor requested this matter
be discussed at a Council meeting.
m. 1994 Budget Preparation
Motion by Nawrocki that staff be directed to prepare the 1994
budget to anticipate no increase in the property tax levy in
1994. Motion dies for lack of a second.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 22, 1993
PAGE 8
10. REPORTS
a. Report of the City Manager
The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and
the following items were discussed~
Citizen Complaint: The City Manager advised that the citizen
complaint regarding an employee's conduct has been dismissed.
Hazardous Sidewalk: Staff is seeking direction regarding the
assessment period for hazardous sidewalk projects. Four
councilmembers support a period of two years and one supports
three years.
Stu Anderson, the retiring City Manager, thanked members of
the City Council and the City's residents for the opportunity
to serve.
b. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
Payment of Bills
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize an
interfund loan of $21,478.23 to Capital Improvement Fund 401;
$120,366 to State Aid Construction Fund 402; and $24,630.73 to
Central Garage Fund 701 from the General Fund and that this
action is for 1993 only. Roll call: All ayes
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to adjourn the
meeting at 9:55 p.m. Roll call: Al~,aye~~
Mayo aid J.~u~6zyn,(-/Jr.
o-Anne Student,~ouncil Secretary