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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