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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 27, 1994OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 The Regular Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Sturdevant. 1. ROLL CALL Jolly, Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were approved on the Consent Agenda: Minutes of Previous Meetings The Council approved the minutes of the December 12, Regular Council Meeting. 1994 Establish Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of License The Council established a public hearing date of January 23, 1995 for revocation or suspension of a license to operate a rental property within the City of Columbia Heights against Bonnie D. O'Donnell regarding property at 621-23 51st Avenue Northeast and against Gary Eugene Hegenes, dba/Esquire Properties, regarding rental property at 4628 and 4634 Tyler Street Northeast. Final Payment for Municipal Pro~ect 9401 - Sealcoating Southeast Ouadrant The Council accepted the work for Municipal Project 9401 and authorized final payment from Fund 415-59401-5130 to Bituminous Roadways, Inc. of Minneapolis in an amount of $15,923.90. Approval of License Applications The Council approved the 1995 license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees and approved the rental property license applications as listed on the memorandum from Lowell DeMars dated December 27, 1994. Pa_vment of Bills The Council approved payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. 4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Nawrocki, second by Jolly to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 2 OPEN MIKE/PRESENTATIONS There was no one present for Open Mike. Plaque Presentation Mayor Sturdevant presented a plaque to Councilmember Nawrocki in recognition of his years of service. Councilmember Nawrocki noted he is leaving City service with deep regret. PUBLIC HEARINGS/RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES a. Public Hearing - License Revocation, Rental Property at 4429 Third Street Northeast Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to close the public hearing regardng the revocation or suspension of the rental license held by Pamela J. Francis regarding rental property at 4429 Third Street Northeast in that the property is vacant and on the market for sale. Roll call: All ayes b. Public Hearinq - License .Revocation. Rental Property at 4541/43 Taylor Street Northeast Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to close the public hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the rental license held by Jeffrey S. McNair regarding rental property at 4541/43 Taylor Street Northeast in that the property has been relicensed. Roll call: All ayes c. Public Hearing - First Reading of Ordinance No. 1296, Exempting from Massage Therapist Requirements a Person Who is Employed By or Under Contract of a Licensed Medical Person Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrocki to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. 1296 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1138, PERTAINING TO SECTION 12, EXEMPTING FROM MASSAGE THERAPIST REQUIREMENTS A PERSON WHO IS EMPLOYED BY OR UNDER CONTRACT OF A LICENSED MEDICAL PERSON REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 3 The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: SECTION 1: Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 12 (5.612(2)) of Ordinance No. 1138, city Code of 1977, shall hereafter read as follows, to wit: (C) This section shall not apply to any hospital, sanitorium, rest home, nursing home, boarding home, or other institution for the hospitalization or care of human beings, duly licensed under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 144.50 - 144.703, or to persons duly licensed, or in the employment of or under contract with persons duly licensed by the State of Minnesota to practice medicine, surgery, osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy or podiatry, with or without the use of mechanical, therapeutic, or bathing devices. SECTION 2: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: December 27, 1994 Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrocki to schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 1296 for January 9, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Roll call: All ayes d. Resolution No. 94-84; Labor Agreement Between City of Columbia Heights and AFSCMEo Effective January 1o 1995 to December 31. 1996 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. 94-84 REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, LOCAL NO. 495 WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council No. 14, Local No. 495, representing clerical and technical employees of the City, and members of the City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract for calendar years 1995 and 1996; REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 4 WHEREAS, a copy of said contract is available for inspection at the office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the contract agreement is negotiated, be and is hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 1995 and 1996 for AFSCME bargaining unit employees of the City; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute this agreement. Passed this 27th day of December, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Jolly Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary e. Resolution No. 94-85; Ordering and Levying an Improvement Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 94-85 Adopting assessment roll for the following local improvement and determining said improvement will be made and ratifying and confirming all other proceedings, heretofore had: Special Assessment for mid-block backyard lighting numbered 677 - Area 25 - Project #9427. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, met at 7:00 p.m. on the 27th day of December, 1994, in the City Council Chambers, 590 40th Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, being the time and place set when and where all persons interested could appear and be heard by the Council with respect to benefits, and to the proportion of the cost of making the local improvement above described, a notice of such hearing having been heretofore duly published as required by law, and a notice mailed to each property owner of record, stating the proposed amount of the assessment; and, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 5 WHEREAS, this Council has heretofore estimated the cost of such local improvement and has prepared an assessment roll therefore, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HEREBY RESOLVES: Section 1: That this Council does hereby adopt the aforesaid assessment roll known and described as "Assessment Roll for Local Improvements" numbered 677-Area 25-Project 9427 for mid- block backyard lighting. Section 2: That this Council hereby finds and determines that each of the lots and parcels of land enumerated in said assessment roll was and is especially benefited by such improvements. This Council further finds and determines that the proper proportion of the cost of such improvement to be especially assessed against each lot or parcel of land in the amount as billed annually by Northern States Power. Section 3: That the annual installment shall be paid in full without interest on or before September 15, 1995, and in annual installments thereafter, as long as the mid-block light is in place. Failure to pay the annual installment renders the same delinquent and thereafter a 10% penalty is added and the said delinquent special assessment is certified to the County for collection with the real estate tax. Section 4: That this Council did hereby determine and redetermine to proceed with said improvement, does ratify and confirm all other proceedings heretofore had in regard to this improvement, and said improvement shall hereafter be known and numbered 677-Area 25 for mid-block alley lighting. Section 5: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage. Passed this 27th day of December, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Peterson Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary f. Resolution No. 94-86; Labor Agreement Between City of Columbia Heights and International Union of Operatina Enaineers, Local 49 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 6 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. 94-86 REGARDING LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL NO. 49 WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local No. 49, representing employees of the Public Works Department and members of the City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable contract for calendar years 1995 and 1996; WHEREAS, a copy of said contract is available for inspection at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreement as negotiated, be and is hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 1995 and 1996 for IUOE bargaining unit employees of the City; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to execute this agreement. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary g. Resolution No. 94-87; Adopting 1995 - 1996 Salary and Fringe Benefit Adjustments for Non-Union Supervisory Employees Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 7 RESOLUTION NO. 94-87 ADOPTING CHANGES IN NON-UNION SUPERVISORY SALARY RANGES, ESTABLISHING SALARIES FOR NON-UNIONIZED SUPERVISORY POSITIONS, AND CHANGES IN FRINGE BENEFITS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Wage Compensation Program for non-unionized City employees effective January 1, 1980 (Resolution No. 80-47), which indicated that on an annual basis changes will be adopted in group salary ranges based upon reliable survey data; and, WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Comparable Worth Implementation Plan effective January 1, 1988 (Resolution No. 88-50), to assure comparable compensation for positions with comparable skill, effort, responsibilities, and working conditions, and proportional compensation for positions where such factors are different; and, WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights annually reviews the employer's share for various insurance programs for its non- unionized supervisory employees to compare what is paid for other employee groups in the City; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Columbia Heights establishes salary ranges and fringe benefits for non- unionized supervisory City positions, as indicated on Schedule A which is on file in the office of the City Manager, for calendar years 1995 and 1996; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights establishes the salary for specific non-unionized supervisory City positions to be effective upon such affected City employee fulfilling the requirements specified in the Wage Compensation Program for a salary change for such employees. Passed this 27th day of December, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 8 h. Resolution No. 94-88; Adopting 1995 - 1996 Salary ~nd Fringe Benefit Adjustments for Non-Union Essential and Confidential Employees 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. 94-88 ADOPTING CHANGES IN NON-UNION ESSENTIAL AND CONFIDENTIAL SALARY RANGES, ESTABLISHING SALARIES FOR NON-UNIONIZED ESSENTIAL AND CONFIDENTIAL POSITIONS, AND CHANGES IN FRINGE BENEFITS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Wage Compensation Program for non-unionized city employees effective January 1, 1980 (Resolution No. 80-47), which indicated that on an annual basis changes will be adopted in group salary ranges based upon reliable survey data; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights adopted a Comparable Worth Implementation Plan effective January 1, 1988 (Resolution No. 88-50), to assure comparable compensation for positions with comparable skill, effort, responsibilities, and working conditions, and proportional compensation for positions where such factors are different; and, WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights annually reviews the employer's share for various insurance programs for its non- unionized essential and confidential employees to compare what is paid for other employee groups in the City; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights establishes salary ranges and fringe benefits for non- unionized essential and confidential City positions, as indicated on Schedule B which is on file in the office of the City Manager, for calendar years 1995 and 1996; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights establishes the salary for specific non-unionized essential and confidential City employee positions to be effective upon such affected city employee fulfilling the requirements specified in the Wage Compensation Program for a salary change for such employee. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 9 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary i. Resolution No. 94-89: Requesting the Charter Commission to Consider Amendment to the City Charter Providinq for an Even Year Municipal Election 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. 94-89 RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CHARTER COMMISSION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CHARTER PROVIDING FOR AN EVEN YEAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes establish a uniform set of election procedures; and, WHEREAS, the 1993 Legislature enacted procedures allowing for a Local Government transition from odd-year municipal elections to even-year elections; and, WHEREAS, Independent School District #13 has authorized a conversion to an even-year fall election; and, WHEREAS, a change to an even-year election on the part of the City of Columbia Heights would afford more convenience voting opportunities and save the cost of conducting odd-year elections; and WHEREAS, Chapter 4, Nominations and Elections of the City Charter provides for an odd-year municipal election together with certain other election procedures that are inconsistent with the uniform municipal election laws as prescribed by Minnesota Statute. NOW, THEREFORE, THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES: Section 1. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute, the City Council hereby desires to change from an odd numbered year election to an even numbered year election pursuant to the transition schedule set forth in the law. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 10 Vt Section 2. The Columbia Heights Charter Commission is hereby requested to present appropriate amendments to the Columbia Heights Charter so as to accomplish a transition to an even Dumbered year municipal election and to provide for the conduct of said election consistent with the uniform municipal election laws. Passed this 27th day of December, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary COMMUNICATIONS a. Appointment to Civil Service Commission Councilmember Nawrocki encouraged members of the City Council to pursue alternatives relative to this Commission as raised in the City Manager's memo. He supports an appointment being made to the Commission. b. Street Rehabilitation Project Councilmember Nawrocki felt the Street Rehabilitation Project should not move forward until public hearings have been held. He suggested it would be appropriate to get public input. c. Budget Monitoring Councilmember Nawrocki recommended that the City Council continue its monitoring of the budget. He felt it is not always prudent to authorize an expenditure just because it was included in the budget. Each item should be reviewed on a need basis only. A specific item he referred to was the retention pond at Silver Lake. OLD BUSINESS a. Authorization to Seek Bids for Dredging of LaBelle Pond Motion by Peterson, second by Jolly to authorize staff to advertise for bids to dredge LaBelle Pond, Project #9313. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 11 b. Housing and Redevelopment Authority 1. Authorization of HRA/City Staff Office Consolidation Sgreement Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Columbia Heights HRA regarding office consolidation of HRA staff and City Building Department staff. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki stated his support for this motion based on the issue being subject to review after one year. He is concerned that the cost savings as projected on a long range basis will be considerably less than stated. 2. Job Description of Zoning/Grant Coordinator and Establishment of 1994 Waqe Ranqe for the position Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to approve the job description of Zoning/Grant Coordinator and establish the 1994 wage range for the position of: Entry: $2,077; 6 Months: $2,148; 1 Year: $2,218; 2 Years: $2,289; and 3 Years: $2,360. Roll call: Ail ayes NEW BUSINESS a. Award of Building Accessibility Improvements, Municipal Projects #9425, #9212, ~9216, #9218, & #9219 Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to award the building accessibility improvements to Municipal Project Numbers 9425, 9212, 9216, 9218, and 9219 to PMI Construction Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, based on their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $56,700 with funds to be appropriated from 1993-1994 Community Development Block Grant, and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: All ayes A portion of this project had been rebid at Council's request. Councilmember Nawrocki, noting the apparent savings realized from the rebid, inquired if it would save additional costs if the bids received were rejected and staff went out again for bids. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 12 10. The Public Works Director responded that CDBG funds would not be available if this project were awarded after the end of the year. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if a reallocation of CDBG funds were possible. A reallocation request had been made by staff but there has been no response from Anoka County at this point in time. b. Siren Maintenance Contract Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann that the City enter into a maintenance agreement with Doradus Corporation for time and materials service of the city's siren decoder/receivers and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to sign the agreement. Roll call: All ayes c. Establish January, 1995 Council Work Session Dates Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to establish Tuesday, January 3, 1995 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, January 7, 1995 at 8:30 a.m.; and Tuesday, January 17, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. as Council work session dates. Roll call: All ayes d. Street Rehabilitation Project Councilmember Jolly felt the Street Rehab Project should progress as proposed. He thinks the plans are well thought out. He does realize the importance of informing the public. REPORTS a. Report of the city Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: Property Taxes for Condominiums: The City Manager reviewed the content of the letter sent to University Heights condo owners in response to their concerns expressed at the Truth In Taxation Hearing. Draft Letter to Silver Lake HQm~owners: Councilmember Nawrocki felt the portion of the draft letter which addressed the retention pond should be rephrased. He also inquired if Anoka County had been contacted relative to its participation in being involved in the situation at Silver Lake. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1994 PAGE 13 The City Manager requested an Executive Session be held following the Council Meeting to discuss a lease dispute at Murzyn Hall. B. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to recess to an Executive Session to consider a lease for Murzyn Hall for New Year's Eve and to discuss pending litigation at 8:10 p.m. and that a record will be kept of this Executive Session by Jo- Anne Student. Roll call: All ayes The City Attorney noted that the Council Meeting was resumed at 9:08 p.m. and the Council returned to open session. The City Attorney stated that Jo-Anne Student was appointed as Secretary for the Executive Session and minutes were kept of any pending litigation regarding the Murzyn Hall lease for New Year's Eve. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to adjourn the Council Meeting at 9:10 p.m. Roll call: All ayes nne Student, Co~cil ~ayor ~J0s~ph Stu~devant Secretary