HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 6, 1994OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 6, 1994
The Special Council Meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. by
Mayor Sturdevant.
1. ROLL CALL
Jolly, Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - present
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. PUBLIC HEARING - LABELLE EAST BANK EROSION CONTROL PROJECT
The City Manager explained that the Public Hearing had been
continued so staff would have time to contact individual
property owners regarding "slope erosion" easements. He
advised that only one property owner had indicated a
willingness to sign an easement. Others were concerned with
the potential for problems in selling their property with this
easement on place.
The City Manager also advised that the Anoka County Soil and
Water Conservation has agreed to extend the deadline to mid-
September for having a contract in place to in order to
receive the 1992 grant.
A letter received from the owner of 1231/1233 Circle Terrace
was read for the record. This owner stated his reasons for not
wanting to sign the easement which focused on the re-sale
problems.
The owner of 1319/1321 Circle Terrace noted she was never
advised of potential erosion problems when she purchased the
property eight years ago. She inquired what had been done by
the Council to have avoided this problem when the area was
initially developed.
Councilmember Nawrocki, who served on the Council when the
area was developed, stated the developer indicated he would be
responsible for stabilization of the bank. What transpired
between the developer and subsequent property owners is not
known by the City.
Another resident of the area suggestion a solution which
included a $3,000 assessment for doing the project and the
addition of City-owned property at the bottom of the slope to
each parcel. He said the City would be absolved from any
future responsibility for the bank and tax-forfeit property
would be placed back on the tax rolls.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 6, 1994
PAGE 2
Councilmember Ruettimann felt it was evident that no property
owners were in interested in paying a $3,000 assessment. He
suggested that the project be done only on City-owned
property. Any soil which results from erosion on the bank that
falls on City-owned property would have to be removed by the
owner from whose property it fell. If it were not removed by
the responsible property owner, the City would remove it and
charge the property owner accordingly. He felt the fairness in
this would be those properties who have no erosion would not
have any charges and those whose properties are eroding would
bear the responsibility.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated it may be difficult to prove
where the fallen material comes from. He also felt it would
make no sense to make corrections at the bottom of the bank
when the problems come from the top.
Councilmember Ruettimann stated that determining the point of
origin for fallen soil would not be difficult.
The City Manager suggested that a simple process to address
the situation would be to strengthen the City's drainage
ordinance. Also, the Council would have to take a couple of
other actions besides just fixing the bottom area of the
slope.
Councilmember Jolly observed that the problem is already a
matter of public record and any potential buyers of property
affected by the problem would have a right to be made aware of
the situation whether a purchase is made or not.
Councilmember Nawrocki stated his support for the staff
recommendation but with a $2,000 assessment. He also observed
that easements will be required.
The Public Works Director noted that construction easements,
fencing easements and some utility easements as well as
maintenance easements will be needed. It was stated that the
City will be doing the maintenance between the fences.
Councilmember Nawrocki addressed compensation for easements,
specifically for those given voluntarily and those which are
not. He feels that everyone giving an easement should be
compensated the same.
Councilmember Peterson commended staff and noted that all
parties involved had worked diligently to reduce the costs of
this project.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 6, 1994
PAGE 3
Councilmember Nawrocki explained the deferred assessment
program which is available to senior citizens who may be
affected by this project.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Jolly to authorize staff to
proceed with the project with the understanding that the
maximum assessment cost per lot be $2,000, before contracts
are let; staff will procure all necessary easements and if
buying easements becomes necessary that there be no recording
of easements until all easements that are necessary are
acquired. Roll call: All ayes
Councilmember Nawrocki requested staff research how much, if
any, of the park land is dedicated.
He also emphasized the need to proceed with haste to get the
necessary easements.
e
NEW BU$~NESS
a. Authorization to Seek Ouotes for Rubber Surfaced Crossing
Material
The material will be installed at the railroad crossing on
Stinson Boulevard north of 37th Avenue.
The cities of Columbia Heights and St. Anthony will be
purchasing the material and the railroad is installing it.
Councilmember Ruettimann inquired what the need was to do this
project. He felt this was a railroad responsibility and not
that of participating cities.
The City Manager responded that the railroad has no
responsibility to maintain the crossing with a smooth surface,
only one which is non-hazardous.
The costs for the material are being paid by State Aid funds.
Motion by Peterson, second by Jolly to authorize staff to seek
quotes for the purchase of rubber surfaced crossing material.
Roll call: All ayes
Councilmember Nawrocki stated his objection to having an
additional item added by staff to the agenda of a meeting
called by the City Council.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 6, 1994
PAGE 4
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to adjourn the
Special Council Meeting at 9:40 p.m. Roll call: Ail ayes
a~or JjoSeph Sturde~vant -
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary