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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 11, 1994OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES VOLUNTEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION APRIL 11, 1994 The Volunteer Relief Association Board of Trustees Meeting was called to order at 9:35 p.m. by Mayor Sturdevant. 1. ROLL CALL Jolly, Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - present APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Nawrocki, second by Jolly to approve the September 27, 1993 Board of Trustees Meeting as presented. Roll call: All ayes DEATH BENEFIT - EDWARD MISKOWIC Motion by Jolly, second by Nawrocki, to author~xe the Treasurer to have a death benefit check issued in the amount of $1,500 from the Volunteer Relief Association Pension Fund° Roll call: All ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to adjourn the Board of Trustees Meeting at 9:38 p.m. Roll call: All ayes Anne Student, Council p yor P~s~ph ~turdevant - Secretary OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Sturdevant. 1. ROLL CALL Jolly, Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - present The death of Edward Miskowic was acknowledged and members of the City Council sent their regrets to his family. Mr. Miskowic was a member of the Columbia Heights Fire Department Volunteer Division for 26 years. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CONSENT AGENDA The fo]lowing items were addressed on the Consent AGenda: Minutes for Approva] The Council approved the minutes of the Public Improvement Hearing of March 21, 1994 as presented. Conditional Use Permit - Ace Hardware, 2271 37th Avenue The Council approved the conditional use permit for Ace Hardware at 2261 37th Avenue for the operation of a sa]es tent in the parkinG lot from April 15 through July l, 1994, provided a $500 deposit is submitted to the City prior to installation of the tent and that all requirements of Article 32 of the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code are addressed. Conditional Use Permit - Sharon Crockett, 3815 Reservoir Boulevard The Council approved the conditional use permit request for 3815 Reservoir Boulevard to allow the construction of a 12' x 12' storage building in the rear of the property. Special Purpose Fence - McKernonf 4318 Washinqton Street The Council approved the request for a six foot high special purpose fence in the rear and side yards of 4318 Washington Street. Request to Serve Beer - Sullivan Park The Council approved the request of Glen Baggenstoss, 5000 Washington Street, to serve 3.2 beer at family reunions on June 26 and August 20, 1994 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Sullivan Lake Park such approval in conjunction with actions of March 29, 1994 of the Park and Recreation Commission. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL ]1, ]994 PAGE 2 Renewal of Class B Gambling License, Immaculate Conception Church for Mady's Bowling Lounge The Council directed the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control Board indicating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the renewal of a Class B charitable gambling license for Immaculate Conception Church in conjunction with activities at Mady's Bowling Lounge, 3919 Central Avenue and the Council also waived the remainder of the sixty day notice to the local governing body. Renewal of Class B Gamblinq License for Activities Held at Immaculate Conception Church The Council directed the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control Board indicating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the renewal of a Class B charitable gambling license for Immaculate Conception Church, 4030 Jackson Street and the Council also waived the remainder of the sixty day notice to the local governing body. Re-Establish Public Hearing for Condemnation of Property Located at 3909 Polk Street The Council established April 25, 1994 as a pub]ic hearing to consider condemnation of property located at 3909 Polk Street. Award of Bid for Weed Removal The Council awarded the weed removal contract to Industrial Lawn Care and Maintenance of Columbia Heights, Minnesota based on their lowest, qualified bid of $24.00 per hour, and also authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Authorization to Seek Bids for Improvements to Entrances to City Buildings to Comply With ADA The Council authorized staff to seek bids for adding power actuated (automatic) doors to City Mall, Mur~yn Mall and City Library to comply with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. It was noted that approximately $3,000 per door unit has been budgeted for thes~ improvements. C.D.B.G. funds are the source for funding. Acceptance of Donation from Athletic Boosters The Council accepted the $1,000 donation from the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters to be used for equipment rental and food purchases for the Celebrate Heights Pride picnic as we]] as cleanup expenses. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL ll, 1994 PAGE 3 Approval of License Applications The Council approved the 1994 license applications as listed upon payment of the proper fees and approved the rental property license applications as listed for 1-l-94 to 2-28-95 on the attached memorandum from Lowell DeMars, Fire Department Captain, dated April 6, 1994. 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 Ruettimann to approve the consent agenda. Roll call: All ayes 4a. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to table approval of the minutes of the March 28, 1994 Regular Council Meeting. Roll call: All ayes OPEN MIKE/PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS A resident commented on various matters regarding the City. Among the issues he remarked on were the resignation of the Police Chief, the fatal accident at 40th Avenue and Fifth Street and the safety of senior citizens. PUBLIC HEARINGS/ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS a. Hearinq for Revocation, Suspension and/or Other Appropriate Dispostion of a Rental License for 4655 Fifth Street The attorney representing the owner of this property has requested the hearing be continued until April 25, 1994. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to continue the public hearing regarding 4655 Fifth Street until April 25, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki noted there was what appears to be a junk vehicle parked in the front yard of this property. The City Manager will follow up on this. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, ]994 PAGE 4 b. Resolution No. 94-24; City Unity Day Resolution Councilmember Nawrocki read the resolution. He encouraged members of the City Council to participate in the rally which is scheduled for April 21, 1994. RESOLUTION NO. 94-24 CITY UNITY DAY RESOLUTION WHEREAS: The City of Columbia Heights is a member of the League of Minnesota Cities~ and WHEREAS: Thursday, April 21, 1994 is Minnesota Cities Unity Day; and WHEREAS: Cities working together have established the League of Minnesota Cities action agenda for the 1994 session of the Legislature; and WHEREAS: In the closing days of the 1994 session many of these issues remain unresolved; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that: The Legislature and Governor restore the shortfall in the Local Government Trust Fund which they created so that there will be no cuts in government aid (LGA) and homestead agricultural aid credit (HACA) in 1994, and provide reliable additional funding for LGA and HACA in future years to preserve the fiscal stability of cities; Preserve and improve the ability of cities to expand their boundaries in order to provide city services to all who need them; Remove the aid penalties in manufacturing and redevelopment disticts so that cities will not be pena]i2ed for improving their local economies; REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 5 4. Increase funding for roads and transit~ Establish a new program to clean up landfills and adequately fund pollution clean up grants; and Support the other legislative initiatives of the League of Minnesota Cities. Passed this llth day of April, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Nawrocki Jolly All ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary 7. COMMUNICATIONS a. Planninq and Zoninq Commission The minutes of the February 22, 1994 Special Meeting and the April 5, 1994 Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission were included in the agenda packet for informational purposes only. Conditional Use Permit - Wallace Auto Parts, 4807 University Avenue Councilmember Nawrocki observed junk vehicles on this property and he noted that the embankment and the fence at the top of the enbankment appear to be in very poor condition. Also, there is litter and trash on the grounds. He hopes these issues will be looked at by staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Jolly, based on the City Manager's recommendation, this matter and the items mentioned by Counci]member Nawrocki be referred back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a second review. Roll call: All ayes 2. Variance - Bruce Fischbach, 4212 Washington Street Motion by Peterson, second by Jolly to approve the variance for 4212 Washington Street with the provisions that if the structure was ever damaged by 50% or more of its fair market value, (9.104)(3)(e) the variance would be null and void and use of the land would be required to be only for a single family dwelling. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 6 Bruce Fischbach requested a variance to allow a non-conforming duplex on property having less than 8,400 square feet of ]and use. 3. Variance - BoxSeat Restaurant, 4005 Central Avenue Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to approve the request for a variance of twenty square feet for wall signage at the BoxSeat Restaurant at 4005 Central Avenue. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the granting of the variance ignores the sign ordinance which was developed over a long period of time by many people. He also felt the sign could be effectively done in the allowable space of eighty feet. Councilmember Peterson suggested the considerable setback of the building from the thoroughfare and the side entrance put the business at a disadvantage and that the sign size was warranted. Councilmember Ruettimann agreed and noted that a hardship also existed due to poor site lines. Councilmember Nawrocki suggested this variance would give this business owner an advantage that his competition would not have. Roll call: Jolly, Ruettimann, Peterson, Nawrocki - nay Sturdevant - aye Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to extend the temporary signage for thirty days. Roll call: Jolly, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - aye Nawrocki - nay 4. Variance - James & Renee Kelly, 4219 Stinson Boulevard Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to approve the request for a variance of 84.31 feet to the required front setback due to the unusual circumstances of all other homes in the immediate area being in excess of the maximum fifty (50) foot frontage. Roll call: All ayes 5. Petition Reqardinq Parkview Villa Councilmember Nawrocki received five copies of a petition at his home. He was requested to distribute these petitions to the other members of the City Council. The petition addressed a matter concerning an employee at Parkview Villa. 6. Heights Pride Month REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 7 o Councilmember Nawrocki distributed copies of the flyer put together for the Heights Pride Month activities. He also inquired if the City's insurance would cover individual volunteers and other activities involved with the Heights Pride Month. The City Manager advised the City's insurance coverage extends to cover these situations. 7. Banners/Sweeping/Arizona Youth Proqram Councilmember Jolly felt the banners hung in the business districts of the City looked very good. He also noted that the street sweeping done by the Public Works crews was very good. Councilmember Jolly had received some information regarding youth programs established by the local government officials in Tempe, Arizona. He felt these programs had some very practical and useful information which could be adapted to Columbia Heights. He will see that members of the Council receive a packet of this information. 8. Survey Information/Tabulation Councilmember Nawrocki inquired as to the tabulations of the survey regarding the proposed multi-use building. The City Manager advised about 700 responses have been received and the tabulation will start soon. 9. City Bus The MTC has been contacted regarding the procurement of another bus for use by the City. Councilmember Nawrocki was advised that the group of buses which will soon become available may not be the best choice for the City's use. It was recommended until some GMC buses are available in the Fall. He suggested that the Shop Foreman keep in touch with staff at the MTC on this matter. OLD BUSINESS a. Board and Commission Appointments Members of the Council had interviewed residents who have applied for consideration for appointment to vacancies on various boards and commissions. They ranked all of those interviewed and formed a concensus. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to appoint/reappoint the following people to boards and commissions: REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 8 Cable Commission Reappoint Ken Henke to a term expiring April 1996 Reappoint Ruth Graham to a term expiring April 1996 Appoint Steve Mihalchick to a term expiring April 1996 HRA To concur with the Mayor's reappointment of Richard Dustin to a term expiring April 1999 Human Services Commission Reappoint Beth Fairley to a term expiring April 1997 Reappoint Patrice Seawell to a term expiring April 1997 Appoint Don Renquist to a term expiring April 1997 Appoint Barbara Tantanella to a term expiring April 1996 Appoint Antoinette LaMere to a term expiring April 1995 Appoint John Hemak as Human Service Commissioner Emeritus Park and Recreation Commission Appoint Eileen Evans to fill the term of Bill Hollom expiring April 1996 Library Board Reappoint Barbara Miller to a term expiring April 1997 Planning and Zoning Commission Appoint Russ Paulson to a term expiring April 1998 Police and Fire Civil Service Commission Reappoint Robert Guzy to a term expiring April 1997 Science, Technology and Energy Commission Appoint Richard Nowak to a term expiring April 1997 Reappoint Steven Riner to a term expiring April 1997 Traffic Commission Reappoint Edward Carlson to a term expiring April 1998 Reappoint Joseph Goodman to a term expiring April 1998 Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Jolly expressed appreciation to all of those who have served on boards and commissions. Councilmember Ruettimann extended a thank-you to all residents who have applied for appointment. Their applications will remain on file for future consideration when there are vacancies. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, ]994 PAGE 9 b. Authorize Appraisals for Proposed Property Acquisition Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to authorize two independent appraisals on five properties located on the 4600 block between Fillmore Steer and Pierce Street with $3,600 funding authorized from Fund #410-46500-3050. Roll call: All ayes c. Resolution Establishinq City Manager's Waqes and Compensation Counci]member Nawrocki observed that this matter was to have been discussed at the last Council work session and it was not. He felt the Council had an obligation to discuss work objectives for the coming year. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to table this matter pending further discussion at the April 19th Council work session. Roll ca]]: All ayes d. Re-Establish Public Hearinq Plan Modification of Sheffield Redevelopment and Housing Development Plan The recommended date for the public hearing was May 9, 1994. Councilmember Nawrocki felt there should be more discussion on this matter and suggested it be re-established for May 23, 1994. Councilmember Nawrocki noted he has no problem with using excess TIF funds for the Sheffield project if, in fact, there are excess funds, but because of the current shortfall in TIF projects and the bad experience with TIF projections, he does not feel that it is fiscally responsible to rely on excess funds to pay back money borrowed for the Sheffield project. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to re-establish Public Hearing from April 25, 1994 to May 23, 1994 on the plan modifications of Sheffield Redevelopment and Housing Development Plan, allowing for use of excess development funding of Central Business District Project and establishing final sources and uses of funds for the Sheffield Redevelopment and Housing Development Projects. Roll call: All ayes e. Waste Haulinq Charges Councilmember Nawrocki noticed changes in the waste hauling charges relative to administrative charges which resulted in a big increase. The City Manager will re-distribute the memo on this. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 10 f. Property Taxes Councilmember Nawrocki observed that the City's portion of property taxes on many tax statements appears to have increased ten percent. He feels this increase is uncalled for and hopes that during the 1995 budgeting process they go nowhere near double digits again. Councilmember Ruettimann felt percentages are not comparable do actual dollars. NEW BUSINESS a. Award of Road Aqgregates Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly to award the bid for and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement to purchase road aggregate materials for the 1994 season based upon low formal bids received at the unit prices and from the vendors as on attached Council Letter. Roll call: All ayes b. Award of Asphaltic Material Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly to award the bid and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement to purchase the 1994 asphaltic materials contract to Koch Materials Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, based upon their low formal bid for the unit prices as on the attached Council Letter. Roll call: All ayes c. Award of Plant Mixed Bituminous Materials Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly to award the bid and to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement to purchase the 1994 plant mixed bituminous materials based upon the low formal bids received at the unit prices and from the vendors as on attached Council Letter. Roll call: All ayes d. Purchase of Playground Equipment - Edgemoor, Keyes & Hilltop Parks Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize the purchase of replacement playground equipment for Edgemoor, Keyes and Hilltop parks, from Minnesota Playground in the amount of $23,755.22, with funds from Fund 412; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 11 Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if the bids were tied in the specs. The Public Works Director responded they were not as he felt there was some value in have all three systems purchased from the same vendor. This would be beneficial with regard to maintenance and repairs. Councilmember Nawrocki was particularly concerned with taking the high bid for Hilltop Park. He felt this was not an option as the low bid met the specs. Councilmember Jolly noted that when there is a standardization of equipment there is a savings eventually for parts, inventories, etc. The Public Works Director acknowledged that the equipment from the lowest bidder and the highest are not interchangeable as they are from different manufacturer's. Motion to amend by Nawrocki to award to Miracle Recreation/Bob Klein Associates the bid for equipment for Hilltop Park. The Public Works Director requested this matter be tabled so he could take a closer look at the bids and verify that the specs were met. Motion by Jolly, second by Ruettimann to table this matter so the Public Works Director can evaluate further. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki felt if interchangeable parts are desirable this should be part of the specifications. e. Rubber Surfaced Railroad Crossinq Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with CP Rail System to construct a rubber crossing surface on Stinson Boulevard north of 37th Avenue. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 94-25 RESOLUTION BETWEEN THE CITIES OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND SAINT ANTHONY ESTABLISHING JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR RECONSTUCTING THE AT-GRADE RAILROAD CROSSING ON STINSON BOULEVARD NORTH OF 37TH AVENUE NORTHEAST REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 12 WHEREAS, it is considered mutually desirable to reconstruct the at-grade railroad crossing on Stinson Boulevard, north of 37th Avenue Northeast WHEREAS, Stinson Boulevard is shared by the Cities of Columbia Heights and St. Anthony WHEREAS, the City of St. Anthony has agreed to reimburse the City of Columbia Heights for the costs to reconstruct the crossing within the City of St. Anthony NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the Joint Powers Agreement attached as Exhibit "A" is authorized to be executed by the Mayor and City Manager for sharing of costs to reconstruct the at-grade crossing on Stinson Boulevard. Dated this llth day of April, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Jolly Peterson All ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary ATTEST: I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and correct cody of the resolution presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the llth day of April, 1994 as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. Jo-Anne Student Deputy City Clerk f. Establish City Council Work Session Dates Motion by Nawrocki, second by Jolly to establish Tuesday, April 19th at 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 2nd at 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 16th at 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, May 31st at 7;00 p.m. as work sessions of the City Council. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 13 Accept Resiqnation of David P. Mawhorter Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann recognizing that David Mawhorter has resigned as Police Chief and is willing to continue to serve until October 2, 1994 for the transition, that we concur with the tenative agreement worked out for the City to continue to pay the City's share of the health benefits until the end of the year. Roll call: All ayes h. Lions Club Pancake Breakfast Councilmember Nawrocki noted that the Lions Club is having its annual pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 17th. Proceeds will go to one of the High School's music groups. i. Tree City U.S.A. Councilmember Jolly and Foreman McClanahan will be attending the reception at the Governor's mansion for recipients of Tree City U.S.A. recognition. 10. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: City Hall Court: Court services discontinued by December 22, 1994. in City Hall will be Library Elevator: Councilmember Jolly inquired as to the progress of the elevator project at the Library. The City Manager responded there have been some water problems. City Bus: Councilmember Nawrocki asked if any additional information is available on the City bus transmission. He was advised none has been received to date. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 11, 1994 PAGE 14 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Peterson, second by Nawrocki to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Roll call: All ayes z~o-l~nne St-u(~ent ,~unci 1 ayor ~oseph Sturdevant Secretary