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