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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 24, 1994OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Sturdevant. l. ROLL CALL Jolly, Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - present PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were addressed on the Consent AGenda: Minutes for Approval The Council approved Meeting of January 10, corrections. the minutes of the Regular Council 1994 as presented and there were no Approve Attendance of the Finance Department Staff at the Annual GFOA Conference The Council authorized the attendance of William E]rite, Finance Director and June Johnston, Assistant Finance Director, at the Annual Government Finance Officers Association Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota from June 5 - 8, 1994 and also approved that related expenses be reimbursed. Authorization to Seek Bids for 1994 Street and Parking Lane Striping The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the 1994 street and parkin~ lane striping contract. Authorization to Seek Bids for Catch Basin Manhole Replacement The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the replacement of four catch basin manholes located west of 455 37th Avenue. Approval of 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. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to approve the Consent AGenda as presented. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 2 OPEN MIKE/PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS a. Commissioner Jim Kordiak Commissioner Kordiak was in attendance to discuss Anoka County's recent passage of a solid waste management charge. Approval of this charge was made at the January meeting of the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. The Columbia Heights City Council had sent a letter to the Board indicating its disapproval of this charge. Commissioner Kordiak noted this fee is not a tax but a service fee. It is necessary to continue the operation of the County's waste management programs. He distributed a work sheet which addressed the charges for various types of properties. He also explained how the formula for these charges was arrived at and how they are applied. Commissioner Kordiak advised ail of these changes are a result of federal legislation which allowed for haulers to place their refuse in any landfill they desire. These changes were necessary to stay competitive. He is hopeful the federa! Government wi]] re-think the issue and return to the former practices. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he hopes the County Board will review its formula in the coming year. He recoQnized the Board was given a very short period of time to accommodate tke federal legislation. Councilmember Ruettimann suggested that the charges be increased for cities who do not meet their recycling/refuse quotas. Columbia Heights has always exceeded its quotas. Councilmember Ruettimann felt the residents were being penalized by being exemplary recyc]ers. b. Medtronic Grant The Metronic Foundation, represented by Ms. Darralu Lindholm, presented a $4,000 grant check to the Council. These grant funds will be used to purchase supplies for the city-wide Catch Basin Stenciling Program. The actual stenciling will be done by volunteers in conjunction with the City's "Month of Caring." The total cost of supplies is estimated at $8,820. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS/ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS a. Public Hearing for Basic Cable Rates Information requested from the cable company has been only partially received. The City Manager recommended this item be tabled until the February 28th Council Meeting. This will allow time for staff to complete a final analysis of the rate information as well as being discussed at the February 17th joint meeting of the City Council and the Cable Commission. Councilmember Nawrocki requested the cable counsel to continue reviewing the allocation of costs of service between basic cable service and pay-per-view. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Jolly to continue the public hearing regarding the rates established for basic cable service and all equipment required to receive basic cable service for Columbia Heights and Hilltop to February 28, 1994. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Nawrocki, second by Jolly to establish a Council work session on cable issues for Thursday, February 17, 1994 at 7:30 which will be a joint meeting with the Cable Commission. Roll call: All ayes b. Public Hearing on Utilization of 1994 CDBG Entitlement Councilmember Nawrocki noted there were changes made in the recommendations on this agenda which differed from those at the Council work session. He felt this was inappropriate. He also inquired what total support was given to SACA by the City for such things as its facility and other considerations. The City Manager will get this information. The City Manager also advised that all allocations of these funds will be made by the City Council. He noted that if there are any funds not used for the Neighborhood Revitalization or Housing Rehabilitation Program in the Sheffield Neighborhood they will be made available city-wide. Councilmember Nawrocki feels the City Council should retain the responsibility in the use of the funds in either project and the Council should have the final decision in their ultimate use. Some discussion followed regarding the late submittal of the SACA application. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 4 Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to approve the following schedule as the 1994 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the City of Columbia Heights with the City Manager and the MRA Executive Director authorized to prepare and submit the formal application for such funds: PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED WITH FY1994 CDBG GRANT FUNDS: A. Neighborhood Revitalization with Priority Use of Funds in Sheffield Neighborhood $139,000 to $160,000 B. Housing Rehabilitation with Priority Use of Funds in Sheffield Neighborhood * $92,890 to $102,890 C. Public Service Grants 1. Senior Outreach Program for Col. Hts. (Anoka County Community Action Program) $11,030 2. Alexandra House $ 3,000 3. Hot Meals for Shut-Ins (Meals on Wheels) for Columbia Heights $3,080 4. Southern Anoka Community Assistance, Inc. $2,000 D. TOTAL $251,000 to $280,000 * 1. If funding is less than $251,000, the amount reduced should be taken off the amount for Housing Rehabilitation. 2. If funding is more than $251,000, the additional amount would be added to the amount for Housing Rehabilitation. 3. Includes approximately $30,000 to $35,000 for Columbia Heights' share of the county-wide CDBG/HOME Program allocation for housing rehabilitation. and furthermore, that the approvals for the Neighborhood Revitalization and Housing Rehabilitation projects be amended to require final authority for the use of funds in these two areas by the City Council. Roll call: All ayes c. Resolution Designating Depositories for Funds of the City of Columbia Heights REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 5 The City Manager requested this item be tabled. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Jolly that further consideration of this matter be tabled until the next regular council meeting. Roll call: All ayes d. Resolution No. 94-05: To Approve Submittal of Variance R~quest for T.H. 47 from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 94-05 DIRECTING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PROCEED WITH THE SUBMITTAL OF VARIANCE REQUEST TO THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION FOR T.H. 47 FROM 37TH AVENUE TO 53RD AVENUE WHEREAS, the City participated in the Minnesota Department of Transportation Department project for traffic signal replacement work on T.H. 47 from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue; and WHEREAS, the City did not have the appropriate Municipal State Aid numbers on the plan at the time of approval; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation Rule 8820.2800 subparagraph 3 requires that projects must be assigned State Aid project numbers and must be so identified in records of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the local government unit; and WHEREAS, State Aid rules provide that a political subdivision may request a variance from these rules; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights: That the City Engineer be directed to submit to the Commissioner of Transportation a formal request for variance adopted Rule 8820.2800 subparagraph 3 to permit that State Aid project numbers be assigned for the Minnesota Department of Transportation Traffic Signal Replacement Project on T.H. 47 from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue. Passed this 24th day of January, 1994. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 6 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson Ail ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary ATTEST: I hereby certify that the aforegoing resolution is a true and correct copy 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 24th day of January, 1994, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. Jo-Anne Student, Deputy City Clerk e. Second Readinq of Ordinance No. 1280; Being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5, Sections 35 through 46 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights Pertaining to Referendum and Recall Petitions Motion by Ruettimann to table this matter. Councilmember Nawrocki, who serves on the Charter Commission, advised it is the intention of the Commission to review this matter and noted that action has to be taken by the Council in a specific period of time. Noting that this is an advertised public hearing he suggested the hearing be continued until the second regular Council meeting in April. Councilmember Ruettimann withdrew his motion to table. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann that the second reading and public hearing of Ordinance No. 1280 be continued to the regular Council meeting of April 25, 1994 and that the Charter Commission be requested to review the proposed changes in light of the opinion of the League of Minnesota Cities' attorney and concurrence by the City Attorney. Roll call: All ayes COMMUNICATIONS a. Request for Temporary SiGnaGe by Box Seat, Exclusive Sports Bar and Grill REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 7 Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to approve the request of Box Seat, Exclusive Sports Bar and Grill, 4005 Central Avenue, for temporary signage. Roll call: All ayes b. 1994 AMM Policies and Legislative Proposals Copies of the the 1994 policies and legislative proposals adopted by the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities membership were included in the agenda packet. This material was for informational purposes only and required no Council action. c. Cable casting Board and Commission Meetings Councilmember Nawrocki advised that the HRA Board of Commissioners has indicated support for having an annual cablecast of one of its meetings. The Cable Commission has also indicated a similar position. Members of the Cable Commission felt this should not be done until the Council Chambers have been improved to be more accommodating for a quality cablecast. d. Property Tax Reform Councilmember Nawrocki distributed copies of material regarding property tax. This information was generated by the House of Representatives' Property Tax Reform Committee. Councilmember Nawrocki, referring to the CORE Report distributed at the last Council meeting, stated he is not endorsing the report but it may be included in future discussions regarding local government aid. OLD BUSINESS a. Status of House on Tyler Street At a prior Council meeting, the landlord of rental property on Tyler Street, had been told what would be necessary to bring his property into compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code. He was given a specific amount of time to complete the required work· Councilmember Ruettimann requested a status report on this matter. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 8 The City Manager advised that some of the workmanship is questionable. The back porch is complete as are some other items. Counci]member Ruettimann recalled that license revocation was the ultimate action to be taken if the work orders are not complied with. The City Manager responded that this process will be pursued if all the specified items are not completed. b. Vacancies on Boards and Commissions Councilmember Ruettimann inquired if the vacancies on certain boards and commissions will be scheduled for discussion at the next Council work session. The City Manager had understood there would be letters sent to those whose terms were to expire in April. Councilmember Ruettimann noted there are some vacancies currently. The City Manager inquired if the Council desires to interview board and commission candidates at the next Council work session. Councilmember Jolly feels these appointments should be done as soon as possible. c. Heights Pride Committee Councilmember Nawrocki advised that the Heights Pride Committee has questions regarding the Council's support of its- planned activities and its willingness 'and capability to extend insurance coverage to some of its projects. The City Manager responded he is waiting for a list of activities from the Volunteer Coordinator. He will submit this list to the Councilmembers this week. · Councilmember Nawrocki requested the City Manager to prepare a resolution indicating support for the Heights Pride Committee's "Month of Caring." NEW BUSINESS a. Establish Date for Public Improvement Hearing on LaBe]le Park East Bank Pro~ect The Public Works Director advised this project needs to be discussed at a Council work session before the Public Improvement Hearing. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 9 10. He felt it was necessary to discuss whether partial funding through special assessments is to be a consideration. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to establish a Public Improvement Hearing for February 28, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall to consider the LaBelle Park East Bank Erosion Control Project. Roll call: All ayes b. Establish Date for Board of Review Meeting Councilmember Nawrocki felt the Council should have been given some optional dates for the Board of Review and he views this as a procedural issue. The City Manager stated that optional dates were given but February 28th was recommended as it was a Monday. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to establish a special meeting for Board of Review for April 18, 1994 at 8:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki requested that in future years the Council be given options for mutually agreeable dates. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manager The City Manager's report was submitted tn written form and the following items were discussed: Cab Driver's License: The Manager's Report contained a letter from the Inspection Department regarding the provisional license issued to Randy Ziemann. There will be a monthly report made by the Police Department for the next six months regarding this person's record. Hilltop/MWCC Sewer Dispute: There will be an Executive Session called to discuss this matter. Budget Inquiries: At a previous meeting, Councilmember Nawrocki had inquired about the posting of the library tax levy at 100% rather than allocating a fair share for delinquency obligation to fund. An adjustmenet to the fund has been made to account for the delinquency. Also, Councilmember Nawrocki's inquiry regarding the profit level of the liquor fund was responded to. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 1994 PAGE 10 Ordinance Regarding Charter Amendment: Councilmember Ruettimann inquired as to the purpose of including in the City Manager's report a draft ordinance which would amend the Charter and pertains to bonded debt and debt limit. The City Manager explained this is informational material which was submitted to the Charter Commission for its review. Councilmember Nawrocki stated that the amendment would allow some flexibility in the City's issuance of debt although publication requirements would still be sixty days. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had requested an Executive Session. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to close the Regular Council Meeting of January 24, 1994 at 9:30 p.m.and move to an Executive Session for the sole purpose of discussing on-going litigation of the City of Columbia Heights versus the City of Hilltop and that Jo-Anne Student be appointed to keep a witten record thereof. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to reconvene the regularly scheduled open meeting of the City of Columbia Heights on January 24, 1994 at 10:37 p.m. having been in Executive Session to discuss the sole issue of the on-going litigation of the City of Columbia Heights versus the City of Hilltop; a written record being kept by Jo-Anne Student. Roll call: All ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to adjourn the meeting at 10:38 p.m. Roll call: Ail ayes a~oF/Jo~ph Sturdevant ' /~o-Anne Student, -C'~nrncil Secretary