HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 9, 1998OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 9, 1998
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor Sturdevant called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Sturdevant and
Councilmembers Szurek, Jolly, Ruettimann and Peterson.
2, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3, ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
There were no additions nor deletions to the agenda.
4, CONSENT AGENDA
(Items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the City Council and are enacted as
part of the Consent Agenda by one motion. Items removed from the Consent Agenda are taken
up as the next order of business.)
A. Consent Agenda
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to approve the consent agenda with the
following items:
1) Approval of Council Meeting Minutes
The Council approved the minutes of the February 23, 1998 Regular Council Meeting and
the minutes of the February 23, 1998 Public Improvement Hearing as presented.
2) Fluorescent Bulb Collection - Saturday, May 2, 1998
The Council authorized the Mayor and City Council to enter into a contract with NSP for
the collection of spent fluorescent bulbs from residential and small businesses in Columbia
Heights and surrounding communities served by N.S.P. Expenses related to this collection
will be reimbursed by Northern States Power Company.
3) Resolution No. 98-34 Being a Resolution Approving Cooperative Agreement No.
77081 with Mn/DOT for the Use of 44th Avenue as a Temporary_ Detour Route
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG
MARCH 9, 1998
PAGE 2
RESOLUTION NO. 98-34
AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT NO. 77081 WITH MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY DETOUR OF 0.3 MILES OF 44TM
AVENUE N.E. FROM UNIVERSITY AVENUE TO MAIN STREET FOR THE 1998
CONSTRUCTION SEASON
WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights is to provide a temporary detour from
University Avenue to Main Street for the 1998 construction season, and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation stipulates the use 0.3 miles of
44th Avenue as a temporary detour from University Avenue to Main Street for the 1998
construction season, and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota agrees to provide payment for the use of 44th Avenue
N.E. as a detour route during the grading, surfacing and bridge construction and other
associated construction to be performed upon, along and adjacent to Trunk Highway 47
(University Avenue N.E.) from Main Street (west City limits) to Trunk Highway No. 47
within the corporate City limits under State Project No. 2726-61 (T.H. 47 = 156).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Columbia Heights enter into
an agreement with the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, and authorize
the Mayor and the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 77081.
Dated this 9th day of March, 1998.
Offered by: Ruettimann
Seconded by: Peterson
Roll call: All ayes
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
CERTIFICATION
State of Minnesota
County of Anoka
City of Columbia Heights
REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG
MARCH 9, 1998
PAGE 3
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and correct copy of a resolution
presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights at a
meeting thereof held in the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, on the 9th day of March,
1998, as disclosed by the records of said City in my possession.
Jo-Anne Student
Deputy City Clerk
4. Resolution No. 98-35 Being a Resolution Regarding a Metropolitan Grant Study for
Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) Reduction
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public.
RESOLUTION NO. 98-35
BEING A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT A METROPOLITAN GRANT APPLICATION
UP TO $10,000 FOR INFLOW/INFILTRATION (I/I) REDUCTION AND
DESIGNATE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AS THE CITY'S PRIMARY
CONTACT WITH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES (MCES)
WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights supports the reduction of
Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) into the sanitary sewer system, and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services has made available a grant
program for Inflow/Infiltration reduction, and
WHEREAS, a matching dollar commitment will be provided by the City of Columbia
Heights in the form of in-kind services or cash contributions,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the Public
Works Director to submit a Metropolitan Grant Application up to $10,000 for
Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) reduction and designates the Director of Public Works as the
City's primary contact with the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES).
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MARCH 9, 1998
PAGE 4
Dated this 9th day of March, 1998.
Offered by: Ruettimann
Seconded by: Peterson
Roll call: All ayes
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
CERTIFICATION
State of Minnesota
County of Anoka
City of Columbia Heights
! hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and correct copy of a resolution
presented to and adopted by the City Council of Columbia Heights at a meeting thereof
held in the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, on the 9th day of March, 1998, as
disclosed by the records of said City in my possession.
Jo-Anne Student
Deputy City Clerk
5. Award of Plant Mixed Bituminous Materials
The Council awarded the bid and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement to purchase the 1998 Plant Mixed Bituminous Materials and dispose of
concrete/asphalt rubble based upon the low formal bids received at the unit prices.
6. Award of Road Aggregates
The Council awarded the bid for and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into
an agreement to purchase Road Aggregate Materials for the 1998 season based upon low
formal bids received at the unit prices.
7. Supplemental Agreement No. 1 for Retaining Wall Project #9530
The Council authorized Supplemental Agreement No. 1 substituting certain landscaping
items for the retaining wall project on the south side of 44th Avenue N.E. to Sunram
Construction in the amount of $3,326.75.
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MARCH 9, 1998
PAGE 5
8. Resolution No. 98-36 Being a Resolution Authorizing Agreement with Mn/DOT
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public.
RESOLUTION NO. 98-36
AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION TO REVIEW THE EXISTING TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS
ON T.H. 65
WHEREAS, the City Council of Columbia Heights is improving the traffic signal systems
on T.H. 65 from 40th Avenue to 52nd Avenue, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is improving the traffic signal systems on T.H.
65 from 40th Avenue to 52nd Avenue, and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Department of Transportation Agreement No. 76955 stipulates
the requirements of said installation,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City of Columbia Heights enter
into an agreement with the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation for the
following purposes, to wit:
To revise the existing traffic control signals with street lights, emergency vehicle pre-
emption, interconnect and signing on Trunk Highway No. 65 (Central Avenue) at 52nd
Avenue Northeast - Commercial Entrance, 50th Avenue Northeast, County State Aid
Highway No. 4 (49th Avenue Northeast), 47th Avenue Northeast, 45th Avenue Northeast,
44th Avenue Northeast, 41st Avenue Northeast and County State Aid Highway No. 2 (40th
Avenue Northeast) in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth and contained in
Agreement No. 76965, a copy of which was before the Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Mayor and City Manager are authorized to
execute the Agreement.
Dated this 9th day of March, 1998.
Offered by: Ruettimann
Seconded by: Peterson
Roll call: All ayes
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MARCH 9, 1998
PAGE 6
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
CERTIFICATION
State of Minnesota
County of Anoka
City of Columbia Heights
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution is a true and correct copy of a resolution
presented to and adopted by the City Council of Columbia Heights at a meeting thereof
held in the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, on the 9th day of March, 1998, as
disclosed by the records of said City in my possession.
Jo-Anne Student
Deputy City Clerk
Approval of License Applications
The Council approved the license applications as listed and rental housing license
applications as listed in the memo dated February 20, 1998 from Fire ChiefKewatt.
10.
Payment of Bills
The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out or proper funds.
Roll call on Consent Agenda: All ayes
5. RECOGNITION, PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND GUESTS
There was no one present for this part of the agenda.
6. PUBLIC HEAR1NGS
None
7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
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MARCH 9, 1998
PAGE 7
A. Other Ordinances and Resolution
None
B. Bid Considerations
None
C. Other Business
1) Central Avenue and 37th Avenue Area Traffic Study
The Public Works Director, using a spreadsheet, compared the three proposals received
for the Traffic Study. He noted that some of the "private sources" for funding referred to
in the Council Letter have not committed to this yet.
Councilmember Jolly inquired if pedestrian traffic safety issues were included in the
Request For Proposal. He was advised they were included but that the time study of the
signals would not be detailed.
Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to award the Central and 37th Avenues areas traffic
study, Municipal Project #9804, to BRW of Minneapolis, Minnesota based upon their low,
qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $8,736.00; and furthermore, to authorize the
Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Roll call: All ayes
2) Contract Renewal
Fire ChiefKewatt advised that this contract covers physical agility testing exclusively. He
also noted there was a price increase from the previous year.
Motion by Jolly, second by Ruettimann to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
approve the 1998 Training Facility Contract between the St. Paul Fire and the Columbia
Heights Fire Department. Roll call: All ayes
3. Referendum Petition
The Mayor stated the responsibilities of the Council regarding the referendum petition.
The resident at 1255 Polk Place read a prepared statement opposing the rezoning as he
felt it was a violation of good planning.
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MARCH 9, 1998
PAGE 8
One of the owner's of the Conoco Station at 3701 Central Avenue restated his reasons for
requesting the rezoning and how he felt the expansion would positively impact the City.
He also suggested there is equity in holding a referendum in that all registered voters of
Columbia Heights would have an opportunity vote their position.
The resident at 3717 Van Buren Street viewed the entire project as a plus for the City. As
the owner of property adjacent to the proposed project on the west side of Central
Avenue, she felt all of her neighborhood would benefit with this development.
The resident at 1600 Innsbruck Parkway had three concerns which are as follows: who is
the owner of record of the two lots being addressed with the rezoning; what is the
disposition of the underground storage tank; and, what taxes will be paid on this property
for 1998. The third concern was relative to the money he thinks is being spent on
promotional activities being hosted and sponsored by the owners of the Conoco Station.
The resident advised he has sent a letter to the Anoka County Attorney expressing his
concern regarding the possibility for the station's owners having interferred with local
election laws specific to the upcoming referendum with these promotions.
The resident at 1255 Polk Place felt the question of ownership was valid and spoke to the
validity of the two requests for the rezoning. He was interested as to who applied for the
rezonings and in what name. One of the station's owners responded that Freedom Oil
Company is not a corporation and is owned exclusively by him. Freedom Oil is listed as
the fee owner and is the company to whom the tax statement is sent.
Five drafts of the ballot were given to the Council for consideration.
Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to reaffirm adherence to Ordinance No. 1369, to
schedule a special election for Tuesday, April 21, 1998, and to approve the wording of the
ballot as in Draft #5 with Lot 12 removed. Roll call: All ayes
The resident at 1255 Polk Place again stated he feels the issue of who requested the
rezonings and who owns the two lots being considered for rezoning should be answered.
Motion by Sturdevant, second by Szurek to appropriate funds of $8,000 for the City's
election budget from the Mayor-Council Contingency Fund.
Discussion followed regarding the costs associated with this special election.
Roll call: All ayes
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MARCH 9, 1998
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The Mayor read Draft #5 of the ballot question.
A resident from 999 41st Avenue wanted a rumor he heard addressed by the station's
owner relative to signers of the referendum petition not being eligible to win any of the
prizes associated with the promotion. He was advised this rumor is not true.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Report of the City Manager
The City Manager had nothing to report.
B. Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report.
9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Minutes of Boards and Commissions
Minutes of the February 25, 1998 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting and minutes
of the February 17, 1998 Economic Development Authority Meeting were included in the
agenda packet. These were for informational purposes only and needed no Council action.
10. CITIZENS FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON THE
AGENDA
The resident at 5230 Fourth Street spoke to her objection to the light which is being
installed in her alley. This light is being installed in response to a petition received from
affected property owners. She objects to paying for the light and has contacted eight other
cities regarding their policy on alley light requests. Seven of these cities refer these types
of requests to Northern States Power Company to handle. She feels if ordinances were
enforced there would be no need to have a light in the alley. She referred specifically to a
fencing ordinance which is required where there are six or more parking spaces.
The resident also referred to violations regarding enclosed dumpsters, rooftop equipment
enclosures, striped parking spaces and loitering. This resident suggested the liquor store
in her area generates the problems.
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A resident from 41"t Avenue and Seventh Street stated some of the problems she and her
neighbors have been experiencing relative to a Temple in the area. Parking problems
occur in that there are no parking spaces for the Temple other than those on the street.
She stated that area property owner~ had been receiving parking tickets while vehicles
owned by people attending functions at the Temple were not ticketed for long term street
parking or prohibited parking during snow removal times.
It also appears that the Temple is being used as a homeless shelter for large numbers of
people. Other concerns are with activities associated with preparation for burial of
deceased members of the congregation. She had contacted the Anoka County Health
Department who referred her to the City Council and encouraged her to come to a
Council Meeting. Staff was directed to follow up on these concerns.
The resident at 4261 Reservoir Boulevard had some comments regarding the usage of a
corporate logo, the purchasing of inexpensive homes, and the building of new homes.
The resident at 1037 43rd Avenue noted that there appears to be much speeding by
vehicles on 43rd Avenue. It was his opinion that most of the vehicles come from a nearby
business.
The resident at 3820 Reservoir Boulevard inquired when future discussions regarding an
alley are scheduled. It is the alley adjacent to the vacant lots owned by the Conoco
Station. She mentioned this matter had been scheduled for a Planning and Zoning
Commission Meeting which had been rescheduled. She felt the issue should be laid over
until after the Special Election.
A resident advised the Council of an irregularity in the alley between Tyler and Polk
Streets, 39~ to 40th Avenues. He felt it could be corrected with some asphalt.
11, ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to adjourn the Regular Council Meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Roll call: All ayes
fo-Anne Student, Counci~FSecretary
~ /:'~layor ~'os~ph Sturdevant