Loading...
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). REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG 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. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG 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 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 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 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 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. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG 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 REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 9, 1998 PAGE 9 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. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 1998 PAGE 10 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