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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 22, 1999OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 22, 1999 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Peterson called the Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Peterson and Councilmembers Szurek, Jolly and Wyckoff. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA There were no additions nor deletions to the meeting agenda. 4. CONSENT AGENDA (These items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion. Items removed from consent agenda approval will be taken up as next order of business.) A. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to approve the consent agenda items as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval The Council approved the minutes of the March 8, 1999 Regular Council Meeting as presented. 2) Request to Purchase Laptop Computers The Council approved the purchase of two laptop computers, two trunk mount modems and two Gamber Johnson computer mounts with screen support for $11,921.61 with funding to come from the 1999 Capital Equipment Fund. 3) Transfer of Funds From General Fund to Police Department to Repay Overtime Fund The Council approved the transfer of $2,945, the total amount received from Norwest Bank for off duty security worked, from the General Fund to the Police Department's 1999 budget under line 1020, police overtime. 4) Authorize Staff to Use Nystrom's Publishing for Printing of City Newsletter The Council authorized staff to change the bid award from Rapid Graphics to Nystrom Publishing for printing the remaining three issues of"Heights Happenings" in 1999 at a cost of $5,073.78 per issue. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 2 5) Amendment to Letter of Agreement for Legal Services Re: Cable The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an amendment to the Letter of Agreement between the City and Tom Creighton, authorizing an increase in rates as outlined in the letter dated March 3, 1999 from Thomas Creighton, for legal services provided for cable related matters. 6) Authorize Staff to Seek Bids on Refinishing Floor in Murzyn Hall The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the sanding and refinishing of the wood floor in the main hall of Murzyn Hall with the funds not to exceed $8,000 which was budgeted in 101-45129-4000. 7) Authorization to Seek Bids for Carpeting for Murzyn Hall Porch Area and Recreation Office The Council authorized staff to seek bids for replacement of carpeting in the porch area of the main hall and the Recreation Office in Murzyn Hall with budgeted funds coming from 101-45129-5120. 8) 1999 Sealcoating Program: Receive Feasibility Report and Set a Hearing Date The Council accepted the feasibility report for the alley seal coat improvements and ordered an improvement hearing for April 13, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. 9) Scheduling a Joint Meeting - City Council and Charter Commission The Council scheduled a joint meeting of the City Council and the Charter Commission for Thursday, March 25,1999 at 7:00 p.m. 10) Authorize Staff to Seek Bids on Purchase of T-Shirts for Youth Programs The Council authorized staff to seek bids for T-shirts for 1999 youth programs with funds for this purchase coming out of the 881 account with monies that have been donated from the Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters for youth sports and equipment and supplies. 11) Fluorescent Bulb Collection 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 business in Columbia Heights and surrounding communities served by NSP. Expenses related to this collection will be reimbursed by Northern States Power Company. 12) Approval of License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 3 13) Payment of Bills The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. 14) Establish Council Work Session Dates The Council established Council work session dates as follows: Monday, April 5, 1999 immediately following the Board of Review and Monday, April 19, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. 15) Establish Hearing Dates for License Revocation, Rental Properties The Council established April 12, 1999 for the hearing date for revocation or suspension of a license to operate a rental property within the City of Columbia Heights against Thong Dang at 1112 45th Avenue, Anoka County Community Action Program at 4641 Tyler Street, and John Utke at 3849 Van Buren Street. 16) Award of 1999 Plant Mixed Bituminous Materials The Council awarded the bid and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement to purchase the 1999 plant mixed bituminous materials based upon low, formal bids received, at the unit prices, from the vendors as stated. 17) Award of 1999 Road Aggregates The Council awarded the bid and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement to purchase road aggregate materials for the 1999 season based upon low formal bids received, at the unit prices, from the vendors as stated. Roll call on consent agenda: All ayes 5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A. Introductions Members of the 8th grade boys basketball team were introduced. This team earned the state championship representing ISD #13. Members of the 6th grade girls basketball team were introduced. This team earned second place in the state representing ISD #13. B. Newly-hired Employees The following people were recently hired by the City: Heidi Murphy, part time CSO; Greg Gagnon, Recreation Department Program Coordinator and Lonnie Johnson, Maintenance I in the Public Works Department. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 4 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Public Hearing Regarding Rental License Revocation at 3807 Tyler Street - S. Efterfield Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing regarding the revocation of the rental license held by Steven Efterfield regarding rental property at 3807 Tyler Street in that the property is in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code. B. Public Hearing Regarding Rental License Revocation at 1162-1164 Cheery Lane, K. Crosby Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing regarding the revocation of the rental license held by Katherine Crosby regarding rental property at 1162-1164 Cheery Lane in that the property is in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code. C. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1386 Being a Request to Vacate Easements Motion by Szurek, second by Jolly to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. ORDINANCE NO. 1386 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.853 CITY CODE OF 1977, VACATING CERTAIN WATER PIPES, MAIN OR HYDRANTS, UTILITY, SEWER AND STORM DRAIN EASEMENTS The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: The City of Columbia Heights herewith vacates the water main easement as described in Easement No. 1 and the sanitary sewer and storm drain easement as described in Easement No. 2 as granted in the document recorded in the Office of the Anoka County Recorder as the Document No. 370691 described to wit: Easement No. 1. An easement for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a water main and it's appurtenances over and under a strip of land Ten (10) Feet wide. The Southerly line of which is described as follows: Beginning at a point on the Westerly line of Lot 8, Central Ave. Sub., distant Fifty-Seven (57) Feet Southerly of the Northerly line of said Lot 8; Thence Easterly and parallel with the said Northerly line to a point on a line parallel with, and Twenty (20) Feet Southerly of the Northerly line of Lot 12, Spain' s Addition, REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 5 Easement No. 2. An easement for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a sanitary sewer, a storm drain, and their appurtenances over and under a strip of land Ten (10) Feet wide, the Easterly line of which is described as follows: Beginning at the most Southerly corner of Outlot C Central Ave. Sub.: Thence Northeasterly along the Westerly right-of-way line of Reservoir Boulevard to a point Twenty (20) Feet Southwesterly of the Northeasterly corner of Lot 12, Spain's Addition, Section 2: The City of Columbia Heights herewith vacates all easement rights reserved to it in Ordinance No. 1373, which was recorded with the Anoka County Recorder on September 29, 1998 as Doc. No. 1374362, to wit: ...electric or telephone poles and lines, gas and sewer lines, or water pipes, mains and hydrants, thereon or thereunder, to continue maintaining the same or to enter upon such way or portion thereof vacated to maintain, repair, replace, remove or otherwise attend thereto. Section 3: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: March 8, 1999 March 22, 1999 March 22, 1999 Offered By: Szurek Seconded By: Jolly Roll Call: All ayes Gary L. Peterson, Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary CERTIFICATION: ! hereby certify that the aforegoing ordinance is a true and correct copy of the ordinance presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the 22nd day of March, 1999, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my presence. Jo-Anne Student, Deputy City Clerk REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 6 7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions 1) Resolution No. 99-21 Being a Resolution Adopting an Alley Rehabilitation Program and Approval of Alley Assessment Report The Public Works Director suggested that consideration of this resolution be tabled until after the informational meeting scheduled for March 23rd and the Public Improvement Hearing scheduled for March 29th. The assessment policy being proposed is different than the policy used in the past. The City Manager noted that through the effort of the Public Works Director the City was successful in being authorized to use State Aid funds for these alley improvements. Sixty percent of the costs for residential assessments will be paid with this project. Motion by Jolly, second by Wyckoffto table this resolution until the second Regular Council Meeting in April. Roll call: All ayes 2) Resolution No. 99-22 Being a Resolution Authorizing the Public Works Director to Apply to the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Motion by Jolly, second by Wyckoffto waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. RESOLUTION NO. 99-22 BEING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE FUNDS FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS AND DESIGNATING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AS THE CITY'S PRIMARY CONTACT WITH THE DNR WHEREAS: The City of Columbia Heights desires to work towards improving its Neighborhood Parks by facility replacements and new amenities; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights is in the process of completing and adopting a Parks comprehensive plan as a part of the City's overall Comprehensive Plan; and REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 7 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, that: the City Council supports the application for the Outdoor Recreation Grants for parks improvements as recommended by the City Park and Recreation Commission and that the Director of Public Works is hereby authorized to apply to the Department of Natural Resources for funding of identified projects on behalf of the City. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights has the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure adequate construction, operation, maintenance and replacement of the proposed projects for their design life. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights has not incurred any costs for the proposed projects and owns the land for which the proposed projects will take place on. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Columbia Heights has not willfully violated any Federal, State, or Local laws pertaining to fraud, bribery, graft, kickbacks, collusion, conflict of interest or other unlawful or corrupt practice. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval by the State, Columbia Heights may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the identified projects and that Columbia Heights certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the grant agreement. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Director of Public Works is hereby authorized to execute such agreements as are necessary to implement those projects receiving DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Funding on behalf of the City. Offered by: Jolly Seconded by: Szurek Roll call: All ayes Mayor Gary L. Peterson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary 3) Resolution No. 99-23 Being a Resolution Calling for Appointments to Fill Vacant City Council Term Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 8 RESOLUTION NO. 99-23 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR APPOINTMENT TO UNEXPIRED CITY COUNCIL TERM WHEREAS, on January 11, 1999, the City Council declared a vacancy on the City Council as a result of Gary Peterson being elected as Mayor; and WHEREAS, the City Council published notice of intention to accept applications for the vacancy on the City Council until February 25, 1999, at 4:45 p.m; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter, the City Council may appoint an eligible person to fill the vacancy on the City Council until the next regular municipal election. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES: That Thomas W. Ramsdell shall be appointed to the City Council to fill the vacancy of the remainder of Gary Peterson's term, that being a term to end the first Monday of January, 2001. That the appointment of Thomas W. Ramsdell shall take effect upon administration of the official oath of the City. Passed this 22nd day of March, 1999. Offered by: Jolly Seconded by: Szurek Roll Call: All Ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Gary L. Peterson, Mayor B. Bid Considerations None REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 9 C. Other Business 1) Establishment of a Task Force Committee for an Official Web Site for the City Motion by Wyckoff, second by Jolly to approve the establishment of a task force committee to investigate and study the establishment of an official web site for the City and to authorize the Telecommunications Commission to solicit members for such task force. Roll call: All ayes 2. Contract Electrical Inspections and Department Staffing Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoff to authorize staff to cancel the inspection services provided by the State Board of Electricity. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoffto authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with a Contract Electrical Inspector, with compensation to the Contract Inspector at the standard 80% of electrical permit fees. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to direct staff to re-evaluate the current License/Permit Clerk's job description and to amend the description and pay rate to coincide with the additional inspection and electrical permit duties imposed on the position. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Wyckoff, second by Jolly to direct staff to add a permanent part-time clerical position for the Building Inspection staff. Roll call: All ayes 3. Anoka Joint Powers Agreement SCORE Funds Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into the 1999 Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County to provide cooperation between the City and the County in the implementation of the Residential Recycling Program and to make funds of up to $55,583.20 available as reimbursement for eligible expenses. Roll call: All ayes 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Report of the City Manager 1) Public Relations Program: The City Manager has been contacted by a local realtor regarding a public relations program which has been instituted in Brooklyn Park. This program was initiated by an area realtor, Dan Ryan. The City Manager will invite Mr. Ryan to attend a future Council work session to discuss his project in Brooklyn Park. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 10 2) Area Code: The City Manager advised that another area code is being considered for the Minneapolis and Richfield areas. He will keep the Council updated on this matter. 3) City's New Phone System: The City Manager gave a status report on the City's new phone system. B. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. 9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS The Council received the minutes of the following meetings of boards and commissions: February 3, 1999 Park and Recreation Commission; February 16, 1999 Economic Development Authority; and, March 2, 1999 Library Board of Trustees. No Council action was needed. 10. CITIZENS FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA Mayor Peterson acknowledged receipt of a letter from a representative of Habitat for Humanity thanking the Council for attending an open house. Councilmember Jolly recognized the accomplishments of John Gordon, a Columbia Heights resident, in being on the Olympic Curling Team and winning a national championship. The resident at 4630 Jefferson Street shared his concerns with the snowplowing in his area and the need for maintenance of the wall and pedestrian walkway adjacent to his street. A resident who lives near the City's liquor store on University Avenue stated she was offended by comments made regarding her at the February 8, 1999 Council Meeting. She felt she was poorly treated. Mayor Peterson responded. The City Manager advised that the condition and repair of the wall at the liquor store will be addressed at a Council work session. The Public Works Director distributed maps generated by his department. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG MARCH 22, 1999 PAGE 11 11. ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to adjourn the Regular Council Meeting to an Executive Session called for the purpose of discussing labor negotiations. Roll call: All ayes Respectfully submitted, Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary