HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 29, 1999specmtgOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 29, 1999
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Peterson called the Special Council Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present were
Mayor Peterson and Councilmembers Szurek, Jolly and Wyckoff.
2. PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Peterson stated there were two items of business for this special meeting;
appointment to fill the Council vacancy and consideration of Resolution No. 99-42. He
noted that the first person appointed to the vacancy was not able to accept because of
personal reasons.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 99-24 - APPOINTMENT OF RESIDENT TO COUNCIL
VACANCY
Councilmember Szurek nominated Gary Larson to fill the Council vacancy. There was no
second to this nomination.
Councilmember Wyckoff offered the name of John Hunter for consideration. Discussion
followed regarding these nominations. It was recognized that these were both qualified
people.
Motion by Wyckoff, second by Jolly to waive the reading of the resolution there being
ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes
RESOLUTION NO. 99-24
BEING A 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.
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.
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 29, 1999
PAGE 2
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
RESOLVES:
That John Hunter shall be appointed to the City Council to fill the vacancy of the
remainder of Gary Peterson's term, that term being a term to end the first Monday
of January, 2001.
That the appointment of John Hunter shall take effect upon administration of the
official oath of the City.
Passed this 29th day of March, 1999.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
Wyckoff
Jolly
Jolly, Wyckoff, Peterson - aye
Szurek - present
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
4. RESOLUTION NO. 99-42 - REPEAL OF SALES TAX FOR LOCAL
GOVERNMENT PURCHASES
The City Manager advised that the League of Minnesota Cities had contacted its member
cities regarding legislation which would eliminate sales tax being paid on local government
purchases. They requested all cities to adopt a resolution stating its opposition to this tax
and forward their positions to their local legislators. The City Manager noted that he
would advise the Council, via the green sheet, of the total sales tax dollars paid on
purchases made by Columbia Heights.
Motion by Jolly, second by Wyckoffto waive the reading of the resolution there being
ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 29, 1999
PAGE 3
RESOLUTION NO. 99-42 - A
BEING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REPEAL OF THE STATE SALES
TAX FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT PURCHASES
WHEREAS, the Legislature imposed the sales tax on local governments in 1992 when
facing a significant state budget deficit; and
WHEREAS, the state government has collected hundreds of millions of dollars in sales tax
since 1992 on local government purchases of items such as road maintenance equipment,
wastewater treatment facilities, and building materials; and
WHEREAS, the sales tax on local government purchases is passed on to residents in the
form of higher property taxes and fees; and
WHEREAS, the state's financial picture has improved dramatically and the need for the
sales tax no longer exists; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota is one of only seven states which impose sales tax on local
government purchases; and
WHEREAS, imposing the sales tax on local government purchases is an inefficient way to
raise state revenues, especially where sales tax is paid for bonding projects with
accompanying interest costs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Columbia Heights City Council
encourages its state legislators to support the repeal of the sales tax on local governments.
Passed this 29th day of March, 1999.
Offered by: Jolly
Seconded by: Peterson
Roll call: All ayes
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 29, 1999
PAGE 4
3. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to adjourn the Special Council Meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Roll call: All ayes
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Jo
-Anne Student, Council Secretary