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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 26, 1999OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 26, 1999 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Peterson at 7:05 p.m. Present were Mayor Peterson and Councilmembers Szurek, Jolly, Wyckoff and Hunter. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Councilmember Wyckoff requested Item 4-A-14 "Set Public Hearing Date - Currency Exchange, 4110 Central Avenue Northeast", be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion at the May 17th Council work session. 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 Jolly, second by Szurek to approve the consent agenda items as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval The Council approved the minutes as presented of the following meetings: March 29, 1999 Special Council Meeting, April 12, 1999 Regular Council Meeting and April 13, 1999 Public Improvement Hearing. 2) Transfer of Funds from General Fund to Police Department to Repay Overtime Fund The Council approved the transfer of $684, the total amount received from Columbia Heights Independent School District #13 for off duty security worked, from the General Fund to the Police Department 1999 budget under line #1020, police overtime. 3) Award Bid on Refinishing Wood Floor in Murzyn Hall The Council authorized staff to award the bid on sanding and refinishing the wood floor in Murzyn Hall to Schaefer Hardwood Floor, Inc., 3008 Byrant Avenue South, Minneapolis, Mn., for the total amount of $5,402 with funds being appropriated from 101-45129-4000. 4) Replacement of Shop Air Compressor The Council approved the replacement of the shop air compressor with a Saylor-Bean Model from Air Compressors Plus of Chanhassen, Minnesota, for an installation price of $7,695, including trade-in, with funds allocated from 434-49950-5180. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 2 5) Acquisition of a Pan & Tilt Camera for PW Utility Department The Council approved the purchase of a Pan and Tilt Color Sewer Television Camera from Aries Industries, Inc. in the amount of $14,567 with funding to be appropriated from Public Works Sewer Fund 602-49450-5180. 6) Authorization to Obtain Surveying Services The Council awarded surveying services to Pioneer Engineering of Blaine, Minnesota, with the project to establish City-wide horizontal and vertical control for a total of $2,080.00 from Engineering Fund 101-43100-3050 and $2,720 from State Aid Fund 212- 43100-3050 with additional surveying services as required at published hourly rates, to be charged back to specific projects. 7) Removal and Replacement of Used Oil Tank The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to approve a contract with Determan Tank for the removal and replacement of tank for used oil, payments and reimbursements to be made from the Refuse Fund. 8) Community Bulletin Board The Council authorized the expenditure of $3,795.00 to Universal Sign Company for the replacement of the reader board and covers of the community bulletin board with funds from the Council Contingency Fund 101-41110-8100. 9) Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Seek Bids for the 1999 Alley Improvement Projects The Council approved the plans and specifications for the 1999 Alley Improvement Projects and authorized staff to seek bids for the same. 10) Transfer of Funds to Repay Overtime Fund The Council authorized the transfer of $5,016, the total amount received from Norwest Bank for off duty security worked, from the General Fund to the Police Department 1999 Budget under line 1020, police overtime. 11) Approve Payment of Matching Funds for Joint Grant with Fridley Police Department The Council approved payment to the City of Fridley Police Department $10,896 as the City's share of the 25 percent match to pay for an electronic ten-printer system and a photo capture imaging system, which is a shared purchase between Fridley, Spring Lake Park, and Columbia Heights, with funding to come from the Police Department's law enforcement block grant #276-42110. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 3 12) Approval of License Applications The Council approved the license applications as listed. 13) Payment of the Bills The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. 14) Set Public Hearing Date - Currency Exchange, 4110 Central Avenue Northeast This item was removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion to follow. 15) Resolution No. 99-52 Regarding 1999-2000 PMA Memorandum of Understanding Reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public. RESOLUTION NO. 99-52 BE1NG A RESOLUTION REGARDING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AND THE PUBLIC MANAGERS' ASSOCIATION BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that: WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded between the Public Managers' Association, representing Division Heads of the City, and members of the City negotiating team, and said negotiations have resulted in a mutually acceptable Memorandum of Understanding for calendar years 1999 and 2000; WHEREAS, a copy of said Memorandum of Understanding will be made available for inspection at the Office of the City Manager and is made a part hereof by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Memorandum of Understanding as negotiated, be and is hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for calendar years 1999 and 2000 for the Public Managers' Association bargaining unit employees of the City. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to execute this agreement. Passed this 26th day of April, 1999. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 4 Offered by: Jolly Seconded by: Szurek Roll call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Gary L. Peterson 16) Establishing Council Work Session The Council established Monday, May 17, 1999 at 6:15 p.m. as the date and starting time for a Council work session. 17) Quarterly Meeting, Columbia Heights/Fridley City Councils and ISD #13 School Board The Council scheduled a quarterly meeting of the Columbia Heights City Council, the Fridley City Council and lSD #13 School Board for Tuesday, May 25, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fridley Community Center. This date will be confirmed with the Fridley City Council and with lSD #13. Roll call on Consent Agenda: All ayes 4-A- 14) Set Public Hearing Date - Currency Exchange, 4110 Central Avenue Northeast This item was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Councilmember Wyckoff. She feels this type of business does not fit in with the long term goals of the City. She expressed concern with the location relative to a school. The proximity to another check cashing business was also a concern. The EDA Director recommended that the hearing date be established. There would be enough time for the City Attorney to review the request and the zoning required. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Hunter to establish a hearing date of May 24, 1999 for review of resolution to approve the currency exchange license application at 4110 Central Avenue Northeast. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 5 5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A. Proclamation 1) 100th Anniversary_ of the V.F.W. The Mayor read the proclamation recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization and the 68th Anniversary of V.F.W. Post #230 in Columbia Heights which was chartered March 4, 1931. He presented the proclamation to the Post Commander and Past Commander. B. Presentations 1) V.F.W. Post #230 Presentation The Post Commander and Past Commander presented a check to the Police Department to be used for the purchase of a specially-equipped bicycle to be used by the bike patrol. 2) 1998 Anoka County Recycling Award The City's Special Projects Coordinator presented an award from Anoka County to the Council. This award was in recognition of the residents' surpassing the recycling goal for 1998. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Resolution Nos. 99-27 and 99-30; Continuation of Public Improvement Hearing for Two Alleys in the 1999 Alley Rehabilitation Program (from March 29th Public Hearing) The alley addressed in Resolution No. 99-27 is 40th to 41st Avenues, Jefferson Street to N- S alley. The Public Works Director advised that the owner of the apartment adjacent to the alley was originally opposed to the vacation. His concerns were with parking and access. The alley addressed in Resolution No. 99-30 is Jackson to Van Buren Streets, 150' north of 44th to 45th Avenues. The Public Works Director noted that all of the affected property owners on this alley were opposed to this improvement. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 6 A few of the property owners stated their opposition to this project. They were of the opinion that this improvement would be an attractive and dangerous nuisance for children's activities, vagrant behavior and speeders. Members of the Council and staff explained that the improvement will stop dirt and gravel from going into the storm sewer. This alley is a contributor to the expensive maintenance and repairs connected with sewer work in the area. It is one of the last alleys to be surfaced. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. Resolution No. 99-27 Being a Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans Motion by Szurek, second byWyckoffto waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 99 -27 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS WHEREAS, Resolution No. 99-19 of the Columbia Heights City Council adopted the 8th day of March, 1999, fixed a date for a council hearing on the proposed improvement of an alley, 40th Avenue to 41 st Avenue, north-south alley to Jefferson Street AND WHEREAS, ten days mailed notice and twice published notice of the hearing a week apart was given, and the hearing was held thereon the 29th day of March, 1999, at which all persons desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to be heard thereon, WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. That the extent of such improvements is as follows: Concrete alley construction. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 7 Work includes required utility work, new granular sub-base, new aggregate base, new concrete surfacing, required retaining wall, concrete or bituminous driveway, service walk/step and sod replacement and miscellaneous construction items. The proposed alley width 10 feet or 12 feet. Such improvement is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible as detailed in the feasibility report. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the Council Resolution adopted 8th day of March, 1999. These improvements shall also be known as P.I.R. 989 - Project #9902. Kevin Hansen is hereby designated as the engineer for this improvement. The engineer shall prepare plans and specifications for the making of such improvement. Adopted by the Council this 26th day of April, 1999. Offered by: Szurek Seconded by: Wyckoff Roll Call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Gary L. Peterson Resolution No. 99-30 Being a Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans 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 RESOLUTION NO. 99-30 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 8 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 99-19 of the Columbia Heights City Council adopted the 8th day of March, 1999, fixed a date for a council hearing on the proposed improvement of an alley, Jackson Street to Van Buren Street, 150 feet north of 44th Avenue to 45th Avenue AND WHEREAS, ten days mailed notice and twice published notice of the hearing a week apart was given, and the hearing was held thereon the 29th day of March, 1999, at which all persons desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to be heard thereon, WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. That the extent of such improvements is as follows: Concrete alley construction. Work includes required utility work, new granular sub-base, new aggregate base, new concrete surfacing, required retaining wall, concrete or bituminous driveway, service walk/step and sod replacement and miscellaneous construction items. The proposed alley width 10 feet or 12 feet. Such improvement is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible as detailed in the feasibility report. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the Council Resolution adopted 8th day of March, 1999. 4. These improvements shall also be known as P.I.R. 992 - Project #9902. Kevin Hansen is hereby designated as the engineer for this improvement. The engineer shall prepare plans and specifications for the making of such improvement. Adopted by the Council this 26th day of April, 1999. Offered by: Jolly Seconded by: Szurek Roll Call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 9 B. Resolution No. 99-50 Public Hearing for Petitioned Alley Motion by Szurek, second by Jolly to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 99-50 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS WHEREAS, Resolution No. 99-47 of the Columbia Heights City Council adopted the 12th day of April, 1999, fixed a date for a council hearing on the proposed improvement of an alley, 4th Street to 5th Street, 52nd Avenue to 300 feet north of 52nd Avenue AND WHEREAS, ten days mailed notice and twice published notice of the hearing a week apart was given, and the hearing was held thereon the 26th day of April, 1999, at which all persons desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to be heard thereon, WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. That the extent of such improvements is as follows: Concrete alley construction. Work includes required utility work, new granular sub-base, new aggregate base, new concrete surfacing, required retaining wall, concrete or bituminous driveway, service walk/step and sod replacement and miscellaneous construction items. 2. Such improvement is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible as detailed in the feasibility report. 3. Such improvement is hereby ordered as proposed in the Council Resolution adopted on the 12th day of April, 1999. 4. These improvements shall also be known as P.I.R. 1012 - Project #9902. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 10 Kevin Hansen is hereby designated as the engineer for this improvement. The engineer shall prepare plans and specifications for the making of such improvement. Adopted by the Council on this 26th day of April, 1999. Offered by: Szurek Seconded by: Jolly Roll call: All ayes Mayor Gary L. Peterson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Motion by Szurek, second by Jolly to accept the Feasibility Report for the petitioned alley improvement, 4th to 5th Street, 52nd to 53rd Avenues (south half). Roll call: All ayes C. Close Public Hearing - Rental License, 981 43 lA Avenue Northeast, M. Khan Motion by Jolly, second by Wyckoffto close the public hearing regarding the revocation or suspension of the rental license held by Mohammed Khan regarding rental property at 981 43 lA Avenue in that the property is in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code. Roll call: All ayes 7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions 1) Resolution No. 99-21 Adoption of an Alley Rehabilitation Program and Approval of Alley Assessment Policy The Public Works Director advised that some other communities have changed their policy and are charging assessments on the front foot basis. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Hunter to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 11 RESOLUTION NO. 99-21 ADOPTING AN ALLEY REHABILITATION PROGRAM AND ALLEY ASSESSMENT POLICY WHEREAS, most of the alleys controlled and maintained by the City of Columbia Heights are thirty or more years old; and WHEREAS, it is recognized that a systematic program of surface maintenance, including patching, crack sealing, seal coating, and joint filling can extend the life of concrete and asphalt pavements; and WHEREAS, it is recognized that, even with a systematic program of maintenance, it becomes necessary to rehabilitate concrete and asphalt pavements in order to preserve the original investments in the construction of an alley; and WHEREAS, it is City policy that the General Fund will be used for City-wide alley maintenance such as pothole patching, alley sweeping, and snow removal, and that specific maintenance and capital improvements such as seal coating, curb and gutter replacement, sidewalks, and pavement rehabilitation will be paid for by the property owners benefitted; and WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the current policies with regard to maintenance and assessments have not been conducive to a systematic program of alley rehabilitation that will preserve the investment made in the alley system. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That in order to preserve the investment in the alley system, the following practices will be followed: The City street system has been divided into seven zones or the purpose of maintenance, seal coating and rehabilitation. In an "off' year of the Street Rehabilitation Program, the City Engineering staff will review alleys in the entire City to be seal coated and determine which alleys would benefit from rehabilitation for alleys in need of rehabilitation, and determine a maximum assessment rate based on the type of rehabilitation and the availability of City funds that can be applied to start rehabilitation. The City Council will review these recommendations, and as appropriate, order improvement hearings to provide testimony from those property owners affected by the proposed alley rehabilitation projects. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 12 When appropriate, the City Council will set a maximum assessment rate based on the type of rehabilitation, and availability of City funds for alley rehabilitation, and order the improvements, with those costs not covered by the assessment being paid for out of the Infrastructure Fund. Recognizing the uniqueness of alleys in the overall street system, assessments to property shall be established on aparcel unit basis. Considering the material longevity, constructability in a narrow right-of-way, and better drainage characteristics for an inverse crown, concrete shall be the surfacing material for alley reconstruction work. Passed this 26th day of April, 1999. Offered by: Wyckoff Seconded by: Hunter Roll call: All ayes Mayor Gary L. Peterson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary CERTIFICATION State of Minnesota County of Anoka City of Columbia Heights ! hereby certify that the forgoing 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 26th day of April, 1999, as disclosed by the records of said City in my possession. Jo-Anne Student Deputy City Clerk 2) Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1388 - Council Salaries Motion by Hunter, second by Wyckoffto waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 13 ORDINANCE NO. 1388 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, SECTION 13 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PERTAINING TO MAYOR/COUNCIL SALARIES The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Chapter 2, Section 13, of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights which currently reads as follows, to wit: The mayor shall receive a salary of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) per month, and the council members shall each receive a salary of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) per month and in addition thereto when the council meets as a Board of Equalization, the members shall receive not to exceed One Dollar ($1.00) per hour. The city manager and all subordinate officers and employees of the city shall receive such salaries or wages as may be fixed by resolution of the council. IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: The mayor and council members shall by ordinance fix their own salaries in such amount as they deem reasonable. No change in salary shall take effect until after the next succeeding municipal election. Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: April 12, 1999 April 26, 1999 April 26, 1999 Offered by: Hunter Seconded by: Wyckoff Roll Call: All ayes Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Mayor Gary L. Peterson REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 14 3) Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1389 - Mayor Absences Motion by Szurek, second by Jolly to waive the reading of the ordinance there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes ORDINANCE NO. 1389 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, SECTION 10 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PERTAINING TO THE MAYOR The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Chapter 2, Section 10, of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights which currently reads as follows, to wit: CHAPTER 2, SECTION 10. THE MAYOR. The mayor shall be the presiding officer of the council, except that a president pro tempore shall be chosen who shall serve as president in the mayor's absence. The mayor shall exercise all powers and perform all duties conferred and imposed upon the mayor by this charter, the ordinances of the city, and the laws of the state. The mayor shall have the appointment, control and direction of all police officers of the city, and shall be recognized as the official head of the city for all ceremonial purposes, by the courts for the purpose of serving civil processes, and by the governor for the purposes of the military law. In the event of a vacancy in the office of mayor, whether by death, resignation, or any other cause, the council shall order a special election to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term except in the case of a recall, the vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided by this charter. IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: CHAPTER 2, SECTION 10. THE MAYOR. The mayor shall be the presiding officer of the council, and shall exercise all powers and perform all duties conferred and imposed upon the mayor by this charter, the ordinances of the city, and the laws of the state. A president pro tempore shall be chosen who shall serve as president in the mayor's absence, and who shall, in the mayor's absence, exercise all powers and perform all duties conferred and imposed upon the mayor by this charter, the ordinances of the city and the laws of the state. In the absence of both the mayor and the president pro tempore, the council member with the most seniority (as determined by consecutive uninterrupted years of service to date) shall exercise and perform said powers and duties. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 15 The mayor shall have the appointment, control, and direction of all police officers of the city, and shall be recognized as the official head of the city for all ceremonial purposes, by the courts for the purpose of serving civil processes, and by the governor for the purposes of the military law. In the event of a vacancy in the office of mayor, whether by death, resignation, or any other cause, the council shall order a special election to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term except in the case of a recall, the vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided by this charter. Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: April 12, 1999 April 26, 1999 April 26, 1999 Offered by: Szurek Seconded by: Jolly Roll call: All ayes Mayor Gary L. Peterson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary B. Bid Considerations None C. Other Business 1) SACA Lease The City Attorney advised he can have the lease drafted for the next Council meeting agenda. He recommended this matter be tabled. Also, he will prepare the site plan for the Council's consideration at the next Council meeting. Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to table this item until the May 10, 1999 Council Meeting. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 16 2) Resolution No. 99-51; Final Plat Approval - Conoco, 3701 Central Avenue Using the site plan submitted, the plat approval request was reviewed. It was staff' s recommendation that a specified area be dedicated as park use as a perpetual easement for public purposes. This dedication would remain in place until the underground tanks have been removed at which time the City will accept a grant of the fee title to the property. This easement agreement has been viewed by the City Attorney and he found it acceptable. The City Manager will contact the owners regarding the request to place $20,000 in an escrow account to be used for signage. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 99-51 BEING A RESOLUTION OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR BOBBY AND STEVE' S AUTOWORLD WHEREAS, the owners of Jeff' s, Bobby and Steve's Autoworld have submitted a request to the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota for final plat approval; and WHEREAS, the preliminary plat was approved by the Columbia Heights City Council on June 8, 1998; and WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing for the final plat request on June 4, 1998, and recommended City Council approval of the final plat, subject to final approval by staff; and WHEREAS, the request for final plat approval was tabled by the City Council during its regular meeting of June 8, 1998, until such time as the complete final plat has been provided to the City; and WHEREAS, the complete final plat has been submitted and is in compliance with all pertinent State and Local Codes and Ordinances; and WHEREAS, the City will accept a conveyance of the fee title to the area dedicated as a perpetual easement in favor of the public as a park over that part of the property described in Exhibit "A" after the underground storage tanks have been removed and any contaminated soils have been remediated and after all necessary inspections have been met and the property is in full compliance with all applicable State and Local Codes and Ordinances. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 17 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Columbia Heights City Council that staff is hereby authorized to sign-off on the final plat and submit it to the County Surveyor for final review and recording. Passed this 26th day of April, 1999. Offered by: Wyckoff Seconded by: Szurek Roll call: All ayes Mayor Gary L. Peterson Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary 3) Purchase of New Computers for New Records System Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to authorize the purchase of eighteen (18) personal computer work stations from Wybrite at a cost of $1,358 per work station, plus tax. Roll call: All ayes 4) Space Needs Study Committee Motion by Hunter, second by Wyckoffto direct staff to establish a Space Needs Study Committee consisting of Councilmembers Szurek and Wyckoff, the City Manager, Police Chief, Library Director, Public Works Director and Community Development Director, and four citizen members to be Paul Bona, Jo-Anne Student, Bruce Magnuson and Roger Peterson; and furthermore, to authorize said Committee to oversee all aspects of the Space Needs Study and submit recommended implementation strategies to the City Council on or before November 1, 1999. Roll call: All ayes 5) Advertise Sale of 4519-4521 and 4642-4644 Taylor Street Northeast Possible price minimums and selling strategies were discussed. One member of the Council advised he had been contacted by some interested buyers. Whether these properties would be marketed as rental, owner occupied or entirely rental units was also discussed. The City Attorney stated that any offer can be accepted or declined by the Council. It is within the discretion of the Council to make a decision regarding a buyer selection and any requirements attached to the sale. REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 18 The EDA Director said the purpose of this sale is to seek the greatest return on the investment the City has already made in these properties. Motion by Hunter, second by Szurek to authorize staff to take all steps necessary to advertise the "as is" sale of the property located at 4519/21 Taylor Street with a minimum price of $ subject to the construction of a minimum 20 foot by 20 foot garage and 4642/44 Taylor Street with a minimum bid price of $ and that consideration be given to any buyer who wishes to purchase both properties, or is willing to modify the units to single family residences or to modify with a rental unit and owner occupied unit. Roll call: All ayes 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Report of the City Manager The City Manager reminded Council and staff of the Design Team Meeting on May lst. The City Manager advised of the lobbying efforts by city staff regarding the extension of the TIF Medtronic District. It has been included in the Senate's Omnibus Tax Bill. B. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report. Police Department Management Councilmember Jolly suggested consideration be given to placing the administration of the Police Department under the jurisdiction of the City Manager. Currently, the Police Department falls under the control of the Mayor. This is by Charter. The Mayor was supportive of this change. It was noted that the Mayor control situation over the Police Department is not currently in place in any other cities besides Columbia Heights. Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to place the Police Department under the administration of the City Manager and that this matter be referred back to the Charter Commission for its consideration. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEET1NG APRIL 26, 1999 PAGE 19 9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of the following meetings were included in the agenda packet: April 6, 1999 Library Board, April 6, 1999 Planning and Zoning Commission, and April 15, 1999 Telecommunications Commission. No Council action was required. 10. CITIZENS FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA The resident of 3741 Reservoir Boulevard received a property maintenance letter from the Building Inspector. The letter addressed code violations relative to her garage. She advised she did not own a garage. An apology was extended to her. She felt the tone of the letter should be reviewed. Councilmember Jolly recalled that Councilmember Wyckoff had previously volunteered to review form letters sent out by the City. Staff was requested to forward copies of their individual form letters to Councilmember Wyckoff. The resident at 1221 39th Avenue inquired as to the status of the deer at the Minneapolis Waterworks. She was advised that funding for the fertility study had been withdrawn and the study has been discontinued. Currently there are ten deer on the reservoir property. Councilmember Wyckoff noted she had been in contact with reservoir staff regarding moving the deer to another location. She has also contacted a person who relocates deer. Mayor Peterson stated that eighty-five percent of the deer who are relocated do not survive the move. 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to adjourn the Council Meeting at 9:20 p.m. Roll all: All ayes Respectfully submitted, Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary