HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 23, 1999OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 23, 1999
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Peterson at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Peterson
and Council members Szurek, Jolly, Wyckoff and Hunter.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 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 are enacted upon as part of the
Consent Agenda by one motion. Items removed from Consent Agenda approval are taken up as
the next order of business. There were no requests to remove any items from the Consent
Agenda.)
A. Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
1) Approval of Meeting Minutes
The Council approved the minutes of the August 9, 1999 Council Meeting as presented.
2) Recommendation to Enter into a Contract for Cleaning Services at City Buildings
The Council accepted the written proposal for cleaning services at City Hall, the Municipal
Service Center and the Public Library as made by Fidelity Building Services, Inc. and authorized
the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same.
3) Authorization to Sell, Salvage or Dispose of City Property on September 11, 1999
The Council authorized the sale, salvage or disposal of surplus City property as listed to include
Municipal Units #3771-1988 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, #406-1988 Caprice Classic and #417-
1992 Ford Crown Victoria.
4) Establish Hearing Dates for License Revocation, Rental Properties
The Council established September 13, 1999 for revocation or suspension of a license to operate
a rental property within the City of Columbia Heights against the following owners/properties:
Donn Woods at 1133 45th Avenue, Terry Thornberg at 4326 Monroe Street, Joseph Ryan at 1000
41st Avenue, #103, Anthony Melton at 3763 Third Street, Wayne Mecl at 3819 Main Street,
Susan Loewenthal at 1407-09 Circle Terrace, 1206-08 Circle Terrace and 4040-42 Cleveland
Street, and Ginger Duckworth at 4356 5th Street.
5) Police and Fire Reserve Appreciation Event
The Council authorized the expenditure of up to $4,100 from the Special Events budget to host
an annual appreciation night for the Fire and Police Reserve Units and that the Mayor and City
Manager are authorized to enter into contracts as needed for this event.
6) Change Order No. 1 for Limited Site Investigation for Waste Oil Tank Removal
The Council approved Change Order No. 1 to Thatcher Engineering in the amount of $4,747.50
for conducting additional boring investigation at the MSC with 10% of the funding appropriated
from Refuse Fund 603-49950-3050.
7) Resolution No. 99-70 Accepting Local Law Enforcement Equipment Block Grant and
Appropriating Matching Funds
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public.
RESOLUTION NO. 99-70
BEING A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
EQUIPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND APPROPRIATING MATCHING FUNDS
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights Police Department has been granted $23,945
in an equipment block grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for the purpose of
funding equipment, and
WHEREAS, a condition of the grant is that the City provides $2,661 in local match for
this grant, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights Police Department has provided the U.S.
Department of Justice a proposal for implementation of funding for this grant,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights that:
The City of Columbia Heights enter into a cooperative agreement with the U.S.
Department of Justice for the project entitled "Local Law Enforcement Equipment
Block Grant Program" for the period October 1, 1999, to September 30, 2000.
That $2,661 be appropriated from unexpended funds in the Police Department
1999 budget to pay the local match.
Passed this 23rd day of August, 1999.
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Offered by: Wyckoff
Seconded by: Szurek
Roll call: All ayes
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
8) Lease Amendment for Top Valu Liquor at Central Valu Shopping Center
The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with Bradley
Real Estate for the liquor store located at Central Valu shopping center.
9) U.S. WEST Contract for ISDN Telephone Service
The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with U. S.
WEST for ISDN phone service.
10) First Reading of Ordinance No. 1398 Being an Ordinance for the Sale of Property Located at
4519-4521 Taylor Street Northeast
The reading of the ordinance was waived there being ample copies available for the public.
ORDINANCE NO. 1398
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF
1977, AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE AT
4519/4521 TAYLOR STREET NORTHEAST
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1:
The City of Columbia Heights may convey unto Ernesto Payan the real
property at 4519/4521 Taylor Street Northeast described as follows, to
wit:
Lot Twenty-one (21) and the North One-half (iA) of Lot Twenty (20) in
Block Seven (7) of Sheffield's Second Subdivision according to the plat
thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds of
Anoka County, Minnesota.
Section 2:
The Mayor and City Manager are herewith authorized to execute deed to
effectuate the conveyance of said real estate subject to the terms, purchase
price, and conditions specified in the Purchase Agreement.
Section 3:
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30)
days after its passage.
The second reading of Ordinance No. 1398 was scheduled for September 13, 1999 at
approximately 7:00 p.m.
11) First Reading of Ordinance No. 1399 Being an Ordinance for the Sale of Property Located at
4642-4644 Taylor Street Northeast
The reading of the ordinance was waived there being ample copies available for the public.
ORDINANCE NO. 1399
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF
1977, AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE AT
4642/4644 TAYLOR STREET NORTHEAST
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1:
The City of Columbia Heights may convey unto Laj. L. Wang and Phoua
Lee the real property at 4642/4644 Taylor Street Northeast described as
follows, to wit:
Lot Five (5) and the South One-half (iA) of Lot Four (4), Block One (1),
Sheffield's Second Subdivision according to the plat thereof on file and of
record in the office of the Register of Deeds at Anoka, Anoka County,
Minnesota.
Section 2:
The Mayor and City Manager are herewith authorized to execute deed to
effectuate the conveyance of said real estate subject to the terms, purchase
price, and conditions specified in the Purchase Agreement.
Section 3:
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30)
days after its passage.
The second reading of Ordinance No. 1399 was scheduled for September 13, 1999 at
approximately 7:00 p.m.
12) Establish Dates for Council Work Sessions
The Council established the dates and times for Council work session as follows; Monday, August
30, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. and Monday, September 20, 1999 at 7:00 p.m.
13) Resolution No. 99-71 Being a Resolution Accepting Petition and Ordering Preparation of a
Feasibility Report
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public.
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RESOLUTION NO. 99-71
BEING A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE ADEQUACY OF A PETITION AND
ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT ON ALLEY IMPROVEMENTS WITH
COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION
WHEREAS, a petition, signed by all 3 abutting property owners, was received to
construct a concrete alley to extend from Circle Terrace Boulevard to approximately the
south property line of 4116 Reservoir Boulevard.
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to assess the benefitted property for all or a portion
of the cost of the improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429, and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, that the proposed improvement be referred to Mr. Kevin
Hansen, City Engineer, for study and that he is instructed to report to the Council with all
convenient speed advising the Council in a preliminary way as to whether the proposed
improvement is necessary, cost effective, and feasible and as to whether it should best be
made as proposed or in connection with some other improvements, and the estimated cost
of the improvements as recommended.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the petition received represents greater than
fifty percent of the property having frontage along the alley and therefore the petition is
declared adequate.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Public Hearing shall be held on such
proposed improvements on the 13th day of September, 1999 in the Council Chambers
located at 590 40th Avenue Northeast, at 7:00 p.m. and the City Manager shall have
mailed and published notice of such hearing and improvements as required by law.
Dated this 23rd day of August, 1999.
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Wyckoff
Roll call: All ayes
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
14) Restricting Parking on 44th Avenue from McLeod Street to Reservoir Boulevard
The Council approved the elimination of parking on the south side of 44th Avenue from McLeod
Street to Reservoir Boulevard and also approved the correction of the striping of the street based
on the recommendation of the Traffic Commission.
The Council approved the removal of the restrictions on the parking on the north side of 44th
Avenue from McLeod Street to Reservoir Boulevard based on the recommendation of the Traffic
Commission.
15) Approval of License Applications
The Council approved the license applications as listed.
16) Payment of the Bills
The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds.
17) Posting of Turn-Around on 41 st Avenue
The Council approved posting of the turn-around on the north side of 41st Avenue as "No
Parking" based on a recommendation of the Traffic Commission.
18) Authorization to Seek Bids for Playground Equipment at Prestemon Park
The Council authorized staff to seek bids for the replacement of playground equipment at
Prestemon Park.
19) Final Payment for Joint and Crack Sealing
The Council accepted the work for 1999 alley and parking lot crack sealing, City Project 9901(b)
and authorized the final payment of $5,074.90 to Bergman Companies, Inc. of Eau Claire,
Wisconsin.
20) Authorization to Purchase Community Party Wagon
The Council authorized the appropriation of $4,350.52 from Fund 881-00-36230 and authorized
the Mayor and City Manager to purchase a trailer at the lowest quote from Hilltop Trailer Sales,
Inc. at a cost of $4,350.52 including tax.
21) Extend Memorandum of Understanding with Real Estate Equities
This item was removed from the Consent Agenda by the City Manager.
Roll call on Consent Agenda: All ayes
Extend Memorandum of Understanding with Real Estate Equities
Mr. Boyle, the son-in-law of Rose Ostrander, had requested this item be discussed. Mr. Boyle is
representing the interests of Mrs. Ostrander, who owns property located in an area being
considered for redevelopment. He stated that Mrs. Ostrander is not opposed to the project.
He recalled that the City had received a grant regarding this project in July of 1998. Noting this,
he said that, to date, Mrs. Ostrander has received no proposal nor information from the City
relative to acquiring her property.
The EDA Director advised that an appraisal for the property was not received until June 30,
1999. The project developer has been directed to make an offer to Mrs. Ostrander very soon.
Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to approve the extension of the Memorandum of
Understanding (Preliminary Agreement) between the City of Columbia Heights and Real Estate
Development Equities Development Company for the LCDA Transition Block redevelopment
project; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for
the same. Roll call: All ayes
5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A) Introduction of Newly-Hired Employees
Susan Schmidtbauer, Secretary II, Finance Department
Rose Knerr, Secretary II - Permits/Licenses, Community Development
Paul Frakie, Community Service Officer, Police Department.
6. PUBLIC HEAR1NGS
A) Resolution No. 99-69 Ordering and Levying an Improvement
This resolution is for ordering a mid-block light between 5th and 6th Streets, 48th to 49th Avenues.
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 - 69
Adopting assessment roll for the following local improvement and determining said
improvement will be made and ratifying and confirming all other proceedings, heretofore
had: Special Assessment for mid-block alley light, on the existing pole behind 4840 6th
Street, numbered 677-Area 35 - Project #9914.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, met at 7:00
p.m. on the 23rd day of August, 1999, in the City Council Chambers, 590 - 40th Avenue
N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota, being the time and place set when and where all
persons interested could appear and be heard by the Council with respect to benefits, and
to the proportion of the cost of making the local improvement above described, a notice of
such hearing having been heretofore duly published as required by law, and a notice mailed
to each property owner of record, stating the proposed amount of the assessment; and,
WHEREAS, this Council has heretofore estimated the cost of such local improvement and
has prepared an assessment roll therefore,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HEREBY
RESOLVES:
Section 1.
That this Council does hereby adopt the aforesaid assessment roll known
and described as "Assessment Roll for Local Improvements" numbered
677-Area 35 - Project 9914 for mid-block alley lighting.
Section 2.
That this Council hereby finds and determines that each of the lots and
parcels of land enumerated in said assessment roll was and is especially
benefitted by such improvements. This Council further finds and
determines that the proper proportion of the cost of such improvement to
be especially assessed against each lot or parcel of land is the amount as
billed annually by Northern States Power.
Section 3.
That the annual installment shall be paid in full without interest on or
before September 15, 2000 (covering September electric payable in
October, 1999 through 2000), and in annual installments thereafter, as long
as the mid-block light is in place. Failure to pay the annual installment
renders the same delinquent and thereafter a 10% penalty plus Anoka
County fee is added and the said delinquent special assessment is certified
to the County for collection with the real estate tax.
Section 4.
That this Council did hereby determine and redetermine to proceed with
said improvement, does ratify and confirm all other proceedings heretofore
had in regard to this improvement, and said improvement shall hereafter be
known and numbered 677-Area 35 for mid-block alley lighting.
Section 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
Passed this 23rd day of August 1999.
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Jolly
Roll Call: All ayes
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A) Other Ordinances and Resolutions
None
B) Bid Considerations
None
C) Other Business
The City Manager referred to the Space Needs Study Committee meeting which preceded this
Council Meeting where the upcoming referendum was discussed. The referendum is in regard to
the proposed multi-use center. He recommended that the architectural firm which performed the
Space Needs Study be considered to do the rendering for the multi-use center as well as
addressing future funding needs for a new library. He felt this firm had an intimate knowledge of
what would be needed for space needs for the City.
Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to retain Buetow and Associates to do the initial plans and
general concept plans for the community center and include what the library would look like at a
later date at a cost not to exceed $9,500. Roll call: All ayes
8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A) Report of the City Manager
The City Manager reminded the Council of the City Auction scheduled for September 11th. He
noted that the van being purchased by the Recreation Department for community use will be
delivered soon. A policy for use of this van is being drafted by the Park and Recreation
Commission. The carpet will be installed this coming week in Murzyn Hall.
Councilmember Wyckoff made a request for applicants for service on the Human Services
Commission.
The Public Works Director advised that the water retention and control strategies put into place
for the Prestemon Park area, 49th and Monroe area and Jackson Pond had worked very well with
the most recent hard rain.
B) Report of the City Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time.
9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Minutes from the following board and commission meetings were included in the agenda packet:
August 3, 1999 Library Board of Trustees
August 2, 1999 Traffic Commission
July 28, 1999 Park and Recreation Commission
July 15, 1999 Charter Commission
July 20, 1999 Economic Development Authority
These minutes were for informational purposes only. No Council action was necessary.
10. CITIZENS FORUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA
(At this time, citizens have an opportunity to discuss with the Council items not on the regular
agenda. Citizens are requested to limit their comments to five minutes.)
The resident at 4645 Fillmore Street had questions regarding the Transit Hub and the status of the
demolition of some structures in the City. Staff responded to these inquiries.
The resident at 1328 41st Avenue wanted to discuss the City's policy on retaining walls which are
located on private property. The Public Works Director responded to this inquiry.
The resident at 4535 Taylor Street inquired if the City-owned properties on Taylor Street, which
were approved for sale, would be owner-occupied. He was advised they would be. He also had
questions regarding the ownership of some of the dwellings in the proposed mixed housing
project on 42nd and Central Avenues. Another concern of his was the behavior of some of the
residents in his area. He cited some of the conflicts and questioned how tenants were selected by
landlords.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Hunter, second by Wyckoffto adjourn the Council Meeting at 8:05 p.m. Roll all: All
ayes
Respectfully submitted,
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
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