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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 11, 2002 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 11, 2002 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. Pastor Tom Carlson, First Lutheran Church, gave the Invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Wyckoff, and Councilmember Williams Absent: Councilmember Szurek and Councilmember Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA -none PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamations -none Presentations -none Introduction of New Employees -none Recognition -none CONSENT AGENDA Wyckoff asked to have items #5 and #6 removed for discussion. Linda Magee, Acting City Manager read through the consent agenda items. MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Williams, to approve the Consent Agenda items, not including items #5 and #6, as follows: 1) Approve Minutes of the February 25, 2002 regular City Council meeting and the March 4, 2002 Zone 6A Improvement Hearing MOTION to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented. MOTION to approve the minutes of the March 4, 2002 Zone 6A Improvement Hearing, special City Council meeting as presented. 2) Authorization to seek bids for 2002 Miscellaneous Concrete Replacement and Installation Project. MOTION to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2002 Miscellaneous Concrete Replacement and Installation Project. 3) Authorization to seek bids for 2002 Street and Parking Lane Striping MOTION to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2002 Street and Parking Lane Striping. 4) Adopt Resolution #2002-17, being a Resolution requesting MSAS Construction Funds for other local transportation uses MOTION to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-17, there being ample copies available to the public. City Council Agenda March 11, 2002 Page 2 of 7 MOTION to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2002-17 requesting Municipal State Aid System construction funds for other local transportation uses. RESOLUTION No. 2002-17 BEING A RESOLUTION REQUESTING MUNICIPAL STATE AID SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION USES WHEREAS , the City of Columbia Heights receives Municipal State Aid System (MSAS) funds for construction and maintaining 20% of its City streets, and WHEREAS, 11.65 MSAS miles are currently authorized, and WHEREAS, 11.65 MSAS streets have been built or resurfaced since 1964, and WHEREAS, the City currently has 47.08 municipal streets that require maintenance and upgrade, and WHEREAS, the majority of these streets have insufficient strength and poor surface drainage, and WHEREAS, it is proposed to systematically install or repair concrete curb and gutters for improved surface water drainage and additional strength to the streets for traffic survivability, and WHEREAS, the City State Aid routes are improved to State Aid standards and are in an adequate condition that they do not have needs other than additional resurfacing, and WHEREAS, it is authorized by MN Rules 8820.1800 to use part of the MSAS construction appropriation of our City’s State Aid allocation on local streets not on the approved State Aid system, and WHEREAS, the City proposes to rehabilitate the City-owned underground utilities as needed and rebuild the street in the process, and WHEREAS, it is proposed to use a portion of the City’s population allocation funds to upgrade the thndthndth local street, to wit: 7 Street (42 Avenue to 44 Avenue), Washington Street (42 Avenue to 44 ndthndth Avenue), Madison Street (42 Avenue to 44 Avenue), and Monroe Street (42 Avenue to 44 Avenue) combined with other non-eligible construction, and WHEREAS, the City indemnifies save and holds harmless the State of Minnesota and its agents and employees from claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or by reason or matter related to constructing the local street as designed, and WHEREAS, the City further agrees to defend at its sole cost any claims arising as a result of constructing the local street, and WHEREAS, the final approval of the State Aid for Local Transportation Division is therefore given, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA that: the City of Columbia Heights, Anoka County Minnesota, requests the release of MSAS construction thndth funds for the upgrade and reconstruction of City municipal streets, to wit: 7 Street (42 Avenue to 44 ndthndth Avenue), Washington Street (42 Avenue to 44 Avenue), Madison Street (42 Avenue to 44 ndth Avenue), and Monroe Street (42 Avenue to 44 Avenue). th Passed this 11 day of March 2002. City Council Agenda March 11, 2002 Page 3 of 7 5) Authorize to seek bids for Ambulance -Removed 6) Adopt Resolution #2002-19, being a Resolution authorizing condemnation by Quick Take for the property located at 3955 University Avenue NE (PIN#R35-30-24-31-0151) - Removed 7) Approve to establish the hearing date of March 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a th License to Operate a Rental Property at 3947 Arthur Street, 4524 Monroe Street, 5101 7 Street, 1348-1350 44 ½ Avenue, and 4637-4639 Pierce Street MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of March 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against David Utke at 3947 Arthur Street NE. MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of March 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Rueben Cruz at 4524 Monroe Street NE. MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of March 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Robert th Zschokke at 5101 7 Street NE. MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of March 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Richard Meissner at 1348-1350 44 ½ Avenue NE. MOTION to Establish a Hearing Date of March 25, 2002 for Revocation or Suspension of a License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Russell Waletski at 4637-4639 Pierce Street NE. 8) Approve Business License Applications MOTION to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for March 11, 2002 as presented. 9) Approve Payment of Bills MOTION to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. Wyckoff read the March 11, 2002 business license requests. Magee stated that the list was available in the information rack outside of the Council Chamber door, and were listed on the government access cable channel. Motion carried. Upon vote of the Consent Agenda: All ayes. #5 Authorize to seek bids for Ambulance Fire Chief Charles Thompson stated the bid request is for a 1994 or newer module (ambulance box) and a 2002 chassis. The current ambulance has over 7,000 hours on it, which is equal to 250,000 miles on the engine. The requested ambulance bid would have a module that can be replaced. A new ambulance would be about $110,000. Thompson stated that the new SUV is used for inspections during the day; but there are second, third and fourth callouts during the day. Wyckoff asked if we transport with our ambulance. Thompson stated we are licensed to transport and may do so at some point. We did transport Sgt. Dietz when he was shot and we would not hesitate to transport our own people. Williams asked if we would have this ambulance by the Jamboree. Thompson stated he hoped we would. Wyckoff asked if the trade of the old ambulance would be part of the specifications. Thompson stated that it would. City Council Agenda March 11, 2002 Page 4 of 7 MOTION by Williams, second by Wyckoff, to authorize staff to seek bids for the purchase of a new Fire Department ambulance. Peterson stated that he believes in good equipment, and praised the department for their attitude and proficiency. Motion carried Upon vote: All ayes. . #6 Adopt Resolution #2002-19, being a Resolution authorizing condemnation by Quick Take for the property located at 3955 University Avenue NE (PIN#R35-30-24-31-0151) - Removed Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated that the Acting Community Development Director is currently in negations with the owner of the site and the two neighbors. There is a time deadline on the Anoka County funds to be used or they would be lost. This resolution authorizes the condemnation procedure under the time frame necessary. This is not authorizing staff to go any further, only the beginning step. Wyckoff stated that the Conoco owner has agreed to sell. Hoeft stated that he was not dissatisfied with the progress, but must show there is a deadline that needs to be set. Williams stated that he is against condemnation, but he will vote for this so we don’t lose the funds. Peterson stated that this is just a legal step and will tell the owner that we are interested in moving forward, or we will lose funds if not utilized by the end of the month. MOTION by Williams, second by Wyckoff, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-19, there Motion carried. being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. MOTION by Williams, second by Wyckoff, to adopt Resolution #2002-19, being a Resolution authorizing condemnation by Quick Take for the property located at 3955 University Avenue NE Motion Carried (PIN#R35-30-24-31-0151). Upon vote: All ayes. . RESOLUTION 2002-19 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION BY QUICK TAKE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3955 UNIVERSITY AVENUE N.E. (PIN # R35-30-24-31-0151) FOR REDEVELOPMENT PURPOSES WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has been negotiating with the property owner at the above referenced address for over two years in an attempt to acquire same for redevelopment purposes, and WHEREAS, the City has successfully negotiated the acquisition of blighted properties directly South and adjacent to subject property for redevelopment purposes, and WHEREAS, the Economic Development Authority and City Council have adopted goals and priorities for year 2002, of which this acquisition/redevelopment project has been given a high priority, and WHEREAS, the City under City Charter (Chapter 9), and Minnesota State Statutes is empowered to acquire by purchase, gift, devise or condemnation, any property which may be needed by said City for public use or purpose. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA THAT: City Council Agenda March 11, 2002 Page 5 of 7 1. The stated acquisition is in the public interest and for a public purpose. 2. That the City Attorney is directed to proceed with Condemnation and where legally appropriate to acquire this property by direct purchase, if feasible and practical. 3. The time requirement for funding this acquisition with Community Development Block Grant dollars makes it necessary to obtain this property in a timely manner so as not to jeopardize the funding source. 4. The acquisition is consistent with the City’s redevelopment plan and qualifies under the definition of a blighted property. 5. The City may at any stage of the Condemnation proceedings, abandon such proceedings of the property sought to be acquired. th Passed this 11 day of March 2002 PUBLIC HEARINGS - none ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions Bid Considerations Other Business 1) Special Assessments Contract with Anoka County Bill Elrite, Finance Director, stated that Columbia Heights is the only city in Anoka County that does their own assessments, and that other cities contract with the County. With the retirement of our Assessment Clerk, it is staff’s recommendation to have the County put our assessment charges on the resident’s property tax bill. Elrite stated that currently we are assessing for some mid-block lights and alley lights, and we would add that charge quarterly onto their utility bills. Wyckoff asked if residents could pay at City Hall. Elrite stated that they could pay here within 30 days of the levy hearing or if they wish to pay the entire amount due before it is certified to the County. There are about a dozen individuals that pay piece meal throughout the year that would no longer be able to do so. Wyckoff stated that Jane Gleason, the Assessment Clerk, would be leaving the City after 22 years of employment. Wyckoff asked if this would save the City money. Elrite stated it would create some savings, however the County will charge us for their services and we will need to buy additional computer software. Elrite stated that there would be a slight reduction in service. MOTION by Wyckoff, second by Williams, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Anoka County for special assessment billing services, to add the estimated county administration charge to the bills, and to place all mid-block lighting bills on the utility bill at a monthly rate of $1.00 effective on all bills sent out after January 1, Motion carried. 2003. Upon vote: All ayes. 2) Authorize Professional Services Agreement for construction services with URS for Central Ave. street, utility and Streetscaping improvements, City Projects 1999-12, 99-12A & 99-20 Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, summarized that this agreement is for professional services for the 2002 Central Avenue construction project. Hansen replied to a comment from the work session on the multiplier/hourly rate. The multiplier was originally 2.9 percent and is the actual hourly rate from the 2002 rate schedule; the contract does use hourly rates. BRW has offered to reduce their rate from 2.9 to 2.8 percent. Hansen reviewed percentages paid by other communities that did cooperative projects and they were in the range of 20 to 25 percent in consultant costs as a percentage of construction costs. Hansen felt our City Council Agenda March 11, 2002 Page 6 of 7 estimated cost of 22 percent is not out of line. Hansen stated that two representatives from URS were present to answer questions. Williams did not want to halt the project or lose funding for this very important project. Peterson stated that Hansen was directed to research alternatives and the only alternative would be to scrap the project. The Deputy City Clerk read a comment, from Councilmember Nawrocki, into the record which stated his objection to the cost of the agreement as excessive. Peterson noted that the 2.9 multiplier rate has now been reduced to 2.8. Williams stated that Hansen has done a good job in keeping costs down and thanked BRW for working with us. MOTION by Williams, second by Wyckoff, to accept the Professional Services Agreement with URS/BRW for Central Avenue Construction Services, Project(s) 1999-12, 1999-12A and 1999-20, in an amount not to exceed $460,680, and authorize the Mayor and City Motion carried. Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Upon vote: All ayes. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager (by Linda Magee, Assistant to the City Manager) · Work Session Items for March 18, 2002 Proposed detour routes for Central Avenue during construction o Draft of City Right-of Way Ordinance o Central Avenue design Guidelines o Replacement of a Trailer for the Public Works Bobcat o Review of a draft City Street Sweeping policy o Cooperative Agreement with MnDOT for Central Avenue Reconstruction project o City View computer program o th Redevelopment of the Southeast quadrant of 40 and University o Report of the City Attorney - none GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions submitted to the City Council · Meeting of the February 20, 2002, Human Services Commission · Meeting of the February 21, 2002, Telecommunications Commission · Meeting of the February 27, 2002, Park and Recreation Commission Peterson spoke of attending the Heights Theater Grand Gala Illuminata, describing the newly erected sign and the Guinness record setting 12 people who watched 52 hours of movies. He stated that $27,000 was raised through this event for the Boys and Girls Clubs. CITIZENS FORUM Mayor Peterson asked the students present to introduce themselves. COUNCIL CORNER Wyckoff thanked Jean Kuehn, Special Projects Coordinator, for putting old photos of a home on Arthur Street on our web site, along with a current photo. Wyckoff also thanked her for filming the interviews with restaurants that are serving at the Taste of Columbia Heights. City Council Agenda March 11, 2002 Page 7 of 7 Wyckoff stated that the Historical Society is currently taking oral histories, beginning with the Heights Theater. She stated that the Taste of Heights would be March 24, 2002, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with seven restaurants participating, and that there will be several lines for purchasing tickets. Wyckoff requested Mayor Peterson and Councilmember Williams assist at the event. Williams read a quote, and stated that the new Gateway Park was used as a park years ago. Williams referred to the Southern Anoka County Chamber Gala held last weekend to celebrate our County. Mayor Peterson stated, “Don’t take ourselves too seriously, enjoy life and do a random act of kindness”. ADJOURNMENT Peterson adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m. ___________________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk