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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 8, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 8, 2002 The following are the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held immediately following the continuation of the Board of Appeal and Equalization hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Pastor Dan Thompson, Assembly of God Church, gave the Invocation. Pastor Thompson invited everyone to th the Assembly of God 60 Anniversary celebration on Sunday, April 21, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. He stated that the Mayor has been invited to give an address. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, and Councilmember Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - none PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS A) Proclamations 1) National Library Week Mayor Peterson read the proclamation for National Library Week. Pat Sowada, Library Board, thanked the City Council for their support over the years. Becky Loader, Library Director, thanked Council and stated there would be a Library fundraiser at the Heights Theater on Sunday, April 21, 2002 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Proceeds will be used for stth children’s programming and services. Loader stated that April 21 is also the 60 anniversary of th the Assembly of God Church and the 90 anniversary of First Lutheran Church. Sowada stated th that next year is the Library’s 75 anniversary. Peterson indicated that the Values First program values for the month of April are “self control and self discipline”, and asked that City Council members and the public consider these values. B) Presentations – none C) Introduction of New Employees -LeAnn Ottney, Accounts Payable Clerk Roxane Smith, Assistant Finance Director, introduced Ms. Ottney, the new Accounts Payable Clerk. Ottney thanked the City Council for the opportunity to work for the City. -Donald Mulgrew, Accountant Roxane Smith introduced Don Mulgrew. Mulgrew gave his background and also thanked the City Council for this opportunity. D) Recognition -none City Council Minutes April 8, 2002 Page 2 of 8 CONSENT AGENDA MOTION A) by Williams, second by Nawrocki, to approve the Consent Agenda items as listed and amended: 1) Minutes for Approval MOTION to approve the minutes of the March 18, 2002 Central Avenue Public Improvement Hearing and the March 25, 2002, regular City Council meeting as amended. Nawrocki corrected the March 18 minutes – Page Three, paragraph five, replacing grandmother with mother; and March 25 minutes, Page Four, paragraph one, regarding Mr. Johnson to include “when he officially changes his residence outside of the city, he should resign”; and the last page, requested his quote be added, “Actions speak louder than words, and practice what you preach”. Fehst stated that members of the Planning Commission do not have to be a member of the community. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated there not a residency requirement in the City Code and not a State Statute that requires residency. Fehst stated that the Police and Fire Civil Service Commissioners do have to be a resident. Hoeft stated that Council has the authority to restrict Board and Commission positions to residents only, but have not done so. 2) Award of 2002-2003 Tree Removal Program MOTION to award the 2002-2003 Removal of Trees, Trees and Stumps or Stumps Only on Public and Private Property Contract to Bluemel’s Tree and Landscape, Inc. of Hudson, Wisconsin, based upon their low, qualified, responsible total bid for tree and stump removal, tree removal only, or stump removal only; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-26, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding a contract for City Project 0200: 2002 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations. MOTION to wave the Reading of Resolution #2002-26, there being ample copies available to the public. MOTION to adopt Resolution No. 2002- 26, accepting bids and awarding the 2002 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, Municipal Project #0200 to O’Malley Construction, Inc. of Le Center, Minnesota, based upon their low, qualified, responsible total bid in the amount of $11,540.20 with funds to be appropriated from 401-50200-4000; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-26 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE 2002 MISCELLANEOUS CONCRETE REPAIRS AND INSTALLATIONS, CITY PROJECT No. 0200 TO O’MALLEY CONSTRUCTION INC. City Project No. 0200, Miscellaneous Concrete WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for Repairs and Installations , bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Bidder Base Bid O’Malley Construction, Inc. $11,540.20 Creative Curb Contractors $13,163.50 Ron Kassa Construction $13,699.00 Gladstone Construction $23,040.00 Sunram Construction $31,950.00 Gunderson Brothers $36,852.00 st WHEREAS, it appears that O’Malley Construction, 35799 241 Avenue, LeCenter, Minnesota 56057 is the City Council Minutes April 8, 2002 Page 3 of 8 lowest responsible bidder. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with 2002 Miscellaneous O’Malley Construction Inc. in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project No. 0200 , according to plans and specifications therefore approved by the Council. 2. The City Engineer is hereby authorized and directed to return, forthwith, to all bidders, the deposits made with their bids except the deposit of the successful bidder and the next lowest bidder shall be retained until the contract has been signed. 3. City Project #0200 shall be funded with State Aid Maintenance Fund, General Fund, Park Fund, Street Fund, Sewer and Water Fund and PIR funds. th Dated this 8 day of April 2002. 4) Award of City Project 0106: Sullivan Lake Park Building Roof. MOTION to award the Sullivan Lake Park Building Roof, Municipal Project #0106 to Superior Roofing Construction, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota based upon their low, qualified, responsible total bid in the amount of $3,970 for roof construction and Alternate #1 18" Overhang Construction in the amount of $4,480 for a total of $8,450 with funds to be appropriated from 412- 45200-5130; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract for the same. Nawrocki asked if the specifications require the contractor to pay prevailing wage. Hansen indicated it does not, and that this is only typically in contracts over $100,000. Nawrocki felt this should be required. Wyckoff stated that a resident indicated to her their pleasure at the decision to redo the tennis courts, but wanted to know if the courts could be lit. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, stated that the only lights with timers are on basketball courts, and that tennis courts would require two lights. This might be a problem as it is close to a residential area. Hansen stated this could be forwarded to the Park & Recreation Commission for discussion. Peterson stated that past discussions showed resident concern about the lights shining into their homes and people loitering. 5) Accept bids and award purchase of ambulance chassis and refurbished module MOTION to award the purchase of a new ambulance chassis, with a refurbished module, to North Central Ambulance, based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $70,591.03 with funds to be appropriated from 439-42200-5150; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Nawrocki questioned if replacement of the ambulance was premature as we are asking $20,000 for our current ambulance, which shows there is still value to the vehicle. He indicated he would not oppose the purchase, but suggested that next time we take a better look at our finances. Fehst stated the ambulance was slated for replacement several years ago. 6) Approve Business License Applications MOTION to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for April 8, 2002 as presented. 7) Approve Payment of Bills MOTION to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. City Council Minutes April 8, 2002 Page 4 of 8 Wyckoff read the business license requests. th Harold Hoium, 5 Street, asked if roofing contractors charge each homeowner for obtaining a City license. Peterson stated that the contractor only needs one yearly license. Hoium stated that some residents said they were each charged for their contractor’s license. Wyckoff asked when we would get the new ambulance. Fire Chief Charles Thompson estimated it would take about two months. Motion carried. Upon vote of the Consent Agenda: All ayes. PUBLIC HEARINGS th Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 2215 45Avenue is now in compliance Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing as the property is now in compliance with the Residential Housing Maintenance Code. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions 1) Adopt Resolution 2002-27, Authorizing the Purchase of the Property Located at 3955 University Avenue N.E. (Pin #R35-30-24-31-0151) for Redevelopment Purposes MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution 2002-27, there Motion carried. being an ample amount of copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to Adopt Resolution 2002-27, a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of the Property Located at 3955 University Avenue N.E. (PIN #R35-30- 24-31-0151) for Redevelopment purposes. Randy Schumacher, Acting Community Development Director, stated that a signed purchase agreement has been acquired for 3955 University Avenue. $175,000 of a $300,000 request for CDBG funds were allocated and would be used for this purchase. Redevelopment of this area was set as a high priority by the City Council and EDA. The property would be purchased for $240,000, which includes relocation fees. The present owner must remove items such as tanks, pumps, canopy, stock, and appliances. The current owner and City would share environmental costs not covered by the Petroleum Fund, with cost to the City not to exceed $5,000. The City would choose to be responsible for the environmental analysis. th Wyckoff indicated that this property is the current Conoco gas station on the corner of 40 and University. Schumacher stated that the building could be used for a fire department burn and then demolished. Wyckoff asked the City Attorney if it was proper for Councilmember Williams to vote for purchase and elimination of a gas station. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney indicated this would not be a problem. Nawrocki question the cost of the environment studies, phase one and two. Schumacher indicate that phase one would be $1,550, and phase two would be $6,500, to be paid by the city. Nawrocki indicated prior information that this would be the station owner’s responsibility. Schumacher stated the City’s responsibility for any required environmental clean up would not exceed $5,000. Nawrocki stated he would support the purchase. Nawrocki asked if the County was agreeable to the funding concept. Schumacher stated that if the correct paperwork were submitted, they would approve funding. Nawrocki stated that there should have been a meeting with residents prior to City Council Minutes April 8, 2002 Page 5 of 8 this decision. Fehst gave the history of events in this area and stated that this would create a one acre parcel for redevelopment. Peterson stated that there would be a meeting with residents prior to any development. Deb Johnson, 4638 Pierce Street, stated she has a problem with neighborhood meetings, and felt that everyone should know about what is happening, or there would only be negative opinions because people do not want change in their neighborhood. Motion carried. Upon vote: All ayes. Peterson thanked Randy Schumacher, Mark Nagel, Cher Bakken, and Walt Fehst for moving ahead on this project. RESOLUTION 2002-27 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 3955 UNIVERSITY AVENUE N.E. WHEREAS , the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights (the "City) has an on-going Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded Commercial Revitalization Program; and WHEREAS , the City has found that there exists conditions of deterioration, substandard residential structure, in need of repairs which are in violation of the City Housing Code and City Ordinances or there exists a need (due to blighting influences) for intervention by the City to prevent further deterioration of the area; and WHEREAS , the City has an option to acquire one such commercial property pursuant to the Purchase Agreement by and between the City of Columbia Heights and Jamal Malik (the "Seller") and such Purchase Agreement has been signed by the Seller and provided to the City Council. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that: l. The City Council hereby approves the terms of the Purchase Agreement for 3955 University Avenue N.E. between the City of Columbia Heights and Jamal Malik and authorizes the Mayor and the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City at a purchase price of $240,000, which is established as a fair market value, based on negotiations with the property owner and a formal appraisal of the property. 2. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to handle all the requirements and conditions in order for the City to complete the transaction contemplated in the Purchase Agreement. 3. The City Council approves payment of the purchase cost from the City Community Development Block Grant Program funds. th Passed this 8 day of April 2002. B) Bid Considerations - none C) Other Business - none ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Upcoming Work Session Items · Fireworks Bids · Equipment and T-shirts purchases for Recreation · Transfer overtime funds to the Police Department budget · Support Save and Sober Buckle up Campaign in May Fehst referred to the need to fill current open positions on City Boards and Commissions, especially the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission where 16 candidates are being tested for th the Assistant Fire Chief position and will be interviewed April 27. Fehst listed other positions City Council Minutes April 8, 2002 Page 6 of 8 available. Nawrocki stated that current members that have not yet moved out of the City could continue to serve until they are replaced. Fehst suggested conducting Board and Commission th interviews on Saturday, April 20. Szurek stated she would not be able to attend. Williams and Wyckoff stated they could attend. Nawrocki stated he would not be able to arrive until 2:00 p.m. Peterson asked that fifteen minute interviews be scheduled for Saturday, April 20, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Fehst stated that staff research showed there is not a requirement for a Planning and Zoning Commission member to be a resident. Peterson stated that Steve Johnson should be notified of this finding. Fehst stated he has been so informed. Fehst stated there was a Lomianki Park neighborhood meeting, and the neighbors are concerned that this area remain a park. He suggested the Park and Recreation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission review this information, with results brought forward to the City Council for final action. Peterson stated that the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting is April 24, 2002. Nawrocki questioned past records on this property and requested more information. Fehst stated that Council was given copies of the action taken to make this area a park. Hoeft stated that the park was set up by ordinance, with no deed restrictions, but would have to be amended by ordinance. Nawrocki stated that residents who signed the attendance sheet at the first meeting be made aware of any subsequent meetings. Wyckoff asked Fehst about the status of the K-Mart store. Fehst stated the lease has an asset value, which is being established by a broker, and could be obtained and operated by someone else. The local limited partner of the business is willing to talk with city representatives, Mr. McComb, EDA representative, and the Mayor after receiving information on the asset value. Fehst stated that he has been in contact with several developers interested in this 14 to 16 acre site. Schumacher stated he spoke to the limited partner today and values have not yet been determined. Peterson asked if there is any way to help the business owners in the strip mall next to Sharkey’s that are being dislocated. Schumacher stated that we are just starting redevelopment and that we need to obtain property and establish relationships to do this. A retention specialist and a program to help relocate businesses normally would handle this. Our building official has tried to help, but has not been successful. Peterson stated if the Mayor or Council could be of any help, to feel free to call them. Wyckoff referred to a complaint about debris on the property where Dave’s Refrigeration is located. Fehst stated that the Building Official plans to meet with him tomorrow to see what could be done to clean up the property. Peterson stated that this owner would be a prime candidate for relocation. Szurek stated that during rezoning of this property, he was asked not to park his trucks on Johnson Street, which he has violated. Marge Ubl, 3715 Johnson, presented photographs of the property and listed unacceptable debris on the property. Peterson stated he would meet with the owner to discuss this problem. Peterson asked that staff keep Ms. Ubl informed regarding this issue. Nawrocki referred to problems at this site at the time of the zoning request, and asked that Council members drive by to view this site. Report of the City Attorney Wyckoff questioned if the Tycoon liquor license issue was going to be revisited this month, as discussed at the beginning of the year. Hoeft stated that our Police Officers monitor for the presence of the license owner’s husband on the property. Nawrocki asked for a cost analysis of switching from an assessment clerk position to the County City Council Minutes April 8, 2002 Page 7 of 8 handling our special assessments. He questioned the EDA loan and requested additional information. Nawrocki questioned the Stinson Boulevard concrete walls consideration for aesthetics. Hansen stated he has met with the City of Minneapolis project engineer, who stated that fill would be brought in to reestablish a slope. They are not proposing grass, but rather vegetative cover and planting trees. Nawrocki stated there are some lights out on the Sullivan Park walkway. Hansen stated this is a reoccurring problem, and that crews are trying to trace the problem. He stated that we might have to look at replacing these lights. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions 1) February 19, 2002 meeting of the Economic Development Authority 2) March 12, 2002 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission 3) April 2, 2002 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission th Nawrocki questioned if the triplex on 4 Street is the same contractor as the other similar multiple rd units constructed, and stated that not much has been done for the units on 3 Street regarding space recently for kids to play. He stated that the plan review should address this. Szurek stated she saw the site plan and it does not address this. Nawrocki stated that maybe they should reconsider the plan. Szurek stated that the plan review looks at set backs and questions landscaping. She indicated he has taken care of the erosion problems and is waiting for appropriate weather to put the landscaping in. Peterson thought this should be included in the zoning ordinance. Hoeft stated if they meet the requirements, the site plan review is unable to address this. Peterson stated that he received a letter from a church in Andover, asked him to remind everyone of nd the National Day of Prayer, to be held May 2. There will be a prayer meeting in one of their local parks. CITIZENS FORUM th Harold Hoium, 5 Street, asked who places and removes the white crosses on our streets. Hansen stated that the crosses are two feet wide and 8 feet long, and are for section markings for aerial photos. They are not removed, but typically just wash away. Hoium was concerned about the bright lights from helicopters over the City. Peterson stated that Police Departments use this method for pursuit of criminals. COUNCIL CORNER Mayor Peterson asked the students present to come forward and introduce themselves. Thirteen students were introduced. Nawrocki referred to negative comments at the last City Council meeting by Councilmember Szurek regarding his meeting with Mr. Gondek. Nawrocki stated that he again met with Gondek, who agreed with Schumacher’s comment on the incident. Nawrocki stated his hope that she would apologize to him and Mr. Gondek. Nawrocki quoted “Actions speak louder than words and practice what you preach”. Nawrocki gave comments on staff, upper management and his belief that there is need for improvement at the management level. Wyckoff spoke of weekend activities that she attended in Columbia Heights, such as a performer at the Star Bar, the Heights Theater’s International Film Festival and a visit with a resident at Crest View Lutheran Home. Nawrocki stated that the Lions Pancake Breakfast was also held this weekend. Williams read several items from the Bits and Pieces book. City Council Minutes April 8, 2002 Page 8 of 8 Williams addressed comments he made about trees trimmed by the electric company, indicating that trees th would look pretty that are pruned, except maybe those on 5 Street. Williams stated his belief in commending employees in public and referred to the meeting with Lomianki Park area residents where he felt the City Planner was not allowed to conduct the meeting he had organized. He referred to Councilmember Nawrocki’s comments at the meeting. Williams stated that decisions must not be based on a few residents, but by considering what is best for the entire community. Williams quoted “Pray for the peace and prosperity of our City”. Nawrocki challenged everyone to read the letter that went out to residents for the Lomianki meeting regarding what they could expect, and indicated that during the meeting it appeared that was not what was going to happen. Peterson stated that the City Planner was to host the Lomianki area resident meeting and the intent was to listen to resident’s questions and concerns. Following Councilmember Nawrocki’s comments, the meeting became confrontational. Peterson stated that the City Planner should have been allowed to listen to concerns and answer questions for a better meeting. Peterson also stated that he believes you commend someone in public when they do a good job, and talk to him or her in private when they do not. Peterson stated his belief that we have excellent staff and management. stth Peterson stated that he has been asked to speak on April 21, at the Assembly of God Church for their 60 th Anniversary Celebration. He also stated that First Lutheran Church would be celebrating their 90 Anniversary the same day. Peterson brought up the unfortunate dislocation of businesses in the area of Sharkey’s, and stated that with Sharkey’s moving, the Columbia Heights Boosters have lost their site for pull-tab sales. The Boosters use their yearly proceeds of $100,000 to $150,000 for our youth, schools, and recreation programs. He asked that if any one has an idea or suggestion to please let the Booster Club know. Nawrocki referenced Post 230 meat raffles. Peterson quoted “Don’t take ourselves too seriously, enjoy life, laugh at ourselves, and do a random act of kindness”. ADJOURNMENT Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. ______________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk