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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 13, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 13, 2002 The following are the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Pastor Peter Law, Community Methodist Church, thanked the Mayor and City Council for the Proclamation th recognizing the church’s 95 anniversary. Pastor Peter Law gave the invocation. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Walt Fehst, City Manager, indicated that the appointment of David Holmgren to the Library Board was added to the consent agenda with other Board and Commission appointments. Nawrocki requested to add the City Manager’s trip to Sweden and the 2001 Audit Report. Peterson indicated the Manager’s trip would be added to his report and the Audit Report would be added to “Other Business”. Peterson stated that Deb and Roger Johnson wished to add Blue Star Service Banner to “Other Business”. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamations - none Presentations 1) Values First Community Recognition Awards Barb Warren, Values First Coordinator, thanked the City Council for supporting the Values First program and spoke of the increased awareness of this program in the community. Three awards were to be presented for exemplifying the Core Values of the community. Nancy Kaldor accepted the Organization Award on behalf of the Fridley Rotary Club. Warren referred to the “Every Day Hero” SA Contest held for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. This year there were 500 entries. Next year this project will be implemented district wide. Warren presented the Business Award to Bruce Magnuson, IPC Printing, for his integrity and contributions to the community. Karen Moeller, Director of the Columbia Heights Senior Center accepted the individual award. Warner stated this award is for a person who lives and/or works in the City. The Columbia Heights Senior Citizens nominated Ms. Moeller, and gave an example of each value that she exemplifies. Peterson stated that we are very proud of each recipient. City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 2 of 11 2) Columbia Heights Boosters Jerry Foss, Columbia Heights Boosters, indicated that with the closing of Sharkey’s Bar, the Boosters have lost their facility to sell pull-tabs. This will mean a great loss of funds, which were donated back to community organizations, such as the Park and Recreation Department, Fire Department, local schools, and scholarships. Approximately $4 million dollars has been given back to the community. Between $25,000 and $30,000 per year was donated to the Park Department to help reduce program costs for participants. Mr. Foss wanted to let people know that the Boosters are looking for a new site, so they may continue contributing funds and keeping costs lower for everyone. He thanked Councilmember Nawrocki and VFW Post #230 for allowing the Boosters to hold a weekly meat raffle so scholarships can continue to be offered at the high school. Wyckoff mentioned other local facilities where pull-tabs are currently sold. Foss stated that the Boosters tried to negotiate space at the mall for a pull-tab parlor, but the rent charge made the situation unworkable. Wyckoff suggested a letter of support from the Mayor and Schools. Peterson stated that the Boosters are a fine group, with a temporary set back, who will find a way to continue raising funds for the community. He asked for support of the Boosters golf tournament. Peterson thanked the Boosters for all they have done and stated that the City and School Board will do whatever possible to help this organization. 3) Columbia Heights Royalty Dorinda Edlund, Royalty Coordinator, thanked the Mayor, City Council, staff and the community for their support of the ambassadors. She introduced Christine Taylor, a member of the committee. Sally Nguyen, 2001 Ms. Columbia Heights, spoke of her reign. Other royalty present were: Princess Crystal Berg, Jr. Commodore Thomas Vescio, Jr. Queen Alexis Jones, Jr. Vice- Commodore Jake Hall, and Jr. Princess Haley Myers. B) Introduction of New Employees - none C) Recognition – none Nawrocki reminded everyone that the VFW will hold a Memorial Day Service at the Memorial by City th Hall on Monday, May 27, at 11:30 a.m. CONSENT AGENDA Fehst went through items on the consent agenda. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows: 1) Minutes for Approval Motion to approve the minutes of the April 22, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Authorize renewal of Class B Gambling License for Immaculate Conception Church for activities held at the Church Motion to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control Board stating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the renewal of a Class B charitable gambling license for the Church of Immaculate Conception, 4030 Jackson Street N.E., Columbia Heights; and furthermore, that the City Council hereby waives the remainder of the sixty- day notice to the local governing body. City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 3 of 11 3) Authorize Premise Permit Renewal/Application for Immaculate Conception Church at Mady’s Bowling Center Motion to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control board stating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the renewal of a Class B premise permit for the Church of Immaculate Conception in conjunction with activities at Mady’s Bowling Center, 3919 Central Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights; and furthermore, that the City Council hereby waives the remainder of the sixty-day notice to the local governing body. 4) Authorize Premise Permit Renewal Application at The Star Bar & Grill Motion to direct the City Manager to forward a letter to the State Charitable Gambling Control Board stating that the City of Columbia Heights has no objection to the issuance of a Class B premise permit for the Church of the Immaculate Conception in conjunction with activities at The Star Bar and Grill, 4005 Central Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights; and furthermore, that the City Council hereby waives the remainder of the sixty-day notice to the local governing body. 5) Authorize Appointments to the Human Services Commission and Library Board Motion to appoint Jocelyn Hall and Mohamed Hassan Osman to the City of Columbia Heights Human Services Commission and David Holmgren to the Library Board, with terms to expire in April 2005. Nawrocki questioned if Mr. Holmgren would be able to attend the meetings. Patty Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk, stated he indicated he would be available for the meetings and would be honored to be appointed. 6) Authorize permits for 2002 Jamboree Motion to authorize staff to close Jefferson Street for the time period from Monday afternoon, June thth 24 2002 through Sunday, June 30, 2002. Motion to authorize the Police Department to issue a parade permit for the Jamboree Parade to be th held on Friday, June 28, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. for the following streets: Washington Street, 40 Avenue thth west, south on Lookout Place, south on 5 Street, east on 39 Avenue, north on Van Buren Street, th west on 40 Avenue. 7) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-36, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding contract for the Prestemon Park backstop and players bench fencing Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-36, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2002-36, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding City Project 2002-04 Prestemon Park backstop and player’s bench area fencing, to Century Fence based upon their low, qualified, responsible bid in the amount of $9,099.00, with funds appropriated from Fund 412-50204-5130; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-36 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE PRESTEMON PARK BACKSTOP AND PLAYERS BENCH FENCING CITY PROJECT 0204 TO CENTURY FENCE WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids forPrestemon Park Backstop and Players Bench Fencing, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 4 of 11 Bidder Base Bid Century Fence Company $ 9,099.00 Security Fence and Construction Co. $ 9,287.00 Crown Fence $ 9,526.00 Town and Country Fence $12,250.00 WHEREAS, it appears that Century Fence Company, 14839 Lake Dr., Forest Lake, Minnesota 55025, is the 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 Prestemon Park Thomas and Sons Construction, Inc. in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the Backstop and Players Bench Fencing , according to plans and specifications therefore approved by the Council. 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. 2. City Project #0204 shall be funded from Capital Improvement Funds in 412-50204-5130. . Dated this 13th day of May 2002 8) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-34, being a Resolution authorizing application for an opportunity grant through the Livable Communities Demonstration program Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-34, there being ample copies available to the public. Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 2002-34, a Resolution authorizing application for an Opportunity Grant through the Livable Communities Demonstration Program. Fehst stated this would be a planning grant to allow the identification of needs for site specific analysis, and a strategy plan. This would allow staff to work with Frank Dunbar on a plan for a transit oriented concept. It is a matching grant, with staff time accounting for the $25,000 match. Wyckoff asked if the owners of Mady’s were aware of this. Fehst stated that staff has met with them and received a positive response. He indicated that staff plans to meet with Dunbar to determine if it would be possible to redevelop this site like the sites he has done in Shakopee and Chaska. Nawrocki stated he was not aware of an agreement with Dunbar, and that we should contact others in this business to see what they can do for us. Fehst indicated the EDA’s direction was to meet with Dunbar to explore possibilities; but we do not have a signed contract with him. Fehst stated that Dunbar is not a developer, but a project manager. Fehst will attempt to look for others in this field. Peterson stated that Council was impressed with Dunbar’s projects and that he is paid a percentage of the total project. Staff was given direction to go forward and pursue this for the city. 9) Approve Business License Applications MOTION: Move to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for May 13, 2002 as presented. 10) Approve Payment of Bills MOTION: Move to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 5 of 11 Peterson listed the license requests. Motion carried Upon vote of the Consent Agenda: All ayes. . PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4524 Monroe Street NE Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing for 4524 Monroe Street NE in that the Property Owner has corrected all deficiencies inside the building and has received an extension to complete the work on the outside of the building. B) Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 3849 Central Avenue Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing for 3849 Central Avenue NE in that the property complies with the Residential Maintenance Code. C) Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1224-1226 Circle Terrace Blvd. NE Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing for 1224-1226 Circle Terrace Blvd. in that the property complies with the Residential Maintenance Code. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions 1) Adopt Res. No. 2002-37, being a resolution for Advance Encumbrance of MN State Aid Funds for Central Ave. Street, Utility and Streetscaping Improvements Project 9912, 9912-A and 99-20 Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, stated this request is to draw an advance on State Aid funds of $750,000, from which we would draw interest to pay the extra $175,000 for Central Avenue, and dedicate $240,000 in funds for the local 2003 improvement program. Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-37, there being Motion carried. ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-37, requesting the advance encumbrance of funds from Mn/DOT State Aid for Central Avenue Street, Utility and Streetscaping Improvements, Project 9912, 9912-A and 99-20. Motion carried. Upon vote: all ayes RESOLUTION NO. 2002-37 BEING A RESOLUTION FOR ADVANCE ENCUMBERANCE OF MINNESOTA STATE AID FUNDS WHEREAS , the City of Columbia Heights has obtained the Commissioner’s approval of the plans for the following Municipal State Aid Street Project(s), thrd WHEREAS , S.A.P. No. 113-010-009 located on T.H. 65 (Central Avenue), 37 to 43 Avenues, consisting of Bituminous Surfacing, Concrete Median Concrete Curb and Gutter, Concrete and Sidewalks, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Watermain, Landscaping and Traffic Signals, thth WHEREAS , S.A.P. No. 113-010-010, located on T.H. 47 (University Avenue), 37 to 49 Avenue, consisting of Backlit Street Lighting, WHEREAS , S.A.P. 113-103-05 located on Reservoir Blvd., City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 6 of 11 AND WHEREAS , said city is prepared to proceed with the construction of these said project(s) by providing local funds to supplement the available funds in its Municipal State Aid Account, WHEREAS , repayment of the funds so advanced by the municipality is desired in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 162.14, Subdivisions 6, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA : That the Commissioner of Transportation be and is hereby requested to approve this advance for financing approved Municipal State Aid Street Project(s) of the City of Columbia Heights in an amount up to $750,000 in accordance with Minnesota Rules 8820.1500, Subparagraph 9, and; To authorize repayments from the subsequent accruals to the Construction Account of Municipal State Aid Street fund for said City within the limitations provided by law at the times and in the amounts as herein indicated: On or after February 1, 2003 - $400,000 from 2003 Allotment On or after February 1, 2004 - $350,000 from 2004 allotment th Dated this 13 day of May, 2002. Bid Considerations 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-33, being a resolution accepting bids and awarding contract for Central Avenue Street, Utility and Streetscaping improvements project 9912, 9912-A and 99-20. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-33, there being Motion carried. ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-33, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding the 2002 Central Avenue Street, Utility and Streetscaping, Project No. 9912, 9912-A, and 99-20 to Thomas and Sons of Rogers, Minnesota in the amount of $3,872,405.02 based upon their low, qualified responsible bid; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same, contingent upon MdDOT’s execution of the cooperative agreement. Hansen stated that MnDOT requires signatures by all parties prior to awarding the contract, which are expected by this Wednesday. Bids were sent to 42 parties, and two bids were received, as this is a very complex project under heavy traffic conditions. The low bid was Thomas and Sons, who specialize in complex projects of street work, utility work and landscaping. Hansen described the project, and stated this project was negotiated with MnDOT over two and one-half years. He stated that the bid was a little over the estimate, but can be accomplished by eliminating some small items. Nawrocki questioned irregularities in the bids. Hansen stated the errors were from the second bidder and would have increased their bid even more. Nawrocki indicated he would vote for this project with reluctance, as he wants cooperation from businesses to become more presentable, and have better signage. He disagreed with narrowing down Reservoir Boulevard and would like to see seating put back on Central Avenue for transit riders. Hansen stated that the plans call for benches where they currently exist, but the City Council may determine other options. He stated that Council has authorized architectural guidelines for Central Avenue, including signage. Nawrocki stated that th historically there was a bench at 37 and Central for transit riders, which should be replaced. Wyckoff questioned the change at Reservoir Boulevard. Hansen indicated it would be reduced to two lanes for the first 100 feet and that traffic signal loops would be changed to actual usage, which is safer than timed lights. Wyckoff questioned the number of benches and transit stops along the avenue? Hansen stated there would be sixteen benches, bolted down. Hansen described transit stops City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 7 of 11 during and after construction. Motion carried Upon vote: All ayes. . Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to accept the proposal from Xcel Energy in the amount of $358,300 for installation of 97 streetlights; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Nawrocki questioned if the poles would have a place for flags, as well as banners, as the VFW put up flags in past years. Hansen stated he is waiting for a response from Xcel Energy, as they own the poles. Motion carried. Upon vote: All ayes. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-33 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE CENTRAL AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS CITY PROJECT No. 9912, 9912-A and 99-20 TO THOMAS AND SONS CONSTRUCTION WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids forCity Project No. 9912 and 9912-A, 99-20 Central Avenue Improvements, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Bidder Base Bid Thomas and Sons Construction Inc. $3,872,405.22 Midwest Asphalt Corporation $4,417,293.41 WHEREAS, it appears that Thomas and Sons Construction Inc., 13925 Northdale Blvd., PO Box 303, Rogers, Minnesota 55374, is the lowest responsible bidder.. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA: 1. Thomas and Sons The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Construction, Inc., in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the Central Avenue Improvements, City Project No. 9912, 9912-A, and 99-20 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 9912, 9912-A and 99-20 shall be funded with State Aid Maintenance Fund, General Fund, Park Fund, Street Fund, Sewer and Water Fund and PIR funds. Dated this 13th day of May 2002. 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-35, being a Resolution accepting bids and awarding contract for the Zone 6A Street Rehabilitation Improvements, City Project No. 0202 to Park Construction Company Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-35, there Motion carried. being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2002-35 accepting bids and awarding the 2002-Street Rehabilitation Projects in Zone 6A, Project No.0202 to Park Construction of Minneapolis, Minnesota in the amount of $1,092,816.35 based upon their low, qualified responsible bid and accepting Alternate 1 (unit price basis) for residential construction; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Hansen indicated that street improvement bids for Zone 6A came in at a lower cost than last year. City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 8 of 11 He explained the project and stated that street age in this area required the recommendation of full reconstruction. Motion carried. Upon vote: All ayes. Peterson commended Hansen and staff for their work on this project. He asked citizens and businesses along Central Avenue to bear with the construction, as it will result in something we can all be proud of. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-35 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE ZONE 6A STREET REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT No. 0202 TO PARK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids forCity Project No. 0202, Street Rehabilitation Improvements, bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following bids were received complying with the advertisement: Bidder Base Bid Alternate #1 Corrected Bid* Park Construction Company $1,092,816.35 $3,640.00 Hardrives Inc. $1,180,527.54 $3,784.60 Midwest Asphalt $1,398,987.70 $4,829.00 $1,394,158.70 Palda & Sons, Inc. $1,510,300.35 $4,940.00 WHEREAS, it appears that Park Construction Company, 7900 Beech Street N.E., Minneapolis, MN 55432, is the lowest responsible bidder. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN: 1. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with Park Construction Company, in the name of the City of Columbia Heights, for the 2002 Zone 6A Street Rehabilitation Improvements, City Project No. 0202, 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 0202 shall be funded with State Aid Maintenance Funds, General Funds (Infrastructure and Assessments), Sanitary Sewer Construction, Water Construction, DNR Funds and Storm Water Utility Construction Funds. Dated this 13th day of May 2002. Other Business Deb Johnson, 4638 Pierce Street, described the Blue Star Service Banner, which was a common site during World War I and II in home windows to denote a member of the family was in the military. She stated that the Anoka County Veterans Service Office is again making these flags available free at the Government Service Center or by calling 763-323-5290. Nawrocki suggested the VFW obtain a supply so residents could pick them up in Columbia Heights. Nawrocki referred to the clean audit report received at the last City Council Work Session. He commended the Finance Department and Mr. Elrite. Nawrocki requested a report on how minor recommendations would be corrected. Fehst also acknowledged Roxane Smith for her work on the audit. Peterson invited the students present to come forward and introduce themselves. City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 9 of 11 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Fehst listed scheduled items for the May 20, 2002 Work Session: · Water service shut off for non payment · Fireworks bid for Jamboree · 2002 Housing Maintenance Inspection Program · Renewal of City Liability and Property Insurance th · Removal of home at 528 47 Avenue with abatement fund · Order termination of water services to vacant or abandoned structures · Lomianki area development Nawrocki referred to a newspaper article on closed meetings and urged that the City closely follow the Open Meeting Law. Nawrocki corrected an article in the Northeaster, stating that through negotiations, Burlington Northern gave the Lomianki land to the City for the purpose of a buffer between Main Street and the railroad yard. He stated his surprise that the Park and Recreation Commission recommended removing the park designation from this area. Fehst referred to the Comprehensive Plan not including this as parkland. Peterson stated that this area has not been used as a park for 30 years, and has only been chained off and mowed. He indicated there have been no major improvements to our parks since 1968 and funds received from the development of this area could be used to fund needed improvements. Fehst referred to his acceptance in the MN Cities Management Association educational exchange to Sweden from May 23 to June 2, 2002. Fehst stated he will stay with a host family and reviewed the itinerary: five cities to attend council meetings, city facilities, school systems, a new municipal library, a new industrial area, public transit, senior apartment facilities, benchmarking (output to determine productivity), and GIS systems. He asked for payment of the airfare of $700. Nawrocki questioned this being taken on city time versus vacation time. Fehst stated this program was relevant to city work and that his out of pocket expenses would be $400 to $500. Wyckoff questioned what was happening where the TV Shop was. Fehst stated that it would be leveled and seeded. Nawrocki felt it inappropriate that Council was not informed of Fehst’s trip sooner. He questioned the relevance to what happens in our community, and stated the manager could better use his time working on city business. Williams supported Fehst taking this educational trip. He indicated that with good employees, the City should run better when the manager is gone. Motion by Williams to approve the $700 expenditure for the City Manager’s exchange to Sweden. Szurek agreed with supporting the City Manager’s trip, stating that division heads and staff also go to conferences and that we can learn a lot from another country. Motion seconded by Szurek. Peterson stated his confidence that business will be handled smoothly in the Manager’s absence and that he will learn from this exchange and from the other managers he will be traveling with. City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 10 of 11 Motion to amendMotion died for lack by Nawrocki, that the City Manager’s trip be on vacation time. of a second. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes –1 nay. Motion carried. Report of the City Attorney Wyckoff referred to correspondence regarding our newsstand ordinance and the effective date of May 1st. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated that he responded by letter requesting this attorney provide more detail of his concerns, which was provided. Hoeft provided him with a copy of our ordinance and is drafting a letter to him that will be copied to Councilmembers. If it is determined through research that the ordinance needs correction, it will be brought back to the City Council. Hoeft stated that staff would be allowed to proceed with enforcement as necessary. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions · Meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission of March 27, 2002 · Meeting of the Public Library Board of Trustees of April 2, 2002. · Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission of May 7, 2002 · Meeting of the Telecommunications Commission of April 18, 2002 CITIZENS FORUM th Harold Netkow, 1160 49 Avenue, commended staff for their help last week when he discovered he had a problem with the foundation of his house. The Building Official, Mel Collova, was prompt, courteous, and helpful; and he stopped back to check if everything turned out all right. Netkow, in reference to the last appointment to the Civil Service Commission, clarified how testing is done and that final hiring is up to the appointing authorities. The goal is to be as objective as possible. The Job related questions have a numerical rating, and everyone is asked the same questions; no inappropriate questions can be asked. Nawrocki asked if Mr. Netkow felt the commission should be eliminated. Netkow indicated that he knows the City has considered abolishing this commission, but felt it has value and is very beneficial. Peterson thanked Netkow for his contributions to this commission. th Dee Logan, 39 Avenue, suggested Councilmembers have a picnic to learn to get along. She asked that they question the people they represent more often. Diane Delaria, 4129 Madison, stated that she wrote an editorial to the Focus Newspaper last week, regarding Council discussion on the Police and Fire Civil Service appointment. She asked the Council to be more cooperative. Peterson stated that Council can heed this advice. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki commented on how the votes were counted at the last meeting for the Police and Fire Civil Service appointment, where the City Attorney stated that abstention votes count as majority votes, and that the League of MN Cities agreed unless local bylaws stated differently. Nawrocki quoted Section 18 of the City Charter, which indicates the need for a majority of three actual voting members. He indicated his acceptance of the vote of the previous meeting, but asked that correct procedure be followed in the future. Peterson questioned if there were only three members present, if all would have to vote affirmative for a motion to pass. Hoeft stated that by State Statue, the Charter could not be more restrictive than State law. He reaffirmed that in this case, abstentions still counted as a majority vote. Nawrocki stated this should be City Council Minutes May 13, 2002 Page 11 of 11 brought to the Charter Commission for discussion. Hoeft stated he would put together a written opinion for Council on this. Nawrocki stated, “Actions speak louder than words, practice what you preach”. Wyckoff thanked residents for supporting her actions through e-mail response. Wyckoff indicated she attended the Cast Theater and it was an incredible experience. She referred to the very impressive remodeling done to the building. th Szurek encouraged everyone to attend the School Board meeting on Tuesday, May 14 at the Family Center, to let the School Board know their opinions on budget cuts and possible school closings. Williams quoted from Bits and Pieces, “It is better to give than lend and the cost is the same”. He asked residents to continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of our City, and thanked those who called to th support him. Williams invite everyone to attend the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 a.m. at Murzyn Hall. Nawrocki commended the School Board for the hard decisions they have to make. Williams commented on the City Financial Audit, and thanked residents that wrote good checks to our liquor store, not contributing to the $10,000 received in bad checks last year. Peterson spoke on resident comments about Councilmembers not getting along, stating that it looks worse than it is. He stated that all five members have different opinions and were elected to give their thoughts and opinions. Peterson commented that he and Mr. Nawrocki have a lot of the same values, and work side by side in the community for many functions and organizations. There may be the perception of anger for a moment, but Councilmembers know they will soon sit down at another council meeting or work session. Peterson stated, “Don’t take ourselves to seriously, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness”. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. _______________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk