HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 10, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 10, 2002
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June
10, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
Heidi Albrecht, Director of Christian Outreach at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church 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, and
Councilmember Nawrocki
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - none.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A) Proclamations - none
B)
Presentations
Mayor Peterson introduced Rita Norberg, the 2002 Columbia Heights' Humanitarian of the Year.
Peterson read an abbreviated list of Ms. Norberg 's contributions to the community and presented her
with a plaque. Norberg stated her appreciation in an acceptance speech.
c)
Introduction of New Employee
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, introduced Chris Owens, the new Public Works Maintenance
employee, and stated that Mr. Owens has nine years of experience and would be a welcomed addition
to staff. Chris Owens thanked the City Council for the opportunity to work for the City of Columbia
Heights'.
D) Recognition - none
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows:
1) Minutes for Approval
Motion approve the minutes of the May 28, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented.
2)
Establish a hearing date of June 24, 2002 for revocation or suspension of a license to operate a
rental property within the City of Columbia Heights against Michael Haase at 1816 44th Avenue
NE.
Motion to establish a hearing date of June 24, 2002 for revocation or suspension of a license to
operate a rental property within the City of Columbia Heights against Michael Haase at 1816 44th
Avenue NE.
3)
Approve Business License Applications
Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for June 10, 2002 as
presented.
City Council Minutes
June, 10, 2002
Page 2 of 7
4)
Approve Payment of Bills
Motion to approve payment of the bills out of the proper funds, as listed in the attached check
register covering Check Number 98295 through 98498, in the amount of $621,525.82.
Nawrocki asked to correct the correction of the May 13 minutes, stating that the Burfington
Northern area from California Street to the alley was received free of charge through negotiations,
and that we paid no money for it.
Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1816 44th Avenue
Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing regarding revocation or suspension of the rental license
hem by Michael Haase for rental property at 1816 44th Avenue until such time all interested parties
can be properly notified
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1) Adopt Ordinance #1447, Being an ordinance Designating certain land use of public properties
in blocks 73, 95, and lee, Columbia Heights Annex (Lomianki Park).
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1447, there being
ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to adopt Ordinance #1447, being an ordinance amending
Ordinance #831; being an ordinance designating certain land use of public properties in blocks 73,
95, and lee, Columbia Heights Annex, also known as Lomianki Park.
Nclwrocki commented that chains at the park entrance do not impact usage, as this is a passive
area. He felt that the cost of mowing was not a great drain on the budget and that initial funds
received were to be used for care of the park. Nclwrocki described the amount of noise generated
from the switching yard, the raiboad' s original need cfa slope easement to facilitate the switching
yards and the concerns initial blasting of the area. The council, at that time, agreed the industrial
uses wouM remain, but as an off set for residents the rest of the area wouM be designated as park.
Nawrocki stated that the current council was concerned to keep a commitment with Habitat for
Humanity, but were now willing to break a commitment to these residents. He asked that the
motion be defeated.
Wyckoff indicated she received calls of support in her decision that "a promise is a promise ". She
felt the important thing is to reassure citizens that we are concerned for our residents. Wyckoff
stated that we shouM keep and improve this area.
Szurek stated that this council made the commitments to Habitat and the promise to these residents
were made by another council. She indicated that she represents the best interests of all 18, 000
people in this community. She indicated that most residents do not know where this area is, and it
should not only be for the use of a few fatuities.
Williams stated that development of this area would bring in tax dollars, and indicated the need to
represent all Columbia Heights residents. He stated that an alternative wouM be to sell this
property to adjacent residents and if they do not want it, to look at development.
City Council Minutes
June, 10, 2002
Page 3 of 7
Nawrocki referred to a letter he received from a resident expressing her concern about the park,
strongly urging City Council to not do what is proposed.
Hyckoff indicated that initially she was for development of the area, until researching the history
of the area. She wouM agree to sell it to the residents'.
Hilliams stated that we must look to the future, and questioned that an industrial area was put in a
residential neighborhood. Nawrocki indicated that the area was zoned industrial long before he
was on the council. Nawrocki stated that looking ahead to what is good for the community, we
should not give up parkland.
Peterson stated that at the goal setting tour, development of this area was the Council's number
one priority. If there was a promise to residents, it was for a buffer, but townhomes would also
serve as a noise buffer. He indicated that in visiting the area he felt like he was trespassing. The
Park Commission stated in 1991, and again this year, that there is no need for this parkland.
Peterson stated this is only taking landau the boundary by the industrial area. The rest of the area
will remain unchanged.
Terry 0 'Brien, 3810 Main Street, stated he is unfamifiar with half of the parks' in the city. 0 'Brien
read a statement to council of original events' at Lomianki Park, which would include a picnic
park, playground park, and nature area. Residents' raised $6,000 so the City could develop the
middle area of the park. He was concerned that some day Council will also sell the middle portion
of land. 0 'Brien stated that the City Attorney indicated the City had no obligation to the residents'
for the $6,000, but may have a moral obligation. He asked the Mayor and Council to honor the
commitment as a moral obligation to its' citizens.
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, nay; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 3 ayes - 2
nays. Motion carried.
Peterson urged adjacent citizens, if they have an interest in purchasing the property for their own
use, to contact the city planner.
ORDINANCE NO. 1447
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE # 831; BEING AN
ORDINANCE DESIGNATING CERTAIN LAND USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTIES IN
BLOCKS 73, 95, AND 100, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ANNEX
The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Section 1: That Section t of Ordinance # 83 t which states: The following properties shall be designated for park
usage: Lots 16 through 28, Block 95 lying between 37th and 38th Avenues, possibly to be used as a
picnic park. Lots 19-30 and the Westerly 75 feet of Lot 18, inclusive, Block tee, lying between 38th and
39th Avenues with a proposed use as a play park area. Lots 23 through 30, inclusive, Block 73,
proposed as a nature park.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
The following properties shall be designated for park usage: Lots 19-30 and the Westerly 75
feet of Lot 18, inclusive, Block tee, lying between 38th and 39th Avenues with a proposed use as a play
park area. Lots 23 through 30, inclusive, Block 73, proposed as a nature park.
Section 2:
That section 2 of Ordinance # 83 t which states: That the following described parcels be designated for
continued industrial use: Lots 29 and 30, Block 95, lying south of 38th Avenue, Lots 16 through 18,
Block tee, and Lots 16 through 22, Block 73.
City Council Minutes
June, 10, 2002
Page 4 of 7
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
That the following described parcels be designated for continued industrial use. Lots 16
through 18, except for the westerly 75 feet of Lot 18, Block tOO, and Lots 16 through 22, Block 73.
Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage.
First Reading: May 28, 2002
Second Reading: June t0, 2002
Date of Passage: June t0, 2002
2)
First reading of Ordinance No. 1448, being an ordinance amending Chapter 6, Section 53, of
the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights pertaining to power and duties of the City
Manager.
Nawrocki indicated that he pointed out at the last Charter Commission meeting that this section
was not included in the previous recommendation. He requested assurance that this item and the
previous recommendation are combined.
Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1448, pertaining to
powers and duties of the City Manager, there being ample copies available to the public. Upon
vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to schedule the second reading of Ordinance No. 1448, for
Monday, June 24, 2002, at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Williams read an e-mail from Charter Commission Chairperson Tammera Erickson, which stated
that this topic affects three provisions of the City Charter. It was previously thought to only affect
two sections. The Charter Commission voted to send the language of the third section to Council
for consideration. The Charter Commission is waiting to see the final language to be placed on the
ballot.
dim Hoefi, City Attorney, stated this is the same issue as previously voted upon, regarding over-
site of the Police Department by the City Manager versus the Mayor. The concern is to make sure
the voters are not confused. He stated that there wouM be a lot of language on this ballot, and will
take voters time to read through it.
Wyckoff asked if this topic has even been taken to the voters before. Peterson stated that it had
been discussed by the Charter Commission before, but never came forward. The option of a four
year term for the Mayor was on a previous ballot, but failed.
Nawrocki stated that he is opposed to the City Manager, versus the Mayor, overseeing the Pofice
Department. He commended the Charter Commission Chairperson for indicating that there wouM
be pro and con information made available to the residents. He questioned the anticipated process
to inform the residents. Williams stated that the Charter Commission wouM be responsible to get
the word out to the public. Peterson indicated that the City Manger is under direction of the entire
City Council; therefore the Police Department wouM also be under direction of the City Council.
Fehst stated the Charter Commission wouM create a resident information packet, pubfish in the
local newspaper, and may do a citywide maifing. Nawrocki stated that he would support a maifing.
Upon vote: All ayes. Motion carried.
City Council Minutes
June, 10, 2002
Page 5 of 7
Peterson invited the Boy Scouts present from Troop/~119 to be introduced. The Scout; indicated
they are working toward their citizenship badges.
Bid Considerations - none
Other Business - none
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
Upcoming Work Session Items
· Review undergrounding agreement to bury overhead lines
· Review agreement with Minneapolis for temporary traffic signals. (The Mpls. portion of
Central Avenue project has been stalled for another year)
· Liquor store discussion
th
Nawrocki indicated that the June 17 work session meeting had not been estabfished. Deputy City
th th
Clerk Muscovitz read the approved motion from the May 28 meeting estabfishing the June 17 work
session meeting.
Fehst updated Council on final legislative action. The Ag/IM has estabfished a work committee and is
looking for input on affordable housing. Fehst referred to the Southern Anoka County Chamber of
Commerce, which services Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop, and Spring Lake Park, which
anticipates incorporating the cities of New Brighton and Moundsview.
Fehst thanked the City Council for allowing him to attend the city management exchange program in
Sweden and described the activities.
Wyckoff questioned what is happening with the two residential properties the City purchased on
Central Avenue. Fehst stated that staff is researching possible ownership of the restaurant next to
these properties. Wyckoff questioned renting out the homes. Hoefi stated that the homes are
substandard.
Report of the City Attorney - none
GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions
· Meeting of the April 16, 2002 Economic Development Commission
· Meeting of the May 6, 2002 Traffic Commission
· Meeting of the May 22, 2002 Park and Recreation Commission
Nawrocki questioned the reference to the Huset Park Master Plan bid; in the Park and Recreation
Commission minutes. Fehst indicated this has been in process for a long time. Nawrocki stated that
these funds could be better used to repair volleyball and tennis court,'.
Nawrocki questioned the Recreation Commission's desire that proceeds of Lomianki Park go to the
Parks fund. Fehst stated that any money given to the Park ','fund would be well used on city park,'.
CITIZENS FORUM
HaroM Hoium, 4315 5th Avenue, indicated that at the next work session he would request the City
Manager, City Attorney, and several Councilmembers tender their resignation, stating his displeasure
with the City.
City Council Minutes
June, 10, 2002
Page 6 of 7
COUNCIL CORNER
Nawrocki commended Assistant to the City Manager Linda Magee for the written response received
regarding questions raised at the last City Council meeting. He referred to the item on past mayor and
council salaries.
Nawrocki indicated the need to repair the street on dOth Avenue, between Hayes and Arthur, and
Cleveland Street, south of dOth Avenue. He questioned the status of the curb work at 686 46 ~ Avenue
discussed at the last assessment hearing.
Nawrocki offered information from the AMM annual meeting, where the topic was "2001 Property Tax
Reform ". Nawrocki stated he wouM sign up to be on the Ag/gd Transportation and Government
Committee.
Nawrocki referred to a newspaper article which included median househoM incomes in metro
communities, with Columbia Heights' near the bottom, which he stated was a direct reflection on
resident's inabifity to pay increasing costs'.
Nawrocld stated that the grass needs' to be cut at 4356 5th Street. Old sod needs' to be removed from the
alley between 4th and University at 44th to 45th, and three surface spots' need to be patched. Nawrocki
objected to McClanahan's response relative to Excel tree trimming. He indicated that some branches from
last year need to be picked up at the Southeast end of Labelle No. 1 slope.
Nawrocki indicated that, "Actions speak louder than works, and practice what you preach ".
Wyckoff indicated that the GoM Eagle Laundry would not be a drycleaner. She referred to the Library's
"Read and Bloom" brochure.
Szurek also referred to the newspaper article on income, and stated this was a reflection on how our city
has been allowed to deteriorate.
Szurek thanked everyone that attended the Memorial Day ceremony at city hall, and indicated the need to
show respect and to support our young people in the military.
Williams asked that everyone pray for the peace and prosperity of our city. He referred to the Mayor and
City Manager volunteering time at the building ora Habitat home.
Williams read several items from Bits' and Pieces and wished everyone a happy Fathers Day.
Williams added, "by our words' we will be justified, and by our words' we will be condemned".
Nawrocki compfimented Williams' daughter, indicating they both have very dedicated daughters.
Nawrocki stated he had a call asking if nine additional Habitat homes were planned in the City. Fehst
stated he spoke with dufie, from Habitat for Humanity, who indicated there were no other homes planned
with the city or privately. He stated that the Habitat home at 4045 Washington Street has changed hands'.
In reference to the newspaper article on income, Peterson stated that additional upscale housing would be
positive, along with the goal to improve our housing stock. He stated that he believes in Habitat homes
and does volunteer his time. The program is available to anyone willing to be involved and put in their
time.
City Council Minutes
June, 10, 2002
Page 7 of 7
Peterson stated "Don't take ourselves to seriously, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness. Smile and
treat people nice, and they will smile back and treat you nice."
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk