HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 11, 1999OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 11, 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 Councilmembers Szurek, Jolly, Wyckoff and Hunter.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
Them were no additions nor deletions to the agenda.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to approve the consent agenda as follows:
1) Minutes for Approval
The Council approved the minutes of the September 27, 1999 Regular Council Meeting as
presented.
2) Establish Hearing Dates for License Revocations - Rental Properties
The Council established October 25, 1999 for revocation of a license to operate a rental property
within the City of Columbia Heights against the following properties/owners: Marcea Mariani at
4007 Main Street, Mohammed Khan at 981 43 ½ Avenue, Gary Stockwell at 681-683 51st
Avenue and Susan Loewenthal at 1206-08 Circle Terrace and 1407-09 Circle Terrace.
3) Establish Date for Public Special Assessment Levy Hearing
The Council established Monday, November 15, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. as the Public Special
Assessment Levy hearing to be held in the City Council Chambers.
4) Approve Change Order No. 1 and Final Payment for Seal Coating
The Council authorized Contract Change Order No. 1 to compensate for the additional materials
used for the seal coat project in the amount of $5,710.00 with funding from 415-59901-5130.
The Council. accepted the work for 1999 Alley and Parking Lot Seal Coating, City Project
9901(A) and authorized final payment of $5,710.00 to Allied Blacktop Company of Maple
Grove, Minnesota.
5) Accept C.H.A.S.E. Grant
It was decided this item would be removed from the consent agenda for discussion later in the
meeting.
6) Authorization to Seek Bids for the Replacement of Unit g167 Tractor/Backhoe
The Council authorized the seeking of bids from the State of Minnesota Purchasing Contract for
the replacement of Unit #167: Ford tractor/backhoe.
7) Replacement of Unit gl 08 Hydraulic Pavement Breaker
The Council approved the purchase of one new hydraulic hammer from Ziegler, Inc. of
Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the amount of $20,995 with the costs to be appropriated equally from
Capital Equipment Replacement Funds 432-49450-5180 and 433-49430-5180.
8) Replacement of Unit #7A Reversible Front Plow for Unit #7, Front End Loader and
Authorization to Purchase a Wing Plow
The Council authorized the purchase of one (1) new Henke REL-12 12' reversible front plow
with swivel feature $11,340 and one new Henke SWL-10 10' wing plow with hydraulic push bar
extension $11,620, for a total of $22,960 plus tax for use on Unit #9, case front end loader.
9) Replacement of Unit #372: Wash Bay Pressure Washer
The Council authorized the purchase of an Aaladin Pressure Washer, Model 3423, from Quality
Sales & Service of Minnetonka, Minnesota, based upon their low informal quote in the amount
of $4,895.00 with funds from 434-49950-5180 with the existing unit to be placed at the
Hennepin County Auction.
10) Replacement of Unit # 101; Trailer-Mounted Hot Water High-Pressure Washer
The Council authorized the purchase of an Aaladin Model 42430 trailer-mounted hot water high-
pressure washer from Quality Sales & Service, Inc. of Minnetonka, Minnesota, in the amount of
$3,695.00 with trade-in, plus sales tax, with the costs split equally from Capital Equipment
Replacement Funds 432-49450-5180 and 433-49430-5180.
11) Resolution No. 99-81 - Award of Sanitary_ Sewer Lining Project #9916
The reading of the resolution was waived there being ample copies available for the public.
RESOLUTION NO. 99-81
BEING A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING
CONTRACT FOR 1999 SANITARY SEWER LINING PROJECT #9916
WHEREAS, pursuant to an advertisement for bids for 1999 Sanitary Sewer Lining
Project #9916 bids were received, opened and tabulated according to law. The following
bids were received complying with the advertisement:
Bidder
Insituform Technologies
Visu-Sewer Clan & Seal
Lametti & Sons, Inc.
Base Bid
$42,362.00
$48,783.50
$55,356.00
WHEREAS, it appears that Insituform Technologies USA, Inc., 17988 Edison Avenue,
Chesterfield, Missouri 63005 is the lowest responsible bidder.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA:
1.~Th~_Mayor and_Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with
~ergrnan Companie~c. in the name of the City of Columbia Heights for 1999 Sanitary
sewe-~F Lining, Project #9916, 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
lower bidder shall be retained until the contract has been signed.
3. City Project #9916 shall be funded with approximately 100% City funds.
Dated this 11th day of October, 1999.
Offered by: Wyckoff
Seconded by: Szurek
Roll call: All ayes
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
12) Hone_'~ell Service Agreement
The Council authorized the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a one year agreement with
Honeywell for the provision of equipment maintenance services at a cost of $67,878.
13) Renewal of Currency Exchange License for Kwik Cash, Inc.
The Council approved recommending to the Minnesota Department of Commerce the renewal of
the currency exchange license for Kwik Cash Incorporated located at 4639 Central Avenue
Northeast of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and directed the Chief of Police to forward a letter to
the Minnesota Department of Commerce advising them of this recommendation.
14) Authorize Payment of League of Minnesota Cities Dues
The Council approved the continued membership with the League of Minnesota Cities and
authorized the annual payment of $9,982.
15) Establish Budget Work Session Dates
The Council established the dates of October 26, November 9, and November 17, 1999 for
budget work sessions.
16) Approval of License Applications
The Council approved the items listed on the business license agenda for October 11, 1999.
17) Payment of Bills
The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds.
Roll call on consent agenda: All ayes
Accept C.H.A.S.E. Grant of $177,568
Matt Linngren, the staff member who wrote the grant application, reviewed some of the youth
activities which will result fi.om this funding. He noted that the administrative costs associated
with these activities is only 6%. This percent is very low compared to other grant recipients. He
also felt this grant could leverage the City's opportunity for future grants. Members of the
Council and of the staff acknowledge Matt Linngren for his very successful efforts.
Motion by Szurek, second by Jolly to accept the grant fi.om the Department of Children, Families
and Learning in the amount of $177,568 to fund the C.H.A.S.E. program from September 1,
1999 to December 31, 2001. Roll call: All ayes
5. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
A. Polish American Heritage Month
Mayor Peterson read the proclamation designating the month of October as Polish American
Heritage Month in Columbia Heights.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Public Heating and Adoption of Resolution No. 99-80 Approving a Tax Rate Increase
The Finance Director advised that this resolution is an additional requirement regarding local
taxes which is based on a law change this year. It does not change the anticipated increase.
Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample
copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes
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RESOLUTION NO. 99-80
BEING A RESOLUTION APPROVING A TAX INCREASE
FOR THE YEAR 2000
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota has enacted Chapter 243, Laws of Minnesota 1999,
Article 6, Section 2 requiring a City Council to have adopted and filed an authorized
resolution, if its city's tax tums out to be higher the following year than a theoretical tax
rate for the previous year under the law; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights prides itself on beginning its budget process
as early as possible in the calendar year in order to maximize input by all concemed
parties and allow full review of all expenditure items; and,
WHEREAS, there are numerous factors that are beyond the control of the City Council
and that can potentially cause tax rates to rise, including but not limited to:
A. Class rate changes by the state on various types of property,
B. Limitations on what percentage the market value of property can rise each year as set
by the state, and
C. Unfunded mandates upon local governments and reductions of federal and state aid.
WHEREAS, regardless of external factors influencing the tax rate through the years, the
City of Columbia Heights has a strong tradition and a record of success in holding down
property taxes on the citizens of Columbia Heights; and,
WHEREAS, Columbia Heights' property tax levy has been set each year well within the
levy limitations imposed by the State of Minnesota; and,
WHEREAS, even during those years when the state has not enacted levy limitations, the
City of Columbia Heights has had its own self-imposed levy limitations to protect he
interests of the city's property taxpayers:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that if the tax rate of the City of Columbia
Heights for the year 2000 is higher than the tax rate certified by the county auditor under
clause (3) of Section 2, Article 6, Chapter 243, Laws of Minnesota 1999, the higher tax
rate is hereby authorized by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that regardless of outside factors impacting tax rates, the
City Council of Columbia Heights remains firmly committed to the delivery of mandated
and other important services at a cost well within established levy limits in order to hold
down property taxes of the citizens of Columbia Heights.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that an official copy of this adopted resolution be filed
with the county auditor.
Adopted by the City Council this 11th day of October, 1999.
Offered by: Wyckoff
Seconded by: Szurek
Roll call: All ayes
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
7. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
A. Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1) Resolution No. 99-79 Being a Resolution Certi _lying Delinquent Assessments
Motion by Hunter, 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 - 79
CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT ASSESSMENTS
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that
THE COUNTY AUDITOR be, and he is hereby directed, to levy the delinquent special
assessments, delinquent utility, and miscellaneous delinquent bills on the properties in the
City of Columbia Heights as submitted on the attached pages and filed in the Assessment
Book for 1999 totaling $62,006.60.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing amounts shall be included in the
individual property tax statements for the current year and identified thereon as "Special
Assessments - Fund #82958.
SAID LEVIES shall be enforced and collected in the manner provided for the
enforcement and collection of State and County taxes under and in accordance with the
provisions of the general laws of the State. All assessments with penalties and interest as
indicated thereon paid to the County Treasurer shall belong to the City of Columbia
Heights and shall be turned over to the City Treasurer in the manner provided by the City
Charter and Ordinances.
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THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS shall accept payments on these levies until
October 5, 1999. Upon receipt of said payments the City will remove them from the
certification list sent to Anoka County.
Passed this l lth day of October, 1999.
Offered by: Hunter
Seconded by: Jolly
Roll Call: All ayes
Gary L. Peterson, Mayor
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
B. Bid Considerations
1) Rejection of Bituminous Street Repair Bids
The Public Works Director felt the time of the year and the size of the project may have been the
reasons for the high unit prices and for receiving only one bid.
Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to reject the bids for bituminous street repairs based upon the
single bid received and to include proposed work with the Zone 4 construction. Roll call: All
ayes
2) Purchase of a New Telephone System
Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an
agreement with Mitel for the purchase and installation of a telephone system based on their
proposal at a cost of $109,569 with funding coming from the General Government Buildings
Capital Improvement fund. Roll call: All ayes
C. Other Business
1) Authorization to Reinstate Parking on the North Side of 37th Avenue from Tyler Street to Hart
Boulevard
The Traffic Commission held a public hearing to discuss removing the parking ban on the north
side of 37th Avenue. Some residents who attended the public hearing felt parking would decrease
speed and improve safety. Currently, parking is allowed on the south side (Minneapolis side) of
37th Avenue.
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The Public Works Director will look into concerns expressed at the Traffic Commission
regarding some rough surface areas on 37th Avenue.
All members of the Council were opposed to the parking ban. Councilmember Jolly requested
staff to contact Minneapolis elected representatives and request the parking on the south side of
37th Avenue be removed.
Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to continue the parking ban on the north side of 37th Avenue
from Central Avenue to Hart Boulevard. Roll call: All ayes
2) Authorization to Designate the Northerly Westbound Lane of 37th Avenue as Right Turn Only
The Public Works Director stated that the staff recommendation is to prohibit parking on the
northside of 37th Avenue from Central Avenue to Van Buren Street. Discussion continued
regarding the two lanes of traffic coming across Central Avenue which have to merge into one
lane.
Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to ban parking on the north side of 37th Avenue west of
Central Avenue to Van Buren Street. Roll call: Szurek, Jolly, Wyckoff, Peterson - aye Hunter -
abstain.
Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to deny the requested designation of the northerly westbound
lane of 37th Avenue as right-turn only as recommended by the Traffic Commission. Roll call: All
ayes
Motion by Jolly, second by Hunter to request Minneapolis to reinstate the parking ban on the
south side of 37th Avenue. Roll call: All ayes
3) Authorization to Install a Secondary_ Water Connection to Columbia Heights Main at the
Water Treatment Plant
Motion by Szurek, second by Jolly to authorize the Minneapolis Water Works to install a
secondary water connection to Columbia Heights main in the Columbia Heights Plant, at an
estimated cost of $47,000-$50,000 with funding from the Water Construction Fund 651-49430-
5130. Roll call: All ayes
8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Report of the Ci_ty Manager
1) Referendum Meeting: There is a meeting scheduled for October 14~ at 7:00 p.m. to discuss
the Community Center referendum. The meeting is being held in Murzyn Hall. 2) The next
Landlords Meeting is October 12th at 7:00 p.m. at Murzyn Hall. 3) The City Manager addressed
the status of two HUD-owned properties.
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B. Report of the Ci_ty Attorney
The City Attorney had nothing to report.
9. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Minutes of the following meetings were included in the agenda packet: August 17, 1999 EDA;
August 30, 1999 EDA Special; September 22, 1999 Park & Recreation; September 7, 1999
Planning and Zoning; October 7, 1999 Planning and Zoning and the October 4, 1999 Traffic
Commission. No Council action was required.
10. CITIZENS FORUM
The Mayor acknowledged the area students who were at the meeting. They were attending the
meeting for special credit in their Civics Class.
The Mayor noted that this is the last Council Meeting for Jo-Anne Student, who has been the
Council Secretary for nearly twenty years. She is retiring.
A local landlord stated his concerns with the manner in which a Section 8 situation is being
handled. He was advised this is not the forum for discussing the matter.
11, ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Szurek, second by Wyckoffto adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Roll call: All ayes
Respectfully submitted with fond memories,
o-Anne Student