HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 8, 2001OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 8, 2001
The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October
8, 2001 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN.
An invocation was given by Heidi Albrecht, Director of Christian Outreach, St. Matthews Church.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff,
and Councilmember Nawrocki.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA
Nawrocki asked that the Proclamation and Presentation portion oft he meeting be moved up for the
convenience of the audience. Peterson indicated that was the previous intention.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS
Proclamations
Polish American Heritage Month
Mayor Peterson read the proclamation declaring Polish American Heritage Month.
Dolores Strand Sister City Committee membe, r was present to receive the Proclamation. She stated the
appreciation of the Polish American Community. She read the activities accomplished this year by the
Sister City Committee. Peterson stated we are proud of our association with our Sister City, and
encouraged other groups to bring their events' to the Council for recognition.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Mayor Peterson read the proclamation declaring Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Presentations -none
Introduction
Steve Antus - Community Access Coordinator
Jean Kuehn, Special Projects' Coordinator, described the City's association with the local access cable
channel. She introduced Steve Antus, the new employee at this channel. Mr. Antus stated that Channel
15 is here for the public and the City of Columbia Heights, and that he looks forward to working with
everyone.
Recognition
Officer Mike McGee and Sgt. Val Dietz
Mayor Peterson read the proclamation declaring Officer McGee and Sgt. Dietz Day.
Officer McGee addressed the Council and community, thanking everyone for their concern and prayers.
Sgt. l/al Dietz spoke referencing all the cards' and treasures received from concerned persons, including
his D.A.R.E. students, and thanked everyone.
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 2 of 12
County Commissioner Kordiak and Anoka County Sheriff Podany presented certificates to the officers,
Chief Johnson, and Police Department staff showing the appreciation of the County Law Enforcement
community and Anoka County at large.
Peterson thanked Chief Johnson for his leadership during this incident.
Adopt Resolution 2001-63 being a Resolution recognizing the tragic events at the World Trade Center in
New York City on September 11, 2001.
Mayor Peterson read the resolution regarding the World Trade Center event.
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to adopt Resolution 2001-63, being a resolution
recognizing the tragic events at the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001.
Upon vote: all ayes. Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
A) Motion by Nawrocki, second by Szurek, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows:
Walt Fehst, City Manager, reviewed the following items:
1) Minutes for Approval
Motion to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2001, regular City Council meeting as
presented.
2)
Authorize payment of the 2002 League of Minnesota Cities Membership Dues
Motion to authorize payment to the League of Minnesota Cities for 2001 membership dues in the
amount of $10,504.00.
3)
Authorize transfer of Funds from General Fund to Police Department Budget to Repay Overtime
fund.
Motion to authorize transfer of $5,063.32, the total amount received from Unique Thrift Store,
Columbia Heights High School, Immaculate Conception Fun Fest, and the Summer Academy for off
duty security worked, from the General Fund to the Police Department 2001 budget under line 1020,
Police overtime.
4) Authorize acceptance of the 2001-2002 Federal Law Enforcement Block Grant and set Public
Hearing date for review of proposed use of the funds.
Motion to accept the 2001-2002 Federal Law Enforcement Block Grant in the amount of $22,698,
with a 10 percent match in the amount of $2,522 to come from the unexpended funds in the 2001
Police Department general budget.
Nawrocki questioned the proposed use of the funds and why the money isn't used for items akeady
budgeted. Chief Johnson stated the grant funds cannot supplant the regular budget; and that a
committee establishes a list of proposed items, which will come before Council on October 22, 2001.
Nclwrocki will ask at that hearing to use the funds to alleviate items from next year's budget.
Johnson stated that items purchased are items that wouM have had to be purchased out of the
budget, but are able to be purchased sooner because of the grant.
Motion to set October 22, 2001, as a public hearing date for review of the proposed use of the funds
from this grant.
5)
Establish the date for the Public Special Assessment Levv Hearing
Motion to establish Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. as the Public Special Assessment
Levy Hearing to be held in the City Council Chambers.
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 3 of 12
Fehst stated this is for current road repair project,'. Nawrocki asked if the project wouM be done by
this date. Kevin Hanson, Public Work; Director, indicated the work wouM be completed by then.
6)
Adopt Resolution 2001-59, being a resolution calling for a Public Hearing on the proposed adoption
of a Modification of downtown Central Business District revitalization plan and TIF District #1
Motion to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-59, there being ample copies available to the
public.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2001-59 being a resolution calling for a Public Hearing by the City
Council on the proposed adoption of a modification to the Downtown Central Business District
(CBD) Revitalization Plan for the CBD Redevelopment Project and the proposed modification of
Housing Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District No. 1, therein and the adoption of the
modified plans therefore.
Nawrocki requested more information on how this will revitalize the downtown central business
district.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-59
BEING A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING BY THE CITY COUNCIL
ON THE PROPOSED ADOPTION OF A MODIFICATION TO THE DOWNTOWN
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR THE CBD
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION OF HOUSING
REDEVELOPMENT TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 1 THEREIN AND
THE ADOPTION OF THE MODIFIED PLANS THEREFORE.
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council (the "Council") for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (the
"City"), as follows:
Section 1. Public Hearing. This Council shall meet on December 17, at approximately 7:00 P.M., to
hold a public hearing on the proposed adoption of a Modification to the Downtown Central Business District
(CBD) Revitalization Plan for the CBD Redevelopment Project, the proposed adoption of a Modification to
Housing Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District No. 1, (a redevelopment district), and the proposed
adoption of the Modified Plan therefor, all pursuant to and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Sections
469.174 through 469.179, inclusive, as amended, in an effort to encourage the development and redevelopment
of certain designated areas within the City; and
Section 2. Notice of Public Hearing, Filing of the Modified Plans. City staff is authorized and directed
to work with Ehlers and Associates, Inc., to prepare the Modification to the Downtown CBD Revitalization
Plan for the CBD Redevelopment Project and the Modification to the Tax Increment Financing Plan for
Modification to Housing Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District No. 1, and to forward documents to
the appropriate taxing jurisdictions including Anoka County and Independent School District No. 13. The
Deputy Clerk is authorized and directed to cause notice of the hearing, together with an appropriate map as
required by law, to be published at least once in the official newspaper of the City not later than 10, nor more
than 30, days prior to December 17, and to place a copy of the Modified Plans on file in the Deputy Clerk's
office at City Hall and to make such copy available for inspection by the public.
Passed this 8th day of October, 2001
Offered by: Nawrocki
Second by: Szurek
Roll Call: Ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, Williams
Nays: 0
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 4 of 12
7)
8)
9)
Authorize LMCIT Workers' Compensation Retro Close-Out Option
Motion to authorize the close-out of all open retro workers' compensation years with the League of
Minnesota Cities Insurance trust at a cost not to exceed $14,653.00.
Authorization for Final Payment for City Seal Coating, City Project #0101
Motion to accept the work for 2001 Seal Coat Program, City Project #0101, and authorize final
payment of $49,160.04 to Allied Blacktop Company of Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Authorize approval of Change Order No. 1 for Zone 5 Street Rehabilitation Program
Motion to authorize Change Order No. 1, Addition of the 45th Avenue Sanitary Sewer Repair to the
Zone 5 Street Rehabilitation, City Project #0102, to Palda and Sons, Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota, in
the amount of $23,863.80, from the Sanitary Sewer Utility Fund, 652-50102-5130.
Motion to authorize the addition of sewer lining of 600 feet of 15 inch RCP pipe on 45th Avenue
from the University Service drive to 5th Street, to the 2001 Sanitary Sewer Lining projects, 0103 and
- 0104.
Nawrocki wanted assurance that the size of the fines wouM not be diminished.
10) Authorize preparation of specifications for City Hall roof repair
Motion to direct staff to enter into a contract with Bill Hollman of AAC Inc. to prepare
specifications for roof repairs and supervise construction for $3,000, as per attached report, including
alternate specifications for restoration and for replacement of all sections of the roof.
Fehst stated the specifications would be on repairing certain sections of the roof and on restoring all
sections. Nclwrocki requested to see the specifications before they are released for bid. Peterson
indicated the motion shouM include supervision of the construction. Peterson indicated the bids
shouM be released as soon as possible, for both options. Wyckoff questioned past roof work. Fehst
referenced past problems. Fehst stated the consultant's recommendation is total replacement over
the police department and repairs over the finance department.
Fehst stated that he has asked Honeywell for information on heating and air conditioning unit
replacement, as this wouM need to be done prior to roof repairs, and he wouM relay this
information to Council on Monday night, if available. Nclwrocki requested a 30 year guarantee.
Fehst indicated that most warranty problems occur in the first ten years, and that warranties
extending to 20 and 30 years are very expense. Nclwrocki suggesting asking for alternate warranty
bids.
11) Authorize repair to the City Hall heating boiler
Motion to approve the low bid of $5,800 from Moorhead Machinery and Boiler for the replacement
of all tubes in the City Hall heating boiler, and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute the
contract for the same.
12) Authorize purchase and installation of six public access catalog PC's at the Library
Motion to purchase and to install hardware and software necessary to replace six public access
catalog pc's at the Library from the Anoka County Library and through the Columbia Heights
Information Systems Department based on available State and County contract prices and obtained
quotes; and furthermore to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the
same.
Fehst stated this is to replace "dummy" computers from 1987.
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 5 of 12
13) Authorize fluorescent bulb disposal agreement with Xcel Energy
Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager Mayor to enter into an agreement with Xcel
Energy regarding the collection and disposal of fluorescent bulbs and reimbursement to the City for
all expenses related to the residential component of the collection.
14) Establish Hearing Date regarding License Revocation or Suspension of Rental Properties at 1124-26
45th Avenue NE and 4544-46 Fillmore Street
Motion to Establish a Hearing Date of October 22, 2001 for Revocation or Suspension of a
License to Operate a Rental Property within the City of Columbia Heights against Karolyn
Erickson at 4544-46 Fillmore Street.
Fehst removed the 45th Avenue hearing date request, as the property has come into compfiance.
15) Approve Business License Applications
Motion to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for October 8, 2001 as
presented.
16) Approve Payment of Bills
Motion to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund.
Nawrocki questioned how resident; were made aware of the florescent bulb collection, dean Kuehn,
Recycling Coordinator, indicated the bulb collection has taken place the first Saturday in May and
October for the last three years, and listed locations of publication.
Upon vote of the consent agenda: All ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 5248-50 Washington
Street.
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
B) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 3732 3rd Street
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
C) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4943-45 Jackson St.
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
D) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1124-26 45th Avenue
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
E) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1242-44 and 1248-50
Circle Terrace
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 6 of 12
F) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1266-68 Circle
Terrace
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
G) Close the Public Hearing for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing Revocation at 4919 Jackson
Street
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing, until such time all interested parties can be properly notified.
H) Rental Housing Revocation for 344 40th Avenue
Mayor Peterson closed the public hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
Other Ordinances and Resolutions
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2001-56, being a Resolution authorizing the purchase of 3718 Central Avenue
Nawrocki spoke against the motion, as he has not received a specific plan for use of the property,
and that initially this purchase was contingent upon the purchase of the property next door.
Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-56, there being
ample copies available to the public. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to adopt Resolution 2001-56, being a Resolution
authorizing the purchase of 3718 Central Avenue NE and utilizing Community Development Block
Grant funds for the purchase.
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4-1 Motion
carried.
RESOLUTION 2001 - 56
BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 3718 CENTRAL 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 residential property pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement by and between the City of Columbia Heights and Heidi G.K. vonHeideman (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:
The City Council hereby approves the terms of the Purchase Agreement for 3718 Central Avenue
N.E. between the City of Columbia Heights and Heidi G. K. VonHeideman and authorizes the
Mayor and the City Manager to sign it on behalf of the City at a purchase price of $70,000, which
is established as the fair market value based on the amount being the price for the property offered
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 7 of 12
for sale by the owner and the value being determined by comparison of formal appraisals of the
property.
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.
The City Council approves payment of the purchase cost from the City Community
Development Block Grant Program funds.
Passed this 8th
Offered by:
Second by:
Roll Call:
day of October, 2001
Williams
Szurek
Ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams
Nayes: Nawrocki
2)
Adopt Resolution No. 2001-57, being a Resolution authorizing the lot split of 4401 Quincy
Nawrocki questioned what guarantee there was that this wouM only be a twin home and not
separate parcel,', dim Hoefi, City Attorney, stated this is understood pursuant to the purchase
agreement. Wyckoff referred to questions by the Planning and Zoning Commission that each half
wouM not be painted a different color. Hoefi stated there is no control over any home for this kind of
thing. Wyckoff asked if the home is sold does it go back to Habitat. Nawrocki stated they have the
right of first refusal. Szurek stated these homes have been finished with vinyl siding and wouM not
need to be painted so this wouM not be an issue.
Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2001-57, there being
ample copies available to the public. All ayes. Motion carried.
Motion by Williams, second by Szurek, to adopt Resolution 2001-57, being a Resolution approving
a lot split of the property at 4401 Quincy Street NE.
Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson, aye. All ayes.
Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 57
SUBDIVISION REQUEST CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
I, Julie Gugin, Vice President, for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Inc., hereby request a split of
PIN 35 30 24 11 0054 Legally described as:
Lots 16, 17 and the South lA of Lot 18, Block 11, Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County,
Minnesota.
THE DESCRIPTION HENCEFORTH TO BE:
Parcel A
The South Half of Lot 18, and the North 30.00 feet of Lot 17, Block 11, Columbia Heights Annex to
Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota. Subject to proposed easement described below.
Parcel B
Lot 16 and that part of Lot 17 lying southerly of the northerly 30.00 feet thereof Block 11, Columbia
Heights Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota. Subject to proposed easement described below.
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 8 of 12
Proposed Easement
A permanent easement for drainage and utility purposes over under and across the south 5.00 feet of Lot 16;
the north 5.00 feet of the south half of Lot 18; the east 5.00 feet of Lots 16, 17 and the south half of Lot 18; and
the west 10.00 feet of Lots 16, 17 and the south half of Lot 18, all in Block 11, Columbia Heights Annex to
Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota.
Be it further resolved that special assessments of record in the office of the City of Columbia Heights as of this
day, against the above described property, in the amount of $38.68 are delinquent and are being certified to
Anoka County to be added to the real estate taxes payable in 2002. There is currently a pending assessment in
the amount of $1794.00 to be divided.
Any pending or future assessments will be levied according to the new split as approved this day.
Any lot split given approval shall become invalid if the resolution, motion or other Council action approving the
said lot split is not filed with the County Recorder within one (1) year of the date of the Council action.
Passed this 8th day of October 2001.
Offered by: Williams
Seconded by: Szurek
Roll Call: All ayes
3)
Second reading of Ordinance No. 1441, being an Ordinance amending Ordinance 853, City Code of
1977, eliminating taxicab licensing in Columbia Heights and setting requirements for taxicabs within
the City.
Wyckoff asked the Police Chief if there had been any reaction from cab drivers in our community.
Johnson indicated no, and stated he will continue to attend relevant committee meetings. Wyckoff
informed residents that this ordinance would allow any licensed cabs to pickup passengers in
Columbia Heights. Nawrocki indicated the licensing should be restricted to the main four groups
that license cabs and drivers in the metro area. He indicated that the Police Department should be
contacted if there are any problems. He asked that this be published in the City newsletter.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1441, there being
ample copies available to the public. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Motion by Szurek, second by Williams, to approve Ordinance No. 1441, being an Ordinance
amending Ordinance 853, City Code of 1977, eliminating taxicab licensing in Columbia Heights and
setting requirements for taxicabs within the City.
Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1441
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 853, CITY CODE OF 1977,
ELIMINATING TAXICAB LICENSING IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
AND SETTING REQUIREMENTS FOR TAXICABS WITHIN THE CITY
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
No person shall engage in or operate a taxicab business and pick up persons for hire in the course of such
business within the City limits, without a taxicab driver and taxicab license to operate in another political
subdivision in this state, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. A driver and cab so
licensed may carry passengers to any place or point within the city and may solicit or pick up business
within the city.
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 9 of 12
For purposes of this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed to them:
a) "Taxicab" shall mean any motor vehicle engaged in the carrying of persons for hire, either over a
fixed route, operated from a street stand, subject to calls from a garage, or otherwise operated for
hire; but the term shall not include vehicles subject to control and regulation by the State Railroad
and Warehouse Commission, the Metropolitan Transit Commission, or vehicles regularly used by
undertakers.
b)
"Street" shall mean and include any street, alley, avenue, court, bridge, lane or public place in the
City.
c)
Operator" shall mean any person who drives a taxicab, whether such person be the owner of such
taxicab or an employee of said owner.
d)
"Owner" shall mean any person owning or having control of the use of one or more taxicabs for
use in a taxicab business, whether or not said owner is a taxicab operator.
e)
"Taxicab Stand" shall mean any public place which is exclusively reserved by authority of the
City for the use of taxicabs.
"Taximeter" shall mean any mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for hire of a
taxicab is mechanically calculated, either by distance traveled or waiting time or both, and upon
which such charge shall be indicated by figures.
Every taxicab under this section shall have some designation of the character of the vehicle painted in
plain visible letters on each side thereof.
a)
A card printed in plain legible letters shall be displayed inside each taxicab and shall indicate the
maximum rates that are to be charged, the name of the operator; together with a statement that
articles lost in the taxicab will be forwarded to the City, Police Department, where they may be
identified and claimed, and the statement "Ask the Driver for Bill and Receipt" in bold type.
b)
Every taxicab shall be equipped with a taximeter. Each taximeter shall be sealed with case and
gear intact, and shall be semi-annually certified and checked for accuracy and working condition
by an agency qualified to perform such service.
Each taximeter shall be kept in plain view of the passenger and shall be maintained in good and
accurate working order at all times.
c)
Rates charged by taxicabs for conveyance in this City shall be the same as the rates set by the
political subdivision the taxi is licensed out of. Upon request therefore, every passenger shall be
given a receipt upon payment of his fare.
d)
When in operation, taxicabs not carrying passengers shall be parked at stands designated for that
purpose from time to time by Resolution of the Council. Said Resolution shall also designate the
number of taxicabs which may be stationed at any such stand.
e)
The taxicab drive shall maintain proof of an insurance policy with an insurance company duly
licensed to transact such business in this State; insuring against loss from the liability imposed by
law for damages on account of bodily injuries or death, or for damages to property resulting from
the ownership, maintenance or use of any taxicab in the taxicab at all times. The limit in such
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 10 of 12
insurance policy of such taxicab shall not be less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars for bodily
injuries to or death of one person and Three Hundred Thousand Dollars on account of any one
accident resulting in injuries and/or death to more than one person, and a total of Ten Thousand
Dollars liability for damages to property of others, arising out of any one accident. This policy
shall be presented to any police officer upon request.
Every taxicab operator shall be subject to the below named regulations. The operator and the vehicle
owner shall jointly insure enforcement of such regulations.
a) All operators shall be clean and courteous at all times.
b) No operator shall carry any person other than the passenger first employing a taxicab without the
consent of such passenger.
c) No operator shall charge or attempt to charge any passenger a greater rate of fare than that established
by the political subdivision that licensed the taxicab.
d) No operator shall knowingly deceive with the intent to defraud any passenger who may ride with him,
or who may desire to ride in his vehicle, as to his destination or distance to be traveled.
e)
No operator shall solicit passengers as fares except when traveling around the streets or at a regularly
designated stand. No operator shall alight from his taxicab at any time for the purpose of soliciting
passengers, provided that this shall not prohibit any driver from alighting from his taxicab to assist a
passenger entering or alighting from his taxicab.
f) Each operator shall forward lost articles found in his taxicab to the Police Department.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days after its passage.
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Date of Passage:
September 24, 2001
October 8, 2001
October 8, 2001
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Williams
Roll Call: All ayes
Bid Considerations -none
Other Business - none
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Report of the City Manager
Fehst stated he attended a North Star Corridor emergency meeting, which indicated a change in funding
for the North Star rail line, with MNDot action to stop the line at Big Lake instead of St. Cloud, because
of the lack of federal funding. Fehst outlined funding percentages for the project. Nawrocki stated there
wouM be no rail access to the City of Columbia Heights, but taxes wouM be increased taxes because of
the line. Wyckoff questioned the connection of the transit hub and the light rail system. Fehst indicated
the process. Peterson referred to the new bus line connection to Elk River, and felt it wouM be
advantageous to have this rail line to St. Cloud Szurek felt the North Star Corridor was more practical
than light rail transit, as it wouM not stop every block and wouM run on existing track; versus the light
rail transit, which wouM require its own tracks, with numerous stops.
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 11 of 12
Upcoming Work Session Items
Fehst stated that the Police and Fire Department budgets' wouM be discussed at the October 15, 2001
meeting beginning at 8:00p. m. And, if the report on the roof specifications arrives, it wouM be
distributed.
Report of the City Attorney - none
GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Minutes of Boards and Commissions
4) Meeting of the October 2, 2001, Planning and Zoning Commission
5) Meeting of the September 20, 2001 Telecommunications Commission
CITIZENS FORUM - none
COUNCIL CORNER
Nawrocki referred to a call regarding new reflector signposts'. Hansen stated the signposts' are U-channels,
and give additional advance warnings. Nawrocki stated a resident request that one be placed on d9th and
Jefferson.
Nawrocki questioned work off the alley on ddth and dffh. Hansen stated the developer is currently working
on items at this location. Nawrocki referred to the lack of playground area around the units' on 3r~. Szurek
stated the developer had assured the Planning and Zoning Commission there would be a lot of play area,
but there isn't. Nawrocki questioned the fixture on 50th and Jefferson. Hansen indicated a pre-cast catch
basin manhole has been installed there. Nawrocki asked that information from the green sheet on
recycling/refuse be in the newsletter. Nawrocki felt the Jefferson retaining wall needs a fence. Hansen listed
the items, including the guardrails, which need to be completed. Nawrocki asked that fencing at the liquor
store be brought to a work session. Nawrocki stated he is still waiting for a balance sheet on the Sheffield
project.
Nawrocki referred to e-mail received on the use of fertilizers, and asked that a response be given. Wyckoff
stated she contacted this resident. Hansen stated that there is currently nothing restricting phosphorous use,
and referred to upcoming educational opportunities for the community and information from the Watershed
District. Hansen stated additional action wouM probably be forthcoming, and that the Watershed District
wouM work with vendors to not sell phosphorous fertilizers. Wyckoff indicated the City of Minneapolis no
longer allows this on their lawns, so dealers like Chem-lawn are probably not using it. Hansen agreed, and
stated that education on phosphorous is the best method of control.
Nawrocki referred to the City Planner's memo on not being able to require the Rainbow self-serve gas
station to have a bathroom and compared this to the Apache kiosk owner having to remove his building
because it did not have water. He would like to address the issue before the facility is built and there are
problems similar to the current situation at the municipal liquor store. Fehst stated he would check if the
building permit has been issued.
Peterson asked that Fi Tabb 's request, regarding sod replacement, be addressed. Nclwrocki asked that she
received a written response.
Nawrocki stated there are still three cars for sale across the street from the oM Dr. Goodparking lot. He
stated that Community Credit had been tagged for the violation of having too many cars for sale. He stated
that Auto World does not have a license to sell cars from this site and that something should be done about
City Council Minutes
October 8, 2001
Page 12 of 12
this violation. Fehst indicated the Planner has addressed this issue. Hoeft referred to a meeting with the
representative of the property and the Planner, and pointed out that this sale of the autos is not a separate
business, and the vehicles are repossessions, which does not require a car selling license. If this were an
accessory business, a license wouM be required. Nawrocki felt it was another example of special treatment
for this business.
Nawrocki felt that the original parking agreement for the Dr. Good lot was for excavation material and
employee parking. There are more vehicles there than employee cars, and vehicles that are not licensed.
NawrocM stated that the landscaping required in 1986 has not been completed. Fehst stated that the
landscaping was discussed with the representative, and that unlicensed vehicles wouM be sited. Hoeft
indicated that the representative of the business stated he wouM deal with this. Fehst stated the Police
wouM be informed to visit the area.
Mayor Peterson asked that the youth present come forward to introduce themselves. Two students were
present.
Nawrocki referred to the Columbia Heights Historical Society meeting last week, and that Wyckoff and
Loader shouM be commended for their organization of this group.
Nawrocki stated "Take City business very seriously/"
Wyckoff asked if the port-a-potties wouM be removed from the University Avenue liquor store. Fehst stated
that the Police Department indicate 8 to 10 people per night use the facility, and he asked if they could be
left there until the end of the month. Wyckoff stated that was not acceptable to her and they shouM not be
allowed around businesses. Nawrocki stated he wanted them left, as they are apart of the temporary
solution.
Wyckoff referred to the solution reached on the Abraham property, where he would convert two garage
stalls into part of the home, and wouM buiM additional storage to the maximum allowed on the lot.
Szurek stated concern that the design of the sound wall on University is not what was originally planned.
Hansen will check the plans and call the project manager.
Williams referred to past comments against Mr. Roberts' business, and that we need businesses in
Columbia Heights and shouM encourage them.
Williams asked everyone to "Pray for the peace and prosperity of the Ci' "
ty , and read a message from
resident, Fi Tabb.
Peterson stated he does not befieve there has been any special treatment of Auto World and that they have
been singled out more than anyone. He referred to another business that has not been checked.
Peterson asked that with the recent problems in the world everyone keep a positive attitude, and stated
"Don't take ourselves too seriously, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness and may God continue to
bless America ".
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk