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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 14, 2002 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2002 The following are the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN. Pastor Bill Warner, NEI College of Technology, gave the Invocation. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmember Szurek, Councilmember Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA Nawrocki requested discussion on plowing and sanding of City streets and a report on the Tour/Goal Setting session (the discussion of possible redevelopment projects). Peterson indicated the items would be discussed under Items for Consideration. Peterson moved up Presentations prior to the Consent Agenda. Peterson suggested this be a permanent agenda change. Nawrocki suggested moving the Citizens Forum to early in the meeting. Peterson stated that presentations are established agenda items and open forum topics are not. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamations 1. John Gordon – Curling Olympian Mayor Peterson introduced Mr. John Gordon, 2002 Curling Olympian and read the Proclamation declaring January 26, 2002 as John Gordon Day. Peterson stated there would th also be a fundraiser for Mr. Gordon on January 26 at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church. John Gordon thanked the City Council and residents for their support. He spoke of the challenges of making it to the Olympics. He explained the sport of Curling and answered Councilmembers questions. Gordon also introduced his wife and children. Presentations 1. Mickey Rooney – cancelled 2. Holiday Lighting Contest Mayor Peterson introduced and presented awards and $50 checks to Holiday Lighting contest winners Glen and Deanna Baggenstoss and Charles and Lisa Draper. Winners Mike and Kristina Hammar were not present, but will be sent their award and check. Introduction of New Employees - none Recognition – none City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 2 of 11 CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff to approve the Consent Agenda items, excluding items #2 and #4, as follows: 1. Minutes for Approval MOTION to approve the minutes of the December 17, 2001, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2.Adopt Resolution No. 2002-02, being a resolution Approving Appointment to the HRA - Removed 3.Adopt Resolution No. 2002-03, being a Resolution ordering preparation of feasibility reports for Zone 6A Street Rehabilitation Program. MOTION to waive the reading of Resolution 2002-03 there being ample copies available for the public. MOTION to adopt Resolution No. 2002-03, being a resolution ordering the preparation of a report for proposed Zone 6A Street Rehabilitation Program. Nawrocki questioned having a public hearing. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, suggested Wednesday, March 6, 2002 for the Public Hearing. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-03 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORTS ON ZONE 6A STREET REHABILITATION WHEREAS , the City Council of Columbia Heights is proposing to rehabilitate local streets in the northeast quadrant of Zone 6. Rehabilitation strategies include complete reconstruction, partial reconstruction or mill and overlay. WHEREAS, the City Council intends to assess the benefitted property for all or a portion of the cost of the improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.011 to 429.111 (Laws 1953, Chapter 398, as amended), and Section 103B.201 to 103B.251, as follows: 2002-03 ZONE 6A STREET REHABILITATION NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA that the proposed improvements be referred to Mr. Kevin Hansen, City Engineer, for study and that he is instructed to report to the Council with all convenient speed advising the Council in a preliminary way as to whether the proposed improvements are necessary, cost effective, and feasible and as to whether it should best be made as proposed or in connection with some other improvement, and the estimated cost of the improvement as recommended. Dated this 14th day of January, 2002. Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Wyckoff Roll Call: All ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, Williams 4.Adopt Resolution No. 2002-01, being a Resolution approving plans and specs for Central Avenue and authorizing advertisement for bids. - Removed City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 3 of 11 5. Approve Change Order No. 1 and final payment for miscellaneous concrete project #0100. MOTION to authorize Contract Change Order No. 1 for additional work added to the contract by the City to Ron Kassa Construction, Inc. in the amount of $20,947.40 with funding out of the appropriate funds. MOTION to accept the work for 2001 Miscellaneous Concrete Repairs and Installations, City Project #0100 and authorize final payment of $9,287.31 to Ron Kassa Construction, Inc. of Elko, Minnesota. Nawrocki questioned what the change order covered. Hansen stated this was the miscellaneous concrete project, for alleys, curbs, etc. and water main break repairs. 6. Approve Change Order No. 3 and final payment for retaining wall construction. MOTION to authorize Contract Change Order No. 3 for additional work added to the contract by the City to Sunram Construction, Inc. in the amount of $8,760.00, with funding to be appropriated from State Aid Construction Funds. MOTION to accept the work for Retaining Wall Construction at Jefferson Street, Arthur Street, Wargo Court, 44th Avenue and 49th Avenue, Municipal Project #9818 and #0012; and, authorize final payment of $9,311.94 to Sunram Construction, Inc. of Corcoran, Minnesota. Nawrocki questioned what the change order covered. Hansen stated this was for a new curb around a retaining wall. 7. Approve Business License Applications MOTION to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for January 14, 2002 as presented. 8. Approve Payments of Bills MOTION : Move to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. Motion carried. Upon vote of the Consent Agenda: All ayes. Items removed from the Consent Agenda 2. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-02, being a resolution Approving Appointment to the HRA MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No.2002-02, there Motion carried being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. . MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to Adopt Resolution 2002-02, being a Resolution approving appointment to the Board of Commissioners of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights. Nawrocki stated he could not support the motion as the administrator of Parkview Villa recommended one person interviewed. This person, if appointed, would be acting on the administrator’s contract and would be inappropriate. Williams approved of the recommendation. Peterson stated that he was not at the interviews, but polled the Council and all had high regard for all the interviewees, with the most support for Dennis Ecklund. Peterson stated he would support the appointment. City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 4 of 11 Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson aye: 4 ayes – 1 Motion carried nay. . RESOLUTION NO. 2002-02 RESOLUTION APPROVING APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN AND FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City Columbia Heights (City) as follows: 1. The members of the City Council of the City currently serve as the board of commissioners of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights (HRA), for terms that coincide with their term of office as City Council members. 2. Under an amendment to Section 469.003, subdivision 5 of the HRA Act, the City may increase the size of the board of commissioners of the HRA from five to a maximum of seven members, so long as any additional commissioners are appointed in accordance with the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 24, part 974 (HUD Regulations). 3. The HUD Regulations require that the HRA offer the opportunity for residents of housing facilities operated by the HRA to serve on the HRA’s board of commissioners. 4. The Mayor has recommended the appointment of one additional commissioner who shall serve as a “resident board member” as defined in the HUD Regulations. The resident board member recommended . for appointment is Dennis Ecklund Jr 5. The City Council hereby approves appointment of Dennis Ecklund Jr. as a resident board member of the HRA for a term commencing on the date of this resolution and concluding January 1, 2007 [five years after the date of this resolution]. th Passed this 14 day of January 2002. Offered by: Szurek Seconded by: Williams Roll Call: Ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams Nay: Nawrocki 4 ayes –1 nay, Carried. 4. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-01, being a Resolution approving plans and specs for Central Avenue and authorizing advertisement for bids. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-01, Motion carried there being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. . MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-01, approving plans and specs for Central Avenue and authorizing advertisement for bids. Nawrocki stated that a public hearing was necessary as this would be an assessed project. Hansen agreed and stated that since 1998 there have been three public meetings. He stated the importance of getting the project bid out for contractor availability and pricing, as this is almost a $5 million project. Hansen stated there would be a public meeting before bids are taken and could be adjusted following that meeting. Nawrocki stated that different levels of assessment were discussed at the Council work session. Hansen described improvements to water service, concrete improvements, and landscaping/streetscaping. Water service assessments would be at actual cost, with landscaping improvements limited to 50 percent of the cost. Hansen stated that City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 5 of 11 the core area would have more intense landscaping and therefore charged a different amount. Hansen referred to the February 1, 2001 feasibility report on the project. Nawrocki asked if there would be attachments on the light poles for flags and banners. Hansen stated this was not including in the bidding process, but a strap could be added. Nawrocki was in favor of banners and referred to the VFW no longer putting flags on the lights poles because the brackets are a safety hazard. Fehst suggested these for a core area and establishing a theme that would promote Columbia Heights. Peterson asked that the bid have an alternate for electricity on the light poles. Hansen suggested an electric alternate for every second pole for seasonal lighting. Peterson indicated that flags and banners are a City benefit and should be paid with City funds. Fehst referred to banners that promote the adjacent business. th Nawrocki indicated his preference that the bus stop location on 37 Avenue and Central be moved back to its historic location. Hansen stated that Metro Transit orients bus stops across from each other. The history of this bus stop was discussed. Nawrocki questioned plans to restrict travel on Reservoir Blvd. Hansen stated there would be a throat narrowing. Nawrocki saw no need to restrict traffic to one lane each way. Nawrocki questioned why more funding is requested than the estimated costs. Hansen stated this is to cover overhead costs for engineering and bonding. Nawrocki suggested the specifications have some alternates. Hansen explained that the terra cotta planters are concrete and the only substance less expensive is fiberglass, which would not last very long. The engineering consultant has recommended middle of the road products. Nawrocki questioned the life expectancy of specific project improvements. Hansen stated the utilities and water main would be 50 plus years, the sewer is in good shape, the manhole covers would be about 25 years, the reconstructed roadway should be about 25 years, the mill and overlay about 10 to 15 years, and the light poles are fiberglass and should last 20-25 years. Wyckoff questioned the age of the present poles. Hansen stated they are about 20 or 22 years old and explained the difference between these and the new type of fixtures. th Wyckoff questioned if the benches on the corner Central and 40 Avenue will be replaced. Hansen stated they are not scheduled for replacement at this point, but we can look at other alternatives. Hansen stated that project plans and drawing boards are on display at the Public Works building. Upon vote: Williams, aye: Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson, aye. 5 ayes. Motion carried . RESOLUTION NO. 2002-01 BEING A RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE CENTRAL AVENUE (T.H. 65) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - CITY PROJECT 9912 and 9912(A) WHEREAS , the engineering consulting firm of URS has prepared final plans and specifications for the thrd improvement of Central Avenue from 37 Avenue to 43 Avenue, City Project 9912 and 9912(A); and City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 6 of 11 WHEREAS, the City’s Municipal State Aid account, Mn/DOT Cooperative Agreement Funds, Special Assessments and City Utility Funds shall provide the funding for the proposed improvements; and WHEREAS , the improvements continue the City goal(s) of improving the physical appearance of the City’s commercial and industrial corridors and replace deteriorated infrastructure; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 1. Such plans and specifications, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, are hereby approved. 2. The City Clerk shall prepare and cause to be inserted in the Official Paper and the Construction Bulletin, an advertisement for bids upon the making of such improvement under such approved plans and specifications. The advertisement shall be published in the Focus News on February 7, 2002 and in the Construction Bulletin on February 8, 15, and 22, 2002. The advertisement shall specify the work to be done; shall state that bids will be received by representatives of the Council until March 5, 2002 at which time they will be publicly opened by the City Engineer; will then be tabulated; and will be considered by the City Council at their regular meeting of April 8, 2002. No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the Engineer and accompanied by a cash deposit, Cashier’s Check, bid bond payable to the City for 5 percent of the amount of such bid. th Dated this 14 day of January 2002. Offered by: Williams Seconded by: Szurek Roll Call: All ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, Williams PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4654 Washington Street NE. Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance with the Rental Housing Maintenance Code. Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 4546 Tyler Street NE. Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing, as the property has been brought into compliance with the Rental Housing Maintenance Code. Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1300-02, 1308-10, 1316- 18, 1324-26 Circle Terrace Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing, as the property/building has been brought into substantial (but not complete) compliance with the Residential Maintenance Code. th Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License Revocation for 4023 6 Street NE Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing, until such time all interested parties are notified. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions – none City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 7 of 11 Bid Considerations 1. City Newsletter Printing Quotations for 2002 Nawrocki felt there was no difference in the quality of pages from sheet feed to web feed press copies, and that the size reduction of web press copies was insignificant. The decision should not be between quality and the cheapest price. The concern should be to award the public bid to the lowest, responsive bid. Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director, recommended Rapid Graphics, because they are a Columbia Heights business and the newsletter will be on a white smooth paper. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to enter into an agreement with Rapid Graphics & Mailing for printing, publishing, and distributing the City newsletter based upon their proposal of a yearly cost of $17,964.00 for four publications in 2002: and furthermore to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter in to an agreement for the same. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Motion carried. Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson aye. 5 ayes – 0 nay. Other Business 1. Adopt Resolution 2002-04, being a Resolution approving the Appointment of a Commissioner to the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority Peterson recommended Robert Ruettimann for reappointment. Nawrocki agreed, and stated that Mr. Ruettimann does an outstanding job on this Commission. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-4, there Motion carried. being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to adopt Resolution Nol 2002-4, being a resolution approving the appointment of a Commissioner to the Columbia Heights Economic Development Motion carried Authority. Upon vote: All ayes. . RESOLUTION NO. 2002-04 BEING A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSIONER TO THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. WHEREAS , the City has, by the adoption of Resolution No. 96-01 (enabling resolution), duly created an Economic Development Authority (EDA) for the City of Columbia Heights pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 469 (Act), and WHEREAS , the Enabling Resolution provides that the Board of Commissioners of the EDA shall consist of seven members, at least two, but not more than five, of who must be members of the City Council, and WHEREAS , the Mayor has this day re-appointed the following person as Commissioner of the EDA for the term as indicated: Robert Ruettimann Term ending January 8, 2007 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby approves the appointment of Robert Ruettimann to the aforementioned terms of the Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority. th Passed this 14 day of January 2002. Offered by: Nawrocki Seconded by: Wyckoff Roll Call: All ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, Williams City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 8 of 11 2. Sanding and plowing. Nawrocki commented that plowing of weekend snow was not done until early Monday morning, and he received complaints from residents. He also stated there was not a good job of sanding done over the holidays. Fehst stated that he spoke to the appropriate staff and this was a sluggish job compared to normal. Hansen stated the call out times for sanding and plowing and stated that as long as the Police can get around we try to wait until the end of the snowfall so we don’t plow in resident’s driveways twice. Nawrocki suggested changing shift times to accommodate the workload. Hansen stated there is a 48 hour notice requirement to change shifts, but is considering 2:00 a.m. callouts to coincide with the 2:00 a.m. no parking ordinance. Fehst stated that would be for planned callouts, but we can call out anytime on emergency situations. 3. Goal setting and tour th Fehst stated that on January 5 the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission Chair, Community Development staff, and the City Manager took a bus tour and met following the tour to set development goals. Economic Development Authority President Ruettimann and Mayor Peterson were not able to attend. The tour included the New Brighton downtown, community center and industrial areas. Kevin Locke, New Brighton, spoke on clean up of polluted industrial and railroad sites, town home development and their community center. Fehst stated that we have some industrial sites keen for redevelopment. Fehst referred to possible development of about 30 acres in the southwest corner of the City. Fehst stated that following the tour a priority setting process was held at City Hall. The number one priority was the industrial areas. There were 29 suggestions from which to choose a top ten list. Fehst reviewed the list and stated that Ruettimann had not yet giving his input: 1. Industrial park development 2. Lomianki Park (open green space which was initially intended for commercial or industrial use, was dedicated at park land) could develop 10 homes or 20 market rate town homes. th 3. Conoco gas station site – 40 and University. 4. Consider Parkview Villa management/City ownership, the developments of other like projects. 5. Housing improvements, loans and grants, fix up loans, and establishing TIF money to purchase up to three homes per year. 6. Public relations promotion, i.e. develop a theme with input from Steve Johnson and Mickey Rooney presenting how Brooklyn Park changed their image. th 7. Development at 37 and Central, and possible restaurant nearby. 8. Tax base increase. th 9. 49 and Central development. th 10. Development on 40 between Jackson and Van Buren. Fehst stated other items discussed: park land development around Huset Park, rehab of the radiator shop, the Maddy’s block, low interest loans to businesses, the McComb study, low interest loans, nd possible sale of the NEI site for commercial or government use, 42 and Central strip mall, the two thth acre site behind Taco Bell, and 44 and 45 on the east side of Central – Gold Eagle. This will be brought to the Economic Development Commission and a City Council meeting for further th discussion. On the list, Fehst emphasized the property at 40 and University as there are CDBG funds available, which must be used in a timely manner, and the industrial area, which needs to be cleaned up and be priority for development. City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 9 of 11 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Work Session Items for Tuesday, January 22: th · Reallocation CDBG funds – gas station at 40 and University · Taxi cabs and license agreement · Courtesy bench-correl newrack ordinance · Liquor store fencing · Liquor operation goals · 2002 rental housing license fees · Understanding financial reports · Renewal of annual contract for safety management program · Replacement of one squad car · Forgive delinquent assessment 1334 44 ½ Avenue NE. Fehst stated that the McComb report would be received at the next City Council meeting. An Executive Session has been scheduled for 6:00 p.m., January 22 for the City Manager’s review. Fehst commended Carole Blowers, Employee of the Year, for her work on the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast th two years in a row, and stated the breakfast has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 at Murzyn Hall. Report of the City Attorney - none GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Minutes of Boards and Commissions: Meeting of the November 20, 2001 Economic Development Authority Meeting of the November 28, 2001 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting of the December 4, 2001 Library Board Meeting of the December 20, 2001 Telecommunication Commission Wyckoff asked for the correction that Peterson is the City Council liaison. Nawrocki noted that the Telecommunication Commission minutes reflect that he received no special treatment by that Commission. CITIZENS FORUM th Linda Ballentine, 5230 4 Street NE, did not agree with charging residents 2003 fees in 2002 for Murzyn Hall rental. She questioned enforcement of conditional use permits. Szurek stated CUP’s are enforced by the Planning Department. Ballentine referred to a car repair business that is not following their conditional use permit. Szurek commented that it is their business to work on cars, and sometimes have a line up for repairs. Tom Ramsdell, Planning and Zoning Chair, stated the ordinance requires vehicles be currently licensed, or they are considered abandoned and can be towed. Ballentine suggested follow up one year after the permit expires. Ramsdell stated there is now a tic file to review these at the proper time. Ballentine questioned excess speed of snow removal vehicles. Hansen stated this has been addressed, but slush under the snow is more difficult to remove and requires more speed to get the snow off the street. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki requested to place two items on the next Council Agenda: to require the publishing of City Council meeting minutes, and to broadcast City Council work sessions on cable. City Council Minutes January 14, 2002 Page 10 of 11 Nawrocki referred to the recently announced State budget problem and that part of the governor’s solution is to cutback LGA. This would be another five percent reduction in aid. He described the reasons for LGA. Nawrocki suggested the City take an early look at how to reduce our budget and possible losses. Fehst discussed a possible penalty for a levy set higher than the implicit price deflator. He felt this was a lack of understanding to penalize those least able to pay the penalty. Wyckoff thanked Dan Swee for clearing her driveway when she was not feeling well. Wyckoff thanked Joe Orendorff, a Councilmember in the late 60’s, for delivering four boxes of historical information and pictures. She hinted to additional historical information she was about to receive that the Minnesota State Historical Society does not believe exists. Wyckoff stated that a minor goal for 2002 would be revisiting the issue of six hour parking on City streets. Williams stated his concern that the goal setting session pointed out a lot of things to work on this year. He asked for the peace and prosperity of the city. He suggested a team of clergy for the City and involving young people. Williams stated the need to develop a theme for our City, and to clean up the industrial area. Williams referred to thank you letters from several City employee unions for the additional help with health insurance costs. Williams stated that through the goal setting process, citizens would see positive changes in the City. Szurek stated that the goal setting session was worthwhile and has revealed many worthwhile projects to work on. Peterson indicated his regret at missing the goal setting session, but had to attend an out of town funeral. He stated we would now have set goals and would now have our work cut out for us. Fehst stated we are closing on the Crest View bonds on February 23, 2002. Peterson agreed that we must watch our money and budget, but while discussing cutting costs, he can not agree to add the cost of publishing minutes, when the meetings are broadcast on cable and the minutes are available at City Hall, the Library, and the City web page. Cable casting work sessions would also be an additional cost. Peterson suggested discontinuing Council members out of state travel expenses or possible salary cuts for Councilmembers. Peterson stated, “Don’t take yourself too seriously, enjoy life, and do a random act of kindness.” ADJOURNMENT Mayor Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m. _______________________________ Patricia Muscovitz, Deputy City Clerk