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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 28, 2002Mayor: Gary L. Peterson Councilmembers: Marlaine Szurek Julienne Wyckoff Bruce Nawrocki Robert A. Williams City Manager: Walter R. Fehst ADMINISTRATION January 22, 2002 Joe Sturdevant 4848 Seventh Street NE Columbia Heights, 55421 Re: City of Columbia Heights Boards and Commissions. Dear Mr. Strudevant: st On April 1 of this year your term on the Columbia Heights Human Services Commission is expiring. Your service on this commission is truly appreciated. If you are interested in being considered for reappointment to this commission, please indicate so on the bottom of this letter. You are requested to reply by February 10, 2002. Enclosed for your convenience is a reply stamped, self-addressed envelope. Again, thank you for your service. Sincerely, Patricia Muscovitz Deputy City Clerk/ Council Secretary ŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒŒ I am: interested not interested __________ in being considered for reappointment. Signature ________________________________ OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 28, 2002 The following are the minutes for the regular meeting of the City Council held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28, 2002 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Pastor Dave Briley of Oak Hill Baptist Church gave the Invocation prior to the meeting. 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 and Councilmember Nawrocki PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO MEETING AGENDA - none PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND GUESTS Proclamations – none Introduction of New Employees 1) Police Chief Tom Johnson introduced Christine Okerstrom, Community Service Officer, and gave her background, stating that she is a seven-year veteran of the Columbia Heights Explorer program. Christine Okerstrom thanked the Council for the opportunity to work for the City of Columbia Heights. 2) Keith Windshitl, Recreation Director, introduced Kelly Becker, Recreation Program Coordinator, and gave her background. Kelly Becker thanked the City Council for the opportunity to use her ideas for Columbia Heights. Recognition 1) Police Chief Tom Johnson, Fire Chief Charlie Thompson, and Mayor Peterson honored Robert Trester for his act of bravery on December 13, 2001 when he pulled a victim from a burning vehicle, saving his life. Mr. Trester received a plaque from the Police Department and the Fire Department. Presentations Jim McComb, McComb Group, LTD, presented the Downtown Columbia Heights Market Study and presented a copy of the report, the appendices and the summary to the City Council. McComb referred to a map showing the downtown study area. He listed statistics on the number of businesses and the types of businesses in Columbia Heights, access, retail census, traffic counts, municipal liquor store projections, and rent ratios. He stated that business owners and realtors were interviewed. Of 18 businesses surveyed, only four returned the survey. The responses were similar to other communities. McComb referred to improving facades of old buildings. McComb gave population and household incomes and stated that incomes are very solid in the community. He stated that businesses tend toward the budget category, but the emphasis needs to be turned to a higher category. He discussed development potential, and retail space potential, and City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 2 of 13 estimated there could be and additional 37,500 to 70,400 square feet added to the business district at market rate. McComb stated that there has been concern about ethnic retailing, but our trade area demographic is Caucasian, and that small ethnic groups would not draw the demographics. Columbia Heights should cater to a broader audience. McComb identified types of businesses to try to attract, and restated the importance of storefront design and guidelines so businesses and owners know what to expect. He suggested the City develop financial assistance programs through grants, low cost loans, programs and creative resources. McComb suggested hosting a meeting of business owners, realtors and tenant representatives of potential stores to discuss objectives. Fehst referred to borrowing money at low interest rates to make low rate loans available for businesses, or a minor grant program for things like signs. Mark Nagel, Community Development Assistant, stated he hopes to have a restructure of the Business Revolving Loan Fund available for the EDA to review in March. McComb stated that it is best to have a parcel-by-parcel, building-by-building approach to redevelopment. McComb stated the City should market our community to desired businesses, and once you find the tenant there are always developers to build the building. McComb referred to getting help from someone that understands the tenant market and the leasing process, but is not a broker. McComb indicated the to Brookdale Mall as an example. Wyckoff referred to the closing of the Marshall’s store in town, and stated she would like to see another such retailer in our city. McComb stated that this area is not big enough for that type of retailer. McComb stated that casual dining American cuisine is lacking in this community, like a Champs, Chili’s, or Olive Garden. Wyckoff referred to businesses such as Sahibs and the small Mexican restaurant in Hilltop in comparison to restaurants such as LaCasita. McComb noted an error on the trade area map. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to approve the Consent Agenda items, with the removal of items #7, #13, as follows: City Manager Walt Fehst referred to a correction in the Council letter regarding the purchase of a Police car and that the correct price of the vehicle manual would be $145. 1) Minutes for Approval MOTION to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2002, regular City Council meeting as presented. 2) Establish Work Session Meeting Dates for Monday, February 4, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, February 19, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. (delete Tuesday, February 19, 2002 meeting) MOTION to establish a Work Session meeting date for Monday, February 4, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Fehst listed work session items for February 4, 2002: financial reports review, Zone 6A Feasibility Study, six hour parking determination, Historical Society space needs, and financing for community development improvements. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 3 of 13 Wyckoff stated that Tuesday, February 19 would normally be an EDA meeting. Fehst suggested th deleting the meeting of the 19. 3) Establish City Council and Rental Property Owner meeting for Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. MOTION to establish Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. for a joint City Council and Rental Property Owner meeting at Murzyn Hall. Fehst stated that Officer Sturdevant has invited the City Council to attend the next Rental Property Owner’s meeting, and if more than two Council members attend this would need to be declared a public meeting. 4) Establish Date for the Local Board of Review meeting MOTION to set the date for the Local Board of Review meeting for Monday, April 1, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. 5) Authorize entering into the 2002 Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County for the Residential Recycling Program MOTION to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into the 2002 Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County to provide cooperation between the City and the County in the implementation of the Residential Recycling Program and to make funds of up to $53,779.85 available as reimbursement for eligible expenses. Fehst stated this is a yearly contract with Anoka County for our recycling program, which is handled by Jean Kuehn, Recycling Coordinator. Nawrocki asked how the money is to be used? Fehst stated the same as in previous years, and he would get this information to the City Council. 6) Authorize payment of the 2002 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities membership dues MOTION to authorize payment of the 2002 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities membership dues in the amount of $5,343.00. Nawrocki asked the amount of the increase. Fehst stated he could get this information for Council. 7) Adopt Resolution No. 2002-07 being a resolution to authorize the acquisition of 3722 Central Avenue - Removed Wyckoff stated that this house was in an estate trust for all of the children. City Attorney Jim Hoeft stated that we are aware of this. 8) Authorization to purchase one Police vehicle MOTION to authorize the purchase of one 2002 Ford Crown Victoria Police vehicle, along with service and parts manuals, per the State of Minnesota bid, with funding to come from 431-42100- 5150 in the amount of $21,026; and furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Nawrocki felt it would be best to delay this purchase until we know what our State funding would be. Johnson stated that for May to June delivery, the order must be placed by January 29, 2002. Nawrocki stated that the bid price was available until September. Johnson stated yes, but that ordering and taking delivery in a timely manner is the question. Fehst stated that staff has been made aware of possible cuts, but we have already delayed two other police vehicles requested this year. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 4 of 13 9) Decline Regional Taxi Cab Vehicle and Driver Joint Powers Agreement MOTION to decline the invitation to be a part of the regional taxicab vehicle and driver joint powers organization. Fehst recommend authorizing the Police Chief to continue to accept taxicab licensing of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, and the Airport Commission, and not enter into this agreement. Nawrocki felt there should be a licensing process or over site of taxicabs. He stated that the original intent was to join in with this Joint Powers Agreement, but now the Police Chief has commented about possible liability and costs. Nawrocki stated he saw no provision in the agreement to assess costs back to the communities. Fehst stated that the recommendation was to not join at this time, and stated that we are better served now than in the past. It is staff’s belief that this commission would at some point request funding from members. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, was concerned that the agreement would change to include fees and creates additional liability for us by being part of the commission. 10) Approve reallocation of unspent CDBG funds MOTION to approve the reallocation of $44,000 of unspent Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds from Year 2000 Project #030 to be reallocated for use in acquisition related purposes of 3955 University Avenue and applied to Year 2001 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project. Fehst stated background information on CDBG funds used, and on this request to purchase additional property and make it ready for development. 11) Approve Public Works Blanket Purchase Orders for 2002 MOTION to authorize staff to process blanket purchase orders for 2002 for: annual satellite rental for seven City parks with Biff’s in an amount not to exceed $9,100.00, and De-icing salt for salt/sanding operations purchased off the State of Minnesota contract in an amount not to exceed $34,000.00, for 2002. Fehst stated that Biffs are contracted through the County and ice salt through the State contract. 12) Approve Renewal of Professional Services for Continuation of Safety Management Program support for Public Works MOTION to accept the proposal dated December 20, 2001 from Integrated Loss Control, Inc., for Safety Management Program Support services for the Public Works Department in an amount not to exceed $7,224.00; and, furthermore, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the same. Fehst stated that this program is in its third year regarding risk management, and safety of employees and the public. The City Council will consider a lesser involvement in this program next year. 13) Establish 2002 Rental Inspection Program Fees - Removed. Fehst stated that these fees have be brought before City Council and adjusted several times. There will be a 50 percent increase in inspection fees for rental properties, but fees have not been increased since 1991. Multi-unit complexes will be raised slightly and fees have been raised extensively for reinspections and reinstatement of licenses. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 5 of 13 Wyckoff requested this be removed from the Consent Agenda, as she would like it tabled until after the joint City Council/Landowners meeting. 14) Approve Re-Issue of Rental Housing License after Revocation MOTION to issue a Rental Housing License to Donald Ferry to operate the Rental property located th at 4536-38 7 Street in that the provisions of the Residential Maintenance Code have been complied with. 15) Approve Rental Housing License Applications MOTION to approve the items listed for rental housing license applications for February 4, 2002 in that they have met the requirements of the Housing Maintenance Code. 16) Authorization to seek bids for 2002-2003 Diseased Tree Removal MOTION to authorize staff to seek bids for the 2002-2003 Diseased Tree Removal Program. 17) Authorization to seek bids for road materials MOTION to authorize staff to seek bids for the purchase of road materials. 18) Approve Business License Applications MOTION to approve the items as listed on the business license agenda for February 4, 2002 as presented. 19) Change orders for City Hall roofing project MOTION to authorize the City Manager and Mayor to enter into an agreement with Thermex Corporation for several miscellaneous change orders on the roofing HVAC project totaling $6,482 . Fehst stated the additional expense was a result of the pre-bid meeting with the consultant and bidders; and as timing was critical, the determination was to work on a time and material basis and to reuse and refit items. These additional items were completed with the HVAC replacement. 20) Approve Payment of Bills MOTION to approve payment of the bills, as listed, out of the proper fund. Peterson removed item #7 and #13 from the consent agenda. Motioncarried. Upon vote: Ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Nawrocki, Williams. #7 Acquisition of 3722 Central Avenue. MOTION Szurek, Williams, second and Williams to waive the reading of Resolution No.2002-07, there Motion carried. being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-07, being a resolution to approving the purchase of property at 3722 Central Avenue NE for $80,000 and funds to be taken from the Community Development Block Grant Commercial Revitalization account and in addition, to allocate $1,500 for moving expenses from the same CDBG fund. Nawrocki stated that he was opposed to this purchase, as there is not a designated use for the property. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 4 ayes – 1 nay. Motion carried. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 6 of 13 RESOLUTION 2002 - 07 BEING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 3722 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 Vera Johnson (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: l. The City Council hereby approves the terms of the Purchase Agreement for 3722 Central Avenue N.E. between the City of Columbia Heights and Vera Johnson and authorizes the Mayor and the City Manager to sign it on behalf of the City at a purchase price of $80,000, and allocates $1,500 for moving expenses, which is established as the fair market value based on the amount being the price for the property offered for sale by the owner and the value being determined by comparison of formal appraisals of the property. 2. 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. 3. The City Council approves payment of the purchase cost from the City Community Development Block Grant Program funds. th Passed this 28 day of January 2002. Offered by: Nawrocki Second by: Wyckoff Roll Call: Ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams Nay: Nawrocki #13 Establish 2002 Rental Inspection Program Fees - Removed. Dana Alexon, Assistant Fire Chief, stated that the price increase would be effective immediately upon passage of the Resolution. The first licenses due for renewal are March 1, 2002. Peterson stated that action could be taken at the second meeting in January allowing time to meet with the th rental landlords again on February 12. Nawrocki stated that he understood the intention was to have violations corrected, but re-inspection fees are doubled and tripled; and the reinstatement fee is 4.5 times the annual license fee, which is being increased by 50 percent. Alexon stated Council asked for a 10 percent increase. Nawrocki felt this was being excessive. th MOTION by Wyckoff to table Resolution 2002-05 to the February 25 City Council meeting. Second by Nawrocki. Alexon stated this would require the March applications to go out under the existing fee structure, and begin the new structure in April. Williams stated that at the last landlords meeting the owners were aware of the pending increase and in favor of the change. Alexon indicated that several property owners stated that properly managed property can avoid any re-inspection fees. Upon vote: Williams, nay; Szurek, nay; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson, nay. 3 nays – 2 Motion failed. ayes. Peterson stated that the feed back from the landlords meeting was that they understood the changes. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 7 of 13 Nawrocki questioned the rates and felt we must be fair to everyone. Williams supported the Resolution as a way to improve our housing stock and our community. Wyckoff stated she also supported the Resolution, but would like to inform rental property owners before voting. Alexon stated that if non-compliant owners contact his department they would work with them and possibly waive the fees. Alexon stated that of 558 rental properties in 2001, there were 6 brought to Council for license revocation. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-05, there Motion carried. being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: all ayes. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-05, being a resolution Establishing Fees for Housing Inspections as authorized by Chapter 5A of City Code of 1977. Upon vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, nay; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson, aye. 3 ayes –2 Motion carried. nays. RESOLUTION NO. 2002-05 BEING A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FEES FOR HOUSING INSPECTIONS AS AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 5A OF CITY CODE OF 1977 WHEREAS , Ordinance No. 853, City Code of 1977, pertaining to rental property licensing regulations provides for the establishing of annual license fees; and WHEREAS , the City has authorized changes to rental property licensing fees from time to time; and WHEREAS , the City finds there is a financial need to modify the rental property licensing fee at this time; and WHEREAS , modifying the rental property licensing fee will not cause the City to realize a profit from the rental property licensing program; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the rental property licensing fee structure listed below shall be adopted and effective March 1, 2002. Rental property license – 1 or 2 units $22.50 per unit Rental property license – 3 or 4 units $75.00 per building Rental property license – 5 or more units $75.00 for first 4 units, plus $10.00 per unit over 4 stnd Reinspection fee – all properties $100.00 for 1 and 2 reinspections rd $300.00 for 3 and subsequent reinspections No-Show Fee $100.00 per event License Reinstatement after Revocation/Suspension 10 times annual license fee th Passed this 28 day of January 2002 Offered by: Williams Seconded by: Szurek Roll Call: Ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Williams Nays: Wyckoff, Nawrocki PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearing called for Revocation/Suspension of Rental Housing License at 1206-1208 Circle Terrace Blvd. Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing, as the property has been brought into substantial compliance with the Rental Housing Maintenance Code. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 8 of 13 Nawrocki questioned substantial compliance. Peterson stated this is for the property with the retaining wall that cannot be fixed until spring. Fehst stated that he spoke to the conservator of the estate and they will fix the retaining wall in spring and will fix the gate latch soon. Nawrocki asked why this item was not tabled until it is in compliance. Alexon stated we work with them by accepting their plan. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Other Ordinances and Resolutions 1. First reading of Ordinance #1444, being an ordinance amending the Courtesy Bench Section of the City Code. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to waive the reading of Ordinance No. 1444, there being Motion carried. ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. MOTION by Williams, second by Szurek, to establish February 11, 2002, at approximately 7:00 p.m. as the Second Reading of Ordinance 1444, being an Ordinance amending the Courtesy Bench Section of the City Code (Section 6.303) and establishing a Newsstand Ordinance. Motion carried. Upon vote: All ayes. Bid Considerations – none Other Business 1. Adopt Resolution No. 2002-06, being a Resolution requesting consideration to waive special assessments on the tax forfeit property at 1334 44 ½ Avenue NE MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to waive the reading of Resolution No. 2002-06, there Motion carried being ample copies available to the public. Upon vote: All ayes. . Fehst stated that Anoka County appraised this property at $100, but would be asking $2,000 for sale of the lot. Fehst stated the resident who requested waiving the assessments was not present. Williams stated there were many assessments on this property that would add about $7,000 to the property value. Wyckoff stated the lot is not buildable. Fehst indicated that any construction would require placing piling which would cost $60,000 to $80,000. Peterson stated this was a sinking sick house, which had to be removed. Peterson suggested the motion include that if the property were developed, the remaining assessments would be paid later. Peterson asked if we have discounted assessments in the past. Fehst stated there was one request where assessments were totally waived. Nawrocki stated that value would be added to the adjoining the property, and the surrounding values would be lower if the home had not been removed. He opposed any reduction of pending assessments. Peterson stated that if this person does not buy the lot, he would still have the use of it as an empty lot. He supported reducing the amount to one-half of the assessment. Wyckoff stated her fear was he would want to build on this lot. Peterson stated the deed would indicate that any building would require payment of the assessments. Steve Johnson, Planning and Zoning Commission, stated this would definitely add value to this persons property. MOTION by Szurek, second by Wyckoff, to adopt Resolution No. 2002-06 being a Resolution to waive one-half of the special assessments on tax forfeit property located at 1334 44 ½ Avenue, P.I.N. 36 30 24 21 0075; however, should the property be sold for development, the full amount of the assessment would have to be paid. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 9 of 13 Upon Roll Call Vote: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, nay; Peterson aye. 4 MOTION ayes -1 nay. carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2002 – 06 WAIVER OF ONE HALF OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS WHEREAS: A certain property is considered unbuildable because of soil conditions; and WHEREAS: Said property has gone tax forfeit; and WHEREAS: Anoka County has been unable to sell the property because of the special assessments against the property for public improvements; and WHEREAS: It would be beneficial to have this lot sold to a private person for use other than building construction; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Columbia Heights waives one half of the $4,454.96 in special assessments on parcel 36 30 24 21 0075 providing there shall forever be the restriction that if any utilities are requested there should be charged fees equal to the current special assessments which shall be in addition to any access fees. The special assessment amount will now be $2,227.48 and all future special assessments will be charged in accordance with the special assessment policy in place at the time that any new special assessment may be levied. th Passes this 28 day of January, 2002 Offered by: Szurek Seconded by: Wyckoff Roll call: Peterson, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Williams, aye. Nawrocki, nay. 2. Finalize and accept the Goals established at the January 5, 2002 City Council Goal Setting Session MOTION by Szurek, second by Williams, to approve the attached “top 10” goal priorities for 2002 for the Community Development Department and direct the Community Development Department staff to develop implementation plans for each goal, as shown in the attached examples, and provide them to the EDA Board to monitor progress. th Fehst referred to the January 5 Council goal setting session, when Councilmembers traveled our community and New Brighton for development and redevelopment prospects, and followed up with a goal setting session, facilitated by Mark Nagel, Housing Assistant and our staff. Fehst proposed concentrating on the first five goals. Fehst listed the top “10” goals from the Draft 2002 Goal Implementation examples. · Industrial zoned property · Development issues for Lomianki park th · Redevelopment of 40 and University · Options for Parkview Villa · Improve the housing stock of Columbia Heights. Fehst described the programs available and the agency who does this for our city. · Tax base increase · Redevelop Mady’s bowl block site. · Promotion of our City and development opportunities Fehst referred to the McComb presentation. th · Redevelop Jackson to Van Buren on 40 · Redevelop Radiator shop City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 10 of 13 Fehst suggested having a team of people who can help us reach these goals. Williams called on our citizens to develop a new theme for our city. Fehst stated the word is out that Columbia Heights is interested in redevelopment and we have heard from several developers. Nawrocki stated that if we do not follow up on the McComb study it would have been a waste of money. Nawrocki referred to redevelopment of Parkview Villa, which is now in the hands of the Housing Authority. Nawrocki stated the sale of Parkview Villa would not be acceptable to him. Fehst indicated that it would be ideal to have someone with Mr. McComb’s ability encourage businesses to come into our town, and that it takes time to redevelop a downtown, but he would like to see major improvements on Central Avenue in the next year or two. Szurek stated that the McComb study should be a guiding force for our direction. MOTION by Nawrocki to amend the goals list eliminating item #4 for options to sell Parkview MOTION died for lack of a second Villa South and move the other items up on the list. . Upon vote of the original motion: Williams, aye; Szurek, aye; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye with Motion carried. reservations; Peterson, aye. 5 ayes (with 1 reservation). 3. Request to televise City Council work session meetings and request to publish City Council meeting minutes Peterson referred to the survey results of other cities, and discussions at budget sessions regarding the cost of publishing Council meeting minutes and televising Council work sessions. Nawrocki stated he brought this up because he felt the need to do a better job informing the public. He questioned when we stopped publishing minutes and by who’s authority. He referred to the number of people who watch City Council meetings on our cable channel. He stated that there is a lot of work done in work sessions, whereby staff gets a sense of Council intent and an item may not make it to a Council meeting. Motion by Nawrocki that City Council work session meetings be televised and placed on our cable station. Williams referred to the survey, which indicated that only 2 of 24 cities publish minutes and 2 of 24 cities televise work sessions. He read snippets of comments from the survey. Fehst suggested offering a free copy of minutes to walk up or written requests. Fehst stated that information is more available now than it was in past years. Peterson stated that ongoing requests for copies of minutes were charged an annual fee. Nawrocki stated that only one-half of residents have access to cable TV, and less than one-half have Internet access. Fehst indicated that even less than that number get the Focus newspaper. MOTION died for lack of a second. MOTION by Nawrocki, second by Wyckoff, to require City Council minutes to be published in the local paper. Williams stated residents could go to the library for Internet access. The Deputy City Clerk stated that the Library also has a hard copy of the minutes available for review. Peterson stated that it was by Council majority that the publishing of minutes were discontinued. Peterson stated that there are now minutes taken of work sessions, which is an added expense, and that meetings are open to the public. Nawrocki stated he would like to know the when publishing of minutes was discontinued. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 11 of 13 Peterson referred to the indication that other cities make decisions at their work sessions, but we choose not to do so. Upon vote: Williams, nay; Szurek, nay; Wyckoff, aye; Nawrocki, aye; Peterson, nay. 3 nayes – 2 Motion failed. ayes. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Report of the City Manager Fehst stated the Valley View DARE graduation would be tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. Fehst stated there would be a meeting of Anoka County Public Officials, on Monday, February 04, 2002 and listed the discussion items. Fehst stated that last Friday, he and Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, met with members of the Department of Transportation, and a representative from BRW regarding funding for Central Avenue. He stated that we were assured there would be three revenue sources to fund the $1.5 million dollar project. One condition under discussion is median snow plowing. Fehst indicated to them that we did not want that to stop the project. The City of Columbia Heights may have to cover the costs of financing for a year, or so, at a cost of $20,000. Fehst stated that we still need a signed working agreement and that there are sixteen agencies that review this proposal. Hansen stated we should be going out for bids by the end of February. Nawrocki questioned if we enter into a contract and funding does not come to pass in following years. Fehst stated that bids can not be awarded until we have a signed agreement. Report of the City Attorney Wyckoff questioned actions regarding the Tycoon’s Restaurant liquor license. Jim Hoeft, City Attorney, stated the owner apparently tried to get an order for protection, but that the judge refused to sign it. Peterson asked that he follow up on this. Hoeft indicated a file would not have been started and there would not be paperwork available. Wyckoff asked if the owner’s husband had been on the property. Hoeft stated that would be a violation of the condition placed on the license, but that he had been released from INS custody and is still subject to deportation. Peterson asked for surveillance on the property. Hoeft did not believe the request to obtain an order for protection would be followed through, but his concern was that the owner’s husband not be on the Columbia Heights Tycoon property. GENERAL COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS Peterson accepted Minutes of Boards and Commissions of: Meeting of the December 3, 2001, Traffic Commission Meeting of the December 17, 2001, Economic Development Authority Meeting of the December 18, 2001, Economic Development Authority Meeting of the November 20, 2001, Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting of the January 8, 2002 Columbia Heights Public Library Internet Policy Public Hearing Meeting of the January 8, 2002 Columbia Heights Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of the January 17, 2002 Columbia Heights Charter Commission CITIZENS FORUM Leonard Deering, 4311 Jefferson, stated he has lived there for 32 years, and believes in the National Night th Out program and block parties. He stated that during the early evening of January 11, three to four Police squads were at the corner by his home, and as he had previously saw strange actions by teenagers on this block, he went to speak to an Officer. The Officer asked what he wanted and told him to leave as he had the situation under control. He told him to walk to his car and followed him almost back to his car. Deering did not think this was representative of wanting neighbors to watch the area. City Council Minutes January 28, 2002 Page 12 of 13 Nawrocki asked the City Manager to have the Chief of Police check on this and respond to Mr. Deering, with a copy to City Council. Williams asked Mr. Deering to not be soured by one incident, and gave an example of supporting our officers, but agreed we should check into this incident. Peterson apologized and stated that we will look into this and respond. COUNCIL CORNER Nawrocki questioned the newspaper ad referencing the Silver Lake aerator. Hanson stated that is a requirement of the DNR, to give two weeks public notice prior to turning on the aerator. This has been done for the past two years. Nawrocki referred to comments in a work session Council letter regarding a resident that lives behind our liquor store, of which he took strong exception. Nawrocki referred to our Fire Department handling yearly industry inspections, where anything not related to the fire code is passed on to the appropriate department. He questioned why the business observed by the Council had not been cleaned up. Fehst stated that we are concentrating our efforts on redevelopment. We could send a letter to our corporate citizens asking them to clean up their site. Nawrocki stated there should be follow up to citations received. Fehst stated there is not an ordinance in place to address this. Peterson suggested it be pursued as an attractive nuisance. Nawrocki questioned what the follow up would be on the McComb study. Fehst stated that we have set goals and benchmarks, and that this study is integral to make other things happen. Fehst stated that he hopes to retain services of someone similar to McComb to help pursue his recommendations. Nawrocki stated that we need to push for a meeting with our legislators as quickly as possible, and suggested a breakfast meeting. Fehst stated he would set this up. Nawrocki stated he has spoken to developers that have done work in Circle Pines to see if they would have interest to work on projects we are considering. Wyckoff stated she received a call from a resident indicating that the 801 bus would be discontinued. Wyckoff called Metro Transit, who stated that the 801 bus is not scheduled to be cut off right now, but is high on the list because it is high on the subsidy list. Wyckoff stated that the Second Annual “Taste of Heights” will be Sunday, March 24, 2002 at Murzyn Hall. Wyckoff referred to early Columbia Heights newspapers, beginning in 1926 that have been donated to the Historical Society. They will be given to the State Historical Society, with the request that we receive them on microfiche. Wyckoff stated there were 30 newspaper books, which she had one present to display and referenced tidbits from the time period. Wyckoff stated there would be notices included with the utility bills regarding the Historical Society. Williams stated the importance of history, and that he wants this Council to make history. He asked our citizens to pray for our peace and prosperity. Williams encouraged citizens to call for Council minutes, and to come to work sessions and Council meetings. Williams shared a story of George Bush.