HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 26, 1971p. 151
Licenses.
Motion by Land, seconded by Jeska that the licenses as listed be
granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call - All Ayes.
Street Lights.
The City Engineer reported two street lights were taken down
after accidents and said the cost will exceed $1,O00 for each.
He asked if it was necessary to take bids on these?
It was suggested if possible get three current quotations from
suppliers and bring them to the Council as an informal bid.
Contract for Sewer Cleaning Compound.
Motion by Land, seconded by Heintz .that the Mayor and City Manager
be authorized to enter into an agreement pursuant to the letter
dated October 1st, 1971 from Oxford Chemicals with regard to
sewer cleaning compound, to extend the contract between the City of
Columbia Heights and Oxford Chemicals dated September 14, 1970 under
the terms and conditions as specified in the agreement which were
enumerated in the October 1st, letter. Roll Call - All Ayes.
Motion by Jeska, seconded by Logacz .to adjourn at 12:4OX~ a.m.
Call - All Ayes. j~~l~jj/~j
Roll
Sec~tar~ to t-he C'o'uncil
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Jeska, Logacz, Nawrocki - present.
October 26, 1971
Roll Call: Land, Heintz,
Payment of Bi lls.
Election Judges
Griggs Cooper & Co.
JohnsonB ros. Le. L i q.
Sep-Ko Chemicals
Ability Tire Co.
Am. Cast Iron Pipe
Au to Gear Co.
B & E Patrol
Mary Blackstad
1,210.20 Budd Broman
70.06 Case Power & Equip.Co.
268.80 Col .Hts.Pol .Petty Cash
152.41 Cr.own Iron Works
313.25 Cy's Men's lJWear
27.6.00 Elk River Concrete Prd.
95.98 Janet Ericl~son
325.00 H. E. Erickson Co.
15.OO Genuine Parts Co.
15.00
616.00
27.O1
355.5O
10.20.
57.6O
15.00
4O .95
566.20
p. 152
Gestetner Corp.
Glenwood Inglewood
Goodin Company
Gross Industrial Serv.
Go,Ion Harvey
Royhl Hedblad
Home Federal Savings
Albert Kordiak
Kremer & Bavis
Richard Kudak
H. D. Lee Co., Inc.
Leef Bros., Inc.
Walter Logacz
Albert Mancuso
Modern Clean-up Service
Northern Sanitary Sup.
Olson's Plumbin§
Ovshak Printing
Oxford Chemicals
Ruffridge Johnson Equip.
Spencer Sokolowski
Standard Oil Co.
Standard Spring Co.
Sun Newspapers
Superior Products Mfg.
Tracy Printing
Transport Clearings
Malcolm O. Watson
Payroll Account
Anoka County Library
Apache Office Supplies
Better Homes & Gardens
The Bookmen, Inc.
Ethel Dedering
Harriet Deeble
Demco Educational Corp.
Gestetner Corp.
Groiler Edu. Corp.
Harper & Rouk Publish.
Hearst Magazine
Lundblad's Bindery
Monarch Book Co.
Moody~ Investors Serv.
Outdoor Life Book Club
Pack-O-Fun
Postmaster
Powe rs
Prent ice - Hall
St. Paul Book & Stat.
Howard W. Sams & Co.
Time-Life Books
U of M Audio Visual
Wal! Street Journal
34 6O
51 15
535 91
28 O0
15 O0
l0 O0
3O O0
16O O0
25O O0
14 52
5 79
175 16
7 5O
22 15
1 ,000 O0
47 7O
13 12
4O O0
215 O0
66 10
800 O0
1,283 16
349 98
18O 6O
35 O0
3O 95
95 33
41 45
2,098 49
6 89
8 lO
6 67
19 O8
12 O0
20 O0
105 75
45 49
lO O0
88 O0
1 00
45 55
906 84
15 78
5 29
7 90
34 O0
778 58
91 2O
2,011 68
10 42
5 63
321
35 O0
Master Pools by Denny
Co 1 .Hts. Recr. Comm.
Paul's Gulf Service
Gary Scholla
Viking Trophies
John Barna
Chester Ewer
John Fol ta
Emi 1 Koistinen
Eddie Mattson
Arcon Construction
Bert T. Hanson Const.
Total Bills
$ 5 50
60 O0
36 85
lO O0
10 00~
11 10 X
107 52
36 18
91 76
19 84
6,579 O9
306 33
$23,615.05
p. 153
Bids on Park Vehicle.
Bids on a 1/2 ton pick-up truck with plow for use in the Park
Department were received from the following:
Park-Gopher Jeep, Inc. and
Brooklyn American, Inc. (See Bid Tabulation Attached)
The City Manager reported the bid from Brooklyn American, Inc.
did not include the required bid security. The City Attorney was
requested to supply the Council with a written opinion as to the
legality of the bid.
Motion by Jeska, seconded by Heintz that the Bids be turned over
to the City Manager for tabulation and report back at the next
regular or special meeting, such report to include a written opinion
from the Attorney as to the legality of the Brooklyn American bid.
Roll Call - All Ayes.
Park Construction Blasting Permit.
Mr. Jerry McDonald from Park Construction Company was present to
explain what happened during the past week when they went to a split
shot on the blasting in the Burlington-Northern Railroad yards.
He said seismograph readings indicated such a slight variation on
the chart that this method has reduced considerably the amount of
vibration that was coming through. They are working towards three
shots per day spaced closely together which is inconvenient for the
blaster, but seems to be working out very well and which the
residents feel is much better. Now they are doing two shots at the
same time, one minute or less apart.
A resident present asked why this was not done in the beginning and
why the one blast is always stronger than the other?
Mr. McDonald explained it is a problem for the blaster. You ~never
have two shots with the same amount of powder in them. It depends
upon the pattern and the number of delay holes. Structurally, the
residents should r~ be having a problem in their homes now.
3747 Main Street said the amount of shock waves is greatly reduced.
Before, it shook the house and dishes but now it does not.
Mr. McDonald said they are moving further north from these homes and
are well into Fridley. That could make some difference, but lessening
the powder on the charges also makes a difference.
Councilman Jeska asked what kind of seismograph readings they are
getting now as opposed to before.
Mr. McDonald said before they were getting readings along Main Street
and California Street up to .5 or .6 and since they went to the
multiple shots in the same location, it is down to .02.
p. 154
3928 Main Street asked if inspections were made at all houses on
Main Street.
Mr. McDonald said inspections were made in all except one or two
where they could not get in. He said they go in wherever they are
allowed to.
Mrs. Dove, 3828 Main Street questioned the trucks running on Main
Street. She said after the last inforn~l meeting with the Council,
she thought they were supposed to be off Main Street.
Mayor Nawrocki said it was his understanding there would be no
trucks on Main Street day or night, and last night they were
working until 11:30 p.m. Some residents went down to talk with
ne crews.
Mr. McDonald said he only found out today they were working in
Columbia Heights last evening. He said they will not be running
scrapers after 10:00 p.m. from now on. As far as trucks, they
come from several directions. Some come up Main Street, some from
the bottem, and some from University Avenue and down 37th Avenue.
The residents said in the agreement, no trucks were to be on Main
Street day or night.
Mayor Nawrocki said he was led to believe that trucks were going
to keep off Main Street. It was never specified day or night, they
were to be off period.
The City Manager said it was his understanding they were to use
haul roads outside Columbia Heights and we were not to anticipate
an increase in truck traffic. We were aware that when trucks were
bringing materials into the Park on 2nd Street there would be more
truck traffic but the contractor was to keep those streets watered
down.
Mayor Nawrocki requested three items be checked: 1. The truck traffic.
2. Who we talk to on off-duty hours. 3. Blasting. He said it
appears there is a significant improvement in the problems when
the blasts are 1/3 of what was used in the beginning. Me ~said
he was concerned with trying to make this operation livable for
the people in the area. He suggested the original resolution be
revised to allow charges no more than 1/3 of the beginning, with a
maximum of 500 lbs., that up ~to three blasts per day be allowed,
that they be wit~n 5 minutes of each other.
Mr. Smith from Barton Contracting Company said one thing that has
not been brought up in the discussions is the fa ~ they have not
made a single days blasting sufficient to meet their requirements.
It will be necessary to shoot off more explosives if they are to
finish the job on schedule.
Mayor Nawrocki said it is not 100% necessary to blast. We have Vied
to go along with you recognizing blasting is one way to do it, if
the blasting is tightly controlled.
p. 155
Mr. Smith said the blasting was too much in terms of tolerance, but
it was not too much for what their readings and experts indicated.
A representative from Twin City Testing was present and explained how
the blasts are measured and compared with the Bureau of Mines Report.
He explained a formula used in making their recommendations.
Councilman Jeska suggested instead of talking about poundage in the
resolution allowing the permit, talk about a reading no higher than
· 3 on the seismograph. That is more realistic. The readings should
be maintained under .3 and when the blasts come closer to the homes,
they will have to use less powder to maintain the .3 reading. The
blaster can apply the formula we just heard about.
Mayor Nawrocki suggested the City Manager and City Engineer go over
the formula with Twin City Testing. Until then, no more than three
shots per day within a 15 minute period can be used. The total
amount of dynamite used cannot exceed 500 .lbs. Our agreements
will be reviewed on the truck situation. Possibly another meeting
can be held a week from Thursday.
Utility Rates.
The City Manager said in accordance with the bids received on the
garbage collection ~X~service, he has ~prepared a resolution
setting new rates. The increase amounts to 50¢ over the present
rate on residential service and would go into effect after the Price
Freeze is off on the 15th. Mayor Nawrocki asked what our administrative
costs are running in handling complaints and bool~eeping and is this
increase enough. The City Manager requested the resolution be held
off for a bit so he could make a correction in the rates for vat
service.
Request from Orfei & Sons for Final Payment on Watermain Contract.
A number of residents from Gould Avenue were present for the
discussion.
The City Manager reported a letter was received from Orfei & Sons
October 20, 1971, requestin~ final payment on the watermain project.
He said a considerable amount of repair work has been done and
Orfei is deserving of payment on this. He recommended releasing
$15,000 of the $20,.000 being withheld. Lookout Place was done
very nicely when you consider the condition of this roadway,
the ~XX~alley west of Reservoir Boulevard on Gould has been
repaired nicely, and some spots were repaired on Peters Place.
There are some holes on the west end of Gould Avenue that are
probably related to the work which we should have repaired as a~part
of the project.
A resident from Gould said the work has not ~Kbeen done on
Gould. There are a lot of ~holes. Orfei went down part way but
not all the way. X~Photographs of the street were presented to the
Council.
p. 156
Another resident said the street was good before Orfei came in.
It was to be fixed and it is not.
Someone asked about a discussion held on seal coat a while back.
The City Manager said seal coating is done every five or six years.
This is rotated throughout the City. Since the street was re-surfaced
five or six years ago, if Orfei had not gone near the street, it would
have been done this construction season or next construction season.
A resident said Orfei worked 3½ hours on Gould Avenue. He has not
completed his work yet and should not get payment until all the streets
are in satisfactory condition.
The City Manager said during the 1970 and 1971 construction season we
have not done maintenance work on these streets. Under normal
circumstances Gould would have required maintenance. He said this
watermain in Gould was put on the contract late under protest from
Orfei. The records indicated a 6" main existed but when we dug in,
we found a 4" main that went in 50 years ago. The Council held a
hearing. If the contractor had not done it, we would have had no
federal funds available and the cost would have been $9 or $10 a foot.
Councilman Heintz said all the people want is a decent patch job.
You can't come in for consideration of payment until it is done.
Councilman Land said it is practically unbelieveable that this
has taken place. The Engineer is trying to be fair to both the
City and to Orfei. ~XThe people living on the street have to take
the bumps, ruts and inconvenience. It is up to the City to take care
of this. The best idea would be to have the City do the work and
deduct it from Orfei. But Orfei would not go for that. Orfei has
said the work is completed three times.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Jeska that the request for final
payment from Orfei & Sons for work on watermain project be denied
on the basis that the ~rk is incomplete. Roll Call - All Ayes.
Mayor Nawrocki said at such time when the City Manager feels the work
is done, bring it back to the Council for consideration, but not
before. At that time a letter will be sent to the same people on
Gould Avenue so they will be aware of the d~cussions.
Special Assessment Hearing.
Motion by Land, seconded by Jeska that the City Manager be authorized
to advertise for an Assessment Hearing to be held Tuesday, November 30,
1971, at 8:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, for assessable
projects completed during the present construction season. Roll
Call - All Ayes.
p. 157
McKenna Park Walkway.
The Park Board requested authorization to install a concrete walkway
in McKenna Park along the northerly edge of the Park from Jefferson
to Washington Street. MR. Murzy. n reported he had three informal
bids on the job. Bert Hanson Construction Company was low bidder
at $1,440..00.. Motion by Jeska, seconded by Heintz that the Mayor
and City Manager be authorized to enter into a contract with
Bert Hanson Construction Company for the concrete walkway in
McKenna Park in an amount not to exceed $1500. Roll Call -
A 11 Ayes.
Resolution Setting Utility Rates.
Councilman Land suggested the senior citizen rates K~XH be allowed
for persons over 62 years of age with a maximum income of something
higher than the present $3,000.. Possibly $4,000 should be the
maximum household income. He said here we have a chance to do
something for the ~X~X~senior citizens.' Everyone he Rs talked to
would be willing to pay more if the senior citizens were able to
stay in their homes. The City Manager was directed to research
this suggestion and find out how many people would qualify for
reduced rates with a maximum income of $3,500 or $4,000.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Jeska that consideration of the resolution
setting utility rates be tabled until the next regular or special
Council meeting. Roll Call - Ail Ayes.
Proposal for Use of Propane in City Vehicles.
A representati~s from the Hustad Company was present with a proposal
for use of propane in City vehicles. He said he understood
Columbia Heights was a fore-runner on air pollution in the Metro
Area and was one of the first ones to adopt a No-burning Law.
It appeared to them that K~X~XColumbia Heights is pollution
conscious. He explained the costs involved with converting to
propane and how much savings the City would realize by using
propane. The City Manager was directed to contact the Metropolitan
Transit Commission, Metallurgical and the Gas Company to find out
how propane is working in their operations and report back to the
Council. The representative from Husmd agreed to keep in contact
with the City Manager.
Proclamation for Cleaner Air Week.
A Proclamation for National Cleaner Air Week was read by Mayor Nawrockl:
WHEREAS, the purpose of Cleaner Air Week is to promote a ~~
united educational program for cleaner air and to help build a
better, stronger America, and WHEREAS, air pollution is a seriou~
community problem brought about by industrial expansion and increasing
population, and since industry and population gives every
indimtion of continuing to increase at an impressive rate, soot,
smoke, flyash, and ~Xnoxious fumes and gases progress to become a
greater hazard to the health and welfare to the people of our
sovereign state as well as a source of grave economic waste, and
p. 15~
WHEREAS, in these days when the nation's security is threatened
air pollution abatement assumes increasing importance in its
prevention of waste materials and energies, its cutting of cost of
fuel, upkeep and maintenance, and its reduction of illness and
absenteeism, and WHEREAS, the height of air pollution can be
greatly diminished through intelligent action involving engineering,
equipment, research and education, and WHEREAS, with some of the
mechanical means already available combined with the enlightened
attitude of industry, air pollution control is forging ahead, but
these measures must be continued and further measures instituted
to win the race against air pollution, and WHEREAS, for these reasons
abatement of air pollution and all its various forms is of ~~
utmost concern to America's citizens, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce G.
Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, do hereby proclaim
the week beginning October 24, 1971 "Cleaner Air WeekI' in
Columbia Heights I request that all citizens cooperate fully
in the observance of this week and undertake a year-round campaign
to abate destructive air pollution from all sources, and direct the
appropriate departments of the City to assist in arousing the
public awareness of the need for active participation in the fight
for clean air.
Proclamation on Halloween.
Mayor Nawrocki read the following Proclamation on Halloween:
WHEREAS, the children of our community are associated with
Halloween, including going from door to door in their immediate
~ighborhoods with their happy challenges of I'trick-or-treat", and
WHEREAS, the increasing possibility of accidents due to the
general carefree spirit of the children at this partio~lar time
when their masks often make them indistinguishable in the darkness
of these early fall evenings is an ever present threat; and
WHEREAS, students have petitioned for early evening hours; and
WHEREAS, parents generally favor the early evening schedule since
it tends to limit participation to the yoonger children, ~
for whom the observance was originally intended. NOW, THEREFORE,
we, Duane R. Miedtke, Mayor ~the Village of St. Anthony, and
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, do hereby
proclaim that Sunday, October 31, 1971, shall be known as Halloween.
We do further ask both children and their parents to cooperate
in limiting the time of trick-or-treat activities to the period
marked by 4:00 p.m. and the hour of 8:00 p.m. We also ask that,
wherever possible, parents of the very young insure that they or
other responsible adults accompany them, and we further encourage
all householders, wherever they are able to do so, cooperate in
making this a happy occasion for all youngsters.
Police Negotiations.
A brief discussion was held regarding a negotiation session between
Mr. Smythe and Mr. Prifrel. A possible Resolution had been set up
as a result of that earlier session. The City Attorney was a~<ed
to verify ~X~X~X~X~~how the Wage Freeze in
~X~existence might effect a ~~proposal that would span
the time period between August 15th and November 15th.
Orfei & Sons Watermain Contract.
As proposed by the City Attorney, the following action was taken
in regard to restoration work by Orfei &'Sons: Motion by Jeska,
seconded by Heintz,~ that the City Attorney, City Manager and
City Engineer be instructed to meet and determine what items of
the contract between the City of Columbia Heights and Orfei & Sons
remain unfinished and outstanding, that Orfei & 'Sons be advised
that if these items ~are not completed within ten days pursuant to
the contract, the bonding company will be notified and the City
will take all further legal means to see that these items are
completed before the end of the construction season. Roll Call -
All Ayes.
Paving on State Aid Projects.
Motion by La~d, seconded by Jeska, that Harddrives, Inc., be authorized
payment of their claim in the amount of $62,638.81 for paving on
M.S.A. projects. Roll Call - Ail Ayes.
Parking on Jackson, 39th to 40th Ave.N.E.
Motion by Jeska, seconded by Land that the "No Parking" on the west
side of Jackson Street, 39th to 40th Avenue, be removed, as
reoommended by the Traffic Commission. Roll Call - All Ayes.
Bituminous Conference.
Motion by Land, seconded by Jeska that expenses be authorized for
two people to attend the Bituminous Conference on November 17th,
with registration at $16 per person. Roll Call - All Ayes.
Licenses.
Motion by Land, seconded by Neintz .that the licenses as listed be
granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call - All Ayes.
Special Council Meeting.
Motion by Heintz,. seconded by Jeska to hold a special meeting
of the City Council on Thursday, November 4th at 7:00 .p.m. for
purposes of canvassi~ng election results, consideration of award of
bid on Park vehicle, consideration of garbage and rubbishX~%%~
resolution setting rates, and a resolution on Police salaries.
Roll Call - All Ayes.
Motion by Jeska, seconded by Log Roll
A11 Ayes.
Bru~ce 'G.-~v~rocki, Mayo~ -
Call-
Secr.~tary to the Council