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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 8, 1974July 1, 1974 Mayor Nawrocki reported on the headlines in the Minneapolis Star on that evening. It had been on assessment valuations and questioned about property tax levies. He was concerned that the City of Columbia Heights would insure proper equity actions taken to remove injustice as pointed out in this article. Mrs. Carlson stated that she had not seen the article but would read it and take actions which she could to alleviate problems pointed out in the article as far as Columbia Heights is concerned. Motion by Heintz, Second by Norberg to adjourn at 10:07 p.m. roll call - all ayes Sec pro-tern Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Official Proceedings Regular Meeting July 8, 1974 Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call - Logacz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki - present Heintz - absent Motion by Norberg, Second by Logacz to appoint Margo Emerson Secretary Pro-tem for the meeting. Roll Call All Ayes Invocation was given by David Hall, youth director at First Lutheran Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Norberg, Second by Land to approve the minutes of the following meetings as amended and presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with: May 23 Board of Equalization meeting May 28 Continued Board of Equalization meeting May 28 Regular Meeting June 10 Regular Meeting June ~7 Special meeting (Hearing on New Zoning Ordinance) June 24 Regular Meeting July 1 Special Meeting (Hearing on Street Improvements) Roll Call: All Ayes 123 July 8, 1974 PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Land, Second by Logacz that the bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call-All Ayes Group Health Plan Minn. Hosp. Service Assoc. Val Bjornson, State Treas. Val Bjornson, State Treas. Famous Brands, Inc. Griggs, Cooper & Co. Johnson Bros. Shsle. Liq. Johnson Paper & Supply Old Pearia Co. Inc. Ed Phillips & Sons Co. Twin City Wine Co. St. Treas. Coc. Sec. Contrb. Fnd. All State Chemical Corp. First Nat'l Bank of St. Paul Goodin Co. Beverly Lukach Maintenance Experts Miner-McAlpin Agenct Bruce G. Nawrocki Gayle Norberg Palm Police Dept.-Petty Cash Twin City Filter Serv. Uniforms Unlimited Minn. Recr. & Park Assoc. City Wide Locksmithing Dickenson Lines Linda Hansen Indp. Sch. Dist. #13 Kokesh Athletic&Golf Supp. Walter Leslie Leslie Paper Minnesota Fabrics Satellite Industries Harold Slavik,~r. CMI Scotsman Refrigeration Distillers Distributing Alice Dziedzic Chester Ewer Edele Hellman June Johnson Home-Air Trane, Inc Lighting Unlimited Ovshak Printing Joe Rak John Roach Signcrafters Outdoor Display 3M Alarm Service Twin City Filter Service 19.04 2,083.24 3,122.91 162.49 241.05 164.16 7,600.64 316.15 132.68 945.09 250.64 4,980.58 94.60 11,763.98 557.00 8.88 626.00 3,086.00 130.16 52.21 2,500.00 48.05 6.60 15.95 650.00 10.40 208.00 114.00 24.26 246.25 8.50 121.50 18.53 253.00 45.00 56.40 5,379.30 50.00 31.80 50.00 50.00 60.80 207.68 33.80 17.28 13.68 83.09 22.50 3.30~i Edward Wagner City of Columbia Heights Col Hgts, Pharmacy A&A Hardware A&M Industrial Tractor Arsenal Sand&Gravel Don Chies City Wide Locksmithing Col.Metal Fabrication Commissioner of Taxation Cook Paint&Varnish Cronstroms Htg.&Air Con. Crown Iron Works Co. Robert G. Friis H.B.Fuller Co. Wm. Kranz, Inc The Northfield Co. 4,32 50.00 32.09 279.60 4.32 292.87 100.00 2.60 59.80 14.04 64.33 469.05 127.00 20.00 62.10 4,286.16 24.94 Commissioner of Tasation 1,100.80 Modern Service Inc. Dean Otterson Eugene Salay State Bldg. Inspector Malcolm O. Watson Henry Zeug Metro Engineering W&G Rehbein Bros. Inc 15,536.80 89.63 172.00 144.30 89.00 133.60 7,243.89 4,015.98 TOTAL 61,067.72 124 July 8, 197/~ LA BELLE PARK WELL Mr. Wolverton was present and reported on having spoken to the iow bidders on the well items which had not been awarded at the last meeting. He had been instructed to contact them to ask if they would extend the time on their bids until July 23. Mr. Wolverton reported that the bidder on the electrical had indicated that he could not guarantee the price as bid to that date. His supplier would not hold the price. Mr. Wolverton further noted that the electrical supplier had already order the material, to help insure the price, but it still could not be certain. The City Attorney stated that the Council could not award a bid on any other amount than what was stated in the formal bid. Mr. Wolverton further reported that the bidder on the plumbing had agreed verbally that he would honor the price until the 22nd of July He had not presented this agreement in writing. A discussion was held on this. Mr. ¥1olverton indicated that the rebid on the pump and concrete were being t~ken informally and would be in by July 17. The Mayor suggested that a special meeting be held if there is any question on whether or not there is any problems on awarding the bids. Mayor Nawrogk; questioned whether any methods of financing had been found. Dean Otterson indicated that he had been in contact with the State Department of Natural Resources and that there may be an increase in their 9rants. Mr. Otterson stated that all 1974 Funds for park purposes are on a regional nature but the Dept. of Natural Resources indicated that some funds are left over so Columbia Heights may be able to get some additional lundin9. Mr, Otterson was instructed to investigate this further. HEARING ON ANTENNA TOWER Mayor Nawrocki gave some background on the erection of an antenna tower to those present. Mr. Watson further reported on the proposal of Genera] Television. He explained what the appearance of the proposed tower would be. Some people present asked questions on the structure. One gentleman questioned what the dish sizes would be for the micro-wave for Genera] Television and also whether this tower would meet F.A.A. standards. Representatives from General Television answered his questions. One gentleman living on 46th and Ivanhoe Place spoke at great length about the conditions in the neighborhood around his home and around the water tower and pump station. He was concerned that something be done about weeds, dirt along curbs, and other areas of concern. He felt that something should be done for the benefit of the residents in the area if they are to "put up with" an antenna tower in their backyard. Another gentleman was concerned about the zoning in this area and whether the tower would comply. City Attorney Kalina discussed this. The man further wanted to know why this tower was not accepted in Fridley. Genera] Television answered these questions. Further discussion was held as to the exact location of the tower. One man was concerned that this tower would change the value of his property if he were to decide to sell his house. He was assured that it would not affect it in any way. Further discussion was held at great length on the need for this tower. Various citizens expressed their opinions. July 8, 1974 ? 25 One gentleman wanted to know if this tower could be taxed. Mr. Watson explained that it would be, and further, gave a description of how it would be applied. Further clarification of the actual points of the proposal from General Television were enumerated by Mr. Watson. Following this, more questions were asked. One gentleman questioned the number of other renters that would be allowed to use the tower. He was informed that any other users would be decided jointly by General Television and the City. Further, according to the proposed plans, a maximum of approximately six users above the City radio equipment would be able to use the t owe r. Discussion was held on the insurance to be put on the tower. Mr. Herringer wanted to know the circumstances if General Television would decide to remove the tower after fifteen years. The problems involved therewith were discussed. Vernon Hoium suggested an escalating rental from General Television as the years go by instead of a flat rate of $500 per month without change. Mayor Nawrocki informed him that he had considered this and would bring it up when any final agreements were to be made. In relation to the gentleman on Ivanhoe Place asking that something be done for the residents in the area. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that some of the revenues from the tower be used in this area. Questions were asked about the proposed second story on the pump house. One lady brought up the noise from the pump house motors. Mayor Nawrocki asked if there was any way to quiet them down. Mr. Gustafson reported on this. The councilmen each expressed their views on the proposal from General Television. They all felt the proposal was good and should be further promoted. Mayor Nawrocki proposed that the matter be tabled until a special meeting on Monday, July 15 when specific problems could be further discussed. Motion by Logacz, Second by Nawrocki to table antenna tower proposal and hearing until a special meeting on Monday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. Discussion followed the motion. Councilman Norberg and Councilman Land felt that the motion should indicate the intent of the Council to go ahead with the proposal from General Television. Councilman Logacz indicated that the Council should take a trip to the area around the proposed tower site. Roll Call on motion: Logacz and Nawrocki - Aye Norberg and Land Nay Motion did not carry. Motion by Norberg, Second by Land that the Council indicates its general intent to proceed with General Television's proposal and that the hearing be continued to a special meeting on July 15 at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call - All Ayes July 8, 1974 ORDINANCE #815 Second reading held on Ordinance #815 rezoning Lots 42 through 50, Block 88, Columbia Heights Annex (675 - 37th Avenue N.E.) from R-3 Multiple Dwelling to M-1 Light Industrial. Offered by Land, Second by Norberg Roll Call - Al ] Ayes ORDINANCE #816 Second reading held On Ordinance #816 vacating public alley right-of-way in Block 88 Columbia Heights Annex to Minneapolis from the west line of Lot 42 extended to the east line of Lot 50 extended (behind 675-37th Ave.) Offered by Norbe~g, Second by Land. Roll Cai] - All Ayes ORDINANCE #817 Second reading held on Ordinance //817 on sale of City owned property at 675-37th Avenue to Kenneth Hentges in the amount of S]9,500 as bid. Offered by Land, Second by LOGACZ Roll Call All Ayes RESOLUTION #74-31 SUPPORTING BANK REQUEST FOR FUNDING A lengthy discussion was held on the proposal from the Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights for the City to participate in issuance of industrial revenue bonds. Mayor Nawrocki explained this proposal and what he saw were the reasons why this proposal should be entered into by the City. These points were as follows: 1. Increase in taxable property 2. The new bank will provide jobs for people in the area. 3. The experience of having gone through the issuance of these bonds once would be of help in the future. One point of concern pointed out was whether the City was liable if anything went wrong with the plans. One particular question was if this proposal would hurt the City credit rating in any way. Attorney Kal ina discussed this. He pointed only a few remote possibilities of how the City would be liable in case plans did not proceed. Attorney John Cairns, representing the Bank, discussed the proposal. Further discussion continued at great length as people in the audience had various questions on the plans. Further clarification was required so that every one understood the plans. Councilman Norberg was concerned that this proposal may be inflationary. Following discussion, REsolution #74-3l was offered by Land, Second by Logacz Roll Call - Logacz, Land, Nawrocki - ayes Norberg abstained. Councilman Norberg pointed out his reasons for abstaining. He feels it is a Marginal proposition and does not compensate the City for the risk or for the trouble involved, and also, it is inflationary. He stated his intention to vote against further considerations of the matter unless there were substantial changes. WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has enacted Chapter 474 of the Minnesota Statutes, which is cited as the "Municipal Industrial Development Act"; and WHEREAS, Laws 1973, Chapter 288, to become effective August 1, 1974, amends the Act to authorize projects consisting of real or personal properties used or useful in connection with a revenue producing enterprise, or any combination of two or more such enterprises engaged in any business; and July 8, 1974 WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Act and the Legislature to promote the general welfare in the State by encouraging the State of Minnesota and local units of government to pursue the active promotion, attraction, and development of economically sound industry and commerce; to prevent the emergence of blighted and marginal land; to prevent emergence of areas of chronic unemployment; and to assist in more intensive development and use of land and thereby providing an adequate tax base to finance the increasing cost of government services brought about by the increasing population in metropolitan areas, and WHEREAS, Bank Shares Incorporated (hereinafter "Bank Shares"), a Minnesota corporation, is the parent of Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights (hereinafter the I'Bank'l), a bank chartered in the State of Minnesota and operating in Columbia Heights for the past 39 years as the Columbia Heights State Bank; WHEREAS, Bank Shares and the Bank have proposed a Project wherein Bank Shares would construct and equip a new bank building and drive-in banking facility at 5250 Central Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, which would be leased and operated by the Bank; and WHEREAS, Bank Shares and the Bank have proposed that the City undertake a Project under the Municipal Industrial Development Act as amended by Laws 1973, Chapter 288 and that Industrial Development Revenue Bonds be issued for the purpose of financing the Project, including certain incidental expenses at an estimated cost of $750,000; the Project consisting of constructing and equipping thereon a bank building and drive-in banking facility on real property located at 5250 Central Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and installing therein certain items of capital equipment; and the proposal calls for the project to be leased by the City to Bank Shares and sub-leased to the Bank upon rents to be fixed and revised from time to time as necessary so as to produce income and revenues sufficient to provide for the prompt payment of principal and interest on the bonds, and the entire interest of the City in the project would be pledged and mortgaged to a trustee for the benefit and security of the holders of the bonds; and WHEREAs, the City has been advised by representatives of Bank Shares and the Bank that conventional, commercial financing to pay the capital cost of the Project is available only on a limited basis and at such high costs that the economic feasibility of operating the Project would be significantly reduced; and, further, that with the aid of municipal industrial development financing, and its resulting low borrowing cost, the project is economically more feasible and will result in a substantially larger and more valuable project, and WHEREAD, the proposed Project would increase the tax base of the City and encourage retention and expansion of an established revenue producing enterprise within the City; and Bank Shares and the Bank have represented to the City that it is anticipated that additional employees would be required by the business operations, thereby providing additional opportunities for employment to residents of the City; and WHEREAS, said Project appears to satisfy the legislative objects, purposes and requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 474 as amended; and WHEREAS, the full faith and credit of the City will not have to be pledged against payment of prinicipal and interest on the Bonds, the City will not have to be responsible for the Project in any way whatsoever, and the City will be indemnified as to all reasonable and permitted costs it might incur in dealing with the Project; and WHEREAS, THE Allison-Williams Company, being familiar with the financial standing of Bank Shares and the Bank, has indicated that the proposed project is economically feasible and has stated its intent to purchase Industrial ~uly 8, 1974 Development Revenue to finance the Project upon terms and conditions agreed upon and mutually satisfactory to the City, the Allison-Williams Company and Bank Shares Incorporated. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights: 1. That there has been submitted to the Council a proposal by Bank Shares and the Bank that the City undertake a Project under the Minnesota Municipal Industrial Development Act (Minnesota Statutes, Cha~ater 474, as amended), consisting generally of constructing and equipping a bank bui]dlng and drive-in banking facility on real property located at 5250 Central Avenue Northeast, columbia Heights, Minnesota, and installing therein certain items of capital equipment. 2. The proposal calls for the Project to be leased by the City to Bank Shares and in turn, subleased to the Bank, upon rents to be fixed and revised as necessary to provide for the prompt payment of principal of and interest on bonds of the City to be issued to finance the acquisition and construction of the Project.' 3. The proposal calls for the eintire interest of the City therein to be pledged and mortgaged to a trustee for the benefit and security of the holders of the bonds. 4. That on the basis of information furnished the Council, it appears that the effect of the Project if undertaken by the City will be to encourage and develop economically sound industry and commerce through the retention and expansion of existing business providing more intensive development and use of land within the City and a more adequate and better balanced tax I~ase to finance increasing amounts and costs of governmental services within the City, all of benefit to residents and taxpayers of the City of Columbia Heights and other levels of government in the area. 5. That the issuance of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds in the approximate amount of $750,000 to finance the Project referred to above is hereby authorized and approved by the City, subject to the approval of the Project by the Commissioner of Economic Development and to the mutual agreement of this Council, Bank Shares and Allison-Williams Company, as to the final details of the Project and price, interest and terms of the bonds and subject to the Laws 1973, Chapter 288 becoming effective on August 1, 1974. 6. That in accordance with Section 474.01, Subdivision 7, the President of the City Council and the City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to submit the proposal for the undertaking to the Commissioner of Economic Development, requesting his approval of the Project. The Mayor, City Clerk, City Attorney and other officer, employees and agents of the City are hereby authorized to provide the Commissioner such preliminary information as he may require for this purpose. The City Attorney is also authorized, in cooperation with recognized bond counsel, to initiate preparation of such documents as may be appreciated to the undertaking if it is approved by the Commissioner in order that when and if approved, it may be carried forward expeditiously. (Provided, however, that this resolution constitutes preliminary approval only of the Project and in no way shall be interpreted so as to expose the City of Columbia Heights to liability to Bank Shares Incorporated or any other party interested in this Project in the event this Project is not completed for any reason whatsoever. ) July 8, 1974 4-WAY STOP SIGNS AT 43rd AVENUE & PIERCE STREET A recommendation was received from the Traffic Commission for stop sign placement in the above location. Motion by Land, Second by Norberg to approve the placement of 4-way Stop signs at the intersection of 43rd Avenue and Pierce Street. Roll Call - All Ayes HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT 4301 5th Street N.E. Motion by Logacz, Second by Land to grant request for Home Occupation Permit to Mr. and Mrs. Hyndman for the sale of tropical fish at 4301-5th Street. Roll Call All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki pointed out to Mr. and Mrs. Hyndman that this is an annual permit and the Council may decide at any time to withdraw granting of Home Occupation Permit if any problems should arise. A recess was called at 12:lO a.m. Meeting reconvened at 12:27 a.m. 3801 CALIFORNIA STREET A recommendation was received from the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve preliminary plans for the sale of 3801 California Street to Mr. Mike Nallick. The Council discussed the plans at great length with Mr. Nallick. Mr. Watson explained the actions of the Planning and Zoning Commission and pointed out stipulations made by them: 1. The final plans to be reviewed by the Southwest Park Association 2. Nallick should attempt to acquire garage adjacent to property 3. Mr. Nallick must satisfy all requirements relative to vacating of California Street and utility easements. Discussion centered around the vacating of California Street. Further investigations must be made to determine what can be done in relation to this. Mayor Nawrocki indicated that a first reading of the Ordinance for sale of this property to Mr. Nallick should be held at the next council meeting. Also, negotiations with Burlington-Northern for the necessary right-of-way on California Street should proceed to determine what can be done along this I ine. SPECIAL USE PERMIT, 4955 Central Avenue NE.. Motion by Land, Second by Norberg to grant renewal of a Special Use Permit to operate a service station at 4955 Central Avenue. Roll Call - All Ayes VARIANCES ON HIGH-RISE Motion by Land, Second by Norberg to grant variances as requested on the proposed senior citizens high-rise at 965-40th Avenue as follows: 1. Lot Area Variance 2. Building Height 3. Parking Variance 4. Side Yard Variance 5. Rear Yard Variance 6. Minimum Floor Area Roll Call - All Ayes 61,058 sq. ft. or 48.3% 30 ft. or 3].5% 128 spaces or 83.1% 10.8 ft. or 26.4% 7 ft. or 25.9% 40 sq. ft. or 6.6% FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR DIRECT LINE TO ANOKA COUNTY Fire Chief, Fran Bassett, had requested approval from the City Council for a direct phone line between the fire station and the County Dispatcher. Discussion was held. The questions was raised as to how much this would cost. July 8, 1974 Mr. Bassett had not indicated the amount in the request. Motion by Land, Second by Logacz to table this request until the next regular Council meeting. Roll Cai] -All Ayes INFORMAL BIDS FOR SCHOOL SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT Informal bids had been taken on sidewalk replacement in front of Columbia Junior High School. The School District had requested this replacement. They would reimburse the City for costs involved in such replacement. Motion by Land, Second by Logacz to award informal bid on sidewalk construction on the north side of Qist Avenue between the west end of the new sidewalk at the Mini Park and the east end of the new sidewalk in front of the Columbia Junior High School to Mikedonald Cement Company in the amount of $],250 based on low informal quotations. Roll Cai] - All Ayes ORDINANCE ~818 NEW ZONING ORDINANCE Motion bt/ Logacz, Second by Land to table hearing on Ordinance #818 until the special meeting called for Monday, July ]5 at 7:00 p.m. Roll Ca]] - All Ayes RESOLUTION ON SALARIES Motion by Norberg, Second by Land to table resolution on adjustment in salaries for Vicki Maternowski, Public Works Secretary, and Mr. Tim Yantos. Roll Cai] - All Ayes LICENSES Motion by Norberg, Second by Land that the licenses as listed be granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Cai] - All Ayes IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH motion by Norberg, second by Land to grant request for a beer license and food license For their annual fall festival August 23, 24, 25, 1974 to Immaculate Conception Church and the fee be waived based on the fact that it is a non-profit organization. Roll Ca]] All Ayes OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Councilman Norberg reported on mid-year closing in the library. Councilman Norber9 had questions on certain bills that had been passed this evening which had been charged to the park development fund. Mr. Watson answered these questions for him. A sunken section of street near /~2nd and Washington was discussed as it had come up last fall during a public hearing. Mr. Gustafson reported that blacktop materials were being picked up this week and at that time, the work would be done. A discussion was held on fast cars and motor-cycles just across the boundary line in Fridley west of Main Street coming down the hill by the Burlington- Northern 'fence. This problem will be brought to the attention of the Police Chief. July 8, 1974 Mayor Nawrocki reported on having heard from Judge Keyes on a dog problem in the area near his home. Mr. Watson reported on having written a letter to B & E Patrol and on conversations with them requesting close patrol ing in this particular area, around 3818 VanBuren Street. CITY MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Watson reported on writing to the Village of New Hope requesting information on their animal control service which is handled through their police department. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS Mr. Kalina reported briefly on a suit against the City by the Retired Police Officers. Mayor Nawrocki questioned him as to what action is being taken on damage claims from the blasting. Mr. Kalina reported on this . Mayor Nawrocki stated that something should be done more quickly than it is at the present time. Mayor Nawrocki also asked Mr. Kalina on what progress is being made on the ordinance recodification. Mr. Kalina reported that it is being worked on. Councilman Land wanted to know if any plans are being made toward the direction of making the Traffic Commission a self-ruling entity that does not have to go to the City Council for approval. Mr. Kalina indicated that this would be looked in to. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Mr. Gustafson reported that Fridley has received payment of their share of the costs in connecting to a joint storm sewer outfall to the river with Fridley, Columbia Heights and the Minnesota Highway Department He was concerned because Columbia Heights did not have the figures on how the share were divided. He was asking the Council for permission to go to the consulting engineer used by Fridley in figuring out their share to find out what the results of his investigation has been but Mr. Gustafson was concerned that the City would be charged for such information. The Council instructed him to go to Fridley first and see what information they could provide and then to the Engineer to see what other information is available. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the first membership meeting of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities would be held on Thursday, July 11, 1974 in the St. Louis Park Recreation Center at 8:00 p.m. He pointed out that members of the Suburban League of Municipalities should be in attendance and are requested to be there by 7:45 p.m. to officially ratify the by-laws. Mr. Watson reminded the Council of the Milton Honsey Appreciation Day on Tuesday, July 9 at 11:30 a.m. for those interested in going. Price is $10.OO each. Motion.~, ~bY~N°rberg ,~t~_=_,_~t~~ Second by Logacz to adjourn at~: . . - ll Ayes Secretary,/~Pro-tem Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor