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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept 9, 1974Official Proceedings Regular Council Meeting September 9, 1974 September 9, 1974 Meeting was called to order at 8:17 p.m. Roll Call - Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki - present Motion by Norberg Second by Logacz to name Margo Emerson Secretary Pro-tem for the meeting. Roll call - all ayes Invocation was given by City Manager, Malcolm O. Watson. MINUTES OF LAST REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, Second by Norberg to approve the minutes as presented in writing for the regular meeting on August 26 and special meeting on September 3 and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call-all ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Councilman Norberg had questions on two bills for travel expenses for Recreation Department employees. Councilman Heintz explained the proceedure which the Recreation Commission goes through to approve bills prior to their coming to the City Council. City Manager, Malcolm O. Watson pointed out that Dean Otterson has asked that one check be witheld to Electric Service Inc. in the amount of $2,643.10. This bill is for lights in LaBelle Park and Mr. Otterson had stated that the work is not satisfactorily completed and so should be witheld until it is. Motion by Logacz, Second by Heintz that the bills as listed with the exception of Check No. 10271 to Electric Service Inc. for $2,643. lO be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call - All Ayes Marq. State Bank of C.H. Petty Cash Fund Johnson Bros. Whsle Liq. Johnson Paper & Supply Co. Ed Phillips & Sons Minn. Distillers Inc. Old Peoria Co. Inc. Prior Wine Co. Twin City Wine Co. Payroll Account Amer. Waterworks Assoc. Val Bjornson,State Treas. Val Bjornson,State Treas. A & B Sporting Goods Co. The Abbey Scherer Co. American Linen Supply Co. Chies Bros. Coast to Coast Col.Metal Fabrication Comm. of Taxation Crown Iron Works Graybar Electric Co. Wm.P.Johnson Electric Co. Jones Chemicals Inc. William Kranz Inc. 200,000.00 Mel's Van O Lite 24.47 140.O0 Midway Tractor & Equip. 26.65 837.50 Minn. Gas Company 75.00 284.24 Northfield Co. 11.40 2,914.33 Olsonls Plumbing 1.40 3,904.31 Sun Newspapers 8.55 148.58 Vaughn's 32.35 94.34 Eklund Clothing 112.70 130.26 Linda Hansen 114.OO 55,039.03 N.E.Locker Room 921.52 25.00 No. Suburb. Football Leag. 220.00 135.75 Richard Petkoff 50.00 3,191.62 Harold Slavik Jr. 45.00 26.50 Dean Althaus 15.00 372.24 American Linen Supply 47.80 8.71 Amer. Research Corp. 67.03 125.O0 Anoka County 424.25 53.04 Apache Jewelers 16.50 46.60 Apeco 23.45 25.56 Assoc. of Metro.Municip. 30.00 69.80 Burroughs Corp. 23.50 38.80 City of Col.Hts. 575.00 45.93 City of Col.Hts. 50.00 9.75 Coast to Coast 102.41 476.24 Comm. of Highways 104.45 Comm. of Personnel Comm. of Taxation Coon Rapids Chry. Plym. Coop Lead & Chemical Cronstroms Htg.& Air Cond. Gregg Custer Davies Water Equip. Co. Delegard Tool Co. Dunk]ey Surfacing Dunkley Surfacing Eiler Company Eklund Clothing Electric Service Co. Firestone Oil Company Flaherty Equip. Corp. Fridley Office Supply Garwood Twin Cities Gateway Hardware Hank Gestetner Corp, Gillette Tire Warehouse Gopher Stamp & Die Co. Grant Battery Sales Ha]] Equipment Inc, Harmon Glass Royhl C. Hedblad Henn. County Finance Dir. Homelite Imperial-Eastman Corp. Instit. for Management Jiffy Print Keep Fill Products Koch Refining Co. Kramer Tire Co. Lange Tank & Maint. Lawco Company Maintenance Experts Matthew Bender & Co. Inc. Metropolitan Sewer Board The New Minar Ford Miner-McAlpin Agency Mpls. City Treasurer Mpls. Oxygen Co. 23.23 1,196.90 1.31 366.83 345.00 27.50 112.80 92.91 711.49 1,746.17 20.00 142.OO 5O.OO 33.00 80.96 276.36 lOl.30 1.39 277 8O 8 38 377 5O 23 41 150 lO 123 lO 4O OO 2,923 60 44 O1 ]3.79 33.00 8O.45 14.91 324.16 21.O0 16.89 78.8O 626.00 27.50 594.O0 42.76 2,651.OO 384.37 37.17 Minn. Rescue & First Aid Assn. Modern Service Inc. No. Amer. Life & Cas.Co. Olson's Plumbing Dean S. 0tterson Peterson & Kalina Petty Cash-Police Dept. 15.OO 15,536.89 183.60 170.26 469.33 211.98 47.48 Petty Cash Pitney Bowes Quality Litho Refrigeration & Ind.Sup. Rejis Eugene Sa]ay Shoppers City L.N.Sickels Co. State Bldg. Inspector Tasco Automotive Tracy Printing United Air Lines Victor Comptometer Corp. Water ~oducts Co. Williams Steel & Hdwe. Henry Zeug Robert Friis Griggs Cooper & Co. lnc. Ed Phillips & Sons Co. Twin City Wine Co. Johnson Bros.Wine Co, American Linen Supply Bronner Exterminating Cash Register Sales City Wide Locksmithing Comm. of Taxation 79.53 172.00 387.40 210.19 432.13 141.20 44.64 52.25 94.51 26.58 111.68 27.75 265.50 290.00 76.79 176.10 28.95 122 27 364 31 204 09 134 23 126 74 12 OO 73 86 75.OO 4,119.85 Distillers Distributing 12,097.59 Doherty Distr. Co. Martin Drinville Ganzer Distributors Home Juice Co. McKesson Co. Merrill Chapman Co. Ovshak Printing Midwest Wine Co. Petty Cash-Liquor Joe Rak John Roach Superior Products Twin City Filter Serv. Dunkley Surfacing Keys Well Drilling Co. Robert O. Westlund Co. 2,147.25 15.12 3,635.70 92.44 1 ,495.62 33.]5 86.60 180.12 153.77 6.48 18.00 64.80 3.30 635.85 11,420. lO 4,016.67 ~46,O95.06 Councilman Norberg pointed out two checks to the City of Columbia Heights which are in payment for the SAC charges on Ostrander and Mathaire Park buildlngs as being out of revenue sharing funds. Mayor Nawrocki asked whether the Post Office is aware of the SAC charge in relation to their building at 44th and Tyler Place. Mr. Watson and Mr. Brown both indicated that this has not come up with any conversations with Post Office representatives. September 9, 1974 HEARING ON SANITARY SEWER ON MCKINLEY STREET Mr. Brown reported on the proposed plans for installation of sanitary sewer on McKinley Street, 39th to 40th. Two residents were present from the area. Mr. Brown indicated that only four properties would I~e affected by the assessment. He indicated that the estimated cost would be $8.00 per front foot. He further pointed out that it was hoped that the work could be done this fall, but if not, then early next spring. Councilman Norberg had questions on whether or not this work, including paving of the street which was authorized at a previous hearing, could wait until the property on this street was developed. Mr. Brown indicated that the recommendation is to do the work at the same time as the Cleveland Street and 39½ Avenue work is done. Further discussion was held on the drainage in this area following questions from Mr. Watson. Mr. Brown explained the sewer system in this area. Motion by Land, Second by Heintz to approve the sanitary sewer installation and the City Manager is authorized to proceed with same. Roll Call - /ogacz, Heintz, Land, Nawrocki-Ayes Norberg - Nay RESOLUTION #74-44 AUTHORIZING SANITARY SEWER INSTALLATION ON MCKINLEY Offered by Land, Seconded by Logacz Roll Call - All Ayes BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights by motion on the 13th day of August 1974 ordered notice of a hearing to be given to property owners, and WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents ap- peared at a Council meeting on the 9th day of September 1974, and WHEREAS the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: (1] That the location and extent of such improvement is as follows: sanitary sewer installation from existing stub on McKinley Street, 39th to 40th Avenue (on centerline of McKinley from the line between Lot 4 and Lot 5, Block 1, to the South line of Block 2) (2) That the materials to be used are as follows: P.V.C. sanitary sewer pipe (3) That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvement has been made by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land fronting upon and adjacent to such proposed improvement, which he deemed benefitted thereby, were properly notified of said hearings, and (4) That the City Manager shall also list the names and owners of the several par- cels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained. (5) These improvements shall also be known as Project No. 693. k T-WAY STOP SIGN AT 44th andMcLEOD STREET Residents from the area near 44th Avenue and McLeod were present with a petition requesting the City Council to consider placement of stop signs at that intersection. They had been to the Traffic Commission and the Commission had denied this request and now the residents wished to appeal this decision to the City Council. Councilman Land spoke on the action taken by the Traffic Commission. He pointed out that the commission found that there is not a great deal of cross traffic on McLeod. He also pointed out that the Commission agreed that speed is a problem on this street, but it is on all streets and he believes that stop signs are not the answer to this problem. September 9, 1974 He stated that there are no obstructions to the view at this intersection, and based on these facts, the Commission had denied the request. Mr William Ojile, 1421-44th Avenue N.E. served as spokesman for the citizens present. He stated that the people are concerned for the safety of their children when crossing this intersection. He stated that there is a constant stream of traffic on 44th and it makes it impossible for the children to cross 44th safely. He pointed out problems involving the school bus stopping near this intersection. He also pointed to the fact that many children must cross this street on their way to go to the Memorial Park. Councilman Logacz pointed out the problems with the hill on 44th and the fact that it is easy to go over 30 MPH when driving West. Further discussion was held on the fact that 44th Avenue is a State Aid Road, and that it is bound to have more traffic. A lengthy discussion was held on the conditions on this street regarding children crossing for the school bus. A discussion was also held regarding radar being used on this street to check speed. The citizens pointed out that the poi ice car is very noticeable and so the effectiveness of the radar is reduced. Mayor Nawrocki discussed the fact that a budget request for 1975 involves the purchase of a new type of car for the purpose of radar which would eliminate the obviousness of the present squad cars. The discussion turned to placement of a crosswalk at this intersection. The citizens voiced their objection to this idea. They felt that it would not be effective, and so wanted to have the stop signs placed in lieu of that. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out the purpose of a traffic comission and the fact that they are an advisory body and the Council would have to tend to follow their decision. A lengthy discussion was held on the entire request and various aspects of it. Many of the citizens present voiced their opinions. Motion by Land, Second by Norberg to deny request to reverse the action of the Traffic Commission to deny the placement of a 4-Way Stop at the intersection of 44th Avenue and McLeod Street. Roll Call - Heintz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki --Ayes Logacz - Nay The citizens present requested that a further hearing be held. They felt that a hearing where everyone from the neighborhood would be present would help their cause. A discussion was held on the desirability of another hearing. Councilman Norberg voiced his opinion that a hearing would probably not change the decision of the City Council. The citizens wanted to know exactly why their request would be denied. Councilman Land discussed his opinion on what should be considered in the placement of stop signs. He stated the fact that the cross traffic, number of pedestrians crossing that intersection, and blocking of vision, all are important considerations. He pointed out that this particular intersection would not fall into these categories. Mayor flawrocki stressed that all in all the requests boi]d down to a subjective decision. There are no actual criteria which ultimately decides whether or not to place stop signs. MOtion by Logacz, Second by Heintz that a hearing be held at a special meeting Tuesday, October l, at the Field House at 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering a petition for 4-~Vay stop signs on 44th Avenue and McLeod Street September 9, 1974 and that all property owners within 300 feet of the intersection be notified. Roll Call - All Ayes TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS Motion by Norl~erg, Second by Heintz to place "No Trucks over 7000 Lbs. Empty Weight" signs on Jackson and VanBuren Streets, 37th, 39th and 4Oth Avenues. Roll Call - All Ayes Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land to place "Playground" and "lO MPH" signs in the alley between 38th and 39th West of Main Street beside Southwest Park. Roll Call - All Ayes Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg that a crosswalk be striped and signed at the intersection of 39th Avenue and Main Street. Roll Call-All Ayes UNITED STATES POST OFFFICE SITE PLAN APPROVAL Motion by Heintz, Second by NOrberg to table consideration of the Post Office site plans until the next regular meeting on September 23. Roll Call - All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that prior to the regular Council meeting an informal meeting was held with the representatives from the Post Office to discuss the site plan and they will meet with the real estate officer prior to the next council meeting to discuss why alternate sites had not been recommended for the post office. DESIGNATION OF FUEL COORDINATOR Mr. Gustafson discussed the problems that the Divil Defense sees in a Civil Defense Officer also being the fuel coordinator for the City. Mr. Gustafson is presently serving in this capacity. He discussed communication with the Civil Defense office. Motion by Heintz, Second by Norberg to appoint Tom Hosch As Fuel Coordinator for the City. Roll Call - All Ayes PLANT EXPANSION 3737-3rd Street The owner of the property at 3737-3rd Street was present to gain approval for expansion of his building. Mr. Watson pointed out that his proposal had been approved by the Planning Commission and since it involves no waivers, theywould not need to have it approved by the City Council. Recess was called at 10:20 p.m. Meeting reconvened at lO:32 p.m. September 9, 1974 INFORMAL BIDS ON BOOTHS FOR LIQUOR STORE Mr. Watson discussed three informal quotations he had received for replacement of the booths in the bar. These were from Superior Products, Harrison House, and Display Fixtures. He pointed out that the funds for these booths would come from the income over and above anticipated income for 1974 with the purchase to be made this year [1974). Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to authorize the City Manager to replace the booths in the bar to be purchased from Display Fixtures in the amount of $2,597 plus the estimated freight charges of S180.O0 based on the three competitive informal bids. Roll Call - Logacz, Heintz, Land, Nawrocki - Ayes NOrberg - Nay Councilman Norberg felt that this was a purchase with no definite prospect of ge-ting any profit from the purchase. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call -All Ayes OLD BUSINESS Councilman Heintz inquired if anything is transpiring on the Red Barn exits in relation to the urbanization of Central Avenue. Mr. Brown described the conditions of this area where people take a short cut through the Pancake House and car wash to avoid the lights in making a right turn on 49th Avenue. Mr. Gustafson reported on having seen several people do this. Mr. Brown pointed this out as a problem of having exits on Central for Red Barn. Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr Watson to set up a meeting with the Post Office real estate representative. HILLTOP VILLAGE Mr. Brown reported that Assistant City Engineer, Clayton Berg, had attended the Hilltop V;llage Council meeting and that no action was taken regarding the easements needed for Monroe Street 45th to 46th regarding the permanent street work and water main extension. Mr. Brown pointed out that they had instructed the Attorney for Hilltop to prepare the easements required and notify the people involved. The Council of Hilltop will call a special meeting for consideration of this when all the details are prepared. Mr. Brown pointed out that Hilltop has indicated that they will cooperate in both the Street construction and water main extension. PURCHASE OF PROPERTY Councilman Land spoke on his desire to see action taken toward purchasing the 30 foot strip of ]and, street right-of-way from Mr. Moneta at 233-42nd Avenue. This would facilitate the permenent street work that would be desired at a future date on 42nd Avenue. A short discussion was held. Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate with Mr. Moneta for the purchase of this land, with a report back to the City Council at the first meeting in October, October ]4. Roll Call - All Ayes September 9, 1974 k 1975 BUDGET Councilman Norberg discussed his desire to have a break-down on certain line items in the Budget such as Capital Equipment and Travel, Conferences, and Schools. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that this breakdown is given verbally as the Council meets informally with the department heads to go over their requests. Councilman Norberg indicated that he would like more information given in writing. Lengthy discussion was held. INFORMAL MEETINGS ON 1975 BUDGET WITH DEPARTMENTS Mayor Nawrocki pointed out meetings to be held regarding the 1975 Budget and stated that these, as all meetings of the City Council, are open to the public. These will be: Tuesday Sept. 10 at 7:00 in the Council Chambers. Monday, Sept. 16 at 7:00 at the library and the n later back at the Council chambers (approximately 8:00) Tuesday Sept. 17 at 7:30 in the Field House Wednesday Sept. 18 and Thursday Sept. 19 at 7:00 each night in the Council Chambers. NEW BUSINESS Councilman Heintz asked about hearings which have been held in the past but the work was never done, or assessed. He wanted to know what happens when the work is done and the cost is up. Mr. Watson reported on this. Councilman Heintz suggested that perhaps these projects should be closed out and new hearings held when the work will be done. He asked how many such projects exist. Mr. Watson was not certain of the number but would find out prior to the next meeting. Councilman Heintz further mentioned that next year the sidewalk projects should be reopened. Mr. Gustafson pointed out the problems with tree remova 1 . Councilman Norberg pointed out that on 43rd Avenue between Madison and Quincy there are high "bushy things" which make it impossible for the school bus to see. Mr. Gustafson indicated that he would check into this. DEMOLISHING AT 4337-2nd ZStreet N.E. Mr. Gustafson reported on the plans for removal of the old house at 4337-2nd Strett. He indicated the difficulty in getting someone to give a proposal on this. Mr. Hentges discussed the possibility of contracting use of a large vat from a rubbish hauler and have the City crew fill it and compact it. He pointed out that this would be less expensive than contracting with a wrecking company. Mr. Gustafson reported that whatever is done, the house will be removed by the end of theeweek. It is in extremely poor condition. GROUNDBREAKING FOR SENIOR CITIZEN HIGH-RISE Mayor Nawrocki indicated to the Council that the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Senior Citizen High-Rise is scheduled for Saturday~ September 14 at 11:00 a.m. September 9, 1974 CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS Mr. Kalina reported that he is in the process of getting a conciliation hearing on the claim against the Recreation Commission on discrimination in ath]et its. Hr. Kal ina asked for council opinion regarding closing liquor stores during municipal elections. He is working on the recodification of the ordinances, and this came up as a question. The Council responded individually. The question was also brought up about the possibility of holding municipal elections in the even years instead of odd. Kal ina will check into how this might be changed. Mr. Kalina questioned whether or not the City Council member on the Human Rights Commission is a voting member. It was pointed out that generally he is considered such, but Mr. Ka]ina stated that this is not definitive in the Ordinances and should be. Councilman Norberg asked this same question regarding the Library Board. Councilman Land indicated that when he had served on the Library Board he had been a voting member. Mr. Kal ina indicated that this was the case. Mr. Kalina reported that all the reports on b]asting claims are in from Mr. Ocel and so progress can be made in clearing these up. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Mr. Gustafson reported on cost investigations on the purchase of television equipment for the City sewer lines. Sewer and Water Superintendent, Donald Jolly , had submitted a written report on comparisons in cost on renting the equipment and purchasing. A discussion was held on this report. Various questions from the Council were answered by Mr. Gustafson. LA BELLE PARK WELL Mr. Gustafson reported that the well in LaBelle Park is complete. He further reported that the change order 9ranted by the council at the last Council meetin9 had been reduced from $1,740 to $1,484 makin9 the total cost of the project $12,689. A question was raised by Councilman Norberg on the actual cost of the LaBelle Park construction supervision done by Brauer and Associates which was never specified but only estimated by Mr. Otterson at $3,000 or $4,O00. No accounting was available for this meet i nc. Councilman Norberg pointed out that congratulations on the fine work done in the development of Southwest Park should be extended to the Engineering Department as well as to the people of that neighborhood, and to the Park Department personnel. Notion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at/,~]:55 ~.;.///o]1 Ca)ill]all Ayes Bruce g. Nawrocki, Mayor Secreta~ry to the Council Pro-rem