HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 7, 1974Official Proceedings
Special Meeting
October 7, 1974
Meeting was called to order at 8:25 p.m.
NOrberg, Land, Nawrocki - present
Roll Call-Logacz, Heintz,
Motion by Heintz, Second by Logacz to name Marco Emerson Secretary
Pro-tern for the meeting. Roll Ca] 1 -Al 1 Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki began the meeting by pointing out that the purpose of the
meeting was to consider those items as listed on the agenda.
RESOLUTION #74-47 CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT UTILITY CHARGES
Motion by Land, Second by Heintz Roll Call-All Ayes Resolution #74-47 adopted.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CiTY COUNCIl of the City of Columbia Heights,
that
WHEREAS, all utility users have been sent a pink card reminder that their
bill was delinquent, and
WHEREAS, all said users were further notified by letter from the City Clerk
that all unpaid delinquent utility bills as of August 30, 1974 would be
certified to the County Auditor to be included on ]975 tax statements.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights,
that the County Auditor be, and he is hereby directed to levy the delinquent
utility charges on the properties in the City of Columbia Heights as submitted
on the attached sheets, totaling S]1,566.48.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing amounts shall be included in the
individual rea] estate tax statements and identified thereon as ~Delinquent
Utility Charges~
SAID LEVIES shall be enforced and collected in the manner provided for
the enforcement and collection of state and county taxes under and in accordance
with the provisions of the general laws of the State. All assessments with
penalties and interest as indicated thereon paid to the County Treasurer
shall belong to the City of Columbia Heights and shall be turned over to
the City Treasurer in the manner provided by the City Charter and Ordinances.
RESOLUTION #74-48 CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Offered by Land, Second by Norberg Roll Call-All Ayes Adopted.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights,
that the County Auditor be, and he is hereby directed to levy the delinquent
special assessments on the properties in the City of Columbia Heights as
submitted on the attached sheets and filed in the Assessment Book for 1974.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the foregoing amounts shall be included in the
individual real estate tax statements for the current year and
identified thereon as "Special Assessments"
SAID LEVIES shall be enforced and collected in the manner provided for the
enforcement and col lection of State and County taxes under and in accordance
October 7, 1974
with the provisions of the general laws of the State. All assessments with
penalties and interest as indicated thereon paid to the County Treasurer
shall belong to the City of Columbia Heights and shall be turned over to the
City Treasurer in the manner provided by the City Charter and Ordinances.
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS shall accept payments on these levies until
the end of the calendar year. Upon receipt of said payments the County will
be notifed to remove th~s levy from the tax rolls.
RESOLUTION #74-49 SETTING RATES ON GARBAGE SERVICE, SEWAGE DISPOSAL,
AND WATER SUPPLY IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
City Manager, Malcolm Watson, discussed the ralationship of the increase
in garbage of the recently awarded bid and the raise in rates being charged
to the cltlzens. He further explained what the rate changes consisted of
in relation to both garbage and sewer. He explained the minimum and maximum
charges on the sewer rates.
Mayor Nawrocki requested figures on the water consumption, and sewer usage.
Mr. Watson pointed out that these are related, but that the entire amount
of water used is not reflected directly in the sewage volume. He pointed
out watering lawns, and washing cars as being examples of water usage which
does not enter the sewer system.
He further elaborated on the winter and summer comparison in the water usage.
Mr. Hentges was present at this meeting and asked for clarification on why
there is a maximum charge on sewer rates. Mr. Watson again explained that
the rates are based on water usage, but that the entire amount reflected
in water usage does not enter the system, and so the maximum is to balance
the usage of water which does not enter the sewer system.
Resolution #74-49 Offered by Land, Seconded by Logacz Roll Call-All Ayes Adopted.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights
that
In accordance with the rate increases to be paid by the City of Columbia
Heights to the Metropolitan Sewer District, and Modern Services garbage
contractor, the following rates shall be put in effect as of November 1, 1974
on all billings rendered thereafter:
Garbage Ser~ ice:
Private residences and each additional dwelling unit in two and three
family building ........................ $3. lO/mo./unit
VAT SERVICE:
Standard one yard vat:
Picked up once per week .............. $16.50/month
Picked up twice per week .............. 25.50/month
Picked up three times per week ........... 34.OO/month
Two standard one yard vats:
Picked up twice per week ............ $ 41.O0/month
Four cubic yard vats:
picked up one per week ............. S 34.00/month
Picked up twice per week ........... 53.50/month
Picked up three times per week ......... 74.50/month
For any new service added or an old service discontinued, there
will be a $1.00 clerical cost billed to the dwelling.
2. Sewer Disposal:
The sewer disposal charge shall be $3.00 per month on a quarterly basis
per family unit, forthe first 2250 cubic feet of water usage per quarter,
and 40¢ per 100 cubic feet usage over the initia] 2250 cubic feet
thereafter to a maximum charge of S12.00 per quarter.
The rate for commercial-industi-ial users shall be based on water consumpti:n
at 40¢ per 100 cubic feet.
3. Water Supply Rates:
Water rates shall remain at $4.50 per quarter minimum bill for the first
600 cubic feet or less and 50¢ per hundred cubic feet additional water
used.
For water users outside the City of Columbia Heights, the minimum
quarterly bill shall remain at $4.80 for the first 600 cubic feet or
less and 55¢ per hundred cubic feet for additional water used.
The Water Tower surcharge of 10% on water billings will remain in effect
until rescinded by Council action.
4. Senior Citizen Rates:
For low income residents over 62 years of age and a maximum household
income of less than S4,000 per year:
Garbage Service: Sl.O0/month S3.00/quarter
Sewer Disposal: 2.00/month 6.00/quarter
Minimum water use: 1.O0/month 3.00/quarter
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all the foregoing rates are made in order to
meet the additional cost to the City of Columbia Heights for these respective
services.
ORDINANCE #829 CORRECTING DESCRIPTION ON 47th AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY
A first reading was held on Ordinance #829.
October 7, 1974
ORDINANCE #828 REGARDING SCHOOL PROPERTY
A first reading had been held on this ordinance at a previous meeting.
Mr. Watson reported on a letter received from Howard Jenson, Superintendent
of Schools, asking that this ordinance be removed from consideration as it
was found to be unnecessary as there is an ample number of laws covering
the same items as was found in Ordinance #828. Motion by Norberg, Second
by Land to remove from further consideration Ordinance #828 as an ordinance
regardJng school property and conduct. Roll Call-All Ayes
PAYMENT OF BILL TO ELECTRIC SERVICE, INC.
Mr. Watson informed the council that Electric Service had completed
their work in LaBelle Park to the satisfaction of their specifications,
and should be paid their bil] in the amount of $2,643.10 which had been
denied at a previous council meeting. Hr. Hentges expressed his opinion
that the light fixtures had been donated by Wolverton Engineering
and the bill should not be paid in entirety since Electric Service
did not supply the lights. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the Council
does not know what the specifications had called for, but that it was
indicated that the work was done properly, and it would be assumed that
it was done according to specifications. Motion by Heintz, Second by
Logacz to pay the bi]l in the amount of $2,643.10 to Electric Service,
Inc. Roll Call-All Ayes
CARPETING IN LIBRARY LOBBY
Mr. Norberg displayed samples of carpeting from various informal
bidders on carpeting for the library. He stated the recommendation of
the Library Board to purchase the carpeting from Hilltop Trailer
Sales. Three informal bids had been received, Jordan Floor Covering
at $846.96, Hilltop Trailer Sales at $875.60, and Weiss-Carlson Carpet
Company at a range of $1,200 to $1,400. Motion by Norberg, Second by
Heintz to authorize the purchase of carpeting from Hilltop Trailer
Sales as recommended, based on quality of material inc]uded in the respective
bids and consideration thereof. Roll Call-All Ayes
PROPERTY VALUATION SHORT COURSE
Councilman Norberg questioned whether this had been projected for 1974,
and if the request included all expenses. Mr. Watson stated that only
one person had attended the League Convention this year and there were
extra funds available. Motion by Land, Second by Heintz to grant
request for Jerry Hedlund to attend the Property Valuation Short Course
at St. Cloud on October 29th and November 5th for a fee of $15.00 and
all expenses paid. Roll Call-All Ayes
October 7, 1974
MINNESOTA ASSESSORS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Motion by Land, Second by Logacz to grant request for City Assessor
to attend Minnesota Assessors Association Annual Conference
at the Holiday Inn Central in Minneapolis on November 18, 19, and 2Oth.
Roll Call - All Ayes
LIBRARY GRANT FROM ANOKA COUNTY
Motion by Land, Second by Logacz to authorize Mayor and City Manager
to enter into agreement with Anoka County for the acceptance of a grant
to the Library in the amount of $51,000. Roll Call-All Ayes Mr. Watson
indicated that details would stillhave to be worked out as to how this
grant will be used, but this agreement signifies acceptance of the grant
from the County.
VERIFICATION OF VETERAN'S DAY HOLIDAY
Mr. Watson pointed out to the City Council that this year Veteran's
Day would be celebrated on November 11, and not on the fourth Monday
in October. He stated that the meeting which had formerly been stated
as being on October 29 would be on October 28, the regular meeting day,
and the November l l meeting would be on November 12 in view of the holiday
on November 11 .
A recess was called at 9:20 P.M.
Meeting Reconvened at 10:30 P.M.
DISCUSSION REGARDING HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BUDGET for 1975
Mayor Nawrocki began by pointing out that at the last special meeting
on September 30 the City Council had considered and approved the HRA
budget for 1975. During the discussion of same, Councilman Norberg
had made a statement regarding the HRA budget. Now, at this meeting,
Councilman Norberg made the following statement:
I'ln lieu of any previous statements I may have made, I wish to
enter the following remarks: I have expressed serious doubts about the
Propriety of certain items in this budget and about the propriety of
levying $21,100 more taxes to support a budget which I believe is already
amply funded.
I wish to state that I have never said, implied, or intended to imply,
that illegal acts or representations were made with respect to the budget.
I believe the Senior Citizens' High-rise Project is a good and
necessary one, and I have confidence in the HRA and Its operations.
I do note, however, that the budget as presented is in error and
out of balance by over $12,OO0. Anticipated revenues will in fact be
over $56,000 rather than the $44,000 shown on Page 18, because this
$12,O00 is shown as an expected revenue but for some reason was not added
in the Column.
This would, if shown properly, allow us to reduce the levy by that
amount, and I think that should have been done.
These irregularities should be corrected and I presume that they
will be.
October 7, 1974
Though my doubts have been largely resolved, I still wish to
be recorded as voting NO, protesting as unwise the accumulation of
large sums under any non-elected body, even one as honest .and responsible
as the Co~umbia Heights Housing and Redevelopment Authority."
Following this statement, Mayor Nawrocki thanked Mr. NOrberg for his
further consideration of the statements he had previously made on this
subject. Mayor Nawrocki further pointed out that the item w~hich Councilman
Norberg referred to in his statement "does at least in my opinion(Mayor
Nawrocki) represent an honest clerical error in adding a column of
numbers. " Further, "It means that in fact the Development 2 Budget
for the HRA would have a surplus of about a little over 513,000
as opposed to the $1,200 that was indicated in the HRA budget as
had been presented to the Council." Mayor Nawrocki went on to say,
"l think the honest correction of that, assuming that we concur, is that
the Council did not intend for a budget surplus of the 513,O00+ figure.
The expedient thing for the Council to do would be to indicate at this
time to the HRA that it would be our intent not to transfer to them
510,000 of Revenue Sharing at this time as was originally indicated
as being necessary to make their budget balance. We would, as we always
are, be subject to reviewing that possible need for funds at some later
date. This would mean that the budget of the Housing Authority, from
a budgetary standpoint, if everything works out exactly as indicated
in the budget; this would mean a surplus of approximately 53,000 in
the HRA Budget at the end of the year for the kinds of programs
that we are looking to the HRA to be involved in'.' Mayor Nawrocki pointed
out the following as projects the Council would be looking to the HRA
to work on: 1. Downtown Revitalization Study
2. Recommendations on possible intergovernmental
use of the Oakwood School property.
3. Examination of the utilization of Housing REHAB programs
that the State has allowed funding for.
He further stated, "If indeed they find good programs for these areas,
the total budget that we would be in fact approving in the Development
2 projects of $44,000 and the approximately $3,000 potential surplus
would be a proper accounting of those funds."
Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the 510,000 transfer of Revenue Sharing
does not transfer to HRA without a Resolution by the City Council, so no
formal action needed to be taken at this time. He pointed out that no
resolution has been considered as of this date. He also stated
that the Council would verbally indicate to the Authority,"that the
510,O00 transfer from Revenue Sharing funds should not be anticipated
at this time, although programs and projects brought for our consideration
at a later date, would, at a later date, be g~ven such consideration."
The other members of the Council verbally agreed with the Mayor's statements.
INFORMAL BIDS ON LIQUOR STORE
Mr. Watson indicated to the City Council that he has been seeking informal
bids on various items for the liquor store. These include an ice
cube machine, as well as the fact that Mr. Hovland, City Building Inspector,
has been contacting flooring suppliers for carpeting. Mr. Watson
asked that f~urther consideration of these proposals be delayed until
October 7, 1974
another meeting as he is still receiving the proposals and could not at
this time give a recommendation.
REVISION OF 1975 BUDGET
Mr. Watson indicated to the Council that further communications from
the State came in the day of the special meeting which made it necessary
tomake changes in the Budget for 1975 as Adopted on September 30.
MOtion by Norberg, Second by Heintz to place the revision of the 1975
Budget on the Agenda for consideration at this time.'l Roll Call-All
Ayes
A discussion was held regarding the changes received from the State.
This included a reduction in the levy limitation, as well as an increase
in the state aid allotment, which ultimately balanced each other
in equal amounts. Following further discussion the following
resolution was read~
Resolution #74-50 was offered by Norberg, Second by Heintz Roll Call-All Ayes
RESOLUTION #74-50 was adopted.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights, that:
WHEREAS, the Budget for 1975 City purposes was adopted officially
following a public hearing on same, Monday, September 30, 1974, and
WHEREAS, said budget was based upon a preliminary estimate of local
government aid allotment from the State Department of Taxation, and
the Department of Taxation as of Monday, October 7, 1974 revealed
that they had now recalculated their figures and the actual local
government aid allotment was changed from the preliminary figure of
$435,410 up to $464,776, being $29, 366 more than anticipated, and
WHEREAS, it is recognized that we have underestimated out needs for
tree disease control and may levy for such disease control as a
special levy,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Columbia Heights, that the total levy for tax purposes as adopted
September 30, 1974 be and the same shall remain at a total of $1,331,714
with the additional special levy to be earmarked to tree disease control.
Motion by Norberg, Second by
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Secretary ~'~) the Council Pro-tem