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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