HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 16, 1974Official Proceedings
Special Meeting of the City Council
December 16, 1974
Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. Roll Call-Logacz, Heintz,
Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-present
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Log~cz to name Margo Emerson Secretary
for the meeting. Roll Call-All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki stated the purpose of the meeting to be as stated on
the agenda: 1. Consideration of Ordinance for the possible sale of
3801 California Street, and 2. Report on Bids Received for the new
water tower.
ORDINANCE //830 SALE OF 3801 CALIFORNIA STREET
Mr. Watson reported that he had submitted a letter to each of the two
proposed buyers of the property asking for additional information
as to screening, traffic to be generated, actual use of the,. building, parking,
etc. He stated that in response to his letter, he had received
a verbal response from Mr. Ron Holum, of Ron's Ice House, stating
that he wanted to be removed from further consideration as a
possible buyer. Mr. Watson further stated that Commers Soft Water
Company, Inc. had responded to his letter by further outlining
their proposed use of the property. He spoke at great length as to
what their proposal consisted of. He explained two differ¢,.nt plans
that were available as to parking, landscaping, driveways, etc.
The Council agreed that the plan which would have the driveway
and parking on the South side of the building, and leave the W. 75'
of Lot 18 landscaped, would be the best proposal.
A discussion was held on the possibility of rezoning the property
to a commercial type of zoning. Mr. Watson pointed out that a commercial
usage would generate more traffic than would in~iustrial.
The actual bid amount was discussed. Mr. Watson explained that
the company had bid $25,000. Discussion centered around the existing
drain field and cesspool for the property.
Mrs. Anderson, a neighbor near 3801 California Street, questioned if
there were any plans on the part of Commers Soft Water to turn over
the landscaped area, of Lot 18, to the park. Mr. Dobis, Attorney for
Commers Soft Water, stated that the proposal was made with the plan to
retain that property. Councilman Heintz stated that he was. in favor
of having that portion of land, Lot 18, left out of the sale entirely,
and the land designated for park purposes.
Mrs. Anderson questioned the tax relief which would be realized by
the residential properties nearby by having this property as industrial.
It was briefly explained.
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Decenber 16, 1~7~
Discussion again turned to the existing cesspool, and the possible future
need for a sewer connection to Hain Street. Hr. Gustafson pointed out
that at this time,there is no immediate Future need for a connection,
but that it is unpredictable. He stated that the system presently serving
the property is adequate. Hayor Nawrocki questioned whether the future
connection of the sewer should be taken into consideration in the
near future. Hr. ~atson and Hr. Gustafson stated that it would not
be necessary for at least eight to ten years.
Hr. Gustafson spoke of the conditions of the land around this area.
He stated that with the exposure of the limestone lead in the area, the
possibility of the cesspool trickling out is present, but that it has not
happened as yet, with either this property, or with the property at the
other end of the block, which is also served by cesspool. He pointed out
that the addition of the need for future facilities may bring the need for
the se:-zer connection closer.
Discussion turned to the possibility of a park building being built
which would demand this sewer connection. Hrs. Anderson stated that
Park Superintendent, John Nurzyn,had stated that there were plans for such
a building within the next three years. Councilman Heintz pointed out that
it would be further away than that, possibly 1980, or later. Further
discussion was held on the possibilities of street work in the area with
assessments being charged to the neighboring properties. Mrs. Anderson
was concerned that the industry at 380] California would generate more
traffic, causing the need for the street to be worked on.
Councilman Norberg discussed his feelings that the property should
be rezoned to commercial. Further discussion was held regarding the
zoning on this property.
Mayor Nawrocki spoke at great length on his personal feel ings regarding
this property. He stated that the proposal from Commers Soft Water
is something that is probably as compatible as any proposal which would be
possible, with the adjoining residential and park property.
He further stated that he would like to sell Lots ]6 and ]7, where the
building is located, but that the City would retain the West 75' of Lot i8.
He further stated that it should be written into the deed what the
restrictions are on the usage of this property so that a future buyer
could not go into this building with a business that would be against
the neighborhood. He further stated that the treatment of the building
should also be written into the deed.
Councilman Heintz stated that he would be willing to sell the land if
that portion of Lot 18 was retained by the City.
Mr. Dobis, Attorney for Commers Soft Water, was concerned as to what the
deed restrictions would consist of. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that in
the past the Council has opposed a machine shop, paper shredding business,
and other operations with noise, dirt, and excessive traffic. He stated
that these type of things would be restricted. Mayor Nawrocki further
discussed the possibility of changing the zoning. He stated that every
change has some sort of drawbacks, and that he feels that placing restrictions
December 16, 1974
in the deed is the route to go. In discussing the proposal from Commers
he stated that the amount of $22,500 should be accepted for the two lots.
Mrs. Anderson again expressed her displeasure at having the property
sold. She informed the Council that she had spoken to Senator Stokowski
regarding this sale. She stated that he told her that one can ~ot sell
condemned property. She was informed that the property was not condemned,
but that it had only been ordered that it be sold, with repairs to begin,
or demolished, within 60 days. She was concerned that this was an emergency
situation, and so would require an emergency ordinance. She was informed
that the regular ordinance would be come in effect with the time limits
set, and so an emergency ordinance would not be necessary.
FIRST READING HELD ON ORDINANCE #830 Authorizing the Sale by the City of
Columbia Heights of Certain Real Estate known as Lots 16 and 17, Block 100,
Columbia Hei'ghts Annex to Minneapolis, Anoka County, Minnesota
(3801 California Street) to Commers Soft Water Company, Inc. for' $22,500.
RECESS was called at 8:25 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
REPORT ON WATER TOWER BIDS
Mr. Watson informed the Council that bids had been opened on the new water
tower on December l0 at 2:00 p.m. He discussed the bids which had been
received. The low bid had come from Chicago Bridge and Iron Works for
$193,700 for a spheriod type tower. They also included a $10,000 deduct
if demolition of the existing standpipe was not included.
Universal Tank and Iron Works had also bid a spheriod type tank for a
total of $228,650. with a $12,000 deduct if the City removes the existing
standpipe, rather than the bidder.
Pittsburgh-DesMoines Steel Company bid on two different tanks:
one was for a hydropillar tank for $246,000 and the other for $244,000
for the spheriod type. They also included $8,000 deduct if the demolition
of the existing standpipe is not included.
Mr. Watson stated that they will recommend award to Chicago Bridge and Iron
with the option to accept the $10,000 deduct at a later date. Discussion
was held on these bids. Mr. Watson pointed out that the actual award
would be on the next agenda for the regular meeting, rather than award the
bid on the same evening.
Mayor Nawrocki was concerned as to why there was such a difference in
the amounts of the bids. He was concerned that perhaps Chicago Bridge uses
less iron, or some similar shortcut to cut cost, but perhaps not provide
an equally acceptable tank. He also asked why there was not other bids
on the hydropillar.
December 16, 1974
Mr. Gustafson explained the operation of the tower. He assured the Mayor
that each of the tanks bid were equally as sturdy, but that each had perhaps
a little different shape, which would account for a difference in the
amount of steel used. He further explained that one of the companies may
have had a larger warehouse of materials than the other companies.
He also explained that the tank would have to meet standards before it would
be accepted. Mr. Gustafson further explained the use of the pumps
related to the new tank, and why it was needed, and how it would operate.
Brief discussion was also held on the maintenance of the tank. Mr. Gustafson
stated that ice can not build up in the new tank.
Mr. Watson pointed out that further discussion would be held on the water
tower at the next meeting, when the award of bid would be made.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by
· rberg to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Roll Call-All Ayes
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
S~c reta r~' Pro-tern