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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. k 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