HomeMy WebLinkAboutAug 25, 1975-225-
Official Proceedings
Special Meeting of the City Council
Hearing on Seal Coating
August 25, 1975
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg,
Land, Nawrocki-present
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to name Margo Emerson Secretary for the
meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that this is a special meeting called for the purpose
of considering seal coating on certain streets in the city.
At this point the City Manager, Malcolm Watson, asked that the Engineering
Department make a statement regarding the purpose of sealcoating, why it is
being done, costs, what it consist of, etc. Mr. Watson pointed out that all
the people proposed to have sealcoating done on their streets had received
notice of the hearing, followed by delivery of a letter explaining what is
proposed. This letter included the estimate of cost and the amount of seal
coating to be done. City Engineer, George Brown, made a general statement
about the purpose of sealcoating--to seal permanent streets. He then handed
out the letters which had been delivered to the homes previous to the hearing
to those in attendance in case any of them had not received the letter prior
to this time. Mr. Watson read the contents of the letter in full. The
letter reads as follows:
"The purpose of seal coating is to provide preventative maintenance for our
streets and is similar to reroofing a house or half-soling a pair of shoes.
Bituminous surfaces will wear, erode, crack, and ravel. IL oxidizes and
becomes permeable to water. The bituminous mastic wears and erodes allowing
the rock aggregate to be thrown aside and weaken the strength of the mat.
With this project we wish to accomplish the following:
1. Seal the surface against air and moisture intrusion.
2. Rejuvenate the dry oxidized surfaces.
3. Bond raveling aggregate in place.
4. Stop further deterioration.
5. Improve luminosity and skid resistance.
6. Provide a new wearing surface.
We propose to place a ~'chip seal coat" type of seal using crushed gravel
about 3/8 inch in diameter or smaller. The chips are spread over a previously
applied layer of hot liquid bituminous materials and rolled into place. To
avoid tracking the bituminous material homes, into driveways, etc., we apply
an excess amount of chips. These excess chips will be picked up by sweepers
when the applied material has cured, usually in about a week after application.
August 25, 1975 -226-
The greatest value of seal coat is to maintain a street mat that is
presently in good condition. The seal coat program currently advertised
will be placed on streets that have had curb and gutter, adequate
base and an A.C. (asphaltic concrete) mat.
Seal coats are generally placed over a mat two or four years after
the initial installation and repeated every four to seven years
thereafter.
Bids were received for this project and are approximately 5¢ a
square yard higher than the bids in 1972. However, since we estimate
less patching and preparation on this group of streets, we are quoting
the same estimate of 54¢ per front foot." George F. Brown, City Engineer
Mayor Nawrocki asked for general comments or questions from the people
present affected by the proposed seal coating.
One gentleman asked whether the 54¢ per front foot estimated assessment
is close to what would actually be charged. Mayor Nawrocki pointed
out that this was the actual amount charged in the seal coating
done in 1972. The new bids for the work for 1975 were about 5¢
higher than the bids which had been received in 1972, but the work
for 1975 involves less patching and so the costs would be about the
same. Mayor Nawrocki also pointed out that in the past the cost
estimates have worked out very close to the actual amount assessed.
Another gentleman asked whether the streets would be built up level,
patched, before the seal coating was done. He was told that they
would be and the estimate takes this work into account as well.
One lady pointed out that she has no "cracks" in front of her home
on 6th Street, near 40th Avenue, by the A & W Root Beer stand,
only the businesses on the corner do, and she asked why she should
pay for the work to be done. She pointed out that she is a senior
citizen and has a limited income and does not have the means for
paying an assessment such as is proposed. Mr. Watson pointed out
that the City grants lower utility rates to senior citizens and is
one of the only cities to do so, but that in the case of assessment,
there is no way to tell who owns the land, etc. and all the properties
are treated the same. it was later pointed out that 6th Street,
where this lady lives, is not proposed for seal coating for 1975.
Another man questioned why this work can not be done on a continuing
basis throughout the city rather than an assessment, thereby being
paid directly through the taxes. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that
there are certain reasons why this is not done. He pointed out that
the taxes are for certain things, and in the past have not been
used for this kind of maintenance work. He pointed out that the levy
limitations make it difficult to add new items under the taxes which have
not in the past, and would make it necessary to cut down on a present
service which is presently paid out of the taxes. Before any
-227- August 25, 1975
permanent streets were built in the city and street work consisted of
oiling only, it was paid out of the taxes, but since the permanent
streets were put in, the seal coating was put on an assessment basis.
Mayor Nawrocki also pointed out that as the costs rise, there may have
to be another basis on which to pay for the work--especially after all
streets are permanent.
Another' man stated that he felt that the streets should be on a program
as far as seal coating is concerned. Mayor Nawrocki said that the streets
are on a four to six year cycle and are seal coated according to this
cycle. Whereby, the man stated that his street had not been done
in the last four years or so. Mr. Watson stated that some of the streets
were missed on one cycle of the program; avenues in particular were missed.
Another' lady also pursued the idea of having the work done and paid out
of the taxes rather than assessments. Councilman Heintz pointed out
to her the fact thatnot all streets are permanent streets, and the people
living on these streets that are not permanent would object to paying
for seal coating out of general taxes, when their streets do not receive this
work. Mr. Heintz also pointed out that the streets in the Innsbruck area
of Columbia Heights are concrete, and this also would make it difficult
to pay for the seal coating out of general taxes. These people in
Innsbruck have paid more initially for their streets with the idea
that they require less maintenance.
One man pointed out that he thinks the city does not repair the street
properly, pointing out that cracks in the street following the winter
should be fixed, so that when winter comes again the water does not
get under the street by way of these cracks and freeze and break up the
street even more.
Another question was raised as to whether seal coating affects the
valuation of property. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the seal coating
in itself does not, but the fact of having a permanent street does.
Discussion was held on when the seal coating would be done. Mayor
Nawrocki stated that the work would be done by the middle of September,
but if cold or wet weather prohibits the work this year it would be
done next year. Mr. Brown pointed out that bids taken now were good
only for this year, and if the work is not completed in 1975, new bids
would have to be taken in 1976. If these bids came in considerably
higher than in 1975 making it necessary to make new estimates of assessment
cost, then a new hearing would have to be held. A man asked when the
assessment would be made if the work was done this year. Mayor Nawrocki
answered that if the work is done this year, the levy will be made this
year.
One lady living on Edgemoor Place and 3rd Street discussed the fact
that trucks drive on both of these streets, delivering to the businesses,
and she pointed out that her husband had stated that he is against paying
for the sealcoating when the trucks will be using the streets. Mayor
August 25, 1975 -228-
Nawrocki asked if there is any one business in particular to which
these deliveries are made. She stated that it is all the businesses.
Councilman Land asked that this be checked into by the Traffic
Commission. City Engineer Brown stated that he would have it placed
on the agenda for the next Traffic Commission meeting.
The lady also pointed out a large chuckhole hear the end of the alley
near 2½ Street. Mayor Nawrocki asked that she discuss this with the
City Engineer to explain exactly where this hole is.
At this time Mayor Nawrocki named each street proposed for the seal
coating and asked for any comments on each individually.
Mrs. Gilbert , 4300 Jefferson Street, was concerned about the work
to be done on 43rd Avenue, 4th to Quincy, and in particular between
Jefferson and Washington. She expressed her unhappiness with the
dirt situation which exists along her property on 43rd Avenue.
She stated that the alley washes down against her garage whenever
it rains, and that the city only throws the dirt against her garage
when they sweep. She felt that it needed to be actually shoveled
out and not just swept. She asked why the seal coating should be
done and have the street loaded with dirt. It was pointed out that
the problem is with individual properties along the alley washing
out into the alley and then down. Mrs. Gilbert asked that something
be done to make these property owners do something that would
stop the dirt from washing out into the alley. Mayor Nawrocki
pointed out that the City has no right to order these people
to do something of this nature.
Mr. Watson stated that a list has been made of the streets which are
particularly bad for dirt accumulation and following storms these
are swept first.
General discussion was held on assessments to individual properties
where property owners present questioned what would be proposed to
be charged to their properties. The discussion also included an
explanation of charges on avenues being done.
One gentleman stated that he is opposed to paying an assessment for
seal coating on Quincy, 40th to 41st, because there is no parking
along this block, and he feels that he does not receive the full
benefit of the street. He described the conditions at his home which
make it impossible for him to park in back of his home for the time
being, by way of the alley. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the
street is an access to his home and by this fact there is a benefit
to his property. The man stated that he would access through the
alley, since there is no parking in front of his home. It was
pointed out that legally a person can not park longer than six hours
on any residential street in Columbia Heights.
-229- August 25, 1975
One man asked how the City can even eliminate parking on any street.
He was told that when the streets were built originally they were built
for a low level of traffic, but as more traffic comes through a street,
parking, if allowed, must be eliminated because parking on both sides
would "jamm up~' the street.
Mr. Andrew Yantos, 4457-2½ Street, discussed at great length the conditions
which exist at his property along 45th Avenue, which is proposed for
seal coating. He stated that Fridley has made their side of 45th Avenue
higher 'than the Columbia Heights side. He explained that the road is
higher 'than his driveway and that something must be done to alleviate
this problem which causes his car to scrape the bottom when driving out of
the driveway. He felt that when the sealcoating was done, he would never
be able to back out without scraping the bumper. Discussion held on what
might be done to solve the problem. The City Engineer stated that he
could see no immediate solution under the seal coating program which is
proposed. He pointed out alternatives, including the rebuilding of the
driveway to conform with the grade of the street. Following further discussion
the Mayor asked that someone go over to Mr. Yantos' home and review the
problem with Mr. Yantos and determine what possible solutions might exist.
Mr. Watson agreed to meet with him on Tuesday, August 26, the day following
the hearing.
Motion by Norberg Seconded by Heintz to direct the City Manager to
proceed with the seal coat project as proposed. Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION #75-43 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS
Offered by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz Roll Call: All Ayes
Resolution #75-43 was adopted.
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
28th day of July, 1975 ordered notice of a hearing to be given to
property owners, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at
a Council meeting on the 25th day of August, 1975, 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 improvements is as follows:
2nd Street, 37th Avenue to 38th Avenue
2nd Street, 39th Avenue to 40th Avenue
2½ Street, 37th Avenue to 3rd Street
3rd Street, Edgemoor Place to 40th Avenue
Edgemoor Place, 2½ Street tp 3rd Street
4]st Avenue, 4th Street to Central Avenue
43rd Avenue, 4th Street to Quincy Street
August 25, 1975 -230-
Madison Street, 40th Avenue to 42nd Avenue
Madison Street, 43rd Avenue to 45th Avenue
Quincy Street, 40th Avenue to 41st Avenue
Monroe Street, 43rd Avenue to 44th Avenue
Jackson Street, 44th Avenue to 45th Avenue
VanBuren Street, 4Oth Avenue to 41st Avenue
Quincy Street, 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue
2nd Street, 44th Avenue to 45th Avenue
2½ Street, 44th Avenue to 45th Avenue
45th Avenue, Main Street to University Avenue (50% in Fridley)
Quincy Street, 39th Avenue to 40th Avenue
Peters Place, Gould Avenue to Reservoir Boulevard
Pierce Street, 37th Avenue to 38th Avenue
Buchanan Street, 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue
Lincoln Street, 37th Avenue to Circle
Johnson Street, 37th Avenue to 40th Avenue
Ulysses Street, Johnson Street to Circle
Polk Street, 39th Avenue to 40th Avenue
39th Avenue, Polk Street to Johnson Street
39th Avenue, Cleveland Street to McKinley Street
VanBuren Street, 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue
McKinley Street, 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue
That the materials to be used are as follows:
Seal Coat, Asphalt, and Aggregate
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 benefited thereby, were properly notified of
said hearings, and
That the City Manager shall also list the names and owners of the
several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained.
5. These improvements shall also be known as Project No. 705.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to adjourn at 8:25 p.m
~ruce G ' Ni
Roll Call:
All Ayes
~rocki, Mayor
Secretary~
-231-
Official Proceedings
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota
August 25, 1975
Meeting was called to order at 8:35p.m. Roll Call:
Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-present
Invocation was given by City Manager, Malcolm O. Watson.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to name Margo Emerson
Secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to approve the minutes of
the last regular meeting of August 11 as presented in
writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Moti'on by Land, Seconded by Logacz that the bills as listed
be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes
U.S. Postmaster
Famous Brands, Inc.
Griggs, Cooper & Co.
Johnson Wine Co.
Old Peoria Co.
Merrill, Lynch, Pierc, Fenn & Smith
Distillers Distributing
Famous Brands, Inc.
Griggs, Cooper & Co.
Johnson Bros. Whsle. Liq.
Old Peoria Co.
Ed Phillips & Sons
Wine Merchants
Payroll Account
Ed Phillips & Sons
Johnson Paper & Supply
No. States Power Co.
N.W. Bell Tele. Co.
James Lord, Minn. State Treas.
Mrs. Stuart G. Walker
Charles H. Stevenson
Albinsons
2,600.00
721.58
2,526.34
946.37
446.65
96,538.25
5,123.69
1,712.88
992.32
1,366.68
3,921.03
3,504.95
72.45
65,948.12
150.65
150.41
3,156.61
1,308.25
3,704.63
630.00
75.00
425.50
Earl F. Anderson & Assoc.
Auto Gear Co.
Bacon's Electric
Clayton R. Berg
Bryan Rock Products
59.92
60.38
55.42
29.61
472.98
August 25, 1975 -232-
Bureau of Buss. Practice
Case Power & Equipment
City of C. H.-Petty Cash-Liquor
Coca Cola Bottling
Col. Hghts. Fire Dept.
Continental Safety Equip.
Conway Fire & Safety
Cronstroms Htg. & Air Cond.
Crown Iron Works Co.
Data Dispatch, Inc.
Davies Water Equipment
Mitch DeMars
Downtown Idea Exchange
Dunkley Surfacing Co.
Druce Edwards
H.E. Erickson Co.
Robert E. Diedrich
Fadden Pump Co.
Fireside Office Supply
Fridley Office Supply
Fullwell Motor Products
Galaxy Enterprises Co.
Gardner Hardware Co.
Genuine Parts Co.
Merle Glader
Goodin Company
Gross Industrial
Group Health Plan Inc.
G.T. Parts Co.
Donald Hanson
D.W. Harstad Co.
Royhl Hedblad
Heights Auto Wash
Heights Electric
Henn. County Finance Dir.
C.V. Hewitt
Tom Hosch
Imperial Eastman Corp.
Independent Black Dirt
Jones Chemical
Ronald Kalina
Kindy Opticenter
Knox
Koch Refining
Robert J. Kolb
Lakeland Sign Co.
Lawco Co.
Lowry Lumber Co.
Macalester Park Publishing
A1 Martinsen, Jr. Agency
Mike Mayne
Metro. Animal Patrol Services
Metro. Office Equipment
25.62
88.41
76.80
58.50
419.00
25.84
50.50
132.00
935.00
22.50
46.78
16.76
38.00
3,231.02
432.88
46.00
1,710.00
179.50
75.59
8.88
89.87
40.00
41.82
526.00
33.00
172.55
24.30
481.76
64.28
50.00
71.65
10.00
145.25
64.27
3,749.97
31. 80
7.00
22.79
99.50
78.20
1,675.00
26.00
77.40
1,315.88
15.14
'8.00
173.48
446.70
3.00
20.00
3.15
2,788.00
217.00
August 25, 1975 -233-
Metro. Waste Control Comm.
Midwest Asphalt Corp.
Minneapolis City Treasurer
Minneapolis Equipment Co.
Minneapolis Oxygen Co.
Minnegasco
Minn. Hospital Service Assn.
Minn. Rescue & First Aid Assn.
Steve Miskowic
Model Craft Electric
Modern Service Inc.
Betty Myers
Northland Milk & Ice Cream
North Star Concrete
N.W. Bell Tele. Co.
N.W. Bell Tele. Co.
Leonard Olson
Olson Plumbing
Oswald Fire Hose
Ovshak Printing
Paper Calmenson & Co.
Peterson & Kalina
John E. Schedler
S 0 S Office ~quipment
Standard Spring Co.
St. Paul Stamp Works
Sun Newspaper
Twin City Testing & Enr. Lab
Warners Industrial Supplies
Waste Management of Minn.
Water Products Co.
Xerox Corp.
Burkhardt Plumbing Co.
Metro Engineering
White Construction Co.
13,756.94
442.75
26,331.14
5O.46
34.46
197.46
2,564.76
15.00
3.15
13.20
17,935.40,
55.20
249.60
383.79
45.00
96.30
50.00
55.50
314.50
129.50
253.72
165.00
22.66
13.00
150.08
126.11
155.06
12.00
520.95
30.00
99.25
615.50
400.00
6,761.86
2,799.30
TOTAL BILLS 291,741.61
BITUMINOUS SEAL COAT BIDS
Brief discussion was held on the bids received from three bidders
for the seal coat work in the City. The question was raised whether
the City should do the sweeping up after the seal coating, or if the
contractor should do this. City Engineer, George Brown, admitted
the the City crews would be pretty cramped for time to do this sweeping.
Councilman Land felt that if there is any doubt whether the City forces
can do the work, then the contractor should do it. Motion by Heintz,
Seconded by Land that the bid for seal coating be awarded to the low
bidder, Bituminous Construction Company of 5237 Hanson Court in Minneapolis,
for a total base bid of $12,570.00, and the alternate Bid A for $1,439.O0
for the sweeping after the seal coating is completed. Roll Call: All Ayes
SECOND READING ORDINANCE # 837 BEING AN ORDINANCE VACATING AN EASEMENT
OVER AND ACROSS A PART OF THE EAST FIFTY (50) FEET OF LOT THIRTY-TWO (32)
RESERVOIR HILLS, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
-2B4- August 25, ]975
Offered by Land, Seconded by Logacz
Ordinance #837 was adopted.
Roll Ca1]: Ali Ayes
TAXI STAND CURB CUT
Mr. LaMont was present from Columbia Heights Cab Company to discuss
concerns on the part of the City Council over the fact that he has a
long curb cut to facilitate diagonal parking on his lot on Van Buren
Street, north of 40th Avenue. He stated that all the permits were author-
ized for the work done on the installation of the underground tanks. He
pointed out that the property across the street from his has a similar curb
cut and he had decided that he would like to have this too, to cut down
on the confusion in relationship to parking at his establishment.
He stated that he has the need for ten cabs to park along his property,
and this curb cut facilitates a parking ramp.
He pointed out that he had paid quite a bit of money for this driveway
installation. He pointed out what he felt were the safety factors in
the way the parking is now situated.
Mayor Nawrocki reported to Mr. LaMont that he (Mayor Nawrocki) had been
the ()ne to raise the question of why this driveway had been allowed,
and that he had asked that it be checked into. The Mayor pointed out
what he felt was the safety hazard of having the drive set up in this
fashion. He stated that the cabs must back out over the drive, and the
slope, etc., is situated such that the driver would not be able to
see a child that may have walked behind the cab. He stated that if Mr.
LaMont is allowed to have this large of a driveway, there would be no
reason that others should not be allowed to have similar drives, and this
should not be the case. He stated that certain other similar curb cuts
in the City were in existence before the ordinances were passed prohibit-
ing such drives. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the drive cut across
the street from the cab company is not as large as the cab company's.
He also pointed out that one can not eliminate parking on the street for
one's own personal use in parking on their property.
Mr. L. aMont discussed the fact that he has a limited amount of land,
and that this drive makes the most use out of the land that he has.
He also pointed out that the cabs could back in and then would be
able to drive directly out, without backing out over the sidewalk. Mayor
Nawrocki stated that either way, in or out, they must back over the sidewalk.
Mr. L. aMont stated that he had contracted to have ~he work done this
way, and he would appreciate if the City can allow him to continue
it as is, as he has a definite need for this parking.
Mr. Watson, City Manager, discussed the problem with the construction
of the drive itself. He pointed out that the contractor did not
consider the way the gutter had been formed to bring the water to
40th Avenue, and that as a result, the drainage patterns as intended,
no longer exist. He stated that the new construction is made so that
the drainage stands, and flows north, rather than to 40th Avenue.
Mr. Hanson, the contractor who did the work, discussed the way the
work was done.
August 25, 1975 -235-
Mr. Hanson also stated that he had received permission from the Public
Works Director for the work. Mr. Gustafson was not present at the
meeting to verify whether this was so or not.
Mr. Watson pointed out that the permit for the installation of the
underground tanks, had indeed been for the burying of the tanks
only and not for anything else. It is normally understood that the
conditions prior to the construction will be restored as they were
and no changes made.
Mr. Brown, City Engineer, stated that no permission was given by the
Engineering Dept. for the long drive.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to table further discussion
until the next regular meeting pending hearing what Mr. Gustafson,
the Public Works Director, has to say on the matter. Roll Call: All Ayes.
ALLEY LIGHTING
Mr. Watson reported that a petition had been received from 70% of the
property owners along the alley between 6th and 7th, 42nd to 43rd,
for alley lighting. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to authorize
the City Manager to set up a hearing on alley lighting in this alley
with the hearing to be held at the next regular Council meeting, September
8, 1975. Roll Call: All Ayes
SET HEARING FOR DELINQUENT MID-BLOCK LIGHTING BILLS
A list of ten properties was given to the City Council on mid-block
lighting bills which had been due on September 30, 1974 and to date have
not been paid. Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz that an assessment
hearing on the delinquent mid-block lighting bills be set for the regular
council meeting of September 22, 1975. Roll Call: All Ayes
CIVIL DEFENSE CONFERENCE
Councilman Norberg asked what the estimate of cost is on the conference,
and Mr. Watson stated that it is approximately $525, to be paid from the
Civil Defense Travel fund with one-half to be reimbursed by the Federal Govern-
ment. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the expenses
for the Civil Defense Secretary to attend the annual conference of the
United States Civil Defense Council to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
October 4 through 10th. Roll Call: All Ayes
LICENSES
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the licenses as listed be
granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION #75-44 ESTABLISHING CERTAIN SALARIES
Lengthy discussion held on the contents of this resolution. Councilman
Heintz was concerned about the range indicated on the laborers hired
under the C.E.T.A. program. Mr. Watson answered that this range is the
contract level with Local 49, and that the City is obligated to pay
contract amounts for all positions, and can not pay less. He further
discussed the salaries which the C.E.T.A. positions are being paid. Mr.
Heintz also asked whether establishing a certain range means that the
City is obligated to give the C.E.T.A. positions pay increases. Mr. Watson
said that increases are as the City wishes, and are not mandatory. He
explained that the purpose of the C.E.T.A. program is to get people back
-236- August 25, 1975
into the work force.
Mayor Nawrocki spoke at length on the position of Accountant. He
stated that he objects that the City Manager did not try harder to seek
local applicants for this position. He suggested that the City had
conducted a search for a Clerk-Treasurer the year previous and these
applicants should have received consideration. He spoke on the salary
which had been indicated at the time of the advertising for the new
accountant position, and that he objects to an increase at this time.
He indicated that others were eliminated by virtue of the fact that
they already received higher salaries in their present positions,
and would not consider a pay cut. He stated that now it appears that the
salary range is proposed to be higher than originally advertised, and had other
applicants known this, they would have been more interested in the position.
Mr. Nawrocki stated that this tends to make a mockery out of the people
who would have applied, but didn't.
Mr. Watson stated that he had advertised in the Star, Sun, and Minneapolis
Spokesman. Interviews had been held in March, and the actual hiring had
not been done until May. He indicated that this was quite a bit of time
in which local applicants could have indicated their desire to be considered.
He also pointed out that the salary range had not been included in the
advertising.
Councilman Heintz asked whether Mr. Watson had looked back at the
individual applicants who had been considered for the position of
Clerk-Treasurer for consideration of the position of accountant. Mr.
Watson stated that the range of $800, which was being proposed, was to
large a cut for these individuals.
Discussion was held on what had been told the individual who had eventually
been hired regarding pay increases.
Mr. Watson stated that he had been hired knowing that he would be able
to be re-evaluated as to salary after his probationary period was completed.
The raise proposed would be $54.00.
Councilman Logacz stated that if the individual was hired knowing he will
be able to be re-evaluated, and if he is as good as he seems to be in
the position, then the $854 proposed for the salary after increase is a
"bargain".
Mayor Nawrocki spoke of his concern that the City Council had never set
the position of Accountant or of Mr. Kolb's salary. He stated that this
should have been done prior to hiring.
Discussion was held on the actual contents of the resolution, and it
was changed so that the future increase in pay was not included, nor the
range for the position, but only the salary which is actually being paid
at this time.
RESOLUTION #75-44 Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes
BE Il' HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS,
that::
August 25, 1975 -237-
WHEREAS, the position of accountant has been established and budgeted
for 1975, and since no specific salary range had been set for this position
in the Position Classification and Pay Plan, and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk, City Manager, and the League of Minnesota Muni-
cipalities consultant have reviewed the Job Description and desired
qualifications resulting in an acceptable salary scale,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the beginning salary for the position
of Accountant be $800 per month.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that since certain employees have been made
available to the City through C.E.T.A. funding for positions in various
departments, that the salary ranges for such positions be as follows:
1. Clerk-typists Range 6
2. Laborers $2.50 to $4.75 per hour (contract range)
3. Engineering Aide Range 14
4. Administrative Aide Range 17
Passed this 25th day of August, 1975.
OLD BUSINESS
Councilman Norberg stated that an addendum should be added to the
specifications on the water control system which would clearly fix
system responsibility with the vendor.
Mr. Brown stated his belief that this was already included in the
specifications, and Mr. Norberg felt that it was not absolutely clear.
Mr. Norberg also pointed out other items which should be included in
the specifications.
MEETING WITH POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
Mr. Watson reported that another meeting had been held with the PCA
and the Public Works Director, City Manager, Sewer and Water Superintendent,
and the Mayor regarding a by-pass system on the sanitary sewer near
Jackson Pond. He stated that the results of the meeting were encouraging
and application for a permit will be sent to the National Pollution
Agency.
BANDSTAND
Councilman Heintz pointed out a written report from the Park Superintendent
on the plans on the bandstand. This had been requested by the Council
at their last meeting.
LABELLE PARK
Mayor Nawrocki also pointed out a report from the Park Superintendent
regarding repairs at the LaBelle Park site, in particular, repairs to the
light fixtures.
SALVATION ARMY FENCE
Mr. Watson reported that he had spoken to the Salvation Army office,
and that Brigadier Kish is arranging to have his attorney present at
-238-- August 25, 1975
a meeting which is being set up with the City of Columbia Heights, City
of St. Anthony, and the Salvation Army.
DOG LICENSE FEES
Councilman Norberg spoke briefly on his idea that lower fees be charged
for older dogs, i.e., he stated that on the purchase of the third
license for a dog, which would be at least six years old by the time
of their third license, the license should be for the remainder of the
life of the dog. He pointed out that the City has special rates for
spayed and neutered animals, in view that they cause less problems
for the City. He stated that he felt that older dogs also cause less
problems.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mr. Norberg stated that he had certain concerns with certain funds as
shown in the July Financial report from the City Treasurer. He felt that
certain high amounts are being spent for departments that should be at
a level spending. Brief discussion in which Mr. Norberg was told that
he should discuss these with the Financial Director. One question that
Mr. Norberg had was relative to high expenditures in the legal budget.
Mr. Watson pointed out that this is due to court cases, including the
Glover case and police pension case, which are running high. Also,
Mr. Norberg asked about the expenditures in the planning budget. Mr.
Watson stated that certain amounts relative to Downtown Development are
being charged to the planning budget, which should be charged to the
Downtown Development and this would have to be remedied.
BI-CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY APPLICATION
Mayor Nawrocki reported that he had received the forms for applying to
become a Bi-Centennial Community and that they are due by September 1.
He gave them to the City Manager, and suggested that he contact the state
to see if the City can receive an extension of time.
COMMUNITY NOISE WORKSHOP
Mayor Nawrocki handed Mr. Watson information including the program format
on a community noise workshop to be held September 18 and 19.
In relation to this item, Councilman Norberg requested that Vern Rozmark,
from the City personnel, who had attended a noise seminar in Wisconsin,
meet with him regarding the contents of the seminar, and noise level testing
instruments.
ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES
Mayor Nawrocki pointed out a letter from the Association of Metropolitan
Municipalities asking for volunteers on various committees, and asked
that Mr. Watson ascertain the interest to serve on these committees.
WATERMAIN AND STREET CONSTRUCTION, Monroe Street, 45th to 46th
Mr. Watson reported that he has written a tetter to the Hilltop City
Council urging them to respond to his previous correspondance relative
to their cooperation in the work to be done on Monroe, 45th to 46th,
between the two cities. Mr. Brown reported that the Hilltop City Council had
asked that someone from Columbia Heights be present at a council meeting
to show them the plans for Monroe. He stated that the Hilltop Council
had adjourned that meeting, and would discuss it at the next meeting.
August 25, 1975 -239-
COLOR OF WATER TOWER
Discussion on report regarding the color of the primer for the water
tower. Mr. Brown stated that a letter had been sent to Chicago Bridge
accepting the red primer, instead of the beige as had been specified,
at no extra cost to the City. The paint supplier has indicated that the
blue will cover the red primer. A letter has also been sent asking
written agreement that the red will not bleed through the blue coloring
in the near future. Councilman Norberg stated that this written agree-
ment should state that the paint job will last for ten years without the
red bleeding through.
VACANCIES ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Mayor Nawrocki asked that the Sun Newspaper include an article about the
vacancies on the Human Rights Commission in their paper so that more applic-
ants may be sought.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HEARING
Mr. Watson reminded the Council that a hearing on the community development
application is scheduled for Tuesday~ August 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
BUMP REPORTS
Brief discussion of a report from the Police Chief regarding possible
future locations for speed deterrents, such as the bump installed
in Lincoln Terrace. Councilman Heintz stated that he wants reports
from every staff member on their opinions of where, and if, such
deterrents should be used.
SCHEDULE OF INFORMAL BUDGET SESSIONS
Mayor Nawrocki stated that he can not be present at the informal
budget session set for September 4 with the Park Board as he has another
meeting that evening.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at 11:00 p.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes ~//~//~/~
ruce G~,~Nawrocki, Mayor
Secrell~ry