HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 16, 1975-303-
Official Proceedings
Special Meeting of the City Council
October 16, 1975
Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz,
Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-present
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to name Margo Emerson secretary for the
meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki noted that this is the reconvening of the meeting following
an informal session held at the site between ~2nd and 42½ Avenue west of
Fillmore Street~ where the Council had met previous to the formal meeting
to examine the conditions for a proposed storm drain in this location.
At this time the continued hearing was held on this proposed storm drain
installation.
At this time Mr. Watson showed engineering plans and pointed out which lands
cntribute to the drainage problem. He stated that he and Mr. Berg from the
Engineering Department had looked over the grades the same afternoon. He
stated that the total cost of the project would amount to approximately
$3,500. Using that figure and noting that there are fourteen fifty foot
parcels, it would amount to an estimate of about $4.50 a front foot or
$250 on a 55' lot. Mr. Watson stated that it would be his recommendation
that this project be authorized as the only practical solution to a problem
which is developing now as the land is developed on 42~ Avenue. He felt
that to delay the project further would mean problems with the yards with
a back up of water, if a very wet spring should occur.
Councilman Norberg asked if this meant that the filling of the ]and is
totally discounted. Hr. Watson stated that this would cost thousands
of dollars, more than for the storm sewer, and the problem would not necessarily
be alleviated by this method, but would perhaps cause other similar
problems elsewhere in the same area.
Discussion held on where the line would be drawn on the west end, Eckman's
property. Hr. and Mrs. Eckman were present. Hr. Watson pointed out that
the drainage from their property contributing to the area under discussion
is the east one-half of their property. He again explained the drainage
patterns.
Councilman Land asked whether or not any of the other homeowners had been
spoken to on this project. Hr. Watson answered that all had received
the hearing notices and were aware of what was being considered.
October 16, 1975 -304-
The homeowner was present from 1107-42nd Avenue and questioned why this
storm drain should be considered now, pointing out that they have not had
any problem in thirty years, and can not see why the drain is needed.
Mr. Watson explained the need in view of when the lots on 42½ are built
on, and the problems which will be created on drainage for those already built
on 42nd. The lady then asked why she has to be assessed, feeling that her
property should not be included. Mr. Watson explained that any lots that
contribute to a particular drainage area where a drain is to be placed must
be assessed. He pointed out that in particular two houses to the east of
1107-42nd Avenue will have a drainage problem when 42½ is built.
Whereupon, the lady pointed out that they are still paying past assessments.
Mr. and Mrs. Eckman stated that they felt that when 42½ is built up these
homes will drain to 42½ and there will be no problem in their back lots.
Mr. Watson explained the drainage patterns and stated that the drainage on
the back of the house, off the roof, would end up in the back and would not
drain to 42½ Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Eckman asked if the city wasn't anticipating
a problem that may never exist.
Mayor Nawrocki asked what had started the consideration of this project.
Mr. Berg indicated that the City Engineer, Mr. Brown, had a request from an
individual in the area, but that he (Mr. Berg) did not know who.
Councilman Logacz pointed out that in other similar instances people have
been opposed to storm drains, but then have found that there was a definite
need and they had to be installed anyway. He stated that since
no one is really interested in this project, then it can be considered at
a later time, when the people come and ask for it. He stated that the people
building on the lots on 42½ Avenue should be aware of the problems that exist.
Mayor Nawrocki felt that people would be foolish to buy those lots on 42½ Avenue
as they now stand, and he stated that there seems to be a definite need
for the storm drain.
Following this was a discussion on whether the project should be authorized.
It was pointed out that little interest seems to have been shown on having
this storm drain installed since only a few were present, and were in opposition
to ~the work.
Councilman Heintz again pointed out to those present that if every home is
built up along 42½ Avenue, the water will back up to 42nd and not to 42½
Avenue, so it should be those living on 42nd presently that are concerned
about the problems.
Mayor Nawrocki asked for a copy of the hearing notice and Mr. Watson supplied
him with same.
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Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norber9 to deny the proposed storm drain
installation between 42nd and 42~ Avenue, west of Fillmore.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki asked that a follow-up letter go out to the people in this
area telling them that only those people showed up who were opposed
to the project, and no favor was shown toward havin9 it done, so the
Council chose to deny the project.
Mr. Land noted that he thinks there wilt be a problem in the future,
but as lon9 as the people are not interested enough to be present at the
hearing, then the work should not be done. He also stated that he too thinks
a letter should 90 out to the people informin9 them of the Council's decision.
RESOLUTION #75-55 CANVASS OF PRIMARY ELECTION
Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz
Resolution /75-55 was adopted.
Rol1 Call: All Ayes
Councilman Norber9 asked if these vote counts include absentee
ba]lots and was toJd that they do.
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights, did on the 14th day of October, 1975
conduct and hold a Primary Municipal Election for the purpose of nominating
candidates for the office of Mayor and for two members of the Council to be
voted on at a General Municipal Election November 4, 1975, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights at a meeting of
said Council held on the 16th day of October, 1975 did canvass the returns
and results of said Primary Municipal Election; and
WHEREAS, the following results were determined by said canvass of said
Primary Municipal Election, to wit:
Total Ballots cast in election 1,650
Valid votes cast of Mayor 1,286
Non-voted ballots for Mayor 364
] ,650
Valid votes cast for Council 2,980
Non-voted ballot votes for Council 320
3,3OO
VOTES FOR MAYOR
Bruce G. Nawrocki 1,286
October 16, 1975 -306-
VOTES FOR COUNCIL
Mel Aanerud 501
Gayle R. Norberg 756
Mrs. Joanne Mady 297
Thomas C. Sherohman 469
Kenneth E. Hentges 479
Darwin J. Hadtrath 377
Ronatd (Ron) Cornelius 101
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Columbia Heights that Bruce G. Nawrocki is hereby declared to be the candidate
for Mayor and Mel Aanerud, Kenneth E. Hentges, Gayle R. Norberg, and Thomas
C. Sherohman are hereby declared to be candidates for the Council at the
General Municipal Election to be held November 4, 1975.
BIDS ON WATERMAIN, MONROE STREET, 45th to 46th, and STORM DRAIN BETWEEN
42nd and 42½, WEST OF FILLMORE STREET
It was pointed out that since the project has been denied on the storm
drain, then this portion of the bids can not be awarded. Clayton
Berg stated that the storm drain could be removed by change order from
the contract. The City Attorney stated that this is too large a change
order to be considered. Discussion held on the watermain project in Monroe
Street. Mayor Nawrocki asked who pays for the water line, considering
that it is a boundary street between Columbia Heights and Hilltop.
Mr. Watson stated that both cities will pay, with Hilltop donating their
share of CETA allocations to Columbia Heights as their part. He also
pointed out that the cost is running over $12,OOO with the t~ig cost
being the reconnecting of the private lines.
Councilman Heintz pointed out that at the time of the hearing for the
street construction of Monroe Street, the people from that area were told
that as long as the street is to be done, then the watermain should be
done at the same time. He felt that as long as the plan now proposed only
includes the watermain and not the street construction, bemuse
of problems with Hilltop on the street construction, then the people should
be brought back in for another hearing. He also pointed out that the cost
is essentially higher than was indicated at the prior hearing and this is
another reason for the new hearing.
Discussion held on whether all the easements have been obtained from Hilltop
for this watermain, and Mr. Berg pointed out that the last easement was
signed as of this day.
Mayor Nawrocki stated his agreement with what Councilman Heintz had said
pointing out that the people want the street primarily, and the watermain
installation had come in connection with the street construction, and not as
a separate project itself. The total project including both street and
watermain had been approved by the Council, pending agreement with the City of Hilltop.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to reject all bids on the storm
-307- October 16, 1975
drain, between 42nd and 42½, West of Fillmore, and the watermain, Monroe
Street:, 45th to 46th. Roll Call: All Ayes
BIDS ON TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING
At this time the City Attorney explained his letter sent to the City Hanager
regarding the bids on tree and shrub planting. He stated that the low
bidder, Summerhiil Landscape, did not sign the Affidavit of Non-Collusion,
OSHA Compliance Form, and Affirmative Action Compliance form, but that the
City Council can decide if the signature on these forms is a mere formality.
He stated that the Council can decide this and require that the forms be
signed along with the contract documents; thus, the bid could be awarded
to the low bidder in spite of the fact that these forms were not signed.
Councilman Heintz stated that the Park Board recommends the second low
bidder, Up-A-Tree, Inc. of Osseo, Minnesota, but that it did so with the
understanding that the ]ack of signature on the aforementioned forms made
the ]ow bidder not responsible to the specifications.
Discussion held on where these trees are to be p]anted-generally throughout
al] parks in the city, as a part of the tree program.
Councilman Norberg questioned whether the funds to be used on this tree
and shrub planting are from federal funds, and pointed out that if they
are~ then Non-Col]usion, OSHA, and Affirmative Action forms may perhaps
have to be signed to meet federal funding laws. Mr. Watson
stated that certain of the funds are from Revenue Sharing allocations.
Councilman Norberg also expressed concern over the fact that in the past
the Council had found that the low bidder was not responsible
because he did not fill in the very same forms, and Mr. Norberg asked if
this would put the City in a position to be sued.
Mayor Nawrocki asked if the ]ow bidder is capable to perform under the
contract. Mr. Watson stated that he is, pointing out that the City Planner/
HRA Director, Dean Otterson, spoke highly of Summerhili's past performance
in the city in relation to the hi-rise and LaBelle Park. Mr. Watson also
stated that Mr. Otterson had spoken to Sumn~erhi]] Landscaping telling
him about his being the ]ow bid. Mr. Watson stated that he had told
the low bidder about theprob]ems being found in LaBe]]e Park with vandalism
to trees and shrubs that are newly planted in that they are being
~pu]]ed out~"
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to accept the bid of Summerhil]
landscape and Nelson Tree and Terry Zab]e in the amount of S5,170.00 for
tree and shrub planting and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized
to enter into a contract for same. The City Council finds that the emission
of the signatures of the Affidavit of Non-Collusion, OSHA Compliance Form,
and Affirmative Action Compliance form is an informality which is
October 16, 1975
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hereby waived as a necessity for the award of the bid.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Norberg, Seconded
Roll Call: All Ayes
by Heintz to adjourn at 8:06 p.m. //
I~ruce G. N'~wrocki , Mayor