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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 27, 1975-312- Official Proceedings Regular Meeting of the City Council City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota October 27, 1975 Meeting was called to order at 8:04 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-all present Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to name Margo Emerson Secretary for the meeting. Invocation was given by Rev. McEachern, Oak Hill Baptist Church MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to approve the minutes of the special meeting of September 25 and regular meeting of October 14 as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz that the bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes Payroll Account 2'~o. Amer. Life & Gas. Co. James Lord, ~inn. State Treas. Donaldsons Distillers Distributing Co. Famous Brands, Inc. Johnson Bros. Whsle. Liq. ~Johnson Wine Co. Ed Phillips & Sons Prior Wine Co. Quality ~ine Co. ~in City Wine Co. Wine ~erchants Co. Albinsons Amarican Water Works Assoc. ~noka County Armco Steel Cor~. F.~. Bassett B & B Seat Cover Co. ~,~atthew Bender & Co. Clayton R. Berg Capitol Sales Co. Chapin Publishing Co. Chets Shoe Stora U.S. Civil Defense Council Col. Hghts. Fire De~t. 61,385.41 20 8. 80 3,681.88 25.99 635.25 387.50 831.96 315.24 4,646.29 195. 84 527.36 49. 81 304.37 33.25 65.00 979.02 1,644.75 46.03 79.90 42.30 34. 48 90.00 23. 80 33.95 15.00 40.50 -313- October 27, 1975 Lynd~ L. Compten Conway Fire & Safety Cresstown Tire & l{heel, Inc. Curtis 188, Inc. Danielsen Dru~ Ce. Date Dis:oa~c~l I!lc. ~iller Davis Co. Delivery i{anagement Serv. Dic-haphone Core. Diseley Fixtures Co. Dunkley Surfacinq Fireside 0~' ce ~ Su2p1y ~{rs. Merle H ader Glenwoed Ingleweed George M. Hanson Co. Shelly Hanson Royhl Hedblan ~[eights Electric Inc. C.V. Hewitt [[oover Wheel A!ignment Housing & Rede -~ ~ ~ . Im2erial Eastman Core. int'l. Assoc. of Police Chiefs Int'l. ~u~s. lachines Core. !ten Chevrol~ u ~etty Johnson J'}hnson~ean~or & Sueelv Ce. Ronald Reline LaHass Core. Lakeland Sign Co. LDwry Lu~oer Co. Hedison Bionics Hetro l,[aste,.~en ~ ~ trel Cem~. Miner ;~cAipin Aqency ~{inne gas co Treas, City of '~inneanolis zr~as, City of '~inn. Electric ~{e~or Serv. ~{inn. Fire Equimment Ce. 'btern Service Inc. ;lolin Concrete Products Heorhead r~achiner~ & Boiler Co. '~eenah Foundry North Star Cone '~mreN~rll States Power Co i:.[g. B~zl Teleehone Co. Olson's P]u~binn Pe:~si Cola ~ettlino R.L. Polk & Ce. Z~yre 3i~oppers City ~ Paul °taR'?. ~7orxs 64.90 7.25 60.90 213.20 45.90 21.30 38.85 487.39 4.04 8,712.82 209. 78 61.46 53.25 39.00 2,090.00 6.00 lO.OO 432.96 78.18 14.50 499. 14 37.65 196.57 67.50 66. 19 73.23 453.24 56.46 1,~75.90 621.32 24.00 68.00 842.52 50.34 13,736.}4 4,086.90 2,676.79 18,15%'.%% 10. O0 7.30 17,942.29 420.00 63.30 1,922.00 302.35 3,125.38 31.35 1,394.47 45.00 6,425.93 48.30 164. O0 38.90 25.17 24.92 October 27, 1975 The Standard Register Co. Sun Newspapers Tecto Sporting Goods Texgas Corp. Thompson Trane Air Cond. United E~ectric Corp. Up A Tree, Inc. ~arner Industrial Supplies Wayne Protection Agency Woodland Container Co. Xerox Corp. Timothy Yantos ;,linn. Crime Prevention Assoc. Alexander Construction Nedegaard Construction 74.88 700.13 31.50 58.95 118.32 8.62 590.40 70.50 329.00 108.00 730.00 7.50 22.00 3,774.26 4,666.20 -314- TOTAL BILLS 175,985.79 OPEN BIDS ON FIRE TRUCK Bids were opened on a 1250 Gallon Per-minute pumper for the Fire Department. Bids were received from two companies. They were as follows: Peter Pirsch and Sons Co. of Kenosha, Wisconsin Total Bid: $81,839.OO (noting that it is for one Pirsch custom conventional (engine ahead of Cab) canopy cab pumping engine according to specifications) with exceptions as noted. Delivery date: 390 working days Peter Pirsch and Sons Co. of Kenosha, Wisconsin Total Bid: $78,839.00 (noting that it is for one Pirsch custom canopy cab forward pumping engine according to specifications with exceptions noted) Delivery date: 390 working days General Safety Equipment Corporation of North Branch, Minnesota Total Bid: $69,870.OO Delivery date: 16 to 18 month after award of bid. The Fire Chief, Fran Bassett, informed the Council that specifications had been sent out to ten potential bidders. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to turn the bids over to the City Manager for tabulation with a report back at the next regular council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes -315- October 27, 1975 CUSTODIIAL SERVICE BIDS Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that these bids for custodial service for the municipal buildings, including the municipal building, library, and parts of the municipal service center, were reported at the last regular council meeting. Mr. Watson stated that at the last meeting a brief report had been presented on investigations made by Tim Yantos on checking with the offices with whom the low bidder presently holds contracts. Mr. Watson at this time stated that he had spoken to people in the offices where the low bidder, Jim's Building Maintenance, works. At Dr. Plotke's office Mr. Watson talked to the people in the office and they had spoken stronglly against consideration of Jim's Building Maintenance. They pointed out that the sinks are not cleaned in the restrooms, the toilet tissue is not filled, and other poor conditions which are found. The girls to whom Mr. Watson talked stated that they have complained to the doctor about the cleaning service, asking him to get someone else. They also stated that they wished someone would stop and see the poor job which is done. They further stated that they find it necessary for themselves to do some cleaning work, which is rightfully the responsibility of the custodial contrac:tor. The girls in this office suggested that the City of Columbia Heights; not consider Jim's Building Maintenance for their buildings. Mr. Watson said that he had also talked to Dr. Kennedy in another office where Jim's Building Maintenance has the custodial contract, and Dr. Kennedy stated that when Jim and his brother do the cleaning, the work is good, but that the people who do the work are changed frequently, and sometimes they do a good job and sometimes a bad job, depending on who is doing the work. Dr. Kennedy informed Mr. Watson also that one time the company did not supply their employees with the equipment or supplies needed, and the doctor had to furnish them with the necessary items. Mr. Watson then stated that under the circumstances of what these people had informed him about Jimls Building Maintenance, he would recommend award of bid to the second low bidder, Maintenance Experts, with whom the City of Columbia Heights is familiar as they have had the custodial contract for the municipal buildings for several years. Total amount of the bid of Haintenance Experts is $725.00 per month, $15.00 higher per month than Jim's Building Maintenance bid. At this, time the Council deferred further discussion on this item until the City Attorney arrived later in the meeting. BIDS ON NOISE METERS Councilman Norberg pointed out that since no mail was delivered today, October' 27, being the National Veteran's Day holiday, some of the informal bids had not arrived and were only quoted by telephone. He asked for more time to examine the bids. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to table consideration of the informal bids on a noise meter until the next regular' meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes October 27, 1975 -316- LIBRARY REMODELING Mr. Watson reported on the bids received on the library remodeling. Low bidder on the general contract was Antler Corporation in the total amount of $40,700 with a deduct alternate of $550. Time of completion noted as being 120 days. Mr. Watson explained that the deduct alternate is to remove the removal of the pistol range from the contract and leave that work to city forces. Mr. Watson stated that this bid exceeds the estimates by about $13,000. He stated that the second low bidder is Roger Sheehy at $46,330 with $725 as the deduct alternate. The Architect on the remodeling, Robert Diedrich, verified that his estimate before taking the bids was approximately $27,000. Mr. Diedrich stated that he did not think that rebidding the work would bring in any better results, and he therefore recommended award of bid to the low bidder, along with the acceptance of the deduct alternate, and pointed out that later, by change order, deductions could be made to bring the bid in line with the estimates and monies available. Mr. Diedrich also briefly discussed the bids for the furnishings, and pointed out that there is some legal problem with the bid of Daytons because they excluded some of the shelving from their bid, which had not been allowed for in the specifications, and this needed further review by the attorney. Mayor Nawrocki stressed that the maximum budget has $51,000 available for this project, and the bids do not even include the funds to be paid to the architect for his work on the job. Mr. Diedrich admitted that it would be necessary to cut approximately $10,000 from the bid by change order. Mayor Nawrocki spoke against awarding the bid, without actually knowing what would be proposed to be excluded from the bid at a later date. Mr Diedrich stated that it is too soon to make a definite commitment on what would be cut but indicated items such as landscaping, seating, and drapery as possible deducts. He also noted that the electrical bid is rather high and perhaps some trimming could be done in that area. He stated that the library board had discussed these necessary deducts before the council meeting this evening and was aware that approximately $15,OO0 to $17,OO0 would be considered for removal from the contract. Mr. Diedrich pointed out that it would be easiest to remove all the backyard work from the bids. Councilman Norberg verified that the library board had discussed what might be cut on the remodeling. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that eight bids were received on the work, which indicates competitive bidding, and the chances are that a rebid would not bring in any lower bids. Again, he asked how much would be proposed to be removed from the general work. Mr. Diedrich stated that about $10,O00. Mayor Nawrocki questioned how this could be accomplished without deduct alternates in the specificiations and bid proposals. He pointed out that this is about a 25% cut off the general contract, and asked if this was proper, -317- October 27, 1975 Mr. Diedrich also pointed out that furnishings would probably have to be completely rebid, with deducts written in. Discussion on reopening of bids at a later time. It was pointed out that the bids are good for thirty days and the award of bid can be done any time during that time. Mr. Diedrich pointed out that at present there is a firm known bid amount, and negotiating with the Iow bidder for certain deducts would result in amounts which would be certain, and the contract could be trimmed accordingly. He further pointed out that a rebid could result in something other than the amounts wanted since the deducts may not total what was necessary to have removed from the bid. Councilman Norberg suggested, along with Councilman Heintz, that the bids be tabled, and in the meantime investigations be made as to what can be cut from the contract successfully, and the architect and library board should list priorities in the remodeling. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to table further consideration of the bids on the library remodeling until the next regular Council meeting, November' lO. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON CUSTODIAL SERVICE (CONTINUED) At this time the City Attorney had arrived, and Mr. Watson restated what he had said earlier regarding information received from the locations where the ]ow bidder on the custodial service contract presently does work. He pointed out that in Dr. P]otke's office one of the glr]s had said that if something, such as a paper clip, fa]is onthe floor it stays there for a lo. nc time before finally being picked up by someone in the office. Mr. Watson pointed out that in the past the city has had bad custodians which resulted in the buildings becoming run down, and the present contractor, Maintenance Experts, had to come in and make it maintainable. Mr. Watson again recommended award of bid to Maintenance Experts, Inc. to avoid potential problems with the ]ow bidder, Jim's Building Maintenance, such as was being had in other locations where this company is contracted to do the cleaning. He restated that he recommends award of bid to the second ]ow bidder based on performance experienced personally by the city with this company, vs. the best information available on the apparent ]ow bid. The Attorney, Douglas Peterson, stated that the City Council must make a findings showing why the ]ow bidder is not responsible and he prepared a resolution stating these findings, for the council to consider. He stated that it is up to the Council to decide if what the City Manager has reported is a basis for a findings against the low bidder. Councilman Heintz stated that he found it hard to believe that the low bidder is that incapable, pointing out that this company has been at each location for as long as ]2 or ]3 years. He spoke against the fact that no one from the city had personally looked at the conditions of these other offices, and stated that he feels that a telephone ca]] does not justify the findings against the ]ow bidder. -318- October 27, 1975 Mr. Peterson stated that it is up to the Council to decide if the telephone conversations are enough to go by, pointing out that they could be if the Council should so decide. At this time Mr. Tom Chase, President of Maintenance Experts, inc. pointed out that he would be happy to accept the one year option on their present contract, even ~hough it would mean a loss of about $7.00 a month to his company. He pointed out that his is an organized company, whereas Jim's Bldg. Maintenance is not an organized company. He stated that Maintenance Experts is unionized, and Jim's Bldg. Maintenance is not. The Attorney stated that the Council can not take bids, and then after receiving these bids, decide to renew the one year option on the present contract. The Mayor questioned why the one year option has not been investigated. Mr. Watson stated that he had received requests from other bidders to be included in the next bid for custodial services, so it was felt that taking bids would result in competitive bids, and perhaps a savings to the city. All interested bidders should receive the opportunity to be considered for the contract. Mayor Nawrocki and Councilman Land both stated that they felt that the findings pointed out by the City Manager were valid, and favored the reading of the resolution of findings of fact on Jim's Building Maintenance. Councilman Norberg stated that he is familiar with Maintenance Experts, and finds them to be a good company, but he could not accept the Manager's telephone findings as basis enough to make the award to the second low bidder and reject the low bid. Councilman Heintz again agreed with this opinion. Councilman Logacz favored the reading of the resolution. Resolution read~ offered by Land, Seconded by Logacz Roll Call: Logacz, Land, Nawrocki-Aye Norberg, Heintz-Nay Mr. Heintz stated that he will not vote in favor of it because in his mind it is not justified that the low bidder is irresponsible. Mr. Norberg stated that more time was needed to verify that the low bidder is not responsible. The Mayor pointed out that at the last council meeting the Council had asked for additional information and the City Manager has supplied the Council with this additional information. He pointed out that this information has shown that there are problems potentially to be found with the low bidder. The two bids of the low bidder and the second bidder are very close, and with the knowledge that the second bidder is capable, then they should receive the award of bid. Attorney Peterson stated that a four to one vote is needed to enter into a contract, and the resolution failed by virtue that the award of bid was included in the resolution, along with the findings of fact regarding Jim's Building Maintenance. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to table further discussion on these bids on custodial service until a special meeting hereby called for Tuesday, October 28 at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-Aye Logacz-Nay -319- October 27, 1975 Councilman Logacz stated that he voted no because it has not been stated definitely what Mr. Heintz and Mr. Norberg want the City Manager to do to gain the knowledge which they are seeking, and he asked that this be clarified. Mr. Heintz stated that he wants concrete evidence, not just a telephone conversation. He suggested that the City Manager visit the establishments where Jim's Building Maintenance does the c]eanin9 and see for himself, and talk to the owners of the places, and not to any employees. BIDS ON ROOT CUTTER Lengthy discussion on one of the two bids, that of Vermeer Sales and Service for a Root Cutter. This company indicated that there would be a ]0~ discount if the equipment was paid for within ]0 days. Mayor Nawrocki asked the City Attorney which is the proper amount to consider in the award of the bid, the amount before the discount is added, or the amount with the discount. He asked if such a bid indicating alO~ reduction is valid. Mayor Nawrocki also asked if specifications allowed for such additional terms to be part of the bid proposal. Hr. Watson stated that the specifications did not allow such terms, but that Vermeer Sales and Service had added this on their own. Attorney Peterson asked if the city usually pays for deliveries within ten days from the time they arrive, and Mr. Watson stated that this is the case most of the time, but there are exceptions, such as when there is a longer time between Council meetings. Also, Mr. Peterson asked if the city withholds a payment on equipment that is found to be defective. Mr. Watson stated that yes the city withholds payment when there is a problem with the merchandise. Councilman Heintz stated that whether or not the city pays for the equipment, if it should be defective there is still the warranty on the equipment, and the company must take care of it. He felt that the bid therefore to be considered as the correct bid by the company ~vou]d be with the discount added. Mr. Gustafson pointed out that as a part of the specifications, it states that the city wi]] pay within thirty days after delivery and inspection by the city to be certain the equipment is in proper working order. The attorney felt that the bidder's statement of a ]0~ discount if paid within ten days is too ambiguous since it does not indicate if the ten days is ten days after award of bid, ten days after delivery, ten days after acceptance by the city, or what. He recommended that the bid which should be considered as the correct bid is the amount without the discount. Discussion then turned to the actual equipment bid itself. Case Power and Equipment Company bid equipment that is exclusively trenching at $8,]00.00. The bid of Vermeer Sales and Service for $8,863.00 is for equipment that is exclusively a root cutter. The City Council examined the pictures supplied by the two companies and compared the features of the two types of equipment. -320- October 27, 1975 Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to award the bid on the root cutter to Case Power and Equipment, the low bidder, in the amount of $8,100.00 and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into a contract for same. Mr. Land indicated that the bid of Vermeer Sales and Service should be taken as the amount without the discount added since the discount is not a proper part of the specifications. Mayor Nawrocki questioned why the bid should be awarded to Case Power and Equipment for a trenching machine, when what was wanted was a root cutter. Discussion then followed on how wide the trench is on the two pieces of equipment. The difference was explained by the Public Works Director, Earl Gustafson, in that the Case equipment cuts a "ditchlike" trench, and Vermeer equipment cuts a "slicelike" trench--the difference is in the width of the trench. Mr. Gustafson further pointed out that Vermeer has optional additional parts which may be added to the equipment at a later date. Councilman Norberg stated his belief that more time is needed on these bids to find out who is actually the low bidder--and to verify what is actually wanted in the equipment. Mr. Gustafson stated that what is wanted in the equipment is a root cutter exclusively. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that more work could be done with the Case equipment than with the Vermeer Equipment, such as digging ditches for burying irrigation pipe. Mr. Gustafson agreed. Brief discussion on the operation of the two pieces of equipment. ROLL CALL ON MOTION to award bid to Case Power and Equipment Company: Logacz, Land-Aye Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki-Nay Motion failed. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to reject all bids on the root cutter and authorize the City Manager to readvertise for bids. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON TRAFFIC PAINT STRIPER Mr. Gustafson asked that consideration of these bids which had been opened prior to the meeting be deferred until a later meeting when the City Engineer, George Brown, has returned from vacation and has reviewed the bids received. He indicated that Mr. Brown had prepared the specifications on this equipment. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to table consideration of the bids on the traffic paint striper until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes -321- October 27, 1975 GRADE PROBLEM--ALLEY NORTH OF 42nd AVENUE BETWEEN JEFFERSON AND VANBUREN Mr. Watson spoke briefly on the grade and drainage problems in the alley between ,Jackson and VanBuren Street, 42nd to 43rd Avenue. He recommended the installation of a storm sewer with a catch basin. Along with this, he recommended a hearing be held for a concrete alley at this location, pointing out that the alley is very old and needs to be replaced as it has served its life expectancy. Mr. Stan Tabaka, 4206 VanBuren Street was present and spoke in favor of the proposal made by Mr. Watson. Discussion held on the conditions of this alley. Mayor Nawrocki questioned whether the people on the block would be in favor of a storm sewer and concrete alley and asked why a hearing should be held if no favor is shown other than from Mr. Tabaka. Mayor Nawrocki asked what the storm sewer extension would cost, and Mr. Berg, Assistant City Engineer, stated that it would be about $1,O00 for the materials and S],O00 for the installation. Mr. Berg also stated that this would include assessments to property 180 ft. north of the center line of 42nd Avenue, which would amount to eight lots, with four on either side of the alley. Mr. Tabaka pointed out that these lots on this alley are 80 ft. wide. Mr. Tabaka stated his opini[on that the neighbors would not agree to this proposal. He also spoke further and stated that the alley never had any problems with drainage, in his opinion, until the city started patching with blacktop in recent years. Councilman Norberg suggested that a hearing could be held with two or three options available on what might be done. Councilman Land asked how much the cost would be to lay in blacktop from Mr. Tabaka's driveway, where the problem is found particularly, all the way to 42nd Avenue. Mr. Berg stated that this would not solve the probllem, but figured it would cost approximately S1,000. Councilman Land stated that if this is the cheapest way to go, maybe it should be done that: way. Whereupon, Mr. Berg again stated that it would not necessarily solve the problems. Motion by Land, Seconded by Logacz to cal] a hearing for the possible storm sewer installation, bituminous work, or concrete alley installation, any or all part of these possibilities, to be held at the Council meeting of November 24. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki stated that a letter of explanation as to the circumstances involved on this project should be sent to the property owners along with the hearing notice. --322- October 27, 1975 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM Bonita Helgeson, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, as well as other members of the Human Rights Commission, was present to briefly explain the Proposed Affirmative Action Program to the Council. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the Council has not looked at the program to date. Councilman Norberg, council representative on the Human Rights Commission, stated that perhaps the Council should closely examine the contents together. Mayor Nawrocki agreed and suggested that a meeting be held when the Council could sit down and go over the manual section by section. Bonita Helgeson explained that basically this manual is a combination of Affirmative Action Programs in other cities, particularly St. Louis Park. Mr. Norberg pointed out that everything contained in the program is carefully prescribed by law, both state and federal. Councilman Logacz asked whether the federal law requires that the cities adopt guidelines of an Affirmative Action program, and further pointed out that if this is so, there is not much discussion to be had since it is something that has to be adopted. Ms. Helgeson stated that the city can lose federal funding if it is found that they do not have an Affirmative Action program. Discussion was held on when the Human Rights Commission and the City Council could get together. It was decided that an informal meeting would be set up to go over the Affirmative Action Program on November 13 at 9:00. RECESS was called at 10:30 p.m. MEETING RECONVENED at 11:00 p.m. ORDINANCE #841 ON SALE OF LAND Second Reading held on Ordinance #841 on the sale of city property on the corner of 39th Avenue and Reservoir Boulevard, known as Lot 21, Block 8, Reservoir Hills (except that part lying Southeast of 39th Avenue). Sale is to Merriam Terbay and Susan M. McNeil for $100.O0. Ordinance offered by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz Roll Call: All Ayes Ordinance #841 was adopted. RESOLUTION #75-56 POLICE DEPARTMENT SALARIES FOR 1975 Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Land Resolution #75-56 was adopted. Roll Call: All Ayes BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded for several months between Local 320 Teamsters representing members of the Police Department and the City Council's Labor Consultant and a Manager's Negotiating Team representing the Suburban Municipalities and said negotiations have resulted in an arbitration determination binding upon the minicipalities represented with Columbia Heights as a member of said municipalities. -323- October 27, 1975 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the contract agreements as arbitrated in respect to economic considerations be and the same are hereby established as the salary and fringe benefit program for 1975 for Patrol Officers of the Columbia Heights Police Department, with said contracts to be made a part hereof as though set forth in full, upon acceptance by International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 320 and the city labor consultant. SET ASSESSMENT HEARING The City Manager hereby called a special meeting of the City Council for the purpose of considering the Assessment Rolls for 1975 for December 8 at 7:00 p.m. SEWFR DESIGN SHORT COURSE Mr. Gustafson spoke on this course to be held in Madison, Wisconsin Now~mber 10 - 14. He stated that this is a valuable course which is held once every two years at Madison and not at any other college. Mayor Nawrocki asked how many sewer design experts are needed in the engineering department. Mr. Gustafson stated that primarily Clayton Berg, Assistant City Engineer, is depended upon for design of sewers, and that because of this Mr. Berg would find this course valuable. He pointed out that this course includes an update of new methods. Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to grant the request for Mr. Berg to attend the Storm and Sanitary Sewer Design short course November 10-14 at Madison, Wisconsin. Roll Call: All Ayes MAINTENANCE OF CENTRAL JUNIOR HIGH HOCKEY RINK Councilman Heintz asked that consideration of this item be tabled until the special meeting on Tuesday, October 28 because the Park Board is holding a meeting that evening earlier than the Council meeting, and they will have a report to the Council on this item. Mayor Nawrocki asked that the answer be on hand on Tuesday evening as to how much usage of the hockey rink at Central Junior High would be anticipated on the part of the City. TELEPHONE SYSTEM PROPOSAL Mayor Nawrocki had several questions in regard to the two systems proposed by the Bell Telephone Company. These are: the Dimension PBX and the Seriies PBX 300. He stated that the report from the phone company does not give enough break down in cost on the two systems, and he asked what the difference is between the two systems, operationally. Mayor Nawrocki also asked that a chart be made showing where each phone station is and who has it--some kind of a graphic showing this. He also had questions as to whether the new systems would propose taking present private lines out of such locations as the Field House, Library, and Housing Authority office. The Council decided that these questions needed further investigation, and this item should be brought up at another time when more information is avilable. October 27, 1975 -324- LIQUOR STORE FOOD SERVICE Mr. Watson reported that Mr. Stevenson in the liquor operations is working on setting up a kitchen area in the municipal lounge,and he asked what the Council's opinion was on this item. He pointed out that Mrs. Lois Popowski is interested in leasing this kitchen area. She has her own oven and other equipment. The city would only have to install a vent exhaust system, and tile the floor area. Estimated cost is $1,800. Councilman Heintz stated that he had talked to Mr. Stevenson earlier and wanted to make certain that a lease arrangement with Mrs. Popowski would include all costs, including waitress salaries, etc. Mayor Nawrocki asked what kind of meals are proposed, and Mr. Watson stated that each day would be a particular meal such as roast beef sandwiches one day. Councilman Norberg stated his skepticism at the idea of putting food in the on-sale store. Mr. ~leintz stated that he was not interested in having the city in the "food business" Mayor Nawrocki felt that the idea sounded good, but he was concerned that all proper legal channels be followed. He thought perhaps the city should take bids to cover others that may be interested in such an arrangement. He asked that this be checked into before further work is done toward establishing the kitchen. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes OLD BUSINESS Councilman Norberg asked if a report is ready on his question of the pre- vious meeting of what can be done to help senior citizens whose social security checks come on the 2nd or 3rd of the month, and their utility bills are due the 30th. Mr. Watson stated that Mrs. Soliday in the Water Department is preparing the data to show the effect this has on late bills. He stated that he would have these figures shortly. NEW BUSINESS Councilman Norberg pointed out that the block between Monroe Street and Jackson Street on 49th Avenue is a very long block without any lighting on it, and asked that the possibility of the installation of a street light be looked into. Mr. Watson stated that he would do so. Mr. Norberg at this time stated that one day a "very obnoxious dog" was running loose in his neighborhood and the dog was shut in Mr. Norberg's garage. Mr. Norberg stated that he called MAPSI, and when the dog catcher came, was told to be careful about opening the garage doors as the dog would get loose, but the individual opened the doors anyway and the dog ran away. Mr. Norberg wished to register a "formal loud disappointment" at the way this had been handled. -325- October 27, 1975 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL FUNDING Mayor Nawrocki stated that he had received news from a Congressman that it looked bad as far as the City of Columbia Heights getting any Title X funclin9 on the 5th Street Storm Sewer, but that Senator Mondale's office said that if HUD approves the application, then it looks 9ood that the city will receive funds. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he was told that HUD says that the City can not receive these funds because Columbia Heights was not eligible for Community Development Block Grant Funds. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the request from the volunteer fire department on changing benefits for the department would take a lot of dollars to implement and he would hope that serious consideration would be given before any such changes were made. Mr. Watson agreed. TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Transportation Advisory Board of the Metro- politan Council sent a report around to all municipalities regarding something developed by the Metropolitan Transit Commission. This is a Model Code for Transit Impact Analysis and relates to the developing of an impact statement on the impact to public transportation in conjunction with the issuing of building permits, etc. in a city. I.E., if a shopping center is built in a city, what impact will it have on the public transportation. Mayor Nawrocki asked that the City Engineer look this over and see if the Traffic Commission should look at it. Mayor Nawrocki reported that the League of Minnesota Municipalities, Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, is having a meeting on October 30th that is geared to the Land Use Planning Bill. Mayor Nawrocki reported that a thank-you note had been received from Margaret Idziorek for the City Council's gift of luggage at the time of her retirement. METROPOLITAN WASTE CONTROL COMMISSION Mayor Nawrocki stated that he received a copy of a letter from the Waste Control Commission regarding greater than average sewer disposal, and he asked for comments on this item at the next meeting. Mayor Nawrocki reported that the Fridley Chamber of Commerce is having an energy seminar on Tuesday, November 11 at Unity Hospital, from approximately 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he wants information on whose terms are expiring on the Charter Commission. CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the consensus at the hearing held October 23 regarding a possible public safety director position for the City of Columbia Heights had been that the City Council would make the ultimate decision on whether the city should go this way or not. At this time Mayor Nawrocki stated that he wants to get the consensus October 27, 1975 -326- of the council so proper actions can be taken toward the appointments to fill vacant positions. Councilman Norberg stated that much depends on the time involved in appointment of a public safety director, and/or police and fire chief. He also said that it had been stated at the public hearing that there is a necessity under state law for a muncipality to have a Fire and Police Chief, in order to receive state funds. Mr. Kalina pointed out that much of this depends only on the way people are titled, and no actual work done by that individual. Mr. Norberg also stated that the costs involved in the alternatives should be examined. He pointed out that these questions had been raised at the hearing and still needed to be answered. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he is concerned that the decision by the Council will drag out too long and he is anxious to get whatever is to be done under way. Each of the Council members stated their opinions on whether the city should go with a public safety director or not. Councilman Land stated that he wants to keep things the way they have been--with a police chief and a fire chief. Mr. Norberg stated that he does not know exactly how he feels, pending the information he has indicated is needed, but he did say that it would be foolish to jump into a new system, and if the time is not available to properly check the alternatives, then the present system should stay as is. Councilman Heintz felt that the present system should be retained as he could see no way that the city could come out ahead costwise with a public safety director, considering the extra salary involved. Mayor Nawrocki agreed that it is more expensive to go with a public safety director. Councilman Logacz stated that in view of the fact that a police chief and fire chief would still be required with the addition of a public safety director, he can see no advantage to having a public safety director, and stated that the present system should continue. Mayor Nawrocki at this time declared that the City Council wants to stay with the present system of a police chief and a fire chief, and no public safety director, and stated that he would direct the Police and Fire Civil Service Commission to proceed immediately with the process of selecting a police chief. CITY MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Watson stated that a special council meeting would be held on November 6 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of canvassing the votes of the general election. He also stated that he would like a time set up for the Council, along with the newly elected council member(s), to get together with staff members for a time of sharing first hand knowledge received during compaigning on concerns which the citizens have. -327- October 27, 1975 CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS Mr. Kalina stated that he had attended a meeting of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement and reported briefly on what too~ place at this meeting, and the impact of certain legislation on the pensions of the Police department. He informed the City Manager that: another meeting would be held the following morning, Tuesday, October 28, at 9:00 a.m., at which time more details would be presented. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Mr. Gustafson stated that there is a need to discuss what should be done with the flagstone wall on Jefferson Street, whether to spray, patch the walls, slope paving, or bin wails. He stated that the wall is deteriorating and something must be done. Mr. Watson reported the receipt of a complaint from one homeowner along this area against concrete slope paving, and wants a hearing to be held on what should be done. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn a~ l~]~a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Secretary