HomeMy WebLinkAboutNov 6, 1975Official Proceedings
Special Meeting of the City Council
City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota
November 6, t975
-332-
Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz,
Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki-present Land-absent
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to name Margo Emerson Secretary
for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION #75-58 CANVASSING GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION RETURNS
Resolution was offered by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz
Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution #75-58 was adopted.
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights did, on the 4th day of
November1975 conduct and hold a General Municipal Election for the
purpose of electing a Mayor and two members to the Council, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights at a
special meeting of said Council, held on the 6th day of November
1975, did canvass the returns and results of said General Election;
and
WHEREAS, the following results were determined by said canvass of
said General municipal Election, to wit:
Total Ballots cast in Election
3,172
Valid votes cast for Mayor
Non-voted ballots for Mayor
2,697
475
3,172
Valid votes cast for Council
Non-voted ballot votes for Council
5,988
356
6,3~
VOTES FOR MAYOR
Bruce G. Nawrocki
17 Individuals received 25 votes
VOTES FOR COUNCIL
Gayle R. Norberg
Kenneth E. Hentges
Mel Aanerud
Thomas C. Sherohman
2,672
25
1,786
1,469
1,406
1,327
-333- November 6, 1975
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council
of: the City of Columbia Heights, that Bruce G. Nawrocki
is. hereby elected Mayor, and Gay]e R. Norberg and Kenneth E.
Hentges are hereby elected members to the City Council,
as. sumin9 said office on January 1, 1976 and bein9 official]y
seated at the first regular meeting of the City Council
ir, 1976.
REQUEST TO TRADE IN A VEHICLE AND PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE
City Manager Watson pointed out that he has prepared a written
report on Staff car purchases and trade-ins. He explained that
in July two vehicles were purchased for a total of $950. In
September two vehicles were sold for a total of S1,730. The
request now is to trade-in a 1968 Plymouth Station Wagon for a
1971 Plymouth Station Wagon with a small V~8 motor, with the
tota] cost of the trade-in to be $650. Mr. Watson explained
that the total expenditures and the tota] receipts on a]l the
vehicles outlined would result in a net income of
Mr. Watson outlined the problems with the 1968 Plymouth Station
Wagon proposed to be traded in. He explained that the back door
is welded shut, and the windows on the car do not work. It has
maiintenance costs which are anticipated to be extremely high.
The 197] Plymouth Station Wagon which has been located for purchase
at this time has power steering and automatic transmission and is
in good condition. Mr. Watson explained that two members of the
Police Department deal in used cars and this car is available at
first option to the city, but if not sold to them at this time,
would go for public auction on Saturday, November 8.
Mayor Nawrocki asked what the purpose is of this proposed car.
Mr. Watson explained that it would be used on special hauling
needs, such as delivering materials to Anoka County during elec-
tions, and delivering assessment records. It would be used for
hauling newsletters. It would be proposed as a replacement for
the Public Works Director's car which was traded in, and would be
used by Mr. Gustafson. The tree inspector would make use of this
vehicle. It could be used during the summer to transport
youngsters on the various county programs to the various job sites.
Mr. Watson termed it a "general purpose'~ vehicle for the Public
Works Department.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that he personally feels that the city has
too many vehicles. He wondered what the city does with all its
vehicles, as he stated that he sees many running around town.
Councilman Heintz asked how many vehicles the city actually has
and Mr. Watson stated that he does not know the number off hand.
Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that all the Council members received
a copy of the list of all vehicles the city has, but that he had
not had time to look it over yet.
Councilman Heintz stated that he thinks that the ratio between
city employees and vehicles is high. He also stated that the
reasons for the change of vehicle do not really justify its need
on a year around basis, but only at certain times. He stated his
November 6, 1975 -334-
opinion that once the car is purchased, other additions will be
wanted to the car such as air-conditioning, and a public works
radio.
Councilman Norberg pointed out to the others that the request is
to trade in one vehicle for another', and not to increase the total
number of vehicles. He said that the question is not whether or
not to increase the number of vehicles, but whether or not to make
the necessary expenditure on maintenance of the old vehicle, or
trade it in on a newer vehicle with less maintenance costs.
Mr. Heintz again asked what is wrong with the 1968 Plymouth and
Mr. Watson again stated that the windows are stuck and the rear
door is welded shut. Mr. Heintz asked if the door was welded
shut when it was purchased and Mr. Watson stated that it was.
Councilman Logacz asked whether in the future there is any
projection for phasing out any of the present vehicles owned
by the city, and Mr. Watson stated that there are no such plans.
Mr. Hentges was present in the audience and asked about the new
pick-up truck on the budget for 1976, pointing out that these are
additional vehicles. Mr. Watson stated that an equal number will
be traded in. This is a replacement of the older vehicles.
Councilman Heintz asked what exactly the old station wagon needs
in the way of maintenance, asking if it needs an overhaul, and
exactly what cost is necessary to bring the vehicle up to par.
Councilman Logacz stated that he feels that as long as the city
is not acquiring a new one, he thinks the trade should be authorized.
He pointed out that the city purchased the old 1968 Plymouth for
approximately $400, and that not a very good car can be purchased
for $400.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz, to approve the trade-in
as outlined by the City Manager.
Discussion followed. Mr. Heintz asked that the City Manager be
directed to check on the cost of upgrading the present vehicle
instead of making the trade-in for the 1971 Plymouth Station Wagon.
Mayor Nawrocki suggested that this item be tabled until the regular
meeting on November 10.
Councilman Norberg asked if there is any hurry to have this item
passed. Mr. Watson again stated that the car will go for auction over
the weekend and will not be available on Monday.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to table further discussion
on the possible trade in of the vehicle until the regular meeting on
November 10. Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to adjou~ a,t ~J56 p.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes ~~,_
~e~ Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor