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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 8, 1975 (2)Official Proceedings Regular Meeting of the City Council December 8, 1975 -378- Meeting was called to order at 10:17 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 ~11: All Ayes Invocation was given by Rev. Merrill Gilbertson, First Lutheran Church ZONING CODE VARIANCE, Gary Larson, 4450 Arthur Place NE Mr Watson explained that this variance was required for Mr. Larson to build an attached garage on his home at 4450 Arthur Place. The Zoning Code requires that it be placed a minimum front yard of 25 ft., however, when other front yards in the area are further back, within 200 feet of the subject property, then the building must be line with these other buildings. The zoning code allows for a 10% variance. In this case a 6.5 ft. variance would be required. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to grant the front yard variance of 6½ ft. to Mr. Gary Larson, 4450 Arthur Place, to build his garage as outlined, based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Norberg asked how far back this garage in actual fact would be, and Mr. Watson answered that it would be 25 ft. back. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 13 Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to approve the minutes of the special meeting of November 13 as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Councilman Norberg questioned two bills, that of Business Furniture, Inc. for $863.19 and that of Capitol Sales Company for $3,004.00. Mr. Watson answered that the bill from Business Furniture, Inc. is for various pieces of furniture purchased through the Hennepin County Purchasing program. The bill from Capitol Sales Company is for the Regency Radios as authorized previously by the City Council. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz that the bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes December 8, 1975 -379- Payroll Account 72,607.46 James Lord MN State Treas4,722.61 Famous Brands, Inc. 244.08 McKesson Liquor 348.77 MN Distillers, Inc. 3,202.28 Ed Phillips & Sons 1,061.72 Group Health Plan 606.96 liN Hosp. Serv. Assn. 2,913.20 Richard"Tiny"Ovshak 180.00 Columbia Electronics 680 O0 Johnson Bros. Whsle. Liquor393 6 Johnson Wine Co. 561 34 Twin City Wine Co. 1,126 54 Marq. State Bank of CH 247,252 36 Ed Phillips & Sons 284 27 Distillers Dist. Co. 96 73 Famous Brands, Inc. 526 87 Johnson Bros.Whsle. Liquor 839 03 Johnson Wi~,c Co. 46 48 MN Distillers Inc. 2,532 78 Old Peoria Co. 904 09 Prior Wine Co. 218 53 Arsenal Sand & Gravel Co. 139 35 Gerald Arseneau 100 50 Autobody Supply, Inc. 16.00 B & B Seat Cover 17.50 B & K Instruments 927.98 Douglas Bolles 24.82 Bonne's Shoe Store 157.27 Business Furniture Inc. 863.19 Capitol Sales, Inc. 3,004.00 Mildred V. Carlson 58.68 City of CH 50.00 City Wide Locksmithing 1.90 C N A Insurance 73.08 CH Fire Dept. 60.00 CH Fire Dept. 5.00 CH Pharmacy 43.47 Commissioner of Revenue 1,635.59 Commissioner of Revenue 8.63 Continental Safety Equip. 150.12 Conway Fire & Safety 12.00 Crown Iron Works, Co. 23.40 Current Electric Corp. 418.00 Davies Water Equip. Co. 200.65 Lowell DeMars 31.95 Diamond Crystal Salt Co. 83.49 Dunkley Surfacing Co. 139.46 H.E. Erickson Co. 153.12 Fidelity Bank & Trust 115,185.00 Fireside Office Supply 191.56 Firestone Stores 472.96 1st National Bank of St. Paul Sgt. Joe Fox Martin Gavic Everett M. Gray, Jr. G.T. Parts Co. Hagen Office Equipment Linda Hansen Donald Hanson Royhl Hedblad Jerry Hedlund Heights Shell Service Henn. County Public Works Tom Hosch House of Rental Intll Conference of Bldg. Offic. Donald Jolly Harland B. Jones Keep Fill Products Labor Relations Associates Donald W. Lohse David MacGregor Maintenance Experts, Inc. Marquette St. Bank Mel's Van 0 Lite Metro Waste Control Commission The New Minar Ford Minois Minneapolis City Treasurer Mpls. Star & Tribune MN Electric Motor Serv. MN St. Treas., St. Bldg. Insp. Moline Printing, Inc. The Northfield Co. Nott Company Leonard Olson Olson' s Plumbing Mrs. Wesley E. Olson Peabody Testing Serv. Peterson & Kal ina Postmaster, City of CN Postmaster, Main Post Office Barry Rosar Eugene Salay Specialty Lighting Inc. Sterl lng Electric Co. Sun Newspapers Tracy Printing Uniforms Unlimited Viking Chevrolet Viking Industrial Center Warden's GTC Auto Parts Malcolm O. Watson 75,624 25.00 341 .00 52.00 185.60 23.50 l l4.00 50.00 104.95 31 .44 7.35 3,633.77 18.00 29. O0 115.00 31 .90 48.5O 21 .80 63.55 7.OO 45.OO 725. O0 387. 26. 1,287.0( 16. 401.13 19.80 12.80 14.00 150.06 814.75 5O .00 9.9O 5O .00 43.65 75. O0 92.O0 4,37O .O5 9.00 4O .00 91.2O 268.70 199.70 101.02 9.75 31.80 44.79 1.5O 7.86 56.66 93.00 December 8, 1975 -3~0- Wayne Protection Agency Zacks, Inc. Ziegler Inc. Adalbert A. Zurek American Linen Supply Anoka Co.Compr. Health Dept. Bronner Exterminating Co. City of CH Petty Cash Liquor Coca Cola Bottling Co. Commissioner of Revenue Doherty Distrib. Co. Emerald Office Supply Home Juice Co. Ganzer Distributors Grosslein Beverages C.V. Hewitt Jimbos Clarence Larson 245.00 192.50 22.05 5.OO 1 21 .22 3O .00 12.00 98.16 295.30 3,818.72 1,569.95 66.00 144.48 2,911.90 82.OO 49.50 205.42 1.92 Mpls. Allied Aluminum Mfg. Midwest Wine Co. Betty Meyers NE Radio T-V Pohle Sales, Inc. Joe Rak Rex Distributing Co. John Roach Ron's Ice Co. Royal Beverage Signcrafters Outdoor Display Sunderland, Inc. Thompson Trane Air Cond. Twin City Filter Service East Side Beverage Co. Hi-Mount Inc. Kuether Distributing Dundee Nursery & Landscaping TOTAL BILLS REPORT ON BIDS ON KITCHEN FACILITY IN THE MUNICIPAL LIQUOR STORE 5.18 451 .25 28.40 342.50 2,788.80 20.64 5,170.75 2O .88 67.OO 65.84 151.34 157.00 60.00 3.30 11,788.44 370.10 4, O83.54 2,558.27 593,680.98 Mr. Watson reported that no firm bids had been received for the proposed kitchen facility in the municipal liquor store. He stated that Mrs. Lois Popowski had stated that she would be willing to set up the kitchen facility under a reasonable agreement. Chuck Wagon Catering submitted "No Bid" on their proposal form, stating that they were unable to bid at this time because the bid and specifications are incomplete. Mayor Nawrocki asked the City Attorney whether it would be proper for the city to solicit prospective tenants now based on the fact that no formal bids were received. Mr. Kalina stated that the city would be free to negotiate an agreement at this time. Councilman Heintz stated his opinion that the specifications had not been clear enough, stating that he had been contacted by a potential bidder stating that they were interested in the proposal, but that the specifications had not been comI plete enough and were difficult to understand. Councilman Norberg stated that someone should talk to the potential bidders who did not bid to see why they did not submit a proposal. felt that the specifications were not complete either. He Councilman Heintz stated that too much~was left for the bidder to supply, and that he felt that the city should supply the equipment and permanent changes to the kitchen. Councilman Logacz stated that he felt that the city should invest as little as possible in this kitchen until it is proven to be successful. December 8, 1975 -381- Mayor Nawrocki then listed the possibilities that the City Manager could pursue. These were l) to forget tine whole thing; 2) to direct the City Manager to re-advertise for bids; and 3) tell the City Manager to solicit proposals and negotiate an agreement. He asked the Council members to indicate which choice they preferred. Councilm~n Land and Logacz favored having the City Manager solicit proposals at this time. Councilmen Heintz, and Nor;;erg felt that the bids should be re-advertised, and new specifications drawn up. Mayor Nawrocki felt that the City Manager should solicit proposals and negotiate an agreement, so the third choice seemed to be what the majority favored. Mr. John Anderson of Chuck Wagon Catering was present and indicated that he would be interested in finding out more about what is desired, and possibly submitting a proposal. Motion by Land, Seconded by Logacz to direct the City Manager to negotiate with prospective supplie~for the kitchen facility for the liquor store. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Land, Nawrocki-Aye Norberg Nay RESOLUTION #75-66 AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR INCREASING INTEREST RETURNS Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Land Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution #75-66 was adopted. BE IT' HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that Home Federal Savings and Loan Assocation of Minneapolis (HOME) be, and it is hereby authorized and directed, as the agent of the City of Columbia Heights, to transfer funds pursuant to telephone instructions given in the manner described below either (1) to the City of Columbia Heights savings account at HOME from the City's checking account No. 100 0033 at Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights, the address of which is Columbia Heights, Minnesota 55421, or (2) from said savings account to said checking account. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that HOME be, and it hereby is, authorized and directed to withdraw funds from said savings account upon telephone instructions given in the manner described below and make payment thereof by check payable to the City of Columbia Heights mailed to the address shown on HOME'S records for said savings account. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that amounts deposited in said savings account, are not withdrawable until collected. FURTHER RESOLVED, that HOME be, and it hereby is, authorized to act pursuant to this authorization upon telephone instruction purporting to be from City Manager Malcolm O. Watson, or City Clerk-Treasurer John E. Schedler, in which the caller identifies the Personal Identification Number assigned to said savings account, and the City of Columbia Heights, its successors and assigns shall hold HOME harmless from any loss or expense (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of its so acting. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Columbia Heights represents to HOME that said savings account and said checking account have identical ownership and withdrawal rights, that the City shall bear sole responsi- bility for maintaining such identity, and that HOME shall in no event be responsible for any withdrawals made pursuant to ownership or December 8, 1975 -382- withdrawal rights of said savings account and said checking account or for any funds transferred to said checking after the transfer. FURTHER RESOLVED, that this authorization will remain in effect until receipt by HOME of written notice from the City of termination of this authorization by the City Council. ORDINANCE #842 SALE OF 3755 CALIFORNIA STREET Second reading held on the sale of city property known as Lots 29 and 30, Block 95, Columbia Heights Annex (3755 California Street) to Evelyn J. Commers. Ordinance offered by Land, Seconded by Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes Ordinance #842 was adopted. Some time was then spent looking at a map of the area indicating where access is to the City park. This was requested by Mayor Nawrocki and it was verified that ample access would still be available to the park property south of the property being sold. RESOLUTION #75-67 HOSPITALIZATION PREMIUMS FOR NON-UNION EMPLOYEES Discussion held on the increased cost in the hospitalization premiums as of January 1, 1976. Mr. Watson explained that the Hennepin County group took bids and Western Life Insurance Co. is the low bidder and will take over Blue Cross and Blue Shield/Mll's contract beginning January 1, 1976. The individual premiums will increase from $19.O4 per month to $26.54 per month. The family premium increases from $34.96 to $48.75. The premiums for individual hospitalization are the same for Group Health in that they increase from $19.O4 to $26.54. The Group Health family premiums increase from $39.80 to $43.52. Mr. Watson recommended that the City continue to pay the individual premium plus the $15.O0 toward dependent coverage. Mayor Nawrocki asked if the non-union employees have agreed to this proposal. Mr. Watson stated that he had met with the non-union employee representatives and that they felt that this had to be done as proposed. Councilman Norberg felt that no action should be taken until the entire salary and fringe benefit package for 1976 is decided. Mr. Watson reminded him of the urgency to approve the hospitalization because the January premium comes out of the next payroll checks in December. Resolution #75-67 offered by Land, Seconded by Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution #75-67 was adopted. BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, the cost for individual hospitalization premiums has increased from $19.O4 per month to $26.54 per month for individual coverage beginning January 1, 1976, and WHEREAS, the salary negotiations and determinations of fringe benefits for 1976 have not as yet been concluded, and -383- December 8, 1975 WHEREAS, the additional cost of S7.50 per month must be submitted to continue coverage for our employees, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that the City Treasurer be and he is hereby authorized to allow the additional $7.50 per month cost to be paid For the individual employees making a total allowance of $26.54 on the individual monthly premiums, and that the S15.00 per month presently granted toward dependents' coverage shall remain in effect. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager be directed to include this additona] cost to the city as a part of any negotiated settlements on the 1976 contracts recognizing that the reason for allowing this payment in advance of the settlement is because the premiums must be paid prior to January 1, 1976. CHRISTMAS LIGHTING COST PARTICIPATION Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to authorize the City Manager to expend $450 as the city share on cost participation on Christmas lighting and decorations. Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Watson noted that this comes from liquor store profits. LICENSES Motion by Norberg Seconded by Heintz that the licenses as listed be approved upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Sale of Property at 39th and Reservoir: Mayor Nawrocki asked if the Council was aware that the recently sold city property at 39th and Reservoir is up for sale, and stated that it had been his understanding that Mr. McNeil would retain the land. He expressed his disappointment that this was not the case, and he hesitated in signing the title over to Mr. McNeil. Councilman Norberg asked why Planning still was not turning in Weekly Reports as did all other departments of the city. SNOWPLOWING Councilman Norberg discussed the problems of driveways being plowed in by city plows and asked if any consideration could be given to a different procedure on the plowing. He pointed out cases he was aware of where driveways were shoveled after the city plow initially drove by, and then the driveway was blocked again by a later run of the plow down the street. He mentioned the possibility of a "wing-plowI' on the plows to clean out driveways. Brief discussion. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that although a couple of municipalities make use of these wing-plows, the majority do not, and this may show that it is not the best alternative. Other discussion on what might be done, and Mr. Watson pointed out the problems with drives being plowed in and the impossibility of seeing that this does not happen. Councilman Norberg felt that such problems are too often dismissed without much thought, on general principles, and asked the city staff to do some new thinking on this problem. December 8, 1975 -384- Councilman Norberg asked what can be done about putting construction projects under better control as far as costs are concerned, pointing out that the assessment hearing held prior to the regular meeting had resulted in several projects which had finally had costs higher than the original estimates and this should have been brought before the council prior to the hearing. Mr. Watson discussed his own surprise at finding so many of the projects ran above the estimates, stating that he himself was not aware of this fact until the final costs were brought in. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the City Council can only turn to the City Manager when this happens, and the City Manager should have a better sort of control over his staff to keep track of how costs are running. He should have an accounting of the costs as they occur and this should be reported to the Council all along. Bids taken on projects should all be checked out as to their applicability to the estimates given at the hearings. MELSA CONTRACTS Lengthy discussion held on the MELSA and Anoka County Library Contracts and Agreements. Councilman Norberg expressed his displeasure at these contracts and pointed out that he feels that in the Inter-Library Services Agreement under Section Ill Item 1. the last part of the second sentence where it reads: I'and meets the requirements of the MELSA "Plan of Associations" dated October 29, 1975." should be deleted. Mayor Nawrocki agreed that the agreements are not exactly what would be desired but that this is the last alternative which would probably be submitted and that the City would have to agree to it if they want to receive the benefits of this association. He spoke of several meetings with Jerry Young from the County and that Mr. Young is aware of the problems which the City finds with the agreement. Mayor Nawrocki spoke at great length on these agreements. Councilman Heintz agreed with Mr. Norberg that the change should be made in the contract. Mayor Nawrocki asked how the other two councilmen felt and both Land and Logacz felt that the city should go along with the agreements as proposed. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Land to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into the library agreements with MELSA and Anoka County Library. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to make the amendment to the agreement as outlined by Mr. Norberg Roll Call: Logacz, Land, Nawrocki-Nay Norberg, Heintz-Aye Motion failed. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to table this item. Roll Call: Logacz, Land, Nawrocki-Nay Heintz, Norberg-Aye Motion failed. Roll Call on motion to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into the agreements. Logacz, Land, Nawrocki-Aye Norberg, Heintz-Nay CITY MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Watson reminded the Council that Tuesday, December 9 an informal meeting is set up with Bob Grignon of Real Estate Research to go over their liquor store study. He also reminded the Council that on Wednesday -385- December 8, 1975 at 7:30 a meeting is set up with the Human Rights Commission to continue the review of the Affirmative Action Program. He informed the Council that a newsletter is planned to 9o out just after the first of January and asked if they had any items which they felt should be included. He listed what is presently planned to be included in this newsletter. Mr. Gustafson asked whether or not there would be another newsletter before spring break-up as he would have articles to be included. Mr. Watson said that one would probably 9o out in March. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Mr. Gustafson reported that on Tuesday, December 9 the tower controls were to have been installed, but that now it would be on Monday, December ]5 instead due to a delay in shipment. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at 11:30~.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ~//,r/// Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Sec r e t a r y(~t'2~