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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 22, 1975OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 22, 1975 -386- The meeting was called to order at. 8:06 p.m. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-present Logacz-absent Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land to name Karen DeBruin as secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land to approve the minutes of the following meetings: Regular meetings of November 24 and December 8 Special meeting of December 8 (Assessment Hearing) as presented in writing, with corrections as noted by Margo Emerson, and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg that the bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes Payroll Account No. American Life James Lord, Minn. State Merrill Moen Minn. Distillers, Inc. Ed Phillips & Sons No. States Power Co. No. States Power Co. Johnson Wine Co. Minn. Distillers Inc. Twin City Wine Co. Home Fed. Savings & Loan H.B. Fuller Co. Johnson Bros. Whsle. Liq. Johnson Wine Co. Old Peoria Co. Prior Wine Co. Twin City Wine Co. Cash Register Sales, Inc. City Wide Locksmithing Alice Dziedzic $ 76,186.62 216.O0 4,170.47 1,989.OO 6,284.84 2,029.14 31.O5 2,846.51 747.17 2,694.23 155.73 6O,0OO.OO 28.59 1,347.19 232.25 202.26 101.30 1OO.46 199.76 29~00 5O.OO Eberhard Candy & Tobacco Gold Medal Beverage Co. Hedstrom Electric Co. Edele Hellman C.V. Hewitt Johnson Bros. Whsle. Liq. Johnson Paper & Supply Co. Kiwi Kai Imports Co. Minn. Distillers, Inc. Betty Myers Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. Seven-Up Bottling Co. A.B. Dick Products Col. Hgts. & Dist. 13 Rec. Comm.-Petty Cash Columbia Transit Corp. Freda Gustafson Linda Hansen MRPA C/O John Buckley Nelson Office Supply Ovshak Printing 424.95 934.95 32.00 50.OO 33.00 22.00 373.52 16.50 3,414.11 97.63 9O.7O 1,331.50 59.30 46.20 40.00 35.00 87.69 4.40 5.96 82.75 -387- December 22, 1975 Sub. Bask. League $ American Heritage Anoka ,County Library A and R. Book Co. Assoc. -Sterling Films Better Homes & Gardens The Bookmen, Inc. Bro-Dart, Inc. Caedmon Records, Inc. Classic Publications Demco Robert E. Diedrich Doubleday and Co. Elliot Film Co. Gale Research Co. Gaylord Bros., Inc. Gestetner Corp. G.K. Hall and Co. I.B.M. Corp. dostens Library Books Kerlan Collection Exhib. The Kipiinger Wash. Letter The I(irkus Service Listening Library Lundbiad's Bindery Mpls. Public Library Nat'l DirectoryService National Geographic Soc. Nelson's Office Supply Outdoor' Life Book Club Prentice Hall, Inc. Quality' Books, Inc. Shoppers Charge U.S. Gov't Printing Walt Disney Educ. Media Co. Xerox Corp. A & A tlardware Donald Aker American Inst. of Planners American Linen Supply Anoka County Treas. Arsenal Sand and Gravel Gerald Arseneau Automotive Drive Line Bacon's Electric Co. Bill Boyer Burroughs Corp. Business Furniture Inc. C. B. City Central Chrysler Plym. City o f Col. Hgts. Coast t,o Coast Co]. Hgts. Fire Dept. Commissioner of Highways 225.00 35.85 12.00 37.10 22.25 23.99 394.60 83.59 ]55.4~ 23.50 359.75 495.00 238.76 25.00 36 15 ~08 95 35 ]o 21 62 18 O0 987 87 25 O0 28 O0 68.00 259.50 63.35 110.00 ]2.29 25.80 23.26 9 64 15 26 11 42 9 90 42 50 16 68 54 07 129 19 3 45 75.00 52.2l 3,043.43 221.19 129.00 69.98 2,099.29 17.43 43.78 1,726.50 56.40 88.61 12.00 120.01 582.50 47.59 Cont. Safety Equipment $ Cont. Safety Equipment Cook Paint and Varnish Curtis Matheson Scientific Data Dispatch, Inc. Delegard Tool Co. Diamond Crystal Salt. Co. Eugene W. Doncaster Electronic Center, Inc. Elvin Safety Supply Fadden Pump Co. Flaherty Equipment Corp. Flexible Pipe Tool Fullwell Motor Products Garwood Twin Cities Genuine Parts Co. Glenwood Inglewood Gold Medal Beverage Co. Goodin Company ~ross Industrial Services Hagen Sales, Inc. Hayden-Hurphy Equip. Co. Royhl Hedblad W.G.. Jagues Co. WM. P. Johnson Electric Co. Donald Jolly Ronald Kalina Lawco Company Leag. of Minn. Municipalities H.D. Lee Company Leer Bros. Lowry Lumber Co. Madison Bionics Mason Publishing Co. Vicki Haternowsky MFOA Publications Mpls. City Treasurer Mpls. City Treasurer Mpls. Equipment Co. Mpls. Oxygen Co. Minnegasco Mpls. Spokesman Minn. Electric Motor Serv. Minn. Fire Inc. Minnesota Safety Council Modern Service Inc. Bruce G. Nawrocki John A. Nelson Excavating North Star Chapter of I.C.B.O. N.W. Emergency Equip. and Supp. N.W. Bell Tele. Co. N.W. Bell Tele. Co. Olson's Plumbing Richard "TinY" Ovshak 26.77 36.45 18.10 19.68 27.OO 131.90 897.90 130.00 31.64 18.34 135.60 37.25 496.85 105.53 30.91 624.12 92.80 l0 O0 166 57 15 60 370 00 47 50 l0 O0 267 69 34 95 3 45 1,675.00 408.30 135.00 150.45 ~51.37 199.36 123.15 36.00 164.50 1.50 15,927.56 23.51 10.40 223.46 1,993.25 16.80 14.00 16.50 5.72 17,942.20 102.65 37.OO 20.00 23.00 1,523.49 45.00 211.80 27O.OO December 22, 1975 -388- Dr. Curtis Radebaugh Sarand, Inc. Scherer Brothers Lumber Co. John E. Schedler S.O.S. Office Equipment Sun Newspapers Sun Newspapers Target Stores, Inc. C.W. Thomson Co. Tracy Printing Transport Clearings Union Oil Co. of California U.S. POstmaster $ 34.00 44.91 97.60 26.96 55.OO 1,272.78 45.00 27.25 21.00 212.70 9.25 123.90 495.O0 Frank J. Voth-Good Value HOmes 996.00 Wahl and Wahl Warners Industrial Supplies Waste Management of Minn. Waterous Company Water Products Co. Wayne Protection Agency, Inc. Wheel Service Inc. Williams Steel and Hardware W.W. Generator Rebuilders Xerox Corp. Henry Zeug Ziegler, Inc. Zip Code Directories 64.00 26.87 10.00 86.64 667.26 28O.OO 106.20 589.37 34.7O 627.24 258.65 51.01 19.50 City of Col. Hgts. Petty Cash $ 39.60 No. States Power Co. 3,124.O8 Col. Hgts. Fire Relief Assoc. 24,960.00 Col. Hgts. Police Relief 35,505.00 3 M Company 310.35 Ovshak Printing 159.00 Lehn Electric Co. 888.36 Merrill Moen 221.00 TOTAL BILLS $ 296,183.20 CONTINUED HEARING ON PROJECT #701 WATER LINE AT 3817 CENTRAL AVENUE The City Attorney asked that this matter be carried to the next regular meeting. He indicated that Mr. Pribula wished to pay his bill on the project without going through a special assessment levy. Mr. Watson asked that the item be tabled to give Mr. Pribula a chance to pay. He then stated that he would report at the next meeting on the progress of this case. Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to continue the hearing on Project #701 to the next regular council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Heintz then asked if this would be setting a precedent. Mr. Watson assured him that it would not be, they were only giving the property owner enough time to pay his bill in full. He also stated that this was a special project of an emergency nature and would naturally have to be handled a little differently than in most cases. JOHN MONETA REGARDING 42nd AVENUE Mr. Moneta came to present a proposal to the City Council regarding the property that he owns at 243-42nd Avenue that the city wishes to acquire to put in the street on 42nd Avenue. Mr. Moneta owns 140 foot frontage on 42nd. The city wishes to buy the front 30 feet of his property to be used when putting in 42nd Avenue. Mr. Moneta had many ideas concerning the sale or trade of this land to the city. He wanted to trade Dec~mber 22, 1975 -389- the front 30 feet for building permits~ ~nd other necessary fees and permits for the construction of a tWenty-unit apartment complex at this location. He asked that the charges be waived on city improvements that are pending or might be proposed. Mr. Moneta also asked for the qranting of a variance on the zoning ordinance which requires that for each apartment unit in a building, there must be one garage unit. Mr. Moneta wishes to put in the twenty-unit apartment building, but does not wish to put in the required number of garages. Mr. Moneta said that he would be responsible for the removal of the retaining wa]] and cutting down of the embankment on the front 30 feet. Much discussion followed on the various items of Mr. Moneta~s proposal. Councilman Heintz stated that a one car garage for each unit in an apartment building is not in excess, in fact it is bare minimum. Councilman Norberg said that he was interested in seeing that the city gets a thing of value. He also said that he didn't completely understand what Mr. Moneta~s proposed trade-offs were and he would welcome the idea of giving this matter to the city staff to see what kind of agreement could be reached. Councilman Norberg then asked Mr. Moneta if the variance in the zoning code of one garage to each apartment was an inseparable part of his deal. Mr. Moneta implied that it wasn't and then stated that the front 30 feet is always for sale to an acceptable offer. Mr. Watson said that someone must verify prices on what cost estimates would be for acquisition of land through condemnation procedures. He also said that a value must be placed on the things in Mr. Moneta's various proposals to see which way would be the best to go. Councilman Norber9 said that if Mr. Moneta wanted to talk about it, the thing to do would be to assign the city manager to look into it. Hotion by Norber9, Seconded by Heintz that the city manager be requested to look into and evaluate Mr. Moneta's proposals and report back to the council. Roll Cai]: All Ayes Mr. Gustafson then added that according to the five-year plan, consideration of construction and completion of the storm sewer on 42nd Avenue was set for 1976 and paving of the street was set for 1977. APPEARANCE BY JOHN SARKINEN 4446 ARTHUR STREET Hr. Sarkinen came before the council to let them know that he found out after the fact about a hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission on a variance on a lot on the dead end street, Arthur Place behind his home. Mr. Watson got up and drew on the blackboard the situation which the hearing centered around. It was a minor variance regarding the distance of a home and a garage from the street in accordance with the norm set by other homes and garages on the block. Mr. Sarkinen said that he wasn't interested in the details, he only wanted to bring forth the fact that he hadn't received a notice. He said that people all around him got notices and according to council policy, he should have received one also. The city attorney verified the fact that people within 300 feet of such a proposed variance should have received notification of the hearing. Mr. Sarkinen said that he talked to a girl in Planning and Zoning and she checked her mailing list for notices on that hearing and Mr. Sarkinen was not on it. It was brought out that December 22, 1975 -390- Mr. Sarkinen is the owner of record of his home, and his taxes are sent there so there should have been no trouble in reaching him. It was agreed that there was an error in mailing.. Councilman Norberg asked if the fact that Mr. Sarkinen did not receive a notification of the hearing had any effect on its validity. Mr. Kalina, city attorney, said that it did not because the notice of hearing was published and as long as a good faith effort was made to contact all concerned parties, there could be no challenge on the hearing's validity. He went on to say that the published notice is what is essential. The Mayor said that if the hearing would have been more controversial, it may have caused more problems and the neighbors would probably have contacted one another and in this manner Mr. Sarkinen would probably have been aware of the hearing. Speaking for the entire council, Mayor Nawrocki apologized to Mr. Sarkinen for the error. BIDS MISCELLANEOUS VEHICLES INCLUDING FOUR PICK-UPS, ONE DUMP TRUCK, ONE LOADER~ AND ONE TRACTOR Mr. Watson began by saying that all council members Mad received bid tabulations and that immediately before the meeting, they had been down in the city garage looking at the vehicles proposed for trade. The reasons for replacing the vehicles are the age and condition of the present machines, including mileage on the vehicles and excessive maintenance costs. There is a projected increase in price of vehicles for next year, which according to news reports is in the 6 to 10% range. These vehicles were projected for acquisition during 1976, but by obligating the dealer now, it would be possible to beat the price increase. The cost would be incurred against the 1976 budget. Delivery dates would be from one to two months after purchase, longer for the large dump truck which would take approximately 120 days. The question was asked if it was economically feasible to keep the present vehicles and what type of maintenance would be required if this was to be done. The recommendation came from the Public WorkS Department that it would be most economical to acquire the new vehicles. The combination of maintenance costs and the unpredictability of these vehicles made them not worth keeping. No one can tell when they will need major repairs or become unusable. Mr. Watson said that after the first of the year, bids would come in higher so it would be practical to order now if the vehicles were going to be ordered. Mayor Nawrocki stated that it was reported in the same places that reported the proposed price increase that Ford may rescind their increase because other manufacturers were not proposing similar increases. Mr. Norberg a~ked what the cost estimates were based on. The City Manager said that the economics were based on maintenance costs of the present vehicles, anticipated costs of body work and the other work that is necessary on older vehicles. Add these costs to the time involved and keeping the old vehicles would not be worth keeping. December 22, 1975 -391- Tom Hosch, shop foreman, brought up the fact that some of the vehicles are over ten years o]d and major work has a]ready been done on them. Counci]man Norberg asked what the expected cost would be to fix one of the old vehicles. Tom Hosch answered that it would cost approximately $500 for labor and materia]s plus a coup]e of weeks time. Nuch discussion followed a]on9 these lines. Nayor Nawrocki then asked Hr. Watson's recommendation on the various bids. Bid A was on a 6050 Lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Pickup for the Heter Department. Offered for trade was a 1966 Ford 5100 (Vehicle #198). Hr. Watson recommended the low bid including all options from Bill Boyer Ford at $4,010.03. Huch discussion followed concerning options. Joe Chesla from Bi]] Boyer Ford addressed the council and told them that there was some problem with the utility box included in the bid. He went on to explain that the Horrison utility box supplier told him t~ his box met with the specifications of the bid. This box was then in,eluded on the Boyer bid. It was discovered that this box did not meet the specifications, so Bill Boyer Ford agreed to give the city the Knapheide box for the same price as the Norrison box. Hr. Chesla said that he wanted to save the credibility of his company. The city attorney stated that Bill Boyer Ford would be low in any case. Councilman Heintz brought up the AH radio option. He wanted to know why this was included in the list of options. Tom Hosch replied that the radio was included for the same reason that anyone would want a radio in their car; that is, listening pleasure and in general making the ve!hicle more livable. Discussion followed concerning the radio. Bid B was on a 27,500 Lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Truck with Dump Body. Offered for trade was a ]963 Ford 5800 (Vehicle #]05). Hr. Watson recommended the lowest bid inc]udin9 all options which was $]0,820.60 from Superior Ford. It was noted that bids from Superior Ford and Bill Boyer Ford were very close and that Bi]] Boyer offered a package deal of $50 off each vehicle if all five were purchased from them. Bid C was on a 750o Lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Pickup Truck Cab and Chassis. Offered for trade was a ]968 Ford 5250 (Vehicle #120) with 75,000 miles on the original motor. Hr. Watson recommended the lowest bid including all options which was From Bill Boyer Ford for $6,]42.53. The vehicle was proposed for use by the Sewer Department. Bid D was on a 7500 Lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Pickup Truck for the Water Department. Offered for trade was a ]968 Ford 5250 (Vehicle #]03). Hr. Watson recommended for purchase the vehicle from Bi]] Boyer Ford for $5,285.53. This was the iow bid with all the options. Bi.d E was on a 7500 Lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Pickup Truck for the Naintenance Department. Offered for trade was a i966 Ford F]O0 (Vehicle #326). Hr. Watson recommended the low bid inc]udin9 all options which was Superior Ford for $5,741.50. December 22, 1975 -392- Bid F was on a Rubber Tired Loader for the Street Department. Offered for trade was a Cat D6 9U-11634 (Vehicle #7). Mr. Watson recommended the lowest bid including all options which was from Minnesota Tractor for a Fiat-Allis 545B Wheel Loader w/American Coupler System for $53,920.00. Mr. Gustafson indicated that he prefers the vehicle bid by Ziegler, Inc. which is for a Caterpillar 930 Wheel Loader with Balderson Quick Coupler and Front Mounted Snow Wing. He stated that h e is familiar with this machinery, whereas the Fiat-Allis is an unknown vehicle in that the manufacturer has not been-dealt with before by the City of Columbia Heights. He stated that by eliminating the award of the options on the bid, Ziegler, Inc. has the low base bid at $56,925.00. Base bid of Minnesota Tractor for the Fiat-Allis is $58,728.00. Discussion followed on the availability of replacement parts for the Fiat-Allis. It was thought that this vehicle was made in Italy and parts and maintenance would be difficult to obtain. A man from Minnesota Tractor addressed the council saying that the FiatoAllis is made in Deerfield, Illinois. All parts are made in the United States. He further stated that the specs on the Fiat-Allis haven't changed since 1965. He also stated that this vehicle is the same as when manufactured by Allis-Chalmers prior to the merger of that company and Fiat. Bid G was on an Industrial Type Diesel for the Park Department. The low bid was from L-Z on a Massey-Fergusson MF-2~ tot al net bid including options is $7,620.70. It was brought out that the Park Board did not have a chance to discuss this item and Mr. Murzyn and Mr. Gustafson asked if this could be tabled so as to provide for more time to look at the different options. Kenneth Hentges asked if the city really needs these vehicles. Tom Hosch said that Columbia Heights already extends the life of its vehicles beyond that of other neighboring communities. Mr. Mentges answered this by saying that Columbia Heights has a good shop in which to keep and service its vehicles, the vehicles should outlive those of neighboring communities with no shops for this purpose. Tom Hosch then asked to what level the council wanted the vehicles maintained. He said that major body work has been done on three of them, one of them has been re-worked twice and the other one has been re-worked once also. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he didn't know where the line should be drawn, this being why he asked Kenneth Hentges to come and look at the vehicles with him, since Mr. Hentges has had experience in this field. Mr. Hentges indicated the vehicles in Bids D and E should not be traded. The dump truck in Bid B should be traded. The other vehicles he was unsure of. Mr. Hosch then stated that he did not understand why the City Council December 22, 1975 -393- found it necessary to discuss the purchase of each of these vehicles at such great length at this time since they had previously discussed them twice. One time was in incorporating them into the budget for 1976, and the second time was when the call for bids was authorized. Mr. Hosch felt that discussions held during the budget should have verified the need for the vehicles and that further discussion at this time should be unnecessary. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the council does not go into great detail on each individual item in the budget, but rather approves a budget with the idea that at the time the bids are taken a more detailed investigation as to need will be made. Councilman Norberg stated that the line of maintenance vs. new vehicle is simply an economic line, which is different in every case. The cost of maintenance of an old vehicle must be compared to the cost .of a new one to see if it is feasible to purchase the new vehicle. Discussion then followed among the council members concerning whether ,or not the individual vehicles should be kept or traded, Mayor Nawrocki saying he would be against purchase of any of the new vehicles. 'The Mayor then asked each member of the council to indicate their opinions on whether each vehicle should be kept or traded. ,On Bid A, Councilmen Land and Norberg voted to trade the vehicle, while the Mayor and Councilman Heintz voted to keep the present vehicle. On Bid B, the Mayor voted to keep the present vehicle, while the rest of the council voted to purchase the new vehicle. On Bid C, Councilmen Land, Norberg, and Heintz all voted to trade in the present vehicle, while the Mayor again voted to keep it. On Bid D, there was a unanimous vote to keep the present vehicle. Bid E was also a unanimous vote to keep the present vehicle. On Bid F, Councilman Heintz voted to buy the new vehicle, while the rest of the council voted to keep the present vehicle. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to table all bids until the next regular meeting of the City Council. Roll Call: Heintz, Land, Nawrocki- Aye Norberg-Nay RECESS WAS CALLED AT 10:29 MEETING RECONVENED AT 10:52 LATE REQUESTS CHANGE ORDER ON LIBRARY REMODELING Bob Diedrich came before the Council for the purpose of committing funds before the end of the year on two change orders for the library remodeling. One of these change orders called for an increase of $1,622.47. There were three items on the change order, being: Install lined drapes on windows only add: $1,134.31 Use accent color on double width bookshelves only 82.50 Provide two sofas 405.66 CHANGE ORDER #1 TOTAL ADDITION S1,622.47 December 22, 1975 -394- The second change order was for an increase of $238.84. three items on this change order also, being: Increase Hardware Allowance to $584.84 add: Change Type B & D light fixtures to Femco deduct: Install dropped ceiling in Storytime Room (including lights and switch) add: CHANGE ORDER #2 TOTAL ADDITION There were $ 84.84 350.00 5O4.OO $23~.~4 The total addition from both change orders is $1,861.31. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement for the two change orders (total add $1,861.31) on the library remodeling. Roli Call: All Ayes BIDS ROOTCUTTER The demonstration of the Case Power trenching machine proved it to be inadequate for the purpose which it would be intended if purchased by the city, therefore it was recommended that the Vermeer T-3OOA from Vermeer Sales and Service be purchased. It was noted that the Vermeer with their proposed discount of 10% if paid within twenty days of inspection and acceptance would be cheaper than the machine from Case Power, even if the Case Power machine would have been acceptable. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Land to award the bid on the root cutter to Vermeer Sales and Service in the amount of $8,863.00 with discount if paid within twenty days of inspection and acceptance, and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes Discussion followed in which Councilman Norberg brought up the fact that the purchase of this root cutter would commit the city to a very active sidewalk campaign in the coming year. it was also brought up that the purchase of this root cutter would save the city a lot of money on individual sidewalks by cutting the roots before they do damage to those sidewalks. Mayor Nawrocki asked about the discount available. Mr. Watson told him that it was his intent to make full use of the discount by timing the inspection and acceptance within twenty days of a council meeting so that the invoice could be paid on time for the discount. CALLS FOR BIDS FOR LEGAL PUBLICATIONS FOR 1976 Mr.Watson stated that in calling for bids for legal publications for 1976, there should be included in the specifications a request to receive approximately six free copies of each publication for the different city departments. Mr. Watson stated that he has been bringing in his copy of the Sun, the present legal publication for the city, in to the office on the Thursday following the Wednesday of printing. This has created problems, he said, because one copy is not enough to go around for every- one who wants or needs a copy of the paper. Discussion followed on how many copies of the paper should be obtained without charge, to be written into the specifications. It was agreed that the City Manager should use his discretion on this item. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land to "395- December 22, 1975 authorize the City Manager to call for bids for legal publications with January 12 set as the date for opening these bids. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION #75-68 DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR FUNDS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FOR THE YEAR 1976 Resolution Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Land Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution #75-68 was adopted. Resolution #75-68 Designating Depositories for Funds of the City of Columbia Heights for the Year 1976 The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, HEREBY RESOLVES, that the Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights, the Fidelity Bank and Trust Company, and the Third Northwestern National Bank, be hereby designated as the depositories for moneys of the City of Columbia Heights for a period of one year beginning the first day of January, 1976, and the Treasurer of this City is hereby d~rected to deposit moneys of this City in said Banks, and the Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights, The Fidelity Bank & Trust Company, and the Third Northwestern National Bank are hereby authorized and directed to honor and pay any checks or orders, when signed by the City Treasurer for the withdrawal or transfer of funds on deposit in said banks in whatever form. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in case such deposit shall at any time exceed the sum for which its deposits are insured under the acts of Congress of the United States relating to insurance of bank deposits, said depository shall immediately furnish bonder securities in liel~ of bond according to the law? and the Marquette National Bank for the Marquette State Bank of Columbia Heights, and the Federal Reserve Bank for Fidelity State B~nI~, and the Third Northwestern National Bank, are hereby designated as the places for the safe-keeping of all securities furnished in lieu of such bond. RESOLUTIONS 75-69 and 75-70 RESOLUTIONS ON ANNUAL MINNESOTA HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT AGREEMENTS Resolution 75-69 Offered by Land, Seconded by Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution 75-69 was adopted. Resolution #75-69 Authorization to Enter Into Highway Department Technical and Engineering Assistance Agreement BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that pursuant to statutory authority, the City Engineer for and on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights is hereby authorized to request and obtain from the Minnesota Department of Highways, needed Engineering and Technical Services during the year 1976; for which payment will be made by the City of Columbia Heights upon receipt of verified claims from the Commissioner of Highways. December 22, 1975 -396- Resolution 75-70 Offered by Land, Seconded by Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution was adopted Resolution #75-70 Authorization to Enter into Highway Department Agency Contract BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CiTY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that pursuant to Section 161.36, Subdivision 1 through 6, Minnesota Statutues, the Commissioner of Highways be appointed as agent of the City of Columbia Heights to let as its agent, contracts for the construction of portions of Municipal Streets, for the year 1976, and the Mayor and the City Manager are hereby authorized and directed for and on behalf of the City Council to execute and enter into a contract with the Commissioner of Highways prescribing the terms and conditions of such contracts in the form as set forth and contained in "Minnesota Department of Highways Agency Contract Form No. 30774" a copy of which said form was before the Council, assuming on behalf of the City all of the contractual obligations therein contained. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SALE OF BONDS FIRST READING First reading of Ordinance #843 regarding the sale of bonds was held. Mayor Nawrocki asked when the sale of these bonds was anticipated. Mr. Watson replied that they would probably be sold in late February or early March, depending on when the market would be the best. Much discussion followed on what the bonds would be sold for and why this money was needed. Mayor Nawrocki agreed that February or March was a good time to go out on the market, and stated that now the interest rate was going down and it would be better to wait. The amount of the bonds to be sold was changed from $575,000 to $1,O00,O00 to cover the additional items which were proposed to be under this sale of bonds. These were to be $200,000.00 for the Glover case; $225,000.00 for necessary work around Sullivan Lake; and the $575,000.00 as originally proposed for capital improvements. It was asked of the city attorney if the language and format of thi's particular ordinance was legal and acceptable. The City Attorney stated that it was, and that no additional language or any language changes were needed. The second reading of this ordinance is scheduled for the next regular meeting of the city council on January 12. RESOLUTIONS DESIGNATING POSITIONS CLASSIFICATION Deputy City Clerk- Treasurer and Deputy Assessor Before the resolutions were read, Mayor Nawrocki started to discuss probationary periods. Councilman Norberg asked when it was established that the probationary period Mr. Kolb was going through was for the job of Deputy Clerk-Treasurer. He said he understood that Mr. Kolb was hired for an accounting job. Mr. Watson replied that Deputy Clerk- Treasurer is an accounting job. He then went on to say that Deputy Clerk-Treasurer is the name of the job. He said that Mr. Kolb is fulfilling the major responsibilities of this job. Councilman -397- December 22, 1975 Norber9 asked that if someone comes in to help Mr. Kolb, if this person must be officially named the Assistant Deputy Clerk- Treasurer. He then went on to say that Mrs. Idziorek, who Mr. Kolb replaced, was a good deal more than just a Deputy Clerk-Treasurer. It was brought out 'that if Mr. Kolb is doing a job on grade level 19, then he must be paid according to grade level 19, but he is not automatically deserving of the 'title. Mr. Watson stated that the city needs a Deputy Clerk-Treasurer · to take care of the things the Clerk-Treasurer would do in his absence. Councilman Heintz asked what Mr. Kolb was hired to do. Mr. Watson said that Mr. Kolb was hired as an accountant. Mayor Nawrocki asked if Mr. Kolb would continue his work as an accountant but be called the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer. Mr. Watson replied that the pay is the same. Mayor Nawrocki then asked why we have to have a deputy. Mr. Watson said that in the absence of the Clerk-Treasurer, the Deputy could handle all the work and assume all the responsibilities. Mr. Watson went on to say that it is standard practice of other communities to have a Deputy. One person is primarily responsible for the job of Clerk-Treasurer, but someone must be capable of taking over that job. Without a Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, no one is authorized to 'take over. Mr. Watson stated that two weeks from the date of this meeting he expected to have something on the revised schedule changes for pay ranges of employees. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to table -this item until the City Manager completes work on personnel (municipal employees). Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCES 844 and 845 FIRST READING First reading was held on Ordinances 844 and 845 concerning the retirement of police personnel. Mayor Nawrocki asked the City Attorney if these were just ordinances and not charter amendments. The Attorney said that was correct. He also said that these amendments were just to tie up the loose ends before the city gets a new police chief. RESOLUTION #75-71 DESIGNATING LOTS 4-8, APACHE HEIGHTS AS LANDS TO BE IJTILIZED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution #75-71 was adopted. RESOLUTION #75-71 DESIGNATING LOTS 4-~ APACHE HEIGHTS (NORTH SIDE OF 40th AVENUE WEST OF STINSON BOULEVARD) AS LANDS TO BE UTILIZED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, lets 4 through 8, block 1, Apache Heights has been end remains, City Property maintained for public purposes by the City of Columbia Heights, and December 22, 1975 -398- WHEREAS, the ground conditions make private development uneconomical as shown by a lack of interest in offers for sale in the past. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that these properties continue to be used for public purpose until a different determination may be made by future Council action. CHANGE ORDER ON FIRE TRUCK A request came from Chief Fran Bassett for a change order on the bid for the fire truck. This change order would be to place all of the ladders on the right hand side of the truck and therefore have larger compartment areas and eliminate ladder overhang on the left side of the truck. The change order is in the amount of $455.00. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Land to approve the change order as proposed in the amount of $455.00. Roll Call: All Ayes REPORT ON LIQUOR DISPENSING UNITS Mr. Watson reported that if the use of these control devices were to go into effect, there would be twenty-nine brands at each station that would be kept out with the dispensing units on the top. There would be no open bottles. Councilman Norberg stated that this would be an effective control, but that some of the customers might not like it. He stated that the prices have just recently been increased, and this along with the new control devices might be just enough to drive some of the people away. Mr. Watson then stated that the prices were being adjusted and some of them would be coming down again. He then stated that if the new prices were authorized, they would be put into effect on January I, 1976. Motion by Land, Seconded by Norberg to grant requested expenditure of up to $4,500.00 for liquor dispensing units. Roll Call: All Ayes SUBDIVISION REQUEST 950-4Oth AVENUE N.E. Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the land subdivision as stated in the request presented before the council, with the description of the land to be as follows: East tWenty feet of Lot 25 to Mark T. and Marilyn J. Jacobs who own Lot 24, Block 6, Reservoir Hills with address of 958-40th Avenue N.E. Roll Call: All Ayes There are no outstanding special assessments on these lots. LATE REQUESTS REQUEST BY PARK BOARD TO ADVERTISE FOR ASSISTANT PARK SUPERINTENDANT Motion by Land, Seconded by Norberg to table the request of the Park Board to advertise for an assistant park superintendant. Roll Call: Norberg, Land, Nawrocki-Aye Heintz-Nay -399- December 22, 1975 LATE REQUEST PLAY STRUCTURE IN LaBELLE PARK It was brought out that the park board wants some kind of nature center, flower bed, etc. in back of the senior citizens high rise, not a play structure as has been previously thought and petitioned for. It was requested that the City Manager be asked to look into this matter posthaste. Councilman Heintz then asked the City Manager about the letter to Motorola, a copy of which was sent to the council during the week before the meeting. Mr. Watson replied that it was just informational. The letter informs Motorola that the city will no longer be under contract with them for radio maintenance. Mr. Gustafson explained the need at this time for test hole boring in Keyes Park. This is a former dump site and the city should know ahead of time whether that site can accomodate a building at a future date. He reported that three quotations were sought, but only one response was received. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to have necessary test holes bored to determine conditions for a future park building in Keyes Park. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki asked what the Council must do relating to a letter from the librarian, Harriet Deeble, asking that all remainders in the line items of the 1975 library budget, especially that in item ~1520, Structure, be assigned to line item #1130, Expert and Professional Service. Mr. Watson informed the Council that no Council action was necessary, that this would be handled .administratively in the finance office. He further explained this request in that the Library Board had originally intended that certain amounts budgeted in the Structure line item would be paid toward professional fees on the remodeling. This request is in order to pay architect's fees and the proper amounts would be found in the Expert and Professional Services line item. Mr. Watson explained that this is normal procedure. LICENSES Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to grant all licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes OLD BUSINESS Mayor Nawrocki asked why the council never received the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes. Margo Emerson replied that they haven't been sending their minutes for some time, despite previous requests. Councilman Norberg asked if any progress was made on his suggestion to obtain Auditrons for the Xerox machine. Mr. Watson told him that a man from Xerox would be coming in Tuesday at ten o'clock a.m. to speak with Mr. Ko]b. December 22, 1975 -400- NEW BUSINESS Councilman Norberg asked if any decision had been made regarding putting the library on the new telephone system. Mr. Norberg noted that most of the calling from the library came during the evening hours, when the phones are not in use at the city offices. He said it could be more economical to have them on the system. Councilman Norberg asked if each one of the stations has its own number. Councilman Heintz replied that they do not, they are all on one number. Councilman Norberg then added that he wished to check into getting all the city departments onto the one telephone system. It was then noted for the record by Mayor Nawrocki that the City of Columbia Heights was designated as an official Bicentennial Community by the National Bicentennial Commission. CITY MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Watson brought up ~o the council the productiveness of Saturday morning meetings held by certain members of the staff of Columbia Heights in getting citizen response. He asked the council if.they would be interested in holding the informal meeting in January to discuss proposed construction projects for 1976 on a Saturday morning. The council did not appear interested in this idea. Kenneth Hentges asked the City Manager why he would like to change the dates and times of the meetings. Mr. Watson replied that it was merely a suggestion. He went on to explain that previous Saturday morning meetings had been fruitful. The meeting will remain as previously scheduled (Wednesday evening, January 14). Mr. Watson reminded the council of their informal meeting on Monday, December 29 at 7:00 p.m. with the Human Rights Commission for further review of the Affirmative Action Program. Mayor Nawrocki asked for more information concerning the financial status of the city, in regard to the general fund in view of the news received that there is a shortage of income from taxes. Mayor Nawrocki asked the City Manager why the council hadn't been informed of this possibility at an earlier date. Mr. Watson replied that everything had been coming alogg fine. He also noted that other communities are experiencing considerable delinquencies on tax collec- tions. The problem here is not as great as it seems. Mr. Watson then stated that he had spoken with Mr. Schedler about this situation and according to him everything had been coming along fine during the first six months of the year with 99% collection. Mayor Nawrocki said to this that he had spoken with Mr. Schedler during the day before the meeting, asking him direct questions and Mr. Schedler seemed very concerned on how we are handling our financial affairs. It was brought out that the budget anticipated full collection of tax dollars and one dollar spent for each dollar levied. The Mayor went on to say that the things that were trying to be controlled were not being controlled. Mr. Watson was requested to get additional information -401 - December 22, 1975 on this year's and last year's budget. Mr. Watson stated that he could get some of this information Friday after the running of the bills of this council meeting. At this time, the City Manager asked the members of the council to report any expense accounts or outstanding bills that had to be reimbursed so that the books could be closed on this for the year. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS The City Attorney began by saying that he had a couple of short matters to inform the council about. He stated that the Glover case was going to court on the 29th of January. The case of the retired policemen would have a pre-trial date of January 7 and a trial date set for January 27. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Mr. Gustafson reported getting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency letters. He said he will ho]d up the response letter to the PCA until the Mayor reviews it. General discussion followed on the Central Avenue Urbanization: Mayor Nawrocki spoke of his displeasure at finding that the bids on the Urbanization project on Central Avenue have not as yet been let out. He informed the City Manager and the Public Works Director, as well as the other members of the Council, that he has been informed that if the city wishes to include sidewalks in the urbanization project, funding has been set up in such a way that the state will pay 70% of the cost on sidewalk, with 30% remaining to be assessed to the abutting property owners. Mr. Gustafson stated that this will be checked into, pointing out that when the project was originally conceived, no funding from the state appeared to be available, and 100~ of the cost would have to be charged to the property owners. If the Mayor's information is correct on the state funding 70% of the sidewalks, then sidewalk work should be looked into as a part of the urbanization project. Motion by Land, Seconded by Heintz to adjourn the meeting at 2:40 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ~ z"/ B~uce G. Nawrocki, Hayor s dFe a