HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 14, 1976January 12, 1976 -19-
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to adjourn at l:13 A.M.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Bruce G. Naw~ocki, Mayor
Secreta~
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 14, 1976
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to name Karen DeBruin secretary
pro-tem for the meeting.
AWARD OF BID ON LEGAL PUBLICATION
This item was carried over from the last regular meeting of the City Council
held on Monday, January 12. There had been a question from the Council
regarding the circulation of the Sun Newspaper, legal publication for the
city for 1975 and proposed legal publication for 1976, and City Manager
Watson was asked to look into this matter. He reported that the Sun has
a residential paid circulation of 2,661 plus rack sales; which run anywhere
from 50 to 200 per week, plus complimentary copies that are given out in
various places, making an average of approximately 2,900 per week in our
area. Mr. Watson also added that the Sun had agreed to give the city six
complimentary copies as requested in the bid specifications. Mr. Watson
then recommended that the Council name the Sun Newspaper as the legal
publication for the City of Columbia Heights.
Councilman Hentges proposed that the City Newsletter and the School District
#13 newsletter join together to include all city news, school news, and
items which would appear normally in the Sun. He said this would give the
publications of the city better circulation, considering that the newsletters
are delivered to every home in Columbia Heights, and the Sun is not received
by everyone. Councilman Hentges brought out that it would be more
economical for the city to handle its publications this way. Mayor Nawrocki
then asked the City Attorney, Ron Kalina, if it was possible to use the
City Newsletter as the legal publication for the city. Mr. Kalina answered
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that it was not possible, inasmuch as the newsletter would not meet the
state statutory requirements for publishing of legal publications. He
said the frequency of the circulation of the newsletter would be one of
the hampering factors, because the newsletters aren't published as
often as needed for legal publications. Councilman Hentges then proposed
that the newsletter could be published more often, perhaps on a monthly
basis, in conjunction with the school district newsletter, to fit the
requirements. He said this way the news would be more loca]~ concerning
only Columbia Heights, mentioning that the Sun covers more than one
suburban city. The City Attorney then stated that this arrangement could
work for some of the city's pub]ications~ mentioning that in all probability
the minutes of meetings could be published in this manner. He then said
that 'for the publishing of ordinances and other such documents, the city's
newsletter would not copstitute a legal publication. The legality depended
upon what was to be published, it would not be the same in all cases.
Councilman Hentges re-stated that the circulation would be better with the
city newsletters. Mr. Ka]ina agreed, but said again that the city could not
use its newsletter to publish all the things that must be published. The
Sun must be retained in order to conform with state statutes. He then asked
Councilman Hentges if the school board had shown any interest in combining
news]et[ers with the city. Councilman Hentges answered that no decision had
been made, but the topic had been brought up for discussion. He also said
the city could same money by using its newsletters. Mr. Kalina agreed
that it was the cost of publication in the Sun versus the cost of an insert
in the newsletter. Councilman Norberg then asked the City Attorney what
was barring the city newsletter from being used as a legal publication, he
also wanted to know if anything could be done to the newsletter to make it
fit the requirements. Mr. Ka]ina replied that he wasn't sure offhand how
the state statutes regarding this item read, but he recalled that the
publication must have a certain paid circulation and also must be published
for at least two years. The question of how much money goes to the Sun for
printing the city's publications was brought up. Mr. Watson said that he
didn't have the exact figure, but estimated that it was several thousand
dollars a year. He said the printing of a major publication such as a zoning
code would make it more. Mayor Nawrocki then re-questioned the City Attorney
regarding the requirements of a legal publication. Mr. Ka]ina stated again
that he wasn't sure of all the requirements at the present time, but he
could come back to the Council with the requested informatioll, finding out
what publications of the city could be put into the newsletter and what
items the Sun would have to be retained for. The Mayor then asked the Attorney
if it would be possible to use the newsletter for some of the items, such as
minutes. Mr. Kalina answered that this might be possible, if the Council
would designate the newsletter for the publishing of the things that the state
statutes would permit being published in this way.
Notion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to name the Sun Newspapers as the Legal
Newspaper for all Legal Publications for the City of Columbia Heights for the
year 1'976. Roll Call: All Ayes
January 14, 1976 -21-
CONSIgERATION OF BIDS ON EQUIPMENT
This item was also carried over from the regular meeting of the City Council
held on Monday, J~nuary 12. City Manager Watson reported that he had
prepared a cost break-down as requested in meeting with various departments
to review their projections and where they had anticipated making the
expenditures necessary to purchase these vehicles, tie further reported
that the prices of these vehicles had come in somewhat higher than had been
anticipated when it was first proposed to advertise for bids, but that
certain other economizing and cut backs were going to be made so that the
money could be used for these vehicles. ~r. Watson announced that the
recommendation from staff was to seriously consider purchasing these
vehicles as requested in accordance with budgetary allotments as set forth
in the aforementioned report. Mr. ~atson also noted that the money for the
large loader was intended to come from the upcoming bond sale. Mr. Watson
then opened up the floor to questions from the Mayor and Councilman to
any of the various staff members attending this meeting: Mi-. Jolly,
Mr. DeMars, Mr. Hosch, Mr. Gustafson, Mr. Pfaff, and Mr. Hurzyn.
Councilman Norberg then asked Mr. Watson what his recommendation would be
regarding the purchase of these vehicles. ~r. Watson replied that his
recommendation concurs with the recommendation from staff; which would be
to purchase the vehicles. He went on to say that purchasing this equipment
would result in having 'very good equipment which could be used for a number
of years. He stated that the condition of the present trucks had depreciated
noticeably because they had been kept outdoors for a considerable period
of time. The new vehicles, if purchased, could be maintained much better
because of the present facilities, whic~ would allow them to be kept indoors
from the beginning and serviced when necessary. He concluded by saying
that the present vehicles had pretty well gone through their useful life, and
they should be traded while some financial value can still be realized through
this trade. Councilman Norberg then asked Mr. Watson which bid he would
recommend on the large loader. Mr. Watson replied that he would recommend
taking the bid from Ziegler, Inc. in thc total net bid amount, which is the
lowest bidder in total net bids. He w~nt on to say that a hydraulic snow plow
will ultimately be added to this vehicle although would not be included at
the time of purchase. Councilman Norberg stated that the justification for
purchasing the loader was in connection with snow removal, and in his
opinion, the recommended bid would not meet the specifications, and the city
wouldn't benefit from the full justification of the loader if the hydraulic
snow plow wasn't included. Mr. Watson explained that Ziegler has a front
mounted snow wing to be used for ~now removal, and a hydraulic plow can be
added in addition to this. Mr. Watson stated that he felt it foolish to spend
the amount of money that it would take to have a hydraulic snow plow installed
at the time of purchase, included in the purchase agreement, when one could
be added later more economically. He reiterated that a very similar plow
could be p~rchased for less on the open market. Councilman Norberg stated
that he felt the bids were taken on the basis of specifications reflecting
the city's needs, and a~cording to the way he viewed it, it was intellectually
dishonest not to include the options. Mr. Watson answered that the plow was
added in an option in the specifications in order to see if it could be added
more economically at the time of purchase, or if it was better to wait and
add the plow separately from the purchase of the loader. Mr. Gustafson
added that the plow that was bid by Fiat Allis was not available for inspection
-22- January 14, ]976
or examination, and there weren't any in this area. Mr. gustafson said
that a plow cou]d be purchased much more economica]]y and mounted by city
personnel. Mayor Nawrocki asked what was involved in the mounting of a
hydraulic plow to a vehicle like the large loader, tlr. Hosch stated that
it would take only a couple of hours, and installation might even be
included in the purchase agreement of the plow. Similar discussion
concerning the loader and the plow followed.
A Foam Generator was mentioned as being funded out of the ~Chemicals'~
item of the Sewer budget. Councilman Norberg asked if it was common
practice to buy equipment out of chemical funds. Mr. Watson answered that
it was not, and stated that this money was estimated out of Chemicals
because the possibility of using a Foam Generator was brought into
play, therefore the chemical contract would not be renewed and the city
would purchase only about half of what they had projected in the Chemicals
account. The money saved could be used toward the purchase of vehicles.
Mayor Nawrocki asked how the city would save money with a Foam Generator.
Don Jolly replied that a more efficient procedure would be used regarding
chemicals resulting in more effective, longer lasting results. Much
discussion followed concerning the use of a foam generator and the savings
resulting therein.
Mayor Nawrocki then asked the Council to prepare to vote on each item
individually, beginning with Bid A.
BID A-Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to reject all bids submitted
on the 6050 lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Pickup for the Water Department.
Roll Call: All Ayes Hr. Hentges noted the reason as being because the
present vehicle has a new re-built motor in it and does not need rep]acing.
BID B
In regard to the dump truck, discussion was held on the dump body as bid
by Superior Ford. Mr. Gustafson explained that the dump body bid by
Superior Ford did not meet specifications. Superior Ford will supply the
Garwood dump body as specified for $45.O0 ]ess than what their bid
reflected. Thus, the total bid is $]0,711.00. Mayor Nawrocki asked
whether the Garwood body is of better quality than the one in Superior's
bid and Mr. Gustafson verified that it is.
Discussion was also held on the option of an AM radio in the truck and
also in other bids. Councilman Hentges pointed out that this was an
unnecessary luxury and should be omitted. He stated that the radio would
only distract people from their work. It was agreed that the AM radio
option would be left out of all the vehicles, if purchased.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to purchase the 27,500 lb. Gross
Vehicle Weight Truck with Dump Body from Superior Ford in the amount
of $10,711.OO and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into
contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes
January 14, 1976 -23-
BID C
Discussion was held on the letter from Joseph E. Chesla of Bill Boyer Ford
concerning giving the city the Knapheide utility box for the Morrison price
which was bid by Bill Boyer Ford. It was agreed that Mr. Chesla's
proposal would be accepted. Mr. Kalina stated that it would be legal and
proper to take Mr. Chesla up on his offer. Mayor Nawrocki asked the
attorney would be bound to this offer and Mr. Kalina replied that he
could be bound.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to purchase the 7500 lb. Gross
Weight Pickup Truck Cab and Chassis from Bill Boyer Ford in the amount
of $6081.98 and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into
contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes
BID D-Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to reject all bids on the 7500 lb.
Gross Weight Pickup for the Water ~epartment. Koll Call: All Ayes
Mr. Hentges noted that this is because the present i96G Ford Pick-up
has only 73,000 miles and still has life left.
BID E-Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to reject all bids on the 7500 lb.
Gross Vehicle Weight Pick-up Truck for the Maintenance Department. Roll Call:All Ayes
Mr. Hentges noted that this is because the present vehicle has only
46,000 miles on it and still has mileage left in it.
BID F
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to purchase the Rubber Tired Loader
from Ziegler, Inc. in the amount of $46,428.00 and the Mayor and City
Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call:
Logacz, Heintz, Hentges--aye Norberg, Nawrocki--nay
Motion carries
The City Attorney verified that a 3/5 vote was sufficient to pass this
motion.
BID G
The low center of gravity option was discussed to some length on this item.
It was noted that the low center of gravity feature was preferable for
safety reasons; tipping of the vehicle on unlevel ground, etc. The feature
was included as an alternate bid because it was thought that the cost would
be excessively high, in which case it would have been disregarded as a
purchase possibility. In reality, the low center of gravity compared
reasonably well with vehicles not offering this feature, and it was
ultimately decided to accept the low center of gravity vehicle bid.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to purchase the Industrial Type
Diesel Tractor from Case Power and Equipment in the amount of $7,883.00
and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for
same. Roll Call: All Ayes
-24-' January 14, 1976
Councilman Hentges then noted that he would like Mr. Watson to prepare
a resolution honoring James Arthur McCallum who passed away Monday,
January 12. He stated that Mr. McCallum served 27 years on the
Columbia Heights Fire Department.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to direct the City ~anager to
prepare an appropriate resolution of recognition for James Arthur
McCallum. Roll Call: A11 Ayes
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to adjourn the meeting at
8:45; p.m.
Brl~'ce-G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Secretary pro-tern