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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 -20- January ]4, 1976 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