HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 22, 1976-104-
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
March 22, 1976
Meeting was called to order at 8:12 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz,
Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki-present
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to name Karen DeBruin
Secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
Invocation was given by Rev. Douglas Henderson of People's Church
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to approved the minutes
of the last regular meeting of March 8 as presented in writing
and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Cati: All Ayes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Norberg, to pay the bills as listed out of their proper
funds with the exception of #16192 to the Housing and Redevelopment
Authority, based on his continued protest. Motion dies for lack
of a second.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to pay the bills as listed
out of their proper funds. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges,
Nawrocki-Aye Norberg-Nay
Robert Owens 14.00
Ed Geslin 14.00
James Gleason 20.00
Robert Verbrugge 20.00
Joseph Ocel 20.00
Everett Grey 20.00
Vernon Rozmark 24.00
Distillers Dist. Co. 225.32
Johnson Bros.Whsle. Liq.3,721.84
McKesson
Mn. Distillers Inc.
Old Peoria Co.
Prior Wine Co.
Ed Phillips & Sons
Twin City Wine Co.
Payroll Account
James Lord, St. Treas.
Univ. of Minnesota
Treas., I.U.O.E. #49
672.39
10,122.92
398.77
72.01
6,822.00
427.53
60,928.34
3,797.19
43.50
6.25
Home Fed. Savings & Ln.35,000.O0
Famous Brands, Inc. 163.50
Johnson Wine Co. 319.43
Ed Phillips & Sons 130.52
Quality Wine Co. 446.15
Twin City Wine Co. 203.24
Construc.lnd. Safety Day 22.00
Marq. State Bank of C.H.95,216.67
Leag of Mn. Munic. Hous.
Commission
Coca Cola Bottling
Gold Medal Beverage
Johnson Paper & Supply
Merrill Chapman Co.
Betty Myers
Pepsi Cola Bottling
Rex Distributing Co.
Seven Up Bottling Co.
South Side Distributing
Sunderland, Inc.
Columbia Transit Corp.
Llnda Hansen
David MacGregor
A & A Hardware
Albinson
Ambulance Society of Amer.
Ann Arbor Science
APECO Corp.
Gerald Arseneau
120.00
116.25
89.]O
548.32
73.95
56.80
51.40
5,018.29
202.20
33.00
]8O.5O
50.00
114.00
45.00
268.22
9.OO
6.40
20.90
66.90
t14.00
March 22,1976 -105-
Auto Gear Co. 162.17
Business Furniture Inc. 345.01
Cavanagh Ins. Agency 225.50
Chet's Shoe Store 8.95
Col.Hgts. Fire Dept. 240.00
Color Tile 4.98
Columbia Heights Pharmacy 21.35
Cook Paint & Varnish 3.52
Data Dispatch, Inc. 32.40
Robert E. Diedrich 262.50
Equipment Supply Inc. 536.02
1'1976 Family Life Conf.'l 200.00
Galaxy Auto Centers 20.00
Garwood Twin Cities 71.43
General Industrial Supply 39.50
General Office Productsl,855.30
Genuine Parts Co. 699.76
Glenwood Inglewood 56.10
Goodin Co. 156.00
Gopher State Oil Co. 51.43
Gross Industrial Serv. 24.00
Hagen Sales, Inc. 311.25
Hayden Murphy Equip. 242 O0
Royhl Hedblad 10 O0
Heights Electric 140 57
Hillcrest Safety Equip. 60 O0
Homelite 143 50
Housing Authority Col.H. 855 34
Arden Hovland 16.71
I B M 248.40
Donald Jolly 6.71
J-K Distributors 149.75
Ronald Kalina 1,675.00
Keep Fill Products 52.61
Charles W. Kewatt 22.68
K Mart 7.97
Lawco Co. 662.39
Labor Relations Subscriber
1,800.00
Lowry Lumber Co. 120.72
John Marchiniak 11.67
Mells Van 0 Lite 33.66
Metro.Waste Control Comm.
20,295.27
Mincis 256.13
Min McAlpin Agency 4,096.00
Minnegasco 2,126.32
Minneapolis City Treas.
15,688.60
Minneapolis Oxygen Co. 45.06
Modern Service Inc. 17,982.45
National Chemsearch 363.35
Ernie Nelson 25.00
Northern States Power 31.05
Northern States Power 2,276.45
N.W. Bag Corp. 380.00
N.W. Bell Telephone 1,440.97
N.W. Bell Telephone 45.00
Chas. Olson & Sons 31.50
Olson's Plumbing 290.00
Power Process Equip. 45.90
Road Machinery & Supply 120.14
H.A. Rogers 66.55
St. Anthony 298.06
Satellite Industries 392.30
John E. Schedler 31.25
Silver Lake Clinic 134.00
Sun Newspaper 13.00
Sun Newspaper 607.45
Terrace Auto Supply 4.68
Tracy Printing 108.59
Twin City Filter Service 6.90
Upper Midwest Safety Shoe 117.80
Viking Industrial Center 8.33
Univ. of Wisconsin 200.00
Waldor Pump & Equip. 68.00
Williams Steel & Hardware 101.10
The Winsted Corp. 36.00
Zayre Shoppers City 21.19
Mark T. Jacobs 250.90
TOTAL BILLS ...... $305,647.94
-106- March 22, 1976
PROCLAMATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM
The proclamation was read by Mayor Nawrocki.
Designating Thursday, April l, i976
As Columbia Heights Basketball Team
Appreciation Day
WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights High School Basketball Team compiled
a winning record in their 1975-76 season, finishing as co-champions
of the North Suburban Conference, and
WHEREAS, A special banquet has been arranged for the purpose of
honoring the players and coaching staff of our fine high school
basketball team with said banquet to be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday
evening, April 1, 1976
NOW THEREFORE, I, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia
Heights, do hereby designate Thursday, April l, 1976 as Columbia
Heights Basketball Team Appreciation Day, and recommend to any of
our citizens who would find this time available to consider
attending the banquet honoring our basketball team and coaching
staff. I further recommend that each of the various civic groups
in ,our community be notified of this special day and arrange to
be i~resent at the banquet.
BIDS ON SALE OF CITY PROPERTY ON 38TH AVENUE
Mr. Watson reported that two bids were received on the City property
that was offered for sale on 38th Avenue. The first bid was for
$6,600 with the intention to build a single family dwelling on the
land. The second bid was in the amount of $6,500, with the land
to be joined with an adjacent vacant lot for the purpose of building
a multiple dwelling.
It was noted that the assessed value of these two parcels of land
is $6,900, higher than both of the bids. Mr. Watson recommended
delaying action on this item.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to table this item until the
next regular meeting.
Councilman Norber9 asked why this item should be tabled. He stated
that: he thought the bids should be rejected. Mayor Nawrocki stated
that: he thought the bid amounts were not realistic selling prices for
this land.
Councilman Heintz asked the City Manager if he thought there would
be any new bidders. He also asked who the bids were sent to and how
the sale was advertised. Mr. Watson stated that advertisement of
sale was published as usual and information was also sent to local
contractors and to some interested citizens.
March 22, 1976 -107-
Councilman Logacz stated that he would withdraw his motion on the
condition that if bids are taken again, the minimum price for the
lots be $10,000. The second was also withdrawn. Mayor Nawrocki
stated that no conditions can be made while withdrawing a motion.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to reject bids received on
the property offered for sale on 38th Avenue. Roll Call: All Ayes
It was noted that there would be no motion to re-bid the property
at this time.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to set $10,000 as the minimum
price on lots 10, 11, and 12 of block 89 if this land were ever to
be advertised for bids at a later date. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz
--aye Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--nay Motion was defeated.
PATROLMEN SALARIES
Resolution #76-14 Regarding Patrolmen Salaries was offered by Logacz,
Seconded by Norberg.
Mayor Nawrocki asked the City Attorney if the dollar amounts of the
salaries must be specified in the resolution. The attorney, Douglas
Peterson, stated that as long as the amounts were stated in the
contract which is alluded to in the resolution, no mention need be
made in the resolution itself.
Mr. Peterson stated that he had gone through the contract in
great detail and the necessary changes have been made. Mayor
Nawrocki stated that he had not received a copy of the corrected
contract.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to table the resolution
regarding patrolmen salaries until the next formal meeting. Roll
Call: All Ayes
SALE OF VACANT LAND BEHIND 4334 BENJAMIN STREET
Mr. Watson stated that Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Tatting had requested
to buy this piece of land as it is adjacent to their property.
They would be the only logical buyer as it is a land locked piece
of property. Mr. Watson further stated that he thought selling
this land would be advisable, as the maintenance was costing the
City time and money. There is a weed problem on this particular
piece of land and the City is responsible for keeping the land in
good condition. Mr. Watson recommended that this sale of land be
granted, with the exception of the thirty foot easement strip at
the back of the ~roperty, which would be held by the City allowing
for the future development of a street.
Mayor Nawrocki asked who would be responsible for taking care of
this thirty foot strip until such time as the City saw fit to use it.
-108- March 22~ 1976
Mr. Watson stated that this point had been discussed, and that
Mr. Tatting was willing to perform the upkeep on the land.
It was noted that this land would be sold to the Tattings for $132.50.
Mr. Watson stated that the land would sell for this low price
because of the inaccessibility.
Councilman Heintz stated that he thought this price was extremely
low for this parcel of land. Mr. Watson noted that if the City kept
this piece of ]and it would be an on-going expense because of the
cost of mowing and other maintenance.
Councilman Hentges asked the City Manager how many parcels of land the
City owned in that block. Mr. Watson replied that there were two or
three small thirty foot pieces owned by the City there.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to deny the request of
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Tatting to purchase the land lying behind
4334 Benjamin Street. Roll Call: All Ayes
At this time Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Council had received a
request from the Bicentennial Commission to participate in a challenge
issued by the City of Alameda, California. The project was begun to
see who can be the "votingest" community in the country in the fall
elections, based on percent of eligible voters who actually do vote
in these elections.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to concur in the "Get Out
and Vote" Project proposed by the Bicentennial Commission.
Roll Call: All Ayes
SUBDIVISION REQUEST
BERNADETTE GICE
1107 - 42nd AVENUE N.E.
A concern was voiced over the need for a storm sewer in this area.
The land which was proposed for subdivision is high, and the water
trains to the low spot in the block. It was feared that, once
subdivided, this land would be sold and built upon and the storm
sewer would not be put in. Mr. Watson asked the City Attorney
what could be done about this. Mr. Peterson answered that, even
if the land is subdivided, the City still controls the issuance
of building permits, and a permit can be denied until the drainage
problem is solved. He stated that the subdivision would actually
have little effect on the situation in that area, and that there
would be no legal basis to withhold on the subdivision
because of the drainage problem.
Councilman Heintz asked the attorney if, since there is no basis for
denial of this subdivision, there was any reason for this party to
come before the Council with this request at alt. Mr. Peterson
stated that there could be other possible reasons for denying the
request and told Councilman Heintz that he had simply stated that the
drainage problem was no basis for denial.
March 22, 1976 -109-
Mayor Nawrocki added that the Council must be sure that lot splits
that are made comply with requirements.
The Council referred to the minutes of the last regular meeting
to see what had transpired concerning the Gice subdivision request.
Councilman Norberg stated that he thought the subdivision should be
granted and then have findings of fact on the drainage problem. He
also stated that some measures should be taken to see that no
building permits are issued for this piece of land until such time
as the drainage problem is taken care of. Mr. Peterson stated that
this would not be necessary, as before a permit is issued, such
problems are checked out.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to take matter of subdivision
from the table for discussion. Roll Call: Logacz, Nawrocki--aye
Heintz, Norberg, Hentges--nay Motion was defeated.
Discussion was held on the storm drain and on the fact that there was
a storm drain proposed for construction on this block before, but
the residents were opposed to the idea, and the Council voted the
construction of it down.
Councilman Heintz voiced his concern that if, in the future, there
were to be a building inspector less competent than the one presently
employed by the City, the problem of the drainage might not be
thoroughly checked and a building permit may be issued to someone
wishing to build on this property. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he
thought the obvious answer to the problem was to have a storm sewer
put in.
Councilman Hentges asked Mr. Gustafson, Public Works Director,
if the research that was requested at the last Council meeting
was done. Mr. Gustafson reported that it was not.
Councilman Heintz asked Mr. Peterson if it was wrong for the Council
to table this matter. Mr. Peterson stated that if the Council did
not have all the necessary and pertinent information, there was
nothing wrong with tabling the matter until such time as the
information was available.
Mayor Nawrocki asked the Council to reconsider and pass this request.
Councilman Hentges stated that there had not been a report
from the Engineering Department concerning the drainage problem.
Mr. Gustafson then stated that the storm drain is needed.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to take the matter of the
subdivision request from the table. Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to grant the lot subdivision
to Bernadette Gice calling for special assessments in the amount
of $462.67 to be paid in full. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki
--aye Heintz, Norberg--nay Motion carries.
Mr. Peterson noted that a 3/5 vote is sufficient to pass a motion of
this nature.
-llO- March 22, 1976
Councilman Norberg stated for the record that he thought the matter
of the drainage problem should be investigated a bit more thoroughly
to find out if there really is a serious problem. Councilman Norberg
further stated that he thought a hearing should be called to discuss
the matter of putting a storm sewer in.
Councilman Hentges asked Mr. Gustafson how long it would be before
he would have the Engineering investigation of this situation completed.
Mr. Gustafson reported that he could have this matter taken care of
by the time of the next regular meeting. Councilman Hentges then
stated that he agreed with Councilman Norberg on the point of
holding public hearings for the purpose of considering construction
of a storm sewer.
It was noted that hearings could be held on the other places that
also have drainage problems. These had previously been discussed and
are: Between 43rd and 43½ East of Fillmore and the Swamp area
North of 39th Avenue between Hayes and Arthur, as well as the area
primarily in question, 42½ Avenue West of Fillmore.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to hold a special hearing
Tuesday, April 13 at 7:00 in the Council Chambers for the purpose
of discussing the drainage problems. Roll Call: Alt Ayes
SUBDIVISION REQUEST ANDERSON-EKLUND, INC. 42~ AVENUE N.E.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the lot subdivision
as requested. Roll Cai]: All Ayes
Hr. Watson noted that there are no outstanding special assessments
on this property. The descript on is to be:the east one half of
5 /Exc. North ]50 feet)(Subject to rd. $ Utii.ease. over S.30~ thereof)
and the west one half of lot 5 Exc. North ]50 feet)(Subject to rd.
$ Util.ease.over S.30~ thereof).
APPEAL FOR SIGN REQUEST CAR-X-SYSTEMS
45TH AND CENTRAL AVENUE
It was noted that Mr. Jim Stafford of Signcrafters was requested
to work out an arrangement for a smaller sign to meet the City
requirements for Car-X-Systems. Mr. Stafford reported that it is
impossible, and is quite concerned since the signs he has worked
on most recently: Dunkin Donuts, Marquette Bank, and Champion
Auto Stores, were all under the former interpretation of square
footage being measured on the actual footage of the sign regardless
of how many sides were painted. The request calls for a waiver to
allow an 8 foot by 16 foot sign with 128 square feet of face on
eaclh side.
Mayor Nawrocki asked the attorney if there had been any change in
the way this ordinance would be interpreted. The attorney stated
that it would be interpreted in the same way.
March 22, 1976 -Ill-
Councilman Norberg stated that, according to the Zoning ordinance,
such matters could not be considered again for at least 90 days after
they were denied. He noted that since this request was denied at the
last regular Council meeting, he would respectfully suggest that
this request was out of order.
Mr. Peterson agreed with Councilman Norberg, saying that if the
request had been denied, then there would be no basis for taking
any formal action on it until 90 days had passed. The Council and
the attorney referred to the minutes of the last regular meeting
and it was decided that the 90 day time period was not appropriate
in this case.
Mr. Jack Lawrence from Signcrafters appeared before the Council
to represent his company's appeal. He spoke of the signs which had
been made in the last six months under a different interpretation
of the Zoning Code. He explained how a signmaker measures his signs
and stated that this was different from the interpretation used by
the City. He also quoted the Zoning Code as saying that the signs
would be measured "per surface'l and he said that a surface is a
side of the sign; therefore, each side of a sign could meet the
maximum of the code, thus the total footage of a two-sided sign
could equal twice as much as stated in the code.
Much discussion followed between Jack Lawrence, Doug Peterson, and
Mayor Nawrocki.
Councilman Norberg stated that he would like to deny this request as
recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Motion by Norberg to deny the request for a variance for a sign for
Car-X-Systems. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to grant appeal of Signcrafters
for a variance of 28 percent of face area for sign to be put up on
45th and Central for Car-X-Systems.
Councilman Norberg stated that there had been no finding of fact
in this matter and he did not want to set a precedent that would
be followed in the future. He suggested that the Council turn to
the attorney for advice in this matter. Attorney Peterson agreed
that there was a need for finding of fact in this matter.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to table this request until
later in the meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki
--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. It was noted that a motion
to table takes precedence over any other motion before the Council.
-112- March 22, 1976
LICENSE TRANSFER REQUEST
ERNIE NELSON
Mr. Nelson came before the Council at this time to request that his
restaurant and amusement machine license, which was obtained for the
building which used to house Danielson~s Drug Store, be transferred
to the old Post Office Building. It was noted that it would be the
same type of license and the same type of operation.
Mr. Nelson explained to the Council that the rent on the drug
store site was actually more than he thought it was going to be,
and this is why he was asking for the transfer.
Arden Hovland, building inspector, was asked if the post office
building had been inspected. Hr. Hovland replied that it had
not been inspected, but he knew that to make the building comply
to code, there must be another bathroom put in. Mr. Hovland stated
that since the building was only one floor, there would be no
problem with a basement. He also said the building might
possib!y need more windows for po]ice surveillance. He went on
to say that he didn't know about the distance from the nearest
school building.
During the course of the ensuing discussion, three different
requirements for the distance from a school for this type of
establishment were quoted. One of these requirements was 200
feet, another was 500 feet, and another was 600 feet. Many
different ways of measuring this distance were also discussed,
such as: ~'as the crow flies," front door to front door around
the corner of the building, paths taking the sidewalk, corner
of: one building to corner of the other building, and so on. The
school building being measured to and from was Columbia Junior
High School.
The attorney was asked which of the methods was used for determining
measurements. Mr. Peterson replied that you measure the path of
ac:cessibi]ity of one building to another. Mr. Nelson stated that
this measurement would be 526 feet.
It was noted that Mr. Nelson must meet the codes before he would
be allowed to move his business into the new site, and it was
therefore su99ested that Mr. Nelson be 9ranted the license with
the assumption that he wii] meet the specifications outlines
for the building to be used for this type of establishment.
Mayor Nawrocki thought that it ~as proper to question the acceptability
of the building before the license was granted.
Mr. Ne]son stated that he would Follow the guidelines previously
set before him by the Council recommended by the building inspector,
fire inspector, and police department.
March 22, 1976 -113-
Reverend Henderson of Peoples Church, who had given the Invocation
at this meeting, spoke at this time, saying that he had problems
with his building now from acts of vandalism. He stated that his
buildings and vehicles on the parking lot must be kept locked at
all times. He further stated that he expected a certain amount of
trouble from being located so close to a junior high school, but
that also having this type of recreation center so near would
only increase the problems he has been having. He said that he
would like to talk this matter over with his board to get their
reaction to having something like this in their immediate neighborhood.
Reverend Henderson also said that he was afraid that some of his
parishioners would be going to the recreation center instead of to
church on Sunday mornings. Mr. Nelson stated that he would be glad
to hold off and open one half hour after Reverend Henderson's last
service.
A young girl in the audience told the Council that she thought
Mr. Nelson should be granted his transfer because there was really
no place for young people in Columbia Heights to go for recreation;
Councilman Hentges disagreed sharply saying that Columbia Heights
has a fine recreation department. He also mentioned the Drop-In
Center operated for teenagers at the Field House and of church
activities for young people in the area.
Someone in the audience notedthat this establishment would be well
supervised. It was also noted that all Mr. Nelson needed to
proceed with his plans was a license. The question came up as to
how long the license would be in effect, and Mayor Nawrocki
stated that the license would expire on December 31, 1976 at the
end of the calendar year with all of the other licenses issued
during the year.
Mr. Peterson stated at this time that the Council had no other
recourse but to grant the license providing Mr. Nelson met all the
requirements previously set before him. Mr. Peterson further
stated that the location of the building proposed for Mr. Nelson's
operation was zoned commercial, and establishments of this type
are allowed in commercial zones.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant a license transfer to
Mr. Ernie Nelson upon compliance with suggestions after inspections
by the building inspector, fire and police departments.
Discussion continued concerning inspections and complaince with
recommendations.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to table this matter. It was
noted that there was already a motion before the Council but that a
motion to table takes precedence. Roll Call on Motion: Norberg,
Nentges--aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--nay Motion is defeated.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that a "yes" vote on this transfer was not a
vote of approval for Mr. Nelson's operation, but that it was merely
a yes vote to a legal operation; that is, the licensing of a business
--114- March 22, 1976
to operate in a commercial zone.
Roll Call on Motion to transfer license: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki
---aye Norberg--nay Hentges--abstain Motion carries.
RECESS WAS CALLED AT 12:01A. M.
MEETING WAS RECONVENED AT 12:18 A. M.
LICENSES
Mr. William Spain was asking the Council for a secondhand dealer
license. There was some question concerning the hours of operation
for a secondhand dealership. Mr. Spain was informed of these hours
by Douglas Peterson, and Mr. Spain stated that he would have no
trouble conforming to these hours.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to grant Mr. Spain a
secondhand dealer license upon payment of proper fees.
Councilman Heintz proposed to amend the motion to include the
approval of all licenses as listed.
Councilman Norberg proposed to amend the amended motion to strike
the solicitors license from the list of approved licenses.
Motion dies for lack of a second.
Roll Call on motion to approve all licenses as listed. Logacz,
Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay
Motion by Norberg to defer the remainder of the agenda. Motion dies
for lack of a second.
APPEAL FOR SIGN REQUEST CAR-X-SYSTEMS 45TH AND CENTRAL AVENUE
Attorney Peterson stated that he had prepared a resolution that
would allow Signcrafters their variance.
Resolution Offered by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges
Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay
abstain Resolution #76-16 was adopted.
Roll Call:
Logacz--
RE:SOLUTION #76-16
REGARDING THE SIGN REQUEST OF CAR-X-SYSTEMS
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS, THAT
WHEREAS, Car-X-Systems has applied for a sign permit to allow the
installation of a sign to advertise its business at 45th and Central
Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights, and
March 22, 1976 -ll5-
WHEREAS, the said sign is designed to have an advertising surface
on each of its two opposing sides, each of which di~splays 128
square feet of advertising surface, and
WHEREAS, The Columbia Heights Planning and Zoning Commission has
denied the application for such permit, and
WHEREAS, The City of Columbia Heights in the past and on one
occasion within six months prior to this date has administratively
issued sign permits for a sign of this size to other applicants, and
WHEREAS, Car-X-Systems entered into a contract for the expenditure
of approximately $2,200 based on its knowledge that another sign
of the size requested herein had been installed within the past six
months in the City pursuant to a sign permit issued by the City, and
WHEREAS, The City Council finds that Car-X-Systems will in all
probability suffer a substantial economic loss because of the
change in its economic position taken in reliance that the Car-
X-Systems would be issued a sign permit for the size of the
sign set out herein, and
WHEREAS, The City Council does not intend to set a policy of
allowing variances for sign permits in the future based on
economic considerations, but because of the circumstances set
out herein the City Council finds that adherence to the literal
provisions of the Columbia Heights sign ordinance would cause
undue hardship to the property owner and that in fairness to
the applicant it should in this case grant such a variance,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS that the appeal of the Car-X-Systems be granted
and that it be allowed to install the type and size of sign applied
for in its February, 1976 application. Further, the Columbia
Heights building inspector is directed to issue a permit to install
the sign as described within such application.
Councilman Logacz stated that he had abstained in this vote for
several reasons; primarily because he is the Councills representative
on the Planning and Zoning Commission and he had not had a chance
to discuss this matter with them.
Mayor Nawrocki asked if signmakers had to have a special license
to operate and Building Inspector Hovland replied that they do.
Mayor Nawrocki suggested sending out letters of clarification on
how the sign specifications are interpreted, and what the limitations
are.
The attorney suggested that the Council be allowed to look at the
letter before it was sent out to be sure they concurred in the infor-
mation contained therein.
· -116- March 22, 1976
DISCUSSION OF MAINTENANCE OF LIBRARY EXPANSION AREA
Mr. Watson reported that the basement area of the Library had now
been finished, but there still remained the question of how the
maintenance would be handled. It was further reported that
Maintenance Experts, who presently handles maintenance on City
buildings, prepared a contract outlining the maintenance of
this section of the Library. It is an adendum to their
present contract. This adendum calls for an additional
$1]7.O0 per month and would go into effect on or about
April 1.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize the Mayor and
City Manager to enter into the adendum to the Maintenance Experts
contract for maintenance of the Library expansion area.
Roll Call: All Ayes
REQUEST FOR USE OF CITY LAND NEAR THE HI-RISE FOR GARDENS
Mr. Watson noted that the County was willing to till the ground
for these gardens and the Kiwanis Club was offering to help set
them up. It was stated that the people in the Hi-Rise had
asked for these gardens.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to grant request for use
of City land near the Hi-Rise for gardens. Roll Call: All Ayes
SET BOARD OF EQUALIZATION MEETING DATE
The proposed date for the Board of Equalization meeting was Thursday,
May 20 at 7:00 p.m. It was decided that this date would be
acceptable.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to table the rest of the
agenda until Tuesday, March 23 after the Public Works Hearing.
Roll Call: All Ayes Meeting was recessed at 12:47 a.m.
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor