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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApr 26, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS APRIL 26, 1976 -187- The Meeting was called to order at 8:03 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 A short invocation was given by City Manager Watson. PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds. Councilman Norberg questioned bill number 16576 which was listed as being $110 spent for a file cabinet. He argued that $110 was a lot of money to spend for a file cabinet. Mr. Gustafson, Public Works Director, stated that the file cabinet in question was a four-drawer, upright, legal file purchased for Mr. Rozmark. Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Gustafson if this file cabinet was fire resistant. Mr. Gustafson answered that this cabinet would resist fire as well as any of the other presently in use by the City, but that it was not made with asbestos or other fire resistant material. Mr. Gustafson noted that $110 was the standard price for a file cabinet such as the one that was purchased. Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes JEFFERSON STREET, 40th to 45th AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION DESIGNING PLANS Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Gustafson to review with the Council and the people present what had previously been discussed concerning the reconstruction designs on Jefferson Street. Mr. Gustafson noted that there were two basic design plans under consideration. One would be a 36 foot width for the street with elimination of parking on one side. The other alternative would be to widen the street to 44 feet and bring the curb over to the existing sidewalk. He also spoke of the necessity of widening Jefferson Street for the purpose of using it as an emergency route for police and fire. He stated that Jefferson Street is the quickest and most direct way to get through Columbia Heights in case of an emergency. Mr. Gustafson spoke further on variations of the plans and how the variations would be handled. April 26, 1976 Mr. Gustafson stated that the Engineering Recommendation, which also encompassed the recommendations of the Police and Fire Chief, would be to widen Jefferson Street to a width of 44 feet. This plan would allow for two twelve-foot traffic lanes and two ten- foot parking lanes. The sidewalk would be replaced to abut the curb. It would be necessary to remove the present boulevard trees, sidewalk, and curb. He further stated that new trees would be pi.anted five feet from the new sidewalk and that the parking lanes would act as a buffer from the traffic for those concerned about the sidewalk being so near the street. He also stated that the traffic would be no closer to the houses than it is now. Mr.. Guastafson went on to say that in meeting with the residents from Jefferson Street, he had learned that it was the popular consensus that if Jefferson Street were to be widened at all, it should be widened to 36 feet. He began to speak of the disadvantages of this street width, saying that the traffic lanes would be closer to the houses than it presently is, and there would only be parking on one side of the street. Mr. Gustafson stated that it had also been suggested that the possibility of making Jefferson a one-way street be looked into, but he stated that this possibility was not very likely. Mr. gustafson opened up the floor for questions and comments. Mrs. Marian Booth of 4420 Jefferson Street presented a petition to the Council opposing the widening of Jefferson Street. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to place the petition on file. Roll Call: All Ayes Muriel Schillinger of 4401 Jefferson Street suggested that the trees be left where they were and extend the street up to the trees. She presented a picture to the Council of Reservoir Boulevard and stated that this is what had been done there. Councilman Logacz asked Mr. Gustafson if the trees must be cut down if the street was to be widened to 36 feet. Mr. Gustafson pointed out that all of them would have to be removed. Councilman Logacz also asked what kind of trees the City of Hinneapolis was planting when they encountered situations such as the one under discussion here. Mr. gustafson stated that Minneapolis was planting sma]], flowering trees that grow to a height of approximately 20 feet and ]ive approximately 20 years. Mr. Gustafson went on to say that the tree planting must be carefully done because of the sanitary sewer lines. He noted the possibility of the roots penetrating into these lines. April 26, 1976 -189- Mr. Schwartz of 4410 Jefferson Street asked Mayor Nawrocki if the Council was going to make some kind of decision about the widening of Jefferson Street at this meeting. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he had no way of knowing if a decision would be reached or not. City Manager Watson then stated that he had heard from Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bruder of 4340 Jefferson Street that they would prefer to have parking on both sides of the street regardless of what width the street would have to be widened to to obtain it. Councilman Heintz asked if it would be possible to widen the street to 36 feet and have two eight-foot parking lanes and two ten~foot traffic lanes. George Brown, City Engineer, stated that this would not meet the qualifications of State Aid Construction. Mr. Markow, of 4329 Jefferson Street, asked Councilman Hentges to tell the Council what had been decided when the residents of Jefferson Street met to discuss the widening of Jefferson Street at a previous date. Councilman Hentges stated that it was the consensus of the residents of Jefferson Street that the street should be widened to 36 feet with one parking lane; he also stated that there was no indication as to which side the parking would be on. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to authorize a 36 foot wide roadway, with the sidewalk to remain in its present location, replacement of trees, and parking on one side. Discussion followed on the size of trees to be put in on Jefferson Street. It was noted that they would be about two inches in diameter and twelve feet high when they would be planted. Councilman Norberg asked if any retaining walls would be affected by this plan. Mr. Gustafson noted that they would not. Discussion continued on removal of snow and the possibility of a one-way street along Jefferson Street. Councilman Norberg stated that he would like to hear from the Fire Chief and the Police Chief for their opinion of the 36 foot wide proposal for Jefferson Street. -190- April 26, 1976 Fran Bassett, the Fire Chief, stated that he would be able to get along with the 36 feet wide Jefferson Street. Stuart Anderson, the Police Chief, also stated that he would have no problems with the 36 fee[ wide Jefferson Street. Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes RECESS CALLED AT 9:52 P.M. MEETING RECONVENED AT 10:]6 P.M. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 849 STREET SALE OF LAND BEHIND 4334 BENJAMIN First Reading of Ordinance 849 was held. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 850 REGARDING VACATING OF THE ALLEY BETWEEN SEPKO AND KEEP FILL The representative from H. B. Fuller Company, Mr. Joe Pellish, Assistant Legal Counsel, told the Council that the preferred course of action in this matter would be to have the City vacate the alley leaving a permanent easement for utilities. First reading of Ordinance 850 was held. Mr, Watson noted that he would like to review the alternatives regarding the sale of this property. Mr. Kalina, City Attorney, noted that there were many courses of action which could be taken in this instance. Mr. Watson asked which would be the most appropriate legal procedure. He asked if vacating the land would be an acceptable alternative. Mr. Ka]im stated that the people from SepKo were going to want a title that is marketable. The alternatives were noted as being: 1. Clear title by buying the land at a fair market value. 2. Grant an easement for the use of the ]and. 3. Grant a lease for the use of the ]and. Mr.. Pellish, representative for SepKo, stated that he would be willing to go along with any of these proposals. Mr. Kalina was directed to work on the alternatives with the SepKo representative and report back at the meeting later. PROPOSAL FOR FIRE TRAINING CENTER AGREEMENT Chief Fran Bassett noted that he felt this would be a worthwhile project. There was discussion on the cost and set-up of this proposed agreement. April 26, 1976 -191- Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz, to authorize the Fire Chief to enter into a one-year agreement with the Hennepin County Vocational Technical Center in the sum of $1,500. Roll Call: All Ayes FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION OF PURCHASE OF REGENCY TWO-WAY RADIOS Fire Chief Bassett noted that the Regency radios have been used for some time in the Public Works Department and have given excellent performance, while being considerably more economical than the Motorola radios which have previously been used in the Fire Department. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to purchase three Regency radios (four frequency) in the amount of $1,200. Roll Call: All Ayes The retiring Fire Chief, Fran Bassett, expressed his gratitude to the Council and excused himself from the meeting. It was noted that a petition-letter had been received from Mr. and Mrs. Waite and Mary Dennis, both of 43rd Avenue, regarding the storm sewer project in their area. This project had been approved at the meeting of April 13, 1976. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg, to place this petition on file. Roll Call: All Ayes At this time, Richard Tremmel of 1319 - 43rd Avenue and Tom Dwyer of 1325 - 43rd Avenue, came before the Council to ask for the re-opening of the public hearing on the storm sewer between Pierce and McLeod from 43rd Avenue to 43½ Avenue. Mr. Dwyer noted that sometimes "hindsight" is better than "foresight" and after discussing this project with his neighbors, he felt the hearing should be re-opened. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to re-open the public hearing on the storm sewer from Pierce and McLeod from 43rd to 43½ Avenue at the next regular Council meeting of May 10. Roll Call: All Ayes It was suggested that the people concerned should be notified of this hearing. -192- April 26, 1976 FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE #851 AND #852 City Attorney Kalina re-entered the meeting with the representatives of SepKo and he gave the first reading of Ordinance #851, being an ordinance for the sale of a portion of 39th Avenue, and Ordinance #852, being an ordinance vacating a portion of 39th Avenue. CALL FOR BIDS ON PICKUP TRUCK It was noted that the transmission had gone out on a pickup truck when the truck was hit by a privately owned vehicle. It was also noted that the City would receive some insurance recovery from this accident and Mr. Gustafson gave the budget break-down to indicate the funding for the replacement vehicle. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to authorize a call for bids for a 3/4 ton pickup truck with a utility box. Roll Call: All Ayes It was noted that the bids would be opened on May 20, with a report to the Council at the Regular Meeting of May 24. SQUAD CAR BIDS It was noted that no bids were received in response to a call from the City for Police Squad Cars. A letter was read by Hr. Watson from Coon Rapids Chrysler Plymouth stating that this company could not: bid because the factory could not schedule the cars until the 197'7 model run. Chief Anderson noted that the cars could be re-bid in about eight weeks. PROCLAMATION DECLARING TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 AND 19, AS HYPERTENSION DETECTION DAYS IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WHEREAS, the Kidney Foundation of the Upper Midwest, Incorporated in cooperation with the Dairy Queen stores of Minnesota, are sponsoring a state-wide hypertension campaign, and WHEREAS, in conjunction with this program, a special arrangement has been made to give free blood pressure checks at the Dairy Queen stores, including the store in Columbia Heights at 3959 Central Avenue on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19, 1976, and WHEREAS, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Minnesotans and 23,000,000 Americans currently have hypertension or high blood pressure, half of whom are not even aware that they have the disease. NOW THEREFORE, I, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, do hereby declare Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19 as "Hypertension Detection Days" in the City of Columbia Heights, and recommend to all our citizens that they arrange to take advantage of this free service being April 26, 1976 -193- offered to have their blood pressure checked at the Dairy Queen at 3959 Central Avenue N.E. between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and 19, 1976. BIDS ON FIELD HOUSE RE-ROOFING Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to award the bid on Field House Re-roofing to Balluff Company in the amount of $7,459 and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay BIDS ON AGRICULTURAL LIME Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to award the bid on Agricultural Lime to Bryan Rock Products in the amount of $2,730 and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON PARK BENCHES Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to award the bid on Park Benches to Hamele and Associates in the amount of $1,466.52 for sixteen benches and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON BEACH SAND Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to award the bid on beach sand to Arsenal Sand and Gravel in the amount of $1.75 per ton for 400 tons and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON SIREN REPAIR Mr. Gustafson noted that a Civil Defense siren had been struck by lightning and that emergency repairs had to be made. Two informal quotations were obtained with Bacon Electric being low bidder at $1,165. It was noted by Mr. Gustafson that 50% of this cost would be paid out of Federal Sharing. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to spend up to $582.50 for emergency repairs on a Civil Defense siren with work done by Bacon Electric. Roll Call: All Ayes - 194- April 26, 1976 ORDINANCE #848 RELATING TO NON CONFORMING USES Second Reading of Ordinance #848 was held. Ordinance #848 was offered by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay RESOLUTION 76-24 REGARDING SALARIES FOR NON UNION PERSONNEL BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS that, WHEREAS, Extensive work has been done on a position classification and pay plan for the municipal service of Columbia Heights, and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City Council to utilize said plan in 1976 including a personnel evaluation system of all affected employees, and WHEREAS, it is necessary to make salary adjustments as of January l to give recognition of cost increases in our area, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following monthly salaries be established effective January 1, ]976 for the City employees listed herein, with their salary range as listed. Said employees shall also be granted up to $50.00 per month toward their hospitalization coverage, including individual hospitalization coverage of $26.54 per month, and life insurance at $1.80 per month and! up to $21.66 per month for additional insurance of hospitalization premiums to reach the maximum of $50.00. Vacation schedule to be two weeks per year after each year up to the fifth year and one additional day per year to a maximum of twenty days after fifteen years. All adjustments listed apply to the individual in said position as of January 1, 1976: RANGE MO. RATE Administrative Assistant to City Manager (Tim Yantos)-- 24 1,223 Secretary III (Margo Emerson) .......................... 14 764 City Clerk-Treasurer (John Schedler) ................... 30 1 ,796 Accountant (Bob Kolb) .................................. 19 915 Account Clerk I (Sara Kennedy) ......................... 12 731 Account Clerk II (Loraine Reisowitz) ................... 15 915 Account Clerk I (Adelaide Blunck) ...................... 12 764 Account Clerk I (Shelley Hanson) ....................... 12 669 April 26, 1976 -195- Clerk Typist I Clerk Typist I Utilities Clerk (Mary Permits-License Clerk Services Director and (Barb Keeley) ...................... Soliday) .................... (Janet Bertrand) ............ Building Official (Arden RANGE (Valerie Bronson) .................. 6 6 13 11 Hovland) .......................................... City Assessor (Mildred Carlson) ................... Property Appraisor (Gerald Hedlund) ............... Clerk Typist II (Jane Halek) ...................... Clerk Typist II (Ellen Prince) .................... City Planner and HRA Director (Dean Otterson) ..... 29 26 19 7 7 29 Secretary II (Sandy Dehn) ......................... 12 Public Works Director (Earl Gustafson) ............ 32 City Engineer (George Brown) ...................... 29 Engineering Aide IV (Clayton Berg) ................ 25 Engineering Aide Ill (Bob Owens) .................. 20 Engineering Aide II (H. B. Kerr) .................. 19 Public Works Secretary (Vicki Maternowsky) ........ 13 Secretary I (Bev Peterson) ........................ 8 Secretary II (Betty Johnson) ...................... 12 Police Chief (Stuart Anderson) .................... 29 Fire Chief (Fran Bassett) ......................... 28 Deputy Fire Chief (Richard Homicke) ............... 26 Street Superintendent (Mitch DeMars) .............. 26 Sewer and Water Superintendent (Donald Jolly) ..... 26 MO. RATE 516 3.25/hr. 857 669 1,632 1,482 915 612 586 1,554 (as of 2/1/76) 669 1,759 1,711 1,412 1,165 1,057 764 562 836 1,632 1,482 1,412 1,412 1,412 -196- April 26, 1976 RANGE MO. RATE Park Superintendent (John Murzyn) ...................... 26 1,412 Librarian (Harriet Deeble) ............................. 24 1,345 Children's Librarian (Joanne Scudder) .................. 14 800 Assistant Librarian (Rebecca Loader) ................... 19 915 Recreation Director (Linda Hansen) ..................... 27 1,333 Assistant Recreation Director (David MacGregor) ........ 2l 958 Secretary II (Joan Bolles) ............................. 12 669 Clerk Typist I (Macrina galuski) ....................... 6 562 Civil Defense Director Retained (E. G. Gustafson) ...... Phil Aasen ............................................. Charles Stevenson ...................................... Police Records and Communication Technician (Phyllis Russel) ................................................ 12 73l Police Records and Communication Technician (Bob Field) 12 731 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that salary adjustments for the individual 3.75/hr. 4.95/hr. employees on their anniversary dates may be made within their salary range as listed on exceptional job performance. Said adjustments would occur on the next full pay period after their anniversary dat:e. For those whose salary exceeds the top step after the January 1 adjustment is made, there will not be a further change during the calendar year 1976. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a mileage allowance of 14¢ per mile for all employees required to use their personal automobile for City Business. Passed this 26th day of April, 1976 Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay April 26, 1976 -197- Resolution Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges. Motion by Norberg to strike the last paragraph from the Resolution. There was some discussion on the last paragraph in which it had been proposed to give the City Manager an automobile allowance of $100 for using his personal automobile on City business. Motion to strike last paragraph for lack of a second. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to exclude the City Manager automobile allowance from the last paragraph of the resolution. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay Roll Call on Resolution: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Resolution 76-24 was adopted. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR CONTRACT FOR A DESIGN ENGINEER FOR TENNIS COURT LIGHTING It was noted that the tennis courts in question were at Huset Park and Columbia Heights Senior High School. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract with Wolverton Engineering to handle the design and plan preparation for tennis court lighting at the Senior High School and Huset Park. Roll Call: All Ayes It was noted at this time that the Council had received a letter from Lori Bjorklund, Band President of the Columbia Heights Senior High Concert Band, thanking the Council for their donation to help send the Band to Washington D.C. LATE REQUESTS A request was received from Police Chief Anderson for the Council to consider granting sick leave to Robert Fields, a Police Technician who had recently undergone surgery, in advance of what he had earned. Mr. Kalina, City Attorney, answered that it would be legal to grant sick leave in advance of what had been earned. He also stated that no formal motion would be necessary to grant this request. -198- April 26, 1976 REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF STORM DRAIN PROJECT ALONG THE REAR LOT LINES BETWEEN 42ND AVENUE NORTHEAST AND 42½ AVENUE NORTHEAST WEST OF FILLMORE It was noted that a letter had been received from James and Irene Waite and Mary Dennis askinq for reconsideration of the Storm Drain Project along the rear lot lines between 42nd Avenue Northeast and 42½ Avenue Northeast west of Fillmore. The letter suggested the possibility of working out the drainage problem another way. It was noted that much research had gone into the project and it was ultimately decided that a storm drain would be the best way to alleviate the drainage problem. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to deny request for consideration of this project at this time. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay LICENSES Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to grant licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes CITY MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Watson at this time asked the Council if they would consider making it a matter of policy to drop the typing of the list of bills from the minutes of meetings. Mr. Watson pointed out that re-typing these bills into the minutes is a very time consuming task and simply repeats what is already typed out in advance of the meeting. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to deny the request of leaving the bills out of the minutes. Councilman Logacz suggested that perhaps much paper, as well as time, could be saved by dropping the typing of bills from the minutes. Councilman Norberg asked City Manager Watson if the official publication of the City would continue to publish the bills along with the minutes from each meeting. Mr. Watson acknowledged that they would continue to be published with the minutes. Councilman Norberg stated that he would like to offer a substitute mo t i on. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to approve the request to discontinue typing the bills in the minutes provided the list of bills continues to be published in the official publication. Roll Call: All Ayes April 26, 1976 -199- Discussion was held regarding liquor operations. Mayor Nawrocki spoke of conversations he had had with Mr. Roach, Liquor Store Manager. He then stated that he would get together with Mr. Roach and the City Manager, possibly the next afternoon. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this motion was out of order. It was noted that the Council would meet with the attorney concerning the re-codification of ordinances Tuesday evening, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Nawrocki at this time noted that he had another comment relative to some of the construction projects recently being handled after reading the Status Report from the Public Works Department. "l personally want to be kept very informed on problems that enter into any of these projects." Mayor Nawrocki asked the Public Works Director if he thought it would be a good idea to poll the people concerning what their preferences were on which types of trees to put in along Jefferson Street to replace the ones which would be taken out. It was suggested that a list of three or four types of trees be sent out to the people and let them decide from that point. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at 2:10 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Secr~ar~