Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJun 14, 1976 (2)-251 - OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS JUNE 14, 1976 The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--present Norberg--absent Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to name Karen DeBruin secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki noted that Karen DeBruin also acted as secretary for the Public Hearing on the Seal Coat Project at 7:00 the same ew~ning. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to approve the minutes of the Board of Review Meeting May 20, the Regular Counci] Meeting of May ]0~ and the MTC Hearing of May 24 as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Ro]] Call: All Ayes The Invocation was given by Reverend McEachern of Oak Hi]] Baptist Church. PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to pay the bills as listed out: of their proper funds. Roll Call: Ali Ayes CONTINUED HEARING ON MONROE STREET--45TH TO ~6TH Mayor Nawrocki noted that, at Hilltop's meeting of June 7, it was decided that Hilltop would go along with the proposed construction on a fifty-fifty basis. It was noted that the cost of curb, gutter, street, and water mai!~ would be split with Columbia Heights and Hilltop would pay for a fire hydrant on their side of the street. There was much discussion on how the costs would be assessed and what the costs were estimated to be. Mayor Nawrocki and City Manager Watson explained the cost of the water main. It was estimated that the water main would cost approximately $6.50 per foot, which would be assessed to the property owners, but any amount over $4.50 per front foot would be paid for by the City from the Water Fund. It was noted that Federal Funds had previously been used in a project like this to pick up all the costs past $~.50 per front foot. June 14, 1976 -252- City Assessor, Mildred Carlson, noted that there would be nine properties involved in a house service charge. These would be 4504, 4512, 4514, 4516, 4518, 4520, 4522, 4524, and 4528 Monroe Street. It was noted that this charge would be on a 'per connection' basis. A gentleman in the audience asked if he could get something more than just an approximate cost for the work that would be done and assessed to him. Mayor Nawrocki replied that only approximates can be used until the bids on the project are let out and the Council decides who the bid will be awarded to. He further stated that the estimates should be fairly accurate. The approximate cost estimates were summarized as follows: for curb, gutter, and street--- for installation of water main--- (City pays for anything over $4.50 from Water Fund) $ 13.00 per front foot 4.50 per front foot 17.50 per front foot In addition to this, there is the cost of connecting each house to the new water main: estimated cost per connection--- $340.00 Mayor Nawrocki noted that Hilltop residents would also be paying the extimated $17.50 per foot, but they would not be paying a charge for hook up to the water main. He noted that they would be paying for a fire hydrant. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to proceed with the curb, gutter, and street construction and water main installation. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Hentges noted that he would like to thank the Hilltop Council for their cooperation in this matter. CHANGE ORDER ON FIELD HOUSE RE-ROOFING CONTRACT John Murzyn, Park Superintendent, noted that when the roofing had been stripped from the Field House, it was discovered that there was quite a bit more rot in some of the boards than had been anticipated. Mr. Murzyn noted that Mr. Gustafson, Public Works Director, and Councilman Hentges had both seen these sections of roof. Mr. Gustafson noted that there were approximately 600 square feet of roof that was probably structurally weak, and in his opinion, plywood should be installed before the roofing goes on. Mr. Murzyn noted that the Balluff Company, who was awarded the -253- June 14, 1976 contract on the re-roofing could do the additional work for 33¢ per square foot. In an informal quotation, Nedegaard Construction noted that they could do the work for 55¢ per square foot. Councilman Hentges stated that he thought Balluff should be liable to do the work without a change order on the contract under his bid proposal. Councilman Heintz noted that what Councilman Hentges was really saying was that Balluff Company should do the work without additional cost to the City. Mr. Murzyn noted that a good base was needed to put the roofing over, and he thought the contract should be amended to allow Balluff to be able to afford to do a good job. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to amend the contract with the Balluff Company for the re-roofing of the Field House in an amoung of $1155 to install thirty-three hundred square feet of 3/8 inch plywood. Roll Call: All Ayes ,Mr. Murzyn noted that some damage had been done to the ceiling .of the Field House and he thought that the Balluff Company should be held liable for this. Motion by Hentges to withhold payment to the Balluff Company until they pay for the damages. Mr. Murzyn asked if Balluff could be billed for the amount of the damage and deduct this amount from their bill to the City. Motion to withhold payment dies for lack of a second. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that the matter be referred to the City Attorney. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to refer the matter of l:he rain damage to the Field House roof to the City Attorney. Roll Call: All Ayes lit this time, Mayor Nawrocki inquired about the bids on the ,Jefferson Street Wall replacement. George Brown, City Engineer, noted that it would be impossible to meet the deadline which had been set to get the necessary specifications together. June 14, 1976 -254- Mayor Nawrocki noted that at the last Council meeting it was stated that the bids would be opened June 24, with a report to the Council on June 28. Mr. Brown noted that before the bids could be let, the plans for the wall would have to be approved by the State of Minnesota and the City Council. He noted that they have not been approved by either of these parties. Councilman Hentges noted that there is a problem, and it is the responsibility of the Engineering Department to take care of it. He further noted that the schedule for these proceedings was laid out two months ago, and he wanted to know what had been accomplished. Mr. Watson noted that the work load in the Engineering Department has been very heavy. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the design of the wall was unique and it was necessary to call in an outside consultant to prepare the plans. He noted that this procedure should not have been affected by the workload in the Engineering Department. Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Brown if the project was out for bids. Mr. Brown replied that it was not. Mayor Nawrocki asked when it would go out for bids. Mr. Brown replied that it would go out for bids when the plans have been approved by the State and the City Council. Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Brown if the plans were complete. Mr. Brown noted that the plans were not complete and could not be acted upon at the present time. Mr. Watson noted that the City wished the state to approve these plans as a construction job rather than as a maintenance job so state aid funds could be used. George Brown noted that the plans could be ready for approval by the time of the next Council meeting. Mayor Nawrocki asked when the plans would be reviewed by the State. Mr. Brown replied that this would be at approximately the same time that the Council would be looking at them. Mr. Brown noted that at the next Council meeting he would have a complete set of plans and specifications. He also noted that the plans would have been reviewed by the State and their comments would be available to the City Council. -255- June 14, 1976 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CAB LOMPANY PROPOSED RATE INCREASE Mr. Watson noted that Mr. LaMont, owner of Columbia Heights Cab, was present to explain the justification for the rate increase. He was also asked to show his statements of profit and loss and a comparison of his cab rates to those of other companies operating in the area. Mr. Watson further noted that there had not been an opportunity for him to do an in-depth study of this proposal because Mr. LaNont had not outlined the proposal until shortly before the meeting. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to table the matter of the rate increase for the Columbia Heights Cab Company. Mr. LaMont stated that he felt there was no reason for the Council to table his request. He noted that if the increase was not put into effect immediately, he would be losing money and there was the possibility that his drivers would not want to work for him any longer. Mayor Nawrocki told Mr. LaMont that he couldn't expect the Council to simply pass something they haven't had the time to consider or the information to make the decision. He stated that it couldn't automatically be passed just because it was requested. Mr. LaNont noted that his job was to service the people and he could not do this unless his increase was put into effect. Councilman Heintz spoke of his responsibility to check things out before he votes on them. He noted that he provided 'service to the people' in this way. Mayor Nawrocki referred to the letter from Mr. LaMont dated June ]O, 1976. He noted that he did not feel the letter offered sufficient justification for the approval of his request. He also noted that before any increase was granted, some regulatory function must be performed regarding the information which must be obtained in order to grant the increase. Roll Call on Motion to table the request: All Ayes PLANNING AND ZONING REQUESTS: JOSEPH HOLIDAY--3907 2nd STREET: PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A PRIVACY FENCE Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant Mr. Holiday's request to construct a privacy fence as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes June 14, 1976 -256- It was noted that Mr. Holiday had provided a written release to the City for any damages that may occur to the fence. DAVID SZUREK--951 41st AVENUE: PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A PRIVACY FENCE Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant Mr. Szurek's request to construct a privacy fence as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes STEVE PETERSON--4445 QUINCY STREET: VARIANCE FOR A GARAGE There was discussion between the Council, Arden Hovland, Services Director, and Mr. Peterson concerning the proposed garage. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the variance for a garage for Mr. Peterson. Roll Call: All Ayes WAYNE ROCEK--550 40th AVENUE: PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A PRIVACY FENCE Mr. Rocek was not present at the Planning and Zoning Meeting and no action was taken and the case was tabled. Mr. Rocek was also not present at the City Council Meeting and no action was taken. The matter is still before the Planning and Zoning Commission. THOMAS BAYER-3725 PIERCE STREET: PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A PRIVACY FENCE Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant Mr. Bayer's request to construct a privacy fence as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes DOUGLAS KNEALING--3901 JACKSON STREET: PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A PRIVACY FENCE Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to grant Mr. Knealing's request as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes MTC PROPOSED 37th AVENUE ROUTE It was noted that the Metropolitan Transit Commission wishes the City Council to inform them by July 1 whether or not they would approve this proposed route which runs from 5th Street to Johnson Street on 37th Avenue. -257- June 14, 1976 Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz that the request for the proposed bus route be referred to the Traffic Commission for recommendation. Roll Call: All Ayes It was noted that the people along 37th Avenue would be informed of the Traffic Commission Meeting. LICENSES Mr. Cook of the Boy's Self Help Program was present to request of the Council a solicitor's license for the sale of candy and cards in Columbia Heights. It was noted that Mr. Cook would be using boys from South Minneapolis to se]] the goods. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to approve the license upon payment of proper fees, with the stipulation that Mr. Cook follow the guidelines of the Police Department. Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Switzer of 4650 Johnson Street was present concerning his application for a home occupation license. There was much discussion on this item. RECESS 10:31 RECONVENE 10:50 It was decided that Mr. Switzer's request would be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further study. The next license for consideration was that of Jon Valarie Niemi for on and off sale beer to be sold at 40]0 Central Avenue at an establishment called "The Mug." Mayor Nawrocki asked Ms. Niemi if the residency requirements for beer licenses were explained to her and she replied that they were not. It was noted that one must be a resident of Columbia Heights in order to be issued a license to sell beer. It was also noted that 45 days were normally allowed to establish residency. Motion by Hentges to deny the request of Jon Valarie Niemi for a license to sell beer. Councilman Hentges noted that he made this motion because Ms. Niemi does not conform to the residency requirements. Hotion dies for lack of a second. June 14, 1976 -258- City Attorney Kalina noted that license requirements could be waived, particularly in the beer and liquor areas. Mr. Kalina further noted that, if Ms. Niemi was granted a license and failed to establish residency in Columbia Heights in whatever time span was allowed her, the license could be revoked. Councilman Heintz asked Ms. Niemi if she thought she would be able to establish residency within ninety days. Ms. Niemi replied that she could, as she had been planning on moving into Columbia Heights within that time span. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the on and off sale beer licenses upon payment of proper fees to Ms. Niemi on the condition that the licensee be required to establish residency within ninety days. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay It was noted that the issuance of this license was also contingent upon clearance by the Police Department. Councilman Hentges noted that he voted against this license because of the residency requirement and because the Police Department had not reviewed it prior to the meeting. A request had been received from Northern Coin Machine Company to have their amusement machine license fee pro rated. Mr. Watson noted that he did not feel that there was sufficient justification to amend the ordinance which prohibited the pro rating of amusement machine licenses so this fee could be pro rated. Councilman Hentges asked about the number of machines that would be covered under this license. It was noted that there would be three pool tables, two foosball tables, three pinball machines, and one jukebox. Councilman Hentges wanted to know how all of these machines would be placed in "The Mug" at 4010 Central Avenue, the place the license was to be issued for. Motion by Hentges to deny the request of Northern Coin Machine Company. Councilman Hentges noted that he moved to deny the request until the fire marshall checked out the number of machines to be placed in "The Mug." Motion dies for lack of a second. -259- June 14, 1976 Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the amusement machine license to Northern Coin Machine Company upon payment of proper fees, not pro rated, Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that licenses as listed (with the exception of the license for Switzer) be granted upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION #76-33 ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS--SEAL COAT BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED By the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, WHEREAS, The City Council of the City oF Columbia Heights by Motion on the 25th day of May, ]976 ordered notice of a hearing to be given to property owners, and WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at a Council Meeting on the ]4th of June, 1976, and WHEREAS, The Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: 'That the Location and Extent of such improvements is as follows: #713 Seal Coat, the list of which is attached hereto, and 'That the materials to be used are as follows: Seal Coat, Asphalt, and Aggregate, and That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvement has been made by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land fronting upon and adjacent to such proposed improvement which he deemed benefited thereby, were properly notified of said hearings, and That the City Manager shall also list the names and owners of the several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained, and These improvements shall be known as Project No. 713. June 14, 1976 -260- LIST OF STREETS TO BE SEAL COATED: Reservoir Boulevard, 44th Avenue to 45th Avenue 45th Avenue, Central Avenue thru 1309 and 1312 45th Avenue McLeod Street, Reservoir Boulevard to 45th Avenue Royce Street, McLeod Street to 44th Avenue Polk Street, 4Oth Avenue to 41st Avenue Hayes Street, 40th Avenue to 41st Avenue Cleveland Street, 40th Avenue to 42nd Avenue Banjamin Place, north of 4Oth Avenue 45½ Avenue, Fillmore to Keyes Park 46th Avenue, Central Avenue to 120 feet east of Johnson Street 47th Avenue, Central Avenue to Johnson Street Tyler Street, 45th Avenue to 47th Avenue Polk Street, 45th Avenue to 47th Avenue Taylor Street, 45th Avenue to 47th Avenue Fillmore Street, 45th Avenue to 47th Avenue Pierce Street 46th Avenue to 47th Avenue Parkview Lane north of 46th Avenue Johnson Street, 46th Avenue to 47th Avenue 50th Avenue east of Central Avenue Tyler Street, 49th Avenue to 5Oth Avenue Lincoln Terrace east of Central Avenue Polk Place east of Central Avenue Polk Circle east of Central Mulcare Drive east of Central Avenue Pierce Terrace east of Central Avenue Fillmore Street north of 49th Avenue Buchanan Place, east of Central Avenue and north of 49th Avenue Molan Terrace, east of Central Avenue and north of 49th Avenue Johnson Street, north of 49th Avenue Alley running east and west, between Peters Place and the alley west of Reservoir Boulevard and South of Gould Avenue Resolution Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz. Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution #76-33 was adopted. RESOLUTION #76-34 ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS--MONROE STREET 45th to 46th AVENUE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights by Motion on the 24th day of May, 1976, ordered notice of a hearing to be given to property owners, and -261- June ]4, 1976 WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at a Council Meeting on the 14th day of June, 1976, and WHEREAS, The Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter Provisions. NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: That the location and extent of such improvements is as follows: #71l Curb and Mat Monroe Street, 45th Avenue to 46th Avenue That the materials to be used are as follows: Concrete Curb and Gutter, Additional base as necessary and A. C. Bituminous surfacing. Docti]e iron water main pipe and appurtenances. That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvement has been made by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land fronting upon and adjacent to such proposed improvements, which he deemed benefited thereby, were properly notified of said hearings, and 4. That the City Manager also list the names and owners of the several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained. 5. These improvements shall also be known as Project No. 7l] Resolution Offered by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz. All Ayes Resolution #76-34 was adopted. Roll Call: CHANGE ORDER ON NORTHDALE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT It was noted that it was necessary to relocate a section of the ten inch water main in 42nd Avenue due to the grade of the storm sewer meeting the exact grade of the water main consisting of four ~5-degree bends and a short in order to go around the storm sewer pipe. It was impossible to reset the grade of the storm sewer to avoid the main. This could not have been anticipated when the plans were prepared. It was further noted that the total extra cost would be $750. June 14, 1976 -262- Mr. Watson pointed out that the Northdale Construction project has gone sixteen to seventeen percent over the original estimated cost. He also noted that this project is almost finished. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Councilman Logacz asked about the house which has burned down on Tyler Street. He wanted to know when it would be taken down. The matter was referred to Arden Hovland, Services Director. Councilman Hentges noted that the entrance to Gauvitte Park is blocked by bushes and should be marked. The matter of getting a sign to mark the entrance to Gauvitte Park was referred to the Traffic Commission. Mayor Nawrocki asked George Brown about the possibility of putting an alley behind Fillmore Street off of 45th Avenue. He noted that someone had asked him about this at the recent "Tell It To The Mayor" session. Mr. Brown replied that there was little interest in putting an alley through there, but a public hearing could be held if one was desired. Mayor Nawrocki noted that a public hearing could not be held unless the Engineering Department was ready for it and there was more support for the idea. Mayor Nawrocki noted the condition of Jackson Pond between 43rd Avenue and 44th Avenue on Quincy Street. He stated that there was algae in the water, papers were blown around the area, there was material in the pond itself, and the fence was in poor condition. Mr. Watson stated that this would be looked into. It was also requested that Mr. Watson check out the possibility of putting a street light in on Arthur Street between 44th Avenue and 45th Avenue. Councilman Logacz noted that the people on Reservoir Boulevard came to him with a proposal: to plant trees between the existing trees so that when the present trees must be cut down due to Dutch Elm Disease, there would already be trees growing. Mr. Gustafson, Public Works Director, noted that the trees on Reservoir Boulevard are so close now that planting between them might cause problems, such as penetrating sewer lines. The larger, older trees would also block the growth of the young trees. -263- June 14, 1976 Mayor Nawrocki noted that another change had been made by the Minnesota Highway Department concerning the Highway 65 (Central Avenue) Urbanization. He stated that thirty five parking spaces would be eliminated from the area around 4Oth Avenue and 41st Avenue. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the City Council had never gone on record as approving the removal of any parking from Central Avenue and he wished this situation corrected. There was discussion on the proposed Budget Retreat. Mr. Watson explained this as being a chance for some members of the City staff to get away for a couple of days and work strictly on the Budget. He noted this as being the most efficient way to do the work. Councilman Hentges noted that he is against any members of the Staff leaving the City to work on the budget and Councilman Heintz noted that there should be someplace within the City that the staff should go to work. Discussion was held on the proposed new police building. There was discussion on the spread of Dutch Elm Disease throughout the City. It was noted that several cases had recently been reported. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn the meeting at 12:55 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Br[Jce G. Nawrocki, Mayor SecL'eta ry