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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJun 28, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS JUNE 28, 1976 -264- Meeting was called to order at 8:28 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 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to approve the Minutes of the continued meeting of May 25, the Special Meeting of June 7, the Special Meeting of June 14, and the regular meeting of June 14 as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON STREET CONSTRUCTION AND WATER MAIN George Brown, City Engineer, noted that he would recommend award of bid to Hardrives, Incorporated. He also stated that there were two alternatives on how the award could be handled, since the Jefferson Street 40th Avenue to 45th Avenue work could not as yet be awarded because the project had not been approved by the Environmental Quality Control Council, who are studying the project. Mr. Brown explained the alternatives as being: request Hardrives, Inc. to keep their bid proposal open for the period of time necessary to obtain a course of action approved by the Environmental Quality Control and the Council to be able to award a bid on this work; or to accept Hardrives' bid proposal ~ excluding the work on Jefferson Street and re-advertise-v~ bids for the work on Jefferson Street when a plan is approved by the Environmental Quality Control. Mr. Brown recommended the re-advertising for bids on this project, as Hardrives had not been the lowest bidder on this section of the proposal. Mayor Nawrocki noted that according to a detailed breakdown he had received, bid proposal #1 included all residential and state ai.d street paving and other miscellaneous related bituminous paving, including Jefferson Street, 40th Avenue -265- June 28, 1976 to 45th Avenue; and bid proposal #2 included all of this construction except for Jefferson Street. Mr. Brown noted that this bid did not include the construction to be done on Monroe Street, 45th Avenue to 46th Avenue, but that this construction could be an add item to the contract. Councilman Heintz asked City Attorney Kalina whether or not the City could hold Hardrives to do the construction next year under the same price they bid. Attorney Kalina replied that Hardrives probably could be held to this price, unless there was something in the bid about the starting time on the project, but if the City was ordered to change the plans for the work on Jefferson Street, 40th to 45th, the specifications may be drastically altered and Hardrives' bid may not apply. Mayor Nawrocki noted that it was merely speculation as to whether or not bids which may be let on the Jefferson Street construction would come in higher or lower. Moti'on by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to award the bid on Street Construction and Water Main to Hardrives, Incorporated in an amount of $197,140.22, based on bid proposal #2 being a composite of A-l, B, C, D, E, and F and request the contractor, Hardrives, Incorporated, to extend the period of time in which their bid proposal will be val id in order to allow the Council to further consider at a later time bid proposal HI, depending upon concurrence from State Aid, this award to be conditioned upon concurrence from the Department of Highways, State Aid Division and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki noted that the water main which was to be installed on Monroe Street from 45th Avenue to 46th Avenue would cost more than had been anticipated. The cost which had been anticipated to be near $340 was now approximately $500 per connection. There was much discussion on how the assessment of these costs could be handled. Mr. Watson noted that much detailed work would have to be done to find a way to try to spread these costs. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to direct the City Manager to investigate ways of making the proposed assessment for the water main connection charge more equitable, such information to be made available at the time of the assessment hearing on the project. Roll Call: All Ayes June 28, 1976 -266- RESOLUTION #76-35 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH HILLTOP ON MONROE CONSTRUCTION BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED By the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the Mayor and City Manager be, and they are hereby, authorized and directed to enter into the appropriate agreement with the City of Hilltop to properly establish the contractual agreements, in respect to Monroe Street improvements between 45th Avenue and 46th Avenue. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the agreement include the cost estimates as originally set forth for curb, gutter, and surfacing to be equally divided between Columbia Heights and Hilltop at $7,800 per' community and the water main to be divided equally at $3,900 for Hilltop and $3,900 for Columbia Heights. The water services which serve only homes on the Columbia Heights side of Monroe Street to be charged against the Columbia Heights citizens at an estimated total charge of $3,400 and Hilltop would include a $600 payment toward a fire hydrant and the necess;ary valve and lead for said hydrant, making a total project cost estimated at $27,400. Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges. Roll Call: All Ayes MTC PROPOSED ROUTE ON 37TH AVENUE It was noted that a hearing had been held on this item at the Traffic Commission Meeting of June 21. The Traffic Commission had recommended that the City Council grant this request of the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg that the Council concur in the proposed bus route on 37th Avenue. Roll Call: All Ayes It was suggested that any complaints which may be received after the service is put into effect be checked into. SUBDIVISION REQUEST: JOSEPH HEBZYNSKI, 3910 MAIN STREET Mr. Watson noted that there were no outstanding special assessments on this property and explained how Mr. Hebzynski wished to have the land subdivided. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to grant the lot subdivisic:.n to Mr. ,Joseph Hebzynski of 3910 Main Street. Roll Call:: All Ayes COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CAB COMPANY PROPOSED RATE INCREASE Mr. Watson noted that the last action of the Council in regard to Cab rates had been to adopt the rates of 65¢ on the flag drop and 45¢ per mile thereafter. Mr. Watson also noted that -267- June 28, 1976 Mr. LaMont, owner of Columbia Heights Cab, was requesting a rate increase to 75¢ at the flag drop and 60¢ for each additional mile. Mr. Watson noted that he had made an informal survey of the rates of other cab companies in the area. There was much discussion on these rates. Mr. LaMont told the Council of his $13,000 net loss for 1975, which he noted as his main justification for the rate increase. Mr. LaHont noted that his cabs serve Blaine, Frid]ey, New Brighton, Mound and Spring Lake Park durin9 the daytime hours. He also noted that at night, business falls off and he uses on]'/ two cabs and a dispatcher. He noted that the dispatcher costs a considerable amount of money. Mr. LaMont went on to say that he was trying to follow through on the law of supply and demand, and that he was tryin9 to utilize the experience he had gained through years of operating a cab company. He also noted that the proposed increase was not a matter of being greedy, but merely a matter of trying to serve the community. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he had difficulty in determining what: Hr. LaMont~s actual request was. Mr. Watson and Mr. LaMont explained that the present rates of the Columbia Heights Cab Company are: 65¢ on the flag drop and 45¢ per mile thereafter (or ]0¢ per 2/9 mi]e); and the proposed rates are: 75¢ on the flag drop and 60¢ per mile thereafter (or ]O¢ per ]/6 mile). Mr. LaMont noted that the flag drop includes the first 1/I0 mile. Mayor Nawrocki stated that Mr. LaMont was, in effect, asking for a 33 percent increase. Mr. taMont noted that he was actually charging 75¢ on the flag drop and 50¢ per mile thereafter, instead of the last Council approved rate, because of a misunderstanding he had had of the Council ~s actions. Mr. LaMont explained that he had understood the Council's actions to be to grant him a rate increase contingent upon the approval of increased cab rates in Minneapolis and the suburban areas. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the official minutes of the meeting to which Mr. LaMont referred showed that the Council had unconditionally denied any increase for Hr. LaMont at that time. June 28, 1976 -268- Mayor Nawrocki asked City Attorney Kal ina what he interpreted from the accounting records and tax statements which Mr. LaMont had provided the Council for their consideration. Mr. Kalina explained that the repair and maintenance costs were extremely high and that there was not a great deal of income. Mr. Kalina further noted that he felt that it appeared that Mr. LaMont was justified in asking for a rate increase. Councilman Hentges asked Mr. LaMont if the Columbia Heights Cab Company was incorporated and Mr. LaMont replied that it was not. Councilman Hent§es noted that the Company would then be protected under the Small Business Act. Mayor Nawrocki noted that further consideration of this item would be deferred until later in the meeting. Clarence Bialke of 3712 Main Street was present concerning his Home Occupation Permit request. He explained that he would be repairing televisions in his home. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that a home occupation permit be granted to Clarence Bialke upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes MEETING RECESSED AT lO:16 P.M. MEETING RECONVENED AT 10:38 P.M. M~yor Nawrocki noted that the discussion concerning the rate increase request of the Columbia Heights Cab Company would be continued at this time. Councilmar, Norberg noted that 60 percent of Mr. LaMont's expenses were for salaries, and he explained that he thought this mas a high perc~.ntage. Mr. LaMont noted that he didn't have a great enough number of cabs to offset the expense. Councilmar, Norberg stated his opinion that if Mr. LaMont had more cabs he would have to have more drivers, and the percentage of the expenses which go toward salaries would remain the same on a ratic, basis. He explained that if there were more cabs, there would have to be more drivers and thus more salaries. Councilmar, Norberg suggested that a reasonable rate might be 65¢ on th¢~ flag drop (with no mileage) and I0¢ per 1/5 mile thereafter and $6 waiting time. Councilmar~ Logacz inquired as to whether this amount would get Mr. LaMont out of his financial problems. -269- June 28, 1976 Mr. LaNont showed the Council newspaper clippings telling of cab companies who may go on strike if they do not receive the increases they are asking for. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to grant the Columbia Heights Cab Company a rate increase of 65¢ on the f]ag drop (without mileage) and 10¢ each additional ]/6 mile and ]0¢ per minute of waitin9 time. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he thought this motion granted Mr. LaMont a higher increase than he had requested. Mr. LaMont noted that this motion would make his rates different from all the other rates in the suburban area, and he wanted his rates to be comparable to theirs. He noted that it was a question of competition. Councilman Norberg noted that the rate in the motion was a maximum rate and Mr. LaMont could charge anything beneath the rate in the mot i on. Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes PAINTING OF CITY SERVICE CENTER Hr. Gustafson, Public Works Director, reported that some highly sophisticated paint equipment could be purchased for under according to informal quotations which had been taken. He noted that this equipment could also be used in other buildings. He als() noted that bids by private contractors to do the painting work have been inconsistent, also their quotations on how much paint would be needed were inconsistent. Mr. Gustafson went on to say that the exterior of the building was ]8,000 square feet and the interior was ]9,000 square Feet. Mr. Gustafson gave the expected costs of this painting if the City forces were used to do the work, including the purchase of the paint and the sprayer equipment and also if a private contractor were hired. Councilman Hentges noted that he thought the painting of the outside of the building should be done by a private contractor, because if the City forces did the work, the City would be liable for all damages caused by the paint which might spray onto cars or other persona] property nearby the Service Center. Councilman Norber9 agreed with this opinion, stating that the inside could be painted by City forces and the outside should be done by a private contractor. Councilman Hentges also noted that this painting should have been done a long time ago to sea] the building and prevent heating and cooling loss. June 28, 1976 -270- Councilman Hentges suggested that informal quotations be taken on the painting of the outside of the City Service Center. Councilman Hentges also suggested that the City Manager take informal quotations on paint and paint sprayers. He further suggested that the City Manager explore the idea of using the sprayer that is used on the streets for this painting. HEARING ON JEFFERSON STREET WALLS Mr. Watson noted that e meeting had been held between Mr. Weichselbaum, State Aid Engineer; George Brown, City Engineer; Mayor Nawrocki; Mr. Williams, representing the people in the neighborhood of the Jefferson Street Walls; and himself to go over the proposed plans for reconstruction of the Jefferson Street Walls. Mr. Watson explained the proposed designs for the reconstruction of the section of wall that lies between 46th and 47½ Avenue on Jefferson Street. He noted that the concrete slab proposal was not acceptable due to the residential nature of the area. He noted that a heavier stone slope paving would possibly be acceptablc~, provided the stones were three inches thick and were placc:d into a heavy concrete backing. He further explained that the concept of using forms to mold the images of rocks and stones on a concrete slab would also be unacceptable. Mr. Watsor~ went on to say that it would take Mr. Weichselbaum approximately two days to review the plans and specifications for the slope paving prepared by the City He stated that they would then be forwarded to the Plans and Specifications Engineers for their consideration, which would take approximately a month. After this, the plans would go to the State Aid Engineer for a few more days. Assuming all goes well, the City could then advertise for bids to be opened on or about August 19 with a report to the Council on August 23. Mr. Watson recommended proceeding along the lines as outlined by Mr. Weichselbaum, to prepare plans and specifications for slope paving for consideration by the Highway Department, State Aid Division. There was much discussion on the proposed design of these walls. TRAFFIC COMMISSION REPORT--TWO HOUR PARKING LIMITATION PROPOSED ALONG 5TH STREET BETWEEN SUMMIT STREET AND MILL STREET It was noted that the Traffic Commission had approved placement of these parking limit signs and requested the Council concurrence in their recommendation. -271- June 28, 1976 Councilman Heintz, who lives in this area, noted that his neighbors would go along with this. There was discussion as to whether any restrictions should be placed on the two hour parking, such as having two hour parking between any certain hours, or Monday through Friday. Councilman Heintz noted that he would ask the people in the neighborhood if they had any preferences and would report back to the Council. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to table consideration of the two hour parking limit signs on 5th Street between Summit Street and Mill Street until the special meeting of June 29. Roll Call: All Ayes LICENSES Councilman Hentges suggested that "Concerned About Women's Softball", who were applying for a beer license and popcorn and concession stands for a softball tournament to be held in Huset Park be required to have a uaiformed police officer on duty. He noted that he recalled having made this mandatory where beer was sold in the past, It was noted that "Concerned About Women's Softball'~ is a non profit organization. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to grant licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees with the exceptions of the licenses for Donald and Betty Switzer and Yoo Chi, these two license applications being referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation and that the fees for "Concerned About Women's Softball~' be waived. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki --aye Norberg--nay Mayor' Nawrocki suggested that the balance of the agenda be referred to the special meeting Tuesday, June 29, and the meetincj,~recessed at 1:06 a.m. Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Se"c re ta'ry'"