HomeMy WebLinkAboutJun 28, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
JUNE 28, 1976
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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'"