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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAug 23, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA AUGUST 23, 1976 The Meeting was called to order at 8:02 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present Heintz--absent Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to name Karen DeBruin secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Invocation was given by City Manager Watson. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to approve the minutes as presented in writing with corrections as noted and the reading be dispensed with. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he was not proposing any changes, but he wished to say for the record that the section of the minutes on Attorney Retainer was not covered with the same degree of detail as other sections of the minutes. Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges that the bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON TENNIS COURT LIGHTING Mr. Watson reported that the bids had been opened on Monday afternoon~ August 23. They were scheduled to be opened on Thursday, August 19, but because of an error in the plans and specifications, the bidders were given additional time to correct their bids according to the corrected plans. Mr. Watson noted that Mr. Jim Wolverton of Wolverton Engineering, the company who had drawn up the plans and specifications for the lighting, and Mr. John Murzyn, Park Superintendent, had just entered this meeting from the special meeting of the Park Board which had been called to review and discuss the tennis court lighting bids and make a recommendation to the Council. Mr. Murzyn stated that the Park Board had gone on record as recommending Electric Service Company, the low bidder, in an amount of $60,630. Mr. Murzyn noted that the monies · -320- August 23, 1976 for this project would be coming out of the bond issue. There was some discussion on this topic. I:t was noted that four courts at Huset and six at the High School would have lights. Councilman Hentges asked if the bidders' price included the meters which would be used for taking the money when people wanted to use the lights. Mr. Wolverton noted that this did include the meters. He explained that 25 cents could be dropped into the meters for fifteen minutes of light, and that the meters could hold up to four quarters at one time. He also noted that the meters would be wired to shut off at midnight, or wh:tever time the Council should decide, so that the lights would not be used all night. He explained that the timers and the money amounts on the meter could be changed if any changes ~'ere desired in these areas. It was noted that concerns had been voiced about the glare from these lights disturbing the people who live in the area. Mr. Wo]verton noted that the lights were designed to cast as much light as possible onto the court, with very little spreading to any surrounding area. He also noted that at the High School, the courts are quite a distance from any residents. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the bidding had been very good, with ten bidders and competitive prices. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to award the bid on Tennis Court Lighting to Electrical Service Company on tine basis of low bid in an amount of $60,6B0 and upon recommendation of the Park Board and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Councilman Norberg stated that he had voted against the motion because he is of the opinion that it is the wrong time to be putting in tennis court lights in view of the energy situation, CONS DERATION OF LETTING BIDS ON LOTS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF L~Oth WEST OF STINSON Mi-. Watson noted that he had received two calls in the past two weeks requesting to purchase the City owned lots on the north side of 40th, west of Stinson Boulevard. He noted that the area is zoned R1 and is suitable for single family dwellings. He further stated that they are at the intersection of two state aid roads. August 23, 1976 -321- He asked the Council if they wished to proceed with advertising to sell these lots. Councilman Logacz stated that he thought the lots should be sold. He further stated that the market value was low, and this should not be the selling price. He stated that they were desirable lots in a good location, and that a minimum should be set as to what will be accepted for the lots. Mayor Nawrocki noted that there was a section on the bid forms that mentioned the tying of bids. He stated that this should be left off so the lots could be sold separately. Councilman Hentges spoke about the fact that the area had once been a swamp and asked the attorney if all bidders would have to be made aware of this according to disclosure laws. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the only way to tell about the condition of the land at the present time is to have soil tests made on it. Attorney Kalina stated that disclosure laws did not apply to the sale of land, this would be covered by fraud laws. Councilman Hentges noted that the City should be honest and open about the condition of the land in the past. He thought the bidders should be told the land is filled. Discussion followed on the advertisement of the property. Councilman Hentges suggested advertising them over a longer period of time than is generally done. Councilman Norberg suggested putting signs on the land to tell people they were for sale. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges that the City Manager be authorized to call for bids on the City-owned lots in the area of 40th and Stinson with bids to be opened at the last regular Council meeting in November. Roll Call: All Ayes It was noted that signs would be put on the property advertising them for sale. It was also noted that the minimum which would be accepted for the lots would be ten percent above the estimated market value of them. PLANNING AND ZONING ACTIONS: -322- August 23, 1976 TERRY CULLEN 4133 POLK STREET NORTHEAST VARIANCES TO CONSTRUCT A HOUSE AND DRIVEWAY Mr. Watson noted that the variances requested would include a lot width for the thirty five foot strip which should be thirty six feet and a rear yard of seventeen feet which would normally require thirty feet. He noted that the property can be served by private sewer and water lines at the expense of the owner. He also noted that there was a drainage problem existing in the area. .Mayor Nawrocki noted that there were three items which should be of concern to the Cullens. The first would be that there should be sufficient cover on the sewer line coming in from the street to prevent it from freezing. He also stated that the drainage water would be ponding someplace in the area during a wet year. He further noted that nothing should be done with the grades to worsen any existing drainage problems that .neighboring properties may have. Councilman Norberg asked City Engineer Brown if he had any objections to having the record show that the City Engineer registered his opinion that there would be no adverse effect on the water drainage to adjoining properties. Mr. Brown stated that he would not have any objections to this. Motion by Norber9, Seconded by Hentges to grant the thirteen foot back yard variance and the one foot variance on the access according to the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and based upon the clear hardship of topographical features. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki asked the record to show that the City Manager will see that the grades which have been discussed this evening which would minimize any chance of adverse drainage problems on Lhe adjoining properties, that those grades will be maintained in the development of the property. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz that the plan with the grades for this development be made a part of the record of this meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes August 23, 1976 -323- CAR X SYSTEMS 4457 CENTRAL AVENUE REQUEST FOR SIGNAGE Mr. Watson stated that there was a request from Car X Systems to appear before the Council at this meeting to discuss their need for additional signage. Mr. M. W. Peickert introduced himself as the franchisee operator of the Car X Muffler Shop at 4457 Central Avenue. He noted that his request was to put lettering on the building to identify it. He noted that this building appears very naked and many people approach him asking just what kind of business operates there, if any. Mr. Peickert explained that he has a substantial investment in the business. He noted that something must be done to improve business; and he felt the wall sign would do this, as well as improve the aesthetics of the property. Mr. Peickert introduced Mr. Jack Lawrence of Signcrafters, who presented pictures to the Council of the various Car X shops. He stated that the shop at 4457 Central was the only one of forty that did not have some form of identification on the building. Mr. Lawrence noted that there are many establishments in Columbia Heights that have building identification. Mayor Nawrocki suggested changing the copy on the present large, free standing sign to explain the business more fully. Mr. Lawrence noted that they did not design the copy, they were merely using the same sign as all the other Car X dealers. Mayor Nawrocki asked what the City Manager was recommending in this case. Mr. Watson stated that he was going to suggest using the space on the large sign differently, but since the sign was standard, this could not be done. Councilman Logacz noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission had created a committee to look at the City's present sign ordinance. He noted that perhaps the part of the ordinance that prohibited this wall sign because of the number of square footage of signage already on the property would be changed. Jack Lawrence noted that Mr. Peickert is a tax payer who should be given some consideration. -324- August 23, 1976 Mr. Watson noted that he wou]d like the Sign Committee to give consideration to situations like this one. Mr. Watson further noted that under the present laws it would not be lega} to grant this request for signage. Mayor Nawrocki reiterated that according to the present laws, nothing could be done. He suggested that Hr. Lawrence and Mr. Peickert wait to see the results of the Sign Committee's work. Mr. Lawrence asked if a waiver or variance could be granted to allow this sign. Attorney Kalina noted that waivers are granted for hardships in topographical matters, not economic ones. No action was taken on this item. MRS. MARIE DEMETRU CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 4219 CENTRAL AVENUE Mr. Watson explained that Mrs. Demetru had operated a gift shop in Minneapolis, and the police there verified that it was a clean, quiet establishment. Mayor Nawrocki asked about the number of parking spaces. There was some discussion as to the exact number of spaces but Mr. Watson explained that there was amp]e parking based on the size and type of the business. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to grant the conditional use permit to Mrs. Marie Demetru to operate a gift shop at 4219 Central Avenue Northeast as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes WARREN TRUDEAU 1651 37th AVENUE SUBDIVISION REQUEST Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg that the lot subdivision request of Warren Trudeau be denied. Roll Call: All Ayes It was noted that this item had been referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their consideration, and they had denied the request. Mr. Trudeau had stated that he would appeal this denial to the City Council, but he was not present at this meeting. August 23, 1976 -325- RECESS 10:27 P. M. RECONVENE 10:42 P. M. REQUEST TO PURCHASE RADIO EQUIPMENT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT Mr. Watson referred the matter to Don Johnson, Fire Chief, who spoke of the problems with the present communications, system. Mayor Nawrocki asked how the equipment that was proposed for purchase would tie in with the Anoka County system for alerting and dispatching. Chief Johnson explained that it would be compatible with the County system and with the innovations the County may be going to. Chief Johnson noted that he would like to request monies for priorities one and two as outlined in his report of July 23. He noted that these deal with up-dating the ambulance and rescue equipment and pagers for the alerting system. Chief Johnson noted that he had been working with Henry Bruns, communications expert with the State Highway Department, on determining the problems and needs of the City of Columbia Heights. Chief Johnson explained the present problems with various frequencies and how these would be alleviated with the new equipment. Councilman Norberg suggested the possibility of using less equipment to accomplish some problem solving results. He stated that he thought the proposed system was undesirably complex. Councilman Logacz said that Chief Johnson had put a lot of work and consideration into this request and it is the combination that he thinks will work. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges that the City join in the State bidding system for the purpose of accepting the bid listed as priorities one and three in Chief Johnson's report and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for priorities one and three and that bids be awarded on priorities one and three as indicated in Chief Johnson's report. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay -326- August 2J, 1976 Motion by togacz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize the City Manager to advertise for bids on priority two in Chief Johnson's report and that bids be opened at 2:00 p.m. on September 23 with a report to the Council at the following regular Council meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Councilman Norberg noted that he would like a copy of the specs on priority two. REQUEST TO PURCHASE CABLE LOCATOR No action was taken on this item. CONTRACT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES ON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Mr. Watson noted that it was stated in a letter from Dean Otterson, City Planner, that it was desirable to proceed with further work on the downtown study. He noted that this would require consulting services at this stage. Mr. 0tterson was requesting to be authorized to contract for these services. It was noted that a company had been found who would do this work for between $5,000 and $6,000. It was also noted that this amount had been projected in the Budget. There was much general discussion on this item. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by togacz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into joint agreement with the Housing Authority for services of Rieke, Carroll, Muller Associates, Inc. for consulting services on the downtown development project in a total amount not to exceed $6,000 to be divided equally between the City through its Planning budget and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay REQUEST FROM PROPERTY OWNERS ON 40TH AVENUE AND JEFFERSON STREET TO WIDEN THE APPROACH TO 40TH AVENUE TO ~ FEET WIDE It was reported that the two property owners on the north side of QOth Avenue request that the curb return be extended the length of their lots to where the east-west alleys are platted (approximately 130 feet) August 23, 1976 -327- It was noted that this may help to eliminate some traffic conjestion for cars coming south and wishing to make a right turn and also for emergency vehicles swinging onto Jefferson Street from the west. Mr. Watson noted that the request seemed reasonable. George Brown, City Engineer, npted that there would not necessarily be any great change in cost. He estimated approximately $900 for the added width. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to negotiate a change order to authorize the increased width on Jefferson Street north of 4Otb Avenue subject to the concurrence of the property owners. Roll Call: All Ayes City Engineer Brown reported that there were twenty rock driveways in the City construction area that were not paved with asphalt or concrete. He explained that the contractor is obliged to replace this rock after the construction in the area is completed. Mr. Brown suggested having the contractor put asphalt on these drives to eliminate the need for putting in the rock and also for eliminating the rock from washing into the street. He noted that it would make for a cleaner pFoject. Mr. Brown explained the costs involved and noted that it would cost approximately $52 per driveway. It was noted that the cost would be spread across the whole project, but that it wouldn't increase the overall project cost very much. Mr. Brown noted that the asphalt would only be put in the right of ways in the driveways. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize a change order to allow asphalting twenty driveway approaches at a cost of $3.00 per square yard within the public right of way. Roll Call: All Ayes Police Chief Anderson reported that he was in the process of planning a school training program for the police. He stated that each officer would receive training in the field or fields where it was needed. This training would take place at the State Crime Bureau and could last for up to ten days. He also noted that he would like authorization to submit an application to the State Crime Bureau to send one sergeant to a three week school at Northwestern University on administrative use of police data. He noted -328- August 23, 1976 that the Crime Bureau would be funding fifty percent of a limited number of applications, and although the school was not until April of 1977, he wished to get the application in early, so as to have a better chance at the funding. The school would normally cost approximately $]3i0, which would come down to $650 if funded. MorTon by :!orberg, Seconded by Logacz to grant the request to file the application for funding on the school at North- western University for a po]ice sergeant. Roll Call: All Ayes APPOINTMENT TO INSURANCE COMMITTEE Hr. Watson noted that Mr. Louise]le's name had been submitted to serve on the City's insurance committee. Mr. Watson also sugggested the possibility of having Mr. Ka]ina serve as an .ex officio member of this committee, representing the City. No action was taken on having Mr. Kalina serve. Motion by Hentges,Seconded by Logacz to table the appointment to the Insurance Committee. Roll Call: All Ayes General discussion followed on who could be appointed to the committee. It was noted that other alternatives would be checked. An interview with Mr. Louise]le was also suggested. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AD HOC TREE AND LANDSCAPING COMMITTEE It was noted that Mr. gustafson, Public Works Director, had come up with the idea for this committee when he saw the need for an effective tree ordinance in the City of Columbia Heights. It was also noted that the committee's main purpose would be to draft this type of ordinance. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to appoint Councilmen Norberg and Logacz as Council representatives to the Tree and Landscaping Committee. Roll Cai]: All Ayes Motion by Hentges, Seconded by togacz that the meeting be recessed until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 24, ]976 and that the remaining agenda items be considered at that time. Roll Cai]: All Ayes The Meeting was recessed at ]2:59 a.m. Secretary Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor