HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 12, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 12, 1976
The Meeting was called to order at 8:07 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--present
Hentges--absent
Mayor Nawrocki noted that Councilman Hentges was at another meeting
and would join the Council at a later time.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to name Karen DeBruin
secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
INVOCATION
Invocation was given by Reverend Minehart of Community United
Methodist Church.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to approve the minutes of the
September 27 meeting as presented in writing and the reading be
dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
City Manager Watson asked the Council if they would delete bill
number 19436 to the Anoka County Treasurer from the list of bills.
He explained the reason for this as being that a portion of the
check was for tax records which the County agreed to supply free
of charge. He noted that another check would be issued in the
proper amount and would be on the list of bills for the next
meeting. Mayor Nawrocki asked that bill number 18104 to Northwestern
Bell Telephone, which was stricken from the list at a previous
meeting, be put on this list for payment. Mayor Nawrocki also
asked that bill number 18547 to Dunkley Surfacing be taken off
the list because his question regarding the completion of the
seal coat project had not yet been anwered. Mr. Watson noted
that the question had been referred to the Engineering Department.
Discussion was also held on bill number 18521 to an auto body shop.
Mr. Watson explained that several months ago a piece of grader blade
had been broken off a city vehicle and had stuck in the snow. A
privately owned automobile struck this grader blade and was asking
the City to pay this bill, which was to be reimbursed by the insur-
ance company of that individual. It was suggested that this bill go
directly to the insurance company.
October 12, 1976
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to pay the bills as listed
out of their proper accounts, with the exception of bills 1852l,
18436, and 18547 which would be stricken from the list; and bill
number 18104. Roll Call: All Ayes
BIDS ON HOUSE AT 547 MILL STREET
Mr. Watson noted that at the bid opening on September 30, only
one bid had been received; this being in an amount of $50 from
Mr. Robert Bossart of 4220 6th Street Northeast.
Mr, Watson noted that he had been contacted by another couple
who would be interested in the house, and he also noted that
there was another party who was interested but had not bid
because of the short amount of time which had been allotted for
the house to be moved after the award of bid.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg that the bid received on
the Schwartz house at 547 Mill Street be rejected because the
figure is not believed to be responsive to the value of the
property. Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the City
Manager to ca]] for bids on the Schwartz house at 547 Mill
Street. Roll Ca]]: All Ayes
It was noted that an advertisement for bids on the Schwartz
house should appear in the Minneapolis paper, as well as the
Sun newspaper. The bids will be opened on November ]O, 1976
at 2:00 p.m.
BIDS ON LOT ON 38TH AVENUE (APPROXIMATE ADDRESS-S70 38TH AVENUE)
Mr. Watson noted that Mr. Bossart was the only bidder on the lot,
he had bid it in conjunction with the house at 547 Mill Street.
Mr. Bossart had offered $4,690 for the lot.
Mr. Watson recommended rejection of the bid since there was no
commitment for a structure to be placed on it at this time.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to reject the bid for the
property at 570 3~th Avenue. Roll Ca]]: All Ayes
OTHER BIDS
Mr. Watson informed the Council that he would like to advertise
the Tema house at 627 38th Avenue for sale along with the house
at 547 Mill Street.
October 12, 1976
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager
to call for bids on the house at 627 38th Avenue.
Mayor Nawrocki asked if the house met requirements in terms of
size. Building Inspector Arden Hovland stated that the overall
size of the house would, but that he was not sure about
individual rooms.
Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges--aye
Nawrocki--nay
Mayor Nawrocki noted that he did not see the advantage to the
community to move the house somewhere else.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 856
AMENDING THE BOND ORDINANCE
The second reading of the ordinance was held.
Councilman Norberg asked if the ordinance needed a 4/5 vote
to pass. Mr. Watson replied that this was correct.
Councilman Norberg noted that he was opposed to the ordinance
in principle, but he was aware that Councilman Hentges was in
favor of it, so he would vote aye for Councilman Hentges, since
the ordinance would have been passed if it were not for his
absence.
Ordinance Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz. Roll Call:
All Ayes
REQUEST FOR AN ALLEY LIGHT BETWEEN 44TH AVENUE AND 45TH AVENUE
THIRD STREET AND UNIVERSITY AVENUE
Mr. Watson noted that this request had come from Mr. Slininger
of 4429 Third Street because of vandalism occurring in the area.
He suggested holding a hearing on November 8. He noted that
this alley light was an assessable item and there was some
general discussion on this.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager
to call a special meeting for the purpose of a hearing on alley
lighting from 44th Avenue to 45th Avenue, Third Street to
University Avenue, on Monday evening, November 8 at 7:00 p.m.
before the regular meeting of the City Council. Roll Call:
All Ayes
REQUEST TO PURCHASE ONE HUNDRED MAPLE TREES
Mr. Gustafson, Public Works Director, noted that he had become
aware of hard maple trees between eight and twelve feet in
height that the City could purchase for approximately $8.00 each.
October 12, 1976
Mr. gustafson noted that the trees were not nursery stock but
had been growing in the wild. He noted that these trees would
not be p]anted on boulevards and in parks immediate]y. He
explained that they would be p]anted between the tennis courts
and the railroad ditch in Huset Park until they were a little
older. Mr. Gustafson also stated that the trees would cost
about $35 each if purchased from a nursery, and the City could
acquire ]OO for $800 delivered cost.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that he thought this was a very good idea.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the City
Manager to expend up to $800 for Maple Trees. Roll Call: All Ayes
REQUEST FOR PAINT PURCHASE
Mayor Nawrocki noted that Councilman Hentges had been
interested in this item and he deferred it until Councilman
Hentges joined the meeting.
PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS:
RAYNOLD BARTOS--4807 WASHINGTON STREET
VARIANCE FOR GARAGE ADDITION
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to approve the variance for
a garage addition for Rayno]d Bartos of 4807 Washington Street,
as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call:
All Ayes
Councilman Norberg noted that the hardship would be the steep
grade.
Mayor Nawrocki asked if something was wrong with the ordinance
governing variances and so forth since a hardship always had to
be shown in order to grant the variance. He said that maybe a
change should be considered.
Attorney Kalina noted that there may be a problem with this
because then everyone would be entitled to have their request
granted and there would be no source of control.
BRIDGEMAN~S--APPEAL FROM DENIAL
REQUEST FOR VARIANCE FOR SIGN
This item was deferred until later in the meeting because the
representative from Bridgeman's was not yet present.
October 12, 1976
CHARLES OLSON--4056 JEFFERSON STREET
REQUEST FOR A SET BACK VARIANCE
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to grant the variance to
Charles Olson as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Councilman Norberg noted that the hardship was based upon the
existing structures and the narrow shape of the lot.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEM:
RECOMMENDED PLACEMENT OF A '~NO U TURN" SIGN AT 47TH AVENUE
AND JEFFERSON STREET
Motion by Norberg to refer this item back to the Traffic Commission
for a hearing.
Councilman Heintz noted that both ends of the divided section
on Jefferson Street should be signed for No U Turn.
Attorney Kalina noted that the legality of a U turn for that
location must be considered. He explained that 1000 feet
visibility is needed to make a U turn.
It was noted that the request for the signage came from the
Police Chief.
The motion to refer the matter back to the Traffic Commission
was seconded by Heintz. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki stated that the matter of legality should be checked
and reported to the people at the public hearing.
PROCLAMATION DECLARING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1976 TO BE
IIHALLOWEEN" IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS~ MINNESOTA
I, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights
do hereby declare Saturday, October 30, 1976 to be
"Halloween" in the City of Columbia Heights and do further
recommend to all our citizens to exercise extra care in driving
that evening in anticipation of encourtering many costumed
'~ghosts and goblins" along the streets of our community.
Mr. Watson informed the Council of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee
Meeting for 9:00 a.m. Monday, October 18 at the State Office
Building. He noted that Mr. Rozmark of the Park Department would
be attending. He also noted that he would like to attend.
October 12, 1976
Councilman Norberg asked if a presentation by the City of
Columbia Heights would be made. Mr. Watson answered that he
may speak on the disposal of diseased trees. Councilman
Heintz asked about inquiring about the possibility of having
the state give the City trees or subsidizing the City for them.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that the meeting sounded like one called
for public comment on proposed regulations and that this should
be checked out.
Mayor Nawrocki forwarded some information on Dutch Elm disease
programs to Vern Rozmark, who is working as the City's coordinator
on this project.
LICENSES
There was some discussion on the license applications, but it was
decided to defer further consideration of these until after the
recess.
RECESS 9:16 P.M.
RECONVENE 9:44 P.M.
LICENSES
There was discussion on the license application for Mr. Vanick
for on and off sale beer at 4002 Central Avenue (Grand Central
Station). It was noted that a condition of the license was
that the applicant be a resident of Columbia Heights. Mr.
Vanick noted that he could establish residency within three
months.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the licenses
as listed upon payment of proper fees and that the license for
Mr. Vanick for 4002 Central Avenue be contingent on his
establishing residency in the City of Columbia Heights within
ninety days. Roll Call: All Ayes
PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM:
BRIDGEMAN~S--APPEAL FROM DENIAL
REQUEST FOR VARIANCE FOR SIGN
Mr. Hark Raische of Leroy Signs was at the meeting to present
the appeal of Bridgeman's for a variance for a sign. Mr. Raische
apologized that the representative from Bridgeman's was not
present, but he explained that he was called out of town.
Mayor Nawrocki commented that Mark Raische was not the property
owner of the property in question.
October 12, 1976
Mr. Watson noted that the Planning Commission, in acting upon
this request, noted that the proposal as set forth by
Bridgeman's did create a sign that was smaller, more
aesthetic, and more desirable for the area. It was further
noted that in order to be consistent with
past requests of a similar nature (specifically, Car X Systems)
it was decided that this request should be denied.
Mr. Watson sketched the existing sign and the proposed sign on
the blackboard in order to compare size. The present sign is
254½ square feet per face. The proposed sign would be 88 square
feet per face, considerably smaller. The present ordinance
allows for 100 square feet per face, with a total of up to
150 square feet on both sides. The total of the proposed sign
is 176 square feet.
Councilman Logacz noted that he felt the proposed sign would
be a definite improvement, but a problem existed in that a
committee was currently working on finalizing a sign ordinance
for consideration by the City Council. He spoke about the
proposed ordinance and noted that there was a possibility that
free standing signs such as the one proposed would be
eliminated. He further noted that if this was done, a grade
period of up to five years would be allowed for businesses
to take down their signs.
Councilman Hentges joined the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
Mr. Raische noted that Bridgeman's would be willing to take the
sign down after a reasonable grace period, should this
stipulation go into effect.
Councilman Norberg noted that the sign could not be granted under
the present ordinance unless a justification or hardship could be
shown.
Mr. Raische noted that Bridgeman's was not in the same position
as Car X Systems because when Car X requested their sign, it was
already up, they had to fight for it. He noted that Bridgeman's
had not yet constructed the sign they were asking for.
Mayor rlawrocki noted that this sign would be a step in the
right direction, it would be more aesthetic.
Councilman Norberg noted that the Council had no base on which
to grant the variance. Attorney Kalina noted that this was true.
He explained that the present Bridgeman's sign was legal because
it existed prior to the adoption of the sign code.
October 12, 1976
Mayor Nawrocki argued that this proposed sign was smaller than
the present one; therefore making it less objectionable.
Mayor Nawrocki instructed the attorney to draft an amendment
to the ordinance to make signs in cases such as this a]]owab]e.
He noted that this should be done because it creates a lesser
non-conforming sign than presently existing. He suggested that
the property owners who changed their signs could sign an
agreement to go along with the provisions of whatever sign
ordinance would be passed in the future.
There was much discussion on this suggestion.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to deny the appeal for
a variance for a sign for Bridgeman~s. Roll Call: Logacz,
Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay
Mayor Nawrocki asked about the amendment to the ordinance.
Motion by Hentges to instruct the City Attorney to draft an
ordinance amending the present sign ordinance to allow
construction of signs which would be lesser non-conforming
because of their size and which would require concurrence by
the owner of any such replacement sign to agree to abide by
any changes that may come about by new ordinances governing
signs.
This motion was seconded by the Chair.
Councilman Heintz noted that he understood the plight and the
situation at this location but he fe]t it would be like
"opening the Pandora's box." He also disagreed with the
grammatical use of "lesser non-conforming~' to describe the
situation. He did not feel it meant what it was intended to
mean.
Councilman Norberg noted that consideration of this ordinance
could delay anything that might be done on the proposed ordinance
as drafted by the Sign Code Committee. Mayor Nawrocki disagreed.
Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--nay
October 12, 1976
REQUEST FOR PAINT PURCHASE
Public Works Director Gustafson explained that the priming of the
exterior of the service center building took less paint than what
had been purchased, so the interior of the building was primed.
He noted also that total costs have been under what was anticipated.
He explained that he would like to purchase 25 gallons of paint
for the ceiling over the mechanics workbays to help eliminate
lighting costs on bright days. The balance of the ceiling
would require an additional 85 gallons of paint with the
ultimate purchase request being $1,O10.44.
Councilman Hentges suggested going further and painting also
the bottom half of the building.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the City
Manager to expend $1,O10.44 to paint the interior of the Service
Center.
Mayor Nawrocki asked how much additional paint would be needed
to carry out Councilman Hentges' suggestion.
This item was carried over until computations could be made.
REQUEST TO REPLACE A WHITE WAY LIGHT STANDARD ON 4OTH AVENUE
Mr. Watson noted that the light standard was knocked down
by a party who's insurance company would re-imburse the City
for the replacement. He further noted that the replacement
would cost $875.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg that the City Manager be
authorized to expend up to $875 to replace a white way standard
at 4Oth Avenue and 4th Street subject to agreement of the
insurance company of the driver who knocked it down. Roll Call:
All Ayes
REQUEST FROM FIRE CHIEF TO ATTEND THE CAN-AM AND MINNESOTA
STATE FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN ALBERT LEA ON
OCTOBER 21 THROUGH 23
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to authorize registration
and expenses for the Fire Chief to attend the Can-Am and
Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association Conference in Albert
Lea on October 21 through 23. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz,
Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--abstain
REQUEST FROM SEWER AND WATER SUPERINTENDENT TO ATTEND A CONFERENCE
ON WASTE WATER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT AT MADISON WISCONSIN ON
NOVEMBER 8 THROUGH 10
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to authorize registration and
expenses for the Sewer and Water Superintendent to attend a conference
on Waste Water Collection and Treatment at Madison, Wisconsin on
November 8 through 10. Roll Call: All Ayes
October 12, 1~)7~
Mr. Gustafson reported that it would cost approximately an
additional $517 to complete the painting in the Service Center.
The main motion as stated previously in the meeting is:
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the City
Manager to expend $1,010.4~ to paint the interior of the
Service Center.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to amend the motion to
include an additional $517 for paint to complete the
painting of the basement of the Service Center. Roll Call
on Amendment: All Ayes
Roll Call on Main Motion including amendment: All Ayes
CONSIDERATION OF TIME SCHEDULE ON REGULAR MEETINGS
Mr. Watson noted that this item was placed on the agenda at
the request of some of the Council members.
Councilman Heintz asked if the present schedule of meetings
(second and fourth Mondays of the month at 8:00 p.m.) was set
up by resolution. It was noted that the regular meetings were
set up by resolution as called for in the Charter, and special
meetings were set up by specific Council actions.
Councilman Heintz spoke of the possibility of starting regular
meetings at 7:00 p.m. and conducting no official business
after 12:00. He said the first and third Mondays could be used
for additional meetings if needed. He noted that the Council
members all have regular full time jobs that they are
responsible for and the staff are also expected to be at work
doing their jobs.
Councilman Norberg noted that the Council's discussions seem to
expand to fill the available time. He noted that adding on to
meetings or having more would just cause more discussion. He
noted that he would like to see some procedural changes when it
comes to last minute items.
Councilman Heintz suggested that people who walk in to Council
meetings with problems should be referred to the staff.
It was also suggested that the City Manager be knowledgeable about
all items on the agenda or which may come up and be prepared to
make recommendations and explanations, or have someone at the
meeting who can.
Councilman Logacz stated that he believed the effectiveness
of the Council and the staff is lessened, both at the meeting
and the next day at work, when meetings run late. He noted
that the day of a meetin( is a long stretch to be effectively
functioning and it's very tiring.
October 12, 1976
It was noted that it takes time to resolve problems.
Councilman Heintz was asking the City Manager to prepare the
agenda in such a way so that no new items of business come up
after midnight.
Councilman Logacz suggested that the Council try to limit
themselves instead of making major procedural changes.
Mayor Nawrocki began a lengthy presentation in which he
stated that he would never vote for the kinds of limitations
being proposed. He explained that he would '~rather be accused
of letting a meeting run too late than cutting a meeting
too short." He would not consciously try to cut anyone off.
He emphasized that he believes in conducting public business
at public meetings. He also said that people have different
ideas of what is repetitious and what it meaningful. He also
mentioned the idea of freedom of speech being a major part of
representative government. He noted that he tries to take care
of citizens with items on the agenda at an early time so they
are not made to wait. He also noted that the Council gets paid
for what they are doing. He told the staff that if the business
is cut off on one night, it will have the tendency to be carried
over to the next night. Mayor Nawrocki then noted
that the Council had an option based on parliamentary
procedure: to move to limit debate on a particular subject.
If seconded and passed, this motion would make it necessary to
end the discussion and possibly take some kind of action on what
was being discussed.
Councilman Heintz noted that no one was saying that they did not
believe in the right to freedom of speech.
Councilman Logacz noted that he brings items of concern which
other Council members might bring up under "Old and New
Business'l directly to the staff. Mayor Nawrocki again spoke
of public business at a public meeting.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to limit debate on this
subject.
This motion was not recognized by the Chair, but it was noted
that the Council would now go on to Old and New Business.
Councilman Norberg noted that he had not contacted the County
on the matter of payroll deductions which was discussed at the
last meeting. Mayor Nawrocki noted that it had been taken care
of, and that the County would be instituting the desired changes
at no charge.
October 12, 1976
Mayor Nawrocki noted that a letter was sent to Hayors,
City Managers, and County Commissioners in Anoka County
concerning the proposed ordinance regarding restricting
alcohol in parks to poll their opinions and see what enforce-
ments they are using, if any.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 858
BEING AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO CERTAIN REPLACEMENT SIGNS IN THE
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The first reading of this ordinance was held. This is the
ordinance the attorney had been instructed to draft
earlier in the meeting.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to refer this ordinance
to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation.
Roll Call: All Ayes
The Council was reminded of the general membership meeting of the
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities on October 21 at the
Brooklyn Center Civic Center. It was noted that voting would be
held on legislative policies.
Mr. Watson reminded the Council of the joint meeting of the
Council and the Park Board scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on
October 13.
Mr. Watson noted that he had received the appraisal on the
Johnson house at 545 Mill Street.
There was some discussion on grade problems on construction sites
in the City. Mr. Gustafson reported on slopes and embankments.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at 12:35 a.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg--aye
Heintz, Hentges--nay
Nawrocki--abstain
Mayor Nawrocki then change0:
was adjourned.
his vote to aye angl the mee/ting
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Se~'r~ ta ry