HomeMy WebLinkAboutNov 10, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
NOVEMBER 10, 1976
The meeting was called to order at 7:17 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norber§, Hentges, Nawrocki--present
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to name Karen DeBruin secretary for
the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF MEETING
Mayor Nawrocki noted that the purpose of this meeting was to continue the
hearing on the re-platting of "Columbia Court."
HEARING ON "COLUMBIA COURT"
City Manager Watson had not yet arrived at the meeting. Administrative Ass-
istant Timothy Yantos noted that Mr. Watson had prepared a report in writing
covering points of concern on this proposed plat. He then deferred to Public
Works Director Gustafson to further explain the report and answer any questions.
Mr. Gustafson re-iterated some of the points of the report. He also noted that
he concurs with the report.
Mayor Nawrocki asked what would happen if the Central Avenue Urbanization did
not go through. Mr. Gustafson stated that the flooding of 49th Avenue and
Central Avenue, and 49½ Avenue and Monroe Street would continue. Mr. Gus-
tafson explained the sizes of the sewer lines and the direction of their
flow.
Councilman Norberg asked if it was true that the flooding that could occur
from this development would really occur at 49th Avenue and Central Avenue,
and 49½ Avenue and Monroe Street and not at the site. Mayor Nawrocki also
wanted to know if this was true. Mr. Gustafson replied that it would be
true under certain conditions.
Mr. Watson entered the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that he would like a statement for the record from Mr.
Watson. He asked if the plan as proposed would:
1. Aggravate any drainage problem with the properties to the. east of the
plat, and
Whether any responsibilities the City should be meeting, relative to
drainage of that area, are being left unmet by virtue of the acceptance
of this plan.
Mr. Watson replied that this development would not appreciably change the
existing conditions to the east.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that it has been indicated that with the development,
as proposed and without the urbanization of Central Avenue, the water problem
at 49th Avenue and Central Avenue will be worsened which will, in turn,
worsen problems at 49½ Avenue and Monroe Street.
-boLl- Ho~ember 10, 1976
H, ayor Nawrocki repeated his ciuestion, and indicated that the wanted a
yes or r,o answer for the record:
1. Viill any drainage prob!ems be adversely affected by the develop-
ment, and
2. Will there be any City responsibilities left unmet if this project
were to be carried out as proposed.
~'::'. ~atson noted that the cirainage situation is similar to others through-
out the City. He asked Hr. Gustafson for his opinion.
Hr. Gustafson noted that he was more cc. mfortable with this development
from a drainage standpoint than he would be witi~ more development farther
south, near K-Hart.
Mayor Nawrocki asked again if there was something which should have been
considered but would be left unconsidered if this plat was passed and/or
if t!his developrqent would in any way aggravate any drainage problem to the
east.
Hr. /4arson rep]ie6 that if a bad drainage condition existed and nothing
was done to improve the situation and water got into some yards after a
heavy storn':, then the same type of thing could happen with this develop-
men t:.
Mayor Nawrocki asked if any drainage problem would be aggravated and Mr.
L~atson replied that the situation, [n his estime:tion, would not be aggra-
vated.
Councilman Logacz noted that there would always be a problem with any
type of development, The real question was whether or not development
was desired. He also noted that ~v~e have to depend on the people who are
going to be developing---hopeful]Y they wi]] use ~ood judgement in trying
to solve the problems,"
Motic. n by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, to approve the p]at plan, including
grades as indicated.
Counc:i]man Hentges inquired as to whether or not the City had ail the ease-
ments, necessary and relative to this plat. He was assured that they did.
Bob G;uzy, an attorney in Columbia Heights, noted that the City can control
development on these sites with building permits. Hayor Nawrocki noted
that there are two points of control: ]) at the time of platting and
2) with building permits.
The subject of a required I01~ Farkland or equivalent donation was discussed.
There were people present who felt that the St~,C, O0, which is 5~ of the
value of the property, was a reasonable donation in lieu of the 10~ speci-
fied in the ordinance. F~ayor Nawrocki noted that it was reasonable to ex-
pect that people ~ho work in establishments are entitled to decent recrea-
tional facilities. He noted that Columbia Heights is short on recreational
facilities.
November 10, 1976 -405-
There was discussion on what else should be considered before voting on
whether or not to approve this plat.
The revised motion read as follows:
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that the Council approve the pre-
liminary plat of 'lColumbia Court" as presented to the Council subject to
the receipt of $14,000 park contribution and the dedication of all the nec-
essary drainage easements, areas for water storage, and all City and water
easements.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that he would vote against the motion for reasons as
he has noted before. He stated that he wants to see good development and
he does not feel that splitting up the land was in the best interests of
the City. He also noted that it behooves the Council to do everything it
could to make sure that all the problems are considered and weighed.
There was lengthy discussion on various aspects of the plat plan.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to amend the original motion to re-
quire one-way traffic north on the service road and to ban parking on the
interior of 51st Court. Roll Call: All Ayes
Rolt Call on motion including amendment:
Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges-
--Iaye
Nawrocki .... nay Motion carries.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Secretary
KD/bap