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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNov 22, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 22, 1976 The meeting was called to order at 8:04 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present NAMING OF SECRETARY Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to name Karen DeBruin secre- tary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes INVOCATION In his invocation, Reverend McEachern of Oak Hill Baptist Church prayed for a short meeting with the business handled expediently and effic- iently. PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to pay the bills as listed, out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes There was some discussion on Mayor Nawrocki's concern on the sweeping portion of the seal coat project. The Mayor indicated that he did not feel that the sweeping of the excess aggregate was complete. He noted that he had checked several of the streets and found loose rock. Acting Public Works Director Clayton Berg noted that Dunkley Surfacing, who had been contracted for the seal coat project, had been called back twice to re-sweep the streets. He noted that the rock would keep loosening for a while. There was some discussion on what amount could be withheld from Dunkley to ensure that the streets would be swept again. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to release payment to Dunk~ey Surfacing with the exception of $500 pending clean-up. Amendment by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to increase the amount to $1000. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges,---aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki---nay Motion for amendment is defeated. Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg---aye Nawrocki, Hentges---nay Motion on payment is carried. November 22, 1976 BIDS ON CITY O~,iNED LOTS ON .~iOTH AVENUE NEAP, STINSON BOULEVARD Hr. Watson opened the bids at this meeting. John H. Hanson bid in the amount of S5,~O0 for Lot: h, S5,500 for Lot 5, $7,500 for Lot 6, $7,500 for Lot 7, and S6,5OO for Lot: 8. h!arvin Anderson Construction Co., bid $2,000 for Lots ~,~,(i,7, and 8 predicated on the developer having to install pilings or removal of bad soil and replacement with compacted dirt because of the area being a filled area. In the event of none of th(: above, nor other special foundation requiremenLs are necessary for FHA acceptance, the bidder agrees to increase the bid to $~;,~OO per lot. Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Watson if he was Frepared to make a recommendation. Hr. Watson noted that under the circumstances he ~ou]d recommend awarding the bid on lots 1~,5,6,7, and ~, to John ~.'.. Hanson of 1~ 3gth Avenue. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the bids for the City owned lots on both Pvenue and Stinson Boulevard be awarded to John Y. Hanson on the basis of high responsible bid, and to auth- orize the preparation of an ordinance for the sale of same. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON PLAYGROUND E~UIPMENT It was noted that John Hurzyn, Park Superintendent, wanted to do further investigation on the bids received. RE-SCHEDULE BIDS O1J VAN-TYPE VEHICLE FOR COh!MUNITY SERVICE OFFICER Notion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the date for the bid openin~ on the van-type vehicle for the Community Service Officer be re-scheduled for 2:00 Thursday, December ~, ]~7( with a report to the Council at their next regular meeting. Ro]] Ca]]: All Ayes OTHER BIDS Hr. Watson reported th8t several weeks ago the Police Department submitted informal information on the type of vehicles in which they would be interested in preparation for their formal bids for police vehicles. He noted that these bids were back in, and if the City wished to participate they must let Hennepin County know by December lOth. Hr. Watson also noted that it was possible to purchase cars under this bid because o¢ a ~oint agreement. He also noted that it seemed advisable to take advantage of this and proceed with a purchase agreement for vehicles as bid with the Hennepin County bid. Police Chief Anderson explained that ~he po]ice squad cars were extremely close to the specifications which have been used by the City of Columbia Heights in the past. He noted that they were avail- ,able for $~,615.60 which is SJ~}.~O per car' ]ess than was paid for Po]ice vehicles in August of this year. He further stated that a po]ice adminstration vehicle was available for $3,781.O9. November 22, 1976 Chief Anderson was requesting two police vehicles and one admini- station vehicle from the 1977 budget. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the 1977 budget had not yet been approved. Motion by Hentges to deny the request because the budget is not approved. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for purchase of two squad cars at a price of $4,615 each and one police adminstration vehicle for $3,781.09 based on low competitive bids through Hennepin County Joint Purchasing. There was some discussion on which cars would remain in use by the Police Department and how many miles were on these cars. There was also some discussion on the practice of charging maintenance against a specifica vehicle to keep better track of what is required on each vehicle instead of charging it to the department under a gen- eral category as being a more effective way to deal with maintenance. Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki---aye Norberg, Hentges---nay Motion Carries Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be directed to dispose, from the City vehicle pool, an equal number of vehicles to the number of vehicles purchased and delivered. Heintz asked if this meant a vehicle would be disposed of when a new one went on the road and it was noted that this was the intent. Mayor Nawrocki noted that perhaps this motion should be tabled until later in the meeting when Fire Chief Don Johnson presented his request for a vehicle. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to table this motion until later in the meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki---aye Norberg, Hentges---nay Motion Carries FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE #859 The first reading was held on Ordinance #859 releasing and clarifying an easement on property on the north side of 39th Avenue, west of Reservoir Bouelvard, which covered the entire lot on which a house is built. The easement is only needed for utility lines which lie under a strip of land under this lot. There was some discussion on setting Council policy on whether there should be a charge for this type of service and if so, how much. ,November 22, 1776 Motion by Norberg, seconded by Locacz, that the Council establish a policy to recover al~ thc: actual costs to the City in matters of this type. Councilman Norberg ncted that: this n:otion ?ncluded costs for pub- ]ishers, attorney and staff fees, and costs for necessary surveys. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges---aye Hawrocki .... nay RESOLUTION REGARDING COUNCIL r',EETIf~GS Councilman Norberg presented a reso]ution which was read by Hr. The resolution was offered b'/ Herber-g, seconded by Heintz, for pur- poses of discussion. Heintz Frcceeded to make additional suggest:ions, such as begin- n[ng regular meetings at 7:00 p.m., striking the whercassection, and setting the half-hour aside early in the meeting i~ needed. Councilman Norberg accepted all these chances. Amendment by Hentges to add a provision to the resolution to ho]d regular meetings every Nonda,/ night. Counci]rnan Hentges noted that there is a let of v:crk to be done. Councilman Heintz noted that he hoped the staff would prepare an agenda that could be resolved by midnight. Councilman Logacz spoke on ho~,; each Council perscn could he]p shorten meetings by' remembering that he was on the Council to provide service and not to "spin his ~flheeis.~' Mayor' Nawrocki told the Council that the resolution before them would not expedite meetings in any way, but that it would make things more complicated. He did note that one point ~hich perhaps made sense ~ould be to start meetings earlier. He stated that he felt they cou)d even start at ~:00 p.m., which would be better for staff members, but very difficult for some Council members, includ- ing himself. He noted that a Co,mci] person could move tc recess or table the re- mainder of an agenda to a ]~ter time, at any time during a meeting. He also noted that those on the Council have very rarely done this. There was some discussion on whether or not staff reports would be allowed to begin after' the 1]:/!~ cut-off point. November 22, 1976 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to table consideration of this resolution until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki---aye Hentges---nay Motion Carries A suggestion was made that perhaps the Council would consider making more boards and commissions to accommodate the other departments in the City. These boards would function in much the same manner as the Park Board is for the Park Department and the Planning and Zoning Commiss- ion for the Planning Department. They would consider items and make recommendations. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table consideration of this item until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes ADDENDUM TO ANOKA COUNTY CONTRACT Mr. Watson explained that by entering into this addendum, Anoka County agreed to handle the necessary maintenance on County roads if the City of Columbia Heights experienced any difficulty in fulfilling the agree- ment we presently have with them. Attorney Kalina noted that this wasa joint powers agreement which may be entered into by a simple motion. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to authorize the Mayor and the City Manager to enter into an addendum to the County Maintenance Agree- ment. Mayor Nawrocki stated that perhaps a provision should be incorporated in the contract that would state similar to "in no event shall the amount paid to the County under this addendum exceed the amount paid to the City under the current contract." Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the concern regarding the contract amounts shall be considered. Roll Call: All Ayes Roll Call on motion to enter into the addendum: All Ayes REPORT FROM ENGINEER LANG ON LABELLE PARK It was noted that Mr. Lang was a representative of the Wolverton Engin- eering Company who has worked on the LaBelle Park project and attended the Park Board meeting when it was discussed. Mr. Lang was to present revisions as proposed. The first item discussed was dredging. Hydraulic dredging had origin- ally been proposed. At the Park Board meeting it was suggested that the bulldozer scraper method be investigated. Mr. Lang noted that the costs for the two methods were approximately the same and hydraulic dredging is the simplest and cleanest method. November 22, 1976 Pathways were then discussed. There were suggested plans to improve the walkway along 40th Avenue and put in a path from the eastern edge of the floating bridge to the acquired tot on Circle Terrace. Diff- erent materials were suggested including bituminous surfaces, com- pacted limestone, and wood chips. Mr'. Lane recommended compacted limestone. Lighting of pathways was the next item of discussion. Councilman Logacz noted that there have been problems with free standing lights; many of them have had to be rep]aced. The possibility of getting the light to be as nearly vandal proof as ~ossibie was discussed. Other items which were discussed included proposed seating areas, play areas, and the proposed art structure and signa~e. Councilman Heintz noted that the purpose of this presentation was to make the Council aware of the changes and ideas on the LaBe]]e Park Project. Councilmen Hentges stated that this presentation could have been done at an informal joint meeting of the Park Board and the Council. Hr. Jim Wolverton stated that the Council would be giving final appro- val of the pians for the LaBelle Park Project. He did not know this presentation was just to keep the Council informed. Councilman Heintz stateci that this may have come to the Council a little prematurely. The subject of a money limit on the project was discussed. Hayor Nawrocki noted that there is on]7 a certain amount of money available for the project. He also noted that one of the things which should have been considered to date was how to cut down on costs. Councilman Heintz noted that the Park Board honestly did want a cost reduction. He also noted that the project must stay within the guide- lines of the grant. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, tc refer this back to the Park Board, with the intent of setting a meeting between the Park Board, the City' Council, the City Planner Dean Otterson, and Mr. Wolverton. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz~ Hentges, Nawrecki---aye Nerberg .... nay L I CENSES Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll (:all: All Ayes Mrs. Kuppe was present to discuss with the Ccuncil the way in which dealings between her family and the H.R.A. have been conducted. Nayor Nawrocki told ?,rs. Kuppe that: she could wor~ with Councilman Hentges If she has any more question.~, comments, or problems. November 22, 1976 The meeting was recessed at 11:53 p.m. and reconvened at 12:16 a.m. Mayor Nawrocki noted that a lot of time has been spent on the LaBelle Park Project, but that things appear to have very poor coordination. He noted that he would like to see a breakdown on the money which has been paid to Mr. Wolverton and the authorization for payment of same. He also noted that the Park Board should be informed of the provisions of the grant. REQUEST FROM FIRE CHIEF JOHNSON REGARDING VEHICLE Mr. Watson noted that Chief Johnson would like to request a vehicle because of certain problems he has encountered; such as: delays in get- ing to the station or to a fire when responding from home during an emergency, difficulty in transporting air tanks back and forth without tying up an emergency vehicle, and having to tie up an emergency vehicle for everyday things such as errands. Councilman Norberg's motion earlier in the meeting was taken off the table at this time. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Manager be dir- ected to dispose of vehicles in the City pool equal to the number of vehicles coming in. Councilman Heintz stated that the City Manager should be able to find some way of assigning a car to the Fire Department. Amendment by Norberg to direct the City Manager to designate one vehicle from the City pool for the Fire Department. This was accepted by Council- man Heintz and it was added onto the motion. Roll Call: All Ayes TRANSFER OF FUNDS - REQUEST FROM THE LIBRARY Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to authorize transfer of $650 from line item 1120 (contractural maintenance and repair) to line item 1360 (general supplies). Roll Call: All Ayes MELSA AGREEMENT DISCUSSION It was noted that this agreement is substantially altered from the one proposed last year. It was also noted that this agreement was compatible with the desires of the Council. Councilman Norberg noted that the Library Board decided to recommend ~o the Council that they authorize signing this contract, which would make ~he City of Columbia Heights associate member of MELSA. Motion by Norberg, secondediby Hentges to table this discession until the first regular meeting in De~ember. Ro~l Call: All Ayes November 22, 1976 RESOLUTIOfi ON FAU City Engineer Brown explained the merits of making changes within the FAU system. He noted that the Transportation Pdvisory Board would be meeting on November £3, 1976 and they would like to see the Council's decision. The following resolution was drafted at the meeting: RESOLUTION ~7d-60 DESIGNATING F.A.U. ROUTES BE IT ttEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that the functiona! c)assification on the foJlowing streets in the F.A.U. system be re-c]assified as follows: 1. Change Qltth 4venue between Main Street and University Avenue from co]lector to minor arterial. 2. Change 37th Avenue between University' Avenue and Central Avenue from collector to minor arterial. 3. Change Reservoir Boulevard between }7th Avenue and ~Oth Avenue from collector to minor arterial. Z~. Change Main Street between ~fith Avenue and 4Oth Avenue from minor arterial to collector. 5. Change ~Oth Avenue between Hain Street and Reservoir Boulevard from minor arterial to collector. Offered by: Nerberg Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes SCHOOLS AIID CONFERENCES PUBLIC WORKS WORKSHOP ON SEWER INFILTRATION Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize one person to attend the Public Works Workshop on Sewer Infiltration on November 30 and December 1, 1~7~ and to authorize expenses for same. Roll Call: All Ayes CiTY ASSESSOR'S COI!FERENCE It was noted that the topic of this conference would be "computer- aided assessments." Motion by' Norbc:rg, seconded by Logacz, to authorize expenses for the City Assessor to attend the Assessor's Conference on December 7 and 8, 197~. Roll Call: All Ayes November 22, 1976 LABOR RELATIONS ASSOCIATES SEMINAR ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize expenses for the Administrative Assistant to attend the Labor Relations Associates' sponsored seminar on the consumer price index on November 30 and Dec- ember 1, 1976. Roll Call: All Ayes I~otion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to recess the meeting at 1:07 a.m. and to defer the balance of the agenda until after the Assess- ment Hearing on November 23, 1976. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G Nawrock~, Mayor ~ S'e~retary KD/bap