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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 27, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 27, 1976 The Meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present Logacz--absent Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to name Karen DeBruin secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes INVOCATION Invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. MINUTES Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to approve the minutes of November 10, 22, 23, and 24 as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Councilman Norberg noted that there were some spelling corrections to be made, and he was also looking for a section in the minutes he had questioned with regard to content. The consideration of the minutes was deferred until later in the meeting. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to change the name "Superior Products" to "Jiffy Jr. Products" on page 401 of the November 8 minutes which were previously approved. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds. Motion by Norberg to withdraw bill #19416 to the Columbia Heights Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Motion dies for lack of a second. Roll Call on Motion to Approve 'payment of bills: Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki-- aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. There was some discussion on the radio service contract with Motorola. There was no action taken on this item. LICENSES Mr. Wilbur Harris was present regarding licenses for the establishment at 4952 Central Avenue. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges that the licenses as listed be granted upon payment of proper fees. Councilman Norberg commented that perhaps the Council should consider requiring a bond on cigarette vending machines along with the license to help prevent the misuse of these machines by minors. Mayor Nawrocki noted that a considerable amount of time had recently been spent on license fees for 1977 and perhaps this should have been discussed then. Roll Call on Motion to grant licenses: All Ayes December 27, 1976 BIDS ON TRUCK-VAN i:OR COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER These bids had been tabled from a previous meeting. There had been a question on whether the bid could be awarded to a dealer who was not the low bidder because of a difference in delivery dates. Attorney Kalina said that the low bidder would have to have an irresponsibly long delivery time to justify consideration of award to another bidder. Councilman Heintz asked for a definition of 'irresponsibly long.' Attorney Ka]ina noted that it was a matter of judgment. Mayor Nawrocki noted that it would be hard to determine if the delivery times were definite or just guesses on the part of the dealer. Mayor Nawrocki stated his opinion that the times stated were merely a guess. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the basic issue which must be resolved was whether or not the Council would like to set up the Community Service OFficer position. He stated that if they did, the discussion on purchasing a van would be relevant. If the Council did not feel creating this position was justified, the discussion on the van would be meaningless. Councilman Hentges stated that he thought the proposed duties of the CSO had changed since the Council had first discussed the position. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Council had been presented with a general list of things the CSO could do. This did not mean the person would be doing them on a regular basis. It was noted that if the CSO did perform a mix of these various duties, it would reduce the workload of the uniformed officers. Councilman Heintz noted that the Council must ask themselves "Do we need this position?" and base their decision on this and not on any outside factors. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he thought the Council decided that, if this position was to be set up, it would be set up under the CETA program. There was much discussion on the fact that CETA is a temporary program, and that perhaps the temporary status would make the position more Feasible. This would give the staff and Council a chance to see how the concept works. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize and open the temporary position of Community Service Officer reporting to the Chief of Police. Mayor Nawrocki asked Councilman Norberg is he would like to incorporate designating this a CETA position in his motion. Councilman Norberg stated that he did not want to do this as he felt his motion ]eft open a number of alternatives. He felt the decision as to how the position was Filled should be administrative. Amendment by Hentges to authorize the position under the CETA program. Councilmen Heintz and Norberg re-stated their motion to read: December 27, 1976 Motion to authorize a temporary position for a period of one year with a re-evaluation at the end of a year or less. Councilman Heintz noted that this way the Council could keep the position or disband it; they would have a form of control Mayor Nawrocki noted that all the positions in the City are subject to annual review because the budget is done on an annual basis. At this time, Mayor Nawrockideclared the motion by Norberg which was seconded by Heintz out of order, because it had not been budgeted for. Mayor Nawrocki explained that the CSO was anticipated to be funded through the CETA program, and there was no money in the budget for it. City Finance Director Schedler, who was acting as City Manager in the absence of Malcolm Watson, stated that according to his recollection the money was in the budget for this position; 5/8 in the Police Department budget and 3/8 under Animal Control. There was some discussion on this point of disagreement. This motion was suggested by Mayor Nawrocki: authorize the establishment, on a trial basis, of a Community Service Officer, such position to be funded to the extent possible for the coming year with CETA funds and other costs associated with the position not available in the budgeted regular salaries line item of the Police Department budget to be transferred from the Contingency fund. There was discussion on why the motion should be worded this way. Councilman Norberg stated that he would offer this motion and Councilman Heintz stated that he would second it. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Norberg noted that the salary would be subject to Council approval. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to reject bids on the community service officer van. There was much discussion as to whether animal control would be a part of the CSO's duties. Councilman Hentges withdrew his motion to reject bids and Councilman Norberg withdrew his second. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz that the bids on the Community Service Officer van be awarded to White Bear Dodge in the amount of $4,910 (not including options) and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same and that the formality of late submittal of the bid be waived. Roll Call: All Ayes AUTHORIZE CALL FOR BIDS ON MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize advertisement of sale on sealed bids the equipment (as per list which was presented to the Council) which is no longer needed or used, with bids to be opened at 2:00 p.m. January 20, 1977 with a report to the Council at their next regular meeting. December 27, 1976 Councilman Hentges spoke about some of the equipment which he felt would be necessary to keep. Amendment by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to strike the 3/4 yard dragline, three wheel scooter, two Hough loaders, snow blower for Hough mounting, and the 117,000 gallon tank. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that an authorization to advertise for bids did not necessarily authorize the selling. It was noted that there would be time t:o determine whether this equipment was necessary during the advertisement period. Roll (;all on Amendment: Norberg, Hentges--aye Notion fails. Heintz, Nawrocki--nay Roll Call on Main Motion: Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay Motion carries. RECESS; 9:37 p.m. RECONVENE 9:53 p.m. RESOLUTION RE-ALIGNING PRECINCTS Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Council had asked that the political party chairpeopie in Columbia Heights be made aware of the proposed changes in the precinct boundaries. Acting City Manager Sched]er noted that the proposals were sent to these people the day after the Council meeting when this was requested and he had not received a reaction from anyone. It was also noted that a letter had been received from Mr. Mel Aanerud suggesting the po~,.:bility lowering the number of precincts to five. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he felt there was merit to this idea, but thought perhaps there were reasons why it would not be feasible. It was. explained that the reason a change in the precinct boundaries was being considered was because the 1976 Legislature passed a ]aw which requires precincts to follow clearly recognizable features such as existing streets and fences. It was also noted that the present boundaries did not adhere to this. It was also explained that the corrections and changes must be made by January ], 1977 and could not be changed again for a period of five years. There was a great deal of general discussion on the plans presented, along with further suggestions and recommendations from Council members. This item was deferred by the Chair until later in the meeting. December 27, 1976 REQUEST CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING VOLUNTEER PENSION PROGRAM CHANGE Several members of the Volunteer Fire Department were present, including Mitch DeMars, Don Jolly, Ralph Volkman, and Roy Meinhardt. Mr. Volkman asked Mayor Nawrocki where the Volunteer Department stood in their request for pension reform. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he personally feels that he has a better handle on the costs of the present and proposed plans and he feels adjustments in the present plans are in order. There was some discussion on the costs Mayor Nawrocki referred to. Mitch DeMars noted that the Fire Pension Committee was trying to make the proposed pension reform package sound. He also noted that figures had been compiled to show the feasibility of the proposed plan. Mr. DeMars stated that he did not wish to present these figures at the present because of a lack of sufficient time. He further stated that the Pension Committee hoped to set a meeting with the Council to show the justification for the change they were proposing. There was much general discussion on proposed provisions of the plan and currently available statistics. Councilman Hentges noted that an adjustment in the pension plan should be made, but he did not feel such a plan could be instituted until all the facts were brought into the open. It was noted that the Council would be neglecting their duty if they did not look at the entire situation before making a decision. Chief Johnson noted that the volunteers wished to sit down with the Council at an informal meeting and discuss these things. Councilman Norberg noted that the Council must also look at present commitments to determine where they stand currently in this situation. He noted that he would like to know the genesis of the basis of the fire pension funds. There was lengthy discussion between the Council and various volunteers. Mayor Nawrocki stated that at some time later in the meeting, the remainder of the agenda could be recessed until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29. The Council could then try to complete the agenda by 9:00 p.m. that night, at which time they could have an informal meeting with members of the Fire Pension Committee. RESOLUTION ON NON-UNION SALARIES Mayor Nawrocki noted that the salary package before the Council consisted of increases as follows: December 27, 1976 6 percent increase on money earned below $12,000 5 percent increase on money earned between $12,000 and $18,000 4 percent increase on money earned over $18,000 Mayor Nawrocki asked if anyone on the Council had a feasible alternative to this plan. Councilman Heintz mentioned that he would like to see an across the board percentage increase that would be equal to what the cost of living actually went up. No action was taken on this item. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 860 SALE OF LAND The second reading of this ordinance was held. Ordinance Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges. Mayor Nawrocki asked, for the record, if there was anyone present who would like to be heard concerning this ordinance. Hearing no reply, the vote was taken. Roll Call: All Ayes Ordinance 860 is adopted. FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR CONVERTERS FOR HOME MONITORS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges that the City Manager be authorized to expend up to $1,000 for repair parts for conversion of home monitors. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize the City Manager to expend up to $773 for the purchase of other miscellaneous equipment. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Councilman ~orberg noted that he objected to this motion because he felt bids should have been taken. RESOLUTION CANCELLING AN ASSESSMENT LEVIED IN ERROR RESOLUTION 76-66 CANCELLING AN ASSESSMENT LEVIED IN ERROR WHEREAS, the property known and described as Lot 26 and the south half of Lot 27, Block 36, Columbia Heights annex was assessed $435.60 for local improvement No. 620, and WHEREAS, 4241 Jackson Street was not benefitted by said improvement No. 620; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that the City Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to strike from Local Improvement No. 62n, the Sidewalk Repair charged against Lot 26 and the south half of Lot 27, Block 36, Columbia Heights annex in the amount of $435.60. December 27, 1976 Passed this 27th day of December, 1976. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes WINE LICENSE ORDINANCE Mayor Nawrocki polled the Council to see if they were interested in considering a wine license ordinance. The general concensus was that this should not be considered at the present time. Mayor Nawrocki then asked if there was anyone present who wished to be heard on this subject. There was no reply. Mayor Nawrocki noted that it was indicated on the agenda that Frank Pastuszak Jr. intended to appeal the denial of his license. He asked if there was any additional information to come to the Council and he noted that Mr. Pastuszak was not present. Timothy Yantos, Administrative Assistant, noted that the City received a copy of a valid drivers license with the application for an address change on the license, ~he new address to be 500 40th Avenue. (Mr. Pastuszak was denied because he was not a resident of Columbia Heights.) No action was taken. Attorney Kalina noted that City Engineer George Brown had contacted him in regard to the matter of acquiring easements for the Central Avenue Urbanization project. Councilman Norberg stated that the matter should not be considered until all the necessary easements could be considered at once. There was general discussion on a number of areas of concern to the Council that still remained unresolved in the Central Avenue Urbanization project. Councilman Norberg suggested telling the Highway Department that the City would proceed on acquisition of easements when these areas of concern are taken care of. Mayor Nawrocki noted his extreme disappointment with the Highway Department and stated that he felt the set of circumstances surrounding the project should be taken to area legislators to let them know how the City has been treated. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to recess the meeting until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 29. Roll Cal~l: All Ayes~ The meeting was recessed at 1:O0a.m. (J/~/)~__~j.~//. ~///~~ Br u'~cce ~r?~ ~' Secretary