HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 5, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMDIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 5, 1977
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present
Heintz- absent
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to name Vicki Maternowsky secretary
for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF MEETING
Mayor Nawrocki noted that this special meeting was called for the purpose
of conducting a public hearing for a storm drain extension from 42nd Avenue
to 42½ Avenue west of Reservoir Boulevard and McLeod Street to the west
property line of Lots 48 and 57, Block 3, Reservoir Hills.
Mr. Watson reported on the necessity for a storm drain extension to eliminate
flooding during spring thaw or heavy rainfalls in the rear of the lots behind
1316, 1322, and 1330 42½ Avenue and 1319, 1325, and 1331 42nd Avenue. The
construction would involve placing a 10" plastic pipe on the east side of
1322 42½ Avenue together with the necessary manholes, catch basins, and other
appurtenances necessary to connect to the existing storm drain on 42½ Avenue.
Mr. Watson and George Brown, City Engineer, then gave a presentation on four
options available for the financing of this extension.
Option #1 was to leave the condition of the area as it currently is now. This
would make it necessary for the private owners to do some regrading to allow
the water to drain out to 42½ Avenue or to install a drain system on their
own. It was noted that past experience has shown this option to be unsuccess-
ful.
Option #2 is to install an extension on the existing drain into the back lot
line creating a lower catchment area behind 1325 and 1331 42nd Avenue. The
total cost of this installation would be about $2,900.00, and if spread
against all properties that contribute water to the low area where the drain
would be installed, the assessed cost would be about 1.2¢ per square foot.
A transparency showing the costs for each privately owned property resulted
in a cost range from about $80 to $195. About $600 would be charged against
the City as the City has a large tax title parcel. It was noted this option
has been the past practice of the City.
Option #3 is to install the drain proposed in Option #2 but charge only the
properties benefited by the opening of 42½ Avenue and charge the privately
owned parcels in that lower section of the drainage basin the 1.2¢ per square
foot or $444 with the City to pick up the balance of about $2,456.00.
Option #4 is similar to Option #3 except the total cost would be charged
against all of the lower properties including those facing 42nd Avenue
which have low back yards. This would cost 2.4¢ per square foot and treats
the City property the same as the other lower parcels. The eastern boun-
dary cut-off of the assessment area would be the east edge of the City
property. The area involved is one-half the total area in Option #2.
Similar projects done in 1976 were listed along with a brief report of
the history of the City's storm drains.
Based on the preceeding options, the City Manager recommended that since
the City property has, in fact, some value which would increase with the
installation of a storm drain, that Option ~3 would be a reasonable selec-
tion since the City would gain back the extra investment with the improve-
ment of the vacant land. This means that Parcels 4032, 4020 (1332 42~),
and 4080 would be charged $444.00 and City owned Parcel 4120 would be
charged the remaining $2,456~00.
At this point Mayor Nawrocki opened the hearing for discussion.
Councilman Norberg asked why Lots 1 through 5 on the ~orth side of 42~
Avenue were not included. Mr. Watson stated the water that falls in that
area ,could not possibly go into that catchment area. Councilman Norberg
noted that the lots on the other side of the cul-de-sac do contribute to
the problem and therefore feels that Lots 1 and 2 should be included.
The gentleman from 1450 McLeod stated that he had no objection to Option
#3, but was negative towards Option #1 and #2, He asked if it was possible
to cut the elevation at 42~$ Avenue. The City Engineer stated it was not
possible.
Mr. Mikulak, owner of Parcel 4080, asked rather than place the catch basin
right on his property thereby taking more of his property, why not put
it on the lot line? !ir. Brown stated that this could be done. However,
additional expense would be incurred if the basin was moved too far because
of the fence that would have to be removed. Mr. Mikulak further felt that
the lots facing 42nd Avenue should also be involved. He fully agreed with
the proposal, but would like to see consideration given for placing the
basin on the lot line.
Mr. Nelson, 1331 42nd, stated that he has not experienced any water prob-
lems, but he does agree that the extension should be put in.
Councilman Hentges asked how the City can assess for the full amount of
the property when only a part of it contributes to the problem. Mr. Brown
stated that the procedure is to follow the lot line and not just take parts
of it. Councilman Hentges pointed out that in the past, the policy has been
to assess all those that contribute to the problem and not just a few parcels.
Therefore Option #2 would be his recommendation.
Councilman Norberg asked about the possibilityofputting in an overland swale
running towards 425~Ave,]ue. It was noted that the problem with running over-
land is unless a concrete swale is put in, it brings the grade down 5/10%
which would mean a rather sharp cut on the existing ground. It was further
noted that tl]ere is a limited safety area with a swale, and for the money
spent, a storm drain would give much better protection. Discussion held.
Councilman Norberg asked what keeps the catch basin open in back yards. The
type of catch basin used in back yards was explained by Mr. Brown.
January 5, 1977
The gentleman from 1450 McLeod asked if Option #3 costs the individual
owner any more thanOption #2. Mr. Watson replied that it did not.
The gentleman from 1436 McLeod felt that the cost of the storm drain
installation could be very easily absorbed in the selling of the City
owned parcels.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to approve and proceed with the
project for a storm drain extension on 42½ Avenue with assessments made
to all benefited properties (Option #2).
At this point, the owner of 1450 McLeod presented a petition with ten
signatures opposing the assessing of the people living along McLeod and
along Reservoir as they feel they would not benefit from such an instal-
lation nor do they feel that they contribute to the problem.
Upon reading the petition, Mayor Nawrocki noted that some good points
were raised; however, it seemed to defeat the purpose in that it admitted
that water from that area is running into this low area.
The owner of 1450 McLeod stated that he thought the development of tiiis
property should have been handled differently.
The gentleman from 1444 McLeod was very muc:h against the fact that other
properties who are involved are not being assessed, yet McLeod which is
only partially responsible is being assessed.
The gentleman from 1436 McLeod felt that his water does not drain into that
a rea.
Mayor Nawrocki pointed out some similarities between this and the Sullivan
Lake - Glover Case.
The gentleman from 1450 McLeod wondered if the City first informed the
owners of the properties that something should be done before any develop-
ment occurred. Mr. Watson stated that wasn't done because with the excep-
tion of one fully developed property, there really hasn't been any develop-
ment, and therefore, the City would like to get this done before the
development really starts.
One gentleman spoke on how people who bought the lower lots knew something
would eventually have to be done, and therefore should have anticipated
some extra costs.
A lengthy, heated discussion was held on how the people living along
Reservoir and McLeod did not feel they had contributed to the water prob-
lem.
The owner of 1450 McLeod wanted to know why he has to pay for an assessment
to benefit someone else's property. Councilman Norberg stated a resident
pays to benefit his property. He further noted that the problem is how the
water gets there and not where it collects.
Councilman Logacz spoke on a personal experience in that he was assessed
for alley work at $600.00. He, however, does not even use the alley except
to possibly walk through it. Even though he didn't like the idea, he did
pay for that is the systematic procedure used in assessing.
January 5, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki stated that to adopt Option #3 would mean that other areas
with similar situations would not be tFeated the same. He further asked
how many lots drain into other streets~ This was answered by Mr. Brown.
The gentleman from 1450 McLeod suggested that the City not get involved
in land development.
One gentleman asked if a petition such as this has any bearing. Mr. Watson
replied it does as not all projects are granted.
Lengthy discussion held on hearing procedures, other projects granted for
storm drain, and the legality of assessing for helping other people to
benefit their property. The gentleman from 1450 McLeod strongly felt
that an attorney should be consulted as far as who can be assessed. It
was noted that the City Attorney was not in attendance at this hearing.
One gentleman stated that he would be appeased with this storm drain if
something would be done about the speeders on McLeod Street. It was stated
that this type of request would have to be brought before the Traffic Com-
mission.
Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to place the petition on file. Roll
Call: All Ayes
RECESSED AT 10:25 P.M.
RECONVENED AT 10:35 P.M.
RESOLUTION 77-1
BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights by Motion on the
14th day of December, 1976 ordered notiseofa hearing to be given to property
owners, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at a
Council Meeting on the 5th day of January, 1977, and
WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a
portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter
provisions.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:
1. That the location and extent of such improvements is as follows:
Along the east line of the north 175~ of Lot 47, Block 3, Reservoir
Hills (or on the east side of house #1322 42~ Avenue N~E~). The
assessment area is from the west line of Parcel 4032 and a031 (part
of Lot 47, Block 3, Reservoir Hills) easterly including Lots 48 to
57, Block 3, Reservoir Hills.
January 5, 1977
2. That the materials to be used are as follows:
PVC - Plastic Pipe and concrete manhole materials
o
That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvement has been made
by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land fronting
upon and adjacent to such proposed improvement, which be deemed bene-
fited thereby, were properly notified of said hearings, and
4. That the City Manager shall also list the names and owners of the
several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained.
5. These improvements shall also be known as Project No. 718.
Passed this 5th day of January, 1977.
Offered by Norberg
Seconded by Hentges
Roll Call: All Ayes
Following the resolution, the City Assessor verified the assessment costs.
INFORMAL QUOTATIONS ?OR STORM DRAIN
Mr. Watson reported that three quotations were received. They are as fol-
lows: Olson's Plumbing in the amount of $2,114.00, Randell Bros. in the
amount of $2,620.00, and Ro-So Contracting in the amount of $2,358.00.
He recommended that award be made to the low bidder, Olson Plumbing.
Mayor Nawrocki asked what would happen if the City was not able to obtain
the necessary easements. He noted that before any work is done, the ease-
ments must be obtained. Mr. Watson stated that both parties have been
contacted and have agreed to give the City the easements.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg that the Mayor and City Manager be
authorized to enter into agreement with Olson Plumbing for the installation
of storm drain in the amount of $2,114.00 with said agreement subject to
obtaining the necessary easements. Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg to adjourn the meeting at 10:42 p.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Bruq~ G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Secretary