HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 10, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 10, 1977
The Meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to name Karen DeBruin secretary
for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
Invocation was given by Reverend Kenneth Behnken of St. Matthew
Lutheran Church.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Councilman Norberg respectfully asked that consideration of b?lls
be deferred until later in the meeting.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE DIRECTOR TO THE
SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY
RESOLUTION 77-2 DESIGNATING DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE DIRECTOR TO
THE SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights, Minnesota as follows:
Councilperson Gayle Norberg is hereby designated as a director
of the Suburban Rate Authority, and Mayor Bruce G. Nawrocki is hereby
designated to serve as alternate director of the Suburban Rate Author-
ity for the year 1977 and until their successors are appointed.
Passed this lOth day of January, 1977.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Logacz
Roll Call: All Ayes
Councilman Hentges asked about vacancies which he thought were coming
up on the City's various boards and commissions. Mayor Nawrocki noted
that, according to his understanding, the vacancies would not be
occurring until a little later in the year.
It was noted that the Council would like a report on what vacancies there
will be and when.
RESOLUTION ON SALARIES AND FRINGES
It was noted that the salaries under consideration at this time were
the Recreation Director and Recreation Department Secretary.
Mayor Nawrocki asked if it was under the City's jurisdiction to set these
salaries. Attorney Kalina stated that technically it would be up to the
City to set the salaries, after first considering the recommendation of the
Recreation Commission.
January lO, 1977
Councilman Hentges noted that he disagreed with the proposals, because
the percents were higher than what had been granted other City employees.
Councilman Heintz noted that the secretary's increase included an
adjustment for satisfactorily completing her probationary period.
He further noted that neither employee will be eligible for an increase
for a year.
Councilman Norberg noted that the size of the job which is required in
a position should enter into deciding how much money people should get.
There was some discussion on the pros and cons of using the Twin Cities
Hetropolitan Area Salary Survey which is compiled by Stanton Associates,
Inc, Mayor Nawrocki supported the use of the Stanton Survey, noting that
it was widely used and a fairly standard factor in comparing salaries,
Councilman Norberg noted that he disagreed with the use of the Stanton
Survey, stating that there were a number of important considerations these
surveys didn't take into account. He noted that the value of any given job
is for the local governing group to decide.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that a very considerable amount of time had been
spent in determining salary ranges for all the City positions. He further
noted that this salary proposal would put the Recreation Director on the
lower end of the middle step of the range established for that position.
RESOLUTION 77-3 SETTING SALARIES AND FRINGES
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Columbia Heights,
that in accordance with recommendations from the Recreation Commission, the
following adjustments in salaries be made beginning January l, 1977.
WHEREAS, it has been determined that Judy Guindon, Recreation Secretary has
satisfactorily completed a probationary period, salary adjustments as of
January l, 1977 will be: $717 per month, and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the annual increase for Recreation
Director Linda Hansen will be $1,517 per month.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said employees shall also be granted up to
$55 per month toward their hospitalization coverage.
Passed this lOth day of January, 1977.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Heintz
Logacz
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg, Hentges--nay
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 854 REGARDING ALCOHOL IN PARKS
The second reading of Ordinance 854 was held.
Ordinance Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg.
January 10, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki ~oted that when the subject of the possibility of an
ordinance of this kind was first discussed, it was suggested that the
City should poll nearby communities and Anoka County to see if they
would be interested in working on making a uniform ordinance. There was
very little response to this inquiry, the Mayor noted.
Councilman Heintz discussed the recommendations of the Park Board
concerning this ordinance.
Councilman Logacz noted that he was especially concerned about LaBelle
Park. He noted that there was no sense investing a lot of money in the
development of this park if it was destined to be plagued by problems
which are typical.
The Attorney had been working on a way to incorporate the concerns of the
Park Board into the ordinance as an amendment and read these changes to the
Council: added onto Section 2: between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m. No such permission may be granted for such possession or consumption
in or upon any public bathing beach or anywhere in Silver Lake Beach Park.
Amendment offered by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz
Councilman Hentges suggested that the hours be changed to 8:00 a.m. to
9:30 p.m. Councilmen Heintz and Logacz agreed to go along with the
suggested change for the amendment they offered and seconded.
Councilman Norberg noted that he disagreed with the way this was done.
Roll Call on Amendment:
Amendment carries.
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye
Hentges, Norberg--nay
~oll Call on Ordinance as Amended: All Ayes
Ordinance 854 is adopted.
RESOLUTIONS ON STATE AID
RESOLUTION 77-4
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights,
that,
Pursuant to Statutory Authority, the Columbia Heights Municipal Engineer for
and on behalf of the municipality of Columbia Heights is hereby authorized
to request and obtain from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, needed
engineering and technical services during the year of 1977, for which payment
will be made by the Municipality upon receipt of verified claims from the
Commissioner of Transportation.
Passed this 10th day of January, 1977.
Offered by: Logacz
Seconded by: Norberg
Roll Call: All Ayes
January lO, 1977
RESOLUTION 77-5
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights,
that
Pursuant to Section ]6].36, Subdivision ] through 6, Minnesota Statutes,
Jim Harrington, the Commissioner of Transportation be appointed as agent
of the City of Columbia Heights to let as its agent, contracts for the
construction of portions of Municipal Streets, for the year 1977, and the
Mayor and City Manager to execute and enter into a contract with the
Commissioner of Transportation prescribing the terms and conditions of
such contracts in the form as set forth and contained in "Hinnesota
Department of Transportation Agency Contract Form No. 30774"a copy
of which said form was before the Council, assuming on behalf of the
City all of the contractual obligations therein contained.
Passed this lOth day of January, 1977.
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Logacz
Roll Call: All Ayes
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 858 ON REPLACEMENT SIGNS
The second reading of Ordinance 858 was held.
Ordinance Offered by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz
Councilman Norberg noted that the ordinance as it stands would allow
a person to take down a non-conforming sign and replace it with another
sign that was 1/10,000 of an inch smal]er.
Amendment by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to change section la.
to include the phrase "by at least 20 percent."
This would require that new replacement signs would have to be at
least: 20 percent smaller than the existing non-conforming sign.
There was general discussion on the amendment.
Roil Call on Amendment:
Amendment is defeated.
Norberg--aye
Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--nay
Roll Call on Ordinance:
Ordinance 858 is adopted.
Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--nay
RECESS 9:25 P.M. RECONVENE 9:40 P.M.
PLANNING AND ZONING RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. LOT SUBDIVISION - BRUCE NEDEGAARD
The Council looked at the map of the proposed lot subdivision.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the lot subdivision to
Bruce Nedegaard at ]108 45th Avenue, dividing the 165 foot lot
January 10, 1977
into lots of 50 ~eet, 55 feet, and 60 feet, and to grant a sideyard
variance of .6 foot to provide for the existing garage which is on the
50 foot lot created by the subdivision.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--nay
Motion carries.
2. LOT SUBDIVISION - ALVIN MELCHER (Lots 8 and 9 lying S of N 130', Block l,
Reservoir Hills)
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the lot subdivision request
of Alving Melcher upon the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
There was lengthy discussion on drainage problems which may occur in the
area because of the grades in the area.
Mayor Nawrocki asked how a problem such as this gets addressed once the
subdivision is granted. Mr. Watson replied that it is taken care of
when the building permit is applied for.
Councilman Norberg suggested treating this subdivision as "Columbia Court,"
a plat plan, was treated, and ask for an overall plan of the development
of the area.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to refer this subdivision request
to the Planning and Zoning Commission for purposes of a development study
and evaluation of the possible effects upon the neighborhood.
There was some discussion on the feasibility of this motion.
Motion by Hentges to table this request to the next regular meeting
and have the Engineering Department and Building Inspector make
recommendations on the possible effects upon the neighborhood at that
time.
Motion dies for lack of a second.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to table the previous question
and all questions before the Council until the staff approves a
finished plan.
Attorney Kalina noted that this motion would be out of order because of
the motion to refer.
Roll Call on Motion to refer this request to the Planning and Zoning
Commission: Norberg--aye
Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--nay
Motion is defeated.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to table this request.
Norberg, Hentges--aye
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--nay
Motion is defeated.
Roll Call:
January lO, 1977
Roll Call on Mot;on to Approve (Mayor Nawrocki noted that if this
subdivision were 9ranted, it would be because of the very clear
understanding that the City Manager and Building Inspector will work
on potential problems and minimize them accordingly):
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg, Hentges--nay
Motion carries.
It was pointed out that there were no outstanding special assessments
on the property involved in either of these subdivisions.
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO TAKE BIDS ON FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT CLOTHING
Fire Chief Johnson explained that he was recommending that the
City purchase Nomax by Dupont, the latest development in firefighter's
clothing. He also explained that he was requesting to take bids for
outfits of pants and coats for 25 fire department members. The total
cost was expected to be between $4500 and $5000.
There was some discussion on using part of the money which was budgeted
for OSHA safety requirements.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to
advertise for bids for firefighter turnout clothing as requested by the
Fire Chief, bid opening to be February 10 at 2:00 p.m. with a report to
the Council at the following regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
TRAFFIC CnMMISSIOH RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS:
l. PLACE A CROSSWALK ON FAIRWAY DRIVE WEST OF WEST UPLAND CREST
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize a crosswalk on
Fairway Drive west of West Upland Crest as recommended by the
Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes
2. RESOLUTIONS REQUESTING FOUR WAY STOP AT STINSON BOULEVARD AND
45TH AVENUE AND REQUESTING ANOKA COUNTY TO COMPLETE STUDY OF THE
INTERSECTIONS OF 45TH AVENUE AND STINSON BOULEVARD AND CHATHAM
ROAD TO DETERMINE THE NEED FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL
RESOLUTION 77-6
REQUESTING RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT TO COOPERATE WITH ANOKA
COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THE ADVISABILITY AND FEASIBILITY
OF INSTALLING A FOUR WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF STINSON BOULEVARD
NORTHEAST AND 45TH AVENUE NORTHEAST (RAMSEY COUNTY ROAD E)
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights
that
WHEREAS, requests have been received from citizens of the area for
consideration of better traffic control at the dangerous intersection
of Stinson Boulevard and 45th Avenue Northeast (Ramsey County Road E),
and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights Traffic Commission has discussed
the traffic problems at said intersection resulting in a recommendation
January 10, 1977
for a four way stop as the logical solution to the problems and
WHEREAS, the intersection involves five governmental jurisdictions
including Columbia Heights, New Brighton, St. Anthony, Anoka County,
and Ramsey County.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Columbia Heights hereby requests that the Ramsey County and Anoka County
Highway Departments proceed with a cooperative study to determine the
advisability and practicability of installing a four way stop for
better traffic control at the intersection of Stinson Boulevard North-
east and 45th Avenue Northeast; the same being an intersection of three
County roads, #2 and #4 in Anoka County and "E" in Ramsey County.
Passed this 10th day of January, 1977
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Heintz
Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION 77-7
REQUESTING ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT TO COOPERATE WITH RAMSEY
COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THE ADVISABILITY AND FEASIBILITY
OF INSTALLING A FOUR WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF STINSON BOULEVARD
NORTHEAST AND 45TH AVENUE NORTHEAST (ANOKA COUNTY ROADS #2 AND #4)
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights,
that
WHEREAS, requests have been received from citizens of the area for
consideration of better traffic control at the dangerous intersection
of Stinson Boulevard and 45th Avenue Northeast (Anoka County Roads #2
and #4) , and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights Traffic Commission has discussed
the traffic problems at said intersection resulting in a recommendation
for a four way stop as the logical solution to the problems, and
WHEREAS, the intersection involves give governmental jurisdictions
including Columbia Heights, New Brighton, St. Anthony, Anoka County,
and Ramsey County,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Columbia Heights hereby requests that the Anoka County and Ramsey County
Highway Departments proceed with a cooperative study to determine the
advisability and practicability of installing a four way stop for
better traffic control at the intersection of Stinson Boulevard Northeast
and 45th Avenue Northeast; the same being in intersection of three County
Roads, #2 and #4 in Anoka County and "E" in Ramsey County.
Passed this 10th day of January, 1977.
Offered by: Logacz
Seconded by: Heintz
Roll Call: All Ayes
January 10, 1977
3- TWO HOUR PARKING LIMIT ON THE EAST SIDE OF MAIN STREET BETWEEN
43RD AVENUE AND 44TH AVENUE
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize a two hour
parking limit on the east side of Main Street between 43rd and 44th
Avenue as recommended by the Traffic Commission. Roll Ca]]: All Ayes
4. REQUEST THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO EXTEND THE
30 MPH LIMIT FROM 45TH TO 53RD AVENUES ON CENTRAL AVENUE
Councilman Hentges explained that there are a number of busy cross
streets crossing Central Avenue, which is making it more and more
dangerous to travel. He also noted that with the flow of traffic
and the amount of accidents, the Traffic Commission felt a speed
reduction in this area would be a good idea.
It was noted that if the Highway Department was informed of this
recommendation, they would do a speed check and study and follow
through with the appropriate action.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to request the State Department
of Transportation to consider extending the 30 MPH speed ]imit from
45th to 53rd Avenue as recommended by the Traffic Commission.
Call: All Ayes
5. REPORT ON TRAFFIC COMMISSION SCHEDULED HEARING FOR JANUARY 31
Councilman Hentges reported that the Traffic Commission had set up
a public hearing to consider the feasibility and advisability of
designating a new state aid road connecting 44th Avenue to 49th Avenue.
at Johnson Street or Fillmore Street or by some other alternate route.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to concur in the action of the
Traffic Commission in holding a public hearing on the feasibility
of establishing north-south routes (Johnson Street and/or Fillmore
Street) between 47th and 49th Avenues. Roll Call: All Ayes
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND THE MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICERS
CONFERENCE
Moron by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant authorization for the
Finance Director to attend the Municipal Finance Officers Conference
the week of April 17, and to require the Finance Director to submit
a report upon his return. Roll Call: All Ayes
CITY ATTORNEY REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR TWO REGISTRATIONS
Motion by Norber9, Seconded by Heintz that reimbursement be made for
two registrations for the City Attorney's Conference at $30 each.
Roll Call: All Ayes
January 10, 1977
Councilman Norberg noted that there was a resolution passed at the time
of the K Mart development, the stipulations of which were not being met.
He noted particularly the requirements for screening to prevent headlights
from glaring into apartments, and the screening and stabilization by the
planting of trees.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to instruct the City Manager to
investigate the situation relative to the K Mart resolution and that the
City Manager be instructed to issue such orders as are necessary to
comply with the resolution. Roll Call: All Ayes
There was discussion on the situation in regard to Municipal Liquor
operations. Some of the proposed plans which had been discussed previously
were brought up. Mayor Nawrocki instructed Mr. Watson to prepare
information to the Council regarding the status of these plans.
Councilman Hentges noted that some of the information that the Council
received in the City Manager's weekly letter had been cut, specifically
the list of fire emergency calls. Mr. Watson reported that this report
had been shortened in the interest of saving time and to prevent the
redundancies which sometimes occur between departments, but he noted that
if the Council wished this information, it could be provided.
Mayor Nawrocki requested that information relative to Earl Ellison be
given to the Council by the next regular meeting.
LICENSES
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges that the licenses as listed by
granted upon payment of proper fees.
There was some discussion on the license application of Frank Pastuszak Jr.,
whose application had been denied at a previous meeting because he was not
a resident of Columbia Heights. Mr. Pastuszak's application was again
included in the list before the Council. Mayor Nawrocki questioned the
maker and seconder of the motion on their intentions regarding this
application.
There was lengthy discussion on some material received by the City
showing Mr. Pastuszak's new address as 40th and 5th Street. It was
determined that there was an apartment in the upper level of the
500 Club, the address proposed for licensing, in which Mr. Pastuszak
was living.
It was noted that Mr. Pastuszak's license would be included with the list.
Roll Call on Motion to Approve Licenses: All Ayes
Clayton Berg, Acting Public Works Director, presented development plans
on Sullivan Lake. There was much discussion on these plans as
presented. No action was taken on this item.
January 10, 1977
Councilman Hentges reported that Mr. Dean Otterson, City Planner/
HRA Director, noted that the City had not received notification of
receipt of either of the two grants for which it had applied (these
grant applications were for funding on the proposed Fifth Street
Storm Sewer Separation and the Public Safety Building Expansion).
He was assuming that both grant applications had been turned down.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Norberg to pay the bills as listed with the exception of
#19569 to the Columbia Heights Housing and Redevelopment Authority,
which is to be removed for separate consideration.
Motion dies for lack of a second.
Hotion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the bills as listed be
paid out of their proper accounts.
Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that there were two sets of bills; a
special year end list for 1976 and the regular 1977 bills.
Councilman Norberg asked about #19696 to Hagen Sales. Mr. Watson
replied that it was for a maintenance contract on two bookkeeping
machines. Councilman Norberg noted that this should be investigated
t:o see if the service could be obtained somewhere for a lesser
price.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to remove #19696 from the
list of bills. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges--aye
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--nay
Motion fails.
Councilman Norberg also brought up #19569 to the Columbia Heights
Housing and Redevelopment Authority. There was much discussion on
this bill. Councilman Norberg noted that he would like a detailed
report on the items for payment.
Mayor Nawrocki directed the City Manager to get further verification
as to the legitimacy of the claims contained in this bill.
Motion by Norberg to extract #19569 from the list of bills until there
is support information. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Councilman Hentges questioned why there were two bills to Wolverton
Engineering. There was some discussion on this and it was noted
that the first check was cancelled and should not be included in the
list.
Mayor Nawrocki suggested recessing the meeting until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday,
January 11.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to recess the meeting until
9:00 p.m. Tuesday, January ll Roll Call: All/Ayes ,~ ,
The meet n9 was recessed at l~: ( ~/// /
32 a.m. ~ ~ , "'
/
-'/:"~//: L(,,'L '~-/~CJ/~'~_)z_~ ( z~. Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Secretary