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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