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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 24, 1977 (2)OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JANUglRY 24, 1977 The Meeting was called to order at 8:15 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to name Karen DeBruin secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes INVOCATION Invocation was given by Father Vincent Colon of Immaculate Conception Church. MINU1ES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Mayor Nawrocki noted that the minutes under consideration were those from the Regular Meeting of January 10, the Regular Meeting of December 27, and the Continued Regular Meeting of December 14. Some minor corrections were made. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January lO, the Regular Meeting of December 27, and the Continued Regular Meeting of 9ecember 14 with corrections as noted and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON LEGAL PUBLICATIONS FOR 1977 Mr. Watson noted that the bids for legal publications were opened on Thursday, January 20 and that Sun Newspapers, Inc. were the only bidder, bidding the legal rates established for legal publications in the area. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg that the bid for legal publications be awarded to Sun Newspapers, Inc. and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Councilman Hentges asked if the City would continue to publish all the City Council minutes. He stated that a great savings could be realized if they were not published. Mayor Nawrocki noted that awarding this bid did not mandate what would be published, only that it v~ould be put)lished in the Sun Newspaper. He did note that the subject of publication of minutes had previously been discussed. Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes January 24, 1977 REPORT ON CANCELLATION OF BIDS ON MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Mr. Watson reported to the Council that the bid opening on miscellaneous equipment for sale which has been scheduled for Thursday, January 20 had been cancelled due to the Local 49 strike which was in progress. He asked' that the bid opening be re-scheduled for Thursday~ February lO. Motion by Helntz, Seconded by Hentges that the City Manager be authorized to advertise for bids on miscellaneous surplus City equipment for sale with bids to be opened at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February ]0, and a report to the following regular Council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes OTHER, BIDS It was noted that there were no other bids for consideration at this time. RESOLUTIONS REGARDING CENTRAL AVENUE URBANIZATION Mr. Watson explained that the Department of Transportation would like the City of Columbia Heights to take some positive action in the matter of Central Avenue Urbanization before February, He noted that by passing the resolutions regarding the acquisition and dedication of easements for the project, this would be done. Mayor Nawrocki spoke of his disappointment with the way the Department of Transportation (Minnesota Highway Department) has handled this project. He noted as an example that they unilaterally removed some signalization and parking spaces from the project, both items which were in the project when preliminary approval was given by the Columbia Heights City Council. He further noted that he felt signalization was important due to the high volume of traffic and the parking spaces because of a shortage of parking in this, the business district. Councilman Hentges noted that Central Avenue is a traffic problem area, and should be treated accordingly, with proper signalization, etc. in order to alleviate some trouble. Mayor' Nawrocki also noted the reluctance of the Department of Transportation to work with the Pollution Control Agency on noise abatement within the scope of the project as requested by the City of Columbia Heights. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Department of Transportation was requiring the City of Columbia Heights to expend money, approximately $22~000, for easements which would not be resalable, yet they would not guarantee that the Central Avenue Urbanization project would go ahead. He also noted that they would not accept an option on the property. Councilman Heintz stated that he felt the basic question was whether or not the Council wanted the Urbanization project to go ahead with the limitations as set forth by the Department of Transportation. January 24, 1977 Councilman Norberg mentioned that it might be well to take the situation to area legislators to see what might be done. Mr. Mel Aanerud, citizen of Columbia Heights and President of the Columbia Heights Charter Commission~ asked what portion of the Urbanization project was to be funded by the City and what portion by other sources. Mr. Watson replied that this was difficult to determine ~ecause cost estimates were constantly changing. There was discussion on the many delays in the project. Mayor Nawrocki said that he felt the Department of Transportation was not entirely truthful in some of their time frame estimates. The project starting date has been changed several times. The Mayor further noted that he was informed that it takes approximately three months to make a rather insignificant change in project plans such as these. He explained that, assuming these kinds of time elements were in effect toward the beginning of the project, it was wrong for the Department of Transportation to tell the City that the project could have been started by now. Mr. Aanerud commented that Central Avenue Urbanization was a much needed project which should proceed. Mayor Nawrocki explained that certain things contained in the project as it presently stands would worsen conditions on the avenue, such as the lack of parking spaces. Mr. Aanderud interjected that the Council had requested turn lanes and some parking spaces must be eliminated to accomplish this. Mayor Nawrocki stated that Mr. Crawford with the Department of Transportation has been known to say that the City of Columbia Heights is responsible for hold-ups in the project. Mr. Aanerud stated that past problems should not be considered, the Council should decide whether this project is important enough to proceed with. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he felt the next step should be to talk to area legislators about the problems being incurred. Mr. Aanerud asked if there would be some action taken at this meeting to show the Council's intent to meet with legislators. Mayor Nawrocki replied that he did not know what the Council would do, but that he recommended such a meeting. Motion by Norberg that the Mayor and City Manager direct a letter to Mr. Crawford of the Department of Transportation requesting a final list of all restrictions and requirements in the Urbanization project so that the Council may determine whether it is advisable to purchase easements for the project at this time. Councilman Heintz stated as a point of order that the resolutions as noted on the agenda should be considered before this motion. January 24, 1977 Mayor Nawrocki noted that the motion was not out of order. Councilman Norberg~s motion dies for lack of a second. Councilman Hentges stated his opinion that the easements should be purchased. The resolutions were read by City Hanager Watson. RESOLUTION 77-8 ACQUISITION OF NECESSARY EASEMENTS FOR THE URBANIZATION PLAN OF CENTRAL AVENUE NORTHEAST (ttlGHWAY 65) BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that WIIEREAS, a number of meetings have been held regarding the ultimate plan for the Urbanization of Central Avenue Northeast (Highway 65), and WHEREAS, it is necessary as a part of said urbanization for the City to acquire certain easements and dedicate them for roadway and drainage purposes, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, that the Mayor and City Manager be, and they are hereby authorized and directed to proceed in the acquisition of the necessary easements to fulfill our obligations on the Urbanization of Central Avenue in accordance with the appraisals made on the easements involved for said purpose. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Logacz Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges--aye Norberg--nay Nawrocki--present RESOLUTION 77-9 BEING A RESOLUTION DEDICATING CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR STORM DRAIN PURPOSES WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has planned certain public improvements, including the improvement of Minnesota Highway No. 65, and WHEREAS, such improvements include construction of certain storm drains, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the following described property is herewith dedicated for the construction and continued maintenance of a storm drain and appurtenances thereto, to-wit: The south forty five feet (45') of the north one and eight tenths (1.8) acres of the east two hundred and ninety three feet (2~') of lot nine (9), Auditor's Subdivision number 51, section 26, township 30, range 24, Anoka County, Minnesota. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Hentges Heintz Logacz, Heintz, Hentges--aye Norberg, Nawrocki--present January 24, 1977 RESOLUTION 77-10 BEING A RESOLUTION DEDICATING CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR STORM DRAIN PURPOSES WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has planned certain public improvements, including the improvement of Minnesota Highway No. 65, and WHEREAS, such improvements include the construction of certain storm drains, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that the following described property is herewith dedicated for highway construction and highway purposes, to-wit: That part of lot one (1), auditor's subdivision number 51, section 26, township 30, range 24, Anoka County, Minnesota, described as follows: That part of the east eight hundred five and one half feet (805½') of the south twenty three feet (23') of the north fifty three feet (53'), except Registered Land Survey #1 and that part taken as highway. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges--aye Norberg, Nawrocki--present RESOLUTION 77-11 BEING A RESOLUTION DEDICATING CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR STORM DRAIrl PURPOSES WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has planned certain public improvements, including the improvement of Minnesota Highway No. 65, and WHEREAS, such improvements include the construction of certain storm drains, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that the following described property is herewith dedicated for the construction and continued maintenance of a storm drain and appurtenances, to-wit: The South forty-five feet (145') of the north 3.6 acres of lots seven (7) and eight (8), Auditor's Subdivision number 51, section 26, township 30, range 24, Anoka County, Minnesota Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Hentges Heintz Logacz, Heintz, Hentges--aye Nawrocki--present PRESENTATATION BY BYRON LAHER OF THE ANOKA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTME[~T "COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT" Mr. Laher presented to the Council a list of four questions: 1. What are the human service needs of your residents? 2. Whose responsibility is it to respond to these needs (City, County, State, Federal, United Way, etc.)? January 24, 1977 3. What agencies, organization, or individuals are presently responding to these needs? Lt. What agencies, organizations, or indiviuals could be better able to respond to these needs, given additional funding, technical assistance, etc.? He noted that he was not anticipating any answers at this meeting, he was just asking for cooperation. Mr. Laher explained that the County Health Department had to be involved in long term planning for human problems, and this exercise was to see what are considered the major human problems and needs. He went on to say that the Health Department intended to take the needs as given to them by the various communities and put them into some sort of priority ranking. Mayor Nawrocki noted that it was difficult to know just what kinds of things Mr. Laher was looking for under the definition of human services. Councilman Norberg agreed that this was true. Mr. Laher replied that he had a sample list of human service needs which could be sent to the Council. He also noted that there was a short slide presentation that cou]d be shown. Councilman Hentges noted the possibility of involving the HRA in this project. Councilman Norberg noted that the Human Rights Commission should also be involved. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he would like the Council to see the presentation, and to invite the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Human Rights Commission. An informal meeting was set for 6:30 p.m. February 14, before the Regular Meeting of the City Council, for the City Council, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and the Human Rights Commission to see the slide presentation and to work with Mr. Laher on the questions he presented. RESOLUTION REGARDING LOCAL 49 RESOLUTION 77-12 REGARDING SALARIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR 1977 AND 1978 REPRESENTED BY LOCAL 49 OPERATING ENGINEERS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that WHEREAS, a work stoppage by City Public Works employees represented by Local 49 took place at ]2:0] a.m. Wednesday, January ]2, 1977, and WHEREAS, the State Office of Mediation Services has prepared a proposal for- settlement of said work stoppage resulting in a vote of acceptance by a majority of the Local 49 membership at a meeting Sunday, January 23, 1977, and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Area Manager's Association, representing the suburban communities involved in negotiations met on Monday, January 24, 1977 and at said meetin9 voted to recommend to their respective City Council's acceptance of the Mediator's proposal. January 24, 1977 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mediator's proposal be accepted as a settlement for 1977 and 1978 as set forth herein upon signing of the contract documents by both Union and City representatives. The specific changes differing from the existing 1976 contract shall be as follows: A. Wage Rates: (1) 1977 Effective after return to work - proposed to be 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, January 26, 1977) 40¢ per hour increase on base salaries as established for 1976 by Resolution 76-9. (2) 1978 (Effective January l, 1978) 40¢ per hour over the 1977 scale (80¢ per hour over 1976 scale) (3) All new employees in the Public Works Department hired after December 31, 1976 to receive 90 percent of contract rate for the job their first year, 95 percent of contract rate for the job their second year, and regular scale for that position their third year. B. Insurance: Beginning February l, 1977, the City will pay up to a maximum of $60 per month per employee for health and life insurance (including dependent coverage) and continued said $60 per month maximum payment through the premium covering the month of December, 1978. The foregoing establishes the base salaries for Heavy Equipment Operators as $7.O3/hr. in 1977 (after return to work) $7.43/hr. in 1978 and for Light Equipment Operators $6.59/hr. in 1977 (after return to work) $6.99/hr. in 1978 All other sections of the existing contract as approved by Resolution 76-9 for calendar year 1976 to remain as is. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to proceed with the preparation of the contract documents encompassing the foregoing Mediator's proposal as recommended by both the Union and Management representatives. Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Logacz Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Sun Newspaper had carried an article which stated that there were 31 Columbia Heights employees covered under the 49 contract. He asked if this was correct and it was noted that it was. There was some discussion on the question of whether the City Public Works Department can operate with less personnel. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this has been asked in the past, but as yet no recommendations have been made. Councilman Hentges noted that he did not feel some of the City's personnel were being used the way they should. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he was not drawing any conclusions, he was merely asking questions. Roll Call on Resolution: All Ayes RECESS 10:20 P.M. RECONVENE 10:47P.M. January 24, 1977 REPORT ON LABELLE PARK PHASE II Councilman Heintz began by saying that the Park Board had taken action to recommend to the Council that they enter into a contract with Mr. James Wolverton, engineer on the project, based on the memorandum of under- standing between Wolverton and the City as negotiated by Mr. Watson. There were general questions on some of the contract terms, also dis- cussion on what Mr. Wolverton would be required to do under the contract. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to concur in the proposed revisions to the contract with Wolverton Engineering regarding LaBe]]e Park Phase II. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the next step would be for Wolverton to prepare plans and specifications for the project which would then to go the Council for approval. Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes ASSISTANT PARK SUPERINTENDENT POSITION Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to create the position of Assistant Park Superintendent based on the job description as presented and the recommendation of the Park Board. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki noted that creation of the position automatically creates the authority to take applications. REQUEST TO TAKE INFORMAL BIDS ON ANIMAL BOARDING SERVICES Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to take informal quotes for animal boarding services, with bids to be opened on or before February lO, with a report to the Council at the following regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes REPORT ON TWO GRANT APPLICATIONS--FIFTH STREET STORM SEWER SEPARATION AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING EXPANSION Mayor Nawrocki noted that everyone had gotten copies of City Planner/HRA Director Dean Otterson's letter regarding the fact that funding had not been received on either of the two grant applications submitted by the City. He further noted that letters had been sent by both himself and Mr. Otterson to Senator Humphrey, local Congressmen, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development asking for clarification on the reason for not being selected for funding. He concluded by stating that these were two projects that were important to the City and some time should be spent attempting to devise funding sources. SALARY PROPOSAL--DEAN OTTERSON Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to table this salary proposal until the next regular or special meeting. Roll Call: Ail Ayes COMMISSION AND BOARD TERMS Mr. Watson noted that the Council had been supplies with a list of Commission and Board members whose terms were expiring in 1977. January 24, 1977 It was noted that June Baker had resigned from the Human Rights Commission and Robert King, whose HRA term was expiring~ did not wish to be re-appointed. LATE REQUESTS Attorney Kalina brought up the subject of considering appointing a chairman to the Insurance Commission. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he was not aware of the resignation of Insurance Committee Chairman, Mr. Tom Kimitch Mr. Watson noted that Mr. Kimitch had resigned some months ago. He stated that he had spoken to Mr. Kimitch on the telephone, there had been no written notice. Mayor Nawrocki explained that he had called Mr. Kimitch and asked him if he was still in the insurance business and still serving as Chairman for the Insurance Commission. He stated that Mr. Kimitch replied in the affirmative to both questions. No action was taken on this item. There was lengthy discussion on a pension buy-back request from Mr. Earl Ellison, a Park Department employee. Mr. Ellison began work for the City in May of 1964 on a part time basis. No PERA deductions were made from his earnings until the latter part of 1970 due to a City error. ~r. Ellison wished to buy back these years for his pension benefits; he was willing to pay his share, and he was requesting the City to now contribute what would have been paid in in his name, plus interest. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this should be done, due to the fact that PERA was not deducted from Mr. Ellison's earnings due to a City error. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to honor the request of Mr. Ellison. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki-- aye Norberg--nay Mayor Nawrocki passed out copies of the Robbinsdale Volunteer Fire Department Pension Plan, along with some other pension related materials to the Council for their comment and review. Motion ~y Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize expenses for the Council to attend the Congressional League of Cities conference. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay January 24, 1977 Councilman Norberg noted that he felt expenses should be authorized for one or two Councilmembers~ not for the entire Council. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the National League of Cities was now allowing direct membership of all cities, regardless of size. He noted that the NLC was getting more involved with smaller cities. He stated that the cost for direct me~i'~bership would be $4OO for 1977. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the expenditure of $400 for direct membership in the National League of Cities for 1977. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--abstain. Councilman Norberg asked what the City of Columbia Heights would obtain by being a direct member. Councilman Hentges replied that the City would receive a voice and a vote, plus much information. RESOLUTION 77-13 REGARDING POLICE DEPARTMENT PENSIONS BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that WHEREAS, a bill for an act relating to the City of Columbia Heights police department relief association; membership therein; benefits and contributions; membership of certain police department personnel in the State of Minnesota public employees' police and fire fund has been prepared and attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit A, the reading of which is waived, and WHERE.^c, the relumbia Heights Police Relief AssocimLion and ils individual members have agreed to support the saia hill, and WHEREAS, the police officers of the City of Columbia Heights, whose status remains undetermined as a result of certain litigation, have also agreed to support the said bill, and WHEREAS, the said bill is agreeable to the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, and WHEREAS, the said bill is the result of a compromise between the said Relief Association and the City of Columbia Heights, and that the passage of said bill would reflect the culmination of an agreement to terminate said lititation, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that 1. The City Council supports the passage into law by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota of the bill attached hereto, and 2. That the Mayor and City Manager and their authorized representatives be and herein are authorized to work with our local Senators and Representatives to the Legislature and to urge said Legislature to enact the said bill into law. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes January 24, 1977 RESOLUTION 77-14 REGARDING A BILL RELATING TO FIRE DEPARTMENT RELIEF ASSOCIATION AND ESTABLISHING DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS, a bill for an act relating to the City of Columbia Heights fire department relief association; an establishment of paid division and volunteer division of the association and the administration of each division: benefits and contributions; membership of certain fire personnel in the public employees' police and fire fund has been prepared and attached hereto as Exhibit A, the reading of which is waived, and WHEREAS, the Volunteer Division of the Columbia Heights Fire Department has supported the said bill, and WHEREAS, the said bill is agreeable to the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that 1. The City Council supports the passage into law by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota of the bill attached hereto, and 2. That the Mayor and City Manager and their authorized representatives be and herein are authorized to work with our local Senators and Representatives to the Legislature and to urge said Legislature to enact said bill into law. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes An informal session was set up for Thursday, February 17 at 7:00 in the City Council Chambers to discuss Tax Increment Financing with the HRA. There was some discussion on the Minnesota State League of Cities annual conference to be held February 22. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to authorize attendance for Council and Staff to the Minnesota State League of Cities Tuesday, February 22. Roll Call: All Ayes The Mayor-Council training session held by the Minnesota League of Cities was also discussed. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize participation by Councilmembers in the Minnesota League of Cities Mayor-Council Training Session. Roll Call: All Ayes January 24~ 1977 LICENSES Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the license applications as listed be approved upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Hentges brought up the subject of the City's policy regarding the removal of snow and there was some discussion on this. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at 1:43 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Secretary