Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 14, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 14, 1977 The Meeting was called to order at 8:07 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 Reverend Otte of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. MINUTES Mayor Nawrocki noted that the minutes for consideration were those from the special meeting of December 15, 1976, the regular meeting of December 13, 1976, and the special meeting of February 2, 1977. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to approve the minutes as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS City Manager Watson explained that bill number 20011 had exceeded the $500 administrative level; it was for an emergency repair of some equipment. The repair part was a patented product. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to pay the bills as listed out of their proper funds and to waive the taking of informal bids on bill #20011 because of the emergency need of this patented product. Roll Call: All Ayes RECOGNITION AWARDS Mayor Nawrocki noted that he had two certificates of appreciation to present; one to June Baker who had recently resigned from the Human Rights Commission and one to Robert King, whose term on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority was now expiring. Mayor Nawrocki thanked these two for their service and presented Mr. King his award. Ms. Baker was not present, but the Mayor noted that she would be receiving the award soon. INFORMAL QUOTATIONS FOR ANIMAL BOARDING SERVICES Mr. Watson noted that these bids had been handled by Administrative Assistant Yantos and Police Chief Anderson. They were recommending contracting with Blaine Midway All Pets, Inc. for animal boarding services. February 14, 1977 Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract with Blaine Midway All Pets, Inc. on the basis of low, informal bid. Roll Ca]]: All Ayes [~IDS ON USED CITY EQUIPMENT There was discussion on whether some of the equipment proposed for sale should actually be sold. Questions were raised regarding the original pur- pose of this equipment and if present conditions warranted selling it. Mr. Gustafson, Public Works Director, stated that he had gone over the list of items to be sold very carefully to be sure that there was nothin9 pro- posed for sale that would be needed. There was more discussion on individual items on the list. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to proceed with the sale of used City equipment to the high bidders. Amendment by Hcntges, Seconded by f,lorber9 to delete #7, the Gallion Grader, from the list of things to be sold. Roll Call: ~'lorberg, Hentges--aye Logacz, Heintz, ~awrocki--nay Amendment is defeated. Amendment by Hentges, Seconded by i~orber9 to delete ;~$, the Hough Pay Loader, from the list of things to be sold. Eolt Call: Horberg, Hentges--aye Logacz, Heintz, I~awrocl<i--nay Amendment is defeated. Amendment by ~orber9, Seconded by Hentges to delete ;/15, the Aircraft Engine Heater, from the list of things to be sold. Councilman Hentges noted that this heater cnuld be used for emergency purposes. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges, ;iawrockk--aye Logacz, tteintz--nay Amendment carries. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to delete fflO, the 1700 gallon Storage Tank, from the list of things to be sold. Councilman .iorberg noted that anything one can store a petroleum product in is worth having. Roll Call: Norberg--aye Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Ilawrocki--nay Amendment is defeated. Roll Call on Main Ho~ion (including Amendment to delete ~i/15, the Aircraft Engine Heater, from the list of things to be sold): All Ayes February 14, 1977 CALL FOR BIDS ON RADAR EQUIPMENT Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to call for bids on radar equipment for the Police Department, bids to be opened 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March l0 with a report to the following regular Council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes REPORT ON BIDS ON FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR Mr. Watson reported that bids had been received for firefighter turnout gear, but there was no recommendation for award at this time. The bids were being checked to be certain they complied with specifications. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF A PREAPPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS RESOLUTION 77-15 WHEREAS, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 provides a limited amount of Federal Funds to local governments for eligible activities that meet the needs of low and moderate income people, and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, has reviewed the needs of the community as they relate to the provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act, and, WHEREAS, the City Counci:!, after obtaining citizen input through two public hearings held on January 17, 1977, and January 24, 1977, has authorized the Planning Department, with assistance from the Housing .and Redevelopment Authority, to prepare a preapplication for these Federal funds, addressing three priority activities: Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program, Acquisition of Vacated Residential Structures and Vacant Lots, Rehabilitation of 5th Street, and WHEREAS, said Preapplication has been reviewed by the Council, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, that: 1. The Mayor and City Manager be authorized to sign and transmit copies of a Preapplication for Community Development Block Grant Funds to the Metropolitan Council, the State Planning Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their review and consideration of the activities for which Federal assistance is requested. 2. The City Planner/HRA Director be authorized to administer those activities funded by the grant and periodically report to the City Council on the status of said grant. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes February 14, 1977 RESOLUTION REGARDING SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR CITY PLANNER/HRA DIRECTOR Councilman Hentges explained that a joint bargaining committee had been set up to review the salary and benefits of Dean Otterson, City Planner/ HRA Director. The committee consisted of Councilman Hentges, HRA Chairman 'Tom Sherohman, and Mr. Otterson. Councilman Hentges went on to explain that this committee had considered the City's 1977 salary schedule, as well as the Housing Authority's policies, to come up with a proposal that would hopefully be compatible and acceptable to both. There was some discussion on the recommendations as presented. Councilman Heintz asked about the proposal to change Mr. Otterson's title to Community Development Director. He stated that this would, in effect, be creating a new position. He stated that the Council would have to create the position, decide what pay range it should be in, and then set the salary based on the job market. Councilman Heintz asked if there was a job description for this position. Mr. Watson replied that there was such a job description, under the title of City Planner/HRA Director. Councilman Hentges noted that there are many different names for this type of position. There was much discussion on the recommendations of the joint bargaining committee, which culminated in the following resolution: RESOLUTION 77-16 BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Columbia Heights, that WHEREAS, a committee composed of a Councilmember, and a member of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority have met with the City Planner/HRA Director, ~r. Dean Otterson, to review salary schedules, and WHEREAS, agreement has been reached by said committee regarding the City Planner/HRA Director salary for 1977, resulting in a resolution being passed by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority on January 20, 1977. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the salary schedule for Mr. Otterson, City Planner/HRA Director, be established at $1,641 per month within range 29 step b from January 1 to February I, 1977, and then the salary be adjusted to $1,795 per month within range 29 step c. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the allowance toward hospitalization be adjusted to $55 per month effective January l, 1977 and the automobile allowance ad- justed to 16¢ per mile in the seven county area and 14¢ per mile outside the metro area. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes February 14, 1977 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. DAVID NORDBY 1820 FAIRWAY DRIVE VARIANCE FOR GARAGE Mr. Watson explained the requested variance and noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval. A letter had been received from Mr. Lucas of 1840 Fairway Drive stating that he had no objection to the proposal. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to place the letter from Mr. Lucas on file. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to grant the variance request of Mr. David Nordby, 1520 Fairway Drive as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilman Norberg asked what basis this variance could be granted on. Attorney Kalina replied that the basis would be the irregular shape of the lot. Roll Call: All Ayes TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. CONCURRENCE IN SCHOOL BOARD REQUEST - NO STREET PLATTING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY BETWEEN 47TH AND 49TH AVENUES Councilman Hentges explained what had taken place at the Traffic Commission meeting when this topic was discussed. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to concur in the Traffic Commission recommendation that no street be platted on school property between 47th and 49th Avenues. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. REQUEST FOR FOUR WAY STOP INTERSECTION Oil STINSON BOULEVARD AT APACHE PLAZA ENTRANCE DRIVE Councilman Hentges explained that the Northeast Senior Citizen's Housing Project was proposed for the site south of Silver Lake Clinic, across from the entrance drive to Apache Plaza. The request for a four way stop was to go into effect after the project had actually been completed. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to take no action at this time. Comments were made that perhaps to grant this request would be premature. Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes 3. RECOMMENDATION TO REQUEST NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY TO CONDUCT A STUDY FOR CROSSWALK LIGHTING AND ADVANCE WARNING FLASHERS ALONG 49TH AVENUE IN THE VICIIIITY OF THE HIGH SCHOOL AND HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Councilman Hentges read the motion of the Traffic Commission recommending requesting this study. February 1~, 1977 Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to concur in the Traffic Commission recommendation to request Northern States Power to conduct a study for crosswalk lighting and advance warning flashers along 49th Avenue in the vicinity of the high school and Highland Elementary School. Roll Call: Ail Ayes RECOMMENDATION THAT THE COUNCIL REQUEST ANOKA COUNTY TO INSTITUTE A 20 MILE PER HOUR SPEED ZONE IN FRONT OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ALONG 49TH AVENUE Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to concur in the Traffic Commission recommendation and request Anoka County to institute a 20 mile per hour speed zone in front of the public schools along 49th Avenue. Roi] Ca]]: A]I Ayes 5. RECOMMENDATION THAT COUNCIL AUTHORIZE AN ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC STUDY TO BE MADE AROUND ALL EXISTING SCHOOLS TO DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF TRAFFIC CONTROLS WOULD BE MOST APPROPRIATE Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize an Engineering and Traffic study to be made around ali existing schools to determine what type of traffic controls would be most appropriate. Roll Call: Ail Ayes 6. RECOMMENDATION TO SCHEDULE A HEARING FOR SIDEWALK INSTALLATIONS ON FAIRWAY DRIVE AND CHATHAM ROAD The exact location of the proposed sidewalk was noted as being: south side of Fairway Drive to Chatham Road and the east side of Chatham Road to 45th Avenue. It was suggested that this hearing be held off until the traffic study just authorized is completed. No action was taken on this item. Recess: ]0:28 p,m. Reconvene: ]0:57 p.m. ORDINANCE ON THE STRENGTH OF SANITARY SEWER DISCHARGE, INCLUDING A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE METROPOLITAN WASTE CONTROL COMMISSION The first reading of Ordinance 861 was held. It was noted that the second reading, which constitutes a public hearing, would be held at the next regular meeting. RESOLUTION ON SMOKE DETECTORS RESOLUTION 77-17 BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Columbia Heights, that WHEREAS, 'fires occur in one and two family residential dwellings every one and a quarter minutes, and that each day thirty two persons, on an average, will die in fires, and WHEREAS, nine out of ten people who die in building fires perish in their own homes, primarily when they are asleep at the time a fire breaks out, being overcome by toxic fumes, February 14, 1977 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this City Council does hereby go on record as favoring the installation of smoke detection devices approved by the Underwriters Laboratory for use in buildings throughout the City of Columbia Heights and do hereby commend the Columbia Heights Fire Department and the Columbia Heights Jaycees for their work in promoting the use of such detection devices and their efforts in educating our citizens in the need for better fire protection of this nature within their homes and businesses. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Norberg Roll Call: All Ayes There was some discussion on when and where smoke detectors are required. It was noted that the state code requires smoke detectors in all new construction; new construction being all new construction and any new finishing work, such as a basement or any remodeling. It was mentioned that the City of Minneapolis was considering an ordinance that would make smoke detectors mandatory in all existing buildings in a period of three years. Mayor Nawrocki noted that it would be wise to consider an ordinance like this, at least requiring rental properties to be equipped with smoke detectors. There was some discussion on the possibility of drafting such an ordinance for Columbia Heights. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING MRS. JAYCEES WEEK WHEREAS, the Mrs. Jaycees of Columbia Heights have promoted community service in Columbia Heights for 19 years, and WHEREAS, the Mrs. Jaycees of Minnesota is an organization of over 3,000 young women of today in over 215 Minnesota communities, and WHEREAS, the Mrs. Jaycees of Minnesota shall set aside the week of 21-27 of February to educate the community in the areas of on-going projects in Accent on Youth, Aid to Retarded Citizens, Community Service, Female Health, Multiple Sclerosis, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; and WHEREAS, the Mrs. Jaycees of Minnesota provides leadership training to tomorrow's leaders; and WHEREAS, our creed states, "May we leave the world a better place because we lived and served within it." l, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, do hereby proclaim the week of February 20 to 27, 1977 "MRS. JAYCEES WEEK." February 14, 1977 SUBDIVISION REQUEST - WILLARD SEXAUER, llll 42ND AVE~UE There was some discussion on this proposed subdivision. The history of this area was noted briefly and it was stated that should any more construction occur on the land Mr. Sexauer was proposing to subdivide, a drainage problem would be created. Councilman Logacz asked if the Council had any grounds for denying a subdivision request; in other words, is a property owner entitled to subdivide provided the lots meet requirements. Attorney Nick Casper, who was present for City Attorney Ronald Kalina, stated that a subdivision could be withheld if extreme variances were needed, but he was not certain if it could be held if it met all requiirements. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to table this subdivision request for the purpose of obtaining additional information. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH SUN COMMUNITY DIRECTORIES Mr. Watson explained that the annual Sun Director was presently being prepared. The cost for the City to include all Boards, Commissions, and general information was $840. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to e.xpend up to $840 for information to be included in the Sun Community Directory. Roll Call: All Ayes SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES: 1. POLICE DEPARTMENT 'IpRODUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT AND IMPROVEMENT, APRIL 30 - MAY 2, SEATTLE ~ASHINGTON Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to authorize expenses for the Police Chief to attend the I'Productivity Measurement and Improvement Seminar, April 30 - May 2 in Seattle, Washington. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. FIRE DEPARTMENT "INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ARSON INVESTIGATORS" MAY 1 - 6, MADISON, WISCO~iSIN Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize expenses for a member of the Fire Department to attend the Association of Arson Investigators Conference May 1 6 in Madison, ~Visconsin. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize expenses for one Police Officer to attend this same conference on Arson. Roll Call: All Ayes February 14, 1977 3. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT "PRODUCTIVITY TRAINING SEMINAR" APRIL 6 - 7, MADISON, WISCONSIN Public Works Director Gustafson had requested to attend this seminar. The Council suggested that City Manager Watson also attend. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize expenses for two people to attend the "Productivity Training Seminar" April 6 - 7 in Madison, Wisconsin. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. FIRE DEPARTMENT '~INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF FIRE SERVICE INSTRUCTOR'S CO~IFERENCE" MARCH 19 - 25, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Motion by Norberg to deny the request. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize expenses for the Fire Chief to attend the "International Society of Fire Service Instructor's Conference" March 19 - 25 in Memphis, Tennessee. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay It had been noted that the Fire Chief had been asked to speak at this conference and Councilman Norberg voted nay because he did not feel the City Manager was discouraging things of this nature. DISCUSSION ON PERFORMANCE EVALUATION TRAINING Administrative Assistant Tim Yantos noted that he had gathered information on two programs that dealt with performance evaluation training. One program was through St. John's University, and the other was with Mr. Ed Krogstad, who is associated with 'the Minnesota League of Cities. Mr. Yantos felt Mr. Krogstad's program would be better geared toward municipal needs. Councilman Heintz stated his opinion that he felt that, if this program was to be conducted, it should be conducted by the people from St. John s University. It would give the City a look at how things are done in the private sector. There was some discussion on which program would be better for the City to participate in. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by the Chair to authorize expenses for the City to participate in l,lr. Krogstad's performance evaluation training program. Roll Call: Logacz, Nawrocki--aye Heintz, Norberg, Hentges--nay Motion fails. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize expenses for the City to participate in the St. John's Univeristy performance evaluation training program. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Hentges--aye Logacz, Nawrocki--nay Motion carries. February 14, 1977 FROST DEPTH SITUATION DISCUSSION Mr. Gustafson briefly reported that the large number of frozen water services occurring this winter was due to the deep level of frost. He presented a map which showed the locations of the over sixty frozen services which had been reported to that time. Mr. Gustafson suggested running a trickle of water through faucets in ho~es. This would cause enough movement in the water mains and services to keep the lines from freezing. Mayor Nawrocki noted that people had asked who would pay for the water they ran. Councilman Norberg noted that the homeowners should pay for it because it was preventing their own services from becoming frozen. Mr. Watson stated that what Councilman Norberg stated was the practice currently being followed in Columbia Heights, and this was also consistent with other communities. DISCUSSION ON LIQUOR OPERATIONS Mr. Watson reported that he had given the order to close the City's #l liquor store, which had not been doing well in terms of profit. The store was to be closed at the end of the month. Mayor Nawrocki stated that an analysis shou]d be made to see whether the store was being run efficiently. There was some discussion on the possibility of a large, budget-type liquor operation. Discussion also occurred on the possibilities for utilization of space in #1 once it is closed. NOMINATION OF BOB KING FOR C. C. LUDWIG AWARD Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to nominate Bob King for the League of Minnesota Cities C. C. Ludwig Award. Roll Call: All Ayes LICENSES Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, Seconded Ayes All Secretary