HomeMy WebLinkAboutFeb 28, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 28, 1977
The Meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to name Karen DeBruin secretary for
the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
INVOCATION
Invocation was given by City Manager Watson.
Mayor rlawrocki noted that Scouts from Troup 92 were present at the meeting;
they are working on their merit badge dealing with community affairs.
Mayor Nawrocki commented that there was a $300,000 surplus in the City's
General Fund for 1976. He stated that there were many reasons for this, but that
he felt the Council deserved recognition because one of the items that they
spent a lot of time on was the financial affairs of the City.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to pay the bills as listed out of
their proper accounts. Roll Call: All Ayes
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Mayor Nawrocki noted that the minutes under consideration were the Special
Meetings of January 17 and 24, and the Regular Meeting of January 24.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to approve the minutes as presented in
writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes
At this time, Mr. Leslie Ellefson of 4013 4th Street appeared before the Council
to request a dog kennel license. Fie stated that he has five dogs and his
neighbors have been complaining. It was noted that one cannot keep more
than two dogs in a residential area and this is why Mr. Ellefson was requesting
a kennel license.
Attorney Kalina noted that a kennel is not permitted in a residential area.
He stated that Hr. Ellefson would have to be in a business zone to have a
kennel and keep all of his dogs.
Mayor Nawrocki stated in summary that Mr. Ellefson could not get a kennel
license and could only keep two dogs at his residence. Mr. Ellefson thanked
the Council and left the meeting.
February 28, 1977
RECREATION COMMISSION DISCUSSION
It was noted that a letter from Recreation Director Linda Hansen was
sent to the City Hanager and the City Council request ng that she be
placed on this agenda, and noting the Recreation Comm ssion's dis-
pleasure on the handling of accounting procedures and lack of comm-
unications.
In her letter, Ms. Hansen noted several charges which were made against
the 1976 Recreation Budget "wTthout the Commission's (or Director's)
prior knowledge or approval."
Ms. Hanson noted that she hadn't received a year-end financial statement,
and discovered the charges upon checking the Recreation Departmentls
ledger cards to make a report of financial standing to the Commission.
Mayor' Nawrocki asked Ms. Hansen if she had been notified of specific
problems. She replied that she was not notified, and this was an on-
going thing.
Mayor' Nawrocki noted that this concern has been expressed to the Council
before. Hr. Watson reported that some departments did receive financial
reports and others did not, but in the future they all will.
Councilman Heintz noted that he did not believe the City could operate in
such a manner, and something must be done to ensure that all this infor-
mation is dist?ibuted.
Mr. Watson stated that it was pointed out to the Finance Department that
each department must receive all financial information and that this will
be an item at staff meetings in the future.
Councilman Norberg explained that the information should do more than just
go out to each department. Each department should be required to make a
presentation once a month on where they stand in relationship to their
budget; and also give the reason for this standing (over-spending, under-
spending, cutting expenses, etc.)
Discussion turned to the bus which was acquired from the Metropolitan
Transit Commission. It was explained that the bus, and expenses associated
therewith, are shared by the Recreation Department and the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority.
A question on bus rental was raised. Mr. Watson explained that Recreation
and the HRA are both contacted before the bus is rented out to someone
outside of Columbia Heights. All requests from Columbia Heights take
precedence over outside requests.
Mr. Schelde asked why the Recreation Department must pay for something
other communities use.
February 28, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki explained that he was responsible for the City getting the
bus, and that the procedures associated with it were agreed to before it
was acquired.
Mayor Nawrocki asked who was responsible for scheduling the bus. Mr. Watson
replied that this was handled through the Shop Foreman, Tom Hosch, because
he arranges to have the bus in a driveable condition and parked in a place
where it can easily be taken out.
The Mayor asked Ms. Hansen if this procedure was followed and she replied
that basically it was, although there are occasionally problems with
communications, such as messages which never get to the party for which
they were intended.
Mayor Nawrocki suggested that this scheduling be handled through the
secretary in the public works building.
Ms. Hansen noted that her question was why the Recreation Department pays
the charges for repair in the bus when other communities are using it.
Mayor Nawrocki asked about the on-going maintenance on the bus. Mr.
Gustafson, Public Works Director, replied that he did not think the
total maintenance on the bus had reached $1,000 since it had been
acquired; this was including the cost of the tires which had been put on.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that it appeared the shop was absorbing most of the
maintenance costs on the bus.
Mr. Schel'de began noting some of the other items contained in Ms. Hansen's
memo. He explained that Mr. Watson had called a meeting with members of
the Finance Department and Ms. Hansen Thursday, February 24, after receipt
of her letter, but the results of this meeting were never verified in
written form, such as a memo.
Some of the items discussed at the aforementioned meeting were brought up
for discussion.
Ms. Hansen explained that some of the items she was questioning were valid
expenditures, she was merely not made aware of them when they were charged
against her budget.
Ms. Hansen asked the Council to consider making some changes in her budget
according to some of the things she had listed in her letter.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that he was not sure, from the information which had
been presented, that any changes were in order. He did state that the
financial information should have been given to her, but he felt that the
costs as charged were legitimate.
He further stated that certain things should not happen, including
establishment of an administrative procedure relative to notification of
department heads by the Finance Department on routing expenditures of
$50 or more. Also, a letter should go to Ms. Hansen verifying the outcome
of the two meetings held on her letter and what action is being taken.
There was more discussion on the topic of the bus and it was suggested that
perhaps the scheduling could be handled through the Recreation Department.
February 28, 1977
Councilman Hentges brought up the subject of the two busses which were
donated by School District #]3 and the Columbia Heights Boosters which
were recently sold for approximately $4OO total. It was noted that the
money received for these busses went into the City's General Fund.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz that the money received for the
sale of the two City busses be a]]ocated back to the Recreation
Department. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--present
Mayor Nawrocki directed the City Manager to prepare a draft of a policy
on the handling of the bus; this draft to be circulated to the Council,
Recreation Department, and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
BILL FROM ATTORNEY ON BLASTIHG CLAIMS
There was some discussion on the background of these blasting claims.
Mr. Watson reported that the $3,000 requested seemed to be a reasonable
charge considering the amount of time spent on this item, and he
recommended payment.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges that the balance amount of $3,000
for legal services be paid to Attorney Ronald Kalina on blasting claims,
such monies to come from the Una!located Account in the General Fund.
Roll Call: All Ayes
BIDS ON KITCHEN EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIELD HOUSE
Mr. Watson reported that the low bidder was Goulet Inc. in an amount
of $5,624. The Park Board and John Murzyn, Park Superintendent,
recommended award of bid to Goulet, Inc.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to award the bid on Kitchen
Equipment for the Field House to Goulet, Inc., in an amount of
$5,624 on the basis of low, responsible bid, and the Mayor and City
Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call:
All Ayes
BIDS ON TURNOUT GEAR FOR THE FIRE DEPARTHENT
It was reported that the sample coat which was requested had not yet
been received, so a recommendation for award could not be made. Mayor
Nawrocki noted that this would be discussed at the next regular
meeting.
RECESS: 9:45 P.M. RECONVENE: 10:O8 P.M.
BIDS ON UNIFORM SHIRTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Police Chief submitted a letter requesting authorization to order
98 shirts at a total of $1,400 from Uniforms Unlimited based on low,
informal bid.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the City Manager be authorized
to expend up to S1,400 for uniform shirts for the police department based
on low informal bid from Uniforms Unlimited.
February 28, 1977
There were some questions raised regarding why so many shirts were being
requested, what budget line item this was to come from, etc.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that there should be more information available
before any action is taken.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to table further consideration of
this request until the next regular ~eeting for further information.
Roll Call: All Ayes
HEARING ON HAZARDOUS BUILDING AT 3864 POLK STREET NORTHEAST
Building Inspector Arden Hovland stated that this hearing was called to
consider the possibility of the condemnation of the house at 3864 Polk
Street. He noted the reasons for this as being: abandonment, inferior
construction, unsanitary facilities, insufficient electrical and heating
systems, and general dilapilation both inside and outside from lack of
maintenance.
It was noted that there was no one present regarding this hearing.
Attorney Kalina stated that he had prepared a statement of findings
and an order regarding this condemnation.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that there was a decision to be made relative to how
many days should be allowed for removal.
Mr. Hovland suggested thirty days.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to adopt the discussed findings
and order and require the building at 3864 Polk Street to be taken down
and the premises restored to a safe condition in thirty days. Roll
Call: All Ayes
There was some discussion on the Glader property at S,Jmmit and 5th Street;
several of the neighbors were upset about it, it was noted.
Mr. Hovland was directed to report to the Council the action to be taken
on this house.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 861 REGARDING STRENGTH OF SANITARY SEWER
DISCHARGE
The second reading of Ordinance 861 regarding Strength of Sanitary Sewer
Discharge was held.
Ordinance Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz
There was lengthy discussion on the purpose of the ordinance.
Mayor Nawrocki asked if he was correct in assuming that, if the utility
bill was not paid on time, two different types of late charges would
come into play; one for the regular utility bill and one for the strength
charge. Attorney Kalina noted he was correct.
February 28, 1977
The Mayor asked if this was a responsible way to conduct business.
Attorney replied that it was.
There was more general discussion on the ordinance.
Roll Call on Ordinance:
Ordinance 861 is adopted.
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg, Hentges--nay
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ROBERT KlllG, FORHER COUNCILMAN OF THE CITY OF
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, FOR THE C. C. LUDWIG AWARD
The
RESOLUTION 77-18
SUPPORTING ROBERT KING, FORMER COUNCILMAN OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS, FOR THE C. C. LUDWIG AWARD
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
HEIGHTS, that
WHEREAS, each year the League of Minnesota Cities honors a
municipal official whose career in municipal service exemplifies the
ideals of the late Mr. C. C. Ludwig, the Executive Secretary of the
League for 24 years, and
WHEREAS, this award will be presented again this year at the League
Convention in Rochester, Minnesota in June, and
WHEREAS, Robert G. King has dedicated a record 12½ years of
conscientious service as a Councilman in our community, and
WHEREAS, the City has grown from 15,000 to over 23,000 citizens and
experienced development of a well ordered nature during his tenure of
office, examples of which are:
t. Promoting a park expansion program assuring park facilities
for all sections of the City.
2. Construction of a Municipal Building housing all administrative and
emergency services.
3. Instituting a 24-hour emergency dispatcher service for Police, Fire,
and First Aid.
4. Completing and adopting a City-wide zoning plan in accordance with a
comprehensive land use study and supporting an additional study under the
701 planning program.
5. Approving a street lighting rejuvenation program resulting in
recognition as the Best Street Lighted City in Minnesota.
6. Building our own public library including a major expansion thereof
when usage increased beyond expactations following initial construction.
7. Inaugurating a post card notification procedure on public hearings
in addition to legal publications prior to any statutory requirements
on same.
8. Ratifying our water supply contract with the City of Minneapolis,
assuring our citizens of a perpetual, reliable water supply storage
facility.
February 28, 1977
9. Initiating a long range storm sewer program in anticipation of future
needs.
10. Studying the various problems incumbent upon a community experiencing
fast growth and undertaking the actions necessary for their solution.
ll. Approving the first major H.U.D. public facilities project on water-
mains thereby acquiring Federal Assistance to offset assessments, and
WHEREAS, upon retirement from the City Council, Mr. King accepted an
appointment to the newly formed Housing and Redevelopment Authority,
serving as a Commissioner on the Authority from January 1970 until
February 1977, during which time the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
was instrumental in getting a senior citizen's high rise apartment
building which was badly needed in our community, and
WHEREAS, Mr. King continues to serve as a member of the City Merit
Commission and makes himself available to various civic groups and
activities as a volunteer when his talents are desired.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Columbia Heights recommends to the League of Minnesota Cities the nomination
of Robert G. King for the C. C. Ludwig award for 1977 and that copies of
this resolution be forwarded to Dean Lund, Executive Director of the
League of Minnesota Cities.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Hentges
Roll Call: All Ayes
There was some discussion on the progress of the Ad Hoc Tree and
Landscaping Committee and a request for a written report including
a recommended plan of action for the coming year by the time of the
next regular meeting.
ESTABLISH POSSIBLE DATES FOR EVALUATION TRAIIIING SESSION
Mr. Yantos, Administrative Assistant, explained that he would like the
Council to suggest some tentative dates for the Evaluation Training
Session for the Council and department heads.
Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 a.m. and Thursday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m.
were set aside as possible days. Mr. Yantos noted that he would verify
this as soon as possible.
SET HEARING DATE FOR 1977 CONSTRUCTION
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges that a special meeting be called
for Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Field House for the purpose
of holding hearings on proposed assessable 1977 construction projects.
Roll Call: All Ayes
February 28, 1977
SCHCGLS AND CONFERENCES: I TTH ANNUAL SNO¥1 CONFERENCE
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to deny the request of the Street
Superintendent to attend the 17th Annual Snow Conference.
£ounci]man Hentqes noted that the City of Columbia Heights has been plowing
it's streets for a long time, and doing a good ]ob of it, so it was not
necessary to attend this conference every year. Councilman Norberg stated
that he did not fee] the information gained would lustily the expenses.
Ito]l Call on Motion to Deny: Hentges, Norberg--aye
Logacz, Heintz, Ilawrocki--nay
Motion fails.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the Street Superintendent
to attend the ]Tth Annual Snow Conference. Roi] Ca]]: Logacz, Heintz,
Nat.zr'~cki--~v~ Hentqes, Norberg--nay Motion carries.
Councilman Hentges noted that the same person from each department should not
be going to the same conferences each year.
Co,!n¢i]man Mentges oresented a brochure on a local Time Hana§ement seminar
and suggested that the Council authorize one or more persons to attend.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz that expenses for two persons be
authorized to attend the Time Management seminar in Minneapolis on
March 24. Roll Ca]]: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--present Motion carries.
SUBDIVISION REQUEST--WILLARD SEXAUER 1Ill 42ND AVENUE NORTHEAST
Mr. Watson drew the situation near ]]]l 42nd Avenue on the blackboard.
There was much discussion on the potential drainage problem in this area.
Mr. Sexauer stated that drainage has to be considered as a potential
problem but he did not fee] it would materialize.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that the property in its present state absorbs all
the excess water, but if it becomes developed the water wi]] run off.
There was more discussion on the potential drainage problem and the things
which could be done.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the lot subdivision for
Wil]ard Sexauer, Ill] 42nd Avenue Northeast be granted and the special
assessments on the property be divided according to benefit.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that Mr. Sexauer really could not take care of the
drainage problem, the only logical way to solve the problem is to put
in a storm drain. He noted that this project has been proposed, but
most: of the neighbors in the area were opposed to it.
Attorney Kalina explained that the owner of the subdivided property
could be denied a building permit if the lot doesnlt have the proper
grade elevations. There was some discussion on this point.
February 28, 1977
Councilman Norberg stated that the Council had at one time said that they
weren't going to allow any more development in this area until the drainage
problem was taken care of and now if they granted this subdivision they
would not be standing by this.
Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--nay Motion carries.
Mayor Nawrocki asked about the status of the suggestions on ways to
conserve energy. Mr. Watson noted some of the things which had been
checked to date and the Mayor stated that the conservation efforts
should be pursued and not allowed to die.
Councilman Norberg noted that he had forwarded a copy of a letter
containing the definition of accruals to Mr. Watson and he was waiting
for copies to be passed out to the Council and for the Finance Director's
comments.
It was noted that the Hunstad Foundry property had been cleaned up as
requested and the Council felt a letter of commendation should go to
Mr. Hunstad.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that there was a meeting set for Tuesday, March 1
for 7:00 a.m. at the Pannekoeken Huis with Representative Fudro and
representatives from the City Council and the Minnesota Department of
Transportation to discuss Central Avenue Urbanization.
LICENSES
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to approve the licenses as listed
upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mr. Gustafson noted that he had written a report regarding thawing
frozen water services. He explained that new methods are being investigated
and there was some discussion on this.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to adjourn at 12:50 a.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
BruiSe G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Se~-retary - - -