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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 14, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MARCH 14, 1977 The Meeting was called to order at 8:03 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 Reverend McEachern of Oak Hill Baptist Church. Mayor Nawrocki took this opportunity to introduce the new Sun Newspaper Reporter, Steve Schultze. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Mayor Nawrocki noted that the minutes under consideration were those of the Regular Meeting of February 28. Councilman Hentges noted that under the section marked 'lSchools and Conferences: 17th Annual Snow Conference," he wanted to see his reason for voting no on the request. Mayor Nawrocki stated that Councilman Hentges' reason was already in the minutes. Councilman Hentges stated that he felt the same person should not attend a conference all the time, but should allow others to go and benefit from it. It was noted that this would be incorporated in the minutes. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to approve the minutes as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. BIDS ON FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR It was noted that this item would be held until later in the meeting when Fire Chief Johnson would be present. BIDS ON POLICE UNIFORM SHIRTS Mr. Watson noted that a letter had gone to the Council from the Police Chief explaining the request for purchase of uniform shirts. The letter stated that these were the new style of solid blue shirts, and the request was to buy 98 short sleeved shirts. The letter also noted that there was a considerable cost savings realized by buying in quantity. It was further noted that informal quotes were received and Uniforms Unlimited was low bidder at $1,4OO. Xarch III, 1977 Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the purchase of 98 uniform shirts for the Police Department from Uniforms Unlimited in an amount of $1,400. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--abstain Motion carries. Councilman Norberg stated that he appreciated the need but thinks $14 a shirt OTHER BIDS is too high. Mr. Watson noted that he would like the Council to authorize a call for bids .on equipment rental and road materials. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges that the City Manager be authorized to call for bids on equipment rental and road materials, with bids to be opened 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 31 with a report to the following Regular or Special Council Meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes TREE SERVICE LICENSING ORDINANCE There was some general discussion on the proposed tree service licensing ordinance. Public Works Director Gustafson noted that he would like to see a clause in the ordinance that would require tree services to supply proof of where they are disposing of the trees they take down, so the City can be sure they are using authorized dump sites. Councilman Norberg noted that it was important that the City get some kind of program instituted because the tree removal season would soon arrive. It was noted that the first reading of this ordinance would be held later in the meeting. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ITEMS: 1. REZONING REQUEST: FRANK BURAK NORTH SIDE OF 46TH AVENUE AND MONROE STREET Mr. Hovland, Building Inspector, explained the situation on this request and noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve the rezoning from R-1 to R-2. It was noted that an ordinance must be passed to rezone the property. The first reading of Ordinance 862 being an ordinance amending Columbia Heights Zoning Code Ordinance 818 was held. 2. SPECIAL PURPOSE SIX FOOT FENCE: DAVID OLSON 1308 42½ AVENUE Mr. Hovland showed the Council where the proposed fence would be located. Mr. Olson noted that he had obtained the written signatures of his neighbors showing their approval of the fence as was requested of him by the Planning and Zoning Commission. March 14~ 1977 Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges that the request for the special purpose fence be granted for David Olson of 1308 42½ Avenue on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the approval of the neighbors. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. VARIANCE: H. B. FULLER COMPANY 3900 JACKSO~i STREET Mr. Gary Thompson was present to represent H. B. Fuller in this request for a variance for required off street parking. It was explained that the H. B. Fuller Company was planning an office addition; and the combined square footage of the office and the warehouse makes the parking space requirement 73 spaces. H. B. Fuller was requesting a variance of 32 parking spaces which would give them a total of 41 parking spaces on the premises. Mr. Thompson explained that this would be adequate for the number of employees. Councilman Heintz noted that the employees should be parking in the spaces provided and not on the street. Councilman Norberg asked the City Attorney the basis for granting the variance. Mr. Kalina replied that the basis was the exceptional topography of the lot. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the variance of 32 parking spaces be granted to H. B. Fuller Company of 3900 Jackson Street, with the stipulation that additional parking be provided should the need arise. Councilman Heintz reiterated his concern that employees not be allowed to park on the street. It was noted that the proposed motion was contingent upon the signing of an agreement by the H. B. Fuller Company that they surrender the variance and provide additional parking if needed at some future time. Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. Councilman Norberg noted that he did not feel 'exceptional topography' was a valid reason for granting this variance. TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEM: HEARING SET FOR MOIIDAY, MARCH 21, 1977 Councilman Hentges reported that the Traffic Commission had set a hearing for Monday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the advisability of removing parking on the east side of Central Avenue from 250 feet south of Gould Avenue to 250 feet north of 42nd Avenue to install left turn lanes. March 14, 1977 STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN It was explained that the City had received a request for input from the Minnesota Department of Transportation in an attempt to receive local opinions on various aspects of the Statewide Comprehensive Transportation Plan which is about to be drafted. Councilman Hentges noted that the Traffic Commission would be reviewing this request for input at their April meeting. Mayor Nawrocki asked that this item be put back on the agenda for the first meeting in April after the Traffic Commission has had an opportunity to review it. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE CORNER LOT AT HEIGHTS DRIVE ArID MAIDEN LANE Mr. Watson explained that this was a tax forfeit lot which was brought to his attention by the County Auditor. It was further explained that the proposed use of the site was as a community garden. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to authorize acquisition of the tax forfeit lot at the corner of Heights Drive and Malden Lane. Roll Call: All Ayes DISCUSSION ON THE USE OF FUNDS BY THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR INITIAL DISBURSEMENT OF LOW INTEREST LOANS At the informal session before this meeting, Mr. Roger Jensen, Assistant Housing and Redevelopment Authority Director, had explained to the Council that the HRA would like permission from them to make initial disbursement of low interest loans to citizens of Columbia Heights participating in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's Home Improvement Loan Program. It was further explained that the money proposed to be used for these initial disbursements is the $65,000 that was to be used for the acquisition of a parking lot. This money is currently in a savings account. It was also noted that there was no risk involved in using this money because the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency gives prior approval on all loans. The money will be replaced within fifteen days. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the use of funds by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for initial disbursement on low interest loans to be reimbursed by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency; this authorization to be contingent on verification to members of the Council that this is the required procedure. Councilman I.ogacz noted that the sooner this rehabilitation program is started, the better. March 14, 1977 Councilman Norberg noted that interest would be lost on this money if it were to be taken out of the bank. Amendment by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to specify that this action does not constitute a release of these funds. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg--aye Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki--nay Motion fails. Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg, ~tei~z --nay Motion carries. Councilman Norberg noted that he wished the minutes to show that the Mayor indicated the passage of this motion did not, in fact, include a release of the funds; and therefore the amendment which had been proposed was unnecessary. SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES: 1. DON JOLLY, SEWER AND WATER SUPERINTENDENT, REQUESTS TO ATTEND THE 97TH ANNUAL AWWA CONFERENCE, MAY 8-13 IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize attendance of Don Jolly to the 97th Annual AWWA Conferences and expenses for same. Councilman Heintz asked if this was budgeted for and it was noted that it was. Councilman Norberg asked if and when Mr. Jolly had attended this conference in the past. It was noted that he had attended in 1971, 1973, and 1975. Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg, Hentges--nay Motion carries. Councilman Hentges noted, with Councilman Norberg's agreement, that the same personnel are consistently going to the same schools. He said he thought it was the Council's opinion that other employees should be given a chance to go. Mayor Nawrocki noted that there is only one Sewer and Water Superintendent and since this was the American Water Works Association Conference, he felt it was appropriate for Mr. Jolly to go. 2. DEAN OTTERSON, CITY PLANNER, REQUESTS TO ATTEND THE ASPO NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE, APRIL 23-27, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize attendance of Dean Otterson to the ASPO National Planning Conference and expenses for same. Councilman Heintz asked if this conference had been budgeted for and it was noted that it was. March l~, 1977 Councilman Norberg wanted to know why the estimated expenses on Mr. Jolly's conference (one week in Anaheim) were $470 and the estimated expenses on Mr. Otterson's conference (four days in San Diego) were $680. Mr. Hovland explained that Mr. Otterson had estimated his expenses on the high side, especially for lodging and meals. It was further explained that with early authorization, several of tile expense items would be lessened, such as hotel and air fare. It was also noted that Mr. Otterson was planning on keeping expenses to a minimum. Councilman Hentges noted that he did not feel that any staff person should be given a fat expense account. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he agreed with this, but that he did not know anyone had been given a fat expense account. There was some discussion on this subject. Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. 3. MALCOLM O. WATSON, CITY MANAGER, REQUESTS TO ATTE~D THE MANAGER'S SPRI~IG COHFERENCE, MAY ll-13, IN BRAINERD, MINNESOTA Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to deny the request. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Logacz--nay Motion carries. HILLTOP POLICE CONTRACT It was explained that this is the contract whereby the City of Columbia Heights provides police, first aid, and emergency services for Hilltop. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he was under the assumption that this contract had previously been authorized. Mr. Watson noted that the minutes were checked and no such authorization could be found. Motion by Hentges to table this matter for further investigation. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this would not be necessary; because if the contract had been authorized, there would be no problem with authorizing it twice and if it was not authorized, authorization should be made at this time. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract agreement for police services with Hilltop. Roll Call: All Ayes SET BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING DATE The suggested date for this meeting was Monday, Hay 16 at 7:00 p.m. It was noted that this date was agreeable to the Council and the date was set. March 14, 1977 LATE REQUESTS There were no late requests. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Councilman Norberg asked about the situation regarding his request for a definition on accruals. Mr. Watson noted that this was being prepared. Councilman Heintz asked the Police Chief to enforce the two hour parking limit near Minneapolis Electric Steel Castings Company. Councilman Logacz stated his concerns regarding LaBelle Park. He noted that he would like the City Council to approve of additional monies to modify the existing lighting system. Councilman Logacz explained that there has been a great deal of vandalism in the park, with many of the lights being broken. He also explained that Mr. Wolverton, the Engineer on the Phase II development of LaBelle Park, feels that the lighting system could be modified to make it less susceptible to vandals. Councilman Logacz went on to say that it was useless to spend any more money in LaBelle Park if it's going to be allowed to be destroyed. Mayor Nawrocki noted that a few people are causing the trouble, and most people appreciate the aesthetics of the park. Police Chief Stuart Anderson noted that the type of lights which were currently in the park would probably be vandalized if they were in someone's front yard. He suggested installing high street-type lights. There was some discussion on the costs and feasibility of patrolling the park in an attempt to catch the vandals. Mayor Nawrocki noted that there is no one hundred per cent answer to the problem of vandalism; surveillance of the type of lights could not guarantee the vandalism would end. There was more discussion on the surveillance in the par[t. Mr. Watson reported on the tentative schedule for the preparation of plans and specifications, bid letting, and consideration of award of bid on the Phase II development of the park. Councilman Heintz asked if this was the appropriate time to authorize a call for bids. Mr. Watson replied that it was not, the plans and specifications must be presented to the Council for their approval first. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he would like to report on Councilman Logacz's and his trip to Washington DC for the Congressional League of Cities Conference. He noted that they had taken the opportunity of the conference to take the con- cerns of the City relative to project funding requests which have not been successful to Senator Anderson, Senator Humphrey, Representative Don Fraser, and also to Vice President Mondale. He stated that the Fifth Street Storm Sewer project and the City Hall Remodelling projects were discussed in particular. He went on to say that Congress is considering another Public Works Projects appropriations bill in the sum of either two or four billion dollars. March 14, 1977 He noted that the indication is that there will be no solicitation of new applications, but the applications which were submitted and not funded under the last bill would be re-considered. There was some discussion on the Mayor's comments. Mayor Nawrocki concluded the discussion on this topic by stating that the City of Columbia Heights must continue to make their concerns and their situation known in hopes of making things more equitable for smaller cities.. Recess 9:42 p.m. Reconvene 9:52 p.m. BIDS ON FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR Fire Chief Johnson was present and he explained that he had contacted Alb Rubber Company, the supplier of the low bidder on the turnout gear, to receive some assurances in respect to the product being bid and also to request a sample. The sample was sent and was available for the Council to inspect. Chief ,Johnson stated that he had met with the Assistant Fire Chief of St. Paul and talked to the Minneapolis Fire Chief on the phone. Both these departments use the equipment that is being bid and both are quite satisfied with it. Mr. Watson and Chief Johnson stated that they were recommending award of bid to the low bidder, C. F. Coyer of 4301 Valley View Road in Edina for 25 sets of turnout gear including 25 coats, 25 pairs of bunker pants, 25 sets of suspenders, $ radio pockets, and one case of repellent spray. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to award the bid on firefighter turnout gear to C. F. Coyer of 4301 Valley View Road in Edina in an amount of $4,892.75 and the Hayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION AUTHORIZIIIG AGREEMENT BETWEEH THE CITY AND UNITY HOSPITAL Fire Chief Johnson explained that the proposed resolution would authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an agreement with Unity Hospital regarding Emergency Medical Technician Training. The Chief explained that Attorney Kalina had looked over the proposed contract and he felt that some of the provisions should be reviewed and changes made. No action was taken on this item at this time. March 14, 1977 FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 863 REGARDING TREE SERVICE LICENSING The first reading on Ordinance 863 was held. It was noted that the second reading would be held at the next regular meeting of the Council. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Attorney Kalina noted that he had discussed with Myron Schnickles tile possibility of opening a restaurant in the old #1 off sale store. Mr. Kalina stated that the provisions of the franchising ordinance would have to be met unless the space was put up for bids. There was much discussion on this subject. Mayor Nawrocki was interested in getting an estimate on the revenue this proposal would generate for the City. There was some talk about directing the City Manager to write specifications for the bid letting on the old #1 store. Councilmembers Heintz and Logacz noted that more information should be gathered in order to see what could be done with the building for the City to realize the most for its investment. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to prepare specifications for the possible lease of the vacated off sale store. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Norberg asked when the building at 4000- 4002 Central Avenue, which had been condemned by the City, would be coming down. The time limit which had been given for the removal of the building had elapsed. Attorney Kalina noted that he had filed an action in Anoka County District Court regarding this item. Mr. Watson noted that he would like to request to transfer $500 within the Police Department budget from line item 1018 Police Training Programs to 1190 Other Charges. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to make the $500 transfer within the Police Department budget. Roll Call: All Ayes PROCLAMATION COLUMBIA HEIGHTS JAYCEES JELLY WEEK--MARCH 27 THROUGH APRIL 3, 1977 WHEREAS, recognizing the need for improved community support for handicapped and disadvantaged children exists and WHEREAS, to continue the development of existing programs, the need for additional funds is necessary and the Minnesota Jaycees organization has undertaken to raise these funds in order to continue these programs. March 14, 1977 NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, do hereby proclaim the week of March 27 as Jaycees Jelly Week in recognition of the statewide campaign that will be conducted by the Minnesota Jaycees on this date to aid in the financial support of Minnesota's handicapped and disadvantaged children for the benefit of all children to enjoy. Councilman Hentges noted that he had been contacted regarding a problem regarding a new citizen who was having trouble with his water bill and the City Utility Billing Department. The man's name and address were taken by Mr. Watson so this could be checked. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he had received a complaint from 4244 VanBuren Street regarding the difference in grade between the newly constructed alley and a cement slab in his yard. The Mayor asked that this be checked, and the information be conveyed to the property owner. There was some discussion pertaining to snow emergency procedures. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to approve the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes Public Works Director Gustafson presented a map of the sidewalk being proposed for replacement during this year's construction season. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges that a special meeting be called for Monday, May 2 at 8:00 p.m. for purposes of holding a sidewalk replacement hearing. Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Gustafson discussed Sullivan Lake and it's possible boundaries with the Council. Tuesday, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. was set for an informal meeting with the City Attorney to review and discuss the proposed City Code. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at l l :42 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ,' ! /~,,/,, ,// Bruce G. I'lawrocki, Mayor Secretary