Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 28, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA MARCH 28, 1977 The Meeting was called to order at 8:32 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 Einar Oberg of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Mayor Nawrocki noted that the minutes for consideration were those from March 14. He explained that some corrections had been presented prior to the meeting. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to approve the minutes as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts. Roll Call: All Ayes PROCLAMATION PRIVATE PROPERTY WEEK, APRIL 17 TO 23 WHEREAS, citizens of this community, and those throughout our great land, enjoy the benefits, security, and pride of home ownership as in no other country in the world, and WHEREAS, members of the Anoka County Board of REALTORS have been chiefly responsible for encouraging home ownership through their efforts to match the needs of buyers with available homes, counsel both buyers and sellers and guide them through the various steps necessary to complete a purchase, and WHEREAS, the citizens of this community have benefitted from REALTORS efforts to protect the right of real property ownership; to provide the community with a sound economy through use of their professional skills in locating, appraising, and managing factories, stores, office buildings, and apartment complexes, and WHEREAS, REALTORS have further given of their time and energies to this community by their activity in civic affairs, charitable causes, educational programs, and by being alert to the needs of their neighbors, and WHEREAS, the Code of Ethics of Which REALTORS subscribe places them in the fore- front of the responsible organizations in this country; March 28, t977 NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, do hereby proclaim April 17 to 23 to be PRIVATE PROPERTY WEEK and urge my Fellow citizens to join with the Anoka County Board of REALTORS and REALTOR-ASSOCIATES across the nation in this observance during this week and throughout the year. BIDS ON MOBILE TRAFFIC RADAR UNIT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT It was noted that bids for the mobile traffic radar unit were opened on March 24. Two bids were received: Kustom Signals, Inc. for $2,385 less trade-in of $300 for a net bid of $2,085; and Decatur Electronics for S],750 less trade-in of $]00 for a net bid of $l,650. Delivery time on both models was fourteen days. City Manager Watson noted that his original recommendation was to award the bid to Decatur Electronics, the iow bidder. Further checking on this was done and Police Chief Stuart Anderson was present to explain the situation. Chief Anderson began by stating that he was recommending award of bid to Kustom Signals, Inc. He explained that, in reviewing the specifications and the Decatur Operation Manual, he found that Decatur Electronics did not meet the specifications. Mayor Nawrocki asked Chief Anderson if he had discussion this with the low bidder. Chief Anderson replied that he had, and he introduced Mr. Harstad, the representative from Decatur Electronics, who was in the audience. Mr. Harstad stated that he felt his company's model met the City's specifications. He also stated that several other communities used this mode] and were satisfied with it. Mayor Nawrocki asked what it was about the Decatur model that supposedly did not meet the specifications. Chief Anderson replied that the specifications had stated that the read-out on the radar must indicate all target vehicle speeds, regardless of the patrol car speed. The Decatur Operating Manual indicated that if the target vehicle and patrol vehicle speeds were identical, the radar will not show the target vehicle. The Chief further pointed out that this model would not read multiples of the patrol car's speed. For example, if the patrol car is travelling at 20 miles per hour, the radar will not acknowledge target vehicles travelling at speeds of 20, 40, 60, 80, etc. miles per hour. Chief Anderson went on to say that, with this in mind, it becomes evident that there is a possibility of giving a speeding ticket to the wrong car. He gave an example situation: a squad car is going 30 miles per hour. Two vehicles are approaching, the first one at 30 miles per hour and the second at 35 miles per hour. The Decatur radar would not read the 30 miles per hour car, but would instead pick up the 35 miles per hour caf. It would seem to the officer that the first vehicle was travelling at 35 miles per hour and he may ticket him. The Chief stated that he had discussed this with City Prosecutor Nick Casper who agreed that this could present problems if such a case went to court. March 28, 1977 Mr. Harstad stated that this unit is used in many other communities and this has never been noted as a problem before. He stated that if the Officer slowed down or speeded up slightly, the radar would pick up the approaching car. The Chief did not see this as a workable solution. Councilman Logacz asked what type of radar the City presently uses. Chief Anderson replied that the Kustom Signals unit is currently being used. Mr. Harstad noted that the Police Department had used a Decatur model on a trial-type period in the Fall of 1976. He stated that the Officers were quite pleased with the unit. Chief Anderson explained that the Officers had not been aware of the unit's inability to read it's own speed or the courtroom problems which could ensue. There was much discussion on the information as presented. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by N0rberg to table this matter until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki stated that he would like to know what other prices have been bid on these models in the recent past. OTHER BIDS Mr. Watson noted that a letter had been received from Park Superintendent John Murzyn stating that informal quotes were received for electrical and plumbing installations for the kitchen and bar equipment at the Field House. In his letter, Mr. Murzyn noted that he had contacted a majority of the Park Board members and they stated their approval on recommending award to the low bidders. The low bidders were: (electrical installations) Heights Electric Company in an amount of $1,O60 and (plumbing installations) LeVahn Brothers, Inc. in an amount of $3,570. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges that the bid for electrical work for renovations in the Field House be awarded to Heights Electric Company in an amount of $1,O60 on the basis of low, competitive, informal bid; and that the bid for plumbing work for renovations in the Field House be awarded to LeVahn Brothers, Inc. in an amount of $3,570 on the basis of low, competitive, informal bid. Roll Call: All Ayes ORDINANCE 863 REGARDING TREE SERVICE LICENSING The second reading of this ordinance was held. Ordinance offered by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz Mayor Nawrocki asked about some possible situations: 1. If he had a tree of any kind in his yard and he wanted to take it down, but felt he needed help and he called the University Student Employment Center; would the student helpinq him be reouired to have a license~ March 28, 1977 City Attorney Kalina replied that the student would be required to hold a license. 2. Someone from the University Student Employment Center, or someone from the nei9hborhood, is cuttin9 his lawn and is then instructed to also trim the hedge. Will they need a license? City Attorney Kalina again replied that under this ordinance as it presently stands, they would need to hold a license. There was some discussion on the language and provisions of this ordinance: Councilman Norber9 suggested that the last sentence of section 2(c) should read "No individual, partnership or corporation required to be licensed under this ordinance may cut or chemically treat trees, shrubs, or vines within the City of Columbia Heights without havin9 first filed the liability insurance required by this section.~' The phrase ~required to be licensed under this ordinance~ was not ori9inally included. He noted that this same phrase was left out of the last line of section 2(d). Councilman Logacz stated that he felt all references to chemical treatment requirements: "spray~' in section t and all of section 2(e), should be deleted from the ordinance. Councilman Norberg stated the second sentence of section 2(f) should read: "Upon request of the City Clerk or his representative, any licensee shall provide evidence that he has dumped or disposed of all diseased trees, shrubs and vines only at sites approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.~' The phrase ~shal] provide evidence that he" had not been included. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to include the three amendments of Councilman Norber9 into the ordinance. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki noted that he would like to propose that all references to shrubs and vines be stricken from the ordinance. He noted that the primary concern of the Council was the removal and disposal of diseased trees. There weis some discussion on the use of chemicals in tree disease control. Councilman Norberg stated that by including this in the ordinance, the City would have control over itinerant and maybe not very reliable chemical- appliers. He stated that chemicals are a source of pollution and must be handled very carefully. Councilman Logacz explained that last year he had gotten together with some of his neighbors along Reservoir Boulevard and purchased equipment and injected the chemical Lignasan into the trees in hopes of saving them from disease. He noted that under this ordinance as it currently stood, this type of neighborhood cooperation would not be possible. Section 2(e) states "Applicants who propose to use chemical substances in any activity related to treatment or disease control of trees, shrubs, or vines shall file with the City Clerk proof that the applicant or an employee of the applicant adminis- tering such treatment has been certified by the Agronomy Division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as a 'commercial pesticide applicator~ ~' March 28, 1977 Councilman Logacz explained that hiring a certified person to do the chemical injections would be extremely costly, and this would be an unnecessary cost, because the process of injecting Lignasan is quite simple. (The chemical and equipment come with complete instructions.) Councilman Heintz asked if the neighborhood groups could utilize a certified City employee to supervise the injections. Public Works Director Gustafson noted that under a certified City employee's license and supervision, any other City employee or any citizen could apply chemicals. There was more discussion on the two examples Mayor Nawrocki had cited at the onset of this discussion. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to table further consideration of this ordinance until later in the meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 862 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ZONING CODE ORDINANCE 818 (REZONING 689 46TH AVENUE NORTHEAST) The second reading of Ordinance 862 was held. Ordinance Offered by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz Mr. Harold Ostmoe, a resident from the area of 46th and Monroe Street, was present regarding this item. He asked the Council why the property in question should be rezoned from R-1 to R-2. Councilman Hentges noted that double bungalows could then be built. Mr. Ostmoe stated that he was not opposed to the idea of multiple dwellings at that site, but he felt there was a unique situation here which the Council should be made aware of. He began to tell of the various problems which have occurred at this property over the past several years; mentioning that dirt from the lot has been removed to be used as fill in other places, and that it has been used as a storage place for junk, and the general unsightliness of the lot. Councilman Heintz stated that he supports the rezoning because he questions whether anyone would build single family homes next to the Hilltop Trailer Park. He noted that the proposed double bungalows would act as a buffer between the trailer park and the homes in the area. Councilman Norberg noted that the Council was aware of the problems at this site, and he wanted to know how the rezoning proposal would improve the situation. He asked if there was any hope of someone building single family dwellings at the location. Arden Hovland, Building Inspector, stated that someone may if the price of the tots was lowered. Councilman Norberg went on to say that perhaps building one double bungalow and one single family dwelling would be a better solution. March 28, 1977 Mr. Hovland showed the Council the plans for the double bungalows. Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Watson who had granted permission for the fill to be taken off of the property. Mr. Watson replied that, to the best of his knowledge, no permission was given. Mr. Ostmoe stated that he wanted to see the best possible use of this property. He also noted that the neighbors in the area were not opposed to this rezoning. There was; much discussion. Roll Call on Ordinance: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges--aye Norberg, Nawrocki--nay Mayor Nawrocki declared the ordinance passed, but Attorney Kalina noted that it takes a 4/5 majority to pass an ordinance; therefore, the ordinance had not been passed. RESOLUTION ON PAID FIRE DEPARTMENT PENSION BILL Attorney Kalina suggested that the Council may want to meet informally with Attorney Peterson, who had drafted this bill, to discuss the bill's contents. A tentative time of 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 was set for this informal meeting. LIQUOR OPERATIONS An informal discussion had taken place before this meeting and was being continued now. The two basic issues for consideration were these: l. Should the City lease the building at 3929 Centra] Avenue and begin a 'liquor' warehouse' type operation? 2. How should the City utilize the space that was formerly off sale Mayor Nawrocki noted that Myron Schnickels had expressed an interest in opening a restaurant operation in the Former #1 off sale. He asked the Attorney about the legality of serving liquor from the Municipal Bar to patrons of Myron's dining room should he set up his operations there. Attorney Kalina noted that this would be acceptable as long as the food is incidental to the liquor operation, because the City is in the liquor business, not the food business. The Mayor- asked how someone would be engaged to operate an establishment in the old ?1. Attorney Kalina recommended going out for bids. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to direct the City Manager to prepare specifications for the operation of a restaurant incidental to the Municipal Liquor Operations at 4025 Central Avenue. Mayor Nawrocki directed that these specifications be drafted and brought back to the Council for their consideration and review. March 28, 1977 He went on to say that the City's costs in setting up this type of operation should be analyzed, and alternative uses for the property should be further explored. Roll Call on Motion: All Ayes No discussion was held on the possible leasing of the building at 3929 Central Avenue at this time. Recess 10:48 p.m. Reconvene ll:08 p.m. TRAFFIC COMMISSION REPORT It was noted by Councilman Hentges that a hearing had been held before the Traffic Commission to consider the elimination of curb side parking on the east side of Central Avenue from the Burger King location to 42nd Avenue. This would bring the no parking which presently exists from 42nd Avenue to 45th Avenue southward another 2½ blocks. It was explained that the elimination of parking in this area would facilitate the addition of left turn lanes to Central Avenue when it is reconstructed under Urbanization. Councilman Hentges noted that the Traffic Commission ultimately decided to concur in the Minnesota Department of Transportation's proposal for parking elimination, and recommend that the Council also take this action. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to join the Traffic Commission in their concurrence with the Minnesota Department of Transportation's proposal 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. Councilman Norberg asked why parking was only being removed on the south side for turn lanes. Mayor Nawrocki noted that only a certain number of feet were needed for the turn lanes and by moving the median of the highway, there would be room enough for left turn lanes for north and south bound traffic. There was considerable discussion on the length of time allowed for the various cycles on traffic semaphores; including left turn lanes, "walkI' signals, flashing "donlt walk" signals, etc. A major point brought forth in this discussion was that there is frequently not enough time on the I'walk" signal to allow senior citizens to cross the street. Amendment by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to include with the motion to concur in the parking elimination proposal a request to have the maximum time for left turn signals and green lights for east and west traffic for all semaphores on Central Avenue. Roll Call: All Ayes Roll Call on Motion including Amendment: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. March 28, 1977 REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL PAY FOR SHADE TREE DISEASE COORDINATOR A report had been presented in writing from Public Works Director Earl Gustafson requesting that Mr. Vernon Rozmark be placed in complete charge of the Tree Disease program for the coming year and be compensated $50 per month over his regular salary. He would be responsible for directing cutting crews, inspectors, and private contractors, as well as attending all meetings as would be necessary to keep current with the metropolitan plan and assist in a tree planting program. Much of the work would be administrative in nature and will require decision making. He would defer to the Park Superintendent, Street Superintendent, and Public Works Director only in budgeting matters. Mayor Nawrocki asked if this request represented a response to the City Council's request for a report on how the City was qoino to handle the Dutch Elm program this summer. Mr. Watson replied that this was not the case. He explained that it had already been determined which people would be used on the program. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the Council asked for a plan, and to date has not received this plan. Mr. Gustafson explained that a thorough report could not be completed until information is given out on where municipalities may dispose of diseased trees. There was some discussion on the personnel proposed to be utilized for this program. There was a question as to who would be handling the administrative details of the program. Mr. Gustafson replied that Mr. Rozmark would. When asked if this included answering the phones, Mr. Gustafson replied that the secretary in the Public Works Department could do that. He also noted that last year a girl from a summer work program was used to handle the clerical aspects of the program: answering the phones, typing notices, keeping files, etc. He stated that this had worked out well. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he still felt there was a need for a full report as to how the program would be handled before any decisions could be made. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to table this matter. Roll Call: All Ayes It was suggested that this matter be reviewed with the Park Board to discuss any concerns they may have regarding the tree disease program and the utilization of employees. Mayor Nawrocki then pointed out that the proposal to rent the building at 3929 Central Avenue would be discussed further after the public hearing the next evening, but he explained that there was some information which should be obtained before this discussion that would be essential. March 28, 1977 He noted this as the information needed: 1. fairly clear understanding of minimum operatinq costs 2. review of preparation cost to set up operations in the buildin0 3. a plan as to how the operation would be managed and a careful estimate of anticipated salaries. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to defer further consideration of this item until later in the meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. CONTRACT CONSIDERATION FOR RESOURCE CONSULTANT Mr. Watson noted that he was requesting authorization to enter into an agreement with Mr. Glen Galles, Resource Consultant, for consulting services with the City Council and the Municipal Staff on performance evaluations and associated services. He suggested an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $1,500. Councilman Norberg noted that he would like to see a statement of work including all the things that Mr. Galles would propose to do. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he supports the idea of contracting a resource consultant, but that he felt an expenditure of over $1,500 was in order. He explained that, if something was laid out in terms of a program, he would suggest an expenditure of approximately $7,500. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges that the City Manager be authorized to prepare a detailed work statement on utilizing the services of Mr. Glen Galles for developing an on-going pay classification and employee performance evaluation programs. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Hentges asked about the status of the Council Secretary position. It was explained that applications had been sought twice for this position under CETA regulations. Councilman Hentges asked the other Councilmembers if they wished to open this up as a full time position to be paid out of the City budget. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the solicitation of applications for a Council Secretary as a full time City position. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. Councilman Hentges directed some questions concerning the newly built wall on jefferson Street to City Engineer Brown. There was some discussion onthe design of this wall, and Mr. Brown agreed to meet Councilman Hentges at the wall to discuss this further on Tuesday, March 29. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to recess this meeting until Tuesday, March 29 after the completion of the public hearing. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--abstain Motion carries. Meeting is adjourned at 12:48 p.m. ~~~~~,?. Brae G. Nawrocki, Mayor Se~cretary