HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 9, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
MAY 9, 1977
The Meeting was called to order at 8:07 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Fleintz, Norberg, Hentges, ~awrocki--present
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to name Karen DeBruin secretary for the
meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
INVOCATION
Invocation was given by Rsverend Vincsnt Colon of Immaculate Conceptic, n Church.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Heintz, Secopded by Her, tges to pay the bills as listed cut of their
proper accounts. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki announced that the City of Cclumbis Heights had ~eeF favorably
considered on two of the t~ree £¢.~munity Developr~ent Block Grant pre-applications
that were submitted and was asked to submit full applications on these two pro-
jects.
He also announced that the Minnesota Department of Transportation would be
helping the City attain Feder~i ~nd State m~ies tc~ ~c'lu~e sidewalk as a p~rt
of the Centrai Avenue Urbanization project.
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO VERNON JCHNSON OF THE PLANNING
AND ZONING COMMISSION
Mayor Nawrocki no~ed tha~t Mr. Vernon Johnson would be rn¢,vi~g out of Columbia
Heights and was therefore unable to continue serving on the Planning and ~oning
Commission. The Mayor thanked ~r. Johnston for his Cedic~.ted and conscientious
service and presented him with the certificate of appreciation.
HEARING ON ALLEY LIGHTING BETWEEN TYLER AND POLK STREETS FROi'~ 45TH TC 46TH AVENUES
Mr. Watson sketched the above-mentioned alley on the blackboard and described the
situation and conditions there. He also noted that a petition, previously placed
on file, had been received from some of the residents req~mstiq~ alley light~.
Mr. Watson recommended placement of two 175 watt mercury vapor lights to
illuminate the alley. The cost estimate for two such lights was given at approx-
imately twenty cents per front foot. It wes noted that if costs of current rise
in the future, this would be reflected in the cost of the light, but generally
speaking, the cost ~,~ould remain near this range.
A Mr. James Buchanan of 4517 Tyler Street was currently paying for a night watch
light on the pole behind his home. Mr. Buchanan had indicated that he would not
be adverse to the idea of re?lacing this night watch light with an alley light,
which would provide better illumination.
May 9, 1977
Councilman Heintz asked how many lights were needed to well light this alley.
Mr. Watson noted that he and a representative from Northern States Power
thought that two lights would be needed.
Councilman Heintz suggested that perhaps it would be better to install three
lights to be sure of covering the entire alley.
A lady in the audience who is a resident of this alley stated that there were
many large trees in the alley which would block the light, and she felt three
lights would be desirable.
There were five people from the alley in attendance at the hearing and they were
polled as to their preference on the number of lights. All five agreed that they
would like three lights.
There was some discussion on the added cost of a third light, but it was felt
that this cost was nominal compared to the security the light provides.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to proceed
with the installation of three lights in the alley between Tyler and
Polk Streets, from 45th to 46th Avenue. Roll Call: All Ayes
TRAFFIC COMMISSION ITEMS:
1. PLAT OF CHEERY HEIGHTS (South of 49th Avenue, West of the High School)
Councilman Hentges reported that the Traffic Commission was recommending to
the City Council the acceptance of proposed plat #3 for Cheery Heights,
showing the location of a public street adjacent to the west side of the
school property between 47th Avenue and 49th Avenue.
He also reported that a public hearing to be conducted by the Traffic Commission
was called for May 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Field House for the purpose of
presenting and discussing the designation of a north-south street between 47th
and 49th Avenues through the proposed plat of Cheery Heights.
Councilman Heintz asked Councilman Hentges if he felt there would be a need for
traffic lights on 47th and 49th Avenues at the new street, should it be constructed
in this location. Councilman Hentges noted that there would be stop signs at
the intersections.
Councilman Heintz continued, saying that the traffic may be heavy enough to
warrant three way stops. A discussion followed regarding the traffic patterns
in this area.
2. CROSSWALK AT 37TH PLACE AND STINSON BOULEVARD
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz that a request be made of St. Anthony
on behalf of the City of Columbia Heights for a crosswalk at 37th Place
and Stinson Boulevard as recommended by the Traffic Commission.
Councilman Hentges noted that this crosswalk and crosswalk signing would be to
protect the safety of the people who walk across Stinson Boulevard to Poppin'
Fresh on the St. Anthony side and Little Chief Shopping Center on the Columbia
Heights side.
May 9, 1977
Councilman Norberg stated that he wondered whether this crosswalk would make
any difference in the way people drive near this location.
Councilman Heintz noted that, when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk, the
crosswall~ becomes equivalent to a stop sign, and a driver can get a ticket for
driving through.
Councilman Norberg stated that many people did not know this, and some people
were merely careless in their observance of crosswalks.
Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, ~eintz~ Hentges, ~wrocki--aye
Norberg--nay Motion carries.
3. PARKING BY IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to install "No Parking 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
School Days" signs on the east side of Quincy Street from 4Oth to 41st Avenue
on the recommendation of the Traffic Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ITEt,IS:
1. AUBURN AUTOMATIC PRODUCTS - 4857 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
PARKING VARIANCE
Mr. Watson explained that this request consisted of constructing a fifteen foot
by twenty eight foot addition to the building at 4857 U~iversTty Avenue. This
would replace a tin shed currently on the lot and required a twenty eight foot
rear yard variance and a parking variance. Ten parking stalls would be required
for the building including the proposed addition. Three stalls were currently
in existence.
Councilman Norberg asked if the addition would expand the non-conforming use
in effect for this property. There was some discussion on this, as there had
been at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, and it was stated that this
would not be considered an expansion of the non-conforming use.
Mayor Nawrocki told Mr. Auburn that any variances which may be granted become
permanent and will remain in effect even when someone else takes over ownership
of the property.
There was much discussion on the parking situation at this location. Mr. Auburn
stated that additional parking could be provided in the fror~t of the building.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to table further consideration of this
item until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
PUBLIC I~EARING: CONDEMNATION OF 3871 POLK STREET
Mayor Nawrocki called this hearing to order at 9:02 p.m. and suggested that it be
carried over to the next meeting at which time the Building Inspector would be
in attendance to testify as to the condition of the structure at 3871 Polk Street.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg that the hearing regarding the condemnation of
3871 Polk Street be continued at the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
May 9, 1977
2. DAVID PETERSON
VARIANCE
4226 7TH STREET
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to grant a three foot set back variance
to David Peterson of 4226 7th Street on the recommendation of the Planning and
Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes
3. GARY SNELL - 3720 SECOND STREET
SPECIAL PURPOSE FENCE
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to approve the request of Gary Snell,
3720 Second Street for a special purpose fence on the recommendation of the
Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes
4. lAN STEVENS - 4550 WASHINGTON STREET
SPECIAL PURPOSE FENCE
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to approve the request of lan Stevens,
4550 Washington Street for a special purpose fence on the recommendation of the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mr. Stevens was present and stated that he had a revised plan for his fence
which contained a nlinor change.
The motion to grant the request was changed to read: to approve the request
of lan Stevens, 4550 Washington Street for a special purpose fence on
the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, subject to possible
realignment in exact location to be reviewed by the Building Inspector.
Roll Call: All Ayes
5. ALLAN GLAD - 4421 THIRD STREET
PRIVACY FENCE
Mr. Watson pointed out that this was a request for a six foot cedar stockade
fence. He noted that he had been to the location in question and found that
the poles for the fence were already in the ground. He stated that he felt
the fence had an overly rustic appearance.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to table consideration of this request
pending additional information. Roll Call: All Ayes
6. DAVID LASKY - 4318 THIRD STREET
VARIANCE - APPEAL FROM DENIAL
Mr. Lasky's proposal consisted of completing a sixth apartment in an apartment
building located at 4318 Third Street. It was noted that Mr. Lasky was not
present with his appeal.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to concur with the Planning and Zoning
Commission's denial of Mr. Lasky's request.
There was a short discussion on the background of this case.
Roll Call: All Ayes
May 9, 1977
7. ROBERT I~ERZOG - 4440 ~OIIROE STREET
PRIVACY FENCE
Mr. Sam Van~rass.~l, Assistant City Planner, explained that the fence requested
by Mr. Herzog met all the req;~irements of the ordinance, but ~tr. Merzog had
been unable to contact his neighbor to the north for written approval on the
fence. Mr. VanTassel went on to say t~at, since the time of the Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting, the neighbor's signature had been obtained and thsre
was no need for Council action.
8. JERRY VILLELA - 4139 ARTHUR STREET
HOUSE MOVING - APPEAL FRO~ DEI~IAL
Mr. Villela's request, which had been turned down at the Planning end Zoning
Commission meeting, was to move a house from Albertville, Minnesota to the
4139 Arthur Street location. The house presently at this location had been
destroyed by fire.
Cou~cilman H~ntges asked ~r. Villela why the debris on the property caused by
the fire had never been cleaned up. Mr. Villela replied that he did not have
clear title to the property until very recently.
Arden Hovland, Building Official had prepared a report containing a list of
stipulations which must be met before the Albertville house could be moved to
this location, provided the move was approved. It was noted by the Mayor that
a certificate of occupancy could nc,t be issued until there was compliance with
these stipulations.
Ms. Sandy Smith of 4135 Arthur Street asked the Council if they were aware that
the house Mr. Villela was proposing to move in would be placed sideways on the
lot, with his front door facing the side of her house. Si~e noted that the
neighbors object to the house moving.
Mr. Villela told the neighbors that the moved in house would be like a new house.
Ms. Smith asked Mr. Villela why h~: wanted to move a house onto the site as ooposed
to building one. iqr. Villela replied that it was less expensive and more
expeditious. The neighbors noted that they preferred to wait a little longer and
have something more appropriate in the neighborhood.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to deny the appeal of Mr. Villela.
Mr. Kramer of 4125 Arthur Street again pointed out that the neighbors wanted
something that would fit into the neighborhood.
Mr. Villela stated that, if the house moving we s turned down, he intended to
re-build the burned out structure.
Mr. Watson noted that it was questionable whether or not Mr. Villela wo~ld be
able to do this.
May 9, 1977
He pointed out that the structure must have retained at least fifty percent
of its value or it cannot be re-built.
Mr. Kalina stated that the Building Inspector had indicated that, in his
judgment, the building should be condemned. Mr. Kalina also stated that
a further inspection would have to be made to determine if it would be
possible to re-build the house. He also said that it was conceivable but
not likely that the house could be reconstructed.
Mr. VanTassel concurred with the Attorney's comments.
Councilman Heintz asked if there was anything the Council could do to prevent
the re-building of the house. The answer was negative, provided it had retained
fifty percent of its value.
Roll Call on Motion to deny appeal: All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki asked about the steps which are necessary in the condemnation of
a building and suggested that these proceedings be expeditiously undertaken for
this building.
Mr. Villela asked if the Building Inspector must prove that the house is not
repairable. Attorney Kalina stated that the only thing which need be proved
is that the building is hazardous under the Hazardous Building Act.
Mr. Villela asked if the proceedings for condemnation included a court case.
Mr. Kalina replied that they could if Mr. Villela wished to appeal the out-
come of such proceedings.
8. GERALD REYNOLDS 4926 MONROE STREET
VARIANCE AND PRIVACY FENCE
The Council was showed a diagram of the ReynoldsI yard including the proposed
swimming pool, deck and fence.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the two foot variance and
permission to build a privacy fence to Gerald Reynolds~ 4926 Monroe Street,
on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call:
All Ayes
9. KATE WOODINGTON REAL ESTATE - 4000 WASHINGTON STREET
VARIANCES
Mr. Watson began by giving some of the background on this request. He stated
that Kate Woodington was proposing to locate her real estate office in the
home at 4000 Washington Street. They were planning to, as much as possible,
retain the residential nature and image of the property. After lengthy
discussion on the several variances which would be required to grant this
request~ the Planning and Zoning Commission, because of the present size and
location of the existing structure and the green area and the desire to
May 9, 1977
maintain as much green area as possible, approved the following variances:
1. variance of sixteen parking spaces
2. fourteen foot side yard variance
3. nineteen point five foot west side yard variance
4. the green area rear yard variance of twenty nine feet
5. waiver on the thirty foot green area to be replaced by a seven foot
privacy fence (This would be the screening requirement for such
commercial area next to a residential area.)
Councilman Hentges mentioned that the lot was zoned for Limited Business and there
was some discussion on the possible uses under this zoning. It was also mentioned
that the entire lot could be used for parking if the owners wished to do so.
The reasons each of the various variances were needed was explained. There was
also discussion on how the floor area was calculated to determine how many
parking spaces were required.
Councilman Heintz, in speaking of the parking variance, noted that the Council had
turned down smaller requests. He stated that he would like to be consistent in
granting variances.
Councilman Logacz stated on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Commission that
this had been recommended to the Council because of their concern that the
residential nature be retained as much as possible.
Mr. Bob Guzy, Attorney for Kate Woodington, reiteroted that the variances were
requested to keep the residential nature and as much green space as possible.
noted that the real estate firm was small, and has been for many years. The
Council questioned Mr. Guzy on several points.
He
Mr. and Mrs. Matlin, 4016 Washington Street, stated that they were not so concerned
about the proposal of Kate Woodington, but were looking to the future at a time
when another firm, who was not concerned about the neighborhood, may come in.
There was some discussion on the parking problems which may occur under this
proposal, along with the parking problems currently occuring due to the lack of
parking for patrons of the dentist's office at 40th and Washington Street.
Councilman Norberg suggested the possibility of banning parking on the west side
of the street in front of 4000 Washington Street.
Mr. Guzy noted that this was suggested and discussed previously and would be
acceptable if the Council felt it was necessary.
Councilman Heintz noted that this would increase the on-street parking on the
east side of Washington and on the west side beyond 4000 Washington.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that this kind of requirement could not be enforced.
Attorney Kalina stated that parking could be banned if required by the Traffic
Commission and City Council.
May 9~ 1977
It was noted that Kate Woodington was also planning to purchase the dentist's
office at 585 40th Avenue in February of 1978. Mr. Guzy stated that if it
presented a problem to sell the two lots separately, they could be sold at the
same time. Attorney Kalina stated that considering the two lots together
would cause a new set of variances to become necessary.
There was much general discussion on what had been presented.
Motion bt/ Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to approve the request of Kate Woodington
with the variances recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Councilman Norberg asked if this motion included his suggestion for a mutual
parking agreement that would disallow parking on the west side of Washington
in front of 4000 Washington. Councilman Hentges noted that this would be
included,.
Mayor Nawrocki stated, as he had before, that this type of arrangement would
not create an enforceable parking ban.
Attorney Kalina pointed out that if the two parcels were considered as a whole,
the space to the rear of the dentist's office, currently occupied by bushes
and trees, could be used for parking. He stated that if this were to be the
case, a different set of variances would ~ave to be considered.
Councilman Norberg suggested that the motiol~ to approve the request should be
re-worded to address itself more directly to the variances involved.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to approve the request of Kate Woodington
regarding 4000 Washington Street, with the following variances:
1. sixteen parking spaces
2. fourteen foot east side yard variance
3. nineteen point five foot west side yard variance
4. nineteen green area rear yard variance
5. thirty foot green area to be replaced by a seven foot privacy fence
6. nineteen foot rear yard variance
Mayor Nawrocki stated that he felt this proposal would, rather than restrict
the commercial development of the property, would increase the commercial
aspects of it. He went on to say that the only thing known to the Council
now is the Woodington proposal. Whether or not this will change in the future
is subject to speculation. He stressed the point that the variances stay with
the property and can be used by future owners.
Roll Calll on Motion: Logacz, Hentges--aye
Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--nay Motion is defeated.
Recess: 11:16 p.m.
Reconvene: 11:34 p.m.
May 9, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki stated that the motion to approve the request of Kate
Woodington regarding the property at 4000 Washington Street had failed on a
three to two vote, but that it would be appropriate for the Council to take
an action to formally deny the request.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to deny the request of Kate Woodington
regarding the property at 4000 Washington Street because of the variances
needed:
considering 4000 Washington Street separately:
14 of 20 or 7 of 13 parking stall variance
14 foot of 15 foot side yard to the east
19.5 foot of 15 foot side yard on the west
19 foot green area buffer to the north
fence waiver on placement
19 foot of 20 foot rear yard to the north
considering 4000 Washington Street in conjunction with 585 40th Avenue:
1. ll foot of 12 foot front yard to the east
2. 9 foot of 15 foot south side yard
3. 14 foot of 15 foot north side yard
4. 20 foot of 20 foot rear yard to west
5. 20 foot residential buffer to the north
6. 13 of 26 parking stall variance
and because of the following findings:
-No showing of narrowness, shallowness, or shape of lot or exceptional topography,
tree location or number, soil or water conditions, such that the owner would have
an undue hardship in using the lot in the manner customarily and legally
permissible (ordinance 818, section 5.3 (4)).
-The plan offers no screening or green buffer area as required by Ordinance 822.
-The plan offers inadequate side, rear, and front yards.
-The applicant has shown nothing exceptional about the abutting residential area
that would allow the elimination of the buffers or required yards.
-The parking requirements have not been met and the proposed alternative of
blacktopping the entire lot would still not provide adequate parking.
-The alternative of considering the two parcels as one would still require seven
variances, no additional reasons have been offered that would place this alter-
native within the variance language of the ordinance.
Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye
Hentges--nay Motion carries
10. BOB PROFT - 1215 45TH AVENUE
HOUSE MOVING
Mr. Watson explained that Mr. Proft was requesting permission to move the
house at 4911 Central Avenue to 960 43½ Avenue.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to approve the house moving request and
the forty eight square footage variance with the stipulation that the house be
brought up to code. Roll Call: All Ayes
May 9, 1977
CONFIRMATION OF MAYORIS APPOINTMENT OF HR. GERRAL HERRINGER TO THE CIVIL
SERVICE COMHISSION
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norber9 to confirm the Mayor's appointment of
gerra] Herringer to the Civil Service Commission. Roll Ca]i: All Ayes
REQUEST FOR ACTION REGARDING TRAFFIC CONTROL SlGf~S NEAR PROPOSED NORTHEAST
SENIOR CITIZEN'S HOUSING PROJECT
Mr. Craig Anderson, an architect with the firm working on the
Northeast Senior Citizen's housing project was at the meeting representing
this request for traffic control signs near the site of the project.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to refer this request to the Traffic
Commission for their review and recommendation.
Councilman Hentges stated that St. Anthony should also be made aware of the
request (the proposed site for the project is on Stinson Boulevard
near Silver Lake Clinic across from Apache Plaza).
Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Anderson what the justification for the proposal
was. Mr. Anderson replied that there was a concern for the safety of the
people that would be living in the Northeast Senior's building.
Roll Call: All Ayes
SUBDIVISION REQUEST - PHILLIP SMABY
1137-1201 37TH AVENUE
Mr. Watson pointed out that there were no outstanding special assessments on
this property, but that care should be taken to see that the proper drainage
design is used when building on the lots.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to approve the lot subdivision of
Mr. Phillip Smaby regardin9 the lot at 1137-1201 37th Avenue, subject to the
establishment of proper grades for drainage requirements. Roll Call: All Ayes
REQUEST TO ATTEND SANITARY-STORM SEWER SHORT COURSE AT MADISON, WISCONSIN
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize expenses for Mr. Bob Owens
of the Engineering Department to attend the Sanitary-Storm Sewer Short Course
at Madison, Wisconsin.
Councilman Norberg was interested in a description of how this would benefit
the Engineering Department. Public Works Director Gustafson stated that he
was trying to improve the over-all training background of the people in the
department:.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--nay Motion carries.
May 9, 1977
SUBDIVISION REQUEST - WILLARD SEXAUER
lltO 42½ AVENUE
Mr. Watson explained the drainage problems that would occur if there was more
development in the area.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to deny the request. Roll Call: Norberg--
aye Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--nay Motion fails.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the lot subdivision request of
Willard Sexauer regarding 1110 42½ Avenue, with the special assessments of
$308.46 to be divided according to benefit.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg--nay Motion carries.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that at a previous meeting, a request was made by Mr. Watson
for authorization for expenses for the City Manager's Conference in Brainerd,
Minnesota, May ll, 12, and 13. This request was turned down. He also noted that
Mr. Watson was planning on using his vacation time to attend the conference and,
in light of this, asked the Council to re-consider their action.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg that expenses be authorized for the
City Manager to attend the City Manager's Spring Conference in Brainerd,
Minnesota, May 11, 12, and 13. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki stated that he would like to discuss a couple of the items which
were included in the resolution dealing with salary and other compensation for
non-union personnel for 1977.
The mileage compensation had been established at 16¢ per mile for travel inside
the metropolitan area, and 14¢ per mile outside this area. The Mayor stated that
perhaps it would be more appropriate to use 15¢ per mile for any and all travel;
as this is the number used by the State and the Federal Government for income tax
purposes.
He also felt that the City share on hospitalization insurance should be raised
from $55 to $60, retroactive to January 1, 1977. This would be a number more in
keeping with the amounts paid for employees covered by bargaining units.
There was some discussion on the possible effects of changing the hospitalization
amount.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz that the mileage allowance be established
at 15¢ per mile. Roll Call: Ail Ayes
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz that the maximum monthly allowance for
hospitalization be set at $60 for all eligible employees.
N~y 9, 1977
Councilman Heintz noted that he had seconded the motion for purposes of discussion,
and there was discussion on the subject.
Roll Cai] on Notion: Logacz, Nawrocki--aye
Heintz, Norberg, Hentges--nay Notion fails.
Councilman Norber9 noted the reason for his nay vote as bein9 his feelin9 that
it is unwise to deal with the issue while one of the City's unionized groups
is in the process of negotiations.
Nayor Nawrocki pointed out that if this philosophy was followed, the issue
may never come up, as one or another of the City's unionized groups is always
in negotiation.
BIDS ON REFURBISHING AND NODIFICATIONS ON THE BUILDING AT 3927 CENTRAL AVENUE
The Council had been presented with a list of low bidders on the various
sections of this project and a tabulation on some of the expected costs to
begin operations of the liquor warehouse. Mr. Watson explained that some of
the items would be an investment into the building, such as concrete and
masonry work, electrical rewiring, painting and staining, and carpentry work.
Other items such as cash registers, walk in cooler, wine chiller, closed
circuit TV, etc. would have some recovery value. Mr. Watson also pointed out
that no bid had been received on plumbing, but this only consisted of a few
minor items which could be handled by City forces.
Councilman Hentges asked why the amounts for heating and electricity had
not been ncluded on the list of expected costs. Mr. Watson explained that
this list basically only included costs immediately associated with the
refurbish ng of the building.
There was some discussion on the facts presented and also on how the
operation would be financed.
The Council indicated that they would like more information, including a
breakdown of all the expected costs involved in the proposed operations with
enough contingency for unexpected costs.
Mayor Nawrocki called a special meeting to further discuss liquor operations
proposals for Monday, May 16 in the Council Chambers following the Board of
Review meeting.
At this time, Mayor Nawrocki asked for authorization and expenses to attend
the National League of Cities Regional Meeting in Chicago. He also stated
that he would like the Council members to consider attending this meeting, which
would take place July 14, 15, and 16.
May 9, 1977
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize expenses for Mayor Nawrocki
to attend the National League of Cities Regional Meeting in Chicago July 14,
15, and 16. Roll Call: All Ayes
BIDS ON LABELLE PARK PHASE II
The work in LaBelle Park Phase It has been broken down into five categories:
dredging, lighting, general improvements, landscaping and tot lot construction.
The bids which were received were discussed. The recommendations of the Park
Board were also discussed.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges that the bid for dredging be awarded
to Desco Construction Company in an amount of $18,650 on the recommendation
of the Park Board, and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into
contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to award the bid on general park
improvements to Metro Engineering Inc. in an amount of $41,213 on the
recommendation of the Park Board and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized
to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges,
Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz that the bids for lighting and
landscaping be rejected on the recommendation of the Park Board and that the
City Manager be authorized to re-advertise for bids on these two items to
be opened Thursday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. with a report to the following regular
Council meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to award the bid on Tot Lot Construction
to Socon, Inc., in an amount of $6,918 on the recommendation of the Park
Board and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract
for same. Roll Call: All Ayes
It was noted that these awards were subject to approval by the State, since half
the funding for this project was to come from a State grant.
RESOLUTION 77-25
REQUESTING PARTICIPATION IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC SIDEWALK ON
CENTRAL AVENUE NORTHEAST (HIGHWAY 65) FROM 45TH AVENUE TO THE NORTH CORPORATE
LIMITS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Columbia Heights, that
WHEREAS, negotiations have proceeded with the Department of Transportation
resulting in a mutually acceptable agreement whereby a public sidewalk shall be
authorized for construction along Central Avenue within the City of Columbia
Heights from 45th Avenue north to the corporate limits of Columbia Heights, and
WHEREAS, it is understood that as a part of this authorization to proceed with said
sidewalk, the cost sharing shall be borne 70 percent by federal monies, and the
remaining 30 percent to be divided 3/4 City and 1/4 State.
May 9, 1977
NOW THEREFORE the City of Columbia Heights does hereby officially request
the State Department of Transportation to proceed with the necessary
preparation of plans for the design and construction of a public sidewalk
in cooperation with the City of Columbia Heights, with said work to proceed
as promptly as can be accomplished, recognizing the need for work to proceed
on schedule on the major portion of the construction of the highway itself
under the Urbanization plan, recognizing on said plans the the necessary
design grades be set in a manner to facilitate said sidewalk construction.
Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz
Roll Call: All Ayes
Mr. Watson reported that bids should be let for the 1977 Sidewalk Replacement
Program.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to
call for bids on sidewalk replacement, bids to be opened Thursday, June 9
at 2:00 p.m., with a report to the following regu]ar Council meeting. Roll
Call: All Ayes
A petition had been received from property owners regarding the plan to sod
the boulevards of Summit Street after completion of construction in the
area. The petition asked that the property owners be allowed to seed or sod
this on their own, and was signed by 74 percent of the people involved.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to place the petition on file.
Call: All Ayes
Roll
It was noted that the decision to make sodding a part of the project was
made at a public hearing held March 29. Attorney Kalina noted that the
Council could reconsider their action if they re-opened the hearing
at this time.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to re-open the 1977 Construction
Projects hearing of March 29. Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to delete the sodding portion of the
Summit Street construction. Roll Call: All Ayes
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to adjourn the hearing. Roll Call:
All Ayes
Mr. Watson asked the Council to consider authorizing an expenditure to provide
counseling services being funded 90 percent through the State for municipal
employees. The cost to the City would be $1 per year per employee. He noted
that one of the offices with counselors was located on 50th Avenue just
east of Central Avenue.
May 9, 1977
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the City Manager to
expend $1 per City employee for counseling services.
Councilman Norberg suggested that this amount be taken entirely out of the
Mayor-Council budget, instead of out of the individual department budgets.
Amendment by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to authorize the expenditure for
counseling services from the Mayor-Council budget. Roll Call: All Ayes
Roll Call on Main Motion including Amendment: All Ayes
LICENSES
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to approve the licenses as listed upon
payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mr. Watson stated that there were three officers in the Police Department who
were requesting to take the International City Management Association
correspondence course on "Municipal Police Administration." The Police Chief
has taken the course and reported it to be very worthwhile. The course takes
nine to twelve months to complete, and is done on the officer's own time,
with the City paying the $175 registration fee.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to authorize expenditure of $175
for each of three police officers to register for the ICMA "Municipal Police
Administration" correspondence course. Roll Call: All Ayes
Councilman Hentges asked Mr. Gustafson when the rock pile at Sullivan Lake
was going to be removed. Mr. Gustafson replied that it would be removed
in the near future.
Mayor Nawrocki had a short discussion with Mr. Gustafson on the drainage flume
at Hart Lake.
Motion by Heintz,
Seconded by Logacz to ad. eton at ~56/a~ Roll Call:
Br't~ce .G Nawrocki, Mayor
Secretary
All Ayes