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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