Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJun 13, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JUNE 13, 1977 The Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to name Karen DeBruin secretary for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes INVOCATION Mayor Nawrocki welcomed Pastor Walter Wahl of First Lutheran Church. Pastor Wahl is new to the community and to First Lutheran Church and this was his first Invocation at a City Council meeting. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he hoped to see Pastor Wahl for Invocation on a regular basis, and Pastor Wahl proceeded with a brief opening prayer. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS The minutes for consideration of approval were those from the regular meeting of May 23. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to approve the minutes as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: Ail Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to defer consideration of payment of bills until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes PRESENTATION OF C. C. LUDWIG AWARD 'NOMINATION CERTIFICATE TO BOB KING Mayor Nawrocki stated that a letter had been received from the League of Minne- sota Cities noting that Mr. Bob King had been a good contender for the C. C. Ludwig award, but was ultimately not chosen to receive it. Along with this letter came an Award Nomination Certificate in Mr. King's name and the booklet of information that had been submitted on his behalf. Mayor Nawrocki presented these items to Mr. King, congratulating him on this honor and thanking him on behalf of the community for his fine service over the years. APPOINTMENT TO COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Mayor Nawrocki noted that Mr. King 'had served on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and that his term had expired in the early part of 1977. Since that time, the Mayor has been searching for a replacement for Mr. King, since he did not wish to be reappointed to the Authority. June 13, 1977 Mayor Nawrocki noted that he had considered many possible candidates for this post, and was at this time appointing Mr. Richard Anderson, 1225 Polk Place, and asked the Council to concur in the appointment. He gave a short biography of Mr. Anderson, noting that he is an executive with IDS and works extensively w~th the many properties IDS owns. He stated that he felt Mr. Anderson's experience would work well with the type of things the Housing and Redevelopment Authority does. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to concur in the Mayor's appointment of Richard Anderson, 1225 Polk Place, to the Columbia Heights Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Anderson stated that it was an honor to be asked to serve on the Authority and he was looking forward to beginning working with them. Mayor Nawrocki then noted that there were several members of Community Metho- dist Scout Troop 162 present at the meeting. A representative of the group said that they were observing the meeting as a part of trying to obtain their Citizenship and Community Merit Badge. CONTINUED HEARING ON SANITARY SEWER - 3RD STREET, 40TH AVENUE TO 41ST AVENUE AND UNIVERSITY AVENUE, 40TH AVENUE TO 41ST AVENUE Mayor Nawrocki stated that this hearing had been continued from the }{ay 23 meeting for the purpose of exploring alternate routes for the proposed san- itary sewer. Mr. Watson gave a brief summary of what had transpired at the first part of this hearing. He stated that the Engineering Department had been checking on alternatives other than the original recommendation and he asked Public Works Director Earl Gustafson to comment on these alternatives. Mr. Gustafson began by stating that the staff was still recommending the proposal as set forth at the last meeting: a sanitary sewer benefitting all properties on 3rd Street from 40th to 41st Avenue and on the east side of University Avenue, north of 40th to 4]st Avenue; total estimates cost being $20 per front foot. He also stated that a lift station could be put in. Much research and design work would have to be done before the exact location of the lift station could be determined. He stated that the estimated cost for a lift station would be $30,750, or about $59 per assessable foot. He also stated that there are many problems with lift stations. They require perpetua] maintens~ee. He stressed that the cost is exorbidant and will serve only a minimum of properties. There was some discussion on the plans as presented. June 13, 1977 Mr. John Moneta, who owns property along 3rd Street, stated that he felt it was too early to make any decisions in this regard because so much of the property in the area is undeveloped; and this type of improvement could possibly have an effect on how the land could be used. Mrs. Porter, who also owns property along 3rd Street, noted that there weren't many people being served by this sanitary sewer. Mr. Gustafson agreed, stating that the capacity of the proposed sanitary sewer would be many times greater than the use it would actually get. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Council would be obligated to authorize the improvement ~f a majority of the resident property owners petitioned for it. After some discussion and a clarification of the term "resident property owner" it was concluded that this project would not be obligatory. (Attorney Kalina defined resident property owner as being one who owns property in Columbia Heights and also lives within the City. Mr. Moneta is the resident property owner of the land in question on 3rd Street. Although he does not reside at this site, he owns it and resides elsewhere in Columbia Heights.) Councilman Hentges noted that this sanitary sewer should have gone in years ago. There was some discussion on the need for water lines in the area. Mayor Nawrocki stated that water lines was not the topic of this hearing. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to concur with the Engineering Department's recommendation and authorize construction of a sanitary sewer on University Avenue north of 40th to 41st Avenue and on 3rd Street from 40th Avenue to 41st Avenue. There was more discussion~ the possible future development of this property. Councilman Norberg suggested holding off construction of the sanitary sewer until late in the construction season to see if there are any development plans for the area. The Council was in general agreement with this idea. Roll Call: Ail Ayes RESOLUTION 77-33 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights by Motion on the llth day of April 1977 ordered notice of a hearing to be given to property owners, and ~HEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at a Council Meeting on the 13th day of June, 1977, and WtlEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. June 13, ].977 NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: 1. That the location and extent of such improvements is as follows: University Avenue, north of 40th to 41st Avenue and 3rd Street, 40th to 41st Avenue. 2. That the materials to be used are as follows: pre-cast concrete manholes, eight inch ABS truss pipe, and eight inch PVC. 3. That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvements has been made by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land fronting upon and adjacent to such proposed improvements, which he deemed benefitted thereby were properly notified of said hearings. 4. That the City Manager shall also list the names and owners of the several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained. 5. These improvements shall also be known as Project No. 721 - Sanitary Sewer. Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg. Roll Call: Ail Ayes PUBLIC HEARING: CONDEMNATION OF 413q ARTHUR STREET Attorney Kal. ina began by stating that notice of this hearing had been served on the owners and lien holders of record on the building at 4137 Polk Street. Building Inspector Arden Hovland testified as to the condition of this building. He stated that, among other things, the electrical system is dangerous and inadequate, the roof needs to be braced and the attic insulated, floors and walls are burnt and must be replaced, the building has substantial smoke a~ w~,ter damage throughout and the building constitutes a dongerous noisance to children in the vicinity. It was noted that it would not be financially feasible to reconstruct the home. Mr. Harry Villela was present representing the owners of the building. He stated that the building could be taken down within a two week period. He also asked for a variance to construct a new house. He was informed that he would have to appear before the Planning and Zoning Commission with h~s variance request. Only after they had acted upon it could it be brought to the Council. Councilman Norberg told Mr. Villela that variances are granted upon the 'basis of hardship as it is defined in the Zoning Code. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to adopt the findings and order as presented and order the condemnation of the building at 4139 Arthur Street w.[thin 14 days. Roll Call: AIl Ayes RECESS: 9:52 P.M. RECONVENE: 10:08 P.M. TRAFFIC CObff~ISSION RECOb~ENDATIONS: 1. REQUEST FOR 4-WAY STOP SIGN AT 39TH AND MAIN STREET Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the request for a four way stop sign at the intersection of 39th Avenue and Main Street, as recommended by the Traffic Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes June 13, 1977 2. TRAFFIC CONTROL ON STINSON BOULEVARD (NORTHEAST SENIORS' HOUSING PROJECT) Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to concur in the recommendation of the Traffic Commission and the City of St. Anthony and authorize a four way stop sign at the intersection of 39th Avenue and Stinson Boulevard, such sign to be posted upon the completion of the Northeast Senior Citizen Housing project. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Councilman Norberg did not feel th~s was the proper location for a four way stop. 3. REQUEST FOR LIMITED PARKING FOR JIM'S BAIT SHOP AT 3958 CENTRAL AVENUE Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to concur with the Traffic Commission's denial of the request for ten minute parking restrictions in front of 3958 Central Avenue, Jim's Bait Shop. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. BUS SHELTER AT 53RD AVENUE AND CENTRAL AVENUE Mayor Nawrocki noted that he had requested this shelter based on citizen requests. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize a bus shelter for the intersection of 53rd Avenue and Central Avenue, the expenditure for the slab to be made by the City. Roll Call: All Ayes 5. BIKEWAY STRIPING ON JEFFERSON STREET, 40TH TO 45TH AVENUES Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to concur with the Traffic Commission's denial of Mr. Harwood's request regarding bikeway striping on Jefferson Street from 40th to 45th Avenue. Mayor Nawrocki asked if Mr. Harwood had been notified that his proposal for striping would be a topic of discussion at the June Traffic Commission meeting. A representative of the City Engineering Department stated that he did not believe Mr. Harwood was notified. Mayor Nawrocki felt that Mr. Harwood should have been given the opportunity to tell his story. Councilman Logacz asked if the Traffic Commission denied the request because it lacked merit, or because Mr. Harwood was not present to defend it. Council- man Hentges noted that the Traffic Commission felt the request lacked merit. It was suggested that a letter be written to Mr. Harwood explaining what had taken place and why the request was denied. Roll Call: Ail Ayes PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. GERALD BRTEK, 1630 WEST INNSBRUCK PARKWAY REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL PURPOSE FENCE Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to grant the request of Gerald Brtek, 1630 West Innsbruck Parkway, for a special purpose fence on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes June 13, 1'977 2. DONALD EK, 3958 HAYES STREET REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to grant the request of Donald Ek, 3958 Hayes Street, for a two foot yarianc(~ to construct a dining room addition to his home on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes 3. JOHN SARKINEN, 4446 ARTHUR STREET REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to grant the request of John Sarkinen, 4446 Arthur Street, for a five foot variance to construct a swimming pool in his back yard on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. PAUL JANU, 4445 2ND STREET REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL PURPOSE FENCE Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to grant the request of Paul Janu, 4445 2nd Street, for a special purpose fence on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes SUBDIVISION REQUEST, WARREN TRUDEAU - 37TH AVENUE AND HAYES STREET Mr. Trudeau had previously been denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council on this request. After discussion on some sections of the zoning code, the following motion was made: Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to deny the request. Councilman Norberg noted that to allow this :~ubdivision would be to create a seriously substandard buildable lot. Roll Call: Ail Ayes SOUTHERN ANOKA CO~.~NITY ASSISTANCE GROUP (SACA) REQUESTS $500 DONATION Motion by' Norberg to refer this request to the Human Rights Commission for review. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to donate $500 to SACA out of the Mayor-Council section of the budget. Roll Cai]: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. Councilman Norberg noted that the Human Rights Commission was set up for a reason and he thought it would be in order to ask them to review this request prior to Council actio~. June 13, 1977 INSURANCE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN APPOINTMENT Three names had been suggested as possibilities to serve as chairman of the Insurance Commission, a post now vacant. Mayor Nawrocki suggested taking no action until the Council received more information on the people involved. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant an auctioneer license and food concession license to Anton Hanson, 900 51st Avenue, for his annual Labor Day auction. Roll Call: All Ayes There were questions on the rest of the list, therefore consideration was deferred until later in the meeting. PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts. Roll Call: All Ayes CALL FOR BIDS ON TOWING CONTRACT Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to call for bids on towing, bids to be opened Thursday, July 7 at 2:00 p,m. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF CONCRETE AND BITUMINOUS STOCKPILES Mr. Watson noted that bids were opened on June 2 for the removal of concrete and bituminous materials which were stockpiled during road construction. The fact that these materials could be stockpiled caused a considerable savings on the cost of the projects. He further noted that the iow bidders were as follows: Phoenix Trucking and Contracting (for concrete removal) $7,725,40 Julian M. Johnson Construction Corporation (for bituminous removal) $1,566.00 for a total cost of $9,291,40. There was some question on where monies would be taken from to fund this removal. Councilmen Norberg and Hentges were of the opinion that the money would be coming from City general funds. Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Watson if money was set aside when these projects were assessed for the clean up of these projects. Mr. Watson replied that this was done. The Mayor then asked if there were any uses within the City for the material, Mr. Gustafson stated that it could be crushed and used for fill, but there was a problem getting a crusher. He noted that many people have complained about the presence of the stockpiles. Councilman Logacz agreed that the piles were unsightly. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to award the bid on removal of concrete stockpiles to Phoenix Trucking and Contracting in an amount of $7,725.40 and the bid on removal of bituminous stockpiles to Julian M. Johnson Construction Corporation in an amount of $1,566, both based on low, competitive bid and the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg, Hentges--nay Motion carries. June 13, 1977 BIDS ON SIDEWALK REMOVAL AND CONSTRUCTION The low bidder on sidewalk removal and construction was noted to be Henderson and Lemke Company, Inc. in amounts of $1.48 per square foot for sidewalk removal and construction and $3.50 per lineal foot for curb construction. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to award the bid on sidewalk repair and replacement to Henderson and Lemke Company, Inc. and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON LABELLE PARK IMPROVEY, ENTS, LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to table consideration of this item until after the matter has been reviewed by the Park Board. Roll Call: All Ayes INFOR.MAL QUOTATIONS ON PICNIC TABLES, STEEL LIGHT POLES, AND GUARD .RAIL POSTS Action on this item was deferred until later in the meeting. WATER SAMPLING BIDS In order to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the City must take samples of drinking water throughout the City. Mr. Gustafson stated that samples are taken from various locations in the City~ 24 samples are required each month. Bids were taken by Anoka County for a laboratory to do the analysis of the samples. The low bidder was Healy Laboratory at $2.60 per sample. Considering the required 24 samples per month, the total cost to the City would be $748.80 per year. Motion by Heintz, Seconded bv Hentges to award the bid on water sample analysis to Healy Laboratory in an amount of $2.60 per sample, based on low, competitive bid taken by Anoka County. Roll Call: All Ayes DONATION TO MISS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PAGEANT Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to donate $500 to the Miss Columbia Heights pageant. It was noted that Ms. Pat Olynyk, who has been in charge of the pageant in past years, would also be performing these duties this year and would be receiving the ~:~oney on behalf o7 i_be pageant. Roll Call:: All Ayes June 13, 1977 FIREWORKS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize an expenditure of $2,500 for Fourth of July fireworks. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to recess the meeting at 2:42 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 16. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Secretary