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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 11, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITYCOUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JULY 11, 1977 The Meeting was called to order at 8:13 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 Councilman Norberg. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Mayor Nawrocki noted that the minutes for consideration were those from the Recessed Meeting of June 16 and the Regular Meeting of June 27. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to approve the minutes of June 16 and June 27 as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Councilman Norberg noted that the minutes had been received that evening and he had not had a chance to review them, so he wished them to be deferred until later in the meeting. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to defer further consideration of the minutes until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to table consideration of payment of bills until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON TOWING SERVICES The Council was in receipt of a report from the Police Chief that noted that the specifications which had been sent out to potential bidders on the towing service contract had been faulty. This was not discovered until after the bids were opened at the scheduled time of 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7. tte was recommending that the contract be re-bid, with opening at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25; the day of the next regular meeting. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to reject the bids received on towing services on the basis of defective specifications. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to readvertise for bids on towing services, bids to be opened 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 25. Roll Call: All Ayes INFORMAL QUOTATIONS ON LIBRARY PAINTING This item had been tabled at the last meeting when discussion revealed that the City may be taking applications for fourteen CETA Special Projects positions. The possibility had been noted that one of these people may be qualified to do the painting, which would result in a cost savings to the City. July 11, 1977 Mr. Yantos, Administrative Assistant, reported that applications had been received but had not been reviewed as yet. Councilman Norberg no::~d that there was a feeling on the part of the Librarian and the Libr~ ry Board that this work should be done as soon as possible;. Mr. Yantos reiterated that he would not be able to report at this time as to whether or not the City would be hiring someone who would be qualified to do the work. Mayor Nawrocki stated that this would be considered a status report and that hopefully there would be something more definite by the time of the next meeting. Councilman Norberg asked what he should indicate to the Library Board when they inquire as to the status of the proposal to do the painting with help contracted through the taking of informal quotations. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he should report that the matter will be brought up at the next meeting of the City Council. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HOUSING A,qD REDEVELOPHENT AUTHORITY TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY RESOLUTION 77-41 WHEREAS, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, State of Minnesota, has been authorized to undertake a program to provide grants of funds to property owners for the purpose of housing rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN, has developed an application as an Administering Entity for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Grant Program; and WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN, has demonstrated the ability to perform the required activities of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Grant Program, MOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that tl~e Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN is hereby authorized to make application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for a grant of funds pursuant to the Home Improvement Grant Program; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights, MN is hereby authorized as an entity to be charged with the administration of funds made available through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agneyc Home Improvement Grant Program, in the City of Columbia Heights. Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz Mr. Roger Jensen, Assistant Housing Authority Director, was present and reported that this resolution authorized the HRA to enter into the second year of the program that they were involved in last year regarding housing rehabilitation. Mayor Nawrocki commented that this was an excellent program which should be continued. July 11, 1977 Councilman Norberg noted that he was interested in seeing a performance statement on the project. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION APPROVING LAY OUT AND CONCEPT FOR 40TH AND 41ST AVENUE TRAFFIC CONTROLS RESOLUTION 77-42 WHEREAS, the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation has prepared preliminary palns for the improvement of a part of Trunk Highway No. 5 renumbered as Trunk Highway No. 65 within the corporate limits of the City of Columbia Heights, from 39th Avenue to 45th Avenue; and WHEREAS, said preliminary plans are on file in the office of the Department of Transportation, St. Paul, Minnesota, being marked, labeled, and identified as Layout No. 2 S.P. 0207-14 (65=5) from 39th Avenue to 45th Avenue, and WHEREAS, copies of said preliminary plans as so marked, labeled, and identified are also on file in the Office of the City Clerk, and WHEREAS, the term "preliminary plans" as hereinafter used in the body of this resolution shall be deemed and intended to mean, refer to, and to incorporate the preliminary plans as in the foregoing recitals particularly identified and described; .iOW, THEN, BE IT RESOLVED that said preliminary plans for the improvement of Trunk Highway No. 5 renumbered Trunk Highway No. 65 within the limits of the City of Columbia Heights be and hereby are approved. Offered by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz Mayor Nawrocki asked if this plan follows things which have been previously discussed by the City Council and the Department of Transportation. City Engineer Brown stated that it did, and noted that there was a copy of the lay out and concept on the wall for the Council's review. Mayor Nawrocki asked several questions about the plan, and these were answered by Mr. Brown. In conclusion, Mayor Nawrocki asked if any final plans are still to come before the City Council for their consideration. Mr. Brown assured him that final plans would come to the Council before the project is let for bids. Roll Call: All Ayes TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS City Engineer Brown reported that the Traffic Commission meeting, which was scheduled to take place before the City Council meeting this evening, did not take place due to the lack of a quorum of commission members. July 11, 1977 PARKING REQUEST BY DR. WILLIAMS OF SILVER LAKE CLINIC Dr. Williams of Silver Lake Clinic, who was scheduled to be on the Traffic Commission agenda, was present at this m~et!ng to make his request regarding parking at the clinic to the City Council at this time. His request, as stated in a July 7 memo to the City, was as follows: "That the most easterly 24 feet of parcel 600 (lot 8, block 2, Apache Heights), be used for employee and vendor parking of the Silver Lake Clinic, 3900 Stinson Boulevard, Columbia Heights. It's use would be limited to 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will also be available at other times for guest parking for the adjacent senior citizen planned apartment complex.'~ Mr. Brown stated that this would not change the external flow of traffic and should be considered as an interior parking proposal. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he was not aware of the shared parking with the proposed Northeast Senior Citizen's housing development that was suggested in the request. Dr. Williams noted that this was not discussed until after the Council had reviewed the Northeast Senior's request for a parking variance. Mrs. Dotty Ross, 3948 Cleveland Street, stated that she felt there should be a public hearing on this item. There was some discussion on the current zoning of the lot in question. It was found to be zoned R-1. Mayor Nawrocki asked how this zoning affected the request to place parking on this lot. Attorney Nick Casper stated that the only parking allowed on an R-] lot would be for that of a resident. Mayor Nawrocki asked if that meant that it was not possible for the Council to authorize the use of that property for parking in conjunction with the use of the clinic. Mr. Casper replied that the Council could grant a parking space variance or rezone the property to allow for parking on the lot. He noted that a request could be made to rezone the entire lot or the ]or could be subdivided and the subdivided portion could be rezoned to match the zoning of the lot the clinic is on. Mayor Nawrocki asked Dr. Williams how he wished to proceed and he replied that he would like to subdivide 24 feet from lot 8 and zone it L-B (limited business). Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges that the request of Dr. Williams of Silver Lake Clinic, 3900 Stinson Boulevard, to subdivide the easterly 24 feet of lot 8 and to rezone this portion from R-1 to L-B to match the zoning of the present clinic be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for hearing and recommendation. Roll Call: All Ayes July ll, 1977 BUS ROUTE ON 49TH AVENUE, UNIVERSITY AVENUE TO CENTRAL AVENUE Mr. Brown explained that this item was a request from the Metropolitan Transit Commission and had also been onthe Traffic Commission agenda. He suggested that the Council review it at this time in spite of the lack of a recommenda- tion from the Traffic Commission. The bus route is proposed to enter Columbia Heights northbound on University Avenue, go east on 44th Avenue to Central Avenue, Central Avenue to 49th Avenue, 49th Avenue to the University Avenue service road, south to 44th Avenue, east on 44th Avenue to Central Avenue and to the University of Minnesota. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the City Council concur in the extension of bus service as requested by the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Councilman Hentges stated that he felt the proper procedure would be to put this item back on the Traffic Commission agenda for review at their next meeting. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he did not feel this would be necessary. He also said that the timing of beginning this bus line was somewhat of a factor, as it would be desirable to have this route in service before the University of Minnesota begins their fall quarter, so information could be given to students to make them aware of the new route. Councilman Norberg stated that he did not think the Traffic Commission would be recommending not to concur in the request to extend the bus service. Roll Cail: All Ayes PLANNING AND ZONING RECOMMENDATION: PLAT OF CHEERY HEIGHTS Mr. Sam VanTassel of the Planning Department stated that the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the plat of Cheery Heights was as follows: "recommend request as proposed for R-2 and approve platting with the exception of R-3, at this time, and pass on recommendation of Traffic Commission and City Engineer to the City Council. The park land dedication would be left to the City Council." This motion passed unanimously. A memo had been received from Mr. Dean Otterson, City Planner/HRA Director, stating that the recommendations of the Planning Staff differed from those of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning Staff was recommending approval of the subdivision as it is proposed for the following reasons: I. the proposal is within the guidelines of the Comprehensive Plan which designates the area for higher density or multiple family residential 2. the proposed rezoning would make the parcel in question harmonious with the contiguous zoning 3. the proposal would give the City much needed housing units as evidenced by our extremely low vacancy rate of 1.9 percent 4. the proposal would give future residents a choice of the type of housing they would desire. ~uly ll~ 1977 Councilman Hentges stated that he had gotten the impression that the Planning and Zoning Commission was leaving the decision on the section of the plat proposed to be zoned R-3 to the City Council. Councilman Logacz stated that he Felt the intent of the Planning and Zoning Commission was that the land should not be rezoned R-3 until such time as there was a firm proposal for development there. Hayor Nawrocki asked Attorney Casper what the next step in the platting procedure would be. Attorney Casper replied that if the Council finds the plat to meet the Engineering and P]anning requirements, then the next consideration would be the park dedication aspect. He explained that the platting ordinance speaks of a ten percent land (or cash equivalent) requirement. The requirement may be waived or modified. The Attorney went on to say that the preliminary plat can be passed with a simple motion and is then referred to the Engineering Department for finalization and also to the County Surveyor for his approval or recommendations and then is returned to the City Council for final plat approval. He also stated that any rezoning done would require passing an ordinance. Mayor Nawrocki noted for the record that the Council had received the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City Engineer had also submitted a report on the proposed plat. There was considerable discussion on the information presented to this point. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz that the City Council reduce the park land or cash equivalent dedication from 10 percent to 5 percent. Councilman Heintz asked what the approximate value of the entire parcel of land was. Attorney Casper replied that the City Assessor's 1977 value was listed as $200,500. There was some discussion on the value of the land in relationship to how it is zoned. Recess: 10:06 p.m. Reconvene: 10:36 p.m. CouncilI~an Logacz noted that his motion gave the developer the option of donating money or cash to the City. Councilman Norberg asked for Councilman Logacz's retionale in proposing 5 percent as the figure for park land dedication. July Il, 1977 Counci~manLogacz stated that Mr. Herringer, the owner of the land, was already dedicating some of the land to streets; and also to be consistent with what was done for the recent platting of Columbia Court. Councilman Hentges stated that he felt the question of park land dedication should be tabled to the next meeting for purposes of obtaining more information. He wanted to know the estimated value of the land proposed to be street and a dollar figure for the 5 percent amount. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to table consideration of the requirement for park land dedication for the plat of Cheery Heights until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Councilman Norberg stated that he felt this information could have been calculated at this meeting. There was more discussion on the possible rezoning. The first reading of ordinance 864 was held. This ordinance provides that lots 1 through 9 will remain zoned R-l, lots 10 through 31 will be rezoned R-2, and outlot A will be rezoned R-3. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the matter of platting and park land dedication should come to the next regular Council meeting and the second reading or ordinance 864 could be held some time after that. LOT SUBDIVISION REQUEST -- ELIZABETH BALL, 3740 MAIN STREET The subdivision as proposed was explained to the Council. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to approve the lot subdivision request of Elizabeth Ball, 3740 Main Street. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST TO USE BALLOT COUNTERS IN ELECTION Mr. Schedler explained that there was a machine available to count ballots at election time that, if purchased by the City, would eliminate the need to go to the County Courthouse to tabulate municipal elections. He stated that there would be a cost savings involved due to the elimination of travel time, some personnel time, and the cost of sharing in the County program. He further explained that the machines would be available for free trial use at this fall's primary election. Councilman Norberg asked some questions about the computer used to count ballots at the County. Mayor Nawrocki asked about the cost. Mr. Schedler replied that the machines cost $3,700 for two; two must be purchased so that one can be used for backup if one machine fails. July 11, 1977 Mayor Nawrocki asked about the possibility of having the School Board share in the cost of the machines, and they could use the machines for School Board elections. Mr. Schedler stated that he had not checked out this possibility, but would do so. The Mayor asked if there would be any of these types of units made by other companies: if so, the City would have to go through a bidding process. Mr. Schedler stated that this was the only unit approved for use by the Secretary of State. Councilman Norberg asked how much the annual maintenance agreement on the machines would be. Mr. Schedler replied that there would be such a charge, but was not sure how much it would be. Mayor Nawrocki stated that perhaps Mr. Schedler could proceed on the basis of the free trial arrangement without making a commitment to purchase at this time. There was discussion on the timing of the purchase of the machines in relation- ship to the dates of the elections this fall. The Council was in genera] agreement that the machines could be tried. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he felt the machines could be worth having. It was noted that the information which had been requested throughout this discussion would be obtained and presented to the Council at a future time. CHANGE ORDER ON LABELLE PARK Authorization was requested for a change order on the City's contract with Metro Engineering for park improvements in LaBelle Park. The proposed change order would add $254.10 to the contract price. Councilman Norberg stated that he did not feel this type of thing should be happening. He said he felt contractors should keep to the price they bid. It was explained that the request for the change order comes from the City, and involves putting in steps in lieu of a continuous pathway due to a grade problem which had not been anticipated. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the $254.10 change order on the contract with Metro Engineering. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST TO SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR CONSIDERATION OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT REVITALIZATION PLAN Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to call a special meeting for Wednesday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m. for purposes of conducting a public hearing on the Downtown Development Revitalization Plan. Roll Call: A11 Ayes July 11, 1977 SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES -- BUILDING INSPECTOR ARDEN HOVLAND REQUESTS TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BUILDING OFFICIALS Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize attendance and expenses of Arden Hovland at the annual meeting of the International Conference of Building Officials. Roll Call: All Ayes LATE REQUESTS Mr. Schedler reported that a letter had been received from the City of Andover offering to purchase Columbia Heights' 1941 Pumper Truck for $150. Andover presently does not have a fire department, but is planning to organize one soon. Mayor Nawrocki stated that if this pumper truck is surplus equipment, perhaps the Lion's Club or the Jaycees would be interested in having it, in this way it could be kept in the community. Councilman Logacz stated that he felt it would be a nice good will gesture to sell the truck to Andover. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to sell the 1941 Fire Truck to the City of Andover in an amount of $150, this truck to be used for fire fighting purposes. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he was very unhappy with the procedure used in setting up this possible sale. Councilman Hentges asked if this vehicle must be advertised for sale. Attorney Casper replied that it did not have to be advertised due to the fact that it was being sold to another public body in a good will gesture. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he would vote against the sale because he did not agree with the procedure used in setting up the sale. There was discussion on what occurred and on why the City of Andover seemed to assume that this sale had already been authorized by the City of Columbia Heights when the Council was just hearing of it at this time. Councilman Hentges noted that he would also vote nay for the same reasons. Roll Call on Motion: Motion fails. Logacz, Heintz--aye Norberg--abstain Hentges, Nawrocki--nay MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Copies of suggested changes had been passed out to the Councilmembers. These changes were discussed and agreed upon. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to approve the minutes (with correc- tions) as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes July 11, 1977 PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts with the exception of bill #21786 which would be withheld from payment. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts. Councilman Norberg stated that bill #21786 was to Dean Otterson. On checking the background material for this reimbursement request, Councilman Norberg found a payment for a pound of coffee on a travel voucher. He noted that he did not feel that coffee was a legitimate travel expense and should not have been submitted on a travel voucher. Mayor Nawrocki noted that Mr. Otterson, as well as others, submit miscellaneous expenses on this standardized form. Councilman Heintz asked Mr. Schedler to request Mr. Otterson to submit his expenses in a different way. Mayor Nawrocki asked if it made sense to separate such small items, stating that it would create a need for separate vouchers and separate checks, making the payment process more costly and time consuming. He noted that expenses are separated as much as possible but there is a point where further separation becomes difficult to do. Councilman Norberg noted that he was not arguing small amounts, but the possibility of the same type of thing happening in a larger amount. The Mayor asked Councilman Norberg to summarize his question. Councilman Norberg noted that he was questioning the legitimacy of the item as a travel expense, Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion carries. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Mayor Nawrocki noted that Councilman Logacz reminded him that there is a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He requested that all applications for this position be sent to the Council for their review and consideration. Councilman Norberg stated that it was his understanding that parks such as McKenna and Gauvitte Parks were classified as neighborhood parks and were not to be scheduled for league ball games. He noted that he recently found out that ball games and practices are scheduled long in advance for these fields. He explained that he was interested in knowing the situation behind this scheduling. July ll, 1977 Councilman Heintz stated that he thought the neighborhood parks were scheduled for leagues as little as possible, but he acknowledged the great demand for ball fields and noted that he would do further checking on this item. There was some discussion in situations which have been recently occuring with respect to possibly inefficient police and fire service dispatching. It was noted that the situations pointed out would be checked. Councilman Norberg noted that he phoned in the license numbers of cars with noisy mufflers to the Police and he was wondering what was done on those. It was noted that Councilman Norberg would receive a report. LICENSES Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to grant the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. There was some question on the beer and restaurant licenses for 4010 Central Avenue. the following amendment was made: Amendment by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to table consideration of the licenses for 4010 Central Avenue for purposes of obtaining additional information. Roll Call: All Ayes Roll Call on Motion including Amendment: All Ayes CItY ATTORNEY REPORTS Attorney Casper presented the Council with an ordinance that would, if adopted, amend Section 7.101 (1) of the City Code to read: "The Minnesota Highway Traffic Regulation Act, enacted as Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169, together with all amendments thereto through 1977, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein." The Code had read" amendments thereto through 1976. " The first reading of this ordinance, number 865, was held. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS Public Works Director Gustafson asked the Council if they felt it was appropriate to take down the parking meter posts along Central Avenue. The majority of the Council was in favor of doing this. Mr. Gustafson informed the Council of some storm sewer work that was necessary in the area of Burger King near Central and 39th Avenues. He noted that there would be a chance of lesser costs if the project were to be done in conjunction with the 5th Street Storm Sewer project. It was noted that the hearing should be held in conjunction with the 5th Street project. July 11~ 1977 Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to advertise a public hearing for storm sewer work in the area of the Burger King property, said hearing to be held in conjunction with the 5th Street Storm Sewer hear ng at 8:00 p.m., Monday, August l. Roll Call: All Ayes DISCUSSION ON LIQUOR OPERAT ONS AND POSSIBLE LEASE OF FORMER #1 OFF SALE FOR RESTAURANT FAC LITIES Mr. Chuck Vescio was present to show the Council how his plans for putting a restaurant in the old #1 off sale liquor store at 4025 Central Avenue were progressing. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this matter should be in the hands of the staff until plans become more formalized and an agreement is prepared. The Mayor noted that at this point the Council would consider the proposal. The Mayor went on to say that Mr. Vescio was welcome to show his plans to the Council at this time if he so desired and Mr. Vescio made a short presentation on the proposal to date. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that this be followed up on so formal arrange- ments could be made. He also pointed out that there were still questions from the Council regarding the proposed discount liquor operation that had not been answered. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at 1:37 a.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Secretary