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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 25, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JULY 25, 1977 The meeting was called to order at 8:07 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 A short invocation was given by City Manager Watson. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Mayor Nawrocki noted the minutes for consideration as being those from the Regular meeting of July 11 and the Special meeting of July 18. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to approve the minutes of July Il and July 18 as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON TOWING It was reported that bids on towing services had been opened at 2:00 p.m. on the afternoon of the date of this meeting and Sroga's Standard of 3201Stinson Boulevard in Minneapolis was the low bidder. Police Chief Anderson stated that he had checked and Sroga's Standard did meet the specifications as required and he was recommending that the bid on towing be awarded to them. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz that the bid on towing services be awarded to Sroga's Standard of 3201Stinson Boulevard on the basis of low, competitive bid, and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into a contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes INFORMAL QUOTATIONS ON LIBRARY PAINTING This item had been tabled at a previous meeting pending additional information. It was reported at this time that the City was using qualified CETA personnel to do this painting and it would not be necessary to contract out on the work. INFORMAL QUOTATIONS ON SEWER FLOW METERS A memorandum had been received from Sewer and Water Superintendent Don Jolly stating that he has been looking at equipment for measuring and recording wastewater flows. He further reported that he included provisions July 25, 1977 for the purchase of this equipment in the 1977 budget and has recently been taking informal quotations for same. The total low quote was for $3,745 which includes S1,490 for the Surveyor 9 model meter (two were requested for purchase), $362 for an eight inch insertable type flume, and S403 for a ten inch insertable type flume. It was noted that $5000 had been budgeted for this equipment, so the quote was well under what had been anticipated. Councilman Norberg asked if the meters were to be used largely for measuring surcharging of the sewers because of rainwater flow. Mr. Watson replied that the meters were to be used to verify actual flows of sewage because the City is paying a considerable cost for sewage disposal in the Metro system. Councilman Norberg noted that he was aware of a situation where a monetary recovery had been made by a municipality from the Metro Sewer Commission because the metering that was done by the Commission was not accurate. The meters they were using are not accurate at low flows and they were charging the municipality for sewage that was not going through the system. He suggested contacting the people involved with this situation to see if Columbia Heights could be involved in the same type of thing. He also suggested taking no action on the informal quotations until this is checked. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz that the matter of the purchase of portable metering equipment for the Sewr and Water Department be tabled for purposes of obtaining additional information. Roll Call: All Ayes INFORtlAL QUOTATIONS ON LIBRARY SHED Mr. 'Watson reported that informal quotations were received on the construction of a utility shed to be build on the Library grounds. He also reported that Lloydls Home Improvements was low bidder in an amount of SI,508.71. Only S1,200 had been anticipated in the budget and Librarian Harriet Deeble was requesting that the balance of the cost be taken from Revenue Sharing. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he had requested to see a sample of the material to be used on the shed and he had not as yet seen it. He wanted this to be an aesthetic shed. Councilman Nrober9 stated that he would voice the Library Board's strong feeling that this would be a nice looking shed. It is to be made of redwood or treated lumber with one half inch exterior plywood with a rough sawn cedar finish. July 25, 1977 Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to enter into contract with Lloyd's Home Improvements for the construction of a storage shed for the Library in an amount of $1,508.71 on the basis of low, informal quotations. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay Motion carries. Councilman Hentges noted that he voted against the proposal because he feels that this shed would require much more maintenance than a metal shed. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the use of $308.71 of Revenue Sharing funds for the purchase of this shed. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--aye Hentges--nay Motion carries. Councilman Hentges noted that he voted may on this motion for the same reasons as on the previous motion. REQUEST TO CALL FOR BIDS ON BURIED TANK FOR UNLEADED GAS AND KEY CONTROL SYSTEM Mr. Gustafson explained that he would like to take bids on a buried tank for unleaded gas (the City presently purchases unleaded fuel from another municipality) and on a key control system for both the unleaded and leaded fuel tanks. There was considerable discussion concerning how the keys for the pumps could be distributed and on other aspects of the security of this system. Discussion was also held on how fuel use records could be kept. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that Mr. Gustafson consider one of the more sophisticated systems for purposes of better security and record keeping. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to call for bids on a buried tank for unleaded gas and control equipment. Roll Call: All Ayes LIONIS CLUB REQUESTS APPROVAL OF 'IMIDWAY OF FUN SHOWS~' FOR THE 1975 JAMBOREE Mr. Gene Heffner and Mr. Ben Shaefer from the Lion's Club 'lCarnival Committee '78" were present to request the Councills approval of contracting with "Midway of Fun Shows" for the 1978 Jamboree. Mr. Heffner reported that he had visited 'lMidway of Fun Shows" when they were set up in another community and he had been impressed with the operation. He stated that the people and food stands were clean and the equipment was well cared for. July 25, 1977 Police Chief Anderson reported that the Police Department has checked this show's record and found that there were no particular problems. He did state, however, that the managers of the show should be made aware of the City's policy against gambling and certain games of chance. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz that the Council approve the Lion's Club choice of "Midway of Fun Shows" for the 1978 Jamboree, dates of Jamboree to be June ]4 - 18. Roll Call: Ail Ayes JAYCEES REQUEST PERMISSION TO SELL BEER AT KEYES PARK, AUGdfiT 12 AND 13 It was reported that the 2aycees are spon~;crin9 a softball tournament on August 12 and 13 and would be using the facilities at Keyes Park. They were requesting permission to see] beer there those days. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges that the Jaycees be granted permisssion to sell beer at Keyes Park August 12 and 13. Call: All Ayes Roll SUBDIVISION REQUEST: DONALD MOORE, 39TH AVENUE AND POLK STREET Mr. Watson reported that the Council had received copies of the subdivision request. It was noted that the lot was being subdivided so it would meet requirements for a double bungalow proposed to be built on the westerly side of the lot and the existing structures would remain on the easterly side of the lot. The Council reviewed the drawing and talked with Mr. Moore regarding his plans. It was pointed out that the lots created by this subdivision would not meet all of the requirements of the zoning code; and there wouldn't be enough room to build the double bungalow without a variance. Motion by Norberg, Seconeed by Hentges to deny the subdivision request of Donald Moore. Councilman Heintz asked Councilman Norberg why he felt this subdivision should be denied. Councilman Norberg replied that there were several reasons: it creates a very strange lot shape which further complicates the situation at the location, it creates several non-conforming situations, it doesn't meet front and side yard requirements, and the proposed plans would require several variances. Mayor Nawrocki commented that he was concerned tha the property would be "crowded up" with structures. He stated that he would not vote for the subdivision until he was assured that the net result would benefit the neighborhood and not just the developer. Roll Call on motion to Deny: All Ayes July 25, 1977 DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC WORKS GRA~T Mayor Nawrocki stated that he had a lengthy long distance telephone conversation with the Economic Development Administration office and Congressman Fraser. The City of Columbia Heights had recently been awarded a Public Works Project grant in an amount of $413,O00. More recently, the City had been informed that their grant amount had been cut back to $223,000. The telephone call by Mayor Nawrocki and City Staff members to the EDA was made to find the reason for the cut. The Mayor explained that forty four units of local government received varying amounts of money under the Public Works project. Thirteen of those communities were to receive a larger amount of funds than they had originally been notified of. Only one community's funding had been cut - Columbia Heights. The reason for this cut, according to the Economic Development Administration office, was that the funding was done on a County-wide basis, more money had already been given to other governmental units in the County and "Columbia Heights got what was left." The Mayor indicated to EDA and Congressman Fraser that the people of Columbia Heights were being treated very' unfairly. He stated that there had been no immediate offers for restitution, but that the Washington offices would be contacting the City after they had done some additional review on the matter. PLAT OF CHEERY HEIGHTS It was noted that the report regarding values of streets and possible park dedication had been received from City Assessor Mildred Carlson. A summary of the information contained therein is as follows: entire tract of Cheery Heights: 457,800 square feet estimated value: $200,500 streets dedicated in the plat: estimated value: 98,010 square feet (2.25 acres) $42,928 proposed five percent park land dedication: 22,890 square feet estimated value: $10,025 Councilman Hentges stated that he did not feel a park land or cash equivalent dedication was a fair requirement of a platting. He stated that he felt the streets dedicated within the plat should have some merit, and suggested that the value of the square footage designated as streets be subtracted from the amount that Mr. Herringer (the owner of Cheery Heights) would be required to donate. (It was assumed that Mr. Herringer would be donating cash in lieu of land for this requirement.) July 25, 1977 The value of the square footage of streets dedicated (g42,928) was subtracted from the value of the square feet in the plat ($200,500) for a remainder of S157,572. Five percent of this amount is $7,878.60. Councilman Hentges felt this was the amount which should be required for park dedication. There was discussion on the plat in general, and Mr. Bob Nelson of the Planning and Zoning Commission stated that the plat proposed was basically good; but he stated that the Planning Commission did not apl)rove of the proposal to rezone outlot A to R-3. He stated that the Commission felt the City would ]ose some control over the land if it were zoned R-3 at this time. Roger' Stenberg, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, stated that the land near the proposed R-~ section on ~7th Avenue was more than 85 percent single family dwellings. He a]so stated that it was not a good p]anning po]icy to authorize a change in zoning without first seeing a proposed land use plan. Mayor' Nawrocki stated that the City has quite a bit of control if the appropriate ordinances are exercised properly. There was addition discussion on this and the Mayor pointed out that the decision on zoning would be made at the next meeting when the second reading, a public hearing, of the ordinance proposing rezoning would be held. After more discussion, the Mayor pointed out that the approval that could be given tonight would be pre]iminary approval. Final approval could only occur when all technicalities had been taken care of. There was a short discussion on how drainage would be handled within the plat. Recess: 10:27 p.m. Reconvene: 10:56 p.m. There was a question on whether or not the necessary dedication of ]and for right of way had been made when ~7th Avenue was put in. Information confirming this dedication was not immediately available. It was noted that this easement should definitely be marked as dedicated on the plat to clear up any questions that may exist. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz that the Council give preliminary approval to the plat of Cheery Heights on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning and Traffic Commissions, this plat to include dedication of an easement for right of way on ~7th Avenue. Amendment by Norberg to require a park land dedication (cash equivalent) in an amount of $]0,025. Amendment dies for lack of a second. Councilmen Hentges and Heintz continued their motion, stating: July 25, 1977 As an additional requirement prior to final approval of the plat, the owner will be required to make payment to the Paris and Recreation Funds of the City of Columbia Heights, an amount of $7,878.60. Provided the thirty three foot strip on the south edge of outlot A has not already been dedicated as a street easement, the amount of such required payment shall be reduced by a number of dollars representing the number of square feet in said thirty three foot dedication times 43.8 cents per square foot times five. Also, construction on lots 10 through 31 shall be limited to single family dwellings. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Councilman Norberg noted that his nay vote was in recognition of the wishes of the Planning and Zoning Commission. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS JAYCEES REQUEST SOLICITOR'S LICENSE Mr. Jim Kordiak and Mr. Mel Aanerud from the Columbia Heights Jaycees were present to tell the Council that the Jaycees were proposing a project wherein they would be painting house numbers on curbs in front of residences. They would be asking the home owners for donations for this service, and for this reason they would be needing a solicitor's license. They were requesting that the license fee be waived. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges that the solicitor's license be granted to the Columbia Heights Jaycees for the purpose of painting house numbers on curbs and soliciting donations, with the license fee to be waived on the basis of the Jaycees being a non profit organization. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Norberg noted that the Jaycees should carry identification so that the people will know who they are and what they are doing. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 865 AMENDING THE CITY CODE The second reading of ordinance 865 was he.d Ordinance offered by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION REGARDING COMMUNITY EDUCATIO~ ADVISORY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 77-43 BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, that WHEREAS, School District 13 has endorsed a concept involving the hiring of a Community Services Coordinator as a part of the joint Recreation budget, and WHEREAS, the results of a Community Advisory Council survey demonstrated a desire and need on the part of the City for expanded community education programs and services, and WHEREAS, the Community Education Advisory Council has recommended the hiring July 25, 1977 of a Community Education Director, and WHEREAS, there is a need to add development and coordinative personnel in a fiscally responsible way. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that we concur in the determination regarding the need for expanded community education programs and authorize the hiring, in cooperation with Independent School District #13, of a Community Services Coordinator, with half of the costs of said Coordinator to be borne by each Governmental division, and we further agree to jointly evaluate the Community Services Coordinator on a yearly basis with participation with School District #13. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Hentges Councilman Logacz stated that he agreed with this proposal, but that this is the first time he has heard of something like this being included in the Recreation concept, he has known it at the School Board level. Mr. Charles Vescio, a member of the Community Education Advisory Council, stated that person filling the Community Services Coordinator position was to coordinate educational and recreational activities. Councilman Norberg asked how the program was expected to expand. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the program was to be evaluated on a yearly basis jointly by the School District and the City Council. Councilman Norberg predicted that in each year's evaluation would be a proposal to expand the program. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--abstain FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 867 RENAMING THE RECREATIOfi COMMISSION AND CHANGING THE MEMBERSHIP The first reading of Ordinance 867 was held. Mayor Nawrocki asked if this ordinance instituted a delegation of responsibility on the part of the Council and School Board regarding the expenditure of money. Attorney Kalina replied that matters dealing with handling of funds and expenditures of money would have to come back to the Council and School Board for their consideration. The Mayor also questioned section 3.311 (4) which stated that the Commission would have the power to employ a person trained and qualified in the field of recreation. .and other employees as may be necessary in its judgment for efficient administration or progress. Attorney Kalina stated that the Council would be the final determiner on this as they had the power to set salary. If no salary was set, no money could be paid. July 25, 1977 Councilman Hentges quoted section 3.311 (8) which states: 'lSaid Commission is empowered and authorized to solicit and receive gifts, bequests, or endowments of money or property as donations or grants from persons, firms or corporations including governmental agencies and to administer their funds for public recreation purposes." He felt that this section stated that the Commission could hire someone to apply for grant monies. The Attorney reiterated that the Council had the power to set salary for all persons employed by the Commission, if no salary was set, no money would be paid. There was additional discussion on the ordinance and Mayor Nawrocki stated that the areas of concern had been pointed out. Councilman Heintz suggested holding the second reading of this ordinance at the second regular meeting in August. The Recreation Com~ission will have met by this time and the ordinance could be discussed at this level. REQUEST FROM THE CITY OF ANDOVER TO PURCHASE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS' 1941 FIRE PUMPER Mr. Watson read the letter from the City of Andover regarding the purchase of the 1941 fire pumper and the letter from Fire Chief Don Johnson explaining that the pumper had not actually been offered for sale, but that someone in the City of Andover had apparently misunderstood the required procedure for making an offer to purchase the pumper. This misunderstanding had resulted in a premature newspaper article which stated that the City of Columbia Heights had sold the pumper to the City of Andover instead of stating that the City of Columbia Heights would consider an offer if the City of Andover would indeed make such an offer. Councilman Logacz stated that he felt the pumper should be given to Andover as a 9ood will gesture. Councilman Hentges stated that the sale of this pumper had not been advertised to other communities as it should be. He further stated that there were other communities which would be interested in purchasing the pumper. Mayor Nawrocki noted that it would have been proper procedure for the staff to inform the Council that the pumper was surplus equipment and should be disposed of, so that the manner of disposition could be decided upon. Motion by Logacz to give the 1941 fire pumper to the City of Andover. Motion dies for lack of a second. The Council requested a report on the pumper, said report to contain possible ways of disposing of the fire pumper, what the pumper is worth, what would go with it were it to be sold, etc. APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Council is still in the process of interviewing possible candidates for the vacancy on the Planning Commission. July 25, 1977 REQUEST FROM SEWER AND WATER SUPERINTENDENT TO EXPEND $780 TO PURCHASE SANAFOAM FOR THE FOAH GENERATOR Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize an expenditure of up to $780 to purchase Sanafoam for the foam generator. Roll Call: All Ayes REPORT ON OUTDOOR ATHLETIC COURT GRANT PROGRAM It was reported that a memo had been received from the Minnesota State Planning Agency regarding immediate State Grants for the development of Outdoor Athletic Court Facilities. To qualify for this 9rant, the application must be submitted by July 29, 1977 and the work must be done in the 1977 construction season. The program is a matchin9 9rant program, with the State providing up to 50 percent of the cost of the facilities. The applicant must provide the remainin9 50 percent. A report had been received from John Murzyn, Park Superintendent, out- lining costs for two tennis courts and one basketball court, the proposal for the application. The total cost was estimated at $4B,440, which would make both the City and State shares $2],720. The proposal was to take the City share of the total from Revenue Sharing funds. Councilman Norberg stated that he did not fee] Revenue Sharing funds could be used in this way. He was assured by City Manager Watson that this was a proper usage for the funds. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the submittal of an application to the State Planning Agency for monies under the Outdoor Athletic Court Grant Program. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST PERMISSION TO PURCHASE BALLOT COUNTERS City Clerk/Treasurer John Sched]er was requesting authorization to purchase two ballot counters for use in City elections, thereby eliminatin9 the need to tabulate votes at Anoka County. The cost for the two units would be S3,700. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges to table the request to purchase ballot counters for more information. Roll gall: AIl Ayes The Council wanted to know if the School Board would like to jointly purchase these ballot counters and use them for their elections also. SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES: l. SEWER AND WATER DEPARTMENT REQUESTS TO SEND VAL POPOWSKI TO THE MINNESOTA WASTE WATER ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE AUGUST ]7, 18 AND 19 AT ARROWWOOD LODGE Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize expenses for one member of the Sewer and Water Departn~ent to attend the Minnesota Waste Water Association Institute August ]7, ]8 and ]9 at Arrowwood Lodge. Roll Ca]]: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay July 25, 1977 POLICE CHIEF ANDERSON REQUESTS AUTHORIZATION TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION, OCTOBER 1 THROUGH 6, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize expenses for Chief Anderson to attend the Annual Conference of the International Chiefs of Police Association, October 1 through 6, Los Angeles, California. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay DISCUSSION CONCERNING LEASE AGREEMNT WITH ANOKA COUNTY IN THE MUNICIPAL ~UILDIIIG FACILITY Due to the change in the EDA Grant amount and the uncertainty of the future status of the municipal building expansion plans, no action was taken on this item. DISCUSSION ON RESTAURANT PROPOSAL IN OLD #1 LIQUOR STORE Mayor Nawrocki reported that the Council had received notice that Mr. Blackey had rented the former National T building to another party. The City had indicated an interest in this building as a site for the possible discount liquor store which was being considered. He stated that the questions which had been asked by the Council concerning this discount liquor operation had not been answered by the staff. He went on to say that the Council had given very clear direction that this matter was to be pursued, and he did not feel it had been seriously pursued. Councilman Hentges noted that the concept was "not dead yet." He stated that he would still like to see the information regarding this operation. Councilman Norberg agreed, stating that there are other possible sites this operation could be located and other possible times it could be started. At this time, Mr. Charles Vescio passed out his plans for a restaurant in the old #1 liquor store. There was some discussion on Mr. Vescio's proposal and it was decided that it was now appropriate to contact an architect to draw plans and specifications for the proposed restaurant. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the City Manager to engage the services of Architect Diedrich to develop remodeling plans and specifications for the proposed restaurant facility in former liquor store #1. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to direct the City Manager to prepare the information referenced in items 2 through 8 of the City Attorneyls July 25 letter. Roll Call: All Ayes The Attorney's letter of July 25 dealt with the points which would be necessary for a business agreement that would have to be entered before the restaurant could go into operation. July 25, 1977 The Mayor pointed out that it was his understanding that the City could take proposals from all interested parties and would not have to go through a formal bidding process on this restaurant again. The Attorney stated that this was correct. The Mayor informed the Council that Pat Olynyk was requesting to use the Sewer Department Bronco vehicle to pull the float which would be carrying Miss Columbia Heights in parades throughout the area this summer. He asked if there were any objections to this being done. Councilman Norberg suggested that any time the vehicle is used, it be placed in the custody of someone, so that someone would be totally responsible for it. On a polling of the Council, it was found that three members were in favor of allowing the vehicle to be used to tow the float in parades. Councilman Hentges stated that the City had already donated $500 toward the Queen activities and that in other communities, the Chamber of Commerce is usually the most active body in activities of this nature, and perhaps it should not be up to the City to provide this vehicle. LICENSES Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to grant the licenses as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roil Call: A]] Ayes There was some discussion on the dredging and shore line improvements for Sullivan Lake. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this should be discussed in.-depth at another time. Hot;o.n by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to adjourn at ]:50 a.m. Ca]i: All Ayes Bruce'L~. Nawrocki , Mayor