HomeMy WebLinkAboutAug 1, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 1, 1977
The meeting was called to order at 8:12 P.M. by Mayor Nawrocki.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--present.
Hentges--absent. Mayor Nawrocki noted Hentges is representing
the Council at the Traffic Commission Meeting and will be
present just as soon as that meeting is over.
22 Residents were present.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz, that Carol Lattery be
named Secretary Pro-Tem for the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes.
A moment of silent prayer was called for by Mayor Nawrocki in
memorial to Curt Ramsdell, a Columbia Heights policeman who
was killed in the performance of his duties this past week.
Mayor Nawrocki stated this special meeting is for the purpose
of having hearings on two individual storm sewer projects.
He reported the first one, the Gould Avenue Storm Sewer Project,
is a new project and the second one, the 5th Street Storm Sewer
Project, is one that had previously been heard and approved
a few years back, but it was approved on the condition that
there would be federal funding available to defray part of
the cost of the project. He noted that in spite of several
attempts by the city, federal funding was never made available.
He noted that the Engineering Department recommendation is
that the project proceed at this time and the Council had
decided that because it has been several years since the
project was approved that the hearing should be reopened and
the people be given an opportunity to question and comment
accordingly. Mayor Nawrocki turned the floor over to City
Manager, Malcolm Watson, and his staff to make a presentation
on the Gould Avenue Storm Sewer Project.
City Manager Watson called on members of the City Engineering
staff to present the informational slides that had been prepared
together with an audio section that had been taped on the Gould
Avenue Storm Drains.
A slide-sound presentation of the Gould Avenue Storm Sewer
Project was made by Engineering Aide Bob Owens.
Engineering Aid Owens explained the recommended assessment for
this project is 2C/square foot with the remaining portion of
costs to be paid for from the City Storm Sewer Fund. He stated
the proposal is that all of the property in the defined area
contributes to this particular line and that the property has
not been previously assessed for storm sewer.
City Manager Watson called for comments and questions regarding
the proposal.
August 1, 1977
Discussion followed. Public Works Director, Earl Gustafson,
stated that if the project is approved tonight, he anticipated
that it could be bid and constructed yet this year.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz, that the Gould Avenue
Storm Sewer Project be approved. Roll Call: All Ayes.
5TH STREET STORM SEWER PROJECT
City Manager Watson gave a brief history of the project, starting
back in 1967 and 1968. He stated the project was actually
approved at the time and it was assumed it would be paid for
by 1/3 federal funding, 1/3 assessment and 1/3 other municipal
funds. He explained we are reopening this hearing now because
in those nine years, costs have increased and many had property
at that time and sold it or many have purchased property for
which banking institutions held monies in escrow at that time.
He noted that monies held in escrow were held on the basis of
1½ or 2 times the estimated amount. He said we told the banking
institutions that 1½¢ was the estimated assessment cost and
they held either 2¼C/square foot or 3C/square foot, depending
on the institution's policies. He called on the Engineering
Department to give the slide-sound presentation showing where
the pipelines will go and what areas are involved.
Mayor Nawrocki commented on why the city tried for federal
financial participation in this project. He explained the project
was a joint project with the City of Minneapolis and involved
one long pipe that comes in 5th Street on the Minneapolis side
and comes out in through Columbia Heights and picks up drainage
from an area in Columbia Heights. He continued that the City
of Minneapolis applied for and received some type of federal
financial assistance on their segment of the line. He noted
the City of Columbia Heights felt that equity would indicate
that we should be treated the same as the City of Minneapolis;
but to date, each and every application made to the federal
government for financial assistance under various programs has
been denied. He noted that we have reached the point that we
think chances of getting assistance is not going to come about
and the project is proposed to go ahead on the basis that is
being indicated here tonight.
A slide-sound presentation of the 5th Street Storm Sewer
Project was made by Bob Owens of the Engineering Department.
Mayor Nawrocki opened the floor for questions and comments from
the residents in the audience. He asked them to identify
themselves by stating their name and address for the record.
Mr. John Pribyl, 609 - 38th Avenue NE, asked to be shown again
the area to be included in the proposed assessment.
Engineering Aide Owens noted the outer boundaries of the area
to be assessed are: University Avenue on the West, Central
Avenue on the East, 42nd Avenue on the North and 37th Avenue
on the South.
August 1, 1977
Ms. Nelson, 403 Summit Avenue, noted the piece of pipe between
5th Street and 40th Avenue to the South. Mr. Owens explained
the fund for that piece of pipe came out of the City Sewer
Funds.
Another gentlemen in the audience questioned whether the big
main that was put in along the railroad tracks and 39th Avenue
that was assessed at that time would be assessed against their
property again.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that the big main was not assessed. '.
and there has not been any assessment for storm sewer in that
area and the properties have not paid any assessments since 1921.
He noted that although parts of the project, including the
pipes indicated along side the railroad tracks, have actually
gone in, some of it some years ago, the costs have never been
assessed to date.
Mayor Nawrocki explained the whole City of Columbia Heights
has been divided up into water shed districts and the majority
of the property in Columbia Heights has gone through hearings
similar to this and have been assessed for storm sewer work.
He noted that there are a few cases where people have paid
more than 1½¢ or 2¢ per square foot for some storm sewer work
in years back. The records have been checked back as far as
they go to 1921. If the property has paid for major storm
sewer work, the property gets credit deducted from the proposed
assessment and most of those people have been credited.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that in some cases where streets are being
paved, catch basins and leads going from those catch basins to
tie into these main lines are always separately assessed.
Mayor Nawrocki stated the reasons that pipes were put in along
the railroad tracks already is because it is in the park area
and the Council on the Park Board felt the drainage ditch
constituted a safety hazard to children playing in the park
or in the ballfield, and the safety need was such that those
parts of the line should go in at the time they went in. It
was anticipated that sooner or later those costs would be picked
up in the overall project.
Ms. Nelson, 403 Summit Avenue, inquired whether her street would
be tied up much for this project.
Mayor Nawrocki explained that a truck from the construction area
may come around her street to turn around or something like that,
but there would be no general storage or parking of their vehicles
or any concentrated traffic along her street. He stated if
there is a truck that is doing any of these things on a regular
basis, ca~ the Police Department at City Hall.
Mr. John Pribyl inquired as to what part of 38th Avenue would
be paved and what the assessment cost would be.
August 1, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki answered that 38th Avenue from University to
5th Street would be paved and paid for using State Aid Funds.
Mr. John Pribyl questioned whether this project would be completed
this year.
City Engineer, George Brown, answered that the project is
expected to get started this year, but that the weather would
determine if it is finished this year or not. If the project
is approved, we expect to go out for bids this year, but it
might be next year's construction season before the project
is completed.
Mr. John Pribyl asked when the assessment would take place.
Mayor Nawrocki answered that the assessment would be levied
after the work is completed. He stated that if the work is
completed this year, another notice of an Assessment Hearing,
which usually is held in November, would be sent out. If the
work is not completed until next year's construction season,
then the Assessment Hearing would be held in November of 1978.
He noted at the time of the Assessment Hearing when all the
actual costs are in, property owners will have an opportunity
to ask questions and make comments. He stated if the assessment
is approved at that time, property owners will have 30 days in
which to pay the assessment. However, any portion which is
not paid in 30 days then becomes a billing by September 30th
of the following year, with 8% tacked on, and three years
allowed on the installment basis.
Concern was expressed by a gentlemen in the audience regarding
the money held in escrow for the project for property sold or
bought a year ago.
City Manager Watson stated the city has no information concerning
the money outside of supplying the information to the banking
institution that is making the loan. He stated the banks have
made a practice of setting aside 1½ times whatever we told them.
The banking institution that works with the mortgage holder
would be aware of it.
Mayor Nawrocki stated the city will send the assessment to the
present property owner and it is up to him/her to go and obtain
the money held in escrow for this project and make the arrange-
ments for that money to come out of escrow to be used to pay
the assessment.
The question was asked by a person in the audience as to when
37th Avenue is going to be paved.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that the paving of 37th Avenue from Central
to University will be done in 1979. The street paving or
surfacing of 37th Avenue would be paid for out of State or
Federal Aid Urban Funds, which are special highway monies
available for surfacing on streets. However, the curb and
gutter work would still be assessed to the property owner.
August 1, 1977
Councilman Norberg commented that the Council was told this
fall that the water main on 5th Street from 40th to 41st Avenues
is very old and needed replacement. He asked if it would be
economical to do this at the same time.
Mayor Nawrocki stated the water main and the storm sewer are
on opposite sides of the street and the only advantage of
putting them in at the same time would be that restoration
of the street could be done at one time.
Mr. Vernon Johnson, representing Minneapolis Electric Steel
Castings Company, stated he has worked for Minneapolis Electric
Steel for 19 years and he believed that they get the bulk of
flooding when it rains. He stated in the last week, the company
has been flooded or had water in their plant twice. He noted
that they have had flooding out in their parking lot 2 to 4 feet
deep many times when it rains and when there is a 1/2 to 3/4"
rains, their storm sewers back up in the plant's yard. The
company would like to see the project go ahead because of these
problems.
Mayor Nawrocki asked for comments from the Council.
Councilman Hentges asked to see the assessment map again and
inquired into the area to be assessed.
Engineering Aide Owens stated none of the property in yellow
on the assessment map had ever been assessed. However, if
there is anybody who has been assessed and it shows on record,
they will not be assessed again and will receive credit.
Councilman Hentges asked if the pipe which has been put in
along the railroad tracks has been assessed and who paid for
it at the time it was put in.
Mayor Nawrocki stated the costs have been acrued. However,
Sepko agreed to pay $6000 and the Council accepted their offer
to pay. However, we cannot find any record of a receipt from
them. The matter will be looked into further and they will
be given credit if found.
Councilman Norberg asked if this is the last project in the storm
sewer plan.
City Manager Watson replied not the absolute end. There is a
couple of minor pieces to the East of Central that still have
to be tied into another drain that goes toward Johnson St.
Councilman Norberg commented that a good deal of financing of
the project is due to come from the City Sewer Fund and it
appeared it is going to bring the sewer fund down to nothing,
meaning there is nothing left for the project that was talked
about.
Councilman Logacz stated that in the past the practice was to
assess about 1/3 and that is what the 2¢ assessment is and
he didn't see any reason to assess the water shed district any
heavier than any other district.
August 1, 1977
City Manager Watson stated we are assessing $151,000 at 2¢
per square foot, which is about $75,000 for one cent per square
foot. The reason for 2¢ per square foot on the assessment is
because it had been our practice in the past and there were
sufficient funds in the past, but as noted, it would take over
$300,000 of the Storm Sewer Fund, leaving approximately
$20,000 left in the fund when we build it up over a period of
time.
Councilman Norberg asked for support of how City Manager
went from 1¼¢ to 2¢ assessment per square foot.
City Manager Watson stated he assumed that 1/3 of this would
be assessed as was stated back in 1968. The total cost of
this project is of such a range that 1/3 of it is in the
$150,000 range. He explained that 1½¢ is no longer feasible
because the city would not have the immediate obvious means
of funding as in 1968.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz, to approve the 5th Street
Storm Sewer Project.
More discussion followed with Councilman Hentges noting the
$541,540.48 figure as total cost of the project.
City Manager Watson stated there is still a negotiation that
must be worked out in respect to our share of the Minneapolis
work that was completed. But, he stated, he projected the
highest amount on the Average Balance Sheet. The total median
cost on that sheet, dated July 29, might be around $511,000
or $512,000. He explained that he was taking the low and
the high of the figures that he received from Minneapolis and
is still negotiating on. He continued that the high figure
is $541,000 and that cost just restores the street to its
present condition. He informed the Council that the city is
not going in with a surfacing or curb-gutter job yet. That
will be a State Aid Project and we will wait a year after putting
in the sewer line before doing permanent surfacing. He stated
if the Council does not want to use all of the Sewer Fund
money for this purpose, we could use, for example, some of
the money that was for General Public Works Projects or some
other source.
Mayor Nawrocki stated Engineering estimates they can complete
this project for $175,000. He questioned the derivation of
$175,000 and if the total cost includes Engineering costs.
City Manager Watson stated this is the cost to do the work
which we discussed tonight and these figures are actual totals
and do include anticipated Engineering costs.
Councilman Norberg asked how long the paving would take.
City Manager Watson answered he estimated 14 days.
He also stated if the project is approved tonight, the next
step is going out for bids. He advised that at the time
the bids come in, before they are awarded, the questions should
be asked whether the bids are within the estimate or what they
do to the estimate.
August 1, 1977
The resolutions were read by City Manager Watson.
RESOLUTION 77-44
BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS - GOULD STREET STORM
SEWER PROJECT
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 1st day of July, 1977 ordered notice of a hearing
to be given to property owners, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents
appeared at a Council meeting on the 1st day of August, 1977,
and
WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local
improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special
assessments under Charter provisions.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:
That the location and extent of such improvements is as
follows:
Area between Central Avenue and the alley lying Westerly
of Reservoir Boulevard and between Gould Avenue and 39th
Avenue Northeast including Lots 30 through 35, Block 6,
Reservoir Hills; Lots 26 through 28, Block 1; and all of
Blocks 2, 3, and 4 of Walton's Rearrangement of Lots 33
and 34, Block 6.
2. That the materials to be used are as follows:
Reinforced concrete pipe and appurtenances
That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvement
has been made by the City Manager and the several lots and
parcels of land fronting upon and adjacent to such proposed
improvement, which he deemed benefited thereby, were
property notified of said hearings, and
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 Number 722.
Passed this 1st day of August, 1977
Offered by: Logacz
Seconded by: Heintz
Roll Call: Ail Ayes
August 1, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki stated concern has been expressed about interrup-
tion of parking for the Community Methodist Church as the pipe-
line would pass adjacent to their property. He expressed he
would like the work scheduled so as to impose only a minimum
disruption of any church activities, especially on the weekend.
He stated it is not a big project and ought to be completed
in a short time.
RESOLUTION 77-45
BEING A RESOLUTION AFFI~4I~ THAT RESOLUTION PASSED JANUARY 22,
1968, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE FIFTH STREET STORM SEWER PROJECT.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS:
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights has by
motion ordered notice of hearing to be given to property owners,
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to such notice of hearing certain residents
appeared at the hearing of August 1, 1977, and
WHEREAS, the City Council had, on January 22, 1968, ordered by
Resolution that a local improvement, storm sewer for the area
north of 37th Avenue Northeast, south of 42nd Avenue Northeast,
west of Central Avenue Northeast, and east of University Avenue
Northeast, except those areas to be assessed under storm sewer
assessments No. 581 and No. 583, be installed as Project No. 595,
and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined to proceed with the said
project No. 595,
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:
That the Resolution, dated January 22, 1968 ordering that
improvement, known as Project No. 595, also known as the Fifth
Street Storm Sewer Project, to wit:
Storm sewer for the area north of 37th Avenue NE, south
of 42nd Avenue NE, west of Central Avenue NE, and east of
University Avenue NE
be and hereby is affirmed.
Passed this 1st day of August, 1977.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Logacz
Roll Call: Ail Ayes
RECESS: 9:40 P.M. RECONVENED 10:00 P.M.
August 1, 1977
DISCUSSION - CETA SPECIAL PROJECTS
Mayor Nawrocki called on City Manager Watson and Adminstrative
Assistant Yantos to discuss the CETA Special Projects.
City Manager Watson stated that Administrative Assistant Yantos
had been gathering data on quotations on half-ton pickup trucks.
He noted that in a letter he submitted to the Council he indicated
that under our CETA Special Projects funds, the city is allowed
to purchase equipment in order to allow the CETA people to work
and to purchase vehicles necessary for transportation of these
people. The city is in need of such transportation at this time.
He called on Administrative Assistant Yantos to give a report.
Administrative Assistant Tim Yantos began by explaining he
first looked into renting two new vehicles for one year and
found the cost ran at approximately $6,000 to $8,500 for two
vehicles for one year. He reported he then called the CETA
office and asked in the event we purchased the trucks whether
we could keep them after the year is ended. He stated they
could not give him a firm answer. He reported he then went out
and, without putting any specs together, took informal quotes
asking for three items: trucks that were at least one-half
ton in capacity, had automatic transmission and were 1977
vehicles with full warranties. He stated he received four bids.
He recommended White Bear Dodge as they had the best possible
vehicle that the city could purchase taking into consideration
economy, resale and durability. He went on to say, White Bear
Dodge could supply us with 3/4 ton vehicles at the same price as
1/2 ton vehicles, better tires, engine and transmission parts
that could be replaced with the same vehicle parts that we have
with our current police vehicles. Tim noted, however, that
legally the city cannot award to the highest bidder, which was
White Bear Dodge, but he added, that White Bear Dodge probably
have the lowest responsible bid for 3/4 ton trucks.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that one small defect in our specification
is that 1/2 ton trucks were asked for instead of 3/4 ton trucks.
Councilman Hentges recommended looking to what needs to be
replaced in the Street and Sewer Departments where CETA people
are working and buy the vehicle that fits what each department
needs.
City Manager Watson noted if the CETA program stops, there is
no guarantee that those vehicles will remain with the city.
Councilman Hentges recommended buying the vehicles we need and
when it is time, making CETA a good offer. He went on to say
there is no question that we have to replace the 3/4 ton pickup
truck for the Sewer Department and the 4-wheel drive in the
Street Department. He noted the 4-wheel drive could carry four
people, while a pickup could only carry three at the most and
Sewer & Water just needs a chassis, no box.
August 1, 1977
A discussion followed on Councilman Hentges recommendation.
Mayor Nawrocki suggested asking for bids on one 3/4 ton truck and
one 4-wheel drive to be handled as two separate items.
Administrative Assistant Yantos stated he would contact bidders
who could supply him with a bid in one day.
VOTE TABULATION
City Manager Watson reported the schools responded to the question
on whether they might be able to use the vote tabulation machines
or not by stating they plan to continue using their normal paper
ballots. He reported that the cost of the maintenance of these
units is $35.00/year with $125 minimum to a location service,
on request. He informed the Council that two units are required,
one to be used as a standby and also that they make delivery.
He stated that if no Primary Election is needed this fall,
the two units would be provided free for use in our November
General Election. In that event payment to them would be set
up in 1978 of $3700. Finance Director, John Shedler, felt
that it would be a very worthwhile move on our part to consider
the use of these units because it will save transportation to
and from Anoka, our tabulation would be done sooner and ultimately,
they would pay for themselves just in labor costs alone and tra-
veling.
Councilman Hentges argued that the Council had suggested trying
the units out at the Primary Election and, if we like them and
thought it was feasible, we would buy them.
Mayor Nawrocki explained the City will get a free trial for
the General Election if we don't have a Primary Election.
City Manager Watson reported if we have a Primary, then
we will get a free trial for the Primary, but not for the
General Election.
Councilman Norberg stated the city would only be able to use
the machines once every two years as they can't be used for
State and Federal Elections which are run out of the County.
He reasoned that it would not pay the city to have a maintenance
contract because it would never be used. Looking at both that
fact and the relative cost, he felt the city would not be saving
much.
Councilman Logacz stat~the only apparent advantage is that it
takes about an hour longer before getting the results without
the machines.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz, that the request be
denied.
Roll Call:
Logacz, Heintz, Norberg--Aye
Hentges, Nawrocki--Nay
August 1, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki reported on items not on the Agenda. He reported
he had received a standard application form from the State
on the grants which are for parks and open space projects and
stated applications are being taken for projects until
December.
RESIGNATION OF CITY MANAGER
Mayor Nawrocki reported receiving a memo from City Manager Watson
indicating that, after 26 years of service to the city, he is
tendering his resignation to go into private business. He
stated City Manager Watson indicated that he is going into a
partnership and expects to begin as of September 1st and would
like to set Friday, August 26, as his last day of service with
the city. The Mayor called for City Manager Watson to comment.
City Manager Watson indicated he would be forming a new corpora-
tion, an appraisal consulting service. He expressed appreciation
for the opportunities he received while working for the city.
He stated he would like to reach a settlement for a 2-year
package in the union matter that the city is negotiating and,
if at all possible, to get the initial phase of the budget
prepared for Council consideration at the next meeting, before
he leaves.
Mayor Nawrocki expressed his wishes and that of the Council's
that City Manager Watson do well in his venture and hope he
will have every success in the new business. He then called for
a vote on the resignation and discussion on finding a new
City Manager to replace City Manager Watson.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Hentges, that the City Council
accept with regrets the resignation of Malcolm Watson as City
Manager, effective August 26, 1977.
A short discussion followed.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
41st & POLK ST.
Mayor Nawrocki reported the city has apparently put in the sod
at the home on 41st & Polk, but paving was supposed to have been
done on Friday, July 29 or Monday, August 1 for sure. He questioned
what happened because Friday and Monday came and went and
nothing was done.
City Engineer, George Brown, indicated he called the contractor
that day and had not had a call back. He informed the Council
that the weather conditions on the weekend affected the contrac-
tor's moving in and out with his equipment. He reported the
contractor does not want to move his paver to do a single driveway,
but could do it when he could pave the other street. The
contractor could get it done Friday, August 5 or Monday, August 8.
He suggested the only other alternative would be to locate
another contractor who can get it done Tuesday, August 2nd.
August 1, 1977
City Manager, Malcolm Watson, advised if the city can locate
another company to do the job sooner, notify the first contractor
that we have someone else.
FUNERAL TIME OFF
Councilman Logacz expressed some concern about time off to
attend the funeral of Officer Ramsdell. He indicated some
people feel that it is not very just to have a couple hours
taken off from their vacation time or sick leave.
City Manager Watson reported he posted notice that people who
knew Officer Ramsdell were allowed to attend the funeral until
2:30 p.m. in the afternoon. Under the circumstances, an officer
killed in the line of duty who has many friends among the staff
and was certainly loved, the city is deviating from normal
procedure and allowing time off without charging vacation or
sick leave.
LA BELLE PARK
Councilman Heintz stated the contractor moved the observation
platform on 40th Avenue, but it is not in anyway secured and
he seen little children hanging over it and he expressed concern
that someone will fall off it and tumble into the swamp.
Mayor Nawrocki suggested they put some sort of barrier around
the platform.
ASSESSMENTS DEPARTMENT
Councilman Heintz indicated City Assessor Carlson would like
to have a discussion with the Council in reference to her
department because she is losing people right and left.
53RD AND CENTRAL INTERSECTION
Councilman Norberg expressed concern about the right lane going
to 53rd Avenue and Freeway 694. He suggested putting a sign
up there to attempt to keep the traffic off the immediate local
street.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz, to adjourn the meeting
at 10:55 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes.
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Carol Lattery,
Secretary P~em