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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept 12, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY O? COL~{B!A HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55421 SEPTEMBER 12, 1977 The Meeting was called to order at 8:05 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 Mayor Nawrocki noted that Councilman Hentges would be leaving the Council meeting for a short time so as to join the Traffic Commission meeting al- ready in progress in the Mayor's Office. INVOCATION Invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to approve the minutes of the August 1 special meeting and the August 22 regular meeting as presented in writing and the reading be dispensed with. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts. Roll Call: All Ayes PROCL~MATION REGARDING HUNTING AND FISHING DAY WHEREAS, American hunters and fishermen have made outstanding contributions to conservation, recreation, and the economy, and WHEREAS, these sportsmen-conservationists are responsible for the founding of state fish and game departments in all fifty states, that in the past fifty years, these sportsmen have provided over $5 billion for conservation programs, and WHEREAS, sportsmen's programs have benefited numerous species of non-game fish and wildlife through habitat development, and BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that i, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights, do hereby proclaim Saturday, September 24, 1977 as Columbia Heights Hunting and Fishing Day. Further, I urge all citizens to take part in Hunting and Fishing day activities on September 24 to learn more about conservation and outdoor skills. BIDS ON BREATHING APPARATUS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT Interim City Manager Stuart Anderson reported that bids were opened at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 8 for ten self contained breathing apparatus for the Fire Department. The iow bidder was Continental Safety Equipment, Inc. of St. Paul at $5,653. September 12, 1977 Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to award the bid on ten self contained breathing apparatus for the Fire Department to Continental Safety Equipment, Inc. of St. Paul in an amount of $5,653 based on low, competitive bid, and that the Mayor and City Man~ger be a~thorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Anderson then requested that the Council consider authorizing the purchase of one self contained breathing apparatus for the Civil Defense Department, in view of the low bid received. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to purchase one additional set of breathing apparatus from Continental Safety Equipment, Inc. for the Civil Defense Department based on low competitive bid. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON REMODELING LIQUOR STORE Mayor Nawrocki stated that this item would be taken up later in the meeting. BID ON UNDERGROUND GASOLINE TANK AND APPURTENANCES Mr. Gustafson reported that the specifications for this bid were written around the furnishing and installing of a fiberglass tank because this is the type of tank presently in use. He included in the specifications a deduct item for the furnishing and installat:ion of a steel tank. A deduct item was also included for the elimination of concrete anchor and tie down straps to prevent flotation, which may not be needed. With these two things in mind, Mr. Gustafson was recommending award of bid to Zahl Equipment Company of Minneapolis in a base bid amount of $14,247, minus a deduct of $2,300 for the steel tank (making the contract amount $11,947) with an option to deduct for the anchor at the time of installation in an amount of $1,130. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to award the bid on underground gasoline tank and appurtenances to Zahl Equipment Company in an amount of $11,247, with an option to deduct $1,130 for the elimination of the concrete anchor and tie down straps, based on low, competitive bid and that the Mayor and City ~anager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON STORM DRAIN AND SANITARY SEWER CONSTRUCTION Mr. Gustafson reported that there were three parts to this bid: Part A - 5th Street Storm Sewer construction Part B - Gould Avenue Storm Sewer construction Part C - University Avenue and 3rd Street Sanitary Sewer construction Proposal 1 included parts A, B and C. Proposal 2 was divided into two sections: Part A alone and Parts B and C together. There were several possible ways a low bidder could be determined using this style of bidding. It was noted that there were still two ~rnknown factors regarding the 5th Street storm sewer: the agreement with the City of Minneapolis and the final infor- mation from the Economic Development Administration on the grant. Due to these unknowns the Engineering Department reported that they were not prepared to make a recommendation as to award of bid. There was a lengthy discussion on the bids. September 12, 1977 The Mayor suggested taking additional time before these bids are awarded. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz that the bids on storm drain and sanitary sewer construction be referred to the City Manager for review and report back. Roll Call: All Ayes Mr. Anderson read a letter he had received from Mr. Hemp, 4048 3rd Street, requesting that a water main be made a part of the University Avenue and 3rd Street sanitary sewer project. Mrs. Porter, 4030 3rd Street, noted that she did not want to pay the assessment for such a project. Mr. Gustafson pointed out that both the Hemp and Porter water systems fell below minimum standards, and that it was the poorest water pressure in Columbia Heights. He stated that the assessment would be approximately $12 per front foot for the construction of a water main. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Council could not order the project to go ahead without a hearing. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to call a public hearing for 7:30 p.m. Monday, October 3 to discuss the installation of a water main in the area of University Avenue and 3rd Street. Roll Call: All Ayes INFORMAL QUOTATIONS ON RELOCATING FLOOD LIGHT AT GAUVITTE PARK Mr. Anderson reported that at the time the lights for the new parking area for Gauvitte Park were installed, one of the posts was placed in such a position that the light shines into the bedroom windows of the house immediately north of the lot. Informal bids were taken to relocate that light post to avoid this nuisance. The low bidder was reported to be Total Electric, Inc. in an amount of $650. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the City Mansger be authorized to expend up to $650 for relocation of a flood light at Gauvitte Park. Roll Call: All Ayes INFORMAL QUOTATIONS ON GAS AND OXYGEN INDICATORS FOR THE SEWER AND WATER DEPARTMENT Informal quotations were taken on a gas and oxygen indicator, necessary for OSHA Compliance, and the low bid was Viking Industrial Center in an amo~nt of $625. This item was budgeted for in 1977. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg that the City Manager be authorized to expend up to $625 for a gas and oxygen indicator for the Sewer and Water Department. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST TO TAKE BIDS ON STAND BY GENERATOR FOR PUMP STATION #2 Mr. Gustafson informed the Council that the specifications for this stand by generator would be fairly complicated, and he would like to have authorization from the Council before expending the time necessary to prepare them. He asked the Council to authorize the taking of bids without setting a dates so the bids could be let when the specifications were prepared. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the Council could authorize the preparation of specifications and Mr. Gustafson could come back with another request when a date for bids could be set. September 12, 1977 Motion by' Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the preparation of specifications on a stand by generator for pump station #2. Roll Call: All Ayes INFORMAL QUOTATIONS ON EXTRUDED BLADES AND HARDWARE FOR STREET NAME SIGNS Mr. Gustafson reported that three informal quotations were received, with the low bidder being Vulcan Signs and Stampings, Inc. in an amount of $357.14. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz that the City Manager be authorized to expend up to $357.14 for extruded blades and hardware for street name signs. Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO TAKE BIDS ON GARBAGE PiCK UP SERVICE FOR THREE YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 1977 Motion by' Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the City Manager to call for bids on Garbage Pick Up Service for the three year period beginning November 1, 1977 with bids to be opened at 2:00 p.m. September 23 and a report te. the Council at the regular meeting of September 26. Roll Call: All Ayes SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES 872 A>~D 873 REGARDING THE SALE AND DISPLAY OF UNDESIRABLE PRINTED MATERIAL Motion by Norberg to dispense with the reading of Ordinance 872. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he felt the ordinances should be read as there were several people in attendance at this meeting who were interested in hearing what was being considered regarding the City's stand on "smut." The second reading of ordinance 672 was held. Ordinance 872 offered by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg. A gentleman in the audience asked why this ordinance did not deal with what was contained in certain books and magazines, it dealt only with the covers. Attorney Kalina replied that this was handled in the other ordinance being considered this evening. The gent]emam asked why it was necessary to pass two ordinances when they dealt basically with the same subject. Mayor Nawrocki noted that this is what had been recommended by Attorney Kalina. Roll Call on Ordinance 872: Ail Ayes The second reading of Ordinance 873 was held. Mayor Nawrocki noted that he had received a letter from the Holy Rosary Society of Immaculate Concepti~>n Church stating support for both of the ordinances being considered this evening. Ordinance 873 was offered by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg. Roll Call: All Ayes September 12, 1977 BIDS ON LIQUOR STORE REMODELING It was noted that twelve invitations to bid were sent to various companies who may have had an interest in doing the remodeling work on the #1 liquor store to convert it into a restaurant. Only one bid was received, and it was staff's recommendation at this time to reject that bid on the basis that it was con- sidered to be well above what was anticipated for the work. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to reject the bid on the liquor store remodeling. Attorney Kalina stated that Mr. Charles Vescio, who was interested in operating the proposed restaurant in old #1, would like to go over the specifications to see if something had been included which had not been originally intended; he thought perhaps this was the reason the bid came in as high as it did. He was requesting that any action be tabled at this time. Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to table consideration of the bid on liquor store remodeling until the next regular meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes BIDS ON TREE REPLACE~WENT Mr. Anderson stated that Tom Rejzer, Assistant Superintendent of Parks, would be making the presentation on this item. Mr. Rezjer began by stating that, at the time of the bid opening on Friday, September 9, six bids were opened. The apparent low bidder was Midland Nursery in an amount of $12,380 on bid a and $7,943 on bid b. Later another bid was found and opened. This bid had been delivered in the morning mail, so meeting deadline requirements, and was misplaced when the mail was sorted. The bid was from Natural Green, Inc. in an amount of $11,960 on bid a and $7,895 on bid b; lower than the previous bids. Mr. Rejzer stated that he had checked with Attorney Kalina regarding the legality of the situation. Mr. Kalina had told him that Natural Green had met all requirements and so would be the legal low bidder. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the bids were over the estimate. Mr. Rejzer replied that they were - bid a was $1,960 over and bid b was $3,495 over. (Bid a was for boulevard plantings and bid b was for trees and shrubs for Prestemon Park.) The Mayor then noted that the bidding was competitive enough to indicate that the prices were as low as could be expected. Councilman Logacz asked why only 100 trees were allowed for under bid a. He stated that the Council had suggested using a progressive bid with larger numbers of trees to see if volume affected price. Mr. Rejzer noted that the 100 figure was used because last year 98 boulevard trees were removed~ and to get the state subsidy funding, the City had to plant only as many trees as were taken out in 1976. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the Council had also suggested including larger size (3~ inch diameter size) trees. Only 2½ to 3 inch trees were included. Mr. Rejzer explained that he had verified with two knowledgeable sources that larger trees have a lower chance of survival after replanting. September 12, 1977 Mayor Nawrocki noted that if homeowners were willing to pay the difference between a standard tree and a larger tree for planting the larger tree in their boulevard, they should have this option. It was noted that for planting of trees on private property, the contractor could bill the homeowner directly. Motion by Norberg to reject all bids and to authorize the City Manager to include the two options mentioned by the Council in the rebidding. Mayor Nawrocki stated that timing was important on this project, the trees should be planted soon. Councilman Norberg noted that the trees would be in a dormant state and could be planted into November. Mr. Rejzer noted that this was correct. Councilman Heintz stated that the program should be operated the way it was bid this year and make it more intense next year. There was some discussion on where monies would come for these trees. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that staff come back to another meeting to request a transfer of funds. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to authorize award of bid on tree and shrub planting to Natural Green, Inc. in an amount of $11,960 for bid a and $7,895 for bid b and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: All Ayes Mayor Nawrocki noted that the record should show that the Attorney ruled the bid was proper and legal. COST SHARING BREAKDOWN ON TREE PROGRAM It was reported that staff was recommending a 50% City, 50% property owner cost sharing for diseased trees removed from private property. The City will be reimbursed 37% by the State for the total expenses incurred relative to removal. There was lengthy discussion on staff's recommendation, amounts budgeted for this program, and alternative possibilities for cost sharing. RECESS: 9:58 P.M. RECONVENE: 10:16 P.M. Motion by Norberg to table discussion on this item until later in the meeting. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz that the City pay 100% of the cost of removal of diseased trees on private property during 1977. Councilman Heintz noted that this would include all tangible costs of any diseased trees that were ordered removed by the City Tree Inspector and removed from private property during 1977. Mayor Nawrocki reiterated that the City is eligible for 37% reimbursement on these costs fromm the State. September 12, 1977 Councilman Norberg noted that in the interest of keeping costs reasonable, he offered the following amendment: Amendment by ~orberg to set $25 as the maximum net subsity for removal of diseased trees. (This $25 was not to include the 37% coming from the State.) Motion to amend dies for lack of a second. Councilman Norberg noted that he wanted to make clear that the City would be paying approximately $2 of general tax revenues to get approximately $1 of benefit from the State. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. CARL SWANSON, 1010 43RD AVENUE SPECIAL PURPOSE FENCE Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the request of Carl Swanson, 1010 43rd Avenue, for a special purpose fence on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. TILDA RUDE, 4411 3RD STREET VARIANCE AND SUBDIVISION Attorney Kalina stated that it was not necessary to grant a variance at this time. It would, however, be necessary if something were to be built on the subdivided portion of this lot. It was explained that Mrs. Rude owns lots 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 on 3rd Street. These are all 40 foot lots. The proposed subdivision would take the northerly ten feet from lot 19 and add it to lot 20 to make a 50 foot lot. Mrs. Rude could subdivide 20 feet and make a 60 foot lot which would meet requirements but she felt any structure placed on the new lot would be too close to her home. Councilman Heintz noted that he felt the Council should be responsible for making a buildable lot; a 60 foot lot is buildable under the zoning code. He went on to say that, unless there was a definite hardship, the new lot should be 60 feet. There was some discussion on how the proposed subdivision would affect the group of lots. It was asked if lot 19 (the lot the 10 feet was being subtracted from) would then become a 30 foot lot. Mrs. Rude's house at this location sits on lots 18 and 19. Attorney Kalina stated that the way the request was written, a 50 foot lot and a 150 foot lot would be created. Mr. Rude pointed out that this was not the intent of the subdivision. Attorney Kalina explained that ali_ five lots presently constitute one plat and one parcel and are considered one 200 foot lot for tax purposes. The proposed subdivision as presently written, the Attorney reiterated, would create two lots, 50 and 150 feet. September 12, 1977 Mr. Rude stated th~]t he would like the Council to withhold action at this time so he would have additional time to have the matter reviewed. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to refer the Rude Subdivision request to the City Manager for further review. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Heintz, Norberg--nay 3. ~YRON KYCIA, 1395 PIERCE TERRACE PRIVACY FENCE There was a letter from Mr. Kycia's neighbors consenting to the six foot privacy fence. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz to place the letter on file. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the request of Myron Kycia, 1395 Pierce Terrace, for a privacy fence on the recommendation of the P~anning and Zoning Commission and the approval of the neighbors. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. DEWAYNE ZEMKE, 1025 45TH AVENUE VARIANCE AND SUBDIVISION Mr. Zemke's request for a variance and subdivision was denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission and he was appealing at this time. He explained his request to the Council, saying that he wanted to take ten feet from the lot he recently acquired at 4508 Polk Street and add it to his lot at 1025 45th Avenue. He wants to provide additional parking space for his car and recreational vehicle. The subdivision would reduce the lot at 4508 Polk Street to fifty four feet, thus making the existing house non-conforming. The Council reviewed the subdivision plan and discussed the proposal. Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to grant the subdivision and variance request of Mr. DeWayne Zemke, 1025 45th Avenue. Attorney Kalina noted that the variance would be necessary to allow the existing building to be on the fifty six foot parcel. Councilman Norberg noted that he felt, contrary to the Planning and Zoning Commission, that there was a hardship involved. Roll Call: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Heintz--nay 5. WALTER PERLICK, 4016 CENTRAL AVE?~UE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT It was noted that Mr. Perlick was requesting a conditional use permit to operate pool tables and other games of skill at 4016 Central Avenue. He owns the print shop at this location and would like to divide the building and install the games to help offset costs. He was proposing to contract with Estelle's Gift Shop for parking space. September 12, 1977 The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended granting approval, provided Mr. Perlick meets all requirements and provides the City with a written parking agreement. Mr. Perlick had provided the Attorney with a copy of the preliminary parking agreement. Mr. Kaiina noted that it would not be considered adequate to ful- fill parking requirements. There was sone discussion on the request in general. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to deny the request of Walter Perlick, 4016 Central Avenue, for a conditional use permit. Roll Call: All Ayes 6. SILVER LAKE CLINIC, 3900 STINSON BOULEVARD REZONiNG Dr. Williams submitted this request for a rezoning to provide additional parking at the clinic due to the addition of a staff doctor. Entrance to the lot would be on 40th Avenue where a curb cut now exists. The neigh- bors were present and agreed that the plan is acceptable and Planning and Zoning recommended the rezoning. Motion by Hentges~ Seconded by Norberg to refer the request to the Traffic Commission. Councilman Hentges felt the proposal could alter traffic patterns in the area and should be reviewed by the Traffic Commission. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges--aye Logacz~ Heintz, Nawrocki--~nay Motion is defeated. The first reading of ordinance #874 was held. It was noted that the second reading of this ordinance would constitute a public hearing and would be held at the regular meeting of October 11. Mr. Sam VanTassel, Assistant City Planner, asked if the Council would consider development proposals for the Columbia Court plat at this time. He noted that the final plat approval has not as yet been given. Mayor Nawrocki stated that no proposals could be considered until the plat was fully approved. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CAB COMPANY REQUESTS A P~TE INCREASE Mr. Anderson reported that this item had been tabled from a previous meeting. There had been a problem determining how much revenue a rate change would generate because Mr. LaMont, owner of Columbia Heights Cab Company:. had been unable to estimate the number and length of trips taken daily. Mr. LaMont reported at this time that he was averaging seventy trips per day. Mr. LaMont's financial data was again reviewed and Mayor Mawrocki asked Mr. LaMont why he remains in business when he continues to lose money. September 12, 1977 Mr. LaMent replied that he puts money of his own into the business, stating that he's losing at the present time but he's "confident that he will reap the benefits in the end." Mr. LaMent stated some of his philosophies on the cab business. Police Chief Anderson stated that he felt Mr. LaMent should be required to submit to the City by the tenth of each month the total number of trips the company has and a list of all cities in which pick ups occurred and how many tlnere were in each city. The Council agreed that Mr. LaMent should be asked to submit this information. The Mayor noted that there was a motion which had been tabled from the last meeting: Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to set the rates for the Columbia Heights Cab Company at 65C on the flag drop and 70C per mile. Attorney Kalina noted that such an action would require a resolution. RESOLUTION 77-52 BEING A RESOLUTION SETTING CAB RATES IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights Cab Company has requested a rate increase, and ~EREAS, the City Council has determined reasonable rates for said service, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS: That tlne rates charged by the Columbia Heights Cab Company shall not exceed 65¢ for the first 1/12 mile and 10C for each 1/7 mile thereafter, and That such rates shall be effective from and after thirty days after the adoption of this resolution. Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Hentges Roll Call: All Ayes REQUEST OF VINCENT SCALISE, 1500 39TH AVENUE A letter had been received from Mr. Vincent Scalise, 1500 39th Avenue, requesting that the City modify the Lincoln Street right of way by approx- imately one foot so that his property would have public access onto the Lincoln Terrace cul de sac. The owners of the one foot strip of land Mr. Scalise was interested in had chosen not to sell this property. Mayor Nawrocki asked Mr. Scalise if he had helped to pay for Lincoln Street. He replied that he had not, since he has no access to it. Mr. Scalise did note that he was wil]ing to pay any charges that would be accrued. One of the owners of the strip Mr. Scalise wanted to modify was present and expressed his extreme displeasure wi~b the proposal. There was considerable discussion on the proposal as presented, as well as the background of the area. September 12, 1977 A possible alternative was discussed, this being the possibility of access to the lot in questionfrom 39th Avenue. It was pointed out that this idea would have to be pursued first at the staff level, then presented again to the City Council. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to deny the request of Vincent Scalise, 1500 39th Avenue. Roll Call: All Ayes There was some discussion on up-coming Council meetings: Tuesday, September 13 - public hearing 7:30 p.m. Federal Flood Insurance Program 8:30 p.m. Informal Budget Review session (HRA budget) Thursday, September 22 - Informal Budget Review sessions 7:30 p.m. Recreation Budget 8:30 p.m. Park Department Budget Wednesday, September 28 - public hearin~ 8:00 p.m. lq78 proposed budget and Revenue Sharing expenditures Mayor Nawrocki suggested that the balance of this meeting's agenda, except for any items that should be handled at this time, be carried over to Monday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. RESOLUTION ON ELECTION JUDGES RESOLUTION 77-53 DESIGNATING ELECTION JUDGES WHEREAS, the City Clerk has contacted ce~tain prospective election judges all of whom have served the City in this capscity in prior elections, and WHEREAS, those whose names are here presented have agreed to serve as election judges, NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does approve the attached list of judges, by precinct, for the City Primary Election, October 18, 1977, and the City General Election, November 8, 1977. Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: Ail Ayes SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES: 1. CITY ASSESSOR REQUESTS TO ATTEND ANNUAl. MINNESOTA ~RSSESSOR'S CONFERENCE IN DULUTH, OCTOBER ll - 14 Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize attendance and expenses for the City Assessor to attend the annual Minnesota Assessor's Conference in Duluth~ October i1 - 14. Roll Call: Ail Ayes September 12, 1977 2. CIVIL DEFENSE SECRETARY REQUESTS TO ATTEND ANNUAL CIVIL DEFENSE CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 2 - 6 IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA It was noted that this conference was funded 50% by the Federal Government. Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize attendance and expenses for the Civil Defense Secretary to attend the annual Civil Defense Conference, October 2 - 6 in Long Beach, California. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--nay Councilman Norberg noted that he did not feel the conference should be approw~d "just because the federal government pays half." OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Councilman Logacz noted that the Planning Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission hat! asked him to voice their displeasure with the City Council at hawing approved a variance request before the request was reviewed by the Planning Commission. The requestor, who wanted to build a garage, had by-passed the Planning Commission, stating that to go through proper channels would involve too long a time span and would invalidate the bid he had received on the construction of bis garage. The feeling of the staff and commission was that an unfortunate precedent had been set. Councilman Norberg brought up the idea of a localized library facility in Hilltop, this library to serve Hilltop and northern Columbia Heights. He was asking the Council's permission to explore what kind of arrange- ments could be made. The Council informed Norberg that the concept could be discussed. There was some discussion on garbage pick up service specifications, no changes in the proposed specifications were made. Mayor Nawrocki noted that a decision was never reached as to whether the Council would use an outside consultant to aid in the search for a City Manager. There was some discussion on this and the M~yor asked the Council for authorization to do the initial screening of applicants. Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to athorize the Mayor to do the initial screening of applicants for the City Manager position. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye Norberg--abstain There was a request fr~m Charles F. Hall and Associates to extend their exclusive negotiating rights on the Sullivan Lake property. September 12, 1977 Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Heintz that the agreement between the City and Charles F. Hall and Associates be extended to November 12, 1977. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff persons to negotiate with Charles F. Hall and Associates regarding the Sullivan Lake property currently owned by the City. The Meeting was recessed at 1:24 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 19, 1977. Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor Secretary