HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept 19, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
RECESSED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HE!GHTS~ MINNESOTA
SEPTEMBER 19, 1977
The Meeting was called to order at 7:43 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges~ Nawrocki--present
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF MEETING
Mayor Nawrocki noted that this meeting was a continuation of the regular meeting
of September 12, 1977.
BIDS ON STORM DRAIN AND SANITARY SEWER CONSTRUCTION
Mayor Nawrocki began by stating that these bids had not been awarded due to some
uncertainties regarding the 5th Street storm sewer project: these being the lack
of an agreement with the City of Minneapolis, and the lack of formal approval of
funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The Mayor went on to say that the City did receive a letter from EDA giving formal
approval of funding for the project. It was noted that discussions hsd been held
with the three lowest bidders and it appeared that all of the bidding conditions
required by the EDA could be met by them, so there would be no need for re-bidding
the work.
Mayor Na~zrocki also explained that he had discussed the agreement with Minneapolis
with MJ~nneapolis officials. Former City Manager Watson had proposed that the City
of Columbia Heights pay the City of Minneapolis $220,000 in recognition of it's
share of costs on the project. This figure is based on the initial estimates given
for the ~ork done in Columbia Heights by the City of Minneapolis, although these
costs had run considerably higher. The Minneapolis officials informed the Mayor
that they did not feel the Minneapolis City Council would accept this figure, and
offered. $240,000 as a compromise. This is the number that would be recommended to
the Minneapolis Council and Mayor Nawrocki was recommending ~t to the Columbia
Heights City Council at this time. ($240,000 is still below the actual cost of the
work.)
It was suggested that the award of bid be made subject to:
1. Finalization of agreement with the City of Minneapolis
2. The contractor meeting EDA's bidding requirements
3. Receipt of "Letter of Credit" from EDA on the 5th Street project.
There was considerable discussion on the bids, the agreement with Minneapolis,
and EDA's requirements.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz that the bid for storm drain and sanitary
sewer construction be awarded to Northda!e Construction Company based on low,
competitive bid and favorable completion time, subject to:
1. Finalization of a cost sharing agreement with the City of Minneapolis
2. Receipt of EDA's "Letter of Credit" for the 5th Street storm sewer project
3. Contractor accepting special requirements necessary to obtain the grant.
Also, the Mayor and City Manager are authorized to enter into contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
September 19, 1977
}{otion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to enter into agreement with the City of Minneapolis regarding work done on the
5th Street storm sewer in an amount of S240,000. Roll Call: All Ayes
TASTY PIZZA SOFTBALL TEA~d REQUEST FOR DONATION
Mr. Bill Buttweiler was pre~ent requesting monetary assistance from the Council
for the Tasty Pizza softball team. He stated that the Tasty Pizza team had won
the League championship in Columbia Heights, they won the Heights play off. They
played in the district tournament in Anoka and placed third. From there, they
went to the State tournament and were beaten in the first place game. They also
played a tournament in Bloomington and won there. This gave them the right to
go to the national softball tournament.
He noted that most of the money involw~d with these games and travel had come
from the individuals' own pockets. He also noted that, since Ernie Nelson's
softball team (who according to Mr. Buttweiler hadn't worked as hard as his
team) had received monetary assistance from the Council, the Tasty team should
receive the same consideration.
Mr. Nelson's team had recently received 8350 out of the Council's budget.
The Council asked various questions about the league set-up, etc., which were
answered by Mr. Buttweiler.
Councilman Hentges noted that a bad policy had been set by giving Mr. 7[elson's
team the $350.
Councilman Heintz noted that perhaps there wasn't enough research done on the
former request, and that perhaps the Council should not have acted on the request,
but since they did it was only fair to be consistent.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to donate $350 to the Tasty Pizza Softball
Team.
Councilman Hentges noted that he would not vote for this motion because as long
as the Council made a mistake it did not make sense to make the same mistake again.
Councilman Norberg agreed with Councilman Hentges.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that, as a matter of fairness, they should get the same
treatment of at all possible.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye
Norberg, Hentges--nay
~[otion carries.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz that the $350 donated to Tasty Pizza Softball
Team be taken from the General Fund Unallocated Contingency. Roll Call:
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--aye Norberg, Hentges--nay
Motion carries.
September 19, 1977
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 875 REGULATING PARKING ON PRIVATE LOTS
The first reading of Ordinance 875 regulating parking on private lots was held.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 876 REPEALING ARCHAIC ORDINANCES
It was noted that the ordinances to be repealed were those tlat were passed when
Columbia Heights was a village.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to waive the first reading of ordinance 867,
due to there being sufficient copies for review by the public. Roll Call: All Ayes
The first reading of ordinance 876 was hereby held by reference. (A copy of
ordinance 876 is attached at the end of these minutes.)
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 877 PERTAINING TO ZONING REGULATION OF NON-
CONFOrmING USES
The first reading of Ordinance 877 was held. There was a short discussion on the
origin of the ordinance.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 871 REGARDING OVERTIME PARKING
Councilman Hentges noted that the Traffic Commission had considered this ordinance
and elected to recommend that all on-street parking be banned from November 1 to
April 15 between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that if anyone in Columbia Heights has company past 2:00 a.m.
during the winter months, and the company must park on the street, they will
automatically receive a ticket.
Councilman Hentges noted that, after one or two tickets, people will know not to
park on the street.
The second reading of ordinance 871 regarding overtime parking was held.
The Mayor noted that he feels this ordinance would put unnecessary limitations
on the use of the streets; that there were situations that would quite legitimately
require parking on the street during those hours.
Councilman Norberg stated that he did not feel the ordinance was restrictive enough.
He felt it should ban overnight parking all year.
Councilman Logacz asked what the object of the ordinance was. It was explained that
it would facilitate more efficient snow plowing, saving time and energy normally
wasted by "snowbirds" (cars parked on the street during or after a snowstorm).
Councilman Heintz stated that he understands the arguments against the ordinance
but Columbia Heights has no way of notifying it's people when snow plowing will
be done and if this ordinance is passed, it will be understood that most plowing
will be done between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., when parking is
prohibited.
September i[9, 1977
There was more discussion on the ordinance.
Roll Call: Heintz, Hentges--aye
Logacz, Norberg, Naxqrocki--nay
The ordinance is defeated.
TRAFFIC CO?'~ISSION RECO}.P-~ENDATIONS:
1. ONE HOUR PARKING FOR 700, 702, AND 704 - 40TH AVENUE
}lotion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to designate one hour parking at 700,
702, and 7!34 40th Avenue between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--aye
Logacz, Norberg--nay
There was .some discussion on the public: dancing ordinance between the ~'!ayor and
City Attorney in which Mayor ~1awrocki renewed his request for review of the
ordinance.
RECESS: 10:06 P.M.
RECONVENE: 10:24 P.}f.
2. HANDIC\P PARKING SPACES - 4347 ~.tAIN STREET
The Traffic Commission was recommending that two spaces be signed for
handicap parking in front of 4347 Main Street.
There was some discussion on the situation at this address.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to authorize one handicap parking space
and one designated driveway in front of 4347 ?,~ain Street.
Councilman Heintz noted that, since one spot is used as a driveway, it can be
designated a driveway, eliminating the need for another handicap parking space,
while still disallowing parking there.
Roll Call: All Ayes
2. RESTIIIC]EI) TRUCK TRAFFIC O}'J RESIDENTIAL :]TREETS
The Traffic Commission was recommending that the present signs stating
"No Trucks Over 7,000 Pounds Empty Weight" be changed to ~,o Trucks over
15,000 Pounds Gross Weight" and that these signs be placed on 43~ .Avenue
and on Tvler Street from 41st Avenue to 43rd Avenue, as petitioned by residents
on these streets.
There was some discussion on this, and Interim City Manager Stuart Anderson noted
that, under the new City Code, there were no weight restrictions on any streets
in Columbia Heights.
Members of the Council noted that it had not been their intention to leave this
secti~n out of the code. They thought there were weight restrictions on
residential streets.
Discussion was held on what could be done to amend this situation and the
item was deferred until later in the meeting.
September 19, 1977
DISCUSSION ON LIQUOR OPERATIONS
Attorney Kalina noted that he had talked to Charles Vescio, the gentleman who
was interested in renting the former liquor store #1 for a restaurant facility.
Mr. Vescio had indicated that, in considering the cost of the remodeling,
according to the bid received by the City, amortizing the cost of improvements
over a five or ten year period, and a $3.50 or $4 per square foot rental price,
no lease agreement could be negotiated as the operation would be too costly.
Mayor Nawrocki noted that he had received a call from a real estate man who
is handling the property where the Coast to Coast store is presently located on
Central Avenue. The gentleman thought perhaps the City would be interested in
the property as a site for a liquor store warehouse. (This idea had formerly
been pursued by the Council with regard to the former National T building, also
on Central Avenue.)
Councilman Norberg noted that he would have to "see a pretty good business plan
before we would go very far with itl."
Councilman Hentges noted that he had discussed with knowledgeable sources the
possibility of starting a discount liquor operation and they informed him that
it was a difficult business to do well in.
The general feeling of the Council was that the matter should not be pursued.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Councilman Norberg noted that it had been a year since he first asked when K Mart
was going to comply with the requirements set forth for them when they started
business at their Columbia Heights location. It was noted by staff that total
compliance has not yet been reached, but efforts are being made in this direction.
Mr. Anderson noted that the City had received an "offer of grant~' for the
City Hall expansion project that was supposed to be signed and returned to the
Economic Development Administration.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to
sign the "offer of grant" for the expansion of City Hall. Roll Call: All Ayes
The first reading of ordinance 878 was held. This ordinance deals with weight
limits on residential streets as hsd been discussed earlier in this meeting.
Mr. Anderson reported that two of the furnaces at the Municipal lounge had been
red-tagged by Minnegasco. This re~-tagging is to indicate that the furnaces need
to be replaced. Three informal bi~s had been taken on this replacement. The low
bid was Frank's Heating and Air Conditioning in an amount of $1,895.
The Mayor asked why the furnaces were red-tagged. Mr. Anderson noted that they
were unsafe to operate. He also noted that parts could not be obtained to repair
them to the point where the tags could be removed. Mr. Anderson also noted that
there was a three to four week delay on delivery of new furnaces, so action should
be taken expeditiously.
September 119, 1977
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Norberg to table discussion on this item
until the next regular meeting for purposes of obtaining additional information.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hent!~es--aye
Nawrocki--nay
Mayor Nawrocki noted that, considering the delivery time, action should be taken
as soon as possible.
REQUEST BY COLUMBIA HEIGHTS JAYCEES TO USE CITY O!S,~ED HOUSE AT 627 38TH AVENUE
FOR HAUNTED HOUSE
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to grant the request of the Columbia Heights
Jaycees to use the house at 627 3$th Avt~nue for a haunted house.
Councilman Norberg asked about insurance. Attorney Kalina noted that the Jaycees
would be carrying liability insurance.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes
RECO~ff(ENDATIONS REGARDING ~{ERIT SALARY CHANGES
After some discussion on the performance evaluations presented to the Council,
it was decided to grant the salary increases to the Finance Director and
Assistant Librarian.
RECESS: 11:32 P.M.
RECONVENE: 11:42
The Public Works Director's proposed merit increase was discussed at this time.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to withhold consideration of the proposed
merit increase for the Public Works Di.t-ector at this time. Roil Call: Ail Ayes
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS
Discussion was held on the esti~ated time schedule of construction projects
throughout the City.
There was also discussion on the current year's sidewalk replacem,~nt program.
Members of the Council voiced their displeasure with the contractor's work and
relayed the addresses of citizens who also were displ,~ased.
City Engineer George Brown noted that he had received very ~ew complaints on
the work. >{r. Brown also noted that he has been satisfied with what he has
seen.
5[otion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg
to adjour? at 12:17 a.m. Rollgall:
, ,/.
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Secretary
Ail Ayes
November 13, 1977
NOW, TNEN, BE IT RESOLVED that said plans and special provisions for the
improvement of Trunk Highway No. 5, renumbered as Trunk Highway No. 65, within
the corporate limits of the City of Columbia Heights, be and hereby are
approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights does hereby agree to
require the parking of all vehicles, if such parking is permitted within the
corporate limits of said City, on said Trunk Highway ~lo. 5, renumbered Trunk
Highway No. 65, will be parallel with the curb adjacent to the highway and at
least 20 feet from any crosswalks on all public streets intersecting said trunk
highwaT.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the elevations and grades as shown in said plans and
special provisions are hereby approved and consent is hereby given to any and
all changes in grade occasioned by the construction of Trunk Highway No. 5,
renumbered Trunk ~ighway No. 65,, in accordance with said plans and special
provisions.
Offered by: Norberg
Seconded by: Heintz
Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTIOII ON ~ASTE WATER RESTRICTIONS
RESOLUTIO~I 77-
BEING A RESOLUTIOI~ OBJECTING TO CONSIDERATION OF ~ASTEWATER RESTRICTIONS
AND LIMITATIONS TO THE METROPOL:TAN ~ASTE~ATER TREATMENT PLANT ~.T PIG'S
EYE LAKE IN THE MATTER OF NPDES AND STATE PERMIT HEARING DOCKET NO. PCA
78-006-EG
WHEREAS, on November 7, 1977, the City of Columbia Heights learned through
correspondence with the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities that as
an issue in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and State
Disposal Permits hearing (Docket No. PCA-7~-OO6-EG) commenced ~ovember 2, 1977,
for the metropolitan wastewater treatment plant located at 2400 Childs Road,
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104, near Pig's Eye Lak~, a restriction or moratorium on
additional wastewater materials to that plant from either new or existing
connections was being considered; and
WHEREAS, the NPDES permit hearing notice did not include as possible subject
matter the above mentioned moratorium; and
WHEREAS, all parties affected by such moratorium issue were not duly
notified; and
WHEREAS, learning of this matter through a private organization does not
constitute legal or proper notice; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has not had proper and sufficient time
to analyze the impact of such a moratorium; and
~lovember 15, 1977
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has determined that there are obvious
economic impact including but not limited to substantial current public invest-
ment in stormwater, sanitary sewer, water and street utilities based on impending
development assessments which would not be forthcoming that could cause bond
default or severe taxing of the City's residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has determined that there are obvious
social impact, including but not limited to the loss of necessary housing
stock development and the loss of employment opportunities for our citizens,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights strongly objects
to the consideration of waste inflow moratorium in the current ~PDES permit
hearings for the metropolitan waste control plant located at Pig's Eye Lake in
St. Paul, MN.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that this objection is based on legal, economic, and
social grounds which the City has not yet had time to fully explore and present
at the said hearings.
A~ID FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Columbia Heights requests that the
Hearing Examiner accepts and places in the record this Resolution as formal
objection to the consideration of the moratorium issue.
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Logacz
Discussion followed. The Mayor explained the action of the Board of Directors
of the Metropolitan Council and reasons for their support of a resolution of
this nature.
Motion by ~lorberg to table the resolution. Motion dies for lack of second.
Roll Call on resolution: Al] Ayes
OTHER ORDINAt~CES AND RESOLUTIONS
Councilman Hentges asked what had happened to the ordinance on parking variances
that was tabled from a previous meeting. A discussion followed on how to
regulate parking space variances, number of required spaces per business, and
possible arrangements between companies for use of a parking lot.
Recess at 11:00 p.m.
Reconvene at 11:20 p.m.
The City Attorney noted that it would take a 4/5 vote to pass this ordinance and
that it could be read and voted on tonight.
Second readong of Ordinance 368.
BEII'IG AN ORDIi~ANCE AMENDING ORDINA!-~CE biO. $53, CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE IV,
SECTION 16.4 (20), CITY CODE OF 1977, RELATING TO PARKI~G REQUIREMENTS.
Offered by: Heintz I~
Seconded by: Logacz
Councilman Norberg questioned '~
w~ether the Council was setting a precedent it would
not be able to follow.
November 15, 1977
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Ayes
Norberg - Nay
Ordinance is adopted.
Councilman Hentges noted that he would like the ordinance on overtime parking,
which had been defeated at a previous meeting, reworded to omit I'from
November 1 of any year until April 15 of the following year." This ordinance
disallows parking between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. year round. First
reading of ordinance No. 882 was held. A short discussion followed.
The City Manager stated he had received a supplementary agreement with
Minneapolis regarding construction of the 5th St. storm sewers.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the Mayor and City Manager be
authorized to enter into a supplementary agreement with Minneapolis on the 5th
St. storm sewer work. The Mayor asked about the amounts contained in the
agreement and asked that the City Assessor be checked to be sure the amount
was correct.
Roll Call: All Ayes
TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Immaculate Conception School
Jackson St.
Immaculate Conception School has requested the City to install fold-down stop
signs between 40th and 41st on Jackson as children cross there to the playground
and traffic has not been honoring the crosswalks. Warning flashers have been
tried by were unsuccessful.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that fold-down stop signs be placed on
Jackson St. between 40th and 41st.
Roll Call: All Ayes
2. Renaming the Traffic Commission
Councilman Hentges explained that the Traf'fic Commission wanted their name changed
to Traffic Safety Commission because a good deal of their work is in the area of
safety. City Attorney Kalina noted that all references to the Traffic Commission
in the City code would have to be amended by ordinance and he therefore does not
favor the change.
As a point of information to the Council, Hentges stated that the Highway
Department will be putting meters on the ramps on 694. Fie is concerned about
backup on Central and would like to know its possible effect.
REQUEST TO AMEND NORTH SUBURBA~ REGIONAL MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT
The City Manager requested a motion to include the City of Rogers to the North
Suburban Regional Mutual Aid Agreement.
t~ovember 15, 1977
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the Mayor and City Manager
to enter into an a9reement with North Suburban Re9ional Mutual Aid A9reement
amending a9reement to include the City of Rogers.
Roll Call: All Ayes
REQUEST TO HOLD HEARING O~4 ALLEY LIGHTING - 40th TO l~lst MONROE TO QUINCY STREETS
The man who circulated the petition for the alley lighting had withdrawn his
request for a hearing when he found the homeowners would be responsible for
paying for the lighting.
LATE REQUESTS
Central Jr. High has requested a warming house to replace the one that was
burned down last year. Councilman Heintz will bring up the matter at the next
Park Board meeting and get back to the Council at their next meeting.
The Mayor stated that since Stu Anderson was serving as City Manager and Police
Chief the question of additional compensation was relevant. The Mayor
recommended to the Council that additional salary of $600 per month be given
to Stu Anderson for the period of time he is acting as Interim City Manager.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the additional salary of
$600 per month to Stu Anderson for the period of time he is acting as Interim
City Manager.
Roll Call: All Ayes
The Mayor received some information on flood insurance regarding establishment
of a time limit for a city of citizen to appeal. The Mayor requested that the
City Manager review it and give a summary report at the next meeting. The
Mayor noted that any involved property owner should be notified.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS - VACANCY ON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
The Council was given copies of applications on file. The Mayor recommended
that the Council review these and attempt to make an appointment as soon as
possible.
Logacz stated that a City liquor employee, Jim Fowler, was questioning sections
of the resolution setting liquor store employees salaries. Under the resolu-
tion Mr. Fowler is not receiving the same rate of pay as other employees. He
had received a rate increase which was not retroactive to the first of the year.
The City Manager noted that the employee has not been putting in very many
hours. Councilman Logacz felt that hours should not have anything to do with
retroactive pay and Mr. Fowler should be paid the same. City Manager Anderson
stated that his recommendation came from Finance Director John Schedler. A
discussion followed on how an individual's salary is determined.
Councilman Hentges suggested leaving the responsibility to the City Manager and
having him come back to the Council with a recommendation. Mayor Nawrocki
wants more information on length of service of other individuals in the liquor
operation and how much money is involved. The City Manager will come back at
the next meeting with the information.
November 15, 1977
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS
There was some discussion on progress of construction projects throughout
the City.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz to adjourn at 12:50 a.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Secretary