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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 12, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 12, 1977 The meeting was called to order at 8:04 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Councilman Norberg. MIDLAND COOPERATIVES PROPOSAL At this time Mayor Nawrocki stated that he would like to take time for an item not on the agenda. Three representatives from Midland Cooperatives Incorporated were present to discuss their proposed purchase of property in Columbia Heights. Midland proposes to purchase approximately 8 acres of land in the northeast corner of Sullivan Lake. They propose to pay $45,000 per acre for the land and grade and landscape it in accordance with the City's plans. The City would carry through on its plans to dredge and reshape Sullivan Lake and place the dredgings on the acres to be purchased by Midland. The Mayor stated that he thinks the package represents a proposal that would be in the City's best interest as well as being a good proposal for Midland. It offers good job opportunities for residents. Financing of the project would be through industrial revenue bonds and the City Attorney was asked to be prepared to advise the Council on the legal points regarding bonds. The Mayor noted that the City Manager should look into the possibility of selling land to Midland and meet with the City Attorney and representatives from the Park Board and Engineering Department to discuss plans. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to hold an informational meeting on the possible sale of land in the Sullivan Lake area to Midland at the next regular meeting Tuesday, December 27. Roll Call: Ail Ayes Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to direct the City Manager to handle legal, engineering and other aspects of possible sale of land to Midland Coop. Discussion followed on easements on 53rd Avenue. Roll Call: Ail Ayes MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that minutes of the November 28, 1977 meeting be approved as submitted and reading be dispensed with. Councilman Norberg questioned the wording of his motions, which were printed in the minutes of November 28, and amended the minutes of the November 14 meeting. He wanted the actual language of the motion included in the minutes even if the motion was ultimately defeated. It was noted that the changes had been made in the original copy of the minutes. Roll Call: Ail Ayes December 12, 1977 Page 2 PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to approve bills as listed. Councilmen Norberg and Hentges questioned several of the bills. Roll Call: Ail Ayes AWARD OF DID FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES City Manager Anderson reported that bids were opened on Thursday, December 8, for custodial services effective January 1, 1978. Low bid was from Rodrigue Maintenance, 826 50th Ave. N.E. in the amount ef $800 per month. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, that bid for custodial services be awarded to Rodrigue Maintenance based on low competitive bid and City Manager and Mayor be authorized to enter into contract for same. Roll Call: Ail Ayes INFORMAL, QUOTES ON DRIVEWAY REPAIR City Manager Anderson noted that several informal quotes had been received on the repair work to Mr. Wagamon's driveway and that the low bid was $1,000 to remove, replace and provide a uniform soil base. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the City Manager be directed to take the informal quohatiens and discuss them .gith Mr. Wagamen te pursue settlemenh en the claim and report back te the Council. Roll Call: Ail Ayes DEMOLITION OF SCHWARTZ HOUSE City Manager Anderson reported that on the Council's instructions he had proceeded to accept bids for the demolition of the Schwartz house. Three bids were received, low bidder being Quality Black Dirt. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the City Manager and Mayor to enter into agreement with Quality Black Dirt Inc. in the amount of $1,375 for the demolition of the Schwartz house. Roll Call: Ail Ayes OTHER BIDS The City Manager requests authorization to purchase two patrol cars and one investigation car from the Hennepin County bid. He noted that Hennepin County has come through with low bids in the past on other items and does not believe the City could get a lower price on their own. December 12, 1977 Page 3 Motion by Logacz, seconded by Hentges, that the purchase from the Hennepin County purchasing agreement be authorized for two patrol cars in the amount of $5,416.80 each and one investigator's car in the amount of $4,228.05 and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into agreement for same. The Mayor asked that the City Manager verify prices before entering into an agreement for the purchase. Roll Call: Ail Ayes RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MUNICIPAL STATE AID HIGHWAYS City Manager Anderson noted that at the time Cheery Heights was planned the Council considered adding Fillmore from 47th Avenue to 49th Avenue and 47th Avenue from Fillmore Street to Central Avenue as part of the Municipal state aid system. Two resolutions have been proposed authorizing this. A discussion followed on whether or not the proposed addition to the City's state aid system had been approved by the Council. The Mayor noted that even if these resolutions passed at this time the street is not committed. It will still be up to the Council to consider an actual opening. A future decision to take it off may still be made. George Brown, City Engineer, stated that a hearing would have to be held on the opening of Fillmore. The City Manager read the resolutions. RESOLUTION 77-81 ESTABLISHING MUNICIPAL STATE AID HIGHWAYS WHEREAS, it appears to the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the street hereinafter described should be designated a Municipal State Aid Street under the provisions of Minnesota Laws of 1967, Chapter 162. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the road described as follows, to wit: Fillmore Street, 47th Avenue to 49th Avenue be, and hereby is established, located, and designated a Municipal State Aid Street of said City, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Highways of the State of Minnesota. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward two certified copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation for his consideration, and that upon his approval of the designation of said road or portion thereof, that same be constructed, improved and maintained as a Municipal State Aid Street of the City of Columbia Heights, to be numbered and known as Municipal State Aid Street 113-116. Passed this 12th day of Decemberr 1977. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Heintz Hentges Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - abstain December 12, 1977 Page 4 RESOLUTION 77-82 ESTABLISHING MUNICIPAL STATE AID HIGHWAYS WHEREAS, it appears to the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the street hereinafter described should be designated a Municipal State Aid Street under the provisions of Minnesota Laws of 1967, Chapter 162. NOW THE}~FORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the road described as follows, to wit: 47th Avenue N.E., Central Avenue N.E. (TH #65) to Fillmore Street N.E. be, and hereby is established, located and designated a Municipal State Aid Street of said City, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Highways of the State of Minnesota. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward two certified copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation for his consideration, and that upon his approval of the designation of said road or portion thereof, that same be constructed, improved and maintained as a Municipal State Aid Street of the City of Columbia Heights, to be numbered and known as Municipal State Aid Street 113-117. Passed this 12th day of December, 1977. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Heintz Roll Call: Ail Ayes RESOLUTION ON VOLUNTEER FIREMEN'S PENSION City Attorney Kalina noted that the resolution would be approving the by-laws dated December 5 which include items that had been discussed informally at the last regular meeting. A short discussion was held on the subject of widow's benefits. The City Manager read the resolution. RESOLUTION 77-83 BEING A RESOLUTION APPROVING CERTAIN BE~[EFITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT RELIEF ASSOCIATION, VOLUNTEER DIVISION WHEREAS, a special bill became law in 1977 to allow a change in the pension and survivor benefits payable for and on behalf of volunteer members of the Columbia. Heights Fire Department, and WHEREAS, discussions between the Mayor and Council of the City of Columbia Heights and the members of the Columbia Heights Fire Department Relief Association, Volunteer Division, have led to the preparation of certain proposed BY LAWS attached hereto and made a part hereof, and WHEREAS, the members of the Volunteer Division have provided valuable and unselfish service for the benefit and protection of the citizens of Columbia. Heights, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights: December 12, 1977 Page 5 That Article VI of the attached proposed BY LAWS, entitled "BENEFITS" is herewith approved; provided, however, that such approval shall be void and of no effect, and no payment or payments shall be made or accrued pursuant to the terms contained in the said proposal, at any time during which any volunteer firefighter who retired prior to January 1, 1976 or his spouse or other beneficiary, receives or is allowed or is entitled under the BY LAWS or Articles of Incorporation of the Columbia Heights Fire Department Relief Association, Volunteer Division to receive any amount in excess of that contained in the proposal attached hereto. Passed this 12th day of December, 1977. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Norberg Roll Call: Ail Ayes Resolution adopted ORDINANCE 867 - RECREATION COMMISSION The City Manager noted that he, City Attorney Kalina, and Dr. Ostendorf of the school board had a meeting but hadn't worked out an agreement as yet. They hope to have the ordinance ready for the next meeting of the Council. ORDINANCE 883 - CONVEYANCE OF LAND The City Manager noted that this was the second reading of Ordinance 883 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, AND CONVEYING PART OF LOT 12, BLOCK 2, WALTON'S FIRST SUBDIVISION TO RESERVOIR HILLS. A second reading was held. Ordinance offered by Logacz, seconded by Norberg. The first reading of this ordinance was November 28. City Attorney Kalina distributed a diagram of the property with the proposed changes. Roll Call: Ail Ayes RESOLUTION FOR 1978 COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT Resolution 77-84 was read by the City Manager. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz A discussion followed on across the board increases with Councilman Hentges noting that he cannot agree with it. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he supports an across the board increase at this time because of individual considerations given to employees in the past and added that these adjustments are common practice. Councilman Heintz also stated that he supported an across the board increase. December 12, 1977 Page 6 Councilman Norberg was concerned about the cumulative effect of these raises. He would like to see some action taken on reviewing job classifications and questioned how many employees at each level are necessary to do the City's job. The discussion continued on the subject of hospitalization costs. The Mayor asked several questions regarding costs of single and family coverage. City Manager Anderson noted that the City employees have an option of four hospitali- zation plans, each with a different cost. In addition, each employee is furnished a $5,000 life insurance policy and additional life insurance can be purchased by an employee with the amount ~f the difference between his hospitali- zation plan payment and the $65 per month which is allowed by the City. The City Manager noted that he would like the resolution to include language to the effect that the proposed 6.5% increase be reflected in the range in step chart. The offerer and seconder agreed to accept the change in language. Councilman Norberg wanted to know on what basis the City can justify changing all the ranges. The City Manager responded that all new employees should have the opportunity to make the increased salaries. Administrative Assistant Tim Yantos added that the chart has to be changed now or an employee would be out of his range after the increase. The discussion returned to the question of life insurance. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the resolution did not authorize any payment of life insurance. The City Manager responded that this has been the City's policy in the past and that the resolution was verbatum from last year's resolution. The Mayor proposed the language of the resolution be changed to read "up to $45 per employee be authorized for individual coverage, an additional $20 be authorized as City share of family coverage, that $5,000 of life insurance be provided for each employee and that employees be bound to purchase additional life insurance at their own cost". Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to amend the resolution to read that "up to $45 per month for individual hospitalization coverage and an additional $20 per month shall be paid toward those employees who carry dependent coverage and that $5,000 of life insurance be provided for each employee." Roll Call on amendment: Logacz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz - Nay The Mayor noted that in addition to the amendment, wording should also be added to cover the 6.5% across the board increase to the range and step chart and that additional life insurance coverage may be purchased by an employee at his own expense. RESOLUTION 77-84 REGARDING SALARIES FOR 1978 NON-UNION PERSONNEL BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, that WHEREAS it is necessary to make salary adjustments as of January 1, 1978, to give recognition to cost increases in our area, December 12, 1977 Page 7 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that an increase of 6.5% be established effective January 1, 1978, on the monthly salaries of all full time non-union City employees, and said employees shall be granted up to $45 per month for individual hospitalization coverage and an additional $20 per month shall be paid toward those employees who carry dependent coverage. Further, each employee will be provided $5,000 term life insurance with the option to purchase additional insurance at their own expense. The across the board increase also applies to the range and step chart used for evaluations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that salary adjustments for the individual employees on their anniversary dates may be made within their salary range as based on job performance evaluations. Said adjustments would occur on their anniversary date. For those whose salary exceeds the top step after the January 1 adjust- ment is made, there will not be a further change during the calendar year 1978. Roll Call on amended resolution: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay Resolution is adopted. Councilman Norberg noted that he voted no because he thinks an across the board 6.5% increase or an across the board anything is inappropriate. Councilman Hentges stated that he voted no because he thinks an across the board 6.5% increase is not fair to lower paid employees. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS Silver Lake Clinic, 3900 Stinson Boulevard Request for Conditional Use Permit Councilman Heintz stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends that the request for a conditional use permit be approved. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to grant a conditional use permit for Silver Lake Clinic based on Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation. Dr. Williams questioned if a conditional use permit can be revoked. The City Attorney answered that it can be revoked only if Dr. Williams' use of the permit is against the health, welfare or morals of the community and that a conditional use permit doesn't require annual approval from the Council. Roll Call: Ail Ayes Recess at 10:18 Reconvene at 10:44 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING STATE AID FUNDS FOR CENTRAL AVENUE City Manager Anderson stated that the resolution would authorize the spending of $30,000 out of Municipal state aid funds as the City's construction cost on Central Avenue urbanization. December 12, 1977 Page 8 RESOLUTION 77-85 APPROPRIATION OF MUNICIPAL STATE AID FUNDS OR T.H. PROJECT WHEREAS, it has been deemed advisable and necessary for the City of Columbia Heights to participate in the cost of a construction project located on T.H. #65 within the limits of said municipality, and WHEREAS, said construction project has been approved by the Department of Highways and identified in its records as S.P. No. 0207-36 (T.H. ~65-5) NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we do hereby appropriate from our Municipal State Aid Street Funds the sum of $30,000 to apply toward the construc- tion of said project and request the Director of Transportation to approve this authorization. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz Councilman Norberg questioned if this $30,000 was in addition to the improvements put in last year. Mayor Nawrocki responded that this was a portion of the $100,000 total cost of the project. Discussion followed on cost of the project, what percentage of cost would come from state aid and how much money would come from assessments. Roll Call: All Ayes Resolution adopted. TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: Stinson Boulevard The City Manager reported that there was no Traffic Commission meeting. The information on proposed crosswalks given to the Council was strictly for their information. Councilman Norberg said it is his understanding that the St. Anthony Village Council has asked the City of Colun~ia Heights to put together a comprehensive plan for the project. He feels the entire Traffic Commission should have the opportunity to review this plan. He asked the Council to move on to the next item on the agenda with the understanding that the Traffic Commission will further consider this matter. The Mayor noted that there is a possibility of getting a bus shelter for the site but because of MTC funding cutbacks the City will have to move quickly to submit plans for a site if a bus shelter is to be built next year. He suggested the City Engineer, City Manager, or City Planner meet with the contractor from the senior's building and a representative from the MTC to approve a site plan. LATE REQUESTS City Manager Anderson reported that each year the City purchases four pages in the Sun telephone book for municipal information and voting districts and he would like authorization te again purchase four pages at $840 for 1978. December 12, 1977 Page 9 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to authorize the City Manager to purchase four pages in Sun telephone book. Roll Call: Ail Ayes OLD AND NEW BUSINESS Councilman Logacz stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission would like someone appointed to the Commission by December 31. The matter will be brought up at the next meeting. Mayor Nawrocki brought up the subject of the liquor store part time employees' back pay. The City Manager again recommended that they not be paid. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to pay all part time liquor store employees the salary adjustments retroactive to the first of 1977 from the date the increase was actually put into effect. Councilman Hentges does not agree with the increase because of the small amount of profit the liquor store operation makes. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay Motion passes LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that all licenses be approved upon payment of proper fees and that fee for senior citizen high rise be waived. Roll Call: Ail Ayes CITY MANAGER REPORTS City Manager Anderson mentioned that Eugene Norgren, one of the City's full time bartenders, past away today. He also pointed out that Millie Carlson, City Assessor, has been appointed to the State Board of Assessors. The Mayor noted that before the next regular meeting there will be a discussion on the 911 system for county emergency dispatching. This will start at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Hentges brought up the subject of the proposed purchase of 8 acres on Sullivan Lake for the purpose of building townhouses. The City Manager asked for some policy direction on pursuing the matter and if a representative from the Council would want to sit in on the negotiations. Discussion followed on the price which whould be asked for the property and other matters concerned with the possible sale. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, that the City Manager be authorized to continue to pursue development of property on west side of Sullivan Lake and report back to the Council when he has additional information. December 12, 1977 Page 10 Councilman Norberg suggested that the Council not pass this until the City has a new City Manager. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay Motion carries PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR .REPORT A status report of 1977 construction projects was given by George Brown, City Engineer. The City Manager noted a matter that was a carry over from the previous meeting in regards to the Dunkley bill for seal coating. He received a letter from the Public Works Director that places the value of the two sweepings that the City did at $455, which would mean that Dunkley would have a refund coming of $45. Discussion followed on the cost of cleaning streets per curb mile per hour. A discussion was held on street sanding and its effectiveness. Mayor Nawrocki asked that George Brown explore the possibility of using a liquid chloride with the sand to cut the ice more effectively and to report back at the next meeting. Councilman Logacz noted that he has received several complaints from residents who live on Jefferson in reference to the overtime parking law. They would like to be exempted from being tagged because of their special circumstances. It was noted by the Council that this is not the only street in Columbia Heights where the residents do not have an alley and the residents should receive no special considerations. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to adjourn at 11:53. Roll Call: Ail Ayes Mayor Secretary