HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 24, 1977OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CI~f OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Mi~,~ESOTA
OCTOBER 24, 1577
The meeting was called to order at 8:0C p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges to name Carol Lattery secretary
for the meeting. Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
INVOCATION
Invocation was given by Father Vincent Colon of immaculate Conception Church.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The minutes for consideration of approval were those from the September 19,
October !1, October 17 and ~y 16 meetings.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to approve the minutes as presented
in writing and the reading be dispensed with.
Councilman Hentges noted a correction to be made in the May 16 minutes
on the Board of Review.
Mayor Nawrocki stated the motion will include the correction in the May 16th
minutes.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to defer further consideration of
payment of bills until later in the meeting. Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
PRESENTATION OF APPRECIATION PLAQUES TO AREA LEGISLATORS
Mayor Nawrocki stated the actions of the Legislators have a heavy impact
on the City of .Columbia Heights, sometimes to its benefit and sometimes
not so much to its benefit. However, he stated he enjoyed tremendously
that no matter what the issue was that our Legislators have never been
unwilling to sit down and talk about a given issue and tell us whatever
they know on the given issue and if it is something they can support they
go to bat for the city, and if it is something they cannot support, at
least they give the reasons why. He indicated the Legislators have done
a good job for the city this past session in particular on several things
that have been of local interest. After several years, they have finally
made a resolution on recent Fire Pension Plan problems. The City has
gotten good cooperation from our Legislators in the matter of the Central
Avenue Urbanization Project, which saved the city almost $200,000 because
of their work in getting the State Department of Transportation to change
the formula on which they based local funding. In the matter of Local Aids,
October 24, 1977
they have given exceptional recognition to the needs of Columbia Heights.
The General Fund of the city derives almost as much from direct State Aids
as the property taxpayers of the community pay in dollars to support the
General Fund of this community. The Legislators have listened to our
concerns and tried to take our interest to heart and have done the best
job they could for us. So at this time, I have some plaques I would like
to present to the Legislators as a token appreciation of the fact that they
have been responsive to the needs of the City of Columbia Heights and were
willing to sit down and talk to the Council and Staff and give advice on
things that were pertinent to the city. The plaques read~ "In appreciation
for services rendered to the City of Columbia Heights. Mayor Nawrocki and
the City Council, 1977." He noted that Senator Stokowski would not be
at the meeting tonight, but the other Legislators were present. He handed
out plaques to: Senator Dave Schaaf, District 46, State Representative
Stan Fudro, District 55a, State Representative Wayne Simoneau, District 46b,
and State Representative, John Sarna, District 55b.
State Representative Stan Fudro stated that getting these commendations is
not the work of the Legislators alone, but the work of the Mayor and
City Council getting together and giving them the opportunity or ability
to receive these prizes. He thanked the Mayor and City Council for those
things.
HEARING ON ALLEY LIGHTS FROM 39TH TO 40TH AVENUES BETWEEN JACKSON AND
VAN BUREN STREETS
Eight petitioners were present from this area.
Interim City Manager Stuart Anderson stated that in response to a petition
received from the people on the alley, a survey was made in cooperation
with Northern States Power and the city's Public Works Director to
determine the three best locations to properly light the alley. The
recommendation was that lights be installed on existing alley poles back
of 3914 Van Buren and 3942 Van Buren and at the "T" intersection of
this alley and the alley south of 40th Avenue. The total cost of the
alley lights for one year is $472.00. There are 37 property owners to
share that expense.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that, based on present costs, three lights would be
assessed on an annual basis of 26C/assessable foot. For example~ a person
with a 40' lot would be assessed $10.40 per year and a person with a 60'
lot would be assessed $15.60 per year.
A lady in the audience asked if another light could be put up if it so
happened that the three lights didn't light up the alley enough.
Mayor Nawrocki replied that if additional lights are needed or desired,
there would have to be another hearing and there would be additional costs.
A gentleman in the audience stated he did not feel three lights would be
adequate as the alley is extra long.
October 24, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki replied that typically one or two lights are put in an
averaged size alley.
Interim City Manager informed him that the matter was inspected with an
NSP representative who handles the municipal problems in street lighting
and three lights were his recommendation. He pointed out that the lenses
on these lights are not in an equally circular distance, but rather in a
line distance. The light will go up and down the alley not dispersed
equally in all directions as might be found in a backyard flood light.
Councilman Heintz stated that the lights are geared so that the flow
will overlap the light from the other direction for a total complete
coverage.
A gentlemen in the audience stated that since two lights are recommended
for a normal alley and being this alley is considered a two-block area,
he felt it would take almost four lights.
Interim City Manager replied that these are the 100-watt sodium lights
that have considerable output at a low use of electricity and they depend
primarily on the shape of the lense to throw the light and in this case,
north and south, rather than letting it go out east and west.
Councilman Norberg questioned the fact that there seems to be a bigher
cost per year on 100-watt lamps than on 175-watt lamps.
Interim City Manager replied that the 100-watt lamps are a more expensive
light fixture and it was recommended because it uses less electricity, but
still puts out more lumen.
Councilman Norberg stated he is familiar with these kind of things and
the costs of the two are a lot more close together than that, if not
identical. The sodium lights have recently come into competition with
the others, but they should be very close to the same cost unless they
are using a fro~-end loading on their capillary recovery.
City Engineer George Brown states that these rates are regulated by the
Public Service Commission.
Mayor Nawrocki indicated that NSP would make their application to the
Public Service Commission for rates and whatever rate they set, it is
what NSP is allowed to charge. He asked the people in the audience who
would be paying for them if they want four lights instead of three in the
alley.
A gentlemen in the audience stated the petitioners wanted to be sure
the alley is adequately lit up, but on the other hand, if three is
going to be enough, nobody wanted to spend the extra money for more.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that NSP recommended three lights and generally they
are not bashful about their recommendations.
October 24, 1977
A lady in the audience asked why they are putting a light in behind the
"T" behind the Auto Parts as the only ones that use it is the trucks
during the day and is lit up there with their own lights anyway. She
stated she felt one should be down further where the problems are.
Interim City Manager replied that NSP recommended the locations and
the city staff didn't find any fault with their recommendations.
City Engineer Brown indicated that any other location might not have an
existing pole. He indicated also the lights that give the most light,
sodium luminaries were recommended.
Mayor Nawrocki asked for a vote from the petitioners on trying out
the recommendation of three lights.
The petitioners voted unanimously to try out the recommendation of three
lights.
A gentlemen in the audience asked if there could be a change if the three
lights didn't work out.
Mayor Nawrocki replied that there could be a change, but there may be
some additional costs involved in making the changes. He indicated that
in the past, NSP worked to make the changes the best they could if
their recommendations did not work out to the satisfaction of the residents
involved. He stated that it has to be recognized that lighting alleys is
a little more difficult no matter how many lights are in there.
RESOLUTION 77-67
BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS
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 26th day of September, 1977 ordered notice of hearing to be given to
property owners, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at a
Council Meeting on the 24th day of October, 1977, and
WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a
portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments pursuant to
Minnesota Statute 429.101.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:
1. That the location and extent of such improvements is as follows:
Alley lights, 39th to 40th Avenue Northeast, between Jackson and
Van Buren Streets.
October 24, 1977
2. That the materials to be used are as follows:
lights, poles, electrical energy, conduit, and miscellaneous materials.
3. That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvements has been made
by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land fronting upon
and adjacent to such proposed improvements, which he deemed benefitted
thereby, were properly notified of said hearings, and
4. That the City Manager shall also list the names and o~ers of the
several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained.
5. These improvements shall also be known as Project No. 677.
Passed this 24th day of October, 1977.
Offered by: Logacz
Seconded by: Hentges
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
Mayor Nawrocki asked when the lights would go in.
City Engineer Brown replied they would go in this fall in about six weeks
as they normally install these in the fall and spring.
BIDS
At this time there were no bids to come before the Council.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Second reading of Ordinance #880 relative to the property exchange between
the City of Columbia Heights and Mr. and Mrs. John Moneta was held.
Offered by: Heintz
Seconded by: Norberg
Councilman Hentges stated he was going to vote "no" on this ordinance
until Mr. Moneta cleans the mess up and comes in with a design to maintain
and hold the bank as right now there is nothing to hold the bank. Any time
there is any rain, half of the bank will come right back down again.
Councilman Heintz stated the item Councilman Hentges was talking about
is not relative to the ordinance being discussed. The ordinance is to
tradeoff two pieces of property, one where the city can build a street and
the other one where Mr. Moneta gets the land back and it has nothing to
do with his excavation on the back lot. He stated that the City Attorney
was asked to check into that problem, but it is not relative to the ordinance.
Mayor Nawrocki stated that the problem is a separate issue and he felt
the ordinance should be handled first as the city needs to make the trade
in order to put in the street.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--Aye
Hentges--Nay
October 24, 1977
Mayor Nawrocki then asked what is the status of cleaning up the problem
that exists because of the way that lot was graded and dirt pushed down to
adjoining property.
City Attorney Kalina replied that he spoke with Mr. Moneta regarding
this problem and Mr. Moneta told him he had just hired a contractor to
come in and dump the fill in there and that during the rain some of it
got squashed down. Mr~ Moneta also told the attorney that he has the
same contractor that is doing the street and the contractor will clean
it up as soon as he can.
Councilman Heintz asked the City Attorney who is liable for cleaning it up.
The City Attorney replied that both the contractor and the Monetas are
liable.
Councilman Hentges asked if the city gives him the property now, what does
the city have to tie him to maintain that bank.
The City Attorney replied that the building code would do it.
Mayor Nawrocki asked what can be expected in terms of follow-up on this
problem.
Interim City Manager Anderson replied that payment would be withheld
on that contractor until the city has been satisfied that it is cleaned up.
Councilman He,ritz stated he would like to have a full report at the next
council meeting as to what has gone on after talking to Mr. Moneta and
the contractor.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE #881 REGARDING LICENSING OF CAR STARTING
OPERATORS
City Attorney Kalina gave the background of this ordinance stating the
request for the licensing of Car Starting Operators came from Heights
Shell Station who has been charged a licensing fee for their Car Starting
Operation in the City of Minneapolis. He stated they called Jan Bertrand,
License Permit Clerk, and asked if Columbia Heights should have an ordinance
on this so that they could pay a smaller fee in Columbia Heights and not
be subjected to Minneapolis licensing for this operation. He stated that
Jan Bertrand indicated that she has received no complaints in the past
about this type of operation within the city. He stated that this ordinance
would only affect a person if they charge for car starting and make a
business of it.
Interim City Manager Anderson asked that the ordinance not be read at
this meeting as there are some questions to be asked in regard to
enforcement on behalf of the Police Dept and he didn't see the ordinance
until late today.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that the matter be tabled.
Councilman Norberg stated he is not very sympathetic with it as it might
raise the cost of car starting operations in Columbia Heights
October 24, 1977
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A PURCHASE
A_GREEMENT FOR THE JOHNSON PROPERTY AT 545 MILL STRE~T
Interim City Manager Anderson stated he made an error as a full resolution
was not needed, but rather a motion. He stated he sent a letter out
outlining the five points of the motion that he would like. He stated
he entered into negotiations with Mr. & Mrs. Carl Johnson relative to the
purchase of their home and based on visiting with them, Mr. Watson's file,
and Mildred Carlson's (Assessment Clerk) evaluation of what similar property
has sold for, he came up with a 5-point agreement as outlined in the motion
subject to City Council approval.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that the City Manager be authorized
to enter into the following agreements for the purchase of the Johnson
property at 545 Mill Street as outlined by the City Manager:
1. That a closing and payment should be completed as soon as possible.
2. That the Johnsons could occupy the house until March 15, 1978, if
they wish without paying rent.
3. That the Johnsons will. assume the costs of all utilities to the
home.
4. That the City Attorney' will prepare the necessary papers for the
transaction at no cost to the Johnsons.
5. That the city will pay the moving expenses for the Johnsons not
to exceed $300.00 and will assist them in locating a moving
firm and that the Johnsons waive all other claims for relocation
expenses and agree to a sale price of $33,650.00. In addition,
there would be filing fees and attorney fees expected to be
less than $200.00.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
ORDINANCE #874 REZONING PROPERTY FOR SILVER LAKE CLINIC
Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, that the Ordinance #874 Rezoning
Property for Silver Lake Clinic be taken from the table.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
A discussion followed,
Councilman Hentges reported that Dr. Williams of the Silver Lake Clinic
indicated to him that he could live with rezoning to an R-2 District since
it is being used for an overflow for his employees parking and he needs
some 14 parking places for them.
Mayor Nawrocki explained to the people in the audience that in lieu of
rezo~ing to a commercial zene, the ordinance would grant the clinic the
authority to do what they would like to do in terms of providing parking
and yet not put a commercial zoning that would allow future possible other
uses of that property.
October 24, 1977
A gentleman in the audience stated he understood the ordinance would not
put in commercial zoning.
City Attorney Kalina reported that Dr. Williams of the Silver Lake Clinic
asked for a possible change in the time involved. The problem is in
getting a conditional use permit because in that case, the issue has to
go back for a hearing and neighbors have to be given notice and there
has to be a ten-day notice for the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
Councilman Hentges stated he felt another hearing was not needed for a
conditional use permit because the people in the area already went to
three or four hearings on the parking lot, and they concurred with the
parking lot. He moved to read the ordinance as R-2 District and add that
it has to go to Planning & Zoning for conditional use permit.
City Attorney Kalina informed the Council that the ordinance says it is
mandatory that a hearing be held by the Planning & Zoning Commission
on a conditional use permit.
Councilman Hentges suggested getting a special meeting of the Planning
& Zoning Commission and it could be done in 30 days and Dr. Williams would
not lose any time whatsoever.
Councilman Norberg suggested also requesting a special Planning & Zoning
meeting and holding the hearing before the Council as the ordinance
doesn't stated it has to be held before the Planning & Zoning Commission.
But City Attorney Kalina stated the hearing has to be held before the
Planning & Zoning Commission.
Councilman Norberg then suggested requesting the Planning & Zoning Commission
to hold a special meeting in a timely fashion so Dr. Williams can get his
special use permit.
Councilman Logacz stated he would like to speak on behalf of the people
in that neighborhood and say he resented the fact that there has to be
any special meetings at all because there already has been many, many
meetings. He stated he thought the Council should indicate to some extent
what they are interested in and what should go through and what should not
go through.
Mayor Nawrocki indicated that the problem came about because of the mis-
understanding of what can be done legally with the zoning element and the
Council is withholding recommendation and turning it over to the Planning
& Zoning Commission because of the confusion of what it meant. He reported
that When the request originally came they wanted to extend the parking
lot on the lots that border on McKinley Street and the Council didn't
think that that was particularly appropriate although the doctor was told
it was his perogative to go to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a
recommendation for a zoning change~ which he did. Initially, it appeared
to have the neighbors support, but when the people found out the things
that could go on with that change~ they became concerned.
October 24, 1977
Councilman Heintz stated he felt it was only fair that the recommendation
come from the Planning & Zoning Commission, then the Council evaluate
what it is. He also felt in the long run, with all the meetings, everyone
is better served; everyone is heard; everything gets ironed out and brought
out into the open; and everybody gets to speak the way they feel.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to amend the proposed ordinance
#874 to R-2, a two-family residential district, in lieu of LB (limited
business) district.
Roll Call: All Ayes.
Interim City Manager Anderson read Ordinance #874 as amended by the previous
motion.
Offered by: Hentges
Seconded by: Norberg
Roll Call: All Ayes.
Then Councilman Hentges suggested the issue of the park lot entrance
at 40th & Stinson Boulevard be followed along with the rezoning issue.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the matter of the parking lot
entrance for the proposed parking lot be taken from the table.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
Mayor Nawrocki reported that the recommendation of the Traffic Commission
is that access to the parking lot as far as 40th Avenue is concerned
be only from the westerly side of Lot 3 and not from Lot 4 because of the
closeness of the possible entrance on Lot 4 to the stop sign at the inter-
section of 40th & Stinson Boulevard.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that the Council concurs with the
recommendation of the Traffic Commission relative to the access to the
proposed parking lot at 40th & Stinson Boulevard for the Silver Lake Clinic.
Councilman Hentges stated the Minnesota State Aid Road Law states that
it has to be set back 30 feet from the corner.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
Mayor Nawrocki informed everyone that tomorrow morning, Oct. 25th, the
County Board of Commissioners would be considering a request from the
Northeast State Bank to rent, on a temporary basis, some space in the
County Building on Central Avenue, south of 40th Avenue for purposes
of opening a new branch bank, a facility to test the waters for the
feasibility of an additional bank in Columbia Heights in the 40th & Central
Avenue business district. The bank officials have expressed faith in
the potential of the business district and they have spent some time making
their own appraisals of what they thoug~the potential could be. He stated
he would be at the County Board meeting in the morning to encourage the
County Board to favorably consider the request of the Northeast State
Bank and he encouraged anyone else on the Council to bring their views
to the meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the County Commissioners Room at the Anoka
County Courthouse.
October 24, 1977
Councilman Hentges commented that the HRA has been working on the banking
issue for the last two years and passed a resolution in support of
NE Bank and the Downtown Council also passed a resolution in support of
it. It is encouragement to the County that there is a group of people
who would like to see another facility.
REQUISITION BY GEORGE M. HANSEN COMPANY TO DO 1977 AUDIT
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to select George M. Hansen Co.
to do the audit for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1977.
Roll Call: All Ayes.
REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SELL THE ADDRESSOGRAPH ~CHINE
Interim City Manager Anderson reported there is a large floor model
addressograph which is out of service and has been for over three years
and is becoming a storage problem. He recommended declaring it
surplus property and taking steps to get rid of it for whatever monies
can be secured. It is no use to the city as the County now provides the
service it used to provide.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that the City Manager be authorized
to take bids for the Addressograph machine.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
There were no late requests.
RECESS: 9:20 p.m. RECONVENE: 9:45 p.m.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authroize payment of the bills
as listed, plus Voucher #22800 to Brown Photo for a camera, which was
tabled from the last meeting).
Councilman Norberg stated he disagreed violently with the matter of the
camera. He felt this was bought without being planned and the Council
should make them return it.
Councilman Hentges questioned Bills #23011 for $860.00 and another one
#2309 which amount to a total of $1700.00. He stated he felt they
should have gone out for bids on these as anything over $1000.00 has
to go out for bids. He felt the Park Board was trying to avoid going
out for bids by dividing amongst two different companies.
Interim City Manager Anderson indicated that #23011 is spread out
over a considerable period and are for repairing the hockey rinks,
putting siding on the warming house at LaBelle Park, etc. and
represents several individual projects and not one.
Mayor Nawrocki stated the bills got lumped together in one bill and
there is a cost involved for a person to chase around getting bids.
October 24, 1977
Administrative Assistant Yantos explained that the majority of these bills
came about as a result of the Special Projects Program. There are a
couple of people in that program who are very handy with tools and they
just went from one project to the other repairing and maintaining various
things.
Councilman Hentges questioned Bill #23052 to Wolverton Engineering for
work done on LaBelle Park because it is not finished.
Interim City Manager Anderson stated the bill states for lighting and
redoing the landscaping and there isn't a running total on the sheet.
He had some questions in his mind on some of the items such as charging
the city for the bids that were not accepted.
Mayor Nawrocki indicated the Council should have a report on the Engineering
costs that were way out of line.
Councilman Hentges questioned Bill #23064 to Roger Sheehy for $4300
for modification to the Southwest Park Recreation Building. He stated
he was going to turn this bill down because it doesn't look much different
than it did two months ago and if the payment is held up, the contractor
might be moving a little bit faster.
Public Works Directors indicated he hadn't seen the cost breakdown
and assumed that John Murzyn had the cost breakdown being he is told
that on any job he should have one as a basis for payment. Also he
did not know whether John Murzyn, Park Superintendent, had approved
payment or not.
Mayor Nawrocki explained that the contractor is saying he is 10% completed
and is asking for payment accordingly. This payment has been ok'd by
the architect, Robert Diedrich, and John Murzyn, Park Superintendent.
The City is obligated to pay for the work that has been done. There is a
schedule attached to this bill and the ~4300 comes as part of that schedule.
The architect indicated that that much has been done.
Councilman Hentges complained it took them three months to do 10%
of the work and he felt they could have had it built in three months.
Mayor Nawrocki asked that some kind of report be prepared for the Council
indicating whether that particular contract is behind, on schedule or
ahead of schedule and, assuming that it is behind schedule, why.
Motion by Norberg~ seconded by Hentges to amend the previous motion
to delete the authorization for payment of bill #22B00 .
A discussion followed regarding the purchase of cameras and Councilman
Hentges suggested keeping the card, era in the supply room and whatever
department needs it could come and sign for ito He stated he felt any
surplus in any department should always go back into General Funds and
he doesn't believe that just because there is a surplus, the money is to
spend. The Council would like to determine how many cameras are needed,
what type is needed, etc. before any camera in the future is bought.
October 24, 1977
A vote on the amendment to the motion to delete the authorization for
payment of Bill #22800.
Roll Call: Norberg--Aye
Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--Nay
Motion Fails.
Roll Call on motion to authorize the payment of bills as listed including
#22800: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--Aye.
Norberg--Nay.
Motion Carries.
CITY EMPLOYEE SALARY CHANGES
Interim City Manager Anderson reported that the employees listed for
salary changes are: Don Jolly, Millie Carlson, Gary Bennett~ Vicki
Maternowsky, Joanne Scudder, Tim Yantos and Jackie Niccum.
Mayor Nawrocki indicated that if there are no questions to the contrary
by the Council, the procedure would be to put these salary changes into
effect administratively.
Councilman Hentges suggested that the Council consider pay raises on
an individual basis.
Mayor Nawrocki replied that if Councilman Hentges had a question or
comment on any one or all that he should take those he had a problem
with.
Councilman Hentges went on to ask how the Council can justify a raise
from $848.00 to $875.00 for Vicki Maternowsky, Public Works Secretary,
when the top Secretary in the Stanton Book happens to be $798.00 at
Secretary Level 5.
Mayor Nawrocki explained that her salary increase does not represent a
range change but represents an increase within the range to a step based
on performance. The range came about after many and long discussion by
the City Council in setting up those ranges for those positions and the
person moves within the range from one step to another based on performance.
Interim City Manager Anderson reported she is presently at the lowest
dollar range in Step D which is $848.00 and the recommendation was a 2%
increase to $875.00 and would keep her slightly in the middle of Step D
in the low half of !~,p D.
A discussion followed on Vicki's responsibility as compared to the
other secretaries in the city.
Councilman Hentges commented that Administrative Assistant Tim Yantos
is $108.00 above mean and the highest paid Assistant City Manager in the
Stanton Survey.
October 24, 1977
Interim City Manager Anderson commented that this City Council, at least
by a majority, set each of these ranges and the City Manager has little
to do with those ranges. What the staff is looking for here is whether
the employee earned the increase or not by how well they are performing
within that range that has been set by the City Council.
Mayor Nawrocki indicated that the Council gave Administrative Assistant
to Tim Yantos' position, but he is closer to an Assistant City Manager
as far as job assignments are concerned.
Interim City Manager Anderson mentioned that Gary Bennett, Community
Service Officer is at the meeting to contest the limited amount of
increase that was recommended. The recommendation is a 5% increase
from $693.00 to $728.00 which moved him from the end of the "A" range
into the "B" range after a six-month probationary evaluation.
Mayor Nawrocki explained that the Community Service Officer position
has been a hybrid position for the City of Columbia Heights because
if it wasn't for the CETA Program, the City wouldn't have a CSO position.
It is a new position in most communities and is not listed in the Blue
Book (Stanton Report).
Community Service Office Bennett stated the the CETA Funds are designed
to give the community a seedling to start out a program that hopefully
will help improve the community. This position no~ is including crime
prevention. He indicated more and more of his time is devoted to actual
crime prevention here in Columbia Heights and according to the statistics
in the Police Department, crime has gone down, at least the home burglaries
have gone down about 25% since he had been here. He stated he checked
and found he was one of the lowest paid employees in the City of Columbia
Heights. He asked why the job was set at Range 12-Step A.
Interim C~.ty Manager Anderson explained that the city had no prior
background on what to set the grade level at for a CSO position and it
was arbitrarily set at the "ll" range at a price-per-hour range. He
stated he thought the range level is fair for the responsibilities the
CSO has at the present time as compared to our Dispatchers who are at
Range 12 and have more responsibilities than what is presently put on a
C£O. Also there is plenty of growth left for him.
Mr. Bennett stated he heard the other CSO would be leaving and he
would be taking over two employees jobs. He felt there should be some
accommodations for one man doing two of those jobs. He stated he
had one week of total intense training in crime prevention along with
some Intermediate Courses about alarms, lighting, etc. and that be is
pretty well-versed about what is going on in the actual field of crime
prevention and how to communicate with people. He has been an instructor
where he has trained three other CSOs into a position where they could
actually take his place if for some reason he should leave. He felt
the whole scope of his job had actually changed to a broader category
and he thought the Council should look ever the job category and title
again and reclassify it.
October 24, 1977
Mayor' Nawrocki explained that normally, this is not the appropriate
time of year for ranges to be considered. The whole schedule of salary
adjustments for all the city employees is looked at for the coming year
on an annual basis. It should be done by the end of the year~ but based
on past history, it might take a month or two into February of the coming
year before it is done.
Councilman Logacz stated the Police CSO position is entirely essential for
the community's well-being and if he is doing a good job on it, be
stated he didn't think the CSO should be making less than a Secretary.
He felt the position should be changed and the salary increased.
Councilman Heintz stated he thought some studies should be done by the
City Council and staff and a proper determination made to where the
position should be by comparing the job description, duties and responsibi-
lities, with other similar jobs in the metropolitan area.
Mayor Nawrocki stated he felt it only fair to consider the range change
for this position at the same time everyone else is considered. The
Council looks on an annual basis at the whole schedule and the Council
looks to the City Manager for any recommendations on any individual range
changes. In the past, if the Council did not get this process complete
by January 1st, the Council made those changes retroactive to the first
of the year. The procedure for the employee is to bring the matter
up to their supervisor and the supervisor will make a recommendation and
bring it up to the City Manager who will bring it up to the City Council.
As far as precentage of increase, a merit increase is limited to within
the position's range. An employee can't get an adjustment that would
put him higher than the top step in his range.
Administrative Assistant Tim Yantos stated the next evaluation date is
one year from any kind of a six-month evaluation. An employee is reviewed
six months after he starts and then one year after that.
There was a discussion on Tim Yantos' job title. Councilman Hentges
stated he thought it should be changed to Assistant City ~nager. Tim
Yantos stated the last time the new ranges were set in his title was
put at: Assistant to the City Manager as his various duties and responsibilities
were placed in between what is called an Assistant City Manager and
Administrative Assistant.
Ceuncilman Heintz stated either the Council should concur with the City
Manager that these people are doing a good job that is qualified for
merit increase or they are not and whether they should be in a certain
range is something the Council should look at as a total picture later on.
Mayor Nawrocki explained the process is that if the Counc:il disagrees
with any of the recommendations, then specific action on that specific
reconmlendations is to be taken, either propose a different adjustment
or table them for further consideration and additional information.
October 24, 1977
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg~ that the merit adjustments for
Tim Yantos and Vicki Maternowsky be tabled at this time for further
consideration and additionJ, information.
Roll Call: Hentges, Norberg--Aye
Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki--Nay
Motion fails.
The City Manager recommendations on merit adjustments will be implemented
administratively.
OTHER OLD BUSINESS
Councilman Norberg questioned if there was any progress on the K-Mart issue.
Inspections Director Arden Hovland replied that the trees are dead. He
stated K-Mart got bids on putting 5 foot and 6 foot tall pine tree to be
placed 5 feet apart, but the bid price is something over $25,000 and
they will not spend that kind of money as it is a long lot. Now they
are looking for a cheaper type of tree that will place 10 feet apart, but
they are having trouble getting trees right now due to a shortage, but
they assured him they will by spring.
Councilman Norberg expressed his appreciation for the work Mr. Hovland
had done on the matter and stated he expected a follow-up in approximately
February.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz authorizing the City Manager to
work with the Southern Anoka County Community Assistance Group on a
possible agreement for their use of the Tema House for their obligations.
Councilman Norberg suggested the Council lease it to them for $1.00 a year
or something like that so the city can keep a hold on it and make arrange-
ments on utilities.
Roll Call: All Ayes.
Councilman Heintz brought up the matter of the Volkswagen fence on 49th
Avenue and stated there are slats missing.
Interim City Manager Anderson reported they are trying to find another
method of screening other than those metal slats, something that will
do a more permanent job.
Councilman Hentges stated he sould like to see an ordinance be written up
so the Council can make determinations on each case individually as
far as the number of parking places in businesses.
Mayor Nawrocki indicated the Council gave this ordinance a first reading
and turned it over to the Planning & Zoning Commission for their recommenda-
tions and they chose not to consider it at their last meeting and so it
will be on their agenda for their next meeting which is one week from
tomorrow.
October 24, 1977
Councilman Hentges expressed the view that the city has been very lax
this year on garbage, junk cars and unsightly property. He felt
the city needs a mai,tenance ordinance and that the ordinances ~ould be
enforced. Either they pick it up or the city condemns it.
Inspections Director Arden Hovtand mentioned the Downtown Redevelopment
and stated he went through the Kuppe Building that Dean Otterson has been
talking about condemning and he stated it is one of the very best structurally-
built buildings he had ever seen. He reported the building has 10 x 12
posts and beams in the basement and 2 x 12" floor joists on center that
are straight as an arrow. There is no stag, no rot and the basement is
dry. There is a slight leakage in the roof. There are hairline foundation
cracks that can be checkpointed. There is deterioration from salt from
the alley and along side the hardware store where they salt their sidewalks.
The building is sound as a dollar, but it needs a new front and that is
very minor. The owners are talking about doing something to it in the
front and are fixing it up and raising the rent. They own the parking
lot and they can put just about anything they want into it due to their
large parking lot.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
LICENSES
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, that license applications as listed
be approved upon payment of proper fees.
Roll Call: All Ayes.
CITY MANAGER PoqPORTS
Interim City Manager Anderson reported he had breakfast with Charles Hall
relative to the Sullivan Lake matter and Mr. Hall told him they feel it
is quite important that they get some kind of feedback in writing prior to
their November 1st meeting. He asked the council if he should respond to
them to give a buffer other than the Council action. They want at least
a ballpark figure.
Councilman Norberg moved that the Council make a hard offer of $2 per
square foot.
City Attorney Kalina suggested that the City Manager give an appraisal
on this to the Council before they decide on a figure.
Mayor Nawrocki stated the motion is withdra~m. He suggested the City
Manager contact the Council members individually to talk about a counter-
proposal.
Councilman Hentges also suggested taking a poll of the Council because
they haven't really determined what they want to do with that property~
or how they want it developed. He suggested sitting on this for another
year.
October 24, 1977
A discussion followed on how the area could be developed.
Mayor Nawrocki suggested that the City Manager contact each member of the
City Council and form a concensus on a counterproposal subject to further
review by the Council for the purposes of testing the waters and then the
City Manager to communicate such proposal to them.
Interim City Manager Anderson asked that the public hearing scheduled for
the Utilities and Public Improvements at 51st Court and the Rest Home
Expansion on November 14th be held at 7:00 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.
Mayor Nawrocki replied that the hearing would be held at 7:00 p.m. on
November 14, 1977.
Interim City Manager Anderson commented on the shrubbery, etc. of the
Burlington Northern and reported they have got some bids and they came
out to be $2,260.00 of which $2,000.00 is authorized, so it is tied up
at the Regional Office in St. Paul and an answer is expected back this
week. He then suggested setting a time to meet as a Canvassing Board
after the Election on November 9, 1977.
Mayor Nawrocki replied the meeting would be held at 7:00 p.m. on
November 9, 1977.
Interim City Manager asked to set a date for one more informal meeting on
the Firemen's Pension.
Mayor Nawrocki directed the City Manager to have the firemen come in at
9:00 p.m. at the Special Meeting on the 31st of October, 1977 after
the bids are talked about.
Interim City Manager Anderson informed the Council that when the sidewalk
bids were let, 4" in depth was talked about, but 6" in depth was put
down, so he signed a change order for $288.00 on the sidewalk job.
Interim City Manager Anderson noted that the staff needs an assessing
machine for a two-year period and that rental of a machine is at $175.00
a month on a one-year basis. He stated one could be rebuilt and guaranteed
for 90 days after purchase.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Managerand
Mayor to enter into agreement to purchase a rebuilt accounting machine for
the Assessing Department in the amount of $2,750.00 from Hagen Sales.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki--Aye
Norberg--Nay
Interim City Manager reported that last item he had was an update on
the "Garbage Contract".
Adminstrative Assistant Tim Yantos reported that as of today, Dick's
Sanitary Service has all the paperwork completed except for the Performance
Bond Form. The City Attorney has had a discussion with Dick's Sanitary
Service's banker in regards to securing a $50,000 cash receipt.
October 24, 1977
Attorney Kalina reported Dick's banker will probably be issuing a loan
in the amount of $50~000 to provide a cash bond with the catch that they
want to be the depository of funds. He recommended, to get this matter
moving along~ that the City designate that bank as depository for the
limited purpose of these funds, so that if the cash bond is indeed furnished
this week, we can go ahead and accept the cash bond and make the deposit.
He stated he made this in the form of a Resolution. He further recommended
allowing Dick's until Thursday of this week to enter into the contract,
provide the bond security and if they are unable to contract, then
award it to the next lowest bidder, Modern Services, Inc. that would be
conditioned upon their willingness to extend their bid.
RESOLUTION #77-68
DESIGNATING A DEPOSITORY FOR CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, HEREBY RESOLVES that the
First Brookdale State Bank of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, be hereby
designated as a depository for monies of the City of Columbia Heights for
a period of not more than three years and one month beginning October 25,
1977, for money used as cash bid security of Dick's Sanitary Service, Inc.,
and the Treasurer of this City is hereby directed to deposit monies of the
City of' Columbia Heights in said bank, and the First Brookdale State Bank
is hereby authorized and directed to honor and pay any checks or orders
when s~gned by the City Treasurer for the withdrawal or transfer of funds
on deposit in said Bank in whatever form.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in case such deposit shall at any time exceed
the sum for which its deposits are insured under the act of Congress of
the United States relating to insurance of bank deposits, said depository
shall immediately furnish bonder securities in lieu of bond according to
the law, and the Marquette National Bank for the Marquette State Bank of
Columbia Heights, and the Federal Reserve Bank for Fidelity State Bank,
and the Third Northwestern National Bank are hereby designated as the
places for the safekeeping of all securities furnished in lieu of such bond.
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
Norberg
Logacz
Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--Aye.
Hentges--abstained.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to set a deadline of Thursday,
October 27, 1977 at 4:45 p.m. for Dick's Sanitary Service to provide the
the performance bond security and enter into contract and, if the deadline
is not met to award the bid to the next lowest bidder which is Modern
Services, Inc.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki--Aye.
Hentges--abstained.
October 24, 1977
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Attorney Kalina reported on the insurance company representing
the James Balluff Co. that did the field house roof a year ago and left
it apparently improperly covered during the rainstorms last summer and
some damage was sustained. The insurance company had previously made
some offers to settle which were rejected and which the city put in suit
and now the insurance adjuster has offered the city $1,000 in settlement
of that suit. He stated the apparenn damages are $1~002.00 and he recommended
that the offer be accepted and settled and he stated the Park Board concurs
with his recommendation.
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to accept the $1,000 offer from
the insurance company representing the James Balluff Co. for damage to
the field house roof.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORTS
Public Works Director Earl Gustafson reported that he had received a
letter from the Desco Construction Co. who were doing the dredging
at LaBelle Park and he was going to meet with Wolverton and Jack Hanley
either Tuesday or Wednesday and Park Superintendent John Murzyn was
going to discuss this with the Park ComMission on Wednesday night. He
reported that contractor is asking for an extension for the reason that
he is building a piece of equipment to do the job with. He was supposed
to have it completed on August 30, 1977, but he didn't get the permit
until late and also he got tied up on two other jobs. Mr. Gustafson
suggested that if he is given an extension of his contract, that lhere
be a definite starting date and a definite completion date sometime this
spring. He stated he talked to Dean Otterson, HRA Director, and it
does not jeopardize the grant.
Councilman Logacz commented that he could never understand how the
contractors just drop in and drop out and leave things behind for vandalism.
Mr. Gustafson replied he thought the reason for that .is that all the
contractors are overcommitted.
Mayor Nawrocki noted the Park Board is going to consider this issue this
week and the Council is having a special meeting next Monday, October 31,
1977 and the City Manager could add that to the agenda. He then asked
how come there was lO00 feet of curb and gutter overrun reported on the
1977 Street Construction Report.
City Engineer George Brown replied that there was not enough stated in
the proposal to cover the job and when quantities were taken off, a
mistake of 1000 in lineal feet was made either in addition or whatever.
Mayor Nawrocki asked for more information on this issue.
October 24, 1977
City Engineer George Brown recommended that the contractor who did some
utility work on the Water Main Project get the $1500 which was for items
that were said to be found underground basically and that the contractor
spent more time on,
Public Works Director Gustafson stated those items should not be assessable
items. They should be charged to Water Main Improvements.
Councilman Hentges asked about the parking lot by City }{all and asked
if the contractor wasn't responsible for backfilling and not the city.
Public Works Director Gustafson replied the contractor w~s ~ot responsi~le
because in setting up the grant, it had to be changed drastically to a
different elevation than for formerly planned, so rather than include it
in the contract, they decided to pave it because they have been storing
up material all summer.
Councilman Hentges asked why there is a man there all day Saturday.
Mr. Gustafson replied to stabilize it as there are a number of wet spots.
Councilman Hentges asked why they are hauling about 10 full loads of dirt
down on 42nd Avenue again.
City Engineer George Brown replied that this is a stockpile that they
will have to clean up this fall.
Councilman Hentges asked where they got the dirt from.
City Engineer Brown replied the material probably came from the boulevard
cut down along 3rd Street where there was a water break. He then asked
about the possibility of the Assessment Hearing being postponed and stated
it was also suggested by the Assessor as there is a possibility some of
the boulevard work would not be cleaned up prior to the time the notices
went out.
City Attorney Kalina indicated that the city can't assess more than the
benefits. If the work is not clean up, the parcels might not benefit.
You can assess the full amount if they benefit to the extent of the
amount you assess even prior to completion. In the case of the people's
property benefitting $20/sq ft. because $14/sq ft worth of work is done,
the city can assess them that amount before it is complete.
City Engineer Brown reported the blacktopping is scheduled for tbis Wednesday
and then the curb, blacktopping and driveways will all be in, but raking
and cleanup may not be done and we want to let the sealcoating go until
next spring. By hearing time, it should be all done and if there is a
little bit left over, that will have to be recognized and the money
withheld until the cleanup is done. The hearing is scheduled for November
29, 1977, but the notices have to be out two weeks ahead of that time.
October 24, 1977
City Engineer Brown reported on the concrete bituminous stockpile removal
at Sylvan Lake and asked for approval to make out a check in both names
because the prime contractor did not complete the job, the subcontractor
did. He stated he would like to have concurrence with both contractors
so that a settlement would be guaranteed. He reported the cleanup is adequate
and approved and this is the final payment.
Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to approve payment to Phoenix
Trucking and Ideal Paving in the amount of $7,725.40 for stockpile removal.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to approve the $1500 Change Order
for catch basins and hydrant.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Ail Ayes.
Secretary