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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNov 14, 1977 (2)OFFICIAl PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55421 NOVEMBER 14, 1977 The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present INVOCATION The invocation was given by Pastor Walter Wahl of First Lutheran Church. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS & PAYMENT OF BILLS The Mayor noted that consideration of the minutes of previous meetings and payment of bills would be deferred until later in the meeting so the hearing on Crestview Nursing Home rezoning could be opened. HEARING ON CRESTVIEW NURSING HOME REZONING There were approximately 50 citizens present. Mr. Tom Paul, Administrator of Crestview Nursing Home introduced Mr. Dave Getch, Vice President and Chairman of Planning Committee from the Crestview Lutheran Home Association who would be giving the presentation. Mr. Getch introduced Dr. Lindsay and Lowell Bliss who would be available to answer any questions. Mr. Getch stated that all the outlines presented were consistent with federal, state and local regulations. The City Council was provided with detailed information on the proposal which would include 150 units for the elderly in a self-care type facility. Mr. Getch gave a brief history of Crestview Nursing Home. He stated their objective is to help the aged with services and allow them independence at the same time. To build this facility would necessitate rezoning of property from R-1 (one family residential) to R-3 (3 family residential). The Mayor asked about property rezoning and why all the property was not rezoned R-3 when the nursing home was built. Mr. Getch had this information which was distributed to the Council. It showed the property had been zoned for multiple at that time and had been rezoned to R-1 in 1974 with adoption of the current zoning ordinance. The Mayor asked if federal funding was to be used. Mr. Getch explained there are several plans for financing of which the Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ment is a leading one. They did not get HUD money during the last funding period but will go back to them for financing during the next period. The Mayor suggested the next part of the meeting deal with questions on the Crestview Nursing Home proposal to be followed by comments from the people, pro or con. The resident of 1421 44th, Mr. Ojile, asked about the architectural renderings. Mr. Getch explained about the problem of space utilization and the fact that the drawings being shown tonight were not meant to be a final plan but only to give an idea of possible space use. They now need to know if they should go ahead with definite plans. November 14, 1977 Mr. Ojile wanted to know the square footage of the housing. He was told there would be 110,000 square feet total for 3 floors. Mr. Wayne Burtness of 4350 Leander Lane asked where the access to the parking lot would be. He was concerned that it would be off of 44th Avenue. The architect explained that traffic patterns will be made and there are other accesses available. Councilman Hentges said this was brought up at the Traffic Commission and that they concur with the plan but not necessarily with the traffic plan as it is. They recommend that the traffic enter and exit on Reservoir Boulevard. A discussion followed on the possible access plans. Teh resident at 4311 Royce questioned the adequacy of the parking facilities proposed. Councilman Hentges stated the Traffic Commission found only 20% of senior citizens owned cars. Mr. Getch added that according to HUD only 25% of senior citizen units have autos but 40% of normal requirements is planned for this building. The Mayor added that public access by bus is good and this might have an impact on the number of cars. A resident asked if rezoning would affect the entire neighborhood. It was explained by the Mayor and City Attorney that R-3 does not allow for commercial buildings but services such as haircutting, vending machines, or a newspaper stand could be provided for the convenience of residents which would not be accessable to the general public. A discussion followed concerning the proposed rates to be charged the senior citizens. The fact that the building would not be taxed because it was non- profit was brought up and several residents questioned the fairness of high rents and no taxes. Mr. Getch mentioned the fact that many employees are residents of Columbia Heights and many senior citizens in Crestview were residents of Columbia Heights. Councilman Norberg said the econimics and ownership of land are not relative to the question of rezoning. The question should be whether or not this development fits into that neighborhood. A resident questioned the policy of not having R-I property abut with R-3 property. The City Manager pointed out that we already have this situation in the city. The discussion went back to public access to the proposed units. William Kinev, McLeod and 44th Avenue, presented a petition signed by over 130 residents opposing the rezoning and building of apartments. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to accept the petition. Roll Call: All Ayes. The petition was read by the Mayor. Mr. Kinev stated the proposed building was discussed thoroughly with the signers of the petition and he felt they clearly understood the plan. A lengthy discussion continued which included restrictions of senior citizens to Columbia Heights residents, freeing of homes to be purchased by young couples, and restrictions as to religion. Tom Sheroman, Chairman of the Housing Authority, stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended rezoning because of the need for this type of housing. November 14, 1977 Dr. Lindsay said the local residents should form a citizen's council to advise Crestview of their views. The discussion went back to comparative rates with the high rises and nursing homes. Councilman Norberg again said that this was not the relevant question. The Mayor brought the discussion back to the subject of rezoning. Mr. Paul said they came to the Council because the Planning and Zoning Commission couldn't act positively on she proposal. The Mayor explained that Planning and Zoning can only make recommendations, the Council has Final approval. Councilman Hentges asked when the easement on this property would be required. Even if Crestview doesn't build, an easement might be necessary in the future. City Attorney Kalina thought it might be appropriate to discuss this in con- junction with the rezoning request. The Mayor again stressed that there is a need for good, clean senior citizen housing in Columbia Heights. He respects the view of the local residents and was surprised at their opposition. He would like to hope there would be a way to resolve the needs of the facility with the interests of the neighborhood. It did not appear to him that this was accomplished tonight. He suggested the Council not take a vote on the issue tonight but continue this hearing to another night and make an attempt to talk with leaders of a citizens' group and representatives of Crestview to make thi~ project more compatible with the neighborhood and acceptable to neighbors. Councilman Hentges questioned whether the nursing home was applying for a grant that had a timetable. Mr. Getch said making additional detailed plans would probably delay any other action until January. May is the deadline for one of the federal applications. One key point mentioned was that a 1-2% per month additional expense is incurred in putting off a start due to rising building costs. Mayor Nawrocki suggested we have a breathing time to see whether ~here is some chance of a movement of ideas. Councilman Logacz thought that after three hours the people here should have an idea of where the Council stood. It is time to just vote on it and if the people want to worst with Crestview they can. The chair moved that the hearing be continued until January 9~ the first regular meeting of 1978. Councilman Heintz seconded. A discussion followed on the possibility of reaching an agreement before January 9 and placing the item on the agenda at an e~rlier time. Roll Call: Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Logacz, Norberg, ~entges - Nay Motion was defeated. A second reading of Ordinance ~879 was held. Offered by: Hentges Seconded by: Norberg A 4/5 majority was required to pass. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz - Nay The Mayor noted there were not enough votes to pass and asked City Attorney Kalina November 14, 1977 what would happen if the vote failed. The City Attorney answered that the application would have to wait 6 months. The same application could be brought up on a motion to reconsider at some time and the same process would be followed. An application to rezone to R-4 could be brought before the 6 month lapse. The Attorney noted that if the proposal was changed in any way it could come back at any time. There are ways to get it to the Council before 6 months. The Mayor abstained. Ordinance is defeated. Recess at 11:11 p.m. Reconvene at 11:28 p.m. The Mayor asked the people in the audience which item they were interested in on the agenda so it could be discussed at this time. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. RUSSELL THORP, 4639 WASliINGTON STREET REQUEST FOR VARIANCE Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, that the l' variance on garage height be granted based on recommendation from Planning and Zoning. Councilman Norberg noted the record whould show that unusual topology was the hardship for the variance. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. CARLIH CAIH, 1115 42nd AVENUE N.E. REQUEST FOR LOT SPLIT Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that split of lot be granted. There was a short discussion on where a 5' strip of land that was not a part of any adjoining lots should belong. The Council questioned if taxes were currently being paid on this land and how an error like this could have occured. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Ayes Hentges - Nay Councilman Hentges feels that the 5' should be required on the 50' lot to make it a 55' lot. 3. SILVER LAKE CLINIC CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the request for conditional use permit be granted. This lot was recently rezoned to R-2. Councilman Norberg wanted to know why Planning and Zoning hasn't been able to reach an agreement on this proposal. Councilman Logacz explained that one member hasn't been to the meetings, one member resigned, there is not a quorum on many nights, and he thought the Council should make the decision. The Mayor admitted the Council has taken its time with an appointment to Planning and Zoning but the Commission should be responsible for~k having its members at meetings. November 14, 1977 Councilman Norberg asked when the next Planning and Zoning meeting was. Councilman Logacz said it was the first Tuesday of the month. Councilman Norberg proposes to withdraw his motion and have a special meeting 10 days from now to honor Dr. Williams' request and allow time for necessary notice. Councilman Hentges withdraws his second. Councilman Norberg then asked if there was an expedient way to handle this request. City Attorney Kalina suggested the Council go with the timetable as it exists. LATE REQUESTS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to amend the recently passed subdivision request of Mr. Hebzynski, 3910 Main Street, to read as follows: 1.Lot 13(except the north 7' of the westerly 65')and the south 1' of the easterly 60' of lot 12. 2. lot 12(except the south 1' of the easterly 60')and the north 7' of the westerly 65' of lot 13, Block 73, Columbia Heights Annex. Roll Call: All Ayes MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to approve the minutes of the December 29, 1976, January 3, January 5, January ll, March 29, April 25, May 16, May 19, June 13, and September 13 meetings as presented and dispense with reading. Councilman Norberg noted a spelling correction on one of the sets. Roll Call: All Ayes PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to pay the bills as listed out of their proper accounts. A brief discussion was held on the cleaning of a cesspool by Armstrong Cesspool Service in the amount of $65 to accommodate a citizen. This was done as a temporary measure until the approved sanitary sewer can be con- structed. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that the City Treasurer be directed to remove the $65 from the sewer fund and deposit it in the project fund. Roll Call: Norberg - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Nay Motion Fails. Roll Call on original motion to approve bills as listed: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay Motion carries. REQUEST TO CALL FOR BIDS ON CUSTODIAL CONTRACT The City's custodial contract expires on December 31. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, that the City Manager be authorized to call for bids for a custodial contract. Bids to be opened at 2:00 p.m. on November ]4, 1977 December 8th with a report to the Council at the following regular meeting. Councilman Hentges did not think this was adequate time for contractors to prepare their bids. He felt the City cannot advertise and take bids 30 days later, that 3 months would have been better. Roll Call: Ail Ayes BIDS ON STAND BY GENERATOR FOR PUMP STATION The City Council was furnished a copy of the bids. The Mayor asked what the bids were as opposed to the amount budgeted in the 1977 budget. It was explained that the bids were approximately 10% over the $10,000 estimate. No monies had actually been budgeted. The expenditure was expected to come from a surtax contained on the City's water billings. A discussion followed on the likelihood of a blackout in Columbia Heights. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg to deny the request because it wasn't budgeted. Motion by Heintz to table request until next regular meeting. Motion dies for lack of second. City Manager Anderson recommended that this purchase be made with funding as originally anticipated. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay Motion fails. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to award the bid to F]aherty Equipment Company for $12,974 based on ]ow competitive bid, and that $]2,974 be taken out of the water fund and that the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to enter into contract with same. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay Councilman Norberg voted nay because this was an unexplained expenditure, Hentges because it will add to the surtax. INFORMAL BIDS ON WARMING HOUSE MATS The Park Department has taken informal bids for mats. They recommend award to Jiffy Jr. Products, the money to come from Bond Issues. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, that purchase be authorized on basis of low informal competitive bid received from Jiffy Jr. Products and that the City Manager be authorized to purchase spike proof mats in the amount of $895.50. Roll Call: All Ayes RESOLUTION SETTING GARBAGE RATES RESOLUTION 77-71 SETTING RATES ON GARBAGE SERVICE Ill THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS November 14, 1977 Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Norberg Discussion followed about rates and number of vats. the resolution at this time. No action was taken on Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to recess until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 15. Motion by Norberg to amend to 8:00 p.m. Motion to amend dies for lack of second. Roll Call: All Ayes The meeting was recessed at 1:30 a.m. Bruce,. Nawrock[, Mayor gecCetary '