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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 4, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 4, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:08 p.m. Roll Call: Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present Mayor Nawrocki noted that Councilman Logacz was at a Recreation Commission meeting and would join the meeting later. PURPOSE OF MEETING Mayor Nawrocki stated that this was a special meeting to consider various items on the agenda. The principle item of business is the second reading of ordinance 879 to rezone the Crestview property. The second reading constitutes a public hearing on same. REZONING THE CRESTVIEW PROPERTY The City Manager read the ordinance. Councilman Logacz joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. A map was shown of the area to be rezoned. Mayor Nawrocki noted that the purpose of the rezoning request is to allow Crestview to build a senior citizen home on the property adjacent to the existing Crestview home. Mr. Tom Paul, Administrator of Crestview, stated there will be 145 units added. Services such as congregate dining facilities and community outreach programs will be extended to the rest of the residents of Columbia Heights as well. Perry Bowen, architect for Crestview, stated he has met with the neighbors on three occasions and tried to incorporate their ideas into Crestview's concept. The only accesses to the property will be from Reservoir Boulevard. Additional on-site parking will be provided as well as garages. The plan is based on one parking space per every two units. An open space will be retained to relate to the existing parking. Screening of evergreens will be provided for the parking lots. Mr. William Hughes, 4338 Leander Lane, stated his concern on whether the housing would be limited to senior citizens or open market. He is for senior citizen housing but against any use of the property for other types of multiple dwellings. Mayor Nawrocki pointed out that the City cannot give any assurances that a future City Council would not give permission to build another type of housing. The people of Crestview will have to be trusted to keep the building for senior citizens. He added that Crestview cannot build units wherever they want. The ordinance limits the number of units which can be put on a certain size lot. The City Attorney stated what the requirements would be for additional building. Councilman Hentges proposed just rezoning the part of the lot Crestview needs for the present addition and leaving the rest of the lot zoned R-1. Discussion followed on how much of the lot would have to be rezoned to R-3 to handle the proposed development. Mr. Bowen stated that it would be alright with Crestview to just rezone the parcel needed for the current development. December 4, 1978 Page 2 Mr. Wayne Burtness, 4350 Leander Lane, questioned the parking ratio. He asked if it was correct that these units were proposed to rent in the neighborhood of $360 per month. Mr. Paul answered that this was right and stated that these rates are similar to rates of other units in the area. Mr. Burtness asked how these units could be for low income residents and stated that he thought these are very high priced apartment buildings which will be rented to people with substantial incomes, these people will probably not come from Columbia Heights. Mr. Paul stated that they do plan on serving the community. They will seek Section 8 rent subsidy assistance for the residents. Mr. Wahlberg, Board member of Crestview, stated that this will provide an alternative to living in a nursing home. The people can live in an apartment of their own but still be close to the nursing home facilities. Discussion followed on the required square footage to build the addition, if it included green area, and what would be gained by leaving the property R-1 if it could be included in the computation for building on the R-3 part of the lot. The City Attorney stated that basically no rezoning is required if the building was put on the present R-3 part of the lot. Mr. Burtness suggested the City buy the R-1 land to add to its park to insure that Crestview never addes to the home. Mr. Hagfors, 4433 Reservoir Boulevard, stated the current design has an advantage for the neighborhood because of its low profile and asked if there was any consideration given to moving the parking lot to a different area where it would be screened better from the neighbors. Mr. Bowen answered that at a meeting with neighbors, the alternative for the parking location was discussed. The neighbors favored access off of Reservoir Boulevard. He stated that additional parking spaces will be provided for visitors and staff and twice as many parking spaces as are required by law for residei~ts. Garages are also provided for. Councilman Hentges added that the traffic on 44th and Reservoir Boulevard is not anywhere near its capacity. Discussion followed on the traffic on ~4th and Reservoir Boulevard and Crestview parking. Councilman Heintz stated that in deference to the people in the neighborhood who came to the informal meetings to discuss the plans, the Council should accept the plan they came up with. Possibly a slight berm to hide the parking lot from the residents on Reservoir Boulevard would be acceptable. Discussion continued on the possibility of moving the building south, putting the parking to the north of the building, and putting in a street on the north side of the property to be deeded back to the City for maintenance. f~r. Pierson, 4348 Royce Street, stated that when Crestview was first built, the home stated they would only put in 60 units. They later asked for an additional 60 units and said they would keep the remainder of the property green. Now they are asking again to add on. He would like to know if they could add on again in the future and use up the existing green space. December 4, 1978 Page 3 The Mayor noted that it would not be easy for Crestview to build anything they wanted on an R-3 lot. Any proposal will have to come to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council which would consider its impact on the area. He added that nobody has ever put as much time and effort into a project as Crestview has on this one. Councilman Norberg stated that as the plan exists it is a great deal better than what could be built on the part that is R-3. He doesn't feel the traffic increment is a significant problem and stated he can vouch that the berm would work to screen the parking lots. Payment in Lieu of Taxes Mr. Gibbs, Vice President of Board of Directors of Crestview, stated that they support the concept of payment in lieu of taxes. Crestview does now pay for certain services which it receives. They feel that some common ground can be achieved and are committed to continuing talks with the members of the staff and Council. Discussion followed on the proposed road to the north of the property, whether it would be a 16' road or a full 33' road. Councilman Hentges stated he would rather see a full road installed. RECESS at 9:55 p.m. RECONVENE at lO:17 p.m. Discussion continued on the moving and placement of the existing house on the property, controlling of traffic at the intersection of 44th Avenue and Reservoir Boulevard, and on the possibility of moving the driveway further south. Ordinance was Offered by: Norberg Seconded by: Hentges Motion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, to amend the ordinance to add the following to Section 1: "The north 250' of the west 297.4' of the following described parcel". Roll Call on motion to amend: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Abstain This will limit the area to be rezoned. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to amend the ordinance, Section 3, from 30 days to 120 days to allow the Council, City Attorney, and Crestview to iron out the proposal for payment for services the City will provide for Crestview and come up with an agreement for the construction of a street of the proper width to be deeded over to the City when it is ready. Councilman Norberg stated he was against this because the Council has never made such a requirement on other projects. Roll Call on motion to amend: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay December 4, 1978 Page 4 ORDINANCE NO. 879 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 853, CITY CODE OF 1977, REZONING PART OF THE NE l/4 OF SECTION 36, TOWNSHIP 30, RANGE 24 The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section l: The followin9 described property, which is currently zoned R-], One Family/ Residential District, to-wit: The North 250' of the West 297.4I of the following described parcel beginning on a point on the West line of Reservoir Boulevard in the City of Columbia Heights which line is 33.0 feet Wouth of the North line of Section 36, Twp. 30 R24; thence West and parallel to North line of Section 36 a distance of 831.83 feet more or less to a point 30.0 feet East of the West line of the East 1/8 of the Northwest 1/4 of said section 36 and on the East line of McCloud Street, Northeast, as laid out North and South in Reservoir Hills; thence South on the East line of said McCloud Street, Northeast, a distance of 535.0 feet, thence East and parallel to the North line of Section 36 Twp. 30 R24 a distance of 831.83 feet more or less to a point on the West line of Reservoir Boulevard; thence North on the West line of Reservoir Boulevard a distance of 535 feet to the point of beginning. is herewith zoned R-3, Multiple Family Residence District. Sect:ion 2. The Zoning Map is herewith amended to reflect the change enacted by this Ordinance. Sect:ion 3. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after one hundred twenty (]20) days after its passage. Roll Call on amended ordinance: All Ayes Ordinance is adopted. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS QUEEN PROGRAM Discussion on whether the $1,000 requested was for expenses from last year or for next year's expenses. Councilman Norber9 suggested a drawin9 account for the expenses. This item will come up under payment of bills. RESOLUTION ON SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITS FOR NON-UNION EMPLOVEES FOR 1979 Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table this until the next regular Council meeting. Councilman Hentges doesn't agree with the across-the-board or merit increase prposal. He feels merit increases cause hostility between employees and wants more time to think about this item. Discussion followed. Roll Call: All Nays December 4, 1978 Page 5 The City Manager reported that the Consumer Price Index has risen 10.2% since last October and reminded the Council that his recommendations are within the President's guidelines. Councilman Norberg repeated his objection of the last meeting that the increase goes across-the-board and uses up all the increase allowed by the guidelines and leaves no room for merit increases. He thinks the resolution should be settled for something less and leave room for merit increases. Discussion followed on why the merit increases can still be included in the 7% base, and why the increase shouldn't be across-the-board. RESOLUTION 78-60 REGARDING SALARIES FOR 1979 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 l, 1979, to give recognition to cost increases in our area, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that an increase of 7% be established effective January 1, 1979, on the monthly salaries of all full time non-union City employees, and said employees shall be granted up to $75 per month including dependent coverage for hospitalization and $5,000 term life insurance. 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 adjustment is made, there will not be a further change during the calendar year 1979. Passed this 4th day of December, 1978. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz 1979 SALARY ADJUSTMENT Non-Union Employees 7% Position Current Salary 1979 Salary City Manager Secretary Ill Administrative Asst. Secy. II City Clerk/Treasurer City Accountant Payroll Clerk Accounting Clerk I Utilities Billing Clerk Receptionist/Clerk Typist I Liquor Store Manager $ 903 $ 966 793 849 2,087 2,233 1,333 1,426 789 844 834 892 944 1,O10 582 623 1,514 1,620 December 4, 1978 Page 6 Asst. Liquor Store Manager Accounting Clerk I Accounting Clerk II City Assessor Property Appraiser Assessments Clerk II Services Director/Bldg. Inspector License/Permit Clerk II License/Permit Clerk I Administrative Assistant Police Chief Po]ice Records & Communications Tech Police Records & Communications Tech Community Service Officer Po]ice Secretary II Fire Chief Fire Secretary 11 Deputy Fire Chief Public Works Director Public Works Secretary III City Engineer *Engineering Tech II *Engineering Tech III Street Superintendent Sewer & Water Superintendent Superintendent of Parks Asst. Superintendent of Parks Park Secretary I Librarian Children's Librarian Library Clerk Typist Adult Services Specialist Recreation Director Assistant Recreation Director Recreation Secretary Recreation Receptionist Recreation Supervisor Community Education Coordinator Council Secretary 1,341 902 1,054 1,753 1,268 691 1,960 889 789 1,532 2,110 885 85O 8O2 923 1,965 789 1,668 2,028 921 1,959 1,216 1,125 1,628 1,640 1,640 1,082 635 ],313 987 633 845 ],608 1,234 795 687 833 916 89O 1,435 965 1,128 1,876 1,357 739 2,097 951 844 1,639 2,258 947 910 858 988 2,103 844 1,785 2,170 985 2,096 1,301 1 204 1,742 1,755 1,755 1 158 679 ],405 1,056 678 9O4 1,720 1,321 85O 736 891 981 952 *These two positions are subject to collective bargaining unit clarification. The adjustment will not be effective until after this decision has been made. Councilman Heintz asked the City Manager and department heads to give careful consideration before asking for merit increases for employees. They should all be based on performance not longevity. Councilman Norberg stated he had proposed setting the number at a lower figure so there would be room for merit increases. He doesn't feel the City has an incentive pay plan when everyone gets the same increase. He would like the increase to be 4,t for cost of living and 3~ for merit increases and suggested that an answer to Councilman Hentges' position would be to keep the across-the-board increase down. Councilman Logacz commented that if anything should be dropped it should be the merit increase program. The reason is that it is almost impossible to administer fairly and it is too hard to measure. Discussion followed. December 4, 1978 Page 7 Councilman Hentges suggested 8% increase for everyone earning under $13,500 and everyone over $13,500 be given a $90 increase. Mayor Nawrocki commented that the adjustment as presented is not out of line and urged the Council to support the resolution. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay LICENSE FEES FOR VENDING MACHINES The City Manager stated that this item came up in a discussion when the license fees were adopted for 1979. The question was whether small vending machines were included in the fee schedule. The recommended amount is as listed. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to accept the Class A food vending machine license fees as listed. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Hentges asked why some companies are allowed to use the honor system and stated he won't pay the license fees for his vending machines until the City regulates these other food services. The City Attorney stated maybe the solution would be less regulation instead of more regulation. PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that bills as listed be paid out of their proper funds. Councilman Norberg stated he still doesn't think the $1,000 to Pat Olynyk for 1979 Queen Pageant expenses should be paid ahead of time. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg - Nay OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Nawrocki stated that he was at the senior citizen apartments on Stinson Boulevard on December 3. The parking there is not sufficient. There was additional space included in the plan that could be made available for parking if it became necessary and he feels it is needed now. The City Attorney stated that the covenant calls for conversion of the current garden to use for additional parking only if the property was converted from a senior citizen building to a multiple dwelling. Councilman Heintz asked the City Attorney to check the agreement again. The City Attorney stated that the owner had talked about possibly using some of the additional space for parking and he may be willing to go ahead with it. It was suggested that this be put on the agenda for Monday's regular Council meeting. The Mayor brought up the matter of a plaque in rememberance of the late Senator Hubert H. Humphrey. It was recommended that a plaque be placed in the new City Hall. December 4, ]978 Page 8 The discussion with Crestview on the payment in lieu of taxes and the construct' of a road will require a committee. Councilman Heintz stated that two people from the Council, the City Manager, and the City Attorney should set up a date with representatives From Crestview. Councilmen Heintz and Hentges volunteered to be on the committee. Councilman Hentges stated he would like to see the snowbird proposals from last year back on the agenda for next week. Motion by Heintz, secor, dc.d by Norberg, to adjourn at l l :B5 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes Brur:e G. Nawrocki, Mayor Council Secretary