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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 2, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA OCTOBER 2, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present Mayor rlawrocki noted that this was a continued session of the regular meeting of September 25. PAYMENT OF BILLS Councilman Norberg left the meeting. RESOLUTION 78-42 WHEREAS, Councilman Gayle R. Norberg has or may possibly have a financial interest in the following companies and whereby the City of Columbia Heights has obligated itself to pay bills in the following amounts to those companies as listed below: Eastman Kodak $1,083.20 N. W. Bell 2,075.96 N. W. Bell 53.55 and, WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the contract price for each of the above listed bills is as low or lower than the price at which the commodity or service listed could be obtained elsewhere the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights hereby resolved the above listed bills be paid out of their proper funds upon the filing of an affidavit with the city clerk in accordance with Minnesota Statute 471.89, Subdivision 3, by Councilman Norberg. Offered by: Heintz Seconded by: Logacz The Mayor asked if these were in fact the lowest obtainable prices. Councilman Hentges stated that he thought it would be easier for Councilman Norberg to sign his stocks over to his wife than for the Council to go through this process every meeting. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Hentges - Nay Councilman Norberg rejoined the meeting. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the City Manager was ill and that Tim Yantos, Administra- tive Assistant, was filling in for him. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: 1. Ordinances Pertaining to Regulation of Residential Structures in Commercial Zone Mayor Nawrocki noted that the five ordinances listed were all options of an October 2, 1978 Page 2 ordinance pertaining to the regulation of residential structures in commercial zones. The City Attorney noted that as a result of discussions and suggestions by the Council, he had put together these five alternatives. Since putting these together and having a first reading, Councilman Norberg suggested another possibility. This is being submitted as ordinance #899. The City Attorney explained each of the five alternatives and how they differed. Discussion followed on the ordinances. Counc:ilman Heintz stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended ordinance #897. It is very simple and easy to understand. Councilman Logacz stated his concern with the point system outlined in ordinance #899 and didn't think: it could be easily resolved. The determination of points would be complicated. He stated he believes ordinance #897, which would give the Planning and Zoning Commission the opportunity to make judgements, is the best option. Councilman Norberg stated that the City should try to keep the edges of commercial and residential zones from being very sharp. He stated he believes that #897 delegates too much authority to the staff. Ordinance #899 is designed to be totally objective. Discussion continued on the proposed ordinance #899 and its provisions. Ordinance #897 had a second reading. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Heintz Logacz Logacz, Heintz - Aye Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki Nay Ordinance fails. Councilman Norberg asked that Councilmen Logacz and Heintz indicate if there were any of the other proposed ordinances they would vote for. They both said there were no others they would consider. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to refer proposed ordinance #899 to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their consideration and comment. Mrs. Johnson, 4905 Central Avenue, stated that something has to be done with the property at 49]1 Central, which is next door to hers. It has been a breeding place for trouble. She added she would rather have the building used for commercial purposes which would be controlled than left the way it is now. Councilman Norberg stated that ordinance #899 would permit that property to be used as a commercial structure. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay Hotion fails. October 2, 1978 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS: 1. Arnold Kramer - Conditional Use Permit Barbers at 4911 Central - Proposal City Attorney Kalina stated that the business can operate on the property as long as they conform to the present ordinances. A1 Carlson, Assistant Planner, explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission had approved the conditional use permits. They also recommended a 12' rear yard variance and a 5' side yard variance. Councilman Heintz noted that even if a conditional use permit is granted, the ordinance won't allow any construction. Motion by Norberg to approve the conditional use permit for the property at 4911 Central and deny the request for a rear yard variance of 12' Motion dies for lack of a second. Mayor Nawrocki commented that the reason he voted against ordinance #897 is that the community is not enhanced by development of this type. With limited amounts of commercial and industrial land available in Columbia Heights, he would be opposed to anything that would make it easier to allow development that is not good for the community. Mr. Marshall Tannick, attorney for The Barbers, stated that The Barbers is a well established, respectable business and not some fly-by-night operation. The Mayor suggested that the Council defer further consideration of this matter until the next regular meeting which would be next Tuesday. Councilman Heintz stated that the people concerned should be told tonight what will be done and the Council should not string them along. Motion by Norberg that the Council find that the proposed change in the use of this property, in the absence of the rather basic structural changes in the structure of the building, would be detrimental to the City of Columbia Heights. The City Attorney stated that this shouldnlt be the basis of refusing the permit. Councilman Norberg withdrew his motion. Mayor Nawrocki declared a recess at 9:45 p.m. Reconvened at 9:50 p.m. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to continue with the present agenda. Mayor Nawrocki stated that, in effect, this would mean that no action would be taken on the matter before the Council. Councilman Hentges stated that there are other ordinances which could be discussed. He thinks the ordinances should be resubmitted to the City Attorney to be rewritten and added that he believes the community needs a good commercial business such as this. Mr. Tannick asked for some direction tonight. Councilman Norberg stated he agreed and would vote against the motion. October 2, ]978 Page 4 Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Letter from Minnesota Enerqy Agency The Mayor noted that members of the League of Women Voters were present as well as Mr. Davis from the Minnesota Energy Agency to discuss the matter of forming an energy committee in the City of Columbia Heights. Mr. Davis stated that the Energy Agency is interested in providing assistance to the committee which would work as an advisor to the Council on energy matters. He stated he would like to meet with the Council to discuss the finer points of the proposal and its benefits to the community. Trudy Rider of the League of Women Voters read a statement in support of the energy committee. Mayor Nawrocki stated that if the Council would agree, he would solicit interest from other groups in the community. Councilman Norberg stated he would volunteer to be the Council's representative. Discussion followed on the activities of the committee and the cost to the City. The Mayor stated that the Council will discuss the question and get back to the League of Women Voters with a decision. RESOLUTION APPROVING 1979 BUDGET AND LEVYING TAXES The Mayor asked if the Council would like to spend time on this tonight or hold an additional informal or formal meeting before next Tuesday's Council meeting to discuss the budget further. It was decided to read the resolution. RESOLUTION 78-43 ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1979 AND LEVYING TAXES BE IT RESOLVED BY TIlE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS as follows: Section A. The General Fund budget for the City of Columbia Heights for the year 1979 is hereby approved and adopted with appropriations for each of the departments as follows: GEIIERAL FUND Mayor-Council $ 70,665 Executive 74,OO0 Finance-Assessing-Elections 141,290 General Buildings 57,465 Legal 57,820 Planning 30,835 Public Safety 1,127,300 Public Works 586,345 Sanitation 248,860 Library 127,930 Parks 318,985 Unallocated and Transfers 237,290 $3,078,785 October 2, 1978 Page 5 Section B. The estimated gross revenue of the City of Columbia Heights from all sources, including general ad valorem tax levies as hereinafter set forth for the year 1979, the same being more fully detailed in the City Manager's official copy of the 1979 budget, are hereby found and determined to be as follows: GENERAL FUND $3,078,785 REVENUE SHARING $ 187,5OO Section C. There is hereby levied upon all taxable property in the City of Columbia Heights a direct ad valorem tax in the year 1978 payable in 1979 for the following purposes and in the following amounts: PURPOSE AMOUNT General Fund (Including Recreation) Police Pension Fire Pension Bond and Interest $1,261,108 78,5OO 47,000 245,000 $1,631,608 Provision has been made in the General Fund for payment of the City's contributory share to Public Employees' Retirement Association in the amount of $91,140. Provision has also been made in the General Fund revenues for receipt of the State Sales and Excise Tax local government aid distribution. Section D. A certified copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to the County Auditor. Passed this 2nd day of October, 1978. Offered by: Logacz Seconded by: Heintz Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to reduce the levy by $80,000. Discussion followed on where in the resolution to reduce the levy. Roll Call: Norberg, Hentges - Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Nay Motion fails. Mayor Nawrocki suggested that it would be desirable to get all or most of the Council to support a budget and renewed his suggestion to have an informal meeting between now and the next regular meeting to discuss any particular feelings. Councilman Logacz stated that the Council has spent many nights discussing the budget already. He believes the Council has had plenty of time October 2, 1978 Pa9e 6 to come to a decision and some compromises should be made. Councilman Norberg stated he would like to arrive at an amount of levy reduction the Council could accept. Discussion fo]lowed on whether the levy could be certified without passing the budget. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, to reduce the levy amount by $40,000. Motion by Hentges to amend the motion to read S125,000. Motion to amend dies for lack of a second. Roll Call on motion: Norberg, Hentges Aye Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki Nay Motion fails. Roll Call on resolution: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay COMMUNICATIONS: 2. City Hall Addition Tim Yantos stated that the matter of the installation of items in the pistol range will be handled by Sheehy Construction per the specs. 3. City's Comprehensive Plan Since A1 Carlson sent the Council a memo concerning the City's application for a Local Assistance Grant, he has received information from the State that the amount of the grant will be increased to approximately $7,500 from the original $3,634. He is preparing another memo to the Council which will update the matter. 4. 208 Areawide Plan/Development of Wastewater Management Quality Management 5. Analysis of Alternatives of Wastewater Management in the Twin Cities Area Tim Yantos stated that copies of both of these reports are available in the City Manager's office. 6. MTC Shelter Project The MTC is considering new sites to be included in their next shelter project. Mayor Nawrocki asked if the Council had any suggestions as to future locations. Councilman Norberg suggested 44th and Jefferson. Councilman Hentges suggested in front of City Hall at 40th and Mill Street. OLD BUSINESS: 2. Progress Report on 5th St. Project A report has been made by Earl Gustafson, Public Works Director, which the Council received copies of. The City Manager has asked that any discussion on this matter be held at the next meeting when he could be present. October 2, 1978 Page 7 3. Park Board Recommendation on Waiving License Fees The Park Board has presented a recommended list of service organizations and churches eligible for the waiving of fees. Councilman Norberg stated that he thinks the Council should set some criteria for acceptance of license fee waiving and thought the Islamic Center at 41st and Washington should be included in the list. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to concur with the list of civic organizations presented to be eligible for fee waiving, including the Islamic Center. Roll Call: All Ayes Motion by Norberg, seconded by Logacz, to request the Park Board to draft proposed criteria for the adding and removing of names from that list. Roll Call: All Ayes 4. Change Orders on City Hall Addition & Remodeling This change order was discussed at the Council meeting on July 24 and funds were appropriated at that time. This is for the additional accoustical tiles, mill work and doors to be added to the remodeled assessing and inspection departments. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Norberg, that the change order, in the amount of $1,995, be granted. Roll Call: All Ayes NEW BUSINESS: 1. Sale of Tax Forfeit Property 5020 7th Street The City Manager has received an appraisal on the 10' strip of land south of 5020 7th St. of $1,600, and an appraisal on the 8' strip of land north of 5020 7th St. of $1,400. Special assessments and back taxes on the land total $528.60. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table this until the next meeting for additional information. Councilman Hentges asked that neighbors on either sides of both strips be notified that the land is available for sale. Roll Call: All Ayes 2. Appointment of Acting City Manage.r.. Motion by Norberg, seconded by Hentges, that during the absence of the City Manager, October 16-20, Stu Anderson be appointed Acting City Manager. Roll Call: All Ayes October 2, 1978 Page 8 Insurance Settlement on Water Damage to City Ha]] A claim was sent to Leverette Weekes' insurance company, Home Insurance, in the amount of $7,062 for water damage resulting from heavy rains in June. This amount included replacing accoustical tile and carpet that was damaged. The insurance company offered $630 to clean the carpeting and replace some ti]in9. The City Manager recommends accepting a settlement in the amount of $4,44] from Town and Country Claim Service acting for Home Insurance. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to table this until the next regular meetin9 so the City Attorney can be consulted. Roll Call: All Ayes Other Old Business: Semaphores on Central Councilman Logacz asked for a projected date for the completion of the semaphore on 40th and Central. Councilman Norberg stated that two residents have called him about the lights on 45th and Central; that it is impossible to walk across Central before the light changes. Tim Yantos was requested to get a report to Councilmen Logacz and Norberg. Garbage Cans - Councilman Heintz asked if rubber garbage cans could be used in the City. He has been told about a new kind and questioned if they may be strong enough to be rodent resistant. The question was raised as to whether they could withstand the cold without breaking. Tim Yantos was asked to look into 'the matter. Johnson Pro__p?rt¥ - The City Manager is requesting permission From the Council to proceed with the negotiations on the Johnson property on Mill St. The asking price is $47,500. The City Manager has meetings set up with two other property owners on Mill St. for some time this week. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the City Manager to negotiate for the sale of the Johnson property on Il]Il St. Roll Call: All Ayes TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Handicapped Parking Stu Anderson, Police Chief, requested that the emergency parking on Mill St. be changed to handicapped parking and the remaining spaces be signed For one hour parking. Notion by Hentges, seconded by Logacz, that two handicapped parking spaces be authorized for Nil] St. by City Hall adjacent to the elevator on the recommendation of the Traffic Commission. Roll Ca]i: All Ayes October 2, 1978 Page 9 2. Lincoln Terrace Reflector Poles Some of the traffic at the corner of Lincoln Terrace and Pierce Terrace has been going up over the curb onto the boulevard and ruining the lawn there. The Traffic Commission proposes putting reflector posts on the corner. Motion by Logacz, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the placing of 4 or 5 relfector posts at 1498 Lincoln Terrace based on the recommendation of the Traffic Commission. Roll Call: All Ayes CIVIL DEFENSE RECOGNITION NIGHT The Civil Defense Recognition Night has been set for October 14 at the Chanhassen. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, that expenses for the Civil Defense Recognition night be authorized. Roll Call: All Ayes Discussion followed on recognizing members of committees and boards with the same awards as proposed for the employee awards program. LICENSES Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to approve license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. Roll Call: All Ayes The applicant at 1308 42½ Avenue, Delson Plumbing, should be instructed that his license is granted on the condition that his material not be stored outside of the building. PAYMENT OF BILLS The Mayor noted that the four required affirmative votes were not received to pay the bills earlier in the meeting, only three ayes were received and therefore the bills have not been approved. Councilman Norberg left the meeting. Motion by Hentges, seconded by Heintz, to reconsider the payment of bills to pay the three bills to Northwestern Bell and Eastman Kodak which were withheld at the last meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilmen Heintz and Hentges stated that this was the last time they would pass the bills unless something was resolved by Councilman Norberg in the matter of his stock holdings. October 2, 1978 Page 10 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to approve the resolution. Roll Call: All Ayes Councilman Norberg rejoined the meeting. The Mayor noted that the Metro Clean Air committee is working with the State Pollution Control Agency in informing people of the clean air act. They are asking for a few minutes at a Council meeting to make a presentation on this. He asked that this be at the next Council meeting. He a'lso noted a memo to the Council from Dave Schaaf requesting a meeting with them on issues of interest to Columbia Heights which will be coming before the legislature during the next session. It was decided to have an informal meeting with Senator Schaaf. The Mayor indicated that he had received a package of flood insurance rate maps from the federal government. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to adjourn at 11:45 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes --~ouncil Secret'~'~-y Br~'~--e ~. ~awrocki~ Mayor