HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept 11, 1978 (2)OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
SEPTEMBER 11, 1978
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Council President Heintz.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg - present.
PURPOSE OF MEETING
The City Manager stated that this was a public hearing to discuss the installation
of a storm drain between 45½ and 46th Avenues. This item was brought to the
Council in July. The staff has prepared additional information on the retaining
wall which exists between 45½ and 46th on two of the properties.
Mayor Nawrocki joined the meeting at 7:08 p.m.
The City Manager added that this project was to have been undertaken in 1975 after
the Council approved it but the City has been unable to obtain all the easements
required to begin the project. The conclusion and recommendation of the staff is
that the 1975 approved project be cancelled and that the residents involved have a
retaining wall designed with final approval by the City.
Mrs. Sutton, 1309 45½ Avenue; Mr. Ted Alain, 1306 46th Avenue; Mrs. Knap, 1315 45½
Avenue; and Mrs. Harriet Orttle, 1303 45½ Avenue were present to discuss the drainage
problem as it affected their property.
Discussion followed on the construction of the present retaining walls. Earl
Gustafson, Public Works Director, stated that the construction problem can be
handled but the project restoration will be very costly. Mayor Nawrocki asked
why this project wasn't completed in 1975. Earl Gustafson responded that a
contractor couldn't be found who wanted the responsibility of the constant
restoration which would have to be done and the fact that not all the easements
could be obtained. Councilman Heintz asked if the City couldn't do the work with
its own people and be responsible for the upkeep. He also stated the work may be
partially done by the City and the residents can do the finishing work which would
be less expensive than having it all done by a contractor.
Mr. Desmond Zahn, 1321 45½ Avenue, asked about making a claim against the City. He
had substantial water damage to his basement during this summer's heavy rains and
believed it was the result of faulty sewer drainage.
Councilman Hentges joined the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Alain stated he felt the City should stay out of the problem because none of its
property is involved. He feels it is the problem of the neighbors. He added he
feels no responsibility to pay for a solution to the problem as his home was built
years before any of the others were and the problem should have been taken care of as
the homes were constructed. Councilman Heintz stated he believes the storm drain
should be put in because all the properties contribute to the problem and he would
go along with the condemnation procedure to take care of the one dissenter to the
project.
Septe~ber ii, 1978
Page 2
Motion by Norberg, seconded by Heintz, to authorize the City Attorney and City
Manager to take such actions as are necessary to proceed with this project as
it was originally approved by the Council in 1975 and the revised estimate figure
be $4,772 revised total or four properties at S1,193 each.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Nawrocki - Aye
Hentges - Abstains
Mayor Nawrocki stated that since this project was originally approved previously,
no further action need be taken by the Council.
Motion by Heintz, seconded by Norberg, to adjourn the public hearing at 8:15 p.m.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
7~oun-~ i I Secretary