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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJul 31, 1978OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA JULY 31, 1978 The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki - present PURPOSE OF MEETING Mayor Nawrocki stated the purpose of the meeting was the presentation of a para-transit program proposal, authorization of food and beer license for Immaculate Conception Church's fall festival, and a council/manager work session. PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION Dave Alschuler, Multisystems Inc. Manager, summarized the information which he would be presenting. His presentation included the advantages of para-transit, the present routes of bus service in Columbia Heights, how it differs from taxi service, proposed fares, the management structure of the proposed program, level of service provided, possible cost of the system, and the City's share of the costs. Discussion followed on the estimated costs to the City over a three year period. Councilman Norberg stated that Columbia Heights has a taxi service already and this system would either put it out of business or subsidize it. Mayor Nawrocki stated that the state legislature has decided that this is a worthwhile project and the City should try it. It would provide a way for people of becoming less dependent on cars and saving fuel. He does feel the legislature is right in giving the people a chance to seek alternatives to the car. This is a demonstration project to explore the possibility of this becoming an ongoing system. Mr. Bob Howdek, Assistant Director from Mn/DOT, explained the reasons why Columbia Heights would be a good demonstration city for this type of service. Mayor Nawrocki stated that he would like to see the City try the program with a private operator. He thought something could be worked out with Fridley on a joint basis. Administrative costs may be less and it may also be beneficial.when going out for bids. Councilman Norberg added that he thought Fridley and Columbia Heights had a very large common interest and he feels Fridley should be consulted before the City makes any decision. The Council will consider the proposal. No action was taken. LICENSES Motion by Hentges, seconded by Norberg, to approve the licenses and waiving of fees for Immaculate Conception Church for food and beer for the fall festival. Roll Call: All Ayes July 31, 1978 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS Mayor Nawrocki reported that Linda Johnson, last year's Miss Columbia Heights, had been selected as an Aquatennial Princess and that the Columbia Heights Junior Queen had been selected as an Aquatennial Junior Princess. Some people are trying to put together a recognition program for Sunday, August 6. He asked if the Council was interested in putting some money into this program and other expenses which will be incurred for the queen program during the year. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Hentges, to authorize $500 for the Columbia Heights Queen program to be taken from the general unallocated fund. Roll Call: All Ayes CENTRAL AVENUE PARKING LANES The Mayor reported that he has talked to the federal highway administrator and Mn/DOT representatives about the parking lanes on Central Avenue between 42nd and 43rd. There is agreement to reconsider the matter from the federal side, however, they have made no commitment. STOP SIGNS AT 37th AND MADISON PLACE Mayor Nawrocki stated he has talked to Minneapolis Alderman Daugherty and explained the City's motion to take down its signs if Minneapolis didn't respond to Columbia Height's request for a mutual agreement within ]5 days. The Mayor will try to set up a meeting with the City's engineering people and Minneapolis' engineering representatives to discuss the problem, He is asking the Council for more than the ]5 days they had decided on, He suggested giving Minneapolis a couple of weeks to reconsider their move. It was agreed to ]et the matter stand until the next Council meeting. CITY ACCOUNTANT POSITION The City Manager stated he had received a number of applications for the City Accountant position and interviewed eight people. He is now ready to make an appoint- ment. He recommended Mr. Bill Stawarski be hired at a starting salary of $16,000, which is range 23, step B. Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to concur with the City Manager's recommendation. Roll Call: All Ayes LEVY LIMITS The City Manager requested the City set a date for a special meeting to advertise a request for a reverse referendum which would increase the City's levy limit by 10%. Discussion followed on levy limits, special levies, and the use of same by the City. The reverse referendum is a special levy which the City has available but which it has not used. The City Mana9er explained the reverse referendum process. Discussion followed on what the additional 10% mi9ht be used for, CETA employees which will be terminated in September, and how many the City mi9ht pick up as full time employees. July 31, 1978 Page 3 Councilman Norberg questioned whether this could be voted on because it was not on the agenda. The City Attorney stated that it could be acted on now and ratified at the next regular meeting. Discussion continued on the time element involved in advertising for the hearing and then calling a referendum. The Mayor reminded the Council that the City would begin losing state aid because of the declining population and this could benefit the City by establishing a higher levy ~ase. Councilman Norberg stated again that he didn't think it was proper to consider this item because it wasn't on the agenda. He suggested the City Manager pick a date, advertise it, and ask the Council for ratification later. Motion by Heintz, that the request of the City Manager to authorize advertising for an excess levy pursuant to statute 275.52 be denied. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Nawrocki, seconded by Hentges, that a special meeting for the purpose of discussing the question of whether or not a hearing should be called to consider an increase in the allowable levy limit base pursuant to Minnesota statute 275.52, said meeting to be Thursday, August 3 at 6:00 p.m. Councilman Norberg offered a point of order because this item wasn't on the agenda. Roll Call: Logacz, Hentges, Nawrocki - Aye Heintz - Nay Norberg - Abstain Mayor Nawrocki called a meeting to consider the matter of an increase in allowable levy limit base pursuant to Minnesota statute 275.52 for Thursday, August 3 at 6:00 p.m. RECESS at 10:20 p.m. RECONVENE at 10:35 p.m. STAFFING OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT The City Manager stated some alternatives to staffing the Engineering Department. Several employees are CETA and will be leaving in September and one full time employee will be leaving to take another job. He recommended hiring a graduate engineer with several years experience to learn the system of the City. He would also be of immediate use for design purposes. Discussion followed on what a consulting engineer would charge and the advantages and disadvantages of this proposal. Mayor Nawrocki questioned whether the timing of this subject was right. It is still some years before the City Engineer will be retiring and he asked whether someone would be willing to stay with the City that long. Councilman Norberg stated his reasons for supporting the proposal of hiring an engineer when needed, including limited use of their time, and the fact that this cost would be charged to the project. July 31, 1978 Page 4 Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to authorize the position of Assistant City Engineer and for the City Manager to fill it at a range 24. Councilman Norberg questioned how this would be funded. The City Manager recommend, it be funded from the unexpended fund balance. A job description was distributed to the Council. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Nawrocki - Aye Norberg, Hentges - Nay The Mayor stated that he isn't convinced that the timing is right and voted aye reluctantly, with the understanding that he might argue against the funding of this position at some later time. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Heintz, seconded by Logacz, to adjourn at 11:45 p.m. Roll Call: All Ayes ~O~uncil Secretary